In the direction of common sense, continued

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness.”

–Thomas Jefferson, The Declaration of Independence

When the Declaration of Independence was written and signed in the summer of 1776, the population of our nation is estimated to have been about 2.5 million people. Today, the United States population is more than 315 million people. The Declaration has grown with our nation to symbolize individual and national liberty throughout the world.

Jefferson stated that, “This was the object of the Declaration of Independence. Not to find out new principles, or new arguments, never before thought of, not merely to say things which had never been said before; but to place before mankind the common sense of the subject, in terms so plain and form as to command their assent, and to justify ourselves in the independent stand we are compelled to take.”

–Thomas Jefferson.    

At one time, it was both grand, and also common sense. With the Declaration, the founding fathers unified the 13 colonies in a single direction. Though we see perfection in it today, we know that Jefferson’s early draft was heavily critiqued and edited. Even though it was common sense, it changed the status quo. It changed the course and gave entirely new direction to the colonies, as they became an emerging and sovereign nation.

Events throughout history and even locally today bear some resemblance. What is simply stated common sense may appear to be the most radical. As we’ve sought to improve communications, transparency and budgeting in Springboro schools, we’ve seemed radical to some. But in fact, its common sense to put kids first, to form plans for purchasing textbooks and technology, and to attend to the basics such as roofs and buses. For too long, the district appeared to work very well, but it lacked clear direction. With no plan for textbooks, technology, capital improvements, buses and more, there was no larger course charted for our schools.

This common sense approach does not strip the district of its traditions or diversity. It does not ignore it accomplishments and honors, including “Excellent with Distinction.” It simply gives us a unifying direction that extends beyond any individual building or year.

Look for future blog posts to articulate how I believe we are leading the district toward success.

In the direction of common sense – Part I

In the direction of common sense.

“This was the object of the Declaration of Independence. Not to find out new principles, or new arguments, never before thought of, not merely to say things which had never been said before; but to place before mankind the common sense of the subject, in terms so plain and form as to command their assent, and to justify ourselves in the independent stand we are compelled to take.”

–Thomas Jefferson.    

On the cusp of celebrating the independence of the United States of America, our Board of Education announced two summer courses on the Constitution. The timing is entirely a coincidence, but it perfectly frames the argument.

From the outside looking in, independently offered community education classes on the Constitution would use school district classrooms during the summer and after-school hours. This is wholly unremarkable. Similar courses are shared online, in hotel ballrooms and family living rooms across our country. But in Springboro, they engender headlines and panic, calls for Board members’ resignations and threats of legal action. Community education has been raised to scandal status.

Why?

Bringing classes like these onto our campus allows a unique opportunity to offer community education while also inviting families and taxpayers to review potential curriculum.

The hyperbolical efforts by a few to cancel these Constitution classes ironically seek to limit free speech and assembly. But as I work toward listening to all sides and representing the fullness of our school district, I examined the critics’ concerns.  I believe in the goal to teaching the principals of our constitution in a historically accurate manner.  To that end, I am unclear based on the controversy, if these programs can achieve that goal.

Our district’s recent debates over the Constitutional courses, controversial topics including creation and even negotiations point to a serious need for civil, reasoned dialogue and debate. It’s easy for us to look at the parchment of the Declaration of Independence or the Constitution and see only the final page in its ideal form. However, history is rich with stories of argument and angst as the founders of our nation came together to form this union of states.

It is time to read and revisit, discuss and debate our founding documents. In doing so, the only religion promoted is what Abraham Lincoln called the “political religion of the nation.” In his speech to the Young Men’s Lyceum of Springfield, Illinois in 1838, Lincoln said “As the patriots of seventy-six did to the support of the Declaration of Independence, so to the support of the Constitution and Laws, let every American pledge his life, his property, and his sacred honor; . . . Let reverence for laws, be breathed by every American mother, to the lisping babe, that prattles on her lap—let it be taught in schools, in seminaries, and in colleges;–let it preached from the pulpit, proclaimed in legislative halls, and enforced in courts of justice. And, in short, let it become the political religion of the nation; and let the old and the young, the rich and the poor, the grave and the gay, of all sexes and tongues, and colors and conditions, sacrifice unceasingly upon its altars.”

It is our common history. The founding documents transcend politics. As we celebrate Independence Day, let’s use their example to guide us in the direction of common sense.

It’s Unanimous – School Board Adopts Children’s First Budget!

What is a child centric budget?  It’s a budget that provides all of the resources to educate children first, while investing in highly qualified staff at every level.  At every level, our administration and teachers strive for the highest standards of achievement and professionalism.  That is why a Children’s First Budget makes sense. 

It makes sense for teachers because we invest in the tools and equipment necessary to help them do what they do best – teach.  It makes sense for the taxpayer, because it allows a board of education to manage it’s taxpayer provided resources just like every person does in their homes.  But most of all, it makes sense for our students because it prioritizes what they most need, by targeting resources as necessary.  Why is this important?  It is important to assure public education in Springboro is supported and that it can achieve the highest grade possible.

