Rick Snyder, in Ann Arbor, praises public-private partnerships on eve of education reform address
Gov. Rick Snyder listens to 6-year-old Ann Arbor Open School student Serafina Sabatini. Her father, Jeff Sabatini, said after the exchange, "In case there were any reporters here, she said, 'Stop taking money from my school.'"
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
On the eve of a highly-anticipated speech in which he is expected to lay out a series of proposals to reform Michigan's educational system, Snyder got briefly emotional while describing his family's past philanthropic efforts to provide scholarships to financially disadvantaged students.
Then, immediately after the event, the father of Serafina Sabatini, a 6-year-old student at Ann Arbor Open School, approached Snyder in the lobby of the Four Points by Sheraton hotel and said his daughter had something to say to the Republican governor.
Snyder put his hands on his knees and stooped to listen to the girl. She whispered something inaudible to the first-time politician and former Ann Arbor venture capitalist, who replied, "Thank you for your comment," and walked off into the night.
The father, Jeff Sabatini, proceeded to tell the crowd of a dozen onlookers, "In case there were any reporters here, she said, 'Stop taking money from my school.'"
That exchange offers a snapshot of the intensity of the moment in Michigan. Snyder is proposing to cut K-12 public school funding by 4 percent, or $470 per pupil, a move that is likely to lead to layoffs, bigger class sizes and reduced services at school districts throughout the state. He has said that schools can make up for the lost funding by having employees pay 20 percent of their health care premiums and by competitively bidding non-instructional services.
On Wednesday morning in Detroit, Snyder is set to propose wholesale reforms in the way Michigan schools are structured and teachers are treated.
For the crowd of business people, nonprofit officials and donors gathered at the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation meeting tonight, Snyder offered a preview of his education reform speech and talked about his own experience setting up a scholarship fund for students at Daycroft Montessori School of Ann Arbor. Two of his three children attended elementary school at the private school.
Snyder got choked up a few separate times when describing the scholarships and his experience being mentored by a business executive after he got three degrees from the University of Michigan. It was a rare display of emotion for the former multi-millionaire investor who regularly describes himself as just "an old CPA."
Snyder told a story about recently speaking at an event at the Daycroft school with his wife, Sue.
Gov. Rick Snyder speaks tonight at the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation's annual meeting.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
"Because of the changing financial circumstances, there were kids that would have had to drop out. And because the fund existed, these students could stay. Well, that made me feel pretty good. That was nice," he said. "But it was after I spoke that the moment really hit me. I was just enjoying the evening talking to people, and a woman came up to me and she goes, 'We were one of those families.'"
He paused to collect himself.
Then, he said, the woman continued: "'We had been doing reasonably well, but we were going to have to drop out. And because of this fund existing, we were able to keep our kids in school.'"
That family, Snyder said, had since returned to financial stability and become one of the school's most active donors.
"They had gotten back on their feet. They were doing well now. And they were giving back. And that's the gift that just keeps giving," Snyder said.
Snyder's comments didn't sit well with Sabatini, who said he planned to join a planned rally at Pioneer High School's football stadium on Saturday morning to protest Snyder's speech at U-M's commencement ceremony.
Protesters are urging U-M grads to turn their backs on Snyder during his speech.
"There are real people who can't afford private education, can't afford to go to Daycroft Montessori and have to go to public schools, and he's clearly proven himself to be an enemy of public education," Sabatini said.
"He clearly doesn't care about public education, he doesn't understand it and I'll be there Saturday protesting. So will my daughter and so will most of the other kids in her class."
In his speech tonight, Snyder said Michigan is running "a broken education system" that needs fundamental reforms. He said that at 238 high schools in Michigan, 0 percent of students achieve "college-ready" scores on standardized college-entry tests.
"I didn't misstate that. I said zero," Snyder said. "We are simply failing at delivering education in our state."
The theme of the Ann Arbor Area Community Foundation's meeting was a focus on the importance of public-private partnerships. Snyder pointed to a new $27.1 million partnership between General Motors and the United Way for Southeastern Michigan to reform a network of schools in Detroit, reduce dropout rates and boost early chilldhood education.
"They’re a good role model," Snyder said. "One of my messages tomorrow is, how do we build on that as a illustration for future development?"
Contact AnnArbor.com's Nathan Bomey at (734) 623-2587 or nathanbomey@annarbor.com. You can also follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's newsletters.
Comments
shepard145
Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 1:58 a.m.
As so many continue to fight to maintain a meaningful film incentive program, there has been little good news for us until today. I presume that since Governor Snyder supports public private partnerships, he will do what he can to promote Michigan's largest – the City of Allen Park's efforts to bring a film studio project to the mostly abandoned 104 acre site. They bonded $25 million dollars to purchase it on faith that state government would hold up their end of the deal, Hollywood would come and prosperity would blossom in their community. While we understand that general fund cannot be everything to everyone, I sincerely hope something can be done to keep the state's promise to those who spent so many millions in Allen Park and Pontiac. If these massive pubic private partnerships are abandoned, their failure will echo across the country and Michigan will be worse off for it. We need your thoughtful consideration to prevent an economic disaster in those communities.
