SavageGirl

Wed, Feb 17, 2010 : 8:39 p.m.

@joy: At the Board meeting on Monday, Ms. Burkett (Special Ed. Director) said that the population of students in the Special Education program had declined; however, she did not provide specific numbers, just stated that the loss was proportional to the loss of students in general ed. I agree with you- numbers need to be provided to justify the cuts.

joy

Wed, Feb 17, 2010 : 7:26 p.m.

It is proposed that Lincoln will cut Special Education teachers (including speech therapists and occupational therapist time). This will drive caseloads very high for the staff left. Ultimately, adults can cope with the changes, but how will this affect SERVICE TIME for students. How do you effectively help students with special needs, INDIVIDUALLY, if you have to see them in larger GROUPS? For example, according to the State of Michigan Special Education Rules and Regulations, a Speech Pathologist can have UP to 60 students on a full-time caseload. This RULE was written in 1975 when most of the students who needed speech were for /r/, /s/ and /l/ correction. Now they see students with AUTISM, Cognitive Impairments, Apraxia, Learning Disabilities, etc. School Administrators and School Boards are using this as a reason to reduce special education staff, saying that the rules permit them to have speech staff at 60 students. Look....the reality is...it affects the students in the long run...not the special ed teacher. The American Speech Hearing Association who has the highest standards of training for speech pathologists (via the Certificate of Clinical Compentence) recommends a full-time elementary speech pathologist who services children with autism, apraxia, language delays, language deficits sees approximately 40 students; and if that full-time SLP works with the early childhood population (pre-k to K), then it is 20-25. There are no such guidelines for Occupational Therapists. Special education staff generate revenue for the county and local districts via medicaid billing. That goes back into the general fund for a district. Why are we taking from the most vulnerable of students???? Is this population also reducing at Lincoln? If so, where are the numbers? Where is the proof? Parents need to remain vigilant on their rights and responsibilities regarding access to special education services for their child.

Tom

Wed, Feb 17, 2010 : 8:09 a.m.

I couldn't agree more with "Mom of 2", when the president of the Board of Education does not have a clear understanding of the issue that voters are being asked to approve it is cause for real concern. But sadly, that appears to be par for the course all too often. The even greater concern should be that the Board of Education as a whole appears to lack the ability to provide leadership and direction at this crucial time. Rather than invest in things, like building upgrades, athletic fields and the latest in technology, Lincoln should be investing in its people. NOT the administrators, but the ones who do the actual work of education, the teachers, teaching assistants and those who support the educational work of the district. No building has ever taught a student how to read, no athletic field has ever given a math lesson, and no piece of the latest technology has ever helped a student understand Civics. Education isn't about things, it is about encouraging, energizing, listening to and communicating with students. It is the work of teachers connecting with individual students in a classroom setting. It is the teaching assistant helping a special needs student to learn to write his/her own name. It is the building secretary comforting a student who became ill at school, while making sure that reports are correctly prepared. It is the busdriver making sure someone is home before dropping off their precious passenger. It is the custodian keeping old or new buildings clean and healthy. It is the food service worker making sure that a child has something to eat when irresponsible parents send a child to school without a lunch. This IS what a public school is about...and if Lincoln's administration and Board of Education understood that then they wouldn't have to "buy" an honor, they wouldn't have such misguided budgeting and wouldn't be asking the voters for things.

glimmertwin

Wed, Feb 17, 2010 : 4:57 a.m.

>> We have charter schools and surrounding districts becoming schools of choice. I'd really like to support Lincoln, but you make a very good point. If charter schools can grow and so well without constantly hitting up the taxpayer, then why can't Lincoln? Maybe the real solution is privatize the Lincoln school system completely.

Letsbreal

Wed, Feb 17, 2010 : 12:19 a.m.

I'm trying to figure out why everyone is so fired up to bash Lincoln for trying to improve Lincoln. If the voters approve of the extension they obviously want to invest in the education of their children. I know that really sounds crazy. We have charter schools and surrounding districts becoming schools of choice. Let us make honest assessment,good sports programs have always been a vehicle that has provided many benefits to schools. It makes no sense for Lincoln try to improve the quality of their infrastructure or update in any capacity. Shame on Lincoln.!!!

mom of 2

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 11:05 p.m.

