Board approves resolution for State demanding school funding issues be addressed

A strongly worded resolution demanding State leaders put in place a “fair and equitable” funding plan to finance Michigan’s educational system was passed unanimously by the Lapeer Board of Education Thursday, December 3.

The resolution called for the Board to do a complete evaluation of the State’s financial process and establish a fair method to tax citizens for needed services.

Additionally, the resolution demanded that the State establish a funding system that is in place before school districts must set their annual budgets on July 1st of each year.

The resolution is in response to the State’s recent record of passing along budget decreases long after the State required budget decisions are made by local public school districts.

“The long-term economic health of our state, and opportunity for our citizens is conditioned on meaningful structural reform to provide stable and fair funding for education,” the resolution said in part.

On July 1, the Lapeer Board of Education approved a balanced $56.2 million budget based on State funding projections at that time. To balance that budget the District used $1.2 million from its savings account to off set the projected loss of State money.

In mid-October after missing its own September 30 budget deadline, the State Legislature adopted a budget that cut $165 per student from those projections causing a shortfall of $1 million in the District’s budget. And beyond that, the governor added a $127 cut for an additional deficit of about $800,000, which is scheduled to take effect later this month.

“It is time for State leaders to put aside politics and deal with an issue that has long term consequences for the State’s most valuable resource, its children,” said Superintendent Debbie Thompson.

Complete text of the resolution follows:

WHEREAS, education is the cornerstone of a successful economic turnaround and investment in education is the key to a new Michigan; and

WHEREAS, the children of Michigan deserve educational opportunities that allow them to compete on a national and international basis; and

WHEREAS, it is imperative to combine needed investments in education with meaningful, money-saving reforms in the delivery of educational programs; and

WHEREAS, the long-term economic health of our state, and opportunity for our citizens is conditioned on meaningful structural reform to provide stable and fair funding for education; and

WHEREAS, given the crippling effects on our citizens and our educational institutions of continuing short-term, temporary measures and budget impasses over education funding.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of Education of Lapeer Community Schools demands that the governor and legislators make a commitment to this State and to the citizens to make the necessary budget decisions that allow for the education of our children;

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Board of Education of Lapeer Community Schools demands that the governor and legislators do a complete evaluation of the State’s financial processes and create a financial system that funds the educational system in a fair and equitable manner. This system should ensure that the educational budget is in place prior to the start of the district’s fiscal year. Further, we urge the governor and legislators to review processes for funding of this State’s needs and to explore all options to stabilize the State revenues and to establish a fair method to tax citizens for needed services. This Board holds the governor and legislators responsible for creating these processes in a timely manner.
###

Zemmer Junior High School renamed officially to Zemmer Middle School

Zemmer Junior High School officially became Zemmer Middle School in a vote by the Lapeer Board of Education Thursday night.
Opened as Zemmer Junior High School in October 1969, the school is currently undergoing a major renovation to convert it into a 21st Century Middle School. Voters approved a bond in May 2007 that financed the construction of Rolland-Warner Middle School, Zemmer Middle School, District wide technology improvements and other facility improvements.

A ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremony is planned for late summer 2010 with the first classes in the new school to begin in September 2010.

Accreditation team to visit Lapeer East

A Quality Assurance Review team from the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement will be at Lapeer East High School on Thursday, December 10th and Friday, December 11th for a visit.

The review at East is part of the ongoing process of the continued accreditation of all three District high schools.

A five-year review is required for continued accreditation, something that Lapeer East has had since its opening in January 1976.

Lapeer East has identified as goals the improvement of writing skills and reading and analytical thinking proficiency.

The review calls for an intensive examination of school records and interviews to confirm that the school is working towards the seven standards of the NCA and East’s own goals.

The seven standards of NCA are: Vision and Purpose; Governance and Leadership; Documenting and Using Results; Resource and Support Systems; Stakeholder Communications and Relationships; and a Commitment to Continuous Improvement.

“We look forward to the visit of the Quality Assurance Review team,” said Principal Kelly Paige. “We believe the NCA accreditation process helps keep us focused on providing an outstanding secondary education for our students.”

Lapeer West, Lapeer East host major fund raising events on Saturday, December 5th

Here are a couple high school fund raising events to fill up your Saturday. (Photo by Julie Fernandez, click to enlarge)

Lapeer West

A night of fun and music provided by the popular local band “Eddie West” will help raise money needed to send the Lapeer West High School Symphony Band to the Michigan Music Conference in Grand Rapids in January will be held this Saturday, December 5th. The West band is only one of four high schools in the State chosen to play at the conference.

Cost for the trip, which includes busing, meals, programs and lodging for 72 students is estimated at about $25,000. A series of fund-raisers are being held to defray student costs.

The “Eddie West” benefit will be at the Lapeer Country Club from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. There will be a silent auction and snacks will be provided. Tickets are $10 per person. All money raised at the event will benefit the trip. Tickets are on sale at the Lapeer West High School office or by contacting Mary Nugent at at (248) 515-9904 or mnugent@lapeerwestmusic.org.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Lapeer East

The Lapeer East High School Athletic Boosters Annual Craft and Bake Show and food drive is this Saturday, December 5th from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the high school, 933 S. Saginaw Street.

The show is free to the public and concessions will be sold on site. The boosters are also seeking donated items for a raffle to be held during the show.

Customers attending the craft and bake show will be given a free raffle ticket for any non-perishable item donated to the food drive. Food collected will be given to KIND, Kids in New Directions.

Zemmer Middle School construction progress update - Photos from December 2

New photos of the ongoing work at the future Zemmer Middle School were taken on Wednesday, December 2nd and are available for viewing at the District photo gallery.