Thursday, December 17, 2009
$2 million
You wanted to borrow two million dollars to do what? Put aluminum frame windows in several school buildings and install equipment that would increase the internet speed at most of the schools.
And this was a good idea because why? We were told by an engineering firm that if we borrowed the money today against our future collections of taxes we could turn around and lend it at a higher rate under a state program and earn the interest on the unspent funds until we used them thus earning money for the district.
The proposal sounded good and similar programs have been and are being adopted by other districts around the state. It also assured that the engineering company proposing the arrangement got the work. As a bonus, the fees were covered by the interest earned.
The plan carried with it the enticement of getting the work done NOW while the cash flow from taxes came in over a several year period. What the proposal did not include was a close look at the payout on the investment in the project. Which turned out to be several decades. Not a good use of funds. Not respectful of the taxpayer’s dollars. We declined.
What we did do with your money is use it for projects and equipment with shorter-term payoffs and more direct student impact. Textbook replacement saw an expenditure of $260,000 over the past two years. Technology and classroom equipment was $250,000. Paving upgrades at several buildings cost $126,000. Roof repairs an additional $66,000.
Maintaining your existing facilities in a safe and secure fashion has been high on the list of priorities. Toward that end we have invested $115,000 in security consisting of replacement or installation of locks on all interior doors and installation of additional security cameras at both the middle and high school.
The lock projects were required under government regulations that demand all interior doors be able to be locked from within. The cameras have served to reduce undesirable behavior in hallways and cafeterias and freed up staff time for more productive activity. It’s a sad commentary on our society that it takes the possibility of being watched to quell unacceptable behavior.
Over the past two years we have continued the practice of replacing one bus one year and two the next to keep our fleet in good operating condition. The state help in this expense is now zero. Regular buses cost $80,000, not to mention the extra costs incurred with the purchase of handicap accessible vehicles of which we have three.
Classroom furniture was a small item at just under $6,000 but custodial maintenance and transportation equipment saw an investment of nearly $36,000.
Window repairs needed at Washington School in particular were addressed by hiring local craftsmen to address many years of use and neglect rather than discard them and replace them with much smaller aluminum frame windows as suggested by the engineers. The net result is windows that again function as designed and the cost of $21,000 is a far cry from the estimated $300,000 for the replacements.
Not every dollar of your money finds its way into classrooms. County employees responsible for assisting the transaction between taxpayers and schools must be paid for their services. The fees associated with calculating and collecting the money added up to $54,000 over the past two years.
The funds from the permanent improvement levy granted nearly three years ago are being invested as promised. The present balance in the Permanent Improvement fund is $1,297,163.20. We will be studying further required security measures to assure student’s continued safety.
Posted by Jack Moberg at 7:24 AM 0 comments
Thanksgiving
Your schools serve a broad spectrum of students with a wide range of talents and needs. Last Tuesday showed me a contrast of some of the variety of services provided.
The first stop was at a breakfast celebration for two Commended Scholars at Marietta High School; Blair Gunovich and Ryan Bober.
Each year we have a number of students whose ACT test scores put them among the top high school scholars in the country as recognized by the National Merit Scholarship Foundation Organization. Marietta has quite a long list of those who have achieved such honors while in our schools. They have gone on to careers ranging from orchestra conductor to international banker to archeological experts in foreign lands and many other adventures, many beyond my understanding.
Principal Lee spoke briefly at the gathering thanking the parents in attendance for their support of the students. He pointed out that educators know that the one solid and predictable factor in student success is parental involvement. Of course that parental word can take many meanings in today’s world but it is generally an adult who takes a particular helping and supportive interest in a student’s success in school.
Also in attendance were many teachers who had played a role in these student’s careers thus far. They were proud. Smiling. Knowing that the part they played, however small, would carry on throughout these student’s lives and serve long into the future. They had earned their broad smiles.
The next stop was a late morning meal of turkey, dressing, mashed potatoes, sweet potatoes and a table of desserts that begged to be sampled. All of this home made. By students. Though one might reasonably suspect just a bit of parental help on a dish or two. This too brought many smiles to the faces of those in attendance. Some for having provided the feast, and the rest of us for having enjoyed it.
This was the annual Thanksgiving Feast served up by the members of the OWE class. These are students in the Occupational Work Experience class headed by Mr. Koons. Many of these students are self-supporting job holders employed in local businesses while at the same time attending classes at MHS. Some are helping support their families, and a few have begun families of their own. There were some in attendance far too young to register even for Kindergarten.
Here too were smiles. Here too were proud parents and grandparents. And here too were teachers and administrators who have played a part in making these student’s dreams come true and laying the groundwork for a productive future.
But for this program, many of these students would no longer be in school owing to far too many circumstances beyond their control. But for the many adult influencers supporting this program it would not exist and life would take on a different direction for many of these students.
These are but two brief pictures of programs serving local students. There are far more covering a much wider range of student services. We are fortunate to live in a community that cares so much and provides so much that it is possible for many to get what they require to carry them on to a successful adult career. There are many dedicated students, teachers, volunteers, parents and family members who daily provide the support needed to help young people reach their goals.
This being the time of year set aside for such things, we should give thanks for what we have to those who make it possible. We are fortunate indeed. Happy Thanksgiving.
Posted by Jack Moberg at 7:23 AM 0 comments
Financial Chicanery
An educator named Robbi Shranz of Waupun, Wisconsin wrote a letter to the editor of USA Today that ran in Thursday’s edition. He pointed out the irony between two previous articles. One cited the soaring pay for college coaches and the other focused on fundraisers for education overall. One story told of a middle school principal selling grades to raise money for the school.
She said, “Being in education for nearly 30 years, I’m certainly not endorsing selling grades, but I understand the dilemma that we in education face daily about having enough money to educate our students.”
She then goes on to ask the questions much asked in many ways. “When was the last time you saw a Wall Street worker having a bake sale to raise money or a Bank of America employee selling candy bars to help out customers?” She points out that our government has given billions to financial institutions while educators spend hours to raise but a few hundred dollars.
I read this article on the heels of a discussion with our treasurer, Mr. Combs, about various lines of figures contained in the current five year forecast. The two concepts were not suited to be in one mind at the same time.
Admittedly the forecast is just that, a forecast. Not a budget. As such there are many assumptions built in to it that are based on past experience and observations about future events. Some might call it guessing or betting and perhaps justifiably so. But it is a requirement of the state that such a forecast be generated twice each year.
