2009

Time to be Thankful

Admin — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 13:00:00 -0600

It’s that time of year again, the Thanksgiving season quickly followed by the holiday season, Christmas and Hanukkah, where we all tend to get wrapped up in the goings on and festivities. It also provides a nice respite to the tough times we are all experiencing, figuring out how the heck we are going to balance our budgets after a $292 or more per pupil reduction. And trying to figure out how to balance next year’s budget with even less money. But before we get too wrapped up in our own woes, I think now is the appropriate time to sit back and reflect on how fortunate we are.

I remember one of my college professors saying that every day he felt like he won the lottery just being born in the United States. We are one of the richest nations in the world, and we have the freedom to live where we choose, worship as we want, have access to excellent educational systems, and the only barriers we have to becoming all we want to be are the barriers we ourselves put up. We can accomplish just about anything if we put our minds to it and work hard.

Yes, the recent state-aid cuts are devastating, but do you realize that approximately half of the world’s population or just over three billion people live on less than $2.50 per day? Even more astonishing is the fact that 80% of the world’s population live on less than $10 per day. Whereas the poorest 40% of the world’s population accounts for 5 percent of global income, 75% of the world’s income rests with the richest 20%. I think my college professor was right when he said we won the lottery just by being born in the U.S.

At the start of the 21st century, almost one billion people were unable to read a book or sign their name. In 2005, approximately 72 million children in developing countries were not in school. These are problems that we cannot even begin to comprehend. Of course, this doesn’t need to happen. If less than one percent of worldwide military spending was redirected to education, it would be enough to provide a basic education for every child in all the developing countries. This tells us a lot about the misdirected spending priorities of world governments.

According to a report released by The World Bank in 2006, there is a strong correlation between education and poverty. The report stated that people who are poor tend to be less educated than others, and people who are born in poor families have less of an ability to go to school and acquire the necessary education than those not born into poverty. The report went on to say that the quality of education is equally as important as education itself in combating poverty. Otherwise, people who are poor will continue to be poor despite the fact that they have a basic education. The way out of poverty is through quality education.

So what is my point? It is twofold. Studies upon studies have proven that there is a correlation between education and poverty, and we must continue to advocate for more funding for education. Not only do we need more funding, but we need spending reforms as well. No doubt many of you have travelled to Lansing to meet with your legislators to explain to them how the cuts to education will affect the programs in your districts. We must continue our campaign to inform Lansing that education is too important, and that an improper education has long term costs that far exceed the short term consequences. We need adequate resources to be able to offer a quality education to all 1.6 million school children in Michigan.

The second point is let us remember to be thankful for what we do have. We have great jobs in that we have the responsibility and the ability to affect the future of every child that attends our schools. We live in one of the wealthiest countries in the world. We have access to the best education system in the world – primary, secondary, and post secondary. We have access to clean drinking water and sanitation systems. We sleep in heated and cooled dwellings with a roof over our heads. We are not starving or malnourished. We have clothes to wear (probably extensive wardrobes), and we drive to work every day. The issues that affect over half of the world’s population, we do not even think about. So take time to appreciate all you have, and appreciate all those around you. Appreciate your family members, co-workers, and colleagues. Take the time over the holidays to rest and rejuvenate. I wish each and every one a healthy and happy holiday season.

Response-Ability

Admin — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:00:00 -0600

It’s no secret that education in the United States has a performance challenge. Society continues to demand more and more of schools…external pressures are rising and along with that comes increased performance requirements for our students, who must be prepared to successfully compete in a global world for jobs that don’t yet exist. There is an abundance of strategies for education reform. Conservatives typically advocate breaking up teacher unions and privatization, while liberals want more money, greater teacher autonomy and less testing. But so far, nothing has netted great success.

It’s a well-known fact that public education faces an escalating financial challenge. 48 of the 50 U.S. states faced financial shortfalls as they struggled to adopt FY2010 budgets, but these budgets are already out of balance as revenues decline more than projected. Nationally, the 2010 state budget gap is estimated to be $190 billion, representing 28% of state budgets, and the largest shortfall on record. Michigan is the proverbial poster child, with budget cuts in many categories, including a SAF $165 per student cut already executed, another $127 on the legislative chopping block...and the state is only two months into its fiscal year. On November 19, 2009 The Center on Budget and Policy Priorities reported, “The budgetary pressures that have led states to implement cuts are intensifying and are unlikely to recede anytime soon.”

