My post this evening is full of links to other sites - one of the helpful aspects of blogging, in my opinion. I encourage you to explore these links if the subject is of interest to you!
For those of you in the Maumee, Rossford, and Springfield school districts - the Lucas County ESC continues to provide state-mandated entry-year teacher training to your teachers, along with training the first-year teachers at the ESC and at numerous parochial and charter schools. Ninety first-year teachers are enrolled in the program (more than ever before), which matches them with mentors and provides extensive programming in how to succeed in the field of education. Rose Kandik is the director of this program at the LCESC. To read more about it, follow this link: http://www.lucas.k12.oh.us/index.php?section=43.
In other news, Joe Rutherford and Judy Hansen reported that Penta County has increased in enrollment, and may next year reach the cap of two thousand students. While Joe will continue on the Penta Board, the downsizing of the board results in the elimination of Judy Hansen's seat as of January 1, 2009. You can read more about this situation here: http://rolandhansencommentary.blogspot.com/2008/10/penta-career-center-gives-shaft-to.html.
Reed Steele is set to take the helm at the Challenger Learning Center in Oregon - an amazing facility where my own child experienced the excitement of science and rocketry. He follows Julie Muffler, who resigned to take a position elsewhere, but she will return periodically to visit. The Springfield Local School Board provides for every fifth grade student to spend a day at Challenger; Joan Kuchcinski mentioned that Pickett Elementary recently attended Challenger; this is a resource not to be missed in our community. Here is a link: http://challengerlc.org/main.html
Finally, it was decided that the organizational meeting for the 2009 year will take place at 5 PM on Tuesday, January 13th. At this meeting we will elect our president and vice-president for the coming year; s/he will take charge immediately, as our first general meeting follows immediately.
As a sidenote, three of our board members are up for re-election in 2009: Judy Hansen, Joan Kuchcinski and Joe Rutherford. While I have not heard definitively, it sounds as though all three may well run; however, that should not deter any interested parties from taking out a petition and getting on the ballot. The race for my seat was contested: there were three of us running for two seats (Karen Krause - incumbent, William Michael (Mike) Spahr, and myself). The fact that the race was contested made us all work harder and look more closely at why we were running, as well as appreciate the fact that there are no guarantees - our constituents (should be) watching, and holding us accountable for the work we are privileged to perform.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Friday, November 14, 2008
One Year on the Board; OSBA Conference in Columbus; Collecting Debts from Community Schools; Foreign Language Camp Coming!
It has been one year since I was elected to this board.
I had no idea I would learn so much and develop such a passion for the people and the work with which I have been involved during these past ten monthes.
I look forward to the days ahead, and to working alongside each of you!
I am dividing the remainder of this blog post into three parts, so you can skip to the section of interest to you personally:
First, the Ohio School Board Association held the annual Capital Conference in Columbus from Nov. 9-12. The event included numerous learning tracks, and this year there were a special series of presentation specifically for ESCs. Did you know that there are 58 ESCS in the state of Ohio? Approximately 23% of ESC budgets come from the state, and the rest is from local revenue sources (school districts who contract with the ESCs) or grants. It was pointed out that traditional school boards often are unaware of the work of the ESCs, these silent partners who work behind the scenes to enhance the educational experience in the communities they serve. The OSBA plans to work more closely with the OESCA to reach out and communicate more clearly with traditional school boards.
Last night was our monthly meeting at the ALCC, and again we had the privilege of honoring outstanding students from Anthony Wayne, Sylvania Southview and Northview, Ottawa Hills, Rossford, Perrysburg, Whitmer, and Springfield. We also honored a family of the month and a wonderful "Out of School" department within the LCESC which works to help students who have dropped out of school to earn their GEDs. Our business included updates from the treasurer and superintendent on the work they are doing to meet the board-assigned "focus areas" for the year. The next paragraph will highlight one of these focus areas, the foreign language institute.
Importantly, the board took action to authorize the Lucas County Prosecuting Attorney to initiate litigation against two charter schools with whom we are no longer involved: they owe the LCESC over $25,000, combined. Action will be taken against the Toledo Academy of Learning and Greater Heights Academy in Cleveland to collect on these debts as we continue to closely monitor charter schools and hold them accountable to the highest standards in an effort to protect our children and provide them with the best possible educational opportunities.
Speaking of educational opportunities, do you have an elementary-school child who might like to learn Chinese, French or Spanish? The LCESC is actively pursuing a foreign language institute, with plans to have foreign language daycamps next summer and Saturday schools in the works as well. I know two kids who will be at the camp: Seth and Chelsea, my children. One of the many, many blessings of serving on the board has been the opportunity for me and my family to witness firsthand the wide array of programs that the LCESC offers and to avail ourselves of them. I encourage everyone to visit the LCESC website and see what is offered - there is something for everyone, of all ages and ability levels.
I had no idea I would learn so much and develop such a passion for the people and the work with which I have been involved during these past ten monthes.
I look forward to the days ahead, and to working alongside each of you!
I am dividing the remainder of this blog post into three parts, so you can skip to the section of interest to you personally:
First, the Ohio School Board Association held the annual Capital Conference in Columbus from Nov. 9-12. The event included numerous learning tracks, and this year there were a special series of presentation specifically for ESCs. Did you know that there are 58 ESCS in the state of Ohio? Approximately 23% of ESC budgets come from the state, and the rest is from local revenue sources (school districts who contract with the ESCs) or grants. It was pointed out that traditional school boards often are unaware of the work of the ESCs, these silent partners who work behind the scenes to enhance the educational experience in the communities they serve. The OSBA plans to work more closely with the OESCA to reach out and communicate more clearly with traditional school boards.
