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.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
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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