Ann Arbor school board could ask voters for technology bond in November
For the past few months, Ann Arbor school board members have bemoaned the fact that the statewide ballot initiative Proposal A prevents Michigan school districts from levying taxes to help increase local funding for schools.
However, trustees are considering one of their options to raise funds to provide an upgrade in computers and other technology in schools. It would be the first major upgrade in 7 years.
School board president Deb Mexicotte said it’s likely that trustees will make an effort to get a technology bond on the November ballot.
The school board has spoken a few times in open meetings about the possibility of a bond but there are no plans set in stone, Mexicotte said.
“We’re encouraged by the fact that it’s a local millage that will allow us to get as much information out as easily as possible,” Mexicotte said. “It’s something the community understands really well. Upgrading technology is easy to understand and people understand the impact.”
In discussions at the board table during the past month, trustees have floated the idea of a technology bond or a bond to provide more infrastructure for all-day kindergarten if it becomes mandated by the state.
The technology bond idea originally surfaced when the board began discussing the necessary upgrades that would have to be made to implement the Northwest Educational Assessment program at district middle schools and high schools.
Although board members have begun discussing a potential bond for November, the discussion hasn’t reached the Balas Administration Building.
District spokeswoman Liz Margolis said any discussion about a bond issue is premature.
“We haven’t had any discussions at the cabinet level,” she said. “I know the board brought it up.”
The tax rate for the district on the sinking fund, which repays money borrowed on a bond issue, was at .9861-mills in the 2010-11 school year. The tax rate on the district's debt in 2010-11 was 2.0325-mills.
Ann Arbor voters approved a school bond issue in 2004, which resulted in numerous projects, including the building of Skyline High School and the district's last major technology upgrade for schools. That bond is scheduled to be paid back in full by 2029.
Mexicotte and trustee Andy Thomas both believe the support for public education in Ann Arbor is strong enough to consider a bond issue despite coming on the heels of a special education millage renewal vote in May.
Thomas said even 18 months ago he would have been skeptical about pursuing a millage due to the failure of the school enhancement millage in 2009.
He said the technology bond would be something Ann Arbor voters would understand because technology is widely used in the community. He said technology needs to be replaced on a regular basis, and even though it might be a painful process to refresh technology in schools, it will help provide a better education for students.
“The Ann Arbor district recognizes technology is the wave of the future,” he said. “A lot of people are working with technology every day at the university or some other company. … People in Ann Arbor do recognize we need technology infrastructure in our schools.”
The frustration about not having any local authority to shrink the structural deficit in the general fund budget, which was about $16 million for the 2011-12 budget, gave way to a conversation on how best to use what local tax authority the district does have, Mexicotte said.
She said board members have to balance what other millages are up for renewal or what other possible areas of the school system might need to be funded when considering a bond for November. The school board would need to approve ballot language by August in order to have a bond on the November ballot and Mexicotte said it’s something the district plans on looking at throughout the summer.
“What’s happened is happened is we’ve opened up a conversation on the board,” she said. “If we are looking at our tax authority that we already have in the county and city, what would be a good way to sort of harness taxpayers desire for good schools and the desire to not have a millage every year or every five minutes?”
The state Department of Education and Gov. Rick Snyder have discussed moving from half-day to all-day kindergarten statewide, which would effectively create an unfunded mandate for school districts.
Locally, conversations have begun about the district’s ability to fit all the youngsters into current buildings.
District officials have said AAPS does not have the capability to have all kindergartners in school buildings at the same time right now. If that mandate were to come from the state, a bond could be used to fund building more classroom space.
Thomas said at this point he would need more information before considering putting a bond issue on the ballot for all-day kindergarten facilities.
“I’m not opposed to it, I’m not in favor of it,” he said. “I have not seen enough information for me to really speak intelligently on whether that’s something that should be brought forward.”
Kyle Feldscher covers K-12 education for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at kylefeldscher@annarbor.com or you can follow him on Twitter.
Comments
AMOC
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 12:14 a.m.
Kyle - You said in your article "The state Department of Education and Gov. Rick Snyder have discussed moving from half-day to all-day kindergarten statewide, which would effectively create an unfunded mandate for school districts." That is NOT true. The state of Michigan has provided the full per-pupil funding allotment for every kindergarten student for years, whether the student attended half day or full day classes, because kindergarten was and is optional for both districts and students and they wished to encourage districts to offer it. The actual proposal from the state, which was first discussed 2 years ago by the Department of Education under Governor Granholm, is to pay districts only half of the per-pupil allotment for students who attend kindergarten for only half a day. That's not what I would call an unfunded mandate for full-day kindergarten. That's more like insisting that districts provide all the hours of instruction the state is paying for to ALL students. In addition, AAPS charges parents who don't have low-enough income, or who live in areas without enough low-income students over $5,000 per school year in tuition for "full-day" kindergarten. This double dipping should be outlawed under the new rules.
Kyle Feldscher
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 5:47 p.m.
