| Newspapers; 3/24/06 | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Mar 24 2006, 06:47 AM (237 Views) | |
| NFarquharson | Mar 24 2006, 06:47 AM Post #1 |
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From the Detroit News: http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a.../603240340/1026 Friday, March 24, 2006 Teachers need note for sick pay 1,700 in Detroit who called in sick, closing 53 schools, must document absence. Christine MacDonald / The Detroit News DETROIT -- The approximately 1,700 city teachers who stayed away from class in an apparent sick-out Wednesday must show administrators a doctor's note by today to get paid for the day off, district officials said. The mass absence of nearly a quarter of the district's instructors -- apparently over principal pay increases -- shut down 53 of the district's 235 schools, affecting close to 36,000 students. "They will need appropriate documentation for the time they were away," said district spokeswoman Mattie Majors. Detroit Federation of Teachers officials, who did not sanction or acknowledge Wednesday's action as a protest, said they are consulting their attorneys on whether teachers really have to provide doctors' notes. The district says it has the right to request notes on demand. "But we do expect that all of the teachers who were sick yesterday will be paid," DFT President Janna Garrison said in a statement. "The teachers already have been betrayed by the leadership of this district." Teachers are upset that they are "lending" the district five days' pay to ease cash flow at the same time most principals are expected to get raises ranging from 4.7 percent to 10.6 percent. There is concern that teachers will host a similar protest April 4, when the next day's pay from the loan is withheld from their checks. Principals argue their pay increase isn't a raise because they took a 10 percent pay cut in the last school year. On Thursday, staff attendance was typical and no schools closed, Majors said. You can reach Christine MacDonald at (313) 222-2269 or cmacdonald@detnews.com. _________________________________ http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...31/1026/SCHOOLS Friday, March 24, 2006 Capitol Report Lawmakers aim for tougher anti-bullying policies in schools Research says 1 of every 3 students in grades six through 10 have been in a bullying incident. Mark Hornbeck / Detroit News Lansing Bureau Lawmakers vote Here's how Metro Detroit members of the Michigan Senate voted Wednesday on HB5743, a measure to eliminate the single business tax, which produces $1.9 billion in annual tax revenue, effective Dec. 31, 2007. The measure, approved on a 21-17 vote, now returns to the House for consideration of minor changes made by the Senate. Voting "yes" were: Michael Bishop, R-Rochester; Nancy Cassis, R-Novi; Valde Garcia, R-Howell; Bruce Patterson, R-Canton; Alan Sanborn, R- Richmond; and Laura Toy, R- Livonia. Voting "no" were: Raymond Basham, D-Taylor; Irma Clark-Coleman, D-Detroit; Hansen Clarke, D-Detroit; Gilda Jacobs, D-Huntington Woods; Shirley Johnson, R-Troy; Burton Leland, D-Detroit; Dennis Olshove, D-Warren; Martha Scott, D-Highland Park; Michael Switalski, D- Roseville; and Buzz Thomas, D- Detroit. LANSING -- Gov. Jennifer Granholm and a group of lawmakers want to make Michigan a state that is intolerant of bullying and hazing in schools. Eight bills sponsored by both Democrats and Republicans would require local school districts to set up anti-bullying policies that include teacher training, channels for reporting bullying and hazing incidents, a response plan and penalties for violators. Research in the Journal of the American Medical Association says 1 of every 3 students in grades six through 10 have been in a bullying incident. "Intimidation and fear have no place in our schools," Granholm said. "We have to stand up and say we want a culture of protection for our kids." Republican leaders said they're reviewing the plan to determine whether a statewide policy is needed. "I don't want to be dismissive of the problem, but we haven't had a lot of hearings on this because local districts can and should be doing this on their own," said Senate Majority Leader Ken Sikkema, R-Wyoming. "The question is, would a state mandate be helpful?" The state has not conducted a survey of school districts to find out how many have anti-bullying plans. But Rep. Glenn Anderson, D-Westland, said his research in 54 districts indicates a wide range of responses from no policy to comprehensive policies. Sen. Buzz Thomas, D-Detroit, who said he was a target of bullying as an overweight teen, said more than half the states have adopted anti-bullying laws since the massacre at Columbine High School in Colorado seven years ago. "It has been very painful seeing Michigan fall behind the other states," he said. Kevin Epling of East Lansing, whose son Matt committed suicide at age 14 after a hazing incident in middle school in 2002, has been traveling the state in support of the legislation. "Perhaps if anti-bullying efforts had started earlier we wouldn't be here today," Epling said at a news conference. "When put in place, this will start changing attitudes and eventually will change the culture in our schools." State Supt. Michael Flanagan said the bullying culture thrives on a "boys will be boys" attitude and a "just suck it up" response from school administrators. Under the legislation, the state education department would develop and distribute a model anti-bullying policy to local schools. Anderson said the plans would cost districts "maybe a few hundred dollars. That's far less than the thousands