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How the Legacy Initiative Began; A recap and reminder
Topic Started: Feb 6 2008, 11:20 PM (707 Views)
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Queen of Hearts
Feb 6 2008, 07:19 PM
Larry Martin
Feb 6 2008, 01:41 PM
If you haven't heard it yet, you will hear about all day alternate day K. 

All of Lake Orion does this, some schools in Rochester do it.  It saves districts money by eliminating the midday bus runs while keeping the full foundation allowance and providing 1/2 time K.

LPS was going to try the every-other-day full-day kdg (M/W/F-Tu/Th) about 6 years ago as a way to cut out the mid-day bus runs to save money. Some people here might find it hard to believe, but they backed off of it when parents didn't want it.

I find that easy to believe. They also backed off moving 6th grade to middle school. These are the reasons why it was felt a "stealthier" approach to implementing a grade configuration change was necessary. Get it done, live with the consequences, and everything will be fine after a few years when parents move on. They just didn't expect so, so many to leave. Now, we live with the consequences.

Maybe offering a full day kindergarten option will help a bit.
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Mrs.M
Veteran
Jimid have you been reading audience communication since the LI was proposed?

Case in point

http://www.livonia.k12.mi.us/board/archive...06/nov2205.html
Audience Communications:
Carolyn Norris-Deyell, LEA president, addressed the Board regarding the Demographics proposal. She stated that in the end everything will be fine. This has been done in the past and everything has worked out.

You know, when you use someone else's lines, you need to give them credit.
I'd agree with you, but then we'd both be WRONG.
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Queen of Hearts
Advanced Member
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Jimid
Feb 6 2008, 11:20 PM
These are the reasons why it was felt a "stealthier" approach to implementing a grade configuration change was necessary.

Jimid, time must be dulling your memory. The grade configuration change was far from "stealthy".

The Demographics committee met for something like 1.5 years, and everyone knew what it's purpose was, and it was publicized publicly. The Kdg. plan was announced through the budget cuts meeting, and trust me, not too many were paying much attention to that. The 6th grade in the middle school received a bit more attention than the proposed change to Kdg. did.

Back to the subject of Kdg.
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Vanna White
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Queen of Hearts
Feb 7 2008, 05:31 AM
Jimid
Feb 6 2008, 11:20 PM
These are the reasons why it was felt a "stealthier" approach to implementing a grade configuration change was necessary.

Jimid, time must be dulling your memory. The grade configuration change was far from "stealthy".

The Demographics committee met for something like 1.5 years, and everyone knew what it's purpose was, and it was publicized publicly. The Kdg. plan was announced through the budget cuts meeting, and trust me, not too many were paying much attention to that. The 6th grade in the middle school received a bit more attention than the proposed change to Kdg. did.

Back to the subject of Kdg.

I think we all know that the recomendation the committee came up with was quite a shocker to most, and there had been no talk of giant 5/6 schools in any public forum prior to the big PR rollout that made it sound like a done deal from day one.
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IlikeLIvonia
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Queen of Hearts
Feb 7 2008, 10:31 AM
The Demographics committee met for something like 1.5 years, and everyone knew what it's purpose was, and it was publicized publicly.

The purpose of the DC? To look at "learning configurations." Google that, the results are far different from the term they were obviously avoiding, "grade configuration." "Stealthy" fits.
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Mr.Bean
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IlikeLIvonia
Feb 7 2008, 07:47 AM
Queen of Hearts
Feb 7 2008, 10:31 AM
The Demographics committee met for something like 1.5 years, and everyone knew what it's purpose was, and it was publicized publicly.

The purpose of the DC? To look at "learning configurations." Google that, the results are far different from the term they were obviously avoiding, "grade configuration." "Stealthy" fits.

Exactly....if they had called it what it was from day one..it would have had a lot more attention. Which is just what they didn't want....
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Al Beabak
Advanced Member
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Mr.Bean
Feb 7 2008, 12:23 PM
IlikeLIvonia
Feb 7 2008, 07:47 AM
Queen of Hearts
Feb 7 2008, 10:31 AM
The Demographics committee met for something like 1.5 years, and everyone knew what it's purpose was, and it was publicized publicly.

The purpose of the DC? To look at "learning configurations." Google that, the results are far different from the term they were obviously avoiding, "grade configuration." "Stealthy" fits.

