Nov

Through a Glass Darkly

Admin — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 13:00:00 -0600

There is no mirror on the wall to let us know what direction Michigan’s newest governor and legislature will take when it comes to supporting education. Michigan’s governor-elect Rick Snyder posted his top 10 principles for reinventing Michigan on his campaign website with “Reforming Michigan’s Education System on the list at number eight.

He states that these principles, “serve as the foundation for his vision and long-term plan in leading Michigan beyond today’s challenges, and into an era of innovation.” In case you are curious, the other nine include: create more and better jobs, reform Michigan’s tax system, fix government, create an environment that keeps Michigan’s youth in the state, restore cities and control urban sprawl, enhance Michigan’s national and international image, protect the environment, reform the health care system and bring “winning” back to Michigan. Whew! Political rhetoric? I hope not.

Highlighted here are a number of issues addressed in governor-elect Snyder’s position paper on education. However, I recommend that you read his entire vision and plan, which can be found at www.governorelectricksnyder.com.

According to governor-elect Snyder, Michigan’s career politicians have failed to assemble a vision while Michigan has become poorer. He states in his education platform that, “Michigan’s prosperity over the past century was built on well-paying jobs that did not require a college degree. The auto industry was an economic engine that fueled a growing and successful manufacturing industry, funded a large government, and created a comfortable quality of life for thousands of Michigan families. Unfortunately, emerging technology and a global economy changed and Michigan did not."

“As Michigan families have grown poorer, Lansing has also failed to sustain funding for education. Much of the blame for this unfortunate trend falls at the feet of career politicians who could not make structural reforms and plan for the future. Lip service has been paid to creating a knowledge-based economy, but that transition has been delayed by cuts in funding for higher education - arguably one of the few institutions that attract talent and investment to Michigan - and a poor business climate brought on by irrational tax and regulatory policies.”

What will be his first initiative to “reform Michigan’s Educational System?” We don’t know the answers to these questions, but we’re already hearing rumblings from the media and legislature about what he should focus on. Will it be budgets, teacher salaries, consolidation efforts, or the high school dropout rate?  

Representative Chuck Moss who was part of the legislative panel discussion at the recent MSBO Annual Conference is now the incoming House Appropriations Chair. Rep. Moss recently told reporters that he hopes to complete the 2011-12 fiscal year budget by June 1. According to Gongwer News Service, which reports on Michigan state government and political news, lawmakers haven’t reached a budget agreement by June 1 in more than 30 years. Budget completion by that date would require the miracle of setting political bickering aside and coming to agreement on what cuts must be made. This miracle however would allow school districts to finalize their own budgets in a timely manner.

Gongwer also reports that, “Moss said it was important for the state to get the budget done, to show it can be done and to show the public the Legislature is not wasting time. One area the state would have to examine to help control spending is cutting the labor costs, both at the state and local level. Responding specifically to a question about whether there would be more money for schools for technology, Mr. Moss said the state and local school districts were going to have to look at how they use the money they already receive.”

Moss is also reported as saying that schools would have to get leaner, cheaper and more efficient.

Michigan’s school districts have already examined how they use money; it is a constant conversation among business officials. We know that substantive, meaningful dialogue needs to occur between all stakeholders to result in changes that will help Michigan students. My hope is that the Legislature and our governor-elect put politics aside and make education a priority, rather than just words on paper.

The Truth About Public Schools

Admin — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 12:00:00 -0600

I read an article in September by John Stossel, investigative journalist, entitled “Schools do not need money.” In the article, Stossel quotes Andrew Coulson of the Cato Institute’s Center for Educational Freedom who wrote that out of 14,000 school districts in the United States, just seven cut their budgets seven years in a row, and just 87 cut their budgets five years in a row. The article further quotes Coulson who states that districts are not comparing current year spending to the previous year’s spending, but instead are comparing their current year budget to what they initially wanted and if the current year budget is lower than what they wanted, administrators call it a cut. Really? 

