Happy Holidays Everyone!
Please see the link below for the video regarding transition of students with autism from the Autism Research Institute. There are other videos and interesting articles for parents to read.
http://www.autism.com/video_gassner.asp
Sincerely,
Aurora Harris
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Friday, November 4, 2011
Education News: MI Reading And Math Scores Drop
Alternative Title: Race To The Bottom
An Open Letter To The Public-
Good Morning Parents, Teachers, Family, Friends, and Constituents.
Please forward this email to others that have children in Michigan schools, LSCO and PTA parent groups. If you have a school age child or children that are in General Education classes or Special Ed students included in General Ed Classes (find out if they took reading and math tests), I urge you to seriously think about what I am writing about and what you are going to do about it.
Last year, I was one of the members from the Community that served on the Detroit Public Schools' Education Transition Team that analyzed the Detroit Public Schools' District Plan ( by Ms T. Guyser ) and Robert Bobb ( Emergency Manager) Charter Reform plan.
Two of my concerns were: How will new, higher Reform standards and test score demands in English and Math affect future annual yearly progress and student testing, and, 2. What will be the social, emotional or psychological impact on students that a. Cannot meet the standards and b. made improvements or received A or B grades that would be considered C D E or F (failing or failed) according to charter reform standards?
For over one year, I spoke to many parents, students and educators about my concerns and received very little feedback.
At 6:08 a.m this morning, Nov 4, 2011, WDIV Channel 4 News announced that the new test scores for Reading and Math dropped.
"Students that formerly receieved a 95% score are now at 35%... students will have to score at 55% or better" on reading and math tests.
In other words, an "Honors" student is now considered a "Failed" student according to charter reform education "test" calculations. What is confusing to me and other educators and parents are the news sources that reported the story on November 3, 2011. Are the new cut scores the result of an experiment that reconfigured scores under reform standards and measurements that are going to be implemented in the future or not? Some news reports made statements as if the method used is actual, not experimental. In either case, whether it will take ten years for Michigan students to "catch up" in order to meet new test scores, the question remains the same: When and how will teachers, parents, and students that never had enough educational resources in failing or failed urban and rural areas obtain resources be able to move into 21st Century high technology related education and jobs?
As of this morning, it is clear to me that for many minority parents and students ( mostly poor, working poor, and what's left of the middle class) that worked or struggled to meet the old standards and test score requirements, today is the day that you discover that overnight you have "Raced To The Bottom."
So your Challenge for the day, week or month is how to sit your child or children down for the "Baby, I have something real important to tell you. Remember how you got all those A's and B's and they said you you were an honor's student? Well, as of Nov. 5, you are now considered a failed student" conversation, AND, be prepared to deal with your child's ability or inability to accept this truth, AND, be ready to have that hard conversation with teachers, principals, the State Board of Education, Arne Duncan in D.C, President Obama, and school social workers or psychologists on how you are supposed to deal with a depressed child whose self esteem got hit by a freight train and raise scores when most schools and over crowded classrooms are not equipped like charter schools with smaller student headcount, like 15 to 20 students in a class.
If you are a parent or educator, you need to find out if the Michigan Department of Ed is going to keep the higher grades or test scores from last year or reconfigure them to reflect failure as of today. What will appear on your child's high school transcript in the future may affect their chances to attend community college, university or trade school, or obtain a job. If I were an employer, I certainly would be asking: What happened? How did you go from being an honors or A or B student one year, then failed the next year?
Now I'm going to change the subject. While writing this, I just received a DPS call at 8:15 am informing me that city busses are not running. So what happens to the students that have been waiting at bus stops to get to schools and they don't show up in school? If they are at the "you have one more chance to be tardy or absent, or we will suspend you" stage, will their tardiness or absence be excused today or next week? It's not their fault that people chose to attack a bus driver yesterday because most city buses have a 2 to 3 hour delay. Thank God today is not a "test day."
Thanks for your time. Please feel free to call or write me, or contact WDIV Ch 4 in Detroit. They only mentioned the test score story once. Find out where they got their info. It wasn't as important as the repeated news that "Detroit has no buses this morning"
Aurora Harris.
An Open Letter To The Public-
Good Morning Parents, Teachers, Family, Friends, and Constituents.
Please forward this email to others that have children in Michigan schools, LSCO and PTA parent groups. If you have a school age child or children that are in General Education classes or Special Ed students included in General Ed Classes (find out if they took reading and math tests), I urge you to seriously think about what I am writing about and what you are going to do about it.
Last year, I was one of the members from the Community that served on the Detroit Public Schools' Education Transition Team that analyzed the Detroit Public Schools' District Plan ( by Ms T. Guyser ) and Robert Bobb ( Emergency Manager) Charter Reform plan.
Two of my concerns were: How will new, higher Reform standards and test score demands in English and Math affect future annual yearly progress and student testing, and, 2. What will be the social, emotional or psychological impact on students that a. Cannot meet the standards and b. made improvements or received A or B grades that would be considered C D E or F (failing or failed) according to charter reform standards?
For over one year, I spoke to many parents, students and educators about my concerns and received very little feedback.
At 6:08 a.m this morning, Nov 4, 2011, WDIV Channel 4 News announced that the new test scores for Reading and Math dropped.
"Students that formerly receieved a 95% score are now at 35%... students will have to score at 55% or better" on reading and math tests.
In other words, an "Honors" student is now considered a "Failed" student according to charter reform education "test" calculations. What is confusing to me and other educators and parents are the news sources that reported the story on November 3, 2011. Are the new cut scores the result of an experiment that reconfigured scores under reform standards and measurements that are going to be implemented in the future or not? Some news reports made statements as if the method used is actual, not experimental. In either case, whether it will take ten years for Michigan students to "catch up" in order to meet new test scores, the question remains the same: When and how will teachers, parents, and students that never had enough educational resources in failing or failed urban and rural areas obtain resources be able to move into 21st Century high technology related education and jobs?
As of this morning, it is clear to me that for many minority parents and students ( mostly poor, working poor, and what's left of the middle class) that worked or struggled to meet the old standards and test score requirements, today is the day that you discover that overnight you have "Raced To The Bottom."
So your Challenge for the day, week or month is how to sit your child or children down for the "Baby, I have something real important to tell you. Remember how you got all those A's and B's and they said you you were an honor's student? Well, as of Nov. 5, you are now considered a failed student" conversation, AND, be prepared to deal with your child's ability or inability to accept this truth, AND, be ready to have that hard conversation with teachers, principals, the State Board of Education, Arne Duncan in D.C, President Obama, and school social workers or psychologists on how you are supposed to deal with a depressed child whose self esteem got hit by a freight train and raise scores when most schools and over crowded classrooms are not equipped like charter schools with smaller student headcount, like 15 to 20 students in a class.
If you are a parent or educator, you need to find out if the Michigan Department of Ed is going to keep the higher grades or test scores from last year or reconfigure them to reflect failure as of today. What will appear on your child's high school transcript in the future may affect their chances to attend community college, university or trade school, or obtain a job. If I were an employer, I certainly would be asking: What happened? How did you go from being an honors or A or B student one year, then failed the next year?
Now I'm going to change the subject. While writing this, I just received a DPS call at 8:15 am informing me that city busses are not running. So what happens to the students that have been waiting at bus stops to get to schools and they don't show up in school? If they are at the "you have one more chance to be tardy or absent, or we will suspend you" stage, will their tardiness or absence be excused today or next week? It's not their fault that people chose to attack a bus driver yesterday because most city buses have a 2 to 3 hour delay. Thank God today is not a "test day."
Thanks for your time. Please feel free to call or write me, or contact WDIV Ch 4 in Detroit. They only mentioned the test score story once. Find out where they got their info. It wasn't as important as the repeated news that "Detroit has no buses this morning"
Aurora Harris.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Drew Transition Center News
On October 11, 2011, Drew parents completed their LSCO election and joined the PTA. Parents also received information on the community chapter of the Special Education PTA.
On October 13th, parents and students received their first school newsletter with much needed info for parents. Kudos to the parents and staff for creating the newsletter! Also, parents who are members of the Wayne RESA PAC attended the meeting "Special Education Funding 101" that explained how funding is allocated to special education in Wayne County. Ms Harris (Drew parent) requested that the presenter come to Drew and explain how the projected decrease in Act 18 funds will affect the school in 2013 and 2014. Since the Detroit district is now divided into a three tiered system with an emergency manager, parents are concerned about special education funds and federally mandated supports and resources being reduced or cancelled due to "inclusion" in general ed classrooms. Parents are advised by this blogger to learn about the differences between "inclusion" and "mainstreaming" and how shifting students into general ed classes without proper supports may create a lack of or reduction in Free and Appropriate Education (FAPE in federal IDEA and 504 mandates).
From September 30th to October 5th, Drew sponsored a voter registration drive. The Honorable Janice Winfrey, City Clerk made it possible for students and parents to practice voting on a touch screen voting machine.
The kitchen at Drew is still not up and running. Equipment has been moved in but fans and ducts need to installed. The projected time for completion of the kitchen is by the end of October (in a couple of weeks).