And while there is no question that education has a responsibility to partner with our government, our businesses and our communities to address both the performance and the financial challenges facing our industry, the real issue is whether we have the “response ability” to do so in timely and innovative ways. If we cannot, then consider that each year, the United States invests over $800 billion in education, and the private sector wants a piece of it. The Montgomery Securities group, in presenting a major market analysis to corporations across the country, claims that “the education industry represents the largest market opportunity” since health-care services were privatized during the 1970’s…”the K-12 market is the Big Enchilada”.

So who or what, exactly, poses this threat to the educational bureaucracy? We can point to out-sourcing trends in the non-instructional side of our business and conclude that it is these for-profit companies that threaten our market share, and we would not be wrong. However these services represent only about 15% of the typical K-12 operating budget. What about the other 85%, a.k.a. the instructional side of our business? Are we creating educational delivery models that most benefit our students’ learning abilities? Do they embrace technology where it makes sense, and allow for the teacher to lead in new and innovative ways? Are we considering technological innovations as a way to reduce cost while improving instructional models simultaneously? Is this the “big enchilada” being eyed by the open market?

Consider these findings…

Project Tomorrow, a national education non-profit group that supports innovative uses of science, math and technology resources in K-12 schools, recently published a report providing data in support of computer-based learning as a growing trend. The report indicates that, “students from elementary through high school are increasingly interested in online learning. Over 29% of middle school students and 36% of high school students have had some interaction with online learning – either through a class that is taught 100% online, a class with online components or through their own personal pursuit of learning via non-school related online courses. This explosion in familiarity with online learning represents an 80% increase in high school student experience over 2006 data findings. An additional cohort of 24% of middle school students and 33% of high school students who have not had direct experience with online courses say that they would be interested in taking an online class if available to them.”
The National Center for Educational Statistics survey suggests that while expanding offerings to courses that would otherwise be unavailable is the primary reason that online learning programs are designed; the second most commonly cited reason for offering online learning is “to meet individual student needs”.
In 2009, a U.S. Department of Education study reported that on average, online students out performed those receiving face-to-face instruction.

In his book, “Disrupting Class: How Disruptive Innovation Will Change the Way the World Learns”, Harvard Business School professor, Clayton Christensen, explores the shift from the industrial model of education to one that is designed to be more responsive to individual student needs and learning styles. Christensen lays out a compelling argument that there is an educational disruption occurring as student-centric learning becomes the societal expectation, and computer-based learning (CBL) becomes the disruptive innovative solution. He believes that disruptive innovation can’t happen within a system, because the system’s ultimate goal is to sustain itself. Therefore, the innovation gains a foothold by developing outside of the system, reaching out to current non-consumers. Christensen argues that on-line courses for enrichment classes, and on-line software tools targeting at-risk (credit recovery) students are the innovative technologies gaining momentum “outside” of the traditional educational system. He believes that within four years, critical mass will be attained, at which point the movement towards modular online learning courses that teach to students’ learning styles will commence and force needed change upon the current outdated educational system at a rapid pace. Kind of thought provoking, huh?

The educational performance challenges brought on by a global world, along with the new economic realities of that world (can you say BRIC?) dictate that educational leaders begin to build consensus around the changes that need to occur. Together with our government, businesses and communities, we must begin to define and agree upon the foundational pieces of the current system that need to be re-engineered. Both business models and educational delivery models should be examined and re-designed to ensure a financially sustainable and student-centric model. Technological advancements that improve our students learning potential, introduce flexibility for those students, and reduce cost in the system should be embraced, not feared.

Whether the education industry will significantly change in the next decade is not the question. The real question is who will take responsibility for the changes ahead? And do those who accept responsibility have the “response-ability” to do so in timely and innovative ways? If not, we may soon find ourselves in the ever-growing obsolete pile of the students we serve…along with corded phones, record players and eight-track tapes.

December Brings the Return of Cold Weather, But the Same Old Budget Issues Remain

Admin — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 11:00:00 -0600

Now that we have entered the month of December, the weather has finally decided to start acting like it should. Not that anyone was complaining with the above average temperatures we were enjoying, but you must admit, there is a certain amount of comfort that comes with the holiday season, including cold weather and a blanket of snow – things seem to be back to normal.

