Check out some data related to the Washtenaw County's schools enhancement millage
Editor's note: Updated at 7:58 a.m. Oct. 27 with Ann Arbor's raise history
With a little more than a week left before Election Day, get ready for a blitz of radio ads, e-mails, flyers and other materials urging you to vote for or against the countywide schools enhancement millage.
In case you missed the flurry of stories, guest columns, letters to the editor and tons of comments over the weekend, here’s a link to revisit the coverage.
In many comments, people have been asking questions about data points and also posting their own. I’ve also answered a couple common questions.
I’ve tried to gather as many of the answers as possible. Feel free to e-mail me if there’s something you want listed here.
• The Citizens Millage Committee provided a PDF of reasons they say residents should vote for the millage. Download the
I asked the opposition group for a similar document, but didn’t receive anything.• Here’s a look at each district’s poor and reduced lunch rates, which is the way the state measures poverty in the schools. You can see the full report, as well as a building-by-building breakdown here.
• Here’s a link to each district’s budget documents for this year
• Below is a list of raises given to various unions. I e-mailed every district early last week and requested this information. Several did not respond with the data.
- Chelsea gave all unions a 2% raise in 07/08; 2.25% in 08/09 and 2.5% in 09/10.
- In Milan, raises were 2.75% in 07-08 and 08-09, and 2% in 09-10. There is no contract in place for 10-11. Several health care concessions were made, officials said.
- In Whitmore Lake, teachers got a 1.5% raise for 07-08 and 0.44% for 08-09; they have no contract for 2009-10 and 2010-11. Custodial workers got no raise for 07-08, a 1.5% raise for 2008-09 and a 1% raise for 09-10. They don't have a contract for 10-11. Office personnel didn't get raises for 07-08 and 09-10. They got a 1.5% raise for 08-09 and are scheduled for no raise for 10-11. Food service workers got a 1.5% raise for 07-08 and no raise for 08-09. They don't have a contract for 09-10 or 10-11. Transportation workers got no raise for 07-08 and 09-10. They got a 1% raise for 08-09 and are scheduled for no raise for 10-11.
- In Ypsilanti, all support staff, teachers, principals and non-union central office/contractors got a 1% raise in 07-08 and 08-09. Current year contracts are under negotiation. No contracts are in place for 10-11. Central office administrators gave back 3% of their salary for 09-10.
- Ann Arbor's raise history is available here.
• I contacted the Ann Arbor Area Chamber of Commerce to see if it made an endorsement either way. Kyle Mazurak, vice president for government affairs, e-mailed me, “The Chamber considered the millage. Ultimately, it decided not to recommend a position.”
• Several readers e-mailed me this link, which explains various types of millages and taxes.
• Here's a link to a database that contains union contracts for every school district in the dtate.
David Jesse covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at davidjesse@annarbor.com or at 734-623-2534.
Comments
Tom Bower
Fri, Oct 30, 2009 : 7:06 p.m.
Steve Norton A2 Citizens Millage Committee, What you fail to mention is that there are more than ten school districts in Washtenaw County. There are ten general powers school districts and only those districts under current law are eligible to receive any of the regional enhancement tax. However, there are nine public school academies in Washtenaw County with about 3,500 students. These schools are also considered school districts and under one section of the Revised School Code are also defined as "constituent districts" of the intermediate school district. There is a strong case that could be made the current law violates the equal protection rights of these 3,500 students, many of whom are minority students. If WISD was interested in providing the best education for all the public school students in Washtenaw County, it would have taken action during the two years' runup to this millage to get the discriminatory law changed either legislatively or through a favorable interpretation by the Michigan Department of Education or even through a request for an Attorney General opinion to reconcile the conflicting sections of the Revised School Code concerning the definition of "constituent districts." Yet, WISD did nothing. Why, obviously there is a desire not to dilute the $30 million millage pool by the additon of an additional 3,500 students. And, lastly, it is interesting that any general powers school district and any intermediate school district can authorize a public school academy and if it has one, doing so will not preclude the general powers school district or the intermediate school district from being able to receive millage funds, including a regional enhancement millage. Moreover, I believe WISD is the authorizing body for the Early College Alliance which I believe is a public school academy. Will this academy directly benefit from the regional enhancement millage? Perhaps. Will it indirectly benefit? Yes, because under the terms of its agreement with the general powers districts it operates with, it receives a percentage of the per pupil funding received by the participating general powers district. So, more funding will mean more dollars for that public school academy -- the only one operated by WISD. While the general powers school districts are crying the "sky is falling" it is interesting the nine public school academies continue to operate efficiently and will continue to operate without any of the enhancement millage. One must ask why this is possible? And, why it is not possible for the ten general powers school districts. Michigan Charter Schools Do More with Less Source: Michigan Association of Public School Academies http://www.charterschools.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=79&Itemid=44 Charters are doing more with less. 62% of the state's charter students are minorities, one of the highest ratios in the country and significantly above the state average of 26 percent. About 58% of Michigan charter students qualify for free- or reduced-price lunch. Charter schools receive a per-pupil funding of about $7,888. This is $1,198 less per student than all traditional schools statewide, and $2,576 less per student than the traditional district where the charter school is located. Charter total student funding is never more than what the local district gets. Charters are not allowed to levy millages or sell public bonds. In fact, many charters pay property taxes back to traditional districts. Michigan charters put their dollars in the classroom. Latest data from the National Center for Education Statistics shows 63% of all charter staff are in the classroom, directly helping children to learn. In contrast, the state average for all schools is 48% -- among the worst in the nation. According to the Michigan Dept of Education (MDE), charter school students in grades K-8 outperform students in similar traditional public school districts in 25 of 27 MEAP tests. Charter high school students have achieved an 86% graduation rate, 12% above similar traditional districts. According to the MDE, students in charter schools receive, on average, $1,778 less per year in combined state and local financial resources than students in host districts.
InsideTheHall
Fri, Oct 30, 2009 : 6:25 a.m.
