Speaking of leading
“I believe in education reform and relooking at how we do things, but for the right reasons. We’re not being asked to re-create the schools we want to create, but schools that we have to create because of a reduction in resources. That’s a different kind of challenge than creating the best schools to prepare kids for the 21st century.”

Mark Bielang, superintendent of
Paw Paw Public Schools in the Kalamazoo Gazette, 10-25-09.

Purchasing Employee Insurance?

OFIR Offers Advice to Schools and Local Governments Purchasing Employee Insurance

With tight budgets and lots of uncertainty surrounding state and national health care issues, many Michigan schools and local governments may be looking to purchase new health care and life insurance policies for their employees. The Office of Financial and Insurance Regulation (OFIR) has offered tips for school and local government administrators and chief financial officers shopping for the best health and life insurance plans for their employees.

“Doing a little due diligence on the front end can save local officials and school administrators time and money,” said OFIR Commissioner Ken Ross. “Get your questions answered before you sign on the dotted line.”

• Verify whether an insurance agent is licensed in Michigan by visiting OFIR’s website http://www.michigan.gov/dleg/0,1607,7-154-10555_13251_13262---,00.html or calling 877-999-6442.
• Verify that an insurance agent is appointed by an insurance company licensed to do business in Michigan by calling OFIR toll-free at 877-999-6442.
• Before and after purchasing a life or health plan, verify that you have the proper coverage by making certain that the agent and insurance company have provided you with all the appropriate documentation, including applications, policy certificates and financial statements.
• Before purchasing any insurance policy, interview several licensed insurance agents specializing in the health and life insurance needs of schools and local governments
• Compare the costs of equivalent coverage from several insurers to ensure you are getting the best deal.
• Talk to other school and local government officials about their experiences with health and life insurers.
• Before selecting a life or health plan, survey your employees to find out what coverage they consider particularly important.

Consumers should contact OFIR toll-free at 877-999-6442 if they have any questions about an insurance company, agent or product.

State Board pushes for education reforms, consolidation of services, and revenues

The State Board of Education approved on a bipartisan 8-0 vote today a Resolution calling for Michigan school districts to continue to ReImagine the pre-K-12 educational system and consolidate services; as well as encouraging the state legislature and Governor Jennifer M. Granholm to immediately find the revenues necessary to reduce the funding cuts to schools.

“We have to keep the schools functioning and the students learning,” said State Board of Education President Kathleen Straus. “The reality is that the funding for schools has dropped. We have to restructure the system to make it sustainable.”

“We’re looking at the new 3 R’s,” said state Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan, who chairs the State Board meetings. “The solution will be a mix of revenues, reforms, and reductions. We need all three.”

The Board moved to continue the work of Project ReImagine, the Michigan Department of Education’s initiative to work with school districts with bold, innovative ideas to affect district-wide reforms aimed at establishing an education system for the 21st Century global economy.

The State Board also assigned a long-term focus on addressing the structural issues facing Michigan’s education system. It resolved to join the Governor, state legislature, school districts, and other stakeholders to develop in the coming months a long-term structural remedy to enable the state’s investment in education and its people.

“This train wreck of a budget situation does a service to no one,” said State Board Vice President John Austin. “We have to put the train back on the track and get back to the serious discussion of what is the longer-term fix for schools.”

“There’s got to be a fiscal process for the long term, to examine the K-12 budget and the delivery of services,” said Board member Reginald Turner. “We will set a timetable for us to come up with solutions and the outcome won’t be pleasing to every corner. We need an efficient and effective system that is properly funded.”

Read the Resolution...

AASA brings Stimulus fund updates to Lansing

On Tuesday, October 27, 2009, AASA with support from MASA presented an Economic Symposium entitled “USDOE Stimulus Funding and the Economy.” The event was sponsored by Farmer’s Insurance Company.

Kathryn Summers, Chief Analyst, Senate Fiscal Agency presented

• State Economic, Revenue, and Budget Update

Bruce Hunter, AASA, Associate Executive Director, Policy and Advocacy shared two summary reports.

