News at MASB

Michigan Recognizes Service of Community School Board Members

Mon, 14 Jan 2013 22:00:26 GMT

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 15, 2013

Pam Jodway, pjodway@masb.org, 517.327.5908
or Peter Broderick, pbroderick@masb.org, 517.327.5907

Lansing, Michigan – The month of January provides a unique opportunity to acknowledge a special group of volunteer elected officials in education. It is School Board Recognition Month, and it offers communities across Michigan a way to acknowledge the continuing efforts of local and ISD school board members in providing leadership and guidance to local school districts. Across the state, there are more than 4,100 school board members who dedicate countless hours of hard work to improving education for Michigan children.

“Few people fully understand the scope and implications of school board service,” said Kathy Hayes, executive director of MASB. “When citizens elect a school board, they’ve given those few members the great responsibility of steering public education in the communities they represent.”

School board members take that responsibility and public trust very seriously, dedicating an enormous number of hours to their work both in and outside of board meetings. Attending school functions, preparing for board meetings, reading financial reports, agendas and proposals, and making a host of difficult and challenging decisions are just a few of the regular activities board members participate in through their service.

Many board members have also made a commitment to continuous professional development to ensure they stay up-to-date on the latest education issues. In 2011-12, school board members across Michigan participated in nearly 7,000 hours of classroom courses and an additional 1,000 hours of online learning, all focused on education- and board-related issues.

Today, more than ever, school board leaders are faced with the overwhelming charge of providing a quality education at a time when financial constraints weigh heavily on the health of school district budgets. In an era of unprecedented choice in education, school boards are also tasked with charting a course that provides long-term, sustainable success for current and future students in all of Michigan’s public schools.

“Every day I see boards stand strong together, show great fortitude and leadership and continue to make decisions in the best interest of their districts,” said Hayes. “For that we owe them a deep debt of gratitude.”

School Board Recognition Month is part of a national effort co-sponsored by the Michigan Association of School Boards and the National School Boards Association to build community awareness and understanding about the crucial role school boards play in our communities.

Board members come from all walks of life with diverse experiences and backgrounds, but working together, School Boards “lead strong” in the best interests of Michigan’s children.

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For release on Twitter: @masb: Join MASB in recognizing the contributions of your local school leaders during School Board Recognition Month in January.

The Michigan Association of School Boards provides quality educational leadership services for all Michigan boards of education, and advocates for student achievement and public education.

Districts Name 2012 Media Honor Roll

Tue, 19 Jun 2012 16:55:29 GMT

The media are key partners in communicating to our communities and can play a large role in shaping public opinion about our schools. MASB’s Media Honor Roll recognizes media representatives who deserve recognition for fair and balanced reporting about our public schools.

This year’s honorees were nominated by local and intermediate school districts for their efforts to get to know the superintendent, board president and district’s mission and goals; report school news in a fair, accurate and balanced manner; give a high profile position to positive school news; visit the schools; and maintain a policy of no surprises by sharing information with school officials.

The Media Honor Roll provides a way for local districts to foster a positive relationship with their local media. This year’s nominees represent newspapers across the state and one radio station. Congratulations to the 2012 Media Honor Roll recipients and thank you for your efforts to report the good news and hold us accountable for the areas for improvement.

Download the list.

School board members conquer challenge to become more effective leaders

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Northview Public Schools board president appointed to board of state association

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 04:00:00 GMT

Rochester Community Schools Board of Education honored for excellence in school governance

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 13:06:58 GMT

Hale Area Schools trustee to serve on board of state association

Fri, 16 Sep 2011 12:53:10 GMT

LANSING, MI – Hale Area Schools Trustee Mark McKulsky was selected to fill a vacancy on the Board of Directors of the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB). Mark will serve as the regional representative for school board members in Region 2 (northern lower peninsula) and will help shape the direction of the Association.

Mark has earned the Award of Distinction in MASB’s certification program and is a committed participant in professional development. He served as the president of his local board for two years and as president of Iosco County Area School Board Association for one year. Mark has also served on many local board committees, including Negotiations, Finance, Personnel and Technology.

“School districts have to be creative and apply innovative ideas to educate our children. I look forward to applying my knowledge and skills to serve the districts of Region 2,” said McKulsky.

“We have an exceptional governance team at MASB and Mark will bring a great perspective to the Board.” said Executive Director Kathy Hayes.

The MASB Board of Directors governs the association and oversees activities, establishes operating policy that furthers the mission of MASB, and acts as the voice for more than 600 member school boards across the state. The focus of the board of directors is to provide quality educational leadership services and advocate for student achievement and public education in Michigan.

For a complete list of the MASB Board of Directors, visit www.masb.org.

MASB provides quality educational leadership services to all Michigan boards of education and advocates for student achievement and public education.

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Allendale Public Schools Board of Education honored for excellence in school governance

Thu, 15 Sep 2011 12:17:17 GMT

2011 Media Honor Roll Recipients Named

Mon, 13 Jun 2011 19:00:18 GMT

Saginaw ISD board president appointed to vice president of MASB Board of Directors

Mon, 06 Jun 2011 20:09:02 GMT

Saginaw ISD Board President Ruth Coppens was appointed to serve as vice president of the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) Board of Directors.

The MASB Board of Directors governs the association and oversees activities, establishes operating policy that furthers the mission of MASB and acts as the voice for more than 600 member school boards across the state. The focus of the board of directors is to provide quality educational leadership services and advocate for student achievement in Michigan.

“I feel that I can be effective as an MASB Board officer because of my years of board experience, my knowledge of the education system, and my dedication to our ‘customers,’ the students,” said

Coppens.

