Click on image for pdf.
All the Education Tweaks can be found at http://edtweak.org/.
Thomas J. Mertz
Author Archives: Thomas J. Mertz
“Do It Again?” Another Referendum for Salem
The Kinks, “Do It Again” (click to listen or download)
On Thursday, the Salem Board of Education voted to try again for an operating referendum. Operating referenda for the district failed in June 2008, September 2008 and February of 2009. The September referendum lost by a fairly large margin, but the June and February votes were 269 to 235 and 654 to 694.
Those working for the referenda must feel like Sisyphus forever rolling the stone up the hill, but never getting to the top, or Tantalus, with sustenance always just out of reach. Unlike those mythological figures, the school supporters and the children of Salem have done nothing to deserve their cruel fate.
Their decision to go to referenda again indicates that they are unwilling to accept the devastating cuts in store for their schools. I can’t blame them.
Whether this one passes or not, an inordinate amount of time and energy will have been spent trying to secure adequate funding for the district. This is time that should have been spent educating the students. That’s what happens when you live in a state with a broken system for funding education. Sign on with the Wisconsin Alliance for Excellent Schools and the School Finance Network to work to fix this.
Back to Salem. Advocates continue to make a strong case, reminding all that strong schools are essential for healthy communities.
Proponents of the board have said that increase is needed to save programs and staff, to provide opportunities for children, and ultimately to protect property values in the community. If the school system goes into decline, they argue, the whole community will ultimately be affected.
“I’m scared too, we took a huge pay cut in my family. My wife was out of work,” said Scottie Washington. But he believes families will leave the community and home values will decline if programs are cut. “If this referendum doesn’t pass this is going to be a ghost town,” he said.
The ask this time will be for a three-year non recurring referendum at $1.16 million a year. The vote will be at a special election on April 28. This looks like the same measure that was voted down in February.
I haven’t seen a new presentation of potential cuts yes, but the ones form the earlier campaign are probably still in play.
click on image for pdf
There is much more Salem referendum related material here, including the slideshow embedded below.
It should be noted that the major issue in Salem is and has been class size. Smaller class sizes is one of the “best practices” that almost everyone agrees helps all children learn and almost every agrees is particularly important for children from poor or difficult backgrounds. When we know what works, we should make sure that the resources are there to do what works.
I admire the tenacity of the Salem Board and wish them the best. Let’s follow their example at the state level and “get’r done” on school funding reform (again, join WAES, join SFN).
Thomas J. Mertz
Out of the Loop or I Still Want My Agendas
Since the Madison Metropolitan School District has essentially stopped sending agendas to those who have requested them*, I try to make a habit of checking the “Current Agendas” and “Board of Education Calendar” pages. I usually do this on Friday, because that is when the agendas for the following week are generally posted.
I looked today and was surprised to see that there had been Strategic Planning Curriculum Action Team meeting yesterday (pdf of page as of 11:50 AM, 3-6-09). This meeting was not listed on the Calendar page (pdf of page as of 11:50AM, 3-6-09). Nor is it listed on the Strategic Planning page (pdf of page as of 11:59 AM, 3-6-09).
In fact there is no description of, membership list or other reference to the appointment of a “Strategic Planning Curriculum Action Team” anywhere that I can find on the MMSD site. We don’t know who picked the team or who is on the team.
It sounds as if the work is important, too important to take place outside the attention of the public.
The strategic priority addressed by the Curriculum Action Team is the identification of solutions that will revolutionize the educational model to engage and support all students in a comprehensive participatory educational experience defined by rigorous, culturally-relevant and accelerated learning opportunities where authentic assessment is paired with flexible instruction.
Prior to the November referendum we were told over and over again about how important, inclusive and open the Strategic Planning Process would be, how this was a key part of the “partnership” between the public and the district. It sounded real good.
I was in the loop then. Now, along with the almost everyone else, I’m out of the loop.
* Clarification – Whenever I have made specific requests to MMSD staff for information, they have been great about responding and providing that information (if possible) in a timely fashion. This isn’t about that, it is about the list advertised at the top of the Current Agenda page: “You can get BOE Agendas delivered directly to your e-mail inbox” and more generally about communication and openness.