This triangle reflects the Children First Budget process which provides resources at every level.   At it’s foundation are this districts highly qualified teachers – they teach our children every day.  Moving up a level is where our operations, administration, drivers, custodial and other support services are funded.  And finally, we know our community will NOT accept a curriculum that meets state minimums.  This board is investing more in extras – curriculum, programs, training, and technology than ever in the history of public education in Springboro.  This allocates resources so that we teach your children in the broadest most advanced environment, while remaining fiscally responsible.  Why, because we have great parents (and taxpayers) in Springboro and we know you DEMAND IT!

Below, is the recommendation report presented to the Springboro Community City School Board of Education.  This recommendation report requested board approval of the May 2013 5-year forecast and it’s critical assumptions.  For the record, the board unanimously adopted the 5-year forecast and assumptions which was reviewed by the Committee and prepared by the Mrs. Tracy Jarvis, Springboro Treasurer.   The report reads as follows:

Budget & Finance Committee May 2013 5-year Forecast Recommendation & Comments
David Petroni, Chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee.  Forecast and assumptions prepared by Tracy Jarvis, Springboro Community City School Treasurer
May 23, 2013

By unanimous vote, the Board of Education established and authorized the Budget and Finance Committee to review all matters of forecasting and finance.  A 5-year forecast and set of assumptions are required to be updated twice a year per the Ohio Department of Education.  It is within this authority and process that district finances are evaluated and vetted.  In Springboro, the May forecast is used by the administration and board as the next fiscal year’s operating budget, which begins July 1, 2013.  This committee of the board only makes recommendations.  The recommendations are then presented to the full board for their deliberation and approval.

Tonight, the committee is pleased to present a budget and 5-year forecast that offers respect to the taxpayer and employee, is transparent to everyone, and is, at its core, child centric.  This forecast is investing at unprecedented levels in curriculum and tools for educators, while remaining fiscally responsible.  The forecast also recognizes the uncertainty about ongoing negotiations with the Ohio Education Association, potential revenue increases provided in the Governors new budget, and the risks associated with asking the community to support a levy.  Changes to any of these three areas can impact the projected fund balance in either negative or positive ways.

With those aforementioned caveats in mind, this forecast and its accompanying assumptions establish policies of the board that in recent history have not been accomplished without attempting to raise taxes. Like in both forecasts adopted in 2012, this budget does not need new taxes.

The goals and investments of the budget are targeted & measured, and timed to fit within available resources.  This fiscal management philosophy is to assure everyone in Springboro clearly understands that the district is diligently working to live within the currently approved tax revenues.

Naturally, every school district in Ohio, claims that children are their first priority.  Today in Springboro, we not only claim it, we own the naming rights!  The adoption of this forecast is the evidence that public education is fully supported in Springboro by this Board of Education.  The proof is in the fact that we are investing heavily in our infrastructure, both physical and technical, in our curriculum, and the safety of our children and staff, while recognizing employee concerns that will remain open until completion of negotiations.

Since instituting child centric investment policies last year, the results are remarkably visible.  Putting our children’s education first is good policy, it is good for public education, it is good for professional educators, it is good for our students for it WILL continue to help attract the best and the brightest teachers.  As outlined and conditioned in the assumptions, this district has never been on firmer financial ground.

There are a few noteworthy changes since our October 2012 forecast in board policy, revenues, and expenditures as follows:
1.  The Rocky Express Revenue collected will increase $2.4 million thru 2017.  This is not a tax increase on our community, it is an intangible tax on the public utility.
2.  Like in 2010/ 2011, the board again offered an early retirement incentive plan for all employees which is projected to reduce expenses by $1.266 million in salary and benefits. 34 employees took this early retirement incentive, which will pay them each up to $40,000 over a fixed term.
3.  The board approved Mr. Petrey’s plan to start preschool next school year that will increase Personal Services (Salaries) and benefits and reduce Purchased services (previous preschool contract).  The plan projects to capture a slight expense reduction thru 2017.   There may be additional money for preschool and gifted services in the Governors budget.  Since the State budget process will not be completed until June 30, nothing has been projected.
4.  Mr. Petrey presented an efficiency plan to the board that is projected to be net – neutral in cost.  This plan re-allocates resources based on student achievement data.  The administration demonstrated to the board it is possible to manage existing resources by shifting them to address defined gaps.  This is projected to be at no additional cost while improving the quality public education and the high standards expected of Springboro Schools.
5.  The combining of our elementary school buildings this year accounts for an approximate $150,000 in savings thru 2017.  Due to the efficiencies of operating Dennis and Five Points as one separate but unified building, it allowed the administration to balance class sizes and maintain current staffing levels for the next school year.
6.  To the best of my knowledge, for the first time in Springboro’s history, a comprehensive capital improvement plan identified $5.8 million in capital needs and deferred maintenance.  Based on projected tax revenue last year, this plan was recommended to only be funded at approximately 50%.  This year, based on updated revenue projections, the committee is adopting the administration’s recommendation to increase this spending by approximately $1.3 million to a total cost of $3.7 which will be spread throughout this forecast.  The residual balance of $2.1 million has been identified as an unmet need and shall remain a goal of the district if we are to adequately maintain our facilities.  Immediate and full funding of this plan would reduce the projected fund balance (Line 12.010)
7.  Project 21, the district technology investment plan, is a $1.3 million initiative and a model for others to follow.  The technology plan created by our tech department outlines a long-term investment program that provides tools for our teachers and creates a 21st century learning environment for our children in every classroom.  This plan purchases over 1,100 computers, and assures every building in our district has wifi capability to support the expansion of the bring your own technology (BYOT) program.  The investment is also designed to meet the on line testing required by the State’s adoption of the Common Core Standards.
8.  Over $2 million will be invested in a transportation plan to assure our parents their children will be safe traveling to and from our schools and while in our care traveling to extra curricular events throughout the year.  The plan proposes to replace 21 buses thru 2017.  11 buses were purchased today through the utilization of tax exempt bonds, which also allowed Moody’s to re-evaluate our bond ratings.  Moody’s findings are included at the end of the assumptions in total.
9.  In August of 2010, that board authorized investing $2.470 million in new textbooks and new textbook adoptions.  To date $600,000 has been spent.  The forecast includes the remaining $1.8 million.  An additional $600,000 has been identified as an unmet need based on the curriculum department’s recommendation.
10.  There have been reports out of Columbus stating Springboro may receive 6%, or approximately $1.8 million more in foundation money under the budget bill.  Until the budget process concludes, no increase in revenue has been projected.  Counting your chickens before the eggs hatch is never sound thinking.

