The Nov. 19th BOE meeting opened with an announcement about Closed Session that 2 North HS students were expelled.
There is also a WASB convention in January and School Board election paperwork will be available after December 1st.
Dept. Sup. Butler announced that there is no school on the Wed., Thurs., and Friday of Thanksgiving week. Also some announcement about WAHPERD (some statewide group about Physical Education and Health?) gave a teaching award to a Delong teacher. Dr. Leary recently attended the Real Life Academy and was VERY IMPRESSED with the process and the support from the community. Pres. O'Brien and Comm. Faanes and P. Iverson also attended.
Interesting note on the approval of the budget: Pres. O'Brien and Comm. Faanes abstained from voting (because their spouses are ECASD district employees but Comm. Kneer approved the expenditures even though she, herself, is a district employee. Go figure.
There was a very comprehensive report to the BOE froom the Montessori Charter School (Todd Johnson, Principal, Johanna W., staff and Maureen McGraith, parent). There was an Annual Report for audience members to review. I am NOT a Montessori expert but the group did a good job in laying out the Goals for the program, the Student Assessment, Program Assessment Measures and Accomplishments. I am unable to know if these are reasonable Goals and Measures for a Montessori Charter School or not. It was clear that retaining students for the upper grades is a concern as there seemed to be only a couple of 4th and 5th graders who have stayed with the Charter School. BOE members had several questions concerning teacher attrition, the expense of teacher training, transitioning Montessori students to middle school, Special Education services and the screening process used for students.
Following the Montessori presentation was an update to the Board from the Head Start Program by Paula Wainscott. Again, a very comprehensive handout was included for audience members. Again, I am not an expert but I found the report to be very informative and staffed by very dedicated professionals who care deeply about the children and families they work with. Of course, inadequate funding is an issue. There was a brief digression to the EC4 Tomorrow (4 year old kindergarten) program which is limited to 4 year olds who are already in a daycare setting and have adequate transportation which can be a barrier to participation. Pres. O'Brien thanked the presenters and board members expressed their appreciation as well.
Other updates: No update for the Clear Vision process. Comm. Craig expressed her concern that the district realistically assesses when a discussion about referendum could be held. Dr, Leary indicated that at the Dec. 3rd meeting he will report on the Internal Needs Assessment process. Also Budget discussions are beginning for Operations, Facilities, etc... Comm. Craig indicated that the district is looking at an additional $5 to $6 million in cuts over the next 3 years and there is NO PROCESS in place to involve the community.
Pres. O'Brien indicated that there will be a Charter meeting on Dec. 17th and G. Butler indicated that Board Policy revisions will be discussed Jan. 21st. Other meetings on Dec. 18th from 6:30 to 8:30 and Dec. 17th from 5:30 to 7 before the regular BOE meeting. I think people should check the ECASD website for topics and times of these meetings as it was pretty confusing with so many times and dates flying around.
Comm. Craig indicated that the Parent Advisory Council has a new brochure and that the Montessori Charter School is now a member of PAC.
Adjourn!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Thursday, November 29, 2007
Oct. 22, 2007 Budget Hearing and Regular BOE Meeting
On October 22, 2007 at 5:00 p.m. there was a special Public Hearing about the 2007-08 budget. The meeting began with Mr. Van de Water presenting a comprehensive Power Point overview of the annual budget process which began on Oct. 6, 2006 with the information that the ECASD would be facing a $7.6 million shortfall in the next school year. In Feb. 2007 the BOE proposed cutting only $2.1 million and asking for $21.6 million for the next 3 years to cover operations. In April 2007 the referendum failed and the reductions were made. Mr. Van de Water also went through the revenue components of the budget and some expenditure comparisons. He also reviewed the tax levy process. The audience had copies of the presentation as well as a very informative Executive Summary including many supporting schedules. For those who would choose to inform themselves about the process, this information was valuable and extremely well done.
Public comment consisted of JoEllen Burke noting that the decision "to raise class size" signified a loss of more than 40 teaching positions and G. Butler added that total staff cuts were 60 positions. Ms. Burke indicated the need to address the state funding formula. She also encouraged BOE members to visit schools and classrooms and see all the good things that are happening and that teachers and staff are very appreciative of such visits.
I stood up and thanked Mr. Van de Water and noted that the cuts were damaging to students, teachers, parents and the community. I also expressed my concern that the reduction process did not seem to address and educational priorities and that the high school cuts were based on nothing more than class enrollments. I thanked them for the open process being used for the Little Red Study Committee and that information, meetings, minutes and the ability for the public to comment is all accessible via the website.
Comm. Cummins asked about the process for re-prioritizing such as funding the changes approved b the BOE for kindergarten. Mr. O'Brien commented that we are fortunate to have Mr. Van de Water and that the whole process is much better and more understandable. (My question: "So why didn't you ask questions and get the information you needed in the past?") He also claimed that re-prioritization has been occurring in that they have discussed what to cut. Comm. Cummins said that she has not seen it in the 2 years she has been on the board. Her comment: "Good accounting does not have anything to do with what are our priorities. The public needs to trust that the budget is both accurate and accurately reflects our priorities."
Carol Galloy (Art Teacher at South MS) commented that the proposed list of cuts that was initially generated in October did not change after all of the public hearings. She hoped that next year the public input would be considered. She also asked if a referendum was being considered anytime soon.
