Mark

Wed, Sep 22, 2010 : 12:03 a.m.

It doesn't matter if your kids are physically at school on count day. They are counted if they are enrolled and attend school any day within the 10 days following count day (if the absence is unexcused). If the absence is excused, it's even easier to count them. Which is why the district doesn't advertise "count day" and encourage everyone to come--it makes no difference. Send your kids to school unless they are sick. You'd have to keep your kids home for 11 days to interfere with their being counted. Besides, the last thing the district needs is to lose money.

Barbara Read

Tue, Sep 21, 2010 : 3:01 p.m.

It was a good board meeting last night. Mary M. proposed a community meeting in November to look at savings in the bus system compared with the same time last year and people in the community could ask questions (and get them answered!). That sounds great to me. I mean if the plan saves money and can be made to work safely, then that's what is needed. If the savings aren't there or it doesn't work safely or make sense, then it's not worth it. The school media policy was also mentioned (by me : ) and there will be a policy committee meeting soon to address that issue. There's still the idea that the high school students can be trusted not to publish offensive material when left to their own devices, and a commitment to distribute the student run paper individually to all high school students, regardless of the fact that some of them are only 13 or 14 years old and may not ready for the mature topics covered in the paper. The next step of the board is to actually remove the safeguards of prior review and prevent the principal from even seeing the paper before it's published. But I digress. THANKS to everyone who's participating in the transportation poll. I'm surprised by the variety of complaints and suggestions. It's not just one topic or issue. I removed personal information and have published the multiple choice results online. Still working on compiling the graphs and longer responses. SURVEY RESULTS (from Monday only--I'll update it when I get more responses/have time to) http://transportationsurvey.blogspot.com/ And when I figure out how to put the graphs/comments/ I'll add those. Since it's a blog, feel free to comment there as well. I hope to add more soon.

dexmom

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 2:44 p.m.

Thanks for the survey Barb! I filled it out and forwarded on to all my Dexter friends. I can't make tonight's meeting. Would love to but childcare is an issue. I certainly hope people are able to show up and voice their concerns.

Barbara Read

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 8:12 a.m.

Chalkboard Joe, I did send a letter before school started, but it only went into the paper copy, not online. I'll give it another try, though. Thanks. I'm not planning to keep my kids home from school. I'm usually at the meetings, but it's for a different issue. Frustrating.

chalkboardjoe

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 7:45 a.m.

@barbararead Way to go on the survey. I have passed on your last comment to the Leader and requested they come to the meeting. They now have one only reporter due to a car accident over the weekend...thoughts and prayers to Dalton. You may consider writing an editorial for the Leader and include your link-the editorial needs to get submitted by this afternoon. Keep it short and brief and as I said, make sure you put the link to your survey in it (here is the link to the Leader for the editorial submission-- www.heritagenews.com/lettertoeditor/). I think you have a good chance to get it in-been there, done that. With the survey you put together and also if people do hold there kid(s) at home on count day (bus seat flu!!!) as I suggested in an earlier comment, I believe you will get some very serious attention. Good luck and maybe see you tonight!

Barbara Read

Mon, Sep 20, 2010 : 2:20 a.m.

PARENTS' TRANSPORTATION POLL LINK I agree that we need to work together as a community on this. Show "patience and a willingness to try something new" (a mom's view). But there's also a time for constructive criticism and the opportunity to say what's working and what isn't. Collaborative efforts get better results. Mark, I liked your suggestion of a poll and I put together a survey on google docs using the same template as the official transportation survey. I'll send the results to the schools and hope it helps. Parents (FOR or AGAINST or indifferent), here's the survey. I don't have any way to send it to all the parents, but feel free to fill it out and pass the link along. Sandi, I've gotten group emails from you. There are spaces for comments and suggestions. No personal information required (but they might listen better or respond personally if you say who you are). https://spreadsheets.google.com/viewform?formkey=dGdMZGhfUk9XZVc3U0ZqeWxXaTVZenc6MA I set up an email address for feedback/suggestions/questions about the survey. It's transportation.poll@gmail.com The survey isn't perfect, but since the school isn't asking us, and the Dexter Leader isn't covering this, at least it's a way to do something constructive.

A Dexter Person

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 7:58 p.m.

@MomsKitchen: This community has had it's share of people laid-off from Borders, Ford, Chrysler, Dapco, Pfizer, etc. Even from Dexter Schools! Are you not aware of the record amount of homes up for sale in the last 3 years? Record amount of foreclosures? Even in the "affluent" subdivisions? Maybe this community is a little better off than some because of dual household incomes.

everythingsrosy

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 6:49 p.m.

To Mom's Kitchen: WE WORK!!! We volunteer with church, boy scouts and at my fathers nursing home. Because I don't agree or volunteer at the school doesn't mean I shouldn't express my opinion. It's great you have the time. Hope your're still volunteering when the sun don't shine and the weather stinks!

everythingsrosy

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 6:46 p.m.

To Mom's Kitchen: WE WORK!!! We volunteer with church, boy scouts and at my fathers nursing home. Because I don't agree or volunteer at the school doesn't mean I shouldn't express my opinion. It's great you have the time. Hope your still volunteering when the sun don't shine and the weather stinks!

Moms Kitchen

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 5:26 p.m.

The statistics about how many kids have 2 working parents come from national statistics. Actually, in Dexter, it might be a little less, because we are a relatively affluent community. I was out volunteering the other day at the bus hub, and I didn't see a single one of you complainers there. Why is that?

A Dexter Person

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 8:39 a.m.

I checked the school web site. Yes, there is a school board meeting Monday, September 20th at 7:00 p.m. in the Creekside Cafeteria. Everyone needs to go and voice their concerns, tell your friends and neighbors.

A Dexter Person

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 8:21 a.m.

