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Students & Parents Opt for other School Districts
Topic Started: Dec 14 2008, 08:54 PM (1,641 Views)
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Ethics, taxes, education at issue as schools weed out residency fraud
BY GINA DAMRON • FREE PRESS STAFF WRITER • December 14, 2008

Read Comments(76)

In a morning routine familiar to most teens, the 17-year-old from Westland wakes up at 5:45 a.m., takes a shower, gets dressed, eats a quick bowl of cereal and is out the door for school by 6:30 a.m.

Except this teen heads to school in Southfield -- illegally. The student, who asked not to be identified, uses a relative's address in the district.

Such students have walked the halls of schools for years, but this year, some districts have hired staffers to investigate them. At least one fines parents who send their children to school illegally.

Districts like Southfield, Birmingham, Grosse Pointe and Dearborn investigate hundreds of students attending schools illegally every year, sent by parents who lied about living within a district's borders in an effort to give their children what they believe to be better educational opportunities and safer learning environments.

Most districts require parents to prove their residency using lease agreements, mortgage papers and utility bills when registering their children.

But some families set up temporary housing in apartments or use a relative's address in the city they want their children to attend school, school officials said. More parents and residents within districts are raising concerns about such students benefitting from a district's tax dollars and decreasing state aid funds. Ken Siver, deputy superintendent for Southfield Public Schools, said a district does not have to return state aid for a student dismissed over residency requirements. Instead, students who are dismissed are not counted during the next statewide student count day, which helps determine the amount a district receives per student.

"As people see schools having to make financial reductions, they're obviously wanting to make sure that the people who are entitled to the services are the ones receiving them," said Marcia Wilkinson, spokeswoman for Birmingham Public Schools, which dismissed about 15 students last year over residency fraud.

Grosse Pointe Public Schools hired a dean of students this year to handle residency checks and, on occasion, to go to students' homes to make sure they live where they claim. About 17 students have been dismissed so far this year, and 25 were dismissed last school year.

The district came under pressure in 2005 from parents concerned about the residency status of some students. The Avondale School District in Oakland County faced a similar situation last year. The district hired a staffer who conducted residency checks this past summer on about 1,000 students whose parents rent housing or live with other residents. A handful of students didn't return to the district, probably because they had been attending fraudulently.

Southfield, which has two staffers handling residency investigations, removes up to 200 students every year after checking the status of the 3,000-some students living in apartments and any others suspected of attending school fraudulently, officials said.

As a taxpayer and parent in Birmingham, Kim Watzman is glad the school district diligently enforces its residency rules.

"If you're not going to pay, then you shouldn't benefit," said Watzman, president of the Birmingham Parent Teacher Student Association.

But for students like the teen from Westland, the concern isn't about taxes or school financing. It's about education.

"I like everything about Southfield. ... I like the way the teachers work with you," the teen said. "It's a very long drive, but I'd rather take it."

Making a move
After a shooting in October outside Detroit's Ford High School, which left one 16-year-old dead and three others injured, Southfield was flooded with calls and visits by Detroit parents, hoping to move their kids across 8 Mile, said Ollie Colvard, manager of pupil accounting for Southfield Public Schools. Some moved to Southfield to make their kids eligible, she said.

Siver said some parents have relinquished guardianship of their children to relatives so their children would be eligible to attend schools in the district. Colvard said probably 98% of the students coming into Southfield illegally are from Detroit.

Some districts welcome students from Detroit, including Oak Park, Highland Park and Inkster. Out of Oak Park's more than 3,800 students, about 1,200 are nonresidents, with most coming from Detroit, Superintendent Sandra Harris said.

In Birmingham, when a student is caught attending school illegally, parents are required to pay a prorated amount of the $12,444 annual tuition fee paid by an out-of-city student.

Students attending school fraudulently are rooted out in several ways, school officials said. They're frequently late for school or hang out after school, waiting for a ride home. Other students or parents rat them out. And, especially in Southfield, schools are tipped off by apartment managers.

"If you're cheating," Colvard said, "someone's going to tell."

In some communities, there is concern over whether students cheating the system are dragging down test scores or are causing disciplinary problems. Mustonen, the spokesman for the Dearborn schools, said that may be the perception, but not likely the reality.