AMOC- I received this e-mail from Trustee Andy Thomas earlier today regarding this comment. "AAPS does not charge tuition for all-day kindergarten. All-day kindergarten is offered at Allen, Bryant, Carpenter, Mitchell, Northside and Pittsfield and is available to all children who attend these schools. Students who live in other attendance areas are able to enroll for all-day kindergarten at these schools if space is available. There is no charge to children enrolled in this program. There is also a "full-day kindergarten" option for children who meet specific eligibility requirements. This is an early intervention program, and is intended for children who are facing significant language and general readiness issues. There are limited number of available slots for this program. Full-day kindergarten is available at Lawton. As with all-day kindergarten, there is no charge for this program. There is also an extended day childcare option available at many other elementary schools. It appears that it is this childcare program that AMOC is referring to. This program provides enrichment opportunities such as drama, art, movement and cooking. It is non-academic and does not follow the curriculum developed for all-day kindergarten. Because it is considered childcare rather than kindergarten, there is a fee of $4,350 for this program. "
Not from around here
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 4:37 p.m.
man, after paying health care for illegal dependants and almost $500K for a achievement gap consultant, I'd be scared to ask for anymore money. Is Robert Bobb available? we need an emergency finacial manager for AAPS!
Stuart Brown
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 6:51 a.m.
If you want to use capital investment funds, why not make investments in things that will lower operating costs? In other words, why not put geothermal and solar panels into every building in the AAPS? Tear down aging builds that cost a lot to maintain and replace them with new ones that cost less to operate. This proposal should be shot down until the board can show how they would save operating costs with capital investments.
Basic Bob
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 2:41 a.m.
Here's an alternative technology that students will find useful for a lifetime: pencils and paper.
Basic Bob
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 2:36 a.m.
I know it's old school. I didn't even suggest the abacus, slide rules, graph paper, protractors, and French curves. Seriously, using these tools stimulates a part of the brain that surfing the interweb doesn't. All that the so-called technology programs do is teach people how to download movies, google, and facebook. These are skills?
grye
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 8:21 p.m.
That will ensure success for our student?
sbbuilder
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 1:55 a.m.
I just love how articles are sometimes paired: School board seeks more money!!! Record number of foreclosures!!! Will the circus never end?
stunhsif
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 1:31 a.m.
One word for all the taxpayers : Sucker's !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Don't Turn Off The Lights, All The Plants Are Going To Die
a2roots
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 11:33 p.m.
There is a need for computer updates in many of our schools and we should all know they are essential in todays living and work environment. Where they are needed and for whom is the question. If I see anything about smart boards being installed I will point you in the direction of Dexter High School. Just about every room had a smart board and projector installed a couple years ago. Rarely if ever are the smart boards used. The projectors are used but smart boards as a teaching tool for the most part are not utilized. I would bet the outcome would be the same in Ann Arbor.
AMOC
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 12:20 a.m.
You're right, a2roots. Those smart boards require that teachers dramatically revise their teaching style and curriculum materials to take advantage of them. This requires a commitment to professional development and teachers learning how to use the technology, them adjusting their lesson plans accordingly. In AAPS, the custom has been to devote 2 or 3 of the 4 available district-wide PD days to racial equity and achievement gap issues, and workshops led by the PEG. There's no time for them to learn how to use even the tech they already have.
J. A. Pieper
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 11:11 p.m.
I am an educator in AAPS, and a taxpayer. I do use my speaker system, but not ll day. For some reason I think it is important for students to learn to listen attentively when someone is speaking : ) I would also like to know what the school board/ administration thinks we need as far as a technology update, and this should be clearly defined before the district asks us for more money. All school districts can get around proposal A, just do a sinking fund millage, it's what AAPS does very well. I am a little astonished that the district would even consider any kind of additional tax at this time. Many of us are making cuts in our own life, and we have no one to turn to when we are having difficulty making ends meet, we just have to cut back even more. We have technology being used to "help" students become better readers, System 44, and Read 180. (COST ??) The interesting thing is that the computer is not able to correct a student who has difficulty pronouncing sounds, they just keep saying it the same way they always have. Sure, the computer documents that the student has failed (up to five times), but what the student really needs is that interaction with a teacher to help learn these letter/sound relationships. So, let's just keep adding technology! The new testing that is done on computers is not just for middle and high school, it is for grades K through 12. I am sorry AAPS, I just can't be the source of your endless desire for additional dollars, and will vote no. I will also encourage family members and neighbors to vote NO!
macjont
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 8:37 p.m.
OMG! Why have they waited 7 years to upgrade their technology? I've gone through three computers in that time span. How can they allow themselves to get that far behind? Of course we must support such a millage request. I'm not sure the board deserves praise or criticism for the "restraint" that has allowed the district's technology to fall so far behind.
Basic Bob
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 4:07 a.m.
"I've gone through three computers in that time span." That's not something I'd brag about. I bet the screens didn't even get dirty.
DonBee
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 7:07 p.m.
After spending $3 million on a new weight room and $800,000 on football stands and $350,000 on PEG and $250,000 a year on a new superintendent and $700,000 on non-dependent dependent healt care? Sorry, no dice here. At least $2.4 million of this was money that could have been spent on technology that was bond money.
