August 20, 2008
Welcome Back!
The beginning of our 2008-2009 school year is just around the corner. With curricular and staffing planning nearly complete, maintenance efforts pretty well buttoned up and school buses now readied for a year of travel, we’re ready for the kids! Mid-August is a special time of year around a district that been “at rest” throughout the summer. We’re excited about prospects for wonderful times ahead and hope our students and their families are equally optimistic. Here are a few items of interest to our school community.
Remembering Marianne Evans
Following a long and courageous battle with her health, Bothwell Middle School’s extraordinary Marianne Evans passed on August 6. She left behind an incredible and close family, sincere and trusted friends, extraordinary colleagues and loving students. Words cannot express what those who knew Marianne felt upon hearing the news. While our loss is unexplainable and even impossible to comprehend, we need to acknowledge the gift this person was to all within our special community. Marianne embodied the best we could hope to be. She was missed from the moment she said goodbye last fall, but will forever make us smile when we think of times spent together. Godspeed Marianne Evans. We will always treasure your heart.
New Professionals!
The Board of Education has approved the hiring of 14 new full or part-time teaching staff. The following list provides names and tentative placement of these new colleagues.
· Amanda Erspamer-Berry, GIS, Special Educ. Resource Rm.
· Yvonne Giem, SH/GIS, 50 FTE Physical Education
· Melissa Hewitt, CC/FM, .60 FTE Music
· John King, HS, Industrial Education
· Dawn Kruhak, BMS, Special Education
· Michele L’Huillier, VA, .30 FTE Physical Education
· Jennifer Mons, SH, .70 FTE PE
· Michelle O’Hagan, SK, Special Education ECDD
· Bobbi Sue Ross, VA, .50 FTE Kindergarten
· Jaime Sayen, BMS, Language Arts/Science
· Zach Sedgwick, HS, Math
· Lori Smolinski, BMS, .67 FTE Learning Center
· Damia Toyras, SK, .60 FTE Music
· Kelly Valensky, BMS, 8th Grade Math/Science
Budget Update
With nearly 30 million General Fund dollars spent last year to support MAPS programs, it’s important for all of us to have some grasp of district finances. Our district, like many Michigan public schools, is suffering the impact of declining enrollment. Because revenues are dependent on our number of students, loss of kids means loss of income. The effect can be seen in the following five-year graph of revenues and expenditures.
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Year
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2003
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2004
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2005
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2006
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2007
|
|
Revenues
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28,560,360
|
27,789,346
|
28,433,209
|
29,506,808
|
28,631,955
|
|
Expenditures
|
26,784,470
|
27,981,817
|
28,427,758
|
28,362,062
|
29,306,691
|
First K-3 Assistant Principal
On August 12 the MAPS Board of Education approved a recommendation to hire MAEA member Tamara Doney as our first-ever K-3 Assistant Principal. Tamara was granted a one-year leave from the MAEA to facilitate her hire. Tamara will serve Cherry Creek / Vandenboom Elementary Principal Donna Koskiniemi throughout 2008-2009 before returning to the classroom for 2009-2010.
Successes throughout the year ahead depend on collective efforts. Students of all ages must respect the value of education and its likely impact on their futures. Parents and other adults within children’s lives have lots to do with creating values for life-long learning. The stewards of Marquette Area Public Schools – those who teach, drive, feed, lead, support, clean and maintain, share great responsibility in helping each and every student find success. Though sometimes awkward and not always in lockstep, we are a team.
Our thanks go out to all within the community for selecting Marquette Area Public Schools as their family’s learning teammate. We are committed to earning and maintaining your trust. Whenever we can be of help, please ask. You should expect timely, sensitive and caring responses to your needs. Have a super 2008-2009 school year, and let us know how we may be of service.
Jon Hartwig, Superintendent of Schools
Marquette Area Public Schools
June 25, 2008
Off to a great summer!
June 10 marked the last day of classes for 2007-2008. We’ve just ended a great school year that created many lasting memories. Our sincere hope is that your school district was supportive of your needs and that we worked hard to accommodate each student’s individual learning styles. With that said, have a great summer and let us know how we can be of service. As summer months rush by, here are a few items that may be of interest to our community:
Student Achievement
Marquette students performed admirably throughout the year as measured by a variety of assessments. For a better understanding of how our students are performing relative to No Child Left Behind goals, please review the charts which accompany this article. In each case, the black bar indicates Federal student achievement goals for a given school year. The colored portion of each chart’s bar indicates MAPS’ achievement level (English Language Arts – blue; Mathematics – red). In general, Marquette’s elementary students exceed Federal standards by considerable margins. Conversely, High School juniors exceed Federal standards by limited margins. For more information on this data, feel free to contact Assistant Superintendent Deborah Veiht (dveiht@mapsnet.org or 225-5324).
