The Lapeer Community Schools and the Lapeer Education Association have reached an agreement on a one-year contract that will run though the 2011-2012 school year.
Teachers ratified the contract and the School Board voted to approve the contract on May 26.
Key provisions of the agreement include working condition changes and wage and benefit concessions by the teachers that are expected to save the District in excess of $4 million in the coming school year.
“In light of the state revenue cuts that the District is facing, both the District and its teachers worked together to address the cost-cutting that is necessary and to minimize the effects in the classroom,” said Superintendent Debbie Thompson. “It was truly a collaborative effort.”
The new contract carves out a structural change that reduces the number of teaching positions in the District by more than 30 and increases the amount teachers pay toward their health care premiums. The one-year contract also includes a wage freeze.
Despite the commitment by the teachers to save the District $4 million a year, the Board still needs to reduce spending by another $3 million to $4 million to balance the District’s budget for the 2011-12 school year.
Showing posts with label Board of Education. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Board of Education. Show all posts
Friday, May 27, 2011
Friday, July 2, 2010
Board of Education elects officers for 2010-2011
Next year’s Board of Education officers will look the same as the previous year after Board members selected new officers for the 2010-2011 school year.
Bill Laidlaw is President, Peggy Bush is vice-president and John Nugent is secretary.
The Board also kept its regular meeting schedule of the first and third Thursday of the month. The first meeting is designated as the regular meeting and the second meeting will be the work session. Two exceptions are the July work session will not be held and the regular meeting scheduled in April 2011 will be held the last Thursday of March due to spring vacation.
Board meetings and the locations are available on the District website at lapeerschools.org and are posted at the Administration and Services Center, 250 Second Street in Lapeer.
Bill Laidlaw is President, Peggy Bush is vice-president and John Nugent is secretary.
The Board also kept its regular meeting schedule of the first and third Thursday of the month. The first meeting is designated as the regular meeting and the second meeting will be the work session. Two exceptions are the July work session will not be held and the regular meeting scheduled in April 2011 will be held the last Thursday of March due to spring vacation.
Board meetings and the locations are available on the District website at lapeerschools.org and are posted at the Administration and Services Center, 250 Second Street in Lapeer.
Budget adjustments approved at Board of Education meeting
To address a $4.6 million budget shortfall caused by rollbacks in State funding for the past years and rising costs in health care and retirement the Board of Education approved a series of budget adjustments Wednesday to balance the budget.
Some of those adjustments will affect high school families with a small increase to high school parking fees, the elimination of family athletic passes and strict adherence to pay-to-play numbers for athletic teams.
Families will still be able to buy athletic punch cards that will allow entry to sporting events at a discount rate.
Strict adherence to minimum athletic participation numbers for teams is expected to save $50,000. In the past, teams with below the minimum number of students were provided but in the future the District will adhere to the minimum numbers based on the pay-to-play receipts on a specific payment deadline.
It will also cost high school students an additional 25 cents per week to park at the high schools as student parking fees were increased to $30 per year.
In addition to a number of budget cuts for the 2010-2011 year, the Board also downgraded an administrative position in the Business Office as part of the effort to eliminate the budget shortfall.
These actions were in addition to savings from teacher retirements, employee contract concessions, elimination of certain support staff positions, the postponement of bus purchases and a withdrawal of $1.7 million from the District’s savings, among other budget saving measures.
Some of those adjustments will affect high school families with a small increase to high school parking fees, the elimination of family athletic passes and strict adherence to pay-to-play numbers for athletic teams.
Families will still be able to buy athletic punch cards that will allow entry to sporting events at a discount rate.
Strict adherence to minimum athletic participation numbers for teams is expected to save $50,000. In the past, teams with below the minimum number of students were provided but in the future the District will adhere to the minimum numbers based on the pay-to-play receipts on a specific payment deadline.
It will also cost high school students an additional 25 cents per week to park at the high schools as student parking fees were increased to $30 per year.
In addition to a number of budget cuts for the 2010-2011 year, the Board also downgraded an administrative position in the Business Office as part of the effort to eliminate the budget shortfall.
These actions were in addition to savings from teacher retirements, employee contract concessions, elimination of certain support staff positions, the postponement of bus purchases and a withdrawal of $1.7 million from the District’s savings, among other budget saving measures.
Friday, June 4, 2010
District administration proposes $3 million in budget cuts to Board of Education
A budget recommendation to cut $3 million from the 2010-2011 District budget, which includes large cost items like contracted food service, a reduction in bus driver hours due to a change in middle school and elementary school schedules and many smaller cuts, will be discussed further at the June 17 Board of Education meeting.
In addition to retirements, the District also proposes saving $500,000 by not replacing five teachers and another $210,000 by reducing the number of new buses purchased.
