I saw this article today, with information that new federal guidelines will require high schools to "show how they increase both college enrollment and the number of students who complete at least a year of college."
This will be very interesting data, and I'm looking forward to seeing it. But I hope the feds include some money to help schools collect the data, because there's plenty of work involved. The U.S. and state departments of education have a way of heaping requirements on the schools without giving them the funds to do the work they're asking for.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Monday, December 21, 2009
Advanced Placement issues
The board approved adding AP (Advanced Placement) English to the LHS curriculum starting next year. This year is the first year for AP European History. As Lebanon High School adds more AP courses, this is an interesting discussion about the merits of this program.
My hat is off to Kevin O'Rourke (LHS principal) and his staff for offering the most rigorous courses. I like the idea of offering these courses for students who are ready for them, and motivated to take them, but as these panelists make clear there are some complex questions that come up with these courses.
My hat is off to Kevin O'Rourke (LHS principal) and his staff for offering the most rigorous courses. I like the idea of offering these courses for students who are ready for them, and motivated to take them, but as these panelists make clear there are some complex questions that come up with these courses.
Friday, December 18, 2009
Superintendent pay
The Indianapolis Star is running an article on Sunday (print-only) about school superintendent pay packages. Their job is to sell papers, so they're teasing the story with lines about superintendents having "CEO-like perks."
On the web site today the Star has an interesting chart showing base salaries of 44 metro-area superintendents (including Lebanon's), with links to benefits details and pdf files of the actual contracts. From time to time I hear people questioning how much our superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor is paid. This chart shows that his base salary is 24th on the list, and a look at benefits of a few other superintendents near his pay level shows that his benefits are in line with, or more modest than, those of his peers.
This week's headlines about K-12 funding in Indiana are grim, and the administration and board will be looking at some tough decisions in the next few months. The good news is that Lebanon has been very fiscally conservative, and is operating with a healthy cash balance and a decent Rainy Day fund. We're also fortunate to have pretty steady enrollment--corporations with strong growth or severe enrollment declines are hurting more than we are.
The administration and teachers union are currently negotiating a Master Contract for teachers in the district, and administrator contracts won't be signed until the Master Contract is settled. But earlier this year the board decided not to give any administrators raises for this year. Our administrators work so hard, and so well, and last year they led the district to Exemplary status. But this was the only sensible thing to do given the bleak economic situation. In absorbing the cuts that are coming, the board will work to spread the pain so that hopefully no one feels it too much.
On the web site today the Star has an interesting chart showing base salaries of 44 metro-area superintendents (including Lebanon's), with links to benefits details and pdf files of the actual contracts. From time to time I hear people questioning how much our superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor is paid. This chart shows that his base salary is 24th on the list, and a look at benefits of a few other superintendents near his pay level shows that his benefits are in line with, or more modest than, those of his peers.
This week's headlines about K-12 funding in Indiana are grim, and the administration and board will be looking at some tough decisions in the next few months. The good news is that Lebanon has been very fiscally conservative, and is operating with a healthy cash balance and a decent Rainy Day fund. We're also fortunate to have pretty steady enrollment--corporations with strong growth or severe enrollment declines are hurting more than we are.
The administration and teachers union are currently negotiating a Master Contract for teachers in the district, and administrator contracts won't be signed until the Master Contract is settled. But earlier this year the board decided not to give any administrators raises for this year. Our administrators work so hard, and so well, and last year they led the district to Exemplary status. But this was the only sensible thing to do given the bleak economic situation. In absorbing the cuts that are coming, the board will work to spread the pain so that hopefully no one feels it too much.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
There's nothing like spending time in the schools
Yesterday I spent a full day at Lebanon Middle School, and in the past couple weeks I've also spent a day (each) at Harney and Central elementaries. There is so much to learn from spending time in the schools. Observing classes, talking with staff and students, checking out the cafeteria, the library, and the art on the walls helps me understand what's happening in that school, every day.
Overall I'm so impressed with what I find. Caring, passionate teachers, well-behaved students focused on their work, buildings in good repair, and attentive administrators are the norm. One of my frustrations with working with and for the public schools is the widespread cultural perception that our schools are "failing." They most certainly are not!
It's not all sunshine and daisies, of course. There are a few students being disciplined or dozing off, a smattering of teachers who look like they'd rather be elsewhere, some rattling radiators and roof leaks. There's always room for improvement, and schools are focused on that as never before. They really have to be, since the law of the land requires constant improvement.
I met a special education teacher who is new to LMS. She has taught in the Carmel schools, at North Montgomery High School, and in a private school, but wanted to return to the public schools because she's passionate about the work that needs to be done. I asked her what she thinks of LMS so far, and she said she sees very hard-working teachers and students who want to learn. This is great to hear from someone who has worked in several other schools.
I had a long conversation with LMS principal Brad Allen, asking him where their successes and challenges are currently, how his staffing is meeting his needs, what the building needs, how they're adjusting to the new Acuity testing, whether teachers have and are using the technology that's available, what retirements he's anticipating ... and the list goes on. The work of schools is fascinating, and there are so many moving parts (new state standards, textbook adoptions, new testing models) to keep track of.
Here's one current challenge: the LCSC is in a "math adoption" year, in which a committee of teachers, administrators, and parents chooses math textbooks for students in K-12 which will be purchased and used for four years. This process starts with the Indiana Dept. of Education (IDOE) publishing a list of approved books from which to choose. Then the committee examines these books, discusses them, meets with publisher representatives, makes a selection and recommends textbooks to the board. But here we are in mid-December, the IDOE has recently published new math standards, but it hasn't published the "acceptable book" list yet. The committee needs to present its recommendation to the board by early spring in order to get books ordered so that they'll be here in early August. They will have very little time in which to examine and discuss their choices. Sigh.
Overall I'm so impressed with what I find. Caring, passionate teachers, well-behaved students focused on their work, buildings in good repair, and attentive administrators are the norm. One of my frustrations with working with and for the public schools is the widespread cultural perception that our schools are "failing." They most certainly are not!
It's not all sunshine and daisies, of course. There are a few students being disciplined or dozing off, a smattering of teachers who look like they'd rather be elsewhere, some rattling radiators and roof leaks. There's always room for improvement, and schools are focused on that as never before. They really have to be, since the law of the land requires constant improvement.
I met a special education teacher who is new to LMS. She has taught in the Carmel schools, at North Montgomery High School, and in a private school, but wanted to return to the public schools because she's passionate about the work that needs to be done. I asked her what she thinks of LMS so far, and she said she sees very hard-working teachers and students who want to learn. This is great to hear from someone who has worked in several other schools.
I had a long conversation with LMS principal Brad Allen, asking him where their successes and challenges are currently, how his staffing is meeting his needs, what the building needs, how they're adjusting to the new Acuity testing, whether teachers have and are using the technology that's available, what retirements he's anticipating ... and the list goes on. The work of schools is fascinating, and there are so many moving parts (new state standards, textbook adoptions, new testing models) to keep track of.
Here's one current challenge: the LCSC is in a "math adoption" year, in which a committee of teachers, administrators, and parents chooses math textbooks for students in K-12 which will be purchased and used for four years. This process starts with the Indiana Dept. of Education (IDOE) publishing a list of approved books from which to choose. Then the committee examines these books, discusses them, meets with publisher representatives, makes a selection and recommends textbooks to the board. But here we are in mid-December, the IDOE has recently published new math standards, but it hasn't published the "acceptable book" list yet. The committee needs to present its recommendation to the board by early spring in order to get books ordered so that they'll be here in early August. They will have very little time in which to examine and discuss their choices. Sigh.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
LHS graduation rate tops 90%
Dr. Taylor announced last week that the graduation rate at LHS for last year was 90.03%! This is a tremendous accomplishment, since only four years ago the LHS graduation rate was 80%.
Many congratulations to LHS principal Kevin O'Rourke, his capable, energetic staff, and the LHS students for this wonderful accomplishment.
