From
August 2009 School Days
Much of the news schools receive these days is negative. The
state of Michigan anticipates significant additional reductions
in revenues by the 2010-2011 school year. The projected loss of
$500-$800 per pupil means between 4 and 6 million dollars less
for our district than in the past year. These are permanent
reductions which are very discouraging for those of us who value
public education.
Still, as educators and school managers
we have an obligation to continue, and when possible, improve
programs for our students even in tough times. And two recent
events give Roseville Schools and our community good reason to
look to the future with some hope and optimism.
The first
source of good news is clearly the completion and opening of two
new elementary buildings, brought in on schedule and under
budget. These are the first completely new buildings constructed
in the district in nearly forty years and result from the
community support of the bond proposal in 2006.
Secondly, we are proud to report that our employee groups are
working with the district, trying to deal with the bleak
financial picture imposed by state reductions. This is vital
because staff salaries comprise 80 to 85 percent of a typical
school budget and it is critical for employees and
administrators to seek creative, cooperative solutions in times
of financial crisis.
As a first step, the Roseville
Federation of Teachers recently agreed to a two year salary
freeze and a salary step freeze of one year. Teachers supported
the agreement in a nearly unanimous vote. Their action is a
reflection of the professionalism that all Roseville school
employees routinely demonstrate. Non-union administrators have
agreed to the same freeze.
Additional discussions are
now underway in the hope that the remaining employee groups will
consider making a similar commitment. We are confident that they
will join us in making the tough decisions necessary as the
district works to keep its resources focused on our students.
As this new school year begins, there is much work to be
done and some hardship to endure, but there are also many people
and things to celebrate, thanks to a most welcome climate of
mutual respect and support. |
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KMENT CORNER'S ARCHIVES |
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From April 2009 School Days |
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Letter from the Superintendent - August 2008 |
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Letter from the Superintendent - May 2nd Bond
Proposal
Posted April 21, 2006
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Homeland Security in Our Schools
March 24, 2003 |
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