I spoke with someone about "cuts" from other areas. If I understand it correctly, the teachers did not take a pay cut with their new contract. Their "cut" was that the higher paid teachers retired. But they hired back the supposed laid-off teachers and then some. So how is that a savings? There were some bus drivers that retired too, but they hired replacements and then some too. This is fuzzy math! Lay off employees, pay unemployment. Some higher-paid employees retire, less payroll & benefits. Call back laid-off employees, hire lower-paid replacements and additional drivers (because there's more bus routes than last year), pay for training and benefits to increased number of employees... Fuzzy, very fuzzy.

Barbara Read

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 12:24 a.m.

Oh and to everythingsrosy and anyone else interested in district finances, there's a finance committee meeting at 3pm in the Copeland boardroom on Monday, Sept. 20th. Unfortunately, it's scheduled for when school is getting out. Anyway, if you want to go and can attend, that's when it is.

Barbara Read

Sun, Sep 19, 2010 : 12:17 a.m.

There's a board meeting Monday night at 7pm in the Creekside library. You should come tell them what happened! Just fill out a form when you get there and you get 5 minutes to speak. Or if you're late, there's a second time to speak without using the form. They said early on that the kids are all "plugged in" to their electronics and not listening to anything anyway. My children aren't plugged in and I told them so. Not that it did any good, but at least they can't claim ignorance. Also it's something your principal should be told about. He can talk to the bus drivers. I'd insist the bus driver saves a FRONT seat for your daughter from now on. Anything less is inexcusable. You could also tell her you want your son to sit with her in the front. They can put siblings together if you ask, and they can also reserve front seats--your bus sounds like a tough place. Mill Creek Principal Jami Bronson really gave the middle school kids a strong talk about language on the bus. If it's middle schoolers, you might also let her know about it--she seemed quite serious about it and might be able to get the middle schoolers to tone it down. At least if we're stuck with this new plan, the board needs to be aware of the ongoing problems they need to fix. The board says Mary is in charge, so talk to her, but she's also at the meetings and will hear what you say. After the meetings, sometimes you can go and talk to the board members briefly. Monday night should be one of the more interesting meetings since there will be a transportation report as well as the audit report for 2009/10.

dexmom

Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 3:53 p.m.

I agree about setting up a blog. This entire fiasco is ridiculous and the parents need to be heard. I also think the news needs to get involved and start asking the kids questions about the bus rides, how long and what they're hearing. My five year old asked me what a "bj" was on Friday afternoon. I literally about threw up in my mouth. How in the world do you even respond to such filth coming from an innocent child? She heard this being discussed on the bus because there is no where for her to sit but mixed in with the older kids. I was told by the bus department that the youngest kids would be put in the front of the bus - completely untrue and NOT happening. As for Mary Marshall her and the entire board should all go. They do not have the students best interest. They are only concerned about preserving their jobs and benefits. My kids are also exhausted. The start times are ridiculous but you won't get anywhere with Mary Marshall. She's too busy standing outside Wylie in the rain while the principal and teachers are soaked trying to get the kids on the buses while her and Sean look from a distance. I encourage all parents to go and watch this entire cluster you know what in action. You'll be shocked as to how ridiculous and timely the entire process is.

Barbara Read

Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 2:23 p.m.

I really do hope that a solution is found. I would like to see actual success here and real savings. What is next in line if the transportation cuts don't work? The optimized dual tier also included a no transport zone for a savings of $180,000, and that savings is gone. Where will it be made up? There's a price tag on the services we receive. I do like having a bus come to the neighborhood, but it worries me, too. There's not a price tag on the start times, though. That was an arbitrary decision. I agree with the other people that long bus rides might be a reason to push the start times later. It's not good for children to get up so early. You can google it and see for yourself. The list of reasons children need sleep is quite long and well researched.

everythingsrosy

Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 10:45 a.m.

As usual, there were "enough" volunteers on the first few days of school. By the end of the second week however, volunteers on the sidewalk were few. A Creekside safety patrol made up of 5th and 6th grade students is being set up and they will be responsible for getting the young children to the correct busses. The rainy day policy was horrific the first time..... I do hope the freezing rain and early release for snow days get better treatment. It is true, many parents are just pulling their children off the bus and driving them to school. Transportation is no longer a convenience or a support system but a large headache. There was a better solution to this mess, which would have saved money and kept things relatively normal. That was the optimized dual tier...basically getting rid of some bus drivers and increasing the numbers of students on more busses. With this selection, no other changes would have had to be made. The real reason to switch to the current system is because next year, the bus driver contract is up. If the administration can take away the benefits for all drivers, then the school will save in excess of $400,000. Benefits for bus drivers are just over $12,000 per driver times by 32 or so drivers. This will be accepted by everyone because they do it already in Chelsea, and Chelsea finds enough drivers somehow. Also, would anyone believe bus drivers working less than 2 hours a day should get benefits? So, when money is the deciding factor, and its drivers verses teachers, money for decent food verses Gordon Food Service food, and no pay cuts for administrators because they deserve what they make, there you have it Dexter. What is important? Each part of the system in a school system has its importance. Ask your child about their lunch. Ask your child about their crammed and long bus ride. Ask your child if they know Mary Marshall, Sharon Rachke or Sean Burton.

A Dexter Person

Sat, Sep 18, 2010 : 10:03 a.m.

Maybe a blog/discussion board needs to be set up for parents to use on this transportation system. Then information on topics like a "drive your kids to school" or "use the bus" day can be accessed and viewed daily by everyone. This A2.com page and its comments will be viewed less and less as time goes by and will be eventually forgotten. It's great for venting, but there needs to be some form of better communicating ideas and doing polls. I'm not the greatest at setting up this kind of thing, is there anyone out there willing and able? P.S. Does anyone have the details of the new teacher's contract? Have they or the administrators taken any cuts?

Mark

Fri, Sep 17, 2010 : 12:13 p.m.