The much talked of monies coming from federal sources the past year have been a considerable help. We were able to pick up the salaries of six employees and ease demands on our general fund. However, when those funds dry up those dollars must come again from the general fund. So it really was just a temporary respite and a shuffling of money. Out of pot A, into pot B. And back. Financial chicanery enabled and encouraged by the government.
Then there is the cutback in state level funding to education necessitated by current economic conditions. We are expected to receive federal replacement funds of $521,000 in fiscal year 2010 and then $761,000 in fiscal year 2011. The assumption made is that by 2013 the state will be sufficiently healthy that those federal funds could disappear and the full measure of state funding will return. Anyone willing to take that bet?
One of the known future events is the expiration of current union contracts this coming June. The unknown factor is the costs of any negotiated raises. For each negotiated 1% raise in wages, the cost to the system is about $155,000. There are medical insurance costs which are always on the upswing and the best one can do is look at claims experiences and national trends and hope to come close in the estimate.
One of the finer pieces of guesswork has to do with the earnings on money collected and held until spent over the year. If you pay your property taxes in one lump sum, the district receives the income and can bank the unspent portion until needed. The interest on those funds makes a difference in the overall picture. That is strictly a guessed at number based on past experience.
Finally, if you are interested in seeing the entire forecast and the assumptions that lie behind the numbers you can go to http://www.mariettacityschools.k12.oh.us/assets/5yearreport.pdf and examine these for yourself. Have a look at where your money goes. Bake sale anyone?
Posted by Jack Moberg at 7:22 AM 0 comments
Oh, My Gawd.
Oh-my-gawd! With those words uttered by a band member a tear came to my eye. It still comes when I tell the story.
It was a lovely day in Miami some years ago. Our band was to march in the Orange Bowl parade and my bride and I had arrived ahead of the buses carrying the band. Upon arrival Mr. Kimball marshaled the parents who had arrived early to assist an orderly check-in at the hotel.
The hotel featured a tropical atrium area with lots of water and palm trees growing many stories up toward the glass ceiling 10 plus floors above. Quite a sight to behold by someone who had never ventured far from Marietta.
I was assigned to hold a door open as the students filed in. My door was the second one they passed through. Mine opened onto the atrium area. Many were stunned by the scene that lay before them. One of them exclaimed, “Oh-my-gawd” as she walked by me and saw what lay ahead. Her life had just changed.
I realized that for some of these students this was their first visit to a far off place. For some it was only the second time they had been in a hotel away from home. And for some it would be perhaps one of the only times in their lives that such wonders would play out before them except on TV and in movies. And then the tear came.
There is a reason for band. For choir. For all of the sports and other extra-curricular activities of our schools. They add experience. They build character. They provide for friendships and leadership opportunities. They show students a world beyond what they know at home. For some, they open a world of wonder that gets them to thinking about possibilities beyond the small or large screens.
Even books cannot truly give the meaning and feeling of actually competing, traveling, participating, developing a leadership skill. And even the best teachers will, when possible, augment the classroom with travel and experiences.
So what’s the point? Why have I drug you through this story and keep adding to it? It’s just this.
Try as we may, we have been unsuccessful at getting any parent or other community member to show up for an algebra test. Or a chemistry lab. Or a Spanish class. They just don’t seem to want to do it.
But you put 30 or 40 kids on a football field and you will have an audience. You march 100 or 200 kids on that field and you will have an audience. You send a thundering herd of kids off over hill and dale running cross country and you will have an audience.
Even crew where the hours of cold rainy bleak weather are punctuated with but a few moments of frantic cheering draws an amazing number of people willing to endure personal discomfort for those moments. There’s a crowd.
For many people the only face of schools they see is our sports or band or choir or other extra-curricular program. Schools are judged by those events. There is passion in those activities that algebra just does not generate. And there are life lessons for the students that no math formula can teach.
Therein lies the reason we must work just as hard at having viable programs to offer as we do at having successful academic offerings. For some students these programs will begin a lifelong adventure, perhaps a career. For others the programs will be their best memories of their academic years. We must do it well.
Posted by Jack Moberg at 7:21 AM 0 comments
Oh, My Gawd.
Oh-my-gawd! With those words uttered by a band member a tear came to my eye. It still comes when I tell the story.
It was a lovely day in Miami some years ago. Our band was to march in the Orange Bowl parade and my bride and I had arrived ahead of the buses carrying the band. Upon arrival Mr. Kimball marshaled the parents who had arrived early to assist an orderly check-in at the hotel.
The hotel featured a tropical atrium area with lots of water and palm trees growing many stories up toward the glass ceiling 10 plus floors above. Quite a sight to behold by someone who had never ventured far from Marietta.
I was assigned to hold a door open as the students filed in. My door was the second one they passed through. Mine opened onto the atrium area. Many were stunned by the scene that lay before them. One of them exclaimed, “Oh-my-gawd” as she walked by me and saw what lay ahead. Her life had just changed.
I realized that for some of these students this was their first visit to a far off place. For some it was only the second time they had been in a hotel away from home. And for some it would be perhaps one of the only times in their lives that such wonders would play out before them except on TV and in movies. And then the tear came.
There is a reason for band. For choir. For all of the sports and other extra-curricular activities of our schools. They add experience. They build character. They provide for friendships and leadership opportunities. They show students a world beyond what they know at home. For some, they open a world of wonder that gets them to thinking about possibilities beyond the small or large screens.
Even books cannot truly give the meaning and feeling of actually competing, traveling, participating, developing a leadership skill. And even the best teachers will, when possible, augment the classroom with travel and experiences.
So what’s the point? Why have I drug you through this story and keep adding to it? It’s just this.
Try as we may, we have been unsuccessful at getting any parent or other community member to show up for an algebra test. Or a chemistry lab. Or a Spanish class. They just don’t seem to want to do it.
But you put 30 or 40 kids on a football field and you will have an audience. You march 100 or 200 kids on that field and you will have an audience. You send a thundering herd of kids off over hill and dale running cross country and you will have an audience.
Even crew where the hours of cold rainy bleak weather are punctuated with but a few moments of frantic cheering draws an amazing number of people willing to endure personal discomfort for those moments. There’s a crowd.
For many people the only face of schools they see is our sports or band or choir or other extra-curricular program. Schools are judged by those events. There is passion in those activities that algebra just does not generate. And there are life lessons for the students that no math formula can teach.
Therein lies the reason we must work just as hard at having viable programs to offer as we do at having successful academic offerings. For some students these programs will begin a lifelong adventure, perhaps a career. For others the programs will be their best memories of their academic years. We must do it well.