Exactly....if they had called it what it was from day one..it would have had a lot more attention. Which is just what they didn't want....

As is the case in point with so many "presentations" by LPS
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Deleted User
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Official Board Of Education Meeting Minutes


MINUTES
BOARD OF EDUCATION
Livonia Public Schools
15125 Farmington Road
Special Meeting
November 21, 2005


President Lessard convened the meeting at 7:05 p.m., in the Board Room, 15125 Farmington Road, Livonia.

Members Present:
Tom Bailey, Robert Freeman, Daniel Lessard, Cynthia Markarian, Joanne Morgan, Lynda Scheel, Kevin Whitehead

Members Absent:
None

PUBLIC HEARING—
Audience Communications:
Larry Naser, 33011 Brookside, addressed the Board regarding school funding and the closure of schools; Ann McLeod, 8866 Lamont, gave research on the effects of small schools; John Gilbert, 14136 Lyons, property values are declining due to the new proposal—does not like 5-6 configuration; Erin Pierzynski, the 5-6 configuration would make me change the bus five times, think about the students instead of just the money; Marie Bossio, 14974 Cavell, ramifications of the proposal, fewer transitions are better for student achievement, and fewer students than 500 for each school; Dean Bowers, 14902 Cavour, went through many transitions during school career, transitions–what does it do to the children–look at the costs for this proposal; Kristal Greniuk-Wioncek, 34092 Angeline, consider the loss of students because of this 5-6 configuration proposal; Daniel Devlin, 8032 Sanford, lives in Westland and all five children attended Nankin Mills—they were able to walk to school; Michelle Pinkowski, transitions are very difficult for students—the more they transition, the more they tend to drop out of school due to stress—smaller schools have greater academic achievement; Cindy Dempsey, 9228 Knolson, both children are LD—if they move the program to FHS, they will lose their peers—consider the kids, not just the money; Carrie Bulbuk, 33447 Nancy, no matter which proposal is approved, all elementary students in grid areas 1-4 should be “grandfathered”—same privileges as the high school students; Kathy Francisco, 30571 Puritan, wants to know why we have to go to four schools—we need to look to the future—neighborhood schools are a thing of the past; Mary Dudek, K-4 plan will not work—bus drivers do no have an idea what they are going to do—how are we going to buy the buses needed for this proposal; Gary Evamko, 34731 Perth, proposal should be rejected because it will be detrimental to our children, neighborhoods, and school district—$1.5 million savings represents only .8 of 1% of the budget; Wanda Kennedy, 19678 Ingram, has the committee looked at healthcare or other ways of saving money instead of this proposal—people move to Livonia because of the school community—benefits of foreign language for once a week is not enough; Vicki Wysocki, 16348 Aldrich Court, thanked the committee for their efforts in what they put together—supports the 5-6 plan, but is concerned over the other two plans and if there will be enough room for SACC; Ignacio Salazar, 37190 Weymouth, nothing is more important than the children—electives do not have enough time each week to warrant this change—this proposal will do nothing for the children—bus rides each day will be 1-2 hours—child will attend three schools in three years—adjust the K-6 plan—just do it; Holly Burr, 30120 Lyndon, addressed the FOIA requests—still didn’t find all items asked for in the materials that were given—asked that this proposal be tabled so that more information can be acquired; Gretchen Zobel, 8969 Crown, school changes have to be made—it is the people in the building that make a school—there are issues with each plan—K-4 plan is the best for our kids; Joe Joseph, 27968 Oakley, expressed his experiences with the closing of Dearborn schools—ended up not closing schools due to increase in enrollment—costs more to build a new school than to reopen a closed school; Denise Beaudoin, 37075 Kingsburn, schools need to be closed, but we do not want 5-6 configuration—we want small schools—why didn’t you ask about the 5-6 configuration in the community survey; Laura Flavin, 14120 Livonia Crescent, special needs children have difficulty making transitions; Norman Haro, 30061 Bentley, our schools will be too large—the cost savings are just estimates—look at the cost for renovations for all the changes; Anita Sabatini, 14196 Hix, school safety issues—who will be out on recess with the 500 children—we need to look at a millage increase; Superintendent Liepa addressed the issue of millages and not being able to increase them.

