** THERE ARE THREE SEATS ON THE BOARD UP FOR ELECTION THIS NOVEMBER. I ENCOURAGE ANY RESIDENTS OF ANTHONY WAYNE, OTTAWA HILLS, WASHINGTON LOCAL, OR SPRINGFIELD SCHOOL DISTRICTS WITH AN INTEREST TO CONSIDER A RUN. IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE IN FIGURING OUT HOW TO FILL OUT THE PAPERWORK AND WHAT NECESSARY STEPS TO TAKE, LET ME KNOW AND I WILL BE GLAD TO ASSIST YOU!** THE FILING DEADLINE IS COMING UP IN JULY!!
The regular June board meeting for the ESC was held on June 23rd at 5 PM, with all board members in attendance.
The following were meeting highlights:
The board voted to approve the contract with Nordmann Roofing to re-roof the Shuer Center (where Challenger Learning is held). The bid came in at just under $400,000 - the best bid for what we had decided was the optimal system for us at this place and time. This is to start shortly - so watch for a new and improved Shuer Center by the time the leaves change color in the fall.
We reviewed the performance of the Superintendent, Sandra Frisch, and Treasurer, Richard Cox. Both were found to be meeting or exceeding expectations in every category. It was noted that Mary Taylor, State Auditor, had paid a visit to Mr. Cox with very high praise for his work at the ESC.
The board elected President Joe Rutherford to be the delegate at the annual OSBA business meeting in Columbus in November (Nov. 8-11). I was elected as alternate.
It was noted that The Highlighter, our quarterly newsletter, is now an online publication; this saves considerable cost for our organization. Due to its infrequent publication schedule, sometimes the information in the highlighter is somewhat dated, and this difficulty was discussed.
The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 14 at 5 PM at the Collingwood Center (2275 Collingwood - come and visit!).
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Thursday, May 14, 2009
And So Our Hands Are Tied...
Today I will focus on an issue which brings the LCESC into the public eye - if you are tuned in, you might have heard of Glass City Academy...
At our regular board meeting on Tuesday, May 12th, we were glad to have citizen participation from a group of Old Orchard residents. Their concern - which you may have heard about already, and if not, you probably will - can be seen here: http://www.foxtoledo.com/dpp/news/wupw_Dispute_over_West_Toledo_school_05132009
While our board listened closely to their concerns, our opinions can't matter: legally, we can do nothing about the location that one of our schools chooses... here is the official statement from Lucas County ESC:
As a community school sponsor, Lucas County Educational Service Center (LCESC) has no legal authority over where (within the legal parameters as defined by the Ohio Revised Code) a community school chooses to purchase or lease a facility. The Lucas County Educational Service Center does have the responsibility to provide technical assistance and assure compliance with state laws and regulations for all its schools.
Ohio law requires a sponsor of Ohio community schools to provide written assurances to the Ohio Department of Education (ODE) of the following: proof of ownership or lease of a school facility, liability insurance, a certificate of occupancy, satisfactory health, safety, and fire inspections, as well as a pre-opening site visit. Ohio law does not require or encourage a sponsor to select a facility for an Ohio community school; rather, that decision rests with the governing authority of the community school. Consequently, it is not appropriate for an educational service center to interfere in the proceedings of, or substitute its judgment for, a city planning commission or any laws concerning land use.
I do welcome comments and ideas here - I have a few of my own, but in my post I am sticking pretty closely to the facts of the situation.
Friday, April 24, 2009
Sign Your Kid Up!/Update from NSBA in San Diego/"I Make A Difference"/The Ongoing Saga of the Shuer Roof
First off, an invitation to sign your children up for camp! My kids are attending the World Of Words... if you live out in Springfield township, and your kids need a ride, let me know. I've got plenty of room!
World of Words: This foreign language summer camp is for students in grades 1-3 and 4-6 who want to learn Spanish or Russian. July 20-24, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. $175
Challenger Learning Center: Explore robotics, astronomy, aviation, rocketry and space flight simulation! Week long camps from June through August. Kindergarten through adult, $80-$195. 419-698-1501/www.challengeric.org
B.A.S.E. Summer Camps: Connect fun and learning with this camp from June through August for ages 5-12. Monday - Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Holland Elementary School and Ottawa Hills Elementary School. 419-246-3111/419-725-2060.
