Stories indexed with the term ‘Ann Arbor Public Schools’

A2: AAPS Superintendent

The Ann Arbor Schools Musings blog is asking readers to weigh in with their thoughts on Ann Arbor Public Schools superintendent Patricia Green, who announced her resignation this week. One of the open-ended questions asks about qualities that are important for the next superintendent. [Source]

AAPS Superintendent Patricia Green Resigns

Ann Arbor Public Schools superintendent Patricia Green has turned in her resignation, after a little less than two years on the job. Her resignation takes effect in mid-July. In a brief letter to AAPS staff and families in the school system, Green said she intends to retire after 43 years in the profession. [.pdf of Green's letter]

Patricia Green

Patricia Green (Chronicle file photo by Monet Tiedemann)

She began her tenure on July 1, 2011 with a five-year contract and a starting salary of $245,000. According to AAPS spokeswoman Liz Margolis, a voluntary salary reduction that Green had recently offered has not yet been implemented. Under the terms … [Full Story]

AAPS Briefed on Spring Grant Awards

At the April 10, 2013 meeting, the Ann Arbor Public Schools board of education was briefed on the 2013 spring grant awards. The trustees will be asked to approve the receipt and expenditures of the grant monies within the Grants Programs Fund at the next regular meeting.

New grants include: $11,332 from the Ann Arbor PTO Thrift Shop for SchoolMessenger; $15,000 from Ann Arbor Public Schools Educational Foundation (AAPSEF) for the Community Builders program; and $8,900 from Toshiba America to purchase Lego Mindstorms for Pioneer High School.

AAPSEF is also providing renewal grants for the following: $15,679 for Great Ideas; $4,000 for 5th grade instrumental music instrument repairs; $21,000 for SchoolMessenger; and $22,644 for the Environmental Education Program. Secondary Perkins III is … [Full Story]

AAPS OKs Software Licenses

The Ann Arbor Public Schools board of education has voted to approve a purchase of software licenses in the amount of $232,486. The purchase comes after the board approved the purchase of 2,800 iMacs and 400 AirBooks, with the intention to have the computers – both the hardware and software – up and running in all computer labs in the fall of 2013. Purchases will be made with general fund monies in 2012-13 and 2013-14, as available from the savings realized through the Lexmark copier purchase approved by the trustees on March 10, 2013.

The board’s action came at its April 10, 2013 meeting.

The software licenses are for: Adobe Creative Suite ($50,665.95); Inspiration ($67,921); Kid Pix Deluxe ($34,100); Microsoft Office ($32,685); PixWriter … [Full Story]

AAPS Board OKs Labor Deals, Mulls Policies

Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) board of education regular meeting (March 27, 2013): The main agenda item for trustees was agreements with the Ann Arbor Education Association (AAEA), representing the district’s teachers, paraeducators, and office professionals. The agreements, which were approved unanimously by the board, will save the district approximately $3.4 million in the 2013-14 fiscal year.

Mitchell Elementary students prepare for their musical performance

Mitchell Elementary students prepare for their musical performance. (Photos by the writer.)

Teachers agreed to a 3% pay cut for the 2013-14 year, while paraeducators and office professionals agreed to mandatory furlough days for the 2013-14 and 2014-15 school years. The trustees and district superintendent Patricia Green expressed their appreciation for what they called the “shared sacrifice” of the AAEA members.

The board heard extensive public commentary on several possible budget cuts. The board is facing $17-$20 million of cuts for next year’s budget.

The board also spent a significant time reviewing policy changes, brought forward by president Deb Mexicotte. Some of the policy changes included placing limits on board meeting times, adding items to the agenda, and changing the board’s committee structure. The board is considering a change from its current committee-of-the-whole to its former committee structure of two different standing committees. Previously the board had a committee for planning and one for performance – but it’s not clear if the board will settle on those committees. The board will consider the  raft of policy changes at its next regular meeting, on April 10.

