King Chronicles

Dickinson Center

2010-05-23T17:17:00.000-07:00

The board recieved an email on Dickinson Center that puts some of this in perspective.

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The initial email

Livonia School Board,

We recently sent you an email and petition regarding your decision to close the Dickinson Center. We are hoping that the petition and the many other efforts to save Dickinson will cause you to reconsider your decision to close it. The Dickinson Center, in our opinion, could shoulder a much greater load of classes and programs than are currently offered there, and along with them, the potential to generate income for the city.

Thank you for your consideration,

The Save the Dickinson Center Committee

My Response (It turns out I was the only board member to respond)

Just a clarification in regards to your letter. Dickinson is school property and it is out of the jurisdiction of the city. The school district owns and maintains, profits or loses funds in relation to all school property. Although there is a profound effect on the city relevant to the disposition of schools and school property, just ask the folks that live in the Hull neighborhood, one of our closed buildings and a magnet for nefarious activities. They pleaded with the Mayor to do something, but it is clearly out of his jurisdiction and he has no authority when it comes to the school district.

The board president had all of your signatures at the board table Monday night, but at this time did not feel the need to share them with the board members. At the last meeting the superintendent said Dickinson will be closing because it will save 250 thousand dollars to mothball that building. I do not believe this is in the best interest of the community and am strongly opposed to closing the center. I have offered other streams of funding, and made many suggestions that would fill the school with programs but have yet to get support from any other board members, so it looks like your going to get the short end on this one.

Its to bad people do not pay close attention to what is happening in the district until it touches them personally. The public has such a short memory that it allows the same incompetent board members to continue making decisions that are bringing Livonia down. It matters who sits on the board as many are finding out the hard way. Feel free to call me if you wish to discuss this matter any further.

Good Luck.

Steve King

Follow up.

I cannot thank you enough for giving me your respect--by informing me with your truthful information, concern, and support. You are a gem. There needs to be replicas of you occupying the seats of Livonia city council. If you every decide to run for city leadership, let me know. We will support you however we can. By your quick responds to me, I'm able to make the urgent arrangements that will protect my business and loyal customers.
Respectfully,

"Save the Dickinson Center Committee "

Post Election Comments

2010-05-23T17:09:00.000-07:00

I've recieved a number of emails since the election, and wanted to share a couple of them.

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Dear Mr. King,

I am a parent in the Livonia Public School District. We have had the opportunity to meet on several occasions at various school functions, and most recently at Frost, my polling place. I am truly disappointed by the outcome of the last election. I think Livonia Public Schools is losing a truly gifted administrator.

I just wanted to take a moment to say thank you for your service. The bravery you demonstrated in the face of the 'status quo' is admirable and serves as a lesson to the children of this district. It is ironic that the schools were the main reason my family moved to this area, and it will most likly be the very reason we leave. Unless we can find a way to unseat the current board members, there might not be much of a district left.

I hope that you will remain active, your service and dedication is truly appreciated.

Thank you!

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Steve,

Remember me from the old days? I sure hope so. Some of my friends still remember you when we ran for school board seats, and they all have good memories of you. I see you still dress in the sharp suits!

I still sometimes poke around in Livonia politics to see what is going on these days. I noticed the recent election results, and I have to say, I am dissapointed. The same machine controls LPS, and it's ridiculous that they still have a special election in May. It's clear as day they still have the election on a specially set aside on a "special" day so they can control the election instead of putting it when the general city election is held. Let's not even get into the money that can be saved by consolidating the elections, but we both know we just "can't" do that...can you say special interest election? I can't get over the chokehold a few groups have over the LPS elections. I can't get over how they always manage to field someone randomly that noone knows until election time...only to have that person win by a landslide against the person they don't want to win. I think you probably still could have beat them (like you did last time), had you had a more motivated voter base like you had when the district was considering/just coming off of ridiculous decisions and policies.

I can still see the snide look on many of the people (some of whom I ran against...) on the board as they continue to choke the life out of any challengers to their rubber stamp regime. It's sad, Steve, because my family and I were just talking the other day, and the term "rubber stamp" is still applicable today. LPS is getting worse as a district, and the same failing policies continue to be pursued. My parents moved out with my little sister years ago to Livingston County and have not looked back. Some of the comments you have made during board meetings essentially explain why they left.

Props to you for holding it up for the years you were on the board. Ive listened to some of your comments during meetings, and you know what you are doing. I'm sure you will have other endeavors that will continue to bring you success, such as your band.

Election

2010-05-07T17:51:00.000-07:00

I was not surprised by the outcome of the May 4th election but I was disappointed the vote tally was as low as it was. Keeping the election in May was the predominant strategy to defeat me. My detractors knew they could rally their base, those with a very narrow self interest in keeping everything exactly the same, and it would be difficult for me to get a big turnout in an off year election without spending a lot of money. Still, I worked very hard and received so much positive feedback from citizens that I thought it might have been a little closer. I would like to thank all of the folks that made phone calls, sent e-mails and literally dragged others to vote. If the district wanted voters aware of this election we would have televised the board meeting just prior to the election. We would have placed a vote today sign on the front lawn of central office and our cable channel would have been flashing a reminder with poll information locations and times. The fact that only a few polling places had signs reminding people to vote as they picked up their kids from school was a factor as well. In spite of the orchestrated effort to supress the vote it is the responsibility of all citizens to stay informed and participate in the process.

KingLet1

2010-03-11T12:50:00.001-08:00

In response to a letter to the editor, I would like to clarify why I spoke during audience communication at a Farmington School Board meeting concerning the recent school closing plans.

I was contacted by a group of school parents that wanted to meet with me to discuss the inevitable changes that were about to take place in their school community. The concern they had centered on one proposal in particular—Option D, which they recognized as being a carbon copy of the “Legacy Initiative” that the Livonia Board of Education imposed on our district several years ago. The moms and dads I spoke with are PTA members and ardent supporters of their district. One of them was also a member of the committee charged with evaluating the different proposals that were being considered. Unfortunately, the committee was not given a chance to weigh in on Option D, the plan that the Farmington BOE passed unanimously, because it was presented after the committee had done its work, recommending the Orchard Lake Option.

The group reached out to me, a Livonia school board trustee, because their board was citing our district as a shining example of what their plan would offer and how its implementation was a howling success. They, however, remembered what actually happened in Livonia and felt the information their central office was regurgitating was blatantly one-sided and misleading. They were keenly aware that even today there are parents, teachers, administrators and several board members who feel the changes have not delivered as promised, and would like to make adjustments. In light of this, they felt they were not being heard, and thought perhaps someone with firsthand knowledge from Livonia might be able to break through the fog of indifference and be heard.

I was a bit hesitant at first when they asked me to speak before the board, being fully aware my speaking could be misconstrued by the unapprised, and used against me by others who do not appreciate my questioning of the status quo. Remembering the angst the changes caused in Livonia, I felt for the Farmington community. And as a Farmington soccer coach, I knew the plan would also impact my players and their families as well. Knowing that Option D was going to be implemented regardless of the communication from the community or whatever the board professed, I still chose to speak out and attempt to give voice to those who asked me to.

If you heard me speak, you know my comments were respectful albeit in direct contrast with what the board was being told. Better a cruel truth than a comfortable delusion. Judging by the response I received from many of those in attendance, many agreed with me and were appreciative of my effort. I am curious as to why you did not speak to me that evening as so many others did. I am still puzzled as to why the board or administration did not seek out different opinions from others in our district before making such a big decision. I believe an effective board member exhibits intellectual curiosity, an ability to consider other points of view and a willingness to communicate face to face before casting any vote. I would like to meet with you or anyone else and discuss any questions you or they may have.

Steve King

Rumor Mill

2010-02-28T19:19:00.000-08:00

I was contacted by a teacher in the district asking me about something they were told I said about a particular teacher. I appreciate the inquiry because I not only did not know the person they were referring to, but never said anything about anybody. This has been an ongoing problem for me as a board member. No matter what the issue, privatization, layoffs, or cuts in programs I am the bogey man. Perception overwhelms the truth. Never mind how I vote or what I say, it is easier to listen to the rumors. All I have ever asked is that people speak to me directly when they have a question.

Coffee & Conversation

2010-02-28T19:13:00.000-08:00

My first public forum at the senior center took place on a snow day and all of the programs at the center were cancelled as well as school. I had four citizens in attendance and we had good discussions. I look forward to the next meeting March 22nd 10am -11am

One Year Later

2010-02-21T13:55:00.000-08:00

I can not believe it has been one year since my last post. Funny how life's challenges can prevent you from doing so many things you approach with the best intentions. You should see my basement. When I started this blog I really hoped to post often and keep a different line of communication open with anyone willing to read it. I would have liked to do better. I am going to give it another go, so if anyone is still reading my blog, pass it on. We should be having some interesting conversations with the upcoming budget recommendations begining in March. First up is a consultant that will be giving the board a tutorial on outsourcing of services. He is being brought to the table at the behest of the superintendent and nothing at the board level has been discussed at this time. I do believe there are at least three board members that may support the administration if they choose to go in that direction. I am not one of them and it would take at least four board votes to enact any changes and the administration does not have them.

One other thing I would like to share is the fourth Monday of every month I will be at the senior center on five mile from 10am - 11am beginning February 22nd, as an elected official, to speak with anyone interested in asking questions or making comments on school district issues. State Senator Glen Anderson is there from 9-10 and I know some folks do show up to speak with him so it would be nice if at least one person will come and speak to me. This will be a good opportunity to learn information about LPS without the ever present filter. It will also give me a chance to address some of the rumors about me that I hear as I traverse the district. It is amazing how misinformation spreads and is very difficult to combat. Please contact me directly if you have any questions and ignore those that are bent on discrediting me.

2009-02-28T06:08:00.000-08:00

Here is a letter I received on the MCAT program, and the administration's plan to open the MCAT.
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I have a very simple question… WHY? Why would you take one of our districts most prestigious programs and attempt to prohibit any further participation from students within our own district? How many students and parents have there been over the years who have been very disappointed that they have not had the opportunity for participation in this program because of limited space, or because of the criteria used to determine acceptance? What would it take to allow for more students within the LPS district to attend this program?... The lowering of the criteria by a few points? Or maybe just taking students from the top of the list of those who did not meet that criteria to enable them to fill in the available seats?

This district risks further alienation from LPS students & parents who have tried very hard to gain acceptance in this program. What would you think if your child was not accepted to this program, only to see students from outside of LPS partake in what should available to our own students first. I ask you to seriously re-evaluate any attempts at accepting students from outside of our own district, and make every attempt at accommodating LPS students first. Are we trying to attract & retain students to LPS, or give them reasons to leave?