Other recommended cuts include, reducing and restructuring administrative staff at central office, eliminating auxiliary secretaries at the elementary schools and reducing custodial costs through contracting services as current employees retire.
Smaller cuts are also proposed like allowing parents to choose paper or electronic copies of school mailings, an expected savings of $11,300. That leaves the District spending about $1.5 million from the District’s fund equity.
Board members requested additional budget information and further discussion before making a final decision.
A special Board of Education meeting will be set to adopt the budget following the June 17 discussion. By State law a budget must be in place by June 30.
In addition to retirements, the District also proposes saving $500,000 by not replacing five teachers and another $210,000 by reducing the number of new buses purchased.
Other recommended cuts include, reducing and restructuring administrative staff at central office, eliminating auxiliary secretaries at the elementary schools and reducing custodial costs through contracting services as current employees retire.
Smaller cuts are also proposed like allowing parents to choose paper or electronic copies of school mailings, an expected savings of $11,300. That leaves the District spending about $1.5 million from the District’s fund equity.
Board members requested additional budget information and further discussion before making a final decision.
A special Board of Education meeting will be set to adopt the budget following the June 17 discussion. By State law a budget must be in place by June 30.
Thursday, June 3, 2010
Superintendent Debbie Thompson announces plans to retire at end of 2010-2011
Superintendent Debbie Thompson’s 40-year education career that began as a second-grade teacher at a private school in Oxford will end June 30, 2011 in retirement.
Last week, Mrs. Thompson informed the Board of Education that she will retire next year allowing the District plenty of time to find a new superintendent and create a seamless transition.
In her tenure as Superintendent she and the Board of Education navigated the District through difficult budgets brought on by Michigan’s financial woes, but also oversaw a successful bond campaign that brought two long sought after new middle schools to the District. Both schools open in the fall.
In 1974, Mrs. Thompson started her career with Lapeer Community Schools as a third and fourth grade Chapter I Reading teacher at Hadley Elementary School. Previously she had been a second-grade teacher at Kingsbury School in Oxford starting in 1971.
During her career she held a variety of posts including Title I teacher, Administrative Assistant for Staff Development, Curriculum Coordinator, Director of Curriculum, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Interim Superintendent of Schools and finally in 2005, Superintendent.
From 1988 to 1992 she was an elementary school principal in Linden, the only time she was absent from the Lapeer District during her long career.
“I am excited to continue working next school year as we open and operate our two new middle schools,” said Mrs. Thompson. “It is a dream a long time in the making! In addition, I am energized by the enthusiasm of our current staff and the potential of the new staff we are in the process of hiring. I look forward to leading the District as we work to make LCS the best possible learning environment for all of our students.”
Mrs. Thompson received a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and did advanced course work in educational leadership at Eastern Michigan University. She is listed in the 1988 Who’s Who in American Education and was named the 1984 Distinguished Educator for Lapeer Community Schools.
“At a time when the District needed strong leadership and vision, Mrs. Thompson admirably exemplified those assets during her time as Superintendent with Lapeer Community Schools,” said Board of Education President Bill Laidlaw. “She has been a pleasure to work with and a team player with the Board of Education in moving the District forward. She will be deeply missed when she retires.”
Last week, Mrs. Thompson informed the Board of Education that she will retire next year allowing the District plenty of time to find a new superintendent and create a seamless transition.
In her tenure as Superintendent she and the Board of Education navigated the District through difficult budgets brought on by Michigan’s financial woes, but also oversaw a successful bond campaign that brought two long sought after new middle schools to the District. Both schools open in the fall.
In 1974, Mrs. Thompson started her career with Lapeer Community Schools as a third and fourth grade Chapter I Reading teacher at Hadley Elementary School. Previously she had been a second-grade teacher at Kingsbury School in Oxford starting in 1971.
During her career she held a variety of posts including Title I teacher, Administrative Assistant for Staff Development, Curriculum Coordinator, Director of Curriculum, Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction, Interim Superintendent of Schools and finally in 2005, Superintendent.
From 1988 to 1992 she was an elementary school principal in Linden, the only time she was absent from the Lapeer District during her long career.
“I am excited to continue working next school year as we open and operate our two new middle schools,” said Mrs. Thompson. “It is a dream a long time in the making! In addition, I am energized by the enthusiasm of our current staff and the potential of the new staff we are in the process of hiring. I look forward to leading the District as we work to make LCS the best possible learning environment for all of our students.”
Mrs. Thompson received a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and did advanced course work in educational leadership at Eastern Michigan University. She is listed in the 1988 Who’s Who in American Education and was named the 1984 Distinguished Educator for Lapeer Community Schools.
