Education

After about a year of negotiations, a strike is possible at Black Hawk College. This week, members of the faculty, and professional and technical staff authorized their bargaining team to issue an intent to strike notice.

Iowa school districts will receive some additional new money next year. Thursday Governor Kim Reynolds signed an education funding bill that will provide 5 dollars more for per pupil spending, and money to help mostly rural districts pay the high cost of busing their students. 

The Bradley University Police Officer’s union has voted no confidence in Chief Brian Joschko.

Rivermont Collegiate in Bettendorf is preparing to raise money for a new building and it's hoping a foundation based in Brooklyn New York will help. So last week, it hosted a site visit by John Gulla, executive director of the Edward E. Ford Foundation.

Job cuts and closing a school will help the Davenport School District balance its budget. Those are among the recommendations that will help the district satisfy state officials who've set a deadline of next year.

Franklin Elementary School will be remodeled.  At Monday night's meeting, the Moline school board approved a $4.5 million contract with Russell Construction, which was the low bidder.

 The cost of the project will be split between the insurance company and the district.  The district has a budget of $2.5 million and Hanover Insurance is expected to pay the rest.

It's far from perfect, but officials of the Davenport School District are pleased with the school funding bill approved by the Iowa Legislature. Now on its way to the governor, the bill adds 32 million dollars in new spending for districts across the state.

Despite the challenges of falling state support, Western Illinois University has ambitious plans for the future. On Tuesday, President Jack Thomas outlined his strategic plan during meetings in Macomb and the Quad Cities.

After increasing for several years in a row, tuition at Black Hawk College will stay the same next year. Thursday night the board of trustees approved a staff recommendation to keep the in-district rate at 149 dollars per credit hour.