(In case you're wondering where this figure comes from, the state calculates it in the same way for all schools in the state--it is not a self-reported number.)
Many congratulations to LHS principal Kevin O'Rourke, his capable, energetic staff, and the LHS students for this wonderful accomplishment.
(In case you're wondering where this figure comes from, the state calculates it in the same way for all schools in the state--it is not a self-reported number.)
Renovation plans start moving!
The board had a work session Tuesday with the team from Schmidt Associates architects, who we've hired to get us through this first planning phase and a probable referendum vote.
The short version is that Lebanon High School is 51 years old. While it's been maintained well, it needs renovation to insure we can get 20-30 more years of useful life from the building. That is the goal of this project! We're going to focus on functional, cost-effective design, energy efficiency that will help pay back the cost of the project, and the needs of staff and students who are in the building daily.
If you'd like more detail, read on!
The Schmidt team spent several days meeting with LHS staff to see what the needs are for those who work in the building every day. A few areas came up repeatedly:
What's next? Over the next 60-90 days the Schmidt team will focus in on these needs and design solutions for them. Meanwhile, Umbaugh and Associates is crunching numbers with help from administrators so that as soon as possible we can clearly explain the cost and tax impact of this project to LCSC constituents.
A 1028 hearing will likely be scheduled for Spring 2010, at which the maximum bond amount for the project will be set. There will be many public meetings and media coverage of this project over the next several months to listen to community priorities and concerns, and educate the public about the condition of their school buildings. It's likely that a referendum will be on the ballot in November 2010, in which the community will vote in favor of or against the renovation project. The referendum process is new to Lebanon, so we'll all be learning about it together.
A final note: I will post updates here regularly. But right now much of this information is preliminary. I will do my best to make clear what's "possible," "likely," "potential," and what's been firmly decided. Please feel free to comment, provide input, or ask for clarification--I hope this blog will be a valuable source of community feedback.
The short version is that Lebanon High School is 51 years old. While it's been maintained well, it needs renovation to insure we can get 20-30 more years of useful life from the building. That is the goal of this project! We're going to focus on functional, cost-effective design, energy efficiency that will help pay back the cost of the project, and the needs of staff and students who are in the building daily.
If you'd like more detail, read on!
The Schmidt team spent several days meeting with LHS staff to see what the needs are for those who work in the building every day. A few areas came up repeatedly:
- Traffic circulation in the building is right and maze-like
- Corridors are too tight ("I" hall is particularly notorious)
- Entry and main office is not secure, and the location isn't clear enough
- Building and site need better signage
- The PA system should be "zoned" so the whole building isn't interrupted for every announcement
- Handicapped access needs improvement
- Many rooms are too small for the number of students in them
- More storage is needed throughout the school
- The Media Center location is awkward and should be more central
- Space is tight in the cafeteria, band and choir rooms, and special needs classrooms
- The Auditorium lacks space backstage, and the curtains, lights, sound, and pit need updating.
- Temperature control is inconsistent or not available
- Electrical system is unreliable and outdated (some outlets do not work at all)
- Lighting in rooms is inadequate
- Plumbing is actually failing in places, and more restrooms and drinking fountains are needed
- Technology needs to be integrated through the whole school
- The roof needs to be replaced
- Exterior brick is in disrepair and needs extensive tuckpointing or replacement
- Asphalt, sidewalks, and curbs are broken down
- The courtyard is wasted space and should be reconfigured.
What's next? Over the next 60-90 days the Schmidt team will focus in on these needs and design solutions for them. Meanwhile, Umbaugh and Associates is crunching numbers with help from administrators so that as soon as possible we can clearly explain the cost and tax impact of this project to LCSC constituents.
A 1028 hearing will likely be scheduled for Spring 2010, at which the maximum bond amount for the project will be set. There will be many public meetings and media coverage of this project over the next several months to listen to community priorities and concerns, and educate the public about the condition of their school buildings. It's likely that a referendum will be on the ballot in November 2010, in which the community will vote in favor of or against the renovation project. The referendum process is new to Lebanon, so we'll all be learning about it together.
A final note: I will post updates here regularly. But right now much of this information is preliminary. I will do my best to make clear what's "possible," "likely," "potential," and what's been firmly decided. Please feel free to comment, provide input, or ask for clarification--I hope this blog will be a valuable source of community feedback.
Monday, November 16, 2009
Blog neglect: I plead guilty!
Well, the combination of a trip during Lebanon's fall break, a bout with H1N1 and final preparations for the Lebanon Follies means my blog has been neglected. Sorry about that! (Follies performances are at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 20 and Saturday, Nov. 21, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22 in the LHS Auditorium. It's a great chance to see some local talent, and to heckle me!)
I attended the dinner for Indiana's 2010 Teacher of the Year, LHS's own Byron Ernest, and it was such a great occasion. Hearing about and from Byron, as well as learning about the other semi-finalists and finalists, made me so excited about public education in Indiana. I also got a chance to talk with a woman from Indiana's Department of Education, and she should be an interesting contact over the next few years.
As part of my board privileges I visit all our school buildings for at least one day each year. I don't want to get in the way of the teachers, but there's no substitute for spending time in classrooms, talking to teachers, administrators, custodial staff, food service workers to learn what's working and what needs help.
Last Friday I spent the day at Central Elementary, and over the next few weeks I'll be in all the other buildings. I'll write more about the highlights and insights of those visits.
I attended the dinner for Indiana's 2010 Teacher of the Year, LHS's own Byron Ernest, and it was such a great occasion. Hearing about and from Byron, as well as learning about the other semi-finalists and finalists, made me so excited about public education in Indiana. I also got a chance to talk with a woman from Indiana's Department of Education, and she should be an interesting contact over the next few years.
As part of my board privileges I visit all our school buildings for at least one day each year. I don't want to get in the way of the teachers, but there's no substitute for spending time in classrooms, talking to teachers, administrators, custodial staff, food service workers to learn what's working and what needs help.
Last Friday I spent the day at Central Elementary, and over the next few weeks I'll be in all the other buildings. I'll write more about the highlights and insights of those visits.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
October meeting
Our October 20 regular meeting was not broadcast on Channel 19 as it usually is. Not sure why that is, but I'll hit some highlights here.
- After a year of hearing from different architects about the needed renovations at LHS and Central, we voted to contract with Schmidt Associates school architects to work on facility assessment and survey, conceptual project design, community input and communication, and the 1028 and referendum processes. The work is to be performed for a total fee of $42,000. I'll be writing more about these projects as we move ahead. This is LCSC's first building project since the new law requiring a ballot referendum for any projects over $20 million. There's plenty to do, and plenty to learn. The board is committed to getting community input and answering questions. In all likelihood there will be a referendum on the Nov 2010 ballot.
- The board presented Indiana's 2009 Teacher of the Year, Mr. Byron Ernest, a plaque in recognition of his award. He's working on his portfolio to submit for the national contest, and will travel to Washington, D.C. in the spring for that event.
- Mrs. Jackie McNutt, LHS medical technician, clinic staff, and all around great team player, was recognized as the corporation's classified Employee of the Month.
- 1.5 teaching positions were approved for Harney elementary. A full-time Title I English Impact Teacher, Bailey Collins will help at all grade levels with literacy, and a half-time teacher Kyle Endres will help the two large 4th-grade classes at Harney.
- Mr. Will Pullins presented LCSC's ISTEP+ results from the Spring 2009 testing. Because this was a new test results were a little different, but LCSC is ahead of state averages in every grade level and building.
- Mr. Bob Ross reported that absenteeism due to flu and other illnesses is running higher than usual, but not at alarming rates. Absenteeism varies widely from building to building and week to week, and was 7.5% last week for the corporation (it's usually around 3-4%). We're all hopeful that next week's break will allow for thorough cleaning, and a break in the cycle of contagion!