Last night was our monthly meeting at the ALCC, and again we had the privilege of honoring outstanding students from Anthony Wayne, Sylvania Southview and Northview, Ottawa Hills, Rossford, Perrysburg, Whitmer, and Springfield. We also honored a family of the month and a wonderful "Out of School" department within the LCESC which works to help students who have dropped out of school to earn their GEDs. Our business included updates from the treasurer and superintendent on the work they are doing to meet the board-assigned "focus areas" for the year. The next paragraph will highlight one of these focus areas, the foreign language institute.
Importantly, the board took action to authorize the Lucas County Prosecuting Attorney to initiate litigation against two charter schools with whom we are no longer involved: they owe the LCESC over $25,000, combined. Action will be taken against the Toledo Academy of Learning and Greater Heights Academy in Cleveland to collect on these debts as we continue to closely monitor charter schools and hold them accountable to the highest standards in an effort to protect our children and provide them with the best possible educational opportunities.
Speaking of educational opportunities, do you have an elementary-school child who might like to learn Chinese, French or Spanish? The LCESC is actively pursuing a foreign language institute, with plans to have foreign language daycamps next summer and Saturday schools in the works as well. I know two kids who will be at the camp: Seth and Chelsea, my children. One of the many, many blessings of serving on the board has been the opportunity for me and my family to witness firsthand the wide array of programs that the LCESC offers and to avail ourselves of them. I encourage everyone to visit the LCESC website and see what is offered - there is something for everyone, of all ages and ability levels.
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Support for levies at OHHS, Sylvania; Shuer Roof Project to Proceed
At the board meeting last night, there were several interesting developments: along with the normal business of the board, we reaffirmed the decision to move forward by contracting with Rossi & Associates as recommended by the Building and Grounds Committee. Rossi & Associates will serve as the architects and overseers in the roofing project at the Shuer Center. They were chosen after the B & G committee met with several other highly reputable companies. The bids for the roof will go out in January or February, and construction will begin in the spring. The total cost of the project will be around half a million dollars.
The board also voted to support the levies at Ottawa Hills and Sylvania, two of the schools which we serve. A number of grants were accepted as well. Next month, the meeting will be held on a Thursday instead of Tuesday, as the Ohio School Boards Association Conference takes place over the time of the normally scheduled meeting. I will blog on the OSBA Conference.
Everything else is progressing as expected - nothing out of the ordinary to report.
The board also voted to support the levies at Ottawa Hills and Sylvania, two of the schools which we serve. A number of grants were accepted as well. Next month, the meeting will be held on a Thursday instead of Tuesday, as the Ohio School Boards Association Conference takes place over the time of the normally scheduled meeting. I will blog on the OSBA Conference.
Everything else is progressing as expected - nothing out of the ordinary to report.
Wednesday, September 17, 2008
"Lorain Gifted Academy" Becomes "Menlo Park" and My Commentary on "Gifted Children"
In our board meeting at 6:30 AM(!) yesterday morning, we unanimously voted to allow Lorain Gifted Academy to re-open as "Menlo Park" under new management, with a new board. This charter school had received an "Excellent" rating, but closed because the management company, Constellation, chose to withdraw its support. In record time, the parents of the students banded together and fulfilled every legal obligation, including hiring four certified teachers, so that the school can re-open on Tuesday, September 23rd.
My stance on charter schools is typically a dubious one; I am an advocate of traditional public education, as evidenced by the choice my family has made in sending our children to Springfield Local. I had a question for those who had traveled to our meeting yesterday from Menlo Park: How do these parents and educators insure that their "gifted" children receive adequate interaction with other children? (I place "gifted" in quotation marks because I firmly believe that, in one way or another, every child is gifted.) I asked this in the context of my own experience, both as a child identified as "gifted" and as the parent of a "gifted" child. They had answers: the kids play soccer, participate in scouts, etc. The response was interesting...one parent mentioned that her child did not function well in a traditional public school, did not find himself to be challenged, and felt "different." Another parent came up to me later and said that her daughter just wanted to "fit in" and couldn't do that at the traditional public school. I understand and empathize with these positions, and I support this option for these children or I would not have voted in support of the school. However, I see it differently...
...the best education I received came in diverse, public settings where I had to struggle to find a niche, where I had to stretch, grow, experience rejection and learn that academic "giftedness" is only one of many talents that people possess. I had to learn side-by-side with kids who were rich, poor, black, white, boy, girl, and yes - academically gifted or "average" or even "academically challenged." One of my good friends during elementary school was a little girl named Robin who had mild mental retardation and development delays. Robin didn't care if I was smart or dumb; she was wise enough to know that if she would push me on the swings, I would push her back. I am grateful for Robin, and all that she taught me on a daily basis. I want the same for my children. I want them to learn how challenging difference can be, and how the true servant leader can turn it from an obstacle into a learning opportunity and appreciate all stripes of human being. Last year, my son received a character award at his elementary school for "acceptance." Mr. Lee, his teacher, noted that Seth accepted kids of all kinds, and treated them all with equal respect. My son has been identified as academically "gifted," and that's cool - but the fact that my son can "hang with his homies" and love 'em all the same - whether their IQ is over 127 (the official number designating "gifted") or under - is, in my opinion, the greatest "gift" of all. I hope that he never, ever changes.
