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Observer Letter to the editor (sacrifice)
Topic Started: Aug 6 2009, 07:40 PM (5,006 Views)
LPS Reformer
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The schools exist to educate, not employ.
No I wouldn't go to my employer to get your private numbers to call you and I am pretty sure that Walter did not either, because frankly that is confidential information that my employer could not share with him.

From this, I must assume that you are an LPS employee, and more impressed with their ethics than I am.

I did want to say that what you wrote about was rumors, just like the ones that I am hearing right now, the only difference in the rumors that I am hearing and that you are hearing is that AFSCME was DEMANDING RAISES (not being told to take CUTS or else) when the comment, as they were being walked out on in bargaining, was made that they would just privatize.

OK, first I agree that ALL of the groups at LPS are going to have to sacrifice. But why would you be surprised, much less offended that AFSCME wants a raise just like the teachers and the Admins?

Second, it hardly surprises me that the reaction from Chomicz, Abbey, and Mr. Raymond was to stomp out and make threats. It is nice though to have confirmation of that.

Thank you.


“Child Abuse” means different things to different people....
----Randy Liepa 8/9/12
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kitkat
Member
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LPS Reformer
Aug 23 2009, 06:59 PM
No I wouldn't go to my employer to get your private numbers to call you and I am pretty sure that Walter did not either, because frankly that is confidential information that my employer could not share with him.

From this, I must assume that you are an LPS employee, and more impressed with their ethics than I am.

I did want to say that what you wrote about was rumors, just like the ones that I am hearing right now, the only difference in the rumors that I am hearing and that you are hearing is that AFSCME was DEMANDING RAISES (not being told to take CUTS or else) when the comment, as they were being walked out on in bargaining, was made that they would just privatize.

OK, first I agree that ALL of the groups at LPS are going to have to sacrifice. But why would you be surprised, much less offended that AFSCME wants a raise just like the teachers and the Admins?

Second, it hardly surprises me that the reaction from Chomicz, Abbey, and Mr. Raymond was to stomp out and make threats. It is nice though to have confirmation of that.

Thank you.


Second, it hardly surprises me that the reaction from Chomicz, Abbey, and Mr. Raymond was to stomp out and make threats. It is nice though to have confirmation of that.
Thank you.

I do not know for fact that they STOMPED OUT as you say, so there is NO confirmation from me. What I do know is that what I heard and what the people you talked to heard are RUMORS no facts whatsoever. Neither you nor I are privy to what has happened at the AFSCME bargaining table, nor were the people to whom you talked to. I noticed in your letter to the Observer that all you could say was that AFSCME was told to either take the CUTS or they would privatize, but you could not and did not specify what cuts. Are they going to cut wages, hours, jobs? Well actually job cuts wouldn't be talked about at the bargaining table because there is a management rights clause in all contracts, but you couldn't specify what cuts, just threw it out generally and that is probably why Walter called you to see if you could state any specifics.
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kitkat
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kitkat
Aug 23 2009, 07:24 PM
LPS Reformer
Aug 23 2009, 06:59 PM
No I wouldn't go to my employer to get your private numbers to call you and I am pretty sure that Walter did not either, because frankly that is confidential information that my employer could not share with him.

From this, I must assume that you are an LPS employee, and more impressed with their ethics than I am.

I did want to say that what you wrote about was rumors, just like the ones that I am hearing right now, the only difference in the rumors that I am hearing and that you are hearing is that AFSCME was DEMANDING RAISES (not being told to take CUTS or else) when the comment, as they were being walked out on in bargaining, was made that they would just privatize.

OK, first I agree that ALL of the groups at LPS are going to have to sacrifice. But why would you be surprised, much less offended that AFSCME wants a raise just like the teachers and the Admins?

Second, it hardly surprises me that the reaction from Chomicz, Abbey, and Mr. Raymond was to stomp out and make threats. It is nice though to have confirmation of that.

Thank you.


Second, it hardly surprises me that the reaction from Chomicz, Abbey, and Mr. Raymond was to stomp out and make threats. It is nice though to have confirmation of that.
Thank you.