Let me pause here for just a moment to celebrate all of this success.

It would be an understatement to say that these are exciting times for our children, teachers, and our entire community.

Fiscally speaking, the district budget has been built to meet the needs of our students, supporting our teachers, while showing deference and respect to the taxpayers who have continued their support of public education in Springboro.  How we treat our children today will determine how our district is treated by this community.

Open items that require more diligence, discussion, and study are pay to participate, our relationship with all our support organizations that surround extra curricular programs, student enrollment trends, housing growth trends, employee contract negotiations, and specific plan development for several noted unmet needs.

The unmet needs list if fully funded would reduce our current projected surplus fund balance.  These are wants that are not currently prioritized into the annual spending plan until such time revenue projections support the additional investments because quite frankly, rational and responsible choices must be made in determining the allocation of scarce resources.  We are not the federal government, who can print money whenever the need arises, we are constrained by the revenue the taxpayers of the school district provide us.

A critical component of this forecast is the inclusion of $9.2 million from the expiration of an emergency levy established 5 years ago. Since May of 2012, the revenue from this levy has been included in the assumptions and fund balance.  We pray the taxpayers accept our recommendation and the research performed that went into its making.

Based on this forecast and specifics defined by each assumption, the committee is recommending placing a levy on the November 2013 ballot with the  amount not to exceed the $9.2 million the district will lose when the previous emergency levy expires.

The first deadline for making the November ballot is August 2, 2013.  It is our hope that the caveats and uncertainties in our budget forecast will be clarified by that time.

In summary, the budget presented reflects an increase in our district fund balance from $5.8 million to $7.2.  I wish to thank the administration and all of our staff for their hard work and accomplishments of the past year.

The $7.2 million net fund balance, includes the passage of the $9.2 million levy and excludes the $1 mm board emergency reserve (forecast line 12.010).  Based on advise from our legal counsel, the assumptions around compensation and benefits remain consistent with no change to specific employee concerns until mutual agreement is reached through the negotiation process.   This process should be permitted to reach it terminus before any actions are taken.

This 5-year forecast has been developed in the sunshine in open meetings duly attended by the public; the budget expenditures have been aligned with our revenues; it is transparent to the EVERYONE, and it shows respect to the taxpayers of this district who have supported Springboro Schools for decades.

If the children are our community’s first priority, then the philosophy of Children First Budgeting makes sense.  It creates plans and prioritizes spending so that the things most important to education and student achievement are funded first.  It does not allow one budget item to absorb so much that other critical items are left wanting.

The one unifying principal we all profess is that ” it’s about the children”.  If that is indeed true, then let us set aside partisan difference, and rally for the education of our children, because the children must be our first priority!

In closing, it is the committee’s recommendation that the board accept the financial forecast and assumptions as presented for submission to the Ohio Department of Education.

Children First Budgeting Works!!

On May 23, 2013, the Board of Education Unanimously adopted the recommendations of the Budget & Finance Committee. A budget that invests in our children’s education. To the best of my knowledge, never in the history of Springboro Community City Schools has so much been done without the need to raise taxes.

I encourage you to pass this message along to all of your friends and family. Please share this blog site with everyone, no matter what side of an issue they stand. It is time to rally for our children of this school district, it is time to rally behind our graduates that leave our care on June 1, and it is time to rally behind all of the success this year, such as maintaining an Excellent with Distinction !!!! Much work has been done, and each time, our team achieve their mission – they deliver!

Here is the entire message presented to the Board and our entire community. Please ask the Springboro School Treasurer, Tracy Jarvis (tjarvis@springboro.org) for a copy of the 5-year forecast and assumptions and thank you for taking the time and consideration.

Budget & Finance Committee May 2013 5-year Forecast Recommendation & Comments

David Petroni, Chairman of the Budget and Finance Committee.

May 23, 2013

By unanimous vote, the Board of Education established and authorized the Budget and Finance Committee to review all matters of forecasting and finance. A 5-year forecast and set of assumptions are required to be updated twice a year per the Ohio Department of Education. It is within this authority and process that district finances are evaluated and vetted. In Springboro, the May forecast is used by the administration and board as the next fiscal year’s operating budget, which begins July 1, 2013. This committee of the board only makes recommendations. The recommendations are then presented to the full board for their deliberation and approval.

