Saline freezes school board spending after 1 trustee spends $1,015
Editor's note: This story has been updated to show Board President Lisa Slawson's initial reason for the spending freeze was to extend an olive branch to unions.
Saline Area Schools Board of Education is freezing all discretionary spending for board members until further notice.
David Zimmer
President Lisa Slawson said the board repeatedly has asked union members to make concessions and she thought it was time the board shared in the sacrifice.
Slawson brought forward the initiative after learning newly elected Trustee David Zimmer had completed nine MASB courses — one in-person training class at a cost of $180 and eight online classes at $95 apiece — since taking office in January, for a total of $940.
Zimmer also enrolled in one course for which he incurred a $25 cancellation fee due to an inability to attend. He had two additional courses scheduled for June 2 and June 16 that will need to be canceled as well, bringing his total MASB-related spending to $1,015.
In comparison, trustees Todd Carter, Amy Cattell and David Holden took one course each since January, for a total cost of $95. Cattell received a complimentary voucher for her course and Holden reimbursed Saline for his.
"That's not what I am here for," Holden said. "I am here to serve the community. ... I'm happy to do it."
Slawson said Zimmer’s MASB courses account for about one-third of what the board as a whole has spent to date this fiscal year.
“What I am wondering is how did this happen?” Cattell asked Zimmer. “This is fiscally responsible? … This has never happened before.”
With the courses, Zimmer joins Slawson and Vice President Chuck Lesch as a MASB-certified board member.
Zimmer said in February, the board made a decision to become a board of merit and to have every trustee certified through the MASB in 2012. He said in response to that directive, he took the required courses, giving up several nights and weekends.
Additionally, Zimmer said in a recent self-evaluation, the board identified several weaknesses, including a lack of knowledge and attention to long-term planning.
He said this is one of the "most dire times in the history of Saline Schools" and if there wasn't a sense of urgency, he would not have taken the classes so quickly. But with a deficit budget and contentious union negotiations staring the board in the face, he felt it was necessary to be educated swiftly.
"I would encourage every board member if they don't have the skills, to get them as quickly as possible to help the board," he said.
Lesch took his MASB courses throughout the tenure of his term — so that it wasn't "like trying to cram for an exam," he said. He acquired the most knowledge by serving on the board and by attending the MASB classes in person for the opportunity to interact with other school board members outside of the district, he added.
Holden said he would like more background information on the board's reimbursement practices as well as a history of the board's spending on MASB courses. Slawson said she will work to provide this information, but she could not gather it in just 27 hours, which was when Holden requested it before the meeting.
Trustee Craig Hoeft said he agrees with Slawson that Zimmer's spending was a little "unusual."
"I think it's OK for our board president to put something like this in front of us," he said, but added the board "might be working too hard at this."
Hoeft suggested bringing up spending at the next policy committee meeting to discuss drafting language that would require a board member to stop at so many MASB classes per year.
"I feel like we're all getting a little stressed about this ... when it's not that difficult," he said.
Staff reporter Danielle Arndt covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. Follow her on Twitter @DanielleArndt or email her at daniellearndt@annarbor.com.
Comments
Lac Court Orilles
Thu, Apr 12, 2012 : 2:33 p.m.
Unbelievable, and this is the same person who proposes to cut teacher salaries too.
towny
Thu, Apr 12, 2012 : 1:37 a.m.
Would like to start a petition Super Graden needs to go as well as Slawson. Graden's track records speaks for itself a steady decline. District runs in a big negative every year under this guy. Do your super high paying job or leave. District has to take out loans now to make it. Are you kidding. A competent superintendent could turn this mess all around. Both Milan and Manchester are superior districts to this pack of fools.
Jimmy Olsen
Thu, Apr 12, 2012 : 12:48 a.m.
I think the proof will be in the "pudding" so to speak, ie., applying what was learned in these "classes". Apparently Ms. Slawson didn't learn much when she took the "I told you to do this, but I'm now mad because you did it." class. Highly typical of her flip/flop on almost every issue.
u812
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 9:31 p.m.
If he belonged to a union he would be held on treason charges.
Ypsi_Wings_Fan
Thu, Apr 12, 2012 : 3:49 p.m.
Would he then be executed for such an infraction against King and Country?
Mike D.
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 9:18 p.m.
I have to assume these people have it out for Zimmer. A thousand dollars for many hours of classes he was asked to take? This is a non-issue. Suggesting that this unpaid volunteer pony up his own money for classes? Ridiculous. If I were him, I'd pay back the $1000 to get these hyenas off my back, but I'd have a very sour taste in mouth.
towny
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 7:17 p.m.
The rest of Saline School Board should be ashamed of questioning Zimmer's spending to try to help this district. President Slawson and Cattell need to resign. Step aside and let someone with more common sense take over for you. Your lack of understanding and knowledge has shined in this article. Saline School Board do you realize how incompetent you look in this issue.