I do not know for fact that they STOMPED OUT as you say, so there is NO confirmation from me. What I do know is that what I heard and what the people you talked to heard are RUMORS no facts whatsoever. Neither you nor I are privy to what has happened at the AFSCME bargaining table, nor were the people to whom you talked to. I noticed in your letter to the Observer that all you could say was that AFSCME was told to either take the CUTS or they would privatize, but you could not and did not specify what cuts. Are they going to cut wages, hours, jobs? Well actually job cuts wouldn't be talked about at the bargaining table because there is a management rights clause in all contracts, but you couldn't specify what cuts, just threw it out generally and that is probably why Walter called you to see if you could state any specifics.
Second I am not offended whatsoever that AFSCME was trying to get a raise, but the RUMOR that I heard was that they demanded the raise.
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LPS Reformer
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The schools exist to educate, not employ.
I asked the board to confirm or deny the allegation. They refused to do so.

If this was just a baseless rumor, why not just say so?


Privitization threat for AFSCME
Edited by LPS Reformer, Aug 23 2009, 08:21 PM.
“Child Abuse” means different things to different people....
----Randy Liepa 8/9/12
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BoaterDan
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Momof4
Aug 16 2009, 12:27 PM
It is wrong from every angle that this board has wasted money, year after year, with changes parents begged not to make (and presented the board with better more cost effective options), programs we didn't need (and aren't helping and parents presented better options) and passing out raises to people who already make good money and can be replaced for less.
Hey there folks.

I think this argument goes sideways when you use terms like "wasted money" - I mean as far as the public is concerned. It's just way to easy for the board and administration to counter that every penny they spend is for the good of the students, and it's insulting to call any of it "wasted".

I prefer to think of the "wasted opportunities". To me, this is really very simple.

The board pats themselves on the back about all the "fiscally responsible" cuts they've made over the last 10 years. Problem is, every one of those cuts has still left a deficit budget.

Now if, say 8-10 years ago, the board had not only made the cuts they did, but also made the cuts they KNEW they would have to make the following year, we'd still be sitting pretty on a pile of 20 million dollars in the bank. Even if they had done that 6 years ago, we would have millions of cash and no "crisis".

Unless something drastic has changed since they passed the last budget knowing they'd have to borrow money to finish the school year (I admit I've tuned out for a while), what they've done instead is driven the district to the edge of the cliff and put a brick on the gas pedal. It seems to me it will be utterly and literally impossible to keep the district open in just a few short years, as we have to borrow more and more to complete the year - to the point we wake up one year to find we can't even service the debt.
Edited by BoaterDan, Aug 24 2009, 04:09 PM.
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Ms. AK
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How much does LPS owe in bonds, etc., and for how long are they outstanding?

Krome on Cars

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Anna Krome
Aug 24 2009, 04:44 PM
How much does LPS owe in bonds, etc., and for how long are they outstanding?

Why don't you ask Karen Smith of the OE to ask Randy that question. Let's see if she gets a straight answer on which bonds are still outstanding, for how long, and what is the interest rate on each?. I'm betting the answer will not be so cut and dry as the questions ;)
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IlikeLIvonia
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snoopy
Aug 24 2009, 08:58 PM
Anna Krome
Aug 24 2009, 04:44 PM
How much does LPS owe in bonds, etc., and for how long are they outstanding?

Why don't you ask Karen Smith of the OE to ask Randy that question. Let's see if she gets a straight answer on which bonds are still outstanding, for how long, and what is the interest rate on each?. I'm betting the answer will not be so cut and dry as the questions ;)
HA! That will be the day when the press or anyone else gets a direct answer to a direct question from that man.
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Ms. AK
Veteran
IlikeLIvonia
Aug 24 2009, 09:08 PM
snoopy
Aug 24 2009, 08:58 PM
Anna Krome
Aug 24 2009, 04:44 PM
How much does LPS owe in bonds, etc., and for how long are they outstanding?

Why don't you ask Karen Smith of the OE to ask Randy that question. Let's see if she gets a straight answer on which bonds are still outstanding, for how long, and what is the interest rate on each?. I'm betting the answer will not be so cut and dry as the questions ;)
HA! That will be the day when the press or anyone else gets a direct answer to a direct question from that man.
Well, it'd sure be nice if one did not have to FOIA to find out how much LPS is in debt. Hey, maybe LPS could have a detailed balance sheet online?

