Tom Bower

Thu, Oct 15, 2009 : 9:48 a.m.

The fact that current Michigan law as interpreted by some appears to preclude general enhancement millage money from being distributed to public school academies (charter schools) does not mean that the law is constitutional. The information page provided by WISD states that public school academies are not defined by the Michigan School Code as "constituent districts." However, readers should look at Public Act 101 of 2007 which grants intermediate school districts authority to establish a common school calendar for their member districts. In that public act, public school academies are included in the definition of "constituent districts." In addition, there is probably a strong argument that could be made by public school academy students (about 3,500 in Washtenaw County, which is equivalent to the fifth largest school district in Washtenaw County), some of whom are special needs students, that denial of access to the enhancement millage money is a denial of their equal protection rights under the 14th Amendment of the U. S. Constitution. It would take deep pockets and a lot of years to wage a legal battle to determine the constitutionality of the specific operative Michigan School Code section, but such a battle could be initiated even after the millage passes and could result in WISD having to redistribute already disbursed money, should the statute be found unconstitutional. In addition, the Michigan Department of Education has authority to promulgate rules and interpret the Michigan School Code. Given the conflict in Michigan School Code concerning the definition of constituent districts as related to public school academies, the Department of Education could do the right thing and simply issue a clarification memorandum permitting public school academies to receive general enhancement millage money. This would save the costs of a lengthy legal battle and resolve the equal protection issue. What is interesting is that WISD officials and local school district officials have been discussion this millage for about two years and during that time no one has initiated any action in Lansing with the Michigan Legislature to amend the School Code to permit public school academies to share in the distribution of general enhancement millage money, as they should be permitted to do. If WISD and officials of local school districts are truly concerned with helping ALL children in public schools, then they should be working to get the current law changed so children attending public school academies in Washtenaw County, and throughout the state, are not treated as second-class citizens when it comes to receipt of public tax dollars. Voters will decide whether to increase their residential property taxes and the property taxes on businesses during this time of economic distress when people's incomes are declining, other tax/fee rates are increasing, and property values are declining. Many on this blog have mentioned the need for greater fiscal responsibility by local school districts. For example, by not holding its school board elections on the general election date in November, the Ann Arbor Public Schools spend more than $76,000 per election. (Source: Washtenaw County Clerks Office). The cost for the district if it elected school board trustees during the November general election would be less than $100. Granted, $76,000 is a small amount compared to an annual operating budget of $45 million, but it does represent money that is needlessly spent. And, lets remember that Ann Arbor took it upon itself to open a third comprehensive high school which it probably didnt need. And, lets not forget about the Ann Arbor long-term substitute debacle which saw the district incur about $30 million in costs because it lost a class action lawsuit. Regardless of ones position concerning the proposed enhancement millage, the distribution of tax dollars for public education should not exclude public school students who happen to attend the fastest growing segment of public schools in Michigan --- public school academies. Tom Bower 15-September-2009

salinesal

Mon, Aug 3, 2009 : 1:23 p.m.

Government is force. Why, if you love your neighbor, would you vote to confiscate under the threat of government force) money from your neighbor? How many folks in Washtenaw County will lose their homes or property as a result of this added tax? Undoubtedly this tax will be the straw that breaks many a camels back in the form of tax foreclosure and loss of property. Taxes when introduced are always proposed to be very small and insignificant, but put all these small taxes together...and it's like death by a thousand cuts, eventually one of the small cuts kills you! Taxes are the authorization for the use of government force against the people and should be avoided at all cost. Soon a majority of 51% will be able (by vote) to take away the property of the remaining 49% minority. This is the inevitable course of a Democracy. We (the U.S.) are in fact a Republic and not a Democracy subject to mob rule and confiscation of property by majority vote. Tax is just legalized extortion. It's no different than the FORCE that the Mafia used to extort money from unwilling folks in its jurisdiction. The Mafia provided a protection service for it's fees, so (like the government) it provided something in return for its taking. What we as free Americans must reject is the use of FORCE. Government use of force is the opposite of Liberty and Freedom that made this country great. You want to raise money for the County Schools, fine, then make it voluntary. Those that support assisting the schools and can afford to pay more can simply donate the money directly to help the schools of their choice. Thousands of Charities and Churches exist and thrive solely on voluntary contributions and no force is ever used to raise money for them. Land gets bought, buildings erected, salaries paid all by voluntary contribution, why can't the schools do the same thing? Supplement the schools without FORCE. So those of you that are blessed with a surplus of income, help the schools, give all that you wish, but please don't use FORCE against me and others like me that are not as well off and can't afford it. Just so you know... I personally am doing everything I can do to hold on to my home and pay my bills. I am on the edge every month. My cars are used and old. My expenses are always being cut to the bone. I soon will be using candles for light to save on electricity. I no longer use air conditioning and expect to be heating more with firewood this winter.My garden has doubled in size, just so I can cut back on food expenses. My income has been stagnate for years. My home value has gone down as my taxes have increased every year by the cost of inflation. Which one of you (my neighbors) want to push me over the cliff by adding more tax burden to my already heavy load? Which one of you will vote to take away my family home of over 23 years? Thanks for hearing me out, Your neighbor

Hot Sam

Mon, Aug 3, 2009 : 10:14 a.m.