"ENHANCEMENT"???????? Cal it what it is, it is a TAX INCREASE!
DagnyJ
Thu, Oct 29, 2009 : 9:04 p.m.
Dan, do you think it's up to a reporter to determine how school districts should consolidate? Like, these are the same districts who want millions of taxpayer dollars to spend, but they can't figure out how to cut costs? These officials want me to send my money to them, without any voice at all in how it gets spent. Can I elect school board members in all the county districts? No. Can I even get those districts to open their books as fully as Ann Arbor? No. Why should I support this millage? Because, chicken little said if I don't the sky will fall.
Tom Bower
Thu, Oct 29, 2009 : 2:16 p.m.
YpsiLivin, It's about whether the Michigan law is constitutional. Public school academies are "public schools" under Michigan law. Please cite the section of the Revised School Code or the Michigan Constitution where it authorizes denial of "equal protection" for students attending public school academies.
Tom Bower
Thu, Oct 29, 2009 : 2:11 p.m.
SteveMIPFS, I believe under current state law that an intermediate school district that authorizes a public school academy can benefit from a regional enhancement millage. I believe WISD is the authorizing body for Early College Alliance. So, I think WISD will keep some of the enhancement millage funds, at least indirectly.
Dan Rubenstein
Thu, Oct 29, 2009 : 11:17 a.m.
David Jesse, With all due respect, please point me to the article that analyzes overhead structures and cost savings opportunities from combining administration or services. I see a lot of high level assertions, often in letters to the editor or from guest columnists, but little hard research and analysis from A2.com staff writers. You may differ, but I see no reason why that kind of "investigative" journalism + policy analysis should not be part of your mission. I just don't see it. I have to shake my head at the vitriol towards the MEA and teachers that I read in many of these posts. As others have said, if the profession is so awesome, you're free to go into it. In the meantime, it sometimes feels as if people just want to tear others down (jealousy) until everyone from all walks of life are part time temp workers with no benefits and lousy incomes.
David Jesse
Thu, Oct 29, 2009 : 10:43 a.m.
Dan: A quick response - this article was promised in the comments sections of the various other articles we've written on the topic. We've done several stories looking at how the districts spend their money, who is funding the various campaigns, etc. You can read all the stories at this link: http://www.annarbor.com/cgi-bin/mt/mt-search.cgi?blog_id=1&tag=school%20enhancement%20millage&limit=20
Dan Rubenstein
Thu, Oct 29, 2009 : 10:15 a.m.
I have to express disappointment with this kind of reporting. Is this the future under AnnArbor.com? Thoughtful research and analysis replaced by data dumps of URLs? What is the purpose of journalism? Are you still journalists? It is no wonder conflicting viewpoints flourish; there is no baseline of common understanding. "Facts" don't speak for themselves. Interpretation -- informed, fair -- is required. At any rate, the bottom line is that cuts have been and are being made, and revenues are being cut. Either we deficit spend or we make up the gap. Cuts will continue. Efficiencies will continue to be implemented. In my opinion, the major savings opportunities are school or overhead consolidation, and teachers' compensation. I have seen nothing that convinces me teachers are overpaid (salaries should be compared to those with similar levels of education and years of experience). Reporting could focus on consolidation opportunities. URLs won't do it. It would be nice if A2.com would roll up its sleeves and get to work!
Hot Sam
Thu, Oct 29, 2009 : 8:31 a.m.
It's time for a village, not a millage... The signs are cute, but there could not be a worse time for an increase in taxes. While we have all experienced the dramatic reduction of our home values, those of us in the private sector have also been dealt a huge reduction in sales and revenues. I'm afraid education has not yet come close to the pain the rest of us are feeling. While I have no intention of claiming teachers get too much of any thing, I do think it would be a good time to really examine places like management and bureaucracy with a chain saw and not a scalpel. I have yet to hear a GOOD explanation as to why we need over 570 school districts in the state of Michigan. Perhaps we need to do some fund-raising, volunteering, and whatever else it takes the "village" to do to get over the hump. New taxes are the worst thing we can do right now! It takes a VILLAGE...NOT a MILLAGE!!!!!!!
Art Vandelay
Thu, Oct 29, 2009 : 12:43 a.m.
AA Joker said "The number I would like to see is "total compensation including all benefits and pension". If you look at the AAPS budget documents they figure savings of $540,000 for cutting 6 teachers or $90,000 per teacher annually. When you take a salary of around $67,000, add in about 17% retirement contribution, $11,000 for health care, another 7% or so for Social Security, etc. you'll get to around that $90,000 figure. You might also note that the teachers contract bases pay on 6 hour work days and 181 work days per year. That's 1,086 work hours per year vs. the private sector that's around 2,000. The hourly rate for teachers including benefits comes to over $82. In the private sector you'd need to have a salary of at least $135,000 to equal the hourly rate teachers make. It's no wonder there's no shortage of applications for teaching jobs, plus it's almost impossible to get fired.
DagnyJ
Wed, Oct 28, 2009 : 2:41 p.m.
Jimmy, one way to measure disadvantage is by looking at the percentage of students who qualify for free and reduced lunch. To do that, you must be near or below the poverty line. According to the chart above, Saline has the lowest percentage of these students, with just 6.4% eligible, followed by Dexter and Chelsea. Yet these three districts will receive more money than they contribute to the millage. Lehigh, here's where we disagree: I don't think 8% will starve the beast. In fact, I think there are places to cut without harming education for most students.
Jimmy Olsen
Wed, Oct 28, 2009 : 11:04 a.m.
DagnyJ "Take Saline, for example. It has the smallest proportion of disadvantaged students" Can you tell me what you mean by "disadvantaged students"?
Lehigh
Wed, Oct 28, 2009 : 10:18 a.m.