The trustees also adopted an affirmation of boardsmanship, which is a “shared belief of values” that Mexicotte presented. The hope is that such a shared set of values would help guide them in their interactions with each other and the community. The affirmation came about as a result of their August 2012 board retreat, when board members decided that their number one board goal was to work on building trust with each other. [Full Story]

AAPS Reviews Special Ed, Clemente Center

Ann Arbor Public Schools board of Education (March 13, 2013): The meeting was highlighted by reviews of two district programs: (1) the Student Intervention and Support Services (SISS) program; and (2) the Roberto Clemente Student Development Center.

Performance art by Lawton Elementary teacher Susan Baileys 2nd grade class at the AAPS March 13, 2013 board meeting.

Performance art by Lawton Elementary teacher Susan Bailey’s 2nd grade class at the AAPS March 13, 2013 board meeting. (Photos by the writer.)

The trustees seemed to be unimpressed with the SISS report – because not enough quantifiable data was presented. They asked the SISS team to come back with a more data-rich report at a future meeting.

Alesia Flye, deputy superintendent for instruction, presented the review of Roberto Clemente. The administration’s ultimate recommendation was to relocate the Clemente program to Pioneer High School beginning the fall of 2013 – for an estimated savings between $127,379 and $348,677. This was presented to the board as an information report. No action will be taken until the budget is finalized later on this year.

The board also discussed and unanimously approved a resolution to support three students who are currently facing criminal charges for their alleged roles in the Huron Pioneer football brawl.

Also at the meeting, the trustees also approved 2013-14 School of Choice (SOC) openings, which will be opened up on April 8 until May 8, 2013. Despite recommendations from the administration against it, the trustees approved 25 spots to be opened at Skyline High School for incoming ninth graders.

The board also formally approved a $2.5 million budget adjustment to cover lower-than-projected revenues and greater-than-projected expenses through the first half of the current budget year.

Upcoming budget decisions and anticipated cuts were also a prominent theme of the meeting. The board set a schedule for public forums to take place over the next month. And students who participate in the theater program addressed the board asking trustees not to cut support to that program. [Full Story]

AAPS Amends 2012-13 Budget by $2.5M

Following a sobering second quarter financial report, the AAPS board amended the general appropriations act and approved the second quarter disbursements. The formal amendment to the budget was made at the board’s March 13, 2013 meeting.

The second quarter financial report shows the projected revenue will be approximately $1,088,000 lower than expected. The decrease is due to adjustments of the number of budgeted general fund FTEs to the audited student account, along with other reductions.

The expenditure budget will be approximately $1,394,758 higher than originally projected. The increase is due to an $894,758 increase for an additional 24 teacher assistant FTEs and a $500,000 adjustment to basic programs for projected substitute teacher costs.

The board initially heard the second quarter financial report at … [Full Story]

AAPS Schedules FY 2014 Budget Forums

Led by trustee Glenn Nelson, the AAPS board has discussed and approved a process for engaging citizens in their budget development. The proposed process and timeline is:

  • Late March & Early April: Community dialogue meetings sponsored by BOE
  • April 10, 2013: Administration presents projected revenues for FY 2014
  • April 24, 2013: Administration presents recommended expenditure budget for FY 2014
  • Early May: Community forums led by the administration on the proposed budget
  • May 8, 2013: First briefing of the Budget Resolution for FY 2014
  • May 22, 2013: Second briefing and action on the Budget Resolution for FY 2014

The schedule for public engagement on the budget was put forward at the board’s March 13, 2013 meeting.

This brief was filed from the board room of the Ann Arbor District … [Full Story]

AAPS Offers School of Choice Openings

The AAPS board has voted to approve school of choice (SOC) openings for the 2013-14 school year. For the past three school years, the board has approved offering SOC with limited number of openings. Under the limited option, a school district can only open an application window for 30 days. The vote came at the board’s March 13, 2013 meeting.

The district is offering 40 seats in kindergarten; 40 seats in grade 1; 10 seats each in grades 2 through 5; and 50 seats in grade 6 for the 2013-14 school year. These numbers are consistent with what was offered last school year.

New for the 2013-14 school year, the board also decided to add 25 seats at Skyline High School.

The board … [Full Story]

AAPS OKs Copier Purchase

The Ann Arbor Public school board has voted to approve a purchase of 103 Lexmark copiers at a cost of $360,000, funded through the technology bond. It has been verified with the district’s bond counsel that this would be an allowable expense for the bond. The approval came at the board’s March 13, 2013 meeting.

