December 10, 2008 Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education Information Packet

8/14/2019 December 10, 2008 Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education Information Packet

1/50

InformationPacket

For Public Distribution

For theDecember 10, 2008Board of Education Meeting


2/50

MEMORANDUMTo:From:Date:Subject:

Board of E d u c a t ~ n TrusteesTodd RobertsDecembe r 5, 2008Information Update

1'1 Quarter Financial Report

Todd Roberts, Ed.D.Superintendent of Schoolsroberts @aaps.k12.mi.us

On the agenda for Wednesday's meeting for first briefing is the 1s t Quarter FinancialReport. Both the Performance and Planning Committees were briefed on this reportearlier this week. Copies of the report are in your packet. Robert and Nancy Hooverwill present the report.If you have any quest ions let me know.Sexual Health Education Advisory Committee By-LawsOn the agenda for Wednesday's meeting for first briefing is the B y ~ L a w s for the districtSexual Health Education Advisory Committee. In 2004 the state legislature passedPublic Acts 165 and 166 which modified Michigan laws related sex education in publicschools. One stipulation in the law is that each district must have a sex educationadvisory board. In the spring of 2007 we reestablished this committee in AAPS. Thiscommittee has worked to establish goals and objectives and establ ish by-laws. TheBoard needs to approve the by-laws so that is the purpose for the briefing. Included inthe information in the Blue Book are the by-laws, goals and objectives, committeemembership, copies of a survey that was done last year and the current reproductivehealth curriculum. The co-chairs of the committee Anne Solari (health teacher atTappan) and lenni Lane (parent) will present the information at Wednesday's meeting.Harry Hayward has been working with the committee to provide oversight andsupport.1f you have any questions let me know.Great Start Readiness Program AuthorizationOn the agenda for Wednesday's meeting for special briefing is authorization for theGreat Start Readiness Program (GSRP). GSRP is the new name for what we have had inthe past which was then called the Michigan School Readiness Program (MSRP). TheGSRP is funding that supports our First Steps Program. We will not receive the actualagreement document until Monday (12/15), so the resolution is not included in the BlueBook. We ,vill have the resolution for you at Wednesday's meeting.


3/50


4/50

Information Packet IndexDecember 10, 2008

Draft Minutes of the 12110/08 RegularMeeting

Newspaper Articles

Page 1

1

2


5/50


6/50


7/50

ANN ARBOR PUBLIC SCHOOLSBOARD OF EDUCATION Regular Meeting of November 19, 2008 DRAFT MINUTES

academic opportunities, PTO/Parent/Principal relationships, surplus funds and middleschool concerns.o During the 11/17 meeting, Monique Uzelac gave a presentation on Power School.Also discussed the Elementary attendance, retention and acceleration policies.o The next meeting will be held 12/15@ 7pm at Balas. Ann Arbor Education Association (AAEA)o Recognized Education Support Personnel. Percy Brown, MEAlP President and CathyCarey, MEA/OP President, offered comments about their role in the school districts.BOARD COMMITTEE REPORTS Performanceo Met 11/3 and discussed marketing update-customer service; discussed the auditreport; resolution to expand use of sinking fund; reviewed the 1000 series of policies.o Next meeting December 1,5-6:30 p.m. at Balas. Public is welcome.

Planningo Met on 11/11 and discussed reproductive health bylaws; reviewed the resolution toexpand the use of sinking fund; reviewed the 1000 series--making recommendationsthat will be shared with the performance committee to determine which committee willwork on what. December 2 is the next meeting. November 25 will be cancelled.o Next meeting is December 2,6-7:30 p.m. at Balas. November 25 will be cancelled.INFORMATION Youth Senate offered their report "The Condition of Youth Voice in Ann Arbor Public HighSchools."

Randy Trent offered a facilities update. Showed pictures of the Tappan and Slauson MediaCenter remodels. Noted that the district is "going green" with the use of environmentallysound products. Wendy Correll reviewed the Educational Foundation Grant Awards for this year.

FIRST BRIEFING2007-08 Annual Financial Report (Under separate cover)Nelson reviewed the revenues from 6 years ago to today. The district has seen a decrease of nearly10% from State sources. Nearly hal f of our funding comes from local sources. We declined 2% inenrollment; charter school enrollment increased by 18%. Will continue to be concerned about thelevel of State funding; our local funding may need to increase if we want to maintain our currentprograms.08/09 Grant AwardsAsked i f there is a program that identifies grant opportunities. Not a specific person, but there arepeople in various areas that look at available grants. This is secondary to their responsibilities.Strategy 8 of the Strategic Plan is to look at feasibility of hiring a grant writer.SECOND BRIEFING - scheduled for approval at this meetingPolicy Adoptions - 5150 - Elementary Attendance, 5160 - Elementary Reclassification - Retention,5170 - Elementary Reclassification - Acceleration

Page 2 of 2All Ann Arbor Public School" Stud.nts Will Graduat. R.ady


8/50

ANN ARBOR PUBLIC SCHOOLSBOARD OF EDUCATION - Regular Meetlng of November 19, 2008 DRAFT MINUTES

Ms. Dickinson-Kelley explained that the 10% threshold for achievement is a guideline. By using timedifferently and developing a PLP for potential retention students ensure that the same things won'thappen again.