Coppens has served on the Saginaw ISD Board of Education for 22 years and previously served on the Merrill Community Schools Board for 13 years. During her tenure she’s been actively involved in MASB, including serving on the Board Leadership Training and Government Relations Committees. She has earned her President’s Award—the top level in the MASB certification program. Her involvement is a reflection of her commitment to providing the best education for all of Michigan’s students.

“We’re excited to welcome Ruth as an officer on the Board of Directors. Her passion and commitment to public education personify the true mission of MASB,” said Kathy Hayes, executive director of MASB.

School Boards Recognize the Important Role of Our State’s Teachers

Tue, 03 May 2011 14:12:38 GMT

LANSING — This week is National Teacher Appreciation Week, and across the state and nation teachers are being recognized for the positive contributions they make in our communities and for the important role they play in shaping the future for our youth. The membership and staff of the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) would like to extend our thanks to the teachers of Michigan for making a difference in the lives of children every day.

“Today’s teachers are faced with complex issues that would challenge even the strongest resolve. Yet day after day, Michigan’s teachers dedicate themselves to improving student achievement across our state,” said MASB Executive Director Kathy Hayes. “Strong teachers are vital to our success. We must work together to ensure we have strong schools and we deliver a quality education for every child in Michigan,” she added.

MASB encourages schools, communities and parents to recognize teachers this week for the important work that they do and for their commitment to delivering a quality education to ALL of our state’s children.

The Michigan Association of School Boards provides quality educational leadership services to all Michigan boards of education and advocates for student achievement and public education.

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MASB executive director featured on cover of association IMPACT magazine

Fri, 18 Mar 2011 13:22:56 GMT

MASB Executive Director Kathy Hayes was featured on the cover of the January/February 2011 issue of the Michigan Society of Association Executives’ association IMPACT magazine. Recognized as a leader in the association industry, Kathy was interviewed on the subject of solving association challenges through creative thinking. The article, based around the book Borrowing Brilliance: The Six Steps to Business Innovation by Building on the Ideas of Others by David Korr Murray, looks at how defining problems is the foundation of a creative idea. In addressing challenges in an organization, Kathy tells IMPACT that it’s best to look at the big picture before working on a specific problem, you must do your foundation work. “Gather data and try to resist going straight to the solution. If you do, you’re missing data. And that means you’re missing the true ramifications of the entire problem,” explains Kathy. This advice holds true in education as well. Districts need to look at their challenges in the context of the big picture. Congratulations, Kathy. We’re proud to have you representing MASB!

A Disinvestment in Public Education Will Only Hurt Michigan's Economic Recovery

Fri, 04 Mar 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Many of us are still trying to get over the shock of Gov. Snyder’s recent budget proposal and the devastating impact it will have on school districts. We knew there would be sacrifices from all sectors of the state, but we didn’t expect such a disinvestment in public education. Snyder is proposing in his 2011-12 budget a $300 per pupil cut on top of the current $170 cut. Adding to the damage is an expected increase in retirement costs that could equate to an additional $230 per pupil. Add the numbers together and districts could be facing a $700 per pupil reduction.

Michigan districts have been reducing their budgets for the past 10 years. They’ve been forced to think creatively to provide quality education despite years of shrinking resources and one-time budget fixes. At the same time, the expectations for school reform and increased student achievement are at an all-time high while the negative attacks on public education are unprecedented. The result has been a focus on short-term fixes that offer temporary relief to schools with no assurance of long-term funding stability. Districts have been forced to plan from year-to-year as opposed to long-term planning which we know is more conducive to spawn true reform.

Over and over we hear from policy makers that education is a priority and that it’s the foundation for economic recovery in Michigan. Some policy makers believe that schools haven’t cut enough and need to find further efficiencies despite the fact that schools are tapping their reserves. In some cases, schools have already exhausted them pressing for concessions at the negotiating table and sharing and consolidating services wherever they can. Perhaps there are places where districts can find further efficiencies, but after reducing their budgets for the last 10 years, schools are running out of options beyond widespread layoffs, larger class sizes, program cuts and other options that are detrimental to student learning.

What we need from our policy makers is a stable funding system for schools so districts don’t have to go through this annual guessing game of whether their budgets will be adequately funded. In the past, districts needed to closely examine their budgets for unwise expenditures and determine areas where they could operate more efficiently. This was a good exercise to assist districts in identifying their most important priorities and focusing on their most effective programs. However, now that districts have adapted to fewer resources, they need the space to be able to plan and rethink education and try reform measures without the fear of being able to fund them for the long haul.

I don’t know a board member or superintendent who’s not committed to preparing their students for a successful future. But to continually be the brunt of drastic cutbacks and to never know from year-to-year how to plan for innovative programs is simply not going to promote the kind of education reform we all agree is necessary. It’s time for our legislature to seriously look at how to ensure stable funding for our schools—and invest in what really makes an impact to economic prosperity. It should be their number one priority…isn’t that what they’ve been telling us?

Budget Disinvests in Public Education

Thu, 17 Feb 2011 17:24:52 GMT

Gov. Snyder today unveiled his budget recommendation, which custs spending for public schools while at the same time using K-12 money to pay for community colleges and universities.

