National Principals Month is Finally Here!
Please join NASSP, the National Association of Elementary School Principals, and the American Federation of School Administrators in honoring our nation’s principals during National Principals Month! Throughout October, our organizations urge schools, states, and government officials to make a concerted effort to recognize the impact principals have on student achievement and school success, and show their appreciation for these tireless leaders. There are countless ways to participate and show your support for school leaders!
Please visit www.principalsmonth.org to get ideas on how to recognize principals, see the federal legislation that has been introduced to honor principals, and learn how else you can participate. You can also check #ThankAPrincipal to see what others are doing or to share why you love being a principal.
Inside the Beltway
What’s Happening in Washington?
After weeks of debate, the Affordable Care Act repeal bill introduced by Senators Graham (R-SC) and Cassidy (R-LA) seems doomed to fail in the Senate. Senators McCain (R-AZ), Collins (R-ME), and Paul (R-KY) have all come out in opposition to the bill, with several other members still unsure on whether they can support the bill or not. Also, the House and Senate will take up different budget resolutions this week. These budget numbers largely mean nothing as the process is mainly to set reconciliation rules for a tax reform package.
Why Should Principals Care?
In September, NASSP joined over 60 other national organizations in signing a letter to congressional leadership opposing the Graham-Cassidy bill. This legislation proposed dramatic cuts to the Medicaid program and would have prevented schools from providing comprehensive services for students.
Later in the month, Republicans released their new tax plan. Many education organizations have voiced their concern over the plan due to its elimination of the state and local tax deduction (SALT). SALT offers potential tax breaks for individuals that pay for state and local taxes on real estate property, income, personal property, and sales. SALT offers “an incentive, in the form of lower federal taxes for individuals, to engage in activities that benefit education and the larger society,” according to a paper from the Center on Education Policy.
NASSP will continue to closely monitor both these issues. Please stay tuned to future FGN newsletters and Advocacy Updates for more information.
In the Press
NASSP President and Executive Director Speak with Secretary DeVos, NASSP School of Thought blog
During NASSP’s Principal of the Year program, NASSP Executive Director JoAnn Bartoletti and NASSP President Dan Kelley had a special private meeting with Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos. Bartoletti and Kelley used this time to highlight issues facing today’s principals, and offered suggestions as to how the Department of Education can help aid school leaders moving forward. For more information on what was discussed, please read NASSP’s School of Thought blog. You can also view Secretary DeVos’ remarks at the event here.