Ann Arbor Board of Education mulls over timing of technology millage ballot issue
At least some members of the Ann Arbor Board of Education are questioning the fast track timetable for placing a .5-mill tax increase for technology on the Nov. 8 ballot.
In a special meeting Tuesday night, Trustee Andy Thomas said he supports the technology millage, but that the district may be moving too fast.
“I’ve gotten a number of calls from members of the community who are strong supporters of public schools who have had prior involvement in millage (campaigns) and I feel we need to listen," he said.
"I think we need to put the brakes on…. The public isn’t ready. We haven’t articulated clearly why we need this millage.”
The school board could instead consider a February or May 2012 election, he said.
The board last month directed Superintendent Patricia Green to pursue writing language for the millage request. They were expected to vote on placing the issue on the ballot when they met Tuesday. No decision was made, but the board meets again in regular session at 7 p.m. Wednesday at the downtown library.
There are other reasons to wait, said Trustee Christine Stead. There are a number of vacant key administrative positions, including the technology department head. And it comes on the heels of a countywide special education millage voters approved in May.
But not everyone agreed on putting it off. Vice President Susan Baskett questioned the ramifications of postponing bringing new technology into the district.
Laptops are needed to run a new student assessment program and will have to be taken out of classrooms unless new computers are purchased, Green said. New technology equipment is needed for teacher evaluations and for working with data on the achievement gap, she said.
Board members did agree the district needed to support technology. Superintendent Green called the issue the district’s highest priority. “The future of the district is at stake,” she said.
But Steve Norton, a community member who has worked on past millage campaigns, said he has concerns about the timeline and the community’s response to the proposal.
“There’s been very little discussion about the what, the why and the when,” he said. “There has not been much effort made to lay the groundwork. The voting public is awfully skeptical about efforts to raise tax dollars.”
Stead wondered if it would be better to skip the technology millage in favor of working for a countywide enhancement millage increase that would raise more funds for the district and not be restricted to technology. Voters soundly defeated a request for an enhancement millage in 2009.
While the district, along with the county’s other nine districts, eventually need to consider mounting an enhancement millage campaign, Ann Arbor schools needs to also pursue the technology millage, said board President Deb Mexicotte.
While she said she prefers placing the technology millage on the November ballot, she said she could also support a February special election, but would not want it to be later than that. A special election would cost the district $90,000.
Whatever decision the board makes, it’s important to find agreement, Baskett said.
“We don’t seem like we’re together. A solid team is better than a divided team.”
The .5 mill increase would raise $46 million over its 10-year life and would be restricted to technology. The increase would cost the owner of a $200,000 house, with a taxable value of $100,000, an extra $50 annually in taxes.
Comments
skooldazedandconfused
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 1:47 a.m.
isn't it interesting that the live feed on channel 18 is experiencing 'difficulties' televising tonight's meeting!!!
J. A. Pieper
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 1:08 a.m.
The computers the teachers are currently using were leased, they do not belong to the district or the teachers. Teachers use the computers to do a lot of daily record keeping, report cards, TEACHING, and frequent communication with parents, and staff throughout the district. I am an employee, a parent, and a taxpayer, I will be voting NO on this and every millage increase for as long as I live here. Everyone is watching what they spend these days, except for AAPS, as they can always come to their community and ask for additional monies, such as this technology issue, or another sinking fund. Anyone curious about where the money is coming from to build whatever is being built up near the Pioneer football stadium? Did you know the whole district is changing from keys to a card system to get in buildings? Oh, and for those of you who are unaware, some of us pay a lot more than the $300 (mentioned in these comments) for our medical insurance.
Basic Bob
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 3:07 a.m.
So what happens to the computers when they come off-lease? They are resold for a fraction of their value, because they are "used-up" capital assets. Then they go onto a live a second productive life. But then Apple won't support it. What is wrong with this picture?
Dog Guy
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 10:46 p.m.
We teachers are smart enough to know that by-elections are made to pass items which would fail in a general election. Only those with a personal or family income benefitting from the millage will vote in a by-election. A hundred-million-dollar millage purportedly for hair ribbons for students lacking self-esteem would pass in a by-election . . . "for our children."
Basic Bob
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 3:03 a.m.
Maybe we can add on a public safety millage, too, so all the cops and firemen can vote, too "for our children". Or possibly a recall so we can unelect a popularly elected official "for our children". Good idea, why didn't I think of it? I know, I'm not a teacher.