On October 13th, parents and students received their first school newsletter with much needed info for parents. Kudos to the parents and staff for creating the newsletter! Also, parents who are members of the Wayne RESA PAC attended the meeting "Special Education Funding 101" that explained how funding is allocated to special education in Wayne County. Ms Harris (Drew parent) requested that the presenter come to Drew and explain how the projected decrease in Act 18 funds will affect the school in 2013 and 2014. Since the Detroit district is now divided into a three tiered system with an emergency manager, parents are concerned about special education funds and federally mandated supports and resources being reduced or cancelled due to "inclusion" in general ed classrooms. Parents are advised by this blogger to learn about the differences between "inclusion" and "mainstreaming" and how shifting students into general ed classes without proper supports may create a lack of or reduction in Free and Appropriate Education (FAPE in federal IDEA and 504 mandates).
From September 30th to October 5th, Drew sponsored a voter registration drive. The Honorable Janice Winfrey, City Clerk made it possible for students and parents to practice voting on a touch screen voting machine.
The kitchen at Drew is still not up and running. Equipment has been moved in but fans and ducts need to installed. The projected time for completion of the kitchen is by the end of October (in a couple of weeks).
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Detroit Public Schools Special Olympics Update
I have just confirmed with a Special Olympics worker that the Detroit Public Schools will retain it's Special Olympics program.
The PDF information below concerns transition services for special needs adults age 20-26 in the State of Michigan and a link to a blog for developmentally disabled persons. Copy and paste links into a search engine to see or download the info:
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/lara/Spring_11_352310_7.pdf
https://www.oaisd.org/downloads/_acct_/00/00/01/59/maase_concept_paper_20110217_103950_8.pdf
http://theddnewsblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/michigan-special-education-for-students.html
The PDF information below concerns transition services for special needs adults age 20-26 in the State of Michigan and a link to a blog for developmentally disabled persons. Copy and paste links into a search engine to see or download the info:
http://www.michigan.gov/documents/lara/Spring_11_352310_7.pdf
https://www.oaisd.org/downloads/_acct_/00/00/01/59/maase_concept_paper_20110217_103950_8.pdf
http://theddnewsblog.blogspot.com/2011/04/michigan-special-education-for-students.html
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
Detroit Public Schools Board Meeting Tonight
The Detroit Public Schools is having a Board meeting with the new Emergency Manager at the Welcome Center tonight.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Special Ed Legal News: Philadelphia African American families sue re: special ed
8 African American families sue Merion school district for disproportionately placing African American students in special ed classes. See link below
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/04/black-children-wrongfully_n_804411.html
Case 2: Parents sue Merion District for webcam spying on students through laptops:
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robbins_v._Lower_Merion_School_District
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/01/04/black-children-wrongfully_n_804411.html
Case 2: Parents sue Merion District for webcam spying on students through laptops:
http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robbins_v._Lower_Merion_School_District
Sunday, August 7, 2011
Common Core Standards: What Special Educators Need Know
In Michigan, the MI Department of Ed has adopted common core standards for K-12 English Language Arts and Math. Due to teachers and parents asking me: "What's going to happen with our special ed students?" I am hoping this link provides an answers from the Council For Exceptional Children:
http://www.cec.sped.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=CEC_Today1&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=15269
http://www.cec.sped.org/AM/Template.cfm?Section=CEC_Today1&TEMPLATE=/CM/ContentDisplay.cfm&CONTENTID=15269
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Detroit Public Schools: Judge Wendy Baxter Decision Overturned
From Aurora Harris:
Dear Readers,
The following message from Friday March 18th is about Judge Wendy Baxter's decision on academic control of DPS by the Detroit Board of Education. Judge Baxter's earlier decision has been overturned. The message is from a Detroit Community group:
--
"Detroiters for Dignity and Democracy" subscribers:
Dear Readers,
The following message from Friday March 18th is about Judge Wendy Baxter's decision on academic control of DPS by the Detroit Board of Education. Judge Baxter's earlier decision has been overturned. The message is from a Detroit Community group:
Judge Wendy Baxter was asked today by Special Assistant Attorney General John Clark to stay her order that granted the Board specific powers under the court's interpretation of the old PA 72 of 1990 that created the basis for emergency financial managers. With the new law, the old language that the judge based her decision on was eliminated. BY STAYING HER ORDER, THE E.M. NOW HAS TOTAL POWER OVER THE DISTRICT. HENCE STUDENTS, PARENTS AND TAXPAYERS NO LONGER HAVE A VOICE THROUGH AN ELECTED BODY. Board Attorney George Washington and Board President Anthony Adams say that, given the change in the law, the judge had no choice. The total responsibility for this reversal is due to Lansing. "No one should blame the judge one bit," says Washington. "She was bound by the new law." He added that people are going have to engage in direct actions to affect the conditions that we now face. Anthony Adams said that "its unfortunate that the Legislature changed the law to disempower the people of Detroit to participate in the education of their children." |
--
"Detroiters for Dignity and Democracy" subscribers:
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Feb 23rd Detroit Protest: Stop Emergency Financial Management of Cities and Schools Feb 28th and 29th- Call Gov. Snyder's Office
Message From We The People of Detroit, Community Groups, Parents
Cities Targeted for Emergency Financial Management Takeover include Detroit, Benton Harbor, Flint, Pontiac, and Saginaw
Subject: URGENT "911" Message! DISMANTLEMENT OF DETROIT & OTHER CITIES! Join "Synder Call-a-Thon"
Subject: A MUST WATCH: Share the Information With Everyone (See YouTube link below - a must see!) The Detroit Protest in Lansing that news sources blacked out from being shown on T.V. and read about in newspapers.
Governors Phone Number and email address: Flood his office with calls and emails to oppose EFM Takeover all day Monday & Tuesday (Feb. 28th & Feb. 29th). (517) 335-7858 email address: ricksynder@michigan.gov Contact to voice your opposition to EFM (Emergency Financial Managers) legislation that would takeover Cities in Michigan with Detroit as the "bullseye"! Get on Facebook, Twitter, text and email this to everyone you know. Short details on facebook page "We the People of Detroit"!
THIS IS A "911" CALL TO THE COMMUNITY!
Make announcements Sunday at your churches, clubs and share the link for the PEOPLES RALLY held in Lansing, this past Wednesday, February 23rd, barely covered by the media! Twitter it, Face book it, email it BUT MAKE SURE THAT EVERYONE HAS a chance to truly understand what is happening or could happen soon if we do not act in unity!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Suggestions to Fight This! What You Can Do
1) Call the Governor Snyder's Office and oppose the EFM Bills 4214-4218 that would do the above and more. It would assign a "Ruler/EFM") to make all decisions about all matters (water dept., pensions, suspend Union Contracts etc.) of any Michigan city including Detroit.
2) Ask to make announcements about this at church, mosques etc. this Sunday and give the following resources to stay abreast of the issues going forward: a) We the People of Detroit (Face book Page link to PEOPLES' Rally video & more); b) www.voiceofdetroit.net for current updated info and c) www.michigancitizen.com
current alternative news with more of a "community based" perspective!
3) Share with everyone you know via Twitter, Face book, email etc.
4) Get creative and start your own campaign to defeat Draconian legislation that would take strip citizens of Detroit and other cities in Michigan of our rights & assets as citizens!
Sincerely yours,
Standing for Liberty, Justice & the Pursuit of Happiness!
http://wethepeopleofdetroit.blogspot.com
Cities Targeted for Emergency Financial Management Takeover include Detroit, Benton Harbor, Flint, Pontiac, and Saginaw
Subject: URGENT "911" Message! DISMANTLEMENT OF DETROIT & OTHER CITIES! Join "Synder Call-a-Thon"
Subject: A MUST WATCH: Share the Information With Everyone (See YouTube link below - a must see!) The Detroit Protest in Lansing that news sources blacked out from being shown on T.V. and read about in newspapers.
Governors Phone Number and email address: Flood his office with calls and emails to oppose EFM Takeover all day Monday & Tuesday (Feb. 28th & Feb. 29th). (517) 335-7858 email address: ricksynder@michigan.gov Contact to voice your opposition to EFM (Emergency Financial Managers) legislation that would takeover Cities in Michigan with Detroit as the "bullseye"! Get on Facebook, Twitter, text and email this to everyone you know. Short details on facebook page "We the People of Detroit"!
THIS IS A "911" CALL TO THE COMMUNITY!
Make announcements Sunday at your churches, clubs and share the link for the PEOPLES RALLY held in Lansing, this past Wednesday, February 23rd, barely covered by the media! Twitter it, Face book it, email it BUT MAKE SURE THAT EVERYONE HAS a chance to truly understand what is happening or could happen soon if we do not act in unity!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?
Suggestions to Fight This! What You Can Do
1) Call the Governor Snyder's Office and oppose the EFM Bills 4214-4218 that would do the above and more. It would assign a "Ruler/EFM") to make all decisions about all matters (water dept., pensions, suspend Union Contracts etc.) of any Michigan city including Detroit.