High School Reform
Real initiatives are underway to change Marquette’s high school experience. Reform measures began this year with the advent of our Freshman Academy. The intent of this program was to bring our youngest High School students into their secondary level experience with more attention to particular needs of ninth graders through teaming, smaller class sizes, team planning hours for their teachers and other interventions. We are pleased with results of our 2007-2008 Academy and look forward to an improved version next year. Similar teaming plans are also in place for next year’s sophomore students as they undertake the second year of Michigan’s challenging Merit Curriculum.
Final Budget Amendment for 2007-2008
On Monday, June 23, the School Board approved Marquette’s final budget amendment for the 2007-2008 school year. Amendments are completed several times each year as we learn more details regarding anticipated revenue and expenditures. Changes were minimal, resulting in a projection that General Fund revenues will total $28,865,793, total General Fund expenditures will total $29,904,282, and dependence on General Fund Balance will total $1,218,489. This means that projected revenues will fall short of meeting projected expenditures by 4.07% for the year that ends on June 30, 2008. The greatest factor contributing to this year’s budget deficit is declining enrollment.
2008-2009 Budget Planning
Marquette’s School Board also approved the district’s initial 2008-2009 budget on
June 23, 2008. Although their action will be amended several times next year, we are projecting the following: General Fund revenues are planned to total $27,433,810, General Fund expenditures are likely to total $30,779,061, and MAPS’ dependence on General Fund Balance may reach $3,345,251. As was the case this year, declining enrollment and increasing costs are contributing most to our projected deficit. We are forecasting a loss of approximately 130 students. The projected 2008-2009 budget implies significant use of Marquette’s “rainy day fund” at levels which are impossible to sustain. Thus, a major goal throughout the first half of 2008-2009 will be to define means through which our district’s expenditures will match revenues for 2009-2010 and beyond.
K-3 Classroom Consolidation
Following community discussions spanning two June 2008 Board of Education meetings and one Board Work Session on June 23, the Board voted to accept a series of administration recommendations aimed at increasing the efficiency of Marquette’s K-3 instructional program. As a result of their vote, beginning September, 2009, students in kindergarten, first and second grades will attend Superior Hills Elementary, Sandy Knoll Elementary and Cherry Creek Elementary. Vandenboom School will remain a part of Marquette’s overall K-12 program as a site for several new and exciting public education programs. Though the decision was difficult to reach and leaves some community members and staff with feelings of disappointment and dissatisfaction, consolidation of our K-3 program will promote educational efficiency and effectiveness while maintaining high standards for learning. Instead of ceasing operations altogether as often happens in districts facing declining enrollment, through planning and insight, Vandenboom School can house exciting new options for District children.
Consolidation of our K-3 program means that Vandenboom students will be displaced. We have built a one-year time segment into our transition plan so that all student and family needs can be addressed. Parents will have ample opportunities for input as to the school their K-3 children will attend beginning with the 2009-2010 school year. Plans are already being made to intentionally blend some of Vandenboom’s 2008-2009 school year activities with Sandy Knoll Elementary and Superior Hills Elementary so that displaced children and their parents can be a part of their “new” school when the time arrives. Parents with questions or concerns regarding plans to consolidate K-3 classrooms should contact me at their convenience (jhartwig@mapsnet.org or 225-5326).
On behalf of a respectful and willing staff of educational professionals, I wish you and your families a safe and restful summer. Marquette is at its best in the months ahead with so many options for fun and relaxation. Take advantage of what we all share and stay in touch.
Jon Hartwig, Superintendent of Schools
Marquette Area Public Schools
<-Click here to view the Graphs->
April 9, 2008
It’s early spring in Marquette, though our weather sometimes falls short of convincing us that warmer weather is at hand. Encouraging signs abound though, making the case that there is grass under banks of snow and that flowers will eventually push through frozen soil. As confirmation, listen to sounds around schools: MSHS spring sports are underway with softball games and track events already taking place. Welcome to springtime in the Upper Peninsula. Here’s a sampling of important “happenings” across the district:
Strategic Planning
You may recall that MAPS’ initial foray into student achievement-based strategic planning occurred throughout our 2006-2007 school year. After years of study, the Board of Education had endorsed a specific planning model aimed at focusing the district’s energy and resources on programs and approaches most beneficial to our students. As a result, last year’s effort resulted in development and Board adoption of a district mission, beliefs, parameters, objectives and strategies. A sixth component (action plans) is still under development. That aspect of strategic planning should be finalized by fall 2008.
