Youth Drug Prevention Curriculum Task Force Final Report Deals With Gripping Questions

Last June, Delaware legislators passed a concurrent resolution which created a task force to look at curriculum for drug prevention in Delaware’s public schools.  The final report came out on January 7th.

The task force was led by Delaware Senator Bryan Townsend and State Rep. Ruth Briggs-King.  They met from September to December last fall.  The main purpose of the task force was to make recommendations for the best drug prevention programs in our schools.  The law demands evidence-based programs to curtail drug use in Delaware students but there is simply not enough evidence on the effectiveness of the many different programs utilized by the 19 school districts in Delaware.

One program stood out above all others.  The Botvin program was frequently named in the task force minutes.  I read the minutes last night but was not able to read through the Botvin material.  When it comes to drug use in kids, I say whatever programs works best should be used by all districts.  There was a lot of discussion about unfunded mandates among the group and the expense for these programs.  This was followed by talk about local control or state control over these programs.

The report is very long but it is worth the read.  I want to know more about the skateboarding program in Sweden that they use!  Make it happen Erin!

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Education Legislation Returneth In The 150th General Assembly

The Delaware General Assembly returns for their 150th gig on Tuesday, January 8th.  But a slew of pre-filed legislation came out today including a few education bills.  These are interesting bills to say the least!

New Faces In The Delaware House Education Committee

The Delaware 149th General Assembly goes back into session next Tuesday, January 10th.  The Delaware House of Representatives leadership picked the members for their committees.  Some surprising changes are going on with the House Education Committee.

State Rep. Briggs-King : The Serial Flipper For Student & Parental Rights

In keeping to my word in my December 29th article, I need to show how one State Representative in Delaware completely went back on her word to me on the House Bill 50 Veto Override.  She can sit there and say she never votes yes on a suspension of rules, but I find that to be completely irrelevant since she plotted behind the scenes with the ridiculous alternatives to House Bill 50.

On January 1st, Rep. Briggs-King responded to my request for support on the veto override, knowing it would be made public.

From: “BriggsKing, Ruth (LegHall)” <Ruth.BriggsKing@state.de.us> To: Kevin Ohlandt <kevino3670@yahoo.com> Sent: Friday, January 1, 2016 7:21 PM Subject: Re: House Bill 50 Veto Override

I supported the original legislation and my position is firm.  I will not waiver

Thanks

Ruth 

Ruth. Sent from my iPhone

*Bolded for emphasis

I graciously thanked her for her support:

On Jan 1, 2016, at 7:28 PM, Kevin Ohlandt <kevino3670@yahoo.com> wrote:

Ruth,

Thank you very much for your support!  It is much appreciated!  Happy New Year, and I have a funny feeling you will be seeing me lurking around Legislative Hall in the next six months.  Take care,

Kevin

Not even a week later, she did a complete 180 degree turnaround based on the SAT announcement.  So much for a firm position she would not waiver from…

From: “BriggsKing, Ruth (LegHall)” <Ruth.BriggsKing@state.de.us> To: Kevin Ohlandt <kevino3670@yahoo.com> Sent: Friday, January 7, 2016 6:29PM Subject: Re: House Bill 50 Veto Override

Kevin

As you can imagine there has been much activity regarding the override this week. I am pleased with the new Secretary of education as well as the recent announcement of dropping the smarter balance test and using the SAT for juniors

I want you to know I’m considering the options on this potential veto.

Thanks

Ruth 

Ruth. Sent from my iPhone

*bolded for emphasis

Two emails, two different positions, one flip, one result.  Keep in mind Rep. Briggs-King originally said “not voting” on the suspension of rules for House Bill 50 yesterday.  And then, since she is early in the alphabet and upon hearing most of her Republican Housemates voting no, she changed her “not voting” to “no”.  Let us also keep in mind she voted yes for House Bill 50 twice last spring.  She is a serial flipper…

For any opponent choosing to run against Rep. Briggs-King this year, I will gladly forward you the actual email on this.

 

While Vision Coalition & WEIC Plan Funding, EFIC Meets Today To Discuss Funding As Well

Delaware, the home of multiple groups working on the same issues at the same time.  Today, the Senate Joint Resolution #4 Education Funding Improvement Commission is meeting for the third time at the Bear Library.  There are a lot of interesting names in this room.  Former State Rep. Darryl Scott, State Rep. Ruth Briggs-King, Governor Markell’s Education Policy Advisor Lindsay O’Mara (who is probably having one hell of a morning), Executive Director of the State Board of Education Donna Johnson, State Board of Education member Barbara Rutt and more.  I see Senator Sokola’s aide, Tanner Polce.  I don’t see State Rep. Earl Jaques either, I suppose his aide is there as well.

It will be interesting to see what this group comes up with, along with Rodel The Vision Coalition.  WEIC’s funding will be subject to the Governor’s submitted budget at the end of January.  The one that will be submitted AFTER the State Board of Education votes on the plan.  To read more about the SJR #4 group, please read this.