Birmingham Public Schools....
Inspiring learners through educational excellence for a lifetime of global opportunities.
As a Board of Education Trustee, I have consistently supported and advocated fiscal responsibility, student focused learning and a more purposeful approach to professional development. Despite the ongoing structural deficits in the school funding formula and current economic conditions, the Board has maintained a fund equity of $22M. We are among only a handful of districts with stable (and this year, increasing) enrollment.
I am confident that our district is well positioned for ongoing academic excellence.
- Over the past four years, I have worked with two Superintendents and eight board members.
- The Board of Education hired Dr. David Larson in January 2008,
replacing retiring Superintendent Dr. John Hoeffler.
- I have advocated for our district in Lansing and Washington D.C. (at my own expense)
- In Lansing, I have fought to retain 20J funding and to help legislators understand the
impact of unfunded mandates and foundation grants that have averaged well below the rate of inflation on our operating revenue.
- In Washington D.C., I have advocated for full IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Act) funding and for greater flexibility in the reauthorization of NCLB (No Child Left Behind).
20J continues to be at risk (about a million dollars for Birmingham) and IDEA is currently funded at about half of what was promised by the Federal government.
- Since 2005, I have worked with my board colleagues and administration to achieve nearly $15M in budget savings, including the difficult decision to privatize our custodial and transportation services.
- As a member of the Bond oversight subcommittee- we completed the final phase of construction work of the 2004 voter approved bond on time and on budget.
- As a member of the long range facilities subcommittee- we are currently
accepting bids on two of our non-instructional facilities- the Administration
Building and the old transportation facility.
- During April and May 2008, the district embarked in a new
Strategic Planning process that included over 60 individuals.
-As a member of the Innovative Practices sub-committee- we
performed an external scans of best practice in student learning
and finance and provided a report for the strategic planning team.
- As a member of the Character Education Steering Committee, I have
worked with building principals, central administrative staff
CSO’s, counselors, teachers, students and parents to embed respect,
responsibility, kindness, honesty, integrity, positive attitude and accountability into the culture, climate and curriculum of each of our schools.
Staff from Greenfield Elementary will accept designation as a National School of Character this month in Washington D.C., joining BCS as a National School of Character.
Three of our schools have received recognition as State Schools of Character.
All of our schools have received promising practice awards.
- The Board has supported our school communities “Going Green” and Wellness initiatives. Our food service provider, Sodexho has been very responsive and has worked with parents and students in school lunch menu planning.
Working with my board colleagues, I led writing the annual
Board of Education goals for 2006, 2007 and 2008.
In September 2006, the Board adopted a goal encouraging staff exploration
of innovative programs/school experiences.
This year (2009-10), all district 3rd graders will experience Ignite, a unique program integrating technology, curriculum and innovative learning methods. Our 6th graders will participate in a 21st century block program focused on critical thinking and inquiry based, collaborative learning.
In October 2007, the Board adopted a goal supporting district-wide development of
Professional Learning Communities as a process to ensure our students are being
prepared with the knowledge and skills required of 21st century learners and that all students are achieving to the best of their abilities.
In December 2008, the Board adopted a goal to identify key quality and student
achievement indicators for monitoring success of the Strategic Plan.
Academic Points of Pride:
Our 2009 MEAP, MME and ACT scores were among the highest in the State.
Our 2009 ACT composite score was 23.1
In 2009, Groves and Seaholm students took 991 Advanced Placement exams
and 86% earned a 3 or higher.
In 2009, Groves and Seaholm combined had 189 Advanced Placement Scholars
and 9 National Merit Finalists.
But BPS is about much more than test scores.......
My husband and I are grateful that our children had the opportunity to participate in outstanding sports, music, art and theatre programs while at BPS.
I encourage you to check out the district’s website for more information.
Be sure to read our schools’ annual reports.......there’s a lot going on!