WOW!! I cannot express just how scared it makes me to read that our school board president does not know how this bond will work. If I was about to ask someone to fork over $35 million of their hard earned tax dollars, I would be able to detail a timeline for them. As for the "selling of the bond", I felt insulted when Ms. Cleary tried to sell us on a bond that would not increase what we pay. I am smart enough to realize that extending the bond DOES actually extend my payments and therefore DOES lead to me paying more. She has created an atmosphere of mistrust and this hurts our students.

bruno_uno

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 10:16 p.m.

let me quote the problem with this and sprawl in general: "Given Lincolns remote location, without a city center or local newspaper"...sprawl eventually reaps its ugly head and this is one great example. Good luck to those who decide to live out in the burbs and want all the amenities of city living. Time to pay up on those taxes you thought you escaped!

Spyker

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 6:22 p.m.

Another snow job of incomplete answers. A $35 Million bond extension, that reads as if it will be a 30 year loan, to extend an existing bond set to expire in 10 years. Is this right? Are voters being asked to approve expenditures now for "improvements" that will wear out/fail/be replaced long before the loan is paid off in 40 years? $9.2 Million for Technology purchases to be paid off in only 5 years, yet the current bond doesn't expire until an additional 5 years after that. I fear that once again the Lincoln voters are being told half-truths.

glad Im Not-u

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 5:23 p.m.

Why should be the tax payer continue to bail Lincoln out from their poor decision making? If Lincoln thinks that asking for $35 million in bonds and expecting to continue misappropriating funds and along with a lack of vision is crazy. Lincoln continues to do the same thing over and over again, and expects different results each time... I think Websters defines that as "Insane" Two elementary building principals soon to be at Brick (1 for Brick, 1 for Bessie Hoffman) each with equal pay and no shared responsibilities. A Curriculum Director who does not write curriculum period. Administrators taking raises especially after they along with the LEA voted to keep operating at the same cost of business when they could have reduced last year. $25K for a false infomercial. Would not have been bad if they had not sent letter home with popcorn filled students encouraging us to watch an award that was not earned.

Ronald Ahrens

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 4:29 p.m.

Here's the full text of the relevant portion of my interview with school board president Kim Samuelson. Q. The bond was passed ten years ago and basically expires now? And youre just asking for people to continue? A. Its basically an extension. I mean, I dont want to go on record as saying its not at any cost. There is a cost to it. Its not going to increase the taxes vertically, but it will elongate the number of years you pay the taxes. Q. Its what people have already have been paying? A. Right. Its what they have been paying. Its just an extension. So it was due to expire, and now it will expire in 10 years. Q. Ten more years? A. I think its 10 more years. Dont exactly quote me on that. But Lynn [Cleary] can give you that exactly. Ill have to look it up. So there is a cost to the taxpayer. So were not trying to make it seem like theres not. Its just going to be what theyve been paying, just over a longer period of time.

glad Im Not-u

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 3:49 p.m.

I forgot to mention that my disappointment that Special Ed teachers are being threatened with loss of jobs. Maybe at the secondary level but not at the elementary level. With the horrible sports programs I would suggest that lincoln keep varsity sports only. Besides a few sport programs (hockey/lacrosse) they have not accomplished much. It seems like a waste of money to reward poor work ethics and lack of winning attitudes with new jerseys/bus rides/ new equipment. Special Needs children need more assistance and that takes money along with Training. Don't you people get it yet???

glad Im Not-u

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 3:39 p.m.

I must admit that I am not shocked that Lincoln's Board of Education (or lack there of) as well as the superintendent are proposing. The teachers were forced to re-vote on cutting positions last year only to find the district in the same predicament as they were last year. I would suggest that before good teachers are cut that the district look at how many useless administrators with cushy jobs they are paying nice salaries. (by the way I heard that some administrators received a raise after the teachers/secretaries/custodians/ support staff/ and other took pay and health cuts. Let see... move bessie hoffman back to campus and pay that same administrator the same pay even though Brick Elementary has a full time Building Principal. So that is two equally paid Building Administrators in the same building over seeing different programs. Curriculum Director who knows what he really does??? The teachers write the curriculum... Human Resource: I heard that he will be gone, maybe they will consolidate that position with the ISD. technology director who is also the HS principal who hired a para-professional to do his job at his administrators salary (even though he is being paid for both positons). The technology department also has a network administrator along with several tech. support staff. IF you are keep count the Tech. Dept. has 3 salaried administrators. This is a huge waste of money. I am glad that passed up on hiring me for an administrators position. This district needs a complete overhaul. I thought that they had a banker on the board??? Couldn't she have crunched the numbers and projected a picture as to the needs vs. wants of the district?? Cleary, defended her decision of the $25K infomercial??? Old building??? This is the same disctrict that voted to build a new middle school over 5 years ago when they could have built a state of the art High school with all of the facilities that these hicks keep trying to get approved by a bond issue. Linclon is known for a district that showcases middle schools... Think about they could have turned the now high school which was the middle school/high school into a middle school/Alternative Educational School and built a state of the art High School. These people do not know how to spend money. I would not vote yes on any proposal that these hicks come up with. Glad I'm Not You!!!