"Hot Sam says it's OK to let school districts collapse. Why should anyone take such an opinion seriously?" Because there are almost SIX HUNDRED OF THEM in a state with 83 counties!!!!!! Can the writer explain to us "seriously" the need for so many??????

DagnyJ

Wed, Jul 29, 2009 : 5:50 a.m.

It's time for school districts to look very closely at operating expenses. For example, Ann Arbor has excess capacity in its elementary schools. If we close the smallest schools and redistricted, we could save a lot. But then there's a public outcry about that. How about consolidating high schools? Do we really need seven high schools? Could we relocate programs to Skyline? If all the county school districts were willing to do the same difficult cost cutting, then I might understand why we need to pay more. We are all struggling to contain our expenses on a personal level. Government and schools should do the same, even if it's difficult.

Designated Conservative

Tue, Jul 28, 2009 : 10:25 a.m.

Too often it seems like the public school and teachers' union leaders are insulated from reality - this is another example. Their gut reaction in the face of exploding costs from unsustainable union employee benefit packages (like the MESSA healthcare thievery) is to "raise property taxes!" In this economy, the smart elected officials are the ones seeking to reduce the burden on their residents, not increase it.

SpamBot1

Mon, Jul 27, 2009 : 10:36 p.m.

David - Hilarious! I'm going to die from laughter, not taxes! Really though, it's unfortunate that your good points will be shouted down by those that will only be happy when they pay no taxes....and then those same whiners will be back here in December, wondering why their streets are not plowed as quickly as they think a road should be cleared. It's amazing how poorly understood and how important Proposal A was/is. I think it was popular because it cut property taxes, and that is about all the general public understood. If we had known where it would lead us, do you still think it would have passed? Unfortunately, I think it would have.

NorthMaple

Mon, Jul 27, 2009 : 7:12 p.m.

SpamBot1 -- that's a great question. It might be a bit difficult to persuade ailing workers to vote for two tax increases in these trying times. It will be interesting to see how this shakes out.;-)

The Grinch

Mon, Jul 27, 2009 : 4:44 p.m.

Mr. Martel is correct that the state teachers' pension system is badly underfunded and needs reform of some sort. But, until that happens, the county's public schools will be obligated to pay into that system WHETHER OR NOT the proposed millage is approved. So he is mixing apples and oranges. The question is not whether or not the pension system needs reform (It does). It is whether or not the county's taxpayers are willing to increase funding to the county's schools in order to allow them to meet the increased costs of running those schools, increaded costs that include but are not limited to payments into the pension system. DagnyJ is half correct about proposal A in that its intent was to disconnect school funding from property taxes. What he forgets (conveniently?) is that, in return for capping property taxes, the state promised it would increase its funding of students on a per pupil basis so as to keep pace with inflation. This has not happened, and school districts are in financial crisis. The question is: how to solve the problem of the state not having kept the promise it made under Proposal A. For the sanctimonious (there are several on this page) who pontificate about schools and government living on a budget: How many of you have no debt? If you have debt of any sort, you have made a purchase you could not afford--someone extended you credit so that you could live beyond your means. The difference here is that local schools need this money to operate, to buy equipment, to pay for school bus operation, to pay teachers a decent salary, and they cannot operate on a credit card, not so they can have a an HDTV in their basement that they really do not need. Jack Wacksmuth says that WCC wants to raise taxes. NOT TRUE. The voters of this county just approved a millage renewal for WCC. Because of the intricacies of state law the request was worded as millage increase but, in fact, it simply renewed the millage that county voters had approved 9 years earlier to the level they approved at that time. Hot Sam says it's OK to let school districts collapse. Why should anyone take such an opinion seriously? K2 asks: "Why do the alternative schools - consistently offer better performance at lower cost?" Answer: They don't. Several recent studies have concluded that, at best, charter schools' students perform no better and often worse than those of public school students in high stakes tests. This is especially the case when one controls the sample for social and economic status of the students' families. Gary Kassuba: People are being taxed to death? Really? Who has died of high taxes in Washtenaw County? I mean, COME ON! If you don't like taxes, fine, but let's drop the hyperbole.

