EXCLUSIVE: Migrants are overwhelming school districts in key swing state, saddling taxpayers with hefty price tag
In Pennsylvania, a large influx of non-English speaking students is overwhelming school districts across the state, and the logistical burden on administrators may be leaving other students behind. The number of English language learners (ELLs) in Pennsylvania school districts has jumped nearly 40% since 2021, and public schools are working harder to meet the needs […]
L.A. council districts could be radically reshaped by state probe
Three years ago, a prominent Latino civil rights organization proposed a plan to significantly redraw Los Angeles City Council district boundaries to strengthen the Latino voting power. The Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund wanted to ensure that eight of the council’s 15 districts had a large voting-age Latino population. MALDEF’s proposal, submitted during […]
State attorney general wants L.A. to redraw council districts, confidential document says
California Atty. General Rob Bonta begins pressuring Los Angeles' political leaders to sign a legal agreement forcing new boundaries to be drawn for the city's 15 congressional districts. It's a dramatic step that could send shockwaves through City Hall. A draft legal document prepared by Mr. Bonta's office, a copy of which was reviewed by […]
Control of the AZ Legislature could come down to four districts
Political experts say both sides must appeal to the same demographic: apolitical voters. PHOENIX — For decades, Republicans have controlled the Arizona Legislature, including the Senate and House. Political experts say that could change in November as Democrats go on the offensive to win four key battleground districts in Maricopa County. Those districts are LD2, […]
Valley school districts to owe millions after county taxing error lawsuit
PHOENIX — A Maricopa County school district must pay about $150 million after a judge determined a group of property owners were unfairly taxed several years ago. ABC15 reported on the impact of the lawsuit, Cashmere v. Maricopa County, on Arizona fire protection districts. A judge ruled in recent months that a group of property […]
Maricopa County fire districts consider boosting property taxes
Maricopa County fire officials sounded the alarm about a month ago about a court ruling that could force them to cut essential services, rely on outdated equipment and close fire stations after a judge ruled the county was overtaxing some property owners. “This has been a huge failure. It's cost us $6 million,” said Arizona […]
Teach in Bama program signs first school districts
The University of Alabama College of Education has signed contracts with the first two school districts for “Teach in Bama,” a program aimed at identifying, supporting and retaining the next generation of talented teachers in Alabama classrooms. Tuscaloosa City Schools and Greene County Schools have signed memoranda of understanding with the program, which is recruiting […]
AZ fire districts may have to cut services after some property owners overtaxed
PHOENIX — The Maricopa County Fire Department has learned it owes millions in tax back payments due to a property tax dispute it didn't cause and says a court ruling could force it to cut essential services, rely on outdated equipment and close fire stations. “This was a completely unexpected event,” said Arizona State Fire […]
Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition helps school districts secure $7.8 million for new electric school buses
The Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition recently played a key role in helping seven school systems across the state secure $7.8 million to purchase new electric buses. The deal is part of the Environmental Protection Agency's 2023 Clean School Bus Program Rebate Competition. Casey Foster, fleet manager for the Alabama Clean Fuels Coalition, conducted a detailed […]
Maricopa County school districts asking for bond or override this election
PHOENIX — About 20 Maricopa County school districts are seeking funding for elections this November. Some require a bond, some require an override, and some require both. When a school district requests a bond, the money goes towards new schools and other buildings, building renovations, capital projects and school safety. Continuing overrides are money that, […]