• One Year Later: How the Economic Downturn Continues to Impact School Districts
• One Year Later: How the Economic Downturn Continues to Impact Michigan School Districts

MASA members are free to use any of this information as you communicate with those in your district and community.

Algebra II requirements posted

Webinars scheduled for November

The Michigan Department of Education has revised its Algebra II Course/Credit Requirement document as of September, 2009. Please find the new document with the following link Algebra II (v.09/09). You can also find a link at the following web pages: www.michigan.gov/highschool or http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140-38924_41644_42668---,00.html

A second round of webinars has been scheduled for November, which will echo the information presented in October.

The Rising Tide of Autism: How your school will be affected and practical strategies you can implement today

Date: Tuesday, Nov 10, 2009
Time: 1:00 pm EDT / 10:00 am PST
Duration: One hour (15 mins for Q&A)

Autism-related challenges are growing exponentially, but there are ways to cope. Join the experts in this webinar to find out the key steps you must take right now to

• Help these students
• Protect your assets, and
• Preserve your general curriculum.

This webinar, sponsored by eSchool News and AutismPro, has been designed to help educators understand how this influx of children with autism will affect schools and general education classrooms. Webinar speakers Jamie Duncan-Chapman and Philip Mellor will provide some initial strategies that both classroom teachers, and school and district administrators can implement now to confront this challenge head on.

Register Now!

Welcome, New Superintendents!

Reduce premiums and limit risk with a SET Employee Benefits wrap plan

Health insurance wrap plans have the potential to reduce premiums dramatically. Districts purchase a high-deductible health plan and fund the deductible and co-insurance expenses with a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). Based upon the type of plan selected, deductible and co-insurance expenses are estimated to range from 25 percent to 75 percent of the total exposure. With this plan design, districts assume the risk of the deductible and co-insurance.

Aggregate insurance option

School districts can now buy insurance to protect themselves from any wrap plan expenses above the district’s current premium.

• The HRA Wrap Plan with Aggregate Insurance could save your district appreciable sums, while still providing comparable benefits to your employees.
• The chart below provides an example of how a district could save.

The estimated example is based on a census of 10 single, 12 two-person and 28 family contracts. The estimated cost of the Community Blue plan has been enhanced to closely align with major plans currently offered. Additional savings are possible by excluding the optional coverages.

If you are ready to explore a new way of reducing employment-related expenses without taking financial or health risks, contact your SET SEG Account Executive today! 1-800-292-5421

Houghton-Portage Township Schools find ways to improve facilities, technology

With a high school ranked as one of the best in the nation by U.S. News and World Report, Houghton-Portage Township School District is known for academic leadership. From its curriculum to its facilities, the district strives to provide an exceptional learning environment for all students, both now and in the future.

The district wanted to address the growing need for new technologies and facility improvements, such as larger physical education and music facilities. However, financing was an issue that could not be overlooked.

To meet their goals, district leaders teamed with Johnson Controls to leverage community support through a bond referendum, coupled with a Performance Contract. This resulted in facility and technology upgrades, building expansion, and operational cost savings of more than $3 million.

“We met with Johnson Controls. They understood our needs and proposed a performance contract within a bond referendum. And, if the bond should fail, the proposal included a parallel plan to leverage energy savings opportunities under a performance contact to meet our immediate needs,” says Bill Polkinghorne, superintendent for the district.

Leveraging Community Support

This project marks the first time a performance contract was implemented inside of a voted bond referendum in the State of Michigan. Over $12 million dollars of improvements to the district’s schools have been made, while delivering 100 percent of the $3 million in energy savings back to the district’s general fund for use in operating facilities.

To garner community support for the improvements, Polkinghorne and the school board partnered with Johnson Controls in the “teaching for tomorrow” campaign designed to communicate the project’s impact on technology, academic and instructional needs, and energy efficiency.

