May

Educating Children is the Number One Priority

Admin — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 13:00:00 -0500

Now that we have all settled back into our district for the last month or so after another incredible MSBO conference, I wanted to again thank everyone for this opportunity to serve as your 74th President for the upcoming year. 2011-12 promises to be a very challenging year for all districts and MSBO.

With the smoke clearing on a budget deal that includes a $470 cut to the foundation grant, districts are faced with the reality that cuts will be deep and reach areas of operation that have probably not been considered before by many of you. It is during these tough times that I would challenge us to remember why all of us are here - to educate all children.

We will certainly feel pressure from all our operations to spare them from inevitable cutbacks. This is an opportunity for all MSBO members to ask FIRST, “what will be the effect of this decision on children?” This should be the response whether your area is finance, facilities, food service, technology, or transportation. The more natural concern and highest pressure will be to consider the effect on employees as the first priority. In order to keep this focus on who we really service, I have chosen to make the MSBO theme for this year, “Be a Champion for All Children.” Throughout the year, I will highlight districts that have made this choice, despite the pressure to focus attention in other areas.

This also promises to be a tough year for our members personally as many of you are at the forefront of these budget decisions. We will be asked to carry out decisions in our departments that will impact our colleagues and their families, but also ourselves and our families. We will again be asked to give a little more and get a little less. Stress will be high and I encourage everyone to reach out to your colleagues and to participate in regional and state activities, if for no other reason then to understand you are not alone.

On an exciting note, MSBO has recognized that in times like these leaders rise to the top. We are in the process of developing a leadership-training program that will help further develop leaders in our association. MSBO, as always, will continue to provide timely information to members and appropriate programming to help us all through these tough times.

So as we head into another year, I’d challenge you to do three things:

“Be a Champion for All Children” when you make decisions.
Connect with your colleagues for a very tough year ahead.
Take this opportunity to become a leader in your district and involve yourself in the discussions and decisions being made.

Leadership, Change, and Crucial Conversations about Schools

Admin — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 12:00:00 -0500

lead·er·ship/ˈlēdərˌSHip/Noun
1. The action of leading a group of people or an organization.
2. The state or position of being a leader

Consider the leadership demonstrated by many people in countless roles over the past year as the world turned…and changed.

Globally, Greece and Ireland were battered by financial crisis. A massive 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami devastated Japan. Civil war broke out in Libya…the U.S. and other countries responded. Security issues in South Asia and the broader Middle East replaced the economy as the chief shared interests of the world’s wealthiest and most powerful allies (Washington Post). Three billion people watched Prince William marry Kate Middleton. The world’s most-wanted terrorist, Osama bin Laden, was killed in Pakistan.

Nationally, Chrysler repaid $5.9 billion in U.S. government loans more than six years ahead of schedule, bringing the total amount of money Chrysler has returned to taxpayers to $10.6 billion. Health insurance companies reported that at least 600,000 more Americans obtained health insurance in the first quarter of 2011 due to National Healthcare Reform (Columbia Business Times). And the country finally experienced job growth.

In Michigan, a self-proclaimed “computer nerd” became governor and promised to stop kicking the can down the road. A major overhaul of the business tax system was accomplished. The legislature passed a 2-year budget - on time and structurally balanced. Emergency Manager legislation passed. HB 4152 has been signed by the governor (PA 54 of 2011) No labor contract? No automatic steps allowed and the cost of benefit increases borne by employees. Governor Snyder penned a special message to the Legislature on Education Reform.

For Michigan’s schools, it has been a year of change and challenges. But in difficult times comes great opportunity. The theme of my presidency and the theme of this year’s conference, Leading at the Crossroad of Change, was inspired by the courage, creativity, commitment and energy demonstrated by the members of MSBO.

MSBO’s annual conference doesn’t happen without the work of many people. Thanks goes to MSBO regional presidents, committee chairs and staff who planned our attendance record-breaking 73rd annual conference. According to survey responses, many members echoed the refrain that the conference met their expectations and they felt they were leaving with information useful in helping them face the many challenges in their district. I also want to thank MSBO’s associate members who exhibit and help sponsor our conference; this support allows us to provide an exceptional learning opportunity at a reasonable price.

The economic, political and demographic changes we’re experiencing in Michigan are driving conversations. Super Session speakers like Michigan’s Budget Director John Nixon and Tim Skubick’s Legislative Panel Discussion gave members a glimpse of the political realities we face in the battle to ensure that public schools survive and thrive. Perhaps, more than anything else, the MSBO conference is about crucial conversations - about economics, legal and best practices in education, as well as a myriad of other topics.

