education

School Districts Have Varying Views on School Funding Formula

Katie Orr — Thu, 13 Jun 2013 00:50:06 +0000

School districts in California will receive varying amounts of money under the state’s new school funding plan. And attitudes about the plan vary as well. Katie Orr reports from Sacramento.

Under the new formula, districts will receive a base level of funding for every student. They’ll get additional money for every low-income and non-English speaking student they have.

Fresno Poet Laureate James Tyner: 'Fresno Helped Save Me'

Joe Moore — Tue, 11 Jun 2013 23:06:01 +0000

When poet James Tyner was a child, he faced an uncertain future, including time spent homeless, and living in tough, gang-ridden neighborhoods in Southern California. He says two things helped "save" him: a love of literature and the city of Fresno.

Eight Things That Have Changed Since the Last Time Fresno State Had A New President

Joe Moore — Fri, 24 May 2013 00:34:05 +0000

A lot has happened in Central California since the last time Fresno State had a new president. On Tuesday, the California State University Board of Trustees selected Hanford native Joseph Castro as the eighth president of Fresno State. He will replace the soon-to-retire John Welty, who has led the university since August of 1991.

Teachers Association Backs Brown's School Funding Plan

Katie Orr — Thu, 23 May 2013 00:34:05 +0000

The California Teachers Association says it backs Governor Jerry Brown’s proposal to change how the state distributes money to school districts. Katie Orr reports from Sacramento, that puts them at odds with legislative Democrats.

Brown’s plan includes giving more money to districts with a majority of low income and non-English speaking students. These “concentrations grants” are controversial among some legislators because they’d come at the expense of other districts.

Commentary: To The Class of '13... You Did More With Less

Joe Mathews — Wed, 22 May 2013 23:58:49 +0000

To the distinguished California Public High School Class of 2013.

I’m sorry James Franco canceled at the last minute. I’m even sorrier that you wound up getting me as your substitute commencement speaker, but I was offered gas money plus a free lunch.

Welty Offers Advice For The Next Fresno State President: 'Have A Thick Skin'

Joe Moore — Fri, 17 May 2013 19:29:15 +0000

Fresno State President John Welty will retire this summer, bringing an end to a 22-year tenure as head of the university. He recently sat down with Valley Public Radio's Joe Moore to reflect back on his career.

Interview highlights:

Welty on advice to his successor:

Good luck, have a thick skin, and take time to laugh at yourself from time to time.

Brown's Updated Budget Proposal: More Money to Schools, But Not Much Else

Marianne Russ — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:08:15 +0000

California Governor Jerry Brown has released an updated budget proposal that includes more money for schools this year, and less overall spending next year.

His spending plan for the fiscal year that starts in July includes about $1.3 billion less than his January proposal. Brown says the state’s economic picture has weakened due to the federal sequester and the federal payroll tax change.

“We have climbed out of a hole with a Proposition 30 tax. That is good, but this is not the time to break out the champagne,” says Brown.

New Approach To Classroom Discipline Pays Off at Fresno's Yosemite Middle School

Juanita Stevenson — Tue, 07 May 2013 18:36:27 +0000

Teacher Jenna Perry’s 7th grade English class at Fresno Unified’s Yosemite Middle School sounds like most others. Kids work to finish up their assignments, as the period is about to end. But there is something that makes her classroom different.

“Ok, before we leave today, let’s go over our class goal today. Somebody tell me, should we earn a point for staying on task? Why or why not? Regina?” says Perry.

Brown's 'Principle of Subsidiarity' Draws Support - with an Asterisk

Ben Adler — Wed, 01 May 2013 23:14:20 +0000

There’s a paradox in many of the reactions to Governor Jerry Brown’s proposal to give California schools more flexibility on how they spend their state tax dollars. There’s general support around the Capitol for breaking down the funding walls surrounding several dozen programs. But as Ben Adler reports from Sacramento, everyone seems to have a favorite program they want to protect.

Assembly Passes Bill Prohibiting Garnishing Wages Over Student Loan Debt

Amy Quinton — Fri, 12 Apr 2013 01:12:24 +0000

College students wouldn’t face the threat of lenders garnishing their wages if they can’t repay private student loans under a bill passed by the California Assembly today. Amy Quinton reports from Sacramento.

Unlike federal student loans, private student loans can’t be forgiven in bankruptcy and banks can garnish up to 25 percent of a student’s wages. Democratic Assemblymember Bob Wieckowski authored a bill he says would help under-employed, debt-saddled graduates. He says the bill would simply eliminate one way private lenders can collect repayment.