they might have to otherwise spend on lawsuits." _____________________________________________ http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...0345/1003/METRO Friday, March 24, 2006 Wayne Briefs River Rouge School hall monitor accused of assault River Rouge and Wayne County authorities are preparing to file charges against a 49-year-old school hall monitor who allegedly sexually assaulted a 17-year-old River Rouge High School student. Police say the male suspect, who has not yet been arraigned, was a long-time employee of the district and has been suspended pending the investigation. The female student reported the incident to school authorities last week, saying she had been assaulted on school grounds during school hours, said River Rouge Police Chief Robert Alderman. Livonia Hockey association to hold control of arenas The Cty Council this week renewed a lease with the Livonia Hockey Association to manage the city's two ice rinks for another five years. The current lease is set to expire in July for both the Eddie Edgar and Devon Aire arenas. The council also approved a $300,000 expansion at Devon Aire ice rink, to be paid for by the league, said Councilman Joe Taylor. Detroit Senate pushes to deny raise for water boss The Michigan Senate on Thursday passed a resolution asking a federal judge to deny Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's request to increase the pay of Detroit Water and Sewerage Director Victor Mercado by $10,000, to $250,000; and to approve $12 million in change orders to water contracts. The Detroit News reported Monday that Kilpatrick sought judicial approval of the requests instead of sending them to the Detroit City Council. The resolution is sponsored by state Sen. Laura Toy, R-Livonia. ____________________________ http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...0324/1003/METRO Friday, March 24, 2006 Oakland Briefs Rochester Hills Third school in district threatened The third threat of violence left at a Rochester Hills school in eight days was found Thursday, this time at Reuther Middle School on East Auburn Street. Oakland County Sheriff's deputies were investigating a threat of violence discovered on a boys bathroom wall. The incident was described as a "very low level" threat and did not disrupt classes at the school. A threat found Saturday at Rochester High remains under investigation and an 18-year-old senior is jailed and awaiting charges in another high school threat made last week. Anyone with information about any of the incidents is asked to call (888) 887-6146. ________________________________ http://www.detroitnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/a...0325/1003/METRO Friday, March 24, 2006 Brandy Baker / The Detroit News "This is very painful," says Lynette Koehler, relaxing at home with her husband Paul and their three children, Olivia, left, Trent and Annika. "They're trying to jam three preschools into two buildings." Olivia and Trent attend Fairview in Farmington, which is set to close in June. District to shut childhood center Fairview is victim of budget crunch Shawn D. Lewis / The Detroit News Olivia, 3, grabs Trent, 5, as she rides on the back of his tricycle. Fairview is the only childhood facility on the district's south side. See full image FARMINGTON HILLS -- Lynette Koehler's 5-year-old son Trent is autistic and has attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. But she said he is doing very well, due to the special needs program at Fairview Early Childhood Center. "He has a lot of cognitive delay and it was evident when you'd ask him a question, like, 'How are you?' and he'd start talking about eight unrelated things at once," said Koehler of Farmington Hills. "Now, he's speaking in complete sentences, and he can recognize colors. He's a very functioning little boy." But the center is shutting its doors for good at the end of the school year, leaving the district with two early childhood centers: Alameda and Farmington Community School. The 282 children who attend Fairview -- not all have special needs -- will be divided up between the two centers and other early childhood programs at four elementary schools: Eagle, Gill, Hillside and Wood Creek. The Farmington Public School District is looking to shave $7 million off its $150 million budget. Closing Fairview is expected to save the district about $335,000. Frustrated parents who count on Fairview have spoken up for it during board meetings, and in one case, started a petition drive to keep the doors open. Fairview is the only early childhood center on the north side of town. The two remaining centers are on the south side. All are tuition-based programs. "This is very painful," said Koehler, who started the petition campaign, but became discouraged and dropped it. "They're trying to jam three preschools into two buildings. I was so emotional when I first heard about this, I was ready to pull my kids out of Farmington Public Schools. I don't feel they were honest or straightforward with the parents." Nancy Ely, director of early childhood and supervisor of special education at Fairview, said the district is working with parents to enroll children in the appropriate elementary school or early childhood centers if possible. A lottery will determine those spots, she said. "We have outstanding, high quality teachers, and special needs programs will be provided at each of the two remaining early childhood centers," she said. Superintendent Susan H. Zurvalec said, "Sometimes out of adversity, such as the budget reductions we are facing, opportunity arises. "I believe that this plan will result in even better program