Wait! Then, voters might actually see where the money is going and know how to vote and for whom.

I don't think Ms. Smith will be doing any sort of investigate reporting at the O/E. When the powers-that-be have the O/E editors waste precious front-covers on pie-eating, beauty queens, too-tall grass--and a host of other "non-news" (which could easily be covered on the inside front cover)--well, I just give up and look to this forum for great local coverage.


Krome on Cars

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LPS Reformer
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The schools exist to educate, not employ.
You should show up and ask at audience communication.
“Child Abuse” means different things to different people....
----Randy Liepa 8/9/12
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Silentwolf
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LPS Reformer
Aug 26 2009, 08:10 PM
You should show up and ask at audience communication.
I have a question for you LPS,

According to LIEpa, the raises were in the contracts of "The Admin", would it be possible to FIOA the contracts? I'm just asking since you have a history with FIOA and LPS
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LPS Reformer
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The schools exist to educate, not employ.
Yes
“Child Abuse” means different things to different people....
----Randy Liepa 8/9/12
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LPSisPoor
Advanced Member
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BoaterDan
Aug 24 2009, 04:08 PM
Momof4
Aug 16 2009, 12:27 PM
It is wrong from every angle that this board has wasted money, year after year, with changes parents begged not to make (and presented the board with better more cost effective options), programs we didn't need (and aren't helping and parents presented better options) and passing out raises to people who already make good money and can be replaced for less.
Hey there folks.

I think this argument goes sideways when you use terms like "wasted money" - I mean as far as the public is concerned. It's just way to easy for the board and administration to counter that every penny they spend is for the good of the students, and it's insulting to call any of it "wasted".

I prefer to think of the "wasted opportunities". To me, this is really very simple.

The board pats themselves on the back about all the "fiscally responsible" cuts they've made over the last 10 years. Problem is, every one of those cuts has still left a deficit budget.

Now if, say 8-10 years ago, the board had not only made the cuts they did, but also made the cuts they KNEW they would have to make the following year, we'd still be sitting pretty on a pile of 20 million dollars in the bank. Even if they had done that 6 years ago, we would have millions of cash and no "crisis".

Unless something drastic has changed since they passed the last budget knowing they'd have to borrow money to finish the school year (I admit I've tuned out for a while), what they've done instead is driven the district to the edge of the cliff and put a brick on the gas pedal. It seems to me it will be utterly and literally impossible to keep the district open in just a few short years, as we have to borrow more and more to complete the year - to the point we wake up one year to find we can't even service the debt.
We've missed you Boater Dan . . . I appreciate your level headed insights.
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Administrator
Administrator
Very, very much appreciated Boater Dan.
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LPS Reformer
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The schools exist to educate, not employ.
The only thing that the LPS Admins know how to sacrifice is the students.

LPS HS student can't sign his own name.
“Child Abuse” means different things to different people....
----Randy Liepa 8/9/12
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IlikeLIvonia
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LPSisPoor
Aug 26 2009, 09:41 PM
BoaterDan
Aug 24 2009, 04:08 PM
Momof4
Aug 16 2009, 12:27 PM
It is wrong from every angle that this board has wasted money, year after year, with changes parents begged not to make (and presented the board with better more cost effective options), programs we didn't need (and aren't helping and parents presented better options) and passing out raises to people who already make good money and can be replaced for less.
Hey there folks.

I think this argument goes sideways when you use terms like "wasted money" - I mean as far as the public is concerned. It's just way to easy for the board and administration to counter that every penny they spend is for the good of the students, and it's insulting to call any of it "wasted".

I prefer to think of the "wasted opportunities". To me, this is really very simple.

The board pats themselves on the back about all the "fiscally responsible" cuts they've made over the last 10 years. Problem is, every one of those cuts has still left a deficit budget.

Now if, say 8-10 years ago, the board had not only made the cuts they did, but also made the cuts they KNEW they would have to make the following year, we'd still be sitting pretty on a pile of 20 million dollars in the bank. Even if they had done that 6 years ago, we would have millions of cash and no "crisis".