Ivor Ivorsen
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 9:23 p.m.
"Step aside and let someone with more common sense take over for you" Yes, all elected representatives you and Mr. Zimmer don't agree with should immediately vacate their posts. Let's just dispense with this messy local government-democracy thingy right now.
taxpayer united
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 7:05 p.m.
David Zimmer should be applauded for his trying to educate himself to make the better decisions needed in this district. With the track record of this district the same old is not working and a new direction is needed. Thank You, Mr. Zimmer
taxpayer united
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 7:01 p.m.
Worried about getting the front door closed while the whole back of the house is wide open and you wonder whats wrong with this district. Saline has long spent at full open throttle and does not know how to stop. Superintendent Graden should GOOOOOOOOOO that's where it starts. Can you believe this stupidity. It should be spend a thousand and save tens of thousands. But their mentality is save a thousand and spend tens of thousands. I know the answer keep building palaces for schools and fill them up with school of choice kids. District taxpayers can keep picking up the tab. Right.
Steve
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 5:45 p.m.
Seriously, is this a joke? $95/class. Pick any industry and try to find classes/courses/overviews/etc. for that cheap, impossible. I say it's a bargain and I would expect every school district in the county to provision such a modest amount for each board member every year. $1,000 per member/year seems extremely reasonable to me, and a cost of doing business. Honestly confused, yet again Annarbor.com, why this is even considered news. As you are the only game in town, please post a few articles a month that don't constantly bash people or organizations that are in charge of have some kind of authority. This guy doesn't even get paid, he's just trying to do his job.
SalineDad-2
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 6:31 p.m.
I agree, a modest sum that could be easily assumed by a successful businessman like Mr. Zimmer interested in serving his community. Please note that very shortly we can expect Mr. Zimmer to demand sacrifice on the part of Saline teachers in the form of deep salary and benefit reductions. Note too, that Saline teachers are required by law to take graduate courses--that cost significantly more than $95--to maintain their professional certifications.
IceCapp
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 5:27 p.m.
SMAIVE - this is a better link to Zimmer's campaign filings, public information at the county website: https://secure.ewashtenaw.org/campaignfinance/userViewCommittee.do?cid=C-2011-021 He went over the $1000 limit & did not report it. Note the notary signature on the last document. If the link does not work you can go to ewashtenaw, then to campaign finance, then candidate committees.
Jimmy Olsen
Thu, Apr 12, 2012 : 12:54 a.m.
That letter also stated: "Please note that though you will be in compliance with the reporting waiver requirements, you may be in violation of campaign finance law that limits individual contributions to school board candidates at $500 per election. In the future such violations will be reported to the Michigan Department of State." The campaign finance class is highly recommended.
David Zimmer
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 8:07 p.m.
On January 10, 2012 I received a correspondence from Lawrence Kestembaum wherein Ed Golembiewski, Director of Elections stated that my spending was below $1,000 and therefore, my waiver was maintained, so no filing was necessary.
SMAIVE
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 4:47 p.m.
I wonder if Zimmer wishes he had taken courses regarding Campaign Finance compliance too: Notice of Failure to File: https://secure.ewashtenaw.org/campaignfinance/userViewFile.do?filename=%2FPDF%2FC-2011-0210003.pdf Correspondence: https://secure.ewashtenaw.org/campaignfinance/userViewFile.do?filename=%2FPDF%2FC-2011-0210005.pdf
David Zimmer
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 4:26 p.m.
I would like to provide the public with some additional background regarding this topic. On February 4, 2012 the Board directed every member to become a certified board member during 2012. Based on the direction given me by the Board, with the full knowledge and encouagement of the entire Board, President Slawson and Supt. Graden I completed the training I was asked to complete. I, as well the entire Board, was advised by President Slawson that per Board policy, these classes would be paid for by the District. President Slawson at the time said, "that the classes are very modest in expense and it is important for us to become knowledgeable in these topic areas as quickly as we can given the challenges we face." On March 12, 2012 I advised Mr. Graden and Mrs. Slawson that I had completed the training they had directed me (and the entire board) to complete. I asked President Slawson and Supt. Graden if they wanted me to pursue the Data Speciality as well, given the challenges the Board stated we faced. On March 12, 2012 President Slawson said to me via email of which she copied Supt. Graden: "Congratulations on all your hard work! I think it would be a great idea to pursue the data speciality. Good luck and great work!!!!" So the facts are (1) I was asked to take these classes (2) President Slawson and Supt Graden were aware I was taking these classes (3) President Slawson congratulated me for completing this training and encouaged me to take additional training. As Paul Harvey used to say...and that is the rest of the story. In your service, David Zimmer Trustee - Saline Area School District
Scylding
Thu, Apr 12, 2012 : 2:31 a.m.