My stance on charter schools is typically a dubious one; I am an advocate of traditional public education, as evidenced by the choice my family has made in sending our children to Springfield Local. I had a question for those who had traveled to our meeting yesterday from Menlo Park: How do these parents and educators insure that their "gifted" children receive adequate interaction with other children? (I place "gifted" in quotation marks because I firmly believe that, in one way or another, every child is gifted.) I asked this in the context of my own experience, both as a child identified as "gifted" and as the parent of a "gifted" child. They had answers: the kids play soccer, participate in scouts, etc. The response was interesting...one parent mentioned that her child did not function well in a traditional public school, did not find himself to be challenged, and felt "different." Another parent came up to me later and said that her daughter just wanted to "fit in" and couldn't do that at the traditional public school. I understand and empathize with these positions, and I support this option for these children or I would not have voted in support of the school. However, I see it differently...
...the best education I received came in diverse, public settings where I had to struggle to find a niche, where I had to stretch, grow, experience rejection and learn that academic "giftedness" is only one of many talents that people possess. I had to learn side-by-side with kids who were rich, poor, black, white, boy, girl, and yes - academically gifted or "average" or even "academically challenged." One of my good friends during elementary school was a little girl named Robin who had mild mental retardation and development delays. Robin didn't care if I was smart or dumb; she was wise enough to know that if she would push me on the swings, I would push her back. I am grateful for Robin, and all that she taught me on a daily basis. I want the same for my children. I want them to learn how challenging difference can be, and how the true servant leader can turn it from an obstacle into a learning opportunity and appreciate all stripes of human being. Last year, my son received a character award at his elementary school for "acceptance." Mr. Lee, his teacher, noted that Seth accepted kids of all kinds, and treated them all with equal respect. My son has been identified as academically "gifted," and that's cool - but the fact that my son can "hang with his homies" and love 'em all the same - whether their IQ is over 127 (the official number designating "gifted") or under - is, in my opinion, the greatest "gift" of all. I hope that he never, ever changes.
Thursday, September 11, 2008
Charter School Ratings; The Roof; Official Support for Some Levies and Not Others
The September meeting took place on Tuesday the 9th... it has taken me a few days to blog since I am buried under my first round of student essays (which are quite good!) from BGSU.
I want to hit the important highlights here.
First of all, charter schools - the report cards are in, and overall charter schools did not fare as well as traditional public schools throughout the state. There are 311 charter schools in Ohio; of those 311, only 25 received the ratings of "Excellent" or "Effective" (none received "Excellent with Distinction"). On the other hand, 159 received the rating of "Academic Watch" or "Academic Emergency." Toledo Public outperformed these schools with its rating of "Continuous Improvement." To be fair, the 72 charter schools sponsored by the LCESC (which comprises 24% of the total number of charter schools in the state) performed better than the state averages across the board. There are many more statistics available; if you are interested, let me know and I will be pleased to provide them to you!
On to the roof: Nordstrom Roofing has been selected to complete the short-term repair for the roof at the Shuer/Challenger Center. We are in the process of selecting a design architect who will guide us through the selection of the company which will complete the overhaul of the roof due to take place next year.
And the levies! We voted to publicly support the levies at Anthony Wayne, Maumee, Perrysburg, Washington Local and TPS, as well as the Lucas County MRDD levy. COSI, on the other hand, did not gain the official support of the board, although several board members expressed their personal support of COSI and the great value it brings to the community. The board reasoned that as a 501c3 organization, the levy fell outside the scope of the LCESC.
A special meeting may be happening next Tuesday to discuss another charter school with which we have been a sponsor - the Lorain Academy for the Gifted, which closed (despite receiving an "Excellent" rating) due to financial losses. Parents are seeking to re-open the school under the name of "Menlo Park." I will keep you updated here!
I want to hit the important highlights here.
First of all, charter schools - the report cards are in, and overall charter schools did not fare as well as traditional public schools throughout the state. There are 311 charter schools in Ohio; of those 311, only 25 received the ratings of "Excellent" or "Effective" (none received "Excellent with Distinction"). On the other hand, 159 received the rating of "Academic Watch" or "Academic Emergency." Toledo Public outperformed these schools with its rating of "Continuous Improvement." To be fair, the 72 charter schools sponsored by the LCESC (which comprises 24% of the total number of charter schools in the state) performed better than the state averages across the board. There are many more statistics available; if you are interested, let me know and I will be pleased to provide them to you!
On to the roof: Nordstrom Roofing has been selected to complete the short-term repair for the roof at the Shuer/Challenger Center. We are in the process of selecting a design architect who will guide us through the selection of the company which will complete the overhaul of the roof due to take place next year.
And the levies! We voted to publicly support the levies at Anthony Wayne, Maumee, Perrysburg, Washington Local and TPS, as well as the Lucas County MRDD levy. COSI, on the other hand, did not gain the official support of the board, although several board members expressed their personal support of COSI and the great value it brings to the community. The board reasoned that as a 501c3 organization, the levy fell outside the scope of the LCESC.
A special meeting may be happening next Tuesday to discuss another charter school with which we have been a sponsor - the Lorain Academy for the Gifted, which closed (despite receiving an "Excellent" rating) due to financial losses. Parents are seeking to re-open the school under the name of "Menlo Park." I will keep you updated here!
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
More on the Roof: Special Meeting 8/19
We met to discuss the roof and the decision was made, in compliance with the Ohio Revised Code, to direct the administration to seek out a design architect to oversee an immediate "button-up" of the roof followed next year by the necessary complete overhaul. The architect selected (and the administration will speak to three before making a selection) will then seek bids for the job, but the board, advised by the Building and Grounds Committee (I sit on this committee and Judy Hansen is chair) will have the final say in which roofing company takes the job. No resolutions were passed, since none were needed for this action.
