Monthly Archives: December 2009
Fund Equity Is Not a Long-Term Solution to School Funding Challenge
As everyone acknowledges the reality of the financial distress facing public schools, the focus must shift from assigning blame toward crafting solutions. Understanding fund equity is essential to a meaningful dialog on this topic. An objective view of data shows that fund equity will help districts cope, but is clearly not a long-term solution to the root cause problems plaguing Michigan’s public school districts. Continue reading
Filed under GPPS Finances, State of Michigan Finances
Contemplating the “New Normal” on Michigan’s Darkest Day
Today, the Winter Solstice, is the darkest day of the year. For people and school districts across the state, we hope the end of 2009 also ends one of the darkest years in the state’s history. As the sun begins to shine a little brighter and longer, we must come to grips with what the “new normal” really means and make decisions with the understanding that repercussions of our current budget problems will have consequences for years to come. Continue reading
Filed under GPPS Budget Decisions, State of Michigan Finances
The Economics of Class Size
Even though local school budgets are shrinking, our community’s expectations do not. Class size is always among the most significant of their concerns. At our last Board meeting, teachers spoke against increased class sizes and raised concern about being asked to do more with less. This blog post delves into the economics of class size and analyzes the underlying financial pressures that impact the issue. Continue reading
Filed under GPPS Budget Decisions, GPPS Finances
I have been a trustee on the Grosse Pointe Public School's Board of Education since August, 2005. My familiy resides in GP Park. My three children attend GPPS schools and I am a graduate of GP South High School and the University of Michigan. 