There is no reason for these conversations to end. Michigan’s State Board of Education recently hosted series of regional forums across the state. These forums are designed as listening and discussion sessions on current education conditions, reforms, and the future direction of education in Michigan. According to State Board Vice President Casandra Ulbric, Michigan is at a critical juncture and the State Board feels input from local educators and communities is vital to the educational policy decision-making process. And let’s not forget about the Michigan Education Dashboard, which is designed to provide highlights on Michigan’s education performance and hopefully stimulate conversations in communities.

We are all leaders, we are at a crossroads, and we are here together - whether an urban school district or a rural school district. Our cause is public education – the right of every child in America to a free, quality public education. The point of our struggle can’t be just to survive, but to leave a legacy by building a system that makes such a distinct impact on the lives of the children it touches, doing so with such superior performance, that it would leave a un-fill-able void if it ceased to exist. As we bid farewell to FY 2011 and turn our attention to FY 2012, I challenge you to get involved in the crucial conversations occurring in your community and around the state. Share your leadership talents as together we help shape the future of public education in Michigan!

MSBO Update

Admin — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 11:00:00 -0500

MSBO Executive Director David Martell talks about state school aid, MSBO’s soon to be unveiled Leadership Institute and the upcoming MSBO Golf Outing.

May/June 2011 Column from MSBO on Vimeo.

Meet the 2011-12 MSBO Board of Directors

Admin — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 10:00:00 -0500

The MSBO 2011 Board of Directors election was conducted April 11-20, using the online/email voting system provided by ASBO International. On April 11th when the election was launched, 2,019 eligible voters were sent email invitations to participate in the election. By the close of the election, 723 confirmed votes (35.81% of those eligible) had been cast. Three absentee ballots were cast in this election.

Jeff Crouse, Chief Financial Officer, Charlevoix-Emmet ISD assumed office as the 74th MSBO President at the MSBO Annual Conference. Angie McArthur was elected to the office of President-Elect. Four candidates were nominated to run for three, open 3-year terms to the MSBO Board of Directors. Steve Ezikian, Assistant Superintendent Financial Services of Wayne RESA, Tom Goodwin, Chief Financial Officer of Grand Ledge Public Schools and Mary Reynolds, Executive Director, Business Services of Farmington Public Schools were elected. Mary Beth Rogers, Finance Director of Belding Area Schools rounded out the ballot.

A big thank you to all candidates for their willingness to serve their fellow members and the school children of our state.

MSBO Leadership Institute – Learning to Lead

Admin — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 09:00:00 -0500

Dedication to Leadership and Learning - We believe each of us should be a leader and that effective leadership and management require a defined set of knowledge and skills as well as common sense. – MSBO Core Values

The MSBO Leadership Institute is designed to help members reach that next level in their professional and personal life through a rigorous and challenging curriculum that will help them grow as leaders and implement solutions. The program will focus on the following content areas:

Vision

When you understand and know your style, you can approach your own work in a manner that best suits managing your time, problem solving, and decision making.
Articulating a vision and values for your school – know what direction you are heading and why.
Be a futurist – incorporate current and emerging trends in your vision.

Focus

Establish realistic and clear professional goals that will work in your unique circumstances.
Develop strategic planning processes, tools and techniques that will keep you moving forward personally and professionally.
Lead and empower individuals and teams in your district to sustain focus on evolving challenges.

Action

Use techniques for solving problems and making critical decisions that create a successful work community.
Learn how to focus group discussions and create meaningful dialogue as you advance your district’s mission.
Build a leadership support network face-to-face and on line to help you work more effectively.

The application process for the MSBO Leadership Institute will begin in August, with the first session to be held in October 2011. Look for additional details this summer and start thinking about whether you are interested in participating in this challenging, multiple session commitment to being a more effective leader for your district!

Public Schools Utility Bills Staggering

Admin — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 08:00:00 -0500

Yes, that’s right, $149 million is the estimated amount that Michigan’s K-12 school districts are leaving on the table. I recently heard Emile Lauzzana and Jason Bing from Energy Works Michigan speak about the total utility budget for K-12 schools in Michigan. The numbers are staggering. Michigan’s public schools spent over $750 million (conservatively) in 2010 on utilities. Of that amount, Energy Works Michigan is estimating that $150 million worth of energy costs could be saved.

