Through the Classroom Door: January 2011
Scott McKenzie's Blog Page
A bitter pill regardless how it goes down
Posted 1/31/2011 at 8:11:39 AM by Scott McKenzie [staff member]
If rumblings about funding cuts stemming from Gov. Kasich’s proposed budget ring true for school districts even in the most modest of forms, the result would be more than a shot across the bow to Groveport Madison.
While discussed before in this forum, it’s a message that bears repeating.
Regardless of possible scenarios, the impact on our bottom line would be significant. An article in Sunday’s Dispatch is evidence public debate is abuzz across the state.
Some say we should prepare for an elimination of 10 to 20 percent of funds. Some say tiered reductions might be more likely due to different levels of wealth and/or student growth among the state’s 611 school districts.
In Groveport Madison, where we receive almost half of our $63-million budget, we might see a loss of $3.5-million if the minimum 10 percent is withdrawn. Coupled with the $2-million elimination of stimulus funds as instructed by the Ohio Department of Education and shown in our Five-Year Financial Forecast, the district is preparing for a potential net $5.5-million deficit for the 2011-12 school year.
Here’s a scenario that shows the unbalanced impact in our district as compared to a higher-wealth Gahanna if a flat rate is eliminated across the board through the state.
A bitter pill to swallow regardless of the amount, we’re eager for more details so we know how best to move forward to close the gap.
It also bears repeating, the unknowns surrounding the state’s budget were a contributing factor (see the 1/26/11 blog entry) for our Board to wait to place a bond issue on the May ballot. Even though we need to address our facility needs, It would not be prudent to ask for additional funds now when so much uncertainty looms.
Kasich is expected to announce in his proposed plan by March 15 to legislators where it will then be debated in the House and then Senate.
While the governor needs to address an $8-billion state deficit, here’s hope he will take cues from national public opinion measures. A recent Gallup poll shows strong opposition across the nation to cuts to education -- and that, for now, is a shot in the arm.
Reply Posts
Dear Kelli,
Posted 2/7/2012 at 1:43:18 PM by Scott McKenzie [staff member]
Thank you for your response. In an effort to provide our community with answers to questions such as these, we are compiling a fact sheet that addresses the nature of your inquiry. The information will be posted on our website in the Finance section. We will also provide a link on the homepage. We appreciate your patience as we gather the information in a format that is easily shared electronically. We are deeply committed to supplying such information because it is vital our community understands the impact of this current deficit. -- Sincerely, Scott
What are some other options
Posted 2/6/2012 at 1:41:37 PM by [anonymous visitor]
Mr. McKenzie, as a parent to a Groveport Middle School child, I am completely baffled by the numbers printed in the Columbus Dispatch. As you know we are coming to a close on the 9Mil levy that was passed a few years ago. Without this being all the way out the door, we, the tax payer was asked for another 14.4Mill levy which obviously didn't pass. You and the school board have lost the trust of the community. The question becomes, how do you earn it back? Also I have noticed that on our school board only Mrs. Tedrow has an financial background in her career experience that would qualify to making large financial decisions. After reviewing the numbers here are some questions that came to mind:
1.) $30,500 stipends- what are these specifically and are they really necessary?
2.)Temporary Contracts $220,000 - what are these specifically for and can they be negotiated down?
3.)Administration $892,000 - we have 4 vice principals at the high school, most schools have 1, maybe we should look at staffing and ensure that we are using what we have effectively and not actually making staffing counter productive.
4.)Office Staff $972,400 - my experience dealing with office staff at least on the high school level has never been helpful. What alternatives have been considered? Job sharing, part time status where benefits don't have to be paid?
5.)Technology/Library/Media $1,295,000 - it's great to be up to date for the kids sake but I learned how to read and do math without an iPad or calculator. Maybe the motto should become "Old School", not "New School", because a lot of the "New" methods are just dumbing our kids down. Believe me, I see it in my own son despite my best efforts to teach him at home.
6.)Custodial/Maintenance $1,694,350 - ok yes we need clean schools and environments. Has anyone looked to ensure that ordering processes and productivity is maximized?
Just that alone is $5,104,272. I haven't even touched on the athletics/extracurricular/phys ed/health that adds up to almost 2Mil on their own. What really necessary spending vs optional.