Here are some of the details:

Cut per pupil funding by $300, in addition to the currently budgeted $170 per pupil reduction. This cut is on top of the expected increase in the retirement rate, which is expected to cost districts at least $250 more per pupil.
Roll funding for universities ($700 million) and community colleges ($196 million) from the General Fund to the School Aid Fund.
The preservation of over $1.4 billion in funding for programs that assist nearly 55,000 special education students, as well as $1.2 billion for core education programs such as services for academically at-risk students and adult education.
Protection of student financial aid at fiscal year 2011 levels ($51.5 million) while creating the Pathway to Higher Education grant, to be awarded to needy qualifying students at public or private schools.
Drop the individual income tax rate from 4.35 percent to 4.25 percent on Oct. 1; the tax will then remain at 4.25 percent rather than being decreased to 3.9 percent in future years.
Eliminate the Michigan Business Tax in favor of a flat 6 percent tax.
Eliminate the state income tax exemption for pensions, but Social Security benefits will continue to be exempt.
Eliminate statutory revenue sharing payments for cities, villages and townships for FY 2012, impacting 509 local units of government.

For the complete budget proposal, click here.

State Budget Office - click here for complete budget details.

Southfield Public Schools board president appointed to MASB Board

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:53:07 GMT

LANSING, MI – Southfield Public Schools President Darryle Buchanan was appointed to fill a vacancy on the Board of Directors of the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB). Darryle will serve as the regional representative for school board members in districts with 5,001-11,000 students and will help shape the direction of the Association. In September, Darryle’s position will be up for general election.

Darryle has served on his local board of education since 2005 and has served as president, vice president and secretary. Darryle has diligently pursued professional development opportunities to enhance his skills as a board member and is a regular voting delegate at MASB’s Delegate Assembly. He’s earned the Master Board Member Award in the MASB certification and training program. In addition, Darryle is currently the president of the Michigan Caucus of Black School Board Members.

“My experience with MASB has been invaluable in helping me become an effective board member and public education advocate,” said Darryle. He added that he looks forward to helping to develop policy that will ensure the future of students and public education in our state.

“MASB is fortunate to have someone with Darryle’s experience and integrity join the Board of Directors,” said Kathy Hayes, MASB executive director. “As we look to transform education in Michigan, his perspective will be a great addition to our board.”

For a complete list of the MASB Board of Directors, visit www.masb.org.

MASB provides quality educational leadership services to all Michigan boards of education and advocates for student achievement and public education.

School Board Association's Legislative Priorities Focus on Moving Education Forward

Mon, 24 Jan 2011 14:47:02 GMT

LANSING – The Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB), with input from school board members and superintendents statewide, has developed its 2011-12 legislative priorities aimed at creating meaningful reforms to help districts put more resources into the classroom.

MASB and its members are committed to developing solutions that address how schools operate and are funded in our new economic reality. To that end, the MASB Board of Directors adopted the following short-term priorities:

Support more cost effective health care and retirement benefits for school employees
Prohibit step increases when out of contract
Expand the use of sinking funds
Restructure the 18 mil non-homestead tax
Adoption of statutory committee’s recommendations on unfunded mandates
Support incentives for consolidation of services, programming or districts
Define school aid for preK-12

“There are several policy changes that would help school districts operate more efficiently while improving achievement for students across the state,” said Deputy Director Don Wotruba. “We hope to work with the legislature and governor to see these reforms enacted so that school districts can do their part to build a stronger Michigan.”

In the long-term, MASB sees a need for a structural fix to school funding as well as reforms to the tenure system that would save school districts valuable resources. The long-term priorities adopted by the Board of Directors are:

Structural funding reform to improve stability of school funding
Support the expansion or repeal of term limits
Tenure reform to reduce costs while maintaining due process for teachers
Support greater focus on funding for early childhood education
Support a continual closing of the per pupil funding gap for schools in Michigan
Support state and federal assistance for school infrastructure

These priorities originated from local school board members and superintendents via face-to-face meetings and a survey. For more details about MASB’s legislative priorities, visit www.masb.org.

The Michigan Association of School Boards provides quality educational leadership services to all Michigan boards of education and advocates on behalf of student achievement and public education.

Michigan Honors School Board Members Throughout January

Thu, 06 Jan 2011 05:00:00 GMT

Lansing, Michigan – January 2011 is School Board Recognition Month and a way to recognize the invaluable contributions local and ISD school board members make to their schools and communities. While honoring our volunteer elected officials should be a year-round process, the month of January gives us a unique opportunity to thank the more than 4,000 school board members who commit countless hours to improving education in our state.

Few people fully understand the scope and far-reaching implications of board members’ responsibilities and the enormous number of hours they dedicate to their work outside of board meetings attending school functions; preparing for board meetings; reading financial reports, agendas and proposals; and making a host of difficult and challenging decisions. Many board members have also made a commitment to continuous professional development in order to ensure they stay up-to-date on the latest education issues. Board members come from all walks of life and backgrounds, but working together, School Boards LeadStrong so students can achieve.

Today, more than ever, school board leaders are faced with the overwhelming charge of providing a quality education at a time when financial constraints weigh heavily on the health of school district budgets. “Daily I see boards stand strong together, show great fortitude and leadership and continue to make decisions in the best interest of their districts,” said MASB Executive Director Kathy Hayes. “And for that we owe them a deep debt of gratitude.”

School Board Recognition Month is part of a nationwide effort co-sponsored by the Michigan Association of School Boards and the National School Boards Association to build community awareness and understanding about the crucial role school boards play in our communities.

Contact your local school district for specific details about local celebrations and recognitions. For campaign artwork or a copy of the School Board Recognition Month Kit, contact Jennifer Rogers or Sarah Ford.

The Michigan Association of School Boards provides quality educational leadership services for all Michigan boards of education, and advocates for student achievement and public education.

Regional office will allow MASB to better meet its members needs

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 15:04:46 GMT

The Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) officially opened a regional office in the Upper Peninsula to better meet the needs of its members north of the bridge. It’s MASB’s position that member service shouldn’t suffer as a result of the geographic distance between Lansing and the Upper Peninsula.

