Legislative update

Proration Action Alert

Three weeks ago we sent out an alert urging members to email their lawmakers and tell them to act to prevent the pending proration to schools. The response has been strong, but many legislators, including key members of the appropriations and education policy committees have still not been contacted. Please communicate with your legislators about this. Access the alert and send an email by clicking here.

If you have already sent an email or want to take further steps to push for action, consider urging your board to pass a resolution in support of funding for education. A sample resolution that can be used as a template is available on the SOS website at www.SOSMichigan.org.

Online Professional Development Requirement

Section 101 of the School Aid budget is new this year and requires that at least 5 hours of professional development (PD) be completed online in order for schools to count all 38 hours as instructional time. This requirement DOES NOT apply to existing contracts.

The language in section 101 also requires that the training be provided either by Michigan Virtual University or a Department-approved intermediate district provider. MASA learned this week that the MDE has pre-approved all ISDs and RESAs as online PD providers. We are working to get written confirmation of this from the department and we will continue to keep you informed as this situation develops.

New Budget Transparency Requirements

As you are aware, new language in section 18 of the School Aid Act requires schools to post a laundry list of specific, budget related information on their websites in addition to a copy of the actual budget. MASA has been in contact with the MDE and we are both interpreting the language to say that this requirement does not take effect until next year’s budget (FY 2010-11). Please DO NOT post any information on your websites until the MDE establishes guidelines and a common form for this reporting. We will continue to keep you apprised of this issue as the MDE provides further direction.