This week Secretary Duncan announced a new repayment option for Americans with heavy federal student loan burdens.  The plan, which went into effect on July 1, is designed to make monthly payments more affordable for those who have substantial student loans. The new Income-Based Repayment (IBR) plan protects borrowers by linking payments to income and family size. A related new program offers additional benefits to those working in public service jobs. (For more information, click here). 

In other news, the New York Senate allowed mayoral control of the New York City School System to lapse on June 30^th, meaning that a newly formed school board will take control of the city's schools unless action is taken on this issue.  (For more information, click here). 

-Next Week on Capitol Hill:

Wednesday, July 8: The House Early Childhood, Elementary and Secondary Education Subcommittee and the Healthy Families and Communities Subcommittee will hold a joint hearing on strengthening school safety through the prevention of bullying (For more information, click here). 

Department of Education; Office of Postsecondary Education; Notice of intent to fund down the fiscal year (FY) 2008 grant slate for the Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-Serving Institutions (AANAPISI) Program, CFDA No. 84.382B [OPE]

Overview Information: Office of Postsecondary Education; Erma Byrd Scholarship Program; Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards for Fiscal Year (FY) 2009, CFDA Number 84.116E [OPE]

Overview Information; Office of Safe and Drug-Free Schools; Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities (SDFSC) Programs for Native Hawaiians; Notice Inviting Applications for New Awards Using Fiscal Year (FY) 2008 Funds; CFDA Number 84.186C [OSDFS]