Alan Goldsmith

Mon, Jul 27, 2009 : 11:47 a.m.

"Alan - I think that some districts will be donor districts with money raised in their districts, but I e-mailed the WISD to check and will post a response when I hear back." Thanks for looking into this for us.

YpsiLiz

Mon, Jul 27, 2009 : 9:31 a.m.

To get back to Alan Benard's original comment, perhaps it is time for some of the school districts to look seriously at merging with one another. We have three different districts serving the citizens of Ypsilanti Township, and I question how much redundant bureaucracy we have as a result.

Bob Martel

Mon, Jul 27, 2009 : 9:24 a.m.

Hi all, first let me say that I am most pleased with the tone of this discussion. Compared to the posts on the Detroit Free Press, for example, this group is most civil and, I believe, indicative of what is best about this community! Most of the ideas for cost reductions in this thread so far revolve around the pension and benefit issues which I certainly agree are part of the problem. The other problem that has only received a glancing comment or two is the plethora of school districts in this state. I believe that poster "Hot Sam" stated that there are 560 school districts in this State. I'm not sure if his # is 100% correct, but I do seem to recall that the number, when I've seen it in credible sources, is in that range. Just imagine 560 superintendents and bureaucracies! In this County alone I believe that we have 10 school districts, some clearly more academically successful than others. I for one consider the disparity in the educational opportunities and outcomes between the Dexter vs. Willow Run School Districts, for example, to be one of the biggest scandals in our community! I would think that we could save money and improve the results in the less successful districts if we consolidated into one County-wide school district. What do others think? Finally, I and several others here are positing under our real names (at least they look like real names!) I would encourage others to do the same. Posting under anonymous and "cute" names can lead to an uncivilized discussion. I personally stand by everything that I say in this arena and accept responsibility for my words. I would hope that everyone else would consider doing the same.

David Jesse

Mon, Jul 27, 2009 : 7:57 a.m.

James S. - I think you might be thinking about the countywide tax levied by the WISD that goes to special education in each district. Alan - I think that some districts will be donor districts with money raised in their districts, but I e-mailed the WISD to check and will post a response when I hear back.

Gary Kassuba

Mon, Jul 27, 2009 : 7:57 a.m.

I've been a resident of this county for over thirty years. Enough is enough. Washtenaw residents are being taxed to death. It's time to stop this tax and spend mentality and make school districts accountable for the funds they receive. If I have to live within a budget, and cut back so I can live, then so should the school districts. But instead they incorporate more and more programs and build buildings without giving a thought of how they are going to fund the programs. Let's get back to the basics of education and put the other things on hold until they have the funds to support them. I'm a senior citizen, and when I had children in school, I never complained about the school taxes. But now, it's time that seniors stopped paying school taxes completely. It's hard enough living on the fixed income without the greedy politicians wanting more and more. I say NO!!!! to any additional taxes.

SpamBot1

Mon, Jul 27, 2009 : 7:43 a.m.

aataxpayer If you look back, you'll find that in 1991, the public employees retirement plan bailed out the State of Michigan to the tune of several hundred million dollars. Some like to point out that it's an "underfunded liability" and it is. Of course, the dirty secret is that, until 1991 when Engler got a hold of the money, it was Super Funded, a very healthy plan, and had it been left alone, we would be in a much better position now. The enhancement millage is not a bailout of the retirement fund, or even a repayment of those funds. The schools will be required to pay the same amount to the fund this year, regardless of whether the millage passes or not. I think the MEA would work with the state to broker a fair change to the retirement plan, but the legislatures aren't trying to broker anything. They are just trying to make headlines and get re-elected or considered for governor (Andy Dillion).

SpamBot1

Mon, Jul 27, 2009 : 7:28 a.m.

James S - I think the millage you are referring to from a few years back is their operation millage, and I don't think it was an increase, just a renewal. I would say cutting the arts and sports would be one of the worst things we could do. Schools in the United States perform many different functions, including healthy socialization through extra curricular activities. Those activities are an important part of kids growing up to be productive citizens. I once saw a stat that the only common bond between every single CEO of every Fortune 500 company was that each had played a sport in high school. Must be worth something. NorthMaple - I get your idea now - makes a lot more sense. Unless the city of Ann Arbor holds a special election, my guess would be that the income tax measure and the enhancement millage would both be on the same ballot. Does that hurt or help those initiatives? Alan Goldsmith - I think the money is put in a pot and divided up by the number of students attending each school, so not every Ann Arbor penny would stay in Ann Arbor, but a vast majority of it would. Whatever happens, the decision is probably made by state law, not the local municipalities.

aataxpayer

Mon, Jul 27, 2009 : 7:21 a.m.