Improving Technologies and Securing the Learning Environment

For the district of Houghton-Portage, proficient use of technology is an essential skill students need in order to be successful in today’s workplace. The bond included upgrades to classroom and lab computers, monitors, printers and projectors. Johnson Controls also installed a wireless network that provides complete wireless coverage throughout the district. A Cisco Unifies Communications Manager Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) system was deployed by leveraging the existing cabling infrastructure, saving $10,000 annually in communication costs. End-of-life hubs and switches were also replaced with gigabit switches, improving network and Internet speed by nearly 100 times.

Additionally, Johnson Controls installed P2000 security management systems at all three schools. Principals now have access to the integrated IP camera surveillance system from monitors in their offices.

Energy Efficiency Upgrades and Operational Savings

An energy audit revealed numerous ways that the district could improve energy efficiency. Aging windows at the middle school and high school were replaced and roof repairs or partial replacements were done at all three schools. Other improvements include lighting retrofits, water conservation measures and the installation of a new Johnson Controls Metasys building management system to monitor and control all lighting and HVAC equipment and controls and more. The energy efficiency upgrades implemented throughout the district are expected to save nearly $110,000 annually over the 20-year contract.

Looking Ahead in the Houghton-Portage School District

A second gymnasium and music room are being built to augment facilities currently shared by the middle and high schools. Slated for completion in 2010, the addition will accommodate increased demands and provide recreational space for the community. Slated for completion in the fall of 2010, the district used the Johnson Controls Technology Contracting for the design of all of the low voltage systems.

“Our goal is to provide the academic environment the community expects,” said Polkinghorne.

Legislative Update for the week of Oct 26th

In this weekly update:

• House Freshmen Charged with Balancing K-12 Budget
• Senate Appropriations Urges 20j Veto Override
• Miller Introduces School District Consolidation Commission Bill
• Board Of Education "Encourages" Restoration Of School Aid Cuts
• Stimulus Appropriations Bill Expected Next Tuesday
• MSP Reinstates School Bus Inspection Program

House Freshmen Charged with Balancing K-12 Budget

The 44 member House Freshmen Caucus was charged with proposing a solution to the short and long term K-12 education funding issues facing Michigan schools. The charge was issued by House Speaker Andy Dillon in response to a letter sent by that caucus to the Governor and legislative leaders in both chambers in which they chastised the leadership group for failing to resolve the budget before now. The challenged was issued to Representatives Lesia Liss (D-Warren) and Bill Rogers (R-Brighton), the leaders of the caucus and two of the most outspoken members of that group.

ACTION: We will be meeting with both representatives next week to make sure that our message is part of the discussion as these lawmakers consider solutions to the budget situation. Continue to communicate our three part message to your legislators, freshmen or not: fulfill your promise and raise the $100 million in new revenue on which you balanced the budget; use the remaining stimulus money to fill any additional shortfalls and prevent a mid-year proration; fix the long term structural deficit in school funding.

Senate Appropriations Urges 20j Veto Override

On Wednesday the Senate Appropriations Committee approved a resolution urging a veto override of cuts to 39 schools, but the panel took a pass on finding revenues to backfill the resulting $52 million budget hole. Since the K-12 budget was a House bill (HB 4447), the lower chamber would have to take up an override vote first. So SR 88 urges the House to do so. The committee heard from a slew of school officials on the cut to the "20j" funding, but cut off testimony after about 45 minutes to take a vote on SR 88 sponsored by Sen. John Pappageorge (R-Troy), who has five affected school districts in his Senate district. Right after the vote, Sen. Mickey Switalski (D-Roseville), the committee's ranking Democratic member, asked for SB 0310 to be taken up. It's a shell bill of his for school aid money and he said that Appropriations could go ahead and fund the 20j schools with it. Action was postponed on a procedural motion and the committee adjourned without further voting.

Miller Introduces School District Consolidation Commission Bill

On Wednesday, Rep. Fred Miller (D-Mt. Clemens) introduced HB 5561 which would create the "School District Modernization Advisory Commission" and charges the 15-member group with reviewing "current school district boundaries to identify instances where consolidation of two or more school districts . . . would likely result in significant cost savings without negative educational impact." The idea is patterned after the federal government's military base closure panel. Lawmakers, much like the base closing strategy, would have an up-or-down vote on the entire recommendations, without changes. The committee members would come from recommendations of legislative leaders, teachers unions, school boards and school administrators. They would join with two school parents and three members of the public in tackling the challenging task. The commissioners would serve without compensation and the first session would be called by the state School Superintendent.

