14A Eastsider March 2003

Mar. 19	- MEA-Retired Luncheon (MEA Office) - Johannesburg-Lewiston ESP Bargaining Workshop (Lewiston)
Mar. 20	- ACC-ESP Bargaining Workshop (ACC)
Mar. 21	- Alpena ESP II Bargaining Team Meeting (MEA Office)
Mar. 26	- Michigan Workforce Development Board Meeting (Gaylord)
Mar. 31	- Presentation to "Teachers of Tomorrow" Class (AHS) - Rogers City ESP Bargaining Workshop (Rogers City)
Apr. 1	- Dinner meeting with Judy Case, CC Chair
Apr. 2	- Rogers City EA Bargaining Prep. (Rogers City)
Apr. 3	- Alpena ESP II Bargaining (MEA Office)
Apr. 4-7	- Chuck on leave
Apr. 8	- Posen EA Arbitration (Posen) - 14A Coordinating Council Meeting (MEA Office)
Apr. 9	- Region 14 Full Council Meeting (BJ’s – Gaylord)
Apr. 10	- NMEA (BJ’s – Gaylord)

Bam, Pow, Ouch, Pop, Slam! I have come to the conclusion that "March Madness" is directly proportional to the depth of snow on February 14. I don’t want to say we are all crazy but at the very least our problem-solving skills go awry 30 days prior to Spring Break! I don’t know about you, but I am looking forward to the Spring Break!

Let’s talk money. Schools are facing dollar shortages due to declining enrollments and state aid cuts, but how bad is it? Last year Alcona had $1,308,997 (16.36% of total expenses) left over; Alpena had $7,673,704 (18.78% of total expenses) left over; Atlanta had $504,404 (11.77% of total expenses) left over; Hillman had $147,091 (3.12% of total expenses) left over; Johannesburg-Lewiston had $996,639 (14.80% of total expenses) left over; Mio AuSable had $1,021,603 (15.29% of total expenses) left over; Posen had $509,675 (19.49% of total expenses) left over; and Rogers City had $1,358,881 (25.37% of total expenses) left over.

In addition to this, word has been out that the amount presently paid to MPSERS will increase by 2% from 12.99% to 14.99%; this represents an increase of 2 cents for every dollar the school pays its employees.

Governor Granholm said no to the increase. She has budgeted for no increase in the MPSER’s payment. Conversations I’ve had with Supers indicate they had budgeted for the 2% increase (found $’s).

Secondly, MESSA has announced its rate increase for next year (July 1, 2003 – June 30, 2004).

It is 17.57% for Area A (us). Most supers have budgeted 20-25% increases (found $’s).

Thirdly, I have yet to see any proactive recruiting on the part of school districts to pull students from private, parochial, charter, or home schools. Each individual of school age not in a public school costs the district $6,700. It’s a pity we must even look at students this way; however, it is set up this way by the State.

Fourth, the Governor has also suggested the student count be changed from the present 20/80 to 50/50. This will help districts losing students but is at the cost of student averaging which now only applies to schools in the northern Lower Peninsula.

Fifth, ISD’s are able to levy three mills for operations. I have contacted each Super and have not heard any warm reception to this idea. It would mean the following to each district:

AMA ESD:
Alcona	1,023 students	$201/student/1 mill	$604/student/3 mills
Alpena	5,123 students	"	"
Atlanta	511 students	"	"
Hillman	594 students	"	"
COP ISD:
Joberg-Lewiston	863 students	$228/student/1 mill	$683/student/3 mills
Posen	339 students	"	"
Rogers City	713 students	"	"
COOR ISD:
Mio AuSable	867 students	$218/student/1 mill	$655/student/3 mills

The MEA knows how to run millages and is willing to help any ISD/district to obtain millage. Yet, there have been no requests for help. This millage could be extended out for up to 20 years.

Looking for info/lessons/resources on the Iran conflict? Check out the site – good stuff and up to the minute just like the 9-11 situation.

I have had a flock of robins (20) hanging around my house all winter. Now I’ve noticed an influx of seagulls, hawks, ducks, and grackles. Spring is springing.

March 19, 2003