| Newspapers; 3/15/06 | |
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| NFarquharson | Mar 15 2006, 06:45 AM Post #1 |
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From the Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a.../603150355/1006 Wednesday, March 15, 2006 David Coates / The Detroit News Pupils enter Washington Elementary. While enrollment in Livonia Public Schools has held steady at 17,500 the past 10 years, it's a far cry from the 38,000 in 1971. But the trend of new families moving in may eventually build up numbers, says real estate agent Neil McCloskey. With space and economy tight, Livonia strives to renew itself Quality of life will attract people, mayor says; real estate agents point to good schools. Catherine Jun / The Detroit News Dawn Friend plays with her children Josh, left, Taylur and Alex. Friend, who moved from Livonia in 1996, returned last year. "It's a nice community, a safe community, a clean community," she says. About Livonia Population: 96,617; population forecast for 2030: 92,961 97 percent of land developed Total number of new housing units last year: 197 Racial breakdown as of 2000: 95 percent white, 2 percent Asian, 1 percent black, with the others being Native American, Pacific Islander and multi-racial. Median household income in 2000: $63,018 Sources: SEMCOG and city of Livonia Livonia is feeling its age, but fighting like a recalcitrant baby boomer to regain its vigor. A pioneering suburb, Livonia is now 97 percent built out, while some of its neighbors -- most notably Canton Township -- have room to grow. As a result, Livonia is debating how to reinvent itself: How to keep its business community chugging along. How to deal with shrinking school enrollment. How to attract young families to buy homes here. And how to accomplish it all with limited tax money. "Working together, we will insure that Livonia's brightest days lie ahead," Mayor Jack Engebretson said Tuesday in his annual State of the City address. But it's going to take hard work -- and Engebretson acknowledged that. He said more reductions in the city's work force may be needed, despite a four-year hiring freeze. The freeze saved $5 million in the current year's budget, he said, and reorganization of the Police Department saved an additional $700,000 annually. Despite the reduced city staff, Livonia continues to provide services its residents have come to expect, Engebretson said, such as libraries, ice arenas, soccer fields, road maintenance and senior programs. "Quality of life in Livonia is second to none in the region," the mayor said. Those services, and Livonia's reputable school system, will continue to attract newcomers, real estate professionals say. Although there aren't large tracts of land left, housing units are still going up at a slowed but steady rate, as developers build houses and condos in the remaining pockets around the city. In 2005, the city gained 184 housing units. "A builder will find an older house, tear it down and split the lot," said Neil McCloskey, a real estate agent who has worked in the city for 15 years. Two developers plan to build 60 units on open space on Newburgh Road. Thirty of the units have been approved by the city. Nine housing developments have been approved, with 312 building sites, Engebretson said. Dawn Friend, who moved from Livonia in 1996, returned last year. "It's a nice community, a safe community, a clean community," said Friend, the mother of three children; the eldest is in third grade. Livonia's schools and neighborhoods with young families brought Ann Dawes and her children to Livonia from Redford in 2004. "I wanted to be in a community where we're all on the same wavelength," she said. "We're all kind of in the same boat." Compared with all other Michigan school districts, Livonia Public Schools produces "well above average student results with average core spending per student," according to the school rating division of Standard & Poor's. But the district faces tough decisions due to shrinking enrollment. Though the number of children at Livonia Public Schools has stayed relatively steady at about 17,500 over the last decade, enrollment has dramatically dropped from its peak in 1971 of 38,000 students and is predicted to continue falling through 2030. Plans to close seven elementaries and reorganize grades in the remaining buildings have divided the community. Engebretson did not mention the school schism in Tuesday's speech. But he did address the fight over redeveloping the old Wonderland Mall site into a Wal-Mart and other stores. Some neighbors wanted no Wal-Mart at all, but an 18-hour store eventually was approved. That wasn't the only controversy that swirled around the Wal-Mart. At a meeting held by the developer in August, some residents said they did not want the store because it would draw African-American shoppers from Detroit. Livonia is 95 percent white. The "careless comments" made by the residents caused "our city to be painted racist," and have prompted the city to look at ways to promote harmony, the mayor said. The dispute over the store "divided our community," he said, but was "a great lesson in the values of communication and patience." You can reach Catherine Jun at (734) 462-2204 or cjun@detnews.com. _______________________________________________ http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...0365/1003/METRO West Bloomfield School board OKs teacher, staff layoffs The school board on Monday approved recommendations to lay off about 25 teachers and 49 non-teaching staff members to reduce costs. The board backed off a plan that would eliminate the fifth-grade instrumental band, at least temporarily, after parents complained. A committee is being formed to study that issue. ___________________________ http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...43/1026/SCHOOLS Wednesday, March 15, 2006 Threat reports lead to arrest Center Line students say sophomore boy told them he was planning deadly cafeteria bombing. Christina Stolarz / The Detroit News CENTER LINE -- Police arrested a Center Line High School sophomore who authorities say told classmates he was planning to murder the high school's public safety officer and also kill students by bombing the school cafeteria. During an interview with police, the boy said "those kids at Columbine had it right," said Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith. Investigators confiscated two computers and writings that "were very violent in nature," from the student's home, police said. Although the writings described specific acts of violence, the teen's motivation for making the threats was unknown, said Tim Woelkers, director of the Center Line Public Safety Department. Police received a tip Wednesday after school from a "concerned individual" stating that a student threatened to act out violently against individuals in the school, he said. Woelkers said the 16-year-old Warren boy didn't have the immediate means to carry out an act of violence, but "that doesn't mean they couldn't act upon their desire to carry it out. We felt it was credible. We don't want to wait until they have the means to carry it out." The teen, whose name is not being released, has been charged with terrorism for making threats against individuals at the high school. Smith said police searched the teen's home and his school locker, where they found a manuscript that described an attack on a school by two boys dressed in trench coats. A couple of hunting guns that belong to the boy's father were found in the home. School district officials sent letters home Monday to the parents of its 2,875 students to notify them about the potential attack, said Judith Pritchett, the school superintendent. She also said the school system will follow its due process as set by the Board of Education and the student Code of Conduct and will make a determination about the student after his court case is wrapped up. "We take this very seriously," she said. Detroit News Staff Writers Charles E. Ramirez and Edward L. Cardenas also contributed this report. You can reach Christina Stolarz at (586) 468-0343 or cstolarz@detnews.com __________________________________________ http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a.../603150333/1026 Wednesday, March 15, 2006 Parents protest Grosse Pointe sex ed program Some say is too explicit for certain age groups Eric Lacy / The Detroit News GROSSE POINTE -- A controversial sex education and health program, which some parents say is too explicit for certain age groups, will be introduced to Grosse Pointe Public Schools students this spring. "It's always a very difficult process when people are this divided," said Susan Allan, the district's assistant superintendent for curriculum. "This (outrage from parents about the program) was kind of sad because there was so much misinformation out there." School officials say the sex curriculum, aimed at fourth- through eighth-grade students, was created with help from professional sources and input from parents and others in the community. It is intended to update the sex education and health program the district has been using since the 1990s, Allan said. One complaint from parents is that the term "monogamous relationship" was interchangeable with the term "marriage" in the curriculum, said Alice Kosinski, district board trustee. Other parents believe the program, which was approved by the school board Monday night, was put together haphazardly and includes several inaccuracies. Emmy Georgeson, a 45-year-old mother of a fourth- and a sixth-grader in the district, plans to pull her children out of the program because she doesn't want them to be "guinea pigs." "I will not let my children be experimented on because this is an untested program," Georgeson said. "Nobody knows the impact this might have on them or anyone else." The district doesn't require students to participate in the sex education and health program. You can reach Eric Lacy at (313) 222-5374 or elacy@detnews.com. Staff Writer Christina Stolarz contributed to this report. _____________________________________ http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a.../603150366/1026 Wednesday, March 15, 2006 District picks temporary leader Southfield schools is interviewing search firms to help find a permanent superintendent by July 1. Shawn D. Lewis / The Detroit News SOUTHFIELD -- After weeks of speculation, the Southfield Board of Education announced Tuesday that Wanda Cook-Robinson was appointed interim superintendent. Cook-Robinson replaces Beverley Geltner, whose last day was Friday. Geltner submitted her resignation on Feb. 14, and the district will honor her contract until it ends June 30. Cook-Robinson has been associate superintendent for instruction since 2004. Before that, she was assistant superintendent for student performance with the Oakland County Intermediate School District, where she worked from 1986 to 2004. Geltner, 68, did not respond to questions about her early departure, but confirmed that she is one of three candidates being considered for the job of superintendent for the Saline Area Schools District. Current Saline Superintendent Sam Sinicropi will retire at the end of this school year. Cook-Robinson said she is ready to assume the helm, temporarily. "I love this district, and when I was asked to provide support, I didn't hesitate," she said. "I'm simply fulfilling this position while they conduct a search." She said it's too early to discuss the possibility of applying for the position permanently. "The first order of business is to get my arms around all the issues to help the district move in a positive direction," she said. Other priorities will be to examine MEAP scores and fiscal responsibility and stability in the district. Board President Janie Fulton said she wants to make it clear that the district's deputy superintendent, Ken Siver, would have been next in line for the interim position, but that he did not want it. "Dr. Cook-Robinson was considered for the job because Dr. Siver is happy in what he's doing," said Fulton. "He appreciated our considering him but he deferred to her." Siver said his existing duties kept him from accepting the interim job. "I was asked and I said no," he said. "One of my chief responsibilities is to oversee a $100 million bond and renovation program. I want to see this through." Fulton said Geltner was earning $165,000 a year, plus benefits. "We don't have a deadline to hire a permanent superintendent, but the targeted date is to have someone in by July 1," said Fulton. The board currently is interviewing two search firms to determine which will proceed to find a new superintendent. You can reach Shawn D. Lewis at (248) 647-8825 or slewis@detnews.com. _______________________________________ http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a.../603150319/1026 Wednesday, March 15, 2006 Jack Dempsey / Associated Press Teacher Jay Bennish, left, a Michigan native, with attorney David Lane, fielded questions from students Monday about the controversy. Teacher who bashed Bush is back in class Colo. educator who compared the president to Hitler plans to keep opinions out of lectures. Tillie Fong and Charlie Brennan / Scripps Howard News Service AURORA, Colo. -- Jay Bennish plans to have fewer discussions in class and more reading assignments, according to students who welcomed the controversial teacher back to Overland High School this week. Some students said they will miss the politically charged exchanges that almost cost Bennish his job. "It's not Mr. Bennish anymore," said Tramaine Duncan, 16, one of his students. "He didn't talk. He told us that we're going to do book work," Duncan said. "He's going to give us reading assignments, dittos, lot of papers. He said as long as he's at Overland High School, that's how he's going to teach." Duncan said he doesn't like the new approach, but understands why Bennish made the change. "If I lose my job if I gave my opinions, then I'm not going to do more of that," Duncan said. "He's going to get down on the topic, and not talk about opinions." As Bennish, a 1996 Seaholm High School graduate, returned to the classroom, Overland High School tried to return to normal after the national controversy over his teaching methods. "Mr. Bennish is a member of the 'Blazer' family, and as such, will be welcomed back to teach here," Principal Jana Frieler said, referring to the school's team name. Bennish had been placed on paid administrative leave March 1, after a 10th-grader's recording of his comments to a world geography class was made public. Bennish was officially reinstated Friday, after two days of meetings between himself, Cherry Creek Schools officials and Bennish's attorney, David Lane. The district said Bennish was disciplined, but would not provide details. Bennish has been a teacher at the school since September 2000. Bennish has been widely criticized for remarks caught on the recording of a Feb. 1 class. His comments that day included drawing a comparison between President Bush and Adolf Hitler and asking students if they saw that capitalism was "at odds" with compassion. The resulting uproar culminated in Bennish traveling to New York to explain himself on the "Today" show March 7. Frieler said Monday she had been well aware that Bennish's geography discussions often went beyond learning the names of rivers, mountains ranges and state capitals. Geography is "not about maps anymore," Frieler said. "It's about politics. It's about religion. It's about culture." The Washington Post contributed to this report. __________________________________ http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a.../603150315/1008 Wednesday, March 15, 2006 Letters Did teacher proselytize or promote debate? Jack Dempsey / Associated Press During a geography class, Denver area teacher Jay Bennish called America "probably the single most violent nation on planet Earth" and said "there's some eerie similarities to the tones" of both President Bush and Adolf Hitler. See full image Is student the real problem? The article about the reinstatement of Denver teacher Jay Bennish ("Will Bush flap influence teachers?," March 12) asks if the suspension of a teacher for comparing the president and Adolf Hitler will exert an influence on teachers, and it certainly will. However, no article has reported what was done to the student who taped his class without his teacher's knowledge or permission and then allowed a local radio station to play it publicly. Who's the real problem -- the teacher, who tried to stimulate his students to think critically, or the student, who undermined the ability of teachers to bring provocative insight and creativity into their classrooms? Gregory Loselle Southgate Selective free speech Do any liberal writers see the irony in what minimal consequences the high school teacher in Denver faced for what he said to his class, as opposed to what Larry Summers went through at Harvard University ("Harvard's loss," Feb. 28)? I didn't think so. Henry Elden St. Clair Shores Media go easy on teacher The coverage of the geography teacher suspended for proselytizing instead of educating is a great example of the liberal bias in the media ("Bush bashing by teacher spurs threats," March 8). The story didn't merit attention until Jay Bennish could arrange to tell his story in a sympathetic forum; the media took at face value any unverified claim (threats to family) or tortured explanation (it's in the course syllabus) offered. When this story broke, Bennish had every opportunity to speak out but declined, sending instead a lawyer to the media outlets Bennish's father complains shut his son's side out. I listened to the student in question shred the lawyer's arguments in an on-air debate, an amazing accomplishment for a 16-year-old. But from The News I learned only that Bennish was a good lacrosse player at ritzy Seaholm High School. That translates into sympathy for yet one more rich and out-of-touch liberal. Doug Mitchell Dearborn Right tries to suppress views I see that the Colorado teacher who drew parallels between the policies of Bush and Hitler is now being targeted with death threats. While it would be a huge stretch to call George W. Bush a fascist, there is undoubtedly an undercurrent of fascism in the thoughts and actions of those on the far right. Check out the death threats received by the teacher in Colorado as evidence of forced suppression of viewpoint. Gerald DeVergilio South Lyon Teacher skews debate Jay Bennish, the Colorado teacher who compared President Bush to Adolf Hitler, defends himself by saying he is provoking critical thought to his 10th-graders. But he is trying to indoctrinate them into his hatred of Bush. Bennish says he invites opposing viewpoints "as long as they can back up their arguments." What 10th-grader is going to be able to debate a teacher on any subject? It appears Bennish does not want his students to decide for themselves; he wants to decide for them. Tim Birk Ypsilanti Bennish gives balance Given the fact that you have the massive propaganda machine of the U.S. government and public opinion in a "red" state, I'd say Jay Bennish's students no doubt were well aware of the pro-Bush arguments. So Bennish attempts to counterbalance this with some provocative statements and then he's suspended and threatened? What's next? Do we send him to a concentration camp for contributing to the delinquency of minors? You can't have "fair and balanced" without allowing someone to inject an opposing point of view, if only for the sake of argument. Rusty Hancock Madison Heights Bias trumps reporting What the teacher Jay Bennish has done pales in comparison to The News' article ("Bush bashing by teacher spurs threats," March 8). Never have I encountered a more obvious piece of bias passed off as serious news reporting. Kent Kleinschmidt Jackson Indoctrination hurts schools Jay Bennish's quote of what his job is (to argue alternative perspectives) says it all. His job is to teach geography. This is why our schools are so bad. They don't teach; they indoctrinate. They don't lift; they lower. Jon Etnyre Sterling Heights Just teach geography Ron Scott has mixed up honest debate with pure political indoctrination ("Good luck, Jay Bennish," March 14). If Bennish wants to promote debate, he needs to set up a debate group. He is paid to teach geography, not politics. His First Amendment rights were never infringed upon. I found him to be a phony when he cut his hair and cleaned up his act for the media. Larry G. Mason Ludington ____________________________ http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a.../603150321/1008 Wednesday, March 15, 2006 Daily Beef School debt mindset The Redford Union school board has decided to close three buildings and lay off 40 teachers and staff members to close a $3.7 million budget deficit. But the shortfall isn't projected to disappear until the 2008-09 school year. Being in debt used to be considered outrageous, but now it's treated like business as usual -- to the detriment of taxpayers. |
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| NFarquharson | Mar 15 2006, 06:55 AM Post #2 |
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From the Free Press: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...EWS02/603150352 Wayne County Livonia to honor victims of Ethan Allen sinking March 15, 2006 BY ZLATI MEYER FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER Livonia will formally memorialize the seven local seniors who died in last fall's tragic Lake George, N.Y., boating accident. A tree will be planted in their honor at the city's senior center, part of the municipal complex at Farmington and 5 Mile, on April 7, Livonia Mayor Jack Engebretson announced in his State of the City address Tuesday. "Seven Livonia residents died in the event and five others on that Ethan Allen boat survived, but they were victims, too, as were their friends and their families," he said. A total of 20 people, including 19 senior citizens from Michigan, died Oct. 2 when their tour boat capsized on Lake George, N.Y. The other victims included five people from Temperance, three from Trenton, two from Whitmore Lake, one from Sterling Heights and one from Warren. A Toledo, Ohio, resident also died in the accident. "I think it's good idea," said Ruth Ridout, 88, a friend of Caryl and William Gilson, who were a among those killed. "They were just on a vacation and they certainly didn't expect to have anything bad happen to them." She pointed out that Caryl Gilson volunteered at the senior center, which will add special meaning for those who knew her. Another neighbor of the Gilsons disagreed. "I don't see any reason to put a memorial," said 61-year-old Alfred Cervantes. "The families will take care of it." Contact ZLATI MEYER at 248-351-3291 ______________________________ http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...EWS02/603150431 Wayne County Livonia mayor touts services, development He also discusses budget in address March 15, 2006 BY ZLATI MEYER FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER Mayor Jack Engebretson Though stifled by budgetary constraints, Livonia continues to provide services to its residents and encourage new industrial, retail and residential development in the city, Mayor Jack Engebretson said Tuesday during his State of the City address. Before several hundred people at the Burton Manor banquet hall, Engebretson outlined how Livonia will replace the suburban bus service, SMART, with a local transit system starting Dec. 1. The switch was approved by voters in November to free up $2 million a year for needed capital projects in the city. The mayor also reported that a four-year hiring freeze has reduced the number of city employees through attrition by 90 workers to 652. That has saved $5 million this budget year in the city's roughly $50-million total budget. Another cost-saver, he said, was the reorganization of the Police Department, a change expected to yield more than $700,000 per year. "It may appear to be business as usual, but it's not," Engebretson said. The mayor's budget task force, comprised of 22 community members, continues to look for ways to cut. "I am concerned we're struggling with this low amount of revenue," said Stan Mann, 77, who has lived in Livonia for 38 years. He attended Tuesday's State of the City luncheon. "It's the fault of the economy, not having enough taxes. I would think Livonia residents would be open to paying a little more taxes so we keep the high quality that we're used to," he said. In an effort to diversify the city's economic base, Livonia has branded its industrial corridor Industry's Highway. The Economic Development Task Force is working to retain established businesses and attract new ones. Businesses, the mayor said, pay 40 % of city taxes collected, amounting to roughly $10.8 million. Among current business projects are the $100-million redevelopment of the Wonderland Mall site; Valassis Communications Inc.'s $5.5-million renovation of the former Northwest Airlines call center, which is expected to add 235 jobs, and Schoolcraft College's ever-growing College Park restaurant and commercial development. Engebretson pointed to decisions made in Lansing and skyrocketing health care costs as having the biggest impact on the city's finances. "State revenue sharing, which is such an important part of our revenue stream, has been shortchanged in recent years," he said. "It's now short in terms of millions of dollars per year. This is true of many cities of our size throughout the state of Michigan. It's not unique to us. "Some of things we've done have put us way ahead of the curve. It allows us to continue to provide services." Engebretson highlighted the city's popular recreation center that gets 3,000 visits a day, quality recycling and trash pickup, $6.5 million in road maintenance planned for this year, senior citizen facilities, the still-open libraries and its numerous outdoor sports sites. Contact ZLATI MEYER at 248-351-3291 or meyer@freepress.com. _______________________________ http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...ION04/603150301 Letters to the editor STUDENT LETTERS: Opinions should matter March 15, 2006 The best way to get more people to vote is through early education of children. The education should be at home, not just at school. Parents can take their children to the voting polls and explain how it works to them. They could use everyday issues to get children to understand voting, for example: "What should we have for dinner?" The most important thing for children to know is that their opinions matter. If they are raised to believe that what they think and say matters, then they will believe that their one vote is important. Brianna Hoyer Grade 6 Academy for Business and Technology Allen Park A tax break for voters If the government were serious about getting more participation in elections, it would offer a tax break to anyone who voted. This small tax break would ensure a large percentage increase of voters. It would not only make our government more representative of the nation but also help the economy. As with other tax breaks, citizens would collect the money in the mail and very likely go spend it. A stronger economy would result and, in little time, benefit voters. Businesses would bring in a greater profit, and the money would end up back in the pockets of the voters. As Americans, we are guaranteed to have ultimate authority over the government. Is it the government's duty to give the people more power? If a tax break brings Americans to the polls, there is no doubt that it should be given. Using a tax break as an incentive to vote would tempt the public toward the polls and strengthen our country as a whole. Patricia Mencia Grade 10, H.H. Dow High School Midland Lower the voting age In 2004, only 42.5% of eligible U.S. citizens voted in the presidential election. If 60% of eligible voters voted, that would be an amazing turnout. I propose that high school students age 16 and older should have the right to vote. The staff of all the high schools could then talk about the current issues with the students. Make it a graduation requirement to vote each year while students are eligible in high school. This would make people 16 years old life-long voters. Voting is the most important freedom that this country provides. Greg Padilla Grade 9 Lahser High School Bloomfield Hills Use the Internet To increase voting, we should make it easier. We have technology available. We should use it by designing an Internet system to vote. People could vote from home or work, whenever it's convenient. If we had to pay a tax penalty for not voting, more people would vote. People need to realize that not voting is costing them one way or another. We also need to teach children the importance of voting. Mock elections and discussions are two ways to educate children. Lucas Keating Grade 8 Baker Middle School Troy A national holiday Encouraging registered voters to take part in an election is a difficult task. The majority of people who do not vote believe that it is costly. Voters have to spend time becoming informed, making their choices and getting to the polls. The most given response by nonvoters in the 2000 Census Bureau survey on turnout was they were not able to take time off from work or school that day. A logical solution to this problem is to make Election Day a national holiday. This would allow everyone the chance to vote without worrying about being late to work or school. An alternative would be to change Election Day to a Saturday or Sunday. Although the polls will not attract as many as it would if it were a holiday, there would most likely be a noticeable rise in voter turnout. The United States government grants its people popular sovereignty. Everyone should practice it by voting and taking advantage of their rights. Lena Brinjikji Grade 11 Andover High School Bloomfield Hills Let uninformed not vote Is low voter turnout truly a problem? If every eligible adult took advantage of his or her privilege to vote, would our country be any better off? The answer to these questions is certainly no. Sadly, most Americans eligible to vote are apathetic and uninformed. When only those who truly care about the direction of our country come out to cast their ballots, the common good is furthered. Why encourage Americans to vote when an astounding 57% of us can't name even one Supreme Court justice? Decisions of such high importance should not be made by those who do not really care. Sam Witham Grade 12 Lahser High School Bloomfield Hills Coffee, donuts and more First, we should hand out prizes to the participants who vote. Some of the prizes could be free Starbucks coffee and Krispy Kreme donuts. Second, we should take advantage of the Internet and have a Web site for voting. It would be faster and more convenient for everyone. People could vote from home, work or even while traveling, using their cell phones or wireless devices. The system could be password protected for security. And last, there should be an increase in the time limit. Instead of having only one day to vote, the time limit should be raised to seven days. This would give a chance for busy people to vote when it is convenient for them. Jarryd Elias Grade 7 Bloomfield Hills Middle School Educate children All American citizens have the right to vote and should be active participants in elections. A way to increase the number of voters is to educate children at a young age about the importance of voting. Also, using advanced technology such as the Internet would allow easier voting access and would be more convenient. Currently, it is very bothersome for workers and students to spend hours waiting in lines to vote, while they are bounded by work or school. The government should declare Election Day as a national holiday. Katie Unitis Grade 12 Andover High School Bloomfield Hills Mail ballots If only 60% of the voters turn out for an election, that is not pretty good. That is pathetic! One of our core democratic values is popular sovereignty, which means that the people rule. If the people are not turning out to vote, that means they don't want to rule. If they don't want to rule, why give them that right? To increase the number of people voting, why not send the ballots to the people? Mass mailing, like absentee ballots, could greatly increase the number of voters. Without needing to leave the house, more people might feel more compelled to vote. Many people don't vote because they don't want to deal with the lines and the wait. Also, going to vote means the possibility of leaving work early. For some, that one less hour could mean one less meal. If the ballot goes to the voter, the people may be more apt to vote. The people are supposed to rule the United States. How can they rule if they aren't willing to vote? I believe if we change how we do things, the number of voters will increase. Olivia LaFortune Grade 11 Wayne Memorial High School Fine nonvoters I believe one way to improve voter participation is to enact a federal law that requires mandatory voting, enforced by a $250 fine if a person fails to comply. In Australia, voting was made compulsory after a dismal 58% of the population cast their ballots in the 1922 election. Now, Australia boasts the highest voter turnout (95%) in the world. Many citizens would cry "Big Brother" in response to a compulsory voting law. These same people, however, are those who advocate popular sovereignty, the core democratic value that states that power of the government comes from the public. Many people fail to realize that the government's authority will rest in the people's hands when everyone exercises the right to vote. Stephen Ostrowski Grade 10, Plymouth High School Those who care will vote If 40% of our population doesn't care who runs our country, then let them deal with whomever the other 60% elect. Trying to get more people to vote is like trying to make people reveal their religious beliefs or sexual orientation; it is just flat out wrong. If someone doesn't care about the Iraq war, gun registration, stem-cell research, or other issues in our country, then so be it. That simply makes it easier for the voting Americans to elect their candidates, because there is less competition. Americans shouldn't try to force more people to vote because that violates their right to freedom of speech. Evan Berry Grade 9, Adams High School Rochester Think convenience I think voting needs to be more convenient for Americans. Many elderly say voting is challenging because it's physically difficult to get to the polls. Also, some adults feel it's hard to find time to vote. One answer is to use technology available to us, utilizing computers and telephones to vote. Another option is to have absentee ballots available to everyone. Absentee ballots offer convenience and flexibility many need to cast a vote. Another idea is to change the election date from Tuesdays to Sundays, as some European countries do. Alexandra Hryciuk Grade 7, Brownell Middle School Grosse Pointe Farms Aim for shorter lines Many Americans do not take their right to vote seriously. When 60% of Americans vote, the government is happy with the result. Every American should jump at the chance to make a difference in our country. Unfortunately, many believe their votes do not make a difference. If everyone voted in each election, it could make a large difference in the polls. The government should encourage more Americans to vote on election days. In order to do this, the government could expand voting in many ways. First, it could create more voting sites, so that people would not have to wait in extremely long lines. Second, the government could create an online voting system or allow more absentee voting. Third, voting hours could be expanded so that those who work would not have to rush around trying to make time to vote. Voting day could also be moved to the weekend. . Ideally, the government could allow multiple days with different times to fit into all schedules. Americans who do not vote on Election Day make a grave mistake in thinking their vote doesn't matter, and they foolishly give up an important democratic right: the right, as the people, to choose who will govern our country. Erin Buchanan Grade 9 Adams High School Rochester Incentives and patriotism Only 60.3% of eligible Americans voted in the 2004 election. In 1876, 81.8% of the population voted. Obviously, the desire to vote has decreased immensely. The government should encourage eligible voters to vote by offering incentives. We also need to improve the esprit de corps in the United States, otherwise known as patriotism. The United States used to do a lot better job instilling this American pride in citizens. As an incentive, I think we should use money rewards. Money drives Americans to do many things. Also, we should decrease taxes slightly for people who take the time to vote. We also need to make people feel as if we are part of a bigger picture. If people who are filled with American spirit feel like they are a part of a patriotic society, they will be more interested in voting. Jake Gordon Grade 8, West Hills Middle School West Bloomfield Boost citizenship The first thing I suggest is that the United States president make a law that if a person lives in America for more than five years, he or she can apply for U.S. citizenship and get it. This way, more people will be U.S. citizens, and then more people will have the chance to vote. My next suggestion is that, if on Election Day, there is a national half-day of work, more people could actually come and vote. Reba John Grade 6 Larson Middle School Troy Go online One of the primary reasons for poor turnout at the polls is because people simply do not have the time to vote. We use a cumbersome method of voting and need to upgrade to the current level of technology. The Internet has become a common tool in the average American's life. Why not use the Internet to vote? On Election Day, eligible voters could access a Web site, type in an identification number, and cast a ballot online. A trip to the polls could be eliminated and voting could be done in a matter of minutes at home. Voters without a computer could still go to a voting location. In addition to a better turnout on Election Day, this will eliminate the need for absentee ballots, reduce the expenses at the polling stations and could also tally the votes providing an accurate count. Steven Daws Grade 8 Boulan Park Middle School Troy Double the access With every election, the news covers two big stories: who won and how many people showed up to vote. Unfortunately, we only have 60% of the citizens' vote. Campaigns have been made to get people to vote. In the last presidential election, MTV had a campaign to get young people to vote. It helped, a little. To increase voter turnout, they need to choose a different day or allow more tome to vote. By voting, Americans show patriotism. Unfortunately, the government does not give us enough time to vote. First of all, voting is on a Tuesday. Not many people can make it to the polls during the day. By evening, the polls are overcrowded. This deters people from voting. If voting were on a weekend, more people would have the day off and a chance to vote. Voters would be more spread out throughout the day, so it would be less crowded. The weather can also stop people from voting. If they gave people two days to vote, there would also be a better chance that one of the days would have good weather. By making these simple changes voter turnout would increase. Michael Toupin Grade 10 Woodhaven High School Brownstown Technology, and a raffle My first idea involves technology. Many people cannot get out to vote because they are very busy or homebound. People could use the Internet to vote with a special password. The second idea would increase the time the polls are open. Currently, the polls are only open for one day. Polls should be open for to at least two days. The last way to encourage more people to vote would be a raffle. Companies and individuals could donate money or prizes, like designer purses, electronics, gift cards or jewelry. This would definitely motivate people to vote, especially young people. Samantha Kaurich Grade 7 Marist Academy Pontiac Get excited about voting I think we should encourage more people to get to the polls and vote. First, we should advertise on television. We should have more commercials explaining the voting process. I also think people don't know where to vote. We should put up more billboards that say where to vote. Or maybe people don't have cars to take them to the place to vote. We should send a bus around to take them to vote. Maybe the problem is that they think one single vote will not really add up. Another opinion of mine is people don't get excited to vote. They think it's just another vote. Big deal. Well, it is a big deal. We should make it exciting. There could be a drawing to win something, or something to liven up things, some entertainment. We could also have cars going up and down the streets with microphones telling people to go vote. We hold the power to elect public officials, which we do through voting. Marco Cercone Grade 6, Larson Middle School Troy Information, please The United States of America takes pride in being the most democratic country in the world, and yet barely half of American voters participated in the 2004 election. The common good requires that individual citizens accept their obligation to promote the welfare of the community and to work together with others for the greater benefit of all. Opting not to vote does not support the common good of America, because people are not showing support for a candidate who will maintain order in the country. To increase the voting percentage in America, the government needs to educate the public on the major issues and the candidates' opinions on them. In addition, government classes should be taught to students starting in elementary school, so they can at least have a basic understanding of the political system in our country. By doing these simple things, the voting percentage in our country would surely increase. Shelley Zamler Grade 11 Wylie E. Groves High School Beverly Hills More time, more ballots The United States could increase its voter turnout by expanding the time window for voting to a few days, instead of just one. Some people say they are too busy during Election Day to vote. This problem could be eliminated if the voting time were expanded. Some people just forget. On the second day of the election, when reminded by a coworker or a family member to vote, they probably would. By increasing the time available for people to vote, the United States would actually increase the quality of opportunity to vote because more people would get the chance to vote. A simple change in law could increase voter turnout for the elections dramatically. It is time to open the polls for a few days, not just a few hours on one day. Tyler Simon Grade 12 Fowler High School Change the unlikely voter Voting is an extremely important aspect in a democratic society. In the United States, many voters do not vote on Election Day. By adding online voting, a national voting holiday, and offering a tax credit, more Americans will turn out to mark their ballots. These ideas contribute to America's freedom of speech -- allowing Americans the chance to speak up for the candidates in which they believe. Online voting is a forward-thinking idea and is necessary in order to keep peace with America's technological development. Online voting allows the disabled, the elderly, and those who travel, the chance to vote. A national voting day could allow businesses and schools to shut down so that every eligible voter would have the opportunity to make to the polls. Offering a tax credit is another benefit that would increase the desire to vote. These proposals allow those who were previously unlikely to cast a ballot the ability to represent their freedom of speech. Brittany Turner Grade 12, Andover High School Bloomfield Hills Instant runoff voting Americans don't vote because it is effectually useless. To encourage voting, the government must give every American one comprehensive and worthwhile ballot to cast each year. This can be achieved through elimination of dated plurality voting and institution of instant runoff voting. Due to the possibility of minority rule, plurality voting conflicts with popular sovereignty, leaving the American public feeling disenfranchised and hopeless. Instant runoff voting is a tested method for ensuring undeniable majority rule in any single-seat election by a system of ranking in order of preference. If there is no clear majority amongst the first-ranked candidates, the last place candidate is removed, and ballots are counted for the next choice. The process continues until a clear victor arises. It may sound complicated, but with modern technology, the process takes place quickly and effectively. In small elections throughout the country, this system has increased voter turnout. It makes sense, people vote when they feel empowered. Pop culture initiatives, celebrity endorsements, and expensive campaigns have all failed to increase voter turnout. Instant run-off voting will restore a sense of worthiness and effectiveness in the American people. Lauren Fink Grade 12 Andover High School Bloomfield Hills Make registration easier The primary factor that turns citizens away from voting is the burden of registration. In the 1998 Minnesota gubernatorial election, a "same-day" registration policy was introduced, which allowed previously unregistered residents to quickly register and vote on the same day. Many of these voters were young people, who, without the reformed policy, would never have made it to the booths that day. Most of the votes cast for the winner of that election came from these last-minute voters. The costs associated with voter registration -- time, knowledge and effort -- all keep more than 40% of American citizens from voting. Although state legislators are ultimately in control of registration regulations, a national effort must be made to encourage people to vote. Emily Albertson Grade 11, Wylie E. Groves Beverly Hills Follow Australia's lead The best way to encourage more people to vote is to make the registration process easier. Next to many countries, America's voter turnout is extremely low. This is partly because America does not allow same-day registration or other techniques to raise the total number of eligible voters. In Australia, voters are registered automatically and are required to vote by law. Consequently, the voter turnout is considerably higher. It actually leads the world in percentage of votes cast per population. From the 1950s to the 1980s, 92% of the Australian citizens voted, compared to 57% of American citizens. If America were to adopt a system similar to Australia, voter turnout would increase significantly. Bobby Urso Grade 11 Birmingham Groves High School Beverly Hills Try weekend voting Although the right to vote in the United States has been extended to more groups, it is unsettling that fewer eligible voters are taking advantage of this authority. U.S. citizens should benefit from their right to liberty and take part in our government. Everyone has the liberty to vote for who they believe will do the best job in office. Americans would be more inclined to vote if it were convenient. Voting during the week is difficult for the average American. Businesspeople cannot just leave work at their own ease. If voting took place on Saturday or Sunday, when the majority of citizens don't have work, people would make it to the voting booths. With increasing technology, there is no reason why computers and the Internet cannot be a viable way of casting a ballot Allie Singer Grade 11 Andover High School Bloomfield Hills Extend the voting period We can increase the percentage of voters from 60% to at least 80-85% if we change how the activities take place during the voting period. The voting period would be extended for about three or four days, with one of those days being Sunday. Another way to increase the voting percentage would be to make voting available online. The voter would have a password that only he or she knows, so that no one could get any personal information. Another change would be to give citizens an increased tax refund. Many more people would go to the polls to vote or would vote online if these changes took place. Kristin Kostevich Grade 10 Woodhaven High School Brownstown Internet is the key As the American people become more technologically advanced, there is a growing need to create voting online. Getting 60% of Americans to vote is a hard task and is very disturbing and disappointing, but if voting were available on the Internet, this might become a higher percentage. Many young Americans voters don't vote because either they don't want to, they don't know how, or voting would be more appealing to them if it could be done through the Internet. Online voting would also make voting easier for elderly citizens, and it would be simpler for absentee voters to use. Lauren McCauslin Grade 10 Lahser High School Bloomfield Hills Rights taken for granted Chester Bowles once said, "Government is too big and too important to be left to the politicians," but today we can barely get 50% of the voting-age population to vote. People don't realize the impact their votes can have. This country fought hard for the rights people have today -- the rights that many people now take for granted. One of those rights is voting. When people don't take advantage of their right to vote, they are giving up their voice. In the 2000 election, less than 55% of the voting population voted. In order for this democracy to be effective, people have to realize their vote makes a difference. The government should also encourage more people to vote by making it more convenient. One way to do this is to make it possible for people to vote online. Many more people would vote if they could vote from their own home. Voting hours could be changed and expanded as well. Voting should be available all day for multiple days, so that people with all different schedules will be able to vote. More voting locations should be available, so that people wouldn't have to go out of their way. Allison Lieblein Grade 9 Adams High School Rochester Start an ad campaign I believe there are many ways to encourage more people to vote. In the United States, many people have busy schedules and cannot find the time to vote. If we gave each area a longer period of time for voting -- about 4-5 days -- maybe more people could find the time to vote. We also need to advertise voting by putting up posters, billboards, articles in the newspaper, etc. Advertising is a great way to remind people why voting is so important. We could also allow people to vote through e-mail, helping those who have trouble getting to a voting precinct. Voting also shows patriotism to the country. Patriotism demonstrates devotion and loyalty to the country, and therefore people should take the time to vote. Jenny Tolep Grade 9 Rochester Adams High School Rochester Hills Vote from home Everyone has the right to vote, but not everybody exercises that right. No matter what the circumstances, everyone should vote. To encourage more people to vote, we should develop a new system of voting where people can vote from their homes. By developing a system of voting in which people use computers, a mailing system or some other method, a lot more people would be able to vote. If people have better opportunities to vote, they will. Alex Moody Grade 9 Lahser High School Bloomfield Hills Reward voters with gift cards The government can encourage more people to vote by rewarding voters with a $5 gift card. This gift card would have no connection to any corporation. You could spend it anywhere you heart desires, because everyone has the right to the pursuit of happiness. This program would raise voting's popularity and promote all types of nonvoters to become regular voters. The gift card would encourage every American to spend the 10 minutes it takes to come and vote. Adam Llorens Grade 8 Brownell Middle School Grosse Pointe Farms Give teens a say Only 60% of voters in the United States turned out in elections. Some may think that sounds good, but there are still a lot of people out there who haven't voted. We need to encourage people to vote more. If you live here, you should have a say in who you want to represent you. We seriously need to get more people to vote. A lot of teens want to vote. We should lower the voting age for teens who are really into politics, who care and would vote. Teens want to have a say in what's going on in our country. If they want a say, why not let them have one? It would be a good way to get our youth involved. Online voting would make the act of voting more convenient, especially for those who have busy schedules. Advertising poll hours and locations would help, too. People need to vote. Too many Americans take for granted what they have. Carolyn Duff Grade 8 Trinity Lutheran School Clinton Township Show people how to cast ballots It is our privilege and right to vote as American citizens. Saying this, I think some people feel inadequate in using our system of the ballots. To help them learn how to fill out a ballot, people could send sample ballots in the mail with instructions that will help them learn step-by-step how to fill out a ballot. People could also set up a PowerPoint presentation that explains how to fill out a ballot and show it right before voters go into the voting booths. Ciera Strudwick Grade 7 Waverly Middle School Lansing The principle of freedom There is nothing that can be done to increase the percentage of voters, because one of our democratic principles is liberty, which allows freedom. If voters don't want to try to make a difference, they are not required to. Sooner or later, they will learn the consequences of not voting. The only way to make people vote is by making it a law. It seems people don't care about who leads the country. Domenick Borden Grade 7 George Washington Carver Academy Highland Park Exercise patriotism I strongly believe people in the United States should vote. If only 60% of Americans are voting, that is not enough. U.S. citizens are not exercising all our rights while some countries would love to vote but can't. We are not taking advantage of our ability to elect who we want. I'm sure there are hundreds of people who complain about the person elected, but they didn't make a difference by voting. Not only do I believe this, but a core democratic value supports my opinion: patriotism. If you don't vote, you are not being true to your country, and that is not being patriotic. We should put up more signs around town with messages to vote. Americans need to exercise their patriotism and take advantage of the opportunity they have to vote for the people they want to be governed by. Sandy Mouch Grade 6 Larson Middle School Troy Fines and advertising There are different ways that we can encourage more people to vote. One way is to impose a fine on people who don't vote. As a country, we should teach more about voting, and how important voting is. We need to tell people it's their government. Advertisements can encourage citizens to vote. Some reasons people don't vote is that individuals don't have the confidence that their votes are being counted accurately. Kevin Villanasseril Grade 6 Larson Middle School Troy Break out the bands If 60% of the voters turn out for an election, we consider that good. If a student received a 60% score, we consider it failing. It seems that we are really failing where the voters turn out. We need more people to vote. We should create all kinds of fanfare at election time. People should be reminded of why the need to vote. Creating fanfare at election time would remind people that it's voting time. We should break out the bands and get the musicians to play. The creation of excitement at voting time would make people stop and think and, hopefully, even vote. People need to be reminded about why they should vote. We live in a free country and have choices. The media should have a big campaign to remind people just how great this is. Daniel Sakalian Grade 7 Marist Academy Pontiac ___________________________ http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...EWS01/603150425 Detroit DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS: New security efforts begin Cops get training; volunteers are few March 15, 2006 BY CHASTITY PRATT FREE PRESS EDUCATION WRITER Detroit Public Schools Police Cpl. David Wallace helps train some of the district's new police officers at Crockett High School on Monday. The recruits are laid off Detroit police officers. (RASHAUN RUCKER/Detroit Free Press) A new security initiative for Detroit Public Schools showed signs of sagging this week. No volunteers showed up during the rainy Monday morning shift at Osborn High School on the city's east side. A few volunteers had helped patrol the school in recent weeks, but their absence Monday was more proof that the 2,000-plus volunteer security corps the district has tried to build with help from the Council of Baptist Pastors of Detroit and Vicinity has been slow in the making. Since last month, when the council announced that its 250 member churches would help recruit volunteers to patrol the schools, less than 100 people have come forward to be trained at the school district's Office of Public Safety. The call to action was a response to a rise in crime such as armed robberies and shootings on or near school grounds. At Osborn on Monday, throngs of students clumped together under umbrellas as they waited in the rain for their turn to go through the metal detectors. Girls entered through a door on the east side of the building and turned over their purses, bags and belt buckles for a weapon search. Boys entered through metal detectors on the school's north side. Senior India Smith, 17, said she would feel safer if more security guards patrolled the schools. "They need more security, armed -- with Tasers, too," she said. Detroit Public Schools already has about 40 armed police officers and more than 300 security officers. And more cops are on the way. Training started Monday for the 50 laid-off Detroit Police Department officers who were hired last week to be school police. Cpl. David Wallace, a trainer for the Detroit Public Schools Office of Public Safety, described this scene for the new recruits during training: Three of a high school's six officers are working metal detectors, one is sick and one is on vacation, leaving one to patrol the school. Kids who got into a fight at a party over the weekend meet up at school. A 10-student fight ensues. "What do you do?" he asked the new cops. "Am I making this up?" he asked of the 23 security officers who were at the training session for a refresher. "No!" came the response. Deputy Chief Albert Hartsfield said the training was meant to give the new officers specific examples of school policing. They also need an understanding of where a school-related violation ends and an arrest-worthy offense starts, he said. Recruit Samellia Howell, 23, was not surprised to learn from a security officer that the same gangs who were at Henry Ford High School when she graduated in 2000 are still causing havoc. She was laid off after 2 1/2 years with the Detroit Police Department. "Hopefully we can make a difference," she said. The new recruits are set to work through June. Contact CHASTITY PRATT at 313-223-4537 or pratt@freepress.com. ______________________________ http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...EWS03/603150376 Oakland County In Southfield, an interim schools leader is named Board's next task is national search March 15, 2006 BY GINA DAMRON FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER Wanda Cook- Robinson The Southfield Board of Education appointed district employee Wanda Cook-Robinson as interim superintendent of schools Tuesday. Cook-Robinson, who had been the associate superintendent for instruction, will temporarily take the place of former Superintendent Beverley Geltner, who resigned in February and left the district on Friday, board Trustee Darryle Buchanan said Tuesday. "My vision at this time at Southfield Public Schools -- we're in a renaissance," Cook-Robinson said a few hours into her new job. "I want to be the person that helps keep that going and to keep us on the right track. ... My biggest challenge is just getting my arms around everything." Cook-Robinson said she had not yet discussed with the board how much she would be paid. Her salary as associate is $135,000. Geltner, who had been with the district for two years with a salary of $165,000, said earlier this month that she submitted her resignation Feb. 14 because of ongoing conflicts with some members of the board. She had committed to staying until June 30, but last week Geltner and the board decided it would be better for her to leave so the district could start planning for next year, said board President Janie Fulton. Geltner will be paid through June 30. Meanwhile, Geltner is a finalist in the superintendent search of Saline Public Schools. Buchanan said it was necessary to move on because the district has the task of doing a national search for a superintendent. "We need to get the word out there so that any interested parties can get their stuff together," he said. "We don't want to wait too long on this." He said the board is looking to use either the Michigan Association of School Boards and the Michigan Leadership Institute for the search, which Buchanan said could cost between $10,000 and $50,000. Cook-Robinson -- who came to the district in 2004 after working for the Oakland County Intermediate School District for 18 years in various positions, including assistant superintendent for student performance -- could apply for the position, Buchanan said. But it's important to do a national search to get the community involved in the decision, he said, so "the community doesn't feel like they're left out." Fulton said that every interview done with superintendent candidates will be open to the public, and community input is desired. "We don't want the community to feel we are not hearing or listening to them," she said. Cook-Robinson was chosen to be interim superintendent after the board asked Deputy Superintendent Ken Siver if he was interested in the job. He said he was happy in his position and recommended Cook-Robinson, Fulton said. "This lady, she knows curriculum back and forth," Fulton said. "I'm looking forward to things moving in a positive direction." Contact GINA DAMRON at 248-351-3293 or gdamron@freepress.com. |
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| NFarquharson | Mar 15 2006, 07:00 AM Post #3 |
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From the Livonia Observer: http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...003/1027/NEWS10 60 homes to be built in Newburgh-Joy area BY DAN WEST STAFF WRITER Two developers plan to build at least 60 new homes on adjacent parcels of property that were once designated to be a city park. The first developer had his project approved Wednesday by the Livonia City Council. Livonia-based builder Leo Soave plans to construct 31 homes on 7.8 acres just north of the Livonia Career Center. Soave bought school district and private property to make room for the project. Soave said he plans to start construction in about two months. Despite a sluggish housing market in metro Detroit, Soave said he feels there's still demand for these new homes in Livonia. "As long as you build a quality product and price it right, we believe there will be people who want to buy it," Soave said. The proposed Churchill Manor Site Condominiums, across the street from the high school, will feature detached ranches of at least 1,450 square feet and colonials of at least 1,750 square feet. Each home will have an attached two-car garage and pricing will start at $270,000. The homes, Soave said, will look similar to his Livonia Manor project that's under construction in the Seven Mile-Merriman area. Just north of the Soave site, Southfield-based developer Steve Schaefer plans to construct some 30 similar homes on 7.5 acres, but the city council is holding off on voting on Schaefer's project until he can finalize his property purchases. If approved, both projects will bring more than 60 new homes that would fill in open spaces between Newburgh Road and the neighborhoods to the west, just behind the Career Center. City officials said they are working with the developers to make sure new streets connect and the developments are compatible. Years ago, the land was designated to be developed as a park since it was nestled between vacant city property and soccer and baseball fields owned by Livonia Public Schools. City Planner Mark Taormina said the city couldn't afford to buy the private land needed to turn the area into a large park. While most of the property will be developed, soccer fields near the career center and some open space north of the proposed homes, owned by the city, will be left alone. "The city's parks and recreation commission still wants to preserve that land," Taormina said. "The commission is working on plans to turn it into some sort of park." diwest@hometownlife.com | (734) 953-2109 Originally published March 13, 2006 |
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| NFarquharson | Mar 15 2006, 07:02 AM Post #4 |
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From the Westland Observer: http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...4/60314002/1041 Wayne-Westland offers schools of choice By Sue Mason Staff Writer The Wayne-Westland Community Schools has decided to open the doors to its elementary schools to students living outside the district. The school board Monday evening voted unanimously to accept an administration recommendation to accept enrollment in the district’s kindergarten-fifth-grade program beginning with the 2006-2007 school year. According to Superintendent Greg Baracy, the district hopes to raise much needed revenue as well as stabilize its student enrollment with schools of choice and the recently approved all-day kindergarten program. The district losing about 200 students per year. The enrollment losses have primarily come at the elementary level. The middle school and high schools have full enrollment and are not included in the nonresident schools of choice. “There will be room for a limited number of students,” Baracy told the school board. “It will be based on the grade level number of seats not filled.” For years, Wayne-Westland has offered an internal schools of choice program for its kindergarten-eighth-grade enrollment, and it won’t be until after the elementary program’s April intra-schools of choice deadline that school officials will have an idea of the number of empty seats in the its elementary schools. “Once we accept these out-of-district students, they will be ours until they graduate,” Baracy told the board. “This program will require an annual resolution and whether or not we decide to continue doing it, these students will be ours.” Wayne-Westland joins the Van Buren, Inkster and Garden City school districts which already have nonresident schools of choice programs in place. smason@hometownlife.com | (734) 953-2112 Originally published March 14, 2006 |
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11:44 AM Jul 13