It seems like only common sense to cut from the high places before going to what actually impacts the kids. Taking away athletics and busing is a very over used threat done by the school district to force parents hands into passing a levy. Busing is how we get kids to school, take it away and kids can't get to school. So why would this be the first cut when you are also tauting increasing graduation rates and increasing test score results and now you are going to cut the ability to access education? Just doesn't make a lot of sense. Mrs. Kelli Worley
Taking pause to move ahead
Posted 1/26/2011 at 3:58:41 PM by Scott McKenzie [staff member]
Sometimes you have to take a step back in order to see the forest through the trees – and right now for Groveport Madison Schools, that’s a move in the right direction.
Earlier this week, I recommended to Board of Education members not to place a bond issue on the ballot this spring. The reasons are many, and it is certainly not for lack of need.
I have been a staunch proponent of placing another bond issue on the ballot in May. The reasons for that position remain strong – and the results from a recent telephone survey that show growing support for the issue is invigorating. Our students need and even deserve better learning conditions than they currently have. Other districts like Hamilton and Whitehall have delivered new school buildings for their students that provide for the environment and the tools to learn and collaborate in the 21st century. Our schools, some would say, are stuck in a 1970’s educational and technological environment.
We need to provide our students with better school facilities to ensure they are competitive both during their school years and after graduation, but with so many extenuating circumstances it seems this is not the right time to press forward.
We owe it to our community to take a step back and wait for some critical pieces to settle. Our district Treasurer Tony Swartz and I have discussed some of that rationale and believe it is in the best interest to focus on the following crucial issues:
- NEGOTIATIONS: The bargaining teams of the teachers’ association and the board of education have not yet reached a contract settlement. The same is true for the classified staff. Waiting will give us some time to work toward closure. Then, with the negotiations process hopefully behind us, the renewed energy will allow us all to move more enthusiastically toward the same goals. When all parties come together and reach agreement, it will also demonstrate judiciousness to our community and bring about a new level of comfort in moving forward.
- STATE BUDGET REDUCTIONS: Another issue that is currently an unknown is the level of reductions that our district will receive in the next two-year state budget. We don’t know right now what expenditure reductions Groveport Madison may need to formulate in order to live within its means once the state’s budget is made public. It could be as late as March 15 before we know what Gov. Kasich will recommend. Until then, we are just not going to be sure that we are reducing expenditures enough or too much. Our most prudent option now is to wait to place an issue on the ballot so that we can continue with our budget planning armed with more knowledge about our fiscal status.
- THE ECONOMY: The economic crisis is overshadowing many issues at the national, state and local levels. While there are positive signs that the state’s economy is on the rebound, one area that more directly impacts our bond issue attempt is home values. Groveport Madison, like many other areas in the state, has somewhat of a backlog of homes for sale, and/or depressed home values. And, even though the state’s jobless rate is falling, it still does not mean that residents are working in the types of jobs they did in 2008. Many have jobs but don’t make what they did a few years ago. If we wait until November, it will give our economy some more time to recover.
- BOND ISSUE OR LEVY FUNDING CYCLE: If voters pass a ballot issue in May, the district will not begin to receive the funds until 2012. Subsequently, if we passed a bond issue or levy in November, we also would not begin to collect the new funds until 2012. Consequently, we will be in a better position in August to predict the financial well being of our district than we can now! If the district passes a bond issue any time this year, we will still be eligible for 2012 Ohio School Facilities Commission funding which is currently 43 percent of construction costs.
Looking to the evidence of the support for a ballot issue in the community survey, I am confident we will grow stronger as we resolve these pieces. With a little time on our side, our path to a November issue will be much clearer, and hopefully, much brighter.
Social networking made friendly
Posted 1/24/2011 at 7:35:22 AM by Scott McKenzie [staff member]
Are you on Facebook?
Regardless if you are, it is a hard-to-escape question these days.
The allure of Facebook has drawn hundreds of millions of people to the site. In fact, the number of users almost doubled in 2010 alone. Amazingly, there are now more than 600 million people registered on Facebook.
It should come as no surprise then: younger children are eager to create accounts. Itching to be just like their big sisters and brothers -- or sometimes even Mom and Dad -- I’ve seen an increasing interest in the site from the preteen set.
