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Time of India
a day ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Up to $1.6 million lost: North Dakota's new funding formula reshapes US Title I distribution
US Title I funds redistributed in North Dakota under new census-based formula. (AI Image) North Dakota has implemented a new method for distributing federal Title I education funds, affecting public K–12 schools across the state. The changes align the state's funding approach with that used in 43 other US states, shifting the basis of allocation from local school meal programme data to federal census poverty data. This adjustment is causing significant financial gains for some districts and steep losses for others, with disparities reaching into the millions. The Title I programme, a key element of the US federal education support system, is intended to assist schools serving high numbers of low-income students. Distribution shift based on census poverty data The North Dakota Department of Public Instruction (DPI) has replaced its longstanding formula for allocating Title I funds. Previously, districts received money based on internal data, primarily the number of students receiving free or reduced-price meals. Now, funding is determined by the number of low-income students residing within district boundaries according to census poverty data. Under the new model, funds no longer follow students who open-enrol in schools outside their home districts. The DPI stated the change would create greater consistency and reduce administrative workload. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like An engineer reveals: One simple trick to get internet without a subscription Techno Mag Learn More Undo This shift has had a varied impact across the state's districts, particularly affecting rural and tribal schools. Belcourt School District sees sharp reduction The Belcourt School District, which serves a significant Indigenous student population, is projected to lose approximately $1.6 million in Title I funds. This reflects a 45% decrease from the $3.5 million it received for the 2024–25 academic year. According to the Inforum, local officials raised concerns that the census data may not accurately reflect true poverty levels, citing high unemployment and potential undercounting during the census process. Minnewaukan's funding to fall by over 85% Minnewaukan Public Schools is also experiencing a drastic funding reduction. The district's allocation is expected to fall from $565,000 to $80,000, a decrease of more than 85%. According to the Inforum, the loss affects funding for early childhood care, additional paraprofessionals, and support services such as social work. Impact of new Title I funding formula on selected districts School District Previous Title I Funding New Title I Funding Percentage Change Belcourt $3,500,000 $1,900,000 -45% Minnewaukan $565,000 $80,000 -85% Fort Totten $600,000 (approx.) $1,200,000 100% Fort Totten among the districts to gain In contrast, the Fort Totten School District is set to see its Title I funding more than double to nearly $1.2 million. Although Title I funds cannot be directly transferred between districts, they can be used for collaborative services. The DPI noted that shared resources, such as staff training, can be accessed by educators across district lines. Consultations and public feedback The DPI initially attempted to introduce the funding formula in 2023 but delayed implementation after mixed feedback during the public consultation period. While some districts supported the model due to expected increases, others opposed it over concerns of reduced resources. As reported by the Inforum, the DPI stated it did not receive sufficient public demand for an alternative model to delay or change the approach further. Tribal authorities were consulted during the transition process, and the DPI stated that the changes impacted tribal schools in proportions similar to other districts, as noted by the Inforum. Ongoing concerns over school choice and equity The change arrives amid broader national debates on school choice in the US. Although North Dakota's legislature did not pass related laws during its recent session, the DPI clarified the Title I funding change was not connected to those discussions. Nonetheless, district officials from affected areas, especially those with high numbers of open-enrolled students, have raised concerns about potential long-term impacts on equity, according to the Inforum. TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here . Ready to navigate global policies? Secure your overseas future. Get expert guidance now!
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Raj Bhavan, Kerala government set for another face-off over foot worship at schools
The Raj Bhavan and the Kerala government appeared to be set for yet another face-off over the 'foot worship' ceremony that was held in some schools in the State as part of Guru Purnima on Thursday. While Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar strongly defended the practice as part of Indian culture, General Education Minister V. Sivankutty, who directed the Director of Public Instruction (DPI) to seek explanations from the schools, said that Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) is piggybacking on the Governor to push its regressive practices meant to promote a slave mentality among students. Visuals of the ceremony, held in schools managed by the Bharatiya Vidya Niketan in Kasaragod, Kannur, and Alappuzha, showed students kneeling and washing the feet of teachers and offering flowers in a symbolic ritual of reverence. In a foot-washing ceremony held at Vivekananda Vidya Peedom in Mavelikara, the students were made to wash the feet of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader too. The visuals had drawn widespread condemnation in socio-political circles. Speaking at a programme organised by Balagokulam, an RSS-affiliated organisation, in the capital on Sunday, the Governor criticised those who were against 'Gurupuja'. 'Gurupuja is an integral part of Indian culture. Some people object to it. I don't understand which culture these people are coming from. If we cast aside these practices, it will seriously affect the very existence of society,' said Mr. Arlekar. DPI's report Addressing a press conference on Sunday, Mr. Sivankutty said that such practices being pushed by the RSS are alien to Kerala's culture. 'It is unfortunate that someone holding the position of Governor would make such statements. I would like to know which particular text related to Indian culture celebrates the practice of students washing the feet of their teachers. We are issuing directions to all the school authorities that no student studying in any school in Kerala should be made to wash the feet of teachers or anyone else,' he said. Mr. Sivankutty said that though the government had limitations in taking action against unaided school managements, they still require an NOC from the government to function. The government will decide on the action to be taken based on the Directorate of Public Instruction's (DPI) report, which is expected in a week. 'Feudal culture' Communist Party of India (Marxist) State Secretary M.V. Govindan said that the RSS is attempting to revive a ritual rooted in the feudal culture to push its agenda of implementing Chaturvarnya (case system). 'We are not against respecting teachers, but that should not be an excuse to revive such feudalistic practices. Students were even made to wash the feet of RSS leaders. It is part of an RSS agenda to erode Kerala's secular and democratic fabric. The secular society of Kerala has to unitedly oppose this,' he said. All India Congress Committee (Organisation) general secretary K.C. Venugopal said that the Governor is attempting to haul Kerala society back to the dark ages by defending such practices. 'Such a Governor is a shame for progressive Kerala,' he said.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Hindustan Times