Haha thanks, Brad, hilarious! count me in on the golf claps. Still laughing.

chalkboardjoe

Fri, Sep 17, 2010 : 11:04 a.m.

Some excellent dialogue on this issue, including thoughts about a Drive Your Kid to School day, and then we heard about...have all the kids Ride the Bus day, another good idea, but I doubt the district will really hear (nor acknowledge) what the residents are trying to say...I know,...what about having a Keep Your Kid at Home day on Student Count Day this upcoming Wednesday, September 29th...that is what we are talking about...of course the schools will still get all of their money because there are several more days that are used so "No Child is Left Behind" to NOT get counted...money talks, "bs" walks...just saying :)

A Dexter Person

Fri, Sep 17, 2010 : 8:38 a.m.

The "drive your kids to school" day last year wasn't well advertised and therefore flopped. I know more and more parents are driving their kids to school rather than use the bus. Unfortunately this is what they want to happen. Along with a "drive your kids" day, there should be an "everyone ride the bus" day.

BradP

Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 11:11 p.m.

Didn't parents have an everyone drive to school day last year. Maybe we can have a district wide sleep in this year and all take our kids in at the old time, or at least everyone drive them so we don't have to drag them out of bed 2 hours before school starts. And dexmom, is this what you had in mind for the golf clap? I'm inclined to agree. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Vw9hePLP4c (men at work, emilio estevez, golf clap)

BradP

Thu, Sep 16, 2010 : 9:35 p.m.

Well it's been a week and a half and my kids are officially fried. I'm probably going to let them sleep in tomorrow. They deserve it. My daughter broke down crying at school today because she forgot her lunch. That's not normal for her. Real names? Well, my last name doesn't actually start with a P. That's me sticking my tongue out. As in, :^P

Dexter Mom Sandi

Wed, Sep 15, 2010 : 10:46 p.m.

@dexmom those are good questions. I have friends in chelsea who drive their kids to and from school specifically because of the language on the k-12 bus. Not the ride times, not the safety, but the language on the bus and what their children were having to listen to. And of course I now have friends in Dexter who are making the same choice. I still don't see why the start times can't be shifted by 15 minutes. That's the perfect question for a district wide poll. We're all affected. There's no extra cost involved. So ask us what we want. When I wrote to Mary Marshall about who chose the start times, she said the decision to start school at 8/8:15 was entirely hers. She wrote to me, "You can place the responsibility squarely on my shoulders." That's a direct quote. Well, at least we know who to blame. And that it's just one person's choice. I would like to say something positive, too. The kids are getting loaded onto the busses much faster now. Today it was around 20 minutes from when school let out. That's an improvement--but please don't put me in the "parents who are happy" category. I'm still driving my kids.

Dexter Mom Sandi

Wed, Sep 15, 2010 : 9:30 p.m.

A poll would be great. And they could figure out which parts of the plan parents are most unhappy with and which parts are actually okay. Great idea!!

dexmom

Wed, Sep 15, 2010 : 9:28 p.m.

Golf claps for the brainiacs that implemented the new single-tier system. I'm guessing with the little cost savings this new system is brining in, all of administration will receive raises next year. Here are my questions that have yet to be addressed... -What is stopping potential creepers from harming the kids that walk from Cornerstone to Wylie or Mill Creek (behind schools)? -What is stopping a bully situation or fight for the walking kids when no volunteers or adults are around? -Why is no one directing my 5 year old from Bates to the Wylie bus hub? -Why are the kids sitting 4 to a seat on bus #3? -Why is my 5 year old coming home asking me what "Bake High" is and will she go there? -Why is my 9 year old coming home asking me what "weed" is and why the kids are all talking about? -What happens in the winter when a child slips and falls and is severely hurt (think Cornerstone/Wylie/Mill Creek) walkers? Who will be there to help them? Is the district prepared for that liability? -What happens in the event of a bus/car collision at the corner of Dan Hoey and Baker Road? If you haven't seen that intersection at 7:55 it's a nightmare waiting to happen, especially with no traffic light. -What happens when all the parents get fed up and start pulling their kids from Dexter? Don't think it won't happen. Bottom line the system was NOT well planned and the kids are the ones suffering from it. I certainly hope the district is prepared in the event that something tragic happens. Clearly safety was NOT thought of when putting this together. It was simply about saving money so the administrators can sit pretty while the bus drivers and kids get the shaft. Wake up Dexter Admin - this is not a successful system for anyone involved.

Mark

Wed, Sep 15, 2010 : 3:34 p.m.

Your statistics are flawed. Not that your math is wrong, but it's more complicated than that. By your logic there are even fewer happy parents than unhappy--a few at the meeting (and I'm being generous--I just remember that one lady I've seen at Wylie) and a few here. So the vast majority of people have no opinion at all because they haven't spoken publicly? I don't believe that. The best way would be to ask them. I'd love to see a specific, household poll sent along the same lines as the bus usage poll from this spring/summer. And it should have a comments section for suggestions. It's free. It settles the issue. It gets to the parents. Privacy could be maintained. The only reason not to do it is if you don't want to know how parents feel, because you like making decisions that affect thousands of people and hundreds of thousands of dollars with little or no feedback or constructive criticism. Sorry board of education and Mary, that's how it's being perceived. If you sent out a poll and the majority of parents like the new plan, then you'd know that, too. Wouldn't that be nice? I agree with the person who said somethings got to give. The cuts are going to be made somewhere whether we like it or not, but let's not pretend people like it when they don't. **I think that transportation guy did an excellent job responding to the questions at the meetings. He treated parents with respect and appeared to actually care. Can he be the new superintendent?**

ConcernedOne

Wed, Sep 15, 2010 : 2:42 p.m.

gpg: It is not my statistics that are flawed - it is your logic. If you bother to do a little research, you will discover that a School Bus is the safest form of transportation in the country! Now lets say EVERYBODY that turned up at the meetings objected to the new system (they didn't), it is still less than 2% of the parents! I wonder what you have actually done to address your issues. Have you run for the school board, volunteered to help, talked to anybody in the administration? As to putting my real name on this - you are joking aren't you? This is the internet! There are nasty people out there!