“At a time when the District needed strong leadership and vision, Mrs. Thompson admirably exemplified those assets during her time as Superintendent with Lapeer Community Schools,” said Board of Education President Bill Laidlaw. “She has been a pleasure to work with and a team player with the Board of Education in moving the District forward. She will be deeply missed when she retires.”
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
Lapeer Board of Education studying 'difficult' budget cuts in 2010-2011 school year
“Everything is on the table” as the Lapeer Community Schools Board of Education and administration officials look for ways to overcome a budget shortfall of between $5 million and $6 million for the 2010-2011 school year.
The Board looked at a long list of potential cuts and budget savings during a difficult meeting Thursday night, May 20, at the Administration & Services Center. The meeting lasted more than three hours, but no decisions were finalized. The discussion will continue at the June 3 Board meeting.
The Board also scheduled a budget hearing for June 17, at which time the budget could be adopted.
“This is my fifth year as Superintendent and this year’s budget cuts are the most painful,” said Superintendent Debbie Thompson. “We are talking about friends and colleagues. These are tough times we face with a unique set of circumstances, not of our making.”
The size of the budget shortfall will depend on how much or how little the state cuts the individual student allowance. The District is required to submit a balanced budget by June 30.
The Board looked at 59 possible budget reduction items, including contracting food, custodial and dean of students services.
A representative of Chartwells, the food service company that currently manages the breakfast and lunch program in the schools, said that by transferring the hiring and supervision of food service employees to Chartwells, the District could save about $350,000 annually.
The District administration also outlined a plan to contract custodial services by replacing retiring school custodians with contract employees at a savings of $209,000. The District would save an additional $791,000 by turning over custodial services to a private company without waiting for employees to retire.
Currently the District has a $6.9 million fund balance, which through careful financial management has helped the District avoid layoffs or major mid-year cuts as experienced by other school districts. While some fund balance could be used, the District will move cautiously with a future that appears to be grim.
Some items from last night’s discussion include:
· A potential need to close an elementary building in the following (2011-2012) school year, likely the Seaton campus, at a cost savings of $350,000 per year.
· Reduction of custodial staff by 1/3 and alternate day cleaning at a savings of $470,000.
· Create more efficient bus routes at an annual savings of $250,000 through reduced hours and benefits to transportation employees.
· Reduce the number of new bus purchases with a savings of $210,000.
· Contract dean of students services at a savings of $105,000.
· Eliminate all deans of students for a savings of $470,000.
· Eliminate only elementary deans of students to save $357,000.
· There were several staff reductions discussed including Media Center employees, a reduction in secretarial staff, central office administrative staff reductions, partial reductions in counseling staff, reductions in support staff. The complexities of those cuts are too difficult to recount here.
The Board looked at a long list of potential cuts and budget savings during a difficult meeting Thursday night, May 20, at the Administration & Services Center. The meeting lasted more than three hours, but no decisions were finalized. The discussion will continue at the June 3 Board meeting.
The Board also scheduled a budget hearing for June 17, at which time the budget could be adopted.
“This is my fifth year as Superintendent and this year’s budget cuts are the most painful,” said Superintendent Debbie Thompson. “We are talking about friends and colleagues. These are tough times we face with a unique set of circumstances, not of our making.”
The size of the budget shortfall will depend on how much or how little the state cuts the individual student allowance. The District is required to submit a balanced budget by June 30.
The Board looked at 59 possible budget reduction items, including contracting food, custodial and dean of students services.
A representative of Chartwells, the food service company that currently manages the breakfast and lunch program in the schools, said that by transferring the hiring and supervision of food service employees to Chartwells, the District could save about $350,000 annually.
The District administration also outlined a plan to contract custodial services by replacing retiring school custodians with contract employees at a savings of $209,000. The District would save an additional $791,000 by turning over custodial services to a private company without waiting for employees to retire.
Currently the District has a $6.9 million fund balance, which through careful financial management has helped the District avoid layoffs or major mid-year cuts as experienced by other school districts. While some fund balance could be used, the District will move cautiously with a future that appears to be grim.
Some items from last night’s discussion include:
· A potential need to close an elementary building in the following (2011-2012) school year, likely the Seaton campus, at a cost savings of $350,000 per year.
· Reduction of custodial staff by 1/3 and alternate day cleaning at a savings of $470,000.
· Create more efficient bus routes at an annual savings of $250,000 through reduced hours and benefits to transportation employees.
· Reduce the number of new bus purchases with a savings of $210,000.
· Contract dean of students services at a savings of $105,000.
· Eliminate all deans of students for a savings of $470,000.
· Eliminate only elementary deans of students to save $357,000.