I guess Mr. Coulson must have missed the great state of Michigan when he did his research. I do not know about the rest of you, but in Troy we did cut our budget every year beginning with the 2003/04 school year, and I mean real cuts, not a reduction from what I hoped the budget would be. That’s eight consecutive years through 2010/11. I’m sure many of you have done the same. It never ceases to amaze me how public schools are always under attack. I know times are tough, and private industry has taken cuts, and I’m not asking for more money for public education. I do get incensed when I read articles that distort the truth, or do not report all of the facts. Public schools across the country have been making real budget cuts for years. I recently read where Arizona school officials are expecting the legislature to make education cuts next year as the state grapples with a $1 billion deficit. In South Dakota, lawmakers provided no increase in the per student formula last year. Lawmakers in Texas are expected to give schools about $3 to $5 billion less over the next two years. The state of New Mexico has already cut school spending by ten percent and California’ recently passed budget did not meet the state’s minimum funding formula for education that is guaranteed in the state constitution. Schools are constantly being challenged to perform better, yet I do not know of any company or industry that performed better by simply spending less. The argument needs to center on how the money is spent. 

I recently watched a video by Ken Robinson on Ted.com. Ted.com is a website that contains inspirational videos. The acronym stands for Technology, Entertainment, and Design. I encourage you to visit the website. This particular one by Ken Robinson focused on creativity in public schools. Ken’s point in the video is that public schools kill creativity. Not on purpose, but rather as an outcome of the maturing process of the students. I wonder if future budget cuts will kill creativity? Most, if not all of us, have many years ago cut the proverbial “low hanging fruit”, and now we are making cuts that affect program. Will our public schools be forced to cut or severely reduce art, music, physical education and the myriad of other programs outside of the core curriculum that helps our students to succeed in the 21st century? Let us hope not. I would encourage you to read “A Whole New Mind” by Daniel Pink. Pink states that it will be the right brained creative people who will be the next leaders and demand the high salaries. Will we be negatively affecting the creativity of next generation’s leaders? Now is the time for us to be leaders, not only in our schools, but in our communities and in the press as well. We need to be vigilant and tell the true story of education funding. We need to protect the future for the citizens in our schools who are too young to vote. The great educator from the 19th century, Horace Mann, said, “The Public School is the greatest discovery by man.” Let us do what we can to preserve that discovery. 

This is the last article I will write as a member of the MSBO Board of Directors. After the new board is seated in April at the annual conference, my term on the board will be ended. I would like to thank each and every one for electing me and supporting me on the MSBO board. I have made many friendships during my tenure, and being a board member helped expand my knowledge of public education. I have worked to be a supporter of all districts throughout the state. I hope you enjoyed the articles I have written over the years. I have tried to make them all both interesting and relevant to our daily jobs, and provide information that you can use in your local district. 

I look forward to seeing everyone in April.

MSBO's Membership Survey and the Latest on HB 5887

Admin — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 10:00:00 -0600

MSBO Executive Director David Martell shares highlights from the recent MSBO Membership Survey and HB 5887 - the new school aid supplemental spending bill.

November 2010 Column from MSBO on Vimeo.

Health Care Insurance Reform Workshop - Now and in the Future

Admin — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 09:00:00 -0600

When:
November 30, 2010
9:00 am - 4:30 pm 

Where:
Causeway Bay Hotel and Convention Center
(Previously the Holiday Inn South)
6820 South Cedar Street,  Lansing, MI
(517) 694-8123

This is a one-time workshop. Register soon before it’s too late!

We know your time is limited and going to another workshop is not top on the priority list. Rather than waste your time with second hand information and guesses at what you “should” be doing, we’re bringing the experts to you. 

There have been a few regionally based presentations by legal and benefit consultants around the state discussing the “in’s and out’s” of health care reform but nothing quite like this! MSBO has assembled a full day of presenters, all with different perspectives on health care reform. Legal counsel representatives will review the regulations and discuss the impact on bargaining; health insurance providers will answer your specific questions; human resources will give you tips on getting the word out; and the Director of the Office of Retirement Services (ORS) will give us his perspective on the potential impact on the MPSERS health care rate. 

This workshop is geared to the Business Office, Human Resources and anyone involved in the bargaining process.
Download the agenda for the event!

 Overnight Accommodations: MSBO has rooms available at the Causeway Bay Hotel. Identify yourself with MSBO to receive the special rate of $92.99. Call 517.694.8123 to make reservations.

SB-CEUs: .6 SB-CEUs be offered for this event pending approval.

