District Dossier
The District Dossier blog explored issues behind leading and managing the nation’s schools and school districts and provided analysis of trends, controversies, and good ideas in school and district leadership. This blog is no longer being updated, but you can continue to explore these issues on edweek.org by visiting our related topic pages: school & district management, district leadership, and school leadership.
Equity & Diversity
Schools Become Whiter and Wealthier in Communities That Secede From Districts
Since 2000, 47 communities have splintered away from their school districts to form new ones, according to a new report from EdBuild. And in some states, its surprisingly easy to form a new school district.
School & District Management
Will New York State Lawmakers Extend Mayoral Control of Schools?
The New York state legislative session is expected to end on Wednesday, but lawmakers have not yet decided whether to extend New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio control over the city's schools.
School & District Management
New York Board Member Who Wished Obama Dead Sues District, Colleagues
The Buffalo School Board wants the New York Education Commissioner MaryEllen Elia to remove Carl Paladino from the board. The board said he disclosed confidential information.
School & District Management
Rural America Gets Attention in Trump Era, But Will Its Schools Benefit?
The new 50-state report from the Rural School and Community Trust, emphasizes early childhood education and college-and-career readiness.
School & District Management
Ahead of Board Turnover, Los Angeles Superintendent Gets a Contract Extension
Michelle King, who became superintendent of the Los Angeles district last year, is likely to stay on the job through June 2020.
Education
Will New York City's Plan to Make Its Schools Less Segregated Work?
New York City officials say the plan will help create more diverse schools and classrooms, but critics say it falls short and does not even use the words "integration" or "segregation."
School & District Management
Principal Serves Up Learning and Laughs as Viral Social Media Star
Gerry Brooks, principal of Liberty Elementary in Fayette County, Ky., is a social media sensation who uploads laugh-out-loud videos that highlight the lighter side of K-12 education.
Equity & Diversity
Federal Judge Delays Mostly White Alabama Town's School Secession Plan
Less than two months after U.S. District Judge Madeline Haikala laid out the steps the city of Gardendale must take to split from the more diverse Jefferson County schools, she has decided to delay the order.
Budget & Finance
Chicago Schools Will Open on Time, District Chief Pledges
Chicago schools CEO Forrest Claypool continues to denounce the way that the state of Illinois funds its public schools, arguing that the Chicago school system is being shortchanged on its share of K-12 aid.
Federal
How a Teenager Won a School Board Election in His Texas Town
No one know seems to know how rare it is for a teenager to win a school board election. A National School Boards Association survey found that less than one-half of one percent of school board members nationwide are younger than 30.
School & District Management
Kentucky's Jefferson County Picks Principal as Interim Superintendent
Longtime Jefferson County, Ky., principal Martin Pollio, was named interim superintendent. He replaces Donna Hargens, who re-negotiated her contract last month and will resign on July 1.
School Climate & Safety
Portland, Ore., Voters Approve Record Tax to Fix Lead-Laced, Crumbling Buildings
Nearly all the district's schools have lead levels in the water that exceed federal safety standards. Many of the buildings are also plagued by peeling lead paint, and high concentrations of radon and asbestos.
School Choice & Charters
Charter-Backed Candidates Win Two Seats on Los Angeles School Board
With the new members, the majority of the seven-member school board the country's second-largest school district will be charter supporters, which provides an opportunity to radically reshape the district.
School & District Management
Four Education Leaders Join Chiefs for Change
Tennessee's education commissioner, along with the superintendents in Camden, N.J., Philadelphia, and Louisiana's Recovery School District are the newest members of Chiefs for Change.