Speaking of leading

“As our state’s legislative leaders, you have the ability to spare public schools these draconian cuts, by restoring 20j funding as well as the other reductions in school funding, and fulfilling your promise to Michigan students by raising the $100 million in new revenues needed to balance the state budget. At this late date, it is impossible to make reductions in any coherent manner. Use Federal Stimulus money now to allow us the opportunity to plan for reductions in next year’s budget. I also implore you to use this time to fix the structural problems in the state’s current school funding process and ensure Michigan public school children receive a level of education that can only come with a stable and predictable school-funding source.

During these challenging times in our nation, our state and our communities our young people offer hope for a brighter future. They are the leaders, the innovators, the teachers of tomorrow. And they will change the world. Our democracy now more than ever depends on successfully educating every child. We know how to do it, but we need the resources and we need leaders who are willing to make the tough decisions. In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who overcame division to unite us for the common cause of equality: 'The time is always right to do what is right.' ”

Leonard Rezmierski, Superintendent of Northville Public Schools, in Senate testimony, 10/28/2009.

SOS Michigan Update - Gear up for action!

MASA members should have received a memo from Tom White on Monday, November 22. In the memo, White thanked members who came to Lansing during the past week to ask legislators to replace the cuts and begin working on fixing the long-term school funding system.

“Your efforts may not always show immediately, but be assured they make an impact,” White wrote. “If we say and do nothing it only sends a message to Lansing that they can continue to cut and ignore reforming our funding system. We appreciate your efforts and encourage continued political action to promote the messages on behalf of our students, our schools and our state.”

White urged members to gear up for our last chance to impact legislators on cuts during the first week of December (next week!).

Read the November 22 memo and learn about MASA updates related to SOS at gomasa.org/SOSmichigan.

Please continue to share information about SOS with supporters. We appreciate your assistance in spreading the word.

What’s Next?

• Bring Parents to Lansing Dec 1-3
• Legislative Hearings in Saginaw (Dec. 7); Lansing (Dec. 9) and Kalamazoo (Dec. 14)
• FREE Webinar: Sounding the SOS: Grand Ledge’s story of reform and hope

MASA at SOS Capitol Rally

View photos and video of MASA’s involvement at the November 10 Rally at the Capitol!

Sounding the SOS: One district’s story of reform and hope

featuring Dr. Steve Matthews, Grand Ledge Public Schools; Tom White, SOS (Save Our Students, Save Our Schools, Save Our State); Kelly Rossman-McKinney, APR, Rossman Group

Thursday, December 3, 2009
3:30-4:30 p.m.

As districts face enormous revenue cuts, what steps can school leaders take to prepare? Who needs to be part of the planning? How much—and how soon—should you communicate about your restructuring efforts? One mid-Michigan district has taken some proactive steps toward meeting today’s budget challenges, and is willing to share ideas with others—no matter where they are in the budget-reduction process.

Join an interactive Webinar featuring an interview with Grand Ledge Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Steve Matthews, who will describe the process he and his administrative team used to prepare for reduced revenues and engage stakeholders in outlining a vision for the future. Matthews will describe the district’s year-long planning process, as well as the extensive communication plan being used to roll out the plan. Participants will gain practical ideas, and have an opportunity to ask questions during the hour-long Webinar.

Learn from one district’s experience how decisive action by district leaders, coupled with a transparent communication process, can help a community work together to gain new efficiencies and create a sustainable system focused on students.

Date: Thursday, December 3, 2009
Time: 3:30-4:30 p.m.

Pre-registration not required, but appreciated. Contact Mycah at 517.327.5910 or martis@gomasa.org to pre-register.

Instructions: The webinar will begin at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 3, 2009.