· There were several staff reductions discussed including Media Center employees, a reduction in secretarial staff, central office administrative staff reductions, partial reductions in counseling staff, reductions in support staff. The complexities of those cuts are too difficult to recount here.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Board of Education candidate forum set for Tuesday, April 27 at Metamora Masons Hall
Learn more about candidates running for the Lapeer Community Schools Board of Education at a forum at 6:30 p.m., Tuesday, April 27 at the Metamora Masons Hall, 32 High Street in Metamora. Audience members can submit questions for the three candidates running for the Board of Education at the forum. The event is sponsored by the Lapeer County Tea Party Patriots and hosted by the Metamora Masons.
Friday, March 5, 2010
New 2010-2011 school hours proposed for elementary, middle schools
Faced with a $3.9 million budget shortfall the Board of Education put 12 members of the District management staff and 7 deans of students on notice that their jobs could be eliminated in the 2010-2011 budget process.
The vote Thursday to approve these notifications to management staff was required by State law to allow the Board to consider elimination of management positions later in the budget process.
In addition to these nineteen staff members, who were part of this Board action, 6 other management staff members are contract employees whose employment immediately can be terminated at any time. Also, 4 central office administrators were not part of this board action because they are in the first year of a two-year contract. These 4 administrators have received notice that their positions could be eliminated and that they could be reassigned in 2010-2011, the final year of their contracts.
In January, Board members emphasized that “everything was on the table this year” when considering how the District would balance its budget in the face of shrinking State education support.
“Again this year we are faced with extremely difficult choices,” said Superintendent Debbie Thompson. “We need to be true to the promise that we will examine every part of the budget for places to cut.”
The vote Thursday to approve these notifications to management staff was required by State law to allow the Board to consider elimination of management positions later in the budget process.
In addition to these nineteen staff members, who were part of this Board action, 6 other management staff members are contract employees whose employment immediately can be terminated at any time. Also, 4 central office administrators were not part of this board action because they are in the first year of a two-year contract. These 4 administrators have received notice that their positions could be eliminated and that they could be reassigned in 2010-2011, the final year of their contracts.
In January, Board members emphasized that “everything was on the table this year” when considering how the District would balance its budget in the face of shrinking State education support.
“Again this year we are faced with extremely difficult choices,” said Superintendent Debbie Thompson. “We need to be true to the promise that we will examine every part of the budget for places to cut.”
District Innovative Grants awarded
Software to help increase student achievement in math, speech, science and English at Lapeer West and an after-school support program to help students struggling with mathematics at Lapeer East are the newest recipients of 2009-2010 Innovative Instructional Programs grants.
The Board of Education recently announced the two grants totaling $7,702. Funds for the programs come through Michigan grants.
“Turning Points” software will assist Lapeer West High School teachers in making immediate changes in teaching decisions based upon student success and comprehension of data in math, speech, science and English.
“On the spot” assessments will also be used to improve comprehension through the use of the software.
The $3,600 West grant was proposed by teachers Ted Tomczyk, Andy Roberts and Erica Niemi.
At Lapeer East a $4,102 grant was awarded to “Project Success” an after-school support program twice a week to help at-risk students stay on track for graduation through the help of highly qualified math teachers. The teachers will front load new math concepts to prepare students to handle those as they are introduced in the math classroom.
Project Success was proposed by East counselors and teachers: Susan Wilmers, Dennis Warner, Jeff Lorenz, Jan Ciaramella, Devin Palmer, and Susan Wheatley.
In 2006, the Board of Education decided to commit outside grant funding annually to support the use of Innovative Technology and Instructional programs in classrooms through a competitive application process. This year the program was expanded to include other innovative instructional ideas not related to technology.
“The Board of Education is proud that we established the grants to improve the educational opportunities for our students,” said Board President William Laidlaw. “Our faculty is to be praised for integrating technology into our classrooms. We also thank the community for passing the bond that allows new technology to be a major part of the educational process at Lapeer Community Schools.”
The Board of Education recently announced the two grants totaling $7,702. Funds for the programs come through Michigan grants.
“Turning Points” software will assist Lapeer West High School teachers in making immediate changes in teaching decisions based upon student success and comprehension of data in math, speech, science and English.
“On the spot” assessments will also be used to improve comprehension through the use of the software.
The $3,600 West grant was proposed by teachers Ted Tomczyk, Andy Roberts and Erica Niemi.
At Lapeer East a $4,102 grant was awarded to “Project Success” an after-school support program twice a week to help at-risk students stay on track for graduation through the help of highly qualified math teachers. The teachers will front load new math concepts to prepare students to handle those as they are introduced in the math classroom.
Project Success was proposed by East counselors and teachers: Susan Wilmers, Dennis Warner, Jeff Lorenz, Jan Ciaramella, Devin Palmer, and Susan Wheatley.
