Talk Sup’t. - 2/17/2011
FACT FINDING REPORT
The Administration has met with the West Bloomfield Education Association (WBEA), the Union that represents
the Teachers of the district, on January 7, January 19, and just this week on February 1, 2011 with a mediator present. Each meeting has lasted from 2-4 hours. The next meetings will be on February 24 and March 3.
There are no new developments to report at this time.
the Teachers of the district, on January 7, January 19, and just this week on February 1, 2011 with a mediator present. Each meeting has lasted from 2-4 hours. The next meetings will be on February 24 and March 3.
There are no new developments to report at this time.
You may read the Fact Finder’s entire report at http://www.westbloomfield.k12.mi.us/files/filesystem/FactFindersReport.pdf
PCN
PCN met on February 16 at 10:00 am at Roosevelt Elementary as PCN (Parent Communication Network) presented "Innovative Initiatives in Math, Science, English Language Arts
and Social Studies K-12”. Our presenters were Margaret Hendrickson, District Math/Science Curriculum Specialist and Kim Muncie, District ELA/Social Studies Curriculum Specialist. Parents walked away with a working knowledge of the new National Common Core Standards initiative. Our presenters offered our
West Bloomfield response as we implement these standards and work collaboratively with districts throughout the county as we move the work forward.
and Social Studies K-12”. Our presenters were Margaret Hendrickson, District Math/Science Curriculum Specialist and Kim Muncie, District ELA/Social Studies Curriculum Specialist. Parents walked away with a working knowledge of the new National Common Core Standards initiative. Our presenters offered our
West Bloomfield response as we implement these standards and work collaboratively with districts throughout the county as we move the work forward.
Mark your calendar! Our following PCN meeting will be held on March 16th at
7:00 pm at West Bloomfield High School Media Center. Join us for a “Meet and Greet”
our new Michigan State Senator Mike Kowall from the 15th district along with
State Representative Lisa Brown who will answer your questions regarding education in our state.
COFFEE TALKS
7:00 pm at West Bloomfield High School Media Center. Join us for a “Meet and Greet”
our new Michigan State Senator Mike Kowall from the 15th district along with
State Representative Lisa Brown who will answer your questions regarding education in our state.
COFFEE TALKS
Join us for coffee and conversation at our next Coffee Talk Thursday, February 24, 2011
at 9:30 am at Scotch Elementary School. Please join me and Deputy Superintendent for Business and Operations, Tom Goulding who will update you on the budget and invite you to give your input. Ass't. Superintendent for Human Resources and Labor Relations,
Mr. Rick Arnett will answer questions regarding Labor Relations.
at 9:30 am at Scotch Elementary School. Please join me and Deputy Superintendent for Business and Operations, Tom Goulding who will update you on the budget and invite you to give your input. Ass't. Superintendent for Human Resources and Labor Relations,
Mr. Rick Arnett will answer questions regarding Labor Relations.
The next Coffee Talk is scheduled for 7:00 pm on March 10 at Orchard Lake Middle School in the Media Center.
DISTRICT ENTERTAINMENT
You can indulge in activities almost every evening during the week including swimming, diving and basketball and hockey right now. Seniors can enjoy any of our many activities for free by using our Senior Gold Cards, available to anyone living in our district age 65 and up. These cards can be obtained at any one of our school buildings.
“13 – THE MUSICAL”
Abbott Middle School Musical Theatre will present the local premiere of the only all teenage show ever to hit Broadway at West Bloomfield High School February 25 & 26, 2011.
This is a grown-up story about growing up, which I had the pleasure of enjoying a ‘teaser’ at our Keego Harbor Optimist meeting a few weeks ago. The Abbott Middle School students performed several numbers from this hilarious musical and they were over the top! In fact, they were so good that word got out and now they will be repeating the performance for the West Bloomfield Optimist Club on February 15.
When his parents get divorced and he's forced to move from New York to a small town in Indiana, Evan Goldman just wants to make friends and survive the school year. Easier said than done. The star quarterback is threatening to ruin his life and his only friend, Patrice, won't talk to him. The school freak sees an opportunity for blackmail and someone is spreading the nastiest rumors.
With an unforgettable rock score from Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown, "13" is a high-energy musical for all ages about discovering that cool is where you find it, and sometimes where you least expect it.