A2WITH3
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 9:15 p.m.
The district paid out $766,000 in healthcare benefits for INELIGIBLE dependents in 2010 ALONE! How many years has this gone on?? Even if it has gone on for a mere 10 years, the district would have an additional $7.6 million dollars in their budget. Has the Board of Education filed suite against those that broke the law and STOLE our tax dollars??? Have they even DISCUSSED this topic at any board meetings?? I would say that $766,000 in stolen district money is worth putting on the agenda. Further, the district had to cut $750,000 from sports programs because 'there aren't enough funds." WHAT? If you are not outraged, you are not paying attention. Start today and contact the School administrators and the BOE and tell them to do their jobs, start prosecuting the thieves, get restitution and FIRE those who stole. READ <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/news/ineligible-dependents-cost-ann-arbor-schools-more-than-700000-in-2010/">http://www.annarbor.com/news/ineligible-dependents-cost-ann-arbor-schools-more-than-700000-in-2010/</a> <a href="http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/15065" rel='nofollow'>http://www.michigancapitolconfidential.com/15065</a>
nester
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 8:07 p.m.
"..the district's highest priority. The Future of the district is at stake" Quite a statement about an issue that just seemed to crop up and hastily voted on. And now all of a sudden it is being questioned. If this was so critical where is the plan and justification for this? When (and if) it comes out it had better be REALLY good and blow everyone away with its logic. This is doing nothing for my confidence in the BOE and the wise stewardship of my tax dollars.
mojo
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 6:33 p.m.
How about having each and every full time teacher pay $1,000 into a PC Fund to buy the equipment? Or maybe the MEA cann forward the funds they seem to spend a lot on "off desktop" "out of classroom" non-pupil related items. . Builders buy their own tools, - many professionals buy their own equipemet - if this requirement is so needed - pay for it 'yourself'.
Gardener1
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 5:21 p.m.
Why are the present computers that all teachers have not usable? Is it mainly software upgrades plus the new software? Why would the classroom computers need to be used if teachers have been provided with computers? If there is a millage, why not have it for 5 years rather than 10? Has a technology millage been retired now and a renewal being sought? The article suggests this is a new and additional millage.
Joe Kidd
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 5 p.m.
"New technology equipment is needed for teacher evaluations and for working with data on the achievement gap," she said. "The future of the district is at stake," she said. So I suppose districts who cannot afford such hi tech have already gone under or soon will. Teacher evaluations require some new technology? I wonder what that is? And working with data on the achievement gap. Still working on that one, eh? I thought the school has already hired a highly paid consultant to work out this achievement gap issue. Don't they have that technology, or are they proposing the school buy it so they can continue on this Holy Quest? <a href="http://www.annarbor.com/news/ann-arbor-schools-spend-more-than-441000-on-pacific-education-group-since-march-2005/">http://www.annarbor.com/news/ann-arbor-schools-spend-more-than-441000-on-pacific-education-group-since-march-2005/</a> This is what $245K a year for a superintendent gets you, huh? This is what I like to read: "I think we need to put the brakes on…. The public isn't ready. We haven't articulated clearly why we need this millage." ""There's been very little discussion about the what, the why and the when," he said. "There has not been much effort made to lay the groundwork. The voting public is awfully skeptical about efforts to raise tax dollars." This is what they are supposed to be doing. Discuss the why and the when and the how. How much does Trustee Thomas make? Bump his salary up there with the superintendent's. And thanks to Mr. Norton too.
schoolsmuse
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 4:02 p.m.
Well, the school board will be discussing this again tonight, 7 p.m. at the Ann Arbor district library--4th floor--downtown. Go and share your opinion! Or email them at boe@aaps.k12.mi.us. I think they should hold off, because it's not a good use of long-term funds to pay for short-term activities. I like Christine Stead's idea of going for a county-wide millage instead. And I don't hear much support for a technology millage from the people I talk to regularly, and so I also question why they would spend the time and money working on this if it is doomed to failure. You can read more about my questions at my blog, Ann Arbor Schools Musings: <a href="http://a2schoolsmuse.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-should-schools-pay-for-technology.html" rel='nofollow'>http://a2schoolsmuse.blogspot.com/2011/07/how-should-schools-pay-for-technology.html</a>
InterestedReader
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 2:55 p.m.