HaeJee
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 6:13 p.m.
Despite what the common person may believe, it DOES cost to maintain and run public education. I personally believe that people either care about education or they don't. You can make up any justification or rationale to excuse why you are cheap, but bottom-line, you either support education our youth or you don't. When people start talking about money and how to spend it, you either are willing to INVEST in our youth's future or you're not. If you don't trust how it is being spent, then you had an opportunity to voice that during the board election. We have chosen to raise our children in AAPS district because the education is above average for the country and state. I was taught in graduate school in education that AAPS leads the state in refining educational laws in our state. This tells me that we are considered a leader in education, which requires investing in qualified people to make keep that status. Technology has become the avenue for high tech learning. The older generation may not be able to relate to the benefits, but there is a reason why colleges require educators to take technology courses for teaching certification and gaining principal certification. My only questions is how much AAPS has invested in applying for technology grants.
AMOC
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 12:24 a.m.
HaeJee - I have nothing against AAPS updating their technology. I have quite a lot against using 20 or 25 year bonds to pay for items with a 3 to 5 year useful life, and even more against the way AAPS shortchanges the training most teachers need to be able to integrate the technology into their teaching.
Basic Bob
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 4:01 a.m.
I support the education of our youth by voting and paying taxes. It seems that it is you who are dissatisfied with the budget process. You can make a difference by convincing your peers to accept benefit reductions in order to hire additional teachers.
Dog Guy
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 6:06 p.m.
We taxpaid teachers with our parents and significant others as well at the IBEW guys who will run the wires constitute a majority of voters on this issue. AnnArborites cannot resist words like "technology" or "science". This vote is "for our children". Tax-parasites have a self-interest solidarity which demands that U of M students and staff vote for it. From any aspect, this is a done deal. Damn the foreclosures, full speed ahead. The additional funds will reduce stress (hah!) on us of the ruling elite. If any funds are spent on technology for the classroom, the teacher may catch up on graphic novels while the gadgets entertain the kids. It is a wonderful system.
pearlgirl
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 5:44 p.m.
After more than 20 years experience designing and selling technology solutions, I know the most important step in the process is a thorough needs-based assessment with the end users: students and teachers. Until this analysis is completed, the concept of another technology bond is obviously a ploy to increase and divert revenues before due diligence and effective management. Significant funds were used to purchase equipment and software licensing for the Myaccess computerized writing program currently deployed in AA public schools, which has been a miserable failure. Neither writing ability nor scores have improved as promised. Students report they can "fool" the system by simply cutting and pasting repetitive words into the online documents since the systems uses a faulty artificial intelligence scoring engine--the more words the higher the score. Furthermore, most teachers use the system to meet mandates without actual individualized instruction to meet each student's needs. It basically provides the paperwork to validate the student wrote a specific number of essays. If Myaccess is an example of "necessary technology upgrades" than taxpayers might just as well flush their money down the toilet. I vote NO!
BhavanaJagat
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 4:43 p.m.
The first thing I did is, I voted to approve the comments posted by Yohan and A2Comments. We need to stop this technology myth. Children need to engage their minds with intellectual thoughts and we need teachers who could keep this engagement of minds. The District is willing to reduce the number of teachers and teachers need no upgrades to their income or benefits. It is only technology that needs investment and upgrades as per the School Board. I am not buying this notion and fall into the technology trap. We need human engagement in our Schools and not computers and projectors that could be easily stolen from buildings which remain unlocked and unprotected after the School hours.
alarictoo
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 5:41 p.m.
@Cici - Keep in mind that the areas you are bringing up here about being in front of screens all day, learning how to dress for work, etc. are parenting tasks. They are not teaching tasks Seriously, people, start parenting your children and quit expecting the schools to try to do it.
johnnya2
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 12:53 a.m.
So cici, why would a school system be involved in how a person dresses for an interview? This is not a trade school. If the CEO is seeing these things, they are not talking to high school students of today They are likely talking to upper to middle level managers who fail in these things. It basically sounds to me like old people whining about "these damn kids today with their long hair and rock music". By the way, would these be CEOs like Jamie Dimon, Donald Trump, or the guy from Borders or even Bob Lutz? These guys have failed miserably in their jobs. I will take a poorly written resume and bad dress over these style over substance losers any day.
Cici
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 9:02 p.m.
@ grye Ohhh! If ONLY a good proportion of our students WERE ACCOMPLISHED in those basic reading, writing and arithmetic skills. As most employers have complained - those basic skill are lacking and complaints range from inability to even write a resume, spell, write legibly, or even wear appropriate dress if one gets an interview. Watch the CEO complaints on CNBC when these topics come up. We need to work on these BASIC skills. A computer screen doesn't... and too many of our kids spend too much time in front of several screens - computer, TV, etc. Social skills get neglected as well.
Cici
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 8:53 p.m.
Right on!
grye
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 8:45 p.m.