The physical space is housed at Marquette-Alger RESA, with support from the RESA team under the leadership of Superintendent Steve Peffers. MASB also has several regional representatives providing MASB training and services to superintendents and school boards in the U.P. They’re familiar with the unique issues facing U.P. school districts and are available to deliver programming at the districts, designed for their specific needs. Additionally, MASB has a labor relations consultant dedicated to serving the labor relations and negotiations needs of Upper Peninsula districts. The regional representatives include:

Sherie Davie, Marquette
Alan Kantola, Rudyard
Norm McKindles, Ironwood
Thomas Smith, Escanaba

“Member service is paramount to us at MASB,” said Executive Director Kathy Hayes. “Our regional office along with our representatives dedicated to the U.P. will ensure that we’re able to meet the needs of all our members.”

The regional office was officially opened this week and the regional representatives are already meeting with districts.

MASB provides quality educational leadership services to all Michigan boards of education and advocates for student achievement and public education.

Belding Area Schools Board of Education honored for excellence in school governance

Wed, 20 Oct 2010 15:55:56 GMT

The Belding Area Schools Board of Education has met the rigorous requirements to be named to the distinguished list of the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) Board Visionary Leadership Award winners. By design, it’s extremely difficult for boards to even qualify to apply for the award, let alone actually win. Representatives of the Belding Area Schools Board of Education will accept the award in conjunction with MASB’s Annual Fall Conference to be held in Grand Rapids on Friday, Nov. 5.

The Board Visionary Leadership Award was created in 2004 to recognize boards of education/ governance teams for their vision, leadership and success in raising student achievement. Each year, both local and intermediate district boards of education are eligible to receive the award. Entries are evaluated by independent judges against a pre-established set of criteria:
•    Leadership for achievement
•    Growth in student achievement
•    Board development/leadership effectiveness
•    Board conduct, operations and ethics
•    Communications and community relations

The board of education and superintendent have made the commitment to improve student achievement by creating a very comprehensive district school improvement plan, and have shown evidence of continued support for the plan. This team also shows evidence that they are continuing to strive for furthering their school district’s academic excellence through board development and clear policies that have a direct emphasis on their commitment to student achievement.

“The Belding Area Schools Board of Education has demonstrated a commitment to operating by the highest standards in order to successfully improve student achievement,” said Kathy Hayes, MASB executive director. “They clearly understand the importance of a strong team to effectively serve their students and communities.”

Members of the 2009-10 award-winning Belding Area Schools Board of Education team include: Charles R. Barker, superintendent; Tom Humphreys, president; Terry Boni, vice president; Deborah Wagner, secretary; Robert Insley, treasurer; Timothy Flynn, trustee; Byron Davey, trustee; and Andrea Booker, trustee.

MASB provides quality educational leadership services to all Michigan boards of education, and advocates for student achievement and public education.

Local School Districts, MASB recognize fair and balanced reporting by media

Tue, 03 Aug 2010 12:37:19 GMT

School Board Members Honored

Wed, 31 Mar 2010 04:00:00 GMT

For a list of board members from your county, contact Sarah Ford, 517.327.5907.

School board members from across Michigan earned awards from the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) for their efforts to improve their leadership skills and become more effective school leaders, demonstrating their commitment to student achievement and their own continuous improvement. Awards are earned for classes completed in MASB’s leadership training program, as well as for conference attendance, years of service and leadership activities.

School board members operate in a complex, ever-changing environment. One that requires they stay abreast of trends and issues facing school districts. One way in which they are able to keep pace with the changes is to participate in training and professional development. In fact, last year more than 800 school board members statewide recognized the benefits of professional development and participated in MASB’s professional development program for elected school leaders. It honors board members for seven levels of achievement (see below and www.masb.org/AwardsRecognition/BoardMemberAwardsProgram/tabid
/71/Default.aspx for specific criteria).

“School districts are facing exceptional challenges, and new opportunities challenge our thinking every day. In this environment, it’s more important than ever that our school leaders are informed and have the most up-to-date information available,” said MASB Executive Director Kathy Hayes. “Training equips them with the tools necessary to make the best decisions for the kids of our state."

To achieve Level One and become “certified,” board members receive 30 hours of classroom training in subjects ranging from school law and finance to community relations. Higher levels of recognition require even more coursework, service and leadership responsibilities.

Special recognition is also given to boards of education when all members within the same board complete different levels. Boards on which all members have completed level one receive MASB’s Honor Board Award. Boards receive the Standard of Excellence Award when all members complete level two, the Award of Merit. Boards on which all members have earned the Master Board Member Award are honored with the Distinguished Achievement Award.

Levels of Certification/Awards
Level 1 – Certified Boardmember Award: Nine 100-level CBA classes
Level 2 – Award of Merit: Level 1 plus 45 education credits
Level 3 – Award of Distinction: Levels 1 and 2, four advanced level CBA classes and 208 education credits
Level 4 – Master Board Member Award: Levels 1-3, nine advanced level CBA classes and 368 education credits
Level 5 – Master Diamond Award: Levels 1-4, fourteen advanced level classes and 528 education credits
Level 6 – Master Platinum Award: Levels 1-5, nineteen advanced level classes and 813 education credits
Level 7 – President’s Award of Recognition: Levels 1-6, twenty-nine advanced level CBA classes and 1,383 education credits
Advocacy Skills Specialty: Level 1 and six advanced level communications classes

Two Saginaw-Area Students Win Scholarships

Thu, 25 Feb 2010 18:54:23 GMT

Two urban high school students were awarded a scholarship of $1,000 each to use for his or her pursuit of higher education at the Michigan Association of School Boards Urban Conference today. The scholarships were presented in partnership with ARAMARK Education and the Michigan Black Caucus on Education.