Fair question, and you might say that near-catastrophic is hyperbole. But if I can trust the documents linked to above, the district would be looking at about an 8% cut in budget, on top of prior incremental cuts. 8% in one fell swoop may not seem like a lot, but for any large organization it's huge. And my experience has been that when there's such a large shortfall, all the wise cutting that people are proposing gets thrown out the window because it's just not enough, and instead we get overly dramatic (or traumatic, depending on your point of view) reductions. I fully respect the people who want to 'starve the beast'. I just think this particular beast has been on a diet already, and if it were to go on a crash diet I'm not confident it would continue on in a good enough fashion, and then we'd be in a death spiral of declining school performance and declining property values.
DagnyJ
Wed, Oct 28, 2009 : 10:07 a.m.
Lehigh, you write "Right now the school districts are faced with a near-catastrophic shortfall of revenue." How do you know that to be true? What evidence shows you that the schools are in near-catastrophe?
Lehigh
Wed, Oct 28, 2009 : 9:55 a.m.
I think government and governmental institutions are too big, take in and spend too much money, and aren't nearly as efficient as they should be. My income has declined over the past two years, and I'm not happy about it. I'm also voting for the millage, as much out of self-interest as anything. While we can debate whether more dollars are needed to have better school districts, there's no debate that better school districts drive higher property values. Right now the school districts are faced with a near-catastrophic shortfall of revenue. Could they cut wisely and survive and prosper? Perhaps. But given how deep the cuts would need to be, it's simply not a risk I'm willing to take. We should also keep in mind that even if the millage passes, the school districts will *still* have lower revenues and need to make cuts -- but at least they will be a surgeon's cuts, not a butcher's.
noreenfw
Wed, Oct 28, 2009 : 8:19 a.m.
re: transparency Treasurer for the Friends of Education pro-millage group is -- according to paperwork filed with Washtenaw County -- Larry Cobler. Although not identified as such in the paperwork he filed, Cobler is president of the Dexter School Board. Some observations regarding contributors to this fund: Largest single contributor: Federation of Washtenaw Intermediate School Employees - $2,480 Largest collective contributor: teacher and administrator associations (from Dexter, Lincoln, Whitmore Lk.,Ypsilanti, Chelsea, Milan, Willow Run) - $2,700 Collectively, contractor gifts (including Kingscott, Fanning/Howey, Adrian Mechanical Services, and Clark Construction) total - $1,250 Collectively, individual gifts from WISD admin/directors total - $1,200 Collectively, gifts from individuals who are employed by various County school districts total - $1,415 Note, while some individuals employed by school districts, (includig WISD administrators/directors) --to their credit-- noted that when they signed the paperwork, I, as a Dexter resident, was disappointed to see that not one Dexter School District employee/administrator/board member did so. These include: Board members Cobler, Dick Lundy, Julie Shumacher, teacher/union steward Joe Romeo, and Elementary Principal Craig McCalla.
DagnyJ
Wed, Oct 28, 2009 : 5:29 a.m.
Thanks Steve. One thing I object to in this millage is that the wealthiest communities in the county are getting more out of it than they put in. Take Saline, for example. It has the smallest proportion of disadvantaged students, yet would make more in this deal than taxpayers put in. Why should Ann Arbor be a donor district to a place with even more wealth? This millage is poorly constructed and just shovels money into schools without considering the qualities of the local communities and districts, or the needs of the schools, or the individual districts' spending, contracts, etc. It's basically asking Ann Arbor voters to write a check and send it to Saline, Dexter, Willow Run, etc. without having any say in how the money gets spent. I can support money for schools, but not this millage.
AAJoker
Tue, Oct 27, 2009 : 8:58 p.m.
The number I would like to see is "total compensation including all benefits and pension" as it is the health care and pension benefits that drive the overall cost and have not been adjusted to be in line with the economy for many years. Please note the information stating there are no raises this year is false as there are raises through the step program http://www.annarbor.com/news/a-plethora-of-data-related-to-the-countywide-schools-enhancement-millage/#comments
Jimmy Olsen
Tue, Oct 27, 2009 : 7:54 p.m.
SteveMIPFS "It is our sincere hope that in that five year window, we can make real change at the state level in how schools are funded." It is my sincere belief that in the next five year window NOTHING will change, just like NOTHING has changed in the last five year window when the economy really began to tank. VOTE NO = force the change.
YpsiLivin
Tue, Oct 27, 2009 : 7:50 p.m.
Steve, If the millage DOESN'T pass, the voters in Washtenaw County can shorten your five-year timeframe for meaningful change in school spending at the state level to about three weeks at the county level. The message to local school districts should be clear: stop spending and start cutting.
Steve Norton, MIPFS
Tue, Oct 27, 2009 : 6:59 p.m.
The millage, if passed, would be in effect for five years. At the end of that time, in order to renew it, we would have to go through the same process - that is, local school boards must pass resolutions asking that it be placed on the ballot and then it must be passed by the voters. It is our sincere hope that in that five year window, we can make real change at the state level in how schools are funded. If that does come to pass, we may not need this millage anymore, or else it might be renewed in some form to actually "enhance" our schools rather than partially fill gaping budget holes. Once collected, the revenues from the millage would be distributed to each school district on a per pupil basis (that is, according to the proportion of students each district has compared to the total for the 10 districts in the WISD). All money would stay in the ten districts, and the WISD will keep none of it. Steve Norton A2 Citizens Millage Committee
DagnyJ
Tue, Oct 27, 2009 : 6:08 p.m.
One other question: I get how the tax money is raised through the properties in the community, taxed at 2 mills. But how is it allocated? What's the mechanism for determining how much each district gets?
DagnyJ
Tue, Oct 27, 2009 : 5:50 p.m.
Does the millage have a sunset clause, or is it forever?
Larry Kestenbaum
Tue, Oct 27, 2009 : 2:04 p.m.
@a2momX3 : I am pleased to see that the county clerk's web site was helpful to your research. Most other counties don't have campaign finance reports online. But let me suggest a basic principle here. No matter what unions supported your campaign, or what your own employment background is, when you accept public office, you're MANAGEMENT. I presume all the school board members you listed know this. Certainly my friend Susan Baskett does. People who don't "get" this basic reality shouldn't serve. To mix up the roles would be a betrayal of public trust.