Comm. Craig responded to Mr. O'Brien's comment that the ECASD is in a much more "stable" position now. She asked how we can consider our position as "stable" when we are still looking at a nearly $2 million deficit for next year? She indicated that the community MUST BE ENGAGED to gain support for a future referendum.
Dr. Leary commented that normally it takes 2 years to "recover" from a lost referendum. He indicated that it is nearly impossible to ask the community for referendum money to "maintain the status quo." A successful referendum will depend on the district's ability to show what will be BETTER for the schools and the community.
Pat Telisak, a teacher at Lakeshore, asked that the district relate the costs to parents, and community members in terms of kids and their home expense and that discussion should be in layperson's terms. She indicated that the failing state of computers at Lakeshore now results in 1/2 of the computers have no ability to connect headphones because of a broken part.
Comm. Bollinger indicated that the entire facilities needs have not even been discussed yet and continued delay only drives costs higher. Comm. Cummins reiterated her position that facilities needs MUST BE LINKED TO EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS.
Comm. Craig stated that planing for all this is a long term process but the district must find a way to address the short term planning immediately as we are facing a $2 million deficit NOW. Pres. O'Brien indicated that the Nov. 5th meeting will include a 5 year projection of the deficit. Dr. Leary indicated thet Mr. Van de Water is available to do his financial presentation to any school or group who is interested. He also said that it is important to look ahead but also to look in the past to see where there were pitfalls and weak spots in decision-making and make improvements.
Pres. O'Brien thanked people for attending.
Public Hearing session adjourned.
Regular Session began at 7:00 p.m.
Announcements: Pres. O'Brien said that there were no announcements from Closed Session. He also said that there would be a couple of Community Focus Groups for the New Supt. search on Oct. 29th and 30th that the Public could attend.
Dept. Supt. Butler told BOE members that the information about the Little Red Study Group is available on the district website and has everything like the Goals, a Timeline, Membership, Agenda and a Public Comment Form. Comm. Cummins was amazed and asked "Where did this come from?!" and he credited Sandy LaValley and the IT folks. Pres. O'Brien thanked Comm. Craig for her leadership of the group.
Dr. Leary indicated that the Needs Assessment data from the Parent Advisory Committee is complete and being summarized. Also a Chamber of Commerce Expo was well attended and the ECASD was represented. WEAC is also doing a Public Relations video at Lakeshore School.
There was another very lengthy and complicated presentation from Mr. Van de Water about the tax levy. Comm. Kneer's comments: "This is too much for the average citizen to absorb. I can't absorb it. Just give me A for Apple and B for Banana...." Comm. Bollinger: "I understood everything you said but the average citizen won't."
There was an extensive presentation by Sue Steffes (Asst. Princ. at Memorial HS) and Michelle Wiberg (Asst. Princ. at DeLong MS) about the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. This is a coalition to halt increases in childhood obesity by 2010 and begin to reverse it by 2015 using programs for Student Nutrition, Student Physical Activity and Staff Wellness. 4 ECASD schools (Memorial, North, Delong and Lakeshore) participated and all 4 received Bronze recognition (of 300 schools participating only 26 were recognized and 4 were from Eau Claire!) This can be implemented at no cost to the district and will result in healthier students and staff and increased productivity. Ms. Steffes indicated that the program has now moved to be implemented in all district buildings and there is a wellness committee in each building. Comm. Craig asked about parental involvement and one of the student reps. asked about student involvement and they were assured that in the future that would be happening.
My comments: This was pretty amazing and comprehensive!
Other updates: The Legislative Report from Pres. O'Brien was :"This would be like kicking a dead horse." since the state budget is STILL not passed. Comm. Cummins reported on the Claer Vision Community Plan and said the first meeting was very impressive with good representation from the district. Many groups mentioned their concerns about education and the need for planned development and shared services. One of the student reps. also attended and thought there was a need for more student participation.
Adjourn.
Public comment consisted of JoEllen Burke noting that the decision "to raise class size" signified a loss of more than 40 teaching positions and G. Butler added that total staff cuts were 60 positions. Ms. Burke indicated the need to address the state funding formula. She also encouraged BOE members to visit schools and classrooms and see all the good things that are happening and that teachers and staff are very appreciative of such visits.
I stood up and thanked Mr. Van de Water and noted that the cuts were damaging to students, teachers, parents and the community. I also expressed my concern that the reduction process did not seem to address and educational priorities and that the high school cuts were based on nothing more than class enrollments. I thanked them for the open process being used for the Little Red Study Committee and that information, meetings, minutes and the ability for the public to comment is all accessible via the website.
Comm. Cummins asked about the process for re-prioritizing such as funding the changes approved b the BOE for kindergarten. Mr. O'Brien commented that we are fortunate to have Mr. Van de Water and that the whole process is much better and more understandable. (My question: "So why didn't you ask questions and get the information you needed in the past?") He also claimed that re-prioritization has been occurring in that they have discussed what to cut. Comm. Cummins said that she has not seen it in the 2 years she has been on the board. Her comment: "Good accounting does not have anything to do with what are our priorities. The public needs to trust that the budget is both accurate and accurately reflects our priorities."
Carol Galloy (Art Teacher at South MS) commented that the proposed list of cuts that was initially generated in October did not change after all of the public hearings. She hoped that next year the public input would be considered. She also asked if a referendum was being considered anytime soon.
