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Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program Faces Scrutiny Over Accountability and Transparency Ahead of 2027 Launch

Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program Faces Scrutiny Over Accountability and Transparency Ahead of 2027 Launch

The Federal Scholarship Tax Credit Program, set to launch on January 1, 2027, in participating states, is designed to offer a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit to eligible donors contributing to Scholarship Granting Organizations (SGOs). These SGOs will then distribute scholarships for education expenses. Despite being privately administered, the program relies on federal tax credits, which reduce government revenue. A new report from the Children's Equity Project at Arizona State University raises significant concerns regarding the program's accountability and transparency. The report examines proposed federal regulations and draws lessons from existing state voucher programs, questioning how scholarship funds will be distributed, which students and families will benefit, and the extent of public oversight. It highlights gaps in public reporting, specifically regarding applicant and recipient demographics, scholarship denials, participating schools, amounts received, and student experiences and outcome...

Fargo Public Schools Seeks Voter Approval for 10-Year School Tax Levy

Fargo Public Schools Seeks Voter Approval for 10-Year School Tax Levy

Fargo Public Schools (FPS), the third-largest school district in North Dakota, is seeking voter approval for a 10-year school tax levy. The district, which operates twenty-four schools, is asking for a levy of 110 mills. This request follows a restructuring of the district's general fund levy authority, which previously included a 127-mill excess levy approved in 2017. The current proposal separates the general fund levy from miscellaneous and tuition funds, which will continue outside of this excess mill levy. A 'yes' vote would allow FPS to continue receiving tax dollars based on the true assessed value of individual property, ensuring continued funding for quality educational opportunities. A 'no' vote would freeze FPS at the actual property tax dollars collected in the 2027-28 fiscal year, preventing the district from receiving additional general fund tax dollars as the city grows or property values change.

Cincinnati Voters Approve Property Tax Levy for Public Schools, Addressing Budget Deficit

Cincinnati Voters Approve Property Tax Levy for Public Schools, Addressing Budget Deficit

Cincinnati voters have approved a critical property tax levy for Cincinnati Public Schools (CPS), a measure designed to address a projected $44 million budget deficit. The 7-mill, 5-year levy, known as Issue 4, passed by a significant margin, according to unofficial results from the Hamilton County Board of Elections. This levy is expected to generate $66.33 million annually, providing essential funding for the district. The funds will be used to maintain extracurricular activities, expand college and career opportunities for students, and continue providing specialized learning resources. Earlier this year, CPS had implemented cost-cutting measures, including eliminating over 100 positions, limiting hiring, and furlough days, to close a nearly $58 million budget gap.

Colorado Springs Welcomes Independent Review of Data Center Policies by Romer Institute

Colorado Springs Welcomes Independent Review of Data Center Policies by Romer Institute

The City of Colorado Springs has officially welcomed an independent report from the Romer Institute of Evidence-based Policy concerning its data center development policies. Requested by Mayor Yemi Mobolade earlier this year, the report provides an external, data-driven assessment of the city's current regulatory framework. It evaluates existing policies, identifies areas of strength, highlights gaps, and suggests additional measures to guide responsible data center development. The review comes as municipalities nationwide are grappling with the rapid expansion of data centers and associated challenges like infrastructure capacity, energy and water consumption, neighborhood impacts, and economic opportunities. Mayor Mobolade emphasized that the review aims to ensure Colorado Springs' approach is informed by objective research and national best practices, rather than solely relying on existing processes. The Romer Institute's analysis points out Colorado Springs' unique advantage in managing utility-relate...

United States Space Command Seeks Common Operational Picture Manager in Colorado Springs

United States Space Command Seeks Common Operational Picture Manager in Colorado Springs

The United States Space Command (USSPACECOM) in Colorado Springs, Colorado, is seeking a Common Operational Picture (COP) Manager for its Global Space Operations Directorate (J3). This position is responsible for the daily management of USSPACECOM's COP, which provides near real-time situational awareness to senior governmental and military leaders. The COP Manager will manage the COP architecture and data tools, perform emergency troubleshooting of network protocols and software programs to minimize operational downtime, and participate in planning conferences to ensure COP capabilities meet training requirements for globally integrated military operations. Key responsibilities also include synchronizing and disseminating critical track data and reports to global consumers, ensuring compliance with CJCS standards through quality assurance and statistical modeling via GCCS-J. The role requires expertise in geospatial technologies to apply near real-time data across air, land, maritime, and space domains to...