The scholarships represent a commitment to aiding urban districts’ continued efforts in education and service, and the belief that educating students in urban centers can help eliminate social, political and economic disadvantages that plague our communities and nation.

The 2010 scholarship winners are BreAna D. Allen from Saginaw Arts & Sciences Academy, Saginaw City School District and Ethan Johnson from Bridgeport High School, Bridgeport-Spaulding Community Schools. Each student submitted an essay reflecting the theme how can technology be utilized in the classroom to enhance public education?

In her essay, BreAna argued “the integration of technology inside the classroom has become the ultimate answer to society’s question, ‘how do we make learning more relevant and interesting?’” Ethan made the point that, “we use technology for war, entertainment, transportation and many other things that benefit us greatly, but it fails to benefit the most important thing of all: education.”

The students each presented their winning essay to a group of approximately 75 board members and administrators from urban school districts across the state of Michigan.

K-12 Budget Doesn't Reflect Investment in Education

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Schools are being held hostage to the outrageous antics and games with the school budget. Yesterday the state treasurer sent a memo to Gov. Granholm indicating that the predicted shortfall in the School Aid Fund (SAF) was much larger than expected. According to the memo, Treasury now estimates that the shortfall will be approximately $264 million for fiscal year 2009-10. To view the memo, click here.

To put that in perspective, that’s an additional $165 per pupil reduction on top of the $165 cut that the legislature passed last week. Without serious action in coming months, schools face total cuts of $330 per pupil.

It’s an understatement to say that this is a devastating blow to public education. The legislature needs to quit playing games and pass a budget so schools can focus on student achievement. Schools can’t absorb the magnitude of cuts without severe consequences to students.

“It’s time the legislature gets serious about educating the 1.6 million children in the state of Michigan,” said Kathy Hayes, executive director of the Michigan Association of School Boards. “With these types of cuts, it’s no longer possible for schools to offer high quality programming. With the legislature disinvesting in public education, Michigan sends a loud message that our future is no longer important.”

Districts have already worked extremely hard to lower their expenses, and keeping districts in limbo is an impediment to prudent planning. There’s a structural problem with the revenue system in Michigan. Without long-term solutions to this problem, we risk leaving generations of Michiganders behind. Our race to the top will be irrelevant when we’re trapped in a sprint to the bottom.

For questions please contact Don Wotruba or Peter Spadafore. Visit MASB’s online advocacy center—e-Vocate—to contact your legislator.

Task Force Created to Help Schools Face State Funding Cuts

Tue, 13 Oct 2009 04:00:00 GMT

There’s a painful economic reality that schools and communities must face. Currently the legislature is proposing a $165 per pupil cut for schools, nearly four months after the date they are required by law to submit their budgets and six weeks after the school year has already begun. Furthermore, according to a variety of economic experts, severe cuts to K-12 education will continue to come next year, when there may be another $300 to $500 per pupil reduction. These unprecedented cuts negatively impact our students, our schools and our state. The Michigan Association of School Administrators (MASA), Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) and the Michigan School Business Officials (MSBO) are united to do something about it.

What message are we sending the rest of the country, including businesses that may wish to locate here, if our legislature can’t even provide stable funding for one of the most vital functions of the state—educating children? Michigan has 28 school districts in deficit now, and if we continue down this path we could easily have double that number next year. It will become a huge embarrassment to our state. Piling these cuts onto several years of little or no increases from the state leaves schools with few options—many won’t be able to avoid deficit budgets unless the legislature makes changes in how schools are funded.

A survey from the Michigan School Business Officials reveals that more than 3,000 teachers, administrators and support staff will lose their jobs if funding isn’t preserved. Also, according to the survey, districts are planning to eliminate or significantly reduce athletics, the number of school days, contract out some or all services, freeze salaries and benefits, further consolidate or collaborate services with other districts or ISDs, continue to increase class size, and reduce or eliminate student transportation as ways to preserve their core educational services.

With public education funding problems on the brink of a cliff, MASA, MASB and MSBO have created a special task force, The SOS Task Force—Save Our Students, Save Our Schools, Save Our State—to help districts weather the storm. The task force, comprised of association staff, school board members, superintendents, business officials and other stakeholders, will work to improve how schools are funded in Michigan, while trying to find ways to reduce costs.

The task force is a collaborative effort between the three associations and Tom White, former executive director of MSBO has been appointed to lead the cause. “We’ll look at new ways to save costs while trying to change and improve education for our students,” said Tom White. “However, our legislature can and must do a better job of providing stable and reliable funding. Cutting hundreds of dollars per pupil from our budgets after the school year has begun hurts students, parents and our schools. It doesn’t make sense. We’re sensitive to the state’s budget situation but we also believe we need to fix the problem systemically, not just argue endlessly about it and cut budgets late in the year.”

Michigan school board members outraged at budget cuts to schools

Thu, 24 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

More broken promises to Michigan's children

Lansing, MI – The Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB), and the school board members we represent, are outraged at the severe cuts to public education. School districts got a rude shove toward the edge of a funding cliff yesterday when the House and Senate Conference Committee on K-12 Appropriations voted for a $218 per pupil reduction in state funding for the current year. House Bill 4447 represents disproportionate cuts in education.

“This is unacceptable,” said Kathy Hayes, executive director of MASB. “The Legislature has known about the state’s budget crisis for months. Waiting until after the start of our school year to tell us about major cuts is no way to run a state. It makes running a school district very difficult. They can and should do much better by Michigan’s schools and students.”