- The board approved the 2011-12 calendar, which has students starting school on Aug. 12, graduation is June 1, and the traditional breaks are preserved.
If you're an LCSC parent, I hope you got a chance to attend parent-teacher conferences this week! I hope students and families have a great fall break. (I love fall break!)
Twenty-first century challenges
Tom Friedman's column in today's New York Times argues that the indispensable workers of the near future will be those with the imagination and problem-solving skills to take on the structural changes in the economy.
This argument melds well with the presentation I discussed a couple posts ago, by Dr. Yong Zhao of Michigan State University. Friedman says "our schools have a doubly hard task now — not just improving reading, writing and arithmetic but entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity."
We're not going to get there by over-reliance on assessments and just going back to basics. Education has to be in front of this imagination and creativity curve--and that's no small task, particularly in an environment of shrinking school budgets.
This argument melds well with the presentation I discussed a couple posts ago, by Dr. Yong Zhao of Michigan State University. Friedman says "our schools have a doubly hard task now — not just improving reading, writing and arithmetic but entrepreneurship, innovation and creativity."
We're not going to get there by over-reliance on assessments and just going back to basics. Education has to be in front of this imagination and creativity curve--and that's no small task, particularly in an environment of shrinking school budgets.
Monday, October 12, 2009
Zero tolerance
In recent years schools have been more-or-less forced to adopt "zero tolerance" policies regarding students having anything in school that might be used as a weapon, or any type of medicine.
This can take ridiculous forms, as this article in today's NY Times illustrates. I know I can't send my children to school with an ibuprofen or a cough drop in their pockets, and last week I made sure to e-mail the high school principal to get permission to bring two craft knives to school (after hours) for Nina to complete a group project for her math class.
Do schools need more discretion in cases like these? Is there room for "common sense" to prevail, or is zero tolerance the only way to go in these times? Whom do we trust to make these "common sense" decisions?
This can take ridiculous forms, as this article in today's NY Times illustrates. I know I can't send my children to school with an ibuprofen or a cough drop in their pockets, and last week I made sure to e-mail the high school principal to get permission to bring two craft knives to school (after hours) for Nina to complete a group project for her math class.
Do schools need more discretion in cases like these? Is there room for "common sense" to prevail, or is zero tolerance the only way to go in these times? Whom do we trust to make these "common sense" decisions?
Friday, October 9, 2009
Quality schools = higher property values
It's interesting to write a blog post while my kitten is roaming around the computer desk, walking on the keyboard and sitting in front of the monitor!
On to the topic. A column in today's Indianapolis Star reminds readers that quality schools are closely related to property value. In fact, the author asserts that, "Property values are driven primarily by the reputation of the local school corporation."
The Lebanon Schools are not asking voters to approve a tax increase to help the general fund, as several central Indiana districts are. But the board is looking closely at renovation plans for both Central Elementary and Lebanon High School. A referendum to approve these projects, and the tax adjustment to fund them, is likely sometime in 2010.
Both these buildings are likely to be serving students for many years to come, and both are more than 50 years old. The needs at LHS are more substantial than those at Central. You can only fix the HVAC (that's heating, ventilation and air-conditioning), plumbing, electrical, and technology systems so many times before it's time for a complete re-do. Parts become unavailable or very expensive, fixes become more frequent, and new systems will provide more efficiency and long-term savings.
Whatever the board puts before the community in a referendum will have one eye on what our students and staff need to optimize learning, and the other eye on careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Stay tuned!
On to the topic. A column in today's Indianapolis Star reminds readers that quality schools are closely related to property value. In fact, the author asserts that, "Property values are driven primarily by the reputation of the local school corporation."
The Lebanon Schools are not asking voters to approve a tax increase to help the general fund, as several central Indiana districts are. But the board is looking closely at renovation plans for both Central Elementary and Lebanon High School. A referendum to approve these projects, and the tax adjustment to fund them, is likely sometime in 2010.
Both these buildings are likely to be serving students for many years to come, and both are more than 50 years old. The needs at LHS are more substantial than those at Central. You can only fix the HVAC (that's heating, ventilation and air-conditioning), plumbing, electrical, and technology systems so many times before it's time for a complete re-do. Parts become unavailable or very expensive, fixes become more frequent, and new systems will provide more efficiency and long-term savings.
Whatever the board puts before the community in a referendum will have one eye on what our students and staff need to optimize learning, and the other eye on careful stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Stay tuned!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
ISBA conference
Are America's schools failing our children? Are the Chinese and Indians beating us right, left, and center? Dr. Yong Zhao says, "No!"
Dr. Zhao, University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University, gave the keynote at a conference I attended this week. The presentation is taken from his book, and both are titled Catching Up or Keeping the Lead: American Education in the Age of Globalization. His ideas were fresh, forceful, encouraging, and data driven. You'll find his presentation slides here, but here's a brief recap of his argument:
The Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA) is a professional organization for school board members. Their annual fall conference attracted hundreds of board members and administrators from around the state. I attended seven sessions over two days and learned about better school board governance, the media, and pending changes in federal education legislation among other topics. It was more interesting than that probably sounds! I came away as usual with a headful of ideas and inspiration.
Dr. Zhao, University Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University, gave the keynote at a conference I attended this week. The presentation is taken from his book, and both are titled Catching Up or Keeping the Lead: American Education in the Age of Globalization. His ideas were fresh, forceful, encouraging, and data driven. You'll find his presentation slides here, but here's a brief recap of his argument:
- Americans have long been worried that our competitors are "beating us" at educating children, from post-Sputnik Cold War anxiety about the USSR, to concerns about Japan in the 1980s with the landmark report "A Nation at Risk," to the 2007 movie Two Million Minutes, which argues that we're falling far behind India and China.
- In spite of these anxieties, American creativity, productivity, and economic growth in the late 20th century are unparalleled by any other nation.
- Ironically enough, Asian countries including China, Japan, Singapore and South Korea are implementing education reforms to make their systems more like ours, with less emphasis on rote memorization, constant testing, and a narrow focus, and more on developing creativity, problem-solving, and entrepreneurial thinking.
The Indiana School Boards Association (ISBA) is a professional organization for school board members. Their annual fall conference attracted hundreds of board members and administrators from around the state. I attended seven sessions over two days and learned about better school board governance, the media, and pending changes in federal education legislation among other topics. It was more interesting than that probably sounds! I came away as usual with a headful of ideas and inspiration.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
National standards for high school curriculum
The idea of national standards for high school curriculum seems to be gaining ground. With a country increasingly mobile and information-based this may well be a good idea, but it certainly runs counter to American traditions of "local control" of education.
Local control has already gone out the window in many respects with the adoption of state standards for K-12 curriculum and increasing state control of school funding. (Not to mention federal No Child Left Behind legislation.) Advocates of national standards argue that state standards have created an unwieldy "patchwork" effect, and that states can game the system by writing tests that are too easy and then reporting very high pass rates to receive federal recognition and support.
Today's New York Times has a roundtable-type blog post on the topic, with several expert contributors.
The Washington Post has coverage of recent developments as well.
And of course the Common Core Standards Initiative itself.
Does the diversity of our nation (geographically, economically, culturally) make national standards unrealistic or undesirable? Or should we attempt some form of "one size fits all" curriculum for the twenty-first century?
Local control has already gone out the window in many respects with the adoption of state standards for K-12 curriculum and increasing state control of school funding. (Not to mention federal No Child Left Behind legislation.) Advocates of national standards argue that state standards have created an unwieldy "patchwork" effect, and that states can game the system by writing tests that are too easy and then reporting very high pass rates to receive federal recognition and support.
Today's New York Times has a roundtable-type blog post on the topic, with several expert contributors.
The Washington Post has coverage of recent developments as well.
And of course the Common Core Standards Initiative itself.
Does the diversity of our nation (geographically, economically, culturally) make national standards unrealistic or undesirable? Or should we attempt some form of "one size fits all" curriculum for the twenty-first century?