ACTION - CONSENT AGENDA - scheduled for approval at this meetingAdopt Policy 5150 - Elementary AttendanceTrustee Mexicotte, supported by Trustee Nelson, moved to adopt policy 5150-Elementary Attendanceeffective immediately. On roll call vote, the motion carried 5-0, Trustees Baskett and Cross absent.Adopt Policy 5160 - Elementary RecfassificationTrustee Mexicotte, supported by Trustee Nelson, moved to adopt policy 5160-ElementaryReclassif ication-Rentention effective immediately. On roll call vote, the motion carried 5-0, TrusteesBaskett and Cross absent.Adopt Policy 5170 - Elementary Reclassification - AccelerationTrustee Mexicotte. supported by Trustee Nelson. moved to adopt policy 5170-ElementarvReclassification-Acceleration effective immediately. On roll call vote, the motion carried 5-0. TrusteesBaskett and Cross absent.Approve Draft Minutes of the 10129108 Regular MeetingTrustee Mexicotte. supported by Trustee Nelson. moved to approve the minutes of the 10/29/08Regular meeting as presented. On roll call vote, the motion carried 5-0. Trustees Baskett and Crossabsent.Approve Draft Minutes of he 11112108 Executive SessionTrustee Mexicotte. supported by Trustee Nelson, moved to approve the minutes of the 11/12/08Executive Session as presented. On roll call vote. the motion carried 5-0. Trustees Baskett and Crossabsent.Approve Draft Minutes of the 11112108 Regular Meeting & Study SessionTrustee Mexicotte, supported by Trustee Nelson. moved to approve the minutes of the 11/12/08Regular meeting & Study Session as presented. On roll call vote. the motion carried 5-0, TrusteesBaskett and Cross absent.Acceptance of the 08109 AAPS Educational Foundation Grant AwardsTrustee Mexicotte. supported by Trustee Nelson, moved to accept the MPS Eductional FoundationGrant Award for 2008/09. On roll call vote. the motion carried 5-0. Trustees Baskett and Crossabsent.Approve Trustee Conference Expense ReimbursementsTrustee Mexicotte, supported by Trustee Nelson. moved to approve the Conference ExpenseReimbursements as presented. On roll call vote. the motion carried 5-0. Trustees Baskett and Crossabsent.Gm OffersTrustee Mexicotte, supported by Trustee Nelson, moved to accept the gift offers as presented. On rollcall vote. the motion carried 50, Trustees Baskett and Cross absent.

Page30f3All AnnArbor Public Sohool,' Students Win &raduate Ready


9/50

ANN ARBOR PUBLIC SCHOOLSBOARD OF EDUCATION - Regular Meeting of November 19, 2008 DRAFT MINUTES

ACTION - BOARD ITEMSRecreation Advisory Commission AppointmentsTrustee Mexicotte. supported by Trustee Gates-Bryant moved to re-appoint Sharon Kos and PaulaGreeno to the Recreation Advisory Commission for 2008/09 through 2010/2011. On roll call vote. themotion carried 5-0, Trustees Cross and Baskett absent.Motion to hold an Executive Session on December 10, 2008 at 5:30 PM at the District Library for thepurpose ofnegotiations - continue informal evaluation of superintendent.Trustee Mexicotte. supported by Trustee Nelson. moved to hold an Executive Session of the Board onDecember 10, 2008 at 5;30 PM at the District Library for the purpose of negotiations and informationevaluation of the Superintendent. On roll call vote, the motion carried 5-0, Trustee Baskett and Crossabsent.Resolution to Support the Broadening of Potential Sinking Fund Use.

WHEREAS,In Support of the Broadening of the Potential Uses of Sinking FundsFor consideration at the November 19, 2008 Board of Education Meeting

Since fiscal year 2003 the State of Michigan has appropriated extremely small increases infunding for K-12 education. (For example, the foundation allowance per student in the AnnArbor Public Schools increased at an average annual rate of only 1.0 percent from FY 2003 tothe current year (FY 2009).) The small increase in the foundation allowance per student from FY 2008 to FY 2009 is at riskof being cut or even eliminated because of looming state revenue shortfalls from earlierprojections. The budget cuts necessitated by past and current shortfalls of increases in revenues in theface of widespread increases in costs jeopardize the quality of K-12 education and, in turn, thefuture well-being of our children and young people and of our state economy. Current constraints on the uses of sinking fund revenues relative to bond revenues causeschool districts, in some instances, to forego a more productive investment for a useful butnevertheless less desirable option (for example, replacement of floor tile when replacement ofcomputers and other technological devices would have the most impact on student learning). The loosening of these constraints and the resulting increases in student learning could beachieved at ZERO cost to the state of Michigan. A sinking fund levy will continue to be enacted only after a majority vote of the citizens of theschool district. The House and Senate Committees on Education of the Michigan Legislature have bills thatwould accomplish the loosening of constraints and that were introduced over one year ago, inJanuary 2007, and could be quickly enacted.

NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT: The members of the House and Senate should pass House Bill 4141 and Senate Bill 54 assoon as possible, and no later than December 31, 2008. The Governor should sign the legislation into law as soon as possible. The Secretary of the Board shall distribute this resolution toPage 4 of4

All AnnArbor Public School" StudentsWill Gradua!. Ready


10/50

ANN ARBOR PUBLIC SCHOOLSBOARD OF EDUCATION - Regular Meeting of November 19, 2008 DRAFT MINUTES

o Governor Jennifer Granholm, State of Michigano Senator Michael Bishop, Majority Leader, Michigan Senateo Representative Andy Diffon, Speaker, Michigan House of Representativeso Senator Mark Schauer, Democratic Leader, Michigan Senateo Representative Craig DeRoche, Minority Leader, Michigan House of Representativeso Senator Wayne Kuipers, Chair, Committee on Education, Michigan Senateo Representative Tim Melton, Chair, Committee on Education, Michigan House ofRepresentativeso Senator Gretchen Whitmer, Minority Vice Chair, Commit tee on Education, MichiganSenateo Representative John Moolenaar, Minority Vice Chair, Committee on Education,Michigan House of Representativeso Senator Randy Richardviffe, District 17, Michigan Senateo Senator Elizabeth Brater, District 18, Michigan Senateo Representative Pam Byrnes, District 52, Michigan House of Representativeso Representative Rebekah Warren, District 53, Michigan House of Representativeso Representative Alma Smith, District 54, Michigan House of Representativeso Representative Kathy Angerer, District 55, Michigan House of Representativeso Ann Arbor Newso WEMUo WUOMand others as fits the circumstances as they arise.On roll call vote, the motion carried 50, Trustees Baskett and Cross absent.

SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORTITEMS FOR AGENDA PLANNING,None.ITEMS FROM THE BOARDTrustee Gates-Bryant served as delegate to MASB conference 10/31-11/1. Will put together report inthe information packet for 12/10.Trustee Nelson attended the Carpenter benefit auction. Also attended whereplaques of recognition were presented to Norma McCuiston & Denise Eady Richardson,Trustee Mexicotte noted that at the SEC swimming event PHS took 151 place; Huron took 3rd; Skylinetook 5th with an all-freshman team.