Tonight, the committee is pleased to present a budget and 5-year forecast that offers respect to the taxpayer and employee, is transparent to everyone, and is, at its core, child centric. This forecast is investing at unprecedented levels in curriculum and tools for educators, while remaining fiscally responsible. The forecast also recognizes the uncertainty about ongoing negotiations with the Ohio Education Association, potential revenue increases provided in the Governors new budget, and the risks associated with asking the community to support a levy. Changes to any of these three areas can impact the projected fund balance in either negative or positive ways.

With those aforementioned caveats in mind, this forecast and its accompanying assumptions establish policies of the board that in recent history have not been accomplished without attempting to raise taxes. Like in both forecasts adopted in 2012, this budget does not need new taxes.

The goals and investments of the budget are targeted & measured, and timed to fit within available resources. This fiscal management philosophy is to assure everyone in Springboro clearly understands that the district is diligently working to live within the currently approved tax revenues.

Naturally, every school district in Ohio claims that children are their first priority. Today in Springboro, we not only claim it, we own the naming rights! The adoption of this forecast is the evidence that public education is fully supported in Springboro by this Board of Education. The proof is in the fact that we are investing heavily in our infrastructure, both physical and technical, in our curriculum, and the safety of our children and staff, while recognizing employee concerns that will remain open until completion of negotiations.

Since instituting child centric investment policies last year, the results are remarkably visible. Putting our children’s education first is good policy, it is good for public education, it is good for professional educators, it is good for our students for it WILL continue to help attract the best and the brightest teachers. As outlined and conditioned in the assumptions, this district has never been on firmer financial ground.

There are a few noteworthy changes since our October 2012 forecast in board policy, revenues, and expenditures as follows:

1. The Rocky Express Revenue collected will increase $2.4 million thru 2017. This is not a tax increase on our community, it is an intangible tax on the public utility.

2. Like in 2010/ 2011, the board again offered an early retirement incentive plan for all employees which is projected to reduce expenses by $1.266 million in salary and benefits. 34 employees took this early retirement incentive, which will pay them each up to $40,000 over a fixed term.

3. The board approved Mr. Petrey’s plan to start preschool next school year that will increase Personal Services (Salaries) and benefits and reduce Purchased services (previous preschool contract). The plan projects to capture a slight expense reduction thru 2017. There may be additional money for preschool and gifted services in the Governors budget. Since the State budget process will not be completed until June 30, nothing has been projected.

4. Mr. Petrey presented an efficiency plan to the board that is projected to be net – neutral in cost. This plan re-allocates resources based on student achievement data. The administration demonstrated to the board it is possible to manage existing resources by shifting them to address defined gaps. This is projected to be at no additional cost while improving the quality public education and the high standards expected of Springboro Schools.

5. The combining of our elementary school buildings this year accounts for an approximate $150,000 in savings thru 2017. Due to the efficiencies of operating Dennis and Five Points as one separate but unified building, it allowed the administration to balance class sizes and maintain current staffing levels for the next school year.

6. To the best of my knowledge, for the first time in Springboro’s history, a comprehensive capital improvement plan identified $5.8 million in capital needs and deferred maintenance. This plan is recommended to be funded at approximately 50%. Based on projected tax revenue last year, This year, based on updated revenue projections, the committee is adopting the administration’s recommendation to increase this spending by approximately $1.3 million to a total cost of $3.7 which will be spread throughout this forecast. The residual balance of $2.1 million has been identified as an unmet need and shall remain a goal of the district if we are to adequately maintain our facilities. Immediate and full funding of this plan would reduce the projected fund balance (Line 12.010)

7. Project 21, the district technology investment plan, is a $1.3 million initiative and a model for others to follow. The technology plan created by our tech department outlines a long-term investment program that provides tools for our teachers and creates a 21st century learning environment for our children in every classroom. This plan purchases over 1,100 computers, and assures every building in our district has Wi-Fi capability to support the expansion of bring your own technology (BYOT) program. The investment is also designed to meet the on line testing required by the State’s adoption of the Common Core Standards.

8. Over $2 million will be invested in a transportation plan to assure our parents their children will be safe traveling to and from our schools and while in our care traveling to extra curricular events throughout the year. The plan proposes to replace 21 buses thru 2017. 11 buses were purchased today through the utilization of tax-exempt bonds, which also allowed Moody’s to re-evaluate our bond ratings. Moody’s findings are included at the end of the assumptions in total.

9. In August of 2010, that board authorized investing $2.470 million in new textbooks and new textbook adoptions. To date $600,000 has been spent. The forecast includes the remaining $1.8 million. An additional $600,000 has been identified as an unmet need based on the curriculum department’s recommendation.

10. There have been reports out of Columbus stating Springboro may receive 6%, or approximately $1.8 million more in foundation money under the budget bill. Until the budget process concludes, no increase in revenue has been projected. Counting your chickens before the eggs hatch is never sound thinking.

Let me pause here for just a moment to celebrate all of this success.