Recess:
President Lessard recessed the meeting at 8:52 p.m. and reconvened the meeting at 9:07 p.m.

Salem Samaan, 20020 Gary Lane, schools are great—what is the cost of the one-time costs figure—we cannot expect you to vote on approximate costs—the 5-6 plan is one transition after transition after transition—total budget of 1% less than the budget we have—all the facts that we have contradict everything you propose; Colleen Summers, 29979 Lyndon, lack of community input—we will not transition in the community—not aware of the changes—school starting and ending times do not agree with my work schedule—please table this for further input from the community; Karen Stornant, 14959 Henry Ruff, represents many families that were not able to attend tonight—when we were looking for a home, we looked at schools, scores, and busing—people buy in Livonia for the school district—four schools in four years is not acceptable—take a hard look at the proposal; Eileen McDonnell, 36099 Brookview, stated that the Nov. 14 presentation was not shown on cable—we need better communications between parents
and schools—I do not believe this plan can be implemented by next year; iz Schnell, 14742 Yale, Board has a very big decision to make—we have to put the costs on the table—we have been told that small schools are better; Karen Meier, 33806 Bretton, Tyler parent—we will not be satisfied with the K-4 plan—see what plan the community wants—survey done in the community stated that we do not want any changes—survey was not validated—transitions are very difficult for students—5-6 classes are too large—K-4 plan is not a plan for new home buyers—do not approve the K-4 plan; Marie Tolen, 36633 Dowling, closing schools is difficult—I am supporting the K-4 plan—thanked the Board and the Demographics Committee for their work; Angela Shannahan, 17941 Ventura Court, expressed her journey in the Livonia elementary system—was involved with the Marshall closing and now Riley—I will be in four schools—I don’t want this to happen again—want to be able to see my brother at school—with this plan the schools would be too large—we need to look at a new plan; Grant Wenzinger, 18716 Levan, when the majority of studies indicate school transitions negatively impact academic achievement, then why are you recommending adding an additional transition to a 5-6 school; Donna Smith, representing CTP parents—our special needs children have a cognitive of a 5-6 year old child—if you think that 5th or 6th graders will have problems, just think about our 5 year olds—consider the needs of our children to handle transition—FHS does not have the facilities that our children need; Bill Williamson, 30443 Nye Road, Roosevelt parent—FOIA requests—information did not include costs of buses, number of buses needed—bus expenses to support this plan is ridiculous; Dr. Colleen Pilgrim, 14576 Bainbridge, research does not support K-4 plan—consider to stay with the K-6 program; Gene Hebert and Jackie, 38960 Parkhurst, long bus rides, along with safety issues, loss of 5th and 6th grade mentors; John Ross, have children in schools over 20 years—the proposal is preposterous—K-4 is the worst plan for our kids—we have not been given the facts for us to question; Larry Bernhardt, 14744 Flamingo, have met with Dr. Liepa and Mr. Bagazinski to discuss the proposals—with all the reductions it will be a wash for the first year—why weren’t the three plans fully developed—table the K-r plan—develop all the data for the K-6 plan and be ready; Marie Peterson, 32150 Pembroke, how could you think this would be accepted with what has been laid out—the cost is way to high for music and foreign language to be added—you have to let us know what is going on; Steve Kile, 30934 Robert, strictly opposed to the K-4 plan—it doesn’t say why the other plans can’t be used; Amelia Bagley, lived in Livonia for 33 years—young people are moving into Livonia to walk to schools—vote no on this plan; John Grzebik, 11301 Hubbell, attended McKinley and has volunteered for many program—declining enrollment is an issue—still have more work to do; Carol Jackman, 19631 Ingram, have been taking a lot of time to research these plans—who is the research expert on the Demographics Committee?—transition if very difficult for student—moving students together will not make transition easier—both recess and PE are needed—transition costs are missing in our information—vote no on this plan; Terry Schultz, 18802 Comstock, transition is not fun, but it is a part of life—brick and mortar make the building, but students and teachers make the school—keep the school community together—accept the proposal so that we can bet things settled; Charles Krome, 14947 Sunbury, close Cooper if you are going to close schools—price of gas is going up and that will affect the budget—Board should be following our wishes; Kathy Richardson, 540 Lansdowne, CTP parent—students should be granted the smae accommodations as regular ed. students—no other students have to change schools twice during the day—my daughter will attend 7 schools before she graduates; Michele Larson, 11422 Cardwell, Cleveland parent—schools are No. 1 and walking to them is No. 2—time schedule for bus schedule is very long—where are we going to put these vehicles?