15crown00
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 6:30 p.m.
Even 6 yr. olds understand Rick Boy is doing bad things to everybody BUT Business Men.
DeeAA
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3:32 p.m.
What happened to the lottery money which was supposed to be used for education?
The Ben
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:20 p.m.
Giving less money to public education does not equate to hating children or teachers. Kind of like when I won't loan my sister money, it doesn't mean that I hate her. I just know it won't solve anything. Instead of putting so much energy into crying foul, take a few minutes and learn about where the other side is coming from. You might find that the intentions are good, even if you disagree with them. The sky is not falling.
DeeAA
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 4:08 p.m.
If you don't have kids in the public schools, now, in the past, or plan to in the future, then the sky is not falling. Otherwise, it is, if Snyder has his way. The proletariat want to have their cake. They just don't want to give any to others.
A2anon
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:29 p.m.
Yes it is. If you're not rich, it is falling.
Dexterdriver
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:13 p.m.
Thje guy who made his child approach Gov. Snyder and question him should have his head examined. The idea that a five year old has an opinion on state education funding politics is ludicrous. As far as him comment that "most of her classmates" will be at the anti-Snmyder ralley, that is equally disturbing. Using naive children to push parents' political agendas is a rotten thing to do.
The Ben
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 1:57 p.m.
Dear Ann Arbor.com, Please stop deleting my conservative comments. Thank you. Sincerely, Ben
The Ben
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:18 p.m.
Jen, Duly noted. Thanks for the clarification.
Jen Eyer
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:03 p.m.
Ben, I emailed you a bit ago to explain which portion of your comment violated the guidelines. It has nothing to do with being conservative.
lumberg48108
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 1:55 p.m.
public education in Michigan (overall) is not good for every ann arbor district there is a Ypsi Willow Run to bring down the average ... how can he "destroy" a system that does not work the same for everyone? he was elected (in a landslide) on a platform of change ... did the voters and citizens believe that change could happen with no pain? people love to hear politicians talk change when candidates but when they implement the change, people are SHOCKED????
aataxpayer
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 1:38 p.m.
Given his experiences, it seems that Gov. Synder would want every school to have endowment funds.
aataxpayer
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 1:34 p.m.
I have no problem with mandating that teachers pay 20% of health care premiums, but let's be realistic about the savings. If the average policy is 12,500 per year each teacher will pay 2,500 which saves a district about 2.5 million per 1000 teachers. That's a substantial savings for the district, but it doesn't come close to offsetting Synder's cuts.
deb
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 1:29 p.m.
I mean what entity will want to finance public schools. I really cant think of any venture capitalist groups that might do that in this area. Where is Gov. Snyder going to find, meet, and convince these people. It seems like this would be a great opportunity for a venture capitalist group. . . .
deb
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:13 p.m.
please note the sarcasm
A2K
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 1:19 p.m.
Privatizing schools would make education even more unbalanced/segregated: elites at elite schools, everyone else fall where they may. MORE funding for public schools, increase the school-day from 8-5 p.m. M-F and 2-3 weeks off in August - NO 3 MONTH SUMMER BREAK - it's a useless artifact from agrarian days that students need months to recover from scholastically.
deb
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 1:17 p.m.
Hmmm, private public partnership, and who will be these private investors . . . .
Alan Benard
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 1:10 p.m.
Privatization will not improve public education, it will end it. It will lead to education only being available to elites. Recall Snyder.
timjbd
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 12:58 p.m.
I think you could have mentioned that he got "choked up" five or six more times. As it is, you only included 5 separate references. It must have been like Nixon's "Checkers" speech?
Snehal
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 12:52 p.m.
Does it take rocket science to understand that we need better teachers and infrastructure in our public schools? And for that not only we need money but much better management that will ensure quality education that is competitive worldwide. What we need is to hire dedicated teachers and keep these teachers based on their performance and value addition to children's future.Private school is not an answer to public schools. Private schools can perform better not due to funding but due to better management and making teachers accountable. Public schools have way more funding than private schools but unfortunately we do not have management that makes teachers accountable fo rthe performance of children. And also, parents need to learn that just sending schildren to school does not relieve them of their responsibility. Parents need to take active role and involvement in their chilren's education. When teachers and parents get involved and dedicated then and then only will our children shine out in the world. Otherwise it just plain politics which sucks big time in Ann Arbor Public School System.
a2citizen
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 9:01 p.m.
A2anon: To answer your first question: Yes, it would benefit all of us To answer your second question: I personally do not know anyone who equates their childs private school education to "winning".