To join the meeting: http://masb.acrobat.com/general

If you have never attended a Connect Pro meeting before:

Test your connection: http://masb.na3.acrobat.com/common/help/en/support/meeting_test.htm

Get a quick overview: http://www.adobe.com/go/connectpro_overview

Adobe, the Adobe logo, Acrobat and Acrobat Connect are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Adobe Systems Incorporated in the United States and/or other countries

System requirements:

• Computer with Internet Access
• Supported version of FLASH (you will be able to download necessary updates, if needed, when you connect)
• Speakers and/or headphones

Midwinter Conference promises Rigor, Relevance and Relationships

...and plenty on Revenue, too

You can’t afford to miss the MASA January conference!

We know that in tough times, conference attendance is often one of the first line-items to be cut. But we firmly believe that NOW might be the most crucial of all times to attend the MASA conference. 

The Conference Planning Committee will bring in pertinent key-note speakers, timely state and national updates, and clinic sessions to match requests from colleagues around Michigan. 

We know you’ll find the 2010 Midwinter conference to be extremely valuable to your professional growth and networking needs. 

Come to Detroit in January – you won’t be disappointed!

On behalf of the Conference Planning Committee,
Bruce Burger, Chairperson
Superintendent Gibraltar Public Schools

Conference Agenda

• Pre-conference events, January 27
  (details coming soon)
  1. Revenue Enhancement
  2. Newer Superintendents Budgeting & Negotiations Workshop
  3. Podcasting for Administrators
  
  
• Keynote Kickoff:
  
  Leading Change in a High Reliability District Requires Courage and Commitment
  James Eck, McREL  (read bio)
  Senior Director for the Leadership Workgroup in Field Services
  
  
• Featured speakers:
  
  
  • Mike Flanagan, Michigan State Superintendent
  • Robert Bobb, Detroit Public Schools
  • Mark Bielang and Mary Kusler, AASA
  • Brad Biladeau, MASA
    
    
• Peer-to-Peer sessions:
  
  
  • Lead Forward—learn more and provide input to the end goals, action summary and talking points for each of 18 initiatives developed by the MASA Council.
    
    
  • GenNet—learn about the status of the Genesee County seat time waiver. View materials, agreements, program descriptions and more. Hear success stories and how your district can participate. Offer ideas for future online learning opportunities.
    
    
• Clinic sessions sure to hit the mark:
  
  Budget & Finance
  • Understanding School Finance (Preconference for Newer Superintendents)
  • Raising Revenue for Your District (Preconference)
  • Changing Demographics & What Needs to be Done
  • School Finance Update with Dave Martell, MSBO – offered twice
  • Understanding Your Labor Costs and How to Impact Them with Tom White and Micki Magee, MASB
  • School Facility Use by Outside Groups – Who Pays for it?

  Managing change

  • Consolidation – the Nuts & Bolts
  • Strategic Planning – Deep Implementation, One Page Plan
  • Right Sizing a District and Meeting Financial Challenges
  • A System’s Approach to Leading to Positive Change
  • Mastering Stakeholder Relations in Difficult Times

  Leadership for Learning

  • Follow-Up with James Eck of McREL – Execution of the District-Leadership Responsibilities and McREL’s “bonus finding”
  • Common Prep & Block Resulting in Less Student Failure
  • A Story of Transformation & Growth, Leadership Team Development and Collaboration to Raise Student Achievement and Close Gaps
  • Data Informed Planning and Decision Making
  • The Role of the Superintendent in Creating a System that Supports Teacher Leadership
  • PLC’s Coaching for Learning and Monitoring the Results

  Leadership & Governance

  • Leadership Coaching:  Benefits and Opportunities
  • School Board Governance Fishbowl
  • Update on Small and Rural District Issues with Don Wotruba of MASB and Mary Kusler of AASA

  And more!

