Dickinson Center

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

++++++++++++++++

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

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

++++++++++++++++++

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!


++++++++++++++++++++

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Here is a letter I received on the MCAT program, and the administration's plan to open the MCAT.
_____________________

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

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

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?

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?

Lax accounting, overspending, enrollment losses, sound familiar?


----------------------------------------------------------------
CUTS, CLOSINGS AHEAD IN FLINT
----------------------------------------------------------------

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.

______
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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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.

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".

____________
Please click on "comments" to leave a comment.