Thomas J. Mertz
Filed under Accountability, Best Practices, education, Local News, Uncategorized
James C. Wright Middle School African American History Celebration
On Friday, March 6, 2009 James C. Wright Middle School will hold their annual African American History Celebration, between 6:00 and 8:00 PM. The event will feature an auction of student art work on African American themes, dinner, dance, poetry and more. Tickets are $3.50 (children under 5, $1.00) for the benefit of the school.
Call 204-1340 for more information.
I attended in the past and strongly encourage all to be there.
Thomas J. Mertz
Filed under education, Local News
600 Conservationists, 500 Motorcylists…How Many Advocates for Children & Families?
A message about the Wisconsin Council on Children and Families Advocacy Day at the Capitol, March 18. The Wisconsin Association of School Boards is having their Day at the Capitol on March 18 also. It would be a good day to join the crowds “Raising Voices” for children.
Friends:
It’s that season again, when numerous organizations bring their members and supporters to the State Capitol, to meet with legislators on key issues in the state budget. Our friends at the Wisconsin League of Conservation Voters packed the Capitol last week with 600 conservationists. And the “motorcycle issue experts” brought eight (8!) busloads of bikers to the Capitol last Thursday.The Wisconsin Council on Children & Families is also hosting a “lobby day” where concerned residents can learn more about how the state budget is likely to impact kids & families and get an opportunity to meet with their elected representatives.
WCCF’s 2009 “Advocacy Day at the Capitol” is the afternoon of Wednesday, March 18th.
We certainly hope that there are as many Wisconsin residents motivated to take just a few hours to come to the Capitol to advocate for kids & families (especially in these tough economic times) as are concerned about motorcyclists’ rights.
Given the nearly $6 billion state budget deficit, it’s more important than ever that advocates raise their voices to tell Wisconsin’s legislators that our state budget needs to prioritize and preserve programs and services that vulnerable children and families reply upon – especially quality child care, health care, safety net programs and access to skill training and education.
This free, fun event is a great way for you to network with other concerned residents from around Wisconsin, and to ensure that legislators hear loud & clear from YOU that issues that matter to kids and families should be at the top of their priority list during their budget deliberations.
We hope you’ll join us – and bring a car or busload of friends, colleagues or neighbors! – for WCCF’s 2009 “Advocacy Afternoon in the Capitol” from 12:30-4:00 on Wednesday, March 18th.
Governor Doyle will be speaking, along with legislative leaders. Click here for more information or to register for this free event: http://www.wccf. org/event_ lobbyday_ 2009.php
Lets make sure that Wisconsin’s State Capitol is full to overflowing on the afternoon of March 18th with the voices of parents, teachers, child care & health care professionals, advocates, service providers and other residents from all across the state, all chiming in together to make sure that the state budget ensures the economic prosperity and well-being of all of our state’s kids and families.
Click here for a printable flier and to register: http://www.wccf. org/event_ lobbyday_ 2009.php
Questions? Need more information? Contact Vicky Selkowe at vselkowe@wccf. org or (608) 284-0580, ext. 326.Visit www.wccf.org for more information about the state budget.
Thomas J. Mertz
Filed under Best Practices, education, Local News, Take Action
WAES School-Funding Reform Update, March 2
Table of Contents below, click here for the full update.
Update — The hearing on the School Finance Network plan highlighted below is still very important, but it is in the process of being rescheduled. Watch AMPS for more info.
I want to highlight the first item. Save the Date –March 24 — this is important. The School Finance Network plan is a very good plan and enjoys broad support. Attend the hearing and show the legislature you care about school funding.
Update — The hearing on the School Finance Network plan is still very important, but it is in the process of being rescheduled. Watch AMPS for more info.