The assessments are state requirements; to comply with new state regulations. The article should have done a better job explaining.
DonBee
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 3:19 a.m.
But laptops to do them are not.
Stephen Landes
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 2:47 p.m.
I have yet to see a curriculum strategy that is more than simply doing the same work students have always been doing but now on a computer. That is not a reason for more technology in the classroom. What is required is a comprehensive teaching strategy that uses technology to enable students to do work they could or would not otherwise do. If our teachers, maybe through the efforts of their union, want to work together to develop a curriculum that utilizes the real advantages of technology and then propose a plan to purchase and maintain tech equipment over an extended period of time then that is something we can consider. A major classroom asset like tech equipment should be driven by needs identified by teachers and parents. When one of my children needed an alternative way of learning I developed a learning strategy built around a spreadsheet and an authoritative online data base. We used those two tools to study geography, mathematics, social studies, science, and literature. Each subject we tackled led naturally to another and it was a very memorable experience. Technology properly used could enable students to work individually and at their own pace, studying subjects of their particular interest while mastering skills that should be common to all students. What I believe will happen under the School Board plan is essentially the same thing we have today, but "automated" -- more like a typing class from the "old days" with everyone typing the same thing and simply demonstrating their word per minute capability. The Board of Education seems interested in grandiose plans, high-priced administration, and appearance/image. I do not consider the empire-building Board of Education a suitable surrogate for a grass-roots developed teaching strategy.
arborani
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 2:25 p.m.
No. No. No. Next question?
Basic Bob
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 2:07 p.m.
Was this Dr. Green's first board meeting, $29,000 into her contract? At most jobs, you have to show up *before* you can take paid vacation days.
Basic Bob
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 9:52 p.m.
Just thought she would have made a public statement by now, instead of Mr. Allen continuing to do all the talking.
Andrew Thomas
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 3:58 p.m.
There have been two BOE meetings since Dr. Green became superintendent, she has attended both. She has also attended all meetings of the BOE's Planning Committee and Performance Committee. She has taken no vacation time. Not sure where you're coming from, or where you are getting your information, but is it asking too much to give her a fair chance before you start throwing tomatoes?
Ron Granger
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 1:53 p.m.
Take the money from the secret many-million dollar extra-curricular sports budget. It shouldn't be a secret budget, but the board has refused FOIA requests to disclose the amounts. I won't vote to give them another dime until they disclose the specifics of extra-curricular spending.
DonBee
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 3:18 a.m.
Mr. Kidd - Privacy of individuals involved in the athletics programs.
Joe Kidd
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 5:02 p.m.
What exception to the FOIA statute are they using, Ron?
Steve Norton, MIPFS
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 1:30 p.m.
My understanding is that the 10 years is meant to cover 2 or 3 replacement cycles. The bonds would be sold gradually, and the money used as equipment needs replacement. While some may be skeptical of admin uses, that's precisely where the bulk of the new requirements for schools are. The "tenure" bills just signed into law require schools to use "value added modeling" to measure student growth, which is the majority of a teacher's evaluation. This is a complex statistical model which requires a lot of different kinds of data, most of which are not currently collected by schools All the "reform" and "accountability" measures require huge increases in admin time and systems, but the legislature is providing no resources to help.
Steve Norton, MIPFS
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 4:51 a.m.
Snapshot, you are way off base. AAPS and the teachers' union have been working on an evaluation method derived from the Danielson system for evaluating educators. However, they do not believe that standardized test scores deserve to be the overwhelming majority of a teacher's evaluation - nor do I. However, the new state law and federal Dept of Education grants insist that any evaluation system must be based primarily on student test scores. Test scores in a couple of subjects are not the same as achievement. The district has not "engaged in millage campaigns to keep the funds flowing." Since 2003, we passed a millage to pay for bonds that funded construction around the district (including technology) (2004). The county passed a special education millage, also in 2004. In 2008, we passed a renewal of our basic operating millage, which makes up our required local contribution to our state funding. Without it, the district would have closed its doors (in the case of AAPS, it provides half our funding). At the same time, we also renewed a 1 mill sinking fund that pays for ongoing construction and renovation costs without having to pay interest or wait 20 years. We did not pass the 2009 county "enhancement" millage. This spring, we renewed the county special education millage that was passed in 2004. And that's it. Be aware that all these millages must expire by law, and if we still need the funds we must renew them. Finally, AAPS's bonds are not variable interest debt. They are fixed-coupon bonds that were sold at various times with varying maturities. You would have to ask the district what they expect borrowing costs to be next year. With the Fed indicating it will keep interest rates low, the rates demanded from muni bonds like these are likely to stay low as well.