  • Podcasting for Administrators (Preconference)
  • Building Marketing Best Practices into Your District’s Website
  • The War Against Boys:  Is it Real in Your District?
  • Healthy Buildings
  • Learning Point Panel
  • Courageous Journey Cohort Breakouts
  • Learning Point Panel

Professional development scholarships available

Deadline for application November 30

Thanks to MEEMIC Insurance, the Michigan Center for Civic Education is pleased to offer stipends of up to $200 for first time attendees to “Educating for Citizenship,” the Center’s Annual Conference. The stipend will cover one year of MCCE membership, conference registration, and substitute reimbursement.

Educating for Citizenship will be held December 10, 2009 at the Kellogg Hotel and Conference Center in East Lansing.

Sessions Include:

Elementary

• Elementary Civics: It’s More Than Flags and Red, White, and Blue T-Shirts
• Taking Citizenship Beyond the Textbook
• Teacher/Lawyer Partnerships: Teaching Elementary Students About the Law
• We the People: Free Resources for Meeting 4th/5th Grade Civics GLCE

Middle School

• Civics and Service: Connecting Academic Service Learning and Project Citizen
• Mock Trials in the Middle School Classroom
• We the People: Free Resources for Meeting 8th Grade History GLCE

High School

• Advanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics Round Table
• Deliberating in a Democracy: Surveillance
• Making Sense of the 96 High School Civics Expectations
• The Michigan High School Mock Trial Tournament: Raising the Bar
• Teen Court: A Partnership Between Schools and Courts
• We the People: Free Resources for Meeting HSCE in Civics/Government
• Deliberating in a Democracy: Marriage and the State

General

• American’s Legislators Back to School Program
• Celebrating Patriot’s Week
• Civics for the Heard and the Hands
• Ideas for Constitution Day
• You Rule! Ideas and Free Resources for Teaching about Representative Democracy

To apply for a scholarship, follow the link below to an online form. Fill it out and click “Done” at the bottom. Make sure you get the “Thank you for completing...” message before you leave the site or your application will not be submitted. Forms must be submitted by November 30. Scholarship recipients will be notified by December 2.

http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=cPhRo8nbVwd51_2bRvIdxCEw_3d_3d

If you have any questions, please contact the Center at MCCE@oakland.k12.mi.us or 248-209-2325.

MACUL Outstanding Leader Program accepting nominations

Earn technology prizes for your district

Each year, the Michigan Association of Computer Users In Learning (MACUL) recognizes exemplary leadership in classroom teaching with technology and building and district technology leadership. Three categories are awarded:

• Outstanding Educator of the Year
• Outstanding Teacher of the Year and
• Technology Coordinator of the Year.

Do you have a colleague or staff member who stands out and should be considered for these awards? The MACUL Outstanding Leader Program is a perfect opportunity to recognize great work and contributions to your school and district.

The SMARTer Kids Foundation will be donating a $14,000 prize package to the winners in the Outstanding Educator and Teacher categories. The prize package includes a SMART board, digital projector, airliner wireless slate and student response system.

Information and applications can be found at http://www.macul.org/grantsawards/200910maculawardinformation/

Deadline for the 2010 awards is Friday, January 8, 2010.

For more information, contact Ieva Kule in the MACUL office at ikule@macul.org

Free Technology Training for Your School

Application deadline December 16

Technology teams can receive free training worth up to $8,300 to help educators in their districts become more skilled at using educational technology.

The Michigan Association for Computer Users in Learning (MACUL) has received a grant from the Michigan Department of Education to train 70 teams (350 educators) at the school building level. In the MI-Champions program, teams of 3-5 educators attend the annual MACUL conference (one of the largest in the Midwest) in 2010 and 2011, receive two days of training in the summer of 2010, receive onsite coaching expertise, and a wealth of resources. MACUL conference registration, as well as travel and substitute teacher stipends are provided for each MI-Champion participant.

The purpose of the program is to develop the expertise of teachers to use technology to improve student academic achievement.

Some of the feedback from MI-Champion participants, as reported in the evaluation study from Eastern Michigan University:

Conference feedback:

"The conference provided me with new ideas about how to use technology in the classroom."