It would be an understatement to say that these are exciting times for our children, teachers, and our entire community.

Fiscally speaking, the district budget has been built to meet the needs of our students, supporting our teachers, while showing deference and respect to the taxpayers who have continued their support of public education in Springboro. How we treat our children today will determine how this community treats our district.

Open items that require more diligence, discussion, and study are pay to participate, our relationship with all our support organizations that surround extra curricular programs, student enrollment trends, housing growth trends, employee contract negotiations, and specific plan development for several noted unmet needs.

The unmet needs list if fully funded would reduce our current projected surplus fund balance. These are wants that are not currently prioritized into the annual spending plan until such time revenue projections support the additional investments because quite frankly, rational and responsible choices must be made in determining the allocation of scarce resources. We are not the federal government, who can print money whenever the need arise, we are constrained by the revenue the taxpayers of the school district provide us.

A critical component of this forecast is the inclusion of $9.2 million from the expiration of an emergency levy established 5 years ago. Since May of 2012, the revenue from this levy has been included in the assumptions and fund balance. We pray the taxpayers accept our recommendation and the research performed that went into its making.

Based on this forecast and specifics defined by each assumption, the committee is recommending placing a levy on the November 2013 ballot with the amount not to exceed the $9.2 million the district will lose when the previous emergency levy expires.

The first deadline for making the November ballot is August 2, 2013. It is our hope that the caveats and uncertainties in our budget forecast will be clarified by that time.

In summary, the budget presented reflects an increase in our district fund balance from $5.8 million to $7.2. I wish to thank the administration and all of our staff for their hard work and accomplishments of the past year.

The $7.2 million net fund balance includes the passage of the $9.2 million levy and excludes the $1 mm board emergency reserve (forecast line 12.010). Based on advise from our legal counsel, the assumptions around compensation and benefits remain consistent with no change to specific employee concerns until mutual agreement is reached through the negotiation process. This process should be permitted to reach it terminus before any actions are taken.

This 5-year forecast has been developed in the sunshine in open meetings duly attended by the public; the budget expenditures have been aligned with our revenues; it is transparent to the EVERYONE, and it shows respect to the taxpayers of this district who have supported Springboro Schools for decades.

If the children are our community’s first priority, then the philosophy of Children First Budgeting makes sense. It creates plans and prioritizes spending so that the things most important to education and student achievement are funded first. It does not allow one budget item to absorb so much that other critical items are left wanting.

The one unifying principal we all profess is that ” it’s about the children”. If that is indeed true, then let us set aside partisan difference, and rally for the education of our children, because the children must be our first priority!

In closing, it is the committee’s recommendation that the board accept the financial forecast and assumptions as presented for submission to the Ohio Department of Education.

Vote May 7, 2013!

Public education began with the first school in 1635 in the Massachusetts Colony. The Boston Latin School was founded and continues today as the first and oldest existing school.  After the Revolutionary War, it was recognized that an educated citizenry was vital to the health and success of our young nation.  This idea continued to develop alongside the growth of our nation. By 1870, there was a focus and emphasis on education.  The movement to have all states offer free public elementary school had begun as a result. Literacy rates in the United States were high.

Thirty years later, at the dawn of the 20th century, the purpose of public education became clear.  Educators realized post secondary school were needed. The premise was that an educated electorate could build more educated citizens, develop skills needed to increase prosperity in the United States, and improve both critical and logical thinking skills.  Today, these same qualities exist as the foundational tenants behind public education.

In 1917, the National Education Association (NEA)reorganized. Their competition is the American Federation of Teachers (AFT).  According to Wikipedia, both organizations’ goals are to “better mobilize and represent teachers and educational staff”. Wikipedia also states “the NEA saw itself as an upper-middle class professional organization, while the AFT identified itself with the working class and the union movement”and is located more in larger cities. In Ohio, there is another teacher labor organization, called the Ohio Education Association (OEA). According to the OEA web page (About OEA – History), “The Ohio Education Association has a long and proud history of advocating for children in public education”, founded in Summit County in December of 1847.

Our nation and state economy have yet to fully recover from this recent recession. Through these challenged times, we all have been forced to make tougher choices than we would have preferred. Some were humbling to many.  People experienced a loss of homes, savings, and a degree of security. Maybe you went on unemployment for the first time in your entire life and struggled more than you had in the past to put food on the table for your family. Your retirement benefits dwindled; you may be re-employed at a lower pay scale; or you had to take a pay cut, just to survive.

Our school district is not immune to these same uncertainties.  An uncertain economic future impacts not only individual households, but also those entities which are dependent on the financial support from those same households. At the April 25, 2013 Board of Education meeting, the board discussed that over $233,000, yes, over $233,000 in school fees are uncollected – delinquent. School fees are extra charges to parents for consumable goods used in educating their children. Obviously even our community has not recovered and things must be tight for our families in Springboro.

As our year progresses, as citizens, you will have at least 3 opportunities to exercise your electoral rights. May 7 is around the corner.  Regardless of which way you vote on May 7, it is your duty to perform due diligence upon the issues, evaluate the arguments, then vote based upon rational reflection.

Please share this message with your friends and family, encourage them to take a few minutes, learn about the issues on the May 7 ballot and vote.  Isn’t that one of the main purposes of public education?  Not to mention one of the freedoms we have by living in the United States of America.