A2anon
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 6:36 p.m.
a2citizen, Do you think that it would benefit all of us, our whole great big community, if ALL our children had access to innovative, creative classrooms with small numbers of kids and lots of hands-on attention? Or is that just important for those who can afford it, so they can keep on "winning?" The rich get richer..... I would humbly suggest that our world would be that much better if ALL our kids got a fabulous start, if ALL our kids were prepped to be innovators, inventors, creators.
a2citizen
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 6:07 p.m.
skigrl50: Actually, since private school parents are also taxpayers, they are paying for their own kids transportation. Plus their own kids tuition. Plus your kids public education. Plus your kids transportation. There is more than more than money involved in a private education. There is also sacrifice.
skigrl50
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 4:53 p.m.
@a2anon... public schools at least until now also pay for transportation for private school students and for special education services for students attending private schools (at least those private schools that are willing to accept special education students)
A2anon
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:28 p.m.
In what world do private schools have "way more funding" than public schools???? Greenhills per pupil funding: $18,000/kid. AAPS: $9,000 and sinking. ALSO -- Greenhills - 15 kids/class. AAPS - 30!
treetowncartel
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 1:31 p.m.
Actually, a School like Greenhills gets about 17,000 per pupil, whereas lets just pick Huron, receives around 10,000.
blahblahblah
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 1:25 p.m.
Without performance based teacher evaluations the end results (student acheivement)will never change no matter how much money is spent. Good point regarding parental roles as well.
Wolf's Bane
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 12:38 p.m.
All I have to say is that "public-private partnerships" seem rather suspicious given that fact that, we, the taxpayers, cough up the public funds. What is Ricky really up to? Do we really want to continue to degrade education in this state? Can we afford it? By the way, Rick's kids go to Greenhills.
Cash
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 12:27 p.m.
Snyder proposes increasing the tax burden on the working poor. Yet he feigns disgust at the failure to educate. Is he really blind to the reality that education is dependent on income? Mean Total SAT Score Less Than $10,000 1301 $10,000-$20,000 1371 $20,000-$30,000 1363 $30,000-$40,000 1427 $40,000-$50,000 1462 $50,000-$60,000 1487 $60,000-$70,000 1508 $70,000-$80,000 1522 $80,000-$100,000 1559 More than $100,000 1637 So he proposes making the working poor carry the burden for his corporate pals. Snyder speaks with forked tongue.
a2citizen
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 5:29 p.m.
Because if it was from where I got it you left out a key sentence: "...Wayne J. Camara, vice president for research and analysis of the College Board, said that the shift in income levels shouldn't be viewed as a concern, citing several reasons. He said that because so many students don't fill out that question or do so and don't really know their parents' income, this is the piece of demographic data in which the College Board has the "least faith."
a2citizen
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 5:16 p.m.
Do you have the link to verify this data? Thanks
godsbreath64
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3:13 p.m.
Gee Cash, I thought he was just lying through his teeth. Thanks for clearing that up.
Moscow On The Huron
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 12:16 p.m.
So, the kid whispered something in Snyder's ear and then the dad broadcast it to the whole room. Classy.
treetowncartel
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 12:12 p.m.
If the legislature and the governor would see fit to to do away with the things they want to get rid of from teachers, retirement, health care benefits in retirement,these so called good health plans that are free, they should also get rid of them for for themselves, the members of their staff and people who work in judiciary. Just look at state elected officials and judges, they can serve only one term and walk away with these benefits for life. We have teachers and public employees who have to put in 25 years + to secure these benefits. Again, show me the shared sacrifice and I will buy a gallon of your kool aid.
lbechard
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 1:16 p.m.
Couldn't agree more.
lbechard
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 12:05 p.m.
Govenor Snyder is doing what needs to be done. Denial of reality is ignorance. The State is broke so it's time for teachers to contribute a small percentage of their benefits like the rest of us working folks have been doing for decades. The gravy train has stopped. The choice is simple, take some personal responsibiliy for your benefits package or get laid off.
stoptheneocons
Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 6:53 a.m.
I work for a company that is moving out of the state in two more months. The CEO that sold us makes more money then every employee combined. 50 of them..... The day that >this< type of mentality changes I will start caring this type of triviality. Teachers are among the most dedicate people in our society. They make far less then they should and should be considered untouchable. How about we look at everyone in state government that makes more then 120 grand a year taking a 30% pay cut? How about passing federal regulations that make it illegal for ceo's of publically trade companies to take pay raises or bonuses? How about instead of giving the disgusting tax brakes and exemptions, divert those funds to public schools? Seriously man lets stop feeling bowing to the class of people that's biggest worry is which summer home to stay at and start caring for our children. We should treat our teachers more like CEO's and treat CEO's like criminals because most of them are.
skigrl50
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 4:48 p.m.
Everyone is all over the teachers contributing 20% of the cost of health insurance, why has no one been talking about the guaranteed health benefits for life for members of the MIchigan legislature?? Seems that serving in the state legislature for a couple of years should not mandate health insurance for the rest of their life.
DeeAA
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3:59 p.m.
What is your rationale for assuming that teachers don't now contribute towards their benefit packages. Hearsay?