snapshot

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 3:05 p.m.

I think Retiredteacher has a pretty legitimate arguement going to totally eliminate athletics. It's a costly endeavor and contributes little to academic accomplishment. Adolecent sports injuries are becoming a long term health issues for many of the young participants in athletic activities. This is not to say that physical fitness should not be a priority. I only question the contribution of current athletic programs to the academic well being of the children as opposed to its costs.

retiredteacher

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 2:47 p.m.

well, time to step back & ask. What is the purpose of Education & of public schools. Nothing else is relevant. Education is prepare young people to have a chance of surviving in the adult world. Math, Writing, reading & some few others, nowadays computer skills. Anything that detracts fron those NECESSITIES is harmful. There is a finite amount of money ever available for education. a dollar spent on some unessential is a dollar not put into education. The public school is designed to education the public student (as my gd says well DUH!), the private school student is sent to private schools that teach what the parents are willing to pay extra recieve for their money. Now that is obvious. Follow the money. As follows any money spent in a public school (that we are ALL paying for) that is for nonessential is wrong, maybe not illegal but morally wrong. And we as taxpayers need to stop it. Athletics pay for themselves! Is Lincoln SD a profit organization? Who cares, the money should not be spent at all. what part of the LSD "quasi-professional" sports has any bearing on education? Oh some go on to be professional athletes, So what? Again that is irrelevant to education of the bulk mass of students. "oh but it creates school loyality!" so? what survival value does temporary school loyality have? vote all millages down until the officials are responsibile to the taxpayers by cutting out ALL nonessentials. swimming pools, golf, horse back riding. you want those thinks for your kids. Find a private company or individual to teach them & pay for it yourself. I should not have to.

ladydi

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 2:29 p.m.

@Likearock...it was a lie because Lincoln School District did not EARN the title of one of the BEST schools in Michigan, they purchased the title! It was a lie by omission as we, the taxpayers, were mislead into thinking that our children were attending one of the BEST schools in Michigan when the title was up for sale.

Likearock

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 2:20 p.m.

@ladydi: "As a voter in this district that also has a child attending in this district, I will NOT vote yes because I still have a bad taste in my mouth about the $25k lie." How was it a lie? The school hid nothing on this. Be careful about what you read in the paper. Had A2.com not written a misleading report very few people would have a gripe about paying for advertisement.

Macabre Sunset

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 2:16 p.m.

Yes, it's an extension. An extension to an extraordinary expense approved by the voters. One that was sold to the voters by saying your taxes will increase by X amount over the next Y years. It was never intended to be permanent. And in this economy, families need that money more than a select few who would benefit from new science labs and athletic fields. I would suggest that if the athletic fields are so important that the families of those who will be using them pool their money and try and do this themselves.

David Jesse

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 2:12 p.m.

@momatwill: I was not in attendance at the meeting. One of other reporters, Ronald Ahrens, was. He can double check that statement by the board president.

ladydi

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 1:20 p.m.

@bunnyabbot...AMEN!

Tom

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 1:19 p.m.

For Likearock and others: Many of the athletic fields were improved or developed with the bond that built the current Middle School and Childs Elementary. The science labs were all rennovated and updated with the bond as well. The HS auditorium was also updated with bond money. The pay-to-participate program represents a drop in the bucket toward the expenditures by the athletic programs. Prior to the successful millage vote to improve the reimbursement for special education funding from the ISD, Lincoln spent over $300,000 more of its general fund money on athletics than it did on special education. The $25,000 TV commerical is more than the salary of a full-time education teaching assistant, who may be working with up 18 students who are already enrolled in the district. I'd rather help the students already in my district get a better education, than spending money trying to attract more students and their money. Seems to me that is what public education is supposed to be doing.

bunnyabbot

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 1:09 p.m.

the higher paid teachers who would be of age and means to retire and take a buy out likely won't, they have a cushy job babysitting/floating through the school year. Meanwhile others lower down have taken pay cuts (or not received a raise they would have normally gotten). so what if the classrooms are not up to date for another 5 years or so. It's a recession. Plenty of great people got educations the old fashion way. READING.

momatwill

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 1:05 p.m.

