Earlier this month, a verbal and paper battle erupted between Barnes and Chatham's school board, when he responded to its criticism by accusing the board of misusing funds intended to shrink class size. Since then, the situation has simmered down, and School Board President Diane Cantor is feeling better about the bill. What we're working to do is implement it with as much public input as we possibly can. While the bill calls for smaller class sizes and early intervention programs in elementary schools, Cantor said the local school system took an extra step by applying that at the middle school level as well. That's what good schools are all about.
Juvenile courts can now fine parents for failing to attend parent-teacher conferences.
Requires local school superintendents to make reports to local boards and the public in response to financial deficits or budget irregularities. Allows boards to request an instructional care team from a RESA for consistently underperforming schools. Mandates school councils at each school. The councils will provide advice, recommendations and assistance to the local board. The councils are advisory bodies and can provide advice and recommendations on any matter, including curriculum, budget, principal selection and school personnel performance.