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
The coalition is growing. There are new events planned, and resources available to start a local SOS campaign... More>

Free Webinar - SOS Michigan
Dr. Steve Matthews (Grand Ledge Public Schools) tells the story of his district's proactive steps toward meeting today's budget challenges... More>

Midwinter Conference promises Rigor, Relevance and Relationships
... and plenty on Revenue, too.
You can’t afford to miss the MASA January conference... More>

Professional Development Scholarships Available 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... More>

MACUL accepting nominations for Outstanding Leader Program The Michigan Association of Computer Users in Learning will award prizes (including a SMART board, digital projector, and $14,000 prize packages) to three winners who deomstrate exemplary technology leadership... More>

Free Technoloy Training through MACUL A grant from the Michigan Department of Education has been given to MACUL to train 70 teams (350 educators) at the school building level... More>

Ingham ISD added to Project ReImagine Grant A last minute decision from Superintendent Flanagan gives Ingham ISD a chance to compete... More>

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.... More>

• Retirees to be honored at Distinguished Administrator presentation
• MASEL luncheon planned for February
• MASA Executive Board elections Petitions due February 1, 2010
• 2010 Superintendent's briefing book now available at discount!
• Highlighted Service: Communications Resources for millage campaigns, labor relations, and more!
• William Mayes on Off the Record In case you missed it: Full video of the his 11/13 appearance is available online.

• Chris Wigent earns Crystal Apple Award
  

• Lawmakers, MDE Lace Up Shoes for "Race to the Top"
  
  
• MDE Memo Says Direction on Online PD Coming Soon
  
  
• Department Releases Administrative Guidelines for Consolidation of Services Plan
  
  
• More MASA Legislative Updates
  Read the most recent MASA Legislative Updates any time at www.gomasa.org. Click on “Government Relations,” and scroll down to “Legislative Updates.”
  
  

• No Job Growth Until 2011 The University of Michigan projects the unemployment rate to peak in 2010
• Michigan Tax System Favors Wealthy According to a new study by the Institute on Taxation & Economic Policy

• Timeline for Initial Evaluation The Michigan Department of Education (MDE), Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services (OSE-EIS) introduces the first in a series of documents and training opportunities about special education in Michigan.

• Superintendent Uses Video Blog Technology allows outreach to students, parents, community
  
  
• Starting your Superintendent Blog Learn about the common pitfalls you should avoid
  
  
• FOCUS on Results Flint Community Schools and Suttons Bay Public Schools superintendents featured
  
  

• 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

Michigan Association of School Administrators
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Lansing, MI 48917
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