As we approach the end of another calendar year, we again find ourselves in the midst of trying to figure out how we can somehow do more with less. Limited school funding along with the ever rising costs have put more and more pressure on each school district and the school business officials that help run them. It is unfortunate that dealing with these problems has become the norm for Michigan’s schools. I look forward to returning to a time where Michigan’s schools can spend their time working to enhance learning instead of looking for the least painful cuts to implement.

The combination of challenges that Michigan’s schools have faced since 2001 is unprecedented. As the nation entered an economic recession after September 11 and from which, Michigan has never fully recovered, schools have slowly but surely been cutting programs and reducing staff and moving towards the cliff of bankruptcy. This past year’s fund balance information has been released by MDE and it shows 41 school districts and public school academies having already taken that plunge. Many more districts are teetering on the edge and the latest midyear cuts ensure another group of schools is being shoved over the edge.

We don’t know what the future holds for school funding, but we do know that in the short term the $127 per pupil proration was postponed at least until January. We struggle with the piece meal information we receive with all the ebbing and flowing of shortfalls, but at least the January 11, 2010 Consensus Revenue Estimating Conference will give us definitive information. After the state’s thorough review of underlying data provided by various sources, the Treasurer, Senate Fiscal Director and the House Fiscal Director will close out our 2008-09 year, update the revenue and expense estimates for the 2009-10 year we are in and give us our first official look at what the 2010-11 year holds.

This may start a whole new set of speculations, but at least we will know where we stand. Just in time to prepare an update to our current fiscal year budget and begin (or continue) to prepare for the 2010-11 budget and upcoming negotiations.

And as we look for positive news for school funding, a recently released poll commissioned by a coalition of media groups suggested that Michigan voters do not want education cuts, although the number one issue on their minds is jobs. When asked a question if schools should be cut the same as other parts of state government, 79 percent of active and likely voters said K-12 funding should not be cut.

MSBO members should be proud. You perform a tiring and thankless job, always having to play the bad guy or gal it seems – doing what’s right, following the rules and making sure our boards and superintendents have solid information, whether positive or negative, to make good decisions. We may not always agree with the decisions that are made, but we know that our part of the leadership equation does make a difference!

So as you make your way through the month of December where you will hopefully have time to enjoy the comfort provided by family and friends, we at MSBO wish you and your loved ones a safe and peaceful holiday season and great New Year.

Take it easy - you will need your energy as you hit the ground running in 2010!

Opportunities to Save on Energy Highlighted at Symposium

Admin — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:00:00 -0600

School finances are in dire straits as we all know. No one expects energy costs to go down but there are significant opportunities to save, often with low or no cost.

MSBO’s Second Annual Energy Solutions Symposium, Monday, February 1, 2010 at Ann Arbor Public School’s Skyline High School will help you better understand the opportunities to save both energy and money for your district.

Ann Arbor’s Skyline High School

This year’s conference is being held at Ann Arbor’s Skyline High School, the largest LEED Silver certified High School in the country. You’ll learn about the design and construction process employed for Skyline along with witnessing first hand many of the great features in this successful project. Read more about Skyline.

Conference Highlights

You will learn ways to help your school reduce energy consumption, and find more sustainable ways of doing business.

Additionally, this year there will be time to interact with exhibitors that offer products and services to specifically help in the areas of environment and energy.

Clinic sessions throughout the day will address critical topics, including:

LEED design and construction
Viability of various renewable energy systems
Communicating importance of energy management
Understanding the utility equation
Energy management success
Taking advantage of utility company rebate opportunities
Funding opportunities for energy projects
Successful performance contracting
Green roofs vs. cool roofs

We’ll also hear a unique perspective on the future of energy from the former Energy Czar of the City of Ann Arbor.

Through the generosity of our sponsors and exhibitors we are able to offer the conference this year for only $50 including lunch!

Learn how your district can conserve resources, and save money in the long run.

Register online.

Register by fax.

Economic Outlook, State Aid Revenue, the State Budget and More at MSBO’s Financial Strategies Conference

Admin — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 09:00:00 -0600

Get the latest information on the economy, the budget, state aid, health insurance and the future of school revenues at the 2010 MSBO Financial Strategies Conference. The deadline for room reservations at the Kellogg Center is December 19, 2009.