David Jesse
Tue, Oct 27, 2009 : 1:50 p.m.
Here's an e-mail I just got from Nancy J. Merdzinski, the Executive Officer of the Ann Arbor Area Board of REALTORS: "We have many members who are politically active, however, as an organization we rarely take a position on issues. Our focus as an organization is to promote standards of professionalism, ethics and integrity and provide tools and technology to enhance member profitability."
Sarah Rigg
Tue, Oct 27, 2009 : 1:06 p.m.
Nitpick: I believe the line "Heres a look at each districts poor and reduced lunch rates" should read "FREE and reduced lunch rates."
David Jesse
Tue, Oct 27, 2009 : 12:48 p.m.
As an FYI - just heard the Chelsea Chamber of Commerce endorsed the millage passing.
David Jesse
Tue, Oct 27, 2009 : 12:11 p.m.
Tom: I'm checking into what position those two groups took. David
GoblueBeatOSU
Tue, Oct 27, 2009 : 11:56 a.m.
here is the problem...all the people associated with schools in the area will be out in force voting for this 2 mil increase. WISD hasn't made a case for the increase. WISD doesn't have to. It will take a lot of people to show up and vote for this to be turned down. I hope I am wrong, but I see this winning.
Tue, Oct 27, 2009 : 11:02 a.m.
Let's talk about who really is going to gain from this millage. Not the children. The MEA! No district has outline specific needs for this millage money, just 'our general fund' ie: salaries and benefits. Every other time the district has come to the taxpayer, they have outlined a program of how they are going to spend our money. This time, nothing! Who makes money from benefits, the MEA, through their health insurance co. MESSA, to the tune of $350 M in surplus this year alone. There has been a lot of discussion regarding the hold the MEA/AAEA has on the AAPS. Why doesn't the AAPS bid out it's medical benefits? like Chelsea? How come the MEA/AAEA has such control over all aspects on the AAPS, from setting the school calendar (isn't that something that the district should bring to the union, not the other way around) to how many minutes a teacher actually teaches during the day, to how many professional days, the list is endless.... Who does the AAPS have sitting at the table? so, I did a little digging into MEA campaign donations..... This is what I found: all posted at the ewashtenaw.org website Susan Baskett: 5-09-03 $700 Laborers Local #959 6-05-03 $500 MEA Deb Mexicote: 6-04-03 $500 MEA Karen Cross: 4-26-05 $500 MEA Glenn Nelson: 6-17-02 $250 AAEA 4-26-05 $500 MEA Gates-Bryant: 4-07-02 $500 MI Laborer's Political League 4-28-03 $500 MI Laborer's Political League 6-01-03 $500 undisclosed (MEA?) 6-01-03 $500 AAEA 4-07-04 $500 MI Laborer's Political League 4-30-08 $1000 MEA We also found a MEA PAC School Board Election Manual from 2007 basically outlining how to get favorable people on the school board to make MEA negotiations/policies more beneficial to it's membership. The MEA has a lot riding on the line in this millage. MEA has more than $350 M in reserves to use to futher it's 'mission'. Most of that money comes from MESSA, which it ownes and administers. As I asked at the beginning, who is sitting at the table for the AAPS?
YpsiLivin
Tue, Oct 27, 2009 : 10:06 a.m.
"It's a clear denial of these students' equal protection rights that they are currently excluded under state law from being able to receive any of the regional enhancement millage if voters approve the new tax." Tom, This is a tiresome argument. The charter schools receive the same base funding (plus a few hundred dollars per student to pay the authorizer's fee) as any traditional school district. Charter schools, under state law, are NOT ELIGIBLE for millage-based funding enhancement. As private entities, they have no taxing authority so they have AGREED to take what they get from the state. There's no denial of equal protection for charter school students because NO ONE FORCED THEIR PARENTS TO CHOOSE A CHARTER SCHOOL. Charter schools represent "choice"... remember... and choice implies that you give up something in order to get something else. By opting out of their local public school districts, parents opted out of a potentially larger per-pupil funding scheme for their children. It's all about choice. If parents want a school district that has a larger per-pupil funding, they can re-enroll in the host district.
treetowncartel
Tue, Oct 27, 2009 : 9:42 a.m.
If we are going to extrapolate information on the teachers, can we also do it on the maintence/groundskeeping men/women employed by each district. I am sure a lot of costs go there too, and the efficency/staffing of those departments would be interesting to know in this debate.
Tom Bower
Tue, Oct 27, 2009 : 9:21 a.m.
Once again the nine public school academies operating in Washtenaw County -- effectively, efficienty and with growing enrollments -- are completely left out of this picture. Why? These nine public schools currently educate more than 3,500 students in Washtenaw County. It's a clear denial of these students' equal protection rights that they are currently excluded under state law from being able to receive any of the regional enhancement millage if voters approve the new tax. What rational public purpose is being served by such discrimination? Why has the WISD made no effort to get the current law changed or get a favorable interpretation from the Michigan Department of Education that would treat public school academy students in a non-discriminatory manner?
Tom Bower
Tue, Oct 27, 2009 : 9:16 a.m.
David, You checked with the Ann Arbor Chamber of Commerce, but what about the positions of the Home Builders Association of Washtenaw County and the Ann Arbor Area Board of Realtors? Have these organizations taken a public position on the regional enhancement property tax? Thanks,
I'm Ron Burgandy
Tue, Oct 27, 2009 : 8:42 a.m.
This millage is not "for the kids". It's to pay for the high teacher salaries/benefits/pensions and inefficient school administration. Quit trying to bully people into voting 'yes'. Many institutions including local government are taking pay cuts to keep their current staffing levels. I don't see why the school system should be any different.
Jim Mulchay
Tue, Oct 27, 2009 : 6:28 a.m.