Dynamic Budget Projections ... Financial Forecasting Tool Designed Exclusively for Michigan School Districts - Training for 2011

Admin — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 08:00:00 -0600

December 2, 2010 • 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
 Clinton County RESA
1013 South US 27 • St. Johns • 48879

Register today for the 2011 Version of Dynamic Budget Projections software training. It's designed for first time users or for those who want a refresher. With the increased pressure of predicting your district’s financial future at hand, this software easily and quickly allows you to run multiple scenarios in seconds.

Dynamic Budget Projections Training Uses the 2011 Version
This training will use the updated K-12 Version 2011. If you haven't ordered your 2011 upgrade, we recommend you do this if you plan to attend this training. If you want training but do not want the upgrade, please call MSBO to discuss your options. The prior version is now outdated and we will no longer be able to support prior versions.

For the first time purchaser: Training is required prior to receiving the basic software. The training for one individual from your district is included in the purchase price of the software and is noted as a "complimentary seat" when registering. If you wish to send more than one person, each additional person will be charged $75 and is noted as an "additional seat."

For those wanting a refresher: Training is not required to receive the Version 2011 upgrade (as long as you received prior training). If you'd like a refresher or want to learn about the enhancements in a computer lab setting, you can for a $75 charge (register online as an "additional seat").

It's the only Dynamic Budget training until the MSBO Annual Conference 
The only other planned K-12 Version training is scheduled for Tuesday, April 26 in the afternoon (just prior to the start of the 2011 Annual Conference). We encourage you to sign up for the December 2, 2010 training date (from 10:00 am to 3:00 pm) if you're interested in purchasing the software.

Registration Information:  Register online. If you have misplaced your Online Registration login and/or password, contact MSBO at 517/327-5920. SB-CEU’s are not available for this training.

Get more information about Dynamic Budget Projections Software or download order forms and training materials online on the MSBO website.

Limited Seating:  There are limited seats available for this training, register as soon as you can. If you wish to register and the class is full, please contact Lillie Rapelje at 327-9222.

Mark Your Calendar - Register Now for the 2011 MSBO Financial Strategies Conference

Admin — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 07:00:00 -0600

January 18-19, 2011
Kellogg Center, East Lansing 
9 am to 4 pm on Tuesday
9 am to 4 pm on Wednesday

The holidays are quickly approaching, the chill of winter is in the air and just like clockwork, the MSBO Financial Strategies Conference planning is in full swing! We’ve structured this year’s agenda to include topics that you’re familiar with such as the latest information on the economy, revenues, the school aid fund, negotiations and an update on current legislative action.

In addition, we have enhanced our offerings by adding sessions that include details on how you can take part in the legislative process, performance improvement strategies through data analysis and a panel discussion on the consolidation of services. Something new this year is the fact that we will have a “keynote speaker”, Clemson Turregano, Ph.D. from the Center for Creative Leadership in Greensboro, NC, who will discuss leadership in times of reform. We have also extended an invitation to Michigan’s new Executive Administration to present!

This may prove be one of the biggest events of the year! You really can’t afford to miss this timely event!

SB-CEU Information:  Those who attend the entire conference (both days) will earn 1.0 CEU’s.

Registration Information:  Register online or download the registration form and fax it to: 517.327.0768 or mail it to: 1001 Centennial Way, Suite 200, Lansing, MI 48917.

Fees: 
$250 MSBO members
 $310 Non members

Lodging Information: Overnight accommodations are NOT included in the registration fee. A block of rooms is reserved at the Kellogg Center until December 18. Make your overnight accommodations directly with the Kellogg Center at 517.432.4000 in order to receive the conference rate. Conference rates are: $91 single/double. Identify MSBO as the group you are with to receive the special rates.

Focus on Facilities: A Journey Toward Effective Energy Management

Admin — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 06:00:00 -0600

Energy Works Michigan worked with electrical contractor, Windemuller, to install a 2.25 kW solar photovoltaic (PV) awning at Allen Park Middle School. The system was commissioned in October and a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony was recently held for students and local officials on November 10.  

Energy Works Michigan is a non-profit technical resource, building a sustainable, equitable, and prosperous energy future in Michigan. Energy Works administers the Michigan Renewable Schools Program, a 2-year project bringing energy efficiency and renewable energy improvements and education to multiple public and private K-12 schools throughout Michigan. 