January 19-20, 2010 • Kellogg Center, East Lansing  9 am-4 pm Each Day

Why attend?

Information helps you understand changes in the way schools will be rated for purposes of health insurance premiums and what really makes up these costs
Get up-to-date forecast of the State Aid Fund revenues, retirement system performance, negotiation tactics, and what to do if you’re facing a deficit in your district
Network with your colleagues and gain ideas you can take back to your district
Re-energize yourself by understanding that you’re not in this alone and together we can make a difference in the education of Michigan’s students

Hot topics include:
Agenda

Health Insurance- Understanding the Rating System
Economic Outlook, State Aid Revenue and the State
Negotiation Strategies in Tough Times
How to Conduct Labor Market Surveys for District Employees
Retirement Update
Benchmarking Survey Results
Legislative Update
Accounting and Reporting Update
District Deficit Challenges
How Can we Reform the Tax Structure?
Bargaining Resources - Helping to Support Your Position
And More ...

SB-CEU Information: Those who attend the entire conference (both days) will earn 1.0 SB-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: $240 MSBO members/$300 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 19, 2009. 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.

Questions: Contact Bob Dwan at 517.327.2581.

MSBO Transportation Benchmarking Survey Reveals Increased Costs

Admin — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 07:00:00 -0600

MSBO is pleased to announce the release of the 2009 Student Transportation Benchmarking Survey. The report provides student transportation policy makers and managers with information on comparative performance indicators and best practices in pupil transportation.

The 114 districts that responded represent nearly 30 percent of all buses driven across the state and 31 percent of total students transported. The results show that per student transportation costs have increased over the 2007 survey by approximately 12 percent while the average full-time technician is responsible for two more buses.
 
Additional features of this survey are insights into policy considerations such as idling time, seating guidelines, and the use of transportation management information systems.

The Financial Strategies Conference includes a session specifically dealing with how to interpret this survey.

Read: 2009 MSBO Transportation Benchmarking Survey

Early Bird Registration Available Now!

Admin — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 06:00:00 -0600

Don’t miss out on these savings! If you register and pay for the 2010 MSBO Annual Conference & Exhibit Show by Monday, February 1, 2010 you will receive an Early Bird discount. Regular registration will be $275, but early bird registration is $240. If you take advantage of the Early Bird registration, you’ll need to select specific clinics at a later date once the program has been finalized. You’ll receive an e-mail notice when that’s all ready. Please note that you may register now for the Pre-Conferences; however, certification class registration will come later.

Conference Registration Scholarships Available  The MSBO Board has authorized scholarships for members to attend the 2010 MSBO conference and SET SEG has agreed to continue making a generous contribution for partial support of these scholarships. The scholarship covers the cost of registration for the full conference or a one-day registration. Scholarships do not include the Pre-Conferences or certification classes offered before the conference. Recipients are responsible for their own transportation and lodging. MSBO will notify you regarding the status of your scholarship application approximately one week after it is received.

For the Early Bird registrants: Fill out the registration form or register online. You can cancel your registration at any time up to two weeks prior to the Conference and pay only a $25 processing fee.

For Scholarship registrants: if you are applying for a scholarship you cannot register online. You must fax the scholarship application and registration form together to 517.327.0768.   Again, when the clinic topics and speakers are confirmed, we will contact Early Bird registrants for selection of their sessions. Certification classes and specific topics for Pre-Conferences will be sent to you at a future date.   If you have questions about registration procedures, e-mail Marte Cadwell or call her at 517.327.5920.

Headquarters Hotel Available for Reservations – Amway Grand Plaza, Grand Rapids, MI - The Amway Grand Plaza Hotel has conference rates of $125 for a single/double room. For reservations call 800.253.3590 using the “MSBO” reservation code. Daily parking costs are $16 for self-park/$25 for valet per night (parking prices are subject to change). The Amway charges a $50 penalty for checking out before your planned departure date; be sure to inquire about the policy at check in if you have any concerns.

Still Time to Sign Up for These Certification Classes

Admin — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 05:00:00 -0600

MSBO’s Certification is a voluntary program providing focused training. The following classes offer practical information that will help school business officials succeed and excel in their employment. All of these classes will be held at the MELG Building (MSBO offices) in Lansing.