It’s about the children, right?

On Sunday, a community member contacted me to let me know about a campaign in its infancy.  It was loosely titled, the “Red Ribbon Campaign” because red is being used to show support for Springboro Community City School teachers.  At first, I was uncertain on how to respond.  My wife Kim and I support our teachers.  She is a teacher, her mother was a teacher, and her father taught for years at a well know university and war college, which makes my family no stranger to the education profession.

When the purpose of the red ribbon was explained to me, my initial reaction was one of confusion.  Why do we need to rally behind the district’s teachers?  Yes, contract negotiations have started but we have not attacked anyone or showed disrespect for their work and profession.  On the surface, one may misconstrue this Campaign and action to be yet another attempt to create a divisive environment in our community, clearly under false pretense.  Perhaps just a knee jerk reaction because this school board and administration have made astonishing progress in defining and meeting the needs of our students with a focus to make our instructors as effective as possible.

Reflecting back to January 2012, it has been a busy, fulfilling, frustrating, and exciting year.  The accomplishments will not be forgotten!  Vince Lombardi said,”Some of us will do our jobs well and some will not, but we will be judged by only one thing – the result”.

With the drive of our current administrative team and teachers, the district has we made many collaborative decisions to increase professional development Ÿtraining for teachers; Ÿenhance our technology platform; invested in Ÿnew books; added Ÿnew AP classes; hired more  teachers; provided Ÿnew tools for teachers; invested in Ÿnew laptops for teachers; combined ŸDennis and Five Point Elementary; invested in Ÿsafer & newer buses for students; Ÿincreased investment in capital expenditures to reduce deferred maintenance; established community committee to Ÿevaluate our safety plans; Ÿbranded The Springboro Panther; Ÿcreated a more transparent budget and finance process; Ÿestablished effective board policy management; Ÿadvocated for stronger HR practices; invested in teacher training on data use; Ÿawarded an ‘A’ on the new state report card; advocated for transparency from all district support organizations; recovery of $439,000 from the athletic booster Ÿtreasurer; and the list goes on and on.   This does not even begin to touch on all the new Common Core and evaluative tools being worked on daily by the entire district.

It is not one person who can be lauded for these achievements; it took a unified vision, a determination and support of the board and central office leadership, and our teachers to execute the plan. We have a strong administrative team and faculty dedicated to student achievement, and as one board board member, I applaud the effort.

Mr. Petrey is using student test data to drive academic decisions, financial data to drive efficiency, his own and the expertise of outside consultants when needed, to meet the needs of all students.  He recently developed a “turn around cost plan” which used student test data to re-align and re-allocate resources.  This is a huge step in applying data to align money and human resources responsibly.

Our Central office and high school leaders have also committed to reevaluate our high school Course of Studies.  Drawing on our Superintendent’s experience at Lakota, the District is working to incorporate STEAM(M) into curriculum.  The board has been given a commitment from the administration to align our high school program of studies with the 21^st century.  Without a supportive board and determined central office team, none of this would be possible.  I personally continue beating their drum for the good work they are doing and if you see Mr. Petrey, Mrs. Strittenberger, Mrs. Vincent, Mr. Madden, or Ms. Teresa Rohrer – tell them thanks for a great job!

Since Mr. Petrey’s arrival last August, he has gained a great deal of respect from the entire community.  Respect he has earned.  Both he and the District’s administrative team have been working hard to strengthen this district’s educational and operational foundation.

In 2013, the board voted to adopt a long-term technology plan.  The plan provides for new laptops for each teacher bundled with professional development to insure our teachers succeed.  It also brings Wi-Fi into every building and replaces over 1,100 computers.  The board’s decisions and vision in these areas are critical building blocks to transition our schools and teachers into a 21^st century classroom environment.  This is cool stuff and is good for educators and education in Springboro.

2013 for me is focused on curriculum and student achievement.  To understand student achievement, one must understand how schools are ranked, what is the basis for those rankings, and finally, what does our raw data look like.  It is more difficult to argue where our resources need to be allocated when the data points you in a particular direction, so long as the data is not taken out of context.  That is why the raw data became so intriguing when making investment decisions for the classroom.

I am committed to make sure we remain fiscally responsible and do whatever it takes to protect our city, district community, and taxpayers who elected me to this humbling position – because that is good for educators and education in Springboro.

The district still has challenges as outlined in our May and October 2012 forecast assumptions.  Please seek them out at www.springboro.org.  There are critical assumptions that must be met, but until they are negotiated, it is impossible to prioritize needs.   As a school community, I believe we will work together and succeed, for failure is not an option.

As we attempt to negotiate from a reasonable, rationale, and responsible offer, my prayers are that the Ohio Education Association (OEA), the National Education Association (NEA), and ANY other EA (education association), respectfully,  check their agenda’s at the door and do what is right for our teachers.

The Red Ribbon displayed on our mailbox is displayed there as a sign of hope.  Hope that this community and OUR teachers – come together to conclude negotiations because we all want to do the right thing for our children.

Accelerating Student Achievement Through Innovation & Policy

The educational needs of our children must be a board of education’s first priority. The purpose of public education is to create educated citizens capable of thinking critically and standing on their own for the sake of all our futures.