In 2006, the Board of Education decided to commit outside grant funding annually to support the use of Innovative Technology and Instructional programs in classrooms through a competitive application process. This year the program was expanded to include other innovative instructional ideas not related to technology.
“The Board of Education is proud that we established the grants to improve the educational opportunities for our students,” said Board President William Laidlaw. “Our faculty is to be praised for integrating technology into our classrooms. We also thank the community for passing the bond that allows new technology to be a major part of the educational process at Lapeer Community Schools.”
District management staff, deans of students put on notice of potential job cuts
Faced with a $3.9 million budget shortfall the Board of Education put 12 members of the District management staff and 7 deans of students on notice that their jobs could be eliminated in the 2010-2011 budget process.
The vote Thursday to approve these notifications to management staff was required by State law to allow the Board to consider elimination of management positions later in the budget process.
In addition to these nineteen staff members, who were part of this Board action, 6 other management staff members are contract employees whose employment immediately can be terminated at any time. Also, 4 central office administrators were not part of this board action because they are in the first year of a two-year contract. These 4 administrators have received notice that their positions could be eliminated and that they could be reassigned in 2010-2011, the final year of their contracts.
In January, Board members emphasized that “everything was on the table this year” when considering how the District would balance its budget in the face of shrinking State education support.
“Again this year we are faced with extremely difficult choices,” said Superintendent Debbie Thompson. “We need to be true to the promise that we will examine every part of the budget for places to cut.”
The vote Thursday to approve these notifications to management staff was required by State law to allow the Board to consider elimination of management positions later in the budget process.
In addition to these nineteen staff members, who were part of this Board action, 6 other management staff members are contract employees whose employment immediately can be terminated at any time. Also, 4 central office administrators were not part of this board action because they are in the first year of a two-year contract. These 4 administrators have received notice that their positions could be eliminated and that they could be reassigned in 2010-2011, the final year of their contracts.
In January, Board members emphasized that “everything was on the table this year” when considering how the District would balance its budget in the face of shrinking State education support.
“Again this year we are faced with extremely difficult choices,” said Superintendent Debbie Thompson. “We need to be true to the promise that we will examine every part of the budget for places to cut.”
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Board of Education changes locations of two April meetings
There are changes in location for two April meetings of the Lapeer Community Schools Board of Education. The changes are:
The April 1 regular board meeting will be in the Administration and Services Center.
The April 15 work session will be at Rolland-Warner Middle School.
The April 1 regular board meeting will be in the Administration and Services Center.
The April 15 work session will be at Rolland-Warner Middle School.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Transportation employees agree to wage concession, thanked by Superintendent
At the request of the Lapeer Community Schools Board of Education, the Lapeer Transportation Association, which represents the District’s 59 bus drivers, reopened their current Master Agreement and agreed to wage concessions that will save the District $37,000 this school year.
The revised agreement was ratified by the Association on Thursday, December 17 and approved by the Board of Education at a meeting also on Thursday, December 17.
The LTA agreed to a two percent wage reduction applied retroactive to July 1, 2009. The agreement also extends the current contract through June 30, 2011. The contract was set to expire this June.
A formula in the contract addresses any potential wage adjustments for the next school year, but most likely will result in a pay freeze due to Michigan’s current economic climate.
“We appreciate the LTA working with us during these difficult economic times,” said Superintendent Debbie Thompson. “The union did not have to re-open the contract, but did so in the best interests of our District and the children it serves. It is a significant step that helps us address this year’s difficult budget.”
The revised agreement was ratified by the Association on Thursday, December 17 and approved by the Board of Education at a meeting also on Thursday, December 17.
The LTA agreed to a two percent wage reduction applied retroactive to July 1, 2009. The agreement also extends the current contract through June 30, 2011. The contract was set to expire this June.
A formula in the contract addresses any potential wage adjustments for the next school year, but most likely will result in a pay freeze due to Michigan’s current economic climate.
“We appreciate the LTA working with us during these difficult economic times,” said Superintendent Debbie Thompson. “The union did not have to re-open the contract, but did so in the best interests of our District and the children it serves. It is a significant step that helps us address this year’s difficult budget.”
Friday, September 4, 2009
Mr. Bill Gavette honored for volunteer tutoring program at three District schools
Mr. Bill Gavette, a District parent, was honored by the Board of Education for his efforts to bring after-school tutoring programs to a number of District schools and his volunteer efforts in several other areas.(Photo: Mr. Gavette shakes hands with Board of Education President William Laidlaw as he receives his Certificate of Recognition. Flanking the two men are Superintendent Debbie Thompson and the rest of the Lapeer Board of Education.)
