Superintendent Burley's Blog Updates

Each day when I drive past the Escanaba High School, I am absolutely tickled to see progress being made! Today I can see curbs on Lincoln Road being completed, and sidewalks leading to safer crosswalks for our students are appearing. Storm sewers are being addressed, and the bus loop/parent drop off areas are being formed. Our students and community will be so proud of our facilities! Here are a few pictures to illustrate the beginnings of this project!


Escanaba High School Site Work begins to take shape....


In the back of the school, F-wing will be addressed!


The back of the art room was completely taken off!

This project will occur in PHASES...and our contractors are working toward specific goals and timelines. We are so happy that this project is underway!

As you drive along Lincoln Road, you cannot miss the action going on in front of Escanaba High School. It MAY look like we are building little ski hills, but don't worry--that is not part of the plan! Work has now begun to improve the site, with special attention to creating a SAFER area for students. The driveways for parent drop off will be separate from bus drop off areas, and sidewalks will lead to crosswalks. A berm will be created to deter students from crossing where they should not cross. In addition, crumbling storm sewers are being replaced (which is why so much digging is necessary). Download the document I have attached to get a better idea of the plan.

During this past school year, Escanaba has monitored its revenues and expenditures, especially given the rocky financial picture of the State of Michigan. Extra Board of Education meetings were scheduled and held to ensure both the Board and our community is sufficiently informed about the state of our schools. Our biggest challenge has been to get reliable and timely information from the State of Michigan in order to appropriately prepare a thoughtful, balanced budget that guarantees Escanaba students the best educational offerings and opportunities we can afford.

Today, however, I am announcing positive news for Escanaba Area Public Schools, as our budget calculations now reveal a “better than expected” budget forecast due to several factors. One major factor is that the District recently learned it is eligible to receive approximately $600,000 in federal stimulus funds targeted for special education services provided during this past school year. The federal government mandates that in order for Escanaba to be able to use these funds, it must make “Maintenance of Effort,” meaning it needed to expend the same level of local funding for special education across the school years. During this past school year, given previous budget cuts and other reasons, the District was doubtful it could meet the maintenance of effort requirement, so these funds were not counted as revenue on the last budget amendment. Recently however, we learned that we DID meet this requirement and now are able to use these federal funds appropriately for this school year.

Escanaba had a large number of staff members retire in order to take advantage of the State of Michigan’s retirement incentive, and this will result in immediate savings next year. In fact, our projected unemployment costs will be reduced, as it appears we will be recalling staff who have been on layoff status. We expect that we will be hiring! The School Aid Fund at the state level is reported to be healthier than projected, and so we have redone our budget assumptions to reflect a better revenue stream from the state.

The bottom line is that District will not recommend any budget cuts for the 2010-2011 school year. We expect the wealth of academic programs and opportunities for Escanaba students to continue. In addition, it will be recommended that we run kindergarten, extra-curricular activities, transportation, and custodial services as we have done in the past.

This is welcome news to our District and to our community! Detailed information regarding revisions to the 2009-2010 budget will be presented to the Board of Education at their regular meeting on June 21, 2010 at 6:00 p.m. Following this budget amendment, a budget for the 2010-2011 school year will be shared. It is truly a “great day to be an Eskymo!”

Like a sailboat on choppy Bay de Noc waters, the Escanaba Area Public School District has managed to make some progress through rough seas during this past year. We are now re-doing our budget assumptions (again!) to come up with the best plan for the 2010-2011 school year, despite a lack of solid information from the State of Michigan regarding the revenue we will receive for next year. Our budget must be in place by next Monday night's regular Board meeting. Now, District officials are monitoring Lansing, to see if they will rob the School Aid Fund in order to balance the General Fund Budget. I have written Governor Granholm, Senator Prusi, and Representative Nerat to go on record opposing such a move--and I have explained my reasons why I believe they need to leave these dollars intact for K-12 education. My letter to Governor Granholm is below:

June 14, 2010

The Honorable Jennifer M. Granholm

Governor of Michigan

PO Box 30013

Lansing, MI 48909

Re: Protect Michigan School Funding

Dear Governor Granholm:

I am writing to ask that you oppose any budget that diverts School Aid Fund (SAF) dollars away from Michigan's K-12 public schools.