Mr. Byron Ernest named Indiana's Teacher of the Year!
Congratulations to Mr. Ernest and the staff of Lebanon High School on this wonderful recognition! Mr. Ernest will go on to the National Teacher of the Year competition in Washington, D.C.
Here's the link to some coverage:
http://www.indystar.com/article/20090923/LOCAL0202/909230367/1013/NEWS04/Top+teacher+encourages+devotion+to+agriculture
http://www.reporter.net/local/local_story_265212608.html
Here's the link to some coverage:
http://www.indystar.com/article/20090923/LOCAL0202/909230367/1013/NEWS04/Top+teacher+encourages+devotion+to+agriculture
http://www.reporter.net/local/local_story_265212608.html
Friday, September 18, 2009
Spring 2009 ISTEP+ results released
Confession: I love fooling around with test score data--something I carry with me from my first professional job. I can spend a long time looking at numbers, percentages, comparisons, and all the ways these data are sliced and diced. So when new test scores come out, I usually spend some time looking them over.
The ISTEP+, Indiana's state test for students in grades 3-8, was changed last year, with the new spring-testing format launched (in two parts) in March and April. There were widespread anecdotal reports that these tests were much harder than the previous tests, but the Indiana Dept. of Education stands behind the tests as a fair measure after examining them further.
Still and all, they're only one measuring stick for looking at school quality. Not surprisingly, some of the highest test scores (ISTEP+, SAT, you name it) consistently come from some of the most affluent communities--like our neighbors in Hamilton and Hendricks counties, and also Zionsville here in Boone County.
Because of the new format and test window it's hard to compare these new scores to previous testing. But we can get a snapshot of how the Lebanon schools did compared to the state.
Here's a little information on the percentage of students to pass (or pass plus) both the English/language arts and the math sections of the test, in Lebanon and statewide:
If you are also a testing data geek, here's a handy link to the Indianapolis Star database of this information, where you can get much more detail:
http://www.indystar.com/data/education/ISTEP.shtml
And the Indiana Dept. of Education link for an even more data, which can be a little unwieldy but interesting for those with the inclination:
http://www.doe.in.gov/istep/2009/
I believe at the board's regular meeting in October we can look for a report from Dr. Taylor on these new test results, and what they mean going forward.
The ISTEP+, Indiana's state test for students in grades 3-8, was changed last year, with the new spring-testing format launched (in two parts) in March and April. There were widespread anecdotal reports that these tests were much harder than the previous tests, but the Indiana Dept. of Education stands behind the tests as a fair measure after examining them further.
Still and all, they're only one measuring stick for looking at school quality. Not surprisingly, some of the highest test scores (ISTEP+, SAT, you name it) consistently come from some of the most affluent communities--like our neighbors in Hamilton and Hendricks counties, and also Zionsville here in Boone County.
Because of the new format and test window it's hard to compare these new scores to previous testing. But we can get a snapshot of how the Lebanon schools did compared to the state.
Here's a little information on the percentage of students to pass (or pass plus) both the English/language arts and the math sections of the test, in Lebanon and statewide:
| grade | LCSC | Indiana |
| 3 | 73 | 65 |
| 4 | 77 | 62 |
| 5 | 74 | 64 |
| 6 | 64 | 62 |
| 7 | 70 | 58 |
| 8 | 63 | 57 |
If you are also a testing data geek, here's a handy link to the Indianapolis Star database of this information, where you can get much more detail:
http://www.indystar.com/data/education/ISTEP.shtml
And the Indiana Dept. of Education link for an even more data, which can be a little unwieldy but interesting for those with the inclination:
http://www.doe.in.gov/istep/2009/
I believe at the board's regular meeting in October we can look for a report from Dr. Taylor on these new test results, and what they mean going forward.
School calendar
Most people have an opinion about school calendars. Many adults recall a school year framed by Labor Day and Memorial Day, but memory is not very reliable. I'm pretty sure I went to school through mid-June, in Michigan in the '70s.
The school year in Lebanon starts pretty early--August 10 this year, August 9 in 2010. Mr. Bob Ross will present potential school calendars for the next few years at the October board meeting. He works with a group of people to accommodate complex calendar demands.
Indiana mandates 180 days of instruction, and schools take federal holidays off. Those are the most basic parameters we have. Here are some other questions to think about:
The school year in Lebanon starts pretty early--August 10 this year, August 9 in 2010. Mr. Bob Ross will present potential school calendars for the next few years at the October board meeting. He works with a group of people to accommodate complex calendar demands.
Indiana mandates 180 days of instruction, and schools take federal holidays off. Those are the most basic parameters we have. Here are some other questions to think about:
- When would you like to see school begin?
- Lebanon currently schedules a one-week break in the fall and another in the spring. What do you think of these breaks?
- How much time do students/staff/families need off at Christmas? Lebanon usually schedules a full two weeks (10 school days)
- ISTEP+ and ECA (End of Course Assessment) testing takes place in late March and April. Students are tested over their curriculum at this time, e.g., 5th-graders are tested over 5th-grade standards. We want as much instruction as possible before this testing date, so there's sufficient time for teaching and learning the material. (As LHS principal Kevin O'Rourke pointed out to me, if school A has 130 instructional days prior to the testing and school B has 150, it puts school B at a big advantage. Like it or not, the consequences of these tests are significant.)
- Is it important for the first semester to end before the Christmas break? We want to keep the number of days in each semester roughly equal (this year the Fall semester is 87 days and Spring is 93 days).
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
"Skyward" at the September meeting
Last night's monthly meeting included the final budget approval and plenty of other news. Here are some highlights:
- Mrs. Sue Hipple, custodian extraordinaire at Central Elementary, was honored as the corporation's first "Employee of the Month." This award will recognize an outstanding classified employee (those who aren't teachers or administrators). Mrs. Hipple is a cheerful, efficient, hard-working presence at Central, and the recognition is well-deserved.
- Will Pullins reported on LHS SAT results. Seniors from the class of 2009 scored an average of 64 points higher on the SAT than the previous year's group. This is a great gain, in a year when statewide scores were flat. We're seeing fewer LHS students take the SAT, but more are taking the ACT.
- I asked Kevin O'Rourke to report soon on LHS student results on the AP (Advanced Placement) exams, which can earn college credit for high school students. Bryan Passwater, the LHS calculus teacher, told me that 26 LHS students took the AP Calculus exam last Spring, and 22 of them scored high enough to qualify for college credit.
- Superintendent Bob Taylor reported that a fence is going to be installed around the playground at Harney Elementary, starting this week. The green space at Harney borders Camp St., which carries plenty of traffic. The fence is a safety precaution, and is being paid for out of capital projects funds.
- The board approved Dr. Taylor's recommendation that we purchase "Skyward," a web-based student data system that will replace the aging STI next year. Skyward was chosen after a two-year review of various options. It will expand on the features of STI, and will also integrate functions for food services and the school alert system. Parents should be able to check student grades, attendance, and discipline, and also look at their students' lunch account, e-mail teachers, and update their own information through this one portal.
- Dr. Taylor recapped the situation with President Obama's speech to American school children last Tuesday. The schools did not get much information about the talk from state or federal sources until the Thursday before, leaving little time for planning going into the three-day weekend. The talk took place at noon, when many students were at lunch. After watching it, Dr. Taylor thought it was excellent, and encouraged teachers to have students view it at their discretion. Central Elementary showed the speech as a school event; several other teachers have shown it to their classes as well. Parents have the choice to opt their student out of viewing the president's talk. Community feedback on the decision to delay showing the speech has been mixed. I heard from people on both sides of the issues as well, but more people indicated they wanted their children to see it. If you'd like to view it, here's a link to the video at the White House web site:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/video/President-Obamas-Message-for-Americas-Students/ - My colleague Dave Herr asked about class sizes in the elementary schools. Dr. Taylor reported that the 4th-grade classes at Harney are a concern, with 29, 29, and 30 students in them, and that the kindergarten classes at Central are in the high 20s, although each of these classrooms has a full-time aide. After Friday's official state count of students (called the ADM), which has a great deal to do with how much funding we get from the state, the corporation can make some decisions about the need for more aides or possibly more teachers.