Mark

Wed, Sep 15, 2010 : 9:19 a.m.

Or are you saying that 70% of students are going to before school care, so you know their parents are working? If so, that's a surprising number. Is ac half day? Aren't there 8 half day kindergarten classes to 4 full day? That's just off the school websites. But we're getting off track. The point is whether the new system is working or saving money. And I guess the definition of success.

Mark

Wed, Sep 15, 2010 : 8:49 a.m.

I was looking more at dexterreader, a "Dexter parent" who worked in the Willow Run Schools for 16 years and that was 15 years ago. Not doubting he/she's a parent, not doubting he/she has an interest in Dexter. Just wondering if they have a kindergartner walking from the hub in the rain and how long his/her child's bus ride is. I'd really like to know if the child is still in the Dexter school system and what grade. It's a question of perspective. No offense intended. For example, I'm not bothered by the Wylie Hub. My children aren't using it. I object to the insanely early bus run for a 7 minute trip to Creekside and the H.S. BTW, how do you know that 70% of all Dexter students have both parents working? Is that information published somewhere? Does that mean 9-5 jobs or is it possible some of those parents offset their hours to be home at different times? Is that full-time or part time? Have they always both worked or is that new now that the child is finally in first grade--maybe someone stayed home the first few years. How would you even know what 70% parents are doing? I don't recall submitting my work hours to the schools or even being asked (just place of employment and work phone). Your number may be close to the actual circumstances, but statistics are more meaningful in context. Now if a board member said that, it would be slightly more trustworthy. Still, I'd wonder how the data were gathered and interpreted. I'm not being facetious here, statistics are something I enjoy, and they're tricky. What does that number really mean for students? It may not be as simple as you stated.

Moms Kitchen

Wed, Sep 15, 2010 : 6:20 a.m.

@Mark Stratton, I am a "real" Dexter parent, I just don't use my real name on the internet. I would hope the administration has more things to do that spend time commenting here. I like the new transportation plan - count me as one of the parents that do!

Barbara Read

Wed, Sep 15, 2010 : 12:52 a.m.

Dear Everythingsrosy, You can find what you are looking for on the http://www.dexterschools.org/ website. Scroll over "administration" and click on "board of education" from the drop down menu. Then on the next page, click on "board packets." All things budget are in there somewhere. Have fun. In June of each year, you will see a budget for the past year in PDF form and then new budget for the following year. You can follow the progress all year or check back in May/June of 2011. You can also find a budget report each month for the previous month. For example, in August of 2010, the July report came out and approx. 8% of the transportation budget had been spent. Not bad. If you aren't completely bored after that, you can look for other financial documents such as this one from April 2010. http://www.dexter.k12.mi.us/%7Eauerbach/boepak/4-12-10/Budget-Discussion-2010-11.pdf Scroll down to the last page, tilt your head to the left and you'll see the projected savings through 2014. Here's where the 2010 $480K estimate comes from (generously rounded up to "upwards of 400-500K" in this article). By the official June budget, that number had dropped to 407,990, which IS admittedly upwards of 400K if the savings hold. Hopefully they will. However, the transportation plan http://www.dexter.k12.mi.us/%7Eauerbach/boepak/5-24-10/Transportation-Resolution.pdf entails a "no transport zone" within the village for a savings of $180,000. Living in the no-transport zone, I can tell you that not only are we being transported, in my neighborhood, we are using the same second run stops as before--and we still have a dual tier run. HS-CS first and then the campus schools. Don't get me wrong, I love the convenience and I agree that the bus is safer than crossing busy streets! I just have to wonder what the savings will eventually be, and where the budget will end up being cut (which is inevitable). I did read on the school website that classroom spending is a priority and budget cuts have been in non-instructional and operational areas first, which is where they should be; but at some point, somethings got to give. There's just not enough money. I don't envy the school board. I don't envy the untenured teachers. I sure don't envy the transportation director, and I REALLY don't envy the interim superintendent who's been given authority over and responsibility for this "success"--may it eventually be one. Moms Kitchen, feel free to correct me if I've misunderstood the documents. I'm not a school board member or an accountant. And I really do hope things get worked out and the district can realize the savings somehow. (But count me as one more vote for later start times--and later bus pick-up times! And I'd appreciate it if people stopped saying that the older kids are getting more sleep with the later start time. They're not. They just get to hang out at school longer before it starts. Speaking for my 11th and 5th graders, pretty much, no thanks.)

Barbara Read

Tue, Sep 14, 2010 : 3:16 p.m.

Moms Kitchen, thanks for the link. Looks like the whole board did vote to implement the plan. I tend to agree with the earlier idea that there wasn't enough information, so that's the vote that stood out to me. If it were possible, I would go back and correct my earlier post, but I can't. Things have changed a lot since the beginning and new ideas are being tried. I hope a good solution is found. We're just not there yet.

Mark

Tue, Sep 14, 2010 : 1:39 p.m.

Oh, and if the pro-transportation plan commenters would use their real names please? You kind of sound like administration, because I have only seen one actual parent who likes the new transportation plan. She made one of the only positive comments at the bus meeting. And I heard a different parent express a 100% commitment to using it no matter how bad it is (her child was on the bus for an hour and 45 minutes coming home). Yes, GPG, more than 1% of parents don't like the plan. Definitely. And dexterreader (who supports the new plan) worked for 16 years in the Willow Run Schools. Which school does your dexter student go to? How long is his/her bus ride? Is your kindergartner walking from the hub in the rain? Not saying you don't have kids in the district, I just find it hard to believe that actual dexter parents support the new transportation plan, because that's so very different from what I'm hearing around the community.