The purchase represents a one-time savings of approximately $25,000 over the lease option. Because the lease was a budgeted expense in the general fund for the next three fiscal years, a savings of approximately $130,000 annually will be realized in the general fund. The savings from the copiers will most likely be used to offset the costs of a software upgrade, which cannot be funded through … [Full Story]

Plante Moran Awarded AAPS Audit Contract

The Ann Arbor Public Schools board of trustees has awarded Plante Moran the district’s financial audit contract for a cost of $161,000 over three years, with the potential for two one-year renewals.

An audit services request for proposal (RFP) was released in December 2012, and three bids were received. After reviewing the bids, Plante Moran and Yeo & Yeo were invited to make a presentation to the committee tasked with the audit services bid.

The committee unanimously recommended Plante Moran because of their extensive experience in K-12 education market, the detailed and clear audit process outlined by the firm, and its local presence – with an office in Ann Arbor.

The board voted on the contract at its Mar. 13, 2013 meeting. The … [Full Story]

AAPS OKs Projectors, Amplifiers

The Ann Arbor Public School trustees have approved a district-wide replacement of classroom projectors, approximately 200 sound amplification systems, and supporting electrical equipment. The vote came at their March 13, 2013 meeting.

A request for bids on the project went out on Jan. 10, 2013. Bids were received and publicly opened on Feb. 5, 2013. After various companies were interviewed by the district’s technology bond professional team, the team recommended the following contract awards: Great Lakes Power and Lighting ($393,000 for electrical work); The Professional Group ($1,879,619 for audiovisual equipment); and to AVI-SPL ($183,168 for the sound amplification systems).

Brief discussion centered around the business practices of Great Lakes Power and Lighting after some complaints were brought up during public commentary at … [Full Story]

AAPS Renews Insurance

The Ann Arbor Public School board voted to approve the district’s liability insurance renewal at its March 13, 2013 meeting. For the past couple of months, the district’s insurance agent, The Hyland Group, has been bidding out the district’s liability insurance in anticipation of a Feb. 1, 2013 renewal. Several insurance carriers for property and casualty were contacted and responded, but the district’s best option for renewal was to stay with its current carriers, according to a district memo. Those carriers include: Affiliated FM for buildings and property; Zurich for general liability, crime, auto; Ace for lawyers liability; and Selective for flood insurance.

The district’s final liability insurance premium will be $716,476. The renewal premium reflects an overall increase of 5.9%, … [Full Story]

AAPS Weighs Future Cuts, $2.5M Gap Now

Ann Arbor Public Schools board of education regular meeting (Feb. 27, 2013): At a meeting that lasted until 3 a.m., the Ann Arbor Public School (AAPS) school board covered a variety of topics, including: an extensive report on high school issues; budget shortfalls; and budget reductions.

Robert Allen, AAPS deputy superintendent for operations

Robert Allen, AAPS deputy superintendent for operations delivered a second quarter financial report that showed the district is nearly $2.5 million over budget.

A report on high school scheduling got a mixed reaction from the board. While many trustees appreciated the work that went into the report, there was disappointment that no hard recommendations were made by the committee. No decisions were made on the issue of moving high school start times or moving Skyline High School from a trimester to a semester schedule.

And Robert Allen, deputy superintendent of operations, left the board reeling when he reported the district was just under $2.5 million over budget and needed to adjust the 2012-2013 budget. The discrepancy resulted from staffing adjustments and changes in funding from the state of Michigan.

Having been directed by the board at a previous meeting to explain better the implications of each item cut, Allen again reviewed some budget reduction options for the coming year.

The board was also briefed on the condition of physical properties and updated on the capital funding plan. Executive director of physical properties Randy Trent suggested the possibility of placing a combined bond and sinking fund millage on the ballot, instead of asking for a simple renewal of the sinking fund millage, levied currently at 1 mill. The idea would be to ask voters for the same amount – to cover the combined proposal – with the advantage that the bond revenues can be spent more flexibly.

The board was briefed on major purchases for projectors and copiers and voted to approve some purchases on which they’d already been briefed a their previous meeting – for AstroTurf and laptop computers.