Mr. Gavette was presented with a Certificate of Recognition at the Board of Education meeting Thursday, September 3rd.
In addition to his after-school tutoring work at Maple Grove Elementary School, Zemmer Junior High School and Lapeer East High School, Mr. Gavette set up a website for the Zemmer and Lapeer East school band programs.
“I want to thank the Board of Education for the opportunity to make a difference,” Mr. Gavette told the Board.
Mr. Gavette has a son and daughter attending Lapeer East High School.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Board of Education President William Laidlaw at Rolland-Warner Middle School
The speech given by Lapeer Board of Education President William Laidlaw at the Rolland-Warner Middle School ribbon-cutting and open house on Thursday, August 27, 2009.Good evening and welcome to Rolland-Warner Middle School. On behalf of the Board of Education, I’d like to extend a warm welcome and special thank you for your attendance.
Today is not only a special day for Lapeer Community Schools, but more importantly, it symbolizes what an entire community can accomplish when it works together for the common good of its people. Strong communities revolve around its public school system and investments in their future. We should feel privileged to reside in a community that values education and invests in tomorrow’s leaders.
To the taxpayers of this community, we extend our sincere thanks for your investment in our schools. Your trust and support in this Board of Education is deeply appreciated. I can assure each of you that your investment will impact every student in this district, providing the necessary technology and learning environments that assist our valued staff in providing excellent educational opportunities for those that pass through our doors.
To the taxpayers of this community, we extend our sincere thanks for your investment in our schools. Your trust and support in this Board of Education is deeply appreciated. I can assure each of you that your investment will impact every student in this district, providing the necessary technology and learning environments that assist our valued staff in providing excellent educational opportunities for those that pass through our doors.
Because of your support and generosity, we are building two new middle schools, making significant improvements in all buildings, providing much needed technology and media centers, replacing outdated furniture, and constructing new science labs in both of our high schools. We are stretching your hard-earned dollars as far as possible to ensure we provide the highest quality education for every student we have the privilege of serving.
To the members of Barton Mallow and French and Associates, we extend our thanks for your hard work and creativity in bringing our older buildings back to life, providing state of the art educational facilities at an affordable level to our taxpayers. Your efforts will be proudly displayed to the community in the tour that follows this ceremony.
To my fellow board members and our administration, I want to commend you for your perseverance in making today possible. After two devastating bond defeats in 2005 and 2006, we continued to seek a solution to our facility problems when most would have given up.
To the members of Barton Mallow and French and Associates, we extend our thanks for your hard work and creativity in bringing our older buildings back to life, providing state of the art educational facilities at an affordable level to our taxpayers. Your efforts will be proudly displayed to the community in the tour that follows this ceremony.
To my fellow board members and our administration, I want to commend you for your perseverance in making today possible. After two devastating bond defeats in 2005 and 2006, we continued to seek a solution to our facility problems when most would have given up.
By creating a viable process that included staff, students, parents and community members, we were able to garner the support needed to pass the first bond issue in more than thirty years. Through that process, setting personal preferences aside, we listened to our community and proposed an affordable solution that was overwhelmingly supported.
Because of your dedicated efforts to our students, it is a privilege to serve as your board president, and I am excited to work along side of each you to realize the vision we have for our district and community.
Six months ago, our board had the privilege of honoring Doris Rolland and Abi Warner, wife of the late Ron Warner, after whom this facility is named. Both women spoke passionately about education and the vision they had for our new middle school program.
Six months ago, our board had the privilege of honoring Doris Rolland and Abi Warner, wife of the late Ron Warner, after whom this facility is named. Both women spoke passionately about education and the vision they had for our new middle school program.
Their words left a lasting impression on all of us. Mrs. Rolland went so far as to challenge our board and superintendent to create a middle school program that will someday be nationally recognized. As we celebrate new facilities, technology, and educational resources furnished through the passage of this bond, we must never lose focus on curriculum and instruction within the classroom that drives student achievement levels to new heights.
Our board’s focus will always be on supporting our outstanding staff in developing a quality K through 12 program that will allow every student the opportunity to be the best they can be. We have the staff, the facilities, and the resources to make that dream a reality, and I am confident that we will succeed.
As we tour the new Rolland-Warner facility this evening, I encourage each of you to realize what can be done with older facilities to create learning environments that are conducive to student success. As an advocate of public education, I would be remiss in not reminding each of us that this bond realizes only the first half of the long range facility master plan our Board of Education adopted in 2004.
As we tour the new Rolland-Warner facility this evening, I encourage each of you to realize what can be done with older facilities to create learning environments that are conducive to student success. As an advocate of public education, I would be remiss in not reminding each of us that this bond realizes only the first half of the long range facility master plan our Board of Education adopted in 2004.
