Tag: Superintendent Paul Vallas

School Metrics Reveal More Students Staying in District: Is School-Choice Good for District?
Reform · Students

School Metrics Reveal More Students Staying in District: Is School-Choice Good for District?

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The Student Achievement and Special Populations Ad Hoc Committee met Monday to discuss the “district dashboard.” The dashboard was created by former Chief Operating Officer, Don Kennedy. It gives a snapshot of the district over the past three years and includes all sorts of data, including drop-out rates, attendance, suspension and several others. One metric… Continue reading School Metrics Reveal More Students Staying in District: Is School-Choice Good for District?

Third “State of the Schools” Meeting Will Also Feature Bully Prevention Presentation
Students

Third “State of the Schools” Meeting Will Also Feature Bully Prevention Presentation

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About two weeks ago, Superintendents Paul Vallas began a new series of “State of the Schools” community meetings–much like the ones held shortly after he came to the district. So far, Vallas has been to both Jettie S. Tisdale and Black Rock Schools. The third community meeting will be held at Luis Muñoz Marín School… Continue reading Third “State of the Schools” Meeting Will Also Feature Bully Prevention Presentation

Is It Ok for the BEA Contract to Use the Term “Mentally Retarded Children?”
Bridgeport · Students

Is It Ok for the BEA Contract to Use the Term “Mentally Retarded Children?”

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Mayor Bill Finch told reporters earlier this year that Superintendent Paul Vallas has “never seen a contract as bad as this.” Believe it or not, Vallas may be on to something… I’m not quite sure what part of the contract he was referring to; however, after reviewing the contract myself, I noticed a few lines… Continue reading Is It Ok for the BEA Contract to Use the Term “Mentally Retarded Children?”

Groundbreaking Celebration at the New Roosevelt School Draws a Crowd
Students

Groundbreaking Celebration at the New Roosevelt School Draws a Crowd

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Thursday’s groundbreaking celebration drew quite a crowd. Over 200 Roosevelt students, parents, teachers and community members were in attendance. The festivities included performances by Roosevelt’s band, as well as their chorus, who sang “Bridgeport Reach” – A song written by Central High School’s choir about Bridgeport students. Mayor Finch, Superintendent Paul Vallas, and Board of… Continue reading Groundbreaking Celebration at the New Roosevelt School Draws a Crowd

Board Meeting on Teacher Contracts Ends Early
Bridgeport · Budgets

Board Meeting on Teacher Contracts Ends Early

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  The Board of Education met with City Council’s Budget Appropriations Committee Monday to discuss teacher and administrator contract negotiations. The meeting lasted only ten minutes and very little discussion took place. State statute requires the Board of Education to meet and “confer” with city fiscal authorities prior to the start of collective bargaining negotiations.… Continue reading Board Meeting on Teacher Contracts Ends Early

Bridgeport Schools to Receive $11 million in Federal Grants
Budgets · Students

Bridgeport Schools to Receive $11 million in Federal Grants

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Tuesday, Superintendent Paul Vallas announced Bridgeport Public Schools will receive an $11.1 million federal grant over the next three years. The grant was awarded through the U.S. Department of Education’s Magnet Schools Assistance Program. The district will receive $3.2 million in the first year, and then $3.9 million in the second and third years. This… Continue reading Bridgeport Schools to Receive $11 million in Federal Grants

BOE Meets to Discuss BEA Contract
Budgets

BOE Meets to Discuss BEA Contract

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Monday night the Board of Education will meet with city officials to discuss upcoming contract negotiations with the teacher’s union. [Board of Education Agenda, 9/26/2013] The Bridgeport Education Association’s (BEA) three-year contract with the district will expire in 2014, and negations are due to begin sometime this fall. Last time around, the teacher‘s union agreed… Continue reading BOE Meets to Discuss BEA Contract

Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Vallas Case
Bridgeport · Hartford · Reform

Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Vallas Case

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“It ends here. We know there is nowhere else to go.” Norman Pattis, the attorney representing Carmen Lopez and Deborah Williams-Reyes said this during Monday’s arguments to the state Supreme Court. He’s right. Monday was the last stage in a long process, and now it is up to the Supreme Court to determine whether they… Continue reading Supreme Court Hears Arguments in Vallas Case

Reform

My Commentary on The Atlantic’s Coverage of the Bridgeport School Board Election

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On Tuesday, The Atlantic offered a one-sided commentary on Bridgeport’s Board of Education primary election results. The article opens with the statement: “Progressives and unions say a primary in Connecticut last week shows momentum is turning against the corporate-backed charter-school movement.” [The Atlantic, 9/17/2013] Of course, unions and the Working Families Party would promote their… Continue reading My Commentary on The Atlantic’s Coverage of the Bridgeport School Board Election