ADJOURNMENT9:53 p.m.

All Ann Arbor Publl_ School,' Stud.nts Will Gradua!. R.ady Page 5 of 5


11/50


12/50

ki r "signs as Huron football coach - M U v ~ . t o m 12/04/2003 03

COOlplete Forecast: Hrow-page I RSS F e e ~ s ' Abool U, ! (""Iact Us : A d

NEWS BUSINESS SPORTS E N l l , R T , " l l \ I r ~ I E N T TRAVEL LIVING FORUMS SHOP

MICHIGANHigh School Sports

H.S Home 60ys I;l . ~ i , ~ [ ! ; a l l I More sports!News Photo,.- Scores &. Schedules

Search HS Sports Przygodski resigns as Huron footballcoachAnn Arbor News, November' 17, 2008 8:58 p.m.

See a List of:SchoolsTeamsRegionsConferencesPlayers

ANN All}iOQi'oEWS

Photos

HOCk".~ ' o m b:l:kloool footl>a!! ~ o a c h J o ~ 1 P"1YOOdGki " ' ~ i 9 n e < l ~ f t e r four

5 ~ a . o " s , AthlCo'"""t ""forgt h ~ "CtW y ~ ~ r . . ( Allen W " r ~ n , Tlw Ann

Joel Przygodski resigned from hisposition as Humn High School headfootball coach after four years leadingthe program he once quarterbacked toi'l state title game."It was a very difficult dec ision,especially wilh this b ~ i n g Illy almarnater al l d a place that I holu near anddear to my hcalt," "aid Przygodski, a1999 Huron 91'aduate, "It 's been afantastic run here at Huron, but(resigning) was something 1 felt like Ineeded to do."Przygodski informed players and

parents of his decisioll at the team's postseaS()1l bomquet on Fridaynight.The sta rting quarterback on Huron's 1997 Class AAcq state runner-upteam, przygodski was named head coach prior to t he 2005 season. Histeams were a combined 13-23 in four seasons.Huron athletic director D o t t i ~ Davis said 51112'5 already ass81ll[Jling aninterview team and will officially post the open posit ion todelY. ShEplans an aggressive seicction process that will have a 11CW coach inplace before Jan. 1 , 2009."We 're going to go h.1I1 steam ahead to get th b done so the bGys havesome guidance in the offseason," Davis said.The job will no t come with an in-building teaching position that manycoaching candidates, including Przygodski, se ek, Przygodski taught oneWOI"ld History course ami worked as a community assist ant at theschool,"Teaching full t ime is my No. 1 objective anrl I will try Clnd find ateaching job," Pr7.ygQdski said. "And if coac hing ~ t i l l in the cards,then I will pursue it."Jeff Arnold and Rich Pez/er contributed to this repolt.

/ h i g h 5 c h o o I 5 p o r t S . m l i v ~ . c o m / n e w s / a r t i d e I 9 6 2 0 5 8 0 1 0 / p r L Y g o d s k i - r s i g n s - a s - h u t o n - f o o t b a l l - c o a c h /

JOBS AUTOS RALESTATE CUl.SSIFic

,,_._-----_ ._ -FINAL - 12/03 i ' l t ; ;p.m. l ~ t In


13/50


14/50

., .,,-'.> ,;,"-._--',- ..-'-

__ c - : - - J - - - " d':" " ' : : ' ~ ' ' ,. -.. _' -0- --,.-.'


15/50

focus letter: S t u d ~ l ' l t s ' artwork ~ e r v e 5 as r e m i l ' l d ~ f - Ann Arbor N"ws Opinion - MUve.com 121041200804:

Election focns letter: Stndents' artwork serves as reminderPosted by slgottfr November 19, 2008 11:00AMI t is not necessarily a "gjven" that waiting in line to vote will be a positive experience, However, the hourspent on Nov. 4 - moving slowly through the halls of the Thurston Elementary School building - was exacsuch an experience.The slow walk offered an unusual opportunity for the "well above voting age" population to learn fromlower elementary age students whose social studies projects were displayed along the walls. The children'swriting and artwork, addressing the generaJ theme of "Communities - places where everyone joins to live,work, play and solve problems" - illustrated the incredibly diverse background communities of the studentThe fact that students from one school so capably desclibed their ethnic, racial, economic and geographicheritage, from every portion of the United States and countries around the world, was a tribute both toThurston and the city of Ann Arbor. Not only did reading the student display help to make the time passmore quickly, but it also reminded many others how important it is that the United States communityresolves to join in solving economic, environmental and social problems during this time of manychallenges.Categories: LettersCommentsFooter

/annar bG mews"opi n on,l Z008!11 / .,lecUon_focu ~ _ . I e t t e r _ ~ t u oents/ prinChtm I Page 1


16/50

r Voices: School playoff tea ms are Ia:cking p l a y o f f ~ $ l z e d aowd3 - Ann Arbor News Opinion Impact - MLive.wm 12/04/200803:

Eve'''j{th.ing MichIgan

Other Voices: School playoff teams are lackingplayoff-sized crowdsPosted by Peggy Page I Local writer November 20, 2008 16:22PMBy Peggy PageMy high school's state championship in football is still vivid 38 yea rs afterthe game itself.More than 8,000 fans from both teams filled the best scats of North

Other VoicesCarolina State!s Carter Finley Stadium on a surprisingly wann [ateNovember day. I got so sunburned, I looked like tbe Batman character TwoFace. The marching bands practiced for weeks for a state championship

Peggy Page-The writer is a local writer whoonce covered high school sport sfor The Ann Arhor News_

cali ber show.But along with tirst-rate football-my team Broughton - which had its fifth consecutive shutout defeatingCharlotte Olympic 14-0 - what I remember was our daring lead majorette, Marianne Lowendick.O Uf majorettes usually wore modest skirts and thick tights, but for that state title game Marianne went a]lout with a razzle-dazzle, sequined swimsuit-style uni.At halftime, she flawlessly twirled two flaming batons.Now I don!t know if anyone gets to twirl flaming batons these days due to the fake field turf and thrillsquelching concerns about liability. But how my teenage memories contrast to the atmosphere of Saline's3736 defeat of Pioneer in the first round of the football playoffs on Friday, Oct. 31.

to the game early to see the marching bands' pregame show.