"I think that you will get your fair share of students who are having difficulties learning, whether they live within the district or whether they live one block outside the district," he said.

The district created a Verification Task Force last year and has sent letters to 24 families this year, notifying them that their residency status is in question. Most of the students fraudulently attending Dearborn schools are from Detroit, Dearborn Heights and Inkster, Mustonen said.

Appearance vs. reality
But not all reports of residency fraud are founded, school officials across metro Detroit said.

Sometimes family situations are more complex -- with one parent living in the city where a student attends school, the other in a different community. And with the poor economy, some families are resorting to other options, said Rebecca Fannon, a spokeswoman for Grosse Pointe schools.

"More and more people are losing their homes," she said, "and moving in with relatives."

Contact GINA DAMRON at 248-351-3293 or gdamron@freepress.com.

http://www.freep.com/article/20081214/NEWS05/812140458/0/NEWS01
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On The Go
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I think it is interesting that the 17 year old from Wayne Westland is bypassing Livonia for Southfield.
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crazy_cat
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On The Go
Dec 18 2008, 10:38 PM
I think it is interesting that the 17 year old from Wayne Westland is bypassing Livonia for Southfield.
If I am not mistaken, WWCS pulls students from Wayne, Westland, Canton, Inkster and maybe more communities.

Maybe the grandparent of the student lives in Southfield or maybe a parent works there -- usually the out of district kids have an "in" with a relative living in the area to make it look legit.
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Mrs.M
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crazy_cat
Dec 18 2008, 11:52 PM
On The Go
Dec 18 2008, 10:38 PM
I think it is interesting that the 17 year old from Wayne Westland is bypassing Livonia for Southfield.
If I am not mistaken, WWCS pulls students from Wayne, Westland, Canton, Inkster and maybe more communities.

Maybe the grandparent of the student lives in Southfield or maybe a parent works there -- usually the out of district kids have an "in" with a relative living in the area to make it look legit.
Is the student from Wayne Westland School District, or a 17 year old from Westland ? Maybe the Westland resident is a potential LPS student, according to boundaries, and is bypassing LPS totally...
I'd agree with you, but then we'd both be WRONG.
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Micki
I love teaching.
Or not... We can't guess on people's motives.
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cuddler
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On The Go
Dec 18 2008, 10:38 PM
I think it is interesting that the 17 year old from Wayne Westland is bypassing Livonia for Southfield.
LPS really watches for students that don't live in the LPS District. Even if the 17 year old from Wayne had a relative that lived in LPS District, they would have to show paperwork that the relative was the legal guardian or prove that the whole family has moved in with the relative in the LPS District (and I don't mean just changing your drivers license address or mailing address).
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Whatever
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cuddler
Dec 27 2008, 02:27 PM
On The Go
Dec 18 2008, 10:38 PM
I think it is interesting that the 17 year old from Wayne Westland is bypassing Livonia for Southfield.
LPS really watches for students that don't live in the LPS District. Even if the 17 year old from Wayne had a relative that lived in LPS District, they would have to show paperwork that the relative was the legal guardian or prove that the whole family has moved in with the relative in the LPS District (and I don't mean just changing your drivers license address or mailing address).
Ummmm... yeah, OK

WHATEVER you say............

Only I happen to know several who are not being really watched by lps. And never forget that each student is another headcount towards state funding, no matter where they come from. Why would lps mess with their income?
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Garbonzo
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With all the issues going on with the LPS district at this time, and all the changes the administration has made in the last 2-3 years, can you blame them for looking elsewhere for their education? If we could afford it, I'd pull my children out in a heartbeat!!!! All this district is interested in now since Watson retired is saving money and making more for themselves. Yes, all these children represent is $$ signs to the district. They don't see them as children needing a safe, nuturing learning environment with competent and educated employees/mentors/teachers etc.

I'm afraid our school district's reputation is going down the tubes and where does that leave us as property owners/taxpayers.
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Ms. AK
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Has it been established how much $$ LI actually saved? With the serious decrease in LPS students since LI, I really don't think so. Each lost student takes almost $9,000 in state grants.

Gas is going up again, and those 3,000 extra LPS students being bussed will continue to cost plenty.