ACTION: MASA and MAISA have been aware of the potential for this legislation and have been monitoring this issue for some time. While this is the first time that a bill has been introduced, the concept is not new. This is the latest in a series of measures brought up recently dealing with consolidation of services and school districts. As reported in the MASA/MAISA weekly update from Oct 23, the report of the Legislative Commission on Government Efficiency contained recommendations for the forced consolidation of school districts. This is in addition to the language contained in the FY 2009-10 School Aid budget. MASA and MAISA remain opposed to any legislation that forces school district consolidation. With your help, we will continue to communicate to legislators that forced district consolidation has the potential to negatively impact academic achievement. We will continue to monitor this legislation as it moves forward.

Board Of Education "Encourages" Restoration Of School Aid Cuts

Though not specific on amounts, the State Board of Education called Monday for the Legislature and Governor Jennifer Granholm to find the revenue to restore some of the money cut from the School Aid Fund budget in the fight between the two sides. The resolution states, "The State Board of Education encourages the Governor and legislature to immediately find the revenues necessary to reduce the cuts to the educational budget to meet their Constitutional responsibility." The board unanimously adopted the resolution that also calls on school districts to work with the board and the Department of Education to further consolidate services and offers their services to reach a long-term solution to education funding. The resolution was approved after presentations calling for the state to revise its tax system to better match the state's emerging economy. Patrick Anderson of Anderson Economic Group, Lou Glazer with Michigan's Future and Phil Power with the Center for Michigan all called for changes including reduced business taxes and sales taxes on retail services at lower than the current 6 percent rate. The board moved its November meeting up two weeks to be a part of the discussion over school funding for schools.

Stimulus Appropriations Bill Expected Next Tuesday

Rumor and supposition were abundant at the Capitol on Thursday when the House was supposedly going to take up a budget supplemental to appropriate an indeterminate amount of the remaining education stimulus money. No legislation was ever produced and, as session wound to a close, the common wisdom was that the House was delaying the proposal until next Tuesday. Details are nonexistent as no formal proposal yet exists, but a partial restoration of the foundation allowance, a partial restoration of ISD and RESA funding, and a full or partial restoration of section 20j funding are all possibilities if a bill surfaces. One possible vehicle is HB 5565, introduced on Thursday by Rep. Marc Corriveau (D-Northville) which is a shell bill to restore 20j funding but without any identified revenue source.

ACTION: Given the high level of supposition and lack of specifics, it is likely that any proposal to appropriate stimulus money is more posturing than action. Do not expect this bill, if indeed it surfaces next Tuesday, to solve any problems. Regardless of House action, we must continue to tell lawmakers that they do indeed need to spend the remaining stimulus money by November 20 to prevent a mid-year proration to schools.

MSP Reinstates School Bus Inspection Program

On Friday, MASA/MAISA was able to confirm with the Department of State Police that they are reinstating their school bus inspection program effective Monday, November 2. This action comes on the heels of a joint press release issued by MASA and MAISA calling on Governor Granholm to order MSP to restore the program and fulfill their legal obligation. The full release is available online by clicking here.

ACTION: This decision by MSP should resolve the situation. If you have ANY problems with getting your busses inspected or scheduling future bus inspections, PLEASE CONTACT BOB KEFGEN at rkefgen@gomasa.org. We will continue to follow the inspection program as it moves forward and we will keep you appraised of any problems.

If you have any additional questions or comments please contact us rkefgen@gomasa.org or bbiladeau@gomasa.org.

Thanks.

Bob and Brad

Brad Biladeau
Associate Executive Director Government Relations
Michigan Association of School Administrators
Office: (517)327-9265
Cell: (517)281-5733
Fax: (517)327-0779
bbiladeau@gomasa.org
Twitter: twitter.com/MASA_GOV

MASA Executive Board elections

Petitions due February 1 for officers to the MASA Executive Board

In accordance with the MASA Constitution, individuals interested in seeking election for the upcoming open seats on the Executive Board must file petitions in the MASA office on or before February 1 of each year.

