| Legislation Proposed to involve parents; in decision making process | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Mar 11 2006, 12:55 PM (375 Views) | |
| fyi | Mar 11 2006, 12:55 PM Post #1 |
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Principal
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Originally posted by NF on the "Newspaper" thread 3-10-06. I thought it was worth highlighting on it's own thread. http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...66/1026/SCHOOLS Friday, March 10, 2006 Around Metro Detroit: Capitol Report Bill gives parents, officials a say when districts plan school closings Mark Hornbeck / Detroit News Lansing Bureau LANSING -- Parents and municipal officials would play a more prominent role in deciding what schools to close when cash-strapped districts downsize under legislation to be unveiled next week. Rep. Andy Dillon, R-Redford Township, said his bill was spurred by community acrimony over recent school restructuring plans in Livonia and Redford Union. "There has been little opportunity for residents and local officials to be part of decision-making," Dillon said. "It's a hot issue in Livonia and Redford and I want to let people know we're trying to do something about it." In Livonia, a plan to consolidate the district and close seven elementary schools has rankled some parents, who have threatened to sue. In Redford Union, the school board is set to choose Monday between seven reorganization proposals to close buildings and reduce staff to help erase an estimated $3.7 million deficit. Dillon is proposing a state law that would require the appointment of a board to include parents and local officials when school districts are drawing up plans to consolidate or expand. The panel would consist of representatives nominated by the school board, superintendent, local governmental officials and businesses in the community. "We want residents and local officials directly involved in the development of plans, not just an opportunity to comment at public hearings once the plans have been drafted," Dillon said. "The goal is to make sure everyone has a voice in the process." The legislation would require districts to publish five-year financial forecasts every quarter so residents and municipal officials have more notice about their local schools' fiscal health. Justin King, executive director of the Michigan Association of School Boards, said his initial reaction before seeing a bill with details is that it's unnecessary to adopt a state law requiring communication between local school boards and the community. "That's the job of the local school board: To look at the situation, assess it and talk with people in the district and get input before they make a decision," King said. You can reach Mark Hornbeck at (313) 222-2470 or mhornbeck@detnews.com. From the Free Press: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...EWS02/603100433 Wayne County Open school books sought Dillon to push finance oversight March 10, 2006 BY ZLATI MEYER FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER State Rep. Andy Dillon, D-Redford Township, plans to introduce a bill that would require school districts to publish quarterly financial updates, allowing community members and leaders to keep track of what's going on. Dillon did not say when he would introduce the bill. Dillon's bill also calls for school districts to publish five-year forecasts and appoint a public board -- the school board, the superintendent, local officials and business people -- to work on consolidation or expansion plans. "Developing a plan to shrink or expand a school district is complicated," Dillon said in a news release Wednesday. "A couple of months is not enough time to come up with the best solution for the community." The changes, he said, would enable residents to "get involved before there is a crisis. ... The goal is to make sure that everyone has a voice." Faced with a $3.7-million deficit, the Redford Union School District is considering closing schools and district buildings, which has brought criticism from parents. The school board is scheduled to decide on closures at Monday's meeting. "I'm certain Mr. Dillon's background is in finance, and I know he's been supportive of our district in the past and will continue to be," said district Superintendent Donna Rhodes. "He's concerned there are not a lot of resources for school districts at the state level to help for fiscal budgets. Maybe it's another set of eyes looking at our books. I'm sure this is part of his business sense." Rhodes pointed out that school districts with deficits already are required to submit monthly budgets to the state Department of Education. John Pullum -- one of the founders of Save Bulman, a parent group fighting the closure of the elementary school -- likes Dillon's plan. "If they mess around with our money, we have the right to be more informed about our schools and our children's future and our township's future," he said. "The more informed you are on any project, on any plan, on any struggle, the better. Knowledge is power. If we're more informed, of course, we'll have a stronger fight. If we can be more informed, both sides will be even, not 'Oh, sorry the vote already happened.' " In Livonia, where Dillon represents four precincts, some parents are complaining about the Livonia district's plan to reconfigure grades and close seven schools. They say the proposal was crafted clandestinely and with minimal parental input and was introduced and approved by the school board in six weeks. The group Citizens for Livonia's Future wants an injunction to prevent implementation of the proposal; they'll appear in Wayne County Circuit Court today. Livonia Public Schools could not be reached for comment. Contact ZLATI MEYER ___________________________________ |
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| Rose | Mar 11 2006, 01:11 PM Post #2 |
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very interesting! |
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| cmic | Mar 11 2006, 01:13 PM Post #3 |
Principal
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This is fantastic! |
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| fyi | Mar 11 2006, 01:41 PM Post #4 |
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Principal
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| c3hull | Mar 13 2006, 03:34 AM Post #5 |
Principal
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I think the legislation would offer protection to citizens from such an event that has occured with the LPS BOE. Hopefully such community division could be avoided if there were guarenteed equal representation. Such a shame what our BOE has done to our community, and still refuses to re-open or acknowledge this LI has NO benefits to our children, parents, or community as a whole. Now us citizens are forced to take countless hours away from our family and daily lives to make sure our voices are heard and represented. This RECALL is the only way for the BOE to listen to their constituency! I do recall one gentleman back in October speaking at a BOE meeting. He stated, "Shove this plan down our throats and I will personally invest my time and money to make sure each and every one of you is recalled!" He received a standing ovation from the crowd! |
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| livoniamom | Mar 13 2006, 08:16 AM Post #6 |
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Principal
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I imagine this bill, if it happens will be too late for LPS? |
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| Grant1 | Mar 13 2006, 09:02 AM Post #7 |
We have just begun to fight!
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I would assume too late for the current mess...but never too late to avoid this type of situation from occurring again. A much needed piece of legislation. |
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| Livonia Voter | Mar 13 2006, 09:23 PM Post #8 |
Principal
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Anything that adds trancparency to the mix is good as far as I'm concerned. |
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