2) Ask to make announcements about this at church, mosques etc. this Sunday and give the following resources to stay abreast of the issues going forward: a) We the People of Detroit (Face book Page link to PEOPLES' Rally video & more); b) www.voiceofdetroit.net for current updated info and c) www.michigancitizen.com
current alternative news with more of a "community based" perspective!
3) Share with everyone you know via Twitter, Face book, email etc.
4) Get creative and start your own campaign to defeat Draconian legislation that would take strip citizens of Detroit and other cities in Michigan of our rights & assets as citizens!
Sincerely yours,
Standing for Liberty, Justice & the Pursuit of Happiness!
http://wethepeopleofdetroit.blogspot.com
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
House Bills to be introduced tomorrow Feb 9 in Lansing
Please excuse the formatting. The bills were cut and paste into this blog.
00566'11 TAV
HOUSE BILL No. 4176
HOUSE BILL No. 4176HOUSE BILL No. 4176
February 1, 2011, Introduced by Rep. Nathan and referred to the Committee on Local,
Intergovernmental, and Regional Affairs.
A bill to amend 1990 PA 72, entitled
"Local government fiscal responsibility act,"
by amending section 40 (MCL 141.1240).
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:
Sec. 40. (1) In consultation
1 with the school board, the2
emergency financial manager shall develop, and may from time to3
time amend, a written financial plan for the school district. The4
financial plan shall provide for both of the following:5
(a) Conducting the operations of the school district within6
the resources available according to the emergency financial7
manager's revenue estimate.8
(b) The payment in full of the scheduled debt service9
requirements on all bonds and notes of the school district and all10
2
00566'11 TAV
other uncontested legal obligations.(2) FOR A WRITTEN FINANCIAL 1 PLAN DEVELOPED OR AMENDED AFTER
2 THE EFFECTIVE DATE OF THIS SECTION, THE WRITTEN FINANCIAL PLAN
3 SHALL INCLUDE A SCHOOL DISTRICT IMPROVEMENT PLAN FOR THE SCHOOL
4 DISTRICT AND A BUDGET FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT
5 IMPROVEMENT PLAN. ALL OF THE FOLLOWING APPLY TO THE DEVELOPMENT AND
6 IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IMPROVEMENT PLAN:
7 (A) THE BOARD OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT SHALL DEVELOP THE SCHOOL
8 DISTRICT IMPROVEMENT PLAN, AND A PROPOSED BUDGET FOR IMPLEMENTATION
9 OF THE PLAN, WITH INPUT FROM THE LOCAL TEACHER BARGAINING UNIT AND
10 THE LOCAL SUPERINTENDENT.
11 (B) THE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT SHALL PROVIDE TECHNICAL
12 ASSISTANCE AND EXPERTISE TO THE BOARD.
13 (C) THE BOARD SHALL SUBMIT THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IMPROVEMENT
14 PLAN AND PROPOSED PLAN BUDGET TO THE EMERGENCY FINANCIAL MANAGER.
15 (D) BEFORE THE SCHOOL DISTRICT IMPROVEMENT PLAN AND PLAN
16 BUDGET ARE INCLUDED IN THE WRITTEN FINANCIAL PLAN, THEY MUST BE
17 APPROVED BY THE BOARD OF THE SCHOOL DISTRICT, BY THE INTERMEDIATE
18 BOARD OF THE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL DISTRICT, AND BY THE EMERGENCY
19 FINANCIAL MANAGER.
20 (3)
(2) After the initial development of the financial plan21
required by subsection (1), the emergency financial manager in22
consultation with the school board shall regularly reexamine the23
plan, and if the emergency financial manager reduces his or her24
revenue estimates, he or she shall modify the financial plan to25
26 MANAGER SHALL SUBMIT TO THE EDUCATION FINANCIAL EMERGENCY
27 RESOLUTION BOARD CREATED UNDER SECTION 38 QUARTERLY PROGRESS
conform to revised revenue estimates. THE EMERGENCY FINANCIAL3
00566'11 Final Page TAV
REPORTS THAT DETAIL THE STATUS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION 1 OF ALL ASPECTS
2 OF THE FINANCIAL PLAN, INCLUDING THE STATUS OF THE IMPLEMENTATION
3 OF THE SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT PLAN REQUIRED UNDER SUBSECTION (2).
4 (4)
(3) The financial plan shall be in a form, and shall5
contain that information for each year the plan is in effect, that6 IS REQUIRED UNDER THIS SECTION AND THAT
the school district's7
emergency financial manager specifies.8 (5)
(4) The emergency financial manager shall make public the9
10 UNDER SUBSECTION (3)
plan or modified plan AND THE QUARTERLY PROGRESS REPORTS REQUIRED. This subsection shall not be construed to11
mean that the emergency financial manager must receive public12
approval before he or she implements the financial plan or any13
modification to the plan.14
Enacting section 1. This amendatory act does not take effect15
unless Senate Bill No.____ or House Bill No.____ (request no.16 00567'11 TAV
HOUSE BILL No. 4177
HOUSE BILL No. 4177HOUSE BILL No. 4177
February 1, 2011, Introduced by Rep. Nathan and referred to the Committee on Local,
Intergovernmental, and Regional Affairs.
A bill to amend 1990 PA 72, entitled
"Local government fiscal responsibility act,"
by amending section 38 (MCL 141.1238).
THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN ENACT:
Sec. 38. (1) If the superintendent
1 of public instruction2
determines under section 35 or 36 that a school district has a3
financial emergency, the superintendent of public instruction,4
within 30 days after that determination, shall submit to the state5
board the names of nominees who shall be considered for appointment6
to serve as an emergency financial manager for the school district.7
From the list of nominees submitted to the state board, the state8
board shall submit to the governor the names of not more than 39
nominees who shall be considered for appointment to serve as an10
emergency financial manager for the school district. From the list11
2
00567'11 TAV
with the advice and consent of the
of nominees submitted to the governor, the governor shall appoint,1 senate, an emergency financial2
manager for the school district who shall hold office for a term3
4 BOARD CREATED UNDER SUBSECTION (4)
fixed by the governor EDUCATION FINANCIAL EMERGENCY RESOLUTION, but not to exceed 1 year. The5
appointment shall be by written contract and may be renewed on an6
7 THE EDUCATION FINANCIAL EMERGENCY RESOLUTION BOARD AND THE
8 EMERGENCY FINANCIAL MANAGER SHALL CONTAIN SPECIFIC CONTRACTUAL
9 REMEDIES FOR FAILURE OF THE EMERGENCY FINANCIAL MANAGER TO COMPLY
10 WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS ARTICLE.
11
annual basis for not more than 1 year. THE WRITTEN CONTRACT BETWEEN(2) An emergency financial manager appointed under this12
article shall be chosen solely on the basis of his or her13
competence in PUBLIC SECTOR fiscal matters and shall not have been14
either an elected or appointed official or employee of the school15
district for which he or she is appointed for not less than 5 years16
before the appointment. The emergency financial manager shall not17
be the superintendent of public instruction. The emergency18
financial manager need not be a resident of the school district for19
20 INDIVIDUAL SHALL NOT BE CONSIDERED TO BE COMPETENT IN PUBLIC SECTOR
21 FISCAL MATTERS UNLESS THE EDUCATION FINANCIAL EMERGENCY RESOLUTION
22 BOARD FINDS THAT HE OR SHE HAS DEMONSTRATED PREVIOUS PUBLIC SECTOR
23 EXPERIENCE, WHICH DOES NOT HAVE TO BE WITH A SCHOOL DISTRICT,
24 SHOWING THAT HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO DO AT LEAST ALL OF THE
25 FOLLOWING:
26 (A) PREPARE AND ANALYZE A BUDGET OF A SIZE APPROPRIATE FOR A
27 SCHOOL DISTRICT THE SIZE OF THE AFFECTED SCHOOL DISTRICT.
which he or she is appointed. FOR THE PURPOSES OF THIS SECTION, AN3
00567'11 TAV
(B) REVIEW AND CREATE BOOKKEEPING AND 1 ACCOUNTING SYSTEMS OF A
2 TYPE APPROPRIATE FOR A SCHOOL DISTRICT THE SIZE OF THE AFFECTED
3 SCHOOL DISTRICT.
4 (C) CREATE A DEFICIT REDUCTION PLAN APPROPRIATE FOR A SCHOOL
5 DISTRICT THE SIZE OF THE AFFECTED SCHOOL DISTRICT.
6 (D) TAKE ACTIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE UNIFORM BUDGETING AND