Escanaba Area Public Schools, and other schools in Michigan have progressive strategic plans in place to further student achievement to EXCEED state and national standards. This plan was put together by a representative group of parents, community and business leaders, as well as educational staff. The District embraces high standards, and innovation, and we cannot make these impressive goals without reliable and consistent support of our state.

Despite what you may have heard, Michigan's schools do not have any surplus revenue. The past few years have been devastating for schools; massive cuts, record layoffs and school closures have been commonplace. In the past year, school funding has been slashed $165 per pupil. The "extra revenue" projected as part of the most recent fiscal estimate is not even enough to restore that cut, let alone cover the $150 per pupil cost of the retirement rate increase or the over 20% health care cost increase coming next year. Even with an improved economic forecast, schools will still be forced to lay off staff and cut programs.

The "funding cliff" we will all experience with the loss of ARRA funds in the years to come will surely be the next hurdle K-12 schools will face. I am hoping that your own children and/or grandchildren will be able to enjoy the same or BETTER benefits of public education you may have enjoyed when you were a child. We need to equip our children for a future we cannot even envision yet. Will our state legislators be courageous in standing firm for Michigan's students?

In Escanaba, I can tell you that the shaky fiscal ground on which we are operating our school system, has not only created financial worries, but it has also been demoralizing for our community as a whole. In Escanaba, school business is intertwined with local community agencies, businesses, and families. When our District spends energies on "cutting", rather than "building"--less attention can be spent on the most important core of our mission: high standards, curriculum, and instruction for students.

If Michigan is to be successful as a state, the schools must be stellar. The investment of K-12 education needs to be solid in order to further the economic/business development in our cities and regions. It is imperative for our state legislators to give Districts the revenue needed to operate these programs.

The funding structure for schools, that provides dollars for the School Aid Fund needs to be fixed. However the current funding structure was designed to garner dollars for K-12 education, and surprisingly you know that there is a surplus in the State School Aid Fund. At the local level, we have already cut over the years--and so we DO have needs--right now! Our children are depending upon you to make the right decision. Please oppose any budget that diverts School Aid Fund dollars away from Michigan's K-12 public schools. Michigan's students deserve better than to have their futures stolen.

Sincerely,

Michele A. Burley, Superintendent

(906) 786-5411

Next week is “Teacher Appreciation Week”. A week or so back, we had “Administrative Assistants’ Day”. On May 5, it will be “School Nurses Day”. A couple months ago, “Principal’s Week” was observed. Here in Escanaba, we have so many individuals that serve well over two thousand children each day.

When these special days appear on the calendar, it is a chance for us to reflect upon how lucky our students are, to have so many people on their side. Escanaba is fortunate to have staff members who care.

I have not posted on this blog in over a month, for a variety of reasons. However today I wanted to make a special effort to do so—to say THANK YOU to all of our staff members for their service. It would be easy for one to say: “Sorry, it’s not my job to do _____”, but time and time again, our staff members rise to the occasion to go beyond their job responsibilities in the best interest of our students. THANK YOU!

During the 2009-2010 school year, along with getting a new superintendent (Me!), our central office staff has undergone some significant changes. In December, we learned that longtime business manager, Tom Sabor, had been selected as the new Vice-President for Financial Affairs at Bay College. We began the process to figure out how we would replace him, and after considering many options, the Board of Education approved a plan to share services with Gladstone Area Public Schools--a decision that would increase efficiencies, save money, while also increasing proficiencies in both business offices by including "cross-training" opportunities.

Mike Macfarlane, is now the "Director of Business Services" for both school districts and will oversee both business offices. Each district has in place an accountant, who will handle detail work, specific to each district. For Escanaba, that person is now Jessica Erickson. She will do quite a bit of what Tom Sabor used to do, but will be overseen by Mike. Katie Kenneally, who has been doing payroll for Gladstone, will also do payroll for Escanaba. Ruth Madlinski, who has done accounts payable/receivable for Escanaba, will also do some work for Gladstone. Cathy Olson, who has done benefits administration for Escanaba, will also do work for Gladstone. The idea is to not only streamline the work, but to help and learn from each other.