Rose Garden
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:56 a.m.
I think everyone agrees that Government must cut spending. Almost everyone does not want cuts made in areas that affect them (almost all areas). According to a recent poll, the only area that a huge percentage of people agree could be cut is foreign aid. We can't have it both ways--the benefit of full government services AND a cut in spending.
Gill
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:51 a.m.
Apparently, poor people only deserve an education if a rich person deems them worthy of getting one...
Cash
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:50 a.m.
As the Great Divide between the richest 1% of this country who hold 40% of the wealth....and the rest of us continues to grow, look for the education crisis to continue. And Snyder recommends the working poor become even more poor by increasing their income tax by more than 92% to give to his corporate pals.
cinnabar7071
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 12:06 p.m.
Cash 47% don't pay any taxes, so if you raise that by 92% you still get 0. Was my math right I want to public schools.
treetowncartel
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:48 a.m.
Hey people, DTE was just given the right to raise your energy bill and take more money out of your paycheck under this administration's watch. Can't they do more with less like the Public Employees? I mean they are a public monopoly after all. oh that's right, those executives there need an increase in salary to offset what they are paying at the pump for their vehicles and watercraft. BTW, I would love to get an executive summary from all of the EFM's waiting in the wings on the meaning of term "shared sacrifice" and compare it with the same number statements on the topic from an equal number of 6 year old Ann Arbor children.
snoopdog
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:47 a.m.
" He has said that schools can make up for the lost funding by having employees pay 20 percent of their health care premiums and by competitively bidding non-instructional services." In addition to these steps, the retirement age to get a pension should be raised to 62 and anyone with 15 years or less should be rolled over to a 401K. Good Day
stoptheneocons
Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 6:40 a.m.
Yeah I loved losing 60% of my 401k during the Bush years.. thats a great idea...!!!
Cash
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:46 a.m.
cinnabar, Ah but here's the reality of that: <a href="http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/edu_edu_spe-education-spending-of-gdp" rel='nofollow'>http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/edu_edu_spe-education-spending-of-gdp</a> US looks shabby when we look at the real comparisons.
Tony Livingston
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 9:52 p.m.
Look at the poverty rates in those countries you hold in such high esteem. Finlands is something like 3% while ours is 21%. Duh.
a2citizen
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 4 p.m.
Does the higher math work out like this: Students in USA: 49,386,000 USA GDP: $14,657,800,000,000 GDP spend on education: 5.7% GDP spent on education: $835,494,600,000 GDP spent per student: $16,917 Students in Japan: 15,400,145 Japan GDP: 5,458,872,000,000 GDP spend on education: 3.6% GDP spent on education: $196,519,392,000 GDP spent per student: $12,760 I'm still working on the math but I can't figure out how Japan has math/science scores of 570/544 but spends $4,000 less per student. The US math/science scores are 508/520 <a href="http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d10/tables/dt10_036.asp?referrer=list" rel='nofollow'>http://nces.ed.gov/programs/digest/d10/tables/dt10_036.asp?referrer=list</a> <a href="http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/edu_edu_spe-education-spending-of-gdp" rel='nofollow'>http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/edu_edu_spe-education-spending-of-gdp</a> <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_(nominal)" rel='nofollow'>http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_countries_by_GDP_(nominal)</a> <a href="http://members.tripod.com/h_javora/jed8.htm" rel='nofollow'>http://members.tripod.com/h_javora/jed8.htm</a>
alarictoo
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 1:09 p.m.
@cinnabar - More students, more money. Not exactly higher math. What Cash was displaying was pretty evident. A comparison of actual percentages of Gross Domestic Product by nation that shows, contrary to your chosen perception of reality, that the U.S. is not the largest comparative spender on education in the world. But, we know this won't prevent you continuing to compare apples and footballs. ;^)
cinnabar7071
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 12:04 p.m.
We have a large GDP. What was your point with that? We spend the most period, and 9th is the best we can get. How again is throwing more money at the problem going to effect test scores. I guess you could post another link that confuses most liberals.
Ignatz
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:45 a.m.
The scary part to me is the "alliance" between public education and corporations. Instead of the citizens having control over education via elected school boards, we'll now have greedy for-profit boards weeding out the undesirables.
Jonny Spirit
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:38 a.m.
Look even the 6 year old is mad at Snyder and doesn't even wants to talk him. Way to go Snyder you have already started to destroy the youth of Michigan.
cinnabar7071
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:17 a.m.
The U.S. spends more on education the any other nation in the world, yet 9th is the best we can get on testing the students. Now tell me again how throwing more money at the problem will have any effect?
skigrl50
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 4:40 p.m.
Just imagine if we could get parents to buy into the educational system and have their children ready to learn each morning, just imagine if teachers and administrators didn't have to spend half of their day disciplining students, just imagine if parents if parents taught and insisted that their students were accountable for their actions, just imagine if students would actually clean up after themselves instead of leaving food scattered around the high schools... JUST IMAGINE what our educational system could look like then!
a2citizen
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:38 p.m.
