***SPPS IN THE NEWS:
Teacher contract talks accelerate in St. Paul
The school board is assuming that part of its budget shortfall will be covered by union concessions in new pact.
10/7/2009
Star Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/local/east/63648107.html?elr=KArks:DCiUHc3E7_V_nDaycUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUr

***OTHER DISTRICTS IN THE NEWS:
States Face Budget Hurdles on Testing, GAO Says
Congress’ investigative arm is spotlighting the challenges states face with their testing systems, from recession-driven budget pressures to ensuring the validity and reliability of statewide student assessments.
10/7/2009
Edweek.org
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2009/10/06/07gao_ep.h29.html?tkn=OXXFeaYJd3ZZMs7mphrznF%2FfTx%2BLg1lcHvKa

Education Agency Will Offer Grants for Innovative Ideas
The federal Department of Education sketched out a new nationwide competition on Tuesday under which some 2,700 school districts and nonprofit groups are expected to compete for pieces of a $650 million innovation fund.
10/7/2009
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/07/education/07educ.html?ref=education

Focus in Chicago: Students at Risk of Violence
People gathered outside Fenger High School to remember 16-year-old Fenger student Derrion Albert, who was beaten to death in a melee involving a group of youths in September.
10/7/2009
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/07/us/07chicago.html?ref=education

In Schools, New Rules on Snacks for Sale
New vending machine contracts expected to be approved on Wednesday could mean less junk food — and less money for schools — as the Education Department tries to promote healthier choices for students.
10/7/2009
New York Times
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/10/07/nyregion/07contract.html?_r=1&ref=education

Stillwater Area High School / Was prank streaking? School says yes
Senior runner gets 10 days' alternative suspension
10/7/2009
Pioneer Press
http://www.twincities.com/ci_13500813.html

Chicago aims $60 million at 10,000 kids most at risk
After studying 500 students who were shot in recent years, the new head of public schools is taking a statistical approach to stem an epidemic of violence.
10/7/2009
Star Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/nation/63643957.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU

Children, drivers escape serious injury in crash
Several people were injured in the Mendota Heights school bus crash which occurred at the intersection of Hwy 110 and Charlton Street
10/7/2009
Star Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/local/south/63597117.html?elr=KArks:DCiUHc3E7_V_nDaycUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr

***MISC. NEWS:
Ed. Dept. Proposes Innovation Grant Ground Rules
The U.S. Department of Education is proposing high hurdles Requires Adobe Acrobat Reader for school districts and nonprofit organizations that want a piece of the $650 million Investing in Innovation grant program, including evidence of past success in helping students most in need, and a significant financial commitment from the private sector.
10/7/2009
Edweek.org
http://www.edweek.org/ew/articles/2009/10/06/07innovate_ep.h29.html?tkn=YVYFuuAGlu9J5QHHh2u%2FK4YiorqhjNFk12q%2B

Anti-bullying event to be held at Mall of America today
St. Paul, Minn. — The Minneapolis-based PACER Center is hosting an event against bullying today at the Mall of America.
10/7/2009
Minnesota Public Radio
http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2009/10/06/pacer-anti-bullying-mall-of-america/

Duncan, Holder in Chicago to discuss youth violence in wake of honor student's beating death
U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder and Education Secretary Arne Duncan are set to discuss youth violence in Chicago in the wake of the beating death of a 16-year-old honor student whose attack was caught on cell phone video.
10/7/2009
Star Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/nation/63634207.html?elr=KArksUUUoDEy3LGDiO7aiU

Editorial: More reason to fix food safety system
Ground beef is the foundation of fast-food menus, a staple of school lunches and the main ingredient in countless hot dishes on family dinner tables.
10/7/2009
Star Tribune
http://www.startribune.com/opinion/editorials/63637552.html?elr=KArksc8P:Pc:UthPacyPE7iUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aULPQL7PQLanchO7DiUr