Task force calls reconfiguration of Iowa school districts
The Gazette reports a bipartisan Institute for Tomorrow's Workforce urges radical overhaul of Iowa schools. The plan includes creating a commission to reshape districts and act on teacher pay, with Doug Gross calling the report a siren for action.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Iowa
Doug Gross
Institute For Tomorrow
Iowa Education Overhaul Push Seeks 300 Million Boost
A task force recommends spending 300 million dollars to raise teacher pay and set performance criteria for students and districts. It calls for all Iowa high schools to offer a core curriculum and hit an ACT average of 22, above the national average, plus a powerful independent commission to design a new performance based learner centered K-12 system for the state.
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Iowa
Interim city manager: Flitz steps into leadership role
City Attorney Jim Flitz becomes interim city manager in Edar Rapids as the new six month council awaits a permanent hire. He oversees departments, drafts the budget, and runs daily operations while noting the position saved the city time and money.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
David Wallace
the Gazette
Jim Fritz
Cedar Rapids
Flitz
Warm January eases bills but warns of volatility
Eastern Iowa households see milder weather curbing bills though December fuel costs rose for some. Officials note warmer temps helped, yet global tensions and sanctions keep fuel prices volatile. Natural gas prices have fallen since mid-December while fuel oil edged higher.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Steve Gravelle
The
Gazette
Michelle Harrison
Cedar Rapids
Dave
Iran
Winter heating costs drop as energy actions rise
Survey shows average consumer winter expenditures for heating fuels fall 178 percent while 51 percent turn down thermostats and 844 percent pursue home energy efficiency upgrades. About 30 percent cut spending on entertainment and travel to boost savings.
City plans end of free spring bulky-item pickup
Ed Ar Rapids solid waste chief Mark Jones proposes ending the free bulky-item pickup to cut costs. Neighborhood leaders warn litter will fill alleys with sofas mattresses and junk. Terry Bilsland says streets will suffer if the program ends. Sandy Bell acknowledges cleanup costs but cites the cost of not acting.
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Gazette
Edar Rapids
Mark Jones
Terry Bilsland
Wellington Heights
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