CD player (or tape deck) played a lackluster rendition of the50 fans in its stands at kickoff. 1 estimate the student section at about lOO kids at its max.

in anyif it doesn't have a state championship crowd, especially during the

l i v e . c o m f a n n a r b o r n e w ~ _ o p i n i o n _ i m p a C l / 2 0 0 8 / 1 1 / s c h o o l _ p l a y o f C t e a m s _ a r e J a ~ k i , ' p r i n t . h t m I

To contribute essays to Other Voicescontact Bob Needham, opinion editoat 734-994-6825 orbl"leedham@annarborneW5,com,

Pug,> 1


17/50

Voices: School playoff teams an. lad.ing p l a y o f f - ~ i 1 e d crowds - Ann Arbor N e W ~ Opinion Impact - MLive.com

Nuw, to their credit, the Pioneer parents and students hollered just fine,but they looked more like the Mackinac lsland Lakers, a school so smallit struggles to tIll out the starting lineup of a basketball team.

12/04/200803:

What a contrast to the Hornets. Saline's cheerleaders waved pompoms on the field below the studentsection, where students in Halloween costumes stood roaring for their team. Parents were there, as expectbut so were families that dribbled in during the first hatf with young children in costume. And they didn'tleave this exciting game early, even when the little ones got sleepy, cranky and squinny, like one toddlerwho wanted to nap inside my tote bag.When I was a college swimmer, our bench faced the stands. I knew I was supposed to be tough and that itwasn't supposed to matter, but 1 always noticed if we had a crowd ... or not. Players ahvays know ... andcare.Yes, I know sports have changed since 1970. High schools offer more different sports and teams for bothyoung men and young women, which is fabulous but also diverts attention from anyone team.But when we ask a team to compete alone or nearly alone, we have lost a sense of our community cultureand our schooJ culture.We need IIMariannes" who create fiery memories that last for decades.

l o g . m i i v e . c o m / a r m a r b o m e w s _ o p i ! 1 i o ! 1 _ i m p a n / 2 0 0 8 / 1 1 / s c h o o L p l a y o f L t e a r n s _ a r ~ J a c k l l p r i n t . h t m I Page 2


18/50

Mii'le.com's Prlnttr-Fnendly Page

is this weekendThe fourth annual An n Arbor News Head-to-Toe Women's Expo takes place Frida y and Saturday at theBest Western Conference Center, 2900 Jackson Road in An n ArboLThe expo will include shopping, product and cooking demonstrations , prize giveaways, a fashion show,makeovers and more. Special guests will include ''The Herb l ady" Es he Riviears and Food Networkpersonality Sheila Rae, along with olher informational and entertainment featUres.Admission is $3 in advance or $5 at the door. Children under 12 get in free and parking also is free.Tickets may be purchased at The Ann Arbor News, 340 E. Hu ron St. , or at Varsity Ford, 3480 JacksonRoad.For more details, vis it WoNW.ann arbornews.comiwomensexpo.Scarlett tea cher place d on leaveA teacher at Ann Arbor's Scarlett Middle School is on paid administrative leave pending an investigation bydistrict officials.District officia ls declined to comment on the nature of any charges.The teacher wa s placed on leave severa! weeks ago, district spokeswoma n Liz Margolis said.From News staff reports

CZ008e 2008 Michigan Live. All Righ ts Reserved.

ve_com's P f n t e r - n d ! ~ Page /1-) ,0-0 '(;

EVEirytblng: Micbllilltn....::.-TIlR :"'''ANN ARBOR NEWS

IN BRIEFPage 3 of 1

p: ,. /I'MW .mlive.o;:om I prl nter p r l n l ~ r . > f I , . baser ews - 30 / 12 2 7195 64490 3 30 .xm & ~ o l l Z&th lspage . 3 rage 2


19/50

..,.


20/50

oices: Student exclusion overcome - Ann Arbor News Opini... http://blog.mlive.com(annarbomews_opinion_impactl200SII!fot

3

~ i l i 1 ' S : : ' ~ ' . w : ~ 0 ~ ; ; "t\',ilf,'"".&< ,"""'!f1i;Jp;U&Evetythilig Michig


21/50

Voices: Student exclusion overcome Arm Arhor N e \ v ~ Orinl ." http://blog.mlive.com/annarbornews_opinion_impactl200S/11/ot