For the spring election, we will have four positions on the ballot:

• President-elect, commencing July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011.
• Director 2010-2011—continuation of the Director term through June 30, 2011 (currently held by Mary Vratanina who was appointed to the seat due to the passing of Geoffrey Balkam).
• Director 2010-2013 (two seats)

To be placed on the ballot a candidate must designate the seat they are running for and file petitions signed by ten active members in good standing, from at least three different MASA regions, on or before February 1, 2010.

Petitions may be obtained by calling 517/327-9262 or emailing Kristy Warner at kwarner@gomasa.org.

Superintendent's Briefing Book now available!

2010 Superintendent’s Briefing Book: Vital Information for School District Leaders

The 2010 Superintendent's Briefing Book provides comprehensive yet concise overviews of the best thinking available on a wide range of top-priority PreK-12 education concerns. This 356-page resource will prove invaluable in making research-based decisions with confidence, and in identifying programs and practices that will improve student achievement.

Among the issues covered in the Briefing Book are: critical elements of school improvement, developing principal Sleadership, providing special supports for students at risk, using data for decisions, staff compensation, and much more! The 2010 Superintendent's Briefing Book will help you:

• get up to speed quickly on key PreK-12 topics and issues
• learn where to turn for additional information and related resources in areas of special concern to you or your district
• share information with staffers that will enhance their productivity

A free copy of the Briefing Book will be provided to participants of MASA's 2009 New Superintendents' Conference!

Order copies while they last for $75 by calling 517.327.5910 or email lwacyk@gomasa.org.

Lead Forward report available online

In the spring of 2008, the Michigan Association of School Administrators (MASA) took up the challenge of engaging its Executive Board and Council members in discussions and investigations regarding the future prospects for Michigan’s public education system. This work led participants to explore ideas for building upon the strengths of Michigan’s public education system in ways that will better serve the children of Michigan from birth to entering post-secondary education and/or employment as young adults.

The “Lead Forward” report released in September 2009 captures the collective ideas and thinking of the MASA leaders and members for shaping a compelling vision for how Michigan’s public education system (birth through grade 12) must evolve and adapt as a model for educating children in the 21st century.

We encourage you to read the 12-page report and use it to stimulate conversations in your regions.

Summary excerpt:

“We hope that the ideas and propositions presented in this report will serve to generate further dialogue and systematic exploration within MASA; between our organization and other stakeholder groups, policy makers, legislators, and scholars; and, finally, in the public arena. As we stimulate dialogue and participate in future conversations, we will remain open to incorporating good ideas and principled propositions that have the potential to achieve the desired future for Michigan’s children. ...

“We offer this report with a profound sense of urgency. We believe that we have a short window of opportunity to tackle the bigger issues that limit educational opportunity in Michigan. We also believe that Michigan has the collective knowledge, experience, talent, and creativity to achieve a globally recognized public education system for children beginning at birth and continuing into young adulthood.”

Read the Lead Forward report...

View the 2009 Fall Conference Lead Forward Workshop PowerPoint...

Together at the MASA Fall Conference

We expanded our circle of influence

With all that has been happening in regard to funding, H1N1, and the main business of educating our youth, the timing of our gathering and the topics of our Fall Conference made for a productive and stimulating time to be together. The total number attending including all members, presenters, spouses, vendors/exhibit participants, and staff was 700. This attendance number compares exactly to the 2008 Fall Conference.

Our Conference Planning Committee, chaired by Bruce Burger agrees that on the whole, the evaluation feedback showed that the conference was of value. (If interested in reviewing the results, region representatives have the information on how to access the full report.)

Over 92% of those responding agree or strongly agree that attending the conference strengthened their professional network. A sincere and well deserved “thank you” and “job well done” to all our volunteer members, sponsors, and staff that made this a successful event.