Check to see if any of these classes are required for your certification track:

February 2, 2010 • 8:45 am-4:00 pm
Technology in Education: This class provides a basic overview of technology and covers the following topics: makeup of the technology team, managing technology in the classroom, training, working with consultants and vendors, business office technology, cost of ownership and outsourcing your technology services.
R=School Technology Management

February 4, 2010 • 8:45 am-noon
Transportation for the Business Manager: Gain an understanding of the basic structure and function of a transportation department, equipment supply and purchase, and laws related to transportation.
R=Chief Financial Officer E=all others

February 4, 2010 • 12:45-4:00 pm
Food Service for the Business Manager: Learn the basic structure and function of a food services program, food safety issues, vending and contracting for food services, and cooperative ventures.
R=Chief Financial Officer E=all others

Register now.

Payroll Advisory Team (PAT) Update

Admin — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:00:00 -0600

The Office of Retirement Services (ORS) Payroll Advisory Team was formed in early 2007 and has been instrumental in guiding the ORS in piloting retirement reporting fixes. The team is comprised of employees from reporting unit payroll offices, payroll software vendors, a Michigan School Business Official (MSBO) representative, and ORS staff.

The team has assisted ORS on prioritizing and piloting retirement reporting fixes. The team has specifically worked on putting in place the following items this year:

Change to Weekly Workers’ Compensation reporting that now allows records to be spread over more than one pay period, similar to coaches.
New electronic Final Payroll Details form that replaces the previous paper Final Salary Affidavit.
Change to allow retirement reports to be accepted prior to the pay period end date.
A new flag message was added that gives employers a warning when they report a “retired ORS member” with an active employment class code.

ORS will continue to provide progress updates in future newsletters.

Current team members and the organizations they represent include:
Evelyn Bihl, Controller, Utica Community Schools
Joanne Brown, Employer Reporting, Office of Retirement Services (ORS)
Kristen Culp, Specialist-Compensation/Cost Accounting, Kent ISD
Steve Crippen, Employer Reporting, Office of Retirement Services (ORS)
Robert Dwan, Associate Executive Director, Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO)
Cheryl Globke, Financial Administrative Assistant, Quincy Community Schools
Kathy Heitsch, Supervisor of Data Processing Services, Gratiot Isabella RESD
Kathy Jones, Director - Computer Services, Wayne RESA
Sarah Kandell, Finance Technician, Payroll and Benefits, Ingham ISD
Pam Kenney-Garver, Customer Education, Office of Retirement Services (ORS)
Gail LaLonde, Payroll Specialist, Waverly Community Schools
Diane Morris, Programmer Analyst , Macomb ISD
Barbara Owens, Executive Assistant – Payroll, Carman-Ainsworth Community Schools
Angeline Schieda, School Payroll Specialist, Taylor School District
Ann Schneider, Employer Reporting, Office of Retirement Services (ORS)
Rhonda Smith, Project Coordinator Instructional Management Services, Muskegon Area ISD
Deborah Tremp, Director, Budget and Finance, Southfield Public Schools
Sandy Walter, Supervisor, Payroll and Accounts Payable, Oakland Community College
Keli Wilson, Payroll Coordinator, St. Clair County RESA
Alisa Zumer, Finance Application Consultant, Computer Management Technologies
(CMT)

Buy Michigan First

Admin — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 04:00:00 -0600

In 2006, Governor Jennifer M. Granholm initiated Buy Michigan First to encourage Michigan businesses to register with the State as vendors and bid on state contract opportunities. Since that time, 90 percent of Michigan tax dollars spent on state contracts have gone to Michigan businesses.

Pursuant to Public Act 540 2008, a school board may adopt and implement a local policy that gives preference to a Michigan-based business. In that regard, the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) has drafted a Local Purchasing policy which may be edited by a Board/District (please contact MASB regarding policy #3690).

The state recognizes that many school districts are already making the effort to buy from instate or local businesses and support district efforts by providing communication materials (including the Buy Michigan First logo and a sample press release) to help you express your support of businesses in your community. (Available electronically at www.michigan.gov/buymichiganfirst)

What’s the benefit in establishing Buy Michigan/Buy Local policies? According to the state Department of Management and Budget, buying from locally owned firms results in increased tax expenditures in the community. In addition, local vendors will spend a percentage of contract dollars in the local area, enhancing job creation and incomes. Keeping contracting dollars in Michigan has a multiplier effect, as the money continues to re-circulate in the local economy.