Author: Samuel Wonacott

  • Indiana and North Carolina are two of five states where the state superintendent of schools is included in the gubernatorial line of succession

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    The Indiana Senate voted on March 16 to refer a constitutional amendment to the November 2024 ballot that would remove the superintendent of public instruction from the gubernatorial line of succession. The superintendent of public instruction is sixth, and last, in Indiana’s gubernatorial line of succession, following the secretary of state, the state auditor, the…

  • Florida expands education savings account (ESA) program

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    On March 27, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R) signed a measure that expands the state’s Family Empowerment Scholarship program. The expanded program will provide K-12 students with around $7,500 for educational expenses outside of the public school system, including private school tuition, tutoring, and homeschooling expenses.  The Family Empowerment Scholarship was created in 2014 and…

  • Here’s who is in line to replace your governor in the event of a vacancy

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    Welcome to the Friday, March 31, Brew.  Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day: In five states, the state superintendent of schools is included in the gubernatorial line of succession  U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin becomes Paul Vallas’ first congressional endorsement in Chicago mayoral runoff  #FridayTrivia: How many bills related to voter…

  • Hall Pass: Your Ticket to Understanding School Board Politics, Edition #54

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    Welcome to Hall Pass, a newsletter written to keep you plugged into the conversations driving school board politics and governance. In today’s edition, you’ll find: On the issues: The debate over Los Angeles school union strikes Share candidate endorsements with us!  School board filing deadlines, election results, and recall certifications A look at Oklahoma’s April…

  • This year’s absentee/mail-in ballot request deadlines

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    Welcome to the Wednesday, March 29, Brew.  Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day: A look at absentee/mail-in ballot request deadlines in the eight states holding statewide elections this year  North Dakota enacts a plain language requirement for ballot measure summaries  An update on last week’s additions to the Federal Register…

  • New Jersey’s statewide filing deadline passed on March 27

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    New Jersey is one of a handful of states holding statewide elections this year. The primaries are June 6 and general elections are on Nov. 7. The filing deadline for the primary elections was March 27.  All districts in both chambers of the state legislature are on the ballot. Ballotpedia is also covering elections for…

  • Texas Education Agency takes over state’s largest school district

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    A yearslong struggle between the Texas Education Agency (TEA) and the Houston Independent School District (HISD) came to an end on March 15, 2023. Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath announced in a letter he was appointing a Board of Managers to replace the Houston Independent School District’s (HISD) elected Board of Trustees. Morath cited a…

  • New Jersey’s statewide filing deadline is today

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    Welcome to the Monday, March 27, Brew.  Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day: New Jersey’s statewide filing deadline is today Our Election Administration Legislation Tracker helps you stay informed about your state’s election-related bills  Both Denver City Council District 5 candidates have completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey New Jersey’s statewide…

  • Hall Pass: Your Ticket to Understanding School Board Politics, Edition #53

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    Welcome to Hall Pass, a newsletter written to keep you plugged into the conversations driving school board politics and governance. In today’s edition, you’ll find: On the issues: The debate over Florida’s education savings account bill  School board filing deadlines, election results, and recall certifications In your district: reader replies on the four-day school week…

  • Biden issues first veto of his presidency

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    Welcome to the Wednesday, March 22, Brew.  Here’s what’s in store for you as you start your day: Biden issues first veto of his presidency Voters in El Paso, Texas, to decide on a charter amendment to require the city to consider climate change  Robe & Gavel—your one-stop shop for SCOTUS and other judicial news  …