Some Opinions on the WISD millage (not researched, just opinions) - For ((a)monies are to tide schools over until state funding is fixed; (b) public schools are a critical part of the community and worthy of increased community financial support; (c) there are no additional sources of revenue at this time; (d) major restructuring of school costs are not likely to take place in the short-term; (e) the quality of life of the entire county is impacted, so all county schools need support; (f) I'm giving out more than I get back (AA attitude); (g) everybody else has to make do with less, why not the schools); Against ((a) there is a finite amount of money available, at some point enough is enough; (b) everyone wants tax increases now - state, WISD, AA city income tax; likely federal tax increases, gasoline taxes; (c) the school funding crisis (statewide) is not new and existing elected state and local leaders have failed to address it - so now the answer is to add a tax as a "fix"; (d) school districts do not have a real handle on how they spend what they have now - throwing more money at them is not a good answer); It is too bad the millage request wasn't in 2007 - it would have been a no-brainer probably - timing is everything.
Life in Ypsi
Tue, Oct 27, 2009 : 12:39 a.m.
I am not going to be bullied into voting yes for an inefficient school system. Until all three school districts in Ypsi consolidate we will continue to have problems. The millage will pass and WRS will still be the same.
"We" not "Them"
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 11:23 p.m.
I don't like the logic that, "Since the adults are suffering the kids should also suffer." Maintaining a community where children can still get a first class education despite economic woes is one of the critical elements in a future recovery. It is an undeniable fact that the strength of our school system is a main driving force in bringing people into this community and keeping people from leaving. This doesn't mean that school systems should be completely insulated or that they get a blank check, it just means that we should be extremely cautious about further damaging one of the few shining lights we still have. As for people suggesting that school systems have become these cash cows that haven't made any cuts, I suggest that they are only looking at selective numbers. Anyone close to schools can tell you that over the past few years all of the districts in this county have made reductions that have had significant negative impacts on the quality of education provided. Fewer support staff, fewer counselors, fewer classes offered, and larger class sizes have all led to a deterioration of our children's educational experience. I've read posts where people are quick to question the value of "non" teaching positions, but many of these criticisms only underscore their lack of understanding of how critical those positions are to providing a first class educational experience. Research shows that large class sizes negatively affect learning. It also shows that 12 year old children indeed do benefit from having more than 1 counselor (and other support staff) service 900 students. It is the fact that our school system has been able to provide our children with something more than basic and bare bones that continues to attract people to this area. Even if we wanted to sit down and debate what cuts should be made to minimize the negative impact, what we are facing now is much more dire. The legislature has reduced school funding by millions of dollars. Districts stand to lose even more millions when federal money dries up in 2010. This goes well beyond many of the complaints aired in over the past few days about having one too many administrators. We have the unique opportunity in this county to lessen the blow of these reductions by supplementing our schools funding with a millage. The $300 price tag is far less than the negative impact future cuts could lead to. Elimination of elective and extra curricular programs is a real possibility. It would probably cost the average family more than $300 to allow their child to study music (which research also shows is linked to improved learning). Special education programs would likely be cut. The list goes on and on, but the reality is that those who we should be frustrated with will be the last people hurt by voting no. If we don't like the legislative decision, we should vote those people out of office, not take it out on our kids or spend our time bashing teachers who we all know did not go into teaching to get rich. It's time to put political mantras aside and look at the repercussions of a "no" vote. I'm not willing to turn this areas school system into a mediocre system simply because I want them to suffer like everyone else. Especially not over $300.
sh1
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 7:45 p.m.
I'm going to vote No on the millage because I need to save my money to buy expensive gift certificates for my kids' teachers.
bruno_uno
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 7:11 p.m.
A2 Reality- here is my reality...that extra two hundred bucks a year is taxes is better kept in my pocket for christmas gifts and birthday presents for my kids, a lot more fun than another millage I suspect for them.
mytwocents
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 7:07 p.m.
Bruno_Uno: That was my point exactly. Your comment about "gifts" seemed irrelevant to me. I was asking to understand how it related to the millage. Obviously, it doesn't. Not to mention, your perception is not at all a reality. David- Thanks for the data you included. I believe there is additional information on the WISD site and district Home/ Main pages. Seems that some of the documents specifically address what some folks are asking about. (consolidation efforts, staff reductions, pay and benefit reductions, increased class sizes)
mw
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 4:54 p.m.
The average high school teacher in Ann Arbor makes $67,000/year (link below). The household income of the average person with a college degree (no grad school) in the US was $69,000 (2nd link below) You're comparing the average salary of a single Ann Arbor teacher to household income. You may have noticed that most households have more than one wage earner. A household consisting of two Ann Arbor teachers married to each other (and there are plenty of those) would average $134,000 -- which would put them around the 90th percentile of U.S. households: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Household_income_in_the_United_States In addition, Ann Arbor teachers have much greater job security and much better fringe benefits than the average private sector worker. The tenure, the health benefits, the pensions, the summers off -- those things are worth a LOT. I am quite certain that most people would be willing to take significant pay cuts in exchange for adding those benefits to their own jobs, which means that for purposes of comparing to private sector workers, the effective pay of teachers is much substantially higher than $67,000. Let me ask you two questions: 1. Could an Ann Arbor teacher making the $67,000 average leave her job and easily find another than paid as much or more? 2. Could AAPS easily find a qualified teacher for $67,000 to replace any who departed? I'd say the answers are clearly 1. "No", and 2. "Absolutely, without a doubt. People would be falling all over themselves to apply for any such openings."
Realistic Citizen
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 4:53 p.m.
Tree, Yes brightest and best is the solution. Just offer them a salary with a merit based variable pay, and like most companies they are the ones that lead from the front. Socialism and Communism is not the answer, you know it! Come up with real solutions, not "arm chair quarterback answers". It's easy to toss back answers but, stating something that is meaningful goes much farther in making your point. Trust me if I could offer the better performing teachers pay raises or bonus's based on their performance they would be making more than the average teacher. On the flip side, if we could fire those that take their jobs for granted and "coast" their way to retirement on my tax dollars I would do that too. It doesn't take a tenured teacher to be considered the best because of seniority. It takes a teacher that leads by example and thrives to make their student the leaders of tomorrow.