The board also voted to place a discussion of a resolution on its agenda for March 13, which would express the board’s support for three district high school students who now face criminal charges as a result of a brawl at the conclusion of a football game last year.  [Full Story]

AAPS OKs New Apple Computers

The Ann Arbor Public School board approved the purchase of new Apple computers at its Feb. 27, 2013 meeting. The district will use money from the technology bond to purchase the 1,900 iMac 21-inch desktop computers and the 400 MacBook Pro 13-inch laptops for a total cost of $2,431,700 – $1,974,100 for the iMacs; $457,600 for the MacBooks.

The iMacs will replace the eMac computers currently in use in computer labs district-wide. They will be used for Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) testing next fall.

The MacBooks will replace the older laptops in one computer cart at each elementary school. The older computer cart laptops will then be used to replace other failing laptops.

Apple, Inc. had initially offered … [Full Story]

Skyline High to Get New Turf

AAPS board has approved a contract to AstroTurf in the amount of $858,056 for a synthetic turf field at Skyline High School.

AstroTurf was the lowest bidder out of the four bids received. AstroTurf was recommended not only because it was the lowest bidder, but also because it is the only field that has an antimicrobial product applied at the factory as a standard. The district would not need to apply an antimicrobial every year, as with other field surfaces.

The bid was posted on Dec. 20, 2012 on the AAPS and the State of Michigan websites.

The board voted on the contract at its Feb. 27, 2013 meeting. The trustees were initially briefed on the item at the Feb. 13, 2013 meeting.

This brief … [Full Story]

AAPS Briefed on Copier Purchase

The AAPS board has heard a recommendation to replace 103 district copiers at a cost of $385,242 for a 39-month lease. The recommended copiers have been tested in several district offices for performance, durability, functionality, and easy of use. While the primary functionality of the new machines is comparable to the current machines, the interface is easier to use and should reduce the amount of paper used.

Because the district made the choice to delay the five-year replacement schedule until the spring of 2012, maintenance costs have increased.

In the past, the lease and corresponding maintenance cost for copiers have been funded with the general fund. Robert Allen, deputy superintendent for operations, recommends that the district fund the purchase of the copiers … [Full Story]

AAPS Mulls Goals of Rising Scholar Program

Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education regular meeting (Feb. 13, 2013): A highlight of the meeting was a presentation to the board on the Rising Scholars Program.

Robyne Thompson, assistant superintendent for secondary education

Robyne Thompson, assistant superintendent for secondary education, gave the board a report on Rising Scholars, meant to provide support for high-achieving but underserved students. (Photos by the writer.)

The program is meant to provide support for high-achieving but underserved students. It’s a part of the district’s strategy for addressing the achievement gap between different ethnic groups.  The presentation prompted some discussion about the overall goals of the program and the inequitable resources across the three comprehensive high schools. Several trustees expressed their frustration that not much had changed in the past two years.

The board was also presented with three purchase requests – two requests for purchases for new iMacs and new MacBooks for a total of $2,431,700. The computers would be paid for out of the technology bond. If the board approves the purchases, there are additional costs associated with the new computers. New software would also need to be purchased, and the cost of which would come out of the general fund. The third purchase request was for a new artificial turf field at Skyline for a cost of $858,056. The turf would be paid for out of the sinking fund.

Thirteen students, parents, and staff were present during public commentary to speak in favor of maintaining the trimester system at Skyline High School. This came in response to a request trustee made by Christine Stead at a recent meeting to hear from the members of the school community who favored trimesters. The board has in the past heard complaints about the trimester approach and calls for Skyline to adopt semesters, which is the scheduling approach used by Ann Arbor’s other two comprehensive high schools.

Also at this meeting, state representative Adam Zemke was on hand to talk about the impact Governor Snyder’s proposed budget would have on the district. He also heard the concerns of the board regarding changes in legislation. [Full Story]

AAPS Board Briefed on Tech Purchases

The Ann Arbor Public School board was briefed on two purchase recommendations for Apple computers at its Feb. 13, 2013 meeting. The first recommendation was to appropriate $1,974,100 to purchase 1,900 iMac 21-inch desktop computers to replace the eMac computers currently in use in computer labs district-wide. The new machines will be running Mountain Lion, the most current Mac operating system.

