Recently, there has been much activity in Lansing regarding legislation and preparation of the state’s application for the federal “Race to the Top” grant. West Bloomfield joins other districts throughout the state in signing a Memorandum of Understanding regarding this grant. If Michigan receives the anticipated $400 million in federal grant funds, West Bloomfield’s grant will be $168,000. As of this writing, the final details of the grant have not been released. Please check the State’s website at www.michigan.gov/mde for the latest information.
The West Bloomfield School District has been making budget reductions and staff cuts for the last 7 years. As you recall, significant staff cuts were made at the end of the 2008-2009 school year in anticipation of a shortfall in revenue. As a result, we have 23 fewer positions in the schools this year than in the 2008-2009 school year. We are looking at further reductions in staff for the 2010-2011 school year, as well as, consolidation of services and bus routes, which will result in walking distances for the 2010-2011 school year at the middle schools, high school and some elementary schools.
As of January 1st, our support staff, supervisors, Cabinet members and the superintendent have all taken concessions including a 10% wage reduction, an increase in healthcare deductibles and contributions to insurance premiums. These changes are significant as we develop our Deficit Reduction Plan for possible submission to the state in February.
The high school is working diligently to update its curriculum offerings and consolidating programs for efficiency and responding to the loss of staff due to retirements. We will be losing a minimum of 38 staff across the district due to the early retirement incentive. Many positions will not be replaced, allowing us to reduce the number of potential layoffs.
While facing difficult economic times, the West Bloomfield School District continues to look forward to create new initiatives and plan for the future in an effort to remain competitive with our neighboring school districts, schools around the country and globally. You will be hearing about new initiatives allowing us to attract and hold onto students, which in the long-term equates to allowing us to retain quality staff. As an example, we are seeking board approval of three new courses to enhance the high school curriculum and help students meet their state-required senior math requirement: Statistics and Advanced Placement Statistics.
Budget Coffee Talks
Also, please attend the Budget Coffee Talks as they are scheduled so that you have input into the budget reductions being considered and will be informed of actions taken.
West Bloomfield Educational Foundation
Please support the foundation as they are working diligently to raise funds in an effort to minimize the effects of the programs being reduced and the loss of teaching positions for next year. One way you can do this is by purchasing discounted Detroit Pistons tickets for Sunday, February 21. Proceeds will go to the West Bloomfield Educational Foundation. Go to www.wbef.org and click on the Pistons logo at the top of the page to purchase tickets on-line.
Watch for fun and exciting events that are being developed by the Foundation!
Future Messages
As a result of events changing rapidly, I hope to communicate with you regularly with brief updates and news that impacts our schools.