This is a grown-up story about growing up, which I had the pleasure of enjoying a ‘teaser’ at our Keego Harbor Optimist meeting a few weeks ago. The Abbott Middle School students performed several numbers from this hilarious musical and they were over the top! In fact, they were so good that word got out and now they will be repeating the performance for the West Bloomfield Optimist Club on February 15.
When his parents get divorced and he's forced to move from New York to a small town in Indiana, Evan Goldman just wants to make friends and survive the school year. Easier said than done. The star quarterback is threatening to ruin his life and his only friend, Patrice, won't talk to him. The school freak sees an opportunity for blackmail and someone is spreading the nastiest rumors.
With an unforgettable rock score from Tony Award-winning composer Jason Robert Brown, "13" is a high-energy musical for all ages about discovering that cool is where you find it, and sometimes where you least expect it.
The Abbott Musical: 13 The Musical performances will take place:
Friday February 25 - 7:00PM
Saturday February 26 - 2:00PM
Saturday February 26 - 7:00PM
The musical will be held in the WBHS Auditorium. Get your tickets now, as I expect sold-out performances! It was THAT GOOD.
Seats are reserved, and $11* tickets are available through www.showtix4u.com or by calling Hanna Hanschu at WBHS 248-865-6720 X 6811.
Impact of State Budget Cuts on the
West Bloomfield School District
West Bloomfield School District
February 17, 2011
Information released today has confirmed our fears that Governor Rick Snyder is proposing cuts to K-12 education that, if enacted, are devastating to say the least.
What Is Proposed:
A per pupil cut of $470 per pupil and this cut is on top of the expected increase in the pension rate. We have heard estimates in the 25% to 27% range, but even if it only grew to 24.5%, that’s equal to about a $230 per pupil increase. An early rough estimate of what this might mean if these estimates are realized is districts could be facing a potential reduction of $700 per pupil.
Needless to say, these proposed cuts and the effect of the retirement rate increase are huge and are much worse than have been in the recent past, especially when you add in other issues such as rising health insurance rates and declining enrollment.
What Is The Potential Impact On West Bloomfield :
A cut of this magnitude, $700 per pupil, would mean approximately $4.7 million and 6.7% of the district’s current operating revenue. And this cut would be on top of the current year deficit estimated at $2.9 million.
What’s Next:
We need to start preparing for the worst, but are just at the beginning of a long and contentious process. Hopefully, Michigan
SOS CAMPAIGN
In light of Governor Snyder’s proposed budget, recommending additional cuts to public education, the West Bloomfield Educational Foundation’s Save Our School Campaign is more important than ever. In 2010, the campaign’s initial year, parents and supporters sent a strong message of how important our schools are by contributing thousands of dollars to the WBEF. These funds were used to purchase technological equipment, musical instruments, textbooks and science kits.
This year the foundation is asking for the same commitment of $1/day for each student or any amount with which you are comfortable. Your donation can be made yearly by check or credit card or monthly by credit card. The WBEF focus for the 2010-2011 academic year is on the purchase of specific textbooks, adding technology and supporting the Arts. The goal is 100% participation and this year you may earmark your donation where you feel the need is greatest.
We acknowledge these are challenging times. It will take some sacrifice right here in our own backyard, but we are confident our district and kids will persevere and succeed with your support. If you have any questions regarding the campaign, please contact the foundation at info@wbef.org.
Donations are tax-deductible and can be made online at http://www.wbef.org/ or by sending checks payable to the West Bloomfield Educational Foundation,
NEGOTIATIONS
Please continue to visit our website for updates as we respond to issues through our Questions and Answers Regarding Negotiations.
This past Tuesday there was an unusually high number of teachers absent at West Bloomfield High School. However, we were prepared and all classes were covered by calling in substitutes and help from other buildings. Students were safe and supervised at all times. Our students were exceptional and we thank them for their cooperation.
BOARD MEETING
There will be a board meeting on Friday, February 18 at WBHS Media Center. There will be a closed session in the Media Conference room from 4:00 – 4:45, with an open session beginning at 4:45 pm.
Please go to our website to address any statements that you believe are rumors or information that you feel is unfounded.