7 ACCOUNTING ACT, 1968 PA 2, MCL 141.421 TO 141.440A, AND IN
8 ACCORDANCE WITH GENERALLY ACCEPTED ACCOUNTING PRINCIPLES.
9 (E) REVIEW AND CREATE PROFIT AND PROFIT-LOSS STATEMENTS,
10 BALANCE SHEET STATEMENTS, CASH FLOW ANALYSES, CASH RECEIPTS
11 JOURNALS, ACCOUNTS PAYABLE, GENERAL LEDGERS, AND OTHER SIMILAR
12 FINANCIAL DOCUMENTS.
13
(3) Unless the legislature provides special funding, an14
emergency financial manager shall receive compensation and15
reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses from the school16
district as approved by the superintendent of public instruction17 EDUCATION FINANCIAL EMERGENCY RESOLUTION BOARD CREATED UNDER
18 SUBSECTION (4)
. In addition to staff otherwise authorized by law,19
with the approval of the superintendent of public instruction,20 EDUCATION FINANCIAL EMERGENCY RESOLUTION BOARD CREATED UNDER
21 SUBSECTION (4),
the emergency financial manager may appoint22
additional staff and secure professional assistance considered23
necessary to implement this article.24 (4) THERE IS CREATED AN EDUCATION FINANCIAL EMERGENCY
25 RESOLUTION BOARD WITHIN THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION. ALL OF THE
26 FOLLOWING APPLY TO THIS BOARD:
27 (A) THIS BOARD SHALL CONSIST OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC
4
00567'11 TAV
INSTRUCTION OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE, THE 1 STATE TREASURER OR HIS OR
2 HER DESIGNEE, AND THE DIRECTOR OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TECHNOLOGY,
3 MANAGEMENT, AND BUDGET OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE.
4 (B) THE ATTORNEY GENERAL, OR HIS OR HER DESIGNEE, SHALL SERVE
5 AS A NONVOTING MEMBER OF THE EDUCATION FINANCIAL EMERGENCY
6 RESOLUTION BOARD FOR THE SOLE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING LEGAL COUNSEL TO
7 THE EDUCATION FINANCIAL EMERGENCY RESOLUTION BOARD.
8 (C) FOR THE EDUCATION FINANCIAL EMERGENCY RESOLUTION BOARD'S
9 FUNCTIONS RELATED TO A PARTICULAR SCHOOL DISTRICT, THE PRESIDENT OF
10 THE SCHOOL BOARD OF THAT SCHOOL DISTRICT SHALL SERVE AS A NONVOTING
11 MEMBER OF THE EDUCATION FINANCIAL EMERGENCY RESOLUTION BOARD.
12 (D) THE SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION, OR HIS OR HER
13 DESIGNEE, SHALL SERVE AS CHAIRPERSON OF THE EDUCATION FINANCIAL
14 EMERGENCY RESOLUTION BOARD.
15 (E) EXCEPT FOR BUDGETING, PROCUREMENT, AND RELATED FUNCTIONS
16 OF THE EDUCATION FINANCIAL EMERGENCY RESOLUTION BOARD THAT SHALL BE
17 PERFORMED UNDER THE DIRECTION AND SUPERVISION OF THE SUPERINTENDENT
18 OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION, THE EDUCATION FINANCIAL EMERGENCY RESOLUTION
19 BOARD SHALL EXERCISE ITS PRESCRIBED STATUTORY POWERS, DUTIES, AND
20 FUNCTIONS INDEPENDENTLY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.
21 (5) THE EDUCATION FINANCIAL EMERGENCY RESOLUTION BOARD SHALL
22 DO ALL OF THE FOLLOWING WITH RESPECT TO EACH SCHOOL DISTRICT THAT
23 HAS AN EMERGENCY FINANCIAL MANAGER APPOINTED UNDER THIS ARTICLE:
24 (A) DIRECTLY SUPERVISE THE EMERGENCY FINANCIAL MANAGER AND
25 OVERSEE ALL DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS OF THE EMERGENCY FINANCIAL
26 MANAGER.
27 (B) REVIEW AND APPROVE ALL COMPENSATION AND REIMBURSEMENTS
5
00567'11 Final Page TAV
MADE TO THE EMERGENCY FINANCIAL MANAGER 1 AND ALL APPOINTMENTS MADE
2 BY THE EMERGENCY FINANCIAL MANAGER.
3 (C) REVIEW ALL CONTRACTS ENTERED INTO BY THE EMERGENCY
4 FINANCIAL MANAGER, THE CONTRACTING PRACTICES OF THE EMERGENCY
5 FINANCIAL MANAGER, AND ALL OTHER DECISIONS OF AND ACTIONS TAKEN BY
6 THE EMERGENCY FINANCIAL MANAGER OR HIS OR HER STAFF.
7 (D) REVIEW ALL WRITTEN PLANS AND REPORTS DEVELOPED BY THE
8 EMERGENCY FINANCIAL MANAGER.
9 (6) THE EMERGENCY FINANCIAL MANAGER'S POWERS AND DUTIES UNDER
10 SECTIONS 39 TO 41A ARE SUBJECT TO OVERSIGHT BY THE EDUCATION
11 FINANCIAL EMERGENCY RESOLUTION BOARD UNDER THIS SECTION.00567'11) of the 96th Legislature is enacted into law.Feb 9th Call to Action For Detroit Parents with Special Ed Students
This message is posted from an email.
FROM HELEN MOORE, RUSS BELLANT and AURORA HARRIS:
This is a call for and from Detroit Public School community advocates to be in Lansing this Wednesday at 8:30 am for a joint hearing of the House and Senate Education committees, where Robert Bobb is scheduled to testify.
While they state that no specific legislation is before the committee, legislation could be proposed that day or shortly thereafter that affects the governance, finances and operation of DPS.
Bobb recently told the Detroit News that DPS should be governed and administered by appointees of the Mayor. We have been told that the committees will soon consider legislation to give the EFM power over academics, which would negate the Board's lawsuit against Bobb. Last year the votes were not there for such legislation; this year the votes could be there.
If such legislation is brought to the committees Wednesday, this could be our only chance to speak against it. It is therefore essential that all advocates for DPS come to Lansing to constructively educate the new legislators as to what is really going on at DPS.
We will assemble at 6:45 am at the Northwest Activities Center for car pools. Please call 368-2148 any hour day or night to let us know if you need a ride or can drive others. Please pass this message on to others.
Helen and Russ
P.S. At 3 pm that afternoon, the House education and local government committees will hold a hearing regarding Public Act 72, which governs emergency financial managers for cities and school districts. Those who can stay for that hearing should indicate that in their phone call, since that may be where the changes will be proposed.
The attached legislative bills are sponsored by Detroit Democrat David Nathan. The first two bills relate to the EFM and are referred to the Local Government committee. The third bill is referred to the Education Committee. The prospect of these bills is unknown.
Detroit Parents of Special Ed Students Go To Lansing Tomorrow!
VOD ALERT--PACK LEGISLATIVE HEARING IN LANSING WED. FEB. 9 AT 8:30 AM TO CONFRONT ROBERT BOBB; also new stories out in the Voice of DetroitIf you need a ride or details for time of departure, call 313 368-2148. The bus or car pool will leave from Northwest Activities Center. From Voice of Detroit's
Friends, please click on http://voiceofdetroit.net for an alert calling on concerned parents, teachers, DPS workers, students and others to pack a legislative hearing in Lansing tomorrow, during which Detroit Public Schools Emergency Financial Manager Robert Bobb will appear. The joint meeting of the House and Senate committees on education is expected to consider expanding Bobb's role, as well as the roles of emergency financial managers state-wide. His appearance comes in the wake of his firing of 700 DPS custodians, engineers, maintenance workers and others to privatize with the notorious Sodexo. In addition, note the latest on: 1) DPS Unions, community take battle against Bobb, confront big media in opposition to Bobb, Sodexo. 2) Detroit: People's control of water the only answer; the latest on suburban moves Feb. 4 in federal court to takeover the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department, as well as community, union and other leaders' protests against takeover of DWSD. 3) A call for support for Ahlam Mosen and Max Kantar, two activists each facing eight years in prison for their confrontation with Sen. Carl Levin over his support of Israel and opposition to the Arab peoples of the Middle East. 4) Extensive coverage and commentary on the mass uprising in Egypt, from Al Jazeera and other sources; also local report on demonstration in Dearborn to support Egyptian revolution, Jan. 29. 5) Plans for LA Urban Peace, Justice and Empowerment Summit in May. 6) Petition for prison reform in Michigan. 7) The latest attack on Nathaniel Abraham, imprisoned for most of his life since the age of 11. Please send your articles, commentary and photos to diane_bukowski@hotmail.com for inclusion on the pages of the VOICE OF DETROIT. Thank you for your support. |
Sunday, February 6, 2011
MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION > NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
> MICHIGAN DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
> NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
>
> The Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services will conduct public hearings to receive public comment on the following proposed administrative rules and documents:
>
> * Special Education Programs and Services Administrative Rules (2010-049 ED)
> * School Social Worker (2010-048 ED)
> * Notice and Consent Procedures
> * Due Process Complaint Procedures
> * State Complaint Procedures
> The rules governing Special Education Programs and Services are promulgated by the authority conferred on the superintendent of public instruction by sections 1701 and 1703 of 1976 PA 451, MCL 380.1701 and MCL 380.1703, and Executive Reorganization Order Nos. 1996-6 and 1996-7, MCL 388.993 and MCL 388.994.
