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Welcome to Gary Rider's blog! Thanks for stopping by. I initiated this site in October of 2009 with the hope I could use it as a tool to get information about the Thornapple Kellogg Schools out to our community. I hope you find it helpful. If you would like to email me please feel free to do so at: superintendent@tkschools.org. Thank You! |
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3/28/2012
As many of you know "All Day Every Day Kindergarten" has become a hot political issue in Michigan. Included in the Governor’s proposed budget for next school year is a provision that kindergarten (and young fives) students would need to be in school "All Day Every Day" in order for schools to continue to get full state aid for those students.
This drastic change would have a significant negative effect on the budget of many districts around the state, including Thornapple Kellogg. In order for us to implement such a program it would cost us $600,000 – if we did not run the program we would lose $900,000 in revenue. It is definitely a lose-lose situation for us.
It was our hope that the politics on this issue would be in better focus by the time we reached spring break. Unfortunately, that is not the case. I will be going to Lansing with a small group of superintendents from Kent County to meet with legislative leaders Wednesday, March 28th. Of the items we are scheduled to discuss, "All Day Every Day Kindergarten" is at the top of the list. We should have a much better idea of the direction this issue will take after those meetings.
Many years ago, when the per pupil formula for funding schools was established, it was acknowledged and recognized that kindergartners would receive the same funding as other students even though they were only in school half the time. The reason for that was high school students were much more expensive to educate. The per pupil amount (now referred to as the "Foundation Grant") took into account the cost differences to educate students at different grade levels. The foundation grant was meant to be an "average" for student’s K-12.
Unfortunately, most legislators today do not know about the history of the foundation grant. They simply want to balance the state’s budget, and feel that a student who is in school half time should only get half funding. They refuse to recognize that this is another funding cut for school districts at the most difficult financial time in our state’s history. It is also unfortunate that nowhere in their discussions has there been any mention of whether or not it’s developmentally appropriate for kindergartners to be in school full time.
For our part at TK we are prepared to run either program. McFall Principal Jon Washburn has found that we have the classroom space to house all of our kindergarten and young fives students full time, although McFall would be a very "crowded house."
We understand parents will need to know what we are going to do soon. Many of the Kent ISD districts I have been in communication with are committing to a "drop dead" date anywhere from mid to late April. This will be the case for us as well. Mr. Washburn has a meeting scheduled for parents April 26 and we will commit to a course of action by then so that parents can make their plans for next fall.
It is our hope this email will help parents have a better understanding of the "All Day Every Day Kindergarten" issue, the politics involved and the reason why we have yet to commit to a course of action for next fall.
Thank you very much for your support and patience as we work through this important issue.
Sincerely,
Gary Rider 2/10/2012
Hello everyone – Thursday of this week Governor Snyder released details of his proposed budget for 2012-13. Wish I had some better news to pass along. Please do not be misled by the spin doctors in Lansing. The Governor is not proposing a 2.5 – 3% increase for schools. As I feared it was just a misleading headline. Governor Snyder’s budget recommendation is fundamentally a continuation of what we had last year - the amount for schools is essentially the same. He is claiming since he restored monies that were set to expire (“best practice” incentives & pension relief) that means he proposed an increase in funding – he did not. Here are some points I would want you to be aware of:
- The foundation grant ($6846) remains the same.
- There are “Student Academic Performance” incentives districts can qualify for up to $100 dollars per student. These are not to be confused with last year’s “Best Practice” dollars. These dollars will be much harder for districts to qualify for. They are based on very complicated formulas and it appears that schools will be lucky to get them. One thing that seems to be different about this proposal is that these dollars would be paid “after the fact” and schools shouldn’t budget for them.
- For any of the above dollars (“Student Academic Performance”) that aren’t claimed the rest will be distributed among schools that meet five of this year’s six “Best Practice” standards. This means if any money is available after the “Student Academic Performance” incentives are doled out – we should qualify – we just don’t know how much that might be.
- The intent language for 2012-13 in the current State Aid bill requiring full day Kindergarten for a full foundation allowance remains in this proposed bill, which means a $900,000 loss in revenue if we don’t offer full day or approximately $600,000 in expenses to make the change.
- Money for helping us offset retirement increases remains almost the same as last year at about $100 per student. The problem is that the rate is set to go up again and the $100 only covers last year’s increase – it will not help us with this year’s increase.