Looking ahead to Midwinter

Planning for our Midwinter Conference is well under way. The conference will be held in Detroit at the Renaissance Center Marriott on January 26 to January 29, 2010. Our theme of Expanding the Circle of Influence will continue as well as our second Midwinter Peer to Peer Sharecasing focus.

As of now, the following is being planned. There will be three half-day preconference options on Wednesday morning, January 26. Our newer superintendents will be encouraged to attend, but sessions will be open to all members. The topics will be:

1. Raising Revenue for your district
2. Understanding School Finance
3. Podcasting for Administrators

Another preconference activity will be an action update from districts in the southeast region who are participating with the Kids Against Hunger program.

James Eck, Senior Director for Leadership Field Services at McREL will provide the first keynote presentation. His topic is Leading Change in A High-Reliability District Requires Courage and Commitment. He will be referring to the just-published book by Waters and Marzano titled, District Leadership that Works: Striking the right balance.

Following the opening session we plan to have Poster Peer Sharing Sessions. We will also feature an update presentation and question-and-answer session on GEN NET participation, led by members of the Genesee I.S. D. administrative team.

Thursday will include a legislative update from Brad Biladeau as well as a national perspective update from Mark Bielang, President of AASA, our Distinguished Service and Awards Luncheon and three rounds of clinic session opportunities with priority given to our own members. Details on these presentations will be shared in our upcoming issues of the Leader.

Friday we will feature the presentation of our Champion for Children Award as well as an update from State Superintendent of Instruction Mike Flanagan. The conference will close with an activity on “How to Work with Media.” More than ever we need to unite and stand together. The strength of our network grows only as we are able to be together to share with each other our questions, concerns, ideas, and experiences. You can register now for the 2010 MASA Midwinter Conference by going to the events page of our MASA website.

Congratulations... to all our 2009 Exhibit Show grand prize winners:

• Randy Cook, Spring Lake (Grand Traverse Resort Golf Package)
• Dan Danosky, Pinckney (Wii Game System)
• Charles Glaes, Vicksburg (Apple iPod)

...and many more!

Thanks... to our generous sponsors and affiliates who donated prizes:

• GRAND TRAVERSE RESORT
• SECANT TECHNOLOGIES
• Ah-Ga-Ming Golf
• Alternative Revenue Development
• Benefit Management Administrators, Inc.
• Cambria Suites
• Chateau Chantal
• Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center
• Detroit Red Wings
• GLP & Associates
• Great American Financial
• Leelanau Club Golf Resort
• MIEM
• Michigan National Guard
• Michigan Virtual University
• Nichols
• North Central Accreditation-Michigan
• Park Place Hotel
• SET SEG
• Skillman Corporation
• The Henry Ford
• TMP Architecture
• Williams & Company, LLC
• Triangle Associates, Inc.
• Leelanau Cellars

If we missed you, let us know and we will include you in our next newsletter!

SET SEG Fun Run/Walk

A record-tying 65 people woke up early to enjoy some exercise and a misty sunrise over the Grand Traverse Resort grounds during the 2009 Fall Conference. They participated in the 28th annual Fun Run/Walk sponsored by SET SEG. It was a fun and healthy way to start a busy day of sessions, speakers, meetings, and idea-sharing that filled this year’s conference agenda. The run is just one of SET SEG’s efforts to promote wellness among its members.

Winners were:

Bob Jones, COOR ISD
1-Mile Closest to Predicted Time

Ron Simon, Pewamo-Westphalia
5K Closest Predicted Time

Monica Healy, Hancock Public Schools
5K Fastest Female
Time: 27:54

Jeff Jennette, Barry ISD
5K Fastest Male
Time: 21:15

MASA President Tom Langdon and his wife, Sue, participated this year as well and were looking good out there!

Thanks to everyone who ran or walked. And thank you, SET SEG, for your continued support of MASA and its members.

Member in the News:

Craig Douglas named CMU Distinguished Alumni

Congratulations to Craig C. Douglas, superintendent of Carrollton Public Schools and past-president of MASA. On September 18, 2009, Craig received the Distinguished Alumni Award from Central Michigan University.