These estimates are not random, ballpark numbers but based on actual studies of energy consumption in K-12 schools. In fact, “the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that 30% of the energy used in a typical building is either used unnecessarily or inefficiently. Despite tremendous progress, a great deal of work remains to be done to make buildings more energy efficient. Organizations don’t always understand the business value of energy efficiency or commit to capturing energy waste as part of their business strategy. There are essential elements of successful energy management, and most of them are not found in a checklist or a piece of technology. The EPA promotes a strategy that starts with top leadership, engages appropriate employees throughout the organization and outside the organization, uses standardized measurement tools to prioritize efficiency investments and track continuous improvement, and recognizes results.” See Sources.

In 2010, MSBO’s Energy Essentials saved Michigan K-12 school districts over $1,000,000. The return on investment to MSBO members utilizing the Energy Essentials program was well over 10%. Following is cost savings that MSBO members have seen over the past couple of years. Steve Lenar and Denis Taylor from Holly Area Schools said they have saved $341,000; Amy Swantek from Imlay City Public Schools said they realized savings of $149,000, and Debbie Lee and Lee Anzicek from Allen Park Public Schools said to date they are seeing savings of $154,000.

We congratulate your fellow members for their commitment to using MSBO tools that saved them money. We know that there is gold in your utility bills, about $149,000,000 worth just waiting to be mined. Isn’t a program like Energy Essentials worth an hour of your time per month?

For more information, contact Scott Little at slittle@msbo.org. Start your savings program today.

Sources:
http://www.csemag.com/industry-news/more-top-stories/single-article/ener...

The Michigan Schools Energy Cooperative – Meeting Your Energy Needs

Admin — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 07:00:00 -0500

For over 15 years Michigan’s K-12 community has had an advocate working for them in the procurement and management of their energy needs. The Michigan Schools Energy Cooperative (MISEC) has been providing un-biased insight into the energy markets for over 285 districts statewide.

Organized in 1997 (with the support of MSBO) under the Urban Cooperation Act, this not-for-profit cooperative is managed by an Executive Committee of school officials and is designed to be your strategic partner as it pertains to the complex business of procuring natural gas and electricity for your school district.

Since its inception, MISEC has become the largest program of its type in the United States managing in excess of $100M annually of energy on behalf of Michigan’s public education community. In addition to providing its members with low-cost competitive energy, MISEC also provides its members with a complete portfolio of services such as; competitive bidding of your energy needs, energy contract negotiation and review, complete bill review and audit (100% of utility/supplier error findings returned to the district), consolidated billing, and online energy reporting.

If your district is using MISEC for their energy needs, then you can rest assured that you are getting the most comprehensive program available in the market today. If your district is not utilizing the services of MISEC, you owe it to yourself to investigate and see what a difference it can make.

If you want more information regarding how MISEC can help your school district, please contact Jan Rogers at 888-345-0440, ext 26.

Spotlight on 2011 MSBO Award Winners

Admin — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 06:00:00 -0500

Honoring award recipients is a tradition at MSBO's Annual Conference. The following individuals were honored at MSBO’s 73rd Annual Conference in April. Congratulations everyone!

Friend of Education
This special award honors individuals who are not members of our MSBO and yet, have been dedicated to serving the best interests of education and students. This year, MSBO honored Gary Olson, former Director of the Senate Fiscal Agency. Gary Olson was selected because of his many years of providing non-partisan economic and budget information to the school community through countless presentations and all the behind the scenes work to get the word out on the economic realities facing Michigan and the need to restructure financing for the state and public education. He has brought a unique voice to this issue through his passion and style. MSBO valued his accurate and timely economic updates and honest take on the financial issues affecting the state and education community.

MSBO Distinguished Service Award
The Distinguished Service Award is one of the highest honors MSBO presents. It is given to a member who provides exemplary and inspirational service to MSBO and the school business management community. MSBO awarded two honorees this year, Rob Burgess from Lakeshore Public Schools and Denise Robinson from Mecosta-Osceola ISD.

In his 18 years at Lakeshore, Rob has established himself as a trusted advisor to his district’s administrative teams and has earned the respect of staff. He has worked extensively throughout his school business career to support and enhance the delivery of education to Michigan’s children and has always been available and willing to help new or less experienced school business managers. As part of his commitment to the profession, Rob served on the MSBO Board of Directors and a number of MSBO committees.

It has been said that Denise represents the American Dream – a small town girl who was good at her job who soon grew to a respected and trusted professional for many years. Denise retired in December of 2010 after 33 years of service. It has been said, that for Denise, it was always about what was best for students, staff and the school district as a whole. Denise was a Stebbins Scholarship winner in 1998. She also received her MSBO CFO certification because of her dedication to the profession and her commitment to continuing education.

