Author: Jennifer Coffman

At its Dec. 19, 2012 meeting, the Ann Arbor Public School board discussed a report of a working group that had formed to study various options for reducing bus service, in order to help reduce the $17 million projected deficit next year. Trustees were inclined to see redistricting studied as part of that decision making process. Redistricting, however, would require over at least a year of separate study. [Full Story]

At its Dec. 12, 2012 committee meeting, the Ann Arbor Public School board reviewed a list of costs savings that could be achieved – by reducing teaching staff; reorganizing human resources; eliminating funding for some extracurricular activities; and closing buildings. They also weighed the issue of high school start times and semesters versus trimesters. [Full Story]

At its Dec. 5, 2012 meeting, the Ann Arbor Public School board passed a resolution critical of pending state legislation that would have an impact on education in Michigan. The board also approved an upgrade to the Argus/IMRA planetarium theater system, and approved an appointment to the recreation advisory commission (RAC). Reports were received on on enrollment, facilities, and all-day kindergarten. [Full Story]

At its Nov. 7, 2012 meeting, the Ann Arbor Public School board set the frame for its coming budget discussion. No decisions were made, but it looks like a basic budget could be presented to the public as early as January, which is much sooner than in previous years. The board was also briefed on last year’s audit, the first quarter financial statement, and gave final approval to the renaming of some facilities. [Full Story]

At its July 18, 2012 meeting, the board planned its annual retreat. The board discussed its support for moving the district to a zero-based budgeting system. Trustees also suggested discussing student performance measures, at the retreat, as they relate to both superintendent evaluation, and the possible restructuring of teachers’ compensation to include merit pay. [Full Story]

The Ann Arbor Public Schools board of trustees met June 27, 2012 primarily to convene a closed session during which they conducted a five-hour evaluation of superintendent Patricia Green’s first year’s performance. She received a positive evaluation. Public commentary at the meeting included concerns about class size and the Skyline theater program. [Full Story]

At its June 13, 2012 meeting, the Ann Arbor Public School board formally approved its budget for the 2012-13 fiscal year, which begins July 1. It includes around $4 million in cuts and will use about $6.5 in savings to cover the revenue gap. [Full Story]

At its May 23, 2012 meeting, the majority of Ann Arbor Public Schools trustees agreed to spend down roughly $7 million in fund equity to meet projected expenditures for FY 2012-13, beginning July 1, 2012. The meeting included much discussion about the effect that spending down fund equity this year could have on the district’s ability to weather another projected deficit of $14 million to $18 million in FY 2013-14. The board is expected to vote on the budget at its June 13 meeting. [Full Story]

Part 2 of The Chronicle’s report on the May 16, 2012 Ann Arbor Public Schools board of education meeting focuses on two issues: starting the evaluation process for superintendent Patricia Green, and a discussion of the district’s “differentiated instruction” approach. A budget discussion at this meeting was reported in a separate Chronicle article. [Full Story]

At its May 16 committee of the whole meeting, the AAPS board of trustees gave direction to the administration on the FY 2013 budget. A final budget will come to the board at its May 23 meeting. Trustees identified $4.8 million in cuts, but still face a gap of $7 million. Teaching positions, transportation, and the Roberto Clemente Student Development Center look like they’ll be mostly preserved. [Full Story]