.. Ann Arbor elementary school PTOs raised an average of $28,000 in revenue in a year.That led SPOT members to conclude that, with the exception of a handful of elementary schools, mostPrOs can support social-economic inclusion work within thejr schools - and that much of the problemis one of awareness, not of finances. Using the findings. SPOT developed a list of "model practices"that can be used by most schools to eliminate economic exclusion and allow children from low-incomefamilies to fully participate in their scllOal's social fabric, without sacrificing their dignity.An opportunity far a pilot program presented itself when the Angell Elementary school PTO and a fewprivate donors allowed SPOT to make $2,500 available to one of the few schools with a high percentageof free and reduced-lunch eligible students and low PTO revenues and fund balances. One suchelementary school was selected to lise $1,500 toward inclusion work, and the remaining funds for anenrichment project. As a result, the school principal offered free school picture packets to studentseligible for free and reduced-cost lunch last year.The principal reported:"We offered a free $15 picture packet to close to 75 students in October. Parent response was fantastic.It cost $1 ,100. \Vhat a great feeling to have all kids with an envelope on Picture Day. We saved another$400 to put towards yearbooks."The success of the pilot program, coupled with widened interest from the Burns Park PTO, AAPSadministration and other community members, enabled the SPOT team to form a new partnership withthe Ann Arbor Public Schools Educa60nal Foundation. The result is the Ann Arbor Public SchoolsVillage Fund Initiati ve.The AAPSEF Village Fund Initiative addresses social exclusion issues in our schools in two ways.First, it offers an educational component, a Powerpoint presentation and follow-up discussion, availableto all PTOs, school administrators and any other interested community groups. The presentation coversthe concept of social exclusion, the forms it takes and how it affects students. It also shares bestpractices on how to eliminate social exclusion and details on how schools can create their own PTOVillage Fund.Second, the initiative provides for districtlevcl support, through the Ann Arbor Public SchoolEducational Foundation Village Fund, to schools unable to raise adequate funds through their ownPTOs.While the district attempts to ensure social exclusion does not occur, it still happens regularly. By beingmindful of the phenomenon and making inclusion a priority, all but a few Ann Arbor Public Schoolscall easily eliminate most areas of exclusion through intcmal mechanisms. Through communitydonations, the Village Fund can eradicate student exclusion in the remaining schools.Even better, almost everyone can help in the work. Parents of AAPS students can remind their PTOs,booster clubs and administrators of the impOltance of inclusion and advocate for it to become a regularbudget line item. Youth organizations, religious congregations and service groups ,vho want to becomeinvolved can select a specific need and do fundraising for it. It is encouraging how many PTOs,principals and private individuals have already embraced the initiative.The interest in the fund is broad-based and exciting. As is often the case, Zingcnnan's led the way byhosting a Harvest Dinner on Oct. 15 at its Roadhouse. Over $6,000 was raised for the Village FundIniuative. What a great stmt. That $6,000 can pay for a lot of pictures, yearbooks and field trips.J ended my "Other Voices" pieces two years ago by noting we needed a communitywide paltnership.Now, thanks to the persistent advocacy of SPOT and Village Fund Initiative members, as well as the

lli24/CS 1:41 P


22/50

Oiher Voice\: Student exclusion overcome Ann Arbor News Orin!... http://blog.mlive.com/annarborncws_opinion_impact!2008!11i

oD

Ann Arbor Public Schools administration, only t""\/O years later the solution has been formed and isbeing put into action. V-le'rc on the right path, but there is still much to be done. Everyone can help.Please help to make Ann Arbor schools the kind of learning environments where truly no child is everleft behind.Afore information about social inclusion ami the Village Fund Initiative can hefound on the AAPSEducation Foundation's Hfe /} site, www.aapse/org, or by calling 734-994-1969.

@ 2008 Michigan Live. All Rights Reserved.

11124/08 1:41


23/50

te"n has brains when it comes lO hird1 - AM Arbor NeWs Impact - MLive.com 12i04j2008 04:

Everything Miohigan

Pioneer teen has brains when it comes to birdsPosted by David Jesse IThe Ann Arbor News November 24, 2008 18:17PMLike most teachers, Mary Nlargaret Ferraro loves it when her students get excited."You can really see their eyes light up and that's pretty cool," she said white standing in a classroom at AnArbor Open School. lilt's so nice to see people get interested in something you love."Unlike most: teachers, Ferraro is only 16.Her age didn't: stop Ferraro, who is a junior at Pioneer High School who also is homeschooled and takesclasses at \Vashtenaw Community College, from spending a week teaching students about her passion -birds.Along with Open teacher Aina Bernier, Ferraro taught a course called "All About Birds" for fourth- througeighth-grade students as part of the school's focus class program that allows students to take specializedelective classes.

"This is something that we've been talking about for some time now," Ferraro said. "This is the first time itin my schedule."Using various live birds - Ferraro taught the students about what she called "general bird stufft' like the

in what she knows, t Bernier said.

always liked animals, I she said. nWhen I was 7, I made the decision thatX'd focus on birds."

to involve birds, but she S not sure exactly what's fonn it's going to take.in her future.

Page 1


24/50


25/50

om'SPrinter-Friendl y r


26/50

Printer-Friendly Page http:Hwww.mljve.com/pri nter/prin ter sst? base/news- 301 1227195

Best Western Conferenco Center, 2900 Jackson Road in Ann Arbor.The expo will include shopping, product and cooking demonstrations, prize giveaways, a fashion show ,makeovers and more. Special guests wiH include "The Herb lady" Eshe Riviears and Food Networkpersonality Sheila Rae, along with other informational and entertainment features.Admission is $3 in advance or $5 at the door. Children under 12 get in free and parking also is free.Tickets may be purchased at The Ann Arbor News, 340 E. Huron St., or at Varsity Ford, 3480 JacksonRoad.For more details, visit www.annarbornews.com/womensexpo.Scarlett teacher placed on leaveA teacher at Ann Arbor's Scarlett Middle School is on paid administrative leave pending an investigationby district officials.District officials declined to comment on the nature of any charges.The teacher was placed on leave several weeks ago, district spokeswoman Liz Margolis said.From News staff reports

~ 2 D 0 8 2008 Michigan Live. All Rights Reserved.

J1120/08 10:55 A


27/50


28/50

Huron High students g ~ i l r i n g up for an ,)nlin;> radio .st iltion - Ann Arbor News Impact - MUve.com 12/04 (200803

everythiog Michtgoo

Huron High students gearing up for an onlineradio stationPosted by David Jesse I The Ann Arbor News November 27, 2008 12:04PMFor the last couple years, the television and radio production class at Ann Arbor's Huron High School hasbeen heavily weighted toward television.ThatTs about to change.By the start of the second semester, a group of students working in independent study classes hope tolaunch an Internet radio station, run by Huron students and full of Huron-related content.And then, the television and radio production class Robert Fox teaches will be more equally dividedbetween the two mediums.