Furthermore - I would like to know what process has been used, and what criteria and data has been collected to determine why this administration feels it is necessary to exclude LPS students from further participation in the MACAT program.

Letter from a concerned parent

2009-02-28T05:55:00.000-08:00

The June 23rd committee of the whole meeting generated a lot of emails. Here is one on how we choose an auditor.

I noted on the attachment to the agenda that the recommendations highly favor the current firm of Plante & Moran. It is also noted that Plante & Moran have been the district auditors since 1995. It is time to set aside ratings & preferences and look at reality. Any firm that has been doing the same process at the same location with the same clients for over 12 years will often suffer from complacency, and quite possibly errors & oversight. I do not need to mention the mistakes Plante & Moran has made in other districts where they clearly missed millions in embezzlement or the outstanding errors in accounting procedures. Those were districts that Plante & Moran were also already in a “comfort zone” with, much like LPS.

It is time, after 12 years, to place a new set of eyes on the audit process. Lets not let the “goodies & benefits” that Plante & Moran offers, or the camaraderie that district has long had with them, nor even the difference in price or ratings make the choice as a choice so obvious that we are missing the bigger picture. Now is the time to make a change to ensure complacency or oversight has not occurred in the past, and if so, will not occur in the future. We need to ensure accountability & accuracy in our school finances for the sake of all of our students, staff, and the entire LPS community.

As board members, your continued due diligence on behalf of the LPS community is necessary more now than ever before. The economic future does not appear to be returning to anything resembling the previous decade anytime soon, and even then we must protect for a huge reduction in economic status. Every penny counts today, and for tomorrow.

An interesting piece of the LPS budget

2009-02-07T06:24:00.000-08:00

Here are a few choice pieces of our budget. You can see that the cost of the energy management program exceeds 100k, before any of their fees are paid. Were is the savings?

Please click on the pages below to see a larger version. Please click on "comments" to leave a comment.

The LPS Administration -- Who are they, and what do they do?

2009-01-18T09:43:00.000-08:00

After several trys, I have been able to get the job titles for the senior members of the LPS administration. Take a look, and tell me if you don't think there might just be some duplication of effort.

Please click on the page below to see a larger version. Please click on "comments" to leave a comment.

Our future?

2008-11-12T18:05:00.000-08:00

Lax accounting, overspending, enrollment losses, sound familiar?

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CUTS, CLOSINGS AHEAD IN FLINT
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FLINT, Mich. - Lax accounting, enrollment losses and overspending all contributed to the $10 million budget deficit now facing the Flint School District, The Flint Journal reported.With no fund equity, the district likely will lay off employees and shut schools in order to close the gap, The Journal said in reporting on a presentation by chief financial officer Andrea Derricks. Enrollment has dropped by 25 percent in recent years,leading to a reduction in state aid, Derricks said, but she also pointed to consistent overspending in some departments and too little control over expenditures.

Michele Stinson, president of the United Teachers of Flint, told The Journal that she hopes the school board will look at cutting more than just teachers and support staff. Derricks said she has put in place controls that limit how much money is spent and who can spend it, The Journal reported, as well as a freeze on purchasing supplies.

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SOURCE:The Flint Journal, "Steep cuts, school closings looming in cash-strapped Flint School District,"
http://www.mlive.com/flintjournal/index.ssf/2008/11/steep_cuts_school_closings_loo.html

Leadership

2008-11-02T11:30:00.000-08:00

Those of you that watch the Livonia school board meetings, or read the Observer “letters to the editor” will recognize Maggie Feher. Maggie is my neighbor, and as you may have guessed by the tone of her letter, she has not supported me since I won a seat on the school board.

I have tried in the past to reach out to her and explain my positions that differ from my colleagues, but her personal disdain for me has prevented her from hearing me. Because of her feelings toward me, I try not to engage when she attacks me. This time however, she has leveled some charges that I need to address. Here is the letter she wrote on 10/23/08:

Click below to see the entire letter.

First, Yes Maggie I vote NO on principle and my strong conviction of putting kids first, not out of (as you say) cowardice. I will not simply go along to get along, and vote “yes”. I sought a seat at the board table, not to make friends, but to make a difference in the way we conduct our business of delivering a quality education. I am a politician of mission, not ambition. When I vote no it means I believe what has been brought before me is wrong. Also, I have always offered a viable alternative to what I am voting against, not just a “no” vote.

I promised the people of the Livonia School District that I would put the “public” back in public education and vote for what’s in their best interest, not what is politically expedient. I would rather lose an election doing what’s right, than win if I have to turn my back on the people who elected me.

Second, The smear letters that have been sent out concerning my personal life (which you seem to be such an expert on) have no place in this campaign and are simply untrue. I will not publicly discuss the details of my personal relationships, but I will say this unequivocally. I have never owed a penny in spousal support. I love my kids, and have always provided support for them, including FOC payments. I have never missed a court date that I was notified of, and have never been arrested or handcuffed!

No one tried to arrest me when I filed to run for office or any time since. I am in the public eye as both a performer and a trustee. Do you really think if someone wanted to arrest me that they would have a difficult time finding me?

Maggie, I have always taken responsibility for my actions. I don’t take the easy way; I take the way I feel is right, even if no one else agrees. That means some people will really not like me. I understand, but it will not change the way I work as a public servant. You may not recognize it, but it’s called leadership.

My response to the Walsh campaign

2008-10-30T12:29:00.000-07:00

Below is a letter I sent to the Observer in response to the personal attacks from John Walsh and his supporters.

Steve King

Rock the Vote!

2008-10-30T12:18:00.000-07:00

I want to offer anyone who has questions to join me at Burton Manor for the Rock the Vote concert. I offer leadership that listens. Come talk to me, and let me show you why I should be your choice for State Representative.

Steve King

A parent on Transportation

2008-09-22T17:16:00.000-07:00

This is one of the emails I have received about the transportation department. Customer service doesn't seem to be a priority.

Subject: Bus Stop Safety Concern

To whom it may concern,

I am the mother of two children enrolled full time in the Livonia Public School district. On September 5, 2008, I emailed the Transportation District about an unsafe bus stop that was assigned to my son, a 7th grader at Holmes Middle School. The discounting response that I received from them via voice message and then over the phone when I finally got someone on to pick up, has appalled me. For reference, I have enclosed my original email to the Department of Transportation.

The response I received from the Transportation Department was that due to cost cuts, bus stops had to be consolidated. I was also told that event though the children have to wait for their bus in the street, based on the existing policy middle school and high school students are intelligent enough to stay out of traffic. I was also told that the bus stop is in a Livonia subdivision and that means that it is not dangerous because there is not a lot of traffic.

I completely disagree. The fact that the bus stop at Broadmoor & Alexanderis in a Livonia subdivision does not make it safer at 7:25 a.m. when most of the residents in that subdivision, including myself, leave for work. The street is not a safe place to wait for the bus for anybody regardless of age, intelligence or maturity. This set-up is a disaster waiting to happen especially with the winter months approaching. The three students that are picked up at the Broadmoor & Alexander live in closer proximity to the Alexander & Sunnydale intersection. This will be a safer and more logical choice for these students. This intersection is well lit, has sidewalks and it is on the existing bus route.

I am aware of the limited budget that the district is working with, but at the same time I do not believe that assigning bus stops without considering the safety of our children is what Dr. Liepa the superintendent of Livonia Public School had in mind when he stated that "We're looking at being as efficient as we can..." I am also appalled about the level of unprofessionalism displayed by the woman who answered when I called the Department of Transportation. Unfortunately, I do not have her name because she hung up on me before I could get it, but not before she told me that she did not even have to answer the phone.

Finally, I may be just one parent of two children enrolled in the Livonia Public School District, but this district is funded by taxes from people like me and from funds (even if limited) received from the State of Michigan on behalf of my children attending the Livonia Public School District. I believe that this entitles me to a reasonable (not condescending) response to my request. I can promise the Livonia Public School District that if anything happens to my child while waiting for the bus I will personally hold the district responsible.

Accountability at transportation

2008-09-22T17:08:00.000-07:00

Here is a the transcript of Mr. Brad Wolkan's audience communication at our 9/15/08 board meeting. He asks some good questions.

The Citizens for Livonia's Future has received communications from several parents regarding issues with transportation. These are very similar issues to those that have been occurring over the last few years. Bus stops in unlit locations, or where there are no sidewalks, children getting home at 5pm, or having to cross a busy street, or in one case, a bus stop located in close proximity to the home of a registered sex offender.

The largest issue appears to be the lack of communication, or the type of response to calls placed by parents from the persons responsible for the transportation department communication. This reflects very poorly upon LPS and directly affects relations with your customers.

The recent posting for the job of assistant transportation supervisor clearly shows that instead of fixing systemic problems in transportation, LPS has again chosen to throw bodies on the fire and incur more long term expenditures, this is being done at the expense of our classroom dollars. When will this mentality stop?

Huron valley public schools was wrestling with these same issues at the beginning of year start - up issues, but they cured the problem by the following year by obtaining assistance from a transportation management company. I know much has been said about contracting services, but in some cases this may be necessary, especially when it becomes very apparent that the district is unable to manage these services themselves.

This solution is also a one time cost and will not have theSame impact upon the classroom dollars as the expense of a long-term employee at a supervisory level. When will we stop working harder and begin to work smarter? Working harder only incurs more cost; working smarter can achieve the goal of saving money.

This brings us to the question of why the district is creating new administrative positions as well as reassigning supervisory & administrative roles. These changes appear to be in direct conflict with financial checks & balances for our very limited classroom dollars. You have a new administrator of operations reporting to the director of secondary education. You have hired a finance supervisor to oversee the bid process, yet the warehouse supervisor has been conducting most of the bid process. You willNow have a vacancy in the warehouse supervisor position - who will be doing the bids and purchasing duties? Will this now create another promotion to fill that position?

You have created vacancies within the transportation, warehouse, & custodial departments by promoting from within, yet you have proposed to lay off custodians and forgo the daily cleaning of school classrooms & lavatories. All of these promotions are continuing to cost the district in long term expenditures at a time when you continue to deplete the dangerously low cash reserves. Where are all of these funds coming from? The positions that have been vacated due to attrition should be the additional funds returned to the classrooms so that we may maintain our educational offerings for our students, not for the long-term expense of creating more upper management.

Wasn't one of the goals of the reconfiguration of the district to reduce administrative levels? Why is the district going backwards and why is LPS creating and filling more & new administrative positions?

I would direct your attention to board policy CGB - administrative personnel positions -, which states:

"All administrative positions in the school system shall be established initially by the board of education.

It is the intent of the board to activate sufficient number of such positions to promote the attainment of the school system goals."