Posted by Jack Moberg at 7:21 AM 0 comments
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Friday, November 13, 2009
Future Uncertain
The Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA) provides many services to boards across the state. The highest profile is the annual conference in Columbus. Held at the Columbus Convention Center, it features a trade show for school service vendors and a series of breakout presentations on a wide range of school related subjects.
A quick overview of some subjects available this year include Transitioning the multiply disabled to adulthood; Infectious disease control and prevention; Making tough decisions in a recession; Electricity purchasing workshop; Labor law tips all administrators should know; A district wide intervention program; Legal implications of social technology and School funding reform-Will it ever happen. There were literally dozens of other topics offered covering issues of concern for schools.
Studying the map of the trade show and reflecting on the empty spaces I calculate there were at least 1,500 vendors. Of those it seemed there were dozens of architect and or engineering firms and at least as many project management firms all vying for attention and business. Attention getting handouts ranged from pens and bag clips to assorted candies plus popcorn, backpacks and other gewgaws.
One conversation I had with an architect yielded the fact that in Ohio, the main areas of productive activity that he saw were school building projects and churches. He further observed that church building was lagging behind as available funds are dwindling. He also pointed out that when the tobacco settlement funding for schools runs out that area will revert to only funds from the state budget which are limited at best and questionable going forward. Not a cheery overview.
No one seems able to provide a precise answer to the question of when our district’s opportunity to take advantage of the tobacco funds actually expires. As usual, there seems to be a bit of double talk and politics involved at the state level on this subject. It may be clear to someone but it is certainly not clear to me.
As you know we had lost our older state funding participation rate of 39% and were reduced to 28%. We were re-instated to receive the higher level of state funding but we will lose that again if we do not take advantage of it within a 24 month window. It is still unclear to me when that window closes. It is further uncertain when the tobacco money actually runs out. That will depend of course on how many districts take advantage of it before we step up, if we do.
The other activity that takes place at these conferences is networking with board members from other districts. Their experiences often prove of value in making decisions locally.
You may be interested in two conversations I had. One with a lady from a district that some years ago failed to pass a bond issue for new buildings four times. They dug in and are living with their old buildings, the newest of which dates to the 1950s. The oldest of which was built in 1870. They are on a continuous cycle of seeking operating funds to maintain and operate those buildings. They have spent a lot of money doing what they can to have the buildings accommodate today’s needs.
The other was with a treasurer whose bond issue also failed recently and they, like us, are totally uncertain as to how to proceed. The needs have not changed but the possibilities and choices are now more limited.
The question I am asked most frequently locally is what comes next. The answer for me at the moment is, I do not yet know.
A quick overview of some subjects available this year include Transitioning the multiply disabled to adulthood; Infectious disease control and prevention; Making tough decisions in a recession; Electricity purchasing workshop; Labor law tips all administrators should know; A district wide intervention program; Legal implications of social technology and School funding reform-Will it ever happen. There were literally dozens of other topics offered covering issues of concern for schools.
Studying the map of the trade show and reflecting on the empty spaces I calculate there were at least 1,500 vendors. Of those it seemed there were dozens of architect and or engineering firms and at least as many project management firms all vying for attention and business. Attention getting handouts ranged from pens and bag clips to assorted candies plus popcorn, backpacks and other gewgaws.
One conversation I had with an architect yielded the fact that in Ohio, the main areas of productive activity that he saw were school building projects and churches. He further observed that church building was lagging behind as available funds are dwindling. He also pointed out that when the tobacco settlement funding for schools runs out that area will revert to only funds from the state budget which are limited at best and questionable going forward. Not a cheery overview.
No one seems able to provide a precise answer to the question of when our district’s opportunity to take advantage of the tobacco funds actually expires. As usual, there seems to be a bit of double talk and politics involved at the state level on this subject. It may be clear to someone but it is certainly not clear to me.
As you know we had lost our older state funding participation rate of 39% and were reduced to 28%. We were re-instated to receive the higher level of state funding but we will lose that again if we do not take advantage of it within a 24 month window. It is still unclear to me when that window closes. It is further uncertain when the tobacco money actually runs out. That will depend of course on how many districts take advantage of it before we step up, if we do.
The other activity that takes place at these conferences is networking with board members from other districts. Their experiences often prove of value in making decisions locally.
You may be interested in two conversations I had. One with a lady from a district that some years ago failed to pass a bond issue for new buildings four times. They dug in and are living with their old buildings, the newest of which dates to the 1950s. The oldest of which was built in 1870. They are on a continuous cycle of seeking operating funds to maintain and operate those buildings. They have spent a lot of money doing what they can to have the buildings accommodate today’s needs.
The other was with a treasurer whose bond issue also failed recently and they, like us, are totally uncertain as to how to proceed. The needs have not changed but the possibilities and choices are now more limited.
The question I am asked most frequently locally is what comes next. The answer for me at the moment is, I do not yet know.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Thank You And Imagine.
Imagine the Marietta area without Interstate Route 77. Think of the lack of commerce. Ponder driving to Cleveland on Route 821. To get to Florida you have to go somewhere else to start.
When I came to Marietta a generation and a half ago it was hard to live a day without hearing about S. Durward Hoag and his wonderful accomplishment; getting Route 77 to come through Marietta. Original plans called for it to be near Athens. His tireless work let fortune smile on Marietta.
Thank you Mr. Hoag for your vision and effort. Hope and promise arrived on this new highway.
Time to say thank you to a few more folks who worked for our future. There is an email list of nearly 50 names of people directly associated with the School Bond Committee. None of them seek nor would be happy with any public thank you. Their efforts have been yeoman like for many months.
More thanks to the many folks whose names are not on that list but helped in so many ways to deliver the message of what our future can be with new facilities. People who distributed yard signs, door hangers, information brochures, Journey Maps. People who put signs in their yards, talked to neighbors, asked questions and got answers. TV endorsers, ad writers, producers. Cash contributors to the campaign. An endless list.
Thanks to the local craftsmen who helped in many ways with the effort to get the message out. Even more thanks for their favorable Project Labor Agreement that would save us countless dollars as the work proceeded. A minimum of 80% of the workers would be local folks who would pump those income dollars back into the economy generating our own local job stimulus program. And brought $31 million of our own money back from Columbus.
Thanks to many individuals who put talent and time into generating the Journey Map that examines our district today in great detail and lays out a map to take us to the future our community deserves. Never has there been a more comprehensive vision for education in Marietta.
Three years ago your board was looking at a familiar picture. A 5 year forecast that showed us running out of money in 3 years. We were on the cycle of frustration caused by the unconstitutional funding of education in Ohio. That hasn’t changed.