The LCESC meeting was held on Tuesday, April 21st, a week later than usual due to Spring Break scheduling. At the meeting, a number of items were discussed: it was noted that three of our board members traveled to San Diego earlier in the month to attend the National School Board Association meeting where U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan sp0ke with us - he explained that never before in the history of our country has so much federal money been apportioned specifically for public education: these are exciting times to be involved with improving the schools for our young people. Changes are afoot, across the board: here in Ohio, House Bill 1 is being modified and when with its alterations it makes its way to the desk of the Governor, I think we will see differences in our schools... nothing set in stone yet, but keep watching for more days in the classroom, more services during those days, and a plan to make Ohio education stronger. As an ESC, we are proud to partner with our public schools and help this happen.
Speaking of partnering with public schools, this morning I was at the "I Make A Difference" breakfast, sponsored by the LCESC, held at the Toledo Club, for Valedictorians and Salutatorians from the public schools which we serve in the county (and Perrysburg and Rossford, as well). These students honored a significant teacher who had made a difference in their lives - it was in impressive showing and I was pleased to see that a large number of our best and brightest students plan to stay in Ohio, and several plan to attend two of our fine local institutions, UT and BGSU.
Finally, the roof on the Shuer center will be re-bid, with slightly different specifications. We were not prepared to spend half-a-million dollars on this project in our struggling economic times, so we are working to walk the fine line between demanding quality and seeking affordability. Several studies indicating the life of a new roof with various specifications have led us to send the bid out again, with hopes of more promising results.
Please, drop me a line - here or privately - I thank you again for the opportunity to serve!
World of Words: This foreign language summer camp is for students in grades 1-3 and 4-6 who want to learn Spanish or Russian. July 20-24, 9 a.m. - 3 p.m. $175
Challenger Learning Center: Explore robotics, astronomy, aviation, rocketry and space flight simulation! Week long camps from June through August. Kindergarten through adult, $80-$195. 419-698-1501/www.challengeric.org
B.A.S.E. Summer Camps: Connect fun and learning with this camp from June through August for ages 5-12. Monday - Friday, 6:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. at Holland Elementary School and Ottawa Hills Elementary School. 419-246-3111/419-725-2060.
The LCESC meeting was held on Tuesday, April 21st, a week later than usual due to Spring Break scheduling. At the meeting, a number of items were discussed: it was noted that three of our board members traveled to San Diego earlier in the month to attend the National School Board Association meeting where U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan sp0ke with us - he explained that never before in the history of our country has so much federal money been apportioned specifically for public education: these are exciting times to be involved with improving the schools for our young people. Changes are afoot, across the board: here in Ohio, House Bill 1 is being modified and when with its alterations it makes its way to the desk of the Governor, I think we will see differences in our schools... nothing set in stone yet, but keep watching for more days in the classroom, more services during those days, and a plan to make Ohio education stronger. As an ESC, we are proud to partner with our public schools and help this happen.
Speaking of partnering with public schools, this morning I was at the "I Make A Difference" breakfast, sponsored by the LCESC, held at the Toledo Club, for Valedictorians and Salutatorians from the public schools which we serve in the county (and Perrysburg and Rossford, as well). These students honored a significant teacher who had made a difference in their lives - it was in impressive showing and I was pleased to see that a large number of our best and brightest students plan to stay in Ohio, and several plan to attend two of our fine local institutions, UT and BGSU.
Finally, the roof on the Shuer center will be re-bid, with slightly different specifications. We were not prepared to spend half-a-million dollars on this project in our struggling economic times, so we are working to walk the fine line between demanding quality and seeking affordability. Several studies indicating the life of a new roof with various specifications have led us to send the bid out again, with hopes of more promising results.
Please, drop me a line - here or privately - I thank you again for the opportunity to serve!
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
LCESC Receives Perfect Score as Charter Sponsor; 24 Charters Sent Notice of Intent to Suspend; Foreign Lang. Camp Dates; General Operating Fund Up
Let me begin this evening by once again reminding my faithful readers that in no way does the LCESC or any of its employees bear any responsibility for this blog; it is merely my opinion and observation, as a member of the board. I try to be fair and balanced, but I speak only for myself and only from my personal point of view.