In other news, look for a special meeting coming before the end of August to address the ongoing issues with Pace Career Center.
In other news, look for a special meeting coming before the end of August to address the ongoing issues with Pace Career Center.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Keeping the Lid On It
Or more accurately, the roof. That was the main topic of discussion at our regularly scheduled board meeting this evening, along with the usual approval of the fiscal report, the conferences attended by employees, and accepting some wonderful grants for early childhood education, etc.
The roof at the Shuer Center (sometimes referred to as the Challenger Center, since that is where, among other entities, the Challenger Learning Center is housed) is in dire need of repair. There are numerous options, but one course of action is clear: we must do something. Hard numbers will be gathered by our treasurer and alternatives explored, but we need to act rather quickly in some capacity, even if it is just doing the work that can be done to stave off the inevitable for one more year. To this end, we are having a special meeting next Tuesday at 5 PM to look at the data gathered and work toward the best decision possible for those who work, learn and pay for the Shuer Center. Check the blog next week for an update of what happens at the meeting on 8/19/08.
In other news, we are waiting for Pace Career Central to respond to the notice we sent them to suspend operations. Their doors are closed, they are not receiving any funding, and they have five business days to respond to us. We are waiting for the response. Again, check here for an update as soon as one arrives.
The roof at the Shuer Center (sometimes referred to as the Challenger Center, since that is where, among other entities, the Challenger Learning Center is housed) is in dire need of repair. There are numerous options, but one course of action is clear: we must do something. Hard numbers will be gathered by our treasurer and alternatives explored, but we need to act rather quickly in some capacity, even if it is just doing the work that can be done to stave off the inevitable for one more year. To this end, we are having a special meeting next Tuesday at 5 PM to look at the data gathered and work toward the best decision possible for those who work, learn and pay for the Shuer Center. Check the blog next week for an update of what happens at the meeting on 8/19/08.
In other news, we are waiting for Pace Career Central to respond to the notice we sent them to suspend operations. Their doors are closed, they are not receiving any funding, and they have five business days to respond to us. We are waiting for the response. Again, check here for an update as soon as one arrives.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
Board Votes to Suspend Operations at Pace Career Central Community School
At a special meeting of the board this morning, the decision to suspend operations at Pace Career Central Community School in Dayton was unanimous. The school, which was slated to open for classes on Monday, will have its doors closed and funding ceased. The opportunity exists for the school to provide a corrective action plan to the board, which must be submitted within five business days. If a corrective action plan is submitted, the board has three options: 1) vote to re-open the school; 2) vote to suspend operations indefinitely; 3) vote to close the school permanently.
The students who attend Pace, which bills itself as a "drop-out recovery" institution (although it has not been given this status by the state) must be notified of the situation within two days, so that they can make alternative arrangements for education this fall. Dayton, which has the highest number of community schools in the state, has several nearby options for the students as well as the Dayton Public Schools.
The Lucas County ESC currently sponsors 72 charter schools throughout the state. If Pace Career Central Community School were to close, that number would drop to 71 but the LCESC would remain the largest sponsor of charter schools in Ohio.
The students who attend Pace, which bills itself as a "drop-out recovery" institution (although it has not been given this status by the state) must be notified of the situation within two days, so that they can make alternative arrangements for education this fall. Dayton, which has the highest number of community schools in the state, has several nearby options for the students as well as the Dayton Public Schools.
The Lucas County ESC currently sponsors 72 charter schools throughout the state. If Pace Career Central Community School were to close, that number would drop to 71 but the LCESC would remain the largest sponsor of charter schools in Ohio.
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Support voted for levies at Anthony Wayne, Perrysburg; Bus Business Ends; Penta Board to Possibly Make Changes
Here are the highlights from the meeting this afternoon:
Along with regular business, it was noted that the full support of the board is needed for the school levies which are on the ballot in Anthony Wayne and Perrysburg. These are two fine school districts, but in order to maintain the high quality public education they offer to their students, revenue is needed in the form of these levies. The LCESC Governing Board unanimously supports the passage of these levies.
The LCESC has been moving toward getting out of the "bus business," and as of June 30th we will no longer be involved with any bus transportation. The sad news is that this resulted in a reduction-in-force, but the board has been informed that our outstanding transportation workers will be able to find employment elsewhere.
Tomorrow night is the Board Meeting at Penta County, and it promises to be an interesting one. The Penta Board has had 11 members on it since its early days, but with the closing of the Sandusky ESC, that member stepped off the board, leaving the total at 10. An odd number is needed, and it has been noted that perhaps the total should be 9, and the seat eliminated would be one of the two that belongs to the Lucas County ESC. Our two representatives, Judy Hansen and Joe Rutherford, are investigating why the Wood County ESC would be allowed to retain two seats, while Lucas County would lose one, especially considering the high number of Lucas County students from Anthony Wayne and Springfield who utilize Penta. This will be reported in the traditional news media, so keep your ears and eyes open for this development. Here is a link to Penta: http://www.pentacareercenter.org/
The LCESC board will meet again on Tuesday, June 24th at 12:30 for a special meeting to discuss potential evaluation options, other than the ones currently in place, for administrative staff. I'll keep you posted!
Along with regular business, it was noted that the full support of the board is needed for the school levies which are on the ballot in Anthony Wayne and Perrysburg. These are two fine school districts, but in order to maintain the high quality public education they offer to their students, revenue is needed in the form of these levies. The LCESC Governing Board unanimously supports the passage of these levies.