That cycle stifles hope promise and vision for districts across Ohio. It locks us into perpetuating mediocrity and continually asking voters for more funds. Three years ago we would not have been eligible for the tobacco money. Those are the funds that would have been brought here as the state’s share of the project. They will soon disappear.
Nearly two years ago the dream of updated education facilities and a new Marietta future began to formulate. Today the voters have spoken. Not so fast was the message. Not now. Make do with what we have. And we will.
Marietta without Route 77 would not be what she is today. And the Marietta of tomorrow will not be nearly as prosperous without updating our educational facilities. At some point it will have to happen. Until then, we will continue to provide the best education opportunities in our existing facilities.
We are still stuck on the cycle of frustration with the sate funding formula. Buildings would not change that even with the projected savings. But they would help.
The only way to know what the public wants is to ask. Many thanks to those who gave us the opportunity to ask the voters what they want.
When I came to Marietta a generation and a half ago it was hard to live a day without hearing about S. Durward Hoag and his wonderful accomplishment; getting Route 77 to come through Marietta. Original plans called for it to be near Athens. His tireless work let fortune smile on Marietta.
Thank you Mr. Hoag for your vision and effort. Hope and promise arrived on this new highway.
Time to say thank you to a few more folks who worked for our future. There is an email list of nearly 50 names of people directly associated with the School Bond Committee. None of them seek nor would be happy with any public thank you. Their efforts have been yeoman like for many months.
More thanks to the many folks whose names are not on that list but helped in so many ways to deliver the message of what our future can be with new facilities. People who distributed yard signs, door hangers, information brochures, Journey Maps. People who put signs in their yards, talked to neighbors, asked questions and got answers. TV endorsers, ad writers, producers. Cash contributors to the campaign. An endless list.
Thanks to the local craftsmen who helped in many ways with the effort to get the message out. Even more thanks for their favorable Project Labor Agreement that would save us countless dollars as the work proceeded. A minimum of 80% of the workers would be local folks who would pump those income dollars back into the economy generating our own local job stimulus program. And brought $31 million of our own money back from Columbus.
Thanks to many individuals who put talent and time into generating the Journey Map that examines our district today in great detail and lays out a map to take us to the future our community deserves. Never has there been a more comprehensive vision for education in Marietta.
Three years ago your board was looking at a familiar picture. A 5 year forecast that showed us running out of money in 3 years. We were on the cycle of frustration caused by the unconstitutional funding of education in Ohio. That hasn’t changed.
That cycle stifles hope promise and vision for districts across Ohio. It locks us into perpetuating mediocrity and continually asking voters for more funds. Three years ago we would not have been eligible for the tobacco money. Those are the funds that would have been brought here as the state’s share of the project. They will soon disappear.
Nearly two years ago the dream of updated education facilities and a new Marietta future began to formulate. Today the voters have spoken. Not so fast was the message. Not now. Make do with what we have. And we will.
Marietta without Route 77 would not be what she is today. And the Marietta of tomorrow will not be nearly as prosperous without updating our educational facilities. At some point it will have to happen. Until then, we will continue to provide the best education opportunities in our existing facilities.
We are still stuck on the cycle of frustration with the sate funding formula. Buildings would not change that even with the projected savings. But they would help.
The only way to know what the public wants is to ask. Many thanks to those who gave us the opportunity to ask the voters what they want.
Warning. Finances Still A Disaster. Thank You Ohio.
Warning. You are about to enter the Twilight Zone of school finance. Do not read further without being seated. The road ahead is unpredictable.
You must sign a disclaimer stating you understand that schools are set up to go broke every three to five years. You must acknowledge that Ohio schools have been operating unconstitutionally for decades. You may now proceed through the door to the unknown. Fasten your seatbelt.
Last Monday’s board meeting saw the presentation of the new 5 year financial projection. Mr. Combs received the latest state funding formula a few days before and began assembling the numbers as directed by the state.
Gone was money for buses. We’re on our own. Changed was the state funding “guarantee” formula. We lost nearly $100,000. A “gifted identification” formula was changed. We lost another $10,000.
State personal property taxes were eliminated but the state was to make up our share. That solemn promise is reduced by 47% within this forecast period. A loss of $438,000. Property tax income will be reduced by $364,000. Thank you very much. Was that Elvis we just saw?
The current Permanent Improvement levy will expire. The current Operating levy will also expire during the period. The assumption is that voters will replace both. But who knows? Together they constitute several million dollars essential to our survival on this journey to the future.
On the expense side is a zero increase in wages for the coming year and a modest increase over the period. An 18% increase in health costs for this year followed by 12% increases the remaining years is in line with national statistics. Unless---well, who knows what’s behind the health care cost door?
Open enrollment is a $750,000 annual cost. Community School costs are $300,000. Alternative School costs $80,000. Add to that Washington County Juvenile Center tuition of $50,000. PSEO costs an additional $50,000. The total expense is over a million dollars to educate students out of our district. Oh, yes, then there is a reduction in federal reimbursement for special programming of $80,000.
The reduction in bus fuel expense is a result of lower costs from the previous projection, but that too could change dramatically as we have seen. There is an increase in staffing costs. Some federal funds completely disappear and those costs must be absorbed by the General Fund.
Federal dollars touted as gifts are as formless as the ghosts of Christmas past when they expire. Financial chicanery on a grand scale committed by experts. More Ponzi schemes anyone? Government plays them best. And it’s legal when they play. And they play with your money.
The point of previewing this journey you are taking is to tell you that in spite of the work done during the past two years attempting to bring new facilities to the district, the overall funding picture is still bleak. As it has been for decades in Ohio. Remember, you were warned that school funding is designed to go broke every 3 to 5 years. Which is why a constant stream of new funds from the voters is required just to keep operating.
New facilities will bring some operational savings but we are 3 years away from seeing those buildings and yet further away from realizing the savings. The only part of this journey you get to control is your votes next Tuesday and in coming years. Will we take this journey in new buildings or old? Will we pour more money into old facilities or leap into the future? Either way, the choice is yours. You get to decide. Enjoy the ride.
You must sign a disclaimer stating you understand that schools are set up to go broke every three to five years. You must acknowledge that Ohio schools have been operating unconstitutionally for decades. You may now proceed through the door to the unknown. Fasten your seatbelt.
Last Monday’s board meeting saw the presentation of the new 5 year financial projection. Mr. Combs received the latest state funding formula a few days before and began assembling the numbers as directed by the state.
Gone was money for buses. We’re on our own. Changed was the state funding “guarantee” formula. We lost nearly $100,000. A “gifted identification” formula was changed. We lost another $10,000.