You may not agree with the suggested need to upgrade technology, however in today's world, technology is the driving factor for success. Want our children to fail? Then take away the technology. Only learn the basics of reading, writing, and arithmetic just like 3rd world countries. This will help us take several steps backwards. This will give you something else to whine about. Regarding your comments about the schools being unlocked, the schools are locked and alarmed after hours. Each classroom is separately locked. However this doesn't stop some determined thief from breaking in and stealing worthy items.
YpsiLivin
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 4:19 p.m.
"We're encouraged by the fact that it's a local millage that will allow us to get as much information out as easily as possible," Mexicotte said. "It's something the community understands really well. Upgrading technology is easy to understand and people understand the impact." It would be really nice to come away from this article with the feeling that the school board president understood the difference between a bond (loan) and a millage (grant). Perhaps therein lies the problem...
Steve Norton, MIPFS
Wed, Jun 15, 2011 : 4:35 a.m.
YpsiLivin, I was indeed trying to clarify things. All "millages" are property tax levies, and they can follow different rules depending on their purpose. Some are set at a specified rate of dollars per thousand of taxable value, and that rate does not change. The local school operating tax on commercial property, or the school sinking fund millage, are like that. Other millages are not specific as to rate, but can vary by law according to their purpose: the "hold harmless" millage which AAPS collects on residential property for operations is a good example. AAPS is allowed to levy whatever millage rate is necessary to collect $1,234 per pupil. That amount is calculated in advance every year. The ballot language authorized the district to collect "up to" a certain number of mills, only up to the necessary amount. Bonds are indeed debt, but they must also be paid with millages (tax levies). In this case, state law requires that the tax rate be calculated so that sufficient revenue is available to make interest and principal payments due on the bonds in any given year. School districts are covered by the rules for municipalities, contained in MCL 141.2701. What's different in this case is that the debt millage will automatically expire when the bonds it was earmarked to repay have all been redeemed.
alarictoo
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 5:35 p.m.
@YpsiLivin - And, what Steve is telling you is that the State has forced that situation. Period. This is the only option that public schools have available to them under the current legal structure in Michigan.
YpsiLivin
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 1:10 p.m.
Steve, Thanks for the "clarification" however I'm pretty sure the ballot language for the bond will go something like: "Shall the Board of Education of the Ann Arbor Public School District be authorized to issue general obligation bonds in an amount not to exceed $X..." A bond is a bond is a bond. It isn't a millage and all of the borrowed funds have to be paid back with interest. Calling it a "local millage" is both disingenuous and deceptive. Unlike a millage, where the tax is calculated based on a per/$1,000 of property valuation, the rate of taxation to pay bonds can vary because the money has to be paid back over a certain period of time, regardless of the valuation of property in the district. When property values drop, the value of the bond assessment must go up to meet the district's obligations. Millages don't do that. Sorry, but this isn't a millage, no matter how you slice it.
Steve Norton, MIPFS
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 5:41 a.m.
In fact, Trustee Mexicotte is not confused. Before the school district can sell bonds, it must ask voters for permission to levy a millage that will be legally dedicated to paying off the bonds. Those millages shrink as the repayment needs shrink, and they end when the bonds are paid off. I'm sure they would rather have something like the sinking fund, which simply provides revenue for capital expenses without borrowing costs, but that's against the law. Sinking funds cannot be used to purchase technology unless the Legislature changes the rules. Bills that would do just that have failed in every legislative session for the past 6 or more years. Unless we were to pass a county-wide millage, AAPS's only legal option would be a bond (repaid with a millage).
YpsiLivin
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : midnight
Cici, That's fine, but you've missed the point. Deb Mexicotte seems to be confused about the fundamental difference between a bond and a millage. A bond is borrowed money, which has to be paid back; a millage is a no-strings-attached gift from the taxpayers. In referring to a potential bond issue as a "local millage" she ignores the fact that the school district will be spending borrowed money to accomplish its technology update. Regardless of your feelings about the relative importance of the expenditure, buying something on credit (bond) is very different than buying something with cash (millage), and the school board president should probably know the difference.
Cici
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 8:53 p.m.
As part of the community I do understand upgrading technology. The latest and greatest is not necessary to teach the necessary applications and programs. A five year old computer can handle a lot...they can be networked, upgraded, even use speech recognition, etc. , memory added and more capacity. And an older computer can easily access the cloud as well. I do, and a whole lot more.
zip the cat
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 3:55 p.m.
This farce doesent stand a snow ball chance in hell of getting approved. We need to remember this request at school board election time and vote all the out of control spenders OUT of office. Wow,When will the circus end
stunhsif
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 1:38 a.m.
Never, dah dah dat dah dah dah dat dah dah dah dat dah, dah dah dat dah, dah dah dahhhhhhhh. Dah dah dat dah dah dah dat dah dah dah dat dah, dah dah dat dah dah dah dahhhhhhh !!!
Moonmaiden
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 3:41 p.m.
Does it worry anybody else that this idea is coming from the school board and not from administration? This really isn't the way it's supposed to work, although I guess Ann Arbor is likes to do things differently. Does Am Arbor really need all those central administrators?
setsyfly
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 3:24 p.m.