Mark

Tue, Sep 14, 2010 : 1:22 p.m.

I don't normally read the ann arbor news. A friend sent a link to this article. Let's not assume that this is a scientific poll of all interested parents. That would be insupportable. If the idea is to make the transportation so miserable that nearly everyone opts out and they can drive one giant bus to all the stops over a three hour period, thereby paying only one bus driver, they are well on their way. Creating an environment so unpleasant that parents stop using the bus isn't a bad idea fiscally. Saves money. Is it true that there are fewer than 10 kids on several of the early run buses? How does that compare with last year? My daughter's bus was 3 to a seat last year and now it's wide open. Just wondering. But if that's the plan, they should just say so and stop pretending they want our children on the bus. And to the commenter who pointed out the later start times, I was all for that. My children are in the upper grades and an extra 25 minutes in the morning sounded great. Until I heard the busses were coming earlier than last year and they are getting dropped off at insanely early times. How does that translate in to more sleep? I agree with Dexter Mom's idea of moving the start times later to accommodate the extended routes. And the only working parents at the packed library bus meeting who commented said they wanted later times, not earlier ones. If you weren't there, you don't really know what was said. It was one unhappy commenter after another and cheering for the best made points against the new system. The superintendent just kept smiling and saying how it was all going to get worked out and she appreciated our concerns. I'm not seeing that. Was she actually listening?

gpg

Tue, Sep 14, 2010 : 8 a.m.

Your "statistics" are flawed - they assume that all Dexter parents have read this article, that they all will comment (both parties) and that half the parents at the meeting approved of the plan. I went to the first transportation meeting and was summarily informed that the single tier system was going to happen regardless of public opinion - at that point I stopped going. As far as the safest transportation - yes school buses are very safe when loaded correctly. Students hanging outside of the seat area and over crowding the bus is not safe - encapsulation is the restraint system the buses utilize thus the recommendation that seats be loaded with two high school age and three elementary age children - not the three (common last year on the first run buses) and four (this year). Admittedly this situation might be different now as my daughter has not ridden the bus since the first day (my choice). I also find flaws in the amount this plan is actually saving and that budget changes in other areas and a more comprehensive transportation plan might have been better - but this is the sort of implementation I have come to expect from the Dexter school district after 13 years of dealing with the administration there - poor planning and worse implementation is the norm in my experience not the exception. I see no success here - and I am fairly sure that more than 1 percent of the effected population in Dexter would agree.

ConcernedOne

Mon, Sep 13, 2010 : 5 p.m.

Let's see - there are somewhat over 2,000 students going to Dexter Community Schools - which translates to (approximately) 4,000 parents. Of those parents, 17 chose to comment on this story, and about half of those were negative comments. For the sake of argument, lets say that all 17 comments are negative - that means 0.425% of Dexter parents think the single tier system is bad enough to comment on it! Look at it from another perspective - according to the article "over 50" parents showed up for the transportation meeting. Let's say Shaun was off and it was actually 75 that showed up - that is less than 2% of Dexter parents - suppose half do not like the idea - that is 1%. If 1% or less of the parents in Dexter dislike the system - I'd call it a success! As to it saving money - THINK about it! If you eat your lunch at work, how much do you save over driving home to eat your lunch (One trip rather than two) - well, you save 50% on fuel ALONE! Oh, and by the way - if you prefer to drive your child to school, you are exposing them to the most dangerous form of transportation they can ride in, as opposed to the safest! Think about it!

Moms Kitchen

Mon, Sep 13, 2010 : 2:04 p.m.

@Barbara Read - here is the link to the meeting minutes where it was approved unanimously: http://www.dexter.k12.mi.us/BOE-Minutes-5-24-10.pdf I agree teenagers should get more sleep. Grades 5 - 12 now start school later with this plan. Did you know that 70% of all kids kindergarten and above have both parents working? So, most kids have been getting up and going to before school care since kindergarten. There are just a few kids in Dexter Schools that were ac. I can see that might be somewhat of an adjustment for those few kids younger than 5th grade that could sleep in in the past.

Mark

Mon, Sep 13, 2010 : 4:23 a.m.

Emporer's new clothes. Good one! I can't believe the bus is coming earlier this year and school starts later. I hope that's one of the glitches they fix. I am not happy with the transportation arrangements currently in place. Is it true that after school sports are driving the start times for the whole district? So what's driving the bus times? Why were my kids dropped off at school at 7:15? That's just crazy.

Dexter Mom Sandi

Sat, Sep 11, 2010 : 11:10 p.m.

Not if she wants to be hired as the actual superintendent. The school board is the boss of the superintendent. The superintendent tells the transportation director what to do. The transportation director works his tail off to make the plan work. Who's going to tell the board that Rob Glass's plan isn't working very well? Not the interim superintendent, that's for sure. Who's going to tell Mary Marshall the jam up at the hub (caused in part by waiting for every single bus to be filled before any of them can leave) is pretty much unfixable? Not the transportation director. Reminds me of an emperor with an unusual--and quite expensive--new wardrobe. I've given up caring how much it costs--I just want it to make sense and not torture my children. My kids are exhausted, too, Brad P.

A Dexter Person

Sat, Sep 11, 2010 : 8:23 p.m.

If success is defined as the kids were transported safely, then credit the bus drivers for that, not the new system. If your child is on the bus for a long time and sitting 3 to a seat, don't blame the bus drivers, blame the new system. Sean Burton isn't necessarily the one to blame either, he's just doing what he's told to do by administrators and the school board. Of course Mary Marshall is going to say this new system is great, do you really think she'd say anything different?

everythingsrosy

Sat, Sep 11, 2010 : 10:27 a.m.