State personal property taxes were eliminated but the state was to make up our share. That solemn promise is reduced by 47% within this forecast period. A loss of $438,000. Property tax income will be reduced by $364,000. Thank you very much. Was that Elvis we just saw?
The current Permanent Improvement levy will expire. The current Operating levy will also expire during the period. The assumption is that voters will replace both. But who knows? Together they constitute several million dollars essential to our survival on this journey to the future.
On the expense side is a zero increase in wages for the coming year and a modest increase over the period. An 18% increase in health costs for this year followed by 12% increases the remaining years is in line with national statistics. Unless---well, who knows what’s behind the health care cost door?
Open enrollment is a $750,000 annual cost. Community School costs are $300,000. Alternative School costs $80,000. Add to that Washington County Juvenile Center tuition of $50,000. PSEO costs an additional $50,000. The total expense is over a million dollars to educate students out of our district. Oh, yes, then there is a reduction in federal reimbursement for special programming of $80,000.
The reduction in bus fuel expense is a result of lower costs from the previous projection, but that too could change dramatically as we have seen. There is an increase in staffing costs. Some federal funds completely disappear and those costs must be absorbed by the General Fund.
Federal dollars touted as gifts are as formless as the ghosts of Christmas past when they expire. Financial chicanery on a grand scale committed by experts. More Ponzi schemes anyone? Government plays them best. And it’s legal when they play. And they play with your money.
The point of previewing this journey you are taking is to tell you that in spite of the work done during the past two years attempting to bring new facilities to the district, the overall funding picture is still bleak. As it has been for decades in Ohio. Remember, you were warned that school funding is designed to go broke every 3 to 5 years. Which is why a constant stream of new funds from the voters is required just to keep operating.
New facilities will bring some operational savings but we are 3 years away from seeing those buildings and yet further away from realizing the savings. The only part of this journey you get to control is your votes next Tuesday and in coming years. Will we take this journey in new buildings or old? Will we pour more money into old facilities or leap into the future? Either way, the choice is yours. You get to decide. Enjoy the ride.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Can You Guarantee?
Last Monday’s Town Hall meeting saw many interesting questions from some very interested folks. One of the common themes was “guarantees.” As in, ‘Can you guarantee you are going to use the bond money just to build buildings?”
The answer to that one is, of course, yes. We are forbidden by law to do anything else with the money. This is not operating funds we are seeking but new construction funds and, in the case of the current high school, renovation funds.
It should be noted also that included in the ballot language there is one half mil dedicated to maintenance. This component is required by the state. And that’s a good thing.
Another guarantee question involved what we would do with savings realized through more efficient operation costs for the new buildings. Would we, in fact, restore some or all of the programs we have lost owing to cutbacks in recent years.
The answer is that our Journey Map plan lays out our destination and goals. The plan has been adopted by the board and is supported by both administration and staff. To the extent there are funds available to make progress, it is clear where we are going.
Another piece of that answer is that whatever programs are best suited to the needs of our students will be the ones put in place. It may never make sense to restore teaching Home Economics at our high school since similar courses are available at the Career Center. We cannot afford to duplicate services.
In efforts to make promises and “guarantees” one must also be careful not to commit to things beyond one’s control. State funding and mandates for instance are beyond our ability to predict.
We may be forced tomorrow to do something not anticipated in our budget forecast or current building projections. That’s the way government works and we are powerless to object. We have to work within the confines of the dictates of state and federal lawmakers.
One guarantee your board can make is that we will reduce the current amount of taxes you are being charged by 1.95 mils upon passage of the bond issue. Thus making the net increase to you 4.59 mils. You will see this action take place at this Monday’s board meeting.
Another guarantee you can count on is that owing to the Project Labor Agreement already in place, fully 80% plus of the labor force on these projects will be local workers. Workers who live and raise families in our local area. Workers who spend money here that contributes to the economy. Hometown folks.
You can also count on the fact that these buildings will add to our ability to attract new businesses, jobs and residents. We have been on the wrong side of this issue for far too long at great cost to our community and your real estate values.
Finally, we can guarantee that our financial woes are far from over. We still need operating funds. Expenses continue to grow. Receipts continue to hold steady or fall. You may well understand this from your own household budget experience. It’s a fact of life and speaks to the need to be ever improving and working harder and smarter.
Eventually we will be forced to build new buildings whether we do it now or later. It will never be less expensive and there will never be this level of state fund participation. The only question is how much more money gets spent on old buildings versus how much we have to invest toward new facilities. You get to decide.
The answer to that one is, of course, yes. We are forbidden by law to do anything else with the money. This is not operating funds we are seeking but new construction funds and, in the case of the current high school, renovation funds.
It should be noted also that included in the ballot language there is one half mil dedicated to maintenance. This component is required by the state. And that’s a good thing.
Another guarantee question involved what we would do with savings realized through more efficient operation costs for the new buildings. Would we, in fact, restore some or all of the programs we have lost owing to cutbacks in recent years.
The answer is that our Journey Map plan lays out our destination and goals. The plan has been adopted by the board and is supported by both administration and staff. To the extent there are funds available to make progress, it is clear where we are going.
Another piece of that answer is that whatever programs are best suited to the needs of our students will be the ones put in place. It may never make sense to restore teaching Home Economics at our high school since similar courses are available at the Career Center. We cannot afford to duplicate services.
In efforts to make promises and “guarantees” one must also be careful not to commit to things beyond one’s control. State funding and mandates for instance are beyond our ability to predict.
We may be forced tomorrow to do something not anticipated in our budget forecast or current building projections. That’s the way government works and we are powerless to object. We have to work within the confines of the dictates of state and federal lawmakers.
One guarantee your board can make is that we will reduce the current amount of taxes you are being charged by 1.95 mils upon passage of the bond issue. Thus making the net increase to you 4.59 mils. You will see this action take place at this Monday’s board meeting.
Another guarantee you can count on is that owing to the Project Labor Agreement already in place, fully 80% plus of the labor force on these projects will be local workers. Workers who live and raise families in our local area. Workers who spend money here that contributes to the economy. Hometown folks.
You can also count on the fact that these buildings will add to our ability to attract new businesses, jobs and residents. We have been on the wrong side of this issue for far too long at great cost to our community and your real estate values.
Finally, we can guarantee that our financial woes are far from over. We still need operating funds. Expenses continue to grow. Receipts continue to hold steady or fall. You may well understand this from your own household budget experience. It’s a fact of life and speaks to the need to be ever improving and working harder and smarter.