In addition to cutting K-12 districts, the proposal would cut funding to intermediate school districts (ISDs) by 44 percent. ISDs provide a variety of programs and services to K-12 districts within a county or group of counties. These reductions will devastate programs like special education, professional development, technology programs and career and technical preparation, and may result in the end of some of those programs. K-12 districts will either have to pay to continue them, or drop them mid-year.

This is all evidence of what schools have been saying for years. The system for funding public education in Michigan is broken and needs a major fix. Lansing’s inability to deal with the core problems of state revenues and funding education is reprehensible. Instead of dealing with the budget crunch in a thoughtful and timely way, they passed the problem down to local school districts, which ultimately impacts students and communities.

“These kinds of cuts enacted three months after the start of our fiscal year will have devastating effects on essential programs and staffing. It may push more districts into deficit—the equivalent of bankruptcy,” says Hayes. “There are already a record number of districts, 28, including Detroit that are operating in deficit.”

There’s still time for Lansing to do the right thing for this year. They need to reverse these cuts and solve the long-term budget problem that has been haunting Michigan for the last four years. The legislature can use the more than $180 million in carryover money to help mitigate these drastic cuts. The legislature has a year to figure out how to adequately fund public education. If not, we will face even worse problems next year. Good education programs attract business to Michigan, and create opportunities for kids. These types of cuts undermine Michigan’s survival and the ability for our state to recover from this economic crisis.

Lincoln Consolidated Schools Board of Education Honored for Excellence in School Governance

Wed, 16 Sep 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The Lincoln Consolidated Schools Board of Education has met the rigorous requirements to be named to the distinguished list of the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) Board Visionary Leadership Award winners. Representatives of the Lincoln Consolidated Schools Board of Education will accept the award at a luncheon in conjunction with MASB’s Annual Fall Conference to be held in Lansing on Saturday, Oct. 24.

The Board Visionary Leadership Award was created in 2004 to recognize boards of education/ governance teams for their vision, leadership and success in raising student achievement. Each year, both local and intermediate district boards of education are eligible to receive the award. Entries are evaluated by independent judges against a pre-established set of criteria:

Leadership for achievement;
Growth in student achievement;
Board development/leadership effectiveness;
Board conduct, operations and ethics; and
Communications and community relations.

Approximately two years ago, Lincoln Consolidated Schools initiated a collaborative effort to develop the district’s mission, vision and goals. Working with the staff at MASB, Lincoln underwent a comprehensive strategic planning process, including data-based decision making and a community engagement plan. The initiative has led to all schools making AYP in 2008-09, including the high school, which hadn’t made AYP for six years, as well as a district-wide focus on student achievement and continuous development.

“The Lincoln Consolidated Schools Board of Education has demonstrated a commitment to operating by the highest standards in order to successfully improve student achievement,” said Kathy Hayes, MASB executive director.

Members of the 2008-09 award-winning Lincoln Consolidated Board of Education include: Lynn Cleary, superintendent; Kim Samuelson, president; Gregory Gurka, vice president; James Paschal, secretary; Kenneth Goetz, treasurer; Jeremy Keeney, trustee; Jennifer LaBombarbe, trustee; and Jeannette Upston, trustee.

Business as usual isn't working: Bold reform needed

Wed, 22 Jul 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The Michigan Association of School Boards and Michigan Association of School Administrators stand united to applaud Speaker Andy Dillon for his bold leadership in starting the conversations on the need for reform in the health care system for public sector employees. Moving all public employees, including school employees and legislators, to a statewide health insurance pool will result in savings of at least $900 million per year.

This proposal will combine all current and retired local, state and county government employees, as well as school employees, into one health care pool that will result in a more efficient system. At the same time it offers Michigan’s hard working public servants fair and high quality health care.

Currently more than 2,000 separate units of government all must negotiate different health care benefits with countless bargaining units scattered throughout the state. This proposal seeks to consolidate that effort to a small team appointed by state leaders. This team will negotiate only once with top tier health care providers.

Contrary to what detractors will tell you, the state will not run this system. State officials will negotiate for the best and most efficient health care plans. This new system would result in less red tape and actually cut down on the bureaucracy associated with health care.

For schools, the rising cost of health care has hamstrung the bargaining process resulting in the disruption of the learning environment. As state funding continues to dwindle we find ourselves spending an excessive amount of time focusing on negotiations as opposed to what matters – teaching our students to succeed in a globally competitive economy. Change is never easy, but we all must be prepared to seek new alternatives and shoulder the burden to ensure that our state survives the troubling years ahead.

We call upon legislative leaders and Gov. Granholm to carefully examine this proposal. Business as usual isn’t working. Any proposal that stands to reform the system, save money and recognize the hard work of our public employees deserves a full conversation and complete consideration.

This plan represents a much needed example of forward thinking. We urge readers to visit www.newideasformichigan.org to learn more about this proposal. Contact your legislators and let them know that we can no longer rely on one-time fixes and short-term agendas. Reforming the health care system is a huge step toward long-term system-wide reform that this state so desperately needs.

The time for change is now and those who seek to defend the broken status quo must re-evaluate their priorities. Doing nothing is no longer an option. We need our elected leaders to lead so that educators can educate the next generation.

Short-Term Stimulus Money Doesn't Fix School Problems

Thu, 11 Jun 2009 04:00:00 GMT

Lansing, MI—Schools across the state are thankful for the federal stimulus dollars from the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act (ARRA) that will provide much-needed relief for school budgets this year. However, after this year, there’s a painful reality that schools and communities must face. The Michigan Association of School Boards, Michigan Association of School Administrators and the Michigan School Business Officials are united in our intent to continue to forewarn districts, communities and policymakers that severe cuts are coming for K-12 education, and only some of these cuts will be offset by ARRA funds.