One important aspect of strategic planning includes our hosting of an annual planning retreat. This opportunity allows our 30 to 40 member community-based Planning Team to meet and discuss all aspects of strategic planning. This year’s retreat is scheduled for May 1-2 at Bay Cliff. Becoming a Planning Team member can be a great experience for individuals interested in voicing support for increased student achievement, more effective educational programs and overall improvements within MAPS’ many initiatives. Parents and other community members wishing to learn more about their school district’s strategic planning process, including how to become a member of our planning team, should contact Deborah Veiht, Assistant Superintendent, at 225-5324 or dveiht@mapsnet.org. You may also learn more about our current strategic planning components by accessing information on this website.
High School Reform
Last year’s legislative effort to create extraordinary and new Michigan High School graduation requirements is impacting this year’s freshman class. Those students, and all subsequent classes, are now required to successfully complete expansive credit work in English, mathematics, science, social studies and additional courses. To best support our students, Marquette Senior High School began Freshman Academy this year with plans to continue providing specialized programs for next year’s ninth grade class as well. Reform committees within MSHS are also putting finishing touches on design elements for next year’s sophomore class schedule, thus providing tenth graders with experiences aimed toward success in their challenging curriculum. Suffice it to say that Marquette Senior High School is among a growing list of state schools who are dedicated toward the notion of “failure is not an option.” Considerable resources including additional counselors, smaller class sizes, limited caseloads, teams, closed campus and additional “team planning time” for freshman teachers are in place to assure that each and every high school freshman has ample support and encouragement. To learn more about provisions in place to assist our students, contact MSHS Principal Bob Anthony, banthony@mapsnet.org.
MAPS’ Budget
The Board of Education will soon be amending MAPS’ operating budget. This traditional practice allows the district to fine-tune financial projections for the current school year. We are now anticipating General Fund revenues totaling $28,876,908 with expenditures totaling $30,180,550. Because expenditures exceed budgeted revenue, we are projecting reliance on our General Fund Balance for a total of $1,303,642. Because we began 2007-2008 with $3,408,119 in the district’s General Fund Balance, we are anticipating an end-of-year balance of $2,104,477. Additionally, MAPS’ contingency fund will remain at $3,000,000 as of June 30, 2008. The impact of declining enrollment, increased energy costs, high school reform, literacy development support programs and other inflation-related increases combine to make “school funding” an everyday challenge. Parents and other community members wishing to learn more about school funding are encouraged to contact Assistant Superintendent Tim Yeadon, tyeadon@mapsnet.org.
Planning for 2008-2009
Many exciting changes will occur throughout our upcoming spring and summer months in preparation for the 2008-2009 school year. We are planning extensive roofing replacement projects at Vandenboom and Marquette Senior High School. Also on the drawing board are proposals to upgrade athletic field facilities including lavatories, concession areas and ticketing. We are also taking a hard look at existing press box facilities to determine need. On the educational front, Marquette Senior High School staff are currently meeting to determine provisions for next year’s tenth grade class. Provisions similar to this year’s Freshman Academy are likely (and necessary) to promote greater success within the State’s new Michigan Merit Curriculum.
Best wishes to everyone throughout our community. Though it is exciting to see the coming of spring, quiet summer months without students’ laughter, great sporting events and the “clamor of learning” will soon be upon us. While some are attracted to that sense of calm, most educators including myself quickly tire of the summer and look forward to another great year of education.
Please let us know how we may be of help in the coming months.
Jon Hartwig, Superintendent of Schools
Marquette Area Public Schools
From the Superintendent
January 29, 2008
Late January marked the successful end of negotiations between Marquette Area Public Schools and the Marquette Area Education Association – the union representing MAPS’ teachers and other certified staff. The Union ratified their new contract by a vote of 143 to 33 on January 24. The Board of Education met on January 28 to put their formal stamp of approval on the new pact.
While most involved never wish for contract negotiations to distract educators from their professional cause, this is sometimes the case. This is especially the case when bargaining sustains for months into a new school year. We are all relieved that discussions have ended and a new contract exists.
Bargaining was closely followed by local media, community members, staff and others with specific interests. Throughout the ratification process we have received numerous inquires about our new three-year agreement. The following responses to “Frequently Asked Questions” should help to update our community.
Q: This is a three-year contract?
A: Yes. It includes the current school year and two more. The contract expires on June 30, 2010. Salary increases and other financial issues are retroactive to July 1, 2007.
Q: Why did both parties agree to a three-year contract?
A: A three-year agreement provides stability to Union members in terms of compensation and health care. A long-term agreement allows the district to shift focus away from bargaining and toward other important issues. A three year agreement also provides relief for our community that is no doubt weary of hearing daily news about contract negotiations.
Q: What is the effect on salaries due to this new agreement?