>
> The rules governing School Social Worker are promulgated by the authority conferred on the superintendent of public instruction by sections 6, 1701 and 1703 of 1976 PA 451,
> MCL 380.6, MCL 380.1701 and MCL 380.1703, and Executive Reorganization Order Nos. 1996-6 and 1996-7, MCL 388.993 and MCL 388.994.
>
> The proposed rules will bring the administrative rules into alignment with the reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and update outdated language. The proposed rules are accessible on the internet at www.michigan.gov/ose-eis<http:
Public hearings will be held at the following sites:
>
> Monday, March 7, 2011 from 4:00–8:00 p.m. at Renaissance High School, 6565 West Outer Drive, Detroit, Michigan 48235, 313-416-4600.
>
> Tuesday, March 8, 2011 from 3:30–7:30 p.m. at Gaylord University Center,
> Rm. U-111, 80 Livingston Boulevard, Gaylord, Michigan 49735, 989-705-3700.
>
> Thursday, March 10, 2011 from 3:30–7:30 p.m. at Kent Intermediate School District, Cedar Room, 2930 Knapp Street (Parking Lot 11), Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525, 616-364-1333.
>
> Citizens who wish to participate in video-conference hearings may provide comment at the following locations:
>
> Friday, March 11, 2011 from 9:30–11:00 a.m., CST at Menominee Intermediate School District, 1201 41st Avenue, Menominee, Michigan 49858, 906-863-5665.
>
> Friday, March 11, 2011 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. at Marquette-Alger Regional Educational Service Agency, 321 East Ohio, Marquette, Michigan 49855,
> 906-226-5100.
> Oral or written comment may be presented in person at the hearing or submitted in writing by mail, e-mail, or facsimile no later than 5:00 p.m., March 18, 2011. All comment will be reviewed and considered in the final version of the rules. Comments may be submitted to the following:
>
> Public Comment, Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services, Michigan Department of Education, P.O. Box 30008, Lansing, Michigan 48909
> Email: mde-ose@michigan.gov<mailto:md
>
> If special accommodations are needed to participate in the public hearings, contact Meredith Hines at 517-373-0924 or email hinesm@michigan.gov<mailto:hin
> Please forward this message to individuals that may have an interest.
>
> NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
>
> The Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services will conduct public hearings to receive public comment on the following proposed administrative rules and documents:
>
> * Special Education Programs and Services Administrative Rules (2010-049 ED)
> * School Social Worker (2010-048 ED)
> * Notice and Consent Procedures
> * Due Process Complaint Procedures
> * State Complaint Procedures
> The rules governing Special Education Programs and Services are promulgated by the authority conferred on the superintendent of public instruction by sections 1701 and 1703 of 1976 PA 451, MCL 380.1701 and MCL 380.1703, and Executive Reorganization Order Nos. 1996-6 and 1996-7, MCL 388.993 and MCL 388.994.
>
> The rules governing School Social Worker are promulgated by the authority conferred on the superintendent of public instruction by sections 6, 1701 and 1703 of 1976 PA 451,
> MCL 380.6, MCL 380.1701 and MCL 380.1703, and Executive Reorganization Order Nos. 1996-6 and 1996-7, MCL 388.993 and MCL 388.994.
>
> The proposed rules will bring the administrative rules into alignment with the reauthorized Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and update outdated language. The proposed rules are accessible on the internet at www.michigan.gov/ose-eis<http:
Public hearings will be held at the following sites:
>
> Monday, March 7, 2011 from 4:00–8:00 p.m. at Renaissance High School, 6565 West Outer Drive, Detroit, Michigan 48235, 313-416-4600.
>
> Tuesday, March 8, 2011 from 3:30–7:30 p.m. at Gaylord University Center,
> Rm. U-111, 80 Livingston Boulevard, Gaylord, Michigan 49735, 989-705-3700.
>
> Thursday, March 10, 2011 from 3:30–7:30 p.m. at Kent Intermediate School District, Cedar Room, 2930 Knapp Street (Parking Lot 11), Grand Rapids, Michigan 49525, 616-364-1333.
>
> Citizens who wish to participate in video-conference hearings may provide comment at the following locations:
>
> Friday, March 11, 2011 from 9:30–11:00 a.m., CST at Menominee Intermediate School District, 1201 41st Avenue, Menominee, Michigan 49858, 906-863-5665.
>
> Friday, March 11, 2011 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. at Marquette-Alger Regional Educational Service Agency, 321 East Ohio, Marquette, Michigan 49855,
> 906-226-5100.
> Oral or written comment may be presented in person at the hearing or submitted in writing by mail, e-mail, or facsimile no later than 5:00 p.m., March 18, 2011. All comment will be reviewed and considered in the final version of the rules. Comments may be submitted to the following:
>
> Public Comment, Office of Special Education and Early Intervention Services, Michigan Department of Education, P.O. Box 30008, Lansing, Michigan 48909
> Email: mde-ose@michigan.gov<mailto:md
>
> If special accommodations are needed to participate in the public hearings, contact Meredith Hines at 517-373-0924 or email hinesm@michigan.gov<mailto:hin
> Please forward this message to individuals that may have an interest.
>
Friday, January 14, 2011
More Victories for Detroit Parents With Special Ed Students
Writer: Aurora Harris
Dear Readers,
FIRST, THANK YOU TO ALL THE PARENTS, CONCERNED CITIZENS, AND DPS BUS AIDES THAT WENT TO LANSING TO SPEAK TO THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION!
I was one of the parents that went to Lansing on January 11, 2011 to address violoations with Special Education as a result of being under Emergency Financial Manager Robert Bobb. This blog entry is an example of positive results that can happen when parents and concerned citizens work together to advocate for special needs children. We had two victories within three days: 1. a lawsuit to stop the layoff of bus aides, 2. The layoffs were rescinded, and 3. Newspaper coverage of real issues with special education in Detroit as a result of being under EMF Robert Bobb. My family and friends were excited that I was mentioned in the Michigan Citizen article below. Please help Detroit Parents with Special Ed Students get these stories out by sending them to your email lists, independent news sources, and other bloggers.
Yesterday, I received news that the layoff of DPS bus aides was rescinded by Robert Bobb after a parent filed a lawsuit in Federal court on behalf of her child with autism. According to the Dettoit News article, the family's lawyer stated the aids are on the buses because we receive federal funds. Click here to see the article: http://www.detnews.com/article/20110114/SCHOOLS/101140382/1026/schools/Layoff-of-DPS-bus-attendants-halted
Later in the afternoon, I received a recorded message from the Detroit Public Schools Chief of Police stating that a new security system was installed at the schools to run background checks on everyone entering the school. When I called other parents who went to Lansing on January 11, to see if they received the recorded mes sage, they said "No." Since we stated in Lansing that we did not receive prior notification of the security system, the recorded message that I received at 5:38 p.m. from the Main DPS office, is a response from Bobb to address the issue. Parents at the Board meeting had questions like:
1. If the security system is installed in Detroit as a result of a Homeland Security order, then why aren't the rest of the cities, school districts, counties, etcetera, in Michigan AND the UNITED STATES installing the "swipe your drivers license- run a criminal back ground check" system in the schools?
2. If Robert Bobb keeps telling the world that the District is broke, has no funds, where is he getting the money from to purchase the security system, employ the contractors and sub contractors to install them in the schools, and pay the people that are running the background checks, with police working overtime? All of this without notifying the parents or the Board of this expenditure when we are supposed to be saving money.
He doesn't have money for new equipment for a refurbished school that is being turned into a vocational school for special education adults aged 20-26 or get rid of the rats at the existing school or repair doors and windows, but he can install a security system to criminalize parents.
3. What is the name of the company? Where are they located? Are they bonded? What security measures are in place to keep those workers from stealing our identities?
4. What other information is Bobb and Administration collecting from drivers license and State Id in addition to traffic and court records, that are being sold to other contractors? This is called "data mining"... they compile your data and profiles to determine what a target market they market to and any other purpose.
5. Are you going to make public the records that show that the information is scrubbed from the datafiles and computers once the info is scanned?
6. This is against our Constitutional and privacy rights.
At the Board meeting at Brenda Scott Middle School, the bus aides, the security system and the front page stories by Zenobia Jefferies in the Michigan Citizen were the top items of parent discussions. Click this link to see the front page stories on Detroit Public Schools: http://michigancitizen.com/index1.htm The front page article begins with this:
Dear Readers,
FIRST, THANK YOU TO ALL THE PARENTS, CONCERNED CITIZENS, AND DPS BUS AIDES THAT WENT TO LANSING TO SPEAK TO THE STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION!
I was one of the parents that went to Lansing on January 11, 2011 to address violoations with Special Education as a result of being under Emergency Financial Manager Robert Bobb. This blog entry is an example of positive results that can happen when parents and concerned citizens work together to advocate for special needs children. We had two victories within three days: 1. a lawsuit to stop the layoff of bus aides, 2. The layoffs were rescinded, and 3. Newspaper coverage of real issues with special education in Detroit as a result of being under EMF Robert Bobb. My family and friends were excited that I was mentioned in the Michigan Citizen article below. Please help Detroit Parents with Special Ed Students get these stories out by sending them to your email lists, independent news sources, and other bloggers.