SteveMIPPS raises good points regarding local versus state control, but nothing prevented AAPS from holding funds in reserve in case the market went south. The overall implication is that we need reform at the state level regarding public sector pensions. Of course, the MEA will fight any changes, but we simply can't afford business as usual. I suggest that we move to define contribution pensions so that union members have control of their own pensions and retirement health care and taxpayers don't get stuck with bailout taxes whenever the market goes down. Most taxpayers are struggling to get their own retirement funds refunded and can't afford any more taxes.

Alan Goldsmith

Mon, Jul 27, 2009 : 5:40 a.m.

So, one issue the reporter missed. We see what each school district is getting in theory from this new tax. Will, because of higher property values, more money be received in the Ann Arbor district that will flow out to other schools? Or will every penny raised in each district stay in that district?

James S.

Mon, Jul 27, 2009 : 4:20 a.m.

Could someone help me out? I believe that the WISD asked us voters to pass a millage increase not too long ago that was to help with their budget problems back then. We might need to look at cancelling a few extracurricular programs to keep the district in line. Go back to the basic's and forget the sports, music, art and anything else that doesn't apply to educate the children. The last time I checked it wasn't part of the states requirement to graduate High School to be on the football or Basketball team.

Macabre Sunset

Mon, Jul 27, 2009 : 3:09 a.m.

Mainly, Spambot1, it was an objection to your characterization of the opposition to the proposed millage. I was surprised it was deleted. My point is that we don't think all teachers are lazy or undeserving, but that they are extremely well compensated compared to teachers in other states. Unions prevent retention of the best teachers based on merit when, inevitably, we have to cut back on hiring and costs. Everyone is hurting, and saying a 1.5% raise is small when many people in the private sector are facing layoffs or huge pay cuts just sounds a bit out of touch. Teachers are valued, but I think the answer to this problem is to take on the unions, cut salaries and benefits and change the wasteful seniority paradigm.

NorthMaple

Mon, Jul 27, 2009 : 1:24 a.m.

SteveMIPFS, I think you raise some excellent points. The biggest idea I intended to convey is that Ann Arbor residents may be more likely to agree to WISD (and ultimately AAPS) funding based on property taxes if the existing burden was lessened. Since it seems highly unlikely A2 will ever squeeze any tax money from UM, the major alternative is an income tax which would take some of the financial responsibility off homeowners to fund city operations. It's hard to support more taxes when existing rates are so high. That said, I fully admit to not understanding the school's budget situation fully. Is there a location that will give me unbiased facts?

Steve Norton, MIPFS

Sun, Jul 26, 2009 : 11:29 p.m.

I'm in favor of the schools millage, but I also think this is a good discussion. I just want to remind everyone of a few things that really limit what our schools can do: 1) Our schools don't decide how much they can spend per kid to run the schools; the legislature in Lansing does. When tax revenues from the sales and income taxes plummet, as they have over the last few years, Lansing freezes or cuts per pupil funding. There is nothing we can do about it EXCEPT this ISD-wide schools millage, which is the only option we have under state law. 2) With maybe one exception, every school district in the WISD is having budget problems not because they are losing students (though many are), but because what Lansing lets them spend per kid is nowhere near keeping up with costs. AAPS is estimating that health care expenses for current employees will go up by 8% next year, even though inflation has been negative! AAPS shares the cost of health care with employees, and they have a menu of plans (and not just MESSA), but with that kind of cost increase, what can you do when your funding is flat and probably falling? 3) The state teachers' retirement system (MPSERS) is run by the state of Michigan and the rules are set by the state legislature, not local union bargaining. They tightened up rules in 2007, but it will be some time before that starts showing savings. And the biggest cost driver for MPSERS is, once again, health care. 4) The City of Ann Arbor and AAPS are totally separate units of government, and they do not share money at all. So whatever the city does or does not do about an income tax won't change the bind our schools are in. But, if voters do end up approving an income tax, and trading that for the current city operating millage, it would end up reducing property taxes for people who live in Ann Arbor. Here's the point: good schools make our community strong today and prepare our kids for the jobs of tomorrow. Good schools bring jobs and better property values. Good schools will make it easier for our kids to get good jobs in the economy we're going to build in Michigan. If we dismantle our schools now, it will take years to build them up again. We all want our community and our state to recover; does it make any sense to pull the rug out from under one of our best tools to spark a recovery?

SpamBot1

Sun, Jul 26, 2009 : 9:39 p.m.

Macabre Sunset - Why don't you go ahead and re-post the "rebuttal" without the personal attacks, and I bet they'll leave it up.