Comm. Craig responded to Mr. O'Brien's comment that the ECASD is in a much more "stable" position now. She asked how we can consider our position as "stable" when we are still looking at a nearly $2 million deficit for next year? She indicated that the community MUST BE ENGAGED to gain support for a future referendum.
Dr. Leary commented that normally it takes 2 years to "recover" from a lost referendum. He indicated that it is nearly impossible to ask the community for referendum money to "maintain the status quo." A successful referendum will depend on the district's ability to show what will be BETTER for the schools and the community.
Pat Telisak, a teacher at Lakeshore, asked that the district relate the costs to parents, and community members in terms of kids and their home expense and that discussion should be in layperson's terms. She indicated that the failing state of computers at Lakeshore now results in 1/2 of the computers have no ability to connect headphones because of a broken part.
Comm. Bollinger indicated that the entire facilities needs have not even been discussed yet and continued delay only drives costs higher. Comm. Cummins reiterated her position that facilities needs MUST BE LINKED TO EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS.
Comm. Craig stated that planing for all this is a long term process but the district must find a way to address the short term planning immediately as we are facing a $2 million deficit NOW. Pres. O'Brien indicated that the Nov. 5th meeting will include a 5 year projection of the deficit. Dr. Leary indicated thet Mr. Van de Water is available to do his financial presentation to any school or group who is interested. He also said that it is important to look ahead but also to look in the past to see where there were pitfalls and weak spots in decision-making and make improvements.
Pres. O'Brien thanked people for attending.
Public Hearing session adjourned.
Regular Session began at 7:00 p.m.
Announcements: Pres. O'Brien said that there were no announcements from Closed Session. He also said that there would be a couple of Community Focus Groups for the New Supt. search on Oct. 29th and 30th that the Public could attend.
Dept. Supt. Butler told BOE members that the information about the Little Red Study Group is available on the district website and has everything like the Goals, a Timeline, Membership, Agenda and a Public Comment Form. Comm. Cummins was amazed and asked "Where did this come from?!" and he credited Sandy LaValley and the IT folks. Pres. O'Brien thanked Comm. Craig for her leadership of the group.
Dr. Leary indicated that the Needs Assessment data from the Parent Advisory Committee is complete and being summarized. Also a Chamber of Commerce Expo was well attended and the ECASD was represented. WEAC is also doing a Public Relations video at Lakeshore School.
There was another very lengthy and complicated presentation from Mr. Van de Water about the tax levy. Comm. Kneer's comments: "This is too much for the average citizen to absorb. I can't absorb it. Just give me A for Apple and B for Banana...." Comm. Bollinger: "I understood everything you said but the average citizen won't."
There was an extensive presentation by Sue Steffes (Asst. Princ. at Memorial HS) and Michelle Wiberg (Asst. Princ. at DeLong MS) about the Alliance for a Healthier Generation. This is a coalition to halt increases in childhood obesity by 2010 and begin to reverse it by 2015 using programs for Student Nutrition, Student Physical Activity and Staff Wellness. 4 ECASD schools (Memorial, North, Delong and Lakeshore) participated and all 4 received Bronze recognition (of 300 schools participating only 26 were recognized and 4 were from Eau Claire!) This can be implemented at no cost to the district and will result in healthier students and staff and increased productivity. Ms. Steffes indicated that the program has now moved to be implemented in all district buildings and there is a wellness committee in each building. Comm. Craig asked about parental involvement and one of the student reps. asked about student involvement and they were assured that in the future that would be happening.
My comments: This was pretty amazing and comprehensive!
Other updates: The Legislative Report from Pres. O'Brien was :"This would be like kicking a dead horse." since the state budget is STILL not passed. Comm. Cummins reported on the Claer Vision Community Plan and said the first meeting was very impressive with good representation from the district. Many groups mentioned their concerns about education and the need for planned development and shared services. One of the student reps. also attended and thought there was a need for more student participation.
Adjourn.
Sunday, October 28, 2007
EXCELLENT Editorial about setting Goals before asking for $ from Taxpayers
This is an editorial by a MN Chamber of Commerce official about the need for school districts to set specific goals for student achievement before just asking taxpayers to fund more of the same programming with a referendum. Again, this piece was AWOL during the last ECASD referendum and the district still is years from making progress on this topic.
Maria
William Blazar: Before voting on a levy, know your district's goals
Taxpayers would be more likely to say yes if they knew the money would
produce measurable results.
William Blazar
Published: October 28, 2007
Next month, voters across the state will be asked to pay more taxes
for their local schools. The money is proposed to pay for a variety of
things, from everyday operating expenses to buildings to improved
technology.
These are important votes for all Minnesota employers and their
employees. Companies of all sizes and types need the best individuals
to compete in a global market. Parents want to ensure that their
children can compete for jobs. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, as
the state's largest business advocacy organization, has a keen
interest that schools have the resources necessary to meet our
workforce needs.
That's why we encourage voters to ask the logical question before
casting ballots: What are the district's goals for the additional
dollars in terms of measurable results in student achievement?
Newspaper stories across the state have carried the foreboding message
to "Vote Yes" or our children's education will suffer. And they
proceed to detail the ramifications of a "no" vote, such as larger
classes, outdated curricula and texts, and fewer teachers and support
staff.
