Idaho Association of School Business Officials

Resources for Job Descriptions and Other Docs

2012-03-02T07:26:00.001-08:00

The Pennsylvania ASBO has a very good site that has various school district documents posted. The job descriptions are very helpful. I haven't spent much time exploring what all is there, but it looks pretty useful.

ON Line Documents

997% Protection & Background Check Fees

2012-02-29T07:13:00.001-08:00

97% Protection Bill

Change to fee for background checks.

97% Protection Introduced....

2012-02-27T14:23:00.001-08:00

Eye on Boise re: 97%

ISBA Legislative Update

2012-02-27T13:02:00.002-08:00

ISBA Capital Notes

Legislative Update -

2012-02-26T12:13:00.001-08:00

HB 589 makes changes to fractional ADA. Take a look at the new language and see if there are any concerns. (Other than with the whole concept) HB 589 Fractional ADA Changes

HB 590 makes a number of changes to the statutes concerning Charters. There has been a great deal of discussion regarding charters and the need to make changes. Some legislators want to wait until next session and take a more comprehensive look at any changes. This should pass the house, but could stall in the senate.HB 590 Charter School Changes

Monday morning in the House Ed Committee RS21356 will be introduced. This is the bill to restore 97% Funding Protection to School Districts. Getting this out of the House is the key to passage.

50% of Idaho Students Qualify for Free\Reduced Meals

2012-02-24T11:11:00.001-08:00

50% Free and reduced

Learn more about Federal Surplus Property

2012-02-24T11:05:00.002-08:00

– The Bureau of Federal Surplus Property (FSP) is a program of the Department of Administration, Division of Purchasing. FSP is the designated agency to distribute all property deemed as “federal surplus” for the State of Idaho. With a diligent staff of two, FSP acquires and distributes property to state and local government, certain eligible non-profit public health and educational entities, and programs for the elderly and for the homeless. New or gently used items that are commonly available for a fraction of the retail price include: motor vehicles, construction equipment, tools, office furniture, medical equipment, lab equipment, musical instruments, clothing, office supplies, and much more. New items arrive every week. Generally, you can find at least 500 different line items in stock and ready for purchase. Please note, property acquired through this program must be utilized by the receiving organization and may not be converted to personal use. Visit the FSP website at www.fsp.idaho.gov for a complete inventory list or give them a call to find out how your organization can take advantage of this great program.

Legislative Update......

2012-02-21T10:55:00.002-08:00

ISBA's legislative update is linked below. Some of the bills to review include:

HB 426 - The "8 in 6" bill. There are some funding issues that need to be resolved with this.
HB 445 - This is the bill to change part time definitions for PERSI. It may resurface with changes. ISBA is involved in the discussion.
HB 499 - School building maintenance reporting changes.
HB 564 - This bill makes changes to the requirement to request\send employee personnel files. It clarifies and limits what should be included.
SB 1297 - Non-Cert grievance procedures. This makes major changes to the statues dealing with non-cert grievances.
SB 1327, 1328, 1329 - These are "clean-up" bills for last year's reforms. All three bills have been reviewed and supported by ISBA & IASA.
SB 1331 - This bill would remove future salary allocation reductions.

Also look for a bill this week re: 97% protection.

Please let me know if you hear anything or have any questions.

ISBA Capital Notes

Salary Allocation Reductions Could be Eliminated...

2012-02-15T10:19:00.000-08:00

Bill to eliminate future salary allocation reductions.....

Legislation Update

2012-02-15T07:46:00.000-08:00

Here is a brief rundown on some printed bills:

HB 445 - This is the bill to change the PERSI threshold for part time employees. It has been pulled by the sponsor and they will look at revising it with public school input.

HB 533 - This includes a number of changes to current charter laws. It appears to be an attempt to clean up and clarify areas where there have been issues. I have not had time to review it in depth.

HB 534 - This removes a requirement in the pay for performance statues that current require a teacher to have three years experience before qualifying for any of the leadership money.

SB 1297 - This would make major changes to the current statute regarding grievances for non-certs. It is being heard this afternoon in the Senate Ed committee.

SB 1327, 1328, 1329 - These were introduced on Monday and are "clean up" bills. They make a number of date changes, language clarifications, etc. They were written with a great deal of input from ISBA and IASA. It would be a good idea to review all of these.

COMING SOON:
A bill to put protection back in place will be introduced soon in the House. It will be set at 97% and will include the reduction to distributions that has been discussed. At it 97% it appears the large districts will be able to sit on the sidelines and not oppose it.