I must ask the board this question: have all of these current and proposed administrative positions been established by the board, and is the board aware of what area of responsibility each of the administrative positions have? Do you know how many employees report to these administrators and what their job responsibilities are?

The LPS administration appears to be very convoluted and have no real organizational structure, there does not appear to be direct levels of reporting, or defined areas of responsibility.

You, as board members, have a direct responsibility to answer to thousands of students, parents, and citizens of this district, yet there is only one person who is responsible for answering to you. Don't you think it may be time to begin to hold that person responsible for providing answers to the board, so that you, our board of education, will be able to responsibly answer your constituents?

Thoughts on the cost of Lisa's 7,000,000 loan

2008-06-24T18:24:00.000-07:00

Here is an email I and the other board members received.

Subject: Issue with Short Term Anticipation Note authorization for this evening

As a LPS taxpayer, I have some concerns concerning the upcoming discussion /approval for issuing short term anticipation notes for the district:

- I feel the recent Observer article indicating that some of all of the borrowing costs will be recovered through investment income. It should be assumed that only a portion of the $7 million borrowed will be available for investment purposes during the borrowing period (if that is not true,there would be no need to borrow in the first place). The Board should ask fora fair estimate of the net borrowing costs before approving this transaction.

- A fair estimate can be prepared by analyzing current borrowing and investment costs utilizing the weekly and monthly cash flow estimates the district is required to submit no later than Friday of this week(according to the MMBA website). However, this document is missing from the agenda packet distributed for this item. Given the critical nature of the decision and the short notice of getting the needed approval, I would like the Board to ask why that document is not included, at least in its preliminary form.

- I would have prepared an estimate to include with this communication, but I received no response from the Finance Director to my request for an explanation of the statement attributed to her in the Observer.

- If we can assume net borrowing costs will be 2% ($140,000), I would ask that the Board insist on making other cuts to absorb this amount. The last Budget estimate I could find on the LPS website estimates that other cost increases for 2008-2009 will be $960,000. That estimate does not appear to include the costs of this borrowing.

Thank You,
-- John C. Whaley, CFA, AIF
Actium LLC

Letters on Layoffs

2008-06-19T18:53:00.000-07:00

Please click on the pages below to see a larger version. Please click on "comments" to leave a comment.

Staight talk from a Livonia parent.

2008-06-12T18:12:00.000-07:00

Steve,

As a concerned parent of two boys ages 2 and 4, I have recently been watching the School Board meetings to familiarize myself with the financial situations of the school district. As any parent of a 4-year old I am pleased to be living in Livonia believing that my son will be attending an excellent school in 1-more year.

As with any business there are tough financial issues to work through in this economy. You seem to be one of the few on the school board who actually is looking at the big picture. I do see many excellent concerns raised by you in the meetings. I think the rest of the school board should take a step back and listen to some of your ideas.

I do not understand how Livonia can sign a 2-year contract with the SEALS,while teachers are cut. Shouldn't the students education be the 1st priority? Couldn't all janitorial and maintenance positions be outsourced. This could also eliminate some support administrative positions. As a parent I do want the classrooms cleaned, but I am more concerned that my son will be in a class of more than 30 students. It doesn't matter to me who cleans the room, a LPS employee or an outsourced employee.

I will be basing my children's enrollment in public vs. private schools on how the budget cuts are handled. There are many other parents that support my beliefs.

Keep raising the good ideas. Glad to see you question the "Consultant Fees".

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Please click on "comments" to leave a comment.

Additional Everyday Math Comments

2008-06-04T18:17:00.000-07:00

Mr. King:

We greatly appreciate your comments regarding the Everyday Math curriculum for 5th and 6th graders. As parents of a 4th grader, we have endured a very frustrating school year as our son has tried to learn this new program, along with his teachers, who have done a fabulous job. We were looking forward to next year and a return of "normal" math. Of course, we realize that we are among many who do not like change but my husband and I are both college grads (he, in elem. ed.) and have felt very inadequate as we have helped our son with homework on a nightly basis. We are very discouraged to think that we will have some of the same struggles again next year. What we really liked about what you had to say is that it may have been better to introduce the program to the younger grades first and then add a grade each year. In all fairness, we do think that Everyday Math is a good program and we have both a Kindergartner and 2nd grader (who piloted it his first grade year) that have excelled with this material. We do see the wisdom of exposing our kids to algebra, geometry, etc.. at a young age and our younger kids have caught on quickly. Our regret is that our 4th grader had all of this thrown at him after already "mastering" many of these lessons in a different way. We are worried that a big chunk of his lessons have not been completed since he was switched abruptly to a new program. Our fear is that next year our son will once again be instructed by teachers who are inexperienced at instructing in this way. We just wanted you to know that we support your comments and wish the outcome would have been different. Thanks for your time and continue the good work of providing for our district!

Another response on Every Day Math

2008-05-26T14:37:00.000-07:00

Dear Steve,I would like to voice some concerns that we have about Everyday Math.Please share these with the rest of the school board.

1. TOO MUCH, TOO FAST. There are some good concepts in Everyday Math, but they are presented in a *chaotic way. And that is part of the underlying philosophy, so it isn't going away. The philosophy is to throw a lot of concepts at the children and then try to tie them all together in the end.I disagree with the philosophy. In fact we have been told "don't worry if your children are getting confused along the way and if it seems they are not mastering the concepts. It will all come together in the end". That remains to be seen. Many of us are sending our children to places like Kumon where one concept is mastered before moving to the next. We can see that working.

2. TOO SCRIPTED, TOO AUTHORITARIAN. Everyday Math is a cookbook approach.Every teacher has the same cookbook, every teacher must follow the same recipes. Or else! Teachers are afraid that if they deviate from the "Book"they could get into trouble with the School Board. I have heard teachers express this fear. Even if their Principal tells them they have some leeway and to do what is right in their own class for their own students, they are afraid of going against the Board. This is not a recipe for good education.

3. TWO PLUS TWO. Everyday Math prohibits memorizing the math facts in class. In fact, at the meeting we had at Hoover Elementary in September to quell parents' concerns over Everyday Math, a representative from the School Board answered the question "Will individual teachers be allowed to cover memorization of math facts in class?", by saying "No. But parents are welcome to do that at home." Children need to be taught the math facts at school AND at home. And teachers should be allowed the freedom to teach them in class without fear of retribution from the School Board. This makes a great case for home schooling.

Here is a suggestion from a parent: There is some good and some bad in Everyday Math. Now that we know what it is about, let's stop paying for it,use the good, throw out the bad, and allow teachers some leeway in determining how best to teach their children. Now there is a plan we could all live with!

* In FIRST GRADE the children have covered money, temperature, grids,number lines, graphs, word problems (that the children can't read),fractions, addition, and subtraction. They solve the addition and subtraction problems by using a chart since they don't know the addition and subtraction facts.

More feedback on Everyday Math and so much more.

2008-05-26T11:37:00.000-07:00

To: Livonia Public Schools Board Members;

Please our opinion on this matter of adopting the Everyday Math for the 5th Grade students in the Fall of 2008. For our 4th grader this "new"and supposedly the "best" math program out there, this program has been a Nightmare! My husband is an engineer and a most excellent one at that. He loves math and was shocked at what this new math was requiring of the students. There is NO foundation on which the students are having their math based on. My son went from learning multiplication and getting firm in that in 3rd grade to algebra, fractions and a ton of other unthinkable things. The problem is that again, without the basic foundation building precept upon precept what is one left with? A mess.

We will spend the summer helping him to strengthen all that he has lost. He lost much in the English area as well. There was such a focus on this "new" math that out went the learning of spelling words and other critical skills that he will need as he grows in school.

I would STRONGLY, STRONGLY, recommend that the board NOT approve the adopting of this horrific math program. There has got to be a better program out there.

And by the way, I think that it is noteworthy to say that the community feel that we used to experience when our local school was open (Hull) in my opinion is gone. While the faculty at Kennedy was very good it just was not the same hopping in the car every morning to take my son to school and then waiting at the bus stop to pick him up. Those of you who made the decision to close so many schools without coming before the citizens of Livonia have a heavy load of responsibility to bear due to so many students leaving the schools. What money was saved? Why was more time not taken? Gas alone could just crush this district. What was the purpose?

And while I'm still writing I would like to know who is responsible for the eyesore that Hull has become. There are still many fine residents who use the playgrounds and yet the playgrounds are really in very, very BAD shape. Who on the board cares? I wonder.

Lastly, I am grateful to have voiced my opinion. I did not mention that we are pulling our son from the Livonia Public Schools. Why would I want to send him 20 minutes away to Johnson without having a choice in the matter from the beginning? No way! His sister is now school age.The same thing applies. Our family has decided to move on to a very fine Private School. We do feel very sad that such drastic changes had to occur but we go on and keep doing our best.

I sincerely hope that this board will take the time to LISTEN to all of the citizens of Livonia before making their decision on this math program.

Sincerely, Mrs. Carolina Reed

Everyday Math Feedback

2008-05-22T17:47:00.000-07:00

Dear Mr. King,

I spoke about Everyday Math (EM) at yesterday's board meeting. Due to time constraints, I did not get to finish my thoughts on the subject. Please do not expand this program to our upper elementary students. As a mother of 3 kids enrolled in this district, I urge you to consider what is in the best interest of the children. You do not have enough data to show that this program is working in our district. Waiting for the results of next year's standardized test scores would be the right thing to do.

There is much controversy surrounding this program and the tide seems Tobe turning in math education toward a more balanced approach. Districts around the country are headed in a different direction. Over 220 Professors of Mathematics and Science including department heads from Caltech, Stanford, Harvard, and Yale, 7 Nobel Laureates and winners of the Fields Medal, the highest honor bestowed in mathematics, all endorsed an open letter to the US Secretary of Education publicly denouncing Everyday Math and other similar programs in a full page ad in the Washington Post. Are they all wrong?

The School Board should reconsider the decision to approve the use of Everyday Math for our K-4 students and should not be expanding it to our upper elementary students. It's my understanding that the district is concerned about losing $47,000 in grant funds and wants to rush to expand this program before those funds expire. If six students are pulled from LPS because of this program, the district will lose more than $47,000. Please do not rush to make this decision because grant funds may or may not be lost. Our children deserve the best math education.

Please review the recommendations made by the National Math Panel convened by President Bush here:

_http://www.ed.gov/about/bdscomm/list/mathpanel/index.html_ (http://www.ed.gov/about/bdscomm/list/mathpanel/index.html) Everyday Math will seriously limit the academic and economic future of our students.

Please implement a more balanced approach and reverse the damage inflicted by this grossly inadequate math curriculum.