"This is a great opportunity for students to have a voice, I Fox said. !TIt's a great opportunity for them to leaskills to work in radio."Before that happens, there's a lot of work to be done.That's where Jim Griffin, the executive director of Internet community station Ann Arbor Alive, comes in.He's been working with the students to help create the station from scratch.On Tuesday, Griffin taught the students how to transfer music files onto the server.Griffin also talked about building a show, including scheduling banter between disc jockeys bct\\'ccn songand arranging the show.

lilt's one thing to learn aH the factual information about a radio station, ITT

Reporter David Jesse can be reacheda t 7 3 4 - 9 9 4 ~ 6 9 3 7 [email protected].

of next week, they'll bring in mLlsic and create their own shows.of stuff at Huron that's completely student-run,1J said senior Sarah Litow. "This wili be. J

T

: / / b l o g . l n l i v ~ . w m l a n n a r b o r n e . impact /2008/11,1hIJronJligh_.t udent . _gearin9_up/prim.htmI Page 1


29/50

students gearing up for an otlline radio staiion - Ann Arbor New5lmpac! - MLive.com 12/04/200803

With a laptop, the group will be able to broadcast live from anywhere - like a soccer game or studentassembly, Griffin said.The hope is to build a whole roster of stations coming from Ann Arbor schools, Griffin said.'The idea is to create a station as a pilot for the school system. Ideally, all middle and high schools wouldhave their own station," he said. nWelre working on setting the system up nmv, getting the curriculumtogether and working out the issues. I

2008 Michigan Live. All Rights Reserved.

live.com Iannarborn ew s_im pactl Z008 f 11 huron_h igh_st ude ms_g earing_u pI pri nl. hIm I Page 2


30/50


31/50


32/50

m's Pri nter- Frie ndly Pl '}e

E'IIJrything- Mlcb fgsn= ' T I r n ~ ~ ANN ARBOR NEWS

Student's death a shock for LoganFifth-grader killed in crash; his s ister hurtTuesday, December 02, 2008BY JO MATHISThe Ann Arbor NewsFollowing a long Thanksgiving break, Logan Elementary students returned to school Monday todevastating news,The students were told that fifth..g rader Mark Ragheb was killed in a car crash on Nov, 24 as his familywas heading hOme to Ann Arbor fonowing a weekend church retreat in Milo, It was his 10th b irthday_Mark's sister , a first..grader at Logan. remains in critical condition. Their brother, an eighth-grader alClague Middle School, was injured, but not seriously, and is back in school this week.According to the Bay City Times , the Ragheb family was traveling on M33 near Rose City around 2:30p.m. when the slippery road caused thei r car to go oul of control.Police say the driver, the children's father, overcorrected after a swerve, sending their Honda sideways inits lane. A semi-tractor truck coming from behind hit the car broadside, police said.

"Speed wasn't a factor, but the impact, even at 35 or 40 miles an hour, was more than enough," Sgt.Robe rt Cappell, scene investigator for the Ogemaw County Sheriff's Department, lold the Bay City Times.The fam ily attends SI. Mark Coptic Orthodox Church in Troy. Contacted at the church, the Rev. Mina D.Essak said the family dJd not want to release a statement and asked for privacy,Mark's funeral on Saturday was attended by several Ann Arbor Public Schools staff members, Schooldistrict spokeswoman Liz Margol is said Mark's death is 'Very, very tragic.""Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and we're there to help any way we can," she said.Grief counselors were available to Logan students Monday.Reach Jo Mathis at or [email protected].

C2oo8(Q 2008 Michigan Uve. All Rights Reserved.

p; j / www.mlive.( Dnllprinte r/printcr .ss f?1 base l n ~ w ~ 30 112 282 3 2 4 2414461O.;.:m I&coll - 2

lZ/04i2008 03:

1


33/50

com's Primer-Friend ly Page

= TJ-TE= ,ANN ARBOR. NEWSSchool payroll grows Arm ti.rbor district adds 58 employees,mostly teachersTuesday, December 02, 2008BY DAVID JESSEThe Ann Arbor NewsThe Ann Arbor Public Schools district has the equivalent of 58 more full-time employees working for it thisyear than it did at this lime last school year, district administrators told a school board committee Mondaynight.The bulk of those increases are tied to the opening of Skyline High School, Superintendent Todd Robertssaid.However, those employees were planned for in the district's budget, Robert AJlen, the districl's deputysuperintendent for operations, told the board's Performance Committee during a review of the district's firstquarter finances."Overall, we're right where we expected to be," Allen said. He said the district's budget -a t $190 millionwill be able to cover the increased expenses.Administrators have made millions of dollars of cuts to the district's budget over the last several years. Lastschool year, the district cut 34 teaching positions at the middle and high school levels and outsourced itsfood service program. Also, 57 teachers took buyouts the district offered. But all along, administrators saidthey would need additional staff to run Skyline.Several years ago, the district began transferring capital needs projects from the district's general fund,which pays for staff, to bond and sinking fund tax levies in order to pay for additional costs to operateSkyline. ln total, the district shifted about $3.8 million per year in order to pay to run the new school.It's not uncommon for the district to add staff at the start of the year, based on enrollment in specificbuildings and grades and because of a special education law that mandates certain staffing levels.This school year, enrollment has increased by about 35 students. The district had projected a 100-studentloss, meaning more money than expected wili be headed into school district coffers.Last year, the district's first-quarter report showed an additional 33 full-time equivalents being added to thedistrict over the previous year.According to figures Allen presented, the district at the end of the first quarter of this school year had 1,939full-lime equivalent employees, compared to 1,881 at the same time last year.The bulk of that increase is in the number of teachers, about 43.There are two reasons for that growth in teachers, Allen said: increased enrollment at some schools andthe first year of operating Skyline. Overall, 19.75 new teaching positions are somehow lied to Skyline'sopening.

WWI/II.m live .com / pri me r pri nter.ssfi'Ibasp I news-3D/ 12 2 8 2 3 24 23144610,xm I&coll_2

12/04f2008 03:

Page 1


34/50


35/50

fbr Raghtb family - Ann Arbor News - The Ann Arbor N e w ~ Online - Michigan New5f,:!aper - MLive_com 12/03/200803:

S : v e ' 1 ' ~ h i n g Michigan

IIOME NEWS aUSINESS SPORTS E N T E R T A I N i ~ E : N T TR.-WEL LIVING FORUMS SHOP JOGS t,VTOS REALESTATE CLASSiFI1.ODS PLI',C;oAI )~ . i l i W _ Y Q m - , ~ n n Arbor News

ANN ARBOR NEWSTh e latest Community, Education & Government News, local Photos & Videos