A: MAEA members will receive 3%, 3% and 2% “on base” salary increases respectively over three years. Those percentages are in addition to contractual “steps and lanes” which also contribute to higher compensation levels for many certified staff.
Q: What are the real salary numbers associated with this agreement?
A: Our MAEA payroll will increase from a present level of $11,044,361.40 to an adjusted level of $11,535,360.20 for 2007-2008. Following a deduction for the first year of members’ contribution toward health care premiums, the adjusted salary increase will be $11,435,943.85.
Q: How does that work out for individual members?
A: For the current year – the first in this three-year agreement, raises will average $1,873.60 per member. The average salary for an MAEA member will rise from $52,843.83 to $55,193.11 for 2007-2008 before any deduction for health care is considered.
Q: We’ve heard lots about MAPS’ insistence that MAEA members begin paying toward the cost of health care. Were negotiations impacted by this issue?
A: Yes, greatly. From the onset of discussions in April, 2007, The Board of Education expressed a cost-sharing goal. Lack of progress in this area caused the Board to declare an impasse last August. In the end, the new agreement includes provisions for premium cost-sharing that are retroactive to July 1, 2007.
Q: What is the level of health benefit plan cost-sharing defined in this new agreement?
A: The MAEA contract requires members receiving health care benefits to pay 1% of their annual salary toward that cost during 2007-2008 and 2% for each subsequent year. Thus, as salaries increase, so do members’ contributions toward health care costs.
Q: Are contribution levels significant?
A: Health care costs are high for all school districts. MAPS is paying approximately $2,527,154.40 for MAEA members’ health care in 2007-2008. The MAEA’s current year contributions will total approximately $99,416.35, or $578.00 per member receiving health care. Next year’s contribution is projected at $207,992.54. The projected average individual MAEA contribution toward health care benefits in 2008-2009 is $1,209.26. Considering that this contract contains the first-ever language requiring members to contribute toward the cost of health care, negotiated levels are significant.
Q: Now that MAEA members pay toward the cost of health care, how does that impact total contributions by all employees?
A: Upon ratification of this contract, all MAPS employees who receive full health care benefits (known as MESSA PAK A) through Marquette Area Public Schools now contribute toward annual premium costs. Contracts for non-union employees, support employees and building administrators differ in terms of how respective contributions are formulated. We are projecting that MAPS employees will contribute $237,497.53 towards 2007-2008 health care costs.
A: It seems as though compensation and contributions toward health care benefit costs have dominated MAPS/MAEA negotiations. Were other topics bargained?
Q: Yes, the final version of our new contract includes amendments to existing class size goal language for kindergarten and early elementary grade levels. Agreeing upon lower goals underscores our collective interest in lower class sizes whenever possible. Also, Schedule C salaries for coaches and similar “after school” program directors were slightly modified. Finally, several small but important contract language changes were negotiated as part of the final agreement.
Q: It seems that negotiations dragged on for too long. What can be done to prevent this from occurring in the future?
A: As Michigan’s economy continues to struggle, so do collective bargaining efforts between school districts and unions. Many school districts throughout the state continue to bargain new contracts with labor unions at this mid-point of the school year. While MAPS/MAEA negotiations did continue for many months without resolution, the issues were difficult and resolution of differences was challenging. When either party negotiating establishes extraordinary goals (e.g. first-ever sharing of health care benefit costs), it is highly likely the effort needed to reach a new contract will be significant. Few districts or unions envision “easy” bargaining in the near future.
We extend congratulations to all MAEA members for successful ratification of a new labor agreement. Special thanks also to our community for enduring an extended and complex bargaining process. If you have further questions concerning details of the new contract discussed in this article, please don’t hesitate to contact my office. In the meantime, enjoy our tremendous winter. The ski hill is calling!
Jon Hartwig, Superintendent of Schools
Marquette Area Public Schools
jhartwig@mapsnet.org
906-225-5326
Contract Settlement Details
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Contract Component
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Settlement Detail
|
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Current 2007-2008 MAEA Total Salary
|
$11,044,361.40
|
|
Current2007-2008 Average MAEA Salary
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$52,843.83
|
|
Projected MAEA Total Salary Following Ratification
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$11,535,360.20
|
|
Projected MAEA Average Salary Following Ratification
|
$55,193.11
|
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Projected MAEA 2007-2008 Health Care Benefit Contribution
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$99,416.35
|
|
Projected MAEA Average 2007-2008 Contribution
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$578.00
|
|
Projected MAEA Total Net Salary for 2007-2008
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$11,435,943.85
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Projected MAEA Average Net Salary for 2007-2008
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$54,717.43
|
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Projected MAEA Average Net Raise for 2007-2008
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$1,873.60
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