So, we have new people, new roles, and with that we also have new learning. We will continue to work together and to have conversations to continuously improve this model.

It is actually "settling in"--the thought that Escanaba will have a beautifully renovated high school, along with upgrades to Lemmer, Webster, and Soo Hill, and even to some extent the bus garage! It is exciting to also know that a big piece of this endeavor will be in the area of energy (as "green" as we can be...) science, and technology.

In my former positions downstate, I did a bit of grant writing, and I know that it is time-consuming, yet it can be a beneficial way to supplement projects that you already have on your plate. Due to the fact that our District spent considerable time doing a data review for strategic planning back in August 2009, with a vision for Escanaba's future; AND now that we have funds to do things in the areas of technology, science, and energy, I believe we are in a great position to explore grant opportunities.

I will be working with our staff to consider this possibility. If for instance, we will have funds to put in certain kinds of technology, we might explore the possibility to write a grant to help pay for supplemental resources and training to help to enrich the renovation project even further. Another example might be, if we are going to replace windows that help maximize light for learning, and to save heating costs, perhaps we might write a grant to help supplement instruction we provide to students in the area of "green energy" with hands-on learning experiences. Many grants are designed to help boost an innovative project or idea. Given the reconfiguration of our schools, coupled with a 21.6 million dollar renovation project, I would think we are ripe for grant-funded enhancements.

To the Citizens of Escanaba:

On behalf of the Escanaba Area Board of Education, I would like to thank the citizens of the Escanaba Area Public School District for their support of the 21.6 million dollar bond proposal that will benefit each student in our school system. As a result of the renovations, we will be able to significantly improve student safety and security; implement energy efficiencies, upgrade instructional technology, modernize our science labs, and in short, provide a quality educational environment! Your support not only is a boost for our schools, it also positions the community of Escanaba to be increasingly attractive for business and living.

The Escanaba Area Public School District also appreciates the passion and persistence of the Concerned Citizens for Public Education, a local group of people who were incredibly involved and instrumental in promoting and passing this proposal. Cathy Wilson and Jim Hansen co-chaired a dedicated team of people, and we appreciate not only their leadership, but also the work all of the volunteers put forth to benefit our students.

The District is pursuing the next steps to get this project underway. During the next two weeks, more intricate planning and designing will take place. I will work with our consultants and bond attorney to ensure that Escanaba follows the correct protocols to get the financial process started. Timelines and deadlines will be established, so that the actual work can start soon. We expect this work to get underway within the next couple of months, and continue throughout the summer, with some projects completed prior to school beginning for the 2010-2011 school year. Work will then continue throughout the next 2 1/2 years.

Your legacy in passing this proposal will be the beautifully renovated, energy efficient, safe, and engaging educational facilities for our students! Thank you again, citizens of Escanaba!

Sincerely,

Michele Burley, Superintendent

On February 23, citizens of the Escanaba School District decide whether or not to approve a 21.6 million dollar bond proposal. For some people who are following my blog, I want to review some of the facts in this post.

§The 21.6 million dollar bond proposal addresses the district’s needs by significantly improving safety/security, energy, and technology. The bulk of this project focuses on the high school at 17.4 million dollars, with the remainder focusing on Lemmer, Webster, and Soo Hill elementary schools. The bus garage will also see $91,000 of improvements.

§We can achieve $50,000-$75,000 of savings in annual energy costs at the high school alone by improving roofs, windows, insulation, lighting, and by installing temperature controls. Similar upgrades at Lemmer, Soo Hill, and Webster will add to these savings. Savings can then be re-directed toward student programming.