Yesterday, I received news that the layoff of DPS bus aides was rescinded by Robert Bobb after a parent filed a lawsuit in Federal court on behalf of her child with autism. According to the Dettoit News article, the family's lawyer stated the aids are on the buses because we receive federal funds. Click here to see the article: http://www.detnews.com/article/20110114/SCHOOLS/101140382/1026/schools/Layoff-of-DPS-bus-attendants-halted
Later in the afternoon, I received a recorded message from the Detroit Public Schools Chief of Police stating that a new security system was installed at the schools to run background checks on everyone entering the school. When I called other parents who went to Lansing on January 11, to see if they received the recorded mes sage, they said "No." Since we stated in Lansing that we did not receive prior notification of the security system, the recorded message that I received at 5:38 p.m. from the Main DPS office, is a response from Bobb to address the issue. Parents at the Board meeting had questions like:
1. If the security system is installed in Detroit as a result of a Homeland Security order, then why aren't the rest of the cities, school districts, counties, etcetera, in Michigan AND the UNITED STATES installing the "swipe your drivers license- run a criminal back ground check" system in the schools?
2. If Robert Bobb keeps telling the world that the District is broke, has no funds, where is he getting the money from to purchase the security system, employ the contractors and sub contractors to install them in the schools, and pay the people that are running the background checks, with police working overtime? All of this without notifying the parents or the Board of this expenditure when we are supposed to be saving money.
He doesn't have money for new equipment for a refurbished school that is being turned into a vocational school for special education adults aged 20-26 or get rid of the rats at the existing school or repair doors and windows, but he can install a security system to criminalize parents.
3. What is the name of the company? Where are they located? Are they bonded? What security measures are in place to keep those workers from stealing our identities?
4. What other information is Bobb and Administration collecting from drivers license and State Id in addition to traffic and court records, that are being sold to other contractors? This is called "data mining"... they compile your data and profiles to determine what a target market they market to and any other purpose.
5. Are you going to make public the records that show that the information is scrubbed from the datafiles and computers once the info is scanned?
6. This is against our Constitutional and privacy rights.
At the Board meeting at Brenda Scott Middle School, the bus aides, the security system and the front page stories by Zenobia Jefferies in the Michigan Citizen were the top items of parent discussions. Click this link to see the front page stories on Detroit Public Schools: http://michigancitizen.com/index1.htm The front page article begins with this:
Citizens spark state probe of DPS
By Zenobia JeffriesThe Michigan Citizen
DETROIT — Short of a formal investigation, Michigan Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan has begun looking into parents’ and community concerns about alleged special education violations in Detroit Public Schools.
Over 50 parents, bus attendants for special education students and community members, including state lawmakers from Detroit, attended the first State Board of Education meeting of the year held Jan. 11 in Lansing. During public comments Detroiters spoke to what they called the destruction and dismantling of DPS in general and special education in particular. "
By Zenobia JeffriesThe Michigan Citizen
DETROIT — Short of a formal investigation, Michigan Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan has begun looking into parents’ and community concerns about alleged special education violations in Detroit Public Schools.
Over 50 parents, bus attendants for special education students and community members, including state lawmakers from Detroit, attended the first State Board of Education meeting of the year held Jan. 11 in Lansing. During public comments Detroiters spoke to what they called the destruction and dismantling of DPS in general and special education in particular. "
Another article is in the Free Press: http://www.freep.com/article/20110114/NEWS01/101140431/1001/news/DPSs-Robert-Bobb-stops-layoffs-of-bus-attendants-for-special-education-studentshttp://www.freep.com/article/20110114/NEWS01/101140431/1001/news/DPSs-Robert-Bobb-stops-layoffs-of-bus-attendants-for-special-education-students
This is the statement that I read to Michigan Superintendent Michael P. Flanagan and members of the State Board of Education. It is also in yesterday's blog entry:
The report below is what I read to the members of the State Board of Education on January 11, 2011. Other parents and concerned citizens voiced their complaints and the State Board called for an investigation of IEP violations. 52 parents rode to Lansing to request that the special ed bus aid layoff / firings is rescinded.
Please see the following and the document attached to circulate to the public. The meeting was televised by Live Feed yesterday. Perhaps someone can find a copy of the feed at mich.gov/sbe
January 11, 2011 Report to the State Board by Aurora Harris-Member of DPS Special Ed Wayne-RESA PAC
To: All Members of the Michigan State Board of Education, Michigan Department of Education Superintendent Michael P. Flanagan
Re: Detroit Michigan’s Parent Concerns and Complaints About DPS Special Education
From: Concerned Parents of Special Ed students in Detroit Public Schools. Contact Carolyn Carter-LSCO Chair at 313 739-7647
1. TRANSPORTATION Safety issues: We are requesting that the layoffs and firings of special education bus attendants are rescinded immediately. We feel that this is a manipulation of the IEP, whereby many of us for up to 20 years have never been asked or told to write that we need a bus attendant for transportation. No notification was given to parents. Robert Bobb wants to save 2 million dollars by placing our children in harms way and treating 5000-7000 special needs students as if their lives are an expendable $400.00
2. There are no bilingual translators at the Welcome Center, in Administration, in schools for enrollment, or at the bus terminals to service non-English speaking students or parents when emergencies arise. We are requesting a bi-lingual emergency hotline and bi-lingual staff and resource persons be reinstated. There is no one to service the blind and hearing impaired. Resources like OT, PT and speech are eliminated. Many parents, principals, and teachers are not aware of the changes to the IEP and have not been trained on the removal of parental consent, the amendment form, and the revocation form. Parents are providing information to the principals and teachers. If we do not have a superintendent for Special Ed, are we to send our amendment forms to State Board of Ed members and Mike Flanagan to sign?
3. Robert Bobb did not inform the parents, the public, or the DPS Board that he has installed a new security system in the schools that scans drivers license and personal information is given to company to run criminal background checks. Two parents have been arrested since January 3, 2010. Parents feel this is a violation of our Constitutional rights and privacy. We are requesting that the State Board of Education provide the parents of the copy of the order or mandate from Homeland Security that Robert Bobb referred to at the January 8, 2010 DPS Board meeting. Parents that refuse to give there license or ID to strangers for scanning are not allowed to enter the building.
4. Why is the Detroit Public schools district targeted as a proving ground for blatant discrimination against special needs students and used to test how many IEP’s can be violated without parents knowledge; how many Federal Laws and IDEA Law can be broken, including the destruction or elimination of Special Education?
5. Who is running our Special Ed department? Several requests for an organizational flow chart are ignored. The DPS website is an example of discrimination under Civil Rights, 504, ADA, and IDEA. Virtually everything on the website concerning special ed is either nonworking, nonexistent, or obsolete.
6. We have requested an accounting of special ed funds that the district received and who is spending it, and what it is spent on, and have been ignored. We want to know who is controlling special ed funds for parent involvement. What is the policy and process for parents to utilize the funds?
7. We would like a full investigation by the Department of Justice, The IRS, and the FBI of all persons, consultants, and companies receiving and spending federal funds for Special Education and Title 1. We request a full audit, and full public report of all Federal funds coming to the District, how the funds were spent, the names of the consultants and companies that were paid.
8. The DTC East vocational school is infested with rats, has 16 doors that need repair, has ADA violations. Parents have not been given any description of the curriculums. Why do we have a Michigan Rehab office in our school that is allowed to hold our students back to age 25, then send them out for training?
9. Why did Robert Bobb cancel the liability insurance on the vocational special needs adults that prevents them from getting vocational training and skills in the community? Why are our children forced to remain in ADA violated and unsafe buildings until the other school is refurbished. We need someone to talk to immediately about this and other concerns.
10. When parents report issues, they are targeted or threatened. If they try to assist, they are told ‘its causing problems.”
The report below is what I read to the members of the State Board of Education on January 11, 2011. Other parents and concerned citizens voiced their complaints and the State Board called for an investigation of IEP violations. 52 parents rode to Lansing to request that the special ed bus aid layoff / firings is rescinded.