All these elements may be important to teaching our children. But,
frankly, we're not sure -- for two reasons. First, most businesspeople
are not education experts. Second, today's world economy and diverse
school population say that the business community and voters should
not prescribe any one learning approach -- lower class size, for
example -- on any school.
We should leave the strategies to our teachers, encouraging them (and
giving them the flexibility) to do what works. School leaders should
make the cases for their referendums in terms of measurable student
results. Districts will benefit most -- and make the strongest cases
for passage -- if they focus their campaigns on clear achievement
goals.
Most districts, unfortunately, are silent on this.
The Crookston School District provides a shining exception in its
"Annual Report on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Achievement." As
noted in the Crookston Daily Times, the report contains 2007-08 goals
for student achievement that are "unprecedented in their specificity."
For example, the district aims to narrow the achievement gap in
reading -- by 3 percent on next spring's tests -- for Hispanics and
students eligible for free or reduced-price lunches. The district
identified strategies to reach all its goals, and the report is posted
on its website.
And if goals aren't met? "Then we'll have to take another look at what
we're doing," the Crookston Times quoted Ione Swenson, the district's
curriculum, assessment and staff development director. "It's always a
work in progress."
Crookston is not seeking a referendum. But you can bet its chances for
passage would be greatly enhanced by its efforts to tell the entire
community where the district is headed on achievement.
A discussion of school funding is incomplete without acknowledging
that declining enrollment is at the root of many districts' troubles.
Schools are largely funded on head count, and it's admittedly a tricky
equation. A drop of, say, 60 students -- and the accompanying reduced
state aid -- cannot be recouped by simply eliminating two kindergarten
sections. The drops in student numbers are likely scattered among all
grades, with rarely a large enough block to eliminate an entire
classroom section.
At the same time, with our graying population, declining enrollments
are a fact of life. It's neither practical nor fiscally sustainable to
pay schools more money for educating fewer students. And so, we're
back to setting local goals for student achievement. By focusing on
results, districts have the flexibility to deal with their enrollment
and diversity issues. We should not presume that a solution that works
in one district will succeed in another.
School districts should make a pact with their communities. Share with
us what achievement results the new local money will buy and how
progress will be measured and reported. Set goals for educational
achievement within each community, and we'll be first in line to "vote
yes."
William Blazar is senior vice president of public affairs and business
development at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.
(c) 2007 Star Tribune. All rights reserved.
Maria
William Blazar: Before voting on a levy, know your district's goals
Taxpayers would be more likely to say yes if they knew the money would
produce measurable results.
William Blazar
Published: October 28, 2007
Next month, voters across the state will be asked to pay more taxes
for their local schools. The money is proposed to pay for a variety of
things, from everyday operating expenses to buildings to improved
technology.
These are important votes for all Minnesota employers and their
employees. Companies of all sizes and types need the best individuals
to compete in a global market. Parents want to ensure that their
children can compete for jobs. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce, as
the state's largest business advocacy organization, has a keen
interest that schools have the resources necessary to meet our
workforce needs.
That's why we encourage voters to ask the logical question before
casting ballots: What are the district's goals for the additional
dollars in terms of measurable results in student achievement?
Newspaper stories across the state have carried the foreboding message
to "Vote Yes" or our children's education will suffer. And they
proceed to detail the ramifications of a "no" vote, such as larger
classes, outdated curricula and texts, and fewer teachers and support
staff.
All these elements may be important to teaching our children. But,
frankly, we're not sure -- for two reasons. First, most businesspeople
are not education experts. Second, today's world economy and diverse
school population say that the business community and voters should
not prescribe any one learning approach -- lower class size, for
example -- on any school.
We should leave the strategies to our teachers, encouraging them (and
giving them the flexibility) to do what works. School leaders should
make the cases for their referendums in terms of measurable student
results. Districts will benefit most -- and make the strongest cases
for passage -- if they focus their campaigns on clear achievement
goals.
Most districts, unfortunately, are silent on this.
The Crookston School District provides a shining exception in its
"Annual Report on Curriculum, Instruction and Student Achievement." As
noted in the Crookston Daily Times, the report contains 2007-08 goals
for student achievement that are "unprecedented in their specificity."
For example, the district aims to narrow the achievement gap in
reading -- by 3 percent on next spring's tests -- for Hispanics and
students eligible for free or reduced-price lunches. The district
identified strategies to reach all its goals, and the report is posted
on its website.
And if goals aren't met? "Then we'll have to take another look at what
we're doing," the Crookston Times quoted Ione Swenson, the district's
curriculum, assessment and staff development director. "It's always a
work in progress."
Crookston is not seeking a referendum. But you can bet its chances for
passage would be greatly enhanced by its efforts to tell the entire
community where the district is headed on achievement.
A discussion of school funding is incomplete without acknowledging
that declining enrollment is at the root of many districts' troubles.
Schools are largely funded on head count, and it's admittedly a tricky
equation. A drop of, say, 60 students -- and the accompanying reduced
state aid -- cannot be recouped by simply eliminating two kindergarten
sections. The drops in student numbers are likely scattered among all
grades, with rarely a large enough block to eliminate an entire
classroom section.
At the same time, with our graying population, declining enrollments
are a fact of life. It's neither practical nor fiscally sustainable to
pay schools more money for educating fewer students. And so, we're
back to setting local goals for student achievement. By focusing on
results, districts have the flexibility to deal with their enrollment
and diversity issues. We should not presume that a solution that works
in one district will succeed in another.