I recently read that DPS is going back to K-8 to stop the financial bleeding from bussing so many kids to so many
different schools. It just doesn't make sense to make kids transition so many times, when they could enjoy the stability and community of staying in 1 school for those tender, developmental years.

Plus, half-empty busses are not financially sound. DPS' move makes sense, since K-8 is again finding its footing in education. Unfortunately, not in LPS.
Krome on Cars

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Extra Olives
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Anna Krome
Jan 8 2009, 09:19 AM
Has it been established how much $$ LI actually saved? With the serious decrease in LPS students since LI, I really don't think so. Each lost students takes almost $9,000 in state grants.

Gas is going up again, and those 3,000 extra LPS students being bussed, is going to continue to cost plenty.

I recently read that DPS is going back to K-8 to stop the financial bleeding from bussing so many kids to so many
different schools. It just doesn't make sense to make kids transition so many times, when they could enjoy the stability and community of staying in 1 school for those tender, developmental years.

Plus, half-empty busses are not financially sound. DPS' move makes sense, since K-8 is again finding its footing in education. Unfortunately, not in LPS.
This is a little off topic but I thought I'd share the conversation I had with my third grader last week. She was asking where she will go after Buchanan and I told her Riley. She then asked if she will go to Stevenson after Riley. I told her no, that she would go to Holmes next, then Stevenson. She asked "What's Holmes?" I told her that it was middle school. She then said "You mean I have to go to 2 middle schools before I get to high school? That's dumb." Amen to that! Out of the mouths of babes.....
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Ms. AK
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Amen to that.
Krome on Cars

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Momof4
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Funny how a third grade student is wiser than a committee making decisions for a whole city...
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Ms. AK
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You are too generous, Momof4.

Unfortunately, there was no "committee" deciding upon LI. The pre-LI BOE members, who felt that the administration must "know best," al a 1950s blind reasoning, decided this fractured pre-8 educational system is a good idea.

It's unfortunate that the actual educational experts don't agree with our BOE, as the country is moving to the K-8 configuration.
Krome on Cars

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Momof4
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Actually, I know someone who was on the "Demographics" committee regarding LI. She retired and therefore left the committee. When they announced in the fall the school closings and reconfiguration (K-4, 5-6, 7-8, etc.) she was shocked. She told me that the configuration chosen was terrible and she even said something to Randy Liepa the next time they spoke.

When LI was announced and I was up in arms and wondering what kind of fools could come up with this stuff, I had several people say that maybe I should have participated in the planning committee (Demo). I didn't know there was such a thing, but supposedly they had an article somewhere that asked parents to be a part of this committee, but I knew nothing of it. I frankly do not think I am that unobservant, but it may have slipped by - probably b/c the article wasn't really well publicized... so no one would know about it and they could just have BOE members deciding. That is just my opinion.
Edited by Momof4, Jan 9 2009, 09:14 PM.
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Mrs.M
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Momof4
Jan 9 2009, 09:13 PM
Actually, I know someone who was on the "Demographics" committee regarding LI. She retired and therefore left the committee. When they announced in the fall the school closings and reconfiguration (K-4, 5-6, 7-8, etc.) she was shocked. She told me that the configuration chosen was terrible and she even said something to Randy Liepa the next time they spoke.

When LI was announced and I was up in arms and wondering what kind of fools could come up with this stuff, I had several people say that maybe I should have participated in the planning committee (Demo). I didn't know there was such a thing, but supposedly they had an article somewhere that asked parents to be a part of this committee, but I knew nothing of it. I frankly do not think I am that unobservant, but it may have slipped by - probably b/c the article wasn't really well publicized... so no one would know about it and they could just have BOE members deciding. That is just my opinion.
http://s14.zetaboards.com/Hull_Neighbors_Net/index/

Mom of 4, I don't know if you're new to the LPS school system but the above link will take you to the "very first" Livonia Neighbors forum. There are aver 50 pages of dialogue, blogging, information, articles. The forum is closed in that you cannot post anything but you're free to read and become informed. There are many opinions, just as articles even in the newspapers are mostly opinion with a minimal amount of facts. The history of the demo committee is there as the names of the committee members and their affiliation with LPS are also listed. The many connections to LPS was one of the conflicts of interest that was tried to brought out in the open when the makeup of the committee was questioned by the public/parents.
I'd agree with you, but then we'd both be WRONG.
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Momof4
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No I am not new to LPS and I also posted on the old forum.