Craig has taught graduate courses for CMU, has visited education classes and served as a professional resource for countless students in person and through e-mail. He was described by CMU as “an outstanding spokesman and representative for the university by quietly providing strong moral leadership by example to individuals, schools and communities through responsible decision-making and unselfish service.”

MASA Executive Director William Mayes attended the Alumni Awards dinner where Craig received his award, and expressed gratitude and appreciation for his leadership.

“Craig Douglas is a true leader and a good man,” said Mayes. “I am proud to work beside him and encouraged to know that the children of Carrollton Public Schools will grow and find opportunity as a result of his leadership.”

Member in the News:

Michael Haynes, N.I.C.E. Community Schools

A recent Michigan Education Report featured the N.I.C.E. school district’s growing foray into the world of virtual learning, and describes the district’s ReImagine proposal, which would allow these efforts in virtual learning to expand even more.

Read the article...

Excerpt:

“Eventually, the N.I.C.E. district would like to develop a virtual academy in conjunction with the neighboring Republic-Michigamme Schools to serve not only traditional high schoolers, but home-schoolers, alternative education students and adult education students in the community. That would take time and money, Superintendent Michael Haynes said, which is one reason the district has applied to become a "demonstration district" through Michigan's new "Project ReImagine" program.

“Launched by the Michigan Department of Education this spring, Project ReImagine rests on the premise that Michigan needs systemic change in how it manages schools and delivers education. It challenged schools to suggest ways to improve student achievement with the same or less money: Think extended school day. Think online learning. Think performance pay. Think consolidating.

“N.I.C.E.'s application is one of 71 received by the MDE. Twenty will be selected as demonstration districts. At a minimum, the state will help chosen districts begin to implement their projects by offering professional assistance and clearing bureaucratic obstacles.

“The state department has $1 million in outside funding available to help chosen districts firm up their plans, but no money for implementation, according to Martin Ackley, director of communications.

“'School districts ... were told from the beginning that their ReImagine proposals should be bold and district-wide, and developed with the understanding that they should be implemented at the local level regardless of funding,' Ackley wrote in an e-mail response to questions.”

Nominate a program or practice for the MASA Winners’ Circle Award

It’s time to nominate an effective program or practice for the Winners' Circle Award.

With all the bad news surrounding school funding, now more than ever it’s important to highlight the progress schools are making, and to encourage the employees who do good things for students every day. If you know of a superintendent who has helped lead a program or practice that is resulting in student success, MASA wants to know about it.

Each year the MASA Membership Services Committee presents Winners' Circle awards to superintendents or their first-line assistants who have:

• Launched or adapted an effective program or practice
• Which has had a positive impact on their school districts
• That could be used in other districts across the state.

Nominees must be MASA members, but co-recipients (such as principals, teachers or staff) are welcome. Winners will be recognized in the MASA Leader, in local media, and at MASA’s Midwinter Conference. You can read about former winners at the MASA Winner’s Circle awards page at www.gomasa.org (click on Member Benefits/Awards).

Nominations are accepted at any time, but in order to be recognized at the 2009 conference, the MASA Membership Services Committee needs to hear from you by November 23, 2009

It’s quick and easy to nominate yourself or a colleague through an online nomination form.

Questions can be directed to Linda Wacyk at 517-327-9268 or lwacyk@gomasa.org.

MASA Welcomes New Staff

You will notice some new faces when you visit us in Lansing this year. Be sure to help us welcome the following new staff members to the MASA/MAISA family.

Jeremy Harder

Jeremy is responsible for managing the technology initiatives, including web sites, for MASA, MAISA, Michigan ASCD, SAPAC, MSPRA, and the School Purchasing Pages. He handles the layout and production of the MASA Leader and eLeader newsletters as well as the design for other printed and digital material. He is the technical administrator for digital communications, including all association listservs and social networking tools.

Prior to his arrival at MASA, Jeremy worked for five years as a Web and graphic designer for an e-commerce company in Okemos, MI. Jeremy has also held various design and writing roles with Michigan State University, and the Michigan Public Transit Association. He is currently writing his Master's thesis to complete a degree from Michigan State University's Digital Rhetoric and Professional Writing graduate program.