The new computers will be used for Northwest Evaluation Association (NWEA) testing next fall, according to a memo from Randy Trent, executive director of physical properties.

The second recommendation was to purchase 400 MacBook Pro 13-inch laptops to replace the older laptops in one computer cart at each elementary school at a cost of $457,600. The older computer cart laptops will … [Full Story]

AAPS Briefed on Skyline Turf Field

The AAPS board of trustees has been briefed on a recommendation to award a contract to AstroTurf in the amount of $858,056 for a synthetic turf field at Skyline High School.

AstroTurf was the lowest bidder out of the four bids received. AstroTurf was recommended not only because it was the lowest bidder, but also because it is the only field that has an antimicrobial product applied at the factory as a standard. The district would not need to apply an antimicrobial every year, as with other field surfaces.

The bid was posted on Dec. 20, 2012 on the AAPS and the State of Michigan websites.

The briefing came at the board’s Feb. 13, 2013 meeting. The board will vote on the purchase … [Full Story]

AAPS to Purchase Sound Systems

The Ann Arbor Public School board has voted to approve the purchase of 35 mobile sound field amplification systems through REMC, a regional purchasing consortium. The total cost will be $27,405 – just over the limit of $22,865 requiring board approval.

The new equipment will replace systems purchased as part of the 2004 Comprehensive School Improvement Program, which are now failing to maintain their battery charges.

The vote by the AAPS board of trustees took place at the Feb. 13, 2013 meeting. The board had been briefed on the sound systems at its Dec. 19, 2012 meeting.

This brief was filed from the board room of the Ann Arbor District Library in downtown Ann Arbor at Fifth and William. A more detailed report … [Full Story]

AAPS Talk: Contracts Policy, Strategic Plan

Ann Arbor Public Schools committee of the whole meeting (Jan. 23, 2013): At the board’s committee of the whole (COTW) meeting last week, trustees received an update on the district’s strategic plan from the executive team and other district administrators. Trustees also discussed reviewing the district’s contracting policy.

Alesia Flye and Arthur Williams, Huron High School principal

Deputy superintendent for instructional services Alesia Flye and Huron High School principal Arthur Williams. (Photos by the writer.)

While trustees received a comprehensive update on the eight points of the strategic plan, they focused their attention on aspects of international standards, personalized learning, and how best to market the district. President Deb Mexicotte argued that the district needed to co-opt the “language of the rhetoric” used by Lansing and demonstrate how the district is a better choice for students than the alternatives.

After hearing from six union-friendly members of the public during public commentary, trustees spent a significant amount of time discussing how, if at all, they wanted to change the district’s contracting policy. Currently, the board tends to accept the lowest qualified bid. But other factors discussed at the meeting included prevailing wages, historically underutilized businesses (HUB), and local contractors.

The conversation led to the creation of an ad-hoc committee to gather more of the information the trustees felt they needed before they could alter the contracting policy. Members of the committee were not yet appointed at the meeting. [Full Story]

AAPS Starts Year with Extended Agenda Talk

Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) Annual Organizational Meeting (Jan. 16, 2013): Matters of organization dominated the board’s discussion at its annual organizational meeting.

President Deb Mexicotte and vice president Christine Stead are sworn in as board officers.

President Deb Mexicotte and vice president Christine Stead are sworn in as board officers. (Photos by the writer.)

The agenda planning process was at the heart of the conversation, as was the issue of committee restructuring. The board also observed a moment of silence for Scarlett Middle School math teacher Scott Turner, who passed away Monday, Jan. 14, 2013.

The board launched into its first meeting of the new year, beginning with trustee Deb Mexicotte taking her oath of office after winning re-election for a four-year term this past November.

The board’s first order of business was to elect its officers. All four board officer positions were uncontested and were approved unanimously. Mexicotte was re-elected president; Christine Stead, vice-president; Andy Thomas, secretary; and Glenn Nelson was elected as treasurer.

The four officers took their oaths of office, and Mexicotte reappointed Simone Lightfoot as parliamentarian.