SpamBot1

Sun, Jul 26, 2009 : 9:28 p.m.

NorthMaple - You bring up some good points about the unique problem the University causes for Ann Arbor. Is 40% of land in the area really non-taxable? The good part of having the two universities in the area are the resources they do provide. Those resources are, of course, different than what a lot of cash would do for the city (and schools), but those resources are valuable. As for the city income tax, I'm not sure how much you can get from employees before the the Ann Arbor address becomes too expensive. aataxpayer - Bailing out pensions from GM and other private companies would be a tough pill to swallow, I agree. In my eyes, it's not difficult because of the costs, but because for years those companies made billions of profits, passed them on to shareholders and management, and now they are off the hook. I know that the employees certainly received some of those benefits, but who really guided the company? I do believe the current problem with the retirement system for Michigan's public employees is that, for the state, it is now "Pay as you go." About 18 years ago, the retirement fund was "super-funded" but Engler changed the language, and took hundreds of millions of dollars out of the fund to balance the state budget. His actions were found to be unconstitutional, but the courts couldn't make the legislature pay it back, so now we have a massive issue. I agree that the system is a mess, and the only solution is going to be a thoughtful, long-term approach. Not "cut benefits by 30%!!!" That's knee-jerk. Thanks for sharing your thoughts without a personal attack!

Macabre Sunset

Sun, Jul 26, 2009 : 9:16 p.m.

Huh. I made a comment in response to SpamBot1, and it appears to have disappeared. Not even a very strongly worded comment, just a rebuttal to what he said and a hope that he didn't represent Ann Arbor teachers. I hope this new site doesn't go overboard with the moderation. Or, if so, maybe the courtesy of a note if it feels a message conflicts with its editorial policy and it wants to delete it to protect its opinion. Obviously, I'm not a big union guy.

The Picker

Sun, Jul 26, 2009 : 8:59 p.m.

So folks, No matter what your property taxes are used for, is $500 to $1500 per month in property taxes, year round, worth living around here??? When you receive that tax bill, ask yourself that question.

aataxpayer

Sun, Jul 26, 2009 : 8:16 p.m.

Spambot1, it's not the salaries as much as the pension and benefit arrangements. GM couldn't stay afloat with too much pension and health care overhead and neither can the public sector. Most people now get defined contribution rather than defined benefit pensions so that retirement is pay-as-you go rather than gambling with stocks on wall street. Now Joe Taxpayer is left bailing out pensions at Chrysler, Delphi and also being asked to pay more in taxes to make up pension fund shortfalls for public sector employees at both the state and local level. The simple fact is that Joe Taxpayer just can't afford that bailout. Maybe schools need to be allowed more time to increase retirement funds to make up for extraordinary losses last year, but simply asking taxpayers to fill the void doesn't work when so many folks are hurting. Again, basic union contract reforms related to retirement financing are needed to really solve this problem.

NorthMaple

Sun, Jul 26, 2009 : 7:51 p.m.

Everyone knows that education is the major economy in the area, between our half dozen major universities and colleges, numerous K-12 schools, and supplemental services like our museums, nature centers, and cultural events. Education has been good to the area, but at the same time, when the economy gets too education-centric, cracks occur. 40% of the property area in A2 is untaxable due to the non-profits and educational centers in the region. This places an incredible burden on our homeowners to foot the bill for city services. This millage goes hand in hand with the proposed income tax. Instead of putting even more of a burden on our homeowners, shift municipal services to the new income tax, and save a larger portion of homeowner taxes for the public schools. This will better share the burden of the city's services and encourage new homeowners to join the area, especially with falling house prices and widely available property on the market. With such a change, hopefully the millage won't be necessary, and new homeowners can enter the market and join the tax base without being scared away by almost-oppressive level property taxation.

SpamBot1

Sun, Jul 26, 2009 : 6:46 p.m.