Facebook requires an account holder to be 13 years old and officials say they will delete any information collected by people younger than that. I encourage your family to abide by these guidelines and discourage requests from your child who might want to fib a little about their birthday to build a page.
Joining social networks can be fun and harmless for most kids, however, the territory can be hard for some to navigate. Students in 6th and 7th grade are typically old enough to understand the etiquette and will behave appropriately, but children in their ‘tweens likely haven’t developed the social skill set to be able trudge forward independently. (That said ... cyberbullying is a serious danger and not one taken lightly in Groveport Madison Schools. See my blog entry about that.)
Fortunately, there is an abundant amount of resources online to help you cover your bases. “Connect Safely” offers parents a step-by-step guide to Facebook that was just updated to address all of the recent changes to pages of the social network giant.
Regardless of your child’s connections, be sure to monitor their activity closely. Here are a few simple tips to help you stay one step ahead:
- Create an account then closely follow your child’s activity on every social network with which they’ve connected. Become their friend or follower.
- Require your children to provide you with account passwords. Be certain they give you access to all accounts -- even though you are already their friend. Some children may think they are savvy enough to create secret accounts: Make sure they know you won’t tolerate secret activity online.
- Make sure your child does not share personally identifiable information online. Ever.
- Explain to your child he or she must treat people with respect online just as they would in person.
- Talk with your child about the potential dangers social networks and other online activity might create.
Above all, proceed with caution but remember to have fun in your exploration.
Here are some other resources:
Facebook Safety Center
Facebook offers security tips for teens and parents
Google’s Family Safety Center
Safekids.com
CBS Los Angeles: Author gives Facebook tips to parents
Thank you for your support
Posted 1/20/2011 at 7:50:06 AM by Scott McKenzie [staff member]
Dear Groveport Madison School Community,
Thank you for your support and comfort these past few days since my
mother passed. I received numerous cards of support, and my family and I
welcomed many reassuring visitors during our mother's calling hours and
funeral.
This has been a tough time for my family and me, but knowing
that there were so many caring and sympathetic individuals around us,
strengthened our hearts and boosted our spirits.
Thank you Groveport Madison community for your solace,
Scott
Look, listen and you shall find
Posted 1/13/2011 at 2:52:35 PM by Scott McKenzie [staff member]
Moving forward is a process. Knowing how and when to take the next step is one that comes with a willingness to listen and learn.
The Groveport Madison Board of Education and Administrative Council take seriously the charge to open doors to opportunity for students in the district. We understand the responsibility to be methodical in our approach.
The Board will host a community forum at 7 p.m. next Thursday to hear more from residents about the possibilities on the table. We know we will not build 8 new schools as proposed in last fall’s bond issue.
The Committee For Better Schools administered to members of our community a statistically significant telephone survey in December on behalf of the district after the loss at the polls in November. The results showed us there is support for new facilities but a concern about the economy.
Consequently, the recommendation before the Board is for a smaller bond issue for the May ballot.
As we work to seek the best solution for the district’s aging facilities, we want to leave no stone unturned. We need to find a solution that will work.
Building a new high school and refurbishing our two middle schools is a realistic option and one that will cost far less ($100 annually versus the $205 per $100,000 property valuation proposed in November). This scenario would enable the district to serve students in 6th-8th grades in the same building and allow us to provide greater continuity in their education. The current junior high building can alleviate the overcrowding in our elementary schools.
Finding the right balance of what the community can support with financial relief offered by the state is the critical issue facing us. The burden can be lessened with a contribution of 43 percent of the funds from the
Ohio State Facilities Commission. We must pass an issue at the local
level, however, to receive the money.
Understanding the importance of having an open mind and wanting to be a part of the public forum is especially critical when the answers being sought are for the benefit of a community and its children. Please consider sharing your opinion.