"I had never used some of the technologies that we were exposed to at this conference (netcasts, blogs, etc.) and I feel more confident in using them both for my own enjoyment and to assist students in learning content. It was definitely a worthwhile experience for me."

Summer Two Day Workshop Feedback:

“I enjoyed the wide variety of resources that I was provided with today. It was amazing how much I have learned in 2 short days.”

Overall Program Feedback:

"This is the best thing I have ever been a part of!"

"Thank you for treating us like professionals (lunch, stipend, paying for the MACUL conference, etc.). Being so "appreciated" makes us want to work even harder to make learning accessible to all children!"

For more information and to apply for the MI-Champions program for your school team, link to www.macul.org/grantsawards/michampionsgrant. Application deadline is December 16.

Ingham ISD added to “Project Reimagine” list

The Ingham Intermediate School District will have a shot at potential federal stimulus money to spur education changes after all.

State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan last week decided to include the Ingham Intermediate School District as one of 14 “Project ReImagine” districts that will help the state compete for $200 million to $400 million in stimulus dollars, said Martin Ackley, spokesman for the state Department of Education.

The district was not included in the list of 13 districts we reported in the November 13 issue of the MASA Leader. Seventy-one districts statewide submitted proposals on how to improve the delivery of education.

“Ingham’s ISD proposal was the most well crafted and the best among those not initially selected,” Ackley said. “State Superintendent Flanagan made the decision that it is worthy to be included in Project ReImagine and has added it to this bold initiative.”

Stanley Kogut, superintendent of the Ingham ISD, said he was glad to hear that Flanagan had changed his mind.

“It came a little bit late, but it feels pretty good to be invited to the party,” said Kogut, adding the potential funding could help transform education in Ingham County.

Flanagan’s decision means the district could be in line for millions of dollars if the state wins a chunk of $4 billion in education stimulus dollars that the Obama administration will divvy up.

The district also is in line to receive a share of a pot of money -- as much as $1 million -- that the state education department will divide among the 14 winners.

The ISD’s proposal was to enhance standards for prekindergarten education, connect parents more directly with children during critical learning stages and develop individual learning plans for students that would continue grade-to-grade.

In a news release highlighting key aspects of the plan, the state education department touted the ISD’s plan to offer college credit courses to high school students, potentially allowing them to earn an associate’s degree while in high school.

Source: Lansing State Journal, 11/14/2009

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

Last July, school districts with 100 employees or more were impacted by changes in health insurance costs as a result of PA 106. This is due, in part, to a shift to experience-rated health care pricing: Rates are determined by employee benefit usage, or claims history.

Districts with healthy employees could see their cost of health care decrease with experience rating. As a result of experience rating, districts have a direct and strong financial interest in the wellness of their employees. SET Employee Benefits recognizes Public Act 106 as a tremendous opportunity for schools to implement programs that will control health care expenditures and encourage employees to become active participants in the health care management process.

SET Employee Benefits works with Priority Health to offer programs that provide an innovative approach to health and wellness including:

• Preventative care to keep employees healthy;
• Condition management to control illness and cost;
• Wellness packages directly from Priority Health;
• Case management for complex cases; and
• HealthByChoice Rewards plan.

School districts with 100 to 200 employees have experienced annual savings of $200,000-$300,000 by switching to Priority Health.

SET Employee Benefits also works with Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) to offer cost containment plans including:

• BlueHealthConnection wellness and care management solutions;
• Blue Care Network plans;
• Healthy Blue Living plans; and
• Disease Management;

BCBSM-based Wrap plans could also offer substantial savings to schools.

