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This week in the Capitol
Well, this was a doozy of a week. For some bills it was a twiddle your thumbs kind of week and for others it was a mad dash to beat the clock...the May 28th 2nd Chamber deadline is here and if a policy bill didn’t make it out of its committee or get punted to a Rules, Revenue or Ways & Means committee -- it’s time is done (for this year.)
Luckily (??) the craziness of getting bills heard left little time for any shenanigans like that which has characterized the Capitol this year. In fact, it seemed like legislators were more friendly to one another than usual -- closing remarks in most committees were filled with platitudes toward one another, possibly lies and people were just overjoyed to be done with these hard to manage virtual committee hearings.
But, the work isn’t done. We’ll now start tracking the Rules and Ways and Means committee much more closely. The hope is that policy bills with fiscals attached will start to be referred to their relevant subcommittees next week. But, who’s to say? Decisions still haven’t been made about when or how the ARPA funds will be used and Congressional Republicans seem to want to take them back!!
As this is a holiday weekend -- yep, you read that right, we got word yesterday that the Oregon legislature plans to not work on Monday (!!) -- meaning yours truly will truly take a break.
Enjoy the long weekend if you get it, regardless, rest up because the next few weeks are likely to be a wild ride!!
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Find Lending Opportunities with The CSP Credit Enhancement Transactions Dashboard
- A list of lending institutions that use Credit Enhancement Program funding to help charter schools
- Information about these lending institutions and details on their past support provided to charter schools
- A map of all charter schools’ locations that have been served by the Credit Enhancement Program
The CSP Credit Enhancement Transactions Dashboard can help charter schools find information about charter school facility lending and connect with lenders to secure lower cost financing for facility projects.
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African American/Black Student Success 21-23 Biennium Request for Applications
The Oregon Department of Education, Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is pleased to announce the release of the Request for Applications for the 2021-2023 African American/Black Student Success Plan Grant. The purpose of the grant is to support African/African American/Black/African Diaspora culturally specific community-based organizations, early learning hubs, providers of early learning services, school districts, post- secondary institutions of education and/or collaborations thereof, who are working to design, implement, improve, expand, or otherwise revise programs and services for African/African American/Black/African Diaspora students and families. The programs and services provided will assist African/African American/Black/African Diaspora students to develop a range of knowledge and skills that will lead to successful student outcomes in educational achievement; address issues such as disproportionate discipline, attendance, chronic absenteeism, and early childhood to elementary, middle to high school and high school to post- secondary transitions; and will include a variety of supports including the involvement of parents and communities across the state.
All materials and details are posted in the Oregon Procurement Information Network (ORPIN) under Notice # ODE-1172-21. You must be registered to log in and download the materials. Use the “Browse Opportunities” menu and select “Advanced Search”. Enter the opportunity number and search. An informational webinar was held on May 20, 2021. Click here to access a recording of the webinar.
If there are any questions regarding this Request for Applications, please contact Julia Alpernas. For questions regarding the African American/Black Student Success program or if you are experiencing trouble accessing any of the documents, please contact Shelaswau Crier.
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Sandra Day O'Connor Institute For American Democracy presents the summer O'Connor Civics Challenge!
• The civics video competition is open now through Thursday, July 15, 2021
• Open to all students entering 6th through 9th grade in fall 2021
• Choose a topic and watch a brief tutorial video
• Create a video up to 3 minutes long!
• Winners in each grade will be awarded Apple products!
• Four winners in the Justice O'Connor category will also be awarded Apple prizes! |
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Download this PDF flyer to share with your students and families!
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#OConnorCivicsChallenge video entries may be submitted now through July 15, 2021. Click here to learn more!
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Programs, Policy, and Research
Investing Stimulus Dollars with an Equity Focus
Funds from the American Rescue Plan give schools and districts the opportunity to address student needs more holistically. Check out this new resource from the Center for Learner Equity, The Rising Tide that Lifts All Boats: Investing Stimulus Dollars with an Equity Focus, for specific strategies that districts, schools, and educators can consider to optimize the positive impact of stimulus dollars on students, especially students with disabilities. Christy Wolfe, vice president of policy and planning at the National Alliance, also sat down with the Public Charter School Alliance of South Carolina for a podcast on understanding ESSR III and how to best spend the funds.
The American Families Plan and Education
As the nation slowly and safely navigates out of the pandemic, the focus remains on helping American families recoup what was lost during the last 14 months—and spurring prosperity and success. Education must be a top priority to fulfill this promise as our leaders in federal, state, and local governments make important decisions that affect our students’ futures. Read more about the American Families Plan and how charter schools lead the way.
Members of Congress Honor National Charter Schools Week
Elected officials from around the country joined in the celebration earlier this month honoring 30 years of charter schools. Longtime charter school champion Representative Virginia Foxx (NC-5) spoke on the House floor and Whip James Clyburn tweeted in recognition of charter schools around the country that give millions of children access to free, high-quality education. Other Members of Congress also marked the week on social media, including Members from Arkansas, Arizona, California, Michigan, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Texas.
Virtual Events
School Opportunities and Resources
National Charter School Resource Center Funding Opportunity Database
The database includes one-time and ongoing grants, fellowships, prizes, and scholarships. Sponsors include the U.S. Federal Government and philanthropic organizations. The page is updated frequently as charter school funding opportunities are announced. Click here or the button below to view the database and search for funding opportunities.
Millions of Students Eligible for Discounts on Internet Service
The Emergency Broadband Benefit Program offers a discount of up to $50 per month on the cost of broadband internet service for millions of eligible students, including students who receive benefits under federal school meals programs. Help eligible families navigate the sign-up process using these resources from the U.S. Department of education: toolkit and eligibility materials, outreach resources for K-12 schools, and a Companies Near Me tool to identify participating providers.
Mini-Course on Education Finance
The Edunomics Lab team at Georgetown University is offering a mini-course June 21-24, designed to help leaders and communities meet this unprecedented moment. The mini-course is hands-on and practice-based, not finance theory. The overarching goal is to help participants make strategic spending decisions on behalf of students, rooted in their own local context. Learn more on their website.
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The National Charter Schools Conference
We are almost one month away from NCSC21, June 20-23, and the great news just keeps coming. In case you missed it, they recently announced their first keynote speaker Priscilla Chan, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative co-founder and co-CEO, and featured speakers Irshad Manji, founder of Moral Courage ED, and Tre Johnson, DEI partner for Catalyst:Ed.
With expert content, thought-provoking dialogue, and thousands of people to meet with, NCSC21 is not only where the movement meets but where your voice matters.
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Charter Schools in the News
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Is your school a member of ORC3S yet?
We are a coalition of community-based, public charter schools representing all corners of our state. Although, we are all unique in our pedagogy and practice, what unites us is our commitment to educational innovation and to high-quality schools for all students. Our mission is to provide a voice and sustainable support and guidance for the members of our coalition.
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