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L.A. Unified needs enough iPads for the tests
Editorial: The Los Angeles Unified school board got the new year off to a good start last week by voting to hold an election for the seat left vacant by the unexpected death of Marguerite LaMotte. On Tuesday, it should keep the momentum going by approving the funding for the next, limited purchase of iPads so that all students can take the new state standardized tests on them this spring. LA Times

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LA superintendent: principals should get leeway on extra funds
In the first peek at how the Los Angeles Unified School District will spend an extra $188 million it’s expected to receive next year to focus on the needs of disadvantaged children, Superintendent John Deasy said he wants to leave many decisions to school principals. KPCC

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Parent-trigger opponents plead not guilty to vandalizing Adelanto

Two Adelanto mothers bitterly opposed to their elementary school being handed over to a charter school operator last summer under the state’s parent-trigger law pleaded not guilty to vandalizing a classroom days before the handoff was set to take place. San Berarnadino Sun

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Democrat George Miller will retire after 40 years in Congress
Veteran Democrat Rep. George Miller of Martinez, one of Congress’ most influential and senior members, will leave behind a 40-year legacy of key water, labor, education and health care legislation, said supporters in the wake of the Miller’s surprise announcement Monday that he will not seek re-election in November. San Jose Mercury

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Charters Add Competitive Twist to District Governance
The transformation of charter schools from a radical public school choice option to an established—if still contentious—presence in hundreds of districts poses tough questions for local administrators about the governance of such schools and their fiscal impact. EdWeek