TODAY IN MJN A.RBORWit/l, A N ~ , ' j { 1 i ( * J f i l ~ : \ ~ ' s Ann Arbor News Hgmc Alln Arbgr-A,ea News ,',no Arb", Sport;; Ann Arinr Enter;9i'Hnent "',n" k,\>Qr RllSille" , ~ n n Arbor Fe"tures Ann Arhgr G"'ini(}O ! I m ! ~ . . l ! . ! . l 1 i m t 1 i ~

t l n " " ' s ~ by week posted:l S . I ' ~ ' . - ~ . J ~ " _ ' - - " - - : - ~ FM

f " _' ~ ' I X ' n ) "',i ',',Iy"" b' I",:.:h ~ ' ' ' ' . ~ , CH , he'e~ ' ; . " ' 9 , ' i " - , ; 'ucl_;; '-[Yln

,r " ",,,1 'h'.", '9

An n Arbor C ~ s l J from crBft.c willh ~ 1 e i i t ;N,,,,, rh "CII;;Or(;:"

MORE ANN "'BOOB ,.

Logan Elementary opens fund fo r Raghcb falnilyhy .Jo .Mathis I T h ~ AuuArhol' News' - I J c d n e , ~ d a y Decemher o::l, 2008, 9::33 A.MErery day after school, Mnr1< Rngheb walkedfrom his fifth-grade d a s . ~ m o m Ann AroDr'sLog.'1Il El"'l11entJl)' School to the f i r ~ t - g r J d e classrooi)l of his JlltJe sister, /vJnria.Togethel', they'd 3d un the bus ~ n c l h ~ a d homc."Mark told me it was his jo b to lake e ~ r e of:\-iaria," L.ogcln Elementary f'Jincipal ArleneHilmes silid. "And it WilS (big brother)Andrew's jo b to take r.ryonc;. It's ~ l w h a tragedy,"r.lark was killed Ul l his loth birthday on No..-. 24 wllcn a semi ran into hisfamily's rill' after it slid on a slippery stretch of ),-1-3.'3 ncar Rose City.Police say Mark's father (f\'eroorrected ,Ifiel' a s-,.,'erve, sending their Hondilsideway,


36/50

Elementary opens fund fo r Ragheb family - AM Arbor N{JW5 - l 'he Ann Arbor News Online - Michigan Newspaper - MLive.com 12/03/200803:

Ypsilanti hi",1 lmd'" wM hl (iyjIr i g " I ' ~ r " ~ t a q ~ i n s t 1 ' . , ' a 5 h t p Q ~ W ("'JDtySher'.W, " e I 1 1 ~ " t

Yp,ilaVi t r i ~ 5 to keeplQ'" rruck Qrriir.f)n[e

MORE YPSILANTI Regiona' ' ... ~ t k ~ l l d hrir,gs h . , l i d ~ " P(lprlps in ' N i ' . ~ h t ? , " ~ w

(""1!nt'(

MQRE REGIONAL"Courts & Crime 'rri,i under '"mv in (.'"\liir;"tlb ( ; ; , 1 $ ~ ~ n ~ i n $ \

HQRE COURTS & CRIME"Police Beat . E . . i : I . l l u . ' , , ~ s t ~ { i il l Ann~ , r l ' Q ' m h b ~ r . : t . ~ t t e m R t

MORE PQUCE BEAT >,Traffic T r ~ l f i ~ Report' AnnArt,,, H N mijJ](.1.xl.\ St tl-Iinn's feast day cell!hration liturgy,an d Marl: hdpc.J vrepill't' the offering Jnd read the p s ~ J J 1 l s . Then he serwxlas a dmC:OD, s h ~ r e d tl) t.hl' liturgy Bible rea{lings an d l ' ~ c e i v c d communion.The e r J ~ h 0rl.id,noting that she made sure all employees got something to eat. "Andeverything from scratch."B ~ r ! l e s said M(lrk was shy I"hen he f i r ~ t came Lo Logan, bUl ha dblossomed this year into a fun-- l o ~ i n g boy with a big, froquent smile.Contributions can Ix; made Ollt to The fTal"old L(!qan :'vIemorial FUlldwith "Rayhehfamily" un the memD lint!. _ ~ l ( l i l them to LlxjCm Elemclltury,2685 Tr'aver Road, AnnArbol' JH14f3105.

See mOre in Ann Arbqr,9Send , q , ~ 1''-["",11;1 Ibl:.!:JJ.l..JJJ. ( 1 ) t r r " ~ l i n k ';]:8- B!!J.lill ?5.QiillJ. d e l . i ~ i o , l J s IQCOMMENTS (1)

P"stn' by babette!!! on P/Q3IQ8 dt l Q ; 2 6 A ~ 1 Absolutley heartbreaking ...

9 Past ~ Q m m e o t Userrrame (Don't Have a Username? Sign up h ' ~ r e ) : Password:

I lost 45 Ibs with AcaiBe

N:d ~ R d l l m ~ ~ t ' RerlCrQ , e ~ c h 5 ! L l d ~ P l 5 fire. ' ; t 5 r ~ l ) e Ip,';Q::S

lQr;o1 S!UrjG"tsIndke wer tl 'lIlPr

P I ~ l l j n Illace rQrunclerqroulld

COMMENTSWhat Newsre.)dcrs are\:illkiniJ about mtcqw'J-rl', r,l

b..lli!J..L..:.S Q ~ ~ k s fo r i2:11 rm. r:T

~ D e l ' l q ~ r . I ~ ~ r l doesn't emit1 - ~ d i ) l i ( l I J , r 2'06p,m, t' l

~ ; u n i l -- S( I how1'linq 9bj tl :38p.m.