The LCESC has been moving toward getting out of the "bus business," and as of June 30th we will no longer be involved with any bus transportation. The sad news is that this resulted in a reduction-in-force, but the board has been informed that our outstanding transportation workers will be able to find employment elsewhere.
Tomorrow night is the Board Meeting at Penta County, and it promises to be an interesting one. The Penta Board has had 11 members on it since its early days, but with the closing of the Sandusky ESC, that member stepped off the board, leaving the total at 10. An odd number is needed, and it has been noted that perhaps the total should be 9, and the seat eliminated would be one of the two that belongs to the Lucas County ESC. Our two representatives, Judy Hansen and Joe Rutherford, are investigating why the Wood County ESC would be allowed to retain two seats, while Lucas County would lose one, especially considering the high number of Lucas County students from Anthony Wayne and Springfield who utilize Penta. This will be reported in the traditional news media, so keep your ears and eyes open for this development. Here is a link to Penta: http://www.pentacareercenter.org/
The LCESC board will meet again on Tuesday, June 24th at 12:30 for a special meeting to discuss potential evaluation options, other than the ones currently in place, for administrative staff. I'll keep you posted!
Friday, May 23, 2008
An Easy Way to Make a Difference - Take Action NOW!
I believe that one of my roles on the LCESC Governing Board is to increase communication and alert the public to school-related legislation... so here goes: check out Senate Bill 57: http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=127_SB_57
To summarize, this bill creates vouchers for special education students to go to alternative public or private schools; money is taken away from traditional public schools - the current system already allows students to get outside help if the traditional public school cannot provide it. Furthermore, there is no accountability for how private schools spend these public dollars.
Here is a link to testimony AGAINST the bill, short and sweet: http://basa-ohio.org/documents/SB%2057%20Testimony.pdf
The bill passed in the senate 17-15, and is going to the house. Get on the phone now and call your state representative and let them know that this bill is not what we need in Ohio. Here is a link to the phone number you need to reach your representative - all you do is enter your zip code.
http://www.house.state.oh.us/jsps/Representatives.jsp
This is how we, as citizens, can make a difference. Take just five minutes and act on this!
To summarize, this bill creates vouchers for special education students to go to alternative public or private schools; money is taken away from traditional public schools - the current system already allows students to get outside help if the traditional public school cannot provide it. Furthermore, there is no accountability for how private schools spend these public dollars.
Here is a link to testimony AGAINST the bill, short and sweet: http://basa-ohio.org/documents/SB%2057%20Testimony.pdf
The bill passed in the senate 17-15, and is going to the house. Get on the phone now and call your state representative and let them know that this bill is not what we need in Ohio. Here is a link to the phone number you need to reach your representative - all you do is enter your zip code.
http://www.house.state.oh.us/jsps/Representatives.jsp
This is how we, as citizens, can make a difference. Take just five minutes and act on this!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Charter School Legislation: What Is and What May Be
At our regular board meeting last night, I was alerted to the fact that there are currently four bills - three in the Senate, one in the House - dealing with charter or "community" schools. These are SB 331, 332, 333 and HB 532. Here is a link to the site where you can type in the bill number and read them in detail: http://lsc.state.oh.us/analyses/analysis127.nsf/All%20Bills%20and%20Resolutions?OpenView
The bills are lengthy and I think it is better for you to look at the actual bill than to have me paraphrase, but suffice it to say that the bills are requiring increased accountability from charter schools: they have to do what they are supposed to do, or the doors will be closed - and for chartering agencies whose schools are on academic emergency or academic watch, these bills mandate that no more schools can be opened by that agency. The bills are not passed, but proposed. If you want to read the current legislation under which community schools operate, then you will really be "in the know" from a legal standpoint. Here is the link to that information: http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/3314 I encourage you to read it!
Our ESC (Educational Service Center, remember!) is doing a lot of physical moving around this summer, as we transition out of several buildings and more of our activities are concentrated in the Shuer Center in Oregon, which houses the amazing Challenger Learning Center, and the main administrative facility at 2275 Collingwood. These are fiscally responsible moves - we will have the same programs at a lower cost. As a fiscal semi-conservative, I am pleased with this approach.
Contracts for 2008-09 have been finalized with Rossford, Sylvania, Springfield, Perrysburg, Anthony Wayne, Ottawa Hills, Maumee and Washington Local school districts. What does this mean? It means that if the school district has a need - say, one day a week or twice a week for half a day - we can provide that. Perhaps the school doesn't need a full-time staff psychologist; we can provide the school with a psychologist for one or two days a week, and then that individual can be contracted for a different school for the other days. This saves the school district the time and energy required to find a high-quality part-time person. Oregon City schools are working independently this year: it will be interesting to see how that turns out for all involved.
Remember that all meetings are open to the public, and that not only can you listen, you are also welcome to speak. Let your voice be heard! I am also grateful for the responses I receive here. I value your insight. Please feel free to post or to contact me privately. Thank you for the opportunity to serve!
The bills are lengthy and I think it is better for you to look at the actual bill than to have me paraphrase, but suffice it to say that the bills are requiring increased accountability from charter schools: they have to do what they are supposed to do, or the doors will be closed - and for chartering agencies whose schools are on academic emergency or academic watch, these bills mandate that no more schools can be opened by that agency. The bills are not passed, but proposed. If you want to read the current legislation under which community schools operate, then you will really be "in the know" from a legal standpoint. Here is the link to that information: http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/3314 I encourage you to read it!