School-funding reform update, week of March 2
SFN reform plan subject of March 24 hearing at the Capitol SFN plan continues to be in the news around Wisconsin Evers, Fernandez meet in West Allis at state Superintendent debate 2009-11 state budget appears to be on the fast track WAES doing good work, but needs your financial support Tax cuts cost state billions since mid-1990s, LFB report says Four groups renew memberships in WAES
Oneida County Board petitions state for school-funding reform Round-up of funding problems from around Wisconsin Early childhood care and education key to economic development Help WAES correct e-mail update glitch School-funding reform calendar The Wisconsin Alliance for Excellent Schools (WAES) is a statewide, independent, membership-based organization of educators, school board members, students, parents, community leaders, researchers, citizens, and community activists whose lone goal is the comprehensive reform of Wisconsin’s school-funding system. If you would like more information about the organization — or on becoming part of WAES — contact Tom Beebe at 920-650-0525 or tbeebe@excellentschools.org.
Thomas J. Mertz
Filed under "education finance", Budget, education, Elections, finance, Local News, Referenda, referendum, School Finance, Take Action, Uncategorized
Dr Seuss, Radical!
In honor of Dr Seuss (Theodor Geisel’s) birthday (March 2), I thought I’d share a couple of his early, political works.
Thomas J. Mertz
Filed under Best Practices, education, Gimme Some Truth
School Funding Action – Florida
From MYFOX 35, Orlando.
This weekend thousands of Florida parents, teachers, students, administrators and community members took part in militant “Make Our Schools A Priority” protests against cuts in education.
The big event was the rally in Orlando reported in the video above (more here), but smaller actions have been held around the state, some of which included legislators in attendance (examples here and here).
The economic situation, tax collections, the state budget and local school budgets are all in dire circumstances. Some of this is detailed on the Channel13, Central Florida web site. A couple of examples:
Brevard County:
MONEY:
- The district is facing an $80 million reduction next year if the funding picture doesn’t change. Already $101.4 million has been struck from the $1.2 billion budget since July 2007.
WHAT’S BEEN DONE:
- Brevard has lost about 1,770 students since October, so some teaching jobs could be eliminated.
- They’ve already made some cuts to busing, especially summer busing programs.
- Departments such as facilities have lost about 20 percent of their staff through attrition. This likely will continue.
- School Board Members slashed their salaries by more than 6 percent.
- Brevard Federation of Teachers accepted a two-year salary freeze for teachers and service staff.
WHAT COULD HAPPEN:
- Superintendent Richard DiPatri is asking all district employees to consider a pay cut.
- 946 positions – or 9 percent – have been identified to be eliminated if the district needs to trim $80 million from budget.
- Potential layoffs include 378 teachers and more than 550 staff members, including administrators, bus drivers, office clerks and custodians.
- Freshman and junior varsity sports could be cut.
Marion County:
MONEY:
- Based on a 16% reduction, funding shortfall totals $44 million.
WHAT’S BEEN DONE:
- 2008-2009 School year:
- Marion School District did not renew contracts with 522 first- and second-year teachers for next year
- Froze all open positions
- Implemented 4-day summer work week and consolidated summer program locations
- Eliminated Truancy Center and district-funded field trips
- Cut 49 positions from business operations staff
WHAT COULD HAPPEN:
- Further reduce district and school staff and support services
- Reorganize and/or reduce number of schools
- Reduce salaries for district and 12-month employees
- More cuts expected in transportation
The lists go on and on.
Under these extreme conditions, the gloves have come off. The tone of the “Make Or Schools A Priority” campaign is fairly confrontational as you can see from this video (one of a series).
I like the militancy, the mass actions and even the confrontational tone. I sincerely believe that although things are nowhere near as bad in Wisconsin that after 15 years of annual cuts in educational opportunities we also have a crisis in school funding. I worry that polite advocacy fails to communicate the reality of that crisis.
A Saturday, March 21 meeting of the Wisconsin Joint Finance Committee will be held at Miller Park. This would be a great time to turn out some numbers for education and comprehensive education finance reform.
Back in Florida, the Legislature returns for a budget session on Tuesday facing a $700 million shortfall. Governor Charlie Crist is scheduled to give his “State of the State” address on that day.
Hat tip to Sherman Dorn for making me aware of the goings on in Florida.
For more on school finance in Florida, see the National Access Network state page.