Twice a year, every school district in Ohio prepares a Five-Year Financial Forecast. The forecast tell the district whether a financial surplus or deficit exists, as well as serve as a guide for decisions, such as new tax levies and strategic investments. These financial forecasts are built through a set of assumptions, so the assumptions are critical and must be thoroughly reviewed.

To assure teachers have what they need to be successful, we asked principals to prepare budgets for their buildings –another innovation and a first in Springboro. As a result, the principals purchased more smart boards, laptop carts, IPads, and supplies. Everything requested was approved because it was said adding these tools were needed to accelerate student achievement.

As a board this past year, our policies have focused on many innovative areas to advance student achievement. We put technology in the classroom and recently bought every teacher a new laptop computer. We invested in new curriculum for our elementary students and added AP classes at the high school. We are building computer network infrastructure that will enable teaching with technology, and we approved new investments in our bus fleet and facilities. Through policy, our administrators are preparing our teachers for the changes ahead. Most importantly, we’ve developed a unanimously approved budget that prioritizes the learning requirements of our children.

In the past, some of these investments above have been neglected. Most district computers are over 6-8 years old. The average age of our bus fleet is such that buses are often permanently removed from service. It has also been several years since the district adopted new textbooks, and even longer since our high school program of studies courses and descriptions have been evaluated or overhauled to keep pace with the 21 century needs of our youth.

Through a very diligent and innovative budgeting effort, a solid financial forecast was recommended to the board by the Budget and Finance Committee last October, then certified by Tracy Jarvis, our Treasurer. Simply stated, when we understand our budget, we can be confident in what investments and improvements we can afford.

You might ask how can a school district do all of this if we haven’t had the money to do it in the past. Let’s start by saying that we didn’t do all of it alone. Parents, PTOs, and private donors have played a role. However, this is also possible because we have a better understanding of our budget forecast.

Since last August, our new administration is working hard to catch our faculty up so they are prepared for the implementation of the Common Core. Our teachers have been provided ongoing professional development to accelerate their knowledge of all of these new standards.

Our new Superintendent, Todd Petrey, has brought a renewed focus on academics as well as innovative approaches to education. The new central office team is staffed with four former principals, and our building principals are now the “educational leader” of their building. Dennis and 5-points elementary schools were reorganized into single schools to improve academics and efficiency.

Improvement plans have been developed by every principal to raise the bar for teachers and students with emphasis on data. Now more than ever, principals and teachers are using test data to identify students who need additional help, and to accelerate learning for all students. This is on the heels of new principal and teacher evaluations of which a component will be based on student achievement.

With all that has just been said ——- it has been a very busy, rewarding year, and there has been a lot of change. At times, this change has not come easy. For me to do less would be self-serving. To do less, would hurt our children’s future.

Challenges lie ahead. One of our biggest for 2013 is successful negotiation with our unions. In addition, our forecast assumptions reflect the need to pass a renewal levy that expires December 31, 2013. These two challenges are a cause of stress among the board, administration, and district staff.

A few weeks ago the Board sent a letter to our teachers union asking to open negotiations. While there’s no obligation to begin negotiations early, the board initiated this request because we understand the stress it can cause. In doing so, we can explain our financial situation to taxpayers with firm knowledge and confidence. I feel it is a board member’s fiduciary responsibility to understand all costs before going to the taxpayers for any levy.

I know there are people questioning the School Board. My colleagues and I are working for the benefit of children. While there’s always going to be somebody questioning our actions, I want you to know our motives are to provide every opportunity possible for Springboro’s children. We are putting these words into action through our deeds and this past year’s accomplishments.

Focusing on Student Achievement

I believe that when we focus on student achievement, the benefits are endless for everyone involved – from the student, to the parent, to future employers, and ultimately to our society in general.

Understanding test scores or student achievement as developed by the Ohio Department of Education standards is complicated.  Hopefully with the adoption the common core standards by this state and 47 others, this will be simplified.

Implementation of the common core standards means that our children will soon be graded against student achievement scores from a consortium of 22 other states. Given the data from our past Ohio Achievement Assessments, some believe, the initial results will be disappointing. That is why we should focus this year on increasing the effectiveness of our academic programs and the results of testing of all students.

The new standards of the coming common core standards are designed to raise the bar on educational assessments and remove the semantics now used to disguise actual student learning achievement levels. Our children will not be any more or less intelligent, but the new test will reveal the unvarnished truth regarding how well we, as a district, are doing in our appointed tasks.

Ohio’s once rigorous school evaluation system has, over time, succumbed to political correctness and become a rather meager standard. The lowering of standards for Performance Levels, as established by the Ohio Department of Education, is actually hurting your child’s future.

As an example below, let us look at the current structure of the Ohio Graduation Test.  This is the test that measures what each child has learned from kindergarten through the tenth  grade.  In order to graduate from a high school in Ohio, the student must pass this test.  If a parent looks at the raw data behind the words you will have a greater understanding of how well we have prepared our children for either college or a career after graduation.  In the future, testing will occur at all grades.  Currently there is no other state achievement test taken by a high school student past their sophomore year; thus we have no way of truly knowing how well we are addressing deficiencies at the high school level.

