Posen Schools anticipating possible state changes to curriculum
If the final passage of a rigorous high school curriculum change is passed in Michigan, all area schools will be affected, and instead of making cuts, most schools will have to make additions to its available curriculum choices. Posen Consolidated Schools is one of the many that are anticipating the changes that will need to be made. During the Monday evening school board meeting, those possible changes were brought to the surface. According to Posen principal Clifford Kelly, the future changes to the graduation requirements are ?almost definite.? He stated the board needed to start looking at certain items, such as the foreign language and fine art requirement, which would need to be catered to.
THE NEW curriculum requirements will necessitate students earn two credits of a foreign language, one credit of visual, performing, or applied arts, and one online learning experience, among several other requirements focused on math, English, science, social studies, and physical education. If passed, the requirements will be in place for incoming eighth graders in the fall of 2006. The foreign language requirement, which can be met by coursework completed prior to high school, will be in place for students entering third grade in the fall of 2008. It had been thought that Posen and Rogers City Schools would be able to enter into a collaborative effort in supplying students with the opportunity to meet the requirement changes. Kelly stated there had been the idea that the Spanish teacher from Rogers City could travel to Posen to offer the subject to Posen students. However, with the recent cuts to the Rogers City curriculum, the loss of one foreign language course at Rogers City could make a shared Spanish teacher impossible. ?The Spanish teacher will not be coming from Rogers City,? said Kelly. ?It had been thought that maybe Posen students could be bussed to Rogers City to take the class, but it?s a possibility that with the cut of one French class from their curriculum, they may not have room in their Spanish courses for more students.?
KELLY REPORTED to the school board that online Spanish courses might be the route that Posen Schools have to take in order to supply students with the needed opportunity to fulfill curriculum requirements. ?We can probably go online to take the language courses, which would not disrupt the students day by having to travel to another school,? said Kelly. Interim superintendent, John Palmer, stated changes to the graduation requirements are going to be tough for small school districts that cannot financially afford to offer the newly required curriculum. ?Some of these small districts are going to have to be grandfathered in?or get financial help from the state,? said Palmer. According to a news release from the office of Governor Granholm, the proposed budget for the upcoming school year increases education funding to its highest levels ever. The proposal includes increasing per pupil funding by $200.
IN OTHER Posen school board news:
? Interim superintendent Palmer reported to the board that he is predicting a $200-$225 per pupil increase for the upcoming school year. He said based on the number of students enrolled, there could be a $70,000 or more increase in state funding next year. ?We are keeping our fingers crossed and hoping this holds true,? said Palmer.
? The new student count day will be the fourth Wednesday after Labor Day, which is September 27.
? There are 17 Kindergarten students signed up for next year so far. The school board is hoping for 20-22 new students.
? The school board approved a Health and Wellness Policy, which is mandated by the state. Basically, the policy states the school?s dedication to creating a healthy environment for students. Such changes include the amount of certain foods students can receive during breakfast and lunch, and the number of pop machines located in the school building.
? English teacher, Mary Misiak, was granted fourth year probationary status. Principal Kelly reported to the board that Misiak has shown ?a lot of growth in instruction, in her variety of instruction, and with follow up to parents and administration.? Next year, Misiak will be eligible for tenure.
? Kelly reported that two substitute teachers who have joined the staff in place of Drew Milliron, who is in training, and Jane Bielas, who is on maternity leave, are doing very well. Greg Pietsch, originally from Rogers City, is standing in for Milliron. Anthony Buza, a Posen native, is substituting for Bielas.
? The school board approved a one-year term in an Energy Cooperative through the Kimball Power Company of Muskegon. Based on the terms, the school will be locked into a .95 CCF for natural gas for the next 12 months. The natural gas price is anticipated to rise to $1.25 per CCF by next school year. This will not affect Posen Schools if they are approved for the co-op. According to terms, the school will have to pay nothing up front and there are no fees involved. ?This co-op tries to help districts that qualify,? said Palmer. ?We can renew on an annual basis, and we will always come in lower than what the going rate is.?