I have recently been asked a few questions about academic performance scores, overall improvements to Holt Public Schools, and the district’s efforts regarding all students (other than early learners and the oldest students). Before I answer, I would like to talk about a decision that the Board made in 2006. That year, the district was experiencing declining enrollment – which continues to be a trend for a great number of districts in Michigan, including Holt. The administration and the Holt Board of Education made the decision to redraw neighborhood boundaries for elementary schools in order to balance enrollment between the six elementary schools (some had significantly shrinking student numbers). Much of what was taking place was similar to present issues. In the months preceding this decision, my family decided to sell our home in Holt and build a new home in a specific elementary neighborhood in Holt, so that our children could attend a particular school. While our home was being constructed, we discovered that the elementary school that our children would attend was changing. I opposed the change. I spoke to the Board. I pleaded for reconsideration. I was reassured by the Board that the curriculum was consistent, the teachers were strong, and that the experience my children would have would be positive. I was still disappointed and frustrated. After several years as students in Holt Public Schools (and attending an elementary school we never intended), our children have had a wonderful experience. They have experienced exceptional teachers, opportunities to grow academically and personally, and have had supportive administrators. And what my wife and I believed in and wanted for our children – balanced calendar schooling – has been recently expanded in Holt. No matter what we desired for our children, they have had a great experience in Holt Public Schools. In order to ensure this, we have done what any parent should do; remain engaged with our children and their teachers. Every parent, student, and teacher has a responsibility to develop these good educational relationships. Even through change that I found difficult, the district and Board had met its responsibility. I learned that each decision of the Board is made with careful consideration - no matter the reason or circumstance. The end goal is a sound education for our children - and for me, it is not more complicated than that. As a board member, I will continue to independently reach conclusions, determine my position on issues, and discover how to vote based on questions I ask of educators and administrators, the comments of parents and community members, and the data and studies I review. While I may vote for the same or different reasons than other Board members, I will continue to cast votes in good faith and in the positive interest of the Holt and Dimondale communities. Regarding the questions I have been asked, I can say that I have recently asked that the academic growth of students as well as curriculum updates receive more emphasis and be addressed more regularly at Board meetings. Specific to students other than early learners and seniors, I (and the current Board) have approved the purchase of math and reading tools for 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students that are meant to build skill and knowledge in these subject areas. This is in addition to teaching tools and strategies that have already been put into place by the curriculum department for younger students. With a greater level of knowledge and skill in math and reading, Holt students will be better prepared for State testing and be able to tackle a very important subject to me – science. One of my primary interests as a Board member is the improvement of science scores, which is an academic category that we have the most room to improve (and something that will pay off greatly for students). As a board member, I will push for the pace of improvement in reading and math to increase, allowing for science scores to improve at a similar rate. Overall improvements to Holt Public Schools have been in motion for a number of years. Most recently, I have supported the district in: • Overcoming budget shortfalls AND expanded offerings for students. The Board has managed a significant cut in funding from 2011 to present, without laying-off teachers, cutting academic offerings, or permanently closing buildings. The district has cut over 10 million dollars from the budget over the last few years, while working to protect classrooms fro cuts. • Re-purposing (rather than closing) a building into an early childhood education center. As a result, the district will have increased capacity and number of students enrolled in early childhood education programs. Personally, I am very interested in the opportunities for early learners and what that opportunity means long-term. • This fall, the district will have 6 times the number of students taking college courses, compared to last year. This is being done at a reduced cost, by offering the courses through an agreement with Lansing Community College. LCC is also paying for the renovation of two classrooms at the Holt High School North Campus. • Recognizing the 40+ community meetings with Board representation that were held from 2011-2014 (in addition to regular Board meetings) and the collection and consideration of many hundreds of comments/concerns. I have also met with all of the parents/community members that have asked to speak with me. • Approving the spending a portion of fund balances over multiple fiscal years, only with the understanding that the budget may be balanced in the coming fiscal year. • Offering of college courses has not reduced enrollment in Advanced Placement (AP) courses. • Implementation of Capstone courses. • Logistical and scheduling changes have created opportunity for freshmen to participate in marching band. Guess who likely has the largest band in the conference? (Hey – I really support music education!) • Reading Street and Everyday Math have been purchased and will be a more prominent part of the curriculum for grades 3, 4, and 5. This is intended to result in improved elementary, middle school, and Jr. High academic scores and improved preparation for high school. • Academic continuity will be improved for grades 9-11. The district has made a concerted effort to ensure that 9th graders remain in small learning groups, something that is proven to be beneficial. • Providing more support for at-risk students in grades 9 & 10. With the inclusion of 9th grade students at the main high school campus; mentoring, counseling, and academic support will be established, maintained, and improved over a three year period. • Students that have excelled in Jr. High will have more academic choices as a 9th grader – and at the same time, students that are struggling will not be pushed ahead, but will have access to the course they still need to master. • Increased flexibility for special education student coursework over the four years of high school. • Offering greater academic and career exploration opportunities for our most mature students, including individual guidance and planning for the future. • Addition of a second balanced calendar (year-round) elementary school. This helps to meet the demands of families. I am proud to be a parent of Holt students and am proud of our schools and community. If you see me, ask me more about Holt Public Schools. -Rick
Posted on: Mon, 18 Aug 2014 02:39:23 +0000
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