Our ESC (Educational Service Center, remember!) is doing a lot of physical moving around this summer, as we transition out of several buildings and more of our activities are concentrated in the Shuer Center in Oregon, which houses the amazing Challenger Learning Center, and the main administrative facility at 2275 Collingwood. These are fiscally responsible moves - we will have the same programs at a lower cost. As a fiscal semi-conservative, I am pleased with this approach.
Contracts for 2008-09 have been finalized with Rossford, Sylvania, Springfield, Perrysburg, Anthony Wayne, Ottawa Hills, Maumee and Washington Local school districts. What does this mean? It means that if the school district has a need - say, one day a week or twice a week for half a day - we can provide that. Perhaps the school doesn't need a full-time staff psychologist; we can provide the school with a psychologist for one or two days a week, and then that individual can be contracted for a different school for the other days. This saves the school district the time and energy required to find a high-quality part-time person. Oregon City schools are working independently this year: it will be interesting to see how that turns out for all involved.
Remember that all meetings are open to the public, and that not only can you listen, you are also welcome to speak. Let your voice be heard! I am also grateful for the responses I receive here. I value your insight. Please feel free to post or to contact me privately. Thank you for the opportunity to serve!
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
A Question in Search of Your Answer
Here is the question.
We all want the best education for our kids, and all kids learn best in different environments. I am very, very pleased with Springfield Local Schools, where my two children are (or will be, in the case of my daughter who is turning 5) enrolled. I am a strong advocate for traditional public schools.
However, I am interested in schools such as "The Autism Academy of Toledo" which just had its second graduate. If my child had autism, I would look at this school. I talked recently with a teacher at a traditional public school (not Springfield), and she said that an autistic child could learn as well at a traditional school. I also know of an autistic child who is being educated at Springfield, and he has a paraprofessional that travels with him, and he seems to do well enough... I just don't know enough about all of this to have an informed opinion and I want to hear from the public. What do you know, what have you seen, what do you think? Please write... I'm listening.
We all want the best education for our kids, and all kids learn best in different environments. I am very, very pleased with Springfield Local Schools, where my two children are (or will be, in the case of my daughter who is turning 5) enrolled. I am a strong advocate for traditional public schools.
However, I am interested in schools such as "The Autism Academy of Toledo" which just had its second graduate. If my child had autism, I would look at this school. I talked recently with a teacher at a traditional public school (not Springfield), and she said that an autistic child could learn as well at a traditional school. I also know of an autistic child who is being educated at Springfield, and he has a paraprofessional that travels with him, and he seems to do well enough... I just don't know enough about all of this to have an informed opinion and I want to hear from the public. What do you know, what have you seen, what do you think? Please write... I'm listening.
Kids Eat Fruit!, Safe Schools Grant and more
Tonight’s board meeting was punctuated with fits of coughing: between Judy Hansen and myself, and Karen Krause who is still recovering from her bout with a nasty cold, we sounded like an infirmary – but business was handled, nonetheless, and here are some of the highlights…
Judy Hansen attended the National School Board Association Conference in Orlando, and came back with a good deal of interesting information, including the innovative “Produce Passports” which can be checked out online at http://www.producepassport.com/ - what a great way to get kids to try new types of fruit! I know my kids will be getting involved with this and the board will follow up on larger scale implementation opportunities.
The LCESC partnered with nine of our school districts to submit a multi-million dollar grant application for “Safe and Drug Free Schools.” This is a highly competitive grant, but we are excited about the possibility of obtaining it - results will arrive in July.
We approved the renewal of a large number of staff contracts, along with the elimination of some due to RIF (reduction in force) – since we will not be providing bus service after this year, we obviously do not need bus drivers and the like.
Other business was attended to, but nothing out of the ordinary and nothing that caused any dissenting votes among the board members. Our community schools representatives presented some highlights of accomplishments occurring at the schools we sponsor – the Autism Academy of Toledo had its second graduate, for example, and the Englewood Peace Academy had a team that placed third in the UT Robotics competition.
This brings me to a question I wish to ask… I’ll ask it in the next post and hope to get some responses…
Judy Hansen attended the National School Board Association Conference in Orlando, and came back with a good deal of interesting information, including the innovative “Produce Passports” which can be checked out online at http://www.producepassport.com/ - what a great way to get kids to try new types of fruit! I know my kids will be getting involved with this and the board will follow up on larger scale implementation opportunities.
The LCESC partnered with nine of our school districts to submit a multi-million dollar grant application for “Safe and Drug Free Schools.” This is a highly competitive grant, but we are excited about the possibility of obtaining it - results will arrive in July.
We approved the renewal of a large number of staff contracts, along with the elimination of some due to RIF (reduction in force) – since we will not be providing bus service after this year, we obviously do not need bus drivers and the like.
Other business was attended to, but nothing out of the ordinary and nothing that caused any dissenting votes among the board members. Our community schools representatives presented some highlights of accomplishments occurring at the schools we sponsor – the Autism Academy of Toledo had its second graduate, for example, and the Englewood Peace Academy had a team that placed third in the UT Robotics competition.
This brings me to a question I wish to ask… I’ll ask it in the next post and hope to get some responses…
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Probation Pays: Horizon Science Academy reduces debt by $105,000, Contract renewals for Super. and Treasurer, "Jarod's Law" to be Implemented and more
Yesterday evening the LCESC meeting began on the positive note of honoring our outstanding high school students from the nine districts we serve, as well as a number of special needs students who are excelling in various areas ~ a quarterly event which reminds me of how many talented young people live in this area. Especially impressive was Hannah Miller of Perrysburg, daughter of Dr. Brian and Mrs. Dawn Miller, who received TWO awards - English and Social Studies.