Reply Posts
Dear Kelli,
Posted 1/31/2011 at 3:08:58 PM by Scott McKenzie [staff member]
Thank you for your input. I trust you have heard we are not moving forward with a bond issue for the May ballot (please see above). There are too many unknowns at this time and the Board and administration do not feel it's in the best interest to ask the community for more funding, given the economy and the uncertainty with the state budget. Due to the latter, we will be forced to make spending reductions. We are not certain what level we will need to do that. It could be 10 percent. It could be 20 percent. Regardless, we will also shave $2.2-million from our budget for the 2011-12 school year because of an elimination of stimulus funds. I should note too, that expenditures for salaries have remained flat for three years. We are being prudent with our money. I encourage you to look at this file (link to the dropbox file), review our 5-year financial forecast (link to that) and make an appointment to meet with me or Treasurer Tony Swartz to discuss any other concerns. I'd also like to note student performance and learning environments are directly linked. Our children deserve proper environments and not outdated facilities. We need to do all we can to ensure they are equipped to compete academically with their peers both during their school years and after graduation.
Repurposing
Posted 1/20/2011 at 3:08:12 PM by [anonymous visitor]
Let's see, we could repurpose these buildings, let's see, as schools! What novel idea! We are in a rough economic time and you can't ask voter for more and more money if you can't show proper management of what you already have under your control. It is going to cost the tax payers money to run, clean and maintain those buildings . And now you are going to ask for MORE money for new building that are also going to need the same. I don't know if you are made of money, but I'm not and neither are most of my neighbors. Here is my idea, look over what you already have and what you can cut. First of all, do you need all the administrators that you have at the high school? How many vice principals do you really need? How are each and every one of the rooms in these schools being utilized? Are your teachers that are being paid big salaries really doing what they need to be doing? I can answer that, no! If they were our scores would be better. When you have a losing football team, who gets fired, the coach. If students are performing, it can't be ALL of the students faults and their parents EVERY year! So before we start doing new projects and asking for more money for those projects, I suggest fixing what is broken first and utilizing the money that has already been budgeted. It's like I tell my child, I will pay for the a basic tennis shoe, but if you want the bling you need to find a way to pay for it yourself. Well as a tax payor, I'm contributing to the basic..you want bling..you pay for it!
Kelli Worley
Tireless Commitment
Posted 1/10/2011 at 7:09:25 AM by Scott McKenzie [staff member]
Tomorrow’s Board of Education meeting will provide an opportunity for us to stop and take pause so that we may thank a few key community members for the efforts they make on behalf of the students of Groveport Madison Local Schools.
The five members of the Board of Education have taken great steps to making our school system the best it can be. They give countless hours of their time, day in and day out, to serve on behalf of the community’s children.
On behalf of the district’s Administrative Council, I will make a motion at the meeting to proclaim January as School Board Recognition Month in the Groveport Madison Schools.
Some of our Board members have served for more than a decade while some were elected in 2009 to serve their first four-year term. Regardless of the years given, the following have made it their mission to help guide our system: Charlotte Barker, Mary Tedrow, Nancy Gillespie, Bryan Shoemaker and Nathan Slonaker.
They take phone calls and answers emails. They attend Board meetings and meetings for committees on which they serve. They visit our schools and spend time with district residents who share concerns about or sing praises of our schools. They do it selflessly with little fanfare.
Specifically, we will recognize the members efforts in:
- Setting the direction for our district’s public schools by envisioning the community’s education future
- Setting policies and procedures to govern all aspects of school district operation
- Keeping attention focused on progress toward the school district’s goals and maintaining a two-way communication with all segments of the community
- Concentrating efforts of all school employees on student achievement
- Giving unselfish devotion of time and tireless service to carry on the mission and business of the district
- Being held responsible by the citizens of this community for the educational needs of students; and
- Voluntarily accepting all of these responsibilities.
Please join me in thanking our Board for the service they provide our community and celebrate this month with us.
Reply Posts
Dear Thank you,
Posted 1/13/2011 at 2:42:39 PM by Scott McKenzie [staff member]
Thank you for your thoughts. We appreciate your support. -- Scott
Thank you
Posted 1/12/2011 at 2:41:58 PM by [anonymous visitor]
Thank you is two words that needs to be uses alot in time like we have now.