School districts should make a pact with their communities. Share with
us what achievement results the new local money will buy and how
progress will be measured and reported. Set goals for educational
achievement within each community, and we'll be first in line to "vote
yes."
William Blazar is senior vice president of public affairs and business
development at the Minnesota Chamber of Commerce.
(c) 2007 Star Tribune. All rights reserved.
WEAC Analysis of the state budget
Here is WEAC's take on the completed state budget:
Governor signs 2007-09 state budget
The following summary of provisions was compiled by the WEAC
Government Relations Division:
K-12
Provides $76.8 million in general school aids in 2008-09.
Adds $53.6 million to special education categorical aid, which would
represent increases of 5.2% in 2007-08 and 5.4% in 2008-09. In
addition, provides $1.8 million in supplemental special education aid.
Increases the annual reimbursement rate for pupils transported over 12
miles from home and school from $180 to $220 beginning in 2007-08.
Provides $3.3 million over the biennium to increase the school
breakfast reimbursement rate from 10 cents to 15 cents per breakfast
served.
Makes no changes to the current-law inflationary adjustment to the
per-pupil adjustment, resulting in a per-pupil adjustment of $264 in
2007-08 and $270 in 2008-09.
Increases the low-revenue ceiling from $8,400 to $8,700 in 2007-08 and
to $9,000 in 2008-09.
Provides for 100% hold harmless for declining enrollment school
districts and allows the prior year's base to serve as a revenue limit
floor.
Provides $21 million over the biennium in a new aid program to
high-poverty school districts. The aid to Milwaukee Public Schools
would be used to ease the property tax burden for picking up 45% of
cost of the Milwaukee private school voucher program.
Invests $10 million in 2008-09 to boost student achievement in
Milwaukee Public Schools.
Provides $3 million for 4-year-old kindergarten start-up grants.
Expands the national teacher certification program to provide grants
to master educator licensees and award higher grants to those board
certified teachers and master educators who teach in high-poverty
schools.
Provides $3.6 million in 2008-09 in aid to small rural schools districts.
Provides $27 million to fully fund the state's commitment to increase
the SAGE per-pupil amount from $2,000 to $2,250.
Provides $500,000 over the biennium for grants to school districts for
nursing services.
Increases funding for gifted and talented by $182,000 over the biennium.
Provides $123,000 over the biennium for grants to promote education in
science, technology, engineering and math.
Provides $76,000 over the biennium for international education activities.
Creates an Office of the Wisconsin Covenant and associated positions.
Provides $500,000 for Project Lead the Way.
Increases the current school levy tax credit distribution for the
2007(08) property tax year by $79,350,000. Increases the distribution
for the 2008(09) property tax year by a further $75,000,000. Creates a
property tax credit called the "first dollar credit" with a funding
level of $75,000,000 annually beginning in the 2008(09) property tax
year, and modifies the existing school levy tax credit appropriation
to include payments for the first dollar credit.
WTCS
Provides $3 million over the biennium for the Workforce Training Grant Program.
Provides $1.25 million over the biennium to increase funding for the
Wisconsin Higher Education Grant program for need-based financial aid
to technical college students.
Provides $12 million over the biennium to help defray the cost of the
new veteran's remission by the UW Board of Regents and the Wisconsin
Technical College District Boards.
Requires a lapse of $1 million of existing WTCS general and/or
categorical aid funding in each of the 2007-09 and 2009-11 biennia.
Prohibits any technical college district from increasing its tax levy
by more than 4% annually in 2007 and 2008. Repeals this provision on
November 30, 2009. (This provision was vetoed by the governor.)
Compensation Reserves
Provides total compensation reserves of $131,197,500 in 2007-08 and
$328,026,800 in 2008-09 for the increased cost of state employee
salaries and fringe benefits.
Miscellaneous
Implements BadgerCare Plus to help ensure that 98% of Wisconsin's
citizens have access to health care coverage.
According to the governor's office, the agreement ensures quality
education for Wisconsin students. The governor's office said the bill:
Meets Wisconsin's commitment to fund two-thirds the cost of every
child's education … protecting schools while taking the burden off of
property taxpayers.
Moves forward on the Wisconsin Covenant – the promise to 8th graders
that if they work hard, maintain a B average, and take the classes
they need to go to college, there will be a spot for them in the
state's universities or colleges.
Makes sure kids get off to the right start, by investing $3 million in
4-year-old kindergarten, $3.2 million in school breakfast, and $27
million to create smaller class sizes in the early grades.
Includes reforms in the school financing system that help rural
districts with transportation costs, and treat districts with
declining enrollment more fairly.
Invests $32 million in financial aid so talented students who have
earned their way into our states universities have the resources they
need to help them succeed. The funding puts the state on pace to
triple financial aid by the end of this fiscal term.
Keeps a promise to provide free college tuition to all Wisconsin
veterans by investing $12 million.
Fully funds the University's Growth Agenda to expand enrollment and
train the next generation of nurses, engineers, chemists, biologists
and skilled workers that our economy needs.
Posted October 19, 2007; Updated October 26, 2007
Governor signs 2007-09 state budget
The following summary of provisions was compiled by the WEAC
Government Relations Division:
K-12
Provides $76.8 million in general school aids in 2008-09.