Last month I mentioned that four charter schools had been put on probation - all for financial reasons. Horizon Academy owed $185,000 for transportation costs, for example. $105,000 of that has been recovered, with the promise that the remaining $80, 000 will be paid by the end of the month. Next month, I will report back as to whether or not the funds have been paid. This accountability is important, and is happening under the direction of the current administration and board.
Also discussed was "Jarod's Law," which was passed in September of 2007 by the Ohio Legislature, as the the result of the death of a six-year-old boy due to an unsafe cafeteria table. In order to prevent the use of hazardous equipment in schools, new regulations are being put into effect... total compliance will be necessary and will affect the LCESC as well as all other educational facilities. To read more about Jarod's Law, here is a link: http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=126_HB_203
Of course it will cost money to adhere to this important law, and the question of where those funds will come from is something else to figure out.
It was unanimously determined by all present (Board Member Judy Hansen was absent) to renew the contracts of Superintendent Sandra Frisch and Treasurer Richard Cox, so that both would be extended until August 2013.
It was duly noted that the ESCs in Ohio have been the recipient of funding cuts that total just under 10% per student. Unfortunately, we will need to pass these costs along to some degree, while at the same time we struggle to tighten our belts and cut any unnecessary waste. It is the board's desire to serve the schools in as competent and cost-effective manner as possible.
The next meeting will be at the Collingwood Center on Tuesday, April 8th, at 5:30. The public is always invited... these are all of our tax dollars at work, and all of our kids and schools, so feel free to make your voice heard! Thanks for the opportunity to serve.
Last month I mentioned that four charter schools had been put on probation - all for financial reasons. Horizon Academy owed $185,000 for transportation costs, for example. $105,000 of that has been recovered, with the promise that the remaining $80, 000 will be paid by the end of the month. Next month, I will report back as to whether or not the funds have been paid. This accountability is important, and is happening under the direction of the current administration and board.
Also discussed was "Jarod's Law," which was passed in September of 2007 by the Ohio Legislature, as the the result of the death of a six-year-old boy due to an unsafe cafeteria table. In order to prevent the use of hazardous equipment in schools, new regulations are being put into effect... total compliance will be necessary and will affect the LCESC as well as all other educational facilities. To read more about Jarod's Law, here is a link: http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=126_HB_203
Of course it will cost money to adhere to this important law, and the question of where those funds will come from is something else to figure out.
It was unanimously determined by all present (Board Member Judy Hansen was absent) to renew the contracts of Superintendent Sandra Frisch and Treasurer Richard Cox, so that both would be extended until August 2013.
It was duly noted that the ESCs in Ohio have been the recipient of funding cuts that total just under 10% per student. Unfortunately, we will need to pass these costs along to some degree, while at the same time we struggle to tighten our belts and cut any unnecessary waste. It is the board's desire to serve the schools in as competent and cost-effective manner as possible.
The next meeting will be at the Collingwood Center on Tuesday, April 8th, at 5:30. The public is always invited... these are all of our tax dollars at work, and all of our kids and schools, so feel free to make your voice heard! Thanks for the opportunity to serve.
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
Charter school update, High school students honored, and more
Last night's meeting began on a positive note as students from Rossford, Perrysburg, Anthony Wayne, Springfield, Whitmer, Clay, Northview, Southview, Ottawa Hills and Maumee were honored for outstanding work in English, Math, Science, Social Studies, Foreign Language, the Arts and Extra-Curricular Activities. This awards ceremony is a quarterly affair - also honored are a "Recognition Family of the Month" for a family involved with LCESC, such as the parents of a preschooler at the ALCC, and the "Job Well Done" goes to an LCESC employee who has performed exceptionally well. Sadly, the bad weather kept the attendance down, but the event was celebratory nonetheless.
Accountability and transparency are very important to establishing trust in government, and last night at the LCESC meeting both were present in relationship to our work with charter schools. Four charter schools under our jurisdiction will be put on probationary status for failure to maintain financial obligations: two of the schools are located out of this area (Dayton and Xenia's Summit Academies) and two are here in-county: Horizon Academy and Horizon Math and Science/Springfield. The board will continue to follow the progress of these schools.
Other business was taken care of quickly, due to the inclement weather. The treasurer's statements were approved and the minutes from the last meeting as well. The next meeting will again be at the ALCC on Wrenwood in order to honor another outstanding group of students prior to the board meeting - the date will be Tuesday, March 11th at 5:30 PM... feel free to drop by!
Accountability and transparency are very important to establishing trust in government, and last night at the LCESC meeting both were present in relationship to our work with charter schools. Four charter schools under our jurisdiction will be put on probationary status for failure to maintain financial obligations: two of the schools are located out of this area (Dayton and Xenia's Summit Academies) and two are here in-county: Horizon Academy and Horizon Math and Science/Springfield. The board will continue to follow the progress of these schools.
Other business was taken care of quickly, due to the inclement weather. The treasurer's statements were approved and the minutes from the last meeting as well. The next meeting will again be at the ALCC on Wrenwood in order to honor another outstanding group of students prior to the board meeting - the date will be Tuesday, March 11th at 5:30 PM... feel free to drop by!
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
President, VP Elected; Spelling Bee on the Agenda, and more
Here is a brief synopsis of the highlights from the meetings this evening...