opportunities for our families with the classes being added within four of our elementary schools." But Jennifer Smith, whose two sons attend Fairview, is not impressed with the alternatives. "I was interested in Alameda and I went on a tour there, but it's no Fairview," she said. "We're just so comfortable where we are. It's a real bummer." District officials said cost-cutting measures are needed because of predicted financial shortages of nearly $14 million in fiscal 2007 and $20.5 million in fiscal 2008. Eunice Jeffries understands the district's financial plight, but she is concerned about her 4-year-old daughter having to adjust to a new environment. "I don't understand how a district as large geographically as this is, that we only have two early childhood centers, both located on the south end," said Jeffries, who lives on the north side. "I don't think that was given a lot of consideration." You can reach Shawn D. Lewis at (248) 647-8825 or slewis@detnews.com. |
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| NFarquharson | Mar 24 2006, 07:00 AM Post #2 |
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From the Free Press: http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...EWS06/603240318 Michigan Cox wants law to better protect kids March 24, 2006 BY JACK KRESNAK FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER Attorney General Mike Cox seeks changes that would make exposing kids to domestic violence tantamount to mental or emotional abuse. Michigan Attorney General Mike Cox called Thursday for changes in the state's Child Protection Law that would make exposing children to domestic violence tantamount to mental or emotional child abuse. Cox said he would work with legislators to change laws and policies in the wake of the Ricky Holland murder case. The 7-year-old boy who lived near Williamston was killed by his parents, police say. While there were no reports of domestic violence in the home until January when his parents were arrested, Cox said the case has provoked a new look at how the state can better protect children. "The tragedy of Ricky's death will be compounded if we do not learn from the circumstances that led to his death and institute changes to help protect Michigan's most valuable resource -- our children," he said. Cox also wants police officers responding to domestic violence situations where children are present to report that to Child Protective Services, a division of the state Department of Human Services, even if the children were not the direct victims of the violence. Child abuse investigators would be required to investigate such reports within 24 hours. Liz Boyd, spokeswoman for Gov. Jennifer Granholm, said the administration would be happy to review the proposed legislation, but noted that Granholm, as Michigan's former attorney general, initiated a federal grant for a pilot project to pay for assistant attorneys general to handle domestic violence cases in nine northern Michigan counties. "Recently, the Department of Human Services strengthened its policies to trigger a preliminary investigation on any protective services complaint where domestic violence is in the home, even when the children are not the alleged victims," Boyd said. Kathy Hagenian, executive policy director for the Michigan Coalition Against Domestic and Sexual Violation, cautioned lawmakers about linking domestic violence to the Child Protection Law. "The proposals are well-intentioned and they are a recognition that children are, indeed, affected by domestic violence," Hagenian said. "That being said, we are opposed to that type of response because we believe that will lead to damaging unintended consequences to child victims as well as adult victims of domestic violence." Hagenian said that victims of domestic violence -- often mothers of young children -- are re-victimized when Child Protective Services becomes involved. She said domestic violence victims are often labeled unfit parents because they can't protect themselves or their children from a spouse or live-in partner. Minnesota passed similar changes in child protection laws several years ago, she said, and then rescinded the laws because so many parents who were victims of domestic violence saw their children removed from their care. Cox said national studies frequently find a link between domestic violence and child abuse and that a study by his office of 58 child fatalities in Wayne County over the past eight years found that 34 involved families with a history of domestic violence. Of 1,760 new cases of child abuse or neglect opened in Wayne County between Jan. 1, 2005, and March 16, 469, or 27%, had a history of domestic violence, personal protection orders or anti-stalking orders, he said. "If there are unintended consequences, which I can't see, there are ways to address those," Cox said. Contact JACK KRESNAK at 313-223-4544 or jkresnak@freepress.com. _____________________________ http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...EWS01/603240423 Detroit Sick-day battle brews in Detroit schools District: Teachers may not be paid March 24, 2006 BY CHASTITY PRATT FREE PRESS EDUCATION WRITER The day after one-quarter of Detroit Public Schools teachers called in sick, shutting down 54 schools, the warring teachers union and administrators retreated to their corners to reload. Leaders of the Detroit Federation of Teachers met with their attorney Thursday in response to school officials' threat that the 1,724 teachers who called in sick Wednesday would not be paid unless they have a doctor's excuse. Lekan Oguntoyinbo, spokesman for the district, said the point was to make