Please see the following and the document attached to circulate to the public. The meeting was televised by Live Feed yesterday. Perhaps someone can find a copy of the feed at mich.gov/sbe
January 11, 2011 Report to the State Board by Aurora Harris-Member of DPS Special Ed Wayne-RESA PAC
To: All Members of the Michigan State Board of Education, Michigan Department of Education Superintendent Michael P. Flanagan
Re: Detroit Michigan’s Parent Concerns and Complaints About DPS Special Education
From: Concerned Parents of Special Ed students in Detroit Public Schools. Contact Carolyn Carter-LSCO Chair at 313 739-7647
1. TRANSPORTATION Safety issues: We are requesting that the layoffs and firings of special education bus attendants are rescinded immediately. We feel that this is a manipulation of the IEP, whereby many of us for up to 20 years have never been asked or told to write that we need a bus attendant for transportation. No notification was given to parents. Robert Bobb wants to save 2 million dollars by placing our children in harms way and treating 5000-7000 special needs students as if their lives are an expendable $400.00
2. There are no bilingual translators at the Welcome Center, in Administration, in schools for enrollment, or at the bus terminals to service non-English speaking students or parents when emergencies arise. We are requesting a bi-lingual emergency hotline and bi-lingual staff and resource persons be reinstated. There is no one to service the blind and hearing impaired. Resources like OT, PT and speech are eliminated. Many parents, principals, and teachers are not aware of the changes to the IEP and have not been trained on the removal of parental consent, the amendment form, and the revocation form. Parents are providing information to the principals and teachers. If we do not have a superintendent for Special Ed, are we to send our amendment forms to State Board of Ed members and Mike Flanagan to sign?
3. Robert Bobb did not inform the parents, the public, or the DPS Board that he has installed a new security system in the schools that scans drivers license and personal information is given to company to run criminal background checks. Two parents have been arrested since January 3, 2010. Parents feel this is a violation of our Constitutional rights and privacy. We are requesting that the State Board of Education provide the parents of the copy of the order or mandate from Homeland Security that Robert Bobb referred to at the January 8, 2010 DPS Board meeting. Parents that refuse to give there license or ID to strangers for scanning are not allowed to enter the building.
4. Why is the Detroit Public schools district targeted as a proving ground for blatant discrimination against special needs students and used to test how many IEP’s can be violated without parents knowledge; how many Federal Laws and IDEA Law can be broken, including the destruction or elimination of Special Education?
5. Who is running our Special Ed department? Several requests for an organizational flow chart are ignored. The DPS website is an example of discrimination under Civil Rights, 504, ADA, and IDEA. Virtually everything on the website concerning special ed is either nonworking, nonexistent, or obsolete.
6. We have requested an accounting of special ed funds that the district received and who is spending it, and what it is spent on, and have been ignored. We want to know who is controlling special ed funds for parent involvement. What is the policy and process for parents to utilize the funds?
7. We would like a full investigation by the Department of Justice, The IRS, and the FBI of all persons, consultants, and companies receiving and spending federal funds for Special Education and Title 1. We request a full audit, and full public report of all Federal funds coming to the District, how the funds were spent, the names of the consultants and companies that were paid.
8. The DTC East vocational school is infested with rats, has 16 doors that need repair, has ADA violations. Parents have not been given any description of the curriculums. Why do we have a Michigan Rehab office in our school that is allowed to hold our students back to age 25, then send them out for training?
9. Why did Robert Bobb cancel the liability insurance on the vocational special needs adults that prevents them from getting vocational training and skills in the community? Why are our children forced to remain in ADA violated and unsafe buildings until the other school is refurbished. We need someone to talk to immediately about this and other concerns.
10. When parents report issues, they are targeted or threatened. If they try to assist, they are told ‘its causing problems.”
Thursday, January 13, 2011
REPORT ON DETROIT PARENT TRIP TO LANSING TO ADDRESS SPECIAL ED ISSUES
Good Afternoon,
I just spoke with the secretary of E. White, Director of Office of Special Ed. SHE IS NOT taking phone calls from parents. Only State complaint forms or complaints in writing will be accepted. SEE THE FORM AFTER THE REPORT BELOW or download from mich.gov Department of Education
Get the complaint form from the link:
http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140-6530_6598_36168---,00.html
The report below is what I read to the members of the State Board of Education on January 11, 2011. Other parents and concerned citizens voiced their complaints and the State Board called for an investigation of IEP violations. 52 parents rode to Lansing to request that the special ed bus aid layoff / firings is rescinded.
Please see the following and the document attached to circulate to the public. The meeting was televised by Live Feed yesterday. Perhaps someone can find a copy of the feed at mich.gov/sbe
January 11, 2011 Report to the State Board by Aurora Harris-Member of DPS Special Ed Wayne-RESA PAC
To: All Members of the Michigan State Board of Education, Michigan Department of Education Superintendent Michael P. Flanagan
Re: Detroit Michigan’s Parent Concerns and Complaints About DPS Special Education
From: Concerned Parents of Special Ed students in Detroit Public Schools. Contact Carolyn Carter-LSCO Chair at 313 739-7647
1. TRANSPORTATION Safety issues: We are requesting that the layoffs and firings of special education bus attendants are rescinded immediately. We feel that this is a manipulation of the IEP, whereby many of us for up to 20 years have never been asked or told to write that we need a bus attendant for transportation. No notification was given to parents. Robert Bobb wants to save 2 million dollars by placing our children in harms way and treating 5000-7000 special needs students as if their lives are an expendable $400.00
2. There are no bilingual translators at the Welcome Center, in Administration, in schools for enrollment, or at the bus terminals to service non-English speaking students or parents when emergencies arise. We are requesting a bi-lingual emergency hotline and bi-lingual staff and resource persons be reinstated. There is no one to service the blind and hearing impaired. Resources like OT, PT and speech are eliminated. Many parents, principals, and teachers are not aware of the changes to the IEP and have not been trained on the removal of parental consent, the amendment form, and the revocation form. Parents are providing information to the principals and teachers. If we do not have a superintendent for Special Ed, are we to send our amendment forms to State Board of Ed members and Mike Flanagan to sign?
3. Robert Bobb did not inform the parents, the public, or the DPS Board that he has installed a new security system in the schools that scans drivers license and personal information is given to company to run criminal background checks. Two parents have been arrested since January 3, 2011. Parents feel this is a violation of our Constitutional rights and privacy. We are requesting that the State Board of Education provide the parents of the copy of the order or mandate from Homeland Security that Robert Bobb referred to at the January 8, 2011 DPS Board meeting. Parents that refuse to give there license or ID to strangers for scanning are not allowed to enter the building.
4. Why is the Detroit Public schools district targeted as a proving ground for blatant discrimination against special needs students and used to test how many IEP’s can be violated without parents knowledge; how many Federal Laws and IDEA Law can be broken, including the destruction or elimination of Special Education?
5. Who is running our Special Ed department? Several requests for an organizational flow chart are ignored. The DPS website is an example of discrimination under Civil Rights, 504, ADA, and IDEA. Virtually everything on the website concerning special ed is either nonworking, nonexistent, or obsolete.
6. We have requested an accounting of special ed funds that the district received and who is spending it, and what it is spent on, and have been ignored. We want to know who is controlling special ed funds for parent involvement. What is the policy and process for parents to utilize the funds?
7. We would like a full investigation by the Department of Justice, The IRS, and the FBI of all persons, consultants, and companies receiving and spending federal funds for Special Education and Title 1. We request a full audit, and full public report of all Federal funds coming to the District, how the funds were spent, the names of the consultants and companies that were paid.
8. The DTC East vocational school is infested with rats, has 16 doors that need repair, has ADA violations. Parents have not been given any description of the curriculums. Why do we have a Michigan Rehab office in our school that is allowed to hold our students back to age 25, then send them out for training?
9. Why did Robert Bobb cancel the liability insurance on the vocational special needs adults that prevents them from getting vocational training and skills in the community? Why are our children forced to remain in ADA violated and unsafe buildings until the other school is refurbished. We need someone to talk to immediately about this and other concerns.
10. When parents report issues, they are targeted or threatened. If they try to assist, they are told ‘its causing problems.”
I just spoke with the secretary of E. White, Director of Office of Special Ed. SHE IS NOT taking phone calls from parents. Only State complaint forms or complaints in writing will be accepted. SEE THE FORM AFTER THE REPORT BELOW or download from mich.gov Department of Education
Get the complaint form from the link:
http://www.michigan.gov/mde/0,1607,7-140-6530_6598_36168---,00.html
The report below is what I read to the members of the State Board of Education on January 11, 2011. Other parents and concerned citizens voiced their complaints and the State Board called for an investigation of IEP violations. 52 parents rode to Lansing to request that the special ed bus aid layoff / firings is rescinded.
Please see the following and the document attached to circulate to the public. The meeting was televised by Live Feed yesterday. Perhaps someone can find a copy of the feed at mich.gov/sbe
January 11, 2011 Report to the State Board by Aurora Harris-Member of DPS Special Ed Wayne-RESA PAC
To: All Members of the Michigan State Board of Education, Michigan Department of Education Superintendent Michael P. Flanagan
Re: Detroit Michigan’s Parent Concerns and Complaints About DPS Special Education
From: Concerned Parents of Special Ed students in Detroit Public Schools. Contact Carolyn Carter-LSCO Chair at 313 739-7647
1. TRANSPORTATION Safety issues: We are requesting that the layoffs and firings of special education bus attendants are rescinded immediately. We feel that this is a manipulation of the IEP, whereby many of us for up to 20 years have never been asked or told to write that we need a bus attendant for transportation. No notification was given to parents. Robert Bobb wants to save 2 million dollars by placing our children in harms way and treating 5000-7000 special needs students as if their lives are an expendable $400.00
2. There are no bilingual translators at the Welcome Center, in Administration, in schools for enrollment, or at the bus terminals to service non-English speaking students or parents when emergencies arise. We are requesting a bi-lingual emergency hotline and bi-lingual staff and resource persons be reinstated. There is no one to service the blind and hearing impaired. Resources like OT, PT and speech are eliminated. Many parents, principals, and teachers are not aware of the changes to the IEP and have not been trained on the removal of parental consent, the amendment form, and the revocation form. Parents are providing information to the principals and teachers. If we do not have a superintendent for Special Ed, are we to send our amendment forms to State Board of Ed members and Mike Flanagan to sign?