A lot of the comments posted here are nearly identical to the ones you will read when the Detroit News posts an article about funding education. The arguments are always the same.... 1. "I'd support education if the money didn't go to the greedy, over paid, lazy, under qualified, poorly dressed, etc... teachers!!" Who do you think does the education? If you are willing to spend money on "education" but not teachers, where should we spend it? Pencils? Desks? Better toilet paper? Maybe you are suggesting we higher cheaper teachers, like outsourcing. When have you called your computer company and received GREAT service from their cheaper, outsourced, impossible to understand, employees? You get what you pay for... I'd also like to point out that over the past ten years, my teaching wage has not even kept up with inflation. Unlike most people in the private sector, I'll get a 1.5% raise this year. When the economy turns around and the private sector is receiving much larger raises and incentives and stock bonuses, I'll still be excited about my 1.5% raise and the private sector will laugh at my little teacher paychecks. 2 - "The MEA is robbing the state!!!!" Employees sticking together demanding fair wages, benefits, and working conditions is not theft. It's called Unionism, it works, and it is one of the things that made this country great! The anti-union crowd will shout "Your cheese has moved!! Times have changed!!!" Reading a bestseller doesn't make you an economist or original. I ask you, "Are CEO's not greedy anymore? Are for-profit businesses putting employees first instead of share holders?" The answer is Kenneth Lay, er, I mean World Com, er, I mean Arthur Anderson, er, I mean "NO. Business, management, CEO's, etc.... will hose the little-man the first chance they get, and they'll do it over and over and over and over and over and over again. If you hate my benefits, salary, and perks, it's not because you think they are unfair. It's because you either A) think you pay too much in taxes and want to save a dime any way you can, even if it means second-rate education OR B) you wish you had my benefits, but you don't have a union representing you, so you repeat the half-truths that FOX News, Papa Bear Bill O'Reilly, and Rupert Murdoch tell you. If you are in the B crowd, turn off the TV, read a book about the industrial revolution, and research why goods from China are SOOOOOO cheap, and then tell me how bad unions are. If you are in the A crowd, well, youre part of the problem and I doubt Ill ever change your mind. 3 - "Michigan/American/Public schools cant compete with neighboring states/China/Charter/Private Schools!!!!" All lies. Education in MOST Michigan schools is outstanding, as with most American Public schools. Sure, there are some bad ones out there, but overall, the most amazing system of public education in the world! Why aren't our students as skilled as Japan's in math and why do fewer of our students graduate? It's like comparing apples and carefully screened and hand selected oranges. In most places other than the United States, students that have special needs, are low-income, or low-performing are tracked out of the "Public" system LONG before they are assessed or counted in graduation rates. In Europe, those low-performing students are tracked towards technical careers and never included in the public education assessments. In poor countries, or those hell-bent on proving their superiority to the US, I don't even want to know what happens to the kid with special needs. Are these other countries honest about the performance of their students? Well, if you do some research, youll see that Cuba reports a literacy rate of 100%. Thats pretty good! I wonder if they are measuring apples or carefully screened oranges, or just making it all up. Show me a high-performing charter school, and Ill show you a shell game. Charter schools often offer incentive pay, lower salaries, cheaper benefit packages, and allow unqualified teachers to run the classroom. They basically do all the things Republicans want, and guess what, charter schools underperform. I see three problems in charter schools; 1 teachers are often the least experienced in the profession. 2 administration is motivated not by education, but by profit; saving money is more important than teaching students; why buy books when you can give that money back to investors? 3 you have to keep the customer (parents) happy, which doesnt necessarily mean delivering a quality education. Sadly, many parents just want their kids to get good grades and come home smiling. Keep the kids happy, isnt a good philosophy of education, but one practiced by most charter schools. Just talk to a charter school teacher off the record. Exceptions, certainly they exist. Private schools are a whole different game. Most students in private schools, where parents pay tuition, come from higher socio-economic homes, which usually is a result of better-educated parents, which is usually a result of valuing education and success. So, many students in private schools come from wealthier families and homes with educated parents that value education and success. And shouldnt we expect students in that situation to THRIVE?! I have much more to say, but I doubt anyone is still reading. If you are, keep the following in mind The underfunded public employees pension fund is underfunded because Engler raided the fund to balance the state budget years ago!! Read about it, and then dont be angry at unions. Be angry at republicans that talk about how great Engler was. Detroit Public Schools is not a fair tool for comparison. There are so many issues there, from the administration, right through the teachers, students, and on to parents. Its like the worlds largest tangle of Christmas lights. Good luck fixing that mess. If you are upset about the number of foreign cars in school staff parking lots, Im with you on that one! I will never own a foreign car (except the free one that was given to me while I was in college, please excuse my brief and long-removed hypocrisy), and on a regular basis I encourage my colleagues to Buy Union!

David Jesse

Sun, Jul 26, 2009 : 6:26 p.m.

Thanks to all who've commented on this story. I just got an e-mail from Gerri Allen, the spokeswoman from the WISD, who told me that a fact sheet she gave me was unclear on how much money would be raised. The $30 million raised by the enhancement millage would be each year, so take the number assigned to each district in the chart above and multiply it by five for the total each district would get over the course of the millage. I'll follow up in the morning with a lengthier post and a corrected chart with numbers for all the districts.

K2

Sun, Jul 26, 2009 : 4:21 p.m.