Oops, my comment was deleted. I didn't realize that sarcasm was against policy. Sorry.
alarictoo
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 1 p.m.
Actually @cinnabar and @a2citizen, we would certainly rank a lot higher on this scale if the other countries on that list had to educate ALL students brought to them. Regardless of societal or caste levels. Regardless of test scores meant to screen out those meant to be "tradesmen". Regardless of special education requirements. And, let's not forget that these other countries hold education in high regard. Their cultures foster a desire for academic achievement in their students. Something that I fear is not nearly as true in the U.S.. I think this country needs to take a good hard look at our attitudes about education and academic achievement before we try to lay all of this blame at the feet of the teachers and the school administrators. They didn't create this system on their own.
Ignatz
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:42 a.m.
Very few nations have to educate lazy Americans.
Shelly
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 10:50 a.m.
"Our economy is so bad. Fix it. Just don't touch anything that affects me." Seems to be the attitude of many people these days. When everyone is tightening their belts and looking for ways to save money and make changes, why is public education the sacred cow that cannot be touched? And why is the first response always, "We will cut jobs and increase class size if you take anything (to which we think we are entitled) away from us"?
stoptheneocons
Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 6:36 a.m.
Really? wow... simply wow
Michigan Mom
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 10:31 a.m.
"0% of students achieve "college-ready" scores on standardized college-entry tests" I find that very interesting, especially with a child in their sophomore year at M.I.T., one of the hardest schools in the country. After graduating from a public high school in Michigan, and after scoring almost perfect on the SAT in the areas of Math and Physics, M.I.T. accepted my child, along with 10% of the other applicants for that year. Apparently Rick Snyder can only measure the value of education based on these tests. What an insult to the U of M graduates, who will have to listen to him speak at such as important day. Especially since, according to him, not one of them was ready for college. I wonder how they were able to graduate?
Jake C
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3:38 p.m.
I had to read through that paragraph 3 times to figure out that Rick was talking about a subset of 238 high schools, not all Michigan schools in general. While Stephen is being a bit offensive in his rebuttal, I wouldn't say it's your fault for misunderstanding what Rick was trying to say. Exactly what percentage of all Michigan high schools does that 238 represent? Where are they located? Are they high schools that cater to at-risk students where the main goal is to just get them to graduate or get them into a trade school, instead of un-realistically putting them on a college-track? Isn't a big conservative talking point in politics right now that not every kid needs to go to college, that it's a waste of money to learn about ancient Greek literature or advanced mathematics if you're happy to work at a narrow-skilled trade job?
Stephen Landes
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 12:54 p.m.
Anyone with the ability to actually read would see that the 0% refers to 238 high schools -- not the population of all high schools in the state. If you're going to be critical try to be accurate.
Ellen
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 12:16 p.m.
Great points! and, congrats to you - you must be very proud of your kid!
godsbreath64
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:04 a.m.
Great job, Michigan Mom. Great comment, too. Keep up the good work!
say it plain
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:03 a.m.
0% at a *subset* of MI schools, I presume he meant. I think there are a couple non-private schools in the state that manage okay, but it sounds better for him to imply that the entire MI education system is "broken" because then it doesn't seem so bad that he's cutting funding to them and it will seem like the only thing to do to fix them by, I dunno I guess we'll hear soon, introducing corporate sponsorship, or for-profit schemes, or something.
Floyd
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 10:26 a.m.
Rick's favorite public-private partnership is when he robs public monies from public institutions and crams them in the pockets of his friends' private pockets.
tommy_t
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 10:10 a.m.
It's been proven that it is dangerous to educate the rabble. You silly fools don't need to waste your time and our money. You will be provided with plenty of work to make your way. Leave the organization and planning to those that are capable of procuring the future for our affluent and great society.
godsbreath64
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 6:54 a.m.
grye, give it a rest this millennium. If teachers wanted to go into "business' they would. Instead, they committed their lives and talents to getting our precious children ready for tomorrow and taking care of us. You are comparing apples to oranges for no other reason than to resuscitate THE PARTY OF HIGH CRIME, WAR CRIME and Sarah Playin'
godsbreath64
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 6:40 a.m.
"'Thank you for your comment,' and walked off into the night.'" - Nathan Bomey, original draft 9:19pm April 26, 2011. (?) It appears she must have given this dictator quite more of an earful than Nathan is claiming. Does it look night time from the picture, to anyone? Another day/hour, another Snyder story. The truth, Nathan Bomey, Never the two shall meet.
grye
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3:58 a.m.
What do people think about the teachers contgributing toward their health care? This is a common practice in most businesses. He says this will make up the funding difference. Opinions?
Will
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3:27 p.m.
I think teachers should contribute to their health care. However such benefits are historically used as levers in contract negotiations (e.g., we'll pay you less, but look at your health benefits!). Time passes, the benefit looks out of step with wider practices, and the context of the original negotiation is lost. It might be reasonable to check the history.