teachers use their sick days responsibly. "The behavior exhibited by the group of teachers who chose not to show up was injurious to our primary goal to improve and sustain academic achievement," he said. The absences came a week and half before the statewide high school MEAP exams are set to start and the day after teachers received reduced paychecks. The union shot back Thursday. "Teachers have already been betrayed by the leadership of this district, and any further punitive actions will be to the detriment of the district, our students and the entire community," said Michelle Price, a spokeswoman for the teachers union. The contract says doctor's excuses are needed only after a teacher has been out sick for eight consecutive days, union officials said. Teachers and the school district agreed to a one-year contract in August that averted a strike and required teachers to loan the financially struggling district five days of pay to help it save money. Tuesday was the first of five consecutive pay dates when teachers are expected to get smaller checks. The teachers are to be repaid over the next four years. Teachers were upset because while they are loaning the district money, it promised assistant principals and principals in December a pay increase of 4.7% to 10.6%. Those administrators had a 10% pay cut last year and are required to pay more for health benefits. Contact CHASTITY PRATT at 313-223-4537 ________________________________ http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article.../603240388/1005 Oakland County NEWS IN A MINUTE: Oakland County March 24, 2006 Babie Charles BIRMINGHAM: Teacher wants private review in dunking incident An 18-year veteran of the Birmingham School District who instructed several students to dunk another in a pool has requested that the state's review of what disciplinary action should be taken against him, if any, be kept private, an education department spokesman said Thursday. Michael Zangkas taught gym and social studies at Berkshire Middle School in Beverly Hills until he was placed on paid leave following the Dec. 9 incident. On March 10, he was sentenced to 30 hours of community service and one year of probation after pleading guilty in district court to assault and battery and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. The education department's teachers tenure commission has up to nine months to decide Zangkas' fate. By Alex P. Kellogg ROCHESTER SCHOOLS: Violence threatened at Reuther Middle School Another threat of school violence surfaced Thursday in Rochester Hills, this time at Reuther Middle School. It comes on the heels of two threats of violence at Rochester High School last week. The exact wording of the threat at Reuther was not released, but police said the message was written in pencil in a boys restroom. "We consider it a low-level threat," said Capt. Robert Smith, who oversees the Oakland County Sheriff's Office substation in Rochester Hills. A letter to parents posted on the Rochester Community Schools Web site said the note threatened that something violent would take place March 31. There is no school today due to a pre-planned day off. Anyone with information is asked to call the Sheriff's Office tipline at 888-887-6146 anytime. By Cecilia Oleck __________________________________ http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article.../603240394/1005 Oakland County Students take lead for state meeting Southfield-Lathrup wins kudos as host March 24, 2006 BY NAOMI R. PATTON FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER As the Southfield-Lathrup High School Student Congress delegation headed to Traverse City on Thursday afternoon for a state conference, students received high praise for their work as its host. The students are hosting the 15th annual Michigan Association of Student Councils & Michigan Association of Honor Societies State Conference this Saturday through Monday at the Grand Traverse Resort. This is the first time a school with a predominantly African-American student population has taken the leadership role. It's also Southfield-Lathrup's first time as host. Schools apply to host the event, traditionally held in Traverse City. "They've done a phenomenal job," said Kadi Pojeta, MASC/MAHS conference coordinator. "We're very excited about it." She said the Southfield-Lathrup students had support from the school administration. Nearly 1,000 student council and honor society members from across the state are expected at the conference, titled "Leadership: Building a Legacy through Diversity." Students will hear from professional educators, motivational speakers and performers about how to make their organizations stronger. "It's a very big deal," Ken Siver, Southfield Public Schools deputy superintendent, said about Southfield-Lathrup's role as host. Each year the conference's host school is responsible for selecting keynote speakers, scheduling panels and speakers, decorating and creating a community service event. "I think it's a great experience for the kids," Siver said. Two Southfield-Lathrup students -- Tiffany Dobbins, a senior and the Student Congress president, and Courtney Jackson, a junior and an Oakland Activities Association representative -- cochaired the hosting activities. The Southfield-Lathrup Student Congress also has been busy this year with fund-raising for victims of Hurricane Katrina, canned food drives for a local shelter and a semiannual blood drive. Siver said the students also raised money to attend the conference. Contact NAOMI R. PATTON at 248-351 _________________________________ http://www.freep.