Lincoln Public Schools Reports 675-Student Enrollment Decrease for 2026-27 School Year

Lincoln Public Schools Reports 675-Student Enrollment Decrease for 2026-27 School Year

Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) has reported a decrease in student enrollment for the 2026-27 school year, with 675 fewer students compared to the previous year. The official numbers, submitted to the Nebraska Department of Education, indicate a total of 41,265 students in grades pre-K through 12 as of October 1. This decline is observed across elementary, middle, and high school levels. Elementary schools saw a reduction of 426 students, middle schools 148, and high schools 232. The only level to experience an increase was early childhood enrollment, which grew by 131 students. LPS Associate Superintendent for Educational Services Mike Gillotti noted that these figures reflect a trend of larger grade-level cohorts graduating out while smaller cohorts enter at the elementary level. Roper Elementary remains the largest elementary school with 883 students, while Scott Middle School leads its category with 995 students. Lincoln High School is the largest high school, enrolling 1,974 students.

Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner Proposes Mergers to Improve Education, Not Just Save Money

Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner Proposes Mergers to Improve Education, Not Just Save Money

Seattle Public Schools (SPS) Superintendent Ben Shuldiner has proposed a plan to merge 21 schools into 10 groups, potentially leading to the closure of 10 school buildings. Shuldiner emphasized on 'The Gee and Ursula Show' that the primary goal of these mergers is to enhance educational quality, not solely to achieve cost savings. He cited structural issues observed during school visits, such as multi-grade classrooms and single-teacher grade levels lacking collaborative opportunities. The proposal aims to move entire school communities, including staff and students, into larger, nearby buildings. While acknowledging the district's bleak financial outlook—projected to be 'bankrupt next year' without changes—Shuldiner stated that savings are a secondary benefit. The district has already cut its budget by approximately $50 million and aims for $100 million in savings by 2030. The plan is currently undergoing staff and family feedback, with a School Board vote pending.

Israel, Germany, Great Britain, and Czechia Qualify for 2027 WL Sixes Championships

Israel, Germany, Great Britain, and Czechia Qualify for 2027 WL Sixes Championships

Israel, Germany, Great Britain, and Czechia Qualify for 2027 WL Sixes Championships

Colorado Springs Restaurant 'The Rabbit Hole' Gains Acclaim for Unique Dining Experience

Colorado Springs Restaurant 'The Rabbit Hole' Gains Acclaim for Unique Dining Experience

Colorado Springs Restaurant 'The Rabbit Hole' Gains Acclaim for Unique Dining Experience

In Republican collapse, Colorado military town elects Democrat for the first time

In Republican collapse, Colorado military town elects Democrat for the first time

By Andrew Hay and Brad Brooks COLORADO SPRINGS, Colorado, Nov 6 (Reuters) - Colorado Springs, a military town and global center for Christian evangelism, has sent a Republican to Washington every election since its US House of Representatives district was created in 1970. Then came 2026.

Majority of Indiana School Referendums Pass Amidst Property Tax Concerns

Majority of Indiana School Referendums Pass Amidst Property Tax Concerns

Despite widespread concerns about property taxes, Hoosier voters approved a majority of referendums for public K-12 schools on Tuesday. The Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA) reported that 27 out of 39 referendums on the ballot, approximately 70%, passed. This outcome is considered a testament to public belief in education, according to ISBA Director Terry Spradlin. However, 12 referendums failed, including those in Anderson, Franklin, Decatur, Sheridan, and Smith-Green school districts. Notably, referendums for Indianapolis Public Schools and MSD of Washington Township passed, while a nearby one in Decatur Township failed. The next opportunity for districts to seek a referendum will not be until November 2028 due to recent changes limiting referendums to even-year General Elections.

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham Opts State into Federal Scholarship Tax Credit

New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham Opts State into Federal Scholarship Tax Credit

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham announced on November 4, 2026, that New Mexico will opt into the Federal Scholarship Tax Credit (FSTC). This decision aims to create new funding opportunities for public schools, supporting initiatives such as literacy and math programs, after-school activities, and computer resources. The FSTC allows taxpayers to claim a federal income tax credit of up to $1,700 annually ($3,400 for joint filers) for qualifying cash donations to approved nonprofit scholarship-granting organizations (SGOs). These donations will fund scholarships for K-12 students in both public and private schools, covering expenses like academic tutoring, special education services, technology, books, supplies, and public school fees for supplemental programs. Governor Lujan Grisham emphasized that this move is crucial for bolstering public education and student achievement in New Mexico, especially given diminishing federal investment in education. The New Mexico Public Education Department will establish ...