May 18, 2009
The Ed Department released the first installment of education's $98
billion under the Stimulus in early April and the questions have
started. Can states or counties cut back their own spending on
education to patch a hole in the budget or avoid a tax increase?
With a chunk of the funds allocated for existing programs, how will
the Department or reporters know if funds are used for teacher
effectiveness, work readiness and college completion, improving
data systems and shoring up low-performing schools? Scott Palmer of
the EducationCounsel, Michael Casserly of the Council of Great City
Schools and Amy Wilkins of Education Trust, assess where funds will
end up. USA Today's Greg Toppo moderates the forum.