§Redesigned entrances and site improvements will improve safety at the high school and Lemmer by streamlining parking and bus/parent drop off areas, while offices will be positioned to ensure increase security and but yet be welcoming for parents and visitors. A multi-purpose space will be added at the high school not only for underclassman’s closed campus lunch, but also for curricular/extra-curricular functions in the areas of fine arts, athletics,and student activities. Two classrooms will be added near “A-wing” to improve traffic patterns, and to increase learning options for the youngest students in that building.

§Modernized science labs and new technology infrastructure as well as equipment will benefit all students as we equip them to be 21st century learners. The auditorium is slated for new seating, acoustic, and equipment upgrades.

§The millage that will be levied over 20 years is 2.17. Currently Escanaba Public Schools levies 2.76, and that debt will be retired in 10 years. Compared to the other school districts in our county, Escanaba still is very low. Three other Delta County districts currently levy 7, 8.1, and 8. 56 respectively.

§Tax credits available to individuals and families offer increased affordability for this proposal. The increased cost for a family in the City of Escanaba, living in a house with a market value of $100,000 will be $33 per year. Many will pay less, and senior citizens may pay nothing because they may qualify for Michigan’s “Homestead Exemption.” Citizens can click on the “tax calculator” at www.escanabaschool.com/bond to see how the proposal affects their personal situation.

Last week I blogged a bit about Escanaba's stellar art program, and today is the day for a "shout out" about our music department!

This past Saturday, Feb 6, over 700 orchestral musicians, grades 7-12 performed in the MSBOA District Solo & Ensemble Festival. Escanaba hosted this event that brought in hundreds of parents and other visitors to our high school and community. I walked through the high school on Saturday morning, and witnessed first hand "organized chaos"--students rushing from practice rooms to performance rooms, with instruments such as violins, flutes, and an occasional flurry of sheet music in hand, then greeted by Escanaba volunteers stationed outside the doors. Over one hundred (100) students from Escanaba performed. Next weekend the high school vocal department will will have their solo ensemble. Many thanks to not only our music staff members who volunteered their time, but also I'd like to extend thanks to other parent and staff helpers. The community of "service and giving" makes Escanaba Area Public Schools a very special place.

Also, sixteen (16) of our High School Chorale members were selected for membership in the Michigan Youth Arts Festival State Honors Choir. We were the only school in the UP to have 16 students selected, and I am told that we may be one of the only schools in the state to have 16 students in this elite group.

Our 8th grade bands will be traveling to Marquette on March 4, 2010 to perform for a panel of judges as part of the MSBOA District Band & Orchestra festival, the High School chorus and Choir will also be attending festival on March 5th.

Music programs in the Escanaba Area Public Schools--another top-notch opportunity for students in our school system!

Today I learned about some fantastic things going on within our art department, and I just HAD to share this on my blog. Mr. Scott Dykema, one of our art instructors, passed on the following information to me today:
From Mr. Dykema:

"I wanted to keep you up to date on what we are doing in the Escanaba Art department. We usually do not do much at the beginning of the year because we are in the process of building our art collection. One thing that I do in the Middle School is put all students artwork into an online portfolio or gallery which is on a web site called Artsonia. This is the largest collection of student artwork in the world. We have over 2,000 pieces of art on this site and are rated top 10 in the state. We are scored on how many pieces of artwork, fan club members (like friends on Facebook), comments, and funds. Anyone of our students who are signed up can buy items with their artwork on them. The Middle School Art Department gets 15% of that money. I like this site because it gets the parents and students involved in art. This is the first year I have tried to get all of the students in the Middle School. So far so good. You can click HERE: Escanaba on Artsonia to see our school's site.

The big event at this time of the year is the Bonifas Center's Youth in Arts Exhibit. This is where schools in the area select their best art from their students and display them in the Bonifas gallery. The reception for K-5 is February 18 from 6-7 p.m. And the reception for 6-12 is February 25 from 6-7 p.m. Awards will be given out at this time. There is also drinks and cake. I will be at the February 25th reception. Usually the Escanaba Middle School gets a good turn out in awards.