- The MPSERS rate was set to increase to 27.37% for 2012-13, which equates to a $140 per pupil cost increase for TK, it appears that rate will stand. (Total increase of over $400K)
- The future is not expected to be any better. The projected MPSERS rate for 2013-14 in the proposed bill is 31.21%!!! This will surely be a legislative focus in the coming months as this may be the breaking point for many districts.
The budget process is just beginning. By now many of you know the drill; this budget has to go through the appropriation committees in each of the two legislative chambers and most likely a conference committee before heading to the Governor’s desk for signature. That process will take months but hopefully we will have a School Aid bill before June.
That’s it for now. Like I said – I wish I could give you better funding news. I’ll update you with more information as I receive it. 1/10/2012
Dear TK Community:
It is with many mixed emotions that I let you know I announced at last night’s School Board meeting that I will be retiring this June after 36 years of service to public education. I want to express my sincere appreciation to you, the board, the staff, administrators, and members of the TK community for providing me with the best professional experience of my life. My wife, Sandy, and I were both welcomed into the community with open arms five years ago and we feel very fortunate to have made many friends for life. The experience has exceeded our expectations and I will never be able to fully express my gratitude for the opportunity to serve you.
As for my retirement, I look forward to having more time with Sandy, our children and grandchildren, and possibly an occasional round of golf. I also look forward to continuing to stay active and engaged in the field of education working with school districts as a consultant.
In the mean time, I pledge you will continue to get my best effort on behalf of the students of Thornapple Kellogg. I look forward to working through the challenges we will face and doing everything I can to ensure a smooth transition to new leadership of the district.
With sincere respect,
Gary Rider
Hello Everyone –
I wanted to take a moment to give you some information about the great work our TK students and staff did just prior to the holiday break to benefit others. We should all be very proud of what they did – here is a sampling:
At the high school:
- The student council raised almost $3,000 for the Barry County United Way Emergency Relief Fund, which helps families keep their heat and electricity on during the winter.
- Students also collected toys for Barry County Kids.
At the middle school:
- Students raised over $2000 for the Children’s Miracle Network.
At Page Elementary:
- The Special Education department raised over $700 for Love Inc
- Classrooms adopted three families in need and provided them with gifts for Christmas.
- The student council provided 15 holiday baskets for families in need.
At Lee Elementary:
- Students conducted a food drive and a toy drive.
- Classrooms adopted two families in need.
- Sponsored the “Shop with a Cop” program: Two needy students shopped for Christmas with a state trooper and went out to lunch.
At McFall Elementary:
- 43 Students received food from Hand2hand Ministry.
- Students conducted a food drive coordinated by Middleville Christian Reformed Church.
12/16/2011
Hello Everyone!
I’m sure it must be a sign that I am aging but I can’t believe Christmas vacation is already upon us! The holiday season has really jumped up and grabbed the Rider household this year. It’s been hectic, crazy and chaotic - but at the same time - great. The shopping for the kids and grand kids is just about complete, the holiday parties have begun and all of a sudden we have become engulfed by the spirit of the season - we love it.
Thank so much to our staff for their great work this school year. Their focus on students has been exceptional and their continued outstanding effort on behalf of the kids of Thornapple Kellogg is greatly appreciated. I feel we are all very lucky to be able to do work that matters. There is nothing more important than being able to contribute to the future and we should all be very proud that our staff is helping make our community and the world a better place.
I hope you have a great two weeks (plus a day!) of vacation. I also hope you get some time to celebrate with family, remember those less fortunate than ourselves and have the chance to look back and reflect on how truly blessed we are!
Happy Holidays, and have a very Merry Christmas everyone!
11/17/2011
Hello Everyone –
Each fall the school board and I conduct a workshop to review our Governance Team “Standards of Practice” (the board’s version of a social contract) and set goals for me for the upcoming year. The workshop took place on October 18 and after some clean up and “wordsmithing” the board and I signed the document at the board meeting this past Monday night.
In the "Documents" column to the right hand side of this page you can click on a link (101811 goals and standards of practice) that includes both. 11/8/2011
Amid all of the negative news in Lansing, revenues continue to increase. Latest projections indicate revenue collections in the school aid fund may be as much as $260 more than original projections. Here is the story from MIRS:
(By the way – MIRS (Michigan Information & Research Service) is a comprehensive news service that provides analysis of state government delivered in written reports detailing the activities of the House, Senate, Judicial and Executive branches of Michigan state government.)