Does anybody know of the document(s)and to whom one should ask to obtain documents concerning the financial success of this change in the bus system? Or, does anyone suppose that the administration will put it together in a nice online chart showing the data? I am hoping the administration doesn't keep us in dark if data is not in their favor. I want to see something by the end of the year. I am interested because I do care about the decisions made for us by those in charge. But, do they need to tell us?

Barbara Read

Sat, Sep 11, 2010 : 9:59 a.m.

The yelling incident was not at a regular board meeting; it was at a more informal discussion circle. Certainly board members don't yell at people during the board meetings. Just wanted to clarify that.

Barbara Read

Sat, Sep 11, 2010 : 9:55 a.m.

It won't take you anywhere, but you will be better informed. I really enjoy attending the meetings and seeing how things are run. I take my own notes. For example, Michael Wendorf explained to one attendee that the man could comment, but should not expect a response. Mr. Wendorf went on to tell him that he could email the board, but likewise should not expect a personal response from board members. My friend and I looked at each other when he said that. Why not, we wondered. The man ended up not saying anything. My experience is slightly different. I have had a personal reply from a couple of board members and they were very respectful. I appreciate that. You do come away with the distinct feeling that you aren't being listened to. And that the board is going to do whatever they want anyway. But with one exception where my friend was yelled at for asking a question about values, it's all very polite. And it would be better if more people took the time to attend. We live here. We pay taxes. Many of us send our children to the Dexter schools. What happens at the board meetings matters. I love the comment that lists all the people affected by these changes. It's true. I wish everyone could have seen the passionate parents and bus drivers speaking at the board meetings last spring. They also spoke the truth.

everythingsrosy

Sat, Sep 11, 2010 : 7:10 a.m.

The whole issue is about money. It really doesn't matter if your children are comfortable due to space constraints or time spent on the bus. Go ahead and call the organized director with your complaints and see how far you get. Go up the chain of command, speak directly to Mary Marshall herself. Good Luck. The school needed to make cuts and this is what those in charge thought it was best to do. Meanwhile, has anyone noticed the 4 new positions added to Business Office Director Sharon Ratchke's office? Hmmm. I'm sure all these new positions are needed because the administrators say so. Yes, go to the school board meetings too. And see how far that takes you..Good Luck Again!

A Dexter Person

Fri, Sep 10, 2010 : 11:02 p.m.

Will there really be any substantial savings with the one-tier system? If so, just how much? The District had to hire & train more bus drivers and buy more buses to do this. Then get extra people to help the kids walk to & from the buses and the schools. And how much did it cost for Midwest Consulting to route the buses? I heard their suggested routes were flawed and had to be re-done by the bus drivers just before school started! This new change has affected the daily routines of every parent, student, sibling, teacher, principal, para-pro, bus driver, cafeteria staff, secretary, custodian, aide, before/after care staff, baby-sitter, surrounding Day Care facilities and the daily commuters using Baker, Dexter-A2 or Parker roads. There's more parents driving their kids instead of using crowded buses where kids are sitting 3 to a seat. Who isn't affected? Administrators. In the end, will these changes and disruptions be worth it? Yes, go to school board meetings. And remember that these board members voted for this. Sooner or later, they will be up for re-election.... P.S. The kids look happy walking the extra distance now, but wait until the weather changes. Who likes walking in cold drizzling rain or sleet?

Dexter Mom Sandi

Fri, Sep 10, 2010 : 11:58 a.m.

I've been at the bus hub. Kids do seem to be having a great time. Even the two cornerstone girls I saw waving their bus numbers and saying "we need a helper" soon got one. They just walked along laughing and waving their numbers until they got help. It's like a county fair atmosphere. I really appreciated seeing the teachers and principals getting involved--smiling and participating. You can tell they really want this to work. I am a little concerned about all the non-school adults milling about. It's not people you recognize. One suggestion: the bus drivers really need to turn off their engines even if they're only there for a short time. Most of the buses were turned off, but the few that were left running put off a horrendous stink. And no one should be breathing those fumes. Bad stuff.

A Mom's View

Fri, Sep 10, 2010 : 11:17 a.m.

Having been a volunteer at this Dexter Bus Hub I agree - overall it was a success. The students from Creekside & the High School were transported to the Hub and found their bus. The students in the other 4 schools were let out and with the help of MANY faculty and staff found their school bus. Yes, it was later than ideal but that in normal for the first week of school. No bus moved until every student found their correct bus. Each day the proceedure has gone better and quicker! The students are getting a wonderful walk and even socializing with their friends. They are happy, having fun and the bus drivers are doing a fantastic job of keeping track of the kids on their bus while keeping a smile on their faces. It's a lesson in patience as the plan is getting worked into place. I've been very impressed with the new Transportation Director, Sean Burton with how organized and ready he is each day. We have a list of the buses in the order. We are able to help kids who aren't sure which bus to ride. Before a bus leaves he checks with the driver, checks under the bus and gives the signal to go ahead. Other school Administration (Present and past) are helping and very visable to the students, bus drivers and other volunteers. Teachers, Parapros, and secretaries are all walking with students, smiling and encouraging them. I've watched older children step up and be a "buddy" with younger ones helping them get on the bus and be comfortable with walking. With time this process will get better and better. If parents are concerned or want to help, then sign-up and participate with the pick-up and be one of the smiling faces greeting kids and getting them on the bus. The final lesson with this Bus change in Dexter is one of patience and a willingness to try something new.

Dexter Mom Sandi

Fri, Sep 10, 2010 : 10:58 a.m.

Teens eat more fatty foods and consume more calories when they get less sleep. Especially girls. http://www.boston.com/news/health/blog/2010/09/sleep-deprived.html Lack of sleep can set kids up for childhood obesity. http://wellness.blogs.time.com/2010/09/07/too-little-sleep-for-children-obesity/ But I have forgotten the single compelling reason not to start school later: after school sports for the older kids. I really think there should be room for some compromise on that. Other districts have made it work. Why can't Dexter? Or why won't dexter? I think they can. The entire district has to catch buses in the early 7:00's so a few kids get a few more minutes of athletics practice in each day? really? I don't agree with that. and I'm not against sports.