Joe Kidd
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 5:09 p.m.
Good point Steve. The legislature is apparently applying an unfunded mandate on schools, something the fed has been doing to states that irks state govts. You post is the first I have heard that the state has passed a law that results in this type of necessary funding. I would prefer that elected local officials collaborate and take the issue up with the legislature en mass. If A2 may have an issue funding such a mandate most other schools will too, and if it depends on a ballot issue, it simply is not going to happen. I think elected local officials complaining to other elected official up the ladder have more clout than us regular folks.
snapshot
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 2:40 p.m.
Steve, Haven't the schools had plenty of time to prepare for these issues but in fact have refused to cooperate and take the initiative until it had to be mandated by the state. Are there not incentive programs available to the district if it were to compete for them by implementing required changes, but the district refuses again to participate. Instead the district engages in these milliage campaigns to keep the funds flowing from property owners in an effort to keep their "general fund" dollars available to use in other areas of compensation and benefits. I am very skeptical and feel it is NOT that complicated but made to appear that way in an effort to decieve the public into funding these unwise bond issues. Also I would like to know if there have been any significant increased interest costs to the district on existing bond milliages as a result of the recession, failed banks, or reduced credit rating. Some districts have seen their bond costs double and triple putting their very existence at risk.
dotdash
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 1:33 p.m.
Thanks, that helps.
Carole
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 1:20 p.m.
First off, just a couple of years ago all teachers received new laptop computers, and last year another department received new laptops that are only occasionally used. Indeed, the AAPS administration needs to get their priorities straight and live within their budget just like all the rest of us have to do. And, basically, I believe we need to go back to reading, writing, and math. Work in a school, and have seen some of the writing being done by the students, needs working on. With all that has been going on budget wise, national, state, city, and schools, I would not favor any tax increase -- the citizens are being taxed to death. With the economy as it is, there just is no more that every day folks can continue to dish out. All government needs to take a stand, step up, be responsible and accountable has to how funds are expended. And, stay within the budget.
DonBee
Thu, Aug 11, 2011 : 3:16 a.m.
macjont - "Lowest taxes of all people in the industrialized world" - not true at all. If you look at the sites that claim this, they usually only compare federal taxes, most countries do not have the 3 to 4 levels of government we do with taxes at each level - e.g. Federal, State, County and City or Township taxes. Additionally in most cases the payroll taxes we pay, don't exist - but are rather part of the income taxes in other countries.
alarictoo
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 3:22 p.m.
"Work in a school, and have seen some of the writing being done by the students, needs working on." The irony of this sentence is exquisite. Thanks for the laugh, Carole! ;^)
macjont
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 3:13 p.m.
You know, Carol, we really are not being taxed to death. People in this country pay the lowest taxes of any people in the industrialized world.
dotdash
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 12:17 p.m.
Computers for classrooms are one thing; computers to analyze teacher assessments and achievement gap data (administrative tasks) are a whole different ballgame. If the new superintendent thought that adding to administrative costs would make the tech millage sound urgent to taxpayers, I think she miscalculated. There are enough good questions from posters here (10-year debt on 3-year product lives is a cogent one) to make me want to know more. AA.com, is there a budget available online that voters can look at? School board, is there an answer to why we should pay over 10 years for laptops that last 3? Or are the needed laptops only coming out of the first year of funding and the other 9 years will be available to buy more later? More answers, please.
InterestedReader
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 2:54 p.m.
The assessments are state requirements; to comply with new state regulations. The article should have done a better job explaining.
snoopdog
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 11:57 a.m.
"While the district, along with the county's other nine districts, eventually need to consider mounting an enhancement millage campaign, Ann Arbor schools needs to also pursue the technology millage, said board President Deb Mexicotte." It has been said/stated at least 500 times and I will say it again, these school districts don't have revenue problems, they have spending and priority problems. They need to consider getting costs under control and getting true "shared sacrifice" from their teachers unions. Sick days need to be reduced, step raises need to be reduced ( or go away), professional/personal days need to be reduced, health care co-pays need to be raised, pensions need to be reduced or have higher contribution rates from the employees, and healthcare contribution rates from the employees must be raised to match those that pay their salaries ( the taxpayers). Till that happens, millages are doomed to fail at a very high rate. Good Day
Joe Kidd
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 5:20 p.m.
