Today concluded with a panel discussion with three of Michigan's legislative leaders, facilitated by Deputy Director Don Wotruba. As a legislator, sitting in front of 600 school board members and administrators can be risky, so we're grateful to the panel for taking the time to be with us and for sharing their honest thoughts on some of the controversial proposals being considered.
Don didn't waste any time getting to the tough questions, starting with what will happen with the surplus revenue in the School Aid Fund. Not surprisingly, the panel was hesitant to commit to 
giving any extra funds to districts this year and made note of the fact that many other groups are also lobbying for extra dollars. Although challenged by several board members about the effectiveness of expanding charters in the state, the legislators seem committed to offering more choice to parents in Michigan. To the dismay of the crowd, the comment was made by one legislator that charter schools don't advertise to take kids away from public schools.
The panel also addressed the changes to teacher tenure, specifically the practice of "last in, first out," and how eliminating that practice will positively impact the classroom. MASB members didn't let the legislators off easy, and pressed them on providing adequate funding, particularly as it relates to the potential elimination of the personal property tax, and ensuring that charter schools are held to the same standards as public schools.