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article...ION04/603240327 Letters to the editor FROM OUR READERS | DETROIT TEACHERS' SICK-OUT: The students deserve better March 24, 2006 The leaders in Detroit Public Schools are in the classrooms. They are the teachers and the parents of children who sit in those classrooms. That became apparent when Superintendent William Coleman and union President Janna Garrison argued over what they agreed to in a contract negotiated last summer. Teachers trusted an elected union negotiating team to do their bargaining. Parents had no choice but to trust a state-appointed school board and newly appointed CEO to do their bargaining. Everyone knew the district was short in revenue. The teachers agreed to lend the district funds in different ways to allow for a timely opening of schools. Wages remained frozen for a third year in a row. The bottom line was that teachers wanted to get back to those children and move them along in their learning process. I am disappointed with the union. I am disappointed with the school district. Teachers agreed to surrender a day's pay five times to assist the district in keeping the schools open last fall. Here in March, the district has given raises to the administrators and are taking teachers' loaned days to meet expenses. Teachers did report to work even though they felt sick. Teachers did get sick and stayed home. We put our faith that the right thing would be done. We honor our word. We will fulfill our contract. We need to let the community know that with the parents we will lead on despite this fiasco. Ann K. Crowley Grosse Pointe Farms Teachers produce results I am troubled by the action of Detroit schools Superintendent William F. Coleman III. He chose to increase the pay of principals and assistant principals and to decrease the pay of classroom teachers. If the concern is for increasing test scores in the district, teachers do more to produce that result than supervisors. School administrators don't teach children. In some instances, they may be responsible for creating a climate conducive to teaching and learning, but teachers are the ones who produce the outcomes necessary for annual progress. Cleophus Roseboro Detroit Unshared sacrifice I don't blame the Detroit teachers. Did Detroit have a rich uncle who died and left money to the school principals and water board heads? All we have heard is how much in debt we are, how much we citizens and the city workers have to sacrifice. Now, we hear about raises for higher-ups. It's outrageous. Cuts should begin at the very top and then work down to the men and women who save lives, teach, clean our city, transport our people. Until we can say everyone gave up, everyone chipped in, we cannot work together, cannot balance a budget. Barbara Wilson Detroit Books or pocketbooks? Weren't the teachers of Detroit Public Schools threatening a strike if they couldn't get a contract settled for the 2005-06 school year? The average pay for a DPS teacher is $63,000 a year. Also, didn't the custodians and food service workers take a 5% pay cut to keep the DPS schools operating for this school year? Now the teachers union is expected to work this '05-06 school year, and not to strike. So they called in sick, 1,700 of them strong. Do they want to teach or follow their pocketbooks? The city is going broke, and the children they turn out can't read, write or do basic math. Detroit Public Schools has deeper issues on which to work. John Shibbish Chesterfield Unprofessional reaction My heart goes out to the poor teachers of Detroit Public Schools who feel they were lied to by school Superintendent William Coleman. It seems while they were talked into some givebacks, Coleman gave local administrators a pay raise. So what do these "professionals" do? More than 1,700 of them walked out of work, disrupting the educational lives of thousands of Detroit students, causing parents or guardians to leave home or work and scramble for ways to retrieve their kids and provide for their supervision and care. All because a "professional" whose pay averages $63,820 for not even a year's worth of work feels put upon. What fine examples they are to those whose minds they shape. Frank Czapski Detroit |
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| livoniamom | Mar 24 2006, 07:40 AM Post #3 |
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Regarding the Detroit teachers "sick-out" -- I am sure that after this school year ends there will be many former Catholic school teachers who would love to have their jobs at an average salary of $63,000. Two points to remember -- principals were being "paid back" for a previous 10% paycut they took and THEIR union agreed to this. Will be interesting to see if they get paid for purposely skipping work that day. |
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| cmic | Mar 24 2006, 05:35 PM Post #4 |
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Why do you think they would get $63,000! That is crazy. New teachers make between $33K and $40K depending on the district, and not all districts give teachers time served. |
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| NFarquharson | Mar 24 2006, 06:00 PM Post #5 |
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Why would we assume they were only new teachers? Wouldn't there be a mix? |
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| cmic | Mar 24 2006, 06:04 PM Post #6 |
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They were referring to a lot of Catholic teacher's coming in... They would be the ones that were new. Sorry for the confusion. 
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