Talk Sup't. July 2, 2010

NEW STAFF
I’m pleased to announce several key positions that have been filled due to the retirement of several employees, inspired by the recent legislative incentives. First and foremost, we welcome Rick L. Arnett as the new Assistant Superintendent of Labor Relations, Human Resources and Pupil Accounting, filling the position that was left due to the retirement of Tony Marasco.


Mr. Arnett brings with him over twenty years of experience in the field of public education including experience in the area of human resource management.


He comes to West Bloomfield from Monroe Public Schools where he served as Executive Director of Personnel and Labor Relations for three years. He is responsible for all personnel related matters and served as the district’s Chief Negotiator working with six bargaining units. He has also served as Principal and Associate Principal at Delton Kellogg High School in Delton, and as Assistant Principal and Athletic Director at Maple Valley High School in Vermontville, Michigan.
 Mr. Arnett holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Education from Western Michigan University, and an MA in Administrative Certification from Grand Valley State University. He holds both an Educational Technology Certificate and a Certified Human Resources Specialist Certificate, both from Michigan State University.

Mr. Arnett has twelve years of successful administrative experience and five years of classroom experience. He is a member of the Michigan Association of School Personnel Administrators, the Michigan Negotiators Association, and the American Association of School Personnel Administrators.


James Scrivo has accepted the position of Principal at Scotch Elementary replacing Jeremey Whan, who is leaving to assume a principal position in Troy. Jim is returning to Scotch after having previously taught fifth grade there for eight years.


Jim has two years of successful administrative experience serving as Assistant Principal at Abbott Middle School. He has been a member of the Abbott Continuous School Improvement Team and created the professional development for Abbott Middle School. He is a member of the Abbott AVID Site Team, and has been a lead teacher and co-creator of Compass Common Assessments for 5th grade. He has been involved in many community projects including United We Walk, the River Rouge Education Project, the Heidelberg Project, is a Special Olympics Hugger and participated in Read Across America. He has been the Scotch School Basketball Coach and Flag Football Coach since 2001.


We welcome him back to the Scotch community!

In another ‘return home’ story, we are happy to see Beth Feiten return to West Bloomfield as the Principal of Roosevelt Elementary School. Ms. Feiten comes to West Bloomfield after having served as Assistant Principal of Berkshire Middle School and Assistant Principal of Derby Middle School in the Birmingham School District. Prior to her work in Birmingham, Ms. Feiten worked for the West Bloomfield School District from 1988 – 2001 teaching high school math, science and computer applications courses, and middle school math, science, health and environmental education at Orchard Lake Middle School. Ms. Feiten was also Principal of West Bloomfield School District Summer Academic Program.


Beth Anne Feiten received her Bachelor of Science in Mathematics as well as her Master of Arts Degree in Educational Psychology both from Eastern Michigan University. Ms. Feiten will receive her Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Central Michigan University this August 2010.

Patrick Watson will become Assistant Principal/Athletic Director at West Bloomfield High School replacing DeWayne Jones who has retired as Athletic Director. Pat has taught American and World History, and Advanced Placement Psychology at West Bloomfield High School since 1994. He received his Bachelor of Science as well as a Master of Arts from Eastern Michigan University.


The Assistant Principal/Athletic Director is a newly formed position within the district. As Assistant Principal, he will be responsible for communicating the philosophy, goals and objectives of the high school program to the students, parents, staff members and to the community at large, while administering a program of student discipline and attendance. In addition, Mr. Watson will organize and direct the District’s Athletic Department in accordance with the Michigan High School Athletic Association, the athletic conference and the policies of the West Bloomfield School District.


Watson has been a stellar teacher at West Bloomfield High School, serving on several learning and accreditation committees, and was nominated for an Excellence in Education Award from the Oakland Press for the American History curriculum. He is the AVID Site Coordinator, and was the Social Studies Department Head. Watson was named to Who’s Who in Education and America’s Best Teachers publications.


Pat brings with him an experienced athletic background. Many of you know that he has coached JV and Varsity Basketball and Baseball since 1995, as well as being the West Bloomfield Baseball Camp Director since 1998.


In other staff changes, Ealy Principal David DeYoung has accepted a position in Ann Arbor which will be closer to his home. West Bloomfield High School Assistant Principal Jackie Laymac has accepted a position at the International Academy, and Dr. Joseph Hoffman, Director of Math, Science and Technology for the district will be taking a position in Birmingham. Many positions are posted and Rick Arnett will continue to interview experienced administrative and teaching candidates, beginning with internal candidates.


SEE HOW WE SHINE!

The new edition of INSIGHTS, the West Bloomfield High School newsletter link is posted on the homepage of our website at http://www.westbloomfield.k12.mi.us/files/filesystem/Insights%20June%202010%20issue_1.pdf


This is another opportunity to see the outstanding academic accomplishments that our students have achieved. With over $3 million in scholarships and 168 students with a GPA of 3.5 or better, we have so much to be proud of in our community. Scholarship and award winners are all listed as well as sports tryout schedules and other end of year news.


WALKING ASSIGNMENTS REMINDER

A reminder that we will begin walking distances this fall. Ours will be a ONE MILE radius, WHERE APPROPRIATE. As stated beforetudents will NOT be asked to cross busy streets without crossing guards as safety is our #1 priority.


Please make arrangements with neighbors and friends for “walking pools” and practice walking with your children to prepare them for this fall so they are familiar and comfortable with their route.


This process was developed by a Safety Committee consisting of a team of transportation experts including WBSD Transportation Supervisor Lynne Robertson, an independent Traffic Safety Consultant, and the West Bloomfield, Keego Harbor and Orchard Lake Police Departments.


SCHOOL FUNDING

I encourage you to stay informed by following the events in Lansing as they occur. Yesterday, the Michigan Legislature approved a new $12.8-billion school funding plan that boosts state aid by $11 per pupil immediately and through the 2010-11 school year. Gov. Jennifer Granholm will sign the budget bill, which passed on the first day of school districts' fiscal year. Districts generally have already put in place their new budget plans by July 1 each year. The new school aid budget, which takes effect Oct. 1, gives back $11 per pupil of a $165-per-pupil cut that affected schools for their recently concluded school year.


This cut means that the original $165 cut that was planned will now be a $154 reduction to our funds. The impact of $11 is approximately $76,000 for our school district. However, we are hopeful that there will be no further cuts in school aid for the 2010-2011 school year.


This news is welcome but even with the extra funding, the district still faces a deficit albeit not as bad as projected in the Deficit Elimination Plan. I would also caution, that the impact of the Fall enrollment on school aid is yet to be known.

This has been a challenging year for all and I thank you for your continued support. Have a wonderful Fourth of July weekend and a safe and rewarding summer!