Thomas J. Mertz
Community Engagement: The Basics, or “I Want My Agendas”
Click on image for this report and other community engagement resources from the Annenberg Institute
As Robert Godfrey noted recently, The Madison Metropolitan School District has been remiss in sending Board of Education agenda updates to those of us who have requested them. No agendas for the Monday, March 2 meetings reached my mailbox (it is on the web site and I’ve posted it here). The last agenda I received was for December 1, 2008. By my count that makes seven sets of meetings in a row without agendas being sent.
I believe that the elected and appointed leadership of MMSD are sincere in their expressed desires for more and better community engagement. Yet I am confounded by the continued lack of attention to details like this.
Some portion of the community responded to the offer of regular Board of Education agendas and updates via email, indicating a great degree of interest and engagement. Instead of satisfying this interest and building on this engagement, the district has only sporadically fulfilled their promise.
In discussions of community engagement, I’ve heard some (not all) Board members give sneering comments about seeing and hearing from the same people week after week. I’m one of those people and I can tell the Board that by treating those already engaged in this manner — belittling our interest, neglecting to send the requested agendas, failing to respond to emails… –, you give others little or no reason to engage.
Here are some simple, off the top of my head suggestions to improve communication and engagement.
- Send the agendas to those who have requested them.
- Archive the agendas and related documents in an easily accessible manner (posting the related documents was a huge move forward, but once the next set of items is posted the old ones are almost impossible to find).
- Approve and post meeting minutes in a timely fashion (this has been hit-or-miss, the last regular meeting minutes posted are from January 12, the last special open session are for November 10, the meetings of the new committees appear to be up-to date).
- Respond to emails, even if only with an auto-reply.
- Consider engaging in dialogue with those who testify on agenda items (the Board used to do this on occasion, other local bodies do it all the time, it has been a long time since I’ve seen it happen with the School Board; it would be illegal to have a dialogue on non-agenda items).
I want to applaud the initiatives to improve communication like assigning Board members to sets of schools, holding more meetings in more locations and even the new governance structure that all-but-guarantees at least one week between an item being introduced via a committee and that item being voted on by the Board as a whole. These are good, but they are no substitute for taking care of the most basic things. I want my agendas.
Clarification – Whenever I have made specific requests to MMSD staff for information, they have been great about responding and providing that information (if possible) in a timely fashion. This isn’t about that, it is about the list advertised at the top of the Current Agendas page: “You can get BOE Agendas delivered directly to your e-mail inbox“ and more generally about communication and openness.
Thomas J. Mertz
Filed under Best Practices, education, Local News, Uncategorized
Jim Doyle, “State of the State,” 2003
I’ve been doing searches for a second “Broken System, Broken Record” Quotes of the Day (look for it soon) and came across the text of Governor Doyle’s 2003 “State of the State” speech (his first). He doesn’t use the phrase “broken system,” but he does say some things worth rereading.
It is time to reform the way Wisconsin funds our children’s education. That is why tonight I am announcing that I will form a Governors Task Force on Education Financing.
This is too important of an issue to squeeze it into a budget proposal or devise a new plan in just a few weeks.
To do it right we need to do two things. First, all views must be represented. Parents, taxpayers, teachers, community leaders. Urban districts, rural districts. Wealthy areas, poorer areas.
Second, the meetings must be open, in full view of the public.
That Task Force was formed and produced some good work. Since June of 2004, that work has gathered dust.
I’m often hard on Governor Doyle in relation to his support for education. I’ll acknowledge that he has been a friend to education in many ways and deserves credit and thanks for that. What he has not been (in my opinion) is the champion for education that we need.
Doyle has done very well in protecting the schools from the worst of the potential cuts under a system that all but guarantees some cuts and some property tax increases; he’s tried to keep the state’s 2/3 funding commitment viable, he’s worked for increases in SAGE and Special Education funding and succeeded in making these programs slightly less underfunded. All this is good.
What he hasn’t done (unless you count the recent trial balloon, which may be a good sign) is followed up his statement form 2003: “It is time to reform the way Wisconsin funds our children’s education.” That statement was true in 2003; after six years of annual cuts to educational opportunities of 1% to 2% it is even more true today. I hope that we will soon see Governor Doyle act on this truth and be the champion he could and should be.
Thomas J. Mertz
Filed under "education finance", Accountability, Best Practices, Budget, education, finance, Local News, School Finance
AMPS 