Realistic Citizen
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 4:53 p.m.
Tree, Yes brightest and best is the solution. Just offer them a salary with a merit based variable pay, and like most companies they are the ones that lead from the front. Socialism and Communism is not the answer, you know it! Come up with real solutions, not "arm chair quarterback answers". It's easy to toss back answers but, stating something that is meaningful goes much farther in making your point. Trust me if I could offer the better performing teachers pay raises or bonus's based on their performance they would be making more than the average teacher. On the flip side, if we could fire those that take their jobs for granted and "coast" their way to retirement on my tax dollars I would do that too. It doesn't take a tenured teacher to be considered the best because of seniority. It takes a teacher that leads by example and thrives to make their student the leaders of tomorrow.
PaperTiger
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 4:43 p.m.
Braggslaw: As usual, you hit the nail squarely on the head. You are so right. Vote NO.
PaperTiger
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 4:40 p.m.
News flash! Check out Saline Area Schools teacher contracts, as they are all on-line. Teachers DO NOT PAY FOR HEALTH/DENTAL. Only a co-pay for their prescriptions. And, they are REIMBURSED for their Teacher Improvement funds. They PAY NOTHING if they get additional teaching instruction going towards their degree. It's all in black and white under "Teacher Improvement". Read the contracts, people. Vote NO.
treetowncartel
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 3:28 p.m.
So, it sounds like everyone opposed to a market wage for the job you have wants to go to some type of Socialism or Communism. No need for the brightest and best anymore, just be a warm body and you too can degreed professional.
Realistic Citizen
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 3:20 p.m.
Dotdash & Tree. Oh, lets way this out. Teachers are fairly paid but, what private sector job has 3+ months off per year. Please don't tell me that teachers have to grade papers at night, and that makes up the difference. In the private sector those that are employed work after normal hours on job tasks too. How about the private sector employees that travel for a living and are away from their family. The reality is that based on per hour work schedules teachers are paid at a higher rate. The golden ticket days have to end people.
DonBee
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 2:18 p.m.
I have been following and commenting on the threads about this since Friday, and I have been actively involved in the schools as a parent for more than a decade. I do not see either side in this debate on this thread offering any realistic choices for how to fix things. A county official taking shots at the other party is not a constructive comment, shame Larry. Beating on teacher salaries is a waste of time they are under contract. The benefits are better than anything anyone gets anymore from the private industry and when you factor in retirement, health care for life and the other defined benefits they get, the salary is not so bad. Do the math, most of use would have to save $25-30,000 a year to get the benefits they get at retirement. I would like to see real solutions - similar to the ones I posted elsewhere here that can reduce the school costs - in a realistic fashion. The school tax bills have already been sent out, so even if this passes, all anyone can do is borrow against it (interest costs anyone?) for this year. On NPR this morning the Governor admitted to vetoing the school funds to put pressure on the state senate - so she is playing monkey in the middle with our children's education. She so much as admitted she did the veto to get 4 or 5 Republican Senators in trouble with their voters. She also indicated she expected the cuts would be restored. If someone had a long term plan for using this money and not just business as usual, I would be very happy to vote for the millage. Anyone want to tell me - why when the bond for Skyline has been spent, there are still 7 full time people in the bond office in Ann Arbor, including at least 1 highly compensated construction specialist? People tell me the school has cut $16 million in Ann Arbor in the last 4 years, yet in 2003 the school spent $161 million and this year it is budgeted to spent $191 million - that seems more like a $30 million increase than a $16 million cut (budgets and financial reports are on the AAPS web site). I called the school this morning and asked if anyone could break down the 3000 full and part time employees that are listed on the web site into job categories or job types and was told; "We are not at liberty to give out personnel information on our employees." Then another person told me that it was "confidential information" and finally I was told that I could file a freedom of information request and they would tell me in a month or two how much it would take to compile the information. Transparent they are not. When AAPS responds to the top 10 I posted here on the other thread, I will be happy to vote yes, until then, I will vote no. Yes, I know there is no substance here - it is in a prior post on a different thread, sorry.
aaman
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 2:08 p.m.
Can anyone provide the specifics of exact benefits for both teachers, administrators, and comparable positions in the private sector? Having spent some time working in government I can tell you first hand that the vast majority of government employees are hard working, but are totally out of touch with what the private sector or self employed have to deal with on things like insurance. Hearing public sector employees complain bitterly when their co-pay is increased to $15 is truly stunning. They don't seem to realize that with their 99% certain income and job security that there are millions of people with NO insurance and very little job security. Don't know if their attitude will ever change as long as tax payers continue to agree to increases.
Barb
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 2:05 p.m.
To pile on in support of what @dotdash is saying, it's my understanding that most AAPS teachers are degreed at the Masters level. So, uh, yeah. The compensation they receive is fair. Not that this is the real issue. Anyone who's been paying attention to current budget talks in Lansing knows what kind of cuts are coming.
treetowncartel
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 2:04 p.m.
One other thing that seems to be kind of ironic is that the biggest land barron in our county, the U of M, is supported thorugh tax payer dollars, wastes a lot of money, more than the school districts, yet none of you people opposed to the way public education is run are concerned at all about the way your money is being used for higher education.
treetowncartel
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 1:58 p.m.
Born is right,the parents can be harder to deal with than the kids. Cook, go get your teaching certificate then. A small sample of the community is commenting on these boards. I don't think everyone has lost 20% of their pay. Maybe those who did should have had more foresight in planning their career.