After establishing that the board would review the agenda for future meetings at the conclusion of each board meeting, and that agenda items would need a majority vote to be added to a future agenda, the board voted on several possible future agenda topics.

The topic of semester versus trimester scheduling at Skyline did not make it onto a future agenda; but the board is expecting a recommendation from administration on that topic in February. A review of school security will be placed on a board agenda sometime this academic year. Budget forums will be scheduled in the first half of the year, after the administration receives more direction from the board. The superintendent’s performance evaluation will take place in February and March. And options for the future of the Roberto Clemente Development Center will be scheduled for February or March. [Full Story]

AAPS Board Elects Officers for 2013

Deb Mexicotte has again been elected president of the Ann Arbor Public School board of education. The vote came at the board’s Jan. 16, 2013 organizational meeting. She was unopposed for the position and was unanimously elected. This is Mexicotte’s fourth year as president. She had announced her intention to seek the leadership position at the Dec. 12, 2012 meeting of the board’s committee of the whole.

Other board positions were also filled: vice president,  Christine Stead; secretary, Andy Thomas; and treasurer, Glenn Nelson. Mexicotte reappointed Simone Lightfoot as parliamentarian.

The length of term for the board officer positions is a year – from the board’s organizational meeting to the following year’s board organizational meeting, which is always the first meeting … [Full Story]

AAPS Sets Stage for Budget Talks

Ann Arbor Public Schools board of education committee of the whole meeting (Dec. 12, 2012): Faced with another looming budget deficit, the Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) school board used their committee of the whole meeting to review a list of potential budget reductions.  The board tried to get a handle on the estimated savings that each reduction would bring the district.

Ann Arbor Public School trustees, Glenn Nelson and Susan Baskett

Ann Arbor Public Schools trustees Glenn Nelson and Susan Baskett. (Photo by the writer.)

AAPS superintendent Patricia Green stressed that the list brought by administration for review was in no way a list of recommendations – it was just a list of savings estimates, which trustees had requested at a previous meeting. The estimates totaled nearly $26 million in potential reductions. They included: reducing teaching staff; reorganizing human resources; eliminating funding for some extracurricular activities; and closing buildings.

As part of the budget discussion, trustees also reviewed their plans to begin a series of one-on-one and small group meetings with key community leaders, school groups, and other partners. Trustee Glenn Nelson described the plans as first sharing information about the funding situation currently faced by AAPS, and then engaging in an open discussion with a lot of listening. Trustees then plan to bring back the information gleaned from their discussions, and use it, as trustee Andy Thomas put it, “to put together a message and a campaign on how to keep these schools excellent – a message that will resonate with people … and will respond to their hopes and their fears.”

The bulk of the Dec. 12 meeting was spent discussing some preliminary recommendations on high school start times. The recommendations were made to the board by an administrative committee charged originally to look at that issue. Green explained how the scope of the committee had broadened beyond start times to include review of high school scheduling. The committee had also looked at the possibility of opening up the district’s comprehensive high schools (Pioneer, Huron, and Skyline) to in-district transfers and school-of-choice students.

The board also weighed the issue of semesters versus trimesters at Skyline High School, and seemed favorably inclined to consider a shift to semesters. No decision was made at the meeting on that topic. [Full Story]

AAPS Board Lambastes Education Legislation

Ann Arbor Public Schools Board of Education regular meeting (Dec. 5, 2012): At its regular meeting last Wednesday, the Ann Arbor Public Schools (AAPS) board of education passed a strongly-worded resolution opposing current education legislation under consideration by the state legislature, and arguing for adequate state funding of public education.

From left: AAPS superintendent Patricia Green, board chair Deb Mexicotte, vice chair Christine Stead and trustee Irene Patalan.

From left: AAPS superintendent Patricia Green, board chair Deb Mexicotte, vice chair Christine Stead and trustee Irene Patalan.

The resolution was written by trustee Christine Stead, and targets a handful of state senate and house bills, as well as the governor’s proposed rewrite of the School Aid Act.