I also have heard of a possible bill that would remove all future reductions to salary allocation distributions from statute. This would be a positive statement that from now on Pay for Performance would be funded on it's own, rather than through salary reductions.

Times-News Editorial.....

2012-02-10T11:17:00.000-08:00

Interesting...... some of the same thoughts we raised a year ago. Pass laws and THEN plan?

Editorial re: Student's Come First and Planning Ahead...

HB 499 - Changes to Building Maintenance Reports

2012-02-10T08:25:00.000-08:00

This would make our 10 year plans due only every five years and they will go to the Division of Building Safety rather than the SDE. It appears to me these are positive changes. Let me know if there is something I am missing.

HB 499

Legislation to Think About.....

2012-02-08T12:41:00.000-08:00

Here are two recently published bills that should be looked at and discussed.

SB 1297 -Revisions to Non-cert Grievance Procedures

HB 445 - PERSI change re:Hours Worked

For Your Reading Pleasure

2012-02-08T08:07:00.001-08:00

This is an excellent overview of various statistics about public schools in the US:
A Public Education Primer

State Revenues Up in January

2012-02-08T07:17:00.000-08:00

Financial Services Report

Eye on Boise - Spokesman Review

ISBA Legislative Update

2012-02-06T09:52:00.000-08:00

ISBA Capital Notes

Now Here's an Idea.................

2012-02-06T08:56:00.000-08:00

New Hampshire Legislature Mulls Pulling Out Of NCLB.
The AP (2/6, Brnger) reports that legislators in New Hampshire are considering a pair of bills that would "withdraw the state from the controversial No Child Left Behind law" but would cost the state "an estimated $61.6 million loss in federal money tied to the law." The Globe notes that New Hampshire would "be the first state to withdraw from the law," but suggests that the measures are controversial.

Removal of Charter Cap to be Printed

2012-02-06T08:48:00.000-08:00

The House Ed Committee has voted to print a bill to remove the cap on new charter schools:

Bill to Remove Charter Cap

Online Provider K12 Sued.......

2012-02-03T07:56:00.000-08:00

Interesting story about K12 being sued by investors.

Eye on Boise re: K12 Lawsuit

Coeur d' Alene Job Opening

2012-02-03T07:22:00.000-08:00

Coeur d’Alene School District is now receiving application materials for the position of:

Executive Director of Finance and Support Services

Click above for details

Ballot Language Requirements Proposed

2012-02-02T06:45:00.000-08:00

For Bond Elections: HB 452

For Levy Elections: HB 453

Feds Say More Students May Qualify for Disability Services

2012-02-01T09:29:00.000-08:00

Interesting story on new federal guidance regarding Special Ed and 504 plans.

Included is this statement:
"The guidance could open the door for more students to be evaluated for special education services or accommodations provided under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973."

Education Week

Luna Presents to Joint Session of House\Senate Ed

2012-02-01T08:49:00.000-08:00

The links below provide a good review of Tom Lina's presentation yesterday:

http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/boise/2012/jan/31/luna-touts-one-one-devices/

http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/boise/2012/jan/31/luna-updates-lawmakers-students-come-first/

http://www.spokesman.com/blogs/boise/2012/jan/31/luna-lawmakers-we-passed-most-comprehensive-ed-reform-country/

The Wait is Over... Clerk's manual arrives

2012-01-27T15:14:00.000-08:00

We have not had the clerk's manual available for sometime. It needed a major updating and we struggled to find people with the time it would take to review it. After discussions with ISBA they agreed to update the manual and commit to keeping it updated annually. It has been reviewed by Amy White and includes updates through last legislative session. Please let me know if you see any errors, etc.

We have posted it in our member section and the link below will get you to it.
Clerk's Manual

Payroll Info.....

2012-01-26T12:50:00.000-08:00

At this IRS site you can get copies of the Reporter. It has IRS, SSA, and other payroll info. The Winter issue includes a good year end checklist from the American Payroll Association.

IRS Payroll Publication

Public School Budget

2012-01-26T09:24:00.000-08:00

Tom Luna just concluded his presentation to JFAC. His new budget has some changes from what was presented in September. I'm sure the worksheets will be out soon. One big change was a lowering in the estimated student growth. They lowered it by 100 units. This freed up some money for other uses.

Here is a good overview of the meeting:
Eye on Boise

Talk of PERSI Changes...

2012-01-25T15:35:00.001-08:00

Idaho Reporter - Changes to PERSI

Revenue Projection $33.3 Million Below Gov....

2012-01-24T16:08:00.000-08:00

Committee Sets Revenue Projection

Miscellaneous stuff .............................