Bob Kefgen

As we announced earlier, MAISA and MASA have expanded their Government Relations Departments in response to added pressures on education from Washington and Lansing, Bob Kefgen has joined the team as the MASA/MAISA Legislative Liaison. He brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the organization.

Shannon Thelen

MAISA welcomes Shannon Thelen as the Executive Assistant to the Title I High Priority Schools Grant. In this grant funded position, Shannon will support the activities of the staff who are working to implement the State Wide System of Support for High Priority Schools.

Shannon brings 12 years of experience with the legislature in multiple roles, including Chief of Staff to former Senator George Hart. Her last 7 years were as the Senior Executive Management Assistant to State Superintendent Mike Flanagan. We welcome Shannon to this key role and look forward to her expertise and commitment to this important project. Direct any questions about this position or the work of MAISA to Jon Tomlanovich at jont@gomasa.org or 517-327-9260.

Many push for change in funding system as districts keep suffering

A single, three-letter word dominates education in Michigan these days: Cut.

The Legislature cut state aid to school districts by $165 per student earlier this month. Gov. Jennifer Granholm cut $127 more per pupil on Thursday.

Michigan school districts - large and small, rural and urban, wealthy and not - are suffering because the state's school funding system no longer works.

"Real revenues that Michigan districts receive have been declining since 2002, and they are going to continue to decline," said David Arsen, professor of educational administration at MSU and an expert in Michigan school finance.

A steadily growing group, from school officials to parents to community organizations, are calling for change.

But to understand what changes are needed and how they might work, it's important to understand the system.

That's no easy task.

Read the full article... including a sidebar with a good Q&A about how public education is funded in Michigan.

Source: Lansing State Journal, 10.25.09

Autism; online resources from ESchool News

eSchool News has assembled a collection of stories from their archives, as well as resources from around the web, to help district leaders ramp up the capacity to deal with autistic children in their schools.

It's estimated that one out of every 150 children in the United States has some form of autism, and that number is escalating at a frightening pace. The federal government says autism is increasing at a rate of 10 percent to 17 percent each year and could affect some 4 million Americans in the next decade, placing an enormous strain on school systems charged with educating students diagnosed with the disorder.

Given the growing nature of this national challenge, experts warn that school leaders should begin thinking about how they can.

Visit the Autism Education Resource Center (ERC)...

Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Facebook?

Facebook is not something to fear; it is simply another way to build professional relationships.

For those who did not grow up using computers, Internet and e-mail, the concept of now-ubiquitous social media may be a bit difficult to grasp. Questions abound, from a skeptical “what’s so great about it?” to a quizzical “how does it even work?”

In this AASA article, readers will get answer to both these questions. Instead of discussing the wide range of social networking sites available, the author focuses on one especially representative, and AASA employed, example: Facebook.

“Joining Facebook won’t replace the way you network now, but it can certainly act as a supplement, and can broaden the contact you have with other school leaders who share your interests,” concludes author Cary Marshall. “And what could be bad about that?”

Read the full article...

Follow AASA on Facebook... (login and click on “Become a Fan” at the top of the page)

Have a FOIA Headache?

Howell Public School District has found a possible cure. Through several years of turmoil, the district has faced a steady stream of Freedom of Information Act requests. Until recently, the district IT director used a tedious, manual process to fulfill those requests. Now he turns to his Ann Arbor-based spam filtering service provider for help.

Howell’s IT director, Paul Pominville, has discovered that using outside experts to provide vital—but non-instructional—services can save districts time and worry.

"In a school, we're limited in size and scope.… We're having to do more with less every year. Things like hosted mail, spam filtering—that doesn't help kids learn at all. But it's stuff we still have to support. Let the experts do that, so we can concentrate on the classroom, student information systems, online learning—things that are actually helping kids."

Read the full story...
Source: The Journal, 10/27/09
http://www.1105newsletters.com/t.do?id=3604130:1080098

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