It's about value. For 30+ years we've heard the argument about more money, etc. yet we have an overall decline in performance. Consequently, private, charter & home school numbers are headed up further exacerbating the budget shortfall at the schools. Why do the alternative schools - consistently offer better performance at lower cost? The district remains unwilling to get it's house in order. With the entire private sector hurting, it is no time to ask for a tax increase. Switch the pension fund to defined contribution and look at streamlining the system. Realistically, it's time for the district to make the hard choices necessary. This might include salary cuts, pension restructuring, administrative staff reductions, building closures- when those cuts have been made, or adding some new services that parents could actually use (like year-round schooling) then come back to the voters if you can't balance the budget.

Jack

Sun, Jul 26, 2009 : 3:38 p.m.

Another reason for those that owe more money on the house than it is worth, due to lower SEV's. Another reason to move out of the area. Does WISD understand that people have lost jobs, and are leaving Michigan in droves. There is no employment for the parents of those kids, not to mention gas is up, groceries are up. Which tree does the money grow on. It is time for all to tighten the belt. Not look for ways to cost those families more money. Think about it.

MjC

Sun, Jul 26, 2009 : 2:40 p.m.

As much as I dread yet another tax burden, there is nothing more important than the education of our children. I'm now past the years of having children in the Ann Arbor public schools, but all four of my kids are intelligent, productive, and caring young adults. If public education needs my support - they have it.

Macabre Sunset

Sun, Jul 26, 2009 : 12:56 p.m.

I agree, Ed. And our state's teacher's, who have the highest compensation level in the entire country, need to accept a significant pay and benefit reduction. It's for our kids, after all. But let's not make the mistake of thinking higher taxes will solve this problem. The property tax revenue will continue to shrink as home values decline (or have declined, and valuations are reduced to meet that decline) and anyone who can leave Michigan does. Our unemployment rate could hit 20% a year from now because our anti-business state government keeps making policies discouraging companies from investing in Michigan. In times of recession, you need to reduce the tax burden, not increase it or even keep it the same. This is why the so-called "stimulus" packages aren't working - any benefit is inevitably used to shore up reductions in savings, or restore lost capital among businesses.

Ed C

Sun, Jul 26, 2009 : 11:44 a.m.

I think a lot of people tend to overlook the main issue here. The kids. They tend to get lost in the debate. Taxpayers need to remember that these children are spending huge chunks of their lives under the care and instruction of those your tax dollars support. Your money, ultimately, is being invested in the youth. Don't get distracted. I spent years of my academic life in buildings that were falling apart, instructed by teachers who weren't really qualified in huge classrooms full of students that had been neglected by the system because I happened to grow up in the woefully underfunded Saginaw Township school district. Don't let it happen to your schools.

outdoor6709

Sun, Jul 26, 2009 : 11:44 a.m.

Instead of general fear stories about districs that might collapse, Mr. benard should name the 4 districs.

Bob Martel

Sun, Jul 26, 2009 : 11:06 a.m.

Brit, Public Schools in Michigan face a structural cost problem caused by overly generous retirement and benefit packages for the teachers. A recent Free Press article quoted those costs to be 40% higher than our neighboring states, not to mention those of the public who pay for them. Simply raising taxes to fund these above market benefits will do nothing to improve education in our state. I agree 100% that investments in education pays off, and I would support a tax increase for education if I felt that the school districts and State had taken the steps necessary to make sure that the education system was reasonably efficient and cost competitive so that the money so raised actually benefited the students.

Martin Church

Sun, Jul 26, 2009 : 10:31 a.m.

Why can't the schools cut their budgets like the rest of us. So far this year I have had my pay cut by 30% and I can not turn to others to replace the lost funds. Currently I am paying over 50% of my pay in taxes. So I think it is time the taxing authority start to look at how much they are paying and what we are getting out of the costs. Education begins and ends in the home not in some intermediate schoold district.

John Wacksmuth

Sun, Jul 26, 2009 : 10:24 a.m.

The City wants a 1% income tax. WISD wants a new 2 mill tax. The County wants to increase taxes and so does WCC. The Library will be next. Budkle up boys and girls we're in for a fast ride. We would do well to recall the words of Mies van der Rohe: "Less is more."

Brit Satchwell

Sun, Jul 26, 2009 : 10:21 a.m.