State lawmakers and Gov. Rick SNYDER may well wind up with an extra $500 million on their hands according to a quarterly House Fiscal Agency (HFA) revenue report issued today.
Based on revenue collections through October, the HFA is estimating fiscal year (FY) 2010-11 revenues are approximately $500 million higher than May 2011 consensus estimates. General Fund/General Purpose (GF/GP) revenue is up an estimated $240 million and estimated School Aid Fund (SAF) revenue is up $260 million.
Revenue collected in October and some revenue collected in November accrues back to the fiscal year that ended September 30, 2011. Therefore, FY 2010-11 revenue numbers are not final until mid to late December after all accruals and adjustments are made.
When quarterly collections data for the thirteen major taxes and Lottery transfers to the SAF are compared to the same quarter last year, collections this year were up 5.5 percent quarter over quarter, and up 7.2 percent year-to-date.
When quarterly collections data for the Personal Income Tax (minus refund checks) are compared to the same quarter last year, collections this year were up 6.4 percent quarter over quarter, and up 14.3 percent year-to-date.
When quarterly collections data for Sales and Use Taxes are compared to the same quarter last year, collections this year were up 5.5 percent quarter over quarter, and up 6.2 percent year-to-date.
When quarterly collections data for the Business and Insurance Taxes are compared to the same quarter last year, collections this year were up 24.1 percent quarter over quarter, and up 6.6 percent year-to-date.
The Report provided an overview of State and U.S. economic conditions noting that total Michigan nonfarm in October employment fell by 14,000 after a decline of 2,200. However, relative to a year ago, employment was up 1.7 percent or 65,000 jobs. The Report also noted that the Chicago Fed's Midwest Manufacturing Index increased 0.4 percent in September, and the State unemployment rate declined to 11.1 percent.
The broadest measure of economic activity in the national economy is gross domestic product (GDP). Third quarter GDP grew 2.5 percent - the strongest gain in over one year. Strong growth (16.3 percent) in nonresidential business fixed investment and a 2.4 percent increase in personal consumption contributed to GDP growth.
On the employment front, nonfarm employment increased 80,000 in October, and combined job growth estimates for August and September was revised upward to 102,000. Total light vehicle sales in October were at their highest level since February - 13.2 million units on an annualized basis.
However, both the Institute for Supply Management (ISM) index for manufacturing declined to 50.8 in October and the ISM index for services fell to 52.9. These indexes indicate that both the manufacturing sector and the services sector are still expanding, but at a very slow rate.
Hello Everyone –
Here’s is today’s hot item from Lansing:
The bill that would totally lift the cap on charter schools (SB 618), is expected to be taken up by the House Education Committee this week. I am encouraging people to oppose this legislation and agree with the talking points that are provided below by KISD Communications Director, Ron Koehler:
· Charter expansion should be limited to those districts that have buildings on the persistently low achieving list for several years and are unable to show improvement.
· Community colleges can already charter schools within their boundaries; there is no reason to extend their ability to charter statewide.
· Colleges that charter schools should be required to retain the 3 percent charter fee for the purpose of administration and monitoring charter performance. We cannot ensure quality if we allow those funds to go into the university’s general fund.
I would encourage you to contact our state Rep. Mike Callton and tell him you do not support the unlimited expansion of charter schools. In addition, I would encourage you to contact Reps. Tom Hooker and Ken Yonker today and tell them the same.
Both Tom and Ken are members of the House Education Committee and have indicated they would like to find ways to amend this legislation. Ask them how we can help and who else we can contact to make a difference. Below is a draft of a letter that was sent to me by Ron Koehler that can be used as a model for people who are looking to send a message to their legislators. Email addresses for Mike, Tom and Ken are listed below.
MikeCallton@house.mi.gov
ThomasHooker@house.mi.gov
KenYonker@house.mi.gov
Thank You!
Gary Rider, Superintendent
Thornapple Kellogg Schools
(269) 795-5521
Dear Rep. (name)
I am writing to ask you to stop weakening excellent public schools all across the state by opening the door to unlimited charter schools and cyber charter schools with no guarantee of quality or a record of previous success.
