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Asheville Citizen-Times

With school budget issues in Buncombe, 100-plus positions to be scrutinized

With school budget issues in Buncombe, 100-plus positions to be scrutinized

Buncombe County Schools may cut positions to balance a 2027 budget shortfall caused by state funding changes.

Bridgeport Superintendent Search Criticized as 'Sham' Amidst Interim Superintendent's Self-Promotion

Bridgeport Superintendent Search Criticized as 'Sham' Amidst Interim Superintendent's Self-Promotion

The search for a permanent superintendent for Bridgeport Public Schools is being criticized as a 'sham' by former Board of Education Chairman John Weldon. For the past two years, the district has been operating under state oversight with Royce Avery serving as Interim Superintendent, following the removal of the previous superintendent and subsequent financial difficulties. Avery has openly expressed his desire for the permanent position, engaging with school, business, and political communities, and recently received a 10% ($25,000) salary increase from the board. Despite this, the Board of Education hired Zeal Educational Group to conduct an extensive search process, including soliciting community input. However, the board recently announced that candidate interviews would not be public, a decision that drew objection from board member Andre Woodson. Simultaneously, a graphic promoting Avery for the superintendent role circulated on social media, raising questions about the integrity of the search proces...

U.S. Data Center Projects Face Scrutiny Over Nondisclosure Agreements Limiting Public Transparency

U.S. Data Center Projects Face Scrutiny Over Nondisclosure Agreements Limiting Public Transparency

Across the United States, a growing number of local governments are facing scrutiny for using nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) in connection with proposed data center projects. These NDAs restrict what officials can publicly disclose about these developments, which are rapidly expanding due to the demand for artificial intelligence infrastructure. Critics argue that these agreements reduce transparency regarding the projects' potential impacts on energy grids, water supplies, and local communities. Senator Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut has launched a nationwide investigation into the use of NDAs, asserting that communities deserve greater transparency about projects that could affect infrastructure and utility costs. Examples include Pennsylvania, where four of nine data center projects in a former 'Fast Track' permitting program involved municipalities with NDAs, and Virginia, where researchers found 25 of 31 localities with data centers had signed NDAs. Other states like Arizona, Louisiana, Tennessee,...

Senator Blumenthal Leads Senate Inquiry into Data Center Secrecy Amid NDA Concerns

Senator Blumenthal Leads Senate Inquiry into Data Center Secrecy Amid NDA Concerns

Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) has launched a nationwide Senate inquiry into the use of nondisclosure agreements (NDAs) in data center projects. This investigation aims to address concerns that these agreements limit public disclosure regarding data centers' energy usage, water needs, and potential community impacts. The inquiry follows reports, such as one in Arizona, where Amazon allegedly sought to restrict public discussion by Pima County officials about a proposed $3.6 billion data center. Critics argue that NDAs reduce transparency around developments that can significantly affect local infrastructure and utility costs, preventing communities from fully understanding the scope and consequences of these projects. Supporters, however, contend that NDAs are standard commercial practice, necessary to protect proprietary business information and competitive strategies during negotiations.

Prime Minister Albanese Defends $6 Million Grant to Golf Club in His Electorate Amid Ethics Concerns

Prime Minister Albanese Defends $6 Million Grant to Golf Club in His Electorate Amid Ethics Concerns

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is facing scrutiny over a $6 million grant awarded to the Marrickville Golf Club, located in his electorate. The grant was part of a $560 million Commonwealth grants program, which an analysis by the Centre for Public Integrity found heavily favored Labor-held and marginal electorates, with 73.2% of the funding going to these areas. The opposition claims Albanese breached ministerial ethics, as he held an undeclared honorary membership to the golf club. Albanese has stated he made 'no apologies' for the grant, asserting it was for fixing flood issues that cause raw sewage to enter the Cooks River. He also criticized the ABC for its reporting, claiming they ignored information provided by his office. Albanese maintains he had no prior knowledge of his honorary membership, which he believes was granted approximately 15 years ago, and that he does not play golf or frequent the club.

