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Election Results with Implications for Education Reform

This election roundup is courtesy of a special edition of the Policy Innovators in Education (PIE) Network newsletter, “Special Election Issue: Results with implications for education reform .”

Early observations about election results that could have an impact on issues of interest to education reformers:
 

States with network member groups
ALABAMA: Proposition 4 – Defeated
Prop 4 would have removed antiquated language from the state’s constitution that allowed schools to be segregated. The state’s teachers union opposed the amendment, saying that it didn’t go far enough. 

ARIZONA: Proposition 204 – Defeated.
The Quality Education and Jobs Act would have provided at least an additional $625 million to K-12 education in the first year through a one-cent sales tax increase and also prevented state lawmakers from cutting school funding.
Proposition 118 – still too close to call 
The ballot measure meant to stabilize trust land payouts to K-12 education in Arizona remained too close to call at press time. Unofficial returns showed Proposition 118 trailing by about 1 percentage point.

CALIFORNIA: Proposition 30 – Passed
Prop 30 increases personal income taxes on annual earnings over $250,000 for seven years. Governor Brown said rejection would cause huge midyear cuts to K-12 education.
Proposition 32 – Defeated
This “paycheck protection” measure would have eliminated unions’ primary fundraising tool and deductions from members’ paychecks for political campaigns. It would also have curtailed union and corporate contributions to political candidates.

COLORADO: Denver Ballot Measures 3A & 3B  – Passed
These two measures fund art, music, and physical education classes; more room in early childhood education programs and full-day kindergarten for all students; safer, improved school buildings and learning environments; and 21st century technology in classrooms.

FLORIDA: Amendment 8 – Defeated
The “Religious Freedom” amendment, if passed, would have removed language from the state’s constitution banning religious institutions (including schools) from receiving taxpayer money.

GEORGIA: Resolution 1162 – Passed
The constitutional amendment will allow the state to re-establish a statewide charter commission (established earlier but then struck down) to consider applications by operators to run schools. Control over charters now rests mostly with local school boards.

INDIANA:  Re-election of State Superintendent Tony Bennet – Defeated
This surprise upset of Bennet–noted nationally for reforms such as revamped teacher evaluations, state take-over of struggling schools, vouchers to attend private schools at public expense, and expansion of charter schools–came with strong teacher and union support for his opponent, teacher Glenda Ritz. He outspent her 4 to 1. Bennet attributes his loss to his support of the Common Core State Standards.

MARYLAND: Question 4 – Passed
Allows undocumented immigrants to pay in-state tuition at community colleges and in some cases at four-year institutions, subject to certain preconditions. Such immigrants would have to register for the Selective Service System and show intent to apply for permanent residency in order to qualify.

MICHIGAN: Proposal 2 – Defeated
This was an attempt to enshrine the right to collective bargaining in the state constitution.

OHIO: Cleveland Plan – Passed
This levy could bring in a maximum of $85 million annually. About $5.7 million will be shared with the high-performing charter schools that partner with the district.

OKLAHOMA: State Question 759 – Passed
Bans preferential treatment (affirmative action) based on race, color, gender, ethnicity or national origin in state and municipal employment, education, and contracting.

OREGON: Measure 26-144 – Passed
The money from the $482 million Portland Public Schools improvement bond will be used to repair, upgrade and replace schools.
Measure 85 – Passed
Diverts corporate kicker revenue into a special fund for public schools instead of rebating the money to companies.

WASHINGTON: Initiative 1240 – Passed
The Washington ballot authorizes up to 40 charter schools in the state over the next five years, with priority for those serving high-needs communities. The measure also lets parents and teachers at any public school–no matter how wealthy or high-performing–band together to demand that it be converted into a charter, a provision similar to the “parent trigger” laws enacted in several states that let parents seize control of failing public schools and fire the staff or turn them into charters.

 

States in which there is no network member group
IDAHO: Propositions 1, 2, & 3 — Defeated
Voters said “no” to restrictions on teachers unions, teacher bonuses based on student test scores, and a mandate for laptops and online courses.

 

NATIONAL: President Obama – Re-elected
In his second term, President Obama will likely seek to protect funding for his competitive grant programs and for federal education more broadly. His administration will oversee implementation of state waivers for No Child Left Behind and is likely to continue its efforts expanding college access, boosting teacher quality, and turning around low-performing schools. President Obama has also proposed the creation of a new STEM teacher corps.

 

Please note: PIE Network does not endorse or oppose any candidates or initiatives, although our individual member groups may choose to do so.