Our goal in Michigan should be creating the best schools, not the most schools. Our schools need the resources to deliver a world class education to our students. The Parental Empowerment Package now before the House does nothing to improve education and everything to weaken it by reducing the resources available to all schools.
I believe every child should have access to a great education, and every parent whose child is in a so-called failing district should have a choice to send their children to a better school. We should limit new charter and cyber-charter options to those districts and buildings where state accreditation standards show the district is not performing.
Our state does not have unlimited resources, and my child has just one chance at a great education. Parents who live in “failing” districts should have a choice, but unlimited choice doesn’t help those children and it doesn’t help mine either, because it spreads our limited resources over a greater number of schools.
Let’s not use choice to drive every district into mediocrity. Let’s use choice where it is necessary to improve education. Please demand the Parental Empowerment Package contains language that limits these options to districts that persistently fail to meet state standards.
Hi everyone –
Below is an email from Patricia Draper of the Kent County Health Department. It is about a nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System. It will be the first of its kind since 1997 so I am asking you to please review the info and pass it on to others so that they will understand that next Wednesday’s broadcast is only a test!
Thanks -
Gary Rider, Superintendent
Thornapple Kellogg Schools
(269) 795-5521
Next Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. Eastern Time, a test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS) will be broadcast over television and radio nationwide. This test of the EAS's national alerting capabilities is the first since its inception in 1997.
To be certain everyone understands that this is test and not an actual alert, FEMA wants to spread the word. Below are links to video messages from FEMA in English, American Sign Language and Spanish.
(Attn: Katie and Sandy - Neil McDevitt from CEPIN is in the ASL video!)
English/ASL: http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/6407
Spanish: http://www.fema.gov/medialibrary/media_records/6408
I have attached transcripts from the videos in MS Word.
Let your employees, families and friends know about the test, and encourage them to do the same!
Patricia G. Draper, PEM
Emergency Preparedness Specialist
Kent County Health Department
700 Fuller Avenue NE
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Phone: 616.632.7292
Cell: 616.856.1800
Fax: 616.632.7083
www.accesskent.com/dmhhs 5/23/2011
This is an update on what is happening in Lansing. As we said during the budget forums last week things are happening quickly. We hope that updates like this will help keep you informed.
- First, The revenue conference on Monday gave us some hopeful news. It was announced that there is more revenue than projected both for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 school years. Just how much, if any, might be distributed to K-12 schools is still uncertain.
· Our insurance rates. At some of our budget forums Chris was able to announce we had received verbal notification that our MESSA medical rate had increased by about 12.5% - less than the 15% we used for our budget forecast. When she received official documentation Chris learned that because our rates are “paked” the actual increase will fluctuate a bit from the original 12.5%. Chris will have a more accurate estimate completed soon.
- A Conference Committee to iron-out the SAF differences between the House and Senate has been named. Rumors swirling around the Capitol include those saying the House’s 3.5% school funding cut ($256 reduction for TK) would be maintained, but the equivalent of up to $100 per pupil would be used to lower the retirement rate (by about 1.5%) and another $100 per pupil would go to districts that demonstrate “best practices.”
I think we need to listen to the spin that will come out of Lansing over the next few days very carefully. I fear that legislators and the governor will characterize their plan for the use of added revenue as a victory for schools. It is better than it could have been but in my view it’s not in the form it should be. It is a reminder of the old John Engler saying “Show them death and they will happily accept amputation.” Here is an example of why I would say this.
The governor’s proposed per pupil rate for base foundation districts like TK is $6,846 compared to the $7,316 per student we received in 2008-09. This is a reduction of $470 per student or about $1.4 million in operating revenue per year. There is a total of approximately $1.4 Billion dollars in the School Aid Fund that could be used to help restore some or all of these cuts. To this date $0 dollars have been allocated for this purpose. The monies that are currently proposed to go to K-12 schools are only one time fixes – they will not help us structurally over time.
This is an incredibly complex time in our state’s history. Legislative action is happening at break neck speed so we will have to work hard to keep you informed of the changes that will be happening. In addition, for those who might not have been able to attend, I have attached a copy of the PowerPoint presentation we used during the community and staff budget forums for your information (on the right hand side of the page under "Documents").
Thanks again for your hard work on behalf of the kids of TK. As always, feel free to contact me with comments or questions.
Sincerely,
Gary Rider, Superintendent
Thornapple Kellogg Schools
(269) 795-5521
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