Clearly, the school board is made up of people who are out of touch with the current economic situation. They just upped the superintendent's salary $65,000 a year (an increase of $33%) Where did that money come from? Now they're crying poor again. If any extra money is spent on the school system, I'd like to see it go to an independent firm to do a time study on the administration. I'll be they could find lots of wasted money that could be put to good use. Setsy
alarictoo
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 6:27 p.m.
While I do understand your annoyance, I find it hard to sympathize when the same Board of Education members that you say are "out of touch with the current economic situation," all ran unopposed to maintain their seats last year. Why didn't I see either of your names on the ballot?
Moonmaiden
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 3:42 p.m.
Seems to me they could easily have promoted from within for superintendent. What are all these central administrators training for if not to be a superintendent. The new supt's salary is ridiculous.
mojo
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 3 p.m.
Here is a novel idea for the schools: Cut your own budget for once! And not just the 'imaginary budget' wish list, but using last years spending as your base line! . How about spending Less this year than last year. How about cutting back? How about not spending more and more and more each year in every department? . The system needs some financial discipline - perhaps a manager from Lansing should come down here and 'enforce' spending.
Edward R Murrow's Ghost
Thu, Jun 16, 2011 : 11:44 a.m.
DonBee wrote: "If you leave out special education funds, grants, stimulus funds and other non-Proposition A money you are correct. If you include them the budget is this year for the first time in available history going down." Wrong, and DonBee knows it. I suspect that is why he provided no numbers to back up that spurious claim. Adjusting for inflation, the AAPS has taken substantial cuts over the last 15 years. Bogus claims, DonBee, this time without the typically bogus numbers. Good Night and Good Luck
DonBee
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 9:37 a.m.
Mr Norton - If you leave out special education funds, grants, stimulus funds and other non-Proposition A money you are correct. If you include them the budget is this year for the first time in available history going down.
Steve Norton, MIPFS
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 5:35 a.m.
And, in fact, the AAPS operating budget has been shrinking over the last two years.
johnnya2
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 12:46 a.m.
Because costs don't go down or stay the same every year. Is your gasoline budget the same as last year? How about utilities> What about food? Health care? then there is that little idea of cutting a schools revenue but telling them to make do with less. If you are such a genius on budgeting I suggest you put up or shut up. Give us all YOUR budget. Post the details. Also pay for the unfunded mandate proposed by the head nerd in charge. Until then, just keep quiet until you understand money.
Bill
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 2:40 p.m.
I would agree that the Board should develop a program to have the teachers and staff develop and recommend ways to reduce cost throughout the entire district. They would be amazed at how many recommendations might come along that were never thought of by those who only visit a facility from time to time. With regards to the computer, a 3-year old computer is generally considered dated and one that is 4 or 5 years old is obsolete by today's business standards. The district should plan for replacements within their budget each year with one quarter of the computers needing replacement each year. When possible, these should be sold to recover some of the cost toward the new units. I would also agree that rather than a blanket deployment of technology, make sure the technology is required and will be utilized by the staff and students. Today's economy requires new thinking which does not include just the same oold, new tax proposals.
DonBee
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 9:35 a.m.
Another answer, one we use in our business is handing down. So the hot computers come into the areas the need them the most and the older machines get scrubbed and moved down. We have some people happy on 8 or 9 year old machines. There is no reason that machines could not come into the high end high school classes and be passed down, so eventually the oldest machines end up in middle schools (they seem to make the least use of technology).
Cici
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 8:45 p.m.
That is a very sensible idea and proposal. But I do not think computers need replacing every 3 years. Yes, Windows 7 now is great. But as soon as one upgrades to one OS, there is another. Windows 8 will now be out very soon..... 2 core duo's are now the old and Sandybridge is in; another is in planning. By the end of the year there will be a new one..... Well pentiums do silil work fine, single core duo's too. There is no way taxpayers can cough up to keep up with new tech-taxes every 3 years.
Moonmaiden
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 3:44 p.m.
Bill, you make way too much sense. It's obvious you don't work for the schools . . .
kludwig
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 2:31 p.m.
Using long term money for short lived/consumable items is really stupid. The AAPS has done this time and again-30 year bonds for carpets and computers which wear out or become obsolete in 3-5 years. WCC has long had in its operating budget, not in its capital budget, technology upgrades and replacements. This is the sensible way to fund these things and WCC, thanks to the effort of the late and lamented Richard W. Bailey, stays current technologically and does not cripple its future ability to remain so. I pretty sure that, were we dumb enough to vote for such a millage, other funds would be internally diverted that are now allocated to whatever meager technology upgrades are budgeted. This would be yet another end run around Proposal A.
DonBee
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 9:32 a.m.