The other big event starting March 15th - April 19th is the 8th annual Monster Art Show. This is at the Delta Plaza Mall. What the Art teachers (1st - 12th) try to do is get a sample of artwork from every student in the district that has an art class and put them on display at the mall. We usually get about 1,400 pieces of art. I am pretty sure that this is the biggest art exhibit in the UP and most likely the State of Michigan. About 8 years ago the art teachers decided to start this mall exhibit. We decided to do this because we wanted everyone to have a chance to display their art, not just the "best" art projects. It has taken me about 8 years to get enough funding for over 100 display panels. This year we should have the biggest show ever."

Final comments from Ms. Burley:

If you are in the Escanaba area during these events, I encourage you to try to attend! What an honor for our students to be able to showcase their artwork! Thanks to Mr. Dykema for sharing this information!

Have you heard the term "digital natives?" It is a term used to describe the students who are sitting in our classrooms today. They are "native" to technology, as they most likely have seen and used computers, cell phones, i-pods, digital cameras, and more. People my age, who grew up remembering the exciting day when a parent came home with a COLOR t.v. as opposed to the black and white model; and who also remember when the rotary phone was replaced with a push-button model, and then a CORDLESS one---well we have been described as "digital immigrants." We have had to change how we operate, communicate to respond to new technologies...and for us, like an immigrant in a new world--it hasn't always been easy.

Students in Escanaba have had some great technology solutions available to them. We have computer labs in each building. We use software such as Accelerated Reader, and Compass Learning to target instruction and to measure student progress like never before. However, it is not enough.
Technology can leverage learning in ways not achievable with typical paper/pencil exercises. It can engage students to think more creatively and critically. It can open up "regional thinking" to "global thinking".
In order to do this, we need to plan on how we'll immerse students into project-based learning that is based on real-world situations and problems, and give them the resources to investigate and analyze information, and the means to collaborate and communicate with others about their learning.
What will the classroom of tomorrow look like?
The next Escanaba Public School Board meeting will feature a report on technology in Escanaba, and where we hope to move. (February 15, 2010 at 6:00 p.m.)
How soon can "the classroom of tomorrow" happen?
I hope it can happen as soon as possible, because our students will benefit.

It amazes me that six months ago, I began my first superintendency in Escanaba. Collecting data and launching the district strategic plan took much of July and August. Throughout that process, we discussed Escanaba's vision for the future, with one of the four goals being: "Improve student achievement at all levels to exceed state and national standards." In discussions with groups since then, I've mentioned that my personal vision would be for people who encounter our graduates to exclaim, "Well you MUST be from Escanaba!" Our students would naturally outperform the norm, due to their incredible K-12 educational experience.

Part of how we determine if our students are indeed "outperforming" the typical, is to understand what standards of learning we expect our students to master. The curriculum is the "meat" of the educational sandwich. Without it, it is just garnish and bread. I expect our principals to lead their teaching staff to ensure the curriculum for each course is sound, that it is aligned to state expectations, but also that its delivery and assessment is consistent across courses, grade spans, and schools. The standards for what is taught and expectations for what is learned in each 4th grade classroom, for example, need to be common. HOW teachers deliver the curriculum, and adjusted to meet the needs of the different learning styles of their students may vary--but the end result should be that students learned what we intended them to learn. Algebra I with Teacher A should be consistent with Teacher B, and so on. The content should build from one grade level to the next, and not simply be a "repeat" of the previous grade. This is "vertical alignment."

Strategies to make this happen start with good discussions that end up with common understandings about what the learning expectations are for the content. It may include pacing guides (a roadmap for when things are taught), coupled with suggestions of what vocabulary, concepts, and skills need to be stressed, along with resources that give students a similar presentation. This all happens on the teacher end of things. I also am strongly in favor of letting students and parents know exactly what it is we expect kids to learn by the end of a course or school year. As the year moves on, let's allow students to know where they are in their learning, so that they know what else they have yet to accomplish. Finally, let's celebrate when indeed they master the content and demonstrate that they have learned.

It sounds simple, doesn't it? I haven't talked "curriculum" in about 5 months, due to the all-consuming work of dealing with school funding, but I wanted to do so today. it is the core of what we do. It is our business. I am hoping we can keep this idea in front of us as we move into the years ahead. Let's fully equip our students with the gift of a foundation of knowledge and skills to launch them into a successful future.