Jake C
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3:15 p.m.
Yes, it is a common practice in many businesses. Thankfully, schools are NOT a business, nor should they be. What is the goal of a business? To make a profit. What is the goal of a school? To educate our children. Do you see any overlap in those goals? Of course we want our schools to use their funding in a responsible manner, but doing so by effectively cutting teacher pay, year after year, is not the best way to do so.
grye
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 4:24 a.m.
Teachers in Ann Arbor are contributing towards their retirement. Raises have been delayed until the end of the year. This means a teacher loses most of the year's salary increase. They also must work additional non-paid days under the current contract. The idea of contributing towards health insurance may be a good idea, but the teachers are losing salary in other ways. Some may think teachers are overpaid. I strongly disagree. They don't just baby sit the kids. They manage 30 kids on average each hour. In middle school and high school, the kids are different each hour. What you may have had under control will change the next hour. No manager or supervisor manages this many individuals in any business. While managing kids, they must also teach them. Much more than a manager in a business. Given the education requirements, time spent outside of school doing their jobs, any additional salary loss doesn't sit well. If teachers need to lose take home pay to receive benefits, then why doesn't the state look are relaxing certification requirements? Or do we really want less qualified teachers? These are tough choices. I believe there are ways to reduce expenses in the school systems through sharing of services and combining curriculum programs.
Marshall Applewhite
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 4:14 a.m.
It certainly should be on the table. They should most definitely be contributing in retirement.
ViSHa
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3:48 a.m.
kind of sad to make your 6 year old do your dirty work :(
cinnabar7071
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:57 a.m.
Remember these are the same people that want their children to pay their way. Stop the over spending now, our children can't afford it.
Gorc
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:46 a.m.
A2citizen...thanks for making me smile and laugh before I start my day.
Jonny Spirit
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:44 a.m.
@ a2citizen Strangers do have the best candy :) Just kidding I thought I would try to make people smile.
a2citizen
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 5:41 a.m.
Plain, Do you really think it was the kids idea? And she merely enlisted her father's help? The conversation probably went something like this: Serafina: "Gee, Daddy, tonight after Dora can you take me up to the Sheraton?" Jeff: "That's good thinking honey...they have a wide-screen plasma and we can watch the Black Hawk-Canucks game. The game determines who the Wings will play in the next round." Serafina: "No Daddy. Rick Snyder is going to be there." Jeff: "Snyder. Yeah, he played for the Wings." Serafina: "No silly, that was Matthieu Schneider and he's retired. I want to talk to the governor of Michigan about the problems he is having funding education. I mean, I cannot figure how cutting public school funding by 4% will improve achievement." Jeff: "Well, money doesn't grow on trees. You will understand that when you get older". Serafina: "I understand that now. But I was thinking, maybe if Governor Snyder takes the $330 million the state appropriates to the University of Michigan and gives it to state grade schools, things would be a lot better." Jeff: "But what about the U-M students?" Serafina: "Well, they already get $750 million from federal research expenditures. They'll be alright. And besides, they can just dip into the $6 billion dollar endowment they like to brag about." Jeff: "Boy, your mother and I sure picked the right school for you. When I was your age I was just excited to have couple pennies to slip into my loafers." Serafina: "What are loafers?"
say it plain
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 4:43 a.m.
You should give the 6-year-old some credit--perhaps she had the idea, and merely enlisted her father's help?! I'd bet they encourage that sort of initiative at the private schools ;-)
Marshall Applewhite
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 4:12 a.m.
Yeah, this was my first though as well. Kind of pathetic, to be completely honest.
a2citizen
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 4:02 a.m.
Yeah, really. I wonder about a parent that sends his six year old daughter to whisper into a strangers ear.
Dr. Rockso
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3:43 a.m.
Even a 6 year old can see through Ricks sham.
treetowncartel
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3:13 a.m.
I aplogize for qouting from the story innacurately, it was "we had been doing reasonably well" instead of "we were doing ok".Thats what I get for allowing my parents to send me to Ann Arbor Public Schools.
treetowncartel
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:51 a.m.
They could have gone to Willow Run or Willis, they have open enrollment. Snyder could have sent a kid from one of those districts to Daycroft.
a2citizen
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 4:33 a.m.
Relax. The kids were able to avoid AAPS. That's what's important.
onemoremouth
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:39 a.m.
His kids went to private school. In fact, his youngest still attends private school. If he's not willing to put his own children into public schools, that shows me plain as day that he doesn't value public school education. A couple of scholarships for a handful of kids won't make it better. Increasing the funding for the public schools in will help give the children in this state the education they deserve and need to be productive citizens in this quickly changing world.
treetowncartel
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:31 p.m.
My understanding is that over the years, Huron High, with its abundance of good SAT and ACT takers, does well with colleges when it comes to their checklist of things for admissions.
say it plain
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 5:09 a.m.
Play nice now @a2citizen :-) Didn't they teach you that in school? And I'm not stalking either lol, just using that 'math' thing, they teach that in schools too:-)
a2citizen
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 5:03 a.m.