Mr. Norton - We meet again. Local millages for AAPS: 1) Bonds for building and technology - moving these expenses out of the operating budget (and paying for some things that would not be done otherwise - like a brand new weight room) 2) Bonds for the sinking fund - moving these expenses out the operating budget (and paying for some things what would not have been done otherwise - like the new stands for the football field) 3) Special Education millage - moving special education costs out of the general fund and paying for things like the new school behavior system 4) Enhancement millage - OOPS defeated for lack of definition and directional change by the BOE and others The local community supports the schools and has added greatly to the availability of operating funds by moving expenses to special purpose millages. More than $4,000 per student per year comes from these special millages (I am on the road and away from my detailed spreadsheets). Your continuation to say that AAPS does not get money from the local community, mistates the reality of what the local community funds. Money for just the WISD exceeds the amount that is paid to WCC (3.9 mills to 3.6 mills), then there is the additional 3 and change mills that goes directly to AAPS. OH, and add that we now pay 1.5 mills for the library that used to be rolled into the AAPS millage - freeing additional funds for operations. But, then facts are no fun when making arguments.
Steve Norton, MIPFS
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 5:33 a.m.
WCC also receives substantial support from a local operating millage that Ann Arbor voters have generously continued to approve. AAPS does not have the legal authority to ask for operating funds on its own other than what the State allows. And what the State allows has been falling, after inflation, since 1994.
johnnya2
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 12:42 a.m.
You do understand that it COULD be int he operating budget, IF the state did what it was SUPPOSED to so after Proposal A. Instead we see per pupil CUTS by the Rickster. Then to top it off, the nerd in charge wants to mandate all day Kindergarten. I thought the right wing was strongly opposed to unfunded mandates. I thought schools were supposed to have LOCAL control. Conservatives talk one way and act another. By the way, those who say who needs updated technology, I suggest you try getting a job after having last used a computer SEVEN years ago, and trying to use today's new technology in the workforce. You would be a total liability and unemployable.
Cici
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 8:36 p.m.
I agree! Why isn't technology included in the general school operating budget?? To put it in a special bond and tax request is not the way to go. That equipment should be included in general planning in the normal budget. I feel buried in taxes! My computer is 5 years old, and it still will run MS Office 07 and 10, has no problems with general programs, graphics etc. The latest and greatest is not always necessary to learn and teach computer skills and fundamentals and commonly used applications. Perhaps current computers could easily be upgraded if necessary with a few new componenets like more memory and not necessarly with brand new computers at taxpayer expense. Oh! Maybe they want ther new SSD (solid state drives) as part of the new technology!! And hey! And there's always the cloud for extra storage if that is an issue and part of the new "need". Anyone out there willing to buy me a brand new computer too??? Even 2 extra gb of memory can go a long way - and memory is cheap these days.
Will Warner
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 1:27 p.m.
"OMG, the nerve of these people!!! Constantly asking us taxpayers for more money" These people (members of the school board) are doing their jobs -- making assessments about what would help the school district deliver the best education it can, and offering the public the choice to fund it. The public can turn it down, saying, "things are good enough now," or "find savings to pay for it" or "we disagree with your assessment" or "we're mad at you for other reasons." That's all fine. The school board proposes but the public disposes. It's a very cool system.
Will Warner
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 10:26 a.m.
Fishnuts: Actually I'm ambivalent about it. But I don't mind being asked.
stunhsif
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 1:36 a.m.
Feeling rather soft and reflective are you Will ? Write a big check , you can afford it !
alarictoo
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 6:21 p.m.
@braggslaw - What I find more disingenuous is when they try to pile multiple things into one bond, hoping that pet projects will ride through on the coat tails of truly needed initiatives. I personally prefer to see them bring a tech bond that is separate from other projects. It should make it far simpler to look at the bond proposal and see what is what. When I get worried is when I see everything being rolled into one bond initiative.
braggslaw
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 2:12 p.m.
In these troubling financial times I find it a bit disingenuous to repeatedly try to increase taxes under multiple millages with different names.
Will Warner
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 1:39 p.m.
bill --My bad. I we are in agreement. I grabbed the wrong OMG quote.
clownfish
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 1:25 p.m.
Too bad all of the experts posting here did not put in their names for the Superintendent position. I am wondering how many will be running for school board next go-'round?
John B.
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 9:08 p.m.
None, I'd wager. Too easy to just gripe all the time, and take potshots from the sidelines (anonymously!).
braggslaw
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 1:15 p.m.
A rose by any other......
grye
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 1:11 p.m.
Before having any kind of opinion regarding the technology upgrade proposal, I would like to see exactly what needs to be upgraded and where my money would be going. Those here that have a strong opinion against the proposed proposal need to hear some facts before saying no. Regarding the full day kindergarden, if the school system does not have the space, then I portables or building modification may be needed. However the school system should look at current building occupancy levels to determine if redistricting or shift of students to schools that are under utilized may be more fiscally responsible.
Steve Hendel
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 12:40 p.m.
This paragraph does not make any apparent sense: The tax rate for the district on the sinking fund, which repays money borrowed on a bond issue, was at .9861-mills in the 2010-11 school year. The tax rate on the district's debt in 2010-11 was 2.0325-mills.
Steve Norton, MIPFS
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 5:29 a.m.