Unless something drastic has changed since they passed the last budget knowing they'd have to borrow money to finish the school year (I admit I've tuned out for a while), what they've done instead is driven the district to the edge of the cliff and put a brick on the gas pedal. It seems to me it will be utterly and literally impossible to keep the district open in just a few short years, as we have to borrow more and more to complete the year - to the point we wake up one year to find we can't even service the debt.
We've missed you Boater Dan . . . I appreciate your level headed insights.
Then BD, you end up like these districts;

Madison Heights District Reaches Plan
State Superintendent Says District Must Cut $1.3M From Budget


POSTED: Monday, August 17, 2009
UPDATED: 11:26 pm EDT August 17, 2009
MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich. -- The Madison Heights School District reached a plan Monday to erase a serious budget deficit, but jail time may still be ahead for school board members.

In an emergency meeting Monday, the board voted unanimously to a 5 percent reduction in human resources over the next three years.

District officials said cuts could come in any form, such as benefits and salary.

The board’s plan would eliminate over $475,000 each school year.

The district’s superintendent said the proposal will be turned over to the state Tuesday.

The school board has been mandated by state superintendent Mike Flannagan to cut $1.3 million from its budget.

Flannagan has given the board until Thursday to make the cuts, or face the penalties.

The board members could be sentenced to up to 90 days in jail or $1,500 in fines.

The district, which has been hit with declining enrollment and state aid, has been operating under a deficit elimination plan for more than 10 years.

A spokesman for the state said nearly $1 million in aid to the district this month is being withheld until school officials can clean up the budget.





Deficit elimination plan looming for YPS

Several who spoke Tuesday evening came out against eliminating programs and positions. Photo by Jim Cavanaugh

Several who spoke Tuesday evening came out against eliminating programs and positions.
Montes Furniture
Board meets for public imput
By Jim Cavanaugh
Jun. 17, 2009 · 11:54 a.m.

With time winding down before they have to file a deficit elimination plan, the Ypsilanti Public Schools Board of Trustees met Tuesday night for public input regarding proposed budget cuts.

If the board does not have a balanced budget in place for the 2009-2010 academic year by July 1, they will be obligated to file a deficit elimination plan with the state. The state can either accept or reject the plan. If it is accepted, YPS will be required to submit regular reports on its financial progress.

The district currently faces a projected deficit of $4,054,978. If the board approves all of the recommended cuts, a shortfall of $1,474,412 is still expected.

Superintendent Dr. James Hawkins does not believe the district will be able to completely eliminate the deficit by the end of the month.

“The board cannot reconcile this deficit by July 1,” Hawkins said, during his budget recommendations presentation, adding that with the decline of the Michigan economy, deficits will only get “deeper and more significant” in years to come.

“The situation is only going to get worse,” he later added.

Board President David Bates also indicated that the district would likely have to file a deficit elimination plan.

“We’re going to have a deficit—there’s no way around that,” Bates said. “But we have to minimize the problem.”

Included in the initial budget reductions were the elimination of middle school sports, the elimination of band and choir field trips, the elimination of piano classes at the high school and the elimination of five music, art or physical education teachers.

Several board members, as well as nearly all audience members who spoke, came out against eliminating these programs and positions.

“I really believe we ought to sidestep the cuts to classroom academic field trips and choir field trips,” Trustee Andrew Fanta said. “These are gifted and talented kids that are really going the extra mile.”

Trustee Kira Berman added that she felt sports and music were “motivating factors for young people in their love of learning” and the district could not afford to cut them if it wants to raise achievement.

Ypsilanti resident and parent Terry Heiss asked the board not to cut music programs from the budget. Heiss said his oldest son graduated from Ypsilanti High School 15 years ago and continues to find work in the music industry. He has another son who is a senior at YHS who wants to go into the music industry.

“The music program has had a strong impact on my family,” Heiss said.

Krista Boyer, who has five children in Ypsilanti schools asked the board not to cut programs that would broaden children’s horizons.

“My kids are diamonds and they do not deserve a Wal-Mart education,” Boyer said.

