Breakfast links: Back to school

Share the wealth

Charter schools seek out charitable donations to bolster their budgets. Yet a small number of DC charter schools receive a majority of those funds given to charters in the past several years, raising concerns of inequity. (Post)

Pay up

Virginia’s slashed education budget is preventing public schools there from attracting enough new teachers. Education advocates say the funding model is broken and penalizes schools that need money the most. (WAMU)

Design for health

A school in rural Virginia redesigned its building with standing desks and an open kitchen to support healthier lifestyles. The hope is that the school can address obesity through design that supports healthy behavior. (FastCo, LEW)  (Tip: LEW)

Safety first

Metro conducted a safety drill at Stadium Armory that simulated a smoke and fire incident. These exercises are aimed at addressing the safety failures that compounded the smoke incident at L’enfant Plaza last January. (WAMU)

Airports and carshare

Car2go is expanding in New York and wants parking near JFK and LaGuardia airports to allow members to pick up and drop off there. Could this work for Reagan National Airport as well? (Automotive News, Patrick)  (Tip: Patrick)

Pruning pays off

WABA and DDOT cleared vegetation along the Suitland Parkway Trail. This work will make it easier for people to bike or walk along the trail to get to the Anacostia Metro station. (WABA)

Playing around

Arlington County has over 70 playgrounds and a local family documented them all in guide book. You can see the booklet at the Arlington Public Library or request a copy from the author. (ARLnow)

Little Free zoning violation

The Little Free Libraries, those little bird houses with books, are considered zoning violations in many communities. The small structures could be considered accessory buildings and a code violation. (The Atlantic)