Ferozepur: Government schoolteacher held for molesting girls
A government school teacher in Ferozepur's Guru Har Sahai sub-division was arrested on Friday on charges of sexually harassing at least 13 girl students. According to the police, parents of at least 13 girl students from various classes alleged that the accused teacher had been sexually harassing their daughters over the past 3–4 months. Ferozepur senior superintendent of police (SSP) Bhupinder Singh Sidhu said a case has been registered against teacher Raj Kumar Chugh under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Sections 74, 79 (outraging woman's modesty) and 75 (sexual harassment), along with Section 8 of the POCSO Act at the Guru Har Sahai police station. 'A probe was conducted by a deputy superintendent of police. The accused has been taken into custody and further investigation is underway,' SSP Sidhu said. According to the police, parents of at least 13 girl students from various classes alleged that the accused teacher had been sexually harassing their daughters over the past 3–4 months. The matter came to light after one of the students dropped a complaint letter into the school's suggestion box. Acting on the letter, principal Karan Singh Dhaliwal promptly formed an internal committee of female staff members to look into the matter and submitted a preliminary report to the district education officer (DEO) Manila Arora. The DEO escalated the matter to the directorate of public instruction (DPI) in Chandigarh, which took immediate cognisance. On Friday, Malkit Singh Thind, chairman of the State Backward Classes Commission, visited the school and held a closed-door meeting with parents. During the interaction, parents recounted how the harassment had continued for months while students remained silent out of fear. Some parents also alleged that a few staff members, including females were complicit and had allegedly pressured the victims to remain quiet. SSP Sidhu assured that all aspects of the case are being investigated thoroughly.
Hans India
6 days ago
- Business
- Hans India
IIIT-Bangalore marks 25th convocation with graduation of 372 students
Bangalore: The International Institute of Information Technology Bangalore (IIIT-Bangalore) marked a major milestone with its 25th Annual Convocation, celebrating the graduation of 372 students across diverse academic programs. The ceremony also highlighted the institute's expanding global impact through its pioneering work in Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), now influencing the lives of nearly 1 billion people worldwide. The convocation was graced by eminent guests, including Prof. Govindan Rangarajan, Director of IISc Bangalore, as Chief Guest, and Dr. Venkat Padmanabhan, Managing Director of Microsoft Research India, as Guest of Honour. Kris Gopalakrishnan, Padma Bhushan awardee and Chairman of IIIT-B's Governing Body, presided over the event alongside Prof. Debabrata Das, Director of IIIT-Bangalore. This year's graduates included 142 students from the Integrated program, 192 from the program, 12 from the in Digital Society, 10 from the M.S. by Research, and 16 Ph.D. scholars. Top performers were recognized with gold medals, including Institute Gold Medals awarded to Valipireddy Pranathi ( Monjoy Narayan Choudhury (iMTech), and Sookthi Bhat Kav ( Digital Society). The Late Sri N. Rama Rao Medal for Entrepreneur of the Year was awarded to Ananda Prakash Verma. In a landmark achievement, an iMTech student secured a record-breaking placement package of ₹1.45 crore. Additionally, 14 students received annual offers exceeding ₹60 lakh, 67 students surpassed ₹40 lakh, and over 180 students received packages above ₹20 lakh per annum.
Gulf Business
6 days ago
- Business
- Gulf Business
EFG Hermes advises on $190m investment in Alameda Healthcare
Image credit: Suppled photo EFG Hermes, an EFG Holding company and the leading investment bank in the Middle East and North Africa, announced it has acted as the Sole M&A Financial Advisor on a landmark $190m minority stake investment in Alameda Healthcare, one of Egypt's top private healthcare providers. Read- The investment was led by Development Partners International (DPI) in partnership with a consortium of institutional investors and development finance institutions. Following the transaction, Dr Fahad Khater, Chairman of Alameda, will remain the majority shareholder. The deal, primarily structured as a capital increase, is pending regulatory approvals and is expected to close in Q3 2025. This marks the largest foreign direct investment in Egypt's healthcare sector to date, reinforcing investor confidence in Egypt's high-growth, resilient industries. The transaction will inject foreign currency into Egypt's banking system and support Alameda's expansion both locally and in the GCC markets. Strategic expansion supported by capital injection 'This is a proud moment for EFG Hermes as we continue to deliver on our promise to guide clients through transformational transactions,' said Maged El Ayouti, Co-Head of Investment Banking at EFG Hermes. 'Securing a $190m investment for one of the region's fastest-growing healthcare platforms reflects our strong advisory capabilities and deep market expertise.' Alameda, under Dr Khater's leadership, plans to use the proceeds to scale its hospital operations and increase clinical capacity. The funding will support expansion in Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and other GCC countries, bolstering its position as a regional healthcare leader. El Ayouti added that the firm's advisory role in this transaction is part of a broader track record of M&A excellence. Over the past 18 months, EFG Hermes has advised on M&A deals worth more than $2.5bn. Since the start of 2025, the investment bank has closed four M&A transactions, along with seven DCM and seven ECM deals across Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Oman. The investment represents a key milestone in both Alameda's growth journey and EFG Hermes's continued dominance in regional capital markets.