Dexter Mom Sandi

Fri, Sep 10, 2010 : 10:22 a.m.

If you're going to take so long to get kids to school on the bus, you HAVE to start school later. It's as simple as that. Walking to school is only one way to be healthier. Getting enoughsleep also helps prevent obesity. Did anyone see that recent study about little kids and the increased risk of obesity (years down the line) when they don't get enough sleep? There's another new one about teenagers craving junk food when they don't get enough sleep. Both those studies were in teh news around the time Dexter was gearing up for the new plan. I'll find the links and try to post htem here. it's worth reading

CoolDexter

Thu, Sep 9, 2010 : 6:08 p.m.

BradP is absolutely right. The kids - especially the younger ones - are completely exhausted by this new schedule. Even if the buses run on time. This is the story behind the story of this "successful" new transportation plan. Just one example (ask any parent; many will report similar experiences): We live less than 8 minutes from Bates Elementary. School used to start around 9, but this year starts at 8:15am. And yet, our six-year old's scheduled bus pick-up time is now 7:03am. In order to get to the bus on time, she needs to get up no later than 6:15am. It's just not right to make kids do this. It's counter productive to learning. According to the National Sleep Foundation (sleepfoundation.org), school-age children (aged 5-10) regularly need 10-11 hours of sleep per night. From the foundation's Web site: "Sleeping too little can not only inhibit productivity and ability to remember and consolidate information, but lack of sleep can also lead to serious health consequences and jeopardize your safety and the safety of individuals around you." Which as any parent knows, is pretty much stating the obvious with young kids. We've done the math - in order to get anything close to enough sleep and still catch the bus, our daughter now needs to be in bed - asleep! - before 7:30pm. That means starting the usual bed time ritual even earlier (pajamas, tooth brushing, etc.). When do we do dinner? Family time? Swim classes? Homework? It makes no sense. The only rational (heck, ethical) decision a parent can make is to choose to NOT use the bus - assuming your schedule allows it. That's why we juggle things in order to drive our kids to school (leaving the house at 8). Other parents are telling us they're doing the same thing, and it's no surprise. And that's what this has been about all along, we think. Ultimately, the number of children using the bus system will drop significantly over time as parents learn the hard way that their children aren't getting enough sleep. And - bingo - a year or two from now, there's your cost savings. With so many parents driving their kids, Dexter will need far less busses, less bus drivers, and will spend a lot less on public transportation.

Barbara Read

Thu, Sep 9, 2010 : 4:07 p.m.

Moms kitchen, do you mean this? http://www.dexter.k12.mi.us/%7Eauerbach/boepak/5-24-10/BOE-Minutes-5-10-10.pdf The transportation discussion starts on page 5, item #5, and the vote is reported on page 6, just before item #6. (You can also read summaries of board comments about the new transportation plan.) Kim Covert voted in opposition, but the vote carried. I don't know whether Ms. Covert supports or opposes the single tier system. I just know she stated that she didn't have enough information at the time to convince her it was a good idea. She said she wanted more information and was the only "nay." I agree with you that walking is healthy, and my middle schooler walks. I also think we are a little spoiled in the district, but the earlier commenter was right that people prefer schools with buses. As Sean Burton has said, it's the safest way to get kids to school. (Looking at the minutes, I realized the vote came in May, not June.)

Moms Kitchen

Thu, Sep 9, 2010 : 2:34 p.m.

The vote by the school board on this subject was unanimous support. For some reason folks think Kim Covert was against this...she didn't vote against it. Check the board minutes. I firmly believe that this is the right thing to do....I'd rather my taxes be used for education, not transportation, thank you. If your kid can't walk the short distance from the hub to school, then you should spend your own money and drive them. Or even better yet, let them walk...it's better for their health (reduces childhood obesity) and for the environment.

BradP

Thu, Sep 9, 2010 : 12:47 p.m.

The real problem is that the kids are already getting up earler and then the bus comes an hour before school and it's only been three days of school and my kids are exhausted. They have to be up nearly 2 hours before school and then go to school and get to work. It's really asking too much of the little guys to get up by 6:15, catch the bus at 7, get to school at 8:15 (after WALKING to it), and start math or reading or whatever. Be cheerful/make friends/listen to the teacher/get your work done. They're not robots. They're little kids trying to do their best, but we've asked too much. My children look exhausted. ANd yes, we are putting them to bed on time. The bus actually comes EARLIER than the first run last year. What's up with that? It's too much.

Barbara Read

Thu, Sep 9, 2010 : 10:16 a.m.

I should say I never saw the board vote to implement the plan. I did miss a couple of meetings over the three months and it's possible they voted at one of those. If they did, I missed it.

Barbara Read

Thu, Sep 9, 2010 : 9:54 a.m.