School Business Official of the Year (SBOY)
Lori Richardson from Oakland ISD is this year’s SBOY recipient. This award honors an individual for their accomplishments and contribution to their profession and school district within the past two years. Lori has provided leadership to local school districts far beyond what is normally expected from a person in her position. Her diligent review of district transportation data has resulted in a cost savings for districts, as has her leadership in providing oversight of Oakland County’s consolidated special education transportation program. Lori has pioneered an annual Summit designed to bring together pupil transportation, special education and business officials to ensure that there is a clear understanding of how decisions made by each group affect the others. Lori is also the architect of Oakland County’s Cooperative Bus Parts Bid, which saves districts significant amounts of time and money. In the words of Lori’s nominator, Lori is never too busy to lend a hand to districts in need of help, and provides them with keen and experienced insight into handling all types of transportation issues. It also turns out that the 1988 MSBO President, Rosanne Peacock, is Lori’s mom.

As MSBO School Business Official of the Year, Lori will receive a $1,500 professional development scholarship to attend the ASBO International Annual Meeting, which will be held in Seattle, Washington this September and she will also be nominated for ASBO’s Eagle Award.

President’s Award
Douglas Derks of Gallagher Benefit Services, this year’s President’s Award recipient, was chosen because of his support in working with school districts to address health care issues and establishing regional health insurance pools in an effort to help districts save money on health care coverage through self-insurance plans. Derks is the former assistant superintendent for business of the East Grand Rapids school district, a position he left in January 2006 to join Gallagher.

There is still time to earn SB-CEUs

Admin — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 05:00:00 -0500

Participants in SafeSchools employee training and compliance programs can earn up to 3.7 SB-CEUs through SafeSchools every year. Each course completed will count individually towards SB-CEUs. The duration of the course will determine the number of SB-CEUs granted. You need to complete a minimum of 3 hours of SafeSchools training programs to apply.

Once your courses are completed, go to MSBO’s website, under Products and Services, then SafeSchools and scroll down to the Earning SB-CEUs section. Print the SafeSchools Application for SB-CEUs. You must also submit either your accumulated coursework history report from your Training History page or the Certificate of Completion for each course with the application. MSBO will upload participants into the new Secure Central Registry (SCR). MSBO will cover SCR costs as a member benefit. After the upload, you will receive an email from the SCR with instructions on registering and completing the evaluation. Once these tasks are complete, your SB-CEUs will show up on your unofficial transcript through the SCR. If you are not a MSBO member, there is a administrative fee.

If you have any questions on receiving SB-CEUs for SafeSchools training, contact Deneen Hansen at dhansen@msbo.org or 517.327.2585.

The Michigan Department of Education (MDE) has also announced the opportunity for educators to earn one free, online State Board Continuing Educational Unit (SB-CEU) for demonstrating their instructional technology skill level. According to the MDE, this simple, straightforward professional development opportunity is different than traditional methods because it requires no seat time. For more information, log on to: http://www.michigan.gov/documents/mde/SB-CEU_Non_Seat_Time_353473_7.pdf.

2011 SET SEG Fun Run - Ready, SET SEG Go!

Admin — Thu, 09 Jun 2011 04:00:00 -0500

The conditions were cool, windy, with a little drizzle off and on but that didn’t stop the turnout for SET SEG’s 20th Annual Fun Run and Walk held at MSBO’s 73rd Annual Conference. Seventy-six runners and walkers crossed the finish line. It was the highest turnout since 2004 and once again some previous winners crossed the finish line first.

Winners

Closest Prediction (No time pieces allowed) – 1 mile 4-way tie:

Pam Belding, Jackson ISD: Predicted/Actual: 14:40
Debbie Mitchell, St. Clair County RESSA: Predicted/Actual: 17:22
Glenna MacDonald, Huron Valley Schools: Predicted/Actual: 13:50
Cheryl Wald, Howell Public Schools: Predicted/Actual: 13:50

Closest Prediction (No time pieces allowed) – 5K: Bob Cipriano, Dearborn Public Schools. Predicted: 23:18 Actual: 23:26

5K Fastest Female (Time: 26:32):  Emily Kearney, Mecosta-Osceola ISD

5K Fastest Male (Time: 18:30 – repeat winner): John Strycker, New Lothrop Area Public Schools

Congratulations everyone! As we all know, everyone who participated is a winner in the game of health.