3. Robert Bobb did not inform the parents, the public, or the DPS Board that he has installed a new security system in the schools that scans drivers license and personal information is given to company to run criminal background checks. Two parents have been arrested since January 3, 2011. Parents feel this is a violation of our Constitutional rights and privacy. We are requesting that the State Board of Education provide the parents of the copy of the order or mandate from Homeland Security that Robert Bobb referred to at the January 8, 2011 DPS Board meeting. Parents that refuse to give there license or ID to strangers for scanning are not allowed to enter the building.
4. Why is the Detroit Public schools district targeted as a proving ground for blatant discrimination against special needs students and used to test how many IEP’s can be violated without parents knowledge; how many Federal Laws and IDEA Law can be broken, including the destruction or elimination of Special Education?
5. Who is running our Special Ed department? Several requests for an organizational flow chart are ignored. The DPS website is an example of discrimination under Civil Rights, 504, ADA, and IDEA. Virtually everything on the website concerning special ed is either nonworking, nonexistent, or obsolete.
6. We have requested an accounting of special ed funds that the district received and who is spending it, and what it is spent on, and have been ignored. We want to know who is controlling special ed funds for parent involvement. What is the policy and process for parents to utilize the funds?
7. We would like a full investigation by the Department of Justice, The IRS, and the FBI of all persons, consultants, and companies receiving and spending federal funds for Special Education and Title 1. We request a full audit, and full public report of all Federal funds coming to the District, how the funds were spent, the names of the consultants and companies that were paid.
8. The DTC East vocational school is infested with rats, has 16 doors that need repair, has ADA violations. Parents have not been given any description of the curriculums. Why do we have a Michigan Rehab office in our school that is allowed to hold our students back to age 25, then send them out for training?
9. Why did Robert Bobb cancel the liability insurance on the vocational special needs adults that prevents them from getting vocational training and skills in the community? Why are our children forced to remain in ADA violated and unsafe buildings until the other school is refurbished. We need someone to talk to immediately about this and other concerns.
10. When parents report issues, they are targeted or threatened. If they try to assist, they are told ‘its causing problems.”
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Detroit Parents of Special Ed Students! Go To Lansing on Jan 11 (TUES)
PLEASE HELP US CIRCULATE CIVIL RIGHTS DISCRIMINATION, ADA, 504 AND IDEA, TITLE 1 AND IDEA LAW VIOLATIONS CONCERNING DETROIT, MICHIGAN'S SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS AND THEIR PARENTS TO NATIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL NEWS SOURCES AND BLOGS !!!!
CALL THE MICHIGAN AND WASHINGTON DC PHONE NUMBERS BELOW !
GO TO LANSING ON TUESDAY JANUARY 11, 2011. CALL 313 778-4393
SPEAK TO THE MICHIGAN STATE BOARD OF EDUCATION TO VOICE OUR CONCERNS ABOUT THE STATE OF DETROIT PUBLIC SCHOOLS AND DESTRUCTION OF SPECIAL EDUCATION AND OUR CHILDREN! THE BUS WILL LEAVE AT 8:00 AM IF YOU CANNOT ATTEND CALL THE FOLLOWING MICHIGAN AND WASHINGTON DC NUMBERS TO VOICE YOUR COMPLAINTS:
Governor Rick Snyder 517-373-3400
Kathleen Strauss, President Michigan Board of Education 517-373-6534
Lieutenant Brian Galley 517-373-3400
Mr. Robert Bobb, Financial Manager DPS 313- 873-4149
Sherrie Ulerly, Deputy Chief of Academic 313-873-6478
Felicia Baker, Supervisor 313-873-7494
Jennifer Mokowski, Detroit Public Schools Media 313-873-8401
Detroit News 313-222-2310
ON JANUARY 7, ROBERT BOBB ENDANGERED THE LIVES OF SPECIAL ED STUDENTS BY LAYING OFF / FIRING SPECIAL ED BUS ATTENDANTS TO SAVE MONEY.
1. Why would you take away a direct service to Special Needs Students?
2. I will file a lawsuit against Detroit Public School if the Bus Attendants are laid-off and my child is injured on the bus.
3. Bus drivers are refusing to take Special Education Routes without a Bus Attendant.
4. If Bus Attendants are laid-off Parent Groups will file lawsuits on behalf of thestudents due to safety concerns and large numbers of Special Education Students that are transported on a daily basis (over 7000 Special Education Students).
bsr/324iuoeaflcio
WASHINGTON D.C.
Civil Rights Hotline
Call the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) at 1-800-421-3481 to report any educational discrimination on the basis of race, sex, disability, etc., request information on civil rights compliance programs, procedures for filing discrimination complaints, or access to civil rights regulatory and policy documents. The local number in Washington, D.C. is 202-453-6100. TTY: 1-877-521-2172. Email: ocr@ed.gov. See the OCR Contact Us page to find the enforcement office serving your area or use the OCR 
The Office of the Inspector General (OIG) provides a hotline for individuals to call to report fraud, waste, or abuse involving federal student aid funds or Department of Education funds, programs, or employees. Anyone having such knowledge should call 1-800-MIS-USED (1-800-647-8733). All callers can be assured of absolute confidentiality. Reports can also be submitted via email (to oig.hotline@ed.gov) or the OIG online complaint form.
For Complaints about Detroit's Vocational Schools for Adult (20-26) Special Ed Transition Students Contact:
U.S. Department of Education Information Resource Center: 1-800-872-5327 (toll-free)
Key Staff: Office of the Assistant Secretary: Brenda Dann-Messier, Assistant Secretary
REPORT MISUSE OF TITLE 1 AND OTHER SPECIAL ED
FUNDS TO OFFICE OF CIVIL RIGHTS
Office for Civil Rights (OCR) Assistant Secretary, Russlynn Ali 202 453-5900Special Assistant, Michael Lamb 202 453-5955
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Policy, Sunil Mansukhani 202 453-5959
Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, Ricardo Soto 202 453-5954
Special Assistant, Dianne M. Piche 202 453-5965
Deputy Assistant Secretary for Enforcement, Sandra Battle 202 453-5968
Enforcement Director, Randolph Wills 202 453-5956
FOR DETROIT TRANSITION CENTER EAST AND WEST PARENTS, SEE INFO BELOW:
REPORT THAT OUR CHILDREN ARE FORCED TO REMAIN IN BUILDINGS WITH AMERICAN DISABILITIES ACT VIOLATIONS, NO HOPE, A VOCATIONAL CURRICULUM THAT MOST PARENTS DON'T KNOW ABOUT, NO PROPER SKILLS TRAINING IN THE SCHOOLS OR COMMUNITY BECAUSE WE ARE TOLD "THEY CAN'T BE SENT FOR JOB TRAINING UNTIL AGE 25 ( WASTING 5- 7 YEARS OF THEIR LIVES IN A RAT INFESTED SCHOOL AT EAST) OR WE ARE TOLD "WE CAN'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT THIS, CALL ROBERT BOBB OR HIS ADMINISTRATORS"
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Mailing Address:
U.S. Department of Education
Office of Vocational and Adult Education
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20202-7100
Street Address for Visitors:
U.S. Department of Education
Office of Vocational and Adult Education
11th Floor
550 12th Street, SW
Washington, DC 20202-7100
Email: ovae@ed.gov
Phone : (202) 245-7700
Fax : (202) 245-7838
U.S. Department of Education Information Resource Center :
1-800-872-5327 (toll-free)
Key Staff
Office of the Assistant Secretary: Brenda Dann-Messier, Assistant Secretary
Office of the Assistant Secretary: Glenn Cummings, Deputy Assistant Secretary
Office of the Assistant Secretary: Frank Chong, Deputy Assistant Secretary
Office of the Assistant Secretary: Dennis Berry, Chief of Staff
Executive Office: Nick Dorka, Director
Adult Education and Literacy Division: Cheryl Keenan, Director
Division of Academic and Technical Education: Sharon Miller, Director
Policy, Research, and Evaluation: Dale King, Director
MICHIGAN
Mayor Dave Bing 313-224-3400 -
Terry Burgess, Consultant 313-873-6532
Chasity Pratt, Detroit Free Press 313-223-4537
Steve Wasko Detroit Public Schools Media / Parent Involvement 313-873-4892
Angela Joyner, Deputy Chief Financial Officer Phone: 313-873-4044
Fax: 313-870-3661
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