Look at the results of your child’s most recent assessment report. If your child is labeled Accelerated it means:

·      A Reading Scale Score of 429-447:  Your child answered 64%-78% of the answers correctly on the assessment     test.

·      A Math Scale Score of 425-443: Your child answered 61-75% of the answers correctly on the assessment test.

·      A Science Scale Score of 429-445: Your child answered 61%-72% of the answers correctly on the assessment test.

·      A Writing Scale Score of 430-475: Your child answered 72%-86% of the questions correctly on the assessment test.

·      A Social Study Scale Score of 429-447: Your child answered 66%-75% of the answers correctly on the assessment test.

But not all our students were rated “Accelerated.” Based on the data for our Springboro school district, approximately 30% of our 5,700 students achieved a grade level of only “Proficient” or less – that equates to a grade level of ‘D’ or less. The tests are designed to reflect what students are expected to know at their grade level.

I encourage everyone to accept the data for what it is – a tool designed to identify strengths and weaknesses. We have many strengths, but there are clearly some weaknesses, too. These scores, and the need for improvement, is not an assault on any educator’s performance, but should be a “wake-up call” for some serious reflection and, if necessary, reform.

If we as educators, parents or school board members accept these low standards, our children will not compete well with children from other states, or the world when they graduate from Springboro schools.  That’s why the State is working to change Ohio’s present standards and adopting the “common core.”

Superintendent Petrey’s building improvement plans for Springboro schools support the implementation of structures that will look at internal, national, and globally normed data as indicators and standards for measuring our student’s achievement. Mr. Petrey’s plans will form the basis for student improvement and district investment in both the near and long term.

Finding ways to methodically advance student achievement should always be everyone’s goal. Implementing academic reforms will, for example, reduce the present need for so many of our students needing to take college remediation courses. This, of course, will immediately translate into money saved for parents whose students attend Ohio’s colleges. And, in order to meet this challenge of higher academic quality, the current school Board of Education and District are, or already have plans to, invest heavily in technology, professional development for teachers, new textbooks, as well as new computers for every teacher, plus much more.

All this being said, there is a lot of work yet to be done to assure you (parents) that we will strive to do more than meet the minimum state requirements. The current Board of Education is dedicated to being advocates for every student striving to push the bar higher than other districts.

Some say there’s no need to change because our district achieved an “excellent with Distinction” rating for our most recent school year.  But we live in a world that is dynamic, a world of ever-evolving expectations and realities that require our constant attention.  What once was an acceptable level of achievement is now a relic of the past that will ill serve our children and our taxpayers in the future.

As parents, we all desire that our children be provided the best we can afford.  We constantly challenge our children with the hope that doing so will help prepare them for the world and better lives than we ourselves enjoy. We are also highly cognizant of the importance of true learning and greatly value education and the promise of what it may bring.

Everyone in the school community has more in common than they have differences.  Let us meld that commonality to push forth a better school system than we enjoy today.  We owe it to our children.  Let us come together to push for real achievement and higher standards that we currently demand.

Why consider a conversion school?

Why Consider A Conversion School?

The Springboro School Board is examining the opportunity of re-opening the Jonathan Wright building as a Conversion School.  A Conversion School is Ohio’s term for a charter school sponsored by a public school. The Springboro School board and the Warren County Educational Service Center are the only entities that can sponsor a Conversion School in the Springboro School District.  A Conversion School is not a private school. Its existence and funding comes from the public school system.

So why do it? We have an excellent school system already.

Let’s answer that with some questions. Why do we allow Springboro HS students to attend the Warren County Career Center? Why do we suggest some kids attend the Warren County Alternative school? Why do Miamisburg and West Carrollton School Districts sponsor conversion schools?

The answer in each case is those schools offer either a different curriculum or a different environment than the traditional public school, and the parents believe the alternative is better for their child. So even in an excellent school district like Springboro, some students and parents are looking for alternatives. One size doesn’t fit all.

What might this school offer?  That’s a matter for an extended discussion with the community.  One possibility that intrigues me is to create a classical education program as some private schools offer.  Another idea might be to move away from traditional grade levels and promote children to the next level once they have mastered the skill or subject.  After all, kids don’t all learn and develop at the same pace. There are many other possibilities and considerations.

Would a Springboro conversion school drain resources and put our excellent system at risk? We simply can’t allow that to happen. The conversion school concept only works if 1) it is cost neutral, 2) it meets a need that can’t be better addressed by a change in the traditional school, and 3) it does no harm to our already outstanding schools.

Can it be done? At this point we don’t know. Initial indications are that it may be financially feasible, but many questions remain. Perhaps Springboro Schools will be able to offer another alternative for students and parents without increasing taxes. We need a thorough evaluation and that would be the purpose for establishing a committee and hiring a consultant if the board is inclined to do that. We won’t know until somebody looks at it, and I believe it is worth a look!

I’ve heard the rumors about shutting down half of the high school curriculum to fund the conversion school and allegations that a board member might financially benefit from a conversion school. These are nonsense. There is a big state and national debate around charter schools and school choice. However, the decision about this school is a local one and our focus needs to be on our schools, community, and our kids.  We can’t be afraid to investigate a change that could potentially benefit many students and parents.

Jim Rigano
Board of Education Member
Springboro Community City Schools