A2Realilty
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 1:35 p.m.
bruno_uno - Please stop badgering posters who question the points that you are trying to make in your posts. You just went on a two paragraph assault on the "worth" of teachers and specifically cited the receipt of "hundreds of gift certificates" as an unjustified bonus. Your post is written half in caps, uses information such as these "hundreds of gift certificates" that is obviously made up, and once again claims that teachers should be giving up major concessions. Please stick to facts as it will provide you with the basis to form an argument. Currently, your posts are simply inflammatory and based on lies.
InsideTheHall
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 1:29 p.m.
Mr. Kestenbaum You are part of the problem and posting on government time to boot! The entrenched DEM establishment will cling to the breaking branch until their own weight plunges them to the ground. Until the teacher unions and school adminstration are brought into line with what is happening in the private sector the root cause problem will never be resolved. The fact remains that tax revenue is down 40% from just a few years ago. It's gone and while a bump in the economy will bring some revenue back, the fact remains the pie has shrunk and bodies of government and school districts must adjust to the new reality. Raising taxes is not an option in this environment and hard choices must be made. Hey Larry, wehn are you and your buddies going to threaten to take away band and the football team?????? Now get back to work Larry you are on the taxpayer dime!
dotdash
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 1:16 p.m.
I take issue with the statement that teachers are compensated "more than their worth". The average high school teacher in Ann Arbor makes $67,000/year (link below). The household income of the average person with a college degree (no grad school) in the US was $69,000 (2nd link below). So Ann Arbor HS teachers, who all have to have college degrees and who often have more, are paid less than the average college grad (an average which also includes out of work and retired folks). The best that can be said is that they are almost adequately compensated. So no, teachers are not paid more than they are worth, even leaving aside the incredibly important job they do in society, the difficulty of that job, and the high level of trust we place in them. http://www.cbsalary.com/salary_chart.aspx?specialty=High+School+Teacher&cty=Ann%20Arbor&sid=MI&kw=High+School+Teacher&jn=jn031&edu=&tid=22928
Realistic Citizen
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 12:55 p.m.
David, Is there blind mentality within school districts these days? I hope that Legislators, Schoold Administrators and Teachers understand that they cannot be protected from an economy that has impacted every other industry during this economic "depression". The Governor, State Legislators, School Administrators, & Teachers need to understand that the days of the status quo of high wages, 8-9 month work schedules, minimal employee healthcare participation (minimal copays or out-of pocket expenses), 10+ plus sick days per year (and rolling them over year over year), personal days, no teacher accountability, union protection, pension retirement, 401K, 401B and the list goes on. Sure, our auto industry had these benefits but, look at it now (crumbling) Legacy retirment costs will eventually doom our districts too. For the auto industry pay and benefits are finally getting in line to make these industries (hopefully long-term viable)... time will tell. I completely support in providing the Children of our State with best possible education they can get but, it doesn't need to come at an unrealistic cost. It's time for The State of Michigan, local districts, and teachers to make long term structural changes to the way we fund our schools. All State public employess need to understand that the "golden ticket" that they have been getting is unrealistic for the long-term survival of our education system here in Michigan. Its time to eliminate things like "tenure" in our state. Just because an employee betters themselves by continuation credits or stays with a school district for so a certain timeframe should not guarantee them a job. Please don't be naive to the fact that we all know tenured teachers that are "coasting" everyday. What we need to do is create a merit based system like the majority of jobs in the U.S.A, and you will find that our childrens education will always find a way to improve. It doesn't take science to determine that if an employee doesn't meet his/her job expectations year over year shouldn't they be held accountable, up to the point of being displcaced. Its time to make structural changes to our education system in Michigan. Lets see if it happens.
AnnArBo
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 12:35 p.m.
I posted this on an earlier article regarding a yes vote for a county wide millage, several folks thought I was out of line because I was not talking about Ypsi, I used to live there, and this is a county wide issue, not just Ypsi or Ann Arbor; This comes up every few years........big panic, the system will collapse, our communities will falter, it only costs pennies a day to correct (from both our local and state level "reps" and govenor). Voters are constantly being asked for a little more, and a little more......it all adds up to a lot. Next year is going to be far worse because we always react instead of plan. From what I have read, the cut amounts to around 6% of Ann Arbors total budget.....believe me I have cut my personal budget far more than that in this economy. I find it very hard to believe A2 cannot find 6% to cut from their current budget without the whole thing falling down. Our state and schools need to be looked at like any bussiness or family budget. When times are bad you need to prioritize to maximise your dollars, not maintain an unsustainable level of spending and act as if there is no room for adjustment.
GoblueBeatOSU
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 12:21 p.m.
BornNRaised..."Those of you that are so anxious to tell teachers and public service workers to give their salaries and benefits away, why not try doing it yourself and try it on? Oh... but I'm sure you it would be a different story with it impacts your way of life." It has happen to me. 20% drop in pay, $600/month for medical plus co-pays etc......it is your turn to step up to the plate. You're right it is a different story now that I've taken the hit. I'm cutting back on everything. Don't count on me voting for any tax increase until you step up and pay the same price as I have. I love these government employees/teachers who think that the tax payer pockets have unlimited funds. These people, like BornNRaised think there is no end to their gravy train. Just take, take, take. Well BornNRaise, I've paid the price with my huge reductions. It is your turn to give up 20% of your pay. When you do that lets talk and see who has the different story.
bruno_uno
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 12:20 p.m.
mytwocents...keep to the overall questions...teachers have no right complaining how bad they have it when they get compensating more than their worth, pay far less than the rest of the private sector for benefits, and yes get many gifts that would constitute a fair bonus for other professionals for working hard and free overtime in this day and age. Keep to the general point here and stop trying to make an issue out of a non topic here.
Designated Conservative
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 12:01 p.m.