Adds $53.6 million to special education categorical aid, which would
represent increases of 5.2% in 2007-08 and 5.4% in 2008-09. In
addition, provides $1.8 million in supplemental special education aid.
Increases the annual reimbursement rate for pupils transported over 12
miles from home and school from $180 to $220 beginning in 2007-08.
Provides $3.3 million over the biennium to increase the school
breakfast reimbursement rate from 10 cents to 15 cents per breakfast
served.
Makes no changes to the current-law inflationary adjustment to the
per-pupil adjustment, resulting in a per-pupil adjustment of $264 in
2007-08 and $270 in 2008-09.
Increases the low-revenue ceiling from $8,400 to $8,700 in 2007-08 and
to $9,000 in 2008-09.
Provides for 100% hold harmless for declining enrollment school
districts and allows the prior year's base to serve as a revenue limit
floor.
Provides $21 million over the biennium in a new aid program to
high-poverty school districts. The aid to Milwaukee Public Schools
would be used to ease the property tax burden for picking up 45% of
cost of the Milwaukee private school voucher program.
Invests $10 million in 2008-09 to boost student achievement in
Milwaukee Public Schools.
Provides $3 million for 4-year-old kindergarten start-up grants.
Expands the national teacher certification program to provide grants
to master educator licensees and award higher grants to those board
certified teachers and master educators who teach in high-poverty
schools.
Provides $3.6 million in 2008-09 in aid to small rural schools districts.
Provides $27 million to fully fund the state's commitment to increase
the SAGE per-pupil amount from $2,000 to $2,250.
Provides $500,000 over the biennium for grants to school districts for
nursing services.
Increases funding for gifted and talented by $182,000 over the biennium.
Provides $123,000 over the biennium for grants to promote education in
science, technology, engineering and math.
Provides $76,000 over the biennium for international education activities.
Creates an Office of the Wisconsin Covenant and associated positions.
Provides $500,000 for Project Lead the Way.
Increases the current school levy tax credit distribution for the
2007(08) property tax year by $79,350,000. Increases the distribution
for the 2008(09) property tax year by a further $75,000,000. Creates a
property tax credit called the "first dollar credit" with a funding
level of $75,000,000 annually beginning in the 2008(09) property tax
year, and modifies the existing school levy tax credit appropriation
to include payments for the first dollar credit.
WTCS
Provides $3 million over the biennium for the Workforce Training Grant Program.
Provides $1.25 million over the biennium to increase funding for the
Wisconsin Higher Education Grant program for need-based financial aid
to technical college students.
Provides $12 million over the biennium to help defray the cost of the
new veteran's remission by the UW Board of Regents and the Wisconsin
Technical College District Boards.
Requires a lapse of $1 million of existing WTCS general and/or
categorical aid funding in each of the 2007-09 and 2009-11 biennia.
Prohibits any technical college district from increasing its tax levy
by more than 4% annually in 2007 and 2008. Repeals this provision on
November 30, 2009. (This provision was vetoed by the governor.)
Compensation Reserves
Provides total compensation reserves of $131,197,500 in 2007-08 and
$328,026,800 in 2008-09 for the increased cost of state employee
salaries and fringe benefits.
Miscellaneous
Implements BadgerCare Plus to help ensure that 98% of Wisconsin's
citizens have access to health care coverage.
According to the governor's office, the agreement ensures quality
education for Wisconsin students. The governor's office said the bill:
Meets Wisconsin's commitment to fund two-thirds the cost of every
child's education … protecting schools while taking the burden off of
property taxpayers.
Moves forward on the Wisconsin Covenant – the promise to 8th graders
that if they work hard, maintain a B average, and take the classes
they need to go to college, there will be a spot for them in the
state's universities or colleges.
Makes sure kids get off to the right start, by investing $3 million in
4-year-old kindergarten, $3.2 million in school breakfast, and $27
million to create smaller class sizes in the early grades.
Includes reforms in the school financing system that help rural
districts with transportation costs, and treat districts with
declining enrollment more fairly.
Invests $32 million in financial aid so talented students who have
earned their way into our states universities have the resources they
need to help them succeed. The funding puts the state on pace to
triple financial aid by the end of this fiscal term.
Keeps a promise to provide free college tuition to all Wisconsin
veterans by investing $12 million.
Fully funds the University's Growth Agenda to expand enrollment and
train the next generation of nurses, engineers, chemists, biologists
and skilled workers that our economy needs.
Posted October 19, 2007; Updated October 26, 2007
Green Bay signs historic race relation agreement
Green Bay signs historic race relation agreement
The Associated Press
TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press
Article Last Updated:10/25/2007 10:27:31 PM CDT
GREEN BAY, Wis.—Police, school and city representatives signed a
historic mediation agreement Thursday designed to improve race
relations—the first of its kind in the state.
The voluntary agreement includes pledges to boost minority recruitment
and hiring in the police and fire departments, city administration and
the Green Bay Area Public School District.
It took two years to reach the agreement, which is the first citywide
agreement signed in Wisconsin, said Kenith Bergeron, a conciliation
specialist with the U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations
Service in Chicago.
Milwaukee has a similar community relations agreement, but it's only
with the police department.
Concerns about unequal treatment of minorities in the city and school
district prompted the pact.