Monday, September 7, 2009
President Obama's address to U.S. schoolchildren
Tomorrow President Obama will address students at a high school in Arlington, Va., and his talk will be broadcast live on the internet. It is being made available to every school corporation in the nation. There has been a bit of a kerfuffle about this, with some claiming the president will try to indoctrinate schoolchildren with his ideas about some political matter.
Today the White House made the text of the talk, which is about personal responsibility and the importance of staying in school, available. Here's the link:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/MediaResources/PreparedSchoolRemarks/
Dr. Bob Taylor, LCSC superintendent, talked with his administrative team and decided not to have the Lebanon schools show the broadcast live tomorrow. Teachers will have the option to show it later if they think it's appropriate. Students will need a parental permission slip to view the president's talk; students who don't watch it will have another educational activity at that time.
Today the White House made the text of the talk, which is about personal responsibility and the importance of staying in school, available. Here's the link:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/MediaResources/PreparedSchoolRemarks/
Dr. Bob Taylor, LCSC superintendent, talked with his administrative team and decided not to have the Lebanon schools show the broadcast live tomorrow. Teachers will have the option to show it later if they think it's appropriate. Students will need a parental permission slip to view the president's talk; students who don't watch it will have another educational activity at that time.
Friday, August 28, 2009
Congratulations Mr. Byron Ernest!
Mr. Byron Ernest, who teaches agricultural science at LHS, is one of ten finalists for Indiana's Teacher of the Year Award! Here's a link to today's article in The Reporter: http://www.reporter.net/local/local_story_240020247.html (This is a shorter version of the story than what appears in the print version.)
Here is the announcement of the top ten candidates from the Indiana Dept. of Education web site:
http://www.doe.in.gov/news/2009/08-August/toy_finalists.html
Mr. Ernest is a teacher of tremendous energy, passion, and creativity. We're lucky to have him, and I'm delighted to see him get this sort of recognition. Best wishes to him going forward--it would be fantastic for Lebanon to have its first Teacher of the Year!
Here is the announcement of the top ten candidates from the Indiana Dept. of Education web site:
http://www.doe.in.gov/news/2009/08-August/toy_finalists.html
Mr. Ernest is a teacher of tremendous energy, passion, and creativity. We're lucky to have him, and I'm delighted to see him get this sort of recognition. Best wishes to him going forward--it would be fantastic for Lebanon to have its first Teacher of the Year!
(I just edited this post for an egregious misspelling in the title. Gaaack! Sorry!)
Thursday, August 27, 2009
The challenge of health insurance premiums
There's an article in today's Indy Star ( http://www.indystar.com/article/20090827/LOCAL0101/908270441/1013/NEWS04/Health+premiums+slam+Carmel+teachers) about the challenges of dramatically rising health premiums in the Carmel schools.
Schools and other public entities are caught in a real squeeze on this issue. Our general fund is completely determined by the state, and of course we want and need to pay our teachers what they're worth. But on the other side are rising premiums. Last year the LCSC received notice that employee health premiums were rising by about 45%. When the board looked at the figures (with our asst. superintendent and CFO Charles Tait) we realized the impact this would have on teachers who are on the LCSC plan. We decided to use about $330,000 from our corporation Rainy Day Fund to defray the additional costs for this year.
Teachers on the insurance still felt it--their premiums increased by about a third. But as my colleague Tom Merritt said in our meeting, "Now they're going to feel like they've been hit by a car instead of a truck."
This year the premiums are certain to go up again. We're not sure what we'll do, but the bind that faced us last year and that Carmel is grappling with right now is not going to go away. It's one of many reasons I'm keeping an eye on the national health care reform debate.
Schools and other public entities are caught in a real squeeze on this issue. Our general fund is completely determined by the state, and of course we want and need to pay our teachers what they're worth. But on the other side are rising premiums. Last year the LCSC received notice that employee health premiums were rising by about 45%. When the board looked at the figures (with our asst. superintendent and CFO Charles Tait) we realized the impact this would have on teachers who are on the LCSC plan. We decided to use about $330,000 from our corporation Rainy Day Fund to defray the additional costs for this year.
Teachers on the insurance still felt it--their premiums increased by about a third. But as my colleague Tom Merritt said in our meeting, "Now they're going to feel like they've been hit by a car instead of a truck."
This year the premiums are certain to go up again. We're not sure what we'll do, but the bind that faced us last year and that Carmel is grappling with right now is not going to go away. It's one of many reasons I'm keeping an eye on the national health care reform debate.
Wednesday, August 19, 2009
August meeting: H1N1 virus, test results, enrollment information
We got important information last night about the H1N1 virus. Dr. H. "J.R." Servies Jr., the public health officer for Boone County, gave a presentation on what is anticipated and plans for response. Keep an eye on local media as this situation develops. There should be vaccine available by the end of October, but not for everyone. Vaccines will be free, and will be available only at local health departments. Priority groups will include pregnant women and children ages 6 months to 18 years. Here's a web site where you can track this information:
http://boonecounty.in.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=130
Among the "good news," Dr. Taylor reported that Lebanon students passed the state-mandated Algebra I test (called an End of Course Assessment or ECA) at a rate much higher than the state average. The statewide pass rate was 41%; in Lebanon, 84% of LMS Alg. I students and 75% of LHS Alg. I students passed the test! LHS students also exceeded the state average in the pass rate for English 10, but fell short of the state average in Biology.
We got information about enrollment figures for the new school year. The official state count, which is crucial to determining funding, will take place Sept. 15. Dr. Taylor estimates this "ADM" count will come in at about 3320, which is down about 84 students from last year. Analysis shows most of that loss coming in the high school age students, rather than in the elementaries. Of course we're concerned about this trend, although it's not dramatic. I asked Dr. Taylor if we know how many students who had been enrolled at the Academy left the corporation. He said 11 of these students have left, along with a few more siblings of these students. George Piper told me at the end of the meeting that his count for the total with Academy ties who haven't enrolled at LCSC this year is 14.
I asked Dr. Taylor to clarify where we are with numbers of teachers. Last spring 15 teachers were notified that their positions were in jeopardy due to budget constraints. As of yesterday, all 15 of those teachers have been hired back into the LCSC. The net number of teachers is down no more than two or three from where we were last year. (Four teachers were let go for "cause," last year, that is they didn't measure up to expectations and would have been let go regardless of budget concerns.)
The corporation is in the final stages of selling the home built by the LHS building trades program last year. The house is in the Clear Vista addition, is being sold at a modest profit, and the sale should close by the end of August. The building trades students and teachers have begun another house already this school year.
If you'd like to watch the board meetings they're broadcast live on local cable channel 19; they are also rebroadcast several times during the month on channel 19.
http://boonecounty.in.gov/Default.aspx?tabid=130
Among the "good news," Dr. Taylor reported that Lebanon students passed the state-mandated Algebra I test (called an End of Course Assessment or ECA) at a rate much higher than the state average. The statewide pass rate was 41%; in Lebanon, 84% of LMS Alg. I students and 75% of LHS Alg. I students passed the test! LHS students also exceeded the state average in the pass rate for English 10, but fell short of the state average in Biology.
We got information about enrollment figures for the new school year. The official state count, which is crucial to determining funding, will take place Sept. 15. Dr. Taylor estimates this "ADM" count will come in at about 3320, which is down about 84 students from last year. Analysis shows most of that loss coming in the high school age students, rather than in the elementaries. Of course we're concerned about this trend, although it's not dramatic. I asked Dr. Taylor if we know how many students who had been enrolled at the Academy left the corporation. He said 11 of these students have left, along with a few more siblings of these students. George Piper told me at the end of the meeting that his count for the total with Academy ties who haven't enrolled at LCSC this year is 14.