Budget Feedback

2008-05-22T17:28:00.000-07:00

Dear Livonia School Board Members,

I'm sorry I am not able to attend the meeting tonight. However, I have suggestion to help with the ongoing budget crisis and loss of students to private schools. My recommendation calls for cutting over 20 bus runs a day, eliminating several administrative, custodial and secretarial positions, and mothballing at least 2 buildings. I would like to recommend that the district reconfigure the buildings to K-5, 6-8 and 9-12. This could be done by simply keeping new fifth graders in the elementary buildings and moving out new sixth graders with the new seventh graders to the middle school buildings. Also, the elementary schools could then start at 8:25, rather than 8:50 AM, which would allow all the children to be home before 4:00PM. Parents would be less stressed with fewer buildings to be running between, have fewer PTAs to join, and have less fundraisers to support. The biggest gain would be children would have more time to be kids!

Now, if overcrowding at the middle school is a problem, one of the 5/6buildings could be converted back to a middle school. However, with the district's planners stating that the enrollment will continue to drop for many years, that may not be necessary. Besides, a clean, air conditioned portable classroom would be my preference for my child over an occasionally cleaned, hot room with few windows.

My other suggestion to save teaching positions, would be to charge a nominal fee for family's to be covered under health benefits. Most businesses charge the employee for at least a portion of the family's medical coverage. Our family pays over $40 twice a month for coverage. Here's an example of savings, if the district charged just $50 a month for family coverage and 10 employees per current school building participated,that would be a savings of $11000 per month or $132000 a year. Now, that could really add up if it was taken to all district employees!! Wouldn't that be better for educating our future than increasing class sizes??

T-shirt Memos

2008-05-18T13:46:00.000-07:00

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New restrictions on board member oversight

2008-05-17T09:45:00.001-07:00

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Letter to the editor

2008-05-16T19:47:00.000-07:00

A letter from a concerned parent about Everyday Math.

I am writing this letter as a concerned parent of a 4th grade student in LPS. I am very concerned because there has been discussion of adopting Everyday Math for the LPS 5th graders this fall.

I just don't understand why you would want to bring an inferior math program to our upper grades. Aren't we all trying to give our kids the best education possible? Research of EM has proven over and over that reform math programs are not good for our children. Too much spiraling and not enough mastery.

Please talk to Board of Education member Mr. Greg Oke. He stated at one of the candidate forums "Most of the criticisms with the Everyday Math program actually come from the 5th and 6th grade levels. I actually know this because my district has EM. We utilize it up through 6th grade and all the problems we've had with it actually come from the 5th and 6th grade level." Do we really want to do his to our kids when research AND experience prove it is not a good program?

Mr. Bailey stated that he 'saw no problems with EM' when he visited one of the k-4 classrooms. Did you have to sit down with your child and try to explain some of cumbersome methods they use? I did do that with my child many, many nights this past school year and we were both incredibly frustrated.

And I applaud all of the teachers out there that have to teach this program. They are doing the best with what they have been given. My son's teacher has been out of class for 10 full days because of 'math meetings'.

I hardly think this is fair to her or her students. Not to mention, if she needs that many classes to teach a math program she piloted, doesn't that say something, too?

I am asking you...No, I'm begging you, to please wait on this 'adoption'.Read the research. Do what is best for our children. Don't make another hasty decision without all the facts. Please listen to the parents, the kids and the teachers this time.

Condition of closed schools

2008-05-10T14:31:00.000-07:00

This is a response from Jack Kirksey to questions from residents about what the city can and can not do about the closed schools.

"Public Schools and/or K-12 schools are regulated by the State of Michigan. The construction, alteration or maintenance, or lack thereof, of schools has State laws stating who may inspect, who may not inspect and what procedures are to be followed.

After consultation with our Chief Assistant City Attorney, Cathryn White,and the Chief of the Building Division, Bureau of Construction Codes, State of Michigan, Larry Lehman, I have determined that we do not have the authority or mandate to enforce any building codes or maintenance issues on a public school building.

The State laws that govern this activity are Public Act 306 of 1937, as modified by Public Act 230 of 1972 and subsequently modified by Public Act628 of 2002.

The first action on a complaint should be directed to the Local Board of Education Office. In Livonia their address and telephone number is: 15125Farmington Road, Livonia MI, 48154; 734-744-2500.

If there is no response to that complaint a written complaint may be filed with the State of Michigan and they will do an investigation and follow-up. The written complaint should contain all of the pertinent details including the complaint address along with the name of the school and should be addressed to: State of Michigan, Bureau of Construction Codes, PO Box30254, Lansing, MI, 48909. A general telephone number (Not for complaints,as they must be in writing) is: 517-241-9302.

Regards,
Mayor Jack E. Kirksey
City of Livonia

Reponse to Legal Issues in Purchasing

2008-05-01T09:34:00.000-07:00

Hi Steve:

I was involved in Royal Oak School Board politics for about 10 years. After that amount of time with little results, I moved to Troy, where the taxes are high, but people were happy with the schools. At one point I was so desperate to get others interested, that I hooked up with a group of older men in Livona (Tony Brehler) called "The Grumpies." I recall (in the mid 90's) visiting one of them in the hospital and seeing your signs around that you were running for the school board. I asked is that was Steve King of the Dittilies ( I was a great fan from the lamplighter and Back Seat in Royal Oak) and I found out it was you.

I hope you had better luck than we did in Royal Oak - all my friends who got on the board actually got sued for firing the superintendent, but of course it didn't stick, was just one of their tactics. Royal Oak has the ROEA, a very active chapter of the MEA. My conclusion is that (1) none of it had much to do with kids, it was about the adults,(2)the teachers there were more like teamsters, and used all the districts funds to elect their select candidates, (we never won another election after getting a 4 person majority on the board the first year.)

So now I live on a lake that was beautiful for the first 4 years in Emerald Lakes, and has gone to crap over the last 5, and now I fight with the Sub Board (my girlfriend across the lake and I just took over the Lakes Chair Position to fix our lake, one of six lakes) and the next fight will be with the Oakland County Drain Commissioner. So I moved here to get out of politics and am right back in it. It seems that it never ends.

Good luck, the apathy regarding the schools is amazing. In fact, apathy is why our lake went to crap. Will look for the Dittilies again in the Rochester-Troy area, you guys are great, and it brings back memories.

Ricoh Proposal Analysis

2008-04-07T18:32:00.000-07:00

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Channel 15

2008-04-01T14:59:00.000-07:00

Have you ever watched our public school local access channel 15? If you have never viewed this channel it is mostly slides, set to music, of old information and photos of a few things that have happened in some of the schools. Talk about an underutilized marketing tool. When I have inquired as to why this channel does not have up to date student centered content the response is who will do it. How about our AV guy that creates the presentations for the administrators to present at board meetings. Or perhaps the new communications specialist the superintendent hired at a tune of 24 thousand dollars a year as a part time employee. This channel could be used to feature what the students are doing in this district. I suggest with the help of tech savvy students, parents and the PTA that every school create video vignettes of events that take place throughout the district. Nothing fancy just a video recording of a concert or science fair or a myriad of things that happen in our schools daily. Kids get a kick out of seeing themselves on the tube and I think it would help build school spirit. Why not block time on channel 15 devoted to high school students creating original programing? I have seen videos of the Stevenson football team at board meetings, lets feature our outstanding artists throughout the district as well with performances on channel 15. I have asked if I could read a children's book once a month. This could be expanded to include guest readers from the community at large. I am sure there are capable high school students that as aspiring journalist would love to follow our students to science competitions and other school sponsored events and produce programing for broadcast. What about the career technical center? This is just the sort of project they would excel at. The ideas are endless as to what could fill a 24 hour channel. Instead of investing time and energy in gimmicks like the competitive edge to market this district lets showcase our greatest assets , our students.

Competitive Edge

2008-04-01T14:31:00.000-07:00

Reading the summary of the first candidate forum I was curious about Tom Baileys comment concerning the districts latest deception, the competitive edge. He described the program as a partially funded college scholarship. This program is being hyped in all of the districts mailings and talked up at PTA meetings as well. In some of these publications it has been mentioned in the same paragraph as the Kalamazoo Promise which would understandably give the reader the impression that the two programs have something in common. For the uninitiated the Kalamazoo Promise pays for the Michigan college education of students that attend and graduate from a public school in Kalamazoo. It is underwritten by anonymous donors to the tune of 250 million dollars and provides full tuition for 4 years. The Competitive Edge contributes 100 dollars to your aspiring college student if you attend LPS form first to twelfth grade. This will not buy a single text book. To give the impression that this program is funding a college education is very misleading and shows the desperation in trying to bring back the over 1,200 students that we have lost since the Legacy debacle..

Channel 15

2008-03-31T19:50:00.000-07:00

Have you ever watched our public access channel? Talk about an underused, valuable marketing tool. I have asked the administration why we are not putting real student centered content on this channel and the response is who will do it.How about our AV guy or the newly hired communications specialist. Instead of wasting resources pushing the competitive edge scam lets focus on making this channel truly special. Lets designate air time for each high school to create broadcast ready content every week. In fact every school in the district with the help of tech savvy students and parents could produce video vignettes of whats happening in their schools. Kids love to see themselves on the tube and I think it would build school pride.Throughout the district we have talented students that could showcase their abilities on air. Could CAPA create a production team of aspiring broadcast journalist to follow our students when they compete in things like the robotics challenge and then create programing to share with the entire community. I have asked if I could read a children's story once a month. This could be expanded to include guest readers from citizens to community leaders. Tonight I attended the Cyber Safety presentation at Churchill this should have been recorded and broadcast. The production of Oklahoma performed at Franklin could have been as simple as a one camera shoot and could be shown to a much wider audience on our cable channel. The point is lets start using the tools we already have to showcase the our best ambassadors our students.

A letter from Apple

2008-03-29T17:11:00.000-07:00

Dear Dr. King:
Thank you for the opportunity to clarify Apple's response to the District's RFP for Instructional Computers. Apple's initial bid response included a carefully-detailed description of Apple's product proposal, but we fear that the district's evaluation committee did not take into account all of the factors that would be relevant to its determination. As we review the Bid Analysis, it seems apparent that the evaluation committee did not fully consider our primary product offering, the 17" iMac. We attach configuration information and the cost structure for our 17" iMac solution which establish that the cost delta between Apple and the winning bid is nominal.

Apple has broad and deep experience deploying educational technology and proven capacity to deliver a comprehensive solution designed to meet the needs of the District's students. Our computer specifications derive from what students can do in the classroom and result in configurations that enable them to accomplish those things. The operating system and creative applications are integrated, making extremely efficient use of the hardware resources of the system. Apple's ability to craft a solution that incorporates operating system, hardware, and applications makes for unparalleled ease of use and long-term support benefits.