Mr Jesse, can you clarify any details per Ms. Samuelson's statement above?

snapshot

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 1 p.m.

The philosophy of these bond initiatives always seems to revolve around maintenance issues. If homeowners let their homes fall into disrepair the whole state of Michigan would be a shanty town. So why are residents living comfortably in 100 year old homes but schools and government can't function in 40 year old buildings because of a deteriorated state? I don't get it. It seems the school districts and government officials have nothing to lose by continuing to put these bond issues on a ballet. Taxpayers pay all the costs and if it's voted down they just put another one out until they get lucky. Is that the kind of management Michigan wants in their government and educational leadership? I mean, so what if the halls look the same as they did 40 years ago?

ladydi

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 12:35 p.m.

As a voter in this district that also has a child attending in this district, I will NOT vote yes because I still have a bad taste in my mouth about the $25k lie. Funny how the "old buildings" weren't mentioned in the Best Schools infomercial. And what a great plan, offer the top of the ladder teachers the golden handshake and leave us with less experienced teachers teaching larger class sizes in old buildings! By the way, I've heard Ms. Cleary say outloud that she "hates books" so I'm waiting for her next brainstorm idea to sell all the books in the school libraries to pay for the next infomercial!

Likearock

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 12:21 p.m.

The negative attitude that some display towards public schools is amazing. I'm convinced that if any public school found a magical way to provide the best possible facilities and education at no cost to the taxpayer that there would still be people out there that complain about it. I'm fully in favor of this bond if it renovates some of the older buildings. The original "old" half of the HS has not seen improvements in years. Some of those hallways look the same as they did in the early 60's. Major repairs are needed. From Tom: "One perfect example is the proposal to reduce special education positions, but not pare down the athletic budget. I would venture that the district spends more of its general fund transfer money to support the athletic program than it does to support special education programs." I know the school has a pay-to-play system. Does that cover the athletic operating costs? The bond is for making improvements to the current athletic facilities. Some of these improvements will actually pay for themselves in the long run.

David Jesse

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 11 a.m.

@dading: The Ypsi improvements were paid for by a bond approved by Ypsi voters, just like Lincoln is asking their voters for.

dading dont delete me bro

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 10:33 a.m.

fail. in this economy, when i have the chance to save (yes save, if not EXTENDED, i don't pay that EXTENDED period) i will. where did the $$ come from for the many capital improvements in the ypsilanti district? chapelle, west middle, adams, east middle, more? wasn't it obama stimulus money? didn't lincoln get a cut of that money train?

YpsiLivin

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 10:28 a.m.

This is exactly the place where operating funds and capital funds get confused. The district is asking for capital funds. These funds - because they represent borrowed money - can only be spent on certain things like buildings, building repair, and long-term improvements. The money can't be spent to fund operations. It's entirely possible, therefore, that the district can lay off personnel at the same time it's refinishing a gym floor because the district can borrow money to refinish the gym floor; it can't borrow money to retain personnel. Is borrowing money for maintenance and refurbishing a wise idea? The need for building maintenance is a function of usage and time. Buildings will always need to be maintained, no matter what. If you skip maintenance, will the building fall down right away? No, but you won't get away from having to perform the maintenance eventually. It's somewhat akin to changing the oil in your car. You can go more than 3,000 or 5,000 miles between oil changes and your car won't stop working. There will come a day however, when you won't get away with it. I have no interest in whether LCS voters approve this bond or not, but a bond really isn't the same thing as an operating millage. If LCS voters want to defer maintenance on their buildings, that's up to them.

tink

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 10:19 a.m.

Wow, amazingly out of touch with the effect this economic downturn is having on taxpayers. People are terrified. Do you have any idea how many people are losing their homes, worried about feeding their children or paying for their utilities? And you put forth "...so no one feels like they're in an old building"? And pleased to have received a few calls after wasting $25,000 on a commercial? For real??? Is there anyone with a business background that helps to run this district? Maybe if you put this forth more as a business plan, pared down and with a line-by-line description of precisely where the money will be spent, this might pass. And proceed with some of the cuts as planned. If there are 300+ less students, you do not need as many teachers. Consolidate services with other districts. Go lean. But as things stand now, I say "uh uh".

scooter dog

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 9:55 a.m.