Charter Schools
The official statement:
The LCESC is taking the necessary steps to investigate and correct any financial instabilities in the Summit Academy Management Company, force oversight of SAM by the Summit Academy governing authorities, and ensure continuity of the schools' academic programs for its children with disabilities.
At the board meeting tonight, it was unanimously voted to serve twenty-four charter schools with a notice of "Intent to Suspend." These twenty-four schools are all under the auspices of Summit Academy Management (SAM). This intent to suspend is not a reflection upon the performance of the schools, but rather an indictment of the management company whose CEO has been placed on leave. Here is a link to the article: http://www.ohio.com/news/40698517.html
What happens next? The schools have five business days after receiving the letter to come up with a plan of action, which will then be reviewed by members of our board and a decision reached as to whether these action plans are acceptable or not. Keep checking the blog for updates.
On a positive note, the LCESC voluntarily underwent a sponsor evaluation - a detailed procedure in which schools we sponsor evaluate us, and the Ohio Department of Education randomly evalutes a number of the charters we sponsor. Our score was perfect, on both counts. This is an example of how, whether we agree or disagree with the concept of charter schools, the LCESC strives for transparency and accountability for these charter schools under our watch.
Foreign Language Camp Dates Set
My kids will be there: July 20-24 at 2275 Collingwood, and the subjects will be Russian and Spanish. Open to grades 1-6 (divided into two levels), this camp is the beginning of a dedicated movement to offer foreign language instruction at the elementary level. The camp teachers are foreign language educators who are receiving special training in how to work with elementary-aged children. The cost is $175. Details will be forthcoming and if you want your child to attend, let me know - I can make sure you get the necessary forms!
General Operating Fund Peaks
Fiscal conservatism has resulted in the highest operating fund balance in three years, at just over 2.5 million dollars, even in the face of difficult economic times. We continue to be watchdogs, spending what needs to be spent to provide top-quality educational opportunities to our community, while cutting every possible corner (and I do mean every possible corner - even to the point of saving postage stamps).
Charter Schools
The official statement:
The LCESC is taking the necessary steps to investigate and correct any financial instabilities in the Summit Academy Management Company, force oversight of SAM by the Summit Academy governing authorities, and ensure continuity of the schools' academic programs for its children with disabilities.
At the board meeting tonight, it was unanimously voted to serve twenty-four charter schools with a notice of "Intent to Suspend." These twenty-four schools are all under the auspices of Summit Academy Management (SAM). This intent to suspend is not a reflection upon the performance of the schools, but rather an indictment of the management company whose CEO has been placed on leave. Here is a link to the article: http://www.ohio.com/news/40698517.html
What happens next? The schools have five business days after receiving the letter to come up with a plan of action, which will then be reviewed by members of our board and a decision reached as to whether these action plans are acceptable or not. Keep checking the blog for updates.
On a positive note, the LCESC voluntarily underwent a sponsor evaluation - a detailed procedure in which schools we sponsor evaluate us, and the Ohio Department of Education randomly evalutes a number of the charters we sponsor. Our score was perfect, on both counts. This is an example of how, whether we agree or disagree with the concept of charter schools, the LCESC strives for transparency and accountability for these charter schools under our watch.
Foreign Language Camp Dates Set
My kids will be there: July 20-24 at 2275 Collingwood, and the subjects will be Russian and Spanish. Open to grades 1-6 (divided into two levels), this camp is the beginning of a dedicated movement to offer foreign language instruction at the elementary level. The camp teachers are foreign language educators who are receiving special training in how to work with elementary-aged children. The cost is $175. Details will be forthcoming and if you want your child to attend, let me know - I can make sure you get the necessary forms!
General Operating Fund Peaks
Fiscal conservatism has resulted in the highest operating fund balance in three years, at just over 2.5 million dollars, even in the face of difficult economic times. We continue to be watchdogs, spending what needs to be spent to provide top-quality educational opportunities to our community, while cutting every possible corner (and I do mean every possible corner - even to the point of saving postage stamps).
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
What We Do with 35 Million Dollars; Eight Charter Schools on Probation; Please Join Me! to Hear State Superintendent Speak
Last night at the regularly scheduled board meeting of the LCESC, the treasurer, Richard Cox, noted that our budget is currently $35 million dollars (down from $38 million a few years ago). The natural follow-up question asked by constituents: What do you do with that money?