I asked Dr. Taylor to clarify where we are with numbers of teachers. Last spring 15 teachers were notified that their positions were in jeopardy due to budget constraints. As of yesterday, all 15 of those teachers have been hired back into the LCSC. The net number of teachers is down no more than two or three from where we were last year. (Four teachers were let go for "cause," last year, that is they didn't measure up to expectations and would have been let go regardless of budget concerns.)
The corporation is in the final stages of selling the home built by the LHS building trades program last year. The house is in the Clear Vista addition, is being sold at a modest profit, and the sale should close by the end of August. The building trades students and teachers have begun another house already this school year.
If you'd like to watch the board meetings they're broadcast live on local cable channel 19; they are also rebroadcast several times during the month on channel 19.
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
A couple new items for the new school year
As we approach the first day of school (Monday, August 10), it's good to remind Lebanon families that there are a couple changes taking effect.
First thing is the dress code. The discussions about "standardized dress" last year resulted in changes to the LCSC dress codes. The dress code was written by teachers and administrators, and approved by the school board. Families are being notified in registration materials, and will be asked to sign either a copy of the dress code itself or the student handbook containing the code, indicating that they understand it. (Like most rules, you don't have to agree with it, but if you don't follow it there are consequences).
Here is the new dress code:
A. LCSC Dress Standards
While fashion trends may change, the reason for being in school does not. A
student’s dress should contribute to good health, cleanliness, safety, and
common decency. It should be non-disruptive and support a positive learning
environment.
Elementary and Middle School
• No open-toed footwear.
• No outdoor coats or jackets to be worn in classes or hallways during school
hours.
• Overall Apparel
o No exposed skin on any part of the midriff or back.
o No articles of clothing can be torn, ripped, or shredded.
o No inappropriately oversized or form fitting clothing. Clothing must be of
appropriate size.
o No attire that may damage school property or cause injury to others
(chains, metal decorations, etc.)
o No clothing that addresses or promotes tobacco, alcohol, drugs,
promiscuous behavior, or derogatory commentary.
o No pajamas and/or sleepwear.
o No headgear is to be worn. All headgear shall be removed at the
entrance of the school and shall not be worn until the building has been
exited.
• Shirts
o No shirts without sleeves. Sleeves must extend past shoulder and not
show underarm.
o No see-through shirts.
o No exposed undergarments.
o No exposed cleavage.
o No plunging necklines.
• Pants
o Pants must sit at or above the hip bone.
o All shorts, pants, and skirts must be knee length or longer.
o No writing on the seat of pants.
o No shorts worn during 2nd and 3rd grading periods.
High School
• No outdoor coats or jackets to be worn in classes or hallways during school
hours.
• Overall Apparel
o No exposed skin on any part of the midriff or back.
o No articles of clothing can be torn, ripped, or shredded.
o No inappropriately oversized or form fitting clothing. Clothing must be of
appropriate size.
o No attire that may damage school property or cause injury to others
(chains, metal decorations, etc.)
o No clothing that addresses or promotes tobacco, alcohol, drugs,
promiscuous behavior, or derogatory commentary.
o No pajamas and/or sleepwear.
o No headgear is to be worn. All headgear shall be removed at the
entrance of the school and shall not be worn until the building has been
exited.
• Shirts
o No shirts without sleeves. Sleeves must extend past shoulder and not
show underarm.
o No see-through shirts.
o No exposed undergarments.
o No exposed cleavage.
o No plunging necklines.
• Pants
o Pants must sit at or above the hip bone.
o All shorts, pants, and skirts must be knee length or longer.
o No writing on the seat of pants.
B. LCSC Dress Standard Consequences
All violations of the dress standards must be referred to the administrative office for documentation and determined consequence.
Elementary
• 1st & 2nd Violation
o Letter sent to parent
o Parent contacted via phone
o Child removed from classroom until appropriate attire is provided
• 3rd Violation
o Parent contacted
o Child suspended from school for one day. Return not authorized until parent participates in on-site conference
with administration.
• Future Violations
o Parent contacted
o Child suspended from school according to Table of Consequences. Return not authorized until parent participates in on-site conference with administration.
Middle School
• 1st Violation
o Verbal warning
o Letter sent to parent
o Child removed from classroom until appropriate attire is provided
• 2nd Violation
o Friday school
o Letter sent to parent. Includes warning that next offense will result in loss of
extracurricular activity privilege.
o Parent contacted via phone
• 3rd Violation
o Saturday School
o Parent contacted by phone
o Letter sent to parent
o Suspension from participation in all extracurricular activities for remainder
of semester
• Future Violations
o Removal from school (Out-of School Suspension) assigned to the
alternative school
High School
• 1st Violation
o All School Detention assigned
o Letter sent to parent
o Child removed from classroom until appropriate attire is provided
• 2nd Violation
o Friday school
o Letter sent to parent. Includes warning that next offense will result in loss of
extracurricular activity privilege.
o Parent contacted via phone
• 3rd Violation
o Saturday School
o Parent contacted by phone
o Letter sent to parent
o Suspension from participation in all extracurricular activities for remainder
of semester
• Future Violations
o Removal from school (Out-of School Suspension) assigned to the
alternative school
Second, there is a new law in Indiana regarding anyone who uses a cell phone or other electronic device to send, or even possess, sexually explicit material (words, photographs, and videos are included). It's a very serious situation, because so many students have cell phones and a small lapse in judgement can result in a felony charge. The following is copied from page 56 of the 2009-10 LHS Student Handbook (the whole handbook is available online here: http://www.leb.k12.in.us/pdf/LHS/academics/handbook.pdf). It also appears in the elementary and LMS handbooks. You should read and understand this, and explain it very clearly to your students. What may seem to them like a harmless prank could have grave consequences, and because it's state law, school officials have little latitude when enforcing it.
Important Notice to Students and Parents Regarding Cell Phone
Content and Display
1. The Child Abuse/Neglect Law requires school personnel to report to law enforcement or child
protective services whenever there is reason to believe that any person/student is involved with
“child exploitation” or “child pornography” as defined by Indiana Criminal Statutes.
2. It is “child exploitation,” a Class C felony under I.C. 35-42-4-4(b), for any person/student (1) to exhibit,
photograph or create a digitalized image of any incident that includes “sexual conduct” by a child
under the age of 18; or (2) to disseminate, exhibit to another person, or offer to so disseminate or
exhibit, matter that depicts or describes “sexual conduct” by a child under the age of 18.
3. It is “child pornography,” a Class D felony under I.C. 35-42-4-4(c), for any person/student to possess a
photograph, motion picture, digitalized image, or any pictorial representation that depicts or describes
“sexual conduct” by a child who the person knows is less than 16 years of age or who appears less
than age 16.
4. “Sexual conduct” is defined by I.C. 35-42-4-4(a) to include sexual intercourse, exhibition of the
uncovered genitals intended to satisfy or arouse the sexual desires of any person, or any fondling
or touching of a child by another person or of another person by a child intended to arouse or satisfy
the sexual desires of the child or other person.
5. The Indiana Sex Offender Registration Statute at I.C. 11-8-8-7 and the Sex Offender Registry
Offense Statute at I.C. 35-42-4-11, as of May 2009, require persons convicted of or adjudicated as
a juvenile delinquent for violating the Child Exploitation Statute at I.C. 35-42-4-4(b) to register as a
sex offender.
6. Because student cell phones have been found in a number of Indiana school districts to have
contained evidence of “sexual conduct” as defined above, it is important for parents and students
to be aware of the legal consequences should this occur in our school system.
I know this is a lot of detailed information (and I'm sorry some of the formatting is such a mess!), but it impacts many LCSC families, so I thought I'd post the chapter and verse here. Thank you for reading! I hope the start of the school year is a time of excitement and anticipation for all.
