In a 786-page decision issued on February 7, 2023, the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court ruled that Pennsylvania’s school funding system is unconstitutional and must be reformed. The case William Penn School District et al. v. Pennsylvania Department of Education et al. was filed against the Pennsylvania Department of Education, state legislative leaders, state education officials, and the governor (collectively, the “Defendants”) in 2014 by six Pennsylvania school districts, four parents of minor children, the Pennsylvania Association of Rural and Small Schools, and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People – Pennsylvania State Conference (collectively, the “Plaintiffs”). The Plaintiffs claimed… read more »
Renew America’s Schools Grant
On November 29, President Biden, through the U.S. Department of Energy, announced that applications are open for the Renew America’s Schools grant program. This first-of-its-kind investment will enable K-12 public schools to make clean energy improvements and upgrades that will lower energy costs and foster healthier learning environments. The grant provides a total of $500 million in funding. The first round of grants will provide up to $80 million for schools to install energy efficient lighting and HVAC systems, improve the insulation of their facilities, switch to electric vehicles, and convert facilities to renewable energy sources such as solar and… read more »
Title IX Turns Fifty
On June 23, 2022, to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Title IX, the U.S. Department of Education released its proposed changes to the existing regulations, inviting public comment. The proposed rule is the result of a comprehensive review of Title IX regulations that began in March 2021. The proposed changes to the regulations include, but are not limited to, the following: Protection for students and employees from all forms of sex discrimination and sex-based harassment. Protection for the right of parents/guardians to support their children. Requirement that schools take swift action to end any sex discrimination and prevent its recurrence…. read more »