You're right, it's incorrect. The sinking fund is an ongoing source of funds to do major renovation and construction, so that key facilities projects don't have to wait for the 20-year bond cycle. The debt millages were voted to pay down the bonds issued in 2004 (and earlier, if any are still being paid).
tdw
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 12:27 p.m.
I don't live in Ann Arbor so it's really none of my business.But anytime I see anything concerning money and A2 I envision ( I think it's from monopoly ) Uncle Pennybags standing with his pockets turned out
Dr. I. Emsayin
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 12:17 p.m.
Opening Skyline High School caused many cuts at other schools because the money is needed to operate Skyline. When Community High is fighting for its life and its building, when Roberto Clemente is on the chopping block, when elementary children's librarians are being cut in thirds, when courses and teachers and counselors are being cut at the high schools and there is a threat of counselor cuts at the middle schools, when class sizes are expanding, when administrators and busing have been cut, why would voters rally behind this millage? The reason: money is not going to the teachers, but directly to student services...(as if teachers do not provide the most important student service).
snark12
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 1:56 p.m.
If the children's librarians are being cut in thirds then things really are gruesome!
dlb
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 12:11 p.m.
Seems like both public and private organizations just love to spend on technology and buildings - how about money for staffing!? And, no, I am not an Ann Arbor Schools employee.
aataxpayer
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 12:08 p.m.
My bad - the 2029 expiration is for both Skyline and the technology bond.
Wolf's Bane
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 11:52 a.m.
OMG, the nerve of these people!!! Constantly asking us taxpayers for more money so that they can update and expand the technology infrastructure of our schools and keep us current with our competition in China and elsewhere. Gee willy. How dare they want our children to have have the very best in equipment??? They have all the chalkboards and chalk they need!
Wolf's Bane
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 5:27 p.m.
Nobody appreciates sarcasm.
jns131
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 2:28 p.m.
I agree with this one. Right now they are giving students a choice, ride or not to ride. Lay off teachers or come up with more money. They are bare bone and Balias refuses to cut their own necks. Sorry, but ask the federal government to come up with something. I am voting no. Again. No to higher taxes and no to frivolous spending. Good grief Balais. Slice and dice your own.
aataxpayer
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 11:25 a.m.
So the last technology bond will not be paid off until 2029 and now they want to issue another bond? That's like taking out a 20 year car loan. It makes no sense.
John B.
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 9:06 p.m.
"And I would presume Skyline HS had the latest, greatest technology" Yes, for SEVEN years ago.... That's the point.
alarictoo
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 6:14 p.m.
@Cici - Please post some figures that support the drop in enrollment that you speak of. AAPS enrollment has been steady at around 17,000 for the last several years.
Cici
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 1:16 p.m.
And I would presume Skyline HS had the latest, greatest technology. That was an unnecessary expense with the population that has left A2 and a drop in enrollment most likely as well.
skigrl50
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 11:42 a.m.
If you read the article you will find that the bond includes Skyline High School, so for it to be paid off in 30 years is NOT unreasonable...
InsideTheHall
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 11:03 a.m.
If technology "expires" every 5 years then the bonds should be for 5 years and match the life expectancy of the technology. If this is done then people will see the ridiculus cost of this "want" and conclude there is no "need" based on the cost.
MJSteklac
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 10:06 p.m.
Absolutely! Having a 25-year bond on technology that will be obsolete in 5 years is ludicrous. The State legislature should pass a law requiring that the length of time for paying off a bond should match the expected life of the item being purchased with bond funds, this would include those districts that have used bond funds to purchase buses with bond funds too.
average joe
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 11:22 a.m.
The computer I am using is only 3 years old, but is already paid for. It wasn't financed over 30 years.
Grant
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 10:59 a.m.
First of all, who will support spending more money in areas other than basic survival in times like these? Second of all, your are losing the best financial manager you have ever had. In the unlikely event this bond passes, who will come in to effectively watch over the expenditure of these funds? You are up against a new Superintendent, and a new CFO, who will likely be coming in with either lack of actual experience, or the thorough understanding of how Portage Public Schools operates.
Grant
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 8:31 p.m.
Alarictoo: You are Soooooo right. Not enough caffeine this morning. Thanks
alarictoo
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 6:12 p.m.
@Grant - I think you are confused. This article is about Ann Arbor Public Schools, not Portage Public Schools.
InsideTheHall
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 10:56 a.m.
Seriously? AAPS doesn't get it, the education business is being restructured. Technology to the schools is like global warming. The sky will fall if we don't have WiFi in every class, latest updates for Word, Excel, Powerpoint, etc. Poppycock, what do the students really need that is different from what they have available now? Or, do the teachers "want" the latest and greatest in the teacher lounge???????
sh1
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 4:08 p.m.
Oh, you cynics. Facebook and Twitter are not accessible during the day by students or teachers (blocked by filters). And teachers' lounges do not get technology. Maybe the schools want technology updated to be able to teach with equipment that actually works with updated programs. There is not always evil lurking underneath.
Cici
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 1:13 p.m.
Perhaps the current computers can't hook up to acebook, Twitter, etc.......
Cici
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 1:10 p.m.