Eventually we will be forced to build new buildings whether we do it now or later. It will never be less expensive and there will never be this level of state fund participation. The only question is how much more money gets spent on old buildings versus how much we have to invest toward new facilities. You get to decide.
Monday, October 19, 2009
What We Learned From the Crowd
The folks who have attended the past two Town Hall meetings have taught us a number of things about the bond issue and building new schools. They are valuable lessons. The first thing we have learned is that mostly Yes voters are in attendance.
However, there are also some folks who were opposed but willing to show up, ask questions, get answers and leave with a more positive if not totally supportive position. And those are important folks as they may make a critical difference in the results.
We learned from Mr. Parlin’s presentation that our district is shrinking. From nearly 6,000 students in the 1960s, we are down to under 3,000. But a more frightening figure came out.
In 2000, our underprivileged population in the schools was about 10%. That number has grown to nearly 40%. Not only are we shrinking in size but our student needs for special services is increasing.
We have learned that the two years spent developing the Journey Map plan for where the district is headed is well received. And it was essential to determining what the district’s needs really are and how we can meet those needs. If you would like to see it yourself, go to www.buildmariettaschools.com. Or call 374-6500 Extension 11. We will send or deliver one to you.
We learned based on our previous experience that transportation costs are likely to go down and some student bus rides will be shorter, though some a bit longer as a result of the new configuration. We may need to add two buses but experience overall savings in operation.
We learned about class sizes and what is and is not possible with our existing facilities. In light of coming mandates on class sizes we learned that we would incur great costs to install temporary trailers at nearly every school to accommodate the new requirements. Money that is better spent on new buildings that will serve for decades.
We learned about needed school safety and security changes that are not attainable in the current buildings at anywhere near affordable costs. Times have changed, our buildings have not.
Finally we learned that someone with a genuine interest in finding out what the project truly means to the community can ask good questions, get good answers and fully understand the importance of this project to the community. But there’s a problem.
There are those unwilling or unable to access all this information. Some who have made up their minds without knowing what is at stake. Yet others who may not even care what is at stake.
This is where you may be of assistance. At the end of last Monday’s meeting an audience member was concerned that we have not been conveying this information adequately to the public at large. She understood what we had conveyed and the importance of the public to become informed. We agree and understand.
Another person offered a solution. You each have friends, neighbors and others with whom you communicate. You can be the person to carry the message. You can be the person who can help share the facts. You can play an influential role in coming to a successful conclusion and positive outcome for our community.
Those who genuinely do want information and facts upon which to base their decision often just need a helpful voice to get that information. Someone like yourself who has taken the time to understand and share. Someone who cares about the future of our community and our children and grandchildren.
Give us a hand. Lend your voice. Tell others what you know.
However, there are also some folks who were opposed but willing to show up, ask questions, get answers and leave with a more positive if not totally supportive position. And those are important folks as they may make a critical difference in the results.
We learned from Mr. Parlin’s presentation that our district is shrinking. From nearly 6,000 students in the 1960s, we are down to under 3,000. But a more frightening figure came out.
In 2000, our underprivileged population in the schools was about 10%. That number has grown to nearly 40%. Not only are we shrinking in size but our student needs for special services is increasing.
We have learned that the two years spent developing the Journey Map plan for where the district is headed is well received. And it was essential to determining what the district’s needs really are and how we can meet those needs. If you would like to see it yourself, go to www.buildmariettaschools.com. Or call 374-6500 Extension 11. We will send or deliver one to you.
We learned based on our previous experience that transportation costs are likely to go down and some student bus rides will be shorter, though some a bit longer as a result of the new configuration. We may need to add two buses but experience overall savings in operation.
We learned about class sizes and what is and is not possible with our existing facilities. In light of coming mandates on class sizes we learned that we would incur great costs to install temporary trailers at nearly every school to accommodate the new requirements. Money that is better spent on new buildings that will serve for decades.
We learned about needed school safety and security changes that are not attainable in the current buildings at anywhere near affordable costs. Times have changed, our buildings have not.
Finally we learned that someone with a genuine interest in finding out what the project truly means to the community can ask good questions, get good answers and fully understand the importance of this project to the community. But there’s a problem.
There are those unwilling or unable to access all this information. Some who have made up their minds without knowing what is at stake. Yet others who may not even care what is at stake.
This is where you may be of assistance. At the end of last Monday’s meeting an audience member was concerned that we have not been conveying this information adequately to the public at large. She understood what we had conveyed and the importance of the public to become informed. We agree and understand.
Another person offered a solution. You each have friends, neighbors and others with whom you communicate. You can be the person to carry the message. You can be the person who can help share the facts. You can play an influential role in coming to a successful conclusion and positive outcome for our community.
Those who genuinely do want information and facts upon which to base their decision often just need a helpful voice to get that information. Someone like yourself who has taken the time to understand and share. Someone who cares about the future of our community and our children and grandchildren.
Give us a hand. Lend your voice. Tell others what you know.
Saturday, October 10, 2009
Bonjour. Got French
Bonjour, comment ca va? Got French? We Don’t. Perhaps you have seen that statement on t-shirts worn mostly by Marietta High School students the past few years.
I reflected on the French deficiency statement Monday evening on the heels of observations by a young man who confessed that until the very end of the meeting he did not get the connection between new buildings and improved education. In part it was because he had not thought about how we are forced to spend our money on our old buildings.
Increasing costs combined with steady to declining cash flows make us do some things that don’t make sense in a modern educational setting. We continue to erode our education base to pay other bills at our student’s peril.
What have we lost besides French? Too much, really. Here are just a few of our losses.
At the middle school we have classes of 30 plus students. Some in science labs where there is not enough equipment. We no longer offer a semester of French or Spanish at the middle school.
We have crammed Language Arts and Reading classes into shorter periods rather than we used to have. Both are skills fundamental to long-term scholastic and life success.
At the high school we dropped word processing as a graduation requirement; dropped our business classes, German classes and American Sign Language. Not to mention what in my day we called Home Economics. Though that is still available at the Career Center.
There are a number of electives we no longer offer thanks to cuts in staffing to save money and pay other operating costs. As a result, many Juniors and Seniors have most or all of their basic course requirements met with few other classes to choose from to enrich their experience and prepare them for life or further education.
One parent told me of her college freshman son who just dropped a course because he was ill prepared compared to other students. He was falling behind. Yet there was no course pre-requisite. It was assumed high school had prepared him to take the course. Ours had not.
We have teachers doing lunchroom duty and monitoring parking lots because we can’t afford both an aide and a teacher as the teacher must be available for classes during other periods. We have fewer nurses than buildings. As a result, some kids are left without nursing service as the staff travels and works at other buildings.