The group met 10 times since August 2005. Their initiatives include
closing the achievement gap for students of color, implementing a
cultural competency training program for teachers and police officers
and encouraging more minority-owned business.
The city plans to provide employment advertisements in other languages
and develop an advisory system to help identify potentially racially
sensitive topics on council and committee agendas.
Green Bay's police department already has established an advisory
committee that has met monthly over the past year, Police Chief Jim
Arts said.
He admitted the department had a long way to go in its efforts to
recruit from minority communities—out of 187 sworn officers, 14 are
women, three are Native Americans and one is Hispanic. There are no
black officers on the force.
"You're going to hear that we're essentially a white department. I
don't like hearing that, but it's the reality," said Arts, adding that
they've made some modest improvement in minority applications in the
last round of recruitment.
Likewise the Green Bay School District sees a "great opportunity
coupled with significant challenges" with one-third of its 20,000 plus
students coming from minority populations, superintendent Daniel Nerad
said.
The Associated Press
TwinCities.com-Pioneer Press
Article Last Updated:10/25/2007 10:27:31 PM CDT
GREEN BAY, Wis.—Police, school and city representatives signed a
historic mediation agreement Thursday designed to improve race
relations—the first of its kind in the state.
The voluntary agreement includes pledges to boost minority recruitment
and hiring in the police and fire departments, city administration and
the Green Bay Area Public School District.
It took two years to reach the agreement, which is the first citywide
agreement signed in Wisconsin, said Kenith Bergeron, a conciliation
specialist with the U.S. Department of Justice Community Relations
Service in Chicago.
Milwaukee has a similar community relations agreement, but it's only
with the police department.
Concerns about unequal treatment of minorities in the city and school
district prompted the pact.
The group met 10 times since August 2005. Their initiatives include
closing the achievement gap for students of color, implementing a
cultural competency training program for teachers and police officers
and encouraging more minority-owned business.
The city plans to provide employment advertisements in other languages
and develop an advisory system to help identify potentially racially
sensitive topics on council and committee agendas.
Green Bay's police department already has established an advisory
committee that has met monthly over the past year, Police Chief Jim
Arts said.
He admitted the department had a long way to go in its efforts to
recruit from minority communities—out of 187 sworn officers, 14 are
women, three are Native Americans and one is Hispanic. There are no
black officers on the force.
"You're going to hear that we're essentially a white department. I
don't like hearing that, but it's the reality," said Arts, adding that
they've made some modest improvement in minority applications in the
last round of recruitment.
Likewise the Green Bay School District sees a "great opportunity
coupled with significant challenges" with one-third of its 20,000 plus
students coming from minority populations, superintendent Daniel Nerad
said.
Federal Testing for NCLB passes on "Adative" Testing
October 25, 2007
Petri Calls for Better School Tests
WASHINGTON - Rep. Tom Petri took on the status quo at the U.S. Department of
Education today with the introduction of the Assessment Accuracy and
Improvement Act, a
proposal to provide more accurate tests for elementary and middle
school students. The bill,
introduced with Rep. David Wu (D-OR) as a cosponsor, would allow
states to use "adaptive"
tests to fulfill their No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act testing requirements.
Currently, under NCLB, each state is required to test students in
grades three through
eight. Each state has its own tests, which must be approved by the
Education Department. The
tests are often done on paper and are identical for every student
within the same grade in any
given state.
Petri wants the Education Department to allow states to fulfill their
federal testing
requirement by using "adaptive" testing.
"An adaptive test is a test that changes in response to previously
asked questions," Petri
explained. "It's done on a computer. If a student answers a question
correctly, the test presents a
question of increased difficulty. If a student answers incorrectly,
the test presents a question of
decreased difficulty. The test customizes itself to the student's
actual level of performance with a
great deal of accuracy."
Petri said that several states would like to use adaptive tests to
satisfy federal testing
requirements. "Delaware and Oregon are especially interested in this,
and in Wisconsin, onethird
of the school districts in Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District
think adaptive tests are
valuable enough to use them for their own purposes in addition to the
paper testing the U.S.
Education Department requires."
What's the problem? Petri said the Education Department doesn't want
to deal with a
different approach. "They have to pass judgment on the tests the
states want to give to satisfy No
Child Left Behind. Adaptive tests would, admittedly, require more
effort to review. But that's
because they are better and will give us much more useful information."
Petri became convinced of the value of adaptive tests as he met with
students, parents and
educators in a series of forums on the No Child Left Behind Act which
he has held in the 6th
District over the past year.
Petri Calls for Better School Tests
WASHINGTON - Rep. Tom Petri took on the status quo at the U.S. Department of
Education today with the introduction of the Assessment Accuracy and
Improvement Act, a
proposal to provide more accurate tests for elementary and middle
school students. The bill,
introduced with Rep. David Wu (D-OR) as a cosponsor, would allow
states to use "adaptive"
tests to fulfill their No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act testing requirements.
Currently, under NCLB, each state is required to test students in
grades three through
eight. Each state has its own tests, which must be approved by the
Education Department. The
tests are often done on paper and are identical for every student
within the same grade in any
given state.
Petri wants the Education Department to allow states to fulfill their
federal testing
requirement by using "adaptive" testing.
"An adaptive test is a test that changes in response to previously
asked questions," Petri
explained. "It's done on a computer. If a student answers a question
correctly, the test presents a
question of increased difficulty. If a student answers incorrectly,
the test presents a question of
decreased difficulty. The test customizes itself to the student's
actual level of performance with a
great deal of accuracy."