2012-01-24T07:08:00.000-08:00

State Unemployment Report

HB406 - This is a bill to clean up the language 33-1210 requiring the requesting and sending of personnel files.

This is a key change to the current statute:
For purposes of paragraph (a) of this subsection, documentation related to the job performance or job related conduct of any employee or applicant is defined as and can be limited by the producing district to include: all annual evaluations, letters of reprimand, letters of direction, letters of commendation or award, disciplinary actions and documentation of disciplinary investigations, recommendations for probation, notices of
probation, notices of removal from probation, recommendations for termination or nonrenewal, notices of termination or nonrenewal, notices from the professional standards commission of Idaho or any other such similar state agency of action taken against an individual's certificate. Names of any student or fellow employee complainant, other than the employee's administrative evaluator or administrative author of communication to the employee shall be redacted from such provided documentation.

SB1242 - This is a bill to eliminate public employee negotiations in Idaho. I think it needs to be watched, but I don't think it's going to get anywhere.

Idaho Freedom Foundation Report.....

2012-01-23T13:29:00.000-08:00

The Idaho Freedom Foundation has released it's annual report on government waste in Idaho. I would encourage you to read the section on education. A number of districts are specifically mentioned and it appears the facts are not always correct. It helps to be prepared when the local press calls for a comment.

Here is the link:
IFF - Annual Report on Govt. Waste

School Budget Stuff .......

2012-01-23T08:06:00.000-08:00

Tom Luna will present the public school budget to JFAC this Thursday morning. This year JFAC is also taking public testimony on the public school budget.

From the JFAC Schedule:
Thursday, January 26:
8:00 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. Superintendent of Public Instruction (Dept. of Education)
8:30 a.m. to 9:45 a.m. Public Schools Presentation
9:45 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. Public Schools Q&A

Friday, February 3:
8:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Listening Hearing for the Public on the FY 2013 Budget:
Senate Auditorium Room WW02
(testimony will be limited to 3 minutes per person)

The Economic Outlook & Revenue Assessment Committee meets tomorrow afternoon to make final decisions regarding revenue projections.

Here is an interesting take on the Governor's budget proposal:
Idaho Statesman Budget Story

Senate Bill 1242 Would Eliminate Negoiations

2012-01-21T06:31:00.000-08:00

Here is the Statement of Purpose from the sponsor Sen. McKague:
"The purpose of this bill is to change sections of Idaho Code to create public policy to prohibit public sector collective bargaining, to provide for public employee rights and to prohibit public employee
strikes."

It deletes Idaho code sections 33-1271 through 1276 dealing with teacher negotiations.

SB1242

Slow Economic Growth Continues............

2012-01-20T08:45:00.000-08:00

Some good news on unemployment:
State Unemployment Drop

Spring Finance Workshop

2012-01-19T11:22:00.000-08:00

IASBO's Spring Workshop will be held March 15-16 at the Riverside Hotel in Boise. The15th iwill be a full day of training by the SDE staff. It is designed for both people new to Idaho public schools and those of us wanting a refresher. On the 16th there will be a morning workshop on the provisions in Student's Come First that impact budget preparation. This will include pay for performance, technology monies, fractional ADA, etc.

Schedule, hotel info, and registration form:
Spring Workshop Registration

Online Graduation Rule Compromise?

2012-01-18T14:46:00.001-08:00

Eye on Boise - Luna backs change to online rule

SDE Weekly Newsletter

2012-01-17T07:54:00.000-08:00

If you don't already receive the State Department's weekly newsletter and would like to, send an email requesting to be placed on the mailing list to Melissa McGrath, mrmcgrath@sde.idaho.gov

99% Protection and Other Stuff..................

2012-01-13T14:23:00.000-08:00

There has been much discussion this week on ideas to restore the 99% protection. It was reduced to 97% this year and without new legislation, will expire next year. Both Tom Luna and key legislators have indicated a proposal that was "revenue neutral" would be they only way it could have a chance. Tim Hill has come up with a way to provide protection within whatever budget is approved. His idea is being discussed by ISBA and IASA. What he proposed was to compute all distributions, figure the amount needed to provide protection, and then make a small percentage reduction in every district's amount. If done in FY10 the amount of reduction would've been one forth of one percent (.04%.) In the past the number of estimated units was set high enough to cover protected districts. The net result was a small unit value since 50-60 more units were included. Districts have been paying all along, they just didn't see it. Now it would be very visible.

During the three year period ending with FY10, 87 districts received some level of protection. Any district in could need it in the future. It should be viewed as a form of insurance against unexpected decline. In my opinion if this idea, or something very similar, isn't supported by education organizations we will not have any protection next year.