To put our “reality” in perspective, for the upcoming 2009-10 school year, schools may face a $100-$150 per pupil reduction in their funding, even after ARRA funds have been used.

In the 2010-11 school year, there’s a funding cliff. Based on current projections, schools could face reductions of $500 or more per pupil. There will be no additional stimulus dollars according to Washington. The shortfall that individual districts will be dealing with will be even larger as most schools face revenue reductions due to declining enrollment. At the same time, unions are pressing districts for pay increases and health care costs are rising.

Our concern is that people may be getting messages, from the media or elsewhere, that the stimulus funds will save schools. This isn’t the case. We still anticipate having to make significant cuts in 2009-10 and even more so in 2010-11. Schools will soon approach a funding cliff that will put many districts at significant financial risk unless the legislature does something soon.

“Our current funding reality forces us to look at new ways to save costs without jeopardizing the quality of education for our students,” said MASB Executive Director Kathy Hayes. “All of us need to look at our situation as an opportunity to change the way we do things for the better—an opportunity to reform education in a way that puts students first and adults second.”

The times of thinking about one-time fixes and small-scale programs are over. Our education funding system needs a major overhaul. It’s imperative that we all have a common understanding of the challenges facing public education and unite in finding long-term, sustainable solutions. If Michigan legislators care about public education and the 1.6 million children they serve, now is the time they must act quickly to find ways to head off this shortfall and provide stable, adequate funding for public education.

School Board Members Express Thanks to Michigan's Teachers

Mon, 04 May 2009 04:00:00 GMT

LANSING — Across the state and nation this week teachers are being recognized for their hard work and commitment to educating our youth. The membership and staff of the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) would like to extend our thanks to the teachers of Michigan for the role that they play in delivering quality education every day.

In today’s complex education environment, it’s important to recognize the powerful role that teachers play in ensuring each child receives a quality education. “On behalf of the school board members across the state, I would like to thank Michigan’s teachers for the dedication they bring to the classroom,” said MASB Executive Director Kathy Hayes. “Strong teachers are vital to the success of our students, our schools and our state. By working together we can ensure a quality education for every child in Michigan,” she added.

The week of May 4-8 is National Teacher Appreciation Week. MASB encourages schools, communities and parents to recognize teachers for the important work that they do, and for their commitment to delivering a quality education to ALL of our state’s children.

The Michigan Association of School Boards provides quality educational leadership services to all Michigan boards of education and advocates for student achievement and public education.

Staff Changes at MASB

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 04:00:00 GMT

The Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) is pleased to announce that Don Wotruba has been appointed to the position of deputy director for the association. Don was previously the director of government relations. Don has been with MASB for 12 years, during which time he has built countless relationships with both association and education leaders to help further MASB’s goals and reputation. Don holds a master’s in public administration and is a nationally certified association executive. Don has been instrumental in advocating for many initiatives to help school districts, including health care and retirement reform for public school employees, the anti-voucher campaign, and the K-16 rally that mobilized more than 12,000 Michiganders in support of funding equity.

Don will continue to serve in his capacity as director of government relations, focusing on advocacy on behalf of public education and outreach to members. Specifically, Don will continue to advance the association’s short- and long-term legislative priorities, and represent MASB on external affairs that impact public education.

MASB is also pleased to announce the selection of Richard “Dick” Dunham as the new director of superintendent search for the association. Dick is currently the superintendent at Laingsburg Community Schools and brings more than 30 years of public education experience as a teacher, principal and superintendent to the position. He holds a bachelor and master’s degree from Central Michigan University.

Dick’s objective will be to assist school districts in finding highly qualified, committed individuals who possess a vision and passion for public education to be their next leader. He will accomplish this by developing a team of adjunct consultants in terms of skills and diversity, and with individuals who possess honesty, integrity and the ability to be agile in meeting the needs of MASB member school districts. He will also evaluate the association’s current selection process and develop a more dynamic candidate pool.

Other MASB announcements include the promotion of Angel Davis to project coordinator where she will assist with the board member training program and coordinate logistics for one-day workshops, events, vendor relations and the exhibit show. Brad Banasik will now oversee labor relations activities for the association, in addition to his role as legal counsel.

“We are very fortunate to have the kind of quality people we have in Don, Dick, Brad and Angel. They are outstanding advocates for public education,” said Executive Director Kathy Hayes.

Conference addresses disparities in urban education and provides scholarships to Michigan students

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 05:00:00 GMT

It’s been more than 50 years since the U.S. Supreme Court’s Brown vs. Board of Education decision, and urban and minority children still face an uphill struggle in the race for school success.

Responding to this critical need, the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) will hold its annual urban conference devoted to helping urban school districts close the achievement gap. The Urban Project: Using Data to Close the Achievement Gap, will help under-resourced school districts learn what it takes to achieve the academic performance required by state and national educational standards and mandates.

On Feb. 26, 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Lansing Community College West Campus, Michigan’s urban school districts will learn what it takes to help their students succeed academically in a K-12 system where state and federal laws set new and higher standards and expectations. MASB’s “Urban Project” features state leaders in urban education who will discuss the role of school board members and administrators in collecting, analyzing and developing action plans for data-informed decision making.

Another feature of the conference is the presentation of two scholarships to urban high school students. The scholarships, in partnership with ARAMARK Education and the Michigan Black Caucus on Education, are the result of a commitment to aiding urban districts’ continued efforts in education and service, and the belief that educating students in the urban centers can help eliminate social, political and economic disadvantages that plague our communities and nation.

