Shawhan, Laura posted on October 12, 2010 12:44
October 12, 2010
Marquette Area Public Schools has already been in session for 25 days. Over 14 percent of our 2010-2011 school year has elapsed. It is hard to believe that we’re anticipating winter months, basketball, skiing and frozen temperatures. I hope your school year is progressing as you had intended. Here are a few MAPS associated items you may find of interest:
Collective Bargaining
Negotiations with MAPS’ four labor associations have yet to produce new labor agreements. Both unions associated with custodians, secretaries, food service personnel, clerical, educational program aides, maintenance and transportation personnel are working within parameters of contracts that expired approximately 16 months ago. MAPS instructional staff (MAEA) and building principals (MABA) continue to work under contracts that expired June 30, 2010. MAPS joins approximately one-half of all Michigan school districts who continue to work effectively with students despite unsettled labor contracts. Many school districts throughout the state are finding it difficult to settle contracts due to difficult financial times. According to a recent Michigan Association of School Boards survey:
- Of the districts that haven’t settled contracts yet (September, 2010), 83 percent are proposing either reductions in benefits or changes in health insurer to save money.
- Sixty-two percent are proposing no increase in their salary schedules.
- Of the districts that have settled contracts for the coming school year, 2 percent reported reducing compensation, 35 percent reported no increases, 20 percent said their increases were 1 percent or less and 37 percent reported increases more than 1 percent.
Marquette Area Public Schools continues to expend more general fund dollars than it receives from local, state and federal sources. Depending on General Fund Balance (cash reserves) to balance our budget has long-term ramifications. We hope the public will continue to show interest in MAPS’ collective bargaining efforts. To answer your questions regarding collective bargaining, please contact my office (225-4200).
Fall Professional Development Underway
Marquette Area Public Schools is making a greater-than-ever commitment toward development of its certified staff. Following years of discussions, planning and consideration of options, MAPS effort to provide more collaborative time among teaching staff was launched on October 5
th. Students were dismissed 1 hour early last week in order for teachers to meet and plan. Our strategy is focused on one measureable outcome: Increased Student Achievement. With 15 remaining sessions through 2010-2011, we’re excited about possibilities for more effective teaching through Professional Learning Time. Look for the
http://www.mapsnet.org/QuickLinks/ProfessionalLearningTime.aspx quick link for specific PLT dates.
MAPSBLOG
Since we are continually looking for more effective means through which our school community can be informed, we’ve begun a new blog featuring a mix of MAPS activities. As time allows, look for the new link (
http://mapsblog.posterous.com/) under Superintendent News on Marquette Area Public School’s mapsnet.org website. We will try to update that blog site with relevant and new information regarding your school district.
Jon Hartwig, Superintendent
Marquette Area Public Schools