When the economy improves and our student population increases, I am hopeful that in the near future we can once again begin a collaborative process that places an affordable bond issue before us, providing an equitable learning environment for every student in our district. With creative thinking, good process, and community input, I believe this goal will someday be a reality.
Thank you for your support of Lapeer Community Schools and enjoy the tour of your community’s new school.
Thank you for your support of Lapeer Community Schools and enjoy the tour of your community’s new school.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Concessions, cuts, reserve fund infusion leads to balanced LCS budget for 2009-2010
Concessions from District employee groups, voluntary administration compensation cuts, consolidation of administration and custodial services, plus an infusion of $1.27 million from the District’s fund balance led to a balanced 2009-2010 budget.
In a list of 48 potential budget reduction possibilities, the Board of Education drew the line about halfway through in determining the cuts at its Board meeting Thursday, June 18.
The budget saving reductions range from a $1,300 savings in not printing a payroll newsletter to a $1.3 million expected savings relating to the recent teacher contract settlement.
“This budget, with some additional built in savings in the coming years, keeps the core of our excellent academic and extracurricular program intact,” said Superintendent Debbie Thompson. “We have always been a District that did more with less, but that challenge is getting increasingly difficult as the State funds get tighter.”
One savings, $4,000, came from a suggestion from the bus garage mechanics who believe that oil changes can be made every 6,000 miles instead of the current 4,000 miles without harm to the fleet.
Under the approved budget, all deans of students who were previously notified of potential layoffs, will be brought back to work in the fall. Some of the deans have agreed to contract with the District for services, eliminating the health benefit requirement, which will save the District $50,000 in the first year.
“We appreciate the sacrifices and ideas from our employees that have helped bring us to this difficult budget resolution,” said Debbie Thompson. “We are committed to keeping these cuts as far away from the classroom as we can, but ultimately the cuts do nibble around the edges of our program.”
In a list of 48 potential budget reduction possibilities, the Board of Education drew the line about halfway through in determining the cuts at its Board meeting Thursday, June 18.
The budget saving reductions range from a $1,300 savings in not printing a payroll newsletter to a $1.3 million expected savings relating to the recent teacher contract settlement.
“This budget, with some additional built in savings in the coming years, keeps the core of our excellent academic and extracurricular program intact,” said Superintendent Debbie Thompson. “We have always been a District that did more with less, but that challenge is getting increasingly difficult as the State funds get tighter.”
One savings, $4,000, came from a suggestion from the bus garage mechanics who believe that oil changes can be made every 6,000 miles instead of the current 4,000 miles without harm to the fleet.
Under the approved budget, all deans of students who were previously notified of potential layoffs, will be brought back to work in the fall. Some of the deans have agreed to contract with the District for services, eliminating the health benefit requirement, which will save the District $50,000 in the first year.
“We appreciate the sacrifices and ideas from our employees that have helped bring us to this difficult budget resolution,” said Debbie Thompson. “We are committed to keeping these cuts as far away from the classroom as we can, but ultimately the cuts do nibble around the edges of our program.”
Friday, June 5, 2009
Board of Education approves north/south boundaries for two new middle schools
The Lapeer Board of Education approved a recommendation that the boundaries for the two new middle schools, scheduled to open in the fall of 2010, be based on whether students lived north or south of Imlay City Road (M-21).(Top drawing: Architect's rendering of Zemmer Middle School, bottom drawing, Architect's rendering of Rolland Warner Middle School.)
The decision followed a process that began in February with the establishment of a group of 32 parents, staff and a student who worked through a number of demographic issues related to assigning students to the new schools either on a north/south or an east/west basis.
In May, Superintendent Debbie Thompson concluded that less stress from transitions would occur to students based on a north/south boundary.
At the Thursday, June 4th meeting, the Board approved the recommendation. Superintendent Debbie Thompson said that Rolland-Warner Middle School would be the “south” school and Zemmer Middle School would be the “north” school when both open in 2010.
“We are thankful to the members of the committee and their work in providing us with the information we needed to make this important decision,” said Superintendent Debbie Thompson.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Board of Education give high marks to Superintendent Debbie Thompson
Lapeer Community Schools’ Superintendent Debbie Thompson was commended by the Board of Education for her strong and effective leadership during challenging economic times.
The Board presented its evaluation of the Superintendent at its regular monthly meeting held at Lynch Elementary School Thursday, April 2, 2009.
Each year, the Board of Education conducts a thorough evaluation of the Superintendent’s job performance. The annual review is done to ensure a consistent assessment and maintain accountability.
On Thursday, Board President William Laidlaw presented the Board’s evaluation.