I have great respect for teachers, and have no desire to argue about whether or not they're overpaid or receive benefits unaffordable in the real world of the private sector. However, I also do not want to see further damage done to my neighborhood from excessively high property tax rates and associated foreclosures and abandonment. I also don't want to have to decide whether to cut further from my housing, transportation, or food budgets to be able to keep the teachers union well compensated. The MEA and the elected school boards have been completely tone deaf to the harm that would be caused by imposing yet another school property tax on county residents in the midst of Michigan's economic depression. Vote a resounding "No!" on the WISD millage to make sure they hear us now and choose not to put us through this again!
mytwocents
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 11:49 a.m.
bruno_uno: Gifts? Are you kidding me? And how do gift certificates even relate to the millage? Please help me understand.
bruno_uno
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 11:23 a.m.
BORN....Why are teachers the only profession in the world that everyone has to hear how BAD of a job they have and how TOUGH it is being in the teaching profession and how they are the only one deserving of summers off and multiple days/snow days through out the year? Not to mention the multitude of gifts parents give teachers at christmas and years end, Ive seen some teachers compile hundreds of gift certificates which most people would never get these days for putting in a 65 hour work week! INSTEAD OF IT TAKES ANOTHER MILLAGE TO RAISE OUR CHILDREN, HOW BOUT IT TAKES SPENDING CUTS TO SALARIES AND INCREASE IN HEALTH BENEFITS TO OFFSET SOME OF THE BURDEN ON OTHER HARD WORKING CITIZENS THAT LIVE NEXT DOOR TO YOU TEACHERS?
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 11:19 a.m.
Hi David, As a member of the Citizens for Responsible School Spending, A2CRSS, please feel free to direct your readers to our web site, a2crss.com. We have our main talking points and information available on the web site. We do not have a slick pdf file to deliver to you, as we have not had 6 months to a year to prepare for this millage, nor have we paid a consultant to this. We have also FOIAed the AAPS for information, and their response has been to "file for an extension" ie. they are unwilling to give us the information they do not want us to have until after the election. The CMC has a huge advantage. They are able to get all the information they need from the AAPS. Talk about transparency!
Larry Kestenbaum
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 11:12 a.m.
The state isn't interested in the funding crisis for local schools. Voting down the millage won't put any pressure on the Legislature, and it won't create any momentum to reform anything. What we have in this state is a significant faction, which controls the state senate, which is eager to destroy public education as a reasonable option for middle-class families. Severe cuts in school aid are not a regrettable byproduct of the economic downturn, rather, they are strategic moves to make private schools more attractive. Sure, there are issues with the way public schools spend money, and are mandated to spend money by the state. But it is futile to hope that those state mandates will ever change, and even more futile to expect any conceivable reform to give us good schools costing much less than they do today.
uawisok
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 11:06 a.m.
2 additional mills will cost me 60 cents a day with a home valued at $200,000.00 and decreasing in value as I type. I am supporting this millage and most resonable future millages that help educate our future leaders! With that said the MEA needs a 2 tier benefit reform for new teachers vs current teachers, such as self funded 401 K style retirement plan!
dotdash
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 10:33 a.m.
I find some of the comments on this and other threads to based more on frustration than on a cool assessment of the situation on the ground. A school district doesn't just do whatever it wants to every year. There are federal mandates (NCLB and special ed are just the best known), state-wide program requirements, long-standing legally-enforceable contracts, and an existing physical plant with its own constraints -- and those are just a few of the school district's constraints. If you have an issue with how the district spends your tax money, get involved. There are already a lot of smart people trying to make this work, but more would always be useful...
braggslaw
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 10:11 a.m.
Born... Those salaries are paid by me, you and other taxpayers. So we have a right to have a voice in how that money is spent.
cook1888
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 10:10 a.m.
BornNRaised -are you kidding? I am sure you would find a long line of recent grads and unemployed people that would line up for "government work" or teaching positions. The unions of both prevent that. There are plenty of great teachers and government workers, but the well is dry. Everyone is hurting in this economy and the burden should be shared.
BornNRaised
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 9:51 a.m.
You know, I love all the people that, right away, say teachers should take a pay/benefits cut. Every been in a classroom? It's not so much dealing with the kids these days, as it is dealing with irrational parents. Then add the demands to provide top notch education with no resources. Most of these teachers have to buy supplies out of their own pockets. Yes, the financial situation we're in is terrible. It's not caused by the teachers. It's caused by the politicians throwing away our taxes on idiotic "programs" they decide are beneficial. Perhaps to their own campaign rather than the community. Those of you that are so anxious to tell teachers and public service workers to give their salaries and benefits away, why not try doing it yourself and try it on? Oh... but I'm sure you it would be a different story with it impacts your way of life. Unions may have hurt some areas of business. I'll give you that. But just like anywhere, there are bad apples that ruin it for everyone. Because of the few wrong doings of some unions, don't lump everyone into the same category. Before you throw stones and tell people what they should do with their salaries and way of life, better make sure you step off that porch attached to your glass house.
bruno_uno
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 9:26 a.m.
i thought over the comments that no raises were given and that they said they did contribute similar to other professions to their health care benefits? Ive had wage reductions and pay out of each paycheck an average of 500 dollars a month for health care? Im confused, can teachers in ann arbor comment on their specific consessions that their union has contributed during this economic downturn in Michigan? Please be specific and direct so we can assess their consessions to other professionals in the area. Thanks!
aataxpayer
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 9:17 a.m.
The state system of funding schools is broken. The state laws regarding teacher negotiations and pensions are also broken. We need reform and the only question is how best to get the reform we need. One approach is to vote NO and starve the system to the point where reforms will take place. The problem is that this will hurt our kids at least in the short term, and there is a real possibility that our fantastic schools will become too damaged to fix. Another approach is to get the AAEA to come out publicly in favor of comprehensive reforms in state laws and contracts so that people can address the funding problem by voting YES while being assured that teachers support real reforms. If the AAEA supports real reforms I'll vote YES. What do you say, AAEA?
braggslaw
Mon, Oct 26, 2009 : 9:06 a.m.
David, The costs for the teachers should not be described as being limited to salary. The benefits: including -pension, healthcare, MESSA etc. are enormous. There is also the issue of 549 school districts and intermediate school districts etc. with multi layers of management.