The teachers in Livonia are comfortable and familiar with the applications and support that Apple provides. As external mandates and pressures increasingly burden our teachers, the district now has an opportunity to besensitive to the additional time and effort that would be required for its teachers to make this change. If learning in the classroom is the mostimportant outcome for the use of educational technology, then providingcontinuity for the district's teaching professionals should be a critical factor in the deployment analysis.We welcome the opportunity to explain, demonstrate and share why we knowthat our solution fits the needs of the students and teachers of Livonia Public Schools. An RFP response cannot show you how Apple truly differentiates itself from other vendors.Please let myself or Eileen Crowley know if you have any additionalquestions.

Regards,
Lori J. Dallava
************************************************
Lori Dallava
Sr. Project ManagerBids Management TeamApple Inc.

Letter from a concerned teacher.

2008-03-26T18:41:00.000-07:00

Whether you prefer MAC or PC, you can't help coming to the conclusion that someone did not do their homework before making this decision.

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The IT Dept Memo on the Computer bids

2008-03-26T18:09:00.000-07:00

More information on the computer purchase decision before the board.

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The LPS Bid Summary

2008-03-26T17:48:00.000-07:00

No sign ofthe actual bids yet, but here is what we have. Any comments would be greatly appreciated.

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Note I received on Dell quality (or lack thereof)

2008-03-25T17:31:00.000-07:00

Subject: new computers for students

Hello,
I have heard that the Board is looking into getting new computers for student use, and that you are looking at the Dell computers. I have a Dell Dimension 2350 that is a few years old. Just after the one year warranty expired the computer started freezing up on me. I called Dell for help, and paid $99.00 to be told by the service rep that every six to twelve months the computer needs to be reformatted and have everything reloaded (programs, service packs, updates, files from back up - EVERYTHING). Unfortunately, he was correct. Given my experience with this Dell computer when I replace it I most likely will not be purchasing another Dell computer.

Technology Upgrade

2008-03-24T17:01:00.000-07:00

With so many old computers on their last leg the purchase of new computers in the district will move forward. I have heard from employees that were concerned that the 4-3 vote at the last board meeting was going to prevent this from happening. By spreading rumors like this, the administration is attempting to fear monger to drum up support for their proposal. There was good discussion at the board table regarding moving to one computer platform throughout the district. What was missing from the discussion was the reason we have fallen behind on our tech update that was scheduled to take place more than a year ago. Was there something that happened in the district that prevented the IT staff from staying on schedule with implementation of new computers? Oh yeah,that darn legacy thing and the unintended consequences of poor planning. Unfortunately this has become a debate about Apple vs Dell and while Apple is clearly on the rise with new innovative products and inventions, and Dell is falling, coming off its worst year in recent history it will not deter the faithful. I can hear the wagons circling as our illustrious IT staff prepares to exult the PC and bash the Mac. Although it has not been spoken yet, the usual M. O. will be to have the B.O.E conduct a board meeting in one of our middle schools trotting out all of the PC fans in the district with computer geek speak and students involved in the dog and pony show. What will be absent however is all of those on the IT staff and throughout the district that support using something other than what this proposal offers. I do not believe in one size fits all education and I will certainly not support a proposal that moves the district in that direction. One of the arguments I hear over and over again is in the real world outside of school everyone uses a windows based PC. What world would that be? Certainly not the creative world that I travel in as a professional musician. Or that of my brother in California who is a filmmaker. Or the web developer, publisher,illustrator I know. Or the law firm of another friend. Or thousands of other business owners I know in every conceivable line of work. The point is it is not a single platform world and the computer you use often depends on what you are trying to accomplish. This proposal needs to be examined closely, especially the true cost of everything associated with the purchase. As we move forward I will be listening to all the stakeholders recognizing that the IT staff is there to make the teachers job easier not the other way around.

Comments

2008-03-19T15:12:00.000-07:00

I love all of the comments I receive on this blog,very informed.I hope everyone that reads my blog takes the time to read the comments as well. So much is happening in the district I have to do better at getting the word out.It's not easy breaking through the PR culture that dominates this district. Livonia neighbors web site does a great job providing so much information about whats really going on.As a regular viewer I learn a great deal from the different posts and opinions.

Contract Extension

2008-02-21T19:03:00.000-08:00

I was corralled by a teacher at the PTSA Foundation event inquiring why I voted no on the contract extension. The story in the Observer did not elaborate on my position or cover the meeting when the vote was taken. This meeting was not televised either and there was good discussion about many things witnessed by no one. I am more than willing to explain my votes to any one who cares to ask. As far as the no vote on the one year contract extension. This vote was tie barred to another ERI (early retirement incentive) so if you voted yes on the extension you were voting yes for the ERI which I do not support. The contract also contains language that does not allow Athletic Directors to hire who they want to coach teams in their school. It is written in a way that if a teacher wants a coaching job they get it because it is contractual.If Tiger Woods wanted to coach the golf team the AD would have to tell him sorry the social studies teacher wants that job. I believe the coach of any student endeavor should be the most qualified person for the job whether they are a teacher in the building or the district or not. I am not saying teachers should not coach, I just think they should compete on a level playing field for coaching positions. There are many other things in the contract that I feel need to be discussed. Why are teachers burdened with bus duty, lunch and playground duty and a myriad of other chores that certainly could be done by others? Teachers need to focus on planning and teaching, the job they were trained to do. This current contract is a compilation of so many things piled up over so much time that I am not sure how many teachers are aware of all it contains. Labor negotiators tell me after so many years you need to start fresh and bargain for what really matters. Most of the teachers I talk to want a good benefits package, particularly health insurance, and a fair wage as well as support from their building administrator. Nothing more , nothing less.

Vision Community Meeting

2008-02-21T18:50:00.000-08:00

I attended the vision meeting at Franklin tonight and was disappointed. The districts latest PR piece was shown featuring Randy and other administrators talking about the process that led to our shared vision from several years ago. Why was John Hiltz on the video?This meeting was heavily orchestrated and controlled by the moderator Donna McDowell. The attendees were asked to fill out a bubble sheet survey that asked things they would not have knowledge of. If you want to know what the stakeholders are interested in you have to stop talking and listen. This meeting was proof positive that Vision means nothing without action.

Webster Fire

2008-02-21T18:40:00.000-08:00

I posted the pictures of fire damage at Webster because from the front it does not look that bad. Note the smoke damage and water in the hallway that was in the entire building. This fire was devastating. I certainly hope someone will come forward with anything they have observed or heard about who may have done this. Although we are insured I am certain when the final bill comes due this will cost the district plenty. My concern is if the person or persons are not caught they will become emboldened to strike again.

The real damage to Webster

2008-02-21T15:14:00.001-08:00

LPS Employee Counts 2007-2008

2008-01-25T12:30:00.001-08:00

LPS Employee Counts 2006-2007

2008-01-25T12:28:00.000-08:00

LPS Employee Counts 2004-2005

2008-01-25T12:26:00.001-08:00

Student loss projections

2007-12-19T17:53:00.001-08:00

Whisleblower Suit

2007-12-19T17:33:00.000-08:00

Livonia:

School officials hit with lawsuitLivonia Public Schools Superintendent Randy Liepa and Finance Director Lisa Levesque were served with a "whistleblower" lawsuit from the district's former controller last week. Margaret Flower, who served as controller for 21 years, has been on a medical leave of absence since November 2006, when she was suspended for three weeks on insubordination claims. Her suit claims she was suspended for speaking out about improper accounting practices. A spokeswoman for the district denied the claims and said Flower continues to receive medical benefits and can apply for other vacancies when she returns from her leave. Her job has been absorbed by others.

http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/artic...D=2007712190359

Every Day Math, an every day disaster.

2007-12-06T16:36:00.000-08:00

Superbug in the Classroom
A mathematical epidemic.

By Michelle Malkin

Do you know what math curriculum your child is being taught? Are youworried that your third-grader hasn't learned simple multiplication yet?Have you been befuddled by educational jargon such as "spiraling," which isused to explain why your kid keeps bringing home the same insipid busyworkof cutting, gluing and drawing? And are you alarmed by teachers whoemphasize "self-confidence" over proficiency while their students fallfurther and further behind? Join the club.

Across the country, from New York City to Seattle, parents are wising up tomath fads like Everyday Math. Sounds harmless enough, right? It's cleverlymarketed as a "University of Chicago" program. Impressive! Right? But thenyou start to sense something's not adding up when your kid starts secondgrade and comes home with the same kindergarten-level addition andsubtraction problems - for the second year in a row.

And then your child keeps telling you that the teacher isn't reallyteaching anything, just handing out useless worksheets - some of which makeno sense to parents with business degrees, medical degrees, and Ph.D.sspecializing in econometric analysis. And then you notice that it's theUniversity of Chicago education department, not the mathematics department,that is behind this nonsense.

And then you Google Everyday Math and discover that countless moms and dadsjust like you - and a few brave teachers with their heads screwed onstraight - have had similarly horrifying experiences. Like the Illinois momwho found these "math" problems in the fifth-grade Everyday Math textbook:

A. If math were a color, it would be -, because -.
B. If it were a food, it would be -, because -.
C. If it were weather, it would be -, because -.

And then you realize your child has become a victim of "Fuzzy Math," the"New New Math," the dumbed-down, politically correct, euphemism-fillededu-folly corrupting both public and private schools nationwide.

And then you feel like the subject of Edvard Munch's The Scream as you takeon the seemingly futile task of waking up other parents and fighting theedu-cracy to restore a rigorous curriculum in your child's classroom. NewYork City teacher Matthew Clavel described his frustration with EverydayMath in a 2003 article for City Journal:

The curriculum's failure was undeniable: Not one of my students knew his orher times tables, and few had mastered even the most basic operations;knowledge of multiplication and division was abysmal....what would you do,if you discovered that none of your fourth-graders could correctly tell youthe answer to four times eight?

But don't give up and don't give in. While New York City remains wedded toEveryday Math (which became the mandated standard in 2003), the state ofTexas just voted before Thanksgiving to drop the University of Chicagotextbooks for third graders. School-board members lambasted the mathprogram for failing to prepare students for college. It's an importantsalvo in the math wars because Texas is one of the biggest markets forschool textbooks. As Texas goes, so goes the nation.

Meanwhile, grassroots groups such as Mathematically Correct(mathematicallycorrect.com) and Where's The Math? (wheresthemath.com) arealerting parents to how their children are being used as educational guineapigs. And teachers and math professionals who haven't drunk the p.c.Kool-Aid are exposing the ruse. Nick Diaz, a Maryland educator, wrote aletter to his local paper:

As a former math teacher in Frederick County Public Schools, I have astrong interest in the recent discussion of the problems with the mathcurriculum in our state and county. . . . The proponents of fuzzy mathclaim that the new approach provides a 'deep conceptual understanding.'Those words, however, hide the truth. Students today are not expected tomaster basic addition, subtraction and multiplication. These fundamentalskills are necessary for a truly deep understanding of math, but fuzzy-mathadvocates are masters at using vocabulary that sounds good to parents, butmeans something different to educators.

