As I mentioned in a previous post, we have spent the fall outlining our significant challenges.  This process, along with our continued commitment to the Strategic Plan, made formulation of the budget more purposeful and organized.  Attached here, you will find links to the slides associated with my presentation and a summary known as a global budget.  In the weeks to come, the Board will discuss the budget in great detail before adopting some version of it as their own.  The workshop scheduled for Thursday, January 19th will focus on requested staffing.  I urge you to consider participating in that meeting which begins at 7pm in the SHS Commons.

My best,

Leanne

Superintendent’s Proposed 2012-13 Budget Presentation

Superintendent’s Proposed 2012-13 Budget

But perhaps the new year has me yearning for simplicity because I’m inclined to begin with one question: “Are we getting it right?”  I saw this query printed on a sign in a wildly successful retail shop over December vacation.  Underneath the sign, a stack of blank cards and an army of pencils stood ready to collect the thoughts of any customer with something to say.  There was no suggestion that customers comment specifically on the shop’s inventory, the look or feel of the space, or the efficiency of the salespeople – but rather an open invitation to provide feedback on any aspect of the operation.

Consider this blog post our first “Are we getting it right?” sign.   Use the “Leave a comment” button to submit your answer.  We look forward to hearing what you all have to say about Stonington’s Public Schools.  Knowing how students and families feel about our work will only help us to refine and improve.

Thank you in advance,

Leanne

Here’s an excerpt:

The concert hall at the Syndey Opera House holds 2,700 people. This blog was viewed about 13,000 times in 2011. If it were a concert at Sydney Opera House, it would take about 5 sold-out performances for that many people to see it.

Click here to see the complete report.

The purpose of this post is to summarize the “Significant Challenges” presented to the BOE.

Significant Challenges in Operations: Maintaining aging facilities and systems operating at or beyond life expectancy. Impacts on efficiencies, phones, air quality and aged carpeting, maxed-out electrical systems.  BOE Support Requested: Utilization of CIP to address needs as presented by administration.

Significant Challenges in Technology: Supporting an enterprise level environment without sufficient resources; Operating new technologies on outdated equipment; Reactive rather than proactive tech supports; Inability to support creativity and innovation.  BOE Support Requested: Increase CIP spending for technology, Increase technician time and training, Formalize acquisition/replacement cycle.

Significant Challenges in Special Services: Providing successful school experiences for all students; Addressing intense/severe emotional needs presented at all levels.  BOE Support Requested: Support for efforts to design and implement comprehensive wrap-around services with embedded community supports and involvement.

Significant Challenges at SHS: Engaging at-risk students (specifically grade 9) who are not meeting academic, social and behavioral expectations.  BOE Support Requested: Institution of Summer Academy with focus on academics, engagement in student life, and a sound, personalized transition into high school.

Significant Challenges at MMS & PMS:  Meeting the needs of all learners by individualizing learning and creating effective interventions to ensure pathways for success at all levels.  BOE Support Requested: Increasing resources for Response to Intervention, mathematics and mental health supports, as well as secondary school reform requirements.

Significant Challenges at WVWB & DMS: Developing expertise to meet the needs of all children.  BOE Support Requested for WVWB: Staff development resources to address students’ abilities to access higher-order thinking through visual, auditory and motor systems of the brain; Supports to assist children who struggle to attend to learning, display endurance, demonstrate independence and engage in learning. Support Requested for DMS:  Resources to provide for differentiated mathematics experiences, special education  and social skills instruction and desired mental health supports.  All supports requested to meet individualized student needs.

Next Steps:

With these presentations complete, my office begins work in earnest on the Superintendent’s Proposed Budget for 2012-2013.   This year, I will advocate for the needs of the district through direct reference to our Significant Challenges and the goals identified in our Strategic Plan document.   Years of severely restricted budgets have, in some cases, led to the challenges we face today; and while budget decisions faced by our Board will no doubt be difficult, I believe that having the details surrounding our challenges will help to inform the discussions to come.

If you have questions about the challenges presented, please communicate with me, our principals or directors.  Any of us would be happy to discuss them with you.  Copies of the handouts associated with each of these presentations can be accessed on our website under “District Info” by clicking on “Significant Challenges Fall 2011″

We are firm in our resolve to address the challenges we face.

My best,

Leanne

To our students:  Thank you for filling our classrooms with curiosity, laughter, and limitless energy.  It is pure joy to watch you learn and grow and to listen as you articulate your goals for the future.  As young people, you represent Stonington proudly in the community and beyond.  Continue to serve as shining examples of what is best about our town.

To our parents: Thank you for entrusting us with your children and for working as dedicated partners with the schools.  We are grateful for your strong levels of involvement and for holding us to the highest of standards.  Your willingness to communicate openly, and frequently, keeps us on the path towards continuous improvement and your presence in our schools is both valued and appreciated.