“The Lapeer Community Schools’ Board of Education has concluded and reviewed its annual evaluation process with the Superintendent of Schools, Mrs. Debbie Thompson. We are pleased to announce that she has once again received high performance scores from the Board of Education in the following areas: Educational leadership, staff relations, community relations, board relations, business and finance, personal qualities and goal achievement.
The Board commends Debbie for providing strong and effective leadership within the organization during challenging economic times.
Upon lengthy discussion, the Board of Education and Mrs. Thompson have set goals for the upcoming school year that will continually improve our schools and develop her skills as an effective leader for Lapeer Community Schools.
In the spirit of continuous improvement, the Board of Education will continue to enhance the strong working relationship that we have established with Debbie to keep the District moving in a positive direction.”
The Board presented its evaluation of the Superintendent at its regular monthly meeting held at Lynch Elementary School Thursday, April 2, 2009.
Each year, the Board of Education conducts a thorough evaluation of the Superintendent’s job performance. The annual review is done to ensure a consistent assessment and maintain accountability.
On Thursday, Board President William Laidlaw presented the Board’s evaluation.
“The Lapeer Community Schools’ Board of Education has concluded and reviewed its annual evaluation process with the Superintendent of Schools, Mrs. Debbie Thompson. We are pleased to announce that she has once again received high performance scores from the Board of Education in the following areas: Educational leadership, staff relations, community relations, board relations, business and finance, personal qualities and goal achievement.
The Board commends Debbie for providing strong and effective leadership within the organization during challenging economic times.
Upon lengthy discussion, the Board of Education and Mrs. Thompson have set goals for the upcoming school year that will continually improve our schools and develop her skills as an effective leader for Lapeer Community Schools.
In the spirit of continuous improvement, the Board of Education will continue to enhance the strong working relationship that we have established with Debbie to keep the District moving in a positive direction.”
Saturday, April 4, 2009
Board of Education awards $1.6 million in East, West science lab improvements
Bids for the construction and improvements of science laboratories at Lapeer East and Lapeer West High Schools totaling $1,652,604 were approved by the Board of Education at its meeting, Thursday, April 2nd.
All the work was awarded to qualified low bidders and all winning bidders were Michigan contractors.
The work is expected to begin as soon as school is out in June and be completed in time for students to use the labs when they return to classes in September.
“This is a giant investment in the future of our high school science programs,” said Superintendent Debbie Thompson. “Combined with the universal installation of new computers and technology last summer, we are presenting a 21st Century science and technology program to 21st Century high school students.”
Winning bidders were: Demolition, Great Lakes Construction, of Beverly Hills, $38,600; masonry, HMC Mason Contractors, of Shelby Township, $51,800; general trades, Elkhorn Construction, of Smiths Creek, $743,000; aluminum work and windows, Architectural Glazing Systems, of Mt. Morris, $6,087; flooring, Ropposch Brothers, of Port Huron, $61,095; painting, L.E. Brockman, of Warren, $12,152; mechanical, Ecker Mechanical, of Burton, $611,000; and electrical, Sky Electric, of Lapeer, $128,870.
All the work was awarded to qualified low bidders and all winning bidders were Michigan contractors.
The work is expected to begin as soon as school is out in June and be completed in time for students to use the labs when they return to classes in September.
“This is a giant investment in the future of our high school science programs,” said Superintendent Debbie Thompson. “Combined with the universal installation of new computers and technology last summer, we are presenting a 21st Century science and technology program to 21st Century high school students.”
Winning bidders were: Demolition, Great Lakes Construction, of Beverly Hills, $38,600; masonry, HMC Mason Contractors, of Shelby Township, $51,800; general trades, Elkhorn Construction, of Smiths Creek, $743,000; aluminum work and windows, Architectural Glazing Systems, of Mt. Morris, $6,087; flooring, Ropposch Brothers, of Port Huron, $61,095; painting, L.E. Brockman, of Warren, $12,152; mechanical, Ecker Mechanical, of Burton, $611,000; and electrical, Sky Electric, of Lapeer, $128,870.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Welcome!
Welcome to the new LCS weblog, or blog as it is called.The new blog will be another place to obtain important information about the District, its offerings and activities. We plan to offer stories, pictures and links to videos on interesting people and activities in our District. From time-to-time you will hear from our board of education (picture above), superintendent, principals, teachers, students and parents on this forum.
In our various surveys, parents have always told us that school communication was high on the list of priorities for them. A blog is just one more tool in the communications toolbox to make that happen.
A blog is a two-way communication. Comments and suggestions are always welcome. Because we anticipate a wide audience for this blog, we simply ask that comments be civil. Because it is an open type forum, we will moderate comments before posting them.
We hope you will make us one of your "favorites."
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