You have handled this bit of petty politics very well, Mr. Zimmer. Keep up the good work and don't sweat the small stuff.
ypsilistener
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 5:45 p.m.
Thank you for your service, Mr. Zimmer. I hope the rest of your term goes smoothly!
SalineDad-2
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 3:32 p.m.
The hypocrisy of Mr. Zimmer is truly stunning. Here we have a man who ran on lofty themes of accountability and fiscal restraint, now greedily lapping at the public trough. Appalling, truly appalling. I suspect we will very soon see Mr. Zimmer shamelessly pivot back to his usual bluster and platitudes, loudly demanding deep cuts to Saline teacher pay and benefits.
Scylding
Thu, Apr 12, 2012 : 2:21 a.m.
What a mean-spirited, shameful comment. Taking certification classes is "lapping at the public trough"? That's not even hyperbole, it's just flat out ludicrous.
ypsilanti
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 2:46 p.m.
Spending $1,000 (less than the price of a single computer) for an unpaid board member to learn how to do it competently early on seems like a bargain. Based on the prices cited in the article, it would seem that the entire board could take the same number of classes for less than the state pays for one student to attend the district. It is hard to see why this is an issue at all.
Basic Bob
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 2:44 p.m.
It is easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.
Ypsi_Wings_Fan
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 1:55 p.m.
Does somebody have a personal issue with this guy? It seems a bit petty and a waste of time. Sure, he should have but checked the policies before hand but it sounds like he was just taking his work seriuosly.
sasquatch
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 1:15 p.m.
How ironic. With a platform of fiscal responsibility for the district, this is the first financial issue they deal with? I respect Holden for reimbursing the district. I'd love to see what these MASB classes are all about, and why Mr. Zimmer felt that taking 8x the number of classes compared to other board members (clearly without checking with any of them about reimbursement) was appropriate. I can only imagine who things are going to go when they start to actually tackle the issues at hand.
towny
Thu, Apr 12, 2012 : 1:17 a.m.
they do not have a clue how to tackle any issues. Look at the past.
Janis
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 1:15 p.m.
Saline Area Schools - you can't have it both ways. You can't expect to be an MASB certified board this year and not expect your board members to take the necessary courses to become certified. Doesn't work that way. It wasn't as if he was lounging on a beach in Hawaii, he was taking classes - online for the most part.
sasquatch
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 3:55 p.m.
I'm not sure the issue is that he took MASB classes. I think it is the volume of classes and the timing. Why so many? How many are needed by the board members to become certified? Was it understood by the board they will cover the cost of all of them?
JerryStone1971
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 12:13 p.m.
Wow... Sounds like SAS is taking a page from DPS... What about the EXTRA lawyer the board hired to negotiate with the teachers? Not the lawyer the district has on retainer, the EXTRA lawyer they hired at $200/hour --- when they did not even ATTEMPT to negotiate with the teachers first? Good thing there are 40+ kids in a class, too. What is going on here?!
OLDTIMER3
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 11:59 a.m.
Seems like each person who wants or needs to get certified should at least share the cost with the school board not expect the board to pay for all the cost.
Ron Granger
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 1:06 p.m.
Forever27, it isn't work. He isn't an employee. I don't know about this particular training, but a lot of training is fluff. The certificate they give you is fluff. Was there even a real exam to verify he retained any of the info? And I don't mean a silly open book online exam.
Forever27
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 12:51 p.m.
why? The person is getting the education for work. It is not uncommon for employers to pay for classes to train their workforce. What I'm more concerned with here, is why are there unqualified people on the board in the first place?
ypsilistener
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 10:28 a.m.
I don't get it. They don't want their trustee to be as well-educated as possible as soon as possible? It isn't like he blew a bundle of money on hotel fees--these costs are for CLASSES! I understand if there was a spending limit and he exceeded it, but it seems like that was not communicated in advance.
ypsilistener
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 5:44 p.m.
@ Saline Dad, one difference here is that teachers are being paid a salary; most school board members are volunteers. They are already giving away their time and should not be asked to pay for their training as well--unless you subscribe to the notion that one shouldn't hold office unless one is well-to-do.
SalineDad-2
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 3:47 p.m.
All Michigan public school teachers are required by law to take graduate level courses every few years to maintain their certification. Most Michigan teachers assume the full cost of these courses. I don't think it is asking too much for Mr. Zimmer, an apparently successful businessman, to assume the costs for his professional development.
sellers
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 11:03 a.m.
It's hard to say based on the article. Everyplace I have worked or been a volunteer for, one never assumed you get re-imbursed and one didn't assume there was no limit to what you could spend - even if it was for the task at hand. You always get approval to purchase ahead of time - either as a limit or a per-item.
Alan Goldsmith
Wed, Apr 11, 2012 : 10:06 a.m.
Conan Smith--please take note.