Members of the West Puget Sound Chapter of the Washington Society ofProfessional Engineers also stepped forward in their community:

For 35 years, we have been subjected to a failed experiment, 'new math.'Mathematics depends on individual problem-solving ability to arrive at thecorrect answer. Math does not lend itself to 'fuzzy' answers. The solutionis to recognize the failure of the Constructivist Curriculum as it relatesto mathematics and science, eliminate it and return to the hard core basicsusing texts like the Singapore Math.

If Fuzzy Math were a color, it would be neon green like those Mr. Yuklabels warning children not to ingest poisonous substances. Do not swallow!

Problems at Coolidge

2007-11-29T17:58:00.000-08:00

Dear Mr. King,

Coolidge Play Ground:

When the North parking lot was widened this summer to create a drop-offloop, 8 swings were destroyed. My understanding is when the swings weremoved they fell apart. It is also my understanding that once schoolplay-ground equipment is removed, it may not be reinstalled.

For this reason, many do not understand why the swings would not be replaced at thecost of the district as part of the initial project budget. Should the costto replace these swings have been included in the original budget toreconfigure the parking lot? With recess, health and exercise playing an important part of ourchildren's school day, many feel it is extremely important to replace theswings.

Since the removal of the swings was not at the fault of theCoolidge staff, many feel they should be replaced as soon as possible.Children at this age really enjoy swinging. We would love to see the 8 swings replaced as soon as possible. We appreciate any help you can offerwith this matter.

Another safety issue is the need of a crosswalk lines across PurlingbrookStreet. At this time, the crosswalk guard is concerned for the children'ssafety because many drivers stop so close to crossing children. Thecrosswalk lines would provide a much needed safety barrier. Thank you for making the Coolidge parking lot safer.

Also, last Friday, a third grader in my daughter's class at Coolidge possibly had a knife on the school bus or at school. He has since not been at school. What can you tell me about this situation. Our teachers and principal will not tell me what happened or where. The boy is a good boy, but was being harrasssed at school. All goes back to anti-bullying.

Election Perspective

2007-11-08T17:37:00.000-08:00

The surprise primary win of Maureen was a harbinger for what was to come. While many of her supporters were happy that she beat Jack in the primary I felt it would galvanize his supporters and they would pull out the stops to crush her. Jacks pack, put up so many signs it created sign fatigue and in essence, negated all of the signs that just became an optical irritation over time.He then proceeded to make this election a referendum on Jennifer Granholm. I even received some anti Brosnan literature with Kwame Kilpatricks name on it. What? The only person that the majority of Livonia voters hate more than the Governor is the Detroit Mayor. Remember during the recall battle when voters were told at the polls that if the recall succeeded Detroit would be running our district? Detroit pols aren't the only ones that play the race card. Jacks support starts with a very large base of school employees, and most of his workers come from that pool. Check out the picture in the observer newspaper of woman for Jack. Recognize anyone affiliated with LPS? Jacks roots are in education and they run very deep. He also pandered to the Pro Life supporters something the winning council candidates did as well. Although I don't believe the new deja-vu mayor and council will be overturning Rowe v Wade anytime soon. It is a sizable group of one issue citizens that do vote.I do not fault anyone for running to win and once again Jack showed what a seasoned politician he is. When Kirksey entered the race I said he will be mayor again unless some one can beat him. Joe and Maureen were simply not able to do that. The nail in the coffin came during the weekend prior to the election with the saturation of the TV add with Granholm and Maureen posing like sorority sisters with the devastating voice over tag line, " While she was raising your taxes she was bankrolling Brosnan." A reference to not only the Lansing fiasco but the ten thousand dollar campaign contribution. Maureen could have defused the criticism by returning the money and going on the attack. I would have done a mailer linking my opponent to Osama Bin Laden and any other nefarious person that resonates with voters, just to point out the absurdity of it all. The real shame of this campaign was the inability of voters to get anything of substance from the questions and answers at the forums. I hope in the future we move to real debate formats allowing for give and take among the candidates. It's been said we get the government we deserve and we now hold the distinction of having the oldest mayor in the country. As a boomer I only have one thing left to say. Senior Power!

And The Mountain Moved

2007-11-08T17:04:00.000-08:00

At Mondays board meeting something unprecedented happened. Two no votes were cast during the vote on items on the consent agenda. It was very dramatic. As the secretary called the vote"Mr. King?," .. "NO. "Mr. Oke?"... there was a long pause........and then it happened. The very person that ostracized me during his first week as a board member, for my solo no votes, took a breath and let the most powerful two letter word fly. "NO." I smiled as the roll call continued with the usual outcome. For one second, however I was more proud than usual to be a BOE member. Kudos to Greg for doing what he felt was right. The item in question was the food purchase proposal that we placed on the regular agenda at the last committee of the whole meeting, but mysteriously ended up on the consent agenda for Mondays meeting. We also asked for the nutritional data on all of the products and that information was not given for all of the items to be voted on. Based on those facts alone, never mind the lack of nutritional value of the food stuffs, everyone should have voted NO. At the very least a strong president would have removed the item in question for future discussion.

2007-11-08T16:46:00.000-08:00

Steve,

Do you know if LPS will be hiring a replacement for Kirksey (Cooper site),or is the position not needed any more, since Kirksey will be getting a newpaycheck from the city? He has to at least wait until his 4 year term isup before he can go back on the LPS money-train again, right?

I didn't have a chance to see the last 2 meetings, has anything beenpublicly announced regarding Jay Young's "re-hiring"? Do we have any idea roughly how many bill-able hours per year he is anticipated to turn in to the district doing "whatever it is he will be doing".

Has anyone else on the board had any concerns about the rapidly declining enrollment (only since LI)? Will there ever be a BOE meeting in the"no-spin" zone so we can actually figure out what happened and how to getback on track? I mean, I remember Leipa kept "increasing" his predictionof how many students we would lose this year, and in the end he was stilloff by 100. This is a heck of a lot outside the 1/4 of 1% error marginthey bragged about pre-LI. These people can't possibly still believe it'sjust the economy (especially since PCCS enrollment keeps increasing, andour private schools enrollment isn't dropping). I mean, anyone with anysense would at least admit that there is a strong possibility there is a correlation between LI and the student loss, right?

Community conversations

2007-11-01T17:50:00.000-07:00

Mondays community conversation meeting was attended by just six citizens. This format allows for some good discussions and I think we should take this show on the road. If we get it out of the administration building and into the community I think more people would attend. This week the focus was on finances and Lisa and Randy were present to deflect any hard hitting questions. When the topic of Jay Youngs remuneration for his foundation work came up it was discovered he is getting paid his old per Diem rate. Although Randy would not voice the actual number I believe it's 440 dollars per day. This is an awful lot of money to be paid to someone without a specific, definable task to be accomplished. I do not support the revolving door policy that allows former administrators to come back and feed from the public trough. If they want to give back for all that this district has given to them they can volunteer like so many parents do.There was in attendance a new parent to LPS with a ninth grader from a home school background and when he asked about saving money by looking at alternative means of providing ancillary services Randy went into full employment mode explaining how the safety of the students would be compromised if we should do anything other than what we our doing. This is just absurd! How do you explain the fact that 60% of districts in MI have privatized one or more ancillary services with a 90% percent satisfaction rate. To be unwilling to even have a discussion, or compare what other districts are doing illustrates the focus of this district is employment not education. There is no doubt in my mind that we will have to look at the future of food service if they continue to burn through the programs fund equity and start draining money from the general fund. In the glory days of that department we were providing food service for the Garden City schools and making a healthy profit. Those days are gone, as that district has privatized food and custodial service saving millions of dollars and getting better service in return. We need to at least have some information on alternatives if it ever becomes necessary to move in a different direction.

How to be top

2007-10-24T18:25:00.000-07:00

Ann Arbor to use LEDs

2007-10-24T16:38:00.000-07:00

Michigan city of Ann Arbor to replace street lights with energy-saving LEDs

DETROIT - How many Ann Arbor city workers does it take to screw in a light bulb?

Soon, none. Instead, they will be installing fixtures - light-emitting diodes, or LEDs - to replace about 1,400 street lights.

The eco-friendly city about 50 kilometres west of Detroit that's home to the University of Michigan says it will be the first in the United States to convert all of its downtown street lights to the technology that uses less than half the energy of traditional bulbs and could save the community $100,000 a year over the long haul.

"LEDs pay for themselves in four years," said Mayor John Hieftje, who announced the city's plans this week as it joined Raleigh, N.C., and Toronto in the LED City initiative, an industry-government group working to evaluate, deploy and promote LED lighting.

"They provide the same light, but they last 10 years. We had to replace the old ones every two years."

LEDs, small chips usually encased in a glass dome the size of a matchstick head, have been used in electronics for decades. Those LEDs usually were red or green, but a scientific breakthrough in the 1990s paved the way for the production of LEDs that produce white light.

Lighting consumes 22 per cent of electricity produced in the U.S., according to the Department of Energy, and widespread use of LED lighting could cut consumption in half. By 2027, LED lighting could cut annual energy use by the equivalent of 500 million barrels of oil, with the attendant reduction in emissions of carbon dioxide, the gas believed to be responsible for global warming.

Hieftje said the lighting conversion will reduce greenhouse gases by the equivalent of taking 400 cars off the road for one year. He said it will cost about $450 to replace each globe and fit the new fixture into an existing pole, and the two-year project is being paid for by a $630,000 grant from the city's Downtown Development Authority.

Durham, N.C.-based Cree Inc. makes the components that are inside the lighting units Ann Arbor is using.

"LED lighting can provide all the capabilities required to do any lighting," said Greg Merritt, Cree's director of corporate marketing. "The hurdle, obviously is the cost. As we improve the technology, the economics make sense for more and more applications."

Hieftje, who said the city successfully has tested LEDs during a three-year pilot project of 25 lights on one block, says the LED replacement is part of a larger plan he launched two years ago to use 30 per cent renewable energy for all operations by 2010. That includes solar power, conservation and converting its bus fleet to hybrid-electric.

"We're trying to be a sustainable city and that's the bottom line," he said.

