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Livonia Observer; December 15
Topic Started: Dec 15 2005, 11:21 AM (2,410 Views)
Rose
Principal
Thanks Elisa for taking the time to clarify that for me. Rose
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fyi
Principal
Schools' seismic shift divides community
BY STEPHANIE ANGELYN CASOLA
STAFF WRITER


Within Livonia Public Schools, 2005 will be remembered as the year that drastically altered the city's neighborhood schools.

On Oct. 20, members of the demographics committee at every school simultaneously unveiled The Legacy Initiative --a plan to close school buildings, merge school communities, reconfigure grade levels, reinstate programming lost to budget cuts and ultimately save $1.5 to $2 million a year for the next five years. The plan was meant as a proactive approach, addressing the ongoing budget concerns as the district's state funding dwindles due to dropping enrollment and rising costs.

Supt. Randy Liepa lauded the Legacy plan for keeping elementary communities together and bringing back once-cut programs like physical education, art and music. Once students enter fifth grade, they continue through the school system with the same classmates. "That literally is their graduating class," Liepa said.

The initial reaction by parents could be described as shock. Some shed tears over the thought that their children would no longer attend a neighborhood school. Distance and the increase in busing posed a common concern, as did the addition of a transition to an upper elementary building with anticipated populations of more than 900.

The plan drew thousands of comments in the way of postcards and e-mails. Those opposing the plan organized into Citizens for Livonia's Future and held community meetings, rallies and even sold lawn signs against the Legacy plan. Supporters were not as outspoken. More than 600 people attended the public hearing held at Churchill High School, which was also televised on LPS TV.

On Dec. 5, the board voted 6-1 to support The Legacy Initiative. Since then, members of Citizens for Livonia's Future are attempting to recall board members, with the exceptions of Tom Bailey who voted against the plan, and Joanne Morgan, whose position is up for election in 2006. The district remains in a state of rebuilding.

Trustee Rob Freeman called for the community and district to work together. "We need to support each other," he said. "We need to do what's best for our kids."

scasola@hometownlife.com | (734) 953-2054

Originally published December 29, 2005





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fyi
Principal
SCHOOL BRIEFS


Grant buys radios
Livonia Public Schools will step up its security efforts by purchasing 200 new two-way radios for use in school buildings and at central office. The radios, expected to cost $30,000 including the FCC licensing fees, will be purchased from Adams Electronics of Wixom, the lowest bidder.

The money for this purchase comes courtesy of a 2003 Homeland Security Grant Program. Lisa Levesque, director of finance, said in the future, the grant may also fund the purchase of 10 new defibrillators for the middle and high schools and for central office. Joanne Morgan, trustee, called the grant purchases "a great asset to our community."

At-risk money
Livonia Public School trustees approved this year's at-risk funding for pre-schoolers.

The district is due to receive $141,900 from the state to support the Michigan School Readiness Program.

Perrinville Early Childhood Center, a Westland school within the LPS district, offers at-risk programs for more than 40 4-year-olds. The half-day program is funded by a state grant. Since 2001, the district has received this support. "I believe this is what to do so we can continue to provide programming," said Dan Lessard, board president.

The board unanimously adopted a resolution to accept the funding.


Originally published December 29, 2005



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Rose
Principal
I know our school uses these two-way radios during recess to help keep track of the kids. That's kind of expensive for LPS to spending at such a time......but will probably be needed to keep track of kids at recess when the school sizes are increased.
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Anna Krome
Principal
GIVE ME A BREAK

At a time when our airports are RELAXING their bag-sifting routine, we need this?
C'mon.

Please do not buy this stuff.

Anna Krome
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Rose
Principal
Anna, I DON'T buy spending that much money on two-way radios, I just made the comment that they use them on recess at our school.....and with all those kids at recess at the 5/6 they will really need them. I know this because I have helped out at recess and have used one of these radios.
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fyi
Principal
School district struggles with funding. Livonia Public Schools leased property, cut costs, and sought revenue enhancements -- including pay-to-participate sports -- totaling $3 million to cope with another budget shortfall forced by stagnant enrollment and rising costs.
Dickinson Center was leased, but the $1 million in revenue did not materialize. That lease was re-worked and a few rooms were recouped to accommodate the district's English as a Second Language Program, which had been displaced to two elementary schools. Parents raised safety concerns and asked that ESL programs not be housed K-6 buildings, and the district complied.


December 29, 2005, Livonia Observer
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fyi
Principal
There are two letters to the editor that I could not obtain on-line.
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rooseveltmom
Principal
The two-way radios. Had to be spent on "homeland security". I work in the northville schools. We got a grant to. But it is specific in it's nature. Priorities you know. :o
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