Governor Terry Branstad this (Friday) morning unveiled a $25 million plan to reform the state’s education system. Many of the proposals were first released in October. One of the more controversial pieces remaining in the package would require children to repeat third grade if they fail to pass a literacy test. “Promoting an illiterate child is far crueler than holding back a child to get them back on track,” Branstad said at a press conference held at a Des Moines elementary school. Teachers and some school administrators and parents have opposed the idea of holding back third grade students. State Representative Sharon Steckman, a Democrat from Mason City, is a retired educator.

“I think you’ve done irreparable damage to a child sometimes when you hold them back and haven’t given them the opportunity to improve,” Steckman said. Branstad’s other proposals would “make seniority a minor factor” in deciding which teachers should be laid off when a school district is forced to make cuts. Teachers would also be evaluated annually instead of every three years, which is the current requirement. Branstad said he will outline how the package would be financed next Tuesday when he delivers the annual Condition of the State Address to the legislature.

link to full legislative brief on education reform proposals:

https://governor.iowa.gov/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/World-Class-Schools-final1.pdf

(Pat Curtis/Radio Iowa)

The Walnut City Council, Thursday, held discussion on ways to entice businesses to locate to “Iowa’s Antique City.” City Clerk Terry Abell said the Council, during their first meeting of the new year, talked about offering “incentive packages” to bring new business to town, but no action was taken. Abell said also, the Council reappointed Larry Humann to the Zoning Commission. The Council, in it’s review of the State Audit Report, noted some policy changes that need to be addressed. Abell said that includes a Disaster Recovery Policy for City Hall records, a written internet/password protection policy, and a new investment policy. The audit report, she said was “Clean,” and showed no discrepancies.

The Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce says a partnership between the Young Professionals of Atlantic and Healthy Cass County has produced a lunch seminar scheduled for January 18th. The seminar, titled “Why New Years Resolutions Don’t Work,” is tailored for area 20 and 30-somethings and will focus on making plans that are achievable and ways to stay motivated. Cass County Wellness Coordinator Bethany Rogers will be speaking to attendees about making and keeping wellness goals for 2012. Rogers has gained recognition in the area as a community leader for the ongoing Blue Zones Project, studied Coaching at the University of Northern Iowa, and has been employed in several health and wellness positions. 

Lunch will feature a healthy and affordable recipe.  Registration is open until January 15 online at www.AtlanticIowa.com. Attendees will also have an opportunity to register for Live Healthy Iowa’s popular 100-Day Wellness Challenge which begins January 23. Organized under the Atlantic Area Chamber of Commerce, the Young Professionals of Atlantic group has been actively working to expand the social and business networks of area professionals in the 21-40 set. 

More information can be found through the Chamber at 712-243-3017 or Rogers at 712-249-4529.