Tunnels to Towers Foundation Transports 9/11 Artifact to Educate New Generations

Tunnels to Towers Foundation Transports 9/11 Artifact to Educate New Generations

The Tunnels to Towers Foundation is traveling across the U.S. with a 21-foot I-beam from the World Trade Center's South Tower. The initiative aims to educate Americans, particularly those with no memory of the September 11 attacks, about the events of that day. The artifact, an 8.5-ton steel beam, has been displayed at various locations, including a recent stop in West Point, New York, where it was viewed by several hundred people, including Medal of Honor recipients and students. The foundation, which builds homes for disabled veterans and first responders, was founded in honor of Stephen Siller, a firefighter who died on 9/11.

The Columbus Dispatch

Columbus City school board OKs making $50M in more cuts by December

Columbus City school board OKs making $50M in more cuts by December

Columbus City school board board voted Sept. 8 to approve making another $50 million in cuts, which would bring total budget cuts to $100 million.

The Columbus Dispatch

How will Gahanna school districts change? District unveils new maps

How will Gahanna school districts change? District unveils new maps

"Making boundary changes for school assignments is challenging, but sometimes necessary," the district said.

School Boards Grapple with Misinformation and Community Divides, EdWeek Research Center Reports

School Boards Grapple with Misinformation and Community Divides, EdWeek Research Center Reports

U.S. school boards are facing significant challenges in connecting with families and building trust within their communities, largely due to the rapid spread of misinformation and rumors. A survey conducted by the EdWeek Research Center among 494 school board members nationwide revealed that despite good-faith efforts, misinformation about district work often spreads faster than attempts to correct it. Major sources of conflict cited by board members include fiscal planning, staffing, academic achievement, employee salaries and benefits, special education, and school facilities. Larger districts, particularly those with over 10,000 students, reported higher instances of conflict related to school openings and closings (39%) compared to smaller districts (17%), and also more frequently cited partisan political divisiveness and racial divides as barriers to community cohesion.

Brookings Report Highlights Challenges in Implementing Pedagogical Reforms in Classrooms

Brookings Report Highlights Challenges in Implementing Pedagogical Reforms in Classrooms

A new report from the Brookings Institution, drawing on research from Egypt, India, and Mexico, reveals that despite significant national education reforms and investments since the 1990s, classroom teaching practices often remain unchanged. The report, titled 'Making pedagogical reforms work in classrooms,' argues that successful transformation requires more than well-intentioned policies. It emphasizes the need to understand and address 'Invisible Pedagogical Mindsets' (IPMs), which are the ways cultural contexts, education ecosystems, and teachers' preferred learning theories interact with proposed reforms. The research identifies three recurring themes: culture shapes how reforms are understood, ecosystem contradictions undermine reform efforts, and teachers' preferred learning theories demonstrate sophisticated professional judgment. The report concludes that when reforms ignore these IPMs, they tend to remain symbolic and revert to familiar practices.

Batavia Public Library to Undergo 12-Month Renovation Project While Remaining Open

Batavia Public Library to Undergo 12-Month Renovation Project While Remaining Open

The Batavia Public Library in Illinois is set to begin a 12-month interior renovation project in early November, aiming to update its facilities and offerings. The library, located at 10 S. Batavia Ave., will remain open to patrons throughout the construction period, which is expected to conclude in the fall of the following year. The Batavia Public Library Board approved a budget capped at $14 million for the project last December. Funding for the renovation will come from a combination of existing reserves and bond issuances, structured to avoid increasing the library's tax rate. The plan involves initially using savings and then issuing 20-year maturity bonds, supported within the existing operating fund. The current library building is 24 years old, and the renovations are designed to address various aspects of its services, including refreshing spaces for children, teens, and adults, updating meeting and program areas, and creating more flexible spaces for reading, studying, gathering, and working. Ac...

Marine Serre Brand Emphasizes Sustainable Fashion Through Upcycling and Transparency

Marine Serre Brand Emphasizes Sustainable Fashion Through Upcycling and Transparency