The real question here is how much money is actually being saved and has it been worth it. I think Sean Burton has done an amazing job considering the tar-baby he was handed and the hasty and ill-thought out way this plan was thrown together. I've attended almost every board meeting of the late spring and summer. Here's what I've seen. About three weeks before Rob Glass was replaced (June), he said to the board, if you want to go with a one tier system, you need to vote on it tonight so I have time to get it in place for school. Hasty. And then he left for Bloomfield Hills. The board never even voted to GO with a one-tier system. They actually voted only to develop a plan. When Kim Covert expressed concern about the lack of details she was given before the vote, the other members reassured her by saying that the details would come as the plan was developed and they were only voting to develop a plan. She was the one "nay" vote saying she just couldn't vote without more details. Ill-thought out. The savings of the one-tier over the optimized dual tier were not that great to begin with, a difference of only $70,000 out of a budget of millions. Although as a parent I love that my neighborhood has a dual run route and I love the shuttles and personal Creekside-only bus after school, as a community member, I do wonder at the end of the day how much money was saved (and was it worth it). I expect an accounting from the board. This is a lot of trouble and aggravation to go to and I'm pretty sure the savings is not going to be $500,000. If it is I'll eat my hat. Those are probably old estimates made in more hopeful times (like when Rob Glass was here promoting the plan). I would love to be wrong. I hope the district saves money. I hope the glitches get worked out. I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of traffic in the mornings. Creekside is better than it's ever been before. But... The first day was not a success. and it cannot have been expected to be (unless success is defined as every kid eventually made it to school and eventually back home). That's the nature of the beast. But I'm hopeful. Success will be measured along the way as things get adjusted and worked out. Let's do give it a couple of weeks. Personally, my 8 year old son was locked out of his building at an entrance I was specifically told would be unlocked. I dropped him off at an approved drop-off spot and he walked out of my view following little painted anchors to what I had been told was an open door. He's a confident kid and just knocked and a teacher let him in, so no harm no foul, but not exactly a "success." You don't want 8 year olds alone behind a locked building the first day of school. My advice to Dexter parents? Get involved. Start going to the twice a month Monday night board meetings and LISTEN. You really learn a lot. Well worth your time.

Lakebuddy

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 : 2:37 p.m.

What I cannot understand is why are they letting the young kids off last? This makes no sense, older kids understand the concept of patience much better then K - 5th graders. I grew up in a rural far flung district much like Dexter that ran a single tier system and the older students were last off and first on. Some of the little kids are on the bus well over an hour which is a little much. My 6 year old son would be on the bus for an hour and 15 minutes and we live 5 miles from the school.

gpg

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 : 1:43 p.m.

Seriously this new "plan" is labelled a success? Did someone change the definition of that word? Ignoring the excessive amount of time for loading yesterday or the excessive amount of time required for a bus ride (my child's is over an hour) the issue that has not been brought up is the gross over crowding of the bus - at least the one my child rides. Yesterday there was three and four children per seat. This is way over the standard recommendation of 2 high school and middle school age children per seat and 3 younger children per seat. This is on a route that was crowded LAST YEAR with the dual run. School bus passenger safety is based on compartmentalization of the passengers - the bodies must be within the confines of the seat. Bodies hanging half off a seat and legs in the aisles are NOT SAFE. Once again, Dexter schools administration has implemented a short sighted, poorly thought out and executed plan to "save" the district. Once again they have failed their students miserably. I have nothing but praise for most of the teachers and support staff at the schools but the administration of the district is, in my opinion, incompetent. As far as bus service - no it is not a mandate. However, if the district offers the service, guess who pays for it? That is right - the residents in that district. As far as driving my children to school - I am doing that already since I refuse to put my child onto that situation. Perhaps the district should have been more fiscally responsible and postponed many of the improvement projects to the administration building and fields - oh wait that is a different budget I am told. Maybe they got quite a deal on the "consultants" that were paid to produce the report these changes were based on but I doubt it. Perhaps they can raise funds by scheduling more movie shoots at the high school - just make sure they are done during finals week again this year. Honestly - all I can say is I only have to deal with this district for two more years and I will NEVER vote a school millage until the district shows that it can handle the funds that they have. Sour grapes maybe but after a number of years battling the incompetence of the administration of this district I have no more patients.

michiganexpats.com

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 : 1 p.m.

They could save $400,000-$500,000? That's a lot of books. However, as the commentors are saying, time and safety and important concerns as well. Hopefully they can find a good balance.

dexterreader

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 : 10:18 a.m.

If the issues presented here by the commenters are still "in place" next week at this time, then they definitely need to be looked at. Like any new "system", it takes time to work out the bugs. Is it fair to judge the success of the new system based on only the first day of school, and hence, the first day the plan is in place? The headlines (and the District) both acknowledged there were glitches. What is the real issue here? The fact it was labeled a success? Or the fact that students were on the bus for a lengthy period of time?

libertyforall

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 : 9:55 a.m.

As a former Dexter firefighter, I can personally attest to the fact that children HAVE died walking home from school in the village.

BroncoJoe

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 : 9:52 a.m.

While it is true that bussing is not a legal requirement, it is certain that Dexter would be less desireable as an area to raise your children without the bus service. Many people move to the area because of the schools and the system in place, including transportation. Neither the article or any of the comments made mention of either the legal requirements of transportation or of children walking between schools. The comments were directed at the idea that the first day was "successful" when children were waiting for an hour on the buses before leaving the schools. This is not "sucessful." It is a very disappointing performance. Unless the bus had mechanical issues, I can think of no reason why this would be acceptable or "successful" in any way. The Board should be aware of exactly how low the bar for success is being set with the new system.

dexterreader

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 : 9:25 a.m.

As with the beginning of every school year, there will be glitches. This was a major change in the delivery of transportation services. As a Dexter parent and community member, I have heard many good comments from other parents about the single-tier system. They are happy to have all their children on the same schedule. Give it some time. It will get better. Two final thoughts. Many people are not aware that providing transportation for students is NOT a legal requirement for the district. It is a choice, and a convenience FOR PARENTS. So, there is always an alternative the District could pursue. And children don't melt in the rain... they will be fine. I've never heard of a child dying because they had to walk in the rain. If you're concerned, get them a raincoat.

BroncoJoe

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 : 8:26 a.m.

I agree - same thing for my daughter from the high school. She was shuttled to the hub and waited there an hour before leaving. I would not term that as successful in any case.

karen

Wed, Sep 8, 2010 : 8:11 a.m.

My child is a third grade at Wylie she sat on her Bus in BUS LINE AT SCHOOL FOR FIFTY-FIVE MINUTES(55 MINUTES)before bus left for drop off!!!! My child arrived home almost 1pm school was dismissed at 11:40am. HOW CAN THEY SAY IT WAS SO GOOD??