Last night, the Escanaba Area Public Schools' Board of Education voted to approve sharing business services with Gladstone Area Public Schools. This plan calls for sharing a "Director of Business Services" to oversee both district business offices; adding an accountant for Escanaba, and one for Gladstone, then sharing other business office services. This plan will allow for more cross-training, increased efficiencies, as well as some cost savings. This is the direction that the Michigan Department of Education is urging districts to consider. Both districts believe that it is far better to be proactive now, than to have the State of Michigan impose this upon us later. We will be able to customize the plan so it is a "win-win" for both districts. This opens the door to future possibilities. It is not "business as usual"--rather it is "business ramped up." We will have discussions with Gladstone, as well as other districts in regard to other partnerships as we move into the months and years ahead.

Our technology director created a page for the district on our Web site so that we can post "the latest and the greatest" about the reconfiguration project for next year. Right now, the site consists of the Frequently Asked Questions I posted yesterday...but it is a work in progress, and another way we will try to keep our parents and community informed. Have a great weekend!
Here's the new site:
http://www.escanabaschool.com/reconfiguration/

I created a "frequently asked questions" document about the reconfiguration project a couple of months ago--then forgot to post it! I'm going to share this document as a "download" in this blog post. Please know however, that this is a work in progress. Our district teams are having many conversations about how we will best implement this change for next year. It is also important to know that we will reconfigure our schools regardless if the Bond Proposal passes or not. The proposed renovation project, paid for out of bond funds, will enhance and support the schools' new configuration. More to come!

Have you heard about the federal program, "Race to the Top?" This is a program designed to reform education in such a way to support and actually turn around low performing schools. Michigan is one of 50 states applying for some of the 4.35 billion dollars that the government is making available. To be eligible for the funds, Michigan had to complete a detailed application describing our state's project. School districts were given an opportunity (voluntary) to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, in cooperation with their teachers' union, to agree to abide by all the pieces of Michigan's application. In exchange, districts would then be allocated an amount of money.

Michigan's application was not available to districts for review until Friday night, January 8, 2010--after the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) original deadline to sign this agreement. Late last week, districts received ANOTHER notice, saying that MDE would accept an "Intent to Sign" notice, giving the districts a chance to more thoroughly review Michigan's application over the weekend, and THEN sign the agreement, prior to the close of the business day on Tuesday, January 12.

Escanaba's Board of Education reviewed the FACTS regarding Race to the Top, and considered the District's attorney's guidance (who did not give a green light, simply because of the lack of real, factual information.) The Board decided that in the best interest of the students they serve, to NOT sign this agreement, because of the lack of information, as well as the hazy implications about a plan for which all the bugs have not been worked out.

Escanaba IS reforming! Academic achievement is on the move--with a new strategic plan that has as its #1 goal for students to EXCEED state and national standards. Our buildings will reconfigure next year, with one of the main reasons being: to give students more opportunities to advance! Further, we have studied our facilities, and the Board has called for a bond proposal--one that will not only save the district in energy costs, but one that will increase safety, as well as help to equip students with technology tools. Escanaba HAS a plan to reform and to re-invent....one put together collaboratively with parents, community members, and staff.

Plans that WORK are well-planned. The Escanaba team studied data, analyzed it, debated about it, collaboratively considered where it is our district should "go", and considered steps as to how the plan should be implemented. The process used took 5 months, and allowed for "buy in", feedback, and tweaks from our stakeholders before the Board adopted the plan in November 2009.

In contrast, districts were given some preliminary information in December 2009 about Race to the Top, and the plan itself was not available until the evening of January 8, 2010, with a January 12, 2010 last-ditch-effort-to-sign deadline (with still unanswered questions regarding "how it would all work"). It seems like "Race to Get It Done", rather "Race to the Top."

The spirit of Race to the Top is a mighty one. However, it is my opinion as Superintendent, that Districts be afforded the realistic and necessary opportunity to "Study, analyze, THEN Act!"