I also want to jump in before the knee-jerk anti-tax folks. Several points must be a part of the more thoughtful debate an issue as important as education deserves: The millage is an economic investment rather than merely a personal cost. Any investment has two parts: the initial investment and the return on the investment. When considering the return, the factors are amount and time. Time: Overwhelming data points to the economic benefits of investment in education, both immediate (healthy schools attract new business, create jobs) and long term (children equipped to participate in the global economy). Amount: Harder to quantify depending on the time frame, but as one example, every $1 invested in early childhood education eventually creates a return of $7 to the economy... if I could find a stock to yield that return, even over the span of a decade, I'd buy it yesterday. Michigan has, since 1994, been unable to adequately fund social services. Our state tax structure drew down our well of revenue in boom times and now keeps going back to that same structurally depleted well in hard times. Michigan creates structural deficits by political design, claiming "political realities" as an excuse. We tax where the money isn't. Schools and other social programs have been cutting budgets for many years in order to merely cope under this anti-tax "less is more" environment, and now here we are. Ann Arbor's administrators and teachers have done an amazing job of maintaining the quality of education despite all of this. Alan Bernard is correct in saying that several districts surrounding Ann Arbor are at or are approaching the point of collapse. Ann Arbor has cut $5 - $7 million each year for five consecutive years. The reality is that schools long ago cut the fat out of their systems. Some "efficiencies" have gone so far as to push past efficiency to inefficiency and near-collapse. Like it or not, we are now forced to consider whether we will keep our schools afloat in the absence of an adequate state structure. We are heading for a state-sponsored funding cliff in 09/10 and 11/12; the millage is nothing more than the question of whether to strap on a parachute before we get there. The millage is our chance to regain some degree of local control. Money raised in Washtenaw County will stay in Washtenaw County, and our children deserve (need!) the best education we can provide. We can't afford to vote no.

Hot Sam

Sun, Jul 26, 2009 : 10:07 a.m.

" if this tax is rejected -- four districts surrounding Ann Arbor will collapse within a year" Considering there are almost 560 school districts and around 20 ISD's in the state, I would say that would be a good start. Eliminate the overwhelming bureaucracy on both the state and federal level, and we'll have plenty of money to educate the kids.

John Agno

Sun, Jul 26, 2009 : 9:58 a.m.

Just because WISD can tax countywide is not a good reason to try and do so... Those school districts that have not figured out how to compete effectively in today's 'school of choice' environment must be allowed to die. If you don't have a competitive edge, you will not be able to sustain your learning services operation. School districts that can't breakeven in their cost of operations due to continuing lower enrollment must be encouraged to merge with those that have maintained acceptable fiscal management...before the thought of increased taxation raises its head. Public funding sinking educational organizations is a bad idea.

aataxpayer

Sun, Jul 26, 2009 : 9:42 a.m.

Bob Martel's comment is right on the button. Public sector retirement funds took a beating and now AAPS and the City of AA want taxpayers to make up the huge holes in their budgets. It's time for the public sector to move away from defined benefit to defined contribution retirement plans as the private sector did long ago. Ask taxpayers to help fill the hole if its absolutely needed, but let's fix the systemic problem and make sure the"fill the hole" tax is well understood to be temporary.

DagnyJ

Sun, Jul 26, 2009 : 9:08 a.m.

The whole point of Proposal A was to reduce the schools' dependence on property taxes. And now we've found a loophole. Great. The school districts in trouble have dwindling enrollment because of charter schools, choice, etc. School officials need to either improve the schools or close them. Ann Arbor schools could save a lot of money if they got smart about operations. How about move Community to Skyline and sell the land? How about raise the ridiculously low HS sports participation fee, only $30 compared to $100 for neighboring districts? I cannot support a tax that just fills the coffers without some idea of how it will be spent.

Bob Martel

Sun, Jul 26, 2009 : 8:46 a.m.

Don't be fooled. This is a bailout for the overly generous and under-funded teacher's retirement plan. The worst thing about this whole thing is that they are holding the district kids as hostages. Where is Jack Bauer when you need him?

Cosmonican

Sun, Jul 26, 2009 : 8:23 a.m.

If a millage was to go solely to WSID, which has programs for kids with special needs throughout the county, that would be worth considering. But a countywide tax with no earmarks on its use, distributed based on head counts and not need, is no solution. No thanks.

ptrcklttl

Sun, Jul 26, 2009 : 8:17 a.m.

The schools need this - as much as I want them to be more efficent, I dont want my own kids education to suffer for it. Classrooms of 30 kids and more is just too many. We need to trust that they are doing the best they can to save money and spend it on the right things. I hope it passes.

Alan Benard

Sun, Jul 26, 2009 : 8:15 a.m.

In before the sustained moaning of the knee-jerk anti-tax crowd. I have it on the authority of an AAPS manager that -- if this tax is rejected -- four districts surrounding Ann Arbor will collapse within a year, and AAPS will follow the next year. Certainly there are places to look at for cutting, but the fact is our Engler-era tax experiments are as flawed as the Engler-era term-limit experiment. At a time when all business experts agree that Michigan must improve education, here we have the opportunity to merely preserve what we have. We should take it.