[:'1

w w w . 1 h l : l c < l w ~ .. c

ChU(rSi!":,:, a iHJoct,.,!, shoulbf" p"dinir""

"",ko d ,j "') i i ,dil " ~ f ~ ~ ) " , . , d

.. r y ~ o p c n s _ f u n d _ f o . h t m : Pdg" 2


37/50

.. ndly Page"

49 states f lunk test of college affordabilityYear of school takes 34% of average state family's incomeWednesday, December 03, 2008BY JUSTIN POPEThe Associated PressAn independent report on American higher education flunks all but one state when it comes to affordability- an embarrassing verdict that is unlikely to improve as the economy contracts.The biennial study by the National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, which evaluates howwell higher education is serving the public, handed out Fs for affordability to 49 states, up from 43 twoyears ago. Only California received a passing grade in the category, a C, thanks to its relativelyinexpensive community colleges.The affordability grade is based on how much of the average family's income it costs to go to college.Michigan was among those states to receive an F in afford ability from the report, which said that theaverage Michigan family has to devote 34 percent of its family income to pay for a public four-year college.That's up from 25 percent in 1999-2000.The report also notes that to attend public two-year colleges in Michigan, families pay less than thenational average, but more than those in the best-performing states. At four-year colleges, Michiganfamilies pay more than the national average.The report, which can be found online at WW'N.highereducation.org, says low-income families have beenhardest hit. Nationally, enrollment at a local public college costs families in the top fifth of income just 9percent of their earnings, while families from the bottom fifth pay 55 percent - up from 39 percent in 1 9 9 9 ~ 2000.And that's after accounting for financial aid, which is increasingly being used to lure high-achievingstudents who boost a school's reputation, but who don't need help to go to college.The problem seems likely to worsen as the economy does, said Patrick Callan, the center's president.Historically during downturns, "states make disproportionate cuts in higher education and, in return for thecolleges taking them gracefully, allow them to raise tuition," he said. " If we handle this recession iike we'vehandled others, we will see that this gets worse."States fared modestly beUer in other categories such as participation, where no state failed and about halfthe states earned As or 8s - comparable to the report two years ago. One reason for the uptick is thatmore students are taking coUege-prep courses, the study found.But better preparation for college hasn't translated into better enrollment or completion, with only twostates - Arizona and Iowa - receiving an A for participation in higher education.And the discrepancy in enrollment between states is still great: 44% percent of young Iowans are incollege, while just 18 percent of their counterparts in Alaska - one of three states to get an F in thecategory - are enrolled.Callan said that as higher education fails to keep up with population growth, the specter lurks of newgenerations less educated than their baby boomer predecessors."The educational sirength of the American population is in the group that's about to retire," he said. ''In therest of the world it's the group that's gone to college since 1990."

12(03/2008 02:

iw ..v w . m l i v e . c o m / p r i n t ~ r / p r i n t e r . s s f l i b a s e j n ~ w - 3 0 / 1 2 2 8 1 8 8 3 7322280.xllll&coll _ 2 P ~ g e 1


38/50

("drruaoon frnd d " , ~ t a re:,:;:.e;;.u'ch illld analysisbus:ines.s that prm'ides parents witt: education.J... -;i . 1. ...J ' , " . ' ~ i fuaLa on S i C n [ " ( i , \ l n a t t e : z s , < : . o n : ' ~ , { J . 1 l 2 . i ) ? t . ) L ~ a c a d B m l t , a n \ . 1 f 2 n t ( } ~ t m e n t C . , ~ h l rOtH moretitan 21 l {}t)!f public hzgh schools to find the vel'ybes. across the X ) ' U u t r / ~ 'l'heset-.:)-p e c h ~ ' 1 i g , we.:ee 'pla'C.ed iuto goid l s:fi'\"'ffi:'j l'Jrooz;e, [")if h o n ( J r ~ ~ e :l1'tBntitm

C o ! n m . u n i t y H l ~ ~ 8ezwt)1\a.sh:tenav: CU':.lnty ; }\lln Arhor .f

Pm:tM'rep Higlt School' ~ l , 1 a s h t e r . a w Cuanty ,Ann .:\rbOT ,1',11


39/50

y Hi gh School: Best. High Schoo ls CSNcws.com http:l www.usncws .com/l is ti h ~ s c h o o l s / m i c h i gan/commun

f 4

Fric1ay, December 5, 2008 Nation & World Health "Money & l s i n e s ~ EduGltiOIl 11inion Science .Ellllli2 YiOOl ,Raokings

Community High SchoolAnn Arbor Public Schools School DistrictWashtenaw County

401 N. Di vis ion StreetAnn Arbor. MI 48 104Teleph one: (734) 994-2025College Readiness IndexPoverty-Adjusted Performance Index

Not Applicable1.24

DisadvantagedStudents Performance Gap Not AvailableFor more inform(ltion, visit [h is scbool on tile S c h o o I M f t t 1 e r websi te.

Detailed Information (mcthodoiogy)School DataGrades SeNed 9-12

12/5/08 10:46 A


40/50


41/50

High School: Best High Schoolt: - USNews-com http://w.vw.usne.vs.com!l isti ngs/hi gh-school s/michi gan/commun

4

Exams Per Test TakerExam Passing Rate

Not ApplicableNot Applicable

Advanced Placement Student PerformanceQuality-Adjusted AP Exams Per Test Taker Not ApplicableAP Participation RateQuality-AdjustedAP Participation RateAP Participant Passing RateAP Exams Per Test TakerAP Exam Pass Rate

Not ApplicableNot ApplicableNot ApplicableNot ApplicableNot Applicable

International Baccalaureate Student PerformanceQuality-Adjusted 18 Exams Per Test Taker Not Available18 Participation RateQuality-Adjusted 18 Participation RateIB Participant Passing RateIB Exams Per Test TakerIB Exam Pass Rate18 Diploma Per 18 Test Taker/8 Diploma Per Grade 12 Enrollment

Criteria for Medals

Not AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot AvailableNot Available

Gold Medal: Top 100 schools nationally based on the College Readiness IndexSilver Medal: all other schools with a college readiness index of at least 20 butthat are not ranked in the top 100 nationallyBronze Medal: either do not otIer AP or is or do not achieve a college readinessindex of at least 20 but successfully meet the other two key performance indicatorcriteriaHonorable Mention: schools that achieved very high levels of college readinessbut only partially met state test performance criteria

12/5/0810:46 A


42/50

B e ~ t High Schools USNews,com http://\vww.usncws .comllistings!high-schools/mi chi gan/commllr

December 10, 2008 Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education Information Packet

Documents

Transcript of December 10, 2008 Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education Information Packet