Allen Park Middle School’s 2.25 kW solar PV awning is an addition to their courtyard, which showcases conservation and the use of recycling materials. This system will be monitored by the students and live data will be streamed to an online website where students can access the information in real time. 

Green initiatives have been made a priority at Allen Park Middle School and include:
• A comprehensive recycling program - paper, plastic, and cardboard
• Installation of low-flow water fixtures
• Installation of T-8 light fixtures w/ auto shut-off
• Building computerized management system controls all HVAC functions
• Low UV glass installed in all buildings
• Reflective roofing installed on all buildings
• Equipping of all school buses with Diesel Particulate Filters
• An integrated pest management system that utilizes organic, non-toxic products
• Swimming pool hibernation conservation program

Allen Park participates in MSBO’s Energy Essentials, which is designed to assist school districts in developing a program that creates energy awareness and strategies that result in saving precious dollars. It is a comprehensive, systemic approach to energy savings. 

MSBO’s Energy Essentials also serves as a catalyst for raising student, staff, and community awareness of the importance of energy conservation.  

Energy Essentials brings together administrators, school board members, students, and staff to develop and implement a comprehensive plan. It provides a holistic approach to saving money by setting goals, benchmarking, and training for successful outcomes.

Have You Ever Thought About Running for the MSBO Board of Directors?

Admin — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 05:00:00 -0600

Serving on the MSBO Board provides you the opportunity to help set the policies and direction of your organization. 

Mike Adamczyk, MSBO’s Immediate Past President, serves as the Chair of the Nominations Committee for 2010-2011. The MSBO Nominations Committee, comprised of the five most recent past-presidents, recommends candidates for the ballot for the MSBO Board of Directors election. 

As a reminder, the MSBO Bylaws state, names may be presented to the Nominations Committee for consideration and possible nomination by submitting a petition with at least 30 active member signatures to the committee chairperson on or before December 1 (petitions can be downloaded off the MSBO website.) If you’re interested in being a candidate or would like to nominate someone for the committee to consider, email Adamczyk at adamczm1@ccsd15.net. If you would like more information about the responsibilities of board members or about running for the board, you may contact David Martell or Nancy Hawkins at 517-317-5920. 

There are three board positions open.

Celebrate Your Success!

Admin — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 04:00:00 -0600

MSBO has created awards to help school districts celebrate successes and to recognize the extraordinary contribution of individuals to their school district and MSBO. 

MSBO also offers two scholarships, which encourage and recognize individuals currently employed in school business who are improving their technical skills and competencies by pursuing an undergraduate or graduate degree. 

In the effort to streamline the process, the deadline for submission of all awards and scholarships is Jan. 31, 2010. Details and criteria for the following awards and scholarships can be found on MSBO’s website. We encourage you to apply for these scholarships and consider nominating a colleague to receive these awards.

•   School Business Official of the Year Award
•   Meridian Award of Excellence
•   Distinguished Service Award
•   Mark & Kay Stebbins Scholarship
•   Wally Piper Scholarship

Click here for more information about these awards.

Michigan School Districts receive ASBO International's COE award

Admin — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 03:00:00 -0600

ASBO International recently announced the following Michigan school districts have received the Certificate of Excellence (COE) in Financial Reporting. The award is based on the submission of the district’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) for the fiscal year ending 2009:

Black River Public School
Bloomfield Hills Schools
Clarkston Community Schools
Detroit Public Schools
Farmington Public School District
Forest Hills Public Schools
Grand Blanc Community Schools
L'Anse Creuse Public Schools
Oakland Schools
Ottawa Area Intermediate School District
Portage Public Schools
Port Huron Area School District
Rockford Public Schools
Saginaw Intermediate School District
School District of the City of Saginaw
South Lyon Community Schools
Southfield Public Schools
Traverse City Area Public Schools
Troy School District
Walled Lake Consolidated School District
Wayne Westland Community Schools

The winners were also acknowledged at ASBO’s Annual Meeting in Lake Buena Vista, FL, in September. This year, a record breaking 490 school entities from across North America received the COE award.

Congratulations to Michigan ASBO and the school districts.