The CSI Scituate Newsletters are planned for distribution to the entire community in January 2007 (2 4-page newsletters)
CSI Chair’s Message (Lydon & Mohr)
Newsletter written for the community by the community. Call for action to the community to
(1) educate themselves on the issues by reading the newsletter and getting on the websites AND (2) provide their input/feedback by participating in the blog and survey. Funded collaboratively – SEA, Gates PTO and others (we hope for SHORE and the 4 elementary PTO’s to fund approx. $100 each).
Superintendent’s Message (Mason):
Honest discussion of obstacles faced in the past few years, goals of School Committee and administration and call for action by the community for action and resources.
School Committee Message (Michaud):
Information on School Committee roles & responsibilities; the new sub-committees, particularly communication sub-committee; limitations (not able to meet unless public) and danger of mis-information.
Selectman’s Message (Pollard - liaison to School Committee)
Curriculum/Assistant Superintendent’s Q&A (Kelleher):
Q&A related to role, key initiatives (ELA, report card and grading system) and MCAS scores.
Finance/Budget Q&A (Donlan):
Q&A related to budget – how does it work?; how does capital planning fit in?; what are the sources of funds?; and what is the community’s role in the budget process?
Special Education Q&Q (Norton):
Special Education Budget
President of the Scituate Teacher’s Association Q&A (Laura Lawson)
High School Student Message (Kelcie Sweeney) - students have a voice
Senior Citizen Message (Val Baker) – seniors support the schools
Collaborative Efforts – Joint PTO/School Council Meetings (on-going) & PTO presidents getting together to discuss best practices and joint fundraising
What is CSI?
Blog, Mariner, Survey
FACTS, FACTS, FACTS, such as:
Town to town comparison - Per pupil expenditure, teacher salaries, student/teacher ratio, tax rate
Scituate student population has grown X%, yet our school budget has only grown X%
What are our fees compared to other towns? (bus, parking)
Websites – where to go for information
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6 comments:
Bugget, this is some thing you work within, it is the Amount you have.
If you can not pay within that amount
you can not afford it.
Thoughts on bussing.....
Outsourcing is a successful strategy for solving a variety of transportation problems. Partnering with a private school bus company whose expertise is pupil transportation allows the school administration to concentrate on their primary function, educating students, and at the same time provides service which is safe, efficient, and cost-effective.
Here is a link to a web site that compares the fees charged in different districts.
http://www.superednet.com/MassPublicSchoolFeeSurvey110806.pdf
To Anonymous: Actually, the school department does a very good job staying within its budget. However, when a company's budget or a town's budget exceeds revenue levels, actions must be taken. Corporate America can sell off properties,or bring on a new product/marketing campaign. Towns are limited to the state aid they receive, raising fees (which are not tax deductable) cutting services, or as a very last resort, raising taxes. The issue that the town and schools are asking for more money is not a "budgetary" issue. It is a revenue/income issue that must be addressed if we want Scituate to provide the level of services we expect.
What is the status of the newsletter? When can I read it?
The newsletter is AT LAST days away from distribution. The text and data are final, the graphics are complete (thanks to an amazing Scituate graphics person who will remain anonymous), the approval and editing process are done. It just awaits completion at the printers and distribution by the schools and various town sites (by 2/2).
The newsletter will be posted to the blog for comments once distribution is complete. We thank ALL those that contributed, consulted and distributed!
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