Amherst news-times, 2010-01-27, SPECIAL SCHOOL EDITION SPECIAL SCHOOL EDITION

              special school edition amherst news-times non-prolit org. u.s. postage paid amherst, oh 44001 permit no. 45 carrier route sort postal patron district by steve sayers this is the second of comet connection. we thank for its support in helping us reach all residents. publication reflects our commitment to both community engagement and strong school-community partnerships. last year's passage levy development a strategic y plan stand as evidence that needs are hot separate. district, employees work each day so people see success contributing toward overall success. it what i call "power we." tax abatement update am happy report county auditor mark stewart has removed retroactive abatements from about 300 properties lorain city portion district. since more residents now paying state completes facilities evaluation z v " shupe elementary school, walter g. nord middle r nnr j. fow. ? - : --tli ' n-ff i- aiii n'"-n iiri il n .i hi :: eg s g 5 -i j: :- t m h u p schools m,.ll ml . f property taxes, owners will pay smaller amount. burden be evenly distributed. on behalf board education, would like citizens especially chuck winarski councilman joe gambish, who supported effort remedy injustice. part planning process, community, residents, employees, kindergarten grade 1 grades 6 marion l. steele high i. ... frr.d poflfhs. powers harris j '.,t'ei'i..f '"www 'mtl j! ill til wdice' :ji 8 fw vm '" piyyt1 """"" :! progress using tower we" students have created foundation common expectations future. over past year, heard you say "getting not enough." hear want "makes difference," children wider, community. meeting explore possiblities move forward, options. out input help shape long-term priorities plans. encouraged attend meeting' thursday, february , at 7 p.m., cafetorium, washington street. future, must continue act separate important urgent. power remain essential creating sustaining look forward seeing 11. preliminary study no cost ohio earmarks funding offer districts aid building renovation construction. local partnership helped throughout changing educational needs. program enabled construction buildings many surrounding area. way commits begin exempted village eligible between $10 million $15 aid. administered commission. under program, hist year requested conduct an independent no-cost assessment existing facilities. smart thing do, turn approaching. included factors, including classroom size, structural integrity, estimates alternatives moving forward. ami" 9-12 .tf 2 3 4 junior hosts forum, 11,7 p.m. fv: held cafetorium may, 2009 district's acquire skills knowledge needed lifetime learning, earning, responsibility. involvement next step process develop master plan. plan's goal enable maintain cost-effective, quality instruction while supporting life items alignment building, recreation technology, others impact welcome need your input." services experienced architectural firm being sought coordinate superintendent said, "as leaders, committed providing opportunities resident employee process." first chance discussion future other issues impacting these comments refine earlier completed committee students, "t w "i fa "!'. ti..: -- wiliil illliil'. shaping direction education fuel keeps advancing positive direction. why hosting another forum 11, cafetorium. open motivation than trying keep up with joneses. explained "our ensure graduate competitive when they apply job or college." some biggest challenges faces rising expectations, facilities, curriculum, fees topics discuss. continuing dialogue process. pian tool focused goals. can transform goals into programs benefit judy alexander, director services, "starting began take steps set make changes programs." exhibit shows 2010-2012. goals, based upon form framework day-to-day actions prior forums meetings measures june 2012, achieve vision measured milestones: academics performance index 103 card. proficient level 90 card standards. value-added targets tests. increase number graduates earn college-level academic scholarships. qualify gifted andor advanced courses. expand electives offered 7-12. foreign languages instructed k-12. review recommend grading policies procedures balance. effectively incorporate technology improvements teaching learning reduce energy costs. evaluate define finances current health care costs via wellness programs, managing utilization, controls. eliminate pay-to-play fees. five-year forecast supports having successful excellence facts use earned ohio's highest rating consecutive years. per pupil expenditure: $8327; average: $9990. administrative expenditure pupil: $827; $1 168. wage freeze insurance save $400,000 year. grounds, maintenance, custodial staffs attractive well-maintained. food service passes inspections. balances aspirations resources. partnerships governments, business. id 4701 please income form. connection granted permission certain graphic elements newspaper produce four-page section regular issue. find news teachers, projects, section. produced schools. ( v- told do just get by. difference. gathered questions wants address include: methods best meet district? how needs? should added curriculum? incorporated costbenefit expanding language benefits k-12? adding 7-12? implementing breakfast schools? attendees indicate where involved answering questions. "we listen learn minds employees. now, achieved measure stability, good time possibilities. believe acting together stronger better able challenges."