With all the knowledge you have of Snyder's kids whereabouts it's almost like you are stalking them. Maybe they are in private schools for their own safety. Private schools seem to be working out for the Obama's.
say it plain
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 4:39 a.m.
Oops, I guess I implied with my "not the right environment for the Snyders" that none of their kids attended public schools. I didn't mean to do that. Indeed, of the 39 years of schooling K-12 that his 3 kids had or will have (his daughter has one more year of high school at Greenhills, right?), 8 were for sure (right?) at public schools. I maintain that it's still sorta tone-deaf to speak about helping out with scholarships at a private school while cutting public K-12.
grye
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 4:05 a.m.
Nothing but the facts, maam.
a2citizen
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3:59 a.m.
There goes grye with those darn facts again...
grye
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3:56 a.m.
You lack some fundamental information. He may have sent his kids to the private school when tghey were younger but his 2 older kids attended Huron high school. Last time I checked Huron was a public school. Check your facts before you ridicule someone.
Angry Moderate
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3:52 a.m.
I'm sure Gov. Snyder's children would have a great educational experience being treated fairly and kindly by the teachers and administrators if they attended Ann Arbor Public Schools. P.S. - I don't think your facts are right, didn't he send one kid public and one kid private?
say it plain
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3:38 a.m.
It's just that it's kinda tone-deaf to be cutting funding to the public schools while cutting taxes for corporations, so that more of them locate here in MI is ostensibly the reasoning, but there's surely no guarantee. Though, if more of the 'right kinds' do come here, perhaps also there will come more people who can afford to send their kids off for private education that costs 12K /year for K-6, then onward and upward to schools that cost 18K/year for 7-12. Plus, we know that the Ann Arbor Public Schools aren't those MI schools that don't get kids ready for college, because they have a pretty good track record. Just, apparently, not the right environment for the Snyders. But, heck, he did save a family from the horrors of losing their ability to pay that kind of extra money, so he's proven he's a 'nice guy' right? He even choked up contemplating how he had been enjoying canapes with the very same family, it's enough to make you want to send a check yourself, isn't it?!
a2citizen
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3:18 a.m.
What's the problem with him sending his kid to a private school? Obama sends his kids to a private school.
godsbreath64
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:29 a.m.
Well, David, he has shown she could make considerable headway. The pedagogic is plutocracy & THE PARTY OF PREVARICATION. So it doesn't need a classroom.
GoBlue1984
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:25 a.m.
Leave my city now you embarrassment! This state can AND WILL do better than you Dictator Snyder!
GoBlue1984
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 5:13 a.m.
He lives in Superior Township Marshall... he thinks he's so much better than everyone that he has to live somewhere with "superior" in the name. I will say it again: Get out of my city Dictator Snyder!
Marshall Applewhite
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 4:40 a.m.
You do realize that Snyder lives in Ann Arbor, correct?
grye
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 4:12 a.m.
Upset with Snyder yet no comments about how the economy went down the toilet over the past 8 years? No one wants to point a liberal finger at a liberal.
treetowncartel
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:25 a.m.
He needs a little polishing, he heard her and made his way out the door, missing a great opportunity. I love the comment about "we were doing ok". So, he helped a middle class family stay in an upper class school. I guess we know where his heart truly is afterall.
a2citizen
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:58 a.m.
Deserved ain't got nothin' to do with it. Charter schools are just public schools with different packaging. Caveat emptor.
treetowncartel
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:45 a.m.
Right, because those classified as poor by our government(their parent or guardian's tax retrun) don't deserve to be in anytype of upper class school. Oh wait, what was I thinking, charter schools will level the field for everyone. Soon those daycroft kids will be going to charter schools, and those kids at Greenhills too. Don't worry we can still write the kids of in social services, foster care and orphaneges so we can feel good about our place in society.
a2citizen
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:36 a.m.
It's beats making the kid attend an Ann Arbor public school.
tom swift jr.
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:24 a.m.
I was invited to that event, and choose not to attend. I've also determined that I will no longer host our agency's endowment fund with the Ann Arbor Area Foundation, we'll be finding another manner to invest our funds. The fact that the foundation is supporting Snyder and his attempt to undermine and destroy education in this state is disturbing. I would encourage all of you to find another means to contribute to the non-profits in this community. This gives me one more opportunity to encourage you all to attend the rally outside the Big House this Saturday.
deb
Sat, Apr 30, 2011 : 1:45 p.m.
ray, I am actually not saying that at all, actually dont mind the governors plans. I am pointing out that aaafc had other options. No one forced them to let the governor speak. You are distancing yourself retroactively. The argument that you booked him within days of his inauguration is not a reason to let him speak, or not. Its a way to distance yourself. I dont care if he speaks If you feel the way you described above your argument should have been, "We may not agree with the governors plans, but its an honor to a sitting governor speak, and were happy to have the opportunity to air our differences with him. Not, it was booked so we had too. Look at my last line. Your first reply is not a reply to anything I wrote. You assumed a lot things that maybe others said, but not myself. Again the main point was aaacf had a lot of different options and could have used them, not that they should have.