I was responding to Anne K's post that there was no committee deciding the LI. I was just stating that I knew someone on the committee who was as surprised as the rest of us when the LI was announced. When I said I didn't know there was such a thing, I meant I didn't know (or see) the LPS ad for people to be a part of it. Sorry, I should have been more clear ...

When I mentioned the part about the BOE I was being sarcastic... b/c I believe that is exactly what they wanted.
Edited by Momof4, Jan 10 2009, 01:45 AM.
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Extra Olives
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Momof4
Jan 10 2009, 01:43 AM
No I am not new to LPS and I also posted on the old forum.

I was responding to Anne K's post that there was no committee deciding the LI. I was just stating that I knew someone on the committee who was as surprised as the rest of us when the LI was announced. When I said I didn't know there was such a thing, I meant I didn't know (or see) the LPS ad for people to be a part of it. Sorry, I should have been more clear ...

When I mentioned the part about the BOE I was being sarcastic... b/c I believe that is exactly what they wanted.
Actually it was was Randy, et al wanted. The board just did what he told them to. You know, the administration says jump and most of our board members say "how high?!"
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LPS Reformer
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The schools exist to educate, not employ.
Extra Olives
Jan 10 2009, 03:58 PM
Momof4
Jan 10 2009, 01:43 AM
No I am not new to LPS and I also posted on the old forum.

I was responding to Anne K's post that there was no committee deciding the LI. I was just stating that I knew someone on the committee who was as surprised as the rest of us when the LI was announced. When I said I didn't know there was such a thing, I meant I didn't know (or see) the LPS ad for people to be a part of it. Sorry, I should have been more clear ...

When I mentioned the part about the BOE I was being sarcastic... b/c I believe that is exactly what they wanted.
Actually it was was Randy, et al wanted. The board just did what he told them to. You know, the administration says jump and most of our board members say "how high?!"
Come May, that just may change. ;)
“Child Abuse” means different things to different people....
----Randy Liepa 8/9/12
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Deleted User
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Imagine the extra funding for LPS if they pursued tuition from students/families illegally enrolled...


Some of our students are illegally enrolled.


We understand that Bloomfield Hills Schools is very attractive to families who do not live in the District. The high quality of BHS is usually cited as the number one reason people move into the District. Our excellence also draws about 140 students who pay tuition to attend our schools, and about 70 children of employees who, by Michigan law, bring their foundation grant with them. Unfortunately, though rarely, some parents are so desperate for a BHS education for their children that they try to beat the system.

Starting in 2005, the District undertook a comprehensive and stringent evaluation of student residency. Our investigation resulted in some 50 students being exited from Bloomfield Hills Schools by summer 2006, with another 25 moved to tuition status. Since then we continue our vigilance, which includes an interview with parents during enrollment, a review of records like voter registration and utility bills, notarized landlord affidavits and in the most challenges cases, even private investigation if there is a strong suspicion of non-residency. Every year we unfortunately do have to ask a few students who are here illegally to leave.

Residency is a sometimes delicate and difficult issue. However, we are committed to protecting the rights of Bloomfield Hills Schools residents by ensuring that all students are legally enrolled.

http://www.bloomfield.org/en/board-of-education-topmenu-149/fact-check-topmenu-217/384-illegal-enrollments
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Muffin
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Don't kid yourself, Liepa and the LPS have know for years that there's a guy at an apartment on Wayne Road (Westland) that "sells" his address to Detroiters so their kids can go to LPS. Charges them hundreds of dollars a year for the "privilege". Park in their lot (8181 Wayne Rd. - the strip mall next door is where most of them park) one morning (or afternoon), you'll see people pulling in to drop off/pick up their kids from the LPS buses. If you ask Liepa or the Board about it, they brush you off and say it's a "sensitive subject".

They have no desire or intention to keep out of district kids out of LPS. Sure we get fed/state money for them, but what does it actually cost LPS per child? I'm sure we put out more $ per kid than we get in Fed/State monies.

We are running out of money in LPS - what are we paying for students who don't live here or pay taxes here. RANDY (I know your cronies read this board) - how about an answer !!!
Edited by Administrator, Aug 25 2010, 06:35 PM.
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