As the young man discovered Monday, we are forced to make hard choices between what we must pay and what we should offer. We have to pay the heat bill. We do not have to teach French. We have to patch a roof. We are not required to expand our computer class offerings.
Let’s not even talk about our building security and the costs to bring it up to date in the old buildings that were designed to be open and welcoming gathering places. Times have changed. The buildings have not.
It has been calculated based on modern building design and experience in other districts that our new building operations will save a minimum of a half million dollars per year. Probably much more. Money that can be used to restore programs we have lost. Money that can bring us into the 21st century. The trick is getting there.
You can help by learning more. Go to www.buildmariettaschools.com. Come to an information meeting on either of the next two Mondays. The 12th at Marietta College McDonough Center. The 19th at the high school auditorium. Both at 7 PM. Au revoir.
I reflected on the French deficiency statement Monday evening on the heels of observations by a young man who confessed that until the very end of the meeting he did not get the connection between new buildings and improved education. In part it was because he had not thought about how we are forced to spend our money on our old buildings.
Increasing costs combined with steady to declining cash flows make us do some things that don’t make sense in a modern educational setting. We continue to erode our education base to pay other bills at our student’s peril.
What have we lost besides French? Too much, really. Here are just a few of our losses.
At the middle school we have classes of 30 plus students. Some in science labs where there is not enough equipment. We no longer offer a semester of French or Spanish at the middle school.
We have crammed Language Arts and Reading classes into shorter periods rather than we used to have. Both are skills fundamental to long-term scholastic and life success.
At the high school we dropped word processing as a graduation requirement; dropped our business classes, German classes and American Sign Language. Not to mention what in my day we called Home Economics. Though that is still available at the Career Center.
There are a number of electives we no longer offer thanks to cuts in staffing to save money and pay other operating costs. As a result, many Juniors and Seniors have most or all of their basic course requirements met with few other classes to choose from to enrich their experience and prepare them for life or further education.
One parent told me of her college freshman son who just dropped a course because he was ill prepared compared to other students. He was falling behind. Yet there was no course pre-requisite. It was assumed high school had prepared him to take the course. Ours had not.
We have teachers doing lunchroom duty and monitoring parking lots because we can’t afford both an aide and a teacher as the teacher must be available for classes during other periods. We have fewer nurses than buildings. As a result, some kids are left without nursing service as the staff travels and works at other buildings.
As the young man discovered Monday, we are forced to make hard choices between what we must pay and what we should offer. We have to pay the heat bill. We do not have to teach French. We have to patch a roof. We are not required to expand our computer class offerings.
Let’s not even talk about our building security and the costs to bring it up to date in the old buildings that were designed to be open and welcoming gathering places. Times have changed. The buildings have not.
It has been calculated based on modern building design and experience in other districts that our new building operations will save a minimum of a half million dollars per year. Probably much more. Money that can be used to restore programs we have lost. Money that can bring us into the 21st century. The trick is getting there.
You can help by learning more. Go to www.buildmariettaschools.com. Come to an information meeting on either of the next two Mondays. The 12th at Marietta College McDonough Center. The 19th at the high school auditorium. Both at 7 PM. Au revoir.
Sunday, October 4, 2009
Harold Gash
I met Harold Gash at a conference in Chicago in 1970. He was a successful businessman from Atlanta and I was a young entrepreneur eager to learn from my elders any lesson I could as I sought my way in the world.
Harold was wearing a suit that cost more than the car I was driving at the time. In fact, that may still be true. But that’s another story.
Over the years I have learned that we tend to remember bits and pieces of information and events. Not whole days or long stories. My mind at least tends to retain small snippets much better than large chunks. And I remember well Harold’s lesson that day.
Surprisingly it is relevant to Marietta’s choice about building new schools for our community. About focusing on the future and doing the right thing.
Harold talked about magnanimity. Generosity. So what’s the magnanimous perspective on new schools? Easy. Our students deserve the latest and best technology. They will soon be in the work world and asked to compete for jobs with students from around the world who have had access to that technology. Our kids need to measure up.
Our teachers deserve the best we can provide in terms of teaching environment to maximize the lessons they teach as well as to maximize student interest and learning. Buildings should be heated and cooled to facilitate learning. Technology should assist those lessons in every way possible. It’s happening in other places, we should make it happen here. It’s magnanimous.
Then there’s safety. Our current buildings do not allow security that meets today’s standards. To retrofit them would be cost prohibitive. And it still would not measure up to modern day threats. We should provide a safety level worthy of the lives we are protecting.
Okay, so much for magnanimity. What else did Harold cover that day? Selfishness. How does that relate to Marietta in 2009?
Just this way. It would be selfish to wish for our community to grow and prosper. To assure that growth takes a solid community foundation. Modern schools are at the base of that foundation. Providing them would serve that selfish desire.
It would be selfish to hope that employers who would employ our kids so they can get good jobs at home would stay in and come to our community. Good schools are a basic requirement of those employers.
It would be selfish to want our students to graduate and be able to compete against students from the best districts in the country for entry into the best trades, services and colleges in the country.
It would be selfish to act on the fact that property values are based in large measure on demand for our property. When we are ready to sell, we need a pool of eager buyers. That requires good schools.
It would be selfish to note that in communities where schools are not supported well, extras disappear. Athletics, clubs, bands, choirs, all the things that make up a well rounded school experience contribute to the value of housing in those communities.
Even if we are not anticipating selling our properties in the short run, it is best to maintain and increase our property values for the long run. It’s a sound investment. It’s the selfish thing to do.
So what was it that Harold Gash said all those years ago that caused me to remember the lesson? As with most lessons worth learning and remembering he distilled it to such simplicity that even I could not forget.
If you can’t be magnanimous, be selfish.
Harold was wearing a suit that cost more than the car I was driving at the time. In fact, that may still be true. But that’s another story.
Over the years I have learned that we tend to remember bits and pieces of information and events. Not whole days or long stories. My mind at least tends to retain small snippets much better than large chunks. And I remember well Harold’s lesson that day.
Surprisingly it is relevant to Marietta’s choice about building new schools for our community. About focusing on the future and doing the right thing.
Harold talked about magnanimity. Generosity. So what’s the magnanimous perspective on new schools? Easy. Our students deserve the latest and best technology. They will soon be in the work world and asked to compete for jobs with students from around the world who have had access to that technology. Our kids need to measure up.