It is great to have people who take such interest in the growth of todays children. When so many are to busy. Our children need to learn that no matter what life brings you you need to stop and thank people who have had a impact in their future. Without people who care this world would be a very unkind place. I want to take this time to thank all those who have take a
interest in helping make a person life better it is great to have people who care THANK YOU
Dear Susan,
Posted 1/10/2011 at 10:10:08 AM by Scott McKenzie [staff member]
Thank you for sharing your gratitude. Best -- Scott
Susan
Posted 1/10/2011 at 10:09:10 AM by [anonymous visitor]
Good Morning, Scott,
This sounds really great! We definitely do need to acknowledge them and express our unbounded appreciation for their many efforts to benefits the students of our district.
Take care.
Susan
Dress for success
Posted 1/6/2011 at 10:05:44 AM by Scott McKenzie [staff member]
With a few days of the New Year under our belts, here’s hoping you are finding success with your resolutions.
Many people make health-related goals that pack workout facilities, gyms and exercise classes this time of year. Instead of waiting in line for a treadmill or arriving early to secure a spot in a class, head outdoors and take your kids along -- a regular routine may be more of a benefit than you think.
There is a significant amount of research in our field that suggests exercise is good food for the brain. In addition to making a positive impact on student achievement, regular exercise helps combat childhood obesity, too.
Instead of balking at the cold temperatures, dress properly and you’ll work up a good, healthy sweat even if you head out for a walk, a run or a romp in future snow.
Try some of these tips ...
- Wear thin layers. Go for three; too many will be counterproductive and the moisture trapped inside will freeze. Try a long-sleeved T or a performance-gear exercise shirt, a flannel or thin sweater and a coat.
- Remember to breathe ... and I mean your clothes. You don’t have to have the high-tech clothes. Sweatshirts with turtlenecks and jeans under nylon jogging pants work well when layering.
- Watch your feet and hands. Make sure to wear a couple pairs of socks, think then thick and don’t forget gloves or mittens.
- Head out. Make sure you have a hat or headband, too.
Good luck ... and have fun with a breath of fresh, brisk air.
Here we go!
Posted 1/3/2011 at 8:59:36 AM by Scott McKenzie [staff member]
As the New Year rolls in, the school year continues to roll along, full-speed ahead.
Second semester will start in a few short weeks as the second nine-week grading period wraps up next Friday. It’s hard to believe we’ve nearly hit the halfway point of the year!
Moving into the second part of the school year there is much work to be done. We are resolute in our commitments to our students, families and community.
Among the most important:
Student Success
Many state assessments are given in the spring and our teachers will continue to prepare our students. While these tests are just one measure of student success, they provide insight into how we deliver education. Improving student achievement is a top priority in our district. We recognize that children learn and master knowledge and skills at different rates and through a variety of instructional strategies as they progress through school. Through a three-way partnership, including the teacher, the parent and the student, we strive to help every child learn the knowledge and skills essential for success in school and life.
Communication
Open communication and conversation with our community is vital to our success. We will use this forum, building and district newsletters, local media and our website to keep you informed about what’s happening in our district. We will also send email announcements through our SchoolCentral service and use the Parent Alert system when warranted. For the latter, please be sure your contact information is current. Research underscores the positive correlation between student achievement and a community that’s involved and well-informed, so we encourage you to share your thoughts, questions and concerns with us.
Facilities
The Board will study results at its meeting next week of a recent public-opinion survey regarding the district’s facilities. The information will help the members determine how to best proceed with placing a bond issue on the May ballot for updating our buildings. A bond issue was rejected in November but does not eliminate the need for providing students with modern-learning environments. Construction money from the Ohio School Facilities Commission is still available from the state to help alleviate the cost to taxpayers but we must pass an issue at the local level in order to receive the funding.
Fiscal Accountability
The New Year holds significant financial uncertainty for districts across the state. As Gov. John Kasich takes office he should begin to provide more information about his plans to balance the budget. However, even the most conservative indications point to projections of at least a 10 percent loss in state funding. Coupled with the state’s elimination of stimulus funding, we could face a deficit of $5.5 million or more for the 2011-12 school year. Kasich must deliver his two-year budget to the legislature by March 15, but the tough conversations have already begun here in Groveport Madison. We’ll discuss the different scenarios that might save our district the needed shortfall, but the challenge in the remedies will be to find a solution that least impacts our ability to move the district forward educationally or adversely affects our mission.
It’s been a busy year with much more to come. My thanks to you for your continued support as we forge ahead.