I will be sending out more information on this issue next week. Please let me know if you have questions and\or concerns.

Another issue that you will begin to hear about is a proposal from Tim Hill to change the state funding distribution schedule. He has concerns that if there is no protection in place, a district could receive 80% of their funding by November and end up not getting payments in February or May. He is thinking of a 60% August and a 20% February and May. Thoughts?

For Your Reading Pleasure.

2012-01-12T09:30:00.000-08:00

Revenue Projection Committee Delays Meeting

PERSI Doing Well

Understanding Health Exchanges

Governor's Budget and Revenue Projections

2012-01-12T07:36:00.000-08:00

It appears the Governor's proposed budget leaves out some of what Tom Luna had in his proposal last fall. I haven't had a chance to study the details, so if anyone has some input, please fill us in. One area of difference is in salary allocation funding. Luna proposed offsetting the next decrease to salary allocation and Otter didn't. Otter includes money for a possible one time increase. It appears both have fully funded experience and education steps, but neither restore lost steps.

The Economic Outlook & Revenue Assessment committee meets today to finalize a recommended revenue number. The Governor based his proposal on growth of 5.8%. The committee will most likely reduce that amount. That will give the legislature less to work with as they set budgets.

Here is a good review of the proposal and some reaction to it.

Budget Story - Spokesman Review

New School Grading System?

2012-01-10T10:33:00.001-08:00

New School Grading System

Otter Speaks to joint session.......

2012-01-09T12:24:00.000-08:00

Here is a link to Gov. Otter's address to the Legislature and info on his budget request:

Governor's Address and Budget Request

First Day.......................

2012-01-09T08:21:00.000-08:00

Here is a good look at what to expect this session.in an article by Betsy Russell of the Spokesman Review.
Overview of Legislative Session

If you want to listen to the Governor's address, or any committee meeting or session of the Legislature here is where to look: Legislature - Video\Audio

Economic Outlook & Revenue Assessment Committee Information

2012-01-06T09:41:00.000-08:00

Here is a link to various presentations on the economic outlook and revenue predictions for next fiscal year:

Presentation Information

Here Comes the Legislature...............

2012-01-04T14:22:00.000-08:00

The Legislative session begins next Monday and in the afternoon the Governor will speak to the legislature. He will lay out his goals and priorities for the session. The next day he will present his budget to JFAC. I would expect it to look much like the one Tom Luna released in early fall.

This week the Economic Outlook & Revenue Assessment Committee will begin meeting. It is their job to make a recommendation to the legislature on what revenue projection to use. They meet tomorrow and Friday and then reconvene on the 12th to set a final number.

JFAC will begin meeting on January 10th and continue daily until finished.

Two key decisions this year will be on how conservative to be in setting revenue projections and how much to put back in reserves.

For more info here are some links:

Budget Information:
http://legislature.idaho.gov/budget/index.htm

Budget Process and Additional Information:
http://legislature.idaho.gov/budget/budgetprocess.htm

Economic Outlook & Revenue Assessment Committee
http://legislature.idaho.gov/budget/EORAC/index.htm

Joint Finance & Appropriations Committee:
http://legislature.idaho.gov/budget/JFAC/jfac.htm

Proposed Rule Changes:
http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/sessioninfo/2011/interim/adminrules/0802011101.pdf

Tech Task Force

2011-12-22T07:15:00.001-08:00

If you haven't read the Technology Task Force's recommendations here is a link to them:

http://www.studentscomefirst.org/docs/Final%20Task%20Force%20Recommendations.pdf

A Day in Boise..............

2011-12-19T09:54:00.000-08:00

Last Thursday I was in Boise to answer questions from JFAC members on ISEE. I stressed how much of a burden on local districts it continues to be, but that we and the SDE staff have learned a great deal over the last year and districts are facing reality and allocating the needed staff to get the job done. I did say the SDE is communicating better with both districts and vendors. IASBO will continue working to make ISEE work better.

I also met with ISBA and IASA regarding restoring the 99% protection. It appears to me there is a real possibility of seeing it return in some form. More details will be available soon as specifics of a proposal are worked out. We also discussed their legislative agendas and will look at those areas where we can help..

I then met with an IASA fractional ADA committee. We discussed some possible "tweeks" to the legislation, as well as what was included in the Technology Task force recommendations regarding fractional ADA. It appears to me this will be one where we won't know what the real problems are until it is in use. I think some of the concerns will not be as big of problems as some think. However, I am sure there will be issues pop up that haven't been thought of yet.