On a long list of statements objecting to various pieces of legislation is one opposing ”the lack of local funding control so that communities might be able to break free from the state’s efforts to demolish public education …”

At the meeting, the board also approved an upgrade to the Argus/IMRA planetarium theater system, the appointment of Cameron Frost to the Recreation Advisory Commission (RAC), two sets of grants, and a set of financial reports brought as second briefing items.

As part of a comprehensive schedule of regular reports to the board, AAPS superintendent Patricia Green also asked three top members of her staff to report on enrollment, facilities, and all-day kindergarten.

The board held brief discussions on each topic following the presentations. [Full Story]

Ann Arbor School Board OKs Tech Upgrades

Ann Arbor Public Schools board of education regular meeting (Oct. 24, 2012): In its main business of the meeting, the board approved a $5,192,872 purchase for the district-wide replacement of the computer network and wireless infrastructure. Several central administrators noted that the infrastructure improvement is a cornerstone of the district’s technology plan.

David Comsa

Deputy superintendent for human resources and general counsel for the district David Comsa, and assistant director of human resource services Stephani Field. A report from HR was delivered to the board at its Oct. 24 meeting. (Photos by the writer.)

And in keeping with superintendent Patricia Green’s desire to give annual updates to the board on a variety of topics, the AAPS board of trustees heard presentations from the human resources (HR) and informational technology (IT) departments.

Highlights from the human resources report were statistics showing that percentage-wise, more cuts have been made in the last few years to administrative positions than to teaching positions. Trustees also focused on recruitment of teachers that would reflect the same demographic profile as the student population.

Trustees were also given a report on the 2013-2015 technology plan.

In addition to the informational reports, the board was briefed on a partnership between AAPS and Toyota International. The district has been selected by Toyota as the sole participant in a pilot teaching program that will focus on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education. The partnership will bring the methods of Singapore, described as a leading country in STEM innovation, to AAPS.

Also at the meeting, a recommendation to rename the Argus Planetarium – to acknowledge the $100,000 donation to the facility made by IMRA America – was met with enthusiasm by trustees. They also welcomed another naming proposal – to name the Pioneer High School tennis courts after long-time tennis coach Tom “Brick” Pullen. Votes on the naming proposals will come at the next meeting of the board. [Full Story]

AAPS May Partner with Toyota International

A pending partnership with Toyota and the Institute for International Education was announced at the Oct. 24, 2012 meeting of the Ann Arbor Public Schools board of trustees. Toyota has chosen AAPS to join a pilot program to advance Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) education at a secondary level. AAPS is the only district selected nationwide to participate in the program.

The district will work with Toyota as they redesign their international teaching with a focus on STEM. A first team, consisting of curriculum experts from AAPS, will visit Singapore either in the spring or summer of 2013, according to Green. Singapore has been identified as a country at the forefront of STEM education.

The possible partnership had been mentioned by superintendent … [Full Story]

Tennis Courts, Planetarium to be Named

Two facilities at Pioneer High School in Ann Arbor are likely be named to honor service to the school district and monetary contributions, both of which are possible reasons for naming under the district’s policy. [.pdf of AAPS naming policy]

The Pioneer High School tennis courts are to be named after Tom “Brick” Pullen who coached both girls and boys tennis teams for more than 20 years. And a $100,000 contribution from IMRA to the school’s Argus Planetarium will add IMRA’s name to the facility. The donation from IMRA will be used to make needed upgrades to the computer equipment that run the planetarium’s displays.

The Ann Arbor Public Schools board of trustees was briefed on the two naming proposals at its Oct. … [Full Story]

AAPS OKs $5M for Computer Network

An award of a contract to Sentinel Technologies, Inc. has been made official – for replacement of the Ann Arbor Public Schools computer network and wireless infrastructure The board of trustees gave final approval to the Sentinel Technologies $5,192,871 bid at its Oct. 24 meeting after being briefed on the proposal at its  Oct. 10, 2012 meeting. Susan Baskett cast the sole dissenting vote. The work is to be done with proceeds of the technology bond approved by voters in May 2012.

The bid from the Illinois-based Sentinel’s was one of four received by the district. A lower bid from a Grand Rapids firm, ISI, was judged to be incomplete by the district’s review team. [.pdf of bid tab review]

This brief was filed from … [Full Story]