The 2009 scholarship winners are Ian R. Grant II from North Farmington High School in Farmington and Karli E. Mayer from Carrollton High School in Saginaw. Each student will receive a scholarship of $1,000 to use for his or her pursuit of higher education, and present their winning essays, reflecting the theme of what does the election of America’s first African-American president mean to public education?

The Michigan Association of School Boards provides quality educational leadership services for all Michigan boards of education, and advocates for student achievement and public education.

Don't Recall School Board Members for Making Decisions in the Best Interest of Kids

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 05:00:00 GMT

MASB Reveals Its New Web Site

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT

For Immediate Release
Jan. 26, 2009
Contact: Jennifer Rogers, jrogers@masb.org
or Sarah Sant, ssant@masb.org
News Room, www.masb.org

MASB Reveals New Web Site

Lansing, MI – The Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) is excited to reveal a redesigned Web site, www.masb.org. For the past several months, MASB has been working with Lansing-based i2Integration to develop a user-friendly, aesthetically pleasing Web presence that’s conducive to its member needs.

MASB serves 4,200 members in more than 600 school districts across the state, making the Web site a critical tool in reaching its members with important information in a timely and efficient manner. In addition, the Web site was redesigned to better reflect the association’s brand, LeadStrong, and create a more cohesive identity.

Another new feature is the online advocacy tool e-Vocate: The Power of You that will make it easier for members to stay up-to-date on key legislative issues and to contact their legislators.
It’s MASB’s goal to continue to develop the site into a reliable resource for school board members, school officials and the community. Over the next several months the association will introduce additional features, utilizing the Web 2.0 trend to find ways for school board members to easily connect with one another.

The Michigan Association of School Boards provides quality educational leadership services to all Michigan boards of education, and to advocate for student achievement and public education.

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Michigan Honors School Board Members Throughout January

Thu, 15 Jan 2009 05:00:00 GMT

MASB Names New Executive Director

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 05:00:00 GMT

MASB Names New Executive Director

Lansing, MI—The Board of Directors of the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) is pleased to announce it has selected Kathy Hayes to take the helm as executive director of the statewide education association. Kathy succeeds former Executive Director Justin King who retired in May after 21 years of service. The Board announced its decision at the association’s annual fall conference in Traverse City this past weekend to more than 500 school board members who delivered a standing ovation upon hearing the news.

Kathy has been with the association for 10 years, serving as a key figure in the development of board of education members. She has over 15 years experience in the trenches, serving as a local board member for Williamston Community Schools. Kathy has proven herself as a forward thinker in education and organizational management, and has a strong, trusting relationship with staff and members. “I'm deeply gratified for this opportunity and honored by the board’s decision,” said Kathy. “My number one priority is to work with the board and staff to advocate on behalf of all Michigan school board members and the students they serve,” she added.

This was a thoughtful, unanimous decision by MASB’s Board of Directors with a considerable amount of feedback from constituents, superintendents and executive directors of other education associations. Many board directors shared the sentiment that a formal search was unnecessary as Kathy already exemplified the characteristics desired in a new leader.

“Kathy's strong leadership and interpersonal skills paired with her collaborative spirit make her the perfect candidate,” said MASB Board President Paula Saari. “We didn't want to lose the momentum of all of the positive changes happening under Kathy’s leadership as interim executive director.”

Kathy will assume her new role effective immediately as she continues to elevate the premier education association in Michigan.

MASB provides quality educational leadership services to all Michigan boards of education, and advocates for student achievement and public education.

Wayne-Westland Teacher Strike Illegal

Mon, 06 Oct 2008 04:00:00 GMT

Wayne-Westland Teacher Strike Illegal

Wayne-Westland teachers have gone on strike disrupting the education of more than 13,000 students and the lives of their parents.

The Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) disagrees with the actions of the Wayne Westland teacher’s union and the Michigan Education Association (MEA). The teacher strike is illegal and the union ignored the collective bargaining process.

Strikes by public school employees violate the Public Employment Relations Act. School districts may respond to illegal strikes by seeking to impose fines on employees who break the law or by requesting a court order to stop the strike. Unfortunately, pursuing these remedies place tremendous financial burdens on the school district.

The teacher’s union, however reserves funds to pay financial penalties that may be imposed on the teachers enabling them to strike if they don’t get what they want.

“Aside from the illegality of teacher strikes, the reality is that when teacher unions use the threat of a strike to force school districts into giving them exactly what they want, the district is forced to make decisions contrary to their financial situation,” said Kathy Hayes, MASB’s interim executive director.

The Wayne-Westland teacher contract has only recently expired, which leads us to believe that the teachers haven’t utilized all the necessary tools to bargain in good faith.

“The collective bargaining process needs to be given adequate time so both parties can negotiate a mutually agreeable contract. An illegal strike doesn’t allow this process to work,” Hayes said.

By walking away from the bargaining table, the union demonstrates a lack of interest in putting students first.

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MASB provides quality educational leadership services for all Michigan boards of education, and advocates for student achievement and public education.

2008 Michigan's Best Award Winners

Mon, 08 Sep 2008 04:00:00 GMT

The 2008 Michigan's Best Award winning school districts are:

Charlotte Public Schools
Hillsdale Community Schools
Iron Mountain Public Schools
McBain Rural Agricultural Schools
Milan Area Schools
Romulus Community Schools
Saginaw Township Community Schools
Utica Community Schools
Wayne RESA

Click here to visit the Education Excellence/Michigan's Best searchable database.

The 2009 award winners will be announced in May.

2008 Media Honor Roll

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 04:00:00 GMT