Category Archives: Current Events
Reframing Disparity: Accountability meets the Achievement Gap
Recently reported state test scores are introducing the people served by the Grosse Pointe Public School System to issues, both political and philosophical, that have long been part of the consciousness of public school educators. These now must enter the consciousness of the community. Continue reading
Filed under Current Events, GPPS Academics
2010-11 GPPSS School Year Budget Approved
The 2010-11 Grosse Pointe Public School System budget approved last night consumed hour upon hour of work and analysis to enable us to continue to deliver the high quality programs we have come to expect. While intensely difficult and painful at times, this budget and other financial achievements in 2009-10 will pay dividends for years to come. Continue reading
Filed under Current Events, GPPS Budget Decisions, GPPS Finances
The Elementary Class Size Conundrum
The combination of schedule inflexibility, high enrollment variability, and stressful economic times renders elementary class size decisions a frustrating exercise for all parties. Reasonable and rationale standards, consistently enforced, present the best means of navigating these rough waters. Continue reading
The Irony of Obama’s Kalamazoo Visit
President Obama will deliver the commencement address at Kalamazoo Central tonight and his message will be that there are no shortcuts to success – and of course he is right. How ironic that at the height of calls for reform (Prop A, NCLB, Race to the Top) Kalamazoo Central proves that most of that is just noise and excellence is achievable right now. Continue reading
Filed under Current Events, State of Michigan Policy
Retirement Reform Reality: Lansing Steps Up
Late last night, while most sane people slept, Lansing lawmakers took the step that really had to be taken to right the direction of the Michigan K-12 funding system. Continue reading
GPPSS Board of Education and GPEA Reach Tentative Agreement
Last night the Board of Education authorized the administration to enter into a Tentative Agreement with the Grosse Pointe Education Association (GPEA). Following the Board’s approval, the GPEA subsequently also authorized the Tentative Agreement. Continue reading
Filed under Contract Negotiations, Current Events
Proposal A Giveth and Taketh Away
The landmark tax and school finance legislation approved by taxpayers in 1994 has been much maligned as of late, but there were less complaints when the state economy was at least healthy. A review of the statistical trends of the Proposal A era may help us cope with the current challenges. Continue reading
Filed under Contract Negotiations, Current Events, GPPS Finances
MEA Admits It: Spending Fund Equity is a “Band Aid”
The Michigan Education Association’s official position on Fund Equity says it better than I could. They acknowledge spending down Fund Equity is a “band-aid.” The leadership of the Grosse Pointe Education Association would be well served by not cherry picking the position of the MEA and taking a long-term view for the well-being of the Grosse Pointe Public School System. Continue reading
GPPSS Budget Challenge in 5 Minutes
Last night I was invited to speak at a meeting of the Mother’s Club of Grosse Pointe South. I was asked to provide a budget update in 5 minutes. With that compression of time, I thought through how I would frame the challenge. In short this was my message. Continue reading
Filed under Current Events, GPPS Budget Decisions
It’s Time GPPSS Moved Forward With No-Fee All Day Kindergarten
A loophole in how Michigan distributes per pupil revenue has long allowed public schools to get twice what they really deserved for half-day kindergarten students. But charging for extended day kindergarten amounts to taxing residents twice. For this and other reasons I am advocating a district-wide switch to a no-fee All Day Kindergarten program for 2010-11. Continue reading
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. 