Ray
Fri, Apr 29, 2011 : 8:39 p.m.
Deb - You're writing as if it is somehow wrong to book a prominent speaker, our governor no less, who holds unpopular views in our town. In essence, you're saying that just because someone disagrees with you, you can't listen to them for 20 minutes. You can't listen to the GOVERNOR. Any group should be honored to have a governor, especially one with so many ties to our city. How can we every improve as a society if we are so close-minded that we can't host the governor just because he holds different views than many of us? That is absurd. Besides, the only way to move forward as a state is to listen and work with one another. And, please, don't accuse me of "distancing" myself retroactively. I was clarifying my point so that I didn't mistakenly put words in the mouth of the AAACF Treasurer - that was all. You act like the AAACF should have cancelled the Governor's visit. Why? The AAACF is not a mouthpiece of the Democratic Party nor the Republican Party. It is reasonable to conclude that the AAACF invited the Governor out of respect for his office, not as an endorsement of his policies. If you disagree, show me some evidence.
deb
Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 1:18 p.m.
Ray, Just because you booked him dosent mean you HAD to let him speak. You could have cancelled the engagement right up to the moment that Snyder started speaking, heck you could have pulled the plug on him then. The AAACF choose to let him speak. Do not try to distance yourself retroactively from this when the organization could have pulled out from this at anytime. Even if you paid the Gov. for the speaking arrangement (Im not sure if you can or whatever) you still could have broken the contract. Maybe you would have had to pay the money anyway, but you wouldnt have had him speak at your event and then try and distance yourself from him. To sum it up, you imply as if once he was booked there was simply no other option for the aaacf but to let him speak. That is simply not true.
Ray
Thu, Apr 28, 2011 : 1:34 a.m.
I must clarify one of my comments. I wrote that "are you (Tom) aware that the AAACF booked Governor Snyder within DAYS of his being inaugurated? They had NO IDEA of his recent policies - so don't blame them retroactively. I know this - I asked the AAACF Treasurer at the meeting." I meant to place my last sentance after the first rather than after the second. The Treasurer told me that AAACF almost certainly booked Snyder within days of the inauguration - I did not ask him whether or not AAACF had any insider information on Snyders future policies. That was an assumption I made personally (that AAACF had no insider information on future policies) , and is one I still believe to be reasonable.
timjbd
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 1:06 p.m.
Ray, You've inadvertently pointed out a serious issue- Snyder never talked about this (or the emergency manager scheme) during the campaign. If he had, we'd have Virg as governor, as unlikely as that sounds. Furthermore, the fact that all this has happened since the election does not mean that NOBODY else knew what he had up his sleeve.. Others are in on this as well. Check the attendance at those Mackinac Island meetings- it reads like a who's who of the billionaire far-right wing: the Koch Brothers, Walmart, etc. No doubt there were factotums from the AAACF- the treasurer likely being one. Ask him about that.
Cash
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 12:19 p.m.
Tom, Thanks for taking a stand. I am tired of seeing the extreme right wing in Ann Arbor trying to maks themselves are caring.....the Let them eat cake atttitude is obvious.
Jonny Spirit
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:40 a.m.
Thank you Tom. Keep posting, it is nice to see people out there really see what is going on! Great Post Tom!
a2citizen
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3:43 a.m.
Please Ray. 500 comments over the past couple days under the various headlines and you come across as the first reasonable thinking person with a level-headed comment. I can only hope you don't start a precedent.
Ray
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3:30 a.m.
Tom, are you aware that the AAACF booked Governor Snyder within DAYS of his being inaugurated? They had NO IDEA of his recent policies - so don't blame them retroactively. I know this - I asked the AAACF Treasurer at the meeting. You and those you are looking to help are losing out by your ill-informed decision. I really hope you reconsider - the AAACF is, in my opinion, the best, most efficient means to get your donation into the right hands, and they are the ones who have the expertise to run your endowment fund. I am on the AAACF Youth Council.
David Briegel
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 2:18 a.m.
Yeah, but does anyone think Slick will listen to that little girl? And, less funding will seriously improve public education. Only in Rick's imagination!!!
Wolf's Bane
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 3:35 p.m.
Tax breaks for big corporations will certainly improve K-12 education. Especially, public education in Michigan. How can you deny this fact?
Cash
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:33 a.m.
Out of the mouths of babes....... So young and yet so wise..... And it's a shame Nathan didn't have his ear close enough to hear her. In fact, I'm darned surprised that his ear isn't placed very close the Snyder...even attached. These articles are beyond belief.
cinnabar7071
Wed, Apr 27, 2011 : 11:13 a.m.
David so you want Rick to take advice from a 6 y/o? Do your children make the decisions in your home? And we wonder how we got into this mess.