Oh yessss! And we must have a Wi-Fi add-on now in the A2 Municipal Center project, and the A2 Justice Center. The former for attendees to use their laptops??? Seems a tape recorder could do the same thing. And for council members to communicate with each other during meetings? Have we not been there before? I don't believe we even needed a new public school! How many tax increases can low income retirees take??
sh1
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 11:14 a.m.
How many years do you think a computer should be used before upgrading to a newer one?
DennisP
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 10:41 a.m.
And that's why the citizens of Michigan amended the Constitution two decades back to prevent local "control" of taxing options. The locals had no control over spending then as now and saw the solution to put millage proposals up onto a ballot repeatedly until passed. In many instances, the local boards didn't even need voter approval and simply exercised authorities to enter into bonds and impose millages without voter approval. When Headlee Amendment limited that and forced the vote, the elections would come non-stop--while in the meantime, local property value assessments would rise twice as fast as the fair market value becoming a "backdoor" tax increase that literally forced people out of their homes. Today's local politician only learned the methods and ideas of the old politicians that came before them, not the lessons. Be careful because there is always an undercurrent to dispense with the tax reform commonly referred to as Proposal A (no proposal, but voter-mandated constitutional law). Granholm spent most of her administration saying it needed to be "tweaked", others wanted a constitutional convention to re-write the whole thing largely to get rid of A. When politicians crave demolishing a voter-mandated law, it means it's doing exactly what the voters intended.
A2Realilty
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 1:11 p.m.
That proposal sends the vast majority of the money collected within the City of Ann Arbor to other districts. We are a donor district. If all the money that were collected for school taxes within Ann Arbor were used within Ann Arbor, then the budget wouldn't even be a topic.
Hot Sam
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 10:31 a.m.
As someone who makes his living selling technology items...much of it ending up in schools...this is good news. As a taxpayer in this community, this raises a huge flag. The problem I have is that when these things are done, there is a tendency to put everything in every room regardless of whether or not it is going to be used. While I am all for teachers getting the tools they need and are going to use, I cannot see equipment collecting dust. A classic example are these small sound systems that had to be put in to every classroom a few years ago. The vast majority never get turned on. Supplying them only to the teachers who needed them would have saved thousands.
kathryn
Tue, Jun 14, 2011 : 1:24 a.m.
Actually, microphones are used in many if not most rooms to help student hear the teacher and other students, and are also the sound system for any videos shown.
A2Realilty
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 1:09 p.m.
@Hot Sam - I think that you need to be careful making a statement with an unfounded generalization. I have been to many K-5 classrooms. I have yet to visit one where the teacher isn't using the sound system. My experience contradicts what you've heard.
Hot Sam
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 11:25 a.m.
SH...I'd be happy to stand corrected...it's just that when I ask friends who teach, they say "I know a couple who use them"...As I said...I would not deny those who use them...I am just saying that blanket applications are not always the best way to go...
sh1
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 11:13 a.m.
I believe these sound systems are being used much more than you think. They were an important addition to our classrooms for teachers and students.
Hot Sam
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 10:55 a.m.
And you should have one Jeff...but an you honestly tell me there aren't WAY too many not being used?
Jeff Gaynor
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 10:52 a.m.
I have been teaching for over 30 years. I was skeptical of the need for a sound system too, but find it nearly indispensable. Not only does it save my voice, but it helps engage more students, the real bottom line.
Goober
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 10:25 a.m.
Use some of the money that is wasted on consultants. Energize the staff to find cost savings that can generate the needed funds, the same way private industry has done for many years. I agree with yohan, that all of us must remember this next school board election. We need true leadership in this area instead of this continuation of waste, mismanagement and the destruction of our education system.
Cici
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 12:56 p.m.
@Hot Sam, DITTO here!!
Hot Sam
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 10:33 a.m.
Don't get me started about technology consultants...one of the biggest wastes of resources I see...
A2comments
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 10:24 a.m.
Asking for money at this point is comical. Use the health benefits STOLEN by dependents recently... I would expend a great amount of energy to defeat ANY proposal.
Steve Pepple
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 1:04 p.m.
Let's keep the conversation on topic here, please.
skigrl50
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 11:02 a.m.
@A2comments - before you blast employees for stealing benefits, you should know ALL of the facts! For example, I followed the policy, as soon as my divorce was final, I removed my former spouse from my benefits package. Imagine how shocked I was when 1 1/2 years later when I received information that he was still being covered with benefits. I did exactly what I was supposed to do, HR had my paperwork, they also had the paperwork that they sent into Blue Care Network doing what they were supposed to do. So for you to imply that employees "STOLE" benefits without all of the facts is very short sighted on your part. Perhaps before you pass judgement on others, you should examine the facts and not just take an annarbor.com article at face value!
yohan
Mon, Jun 13, 2011 : 10:13 a.m.
OMG!!! Here we go again! When will these people ever learn to control their spending? They just refuse to do the hard work of restraining themselves. It is interesting to see how those who profess to teach refuse to learn. Please, everyone, remember this at the next school board election.