To our faculty and staff:  Thank you for believing deeply in the mission of our district and for making a difference in the lives of students every day.   Never in history has so much been expected of those who work in public schools.  Your willingness to take risks grows with every passing year, as does the admiration of your students as you demonstrate an unyielding dedication to their success.

To our community:  Thank you for your support of our schools and for your willingness to form partnerships with us.  Your generosity throughout the year enhances experiences for students that would be impossible for us to provide alone.  We are grateful for the ways in which you open your doors to young people and for your eager response to enter our doors when opened.

I am, without question, thankful for the opportunity to serve in Stonington.  My best to all of you this Thanksgiving.

Go Bears!

Leanne

Identifying what we want students to know and be able to do when they are ready for the world beyond Stonington Public Schools is a critical task.  This is especially important if we want students to have the tools necessary to pursue their own goals after graduation – whether in the world of college, employment or military service.   Once content and skills to be taught are determined, we set about planning how best to instruct, and we tackle the challenges associated with meeting various learning styles, readiness levels and abilities.   The work is complex, but incredibly important.

On occasion, I’ll hear from a family who feels that their child’s needs are not being met.  In some cases there is a perceived lack of support or remediation.  In other cases, parents are looking for more challenging experiences for their youngsters.  In all cases, parents want the most personalized instruction possible – and rightfully so.

So where do we stand with you?  In your opinion, how can we do a better job of reaching all students?  I’m hoping that this post will prompt you to consider the degree to which you feel we are meeting our goal.  Share your thoughts about the over-arching work of our district here, but by all means be sure to communicate directly with our teachers when specific concerns exist about your children.  Our power is multiplied when we all work together.

We Are Stonington Public Schools.

My best,

Leanne

A:  When the Board of Education adopted our budget in February, student parking fees were not a part of our plan.  It was only after the Board of Finance slashed our budget an additional $275,000 that we were forced to consider additional cuts.  Our philosophy has always been to keep cuts as far from the classroom as possible, and beyond that to attempt preservation of student programming beyond the school day.  As so many of you are aware, Stonington’s school budget is scrutinized annually, and over the years has been whittled down.  Previously, there have been places to trim which minimally impact the student experience – we have now crossed that threshold.

After finding ways to trim nearly the entire $275,000 this spring (which among other items also included the loss of a teaching position) we were left needing a way to cut $17,000 more.  As we scrutinized options (for example: eliminating some athletic programs and clubs) we identified student parking fees as a means to generate funds without a loss of programming.  Because we provide transportation via bus for every student, and driving a car to school is a choice, it became a more tantalizing option than a “pay-to-play” alternative which would have inherently kept some students from participating.

The fee associated with the parking permits is based on the need to fill the remaining $17,000 gap and the number of spots we have to fill:  170 spots @ $100 each.  As a result, the burden is not only being carried by those in after school activities, but by the entire population eligible to drive to school.

Permits will only be required during normal school hours, so students who participate in activities after school and want access to a car can, in effect, ride the bus home and bring vehicles to the campus after dismissal without the need for a permit.  Clubs and teams will need to make allowances for this so that students are not penalized if getting a car is an absolute necessity for activities that run beyond our late bus schedule.

Again, please understand that this was not something recommended as part of the Board’s budget process, but a difficult choice made once we were required to make up for the additional cut of $275K.    In the end, parking fees were determined to be the lesser of several evils.

Additional questions or comments are most welcome.

Welcome to the 2011-2012 school year!

Although Hurricane Irene delayed our official opening; Stonington’s faculty and staff stand ready to begin working with students!  With the exception of power outages, our facilities weathered the storm very well  – and thanks to the tireless efforts of maintenance and custodial staff members – the schools look terrific.

This year, we’ll continue to strive towards the  goals of our district’s Strategic Plan.  This will mean engaging our students in content in new and interesting ways; further evaluating our structures to optimize collaboration; and building upon our community partnerships to provide learners with more authentic experiences.

At this year’s Convocation, I spoke with faculty and staff about the importance of “balance”.  Finding balance in our lives makes us more effective in our work and optimizes our health.  Balance is not just important for adults, but is especially important for children.  Balancing work with play, and balancing time engaged in activities with time at rest makes for happier and more vibrant young people.

I continue to be humbled, and proud, to be a part of this school district, and extend my very best wishes for a wonderful year ahead.  I also love hearing from students, parents, staff, and other members of our community.  Please don’t hesitate to share your ideas and reflections on our work.  I can be reached at 860.572.0506, ext 2; via email at lmasterjoseph@stoningtonschools.org; or right here on my blog.

My best,

Leanne