Here are just a few of the services the LCESC provides to the school districts in the community:
Here are just a few of the services the LCESC provides to the school districts in the community:
- Special Education Services: occupational, physical, speech therapy, audiology and vision services; school psychologists; cooperative classrooms for students with multiple disabilities, emotional disabilities and autism
- Student Programs: gifted and talented, preschool and Headstart, Alternative schools, dual credit to seniors
- Cooperative Endeavors: insurance and purchasing consortia, assistance in search for administrators (currently involved with helping Anthony Wayne find a superintendent), state and federal grants
- Professional Development: first-year teacher programs, leadership development, curriculum assessment and improvement sessions
- Implementation of Federal and State regulations: licensure renewals, background checks, home-schooling, school attendance, child abuse awareness and prevention, education management information system
- Community Partnerships - Challenger Center, ALCC
Each of these components contains many other programs and opportunities. Last night we honored dozens of outstanding students from our eight member districts. Next Tuesday we will host the Lucas County Spelling Bee. The list goes on and on. If your child attends a school in Lucas County -public or private - there is a good chance that s/he has been the recipient of the services of the LCESC.
In other news, eight of our charter schools are on probation for academic issues: seven are not local, but Victory Academy in Toledo is one of the local charters on probation. This is a k-8 school which enrolls about 100 students. Updates will be forthcoming as the situation progresses. Accountability from the charter schools with which we are involved is of paramount importance.
The State Superintendent, Deb DeLisle, will speak at the Spring Conference of the NWO region of the OSBA on Thursday, March 12th, at Bowling Green State University. Tickets are $30 and include a wonderful meal and entertainment by the Otsego Swing Choir! Joe Rutherford, current president of the LCESC, will be honored for his many years as a member of the NWO executive committee. I am attending this event - the public is welcome! If you want tickets, let me know - this is your State Superintendent and your opportunity to meet her!
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
New Year, New Officers, New Opportunities for the Community
Last night the LCESC board had two back-to-back meetings; the first is the mandatory organizational meeting at which we elect officers for the year and set our meeting times. Our new officers are Joe Rutherford, President, and myself as Vice-President. Committee assignments for 2009 will be made at the February meeting. Our meeting times will remain the same: 5 PM on Tuesdays, except when we meet at the ALCC to give out awards - then, the meetings are at 5:30 PM. Our next meeting is Tuesday, February 10th at 5:30 PM at the Alternate Learning Center on Wrenwood. As always, the meetings are open to the public.
The second meeting followed immediately, and we accomplished the necessary business. The monthes and years ahead will be difficult for the LCESC and for all educational entities as we struggle to survive on greatly diminished funds. The LCESC has been "ahead of the curve," striving to be fiscally responsible and seeing the "writing on the wall" for funding cuts. Nonetheless, we have a budget of over 16 million dollars.
The rest of the business of the board was pro forma- approving resignations and replacements, accepting donations, congratulating our member districts on their accomplishments (Springfield High School JROTC drill team placed first in the competition at UT in December), and planning for upcoming events (we sponsor the Lucas County Spelling Bee to be held on Feb. 17, and plans are underway for the Foreign Language Institute to be held this summer).
I have been appointed to the Executive Committee of the Northwest Ohio Region for the OSBA. I plan to keep you updated on that - my first meeting is Feb. 8th!
The second meeting followed immediately, and we accomplished the necessary business. The monthes and years ahead will be difficult for the LCESC and for all educational entities as we struggle to survive on greatly diminished funds. The LCESC has been "ahead of the curve," striving to be fiscally responsible and seeing the "writing on the wall" for funding cuts. Nonetheless, we have a budget of over 16 million dollars.
The rest of the business of the board was pro forma- approving resignations and replacements, accepting donations, congratulating our member districts on their accomplishments (Springfield High School JROTC drill team placed first in the competition at UT in December), and planning for upcoming events (we sponsor the Lucas County Spelling Bee to be held on Feb. 17, and plans are underway for the Foreign Language Institute to be held this summer).
I have been appointed to the Executive Committee of the Northwest Ohio Region for the OSBA. I plan to keep you updated on that - my first meeting is Feb. 8th!
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Support for Ninety Entry-Year Teachers; Penta Enrollment Soars; Reed Steele Takes the Helm at Challenger Center
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.
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.
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