Our teachers deserve the best we can provide in terms of teaching environment to maximize the lessons they teach as well as to maximize student interest and learning. Buildings should be heated and cooled to facilitate learning. Technology should assist those lessons in every way possible. It’s happening in other places, we should make it happen here. It’s magnanimous.
Then there’s safety. Our current buildings do not allow security that meets today’s standards. To retrofit them would be cost prohibitive. And it still would not measure up to modern day threats. We should provide a safety level worthy of the lives we are protecting.
Okay, so much for magnanimity. What else did Harold cover that day? Selfishness. How does that relate to Marietta in 2009?
Just this way. It would be selfish to wish for our community to grow and prosper. To assure that growth takes a solid community foundation. Modern schools are at the base of that foundation. Providing them would serve that selfish desire.
It would be selfish to hope that employers who would employ our kids so they can get good jobs at home would stay in and come to our community. Good schools are a basic requirement of those employers.
It would be selfish to want our students to graduate and be able to compete against students from the best districts in the country for entry into the best trades, services and colleges in the country.
It would be selfish to act on the fact that property values are based in large measure on demand for our property. When we are ready to sell, we need a pool of eager buyers. That requires good schools.
It would be selfish to note that in communities where schools are not supported well, extras disappear. Athletics, clubs, bands, choirs, all the things that make up a well rounded school experience contribute to the value of housing in those communities.
Even if we are not anticipating selling our properties in the short run, it is best to maintain and increase our property values for the long run. It’s a sound investment. It’s the selfish thing to do.
So what was it that Harold Gash said all those years ago that caused me to remember the lesson? As with most lessons worth learning and remembering he distilled it to such simplicity that even I could not forget.
If you can’t be magnanimous, be selfish.
TMI
TMI. That’s what our kids said when we told them things that were either embarrassing to them or contained information not relevant to their immediate interests. It meant, Too Much Information. And perhaps the following fits that category.
Imagine you are a teacher. Scary thought for most of us, but follow along. You awake at 5 AM or so. And you just don’t feel up to par. Perhaps it’s that pesky flu stuff. The best decision is to call in sick. Let them find a sub for the day.
That sick call sets into action a whole host of activity designed to replace your presence in the classroom just over two hours from now. Phone numbers will be accessed. Lists of those qualified to teach your class will be sorted. Calls will be placed to determine who is available and willing to take your place.
You must make a plan for the teacher to follow. Somehow that plan must be gotten into the hands of whoever it is who ends up teaching your classes for the day. And remember to include special instructions concerning challenging students or classroom issues that came up yesterday.
Now let’s look at the other side of the challenge. You are in charge of finding substitutes. You have lists. You’re organized with the phone numbers and background knowledge. But there are 26 teachers out today. This is a tall challenge. But there is a bit of good news.
Many of them made prior arrangements to be out. Those slots have been filled already. But there are those 15 calls that came early this morning and those classrooms must be filled. The first four calls you made were not answered. Another call was answered but the sub had already accepted an assignment in another district. Two more calls were to subs who were themselves feeling under the weather. Fifteen slots still to fill and it’s less than an hour before classes begin.
Your pace quickens. It’s ‘one of those mornings.’ And it’s only September. The whole year lies ahead. This is beginning to feel like herding cats.
There are yet more details to this issue that involve tracking what subs actually taught what classes after the day is done. How many sick days each teacher has accumulated and how many are left. And then there are the payroll issues on both sides of the equation. And the mountain of paperwork that goes with all these changes.
TMI settled in yet? But wait. There’s good news. Thanks to the internet nearly all of this can now be done by computer. The computer makes the calls. The teachers start the process themselves. The phone numbers are already stored and ready for use. The computer knows who has already accepted an assignment and who is not available that day.
The plans can be put online for sub use. Special notes of importance that day can be entered by the teacher. The computer begins calling multiple subs for multiple positions simultaneously as soon as the absences are registered. AND, it keeps track of all the calls and responses.
Marietta City Schools began using this system this year. It has freed up hours of staff time enabling them to focus on other duties.
There are far more details if you would like to know. Have a look at: http://aesoponline.com.
We are adopting new technology to both operate and teach more efficiently. New buildings will permit yet larger leaps in technology to bring us into the 21st century. There is a whole world out there waiting for us. Our kids are already there.
Imagine you are a teacher. Scary thought for most of us, but follow along. You awake at 5 AM or so. And you just don’t feel up to par. Perhaps it’s that pesky flu stuff. The best decision is to call in sick. Let them find a sub for the day.
That sick call sets into action a whole host of activity designed to replace your presence in the classroom just over two hours from now. Phone numbers will be accessed. Lists of those qualified to teach your class will be sorted. Calls will be placed to determine who is available and willing to take your place.
You must make a plan for the teacher to follow. Somehow that plan must be gotten into the hands of whoever it is who ends up teaching your classes for the day. And remember to include special instructions concerning challenging students or classroom issues that came up yesterday.
Now let’s look at the other side of the challenge. You are in charge of finding substitutes. You have lists. You’re organized with the phone numbers and background knowledge. But there are 26 teachers out today. This is a tall challenge. But there is a bit of good news.
Many of them made prior arrangements to be out. Those slots have been filled already. But there are those 15 calls that came early this morning and those classrooms must be filled. The first four calls you made were not answered. Another call was answered but the sub had already accepted an assignment in another district. Two more calls were to subs who were themselves feeling under the weather. Fifteen slots still to fill and it’s less than an hour before classes begin.
Your pace quickens. It’s ‘one of those mornings.’ And it’s only September. The whole year lies ahead. This is beginning to feel like herding cats.
There are yet more details to this issue that involve tracking what subs actually taught what classes after the day is done. How many sick days each teacher has accumulated and how many are left. And then there are the payroll issues on both sides of the equation. And the mountain of paperwork that goes with all these changes.
TMI settled in yet? But wait. There’s good news. Thanks to the internet nearly all of this can now be done by computer. The computer makes the calls. The teachers start the process themselves. The phone numbers are already stored and ready for use. The computer knows who has already accepted an assignment and who is not available that day.
The plans can be put online for sub use. Special notes of importance that day can be entered by the teacher. The computer begins calling multiple subs for multiple positions simultaneously as soon as the absences are registered. AND, it keeps track of all the calls and responses.
Marietta City Schools began using this system this year. It has freed up hours of staff time enabling them to focus on other duties.
There are far more details if you would like to know. Have a look at: http://aesoponline.com.
We are adopting new technology to both operate and teach more efficiently. New buildings will permit yet larger leaps in technology to bring us into the 21st century. There is a whole world out there waiting for us. Our kids are already there.
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