Check It Out - Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District

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Health Insurance
Open Enrollment
December 13 &14
Health & Wellness
How to Cope with Holiday Stress
Check It Out
New Employees
David Kaggwa and Carol Navarro
Payroll Notice
ORS Election Window Open
Board Briefs
November and December
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www.facebook.com/tbaisd
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INSURANCE MEETINGS
Monday, December 10
7:30 a.m. – Admin Building
3:30 p.m. – CTC
Open Enrollment Dates
Thursday, December 13
1:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Leelanau Conference Room
Friday, December 14
1:00 – 4:30 p.m.
Leelanau Conference Room
A newsletter for and about the staff of the Traverse Bay Area Intermediate School District
Our Vision: To be the BEST educational system in the world.
Our Mission: Leading Lifetime Learning
Important Legislative News
December 7, 2012
H
appy holidays! We have just two short weeks left before we step away
for the extended two week common calendar holiday break. I hope
you have a restful and peaceful time off.
Despite the joy of the holiday season, I find myself preparing this message
with a very heavy heart as I witness the atrocious attempts by elected officials
in Lansing to destroy public education in Michigan. As I share my comments
with you, please keep in mind that I do so with the best interest of our
educational system as top priority.
A lame duck is defined as “an elected official who is approaching the end
of his or her tenure, and especially an official whose successor has already
been elected.” Lansing is in their “lame duck” session until January 1, 2013
and as expected, legislative bills are being rushed through as quickly as
possible, disregarding the foundation of our country’s democratic process.
Once again, public education is the target. Please allow me to briefly
summarize some of these items directly impacting TBAISD.
Personal Property Tax Elimination This tax on business supports local
governments (city, township, counties) and school systems. Last year the
legislature repealed the Michigan Business Tax, without any replacement,
costing the School Aid Fund $1 billion. Now they are attempting to eliminate
the Personal Property Tax on business with no clear replacement. This would
cost TBAISD over $800,000 annually in critical funding.
Education Achievement Authority (EAA) The EAA was created to fix
the Detroit Public Schools. An 11-member board was elected and appointed
Chancellor John Covington from Kansas City. A new bill would amend
this authority to a seven-member board, with five directly appointed by the
Governor. State Superintendent Mike Flanagan would not have oversight,
as this would shift to Governor Snyder. In addition, the EAA would have the
authority to take over any school district in Michigan falling into the bottom
5% in performance, allowing them to convert that district into a “for profit”
charter school.
Oxford Foundation The School Aid Act of 1979 would be dismantled.
Look for this legislation to unfold right after the holidays. School district
boundaries would be eliminated and per pupil funding would follow the
student. A student would have the choice to attend any school in the state,
for any amount of time. One class here, two classes there, one online, one
at the community college, etc… Students without access to transportation or
technology would be out of luck. Students with special needs and disabilities
are not even being considered. Charter schools and unaccredited online
schools would be able to enter into the Michigan educational system and
operate without state accountability. Some argue this is another attempt at
a statewide voucher system, last defeated by a 2-1 margin in the year 2000.
In fact, Governor Snyder appointed Richard McClellan, who authored the
voucher bill of 2000, to lead the Oxford Foundation report. We are all in favor
of innovation and creativity, but we must slow this train down. We must get
more input and research on what is best for Michigan.
Right to Work We have had enough reform in Michigan. We have not
had enough time to work through the changes put in place over the last
12 months. At first, Governor Snyder firmly said the “Right to Work” issue
was not on his radar, feeling we did not need a Wisconsin type uprising in
Continued on next page....