First thing is the dress code. The discussions about "standardized dress" last year resulted in changes to the LCSC dress codes. The dress code was written by teachers and administrators, and approved by the school board. Families are being notified in registration materials, and will be asked to sign either a copy of the dress code itself or the student handbook containing the code, indicating that they understand it. (Like most rules, you don't have to agree with it, but if you don't follow it there are consequences).
Here is the new dress code:
A. LCSC Dress Standards
While fashion trends may change, the reason for being in school does not. A
student’s dress should contribute to good health, cleanliness, safety, and
common decency. It should be non-disruptive and support a positive learning
environment.
Elementary and Middle School
• No open-toed footwear.
• No outdoor coats or jackets to be worn in classes or hallways during school
hours.
• Overall Apparel
o No exposed skin on any part of the midriff or back.
o No articles of clothing can be torn, ripped, or shredded.
o No inappropriately oversized or form fitting clothing. Clothing must be of
appropriate size.
o No attire that may damage school property or cause injury to others
(chains, metal decorations, etc.)
o No clothing that addresses or promotes tobacco, alcohol, drugs,
promiscuous behavior, or derogatory commentary.
o No pajamas and/or sleepwear.
o No headgear is to be worn. All headgear shall be removed at the
entrance of the school and shall not be worn until the building has been
exited.
• Shirts
o No shirts without sleeves. Sleeves must extend past shoulder and not
show underarm.
o No see-through shirts.
o No exposed undergarments.
o No exposed cleavage.
o No plunging necklines.
• Pants
o Pants must sit at or above the hip bone.
o All shorts, pants, and skirts must be knee length or longer.
o No writing on the seat of pants.
o No shorts worn during 2nd and 3rd grading periods.
High School
• No outdoor coats or jackets to be worn in classes or hallways during school
hours.
• Overall Apparel
o No exposed skin on any part of the midriff or back.
o No articles of clothing can be torn, ripped, or shredded.
o No inappropriately oversized or form fitting clothing. Clothing must be of
appropriate size.
o No attire that may damage school property or cause injury to others
(chains, metal decorations, etc.)
o No clothing that addresses or promotes tobacco, alcohol, drugs,
promiscuous behavior, or derogatory commentary.
o No pajamas and/or sleepwear.
o No headgear is to be worn. All headgear shall be removed at the
entrance of the school and shall not be worn until the building has been
exited.
• Shirts
o No shirts without sleeves. Sleeves must extend past shoulder and not
show underarm.
o No see-through shirts.
o No exposed undergarments.
o No exposed cleavage.
o No plunging necklines.
• Pants
o Pants must sit at or above the hip bone.
o All shorts, pants, and skirts must be knee length or longer.
o No writing on the seat of pants.
B. LCSC Dress Standard Consequences
All violations of the dress standards must be referred to the administrative office for documentation and determined consequence.
Elementary
• 1st & 2nd Violation
o Letter sent to parent
o Parent contacted via phone
o Child removed from classroom until appropriate attire is provided
• 3rd Violation
o Parent contacted
o Child suspended from school for one day. Return not authorized until parent participates in on-site conference
with administration.
• Future Violations
o Parent contacted
o Child suspended from school according to Table of Consequences. Return not authorized until parent participates in on-site conference with administration.
Middle School
• 1st Violation
o Verbal warning
o Letter sent to parent
o Child removed from classroom until appropriate attire is provided
• 2nd Violation
o Friday school
o Letter sent to parent. Includes warning that next offense will result in loss of
extracurricular activity privilege.
o Parent contacted via phone
• 3rd Violation
o Saturday School
o Parent contacted by phone
o Letter sent to parent
o Suspension from participation in all extracurricular activities for remainder
of semester
• Future Violations
o Removal from school (Out-of School Suspension) assigned to the
alternative school
High School
• 1st Violation
o All School Detention assigned
o Letter sent to parent
o Child removed from classroom until appropriate attire is provided
• 2nd Violation
o Friday school
o Letter sent to parent. Includes warning that next offense will result in loss of
extracurricular activity privilege.
o Parent contacted via phone
• 3rd Violation
o Saturday School
o Parent contacted by phone
o Letter sent to parent
o Suspension from participation in all extracurricular activities for remainder
of semester
• Future Violations
o Removal from school (Out-of School Suspension) assigned to the
alternative school
Second, there is a new law in Indiana regarding anyone who uses a cell phone or other electronic device to send, or even possess, sexually explicit material (words, photographs, and videos are included). It's a very serious situation, because so many students have cell phones and a small lapse in judgement can result in a felony charge. The following is copied from page 56 of the 2009-10 LHS Student Handbook (the whole handbook is available online here: http://www.leb.k12.in.us/pdf/LHS/academics/handbook.pdf). It also appears in the elementary and LMS handbooks. You should read and understand this, and explain it very clearly to your students. What may seem to them like a harmless prank could have grave consequences, and because it's state law, school officials have little latitude when enforcing it.
Important Notice to Students and Parents Regarding Cell Phone
Content and Display
1. The Child Abuse/Neglect Law requires school personnel to report to law enforcement or child
protective services whenever there is reason to believe that any person/student is involved with
“child exploitation” or “child pornography” as defined by Indiana Criminal Statutes.
2. It is “child exploitation,” a Class C felony under I.C. 35-42-4-4(b), for any person/student (1) to exhibit,
photograph or create a digitalized image of any incident that includes “sexual conduct” by a child
under the age of 18; or (2) to disseminate, exhibit to another person, or offer to so disseminate or
exhibit, matter that depicts or describes “sexual conduct” by a child under the age of 18.
3. It is “child pornography,” a Class D felony under I.C. 35-42-4-4(c), for any person/student to possess a
photograph, motion picture, digitalized image, or any pictorial representation that depicts or describes
“sexual conduct” by a child who the person knows is less than 16 years of age or who appears less
than age 16.
4. “Sexual conduct” is defined by I.C. 35-42-4-4(a) to include sexual intercourse, exhibition of the
uncovered genitals intended to satisfy or arouse the sexual desires of any person, or any fondling
or touching of a child by another person or of another person by a child intended to arouse or satisfy
the sexual desires of the child or other person.
5. The Indiana Sex Offender Registration Statute at I.C. 11-8-8-7 and the Sex Offender Registry
Offense Statute at I.C. 35-42-4-11, as of May 2009, require persons convicted of or adjudicated as
a juvenile delinquent for violating the Child Exploitation Statute at I.C. 35-42-4-4(b) to register as a
sex offender.
6. Because student cell phones have been found in a number of Indiana school districts to have
contained evidence of “sexual conduct” as defined above, it is important for parents and students
to be aware of the legal consequences should this occur in our school system.
I know this is a lot of detailed information (and I'm sorry some of the formatting is such a mess!), but it impacts many LCSC families, so I thought I'd post the chapter and verse here. Thank you for reading! I hope the start of the school year is a time of excitement and anticipation for all.
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Lebanon schools 2010 budget
Our July meeting was as close to "routine" as I've seen the board get. We paid the bills and approved the hiring of some teachers and other personnel. We also approved a resolution to advertise the budget for 2010, which is a legal requirement (the resolution, the advertisement, and the budget are all legal requirements). The board met in a long budget workshop last week and went over the nuts, bolts, and fine print of the various funds that make up the budget.
Here's something interesting about the LCSC 2010 budget that's being proposed: It's smaller than the 2009 advertised budget. That's right, smaller.
The way the budget process works we "advertise" a budget, which is what we're asking the state to approve. We advertise high, knowing that the folks in Indianapolis (specifically the Department of Local Government Finance, a place shrouded in mystery) will make some cuts. Eventually, they approve or "certify" the budget. It's like asking for a larger salary than you know you'll get, hoping that you'll eventually get what you needed or wanted in the first place.