Contact SET SEG today!
1-800-292-5421

Midwinter Conference to Honor Reitrees

MASA will honor members who retired since June, 2009, or who are planning to retire by June, 2010 at a luncheon to be held during our Midwinter Conference on Thursday, January 28, 2010 at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center. The following persons will be honored:

Each member will receive a Distinguished Administrator plaque. If there are others who are not listed above, would you please write, call or email Kristy Warner at: MASA, 1001 Centennial Way, Suite 300, Lansing, MI 48917-9279, 517.327.9262, email: kwarner@gomasa.org.

Retirees, Mark Your Calendars

MASEL Florida Luncheon – February 18, 2010

MASEL-FL plans to gather for its 46th annual meeting and lunch on Thursday, February 18, 2010 at the Peridia Golf and Country Club, 4950 Peridia Drive, Bradenton, FL. All MASA retirees who will be in Florida are urged to attend this meeting to catch up with old colleagues. The featured speaker will be Dr. Dave Gayler, Superintendent of Charlotte County Schools.

Spouses and friends of retirees are welcome at this meeting to enjoy the great location and lunch.

Reservation information will be mailed to all retired members with a Florida address on the MASA mailing list the first week in January.

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.

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 principals' leadership, 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

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

Highlighted Service: Communications Resources

MASA works with MAISA and MSPRA to operate Michigan EduSource, a one-stop web site populated with tools to help you with district communications and public relations. A visit to www.MichiganEduSource.org will give you access to resources to help promote a school millage, discuss education policy, communicate during labor negotiations, launch community surveys, prepare publications and communicate with a variety of audiences. Michigan EduSource is also home to conference and event archives for MASA, MAISA, and MSPRA.

MASA Executive Director appears on Off the Record

MASA Executive Director William Mayes appeared 11/13/2009 as a guest on Off the Record. Mayes joined host Tim Skubick and a panel of journalists including Kyle Melinn, Rick Pluta and Chris Christoff to discuss the funding crisis facing schools today and call on state leaders to rise above political posturing and take real steps to find solutions.

“Michigan has to decide what’s important,” Mayes told Rick Pluta in the interview. “And if education is important—and every politician has run on this platform—then we bring in experts to tell us how we finance that. ... I’ve never been an economist. I’ve never even played one on TV. I’m an educator. I’ll tell you this: Michigan is in dire straits, and our education system—which everyone says is so important—is dying on the vine.”

Mayes stated clearly in the interview that there is more than enough blame to go around when it comes to Michigan’s economic stalemate.

“[Legislators] have all said they’re waiting for this, they’re waiting for that, they’re waiting for this person to sneeze. The bottom line is that our children are hurting right now. …The politics being played in Lansing is despicable at this time.”

View the interview online at http://wkar.org/offtherecord/program.php?num=3920

Chris Wigent

Congratulations to MAISA President and Wayne RESA Superintendent Chris Wigent, who received the MSU Crystal Apple Award Friday, November 20, 2009. The Crystal Apple Award is presented each year by the MSU College of Education to honor educators who represent excellence and commitment in service to education. Chris was one of 21 educators to receive the award at a dinner held in their honor at MSU’s Kellogg Center.

From the Crystal Awards program:
"Chris Wigent’s leadership of the Wayne County Regional Education Service Agency exemplifies the dedication of school administrators all across the State of Michigan. Throughout his 29 years in education and 20 years as a superintendent, his commitment to children and the districts that he serves is truly a beacon for others to follow."

• School Improvement Framework Conference
  Dec 1-2
  The Lansing Center, Lansing
• Infectious Disease Conference
  Dec 9
  MSU University Club, East Lansing
• Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) Tools for Schools Symposium
  Jan 14-16, 2010
  Washington D.C.
• Exploring the Superintendency
  Four-part series begins Jan. 20, 2010
  Continues Feb. 17, March 24, April 21
• Podcasting for Administrators
  Midwinter Pre-Conference Event
  January 27, 2010
  Detroit

Need a chuckle?

Michigan Association of School Administrators
1001 Centennial Way, Ste 300
Lansing, MI 48917
www.michiganedusource.org/gomasa | Contact us