Any school district that choses to BLOW 25 k in todays economy on something as childish as trying to be the best while using hard earned tax dollars will never and I repeat never get my vote for anything related to milleages.Renewal or added taxes,forget it it won't happen.Clean up your own house before asking for more funds.Taxpayers are fed up with the business as usual attitude of the local schools.

Kimberly Samuelson

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 9:36 a.m.

Glimmertwin you are correct that the voters are not stupid. When asked by the reporter to explain the bond, I made that exact statement, "We do not want to mislead anyone, it DOES come at a cost to the taxpayers, not a 'vertical' tax increase but an extension." In fairness to all parties, the reporter tape recorded the "interview" so I am certain he can confirm exactly what was stated and what was omitted.

Bill

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 9:32 a.m.

Perhaps I should have proofread my own posting. The double negative in the opening sentence was a mistake.

Bill

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 9:28 a.m.

I agree that the article did not make it clear this is NOT an increase but only an extension. While I applaud the discussions with other districts on consolidating some services, the districts should be looking at a much large consolidation program. While each community would prefer to have their own individual school districts, the cost to maintain these smaller districts is prohibitive in today's economy. Many years ago I taught high school in another state in a district with tens of thousands of students and over 40 schools. The high school where I taught had more than 1,800 students. Provided highly qualified administrators could be found, it is possible to run a district of this size. The schools could remain local to the community, with less dollars going to overhead for administration and more able to go directly to the education of students. I wish to challenge the districts in Washtenaw county to look at further consolidation and sharing of resources to reduce administrative expenses and put more money directly to student education.

glimmertwin

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 9:19 a.m.

>> This is an extension of an existing (expiring) millage -- it would NOT raise taxes. It's unfortunate the story didn't make that more clear, in my opinion. Let's be clear on this. If you are extending a bond, you are, in fact raising taxes. The current bond expires and with this extension, it will not. This will not increase anyone's tax bill more than it is currently. However, it will not reduce it either. I'm not saying this is good or bad - but sugar-coating and saying that "it won't raise taxes" is just as bad as saying the district has won an award that it really simply paid for. Be honest with voters - they aren't stupid.

stunhsif

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 8:50 a.m.

"so no one feels like they are in an old building" In my opinion, the Lincoln School Board is more out of touch than their unions are.

arob1

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 8:43 a.m.

But they had $25,000 to spend on an "infomercial"? Channel 7's Best Schools in Michigan spot. Maybe they should have saved the money it maybe would have saved someone's job that's being cut!

Tom

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 8:14 a.m.

The District has asked for bond money numerous times and each time it included updated science labs, performing arts enhancements and new technology. It seems to me that they think they have found cash cow by appealing to people on the premise that Lincoln's educational outcomes are somehow related to poor facilities and outdated technology. The real problem is that the district lacks a comprehensive view of educational services and proper budgeting to acheive good outcomes. Anyone who supports this proposition hasn't been paying attention to the activities of the district. One perfect example is the proposal to reduce special education positions, but not pare down the athletic budget. I would venture that the district spends more of its general fund transfer money to support the athletic program than it does to support special education programs.

preposition

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 7:49 a.m.

This is an extension of an existing (expiring) millage -- it would NOT raise taxes. It's unfortunate the story didn't make that more clear, in my opinion.

YpsiLivin

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 7:43 a.m.

@snapshot, local districts can ask for bond money under state law, but they can do so only under a cap of sorts that limits how much in total bonds they can issue. They cannot ask for operating millages under Proposal A; only the ISD can do that, and only if it's seeking funding for all of its districts.

David Jesse

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 7:19 a.m.

@snapshot: this will just be for Lincoln school district voters.

Cash

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 5:54 a.m.

Wow, talk about out of touch.

Macabre Sunset

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 2:59 a.m.

Pinckney keeps trying to do this, too. But when you ask for everything and the kitchen sink in this economy, people are going to vote it down. And that will make it harder the next time. Lincoln needs to pare this proposal down significantly if it wants to have any chance of passing it.

snapshot

Tue, Feb 16, 2010 : 2:49 a.m.

Will this be a countywide (Washtenaw) voter initiative?