Here is some info on possible legislation:

The professional liability requirement will be modified to make it much less burdensome. I don't see it totally going away.
There will be a proposal to change the requirement to update the ten year building maintenance report annually to a five year update with the reports going to the Division of Building Safety instead of the SDE.
A proposal to round support units to the 100th rather that the 10th.
Changes to the state funded senior year dual college credits to waive the requirement for a senior math class and to allow students who meet state graduation during their senior year to use the program.
A proposal to renew Idaho code 33-1044H dealing with districts being able to hire retired teachers and administrators under specific circumstances. If not renewed it would expire June 30, 2012.
There will be efforts to lessen the burden on districts from being required to get copies of teacher personnel files.
There will be some clean up of Students Come First legislation moving some dates and clarifying vague wording. What all this will be I am not sure.
There is some talk at the SDE about adjusting the distribution schedule for state support so it isn't as front loaded as it is now. It appears the concern is more with charters rather than districts, and the fear a charter could fold mid year after the state has sent the majority of that year's funding. We will keep an eye on this one.

here are links to JFAC budget presentations, as well as a link to ISEE info presented to ISEE:

http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/budget/JFAC/2011Presentations/HollandSmith.pdf

http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/budget/JFAC/2011Presentations/33HistRFB.pdf

http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/budget/JFAC/2011Presentations/K-12.pdf

http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/budget/JFAC/2011Presentations/Longitudinal%20.pdf

Please share your thoughts and questions.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Years.

ISEE @ JFAC

2011-12-13T10:36:00.000-08:00

Thursday morning JFAC will spend an hour getting an update on the ISEE project. I will be there to answer committee member questions. Any thoughts I share with the legislature?

Tom Luna Video Interview

2011-12-12T11:33:00.000-08:00

The Idaho Reporter has posted the first in a five part interview with Tom Luna. The first one includes comments regarding private on-line companies.Interesting viewing.

http://www.idahoreporter.com/2011/luna-opposition-to-for-profit-education-providers-is-like-occupy-wall-street-video/

IRS Mileage Rate

2011-12-12T10:37:00.000-08:00

Here is a link to the IRS notice re: Mileage rates:
http://www.irs.gov/newsroom/article/0,,id=250882,00.html

33-357 - Transparency and Data on the Web

2011-12-08T13:12:00.000-08:00

One of our members asked if we could start a discussion concerning how districts are complying with the new law. Please add your comments to the discussion.

Here is what he said:
"I would like to start a thread about the Transparency Bill and how each of us is complying with the new requirements of 33-357. In speaking with a few local managers and looking at a few websites, I believe we all have a different interpretation of the statute. I thought a brainstorm from other managers would either help clarify some questions or pose new questions that need to be addressed at a legislative level."
Jacob Smith
Director of Operations
Idaho Digital Learning Academy

2011-12-08T07:28:00.000-08:00

The November revenue figures have been released by the state and they are lower than projected. Below are links to the report and a letter Gov. Otter sent to state officials.

Idaho General Fund Report - November 2011

https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/271569-letter-to-cabinet-12-7-11.html

2011-12-08T06:43:00.001-08:00

National Charter School Student Census Tops 2 Million.

The AP (12/8, Armario) reports that according to a report from the National Alliance for Public Charter Schools, "the number of students attending charter schools has soared to more than 2 million as states pass laws lifting caps and encouraging their expansion," noting that this growth "represents the largest increase in enrollment over a single year since charter schools were founded nearly two decades ago." Some 500 new schools with roughly 200,000 students opened during the current school year. The AP notes that the group's interim CEO, Ursula Wright, and other observers "attribute the boom in large part to the Obama administration's $4.35 billion Race to the Top competition, which rewarded states for taking on ambitious education changes that included expanding charter schools. In order to qualify, many states changed laws to encourage the growth."
PBS NewsHour (12/8, Devore) reports on its website that despite the rising numbers of charter students, "performance results from these independent schools are still a mixed bag." Noting that the number of students rose 13% this year, the article quotes Wright praising the numbers. "However, there is much debate over the effectiveness of charter schools. A 2009 Stanford University study in 16 states found that on average, charter schools were not performing as well as their traditional public-school peers." This piece also notes that ED and the Administration "support" the removal of charter caps and other measures contributing to their growth.

IASBO Blog

2011-12-07T15:08:00.000-08:00

Welcome to IASBO's newest attempt to improve how we communicate. I am hoping this blog can be used to provide updated information, as well as links to useful information. Comments will allow us to share our opinions and thoughts on issues that impact us. This will be an experiment so bear with me as I see how to best use it.