Debra Russo, who teaches music at Estabrook Elementary, told the board that by staying in one building, she has been better able to build a strong music program and assist students with other needs.

“I personally have been able to help students prepare for the MEAP,” Russo said.

There were a few notable bright spots for the district in Tuesday night’s budget proceedings. The board expects to bring in an additional 50 students next year, thereby increasing its revenue. Additionally, the state reversed a recent decision that disallowed districts from using Title 1 funds to pay for kindergarten teachers.

The board plans to vote on a 2009-2010 budget at a special meeting on June 29.


And the real kicker...



Deficits
By Dr. Ryan S. Olson and Mr. Michael D. LaFaive / Posted: May 30, 2007


School districts are prohibited by Michigan law from adopting a budget deficit.[390] This restriction means that in any given budget year a district may never plan to spend — or actually spend — more than the annual revenue the district will receive from all sources. A district that spends itself into deficit cannot receive further payments from the state until the district submits a deficit elimination plan.[391] The plan must include measures to eliminate the deficit in no more than two fiscal years after the deficit was incurred,[392] and a district must file a monthly revenues-and-expenditures report with the state Department of Education.[393] The only permissible deficit is one incurred as a result of a reduction of money available to the schools due to an executive order issued during the fiscal year.[394]

In fiscal 2007, 23 conventional local school districts and charter schools are operating with deficit elimination plans.[395]


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Whatever
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Quote:
 
Flannagan has given the board until Thursday to make the cuts, or face the penalties.

The board members could be sentenced to up to 90 days in jail or $1,500 in fines.

The district, which has been hit with declining enrollment and state aid, has been operating under a deficit elimination plan for more than 10 years.


Jail time? Fines?
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Whatever
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Deficits
Quote:
 
By Dr. Ryan S. Olson and Mr. Michael D. LaFaive / Posted: May 30, 2007

School districts are prohibited by Michigan law from adopting a budget deficit.[390] This restriction means that in any given budget year a district may never plan to spend — or actually spend — more than the annual revenue the district will receive from all sources. A district that spends itself into deficit cannot receive further payments from the state until the district submits a deficit elimination plan.[391] The plan must include measures to eliminate the deficit in no more than two fiscal years after the deficit was incurred,[392] and a district must file a monthly revenues-and-expenditures report with the state Department of Education.[393] The only permissible deficit is one incurred as a result of a reduction of money available to the schools due to an executive order issued during the fiscal year.[394]

In fiscal 2007, 23 conventional local school districts and charter schools are operating with deficit elimination plans.[395]


If this is true, than how does LPS get away with it? Is it because of the fund equity? What happens when that runs out?





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Deleted User
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LPS Reformer
Aug 23 2009, 06:59 PM
No I wouldn't go to my employer to get your private numbers to call you and I am pretty sure that Walter did not either, because frankly that is confidential information that my employer could not share with him.

From this, I must assume that you are an LPS employee, and more impressed with their ethics than I am.
Reformer, sure sounds like kitkat is not only an LPS employee, but also "cuddler" incognito. No problem with a poster changing their screen name. No problem with kitkat being an LPS employee either. Just an observation. Welcome to the blog, kitkat.
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cuddler
Advanced Member
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SLIPPERY SLOPE
Aug 29 2009, 09:32 AM
LPS Reformer
Aug 23 2009, 06:59 PM
No I wouldn't go to my employer to get your private numbers to call you and I am pretty sure that Walter did not either, because frankly that is confidential information that my employer could not share with him.

From this, I must assume that you are an LPS employee, and more impressed with their ethics than I am.
Reformer, sure sounds like kitkat is not only an LPS employee, but also "cuddler" incognito. No problem with a poster changing their screen name. No problem with kitkat being an LPS employee either. Just an observation. Welcome to the blog, kitkat.
I am not sure who "kitkat" is but it certainly is not me, sorry to disappoint you Slippery!! I have just not wanted to post anything lately because I am tired of being belittled by everyone on this blog. Good luck to "kitkat" if you are a LPS employee, this site will belittle you if you don't agree with their opinions and call them on some of their lies!!!!
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