Gardener, I have a question. Isn't health care insurance costs variable from district to district? Your fee of $4000 is $333/month, which is high but not as high as what many people I know are paying. That really is not outrageous depending on your plan. I would be curious to know the % split, what you pay and what your employer pays. In regard to your retirement, your monthly contributions is $250. That is low, you should be paying much more into retirement funding, unless you are guaranteed a pension. If you think you should be reimbursed for sick days, that is kind of selfish I think. That is a benefit so you get paid when you ill, not an inducement to come to work when you are ill so that you will benefit financially.
Gardener1
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 5:11 p.m.
Have you checked lately what teachers do contribute to health care and retirement? You will be surprised how much it is. I was contributing about 4000 a year to my health care and about 3000 a year to retirement. As for sick days, there was no reimbursement for sick days not used. The full 200 were accumulated at the time of retirement and went back to the district. What are (were) you paying as an employee? Additionally, teachers who have graduated since 1985 need to continually get additional credits which cost money also. Teachers do not have a free ride once they get a job as you seem to imply.
elise
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 5 p.m.
Perhaps teachers should just be asked to volunteer their services.
macjont
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 3:12 p.m.
Ah yes, and make the teaching profession, which already is losing the best and the brightest to other professions, even less attractive as a career choice than it already is. Snoopdog, your proposals, if adopted, would doom us to a future no intelligent, well informed person would ever want.
cette
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 11:47 a.m.
I would say to the BOE that people get adjustments to their bills and thier incomes once a year, about, and that's what the board should be considering as well. This could be a very interesting year financially for all us, and it's only August. The board is misreading the tea leaves if they think all they have to do is ask, and they will get a millage passed. That's not the case. Right now the odds are about 50/50 of a passage, and something of such passing durability, may seem like a great idea, in a few years, the district might really want that money for something else. Come back in the spring and try again.
Joe Kidd
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 5:26 p.m.
Schools boards have something of an advantage if they look at voter turnout statistics. If they can determine that they have enough parents in the district to pass a millage they can focus efforts on parent voting. If they concentrate on stuffing those lunch boxes and backpacks with info packets on how important an issue is it could be successful, if the parents of students agree and turn out and there is little outrage among people fed up with tax increases.
A2comments
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 11:26 a.m.
Having to pay $90,000 for a special election would be strike 1. Wait until the next regular election vs. wasting tax dollars.
Stephen Lange Ranzini
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 10:48 a.m.
Borrowing to spend $46 million on a capital asset that is worthless in 3 years is not very fiscally prudent. Computers these days aren't long term assets but more like disposable razor blades. Please reconsider.
Joe Kidd
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 5:30 p.m.
Excellent point Stephen. At UM it seemed like all the uppers got a new computer every three years or so. The old ones maybe are not worthless but lacking the new gizmos and upgrades that come out every year. I would think each year capital fund accounts would already have funds for tech replacement.
padfoot
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 10:43 a.m.
I find this quotation by the new Superintendent very worrying: "Board members did agree the district needed to support technology. Superintendent Green called the issue the district's highest priority. "The future of the district is at stake," she said." Technology is the district's highest priority? Really?
KeepingItReal
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 1:34 p.m.
Padfoot: That statement caught my attention as well. It seems that the new sup has hit the ground running with the scare tactics.
thorj97
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 10:37 a.m.
UM routinely replaces older computers. Could some of these be donated to the school system? This could conserve education tax dollars for education.
Basic Bob
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 10:34 a.m.
"Laptops are needed to run a new student assessment program... for teacher evaluations and for working with data on the achievement gap..." These new programs are paid from the general fund. So should the computers. They are an operating expense.
DonBee
Wed, Aug 10, 2011 : 10:30 a.m.
Fast track, don't explain, bull it through. Typical AAPS BOE tactics. $30 million to pay for teacher evaluation laptops and student assessment laptops? If it is a 10 year millage we will be paying a second one by the time we pay off this one, since none of this technology will survive for 10 years in the classroom. Here is your first NO!