Tonight at the organizational meeting, Karen Krause was re-elected President, with Joe Rutherford as the VP. The vote was unanimous. Other Board Members include Joan Kuchinski, Judy Hansen and myself. Each of us received several committee appointments to the six committees: Budget and Finance (Judy and Joe), Legal and Legislative (Joe and Karen), Personnel (Angela and Joan), Community Schools (Karen and Joan), Policy (Joan and Karen), and Building and Grounds (Judy and Angela).
We went through the finance reports, which was pretty standard, and the treasurer did an in-depth explanation for my benefit as a newcomer. Did you know that the revenue for the LCESC is in the range of $30 million dollars? That revenue funds literally dozens of programs from which many of our county residents can benefit, if we continue to raise awareness.
In the Regular Meeting, we approved the finance reports, and we discussed how with the increasing cost of gasoline (increased mileage costs, etc.), it is ever more difficult to meet the budget. This is a problem everywhere, isn't it?
We noted how generous so many people were during the holiday season - the list of donations from the LCESC staff (hundreds of people) was inspiring: from collecting food at the Springfield Afterschool care (BASE) to contributing hats and gloves on the mitten tree at the Collingwood Center, the outreach was excellent.
The county-wide spelling bee, which feeds into the Blade Bee, will be held on Tuesday, February 19th at the Maumee Theater at 7 PM - this is another event sponsored by the LCESC - did you know that?
Charter Schools ... this is a "hot-button" topic for many people. Here's my disclaimer: My intention here is not to enter into any sort of debate, but simply to provide information. I'm very interested in listening and learning to people on all sides of the issue, since I see that many people with very divergent opinions genuinely care about our children. The LCESC is a sponsor for 72 charter schools (many of which are NOT in Toledo; and, to be clear, many charter schools in Toledo are NOT LCESC sponsored); the activities should be made public in as objective a manner as possible. I must admit that as a person with my own children enrolled in a traditional public school, I may not always be objective, and for that I apologize in advance. I will do what I can in this blog to be fair.
The Community Schools update indicated that when value-added assessments are included, Ohio Charter Schools perform about on par with traditional public schools (78 to 76 percent). What does this mean? This data is very preliminary, and according to the report it will be "most useful when examined over time."
The Community Schools director for the LCESC, Jim George, explained that the Main Street Automotive Magnet School in Dayton is on probation, but he told the B0ard that a specific corrective action plan had been submitted and was being worked on with a consultant on-site to improve performance. This is a school for kids who have dropped out of traditional schools - sort of a "back to school" type program.
Of course we handled a lot of perfunctory business, such as approving a variety of contracts and resignations and conferences to be attended by employees. The meeting ended at about 7:40 - I was home with my kids - my reasons for being on the board - by 8 PM. :)
Tonight at the organizational meeting, Karen Krause was re-elected President, with Joe Rutherford as the VP. The vote was unanimous. Other Board Members include Joan Kuchinski, Judy Hansen and myself. Each of us received several committee appointments to the six committees: Budget and Finance (Judy and Joe), Legal and Legislative (Joe and Karen), Personnel (Angela and Joan), Community Schools (Karen and Joan), Policy (Joan and Karen), and Building and Grounds (Judy and Angela).
We went through the finance reports, which was pretty standard, and the treasurer did an in-depth explanation for my benefit as a newcomer. Did you know that the revenue for the LCESC is in the range of $30 million dollars? That revenue funds literally dozens of programs from which many of our county residents can benefit, if we continue to raise awareness.
In the Regular Meeting, we approved the finance reports, and we discussed how with the increasing cost of gasoline (increased mileage costs, etc.), it is ever more difficult to meet the budget. This is a problem everywhere, isn't it?
We noted how generous so many people were during the holiday season - the list of donations from the LCESC staff (hundreds of people) was inspiring: from collecting food at the Springfield Afterschool care (BASE) to contributing hats and gloves on the mitten tree at the Collingwood Center, the outreach was excellent.
The county-wide spelling bee, which feeds into the Blade Bee, will be held on Tuesday, February 19th at the Maumee Theater at 7 PM - this is another event sponsored by the LCESC - did you know that?
Charter Schools ... this is a "hot-button" topic for many people. Here's my disclaimer: My intention here is not to enter into any sort of debate, but simply to provide information. I'm very interested in listening and learning to people on all sides of the issue, since I see that many people with very divergent opinions genuinely care about our children. The LCESC is a sponsor for 72 charter schools (many of which are NOT in Toledo; and, to be clear, many charter schools in Toledo are NOT LCESC sponsored); the activities should be made public in as objective a manner as possible. I must admit that as a person with my own children enrolled in a traditional public school, I may not always be objective, and for that I apologize in advance. I will do what I can in this blog to be fair.
The Community Schools update indicated that when value-added assessments are included, Ohio Charter Schools perform about on par with traditional public schools (78 to 76 percent). What does this mean? This data is very preliminary, and according to the report it will be "most useful when examined over time."
The Community Schools director for the LCESC, Jim George, explained that the Main Street Automotive Magnet School in Dayton is on probation, but he told the B0ard that a specific corrective action plan had been submitted and was being worked on with a consultant on-site to improve performance. This is a school for kids who have dropped out of traditional schools - sort of a "back to school" type program.
Of course we handled a lot of perfunctory business, such as approving a variety of contracts and resignations and conferences to be attended by employees. The meeting ended at about 7:40 - I was home with my kids - my reasons for being on the board - by 8 PM. :)
Meeting on 1.08.08
The first meeting of the year will be an organizational meeting, preceding the regular meeting. The organizational meeting will take place on Tuesday, January 8th, at 5:30 PM at 2275 Collingwood. Following the meeting, I will post new information here.
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