Here are a few figures: In 2009 we advertised a budget of $39,817,791; the state certified our budget at $36,244,194. For 2010 we're advertising a budget of $37,343,552, anticipating that it will be certified at several million dollars less than that.
What has happened to your tax rate? Per $100 of assessed value, LCSC property owners paid $1.54 in 2008, and $1.19 in 2009. The rate we're advertising for 2010 is $1.2643, but it will probably be certified between $1.05 and $1.15
Why is our budget shrinking slightly? The state budget passed last month has the Lebanon schools slated to receive a .7% increase for this year, and a .7% decrease for next year--essentially "flat-lining" our budget. The largest factor in determining our state dollars is our enrollment, which is steady. But costs like utilities and insurance keep climbing, so we're economizing where we can while striving to insure quality programs and reasonable class sizes.
The budget process is painstaking, but I'm getting the hang of it. The corporation CFO and assistant superintendent Charles Tait is very good at his job, which includes preparing the budget and explaining it to the board. Unfortunately there is almost no public attendance or participation in the budget process, although it's all accomplished in public meetings, and in much more detail than I've offered here. If you have any interest in learning more, budget documents are available for review at the administration office, and the budget will be advertised in The Reporter. I also have a file folder with all sorts of figures in it, and I'm willing to share it, if you'd like to contact me to arrange a meeting.
Here's something interesting about the LCSC 2010 budget that's being proposed: It's smaller than the 2009 advertised budget. That's right, smaller.
The way the budget process works we "advertise" a budget, which is what we're asking the state to approve. We advertise high, knowing that the folks in Indianapolis (specifically the Department of Local Government Finance, a place shrouded in mystery) will make some cuts. Eventually, they approve or "certify" the budget. It's like asking for a larger salary than you know you'll get, hoping that you'll eventually get what you needed or wanted in the first place.
Here are a few figures: In 2009 we advertised a budget of $39,817,791; the state certified our budget at $36,244,194. For 2010 we're advertising a budget of $37,343,552, anticipating that it will be certified at several million dollars less than that.
What has happened to your tax rate? Per $100 of assessed value, LCSC property owners paid $1.54 in 2008, and $1.19 in 2009. The rate we're advertising for 2010 is $1.2643, but it will probably be certified between $1.05 and $1.15
Why is our budget shrinking slightly? The state budget passed last month has the Lebanon schools slated to receive a .7% increase for this year, and a .7% decrease for next year--essentially "flat-lining" our budget. The largest factor in determining our state dollars is our enrollment, which is steady. But costs like utilities and insurance keep climbing, so we're economizing where we can while striving to insure quality programs and reasonable class sizes.
The budget process is painstaking, but I'm getting the hang of it. The corporation CFO and assistant superintendent Charles Tait is very good at his job, which includes preparing the budget and explaining it to the board. Unfortunately there is almost no public attendance or participation in the budget process, although it's all accomplished in public meetings, and in much more detail than I've offered here. If you have any interest in learning more, budget documents are available for review at the administration office, and the budget will be advertised in The Reporter. I also have a file folder with all sorts of figures in it, and I'm willing to share it, if you'd like to contact me to arrange a meeting.
Sunday, July 12, 2009
"Reporter" columns
While I haven't been posting on this blog for the past year or so, I have written a couple columns about education issues for the Reporter. My most recent, about the variety of programs available at LHS, is available online here: http://www.reporter.net/archivesearch/local_story_157003816.html
An earlier column with some basics about the very complicated process of school budgeting was published in mid-March but did not appear online, so I have cut-and-pasted it below. Our budget woes are likely to be around for a while.
An earlier column with some basics about the very complicated process of school budgeting was published in mid-March but did not appear online, so I have cut-and-pasted it below. Our budget woes are likely to be around for a while.
School Budgeting Basics, Recession Version (published March 2009)
- A slightly declining enrollment (down about 90 students since September 2007) will result in less money coming from the state to our general fund, which is the source for teacher salaries and accounts for about $24 million of the LCSC’s $37 million budget. We get about $5000 per student from the state—a drop of 100 students means a drop of $500,000 in our revenue.
- The state plans to “flat line” the education budget for 2010. The state controls the entire general fund, as of this year. No local property taxes go to pay teachers’ salaries. Every general fund dollar comes from the state, much of it from sales tax and income tax. Declining tax revenues statewide and Governor Daniels’ resolve to “flatline” the education budget means we will have no more money for 2010 than for the current year 2009, and possibly less, depending how the state calculates the flatline.
Contributing expense factors include:
- Meeting the increment with fewer retirements. If you’re a teacher with 0 to 16 years of experience, you get about a 3% pay increase each year for your additional year of experience. Your increment is larger if you’ve taken continuing education. In order to pay for this increment, we have to see 7-8 teachers retire each year. For various reasons, fewer teachers are planning to retire this year, so their pay and benefits will continue at or near the top of the pay scale. We’re fortunate to have many of these experienced teachers, but it’s an economic reality that they cost more than newly-minted teachers.
- The master teacher contract for the last two years has included a 2.5% and a 3.5% base salary increase (in addition to the increment some teachers receive). Non-certified personnel like bus drivers and food service employees have received modest raises as well.
- Costs like utilities and transportation are likely to keep increasing.
The net result is pretty straightforward: LCSC revenue and expenses don’t match up and we don’t have control over the revenue situation. We have to look at some reductions. Dr. Taylor said at February’s board meeting that the reductions will amount to about $325,000 for the remainder of 2009, and $700,000 for 2010, which is less than 2% of the total LCSC budget.
One year in ...
I thought it was about time to start using this blog again. One year into my term I've learned so much, but I've also learned how much more there is to know.
When people ask me how my work on the board is going, I tell them that it's interesting and challenging, and that I'm confident we're making good decisions for the students and staff of LCSC. The past year included several issues that brought out strong feelings from the community. The dress code, a personnel decision about Coach Hammel, and the budget cut package, including eliminating the Academy, were all truly difficult episodes. Though we didn't always agree with each other, board members treated each other with genuine respect and worked toward consensus in a professional way.
One of my goals on the board is that school issues be well-publicized, but that the board itself not make headlines. Too often there are personality conflicts, or just questionable behavior by board members, so that what a community hears about is the board itself. This can never lead to strong educational decisions, and takes the focus off of student achievement. I'm grateful to be part of a board that truly works together--a big "thank you" to Alan Cragun, Tom Merritt, Michael Burtron, and Dave Herr.
I'll try to post here a couple times a week. I will use this blog to try to explain what's happening, and to reflect on education issues, local and larger.
Thank you for reading. My board e-mail address is thomasmm@leb.k12.in.us. Feel free to drop me a line with any thoughts about the board, Lebanon schools, or this blog. For now I'm not inviting comments, but if you think I really should, please let me know.
When people ask me how my work on the board is going, I tell them that it's interesting and challenging, and that I'm confident we're making good decisions for the students and staff of LCSC. The past year included several issues that brought out strong feelings from the community. The dress code, a personnel decision about Coach Hammel, and the budget cut package, including eliminating the Academy, were all truly difficult episodes. Though we didn't always agree with each other, board members treated each other with genuine respect and worked toward consensus in a professional way.
One of my goals on the board is that school issues be well-publicized, but that the board itself not make headlines. Too often there are personality conflicts, or just questionable behavior by board members, so that what a community hears about is the board itself. This can never lead to strong educational decisions, and takes the focus off of student achievement. I'm grateful to be part of a board that truly works together--a big "thank you" to Alan Cragun, Tom Merritt, Michael Burtron, and Dave Herr.
I'll try to post here a couple times a week. I will use this blog to try to explain what's happening, and to reflect on education issues, local and larger.
Thank you for reading. My board e-mail address is thomasmm@leb.k12.in.us. Feel free to drop me a line with any thoughts about the board, Lebanon schools, or this blog. For now I'm not inviting comments, but if you think I really should, please let me know.
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