Audit Haze

2007-10-22T18:31:00.000-07:00

Tonights meeting with the Plante Moran auditors was long on show and short on detail. Hey wasn't that Fred at the table? I thought Lisa told us he retired last year. Reading documents aloud that I can read myself is not my idea of an audit review. Seeing these documents for the first time tonight, at the table, does not allow for informed questions. I would like to go through the chart of accounts in detail, especially the things that are not booked properly. This document is what the audit is based on. I asked for the chart of accounts for six weeks before I finally received it just last week allowing me very little time to prepare for the annual audit dog and pony show. The same firm has been looking at the books for many years and has built a very cordial relationship with the district and the director of finance. I wonder if they are auditing or helping Lisa to pass the audit? I know I can meet with Lisa behind closed doors and have her explain to me any concerns I may have with the ledger but I think it is imperative that we discuss all finances in public. There are so many large dollar amounts for services in the chart that it would make your head spin. These things need to be discussed in public and I will put some of them on my blog.

Jay is back

2007-10-18T18:36:00.000-07:00

When Jay Young retired from LPS I asked Randy to consider not replacing him in order to save money. Ford and many other corporations have been reducing the size of their work force through attrition. When a person leaves they are not replaced and their workload is distributed among the remaining employees. This has been going on for years in other districts and at times even at LPS. When Jay left however not only were his hard to define responsibilities spread out but also his salary thus defeating the purpose of not replacing him. I was recently surprised to see that Jay has come back to work for the district as a consultant working on the Livonia Foundation that has a grand total of thirty thousand dollars in it. Where will the funds come from to pay him and what is the amount?This scenario of retiring and then coming back as a consultant is not new. John Rennels , Jack Kirksey, and a long list of other administrators have worn a path to the public coffers of LPS. What disturbs me is that the BOE has no control over who ,what for, or how much money is spent under the guise of consulting. As an oversight body that is held responsible for the fiscal health of this district we must have a say in how the money is spent.

Everyday Math

2007-10-16T18:48:00.000-07:00

I have been contacted by many parents concerning the new math program. As always, I bring your comments forward to the appropriate administrator. Having read all of the comments on the LN forum it is apparent there are still many parents that are concerned about particular aspects of EM. I have also heard from many parents that like this program. This has been a huge investment for the district over the last few years in both time and treasure and I for one would like to see if we can't add to this program whatever we need to in order to address any percieved shortcomings some parents feel exist. I would also like to have ongoing group discussions with all the stakeholders.

Security proposal

2007-10-16T18:44:00.000-07:00

This item was pulled from the agenda and sent to a building and sight sub- committee meeting for further study before coming back to the board for a vote. This is where it should have gone in the first place instead of being fast tracked for approval.

NJROTC

2007-10-16T18:36:00.000-07:00

The presentation at the board meeting emphasized what many would perceive was the positive attributes of the program. What I am concerned about is the cost.Almost three hundred thousand dollars of cost above what the feds contribute to run this program for a small number of students.There are many excellent programs that do not receive this kind of monetary support.I would like to see this program continue with a smaller impact on the budget.

Board Expenses 05-06

2007-10-16T18:09:00.000-07:00

Board Expenses 04-05

2007-10-16T18:08:00.001-07:00

Board Expenses 03-04

2007-10-16T18:02:00.000-07:00

Budget Reduction Considerations

2007-10-16T17:13:00.001-07:00

Letter on Everyday Math

2007-10-12T19:01:00.000-07:00

Steve,

I don't know if you have read the Everyday Math thread on LivoniaNeighbors Forum. It's really pretty informative. Anyway, our teachers arenot going to supplement Everday Math with any basic math skills. I thinkthey should. Read this post from Larry Martin on Livonianeighbors.com. Hehas been fighting EM in Plymouth -Canton for 5 years.........

"If they are really being told to "teach from the box", administrationshould be truly ashamed of themselves. During the presentation I saw onyoutube, the speaker said that LPS should adopt EM in part because in worksin P-CCS. They should make a short drive west and ASK how P-CCS isimplementing the program. It is not "from the box".P-CCS has a supplement process. They have been using it for years. Theyknow where the holes are in EM from experience. Why not take advantage ofthose years of experience? I don't know the whole supplement process, but Ido know that teachers consistently use "Mad Minutes" through 4th grade.

I went to a curriculum committee meeting last year when they discussed theMEAP results. They get detailed classroom level data showing what skillsare deficient. P-CCS was deficient in some of the basics and woefully so in division. I have a copy of that document. The Math and Science curriculum director made a big deal about how theyhave been tweaking their supplemental materials and will be doing even more"when the 3rd edition is approved." There wasn't any chance of abandoningEM, though. All it takes is a phone call from Livonia administration to Janet Kahn(P-CCS math and science director) to confirm this. Janet is a staunchdefender of constructivist education, but still understands that EM doesn'twork "from the box".

If there is any doubt, I can scan and forward the documents from last year."I think you should call PCS and look into this. If we are not supplementingfor one year to work out the bugs, it is one year too long for me. It isone year lost for too many kids.

Letter from a parent on security

2007-10-12T19:00:00.000-07:00

Steve,

Came across this article doing a random google search about school securitycameras. (This is exactly what I believe would happen in LPS even if weinstalled the security system.)

http://www.kfor.com/Global/story.asp?S=1514604

There are also many examples of school violence (even in elementaryschools) where students have brought in weapons into school (there is oneexample in Michigan where a student was killed on the playground by anotherstudent who brought a gun to school). Maybe we should really be focusingon this type of thing, metal detectors, etc... instead of cameras? Maybemore training/communication/procedures for school personel to recognizeconflicts between students as potential issues, or to be more proactive inquestioning anyone that is not recognized that walks within the schoolunaccompanied by staff.

New Ideas?

2007-10-11T16:02:00.000-07:00

----------------------------------------------------------------
EDUCATION REFORM GROUP LOOKS TO BRING BACK "LOCAL CONTROL"
----------------------------------------------------------------

DEARBORN, Mich. - A report created by a committee of parents, teachers and students in Dearborn presents the components of an ideal school system based on local control and less government regulation, according to the Dearborn Press and Guide. The 50-member group created the Model District Project and analyzed policy changes that would lead to more local investment in education and minimize the amount of money going to feed state and federal government bureaucracies.

Dearborn Public Schools is planning on sending the completed, 47-page document to legislators and other school districts in hopes of spurring interest in creative reforms. The district also plans to incorporate as many of the ideas as possible into its strategic plan for next year, the Press and Guide reported.

Key suggested changes include bidding for benefits and other services and re-examining the school funding system. The group believes the state and federal government should remain in charge of levying and distributing tax money, but should do so in a more "equitable" way, the Press and Guide reported.

The plan also finds problems with current accountability measures like the No Child Left Behind act, Adequate Yearly Progress, and the Michigan Merit Exam. "There will always be a need for assessment and for government to set general guidelines for objectives," Earnie Oz, a parent and member of the Dearborn Parent Teacher Student Association, told the Press and Guide.

"But as for actual implementation of programs, that should fall to local school districts. Government needs to be active, not dictatorial. In many cases it doesn't provide funding (for mandated programs) and creates a scenario for failure."

______
SOURCE:Dearborn Press and Guide, "Local group delivers report on ideal school district," Oct. 3, 2007
http://www.pressandguide.com/stories/100307/loc_20071003005.shtml

A letter from a concerned parent

2007-10-11T15:55:00.000-07:00

Steve,
I just wanted to apologize for not following up with you about the EverydayMath research. I attended the EM parent night at Cass a couple weeks ago, andlistened to Ms. Abler talk about how exciting the program was, and they talked aboutall the games etc. To be honest, I guess I have made my mind up, that I thinkit's just a disservice to the kids of Livonia that the program has been implementedmerely to align with the MEAP (which from what I have read, is not exactly settingthe bar very high). Some of the information Ms. Abler shared seemed to contradict whatour son's teacher and especially one of our daughter's previous teacher's impressions of the program were. My son's teacher plans to supplement the math with "traditional" concepts (something that Ms Abler said would not be taking place, because it is important for the success of the program to teach from the box). Our daughter's previous teacher thought the EM program was horrible for student learning, and told us that the "good teachers" that were older and experienced would see through this, and supplement the teaching with traditional concepts so that kids didn't fall too far behind, while she expected that younger inexperienced teachers would simply teach right from the box (and her feeling was that EM would leave them unprepared for higher math). It was also obvious that the parents that attended had absolutely no idea (besides that there would be games and the kids would have FUN) what the EM program was. It is also clear that thepresentation was merely a PR move as what most of the LPS presentations are... I feltthat I had completely wasted my time attending it. At any rate, the decision has been made, and we cannot afford privateschool (or our kids would already be enrolled due to the LI debacle) so I will justplan on spending a great deal of time teaching math to my kids. (I wasn't a bigfan of the connected math program either, so I have already been helping my daughterwith math all along. I don't think any research you could provide me wouldchange my mind at this point, so I won't waste your time with this any longer. Butplease know that I greatly appreciate your offer to get together to discuss.
NEW TOPIC (sorry this is long, I just couldn't stop typing) I also wanted to share with you my thoughts about last night's meetingregarding the security system that is 99.9% certain to be implemented in the nearfuture regardless of cost based upon the overwhelming support of the sheeple onthe BOE (you excluded of course). As usual, you asked the importantquestions, and I completely agree with all of your points. It is a "false" sense ofsecurity (like a car alarm)... If someone wants to do something horrible, they are just going to do it. A camera is going to just make it easier to identify the person after thefact, but won't make kids any "safer". Just cause "other neighboring districts" have it,doesn't mean that their kids are safer than ours. I thought we were in a budgetcrisis? (Oops, I meant FUNDING crisis <- sarcasm) We can't spend money on solar parking lights that might save us tons of $$$ over the long-haul, but we can spend hundreds of thousands on cameras and security cards, etc. just so that wecan watch to see when someone isn't at their desk and call their cell phone torazz them.... hmmmm. (I thought that was a very awkward way of supporting theneed for this especially from a person getting paid a 6-figure salary. andLessard sounded like he was running for President with his theatrical "kids safetyis worth every penny, no matter how much it costs...". I am more concerned about my kid’s safety walking to a bus stop than aboutthe possibility of a whacko bringing a gun into school. (And how would thesecameras, locking doors etc. prevent a student from bringing in a bomb or gun/knifeto school???) The LI eliminated the crossing guards, safetys program, etc. Since the LI, our kids walk to a bus stop that is on the opposite side of a verybusy street. Cars are parked all alongside this road (from Stevenson kids), there are nostop signs anymore, so my kids simply would have had to cross whenever there isa break in traffic. The posted speed limit is 25, but cars routinely blow byour house between 30-40 mph (especially since the stop sign down the street waseliminated this year). Is this a "safe" situation for kids, standing out therewaiting for a bus?
We moved to Livonia specifically to attend Marshall school, we are maybe 8 houses away from the school (same distance as their bus stop is now). Mykids IMHO would have been safer to walk to school, than to cross the busystreet, or have to stand outside waiting for a bus, that may or may not be on time....It's off-topic, but my daughter's bus was over 25 minutes late to Riley lastweek. I don't bother complaining about this stuff anymore, because it is no use. Wouldn't it be almost as effective to install "fake" cameras at all entrydoors etc. hallways etc. as a deterrent? Lock all the doors during class time exceptthe front door (umm that would be free). Who are we "protecting" the kids from? Strangers? Strangers would see the cameras and assume they were real and recording. Maybe that would deter them from doing something wrong, or maybe not. Parents? Parent's would likely be recognized and welcomed inside by staff,the camera would not be of any help here, if they wanted in, they have everyright to be inside... To me, no difference here than a LPS teacher snapping one day and bringing a gun or bomb into the building. A security system cannot protectkids from these people. I understand the money is burning a hole in Lessard (and therest of the BOE's collective pockets), but I just wish it could somehow bechanneled into something more worthwhile. I'll tell you what, I got to the point (before you came on board) where Ithought I couldn't possibly stomach to watch another BOE meeting on TV, because Iwould get so darn upset and frustrated. I mean, just yesterday was anotherexample of Freeman babbling on and on, with no point (hey, maybe that's what I'mdoing.... sorry), asking absolutely stupid questions.... Lessard is an oxygen-thiefif there ever was one. And Mr. Oke appears to be the quintessential "yes" man. I can'tbelieve the spins these (and most all of the administrators and especiallyLevesque) puts on things... I like how Liepa is already spinning the student count numbers..."looks like they are coming in right where we expected... " and "we are graduating 1500 students, but only 1000 kindergartners coming in...." ...As I yell at the TV, " what the heck does that have to do with anything??" But Idigress.... I don't know how you manage to not strangle any of these people at these meetings. My hat's off to ya, and I am so thankful for the job you aredoing. I will keep an eye on your blog (I am a frequent lurker in LivoniaNeighbors.com). While we may be on opposite sides of the EM issue, I find that the other 99.9% ofthe time, you are practically voicing all the concerns/questions I have regarding what is going on with the district and the decisions being made. Which means either we both have common sense and logical thought processes, or we are both equally brain-damaged. Either way, it's sure great to have someone on our side. I've wasted enough of your time (again). I just felt I needed to provideyou some feedback, and to let you know despite all the opposition you face on theboard, that there are people watching that really appreciate your taking on thedifficult task of fighting for what is right. I only wish that there were more people likeyou on the board, then we could really make some positive changes to the district.

