Election 2006
Education Week’s comprehensive coverage of the 2006 midterm elections.
Law & Courts
In Michigan, Ban on Affirmative Action Prompts Lawsuit
Just days after Michigan voters approved a ballot measure to bar “preferential treatment” for women and minorities in university admissions and state programs, a coalition of civil rights and labor advocates and students launched a court challenge seeking to prevent it from taking effect.
Federal
GOP Sees Mixed Results in Connecticut
The war in Iraq may have dominated public discussion leading up to last week’s midterm congressional elections, but debate over the No Child Left Behind Act was one of the most prominent domestic issues in three hotly contested House races in Connecticut, which is suing the federal government over funding for the law.
School Climate & Safety
Local Votes on Bonds Said to Benefit From Turnout
Voters in Wake County, N.C., approved one of the largest school construction bonds on local ballots last week, giving the green light to build schools that will house an exploding student population.
School & District Management
GOP Chiefs Fare Well in Elections
While Democrats scored big in last week’s congressional and gubernatorial elections, the GOP fared better in state education races.
States
Gubernatorial Results May Signal Policy Shift
If the winners in the 36 races for governor make good on their campaign promises, the next four years will bring renewed financial investments by states in their public schools, with emphasis on expanding early-childhood programs, improving teacher quality, and preparing students for college.
Education Funding
Voters Reject Proposed Limits on Spending
Even though voters rejected a number of statewide measures to boost school funding last week, they showed that they don’t want policymakers to be tied down by strict budget formulas that could affect spending on education.
Federal
Democratic Majority to Put Education Policy On Agenda
The leaders of the incoming Democratic-controlled Congress say they will make college affordability their top education policy priority, while also working to reauthorize the No Child Left Behind Act, a goal they share with President Bush.
Education
Voters Approve Construction, Technology Bonds for their Districts
Voters in Wake County, N.C., approved one of the largest school construction bonds on local ballots last week, giving the green light to build schools that will house an exploding student population.
School & District Management
House Democrats to Pursue Education Agenda With New Majority
Democrats will have the chance to keep their promises to make college affordable now that they have won a majority of seats in the House of Representatives. As for the No Child Left Behind Act, the leading House Democrat on education has signaled his desire to retain the law’s central accountability provisions.
States
Idaho State Chief’s Race Goes to GOP, While South Carolina Heads for Recount
The races for the nation’s two open state superintendent seats remained too close to call this morning, while incumbents in four states retained their seats.
School & District Management
In State Races, Democrats’ Success Sets Stage For New Education Agendas
Democrats shifted the balance of power throughout the states yesterday by taking at least five governors’ seats from Republicans and retaking control of legislative chambers in seven statehouses, setting the stage for Democrat-leaning education agendas that are likely to focus on boosting public school funding, expanding early-childhood-education programs, and making college tuition more affordable.
Education Funding
Voters Defeat Funding Measures, But Also Refuse to Restrict Spending
Voters in some states didn't show a lot of generosity toward schools as they voted down measures that would have provided more funding for education in Idaho, Michigan, Nebraska, and Ohio. But proposals in three states that had the potential to restrict spending on schools-the idea known as a Taxpayer's Bill of Rights-were rejected, early returns showed.
School & District Management
Unions Provide Money and Personnel for Key Races
In the lead-up to Election Day next week, the two national teachers’ unions have set their sights on swaying several state gubernatorial contests, as well as a crop of federal races that could help determine control of Congress.
School & District Management
Minnesota Governor Struggles to Keep Seat
At a forum on science and technology in Minneapolis last week, more than two dozen educators and community leaders gathered at Patrick Henry High School to put one of Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty’s signature policy initiatives into action.