—there is no room for all the buses; Deborah Christiansen, 34923 W. Chicago, thanked the Demographics Committee but don’t approve the plan—want the Board to vote no—the extra programs are not enough to pass the K-4 plan—K-6 is working, don’t mess with it; Ann Rae, 14388 Gary Lane, don’t support the K-4 plan—it is limited and minimal—transition is not good for students—smaller schools are the best for students; Kris Hattley, 14714 Ellen, Hull parent—want school to stay open—bussing is not what I want—vote no on this plan; Sheri McCulloch, 14351 Alexander, all three plans seem like a win-win to me—why not choose the one with least amount of transitions?; Cindi Armbruster, 32914 Allen, get input from the Citizens Learn from the Past; Kimberly Lempicki, 33385 Fargo, Tyler parent—finding a lot of flaws with the plan—money is more important that students—why do we close northern schools and then purchase buses for the transition?—I would need SACC in two different schools—how can I do that?—think about the children; Gail Hieronymus, 29554 Lyndon, change is necessary—schools need to close—you are asking our children to transition three times—table this plan and go back to the committee; Eileen Kroll, 36268 Curtis, all three plans save the same amount of money—one-time cost has not been given to us—too many Board members on the committee—it’s a conflict of interest; Maria Wendeln, 34206 Fonville Ct., try fund raising—with declining federal and state funding, a school district has to think beyond the concept of asking for millage increases from the community and instead seek out new and creative means of raising funds—other areas are Annual Fund Campaign, Special events, Foundation Fund Raising, and Corporate Fund Raising; Diane Behrendt, 34677 Fairfax, Taylor parent—it is not in the best interest of our students—we need to listen to these plans—K-6 plan is best model for our children—urge you to vote no on the K-4 plan; Patrice Mang, 15237 Hillcrest Court, let us vote on bond and sinking funds—table this discussion and let the Demographics Committee go back and look at all the plans; Amy Liebau, 14630 Ronnie, I would ask for the one-time costs and more answers—it will take longer than 10 minutes to get to Johnson; Katie Walrad, 39011 Richland, let our kids be kids—keep a “elementary feel” to the 5-6 configuration; Don Behrendt, 34677 Fairfax, we have to address school costs and close schools—I urge you to think about the number of people that have contact you—5-6 graders are mentors for the younger students—how can you ask Livonia to take on the 5-6 plan when Novi has only 6,000 students—table this plan; Tom Burr, 30120 Lyndon, lack of references given to us—need community input; Nancy Farquharson, 14254 Foch, schools with smaller class size—have you looked at the demographics and taken into consideration new growth; Gus Hanania, 18869 Aspen, Taylor parent—starting and ending times are not acceptable—I urge you to look at the downsize of each plan—what if the plan is not the plan for Livonia?—what will we do if the plan is wrong?;Sarah Geiger, 9823 Blackburn, don’t tear down the existing program—I don’t thik it is wright for student to go through this; Jeffrey Karr, 39153 Reo Drive, Randolph parent—I realize that schools need to be closed—spreadsheets should have been given to the community on all information and costs of the new plan—committee needs to get parents with elementary students and get their input—get more facts—vote no on the current plan; Kelly Bixby, 34134 Fairfax, lack of support from PTSA, which remains neutral—ask questions, get answers, and then decide.

Adjournment:
It was moved by Ms. Morgan and supported by Mr. Freeman that the Special Meeting of November 21, 2005 be adjourned.

Ayes: Bailey, Freeman, Lessard, Markarian, Morgan, Scheel, Whitehead
Nays: None

President Lessard adjourned the meeting at 12:40 a.m.

Certification:
I hereby certify that the foregoing is a true copy of the minutes of the Special Meeting of November 21, 2005, and that said minutes have been and are available for public inspection in accordance with the provisions of P.A. 267, Michigan Public Acts of 1976.

______________________________
Lynda L. Scheel, Secretary
Livonia Board of Education
Off/Supt/ss


http://www.livonia.k12.mi.us/board/archive...ov2105spec.html

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