Welcome to TBAISD
Carol Navarro
Allied Health Parapro, CTC
Gratitude
David Kaggwa
Job Coach, AWC
Dear TBAISD Colleagues,
I am so grateful for the
sensitivity and generosity you have shown over the
months following the accident that took my sweet
Zeke’s life. Your meals, donations, prayers, and
friendship have been a blessing. Thank you again for
reaching out. The support of my TBAISD family has
been felt.
With deep gratitude,
Becky Goodwin
A Word of Thanks
Dear TBAISD Family,
Words cannot express my gratitude and thanks for the
support you have shown to me since my mom’s passing
last month. The ISD family again rises to the top
when someone is suffering. With each day passing
another memory is reflected on the love of my mom.
A mother’s love is never lost if it is passed on. I am reminded
every day how fortunate it is to work with the
staff here at the ISD. It’s easy to take for granted those
close to you. Each of you pass on a gift of compassion,
care and love to students and colleagues every day.
Thanks for making TBAISD the Best place to be and
thank you for your support, hugs, cards, and donations
to charities in memory of my mom.
~ Renee Childers
Legislative News continued....
Michigan. Yesterday, Governor Snyder said the issue
needs “thoughtful discussion,” but today it was reported
the Governor announced he supports the issue. Some
elected leaders in Lansing clearly state they support “Right
to Work” for Michigan. Not one school leader or educator
supports this. This is clearly a counter-attack by Lansing
for proposals placed on the ballot in November. This is
wrong and unacceptable. Leave organized labor alone
and allow the collective bargaining process to continue
working.
I have known and respected our State Superintendent
Mike Flanagan for several years. After serving as an ISD
superintendent, he accepted the state’s top position under
then Governor Granholm. He is a good person who
cares deeply about education in this state. His daughter
is a successful teacher downstate. His last podcast
summarizes my feelings perfectly. To view this podcast
titled Right to Learn, go to:
http://youtu.be/AiHrzPgRzH8
Thank you to those staff members who are attending
our meetings to discuss upcoming changes and options in
health insurance for the majority of TBAISD employees.
Public Act 152 created a “hard cap” on what TBAISD,
as an employer, can contribute to employee health
care. We worked hard to find the best possible coverage
and have the premium portion fall under the hard cap.
The meetings to date have been well attended and
the dialogue has been excellent. This is a challenging
discussion that impacts all of us. The next meetings are
scheduled for Monday, December 10, 7:30 a.m. at the
TBAISD Conference Center and 3:30 p.m. at the Career-
Tech Center. Open enrollment is scheduled for December
13 and 14 from 12:30-4:30 p.m. at the conference center.
Please trust, I could go on about additional “lame
duck” legislative items potentially impacting our
profession and more importantly our students. December
is the time for holiday concerts, staff gatherings and
celebrations. Through the challenges, we must keep our
focus on the positive. TBAISD is a proud organization full
of dedicated people. We are able to live, work and raise
a family in a special place. As we push toward a much
deserved break, please do not lose focus on what truly is
important to you. Enjoy your family,
friends and fellow TBAISD staff
members. In the end, only those
relationships matter.
Happy holidays!
Michael J. Hill,
Superintendent
Book Signing
Tim Cusack will be holding a
book signing for his latest book
Me Too: Extraordinary Everyday
Stories That Connect Us. It is filled
with essays and stories that as you
read, you will think to yourself,
“Oh, yeah! Me Too.” Tim will be
at the Traverse City Horizon Book
Store on December 19 at 7:00
p.m. For more information go to
http://timcusack.com

Notice from Payroll
Update on Pension Election effective dates
The Office of Retirement Services has notified
us that the Michigan Court of Claims has ruled
that the 52-day election window for pension
and healthcare elections was unreasonable. This
means that the election window did not close on
October 26, 2012, as originally planned. Additionally,
this means that the elections will not
be implemented beginning with the first pay in
December, 2012.
Since the election window remains open
members may still make or change their pension
and healthcare elections in their miAccount by
going to http://www.michigan.gov/orsschools
and clicking on the miAccount button on the
right side of the screen. If you do not know your
miAccount log-in information there are links on
the miAccount page that will help you to get that
information.
We will continue to update our employees on
this issue as we receive further information from
ORS.
Half Off TBAISD Logo Gear!
Half off current inventory of TBAISD
logo gear!
• Long-sleeve denim shirts
• Polo/Golf shirts
• Polar Fleece Jackets
• Cotton Tee-shirts
and more!
Make an appointment to see the selection
by contacting Renee Childers at x26212 or
rchilders@tbaisd.org.
Advance your
Technological
Proficiency
Go to:
www.lynda.com
Contact Michael George at mgeorge@tbaisd.org for more detail
Blood Drive
Michigan Blood is requesting our help. All blood
types are needed. TBAISD will hold a blood drive on
Friday, December 21, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., at the
administration building. To schedule an appointment,
please contact Pat VanKersen at 922-6200 or email
pvankersen@tbaisd.org. Blood supplies are low; the
need is great. Please donate.
TBAISD
Health
Feel More Joy
& Wellness
By Dr. Sharon Ufberg,
Radio Host, Advice Columnist, Integrative Health
Journalist, Global Women's Health Activist
3 Ways to Cope With Holiday Stress
and Feel More Joy
The holidays are upon us and the anticipation
of family time often comes with the dread of
unwanted conflict and confrontation. Rather than
resorting to an even earlier batch of Bloody Marys
this year, try these three new ways of coping with
family stress. You will feel better about yourself
and everyone around you.
1. Make "Decision to Love" your motto between
now and New Year's Day to be thoughtful and
loving. It allows you to openly perceive normally
irritating conversations as a time to listen
and be supportive. Give lots of hugs and compliments.
2. Create a secret pact with yourself in advance
to treat close family members more like colleagues
and acquaintances. Make small talk and
ask more questions. Raise the politeness level
and smile more.
3.) Choose not to say everything you think.
Guard your comments and do not share negative
opinions or express a response that could be
inflammatory.
Follow these three simple rules and I guarantee
you will be heading toward a de-stressed,
relaxing, love-filled holiday time with family and
friends. Happy holidays!
Healthy Recipes
New this week on the health & wellness website:
Ginger Lime Carrot Soup
Group Discounts
Show your TBAISD employee ID card and receive
discounts from the following area businesses:
• Curves for Women
• Crystal Mountain*
• Schuss/Shanty Creek*
• Dunham’s Sports*
• Grand Traverse Resort & Spa*
• Kaliseum in Kalkaska*
*See the Health & