| Newspapers; 3/19/06 | |
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| NFarquharson | Mar 19 2006, 08:17 AM Post #1 |
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From the Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...69/1026/SCHOOLS Sunday, March 19, 2006 Threats rattle Rochester parents Oakland sheriff probes vows of 'Columbine,' gun violence sprayed on walls of school; dance canceled. Lisa M. Collins / The Detroit News Rochester High School parents spent the weekend on edge after a threat was lodged to stage "Columbine Part Two" at the school on Monday and another threat was spray painted on a school door just before the Sadie Hawkins dance Saturday night. "I have a knot in my stomach. You just don't know, until they get home safe," said Sue Thomasson, a PTA member whose daughter is a junior at Rochester High, on Saturday afternoon. "My phone has been ringing off the hook. It has all the parents and many of the kids pretty shaken up, not knowing if it's a real threat or not." The first threat was made in graffiti on a bathroom wall and discovered on Wednesday. The threat read: "On Monday March 20 I'll bring a gun to school. It will be Columbine Part Two. This is your only warning." The school sent a letter home Friday informing parents. On Saturday, the dance was set to take place until school staff found a second threat at 7:30 p.m., said Michelle Shepherd, president of the Rochester School Board. At that point the school canceled the dance. "The feel is that this is a copycat threat, but that doesn't diminish the concern we have for our students," Shepherd said. Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard said that in the second threat, someone claimed to have a gun that would be used at the dance. "We're treating it very seriously. I've had people assigned to it all weekend," the sheriff said. "Monday we will take on a significant effort to make sure not only that people are safe, but that parents, teachers and students feel safe. I want to make sure they feel comfortable, and we will be doing a number of things to ensure the safety of the school." Parents said on Saturday afternoon that they trusted the district and the sheriff to handle security. "I'm not planning on keeping my daughter home on Monday because I've been assured there will be proper security in place," Thomasson said. "I trust the people giving me this information. I trust their judgment." Many parents may scramble tonight to make the final decision about sending their child to school Monday. "We're thinking of keeping them home, but we're not sure," said Rob McConnell, who said he was planning to talk to other parents on Saturday afternoon. "Our feeling is there are huge odds in favor of it being a prank, but you never know." The school told parents it plans a partial lockdown Monday. Once school starts, only the front entrance will be open. Sheriff's deputies will patrol and monitor the school and the entrances, said Debbi Hartman, spokeswoman for Rochester Community Schools. All precautions will be taken, she said. "We just can't take any chances," said district board member Darlene Janulis. "What was written on the wall was very real. We don't take this lightly, and we don't want the students to, either." School threats aren't uncommon. Although they are usually hoaxes, since the 1999 Columbine massacre at a Colorado high school such issues are taken very seriously. Last week, a 16-year-old Warren high school student was arrested and charged with felony terrorism after a threat of violence was made at Center Line High. ________________________________________ http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a.../603190325/1026 Sunday, March 19, 2006 Laura Pedrick / New York Times Amanda Hecker, a New Jersey senior, learned last week she was one of 4,000 students who was told that her College Board scores were wrong. Education SAT takers, stung by grading errors, advised to pay for review 4,000 students recieved incorrect scores in round of testing last October Anne Marie Chaker And John Hechinger / Wall Street Journal Ensuring accuracy Some scoring services from the College Board: Student Answer Service ($10): Tells whether questions were answered correctly but doesn't provide the questions Question and Answer Service ($24): Provides a copy of the test, your answers and the correct answers Score Verification ($50-$100): Hand scores the test In the wake of grading errors that wrongly lowered the SAT scores of thousands of students, a number of guidance counselors and college test-prep services say they are urging test takers to pay extra for backup scoring services to verify results. These services, which can range from $10 to $100 on top of the $41.50 fee for the test, are available only through the College Board itself. They include sending students copies of their answer sheets that they can check themselves, or hand scoring the test, which is usually graded by machine. Some services may not be available to all students, depending on what month they take the test. And recent test takers probably won't be able to use them to affect the current college application season, which is in full swing. But as reports of mistakes continue, counselors and students say their confidence in the scoring process is eroding. "This is like Election 2000 in Florida," said Bari Meltzer Norman, associate director of college counseling at Ben Lipson Hillel Community High School in North Miami Beach, Fla., who says she will suggest the hand-scoring service to all future test takers. The issue arose earlier this month, with news that 4,000 students who took the SAT last October had incorrectly received lower scores because of a technological glitch. Pearson Educational Measurement, the company that scans the SAT for the College Board, blamed "abnormally high moisture" in the answer sheets for making it difficult for scanners to read completed tests. Most of the errors were small, but some were large application decisions, chances of acceptance, or eligibility for scholarships or participation in athletics. The College Board says 95 percent of affected students had scores lowered 10 to 90 points. Sixteen students had their scores understated by 200 or more points. _______________________________________ http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a.../1008/OPINION01 Sunday, March 19, 2006 Nolan Finley Bold moves needed to change state's low-skill culture It's the culture, stupid. Or rather, it's the culture in Michigan that keeps us stupid. New research from the University of Michigan confirms that we still shrug off college as the path to success, despite solid evidence that college graduates make more money and are less likely to lose their jobs. The paper from U-M's Rebecca M. Blank and James M. Sallee was presented last week at the "Where Do We Go From Here?" conference sponsored by Phil Power's new Center for Michigan think tank. They concluded that the state's schools perform about as well as the rest of the nation. Teachers are better paid and better trained here. Students generally exceed national performance averages. And the state graduates a slightly higher percentage of students from high school. Michigan shuns college But then things break down. Only 51 percent of Michigan high school graduates go on to college or some other training, compared with 57 percent for the nation. Michigan is eighth in high school graduation rates, but 40th in college attendance. That's just plain stupid, especially given that the report also details the economic advantages of a college education. A college grad is half as likely to be unemployed in Michigan. Weekly paychecks for those holding college degrees grew to an average $1,054 from an inflation-adjusted $795 during the past 25 years. The real earning power of high school grads hasn't climbed a dollar. Adding to Michigan's challenge in creating a highly skilled work force is that its brightest young people don't see much of a future here. More leave the state to go to college than come here from out of state. And once they graduate, nearly twice as many college grads hit the road than come here from other states. If you buy the popular wisdom that knowledge jobs follow the brainpower, the U-M report is bad news for our future. And it demands a dramatic response. Bold move is needed The tougher, new high school curriculum moving through the Legislature should help focus Michigan parents and students on the importance of education. But it should be twinned with making college more accessible to more students. I'm intrigued by an idea offered at the conference by Paul Dimond of the Miller, Canfield law firm, who advocates killing the Single Business Tax, replacing it with a sales tax on services and investing all the new money in higher education. That would be a major play. It would require a different mind-set from Michigan residents and policymakers. And it would demand that the state focus nearly all of its resources on education, while letting a lot of other important things go. But unless we want to just sit around gazing wistfully at silent smokestacks, we have to be willing to make bold moves to jolt this state's culture into the 21st century. Nolan Finley is The News' editorial page editor. Contact him at nfinley@detnews.com or (313) 222-2064. Watch Nolan Finley on "Am I Right?" at 8:30 p.m. Fridays on Detroit Public TV, Channel 56. |
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| NFarquharson | Mar 19 2006, 08:36 AM Post #2 |
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From the Livonia Observer: http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/.../603190458/1027 LPS seeks to trim costs BY STEPHANIE ANGELYN CASOLA STAFF WRITER Public school funding can now be compared to a game of hide and seek. "People are working hard to find where to turn, where to look, under what rock," said Lisa Levesque. As director of finance for Livonia Public Schools, she faces financial challenges similar to other area districts. Many are seeking additional funding. With K-12 enrollment dropping, stagnant state funding and rising fixed costs the district has instituted cost-saving strategies to keep its budget in balance. "I think everyone is trying to be creative and cooperative," she said. "Districts are working together." Districts like LPS are also waiting to hear whether Gov. Jennifer Granholm's recommendation to boost per pupil funding by a total of $200 next year will become a reality. "Certainly that increase of about $3 million would offset our increases in our expenses," Levesque said. But increases in contractual obligations -- like teachers' salaries -- as well as health care and retirement costs would still outweigh those additional funds. "This is a difficult time in the state of Michigan," said Levesque. "There aren't easy answers." Livonia Public Schools brings in 90 percent of its revenue from the state's foundation allowance. In turn, 90 percent of its expenses are consumed by salaries and benefits -- making it difficult to cut costs without losing teachers. Levesque said over the past five years the district has managed to cut expenses by $19 million. "Every year we look at revenue enhancement and cost containment," Levesque said. "Livonia is very proactive. We try to stay ahead of the curve." The district keeps a laundry list of ways it saves money and brings in additional revenue. From leasing out its non-K-12 buildings to forging cooperative efforts with other districts to provide food service and busing, to its printing department services, the district has found ways to reduce rising costs. Savings started with obvious cutbacks, like increased energy efficiency and recycling programs. The district found ways to save money by being a self-insured entity. Livonia Public Schools provides Young Fives and Shared Time classes, which bring in both revenue and students. "We try to be good stewards of the district," said Levesque. The much-publicized Legacy Initiative is also meant as a way to cut costs in the district. By closing some schools and reconfiguring grades at the elementary buildings next year, the district will save between $1.5 million and $2 million. Levesque said that savings will be realized beyond the one-time costs associated with the plan, such as purchasing 20 additional buses and renovating some schools and playgrounds. Livonia Public Schools currently has about $9 million in that savings account. After covering its projected deficit this year, the district will be left with about $7.5 million. Levesque said the district tends to spend $1 million to $2 million from fund equity each year, just to keep its budget "as balanced as we can." She said fund equity is necessary not just to handle a deficit, but also to cover the cash flow issues the district faces because it receives state funding from October to July. A bulk of the district's expenses arise at the end of August. Rather than borrow money to cover the gap in funding and expenses, fund equity allows the district to distribute money more efficiently. "Any district could be in that situation," Levesque said. In addition, Livonia Public Schools has experienced a drop in student enrollment -- particularly the number of students in kindergarten through sixth grade. Since 2000, the district has lost 946 elementary students. While populations in the non-K-12 programs have doubled, the enrollment connected to the state's foundation allowance has dropped each year since 1998. "It's very difficult," said Levesque. "We want to provide the same level of programs and services. That's our top priority. That's what we think about when we sit down to budget. (Budgeting) has become a year-round job." scasola@hometownlife.com | (734) 953-2054 Originally published March 19, 2006 ____________________________________________ http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/.../603190457/1027 Chamber, educators square off over K-16 funding BY TONY BRUSCATO STAFF WRITER Michigan lawmakers and school administrators are anxiously waiting to see if a coalition seeking guaranteed state funding increases for schools will have enough petition signatures to force the issue onto the November general election ballot. The K-16 Coalition for Michigan's Future turned in nearly 300,000 signatures last month, and if the Secretary of State's office finds at least 254,000 of them valid, the battle between state lawmakers and the Coalition will have just begun. The K-16 proposal, which is backed by the Michigan Education Association and most of the school establishment, calls for annual state funding increases equal to the rate of inflation for public schools, as well as public universities. With school districts facing annual increases in expenses greater than the increases in state foundation grants, more and more are using reserves in fund balances to balance their budgets, with many projecting negative fund balances this year or next. CONCERNS RAISED Those against the measure, led by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, believe mandatory funding for education will just mean fewer dollars for other state-supported services. "One of the promises made to us when Proposal A was passed (in 1994) is that there would be stable revenue for schools over time," said Tom White, executive director of Michigan School Business Officials, and the chairman of the K-16 Coalition. "But, within five years after passage, the legislature engaged in a series of tax cuts that affected our revenue stream. The bottom line, by the year 2000 there was $500 million less, and by 2002 it was up to $550 million. "That's $3 billion we would have had if they had just left the system alone," added White. "If they would have left Proposal A intact, we wouldn't be here today. In part, this is generated by that frustration." The Michigan Chamber of Commerce, which represents business, local governments and taxpayers, believes education has been treated very well the past few years, and the K-16 measure would be financially disastrous. "This proposal really has serious consequences for funding other critical services, like police, fire and health care," said Tricia Kinley, director of tax policy and economic development for the chamber. "We estimate it will cost state government $1.1 billion a year more, ultimately resulting in tax increases. It's bad policy to let any one interest group circumvent the legislative process and have their funding put on auto pilot." As chairman of higher education appropriations, state Rep. John Stewart, R-Plymouth Township, said the K-16 proposal is nothing more than a bargaining chip. "It's for bargaining purposes, a posturing tool," said Stewart. "I truly believe it's to protect the current level of pension and health care for teachers, who are 80-90 percent of all budgets." School administrators liken the foundation grant increases to a family checkbook. If expenses are higher than income, something has to give. SCHOOL PERSPECTIVE "For the past 11 years in Plymouth-Canton, the average foundation allowance increase averages 2.29 percent, including this year's $175 increase, while the CPI (Consumer Price Index) is at 2.51," said Patricia Brand, assistant superintendent for business services. "What that tells you, in a snapshot, is our expenses have increased in excess of the revenue we receive from foundation allowance increases." Every district in the state, from the wealthiest to the poorest, has had to make changes. Birmingham has cut 23 jobs and turned down the heat in its buildings. Plymouth-Canton is looking at an $8 million budget deficit. Farmington Public Schools expects to trim $7 million from its bottom line. Troy recently announced 54 layoffs, and expects to make more in the future. "The state said, 'Let us worry about the funding.' But, we have not seen full funding. If it wasn't flat, we would not see deficits," said Michael Adamczyk, assistant superintendent for business services for the Troy district. If the coalition gets enough signatures, the issue could be put on the November ballot to ultimately be determined by voters. However, once the signatures are certified, lawmakers have 40 session days to act on the proposal before it's placed as a ballot issue. White expects to burn plenty of midnight oil before legislators let voters decide. Polls have shown the public is in favor of the coalition proposal. However, like the minimum wage issue, legislators will most likely want to develop a law that is more palatable to them, rather than having one mandated by voters. 'GREAT DEAL OF UNEASE' "There's a great deal of unease with the proposal on both sides of the aisle," said White. "It's going to take cool heads and thoughtful people to get it done. If not, I'm confident we can make our case to the people of Michigan and we'll win our case at the ballot box." A compromise measure, or one determined by voters, may be the only way school districts receive more state foundation grant money. Lawmakers, with their inaction, have made it clear they won't touch it. State School Superintendent Mike Flanagan, who is appointed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm, gives no indication the financial problems will improve in the near future. "We're not going to have more money for awhile, that's just the way it is," said Flanagan. "But, we still have the number five finance system in the country, we spend $1 billion a grade. We need to get over the denial that it's all about more money, and think about how you're going to deal with the money you have." And, if they don't like the answers coming out of Lansing now, schools shouldn't look to Granholm's likely Republican opponent in November, Richard DeVos, for increased funding. "We're 48th in the country in the amount of money that gets stuck in administration versus going into classroom delivery," said DeVos, a proponent of charter schools. "A lot of them (public schools) have apparently made the decision to go into deficit spending ... but have they really done what they need to do to adjust their expenses to suit the reality?" tbruscato@hometownlife.com | (734) 459-2700 Originally published March 19, 2006 ___________________________________________ http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/.../603190465/1027 Proposal A's impact goes beyond school funding UNDERSTANDING PROPOSAL A BY ALEX LUNDBERG STAFF WRITER Proposal A, the law that fundamentally changed how the state funds public schools, was created to keep people from being taxed out of their homes. But more than 10 years after its approval, real estate professionals are complaining the law is convincing people it's better to stay put than buy a new home. Julie Herman, a Realtor with Max Broock in Birmingham, said the tax shifts resulting from the passage of Proposal A have definitely hurt the industry. "It's put an enormous onus on the purchaser of any property," she said. "People are refraining from purchasing homes as little as six blocks away from their current homes." The problem is in the taxable value of the home. Proposal A caps the taxable value of a property at the time of the purchase. This is a boon to homeowners because property taxes can't rise precipitously. It's a millstone for purchasers, though. "Let's say a home hasn't sold since 1994 and the taxable value is $200,000," Herman said. "If someone buys it, the next year the taxable value becomes $400,000. That's huge, the taxes doubled." Kelly Sweeny, president of Weir, Manuel, Snyder and Reinke in Birmingham, said Proposal A has had unintended consequences that make taxation unfair. "Property taxes are supposed to be equitable," he said. "If you buy a $1 million house you should pay more than someone who owns a $500,000 house. In reality, you can have two people in identical houses, next door to each other, who are paying considerably different amounts in taxes. That's clearly not fair." The other consequence of Proposal A is the creation of a disincentive to buy a home and he said that is a drag on more than just the new home market. When someone buys a house a positive ripple effect goes through the economy. People buy appliances, furniture, carpets and other goods to go with their new houses. When there's a disincentive to buy that new house, there's a resultant effect on every business connected to the home. Herman said she doesn't think the legislature considered the effect Proposal A would have on the real estate market, especially on properties that haven't sold in a long time. The effect is particularly pronounced in Birmingham. "The hit is all over the state but I've got customers who won't buy in Birmingham because of the rise in assessed values there," Herman said. "The millage rate here is higher than in Bloomfield Hills and Bloomfield Township. Property values here went up 5 percent in 2005 where the state was only up 3.3 percent." She said the legislature will have to do something about taxable value. But there's no going back. "No way are they going to reverse the system and go back to the old way," Sweeny said. "I don't know the solution, school funding is a complicated issue, but the current situation is bad for the state's economy." Before Proposal A, property tax was based on the State Equalized Value -- 50 percent of the property's fair market value. As a result, the taxes on a house went up every time the value of the property rose. After Proposal A, property taxes were based on the Taxable Value of a property. The Taxable Value was set at the level of the SEV at the time of purchase and can only rise with the Consumer Price Index or 5 percent, whichever is lower. Under the plan, the Taxable Value is only adjusted when the property sells. A new owner pays tax based on the new Taxable Value, based on the SEV at the time of purchase, and the process starts again. Originally published March 19, 2006 _____________________________________________ http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...470/1027/NEWS10 New 'specials' anticipated Livonia Public School administrators are in the process of choosing which of the following special classes will be available in upper elementary next year: Studio Art: Students will create and explore art through painting, drawing, papier mache and clay sculpting. This is a continuation of the current art program. Students will learn to show perspective and to think critically about advertisements. Computer Graphics: Offered in 2003-2004, this course allows students to use computers as a tool in creating art. They will be exposed to computer programs to draw, paint, create slideshows and multi-media presentations. Information Technology: This class will be project-based, allowing students to develop keyboarding skills and learning to produce multimedia presentations based on work they may complete in their core classes. Students will use computers, digital camera, video cameras and scanners. Vocal General Music: Students in this class will learn to sing, read music, perform in an ensemble. They will give formal and informal concerts and create music with instruments like xylophone, bells, tambourines and maracas. The course offers preparation for performing in choirs, musicals and plays. Exploratory World Language: This course allows students an introduction to Spanish, French, Japanese and German languages and cultures. Students will spend a 10-week period learning basic aspects of each language. In addition, students will be required to take a full year of Health and Physical Education for both grades, and will have the option of choosing Instrumental Music. By Stephanie A. Casola Originally published March 19, 2006 _____________________________________ http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...469/1027/NEWS10 LPS team weighs grades 5-6 'specials' BY STEPHANIE ANGELYN CASOLA STAFF WRITER Community members and educators took a first look this week at the options for specials classes that may be offered at next year's upper elementary buildings in Livonia Public Schools. Only two classes are set for the coming year. All upper elementary students will take a year-long health and physical education course. And all upper elementary students will have the option to choose to take Instrumental Music. Under the district's new Legacy Initiative, three buildings will be designated for grades 5-6. Those schools are Riley, Cooper and Johnson. The District Transition Team presented a list of options first to parents, then to teachers, and finally to building principals. "I'm really excited about the possibilities available through these special class offerings," said Sheila Alles, director of academic services. Donna McDowell, administrative representative for the DTT, said all of the feedback provided by those participating focus groups will be compiled and used to create the scheduling options for the coming school year. The decision is expected to be announced by administrators on April 12. "The specials classes offered will be expanded and will be enhanced," said Alles. In Health and Physical Education, students will be exposed to individualized instruction meant to build muscle strength and endurance, aerobic endurance and flexibility. "With childhood obesity and Type II Diabetes on the rise, we will continue to teach the importance of physical activity," said Michelle Guerriero, currently a health and physical education teacher at Coolidge. The course will also teach students of the importance of a balanced diet, and the dangers of tobacco, alcohol and drugs. Students have the option of taking Instrumental Music at the upper elementary level. Those who choose the course in fifth grade will be provided a free instrument, including flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet and trombone. Those who choose to take the class in sixth grade will need to buy or rent an instrument. Melodie Provencher, a music teacher at Randolph Elementary, said students will learn to play a wind or band instrument, to care for that instrument, read music and will perform in formal and informal concerts. "Students will experience personal growth and achievement as they learn to work toward a common goal of performance," Provencher said. In addition to those specials, other possibilities for next year include: Studio Art, Computer Graphics, Information Technology, Vocal General Music, and Exploratory World Language. The details of what a day at the upper elementary schools will look like are still being finalized, McDowell said. It will be comparable to the current elementary school day, with students attending specials classes once or twice a week. How many specials classes students will take is currently undetermined. "We will be looking at the total day," said Alles. "If we don't have a second recess, we have more (time for) specials." Students now take one class a week in physical education, art, music and Library Media Center time. Rather than have set LMC time next year, each upper elementary building will be staffed with a full-time media specialist. Alles said the new specials will allow students to "extend their learning, expand their skills and increase their talents." She said that the courses offered in fifth grade do not have to mirror those offered in sixth grade. Teachers who attended a presentation Wednesday shared concerns that art classes might not be offered at the upper elementary schools, leaving a gap in the curriculum. Others suggested that teachers should be represented when the decisions are made regarding which specials will be offered. Carolyn Norris-Deyell, president of the Livonia Education Association, voiced concerns Wednesday. "What I'm hearing is we could lose our teachers and hire foreign language teachers," she said. "The idea is not to lose staff." McDowell noted that the DTT is only compiling information at this time. For more information, call the board office at (734) 744-2500. scasola@hometownlife.com (734) 953-2054 Originally published March 19, 2006 _____________________________________ http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...464/1027/NEWS10 Foundation produces record for grant revenue BY DAN WEST STAFF WRITER Eight nonprofit Livonia causes will share $21,400 in Livonia Community Foundation grants -- a record-high for the 11-year-old charitable organization. "Our endowment fund has been growing, but we are getting much better results on our earnings because we've been branching out our investments," said Bob Bennett, the foundation's president. "Our earnings have been spectacular the last two years which helped us pay out more in grants." The foundation has collected donations since September 1995 to build an endowed fund that grew to nearly $660,000 in 2005. The principal is not touched, but it is used to collect investment revenue for grants the foundation distributes each year to Livonia's cultural, historical, educational and charitable needs. The 14-member board authorized grants this year for: The historic trust for development at Greenmead Historical Village will receive $4,000, Livonia First Step, a charity for abused children and spouses, will collect $3,500, Livonia Symphony Orchestra will receive $4,500 for operations, Community Opportunity Center, which provides housing for the impaired, will get $3,000, The Livonia YMCA will collect $1,100 for its Send-A-Kid-To-Camp program, Friends of the Wilson Barn will receive $400 for operations, The Livonia Arts Commission will take in $400 for its effort to place art in public places. Livonia Public Schools will receive $4,500 for eight performances of an anti-smoking show by the Michigan Opera Theater at elementary schools. This grant comes from closely controlled tobacco litigation funds distributed by the foundation instead of the endowed fund. "We've been able to fund that program for three years," said Bennett, the former Livonia mayor. "With this year's performances, each elementary school will have seen this show at least once." The foundation board, Bennett said, is also considering a request to contribute another $500 toward the restoration of a historic Livonia fire truck, but a decision will be finalized later. The foundation received $33,000 in donations last year to add to the endowed fund, but board members have a goal of endowing $3 million. There are excellent tax incentives for those who donate to a foundation, Bennett said. Those interested in making a donation should call Bennett at (734) 425-4855. dwest@hometownlife.com | (734) 953-2109 Originally published March 19, 2006 __________________________________________ http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...471/1199/NEWS10 LETTERS Sunshine lost out Within five minutes of each other at a recent school board meeting, Mr. Lessard expressed regret that dialogue had become personal and Mrs. Morgan mentioned Kirstin Galka, personally, in respect to the similarity of present Open Meetings issues to earlier Open Meetings litigation and the money involved. In an article printed in the Observer at the earlier time Mr. Whitehead, mentioning the money spent, essentially asked what the kids would think while, personally, denigrating Mrs. Galka. Never mind that, if the spirit of the law rather than the letter of the law had been consulted for guidance, Mrs. Galka would have prevailed. The underlying principles of the Open Meetings Act suggest sunshine in the behavior of public officials at all times. A tight, textual reading of the law may not. The kids might have understood that. They might also have understood what responsible citizenship means. Mrs. Galka stood alone among her colleagues and exercised the courage of her convictions through a lawsuit intended to shed light on public proceedings. For that, she deserves applause, not scorn. The issue at the core of that lawsuit, aborting a search for a new superintendent, is still clouded in mystery. Mr. Naser's claim that a continued search "may" or "may not" have borne fruit just doesn't make sense. What is crystal clear, however, is that some board members, privately and deliberately, wanted to avoid interviewing candidates. In the process, they disallowed the ability to publicly showcase the qualifications of two of three Livonia Public Schools employees who had expressed interest in the position. Al Churchill Livonia Article biased against site I am so tired about hearing these arguments about MySpace.com. I have been on there for almost three years, and I use it to network for my stand-up comedy Web site. There were so many things in both of your articles that I thought were wrong for being biased against the site, and leaning toward your view on that. Do we not research anymore? Something so simple as a free Web site and basically one side was heard, and some high school kid who isn't even old enough to see all the movies at AMC 20. Originally, the MySpace agreement said that one has to be 18 to be on the site.... so why were parents letting 12-17 year olds on it thus ruining it for everyone on there? You see, the problem isn't MySpace, it isn't child predators, or people who post blogs or pics about killing people. This is NOT what's bothering parents out there. IGNORANCE scares parents. The fact is that parents don't know what's going on in their kids lives. Maybe they should take an interest, but hey, what do I know, I came from a home that taught me that meeting strange people online was a BAD thing ... and they never had to specifically tell me that. Parents should be ashamed for raising children with such low self-esteem they need to SEARCH THE INTERNET for someone who listens, understands, tells them how smart and important and insightful they are -- when everyone else in their life isn't. Stop being a friend to your child and BE THEIR PARENT! Digressing, but so you don't think I forgot: The guys hunting for children on there are an entirely different argument, and the ones they catch should be punished severely. Nothing is more disgusting than a man so pathetic he needs to take advantage of a young child. Nothing. These guys are very rarely cured, just as you can't "cure" someone of being straight or gay; and without MySpace THEY ARE STILL A PROBLEM. What came first? The Internet or child molestation? On top of all this, MySpace is a form of free speech and we should be proud of this right. I tried to make this sound as pleasant as possible, but this infuriates me to no end. Laura Lou Livonia LPS missed golden opportunity LPS had a golden opportunity to put their changes on the ballot in November 2005 and now May 2006 for the parents and taxpayers to vote on changes as big as these, which will affect every parent and Livonia Public School child and community. But NO. They completely overlooked the survey on which 65 percent said no to the K-4 plan and now leave me to sign recall petitions and elect people to the LPS board who will listen and work with us. Amelia Dudek Livonia Elitist attitudes show Today as I ran errands, I noticed a group of parents at Washington School asking for signatures for the petition to recall the Livonia school board. Last weekend they were at Franklin High School. I find it interesting that they actually crossed the "natural border created by the industrial section" as put by a man a few months ago. Most of this upset is caused by prejudice and elitist attitudes. Somehow the southern end of Livonia is not as good as north of 96. I live "down here" and even lived in Westland. From what I've heard, our crime rate is lower than north of 96 and Middlebelt. These parents want our signatures but do not want their darlings going to school with us. Jennifer Ketchum Livonia Originally published March 19, 2006 |
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| NFarquharson | Mar 19 2006, 08:45 AM Post #3 |
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From the Westland Observer: http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/.../603190581/1041 Wayne-Westland softens its fall with cuts BY SUE MASON STAFF WRITER A lot can happen in three years. Just ask Gary Martin, the finance man for the Wayne-Westland Community Schools. When school started in August 2002, the district had a very healthy $23 million in reserves. But by the time school started in August 2005, reserves were at $13 million and dropping. And Martin estimates that the $23 million the district had worked so hard to accumulate will be gone by the end of the 2007-08 school year, most likely replaced by red ink. "We've tried to soften the fall with $15 million in cost containment, but it's a struggle," said Martin, the district's deputy superintendent of administrative and business services. "The increases we get each year are barely enough to cover, if we can, health care and retirement." "The problems we have now are due to the Legislature not funding education to cover inflation and the escalating or runaway costs of health care and retirement," Supt. Greg Baracy said. "Any increase we receive in the foundation allowance doesn't cover those two things, so we continue to use up our saving in order to make ends meet." Three years of frozen state school aid payments and prorations caught up with the district in 2003-04, the first time expenditures exceeded revenue, by some $2 million. The gap widened to $4 million in 20024-05 and again in 2005-06. BUDGET TIGHTENING The district tapped into the reserves, but also began cutting expenses. The $15 million in cost containment has included leaving vacated positions unfilled, reducing the supplies budget and cutting overtime costs significantly. "Before the budget cuts, our employees in skilled trades worked a lot of overtime in keeping up with requested building repairs," Baracy said. "Now we're delaying general maintenance to the extent that we'll take care of that later." Where the district would replace five to seven schools buses a year, it now is replacing one. It's delayed the purchase of new textbooks and lengthened the time frame for computer replacement to six to eight years. Wayne-Westland has joined in energy cooperatives to save money on gas and electric purchases but, like everyone else, it is dealing with an estimated 40 percent, or $350,000-$400,00, increase this winter. "We're trying to be fiscally responsible by looking at every avenue for savings," Baracy said. The district also is looking to rein in its health care costs. There are those employees who have a different insurance than new hires and "certain folks are at different levels of salary and benefits." It's a sign of things to come, according to Baracy, who believes the district can still provide good fringe benefits at a lower cost than what it currently has. "Our employees deserve reasonable benefits and hopefully with cooperation we'll find that middle ground," he said. STATE ACTION NEEDED Avoiding a deficit won't be easy for the district, which this year is spending $116.95 million. It can happen if the state does one of two things, according to Baracy: help contain health care and retirement costs or find another equitable avenue to fund education across the state. Baracy doesn't think anything will be done about Proposal A. The help most likely will be health care and retirement reform. "They've been talking about reform for 10 years," he said. "When they shifted the retirement costs to us 10 years ago, they knew it was underfunded. In 1994, we paid 5 percent of all salaries for retirement. It's 16.5 percent today and will be close to 18 percent of total payroll and our payroll is about $86 million." The district also is looking at increasing revenue. It's offering an all-day kindergarten as a pilot program at four elementaries this fall and last week the school board approved an intra-county schools of choice program for its K-5 program. Martin estimates the district has lost up to 1,000 students to charter schools and schools of choice programs in other school districts. Attracting roughly 100 new students a year would offset the 200-250 students the district loses and help stabilize enrollment. "It's hard to get hard numbers, but we have students going into parochial and charter schools," Baracy said. "Compared to other large districts, our losses are not too bad, but we believe those students should be in our schools, where we offer a rigorous educational program." "Our facilities are second to none, top-notch, and so is our teaching staff," Martin added. Short term, the Wayne-Westland district will continue to hold down expenses and eat up its reserves to maintain its educational program. And neither Baracy nor Martin see help coming from the state. "As far as in the future, I don't see any short-term resolutions coming from Lansing," Baracy said. "But the Legislature may just have to bite the bullet and raise taxes." smason@hometownlife.com | (734) 953-2112 Originally published March 19, 2006 ____________________________________________ http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/.../603190580/1041 Chamber, educators square off over K-16 fund proposal BY TONY BRUSCATO STAFF WRITER Michigan lawmakers and school administrators are anxiously waiting to see if a coalition seeking guaranteed state funding increases for schools will have enough petition signatures to force the issue onto the November general election ballot. The K-16 Coalition for Michigan's Future turned in nearly 300,000 signatures last month, and if the Secretary of State's office finds at least 254,000 of them valid, the battle between state lawmakers and the Coalition will have just begun. The K-16 proposal, which is backed by the Michigan Education Association and most of the school establishment, calls for annual state funding increases equal to the rate of inflation for public schools, as well as public universities. With school districts facing annual increases in expenses greater than the increases in state foundation grants, more and more are using reserves in fund balances to balance their budgets, with many projecting negative fund balances this year or next. CONCERNS RAISED Those against the measure, led by the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, believe mandatory funding for education will just mean fewer dollars for other state-supported services. "One of the promises made to us when Proposal A was passed (in 1994) is that there would be stable revenue for schools over time," said Tom White, executive director of Michigan School Business Officials, and the chairman of the K-16 Coalition. "But, within five years after passage, the legislature engaged in a series of tax cuts that affected our revenue stream. The bottom line, by the year 2000 there was $500 million less, and by 2002 it was up to $550 million. "That's $3 billion we would have had if they had just left the system alone," added White. "If they would have left Proposal A intact, we wouldn't be here today. In part, this is generated by that frustration." The Michigan Chamber of Commerce, which represents business, local governments and taxpayers, believes education has been treated very well the past few years, and the K-16 measure would be financially disastrous. "This proposal really has serious consequences for funding other critical services, like police, fire and health care," said Tricia Kinley, director of tax policy and economic development for the chamber. "We estimate it will cost state government $1.1 billion a year more, ultimately resulting in tax increases. It's bad policy to let any one interest group circumvent the legislative process and have their funding put on auto pilot." As chairman of higher education appropriations, state Rep. John Stewart, R-Plymouth Township, said the K-16 proposal is nothing more than a bargaining chip. "It's for bargaining purposes, a posturing tool," said Stewart. "I truly believe it's to protect the current level of pension and health care for teachers, who are 80-90 percent of all budgets." School administrators liken the foundation grant increases to a family checkbook. If expenses are higher than income, something has to give. SCHOOL PERSPECTIVE "For the past 11 years in Plymouth-Canton, the average foundation allowance increase averages 2.29 percent, including this year's $175 increase, while the CPI (Consumer Price Index) is at 2.51," said Patricia Brand, assistant superintendent for business services. "What that tells you, in a snapshot, is our expenses have increased in excess of the revenue we receive from foundation allowance increases." Every district in the state, from the wealthiest to the poorest, has had to make changes. Birmingham has cut 23 jobs and turned down the heat in its buildings. Plymouth-Canton is looking at an $8 million budget deficit. Farmington Public Schools expects to trim $7 million from its bottom line. Troy recently announced 54 layoffs, and expects to make more in the future. "The state said, 'Let us worry about the funding.' But, we have not seen full funding. If it wasn't flat, we would not see deficits," said Michael Adamczyk, assistant superintendent for business services for the Troy district. If the coalition gets enough signatures, the issue could be put on the November ballot to ultimately be determined by voters. However, once the signatures are certified, lawmakers have 40 session days to act on the proposal before it's placed as a ballot issue. White expects to burn plenty of midnight oil before legislators let voters decide. Polls have shown the public is in favor of the coalition proposal. However, like the minimum wage issue, legislators will most likely want to develop a law that is more palatable to them, rather than having one mandated by voters. "There's a great deal of unease with the proposal on both sides of the aisle," said White. "It's going to take cool heads and thoughtful people to get it done. If not, I'm confident we can make our case to the people of Michigan and we'll win our case at the ballot box." A compromise measure, or one determined by voters, may be the only way school districts receive more state foundation grant money. Lawmakers, with their inaction, have made it clear they won't touch it. State School Superintendent Mike Flanagan, who is appointed by Gov. Jennifer Granholm, gives no indication the financial problems will improve in the near future. "We're not going to have more money for awhile, that's just the way it is," said Flanagan. "But, we still have the number five finance system in the country, we spend $1 billion a grade. We need to get over the denial that it's all about more money, and think about how you're going to deal with the money you have." Public school districts across Michigan are facing an unprecedented financial crisis. Programs have been slashed, staffs reduced and school buildings shuttered. Today the Observer & Eccentric reports on how this growing threat to public education is affecting our local districts. tbruscato@hometownlife.com | (734) 459-2700 Originally published March 19, 2006 ________________________________________________ http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...477/1117/NEWS24 Small changes yield big results when working with your kids Parenting is a breeze -- once you've set your kids up with healthy sleeping habits, homework habits, and chores so they can contribute and develop abilities. Then, of course they need to learn social skills such as table manners, and how to greet guests who come to visit. One of the many things on a parent's to-do list includes setting up an environment for children to develop healthy self esteem. Here are a few easy to implement ideas to help you move full-esteem ahead. 1. Place items in your children's bedrooms and around the house that remind them of past successes and current passions. Find a place for items such as trophies, art work, projects, inventions, photos of your children fishing, skiing, singing in the choir, participating in a sports event, or volunteering at a seniors center. When children learn to master skills, they are empowered and their sense of self esteem rises. 2. Show a positive regard for your children. It helps them blossom and feel a stronger sense of belonging. Keep their community connections strong by displaying physical reminders of their bonds to others. Display pictures and talk about their favorite teachers, friends, grandparents, coaches, pets and anyone else who has struck a personal connection with them. Make a habit of setting up visits and telephone time with extended family and close friends. Research from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health provides indisputable evidence that creating a feeling of connectedness at home and at school is valuable and should be as important a national priority as high test scores for children to succeed. What kind of connection do you most often make with your kids? Pay attention to what your body language is saying. What expression shows up on your face when your children walk in the room? Do your eyes light up or do you furrow your brow while barraging them with a list of everything they need to do? Your opinion of your kids matters more to them than they let on. Don't just tell them that you love them, show it with hugs, smiles or by letting them overhear you saying positive things about them to others. 3. Encourage your kids to create a vision board. You can use anything from a posterboard to a large push pin cork board. Kids can cut out pictures from magazines of what they envision for themselves and want to bring into their lives. What are their wants, desires, and dreams? Do they want to be a famous explorer? They can paste a picture of themselves on the cover of a National Geographic magazine. Seeing it is the first step to being it. Give your children the freedom to have their vision boards reflect their own wants and desires, not yours. Vision boards have a way of attracting you into the future you wish to create for yourself. 4. Express gratitude on a daily basis. Gratitude is a shortcut to happiness. When I ask parents what they want for their children, their top answer is almost always : I want my kids to be happy. Regardless of what is going on in life, when you get in touch with what you are grateful for, happiness emerges. Start modeling the gratitude attitude with your children. After a long hard day, it's easy to spout out all the woes and problems you experienced. Make sure to share your gratitude too, even if it's only something small. Sometimes small things create incredible happiness. After a week long cold, I felt immense gratitude for being able to swallow without pain, and breath through my nostrils again. There are so many wonderful things we experience each day that we take for granted. Give your kids a gratitude journal. End the evening with each person making an entry in their journals or a combined family journal. Start dinner each night with a prayer of gratitude or end the meal by going around the table, asking each member to express their gratitude for one person, place or thing in their lives. Adding small changes, like these, can have a big impact on the mood and atmosphere in your home, and in the way your children see themselves in the world. You don't have to implement every idea. Just try the ones that call out to you. Before you know it, you'll see, hear and feel the difference and so will your kids. Marilyn Suttle helps people create happier, more productive relationships at home and at work with esteem building skills and strategies. Visit her Web site at: WWW.SuttleOnline.NET. Originally published March 19, 2006 |
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| NFarquharson | Mar 19 2006, 08:49 AM Post #4 |
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From the Redford Observer: http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/.../603190496/1033 Stemming red ink is focus at Redford Union BY MATT JACHMAN STAFF WRITER There isn't a more timely topic in the Redford Union School District than school funding. District officials are wrestling with a cumulative budget deficit estimated at more than $3.7 million, and the RU Board of Education on Monday approved a reorganization plan that will close three buildings and, along with about 40 job cuts, save an estimated $1.6 million next year. Deficits and budget cuts have been on the school board's agenda for years. The district's last downsizing was in 2001. "I've been saying this for six years. It's a ticking time bomb," said Jim Taylor, the board's vice president, of the state of school funding in Michigan. RU's foundation grant, which provides a majority of its funding, is $6,890 per student. That was up -- by $175 per student -- this year for the first time since the 2002-03 school year. And the grant was essentially reduced for the 2002-03 and 2003-04 school years, as RU was hit with mid-year cuts in both years. District accountant John Tsvetanoff, RU's acting business manager, listed three main reasons for RU's ongoing budget struggles: Declining enrollment, double-digit increases in health-care costs, and increasing retirement costs. Enrollment is the biggest factor, Tsvetanoff said. For the current school year, he said, RU had 184 fewer students than last year. That translated into lost state funding. "That kicked almost $1.3 million in revenue from us," Tsvetanoff said. "You can't cut costs quickly enough when that happens." At the beginning of the school year, the RU deficit was over $2.4 million, but, with the enrollment losses, that mushroomed to more than $3.7 million. The reorganization adopted Monday will be in place for the 2006-07 school year. District officials said they didn't want to make mid-year cuts that would affect education programs. Gov. Jennifer Granholm's state budget proposal would hike school foundation grants by $200 per student. But a planned increase in what the district will pay into the state's education retirement system would offset some of that increase. Taylor is advocating a long-term fix. The school funding issue is getting more attention because wealthier, more prominent districts are feeling the economic pressures RU has dealt with for years, he said. Ideas that should be explored, Taylor said, include: Having school employees contribute more toward the cost of providing health care. "We have to look to the state MEA (Michigan Education Association, the teachers union) to step up to the plate," he said. "Everybody is hurting in this economic environment, and that's something that has to be looked at with a serious eye." Having a statewide health insurance system for schools, in an effort to bring down costs. A school funding formula that doesn't punish districts with continuing enrollment declines, but that recognizes those districts need time to absorb reductions. Grant funding or other resources that could help financially troubled districts work through money problems. That idea was discussed by state Rep. Andy Dillon, D-Redford, at a recent RU school board meeting. Taylor said the state Legislature needs to step up, and that a public conversation about school funding is due. "They need to get serious about it, dead serious," in Lansing, he said. "The future of the state, I think, hangs in the balance." Originally published March 19, 2006 _____________________________________ http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...509/1033/NEWS16 Pierce staff, students focus on improvement BY STEPHANIE ANGELYN CASOLA STAFF WRITER At Pierce Middle School, student success hinges on effort and accountability in an environment where staff members are constantly focused on improvement. That was the message Monday night when Pierce staff, students and parents presented their annual update to board trustees. "We're so very proud of the improvement we've had over the last three years," said Michael White, principal. "We understand our shortfalls and we have improvement strategies in place." White said Pierce students are responsible students, when it comes to both academics and socio-emotional issues. He took the time to honor Pierce's all-A students, more than 100 children in grades 6-8. "We provide an environment for all students to learn," said White. "This enables them to get to high school and work very hard there as well." To create that environment, Pierce has established learning communities. They include teams of teachers in core classes, who set strategic goals for learning in language arts, social studies, science and math. Each team includes a school representative from the North Central Accreditation process, as well as a special education teacher and an elective teacher. This structure assures students are exposed to interdisciplinary studies, such as learning math strategies in wood shop class. In addition, the school has formed teams for electives teachers, for special education teachers and one based on student responsibility. That team monitors the different methods the school has to ensure to students complete assignments and come to class on time. Pierce students are subject to Homework Sweeps, which means if they fail to complete an assignment they must go down to a specific room and do that assignment before returning to classes. Likewise, students who are late to class are asked to stay in the hallway. Those with more than one tardy are placed in lunch detention. Pierce's school improvement process is driven by a team of staff members, including Sarah Jane Gach, the school's North Central Accreditation chairperson and a social studies teacher. Gach said school improvement team members coordinate teacher training days, survey staff needs, handle teacher evaluation procedures and monitor quarterly learning assessments from each department. Likewise, the school has department heads who ensure class curriculum covers the necessary state standards and benchmarks. Harold Weinenger, a social studies teacher, said department heads make sure students are learning the material they need to know before they are scheduled to take Michigan Educational Assessment Program tests. "We have a very dedicated staff here," said White. "They make it easy for me to be a building principal." Students at Pierce keep data folders in their classes to stay organized and involved in learning. The folders track a student's progress and offer another form of communication with their teachers. Gach said it's interesting to read the students' insights in their folders. They express what they are having difficulty learning and what might be helpful for them in the future. "We have strong vision and we want our students to be the very best they can be," said White. scasola@hometownlife.com | (734) 953-2054 Originally published March 19, 2006 __________________________________________ http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...501/1033/NEWS16 S. Redford shares formula for financial stability BY STEPHANIE ANGELYN CASOLA STAFF WRITER South Redford Schools attributes its current financial state to conservative decision-making and planning ahead. Business Manager Teresa Davis said the school district is in many ways better off than other area districts. "Back in 2000, we started reducing our expenses and putting a little money in our fund equity," she said. "We didn't know how hard it would hit us, or exactly when." But she knew South Redford would be prepared when school funding froze. "We don't have any leverage to raise any more funds," said Davis. "We're stuck with what the state allocates." About 91 percent of the district's revenue comes from its state foundation allowance and local sources. But up to 87 percent of the district's expenses are tied to staff salaries and benefits -- making it difficult to cut costs without also cutting teachers. In 2001, the state froze allocations from its School Aid Fund. For the next three years South Redford received the same amount of funding, all while expenses continued to rise. "Of course we had to do something," said Davis. "We made major changes." Those changes started as far from the classroom as possible. The district cut back on purchasing supplies, initiated energy-saving strategies, and altered bus service routes. Two years ago, South Redford instituted pay-to-participate to help support the cost of athletics and activities. "We didn't purchase buses," Davis said. "We skipped a year. We try to replace three to four buses every year." Thanks to a community-supported $32.6 million bond issue, the district will buy those buses after all, as well as repair and renovate buildings across the district. Then, cuts got deeper. Staff positions were no longer filled when someone resigned or retired. Exit incentives were put into place two years ago, and again this year in an effort to prevent layoffs. Even while the district has been forced to make cuts, Davis said, officials are always looking at ways to enhance the current program or add new resources. Each year, district officials have decided to dip into fund equity, a savings account of about $5.8 million. In the past, that money has covered budget deficits and unexpected repair bills. Davis said she isn't holding out much hope that the K-16 Coalition will soon be successful in its attempt to convince the state legislature it is necessary to guarantee funding increases at least equal to the rate of inflation. But South Redford is anticipating an increase in state funding which could total $200 per student next fall. Though Gov. Jennifer Granholm recommended this increase, it is not yet guaranteed. And Davis said the increases in the retirement rate, set union salaries and insurance costs will outweigh these additional funds. She estimated if the district does receive the money, it will still amount to a $40 reduction per student. "We have no recourse," she said. scasola@hometownlife.com (734) 953-2054 Originally published March 19, 2006 |
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| NFarquharson | Mar 19 2006, 08:56 AM Post #5 |
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From the Northville Record: http://www.hometownlife.com/apps/pbcs.dll/...2/60316002/1029 MEAP: School district celebrates high marks By Victoria Mitchell RECORD STAFF WRITER Scott Snyder pored over student test scores, carefully entering data into his laptop. The Silver Springs Elementary School principal downloaded the raw Michigan Educational Assessment Program exam result data in January, transferring scores to excel worksheets and color coding for teacher manipulation. So when MEAP test results were officially released last week, Snyder was already ahead of the game. And according to state results, so are Northville students. Data released through the State of Michigan indicates Northville MEAP scores toppled the state average. “We’re very pleased by the performance of our own students and the fact that once again we’ve continued to be in the upper 80s to 90s in every category,” said Casey Reason, Northville Public Schools Assistant Superintendent for Instructional Services. “We’re pleased by the efforts of our kids, families and teachers to make that happen.” By the numbers With district-wide average test scores hovering near or in the 90 percent range, Northville students are demonstrating sound curriculum knowledge, officials said. According to state reports, nearly 90 percent of Northville seventh-grade students met or exceeded standards compared to the state average of 59.6 percent. And slightly more than 93 percent of Northville seventh-grade students met or exceeded reading standards compared to the 76 percent state average, data shows. State of Michigan Public Information Officer Martin Ackley said state scores, on the whole, are also up. Ackley said Michigan data shows students are beginning to reach the higher kindergarten-eighth grades standards approved by the state board of education in 2004. “This is very promising,” said Gov. Jennifer Granholm, in a prepared statement. “These are the fundamental skills our students need to succeed in high school, post-secondary and the global economy. It is exciting to see so many of our students meeting our high standards at these early grades.” Practical application Snyder said he plans on using school improvement days to analyze Silver Spring’s test results. He hopes teachers will discuss scores and formulate plans of action “to determine if this is a grade-level problem or building problem.” Reason said results are used practically by the district. “We like to use it as another data point,” Reason said. “We don’t rely on it as our only data point, but we use it as another data point to evaluate our curriculum.” Use of MEAP data also includes a letter to Northville parents. Reason said the district will send letters to the parents of students taking the MEAP with children’s scores and descriptions of their performances. Testing shifts Ackley said 2005 is the first year students in grades 3-8 were assessed in math and English Language Arts to comply with federal mandates, doubling the number of Michigan students tested to nearly one million. High School students also sit for the exam. Prior to the 2005 test, students were assessed in different subjects in different grades. Another MEAP change includes when students take the exam. Students now sit for the MEAP in fall, compared to their usual spring exam schedule. Northville school officials said the switch took a considerable amount of planning, coinciding learning with material and timing of the MEAP. Administrators were concerned with losing months of preparation time and testing students coming off of summer vacation. “I can’t imagine the fall would have been an advantage to us at all,” Reason said. “I’d say I’m please it didn’t appear to have a negative effect that we were concerned about.” State officials said the timing and content exam changes rule out prior year across-the-board comparisons. MEAP test results are broken down into four performance levels: apprentice, basic, meets expectations and exceeds expectations. The exam is one component used for the Michigan Report Cards and when assessing if schools meet criteria set in the No Child Left Behind federal legislation. Victoria Mitchell can be reached at (248) 349-1700, ext. 122 or vemitchell@gannett.com. Complete results For complete Northville Public Schools Michigan Educational Assessment Program exam results, visits www.michigan.gov/mde. Originally published March 19, 2006 |
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| ktmom | Mar 19 2006, 12:02 PM Post #6 |
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Did anyone see todays Observor where is listed the school districts and their financial positions. I keep hearing people say we are operating at a surplus but the paper states we are operating at a 1.9M shortfall. |
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| NFarquharson | Mar 19 2006, 12:31 PM Post #7 |
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Where is that information? I cannot find it on line. Can you tell me the section and page in the paper? |
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| ktmom | Mar 19 2006, 01:21 PM Post #8 |
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Front section page 3. |
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| NFarquharson | Mar 19 2006, 04:47 PM Post #9 |
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I do not have the actual newpaper..it never made it to my house today. I cannot find any other article on their web site besides what I posted. That being said, I think I know the difference: The district has been operating at a deficit for many years. In other words, the revenues are less than the expenses. This is the reason why the fund equity, often called the rainy day fund, has been slowly depleted. I guess it would be like having a savings account that you slowly deplete over time because you are spending more than you bring home in your paycheck. You keep withdrawing money to pay for your bills and other expenses because you are living beyond your means. This has gone on for a decade and the savings have been depleted down to less than one month's living expenses. Not wise if you want to keep the savings account for the future. In a nutshell, both statements are true. LPS has an operating shortfall AND 7-8 million in the fund. There is not doubt that a change in spending habits is needed and has been needed for a decade. |
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