Comment Response Loyalty Oath Post

2007-10-10T17:33:00.000-07:00

I never said I would sign this document at any time. As for working on the wording I did rewrite it, but I did not share it with my fellow board members because of the wording that they may have interpreted as confrontational. In an attempt to avoid fighting at the table I kept it to myself. I may post it at a later date and you can judge for your self. However, from the tone of your comment it is obvious you have already drank the kool -aid. This is the last time I will respond to you. As I mentioned in previous posts this is not a forum, you may want to read the Livonia neighbors forum it provides an excellent give and take.

False Security

2007-10-10T17:09:00.000-07:00

After last nights meeting I received an e-mail from a parent about the security system and how it was presented to the board. I will post this letter, without the name, for all to read. I did not appreciate the fact that the packet I received on Thursday was the first opportunity to examine this, then asked to move this forward on Monday. This should have gone to a sub-committee meeting prior to the committee of the whole so it could have been closely examined. Obviously I want the school environment to be safe for our children, and I believe it is. Just as there is no correlation between money and student outcomes, the same holds true for security. Spending large sums of money does not guarantee any ones safety.

Loyalty Oath

2007-10-10T16:44:00.000-07:00

Once again at Mondays meeting we looked at board policy BHA(3) also known as the loyalty oath. Once again I honored my campaign pledge and did not sign it. It is not necessary for me to sign a document to be a fully committed board member. When I took office I swore an oath to the constitution and I was very clear during my campaign exactly what my concerns were and what I was going to try to accomplish. I feel I have been diligent in my duties, especially when it comes to asking question, and trying too enact some fiscal accountability. The first line of the pledge states "Student learning and the success of all of our students will drive my decisions." How do those that signed this document square that with the implementation of the legacy debacle. During that contentious time the entire school community was thoroughly disrupted. Millions of dollars squandered on poorly planned additional transportation, coupled with the millions lost from families leaving LPS that continues into this year. The loss of revenue and trust will harm the district for many years. How did any of this chaos enhance student learning?

Blogosphere

2007-10-08T10:56:00.000-07:00

When I decided to create my blog it was because of things I have learned while on the board. In particular, "misconceptions often overwhelm the truth" and "culture eats strategy." There are many misconceptions about LPS and I will address them over time. The culture of an organization is important because in essence its the way we do things around here and the way we have been doing things, will not bode well for our future. This blog will look at our district without rose colored glasses and void of the spin I have been subjected to at many of the public meetings. Are there good things that happen in our schools? Absolutely! But those things will take up the lions share of every board meeting and newsletters sent to the community.Rarely will we have the crucial conversations that are necessary to improve the district. My blog will show the other side of things, in an attempt to offer some kind of balance to the dialogue. This is not a discussion forum, but I do read all of the comments and do learn from them. I generally will not respond to comments but they do help me ask questions and move forward on things that need to be addressed. There were several comments however I will comment on. To say that our back to school event did not cost anything is inaccurate. Hundreds of LPS man hours went into preparing for this event as well as some of the in house promotion we did. That time could have been spent making sure projects were completed and that the bus routes were accurate as well as a myriad of other things that really needed to get done for a smooth start to school. Residency is another issue. This district has turned a blind eye to this problem ever since the legacy initiative drove so many students out of our schools. Since the money follows the student, enrollment numbers are very important. I feel for the students from urban districts but residency is very simple, either you live in our district or you don't. I personally know of students that attended our grade schools using their grandparents address while living at their parents home in another city. Apartments can be problematic as well. For these reasons we are well within our authority to do random bed checks as Grosse Pointe and many other districts do. Livonia taxpayers must not be disenfranchised because we do not have the will to do what is right.

2001 Student follow-up comments

2007-10-07T11:41:00.001-07:00

Outdoor lighting information

2007-10-07T10:57:00.000-07:00

http://www.darksky.org/resources/information-sheets/pdf/is052.pdf

http://enolar.com/products05.htm

http://www.darksky.org/resources/information-sheets/pdf/is026.pdf

Student comments from 1999 (nothing has changed).

2007-10-02T16:57:00.000-07:00

Letters from the public

2007-10-02T16:53:00.000-07:00

High School Musical Hype

2007-10-01T20:46:00.000-07:00

We were told there was two purposes for the Laurel Park Place mall event featuring Drew Seely from HS2. One to celebrate the start of school and two, our ramped up marketing effort. I attended this event and thought the only redeeming feature was the jumprope station. Any time you can get kids moving and having fun it is a good thing. Those in attendance came to see Drew and stood in a very long line to get an autograph and really were there for just that reason. This had nothing to do with the start of school and I do not share the administrations enthusiasm for this event. As educators we compete with a vapid culture on a daily basis. High School Musical 2 is not the kind of thing I want to promote. The female star of this movie recently showed up on the internet nude. Lets not forget Disney is the company that brought us Britney, Lindsay and many other tabloid creatures. If we want to promote the start of school lets have an event at our schools not the mall. Kids should be excited to come back to school because it is such a rewarding experience not because of the pop star frenzy.

Tonights Meeting

2007-10-01T20:31:00.000-07:00

There was a time in this district that it was not necessary to create hype for what was happening in our schools. The story was told through word of mouth by parents and students. I am troubled over the use of education dollars being spent on promotion not education. I asked Donna how much we kicked in towards the $8000.00 30 second spot that we viewed tonight promoting the City of Livonia and she said we put up $5000.00. I also asked where the money came from and she said she did not know. So I asked Randy and he said it came out of his budget. Apparently he has money in his budget for discretionary spending. I will follow up on this for clarification.

More Open House

2007-10-01T20:08:00.000-07:00

During the Buchanan OH I was taken to task by some of the teachers bacause of something they were told I was responsible for. They were told that they could not use screens on windows and doors because Mr. King said it was a fire hazard. Not true! Individual Board members have no authority to implement such an edict and I personally have suggested the use of screens and ceiling fans to alleviate the extreme temperatures in the classrooms. This is an ongoing problem in the district and teachers need to come forward with parents to insist on a viable solution.

When I left the school that evening it was pitch black in the parking lot because none of the new parking lot lights were working. I observed people faliing off of the curb because it was so dark. This is a safety issue. Not one summer construction project was finished on time. Many teachers treked through mud and dirt loaded with supplies when they reported to school preparing their rooms for the start of the new school year. Workers had all summer to complete these pojects and some were not even started until the end of August. This is poor planning and we can do better.

Buchanan Open House

2007-10-01T20:02:00.000-07:00

Using a very old computer makes it very challenging to post to my blog. I have written many things without spellchecker and other writing tools, but have been unable to post them. There is a learning curve to every thing and in short order I will post on a regular basis.

listening tour

2007-09-27T10:46:00.000-07:00

I have been attending as many school open house events as possible throughout the district to hear from parents, teachers and students concerning their feelings about the start of the new school year as well as their overall impression of the district as a whole. This is important to show support for LPS and because I believe the farther you get from the power (Central Administration) the closer you get to the TRUTH.It is in these conversations with stakeholders you find what is really happening on the ground. As a teacher I am well aware of the need to self assess my lesson plans and teaching continually. It is very important that the district do the same. It is a little unsettleing that teachers are so afraid to speak out about their concerns if they feel what they say might be perceived as critical of existing policies. The same holds true for parents. One on one they are willing to share their concerns but hesitate to come to the board meeting and speak during audience communication. This is your district and you must tell the people that work for you if something is not working. What does it say about the culture of this district that critics are so fearful of reprimand? Honest disagreement is healthy for growth and should be encouraged not stifled. The mother that spoke about the insufferable classroom temperatures in the elementary schools made a very powerfull staement and is to be commended for her effort. It takes public pressure to get this district to act. These public statements empower me as a board trustee to seek solutions to these problems. But quite honestly until someone comes forward publicly things that need to be fixed will be ignored.I need your help with letters and phone calls to keep me informed of what is not working.

Thoughts

2007-09-19T15:06:00.000-07:00

I have decided to put my thoughts about LPS concerns on the web to stimulate conversation and alleviate some of my frustrations with the status quo.

I will be posting regularly but especially after meetings when my frustration level may be elevated.

Please feel free to contact me with any ideas you may have to help improve LPS operations.