Petri said that several states would like to use adaptive tests to
satisfy federal testing
requirements. "Delaware and Oregon are especially interested in this,
and in Wisconsin, onethird
of the school districts in Wisconsin's 6th Congressional District
think adaptive tests are
valuable enough to use them for their own purposes in addition to the
paper testing the U.S.
Education Department requires."
What's the problem? Petri said the Education Department doesn't want
to deal with a
different approach. "They have to pass judgment on the tests the
states want to give to satisfy No
Child Left Behind. Adaptive tests would, admittedly, require more
effort to review. But that's
because they are better and will give us much more useful information."
Petri became convinced of the value of adaptive tests as he met with
students, parents and
educators in a series of forums on the No Child Left Behind Act which
he has held in the 6th
District over the past year.
Racne Superintendent Search
It looks like Racine is searching for a new Supt. to be hired by July 1st (same as the ECASD) but they have not yet hired their search firm yet. HEY!! We are actually ahead of another district in this regard.
Maria
Unified superintendent search heats up
BY PAUL SLOTH
Journal Times
Wednesday, October 24, 2007 9:08 PM CDT
RACINE — The Racine Unified School Board has taken another step in its
search for a new superintendent. The board hopes to have the new
leader start July 1.
Members of a board search committee Monday finalized the details of
their recommendation to the full board. The committee has met twice in
the past two weeks to select a few firms and develop a search
timeline. The entire process will last roughly one year.
The board will first hire a professional search firm to find
candidates interested in replacing Tom Hicks, who resigned in August
after holding the job for six years.
The board will discuss the search committee's recommendations at its
monthly business meeting Monday, including the timeline and the names
of at least six firms from which the committee is interested in
hearing.
Once the board chooses a firm, members will spend the early part of
next year interviewing superintendent candidates.
A superintendent search can cost a school district from $40,000 to
more than $100,000 depending on the kind of services a school board
expects, according to the Council of the Great City Schools, an
organization of the nation's largest school districts.
Once the board picks a search firm, members will determine what to
look for in a superintendent candidate.
Sue Kutz, the board's vice president, said she hopes the board can
start interviewing candidates in February or March.
Board members will have to decide how far to cast their net for a
candidate to replace Hicks, who is on an extended leave of absence
through June 30.
Interim Superintendent Jack Parker has offered advice to the board
about some of the realities of searching for superintendents,
especially in urban districts. The pool of candidates is reportedly
very shallow, Parker told committee members.
Unified is not the only Wisconsin school district currently searching
for a new superintendent. Kenosha Unified School District and the
Madison Metropolitan School District both are searching for new
leaders, which presents even more challenges, search committee members
said.
If the full Unified board approves the plan Monday, the district will
solicit bids from at least six firms. Search committee members said
they hope to select the firm by the beginning of December and develop
and approve criteria for searching for a superintendent in early
January.
Committee members said they hope to find a firm that has some
experience with finding superintendent candidates for urban districts.
Unified has experience with at least one firm, Hazard, Young and
Associates, which helped the board find Hicks and Marguerite Vanden
Wyngaard, the district's chief academic officer.
Maria
Unified superintendent search heats up
BY PAUL SLOTH
Journal Times
Wednesday, October 24, 2007 9:08 PM CDT
RACINE — The Racine Unified School Board has taken another step in its
search for a new superintendent. The board hopes to have the new
leader start July 1.
Members of a board search committee Monday finalized the details of
their recommendation to the full board. The committee has met twice in
the past two weeks to select a few firms and develop a search
timeline. The entire process will last roughly one year.
The board will first hire a professional search firm to find
candidates interested in replacing Tom Hicks, who resigned in August
after holding the job for six years.
The board will discuss the search committee's recommendations at its
monthly business meeting Monday, including the timeline and the names
of at least six firms from which the committee is interested in
hearing.
Once the board chooses a firm, members will spend the early part of
next year interviewing superintendent candidates.
A superintendent search can cost a school district from $40,000 to
more than $100,000 depending on the kind of services a school board
expects, according to the Council of the Great City Schools, an
organization of the nation's largest school districts.
Once the board picks a search firm, members will determine what to
look for in a superintendent candidate.
Sue Kutz, the board's vice president, said she hopes the board can
start interviewing candidates in February or March.
Board members will have to decide how far to cast their net for a
candidate to replace Hicks, who is on an extended leave of absence
through June 30.
Interim Superintendent Jack Parker has offered advice to the board
about some of the realities of searching for superintendents,
especially in urban districts. The pool of candidates is reportedly
very shallow, Parker told committee members.
Unified is not the only Wisconsin school district currently searching
for a new superintendent. Kenosha Unified School District and the
Madison Metropolitan School District both are searching for new
leaders, which presents even more challenges, search committee members
said.
If the full Unified board approves the plan Monday, the district will
solicit bids from at least six firms. Search committee members said
they hope to select the firm by the beginning of December and develop
and approve criteria for searching for a superintendent in early
January.
Committee members said they hope to find a firm that has some
experience with finding superintendent candidates for urban districts.
Unified has experience with at least one firm, Hazard, Young and
Associates, which helped the board find Hicks and Marguerite Vanden
Wyngaard, the district's chief academic officer.
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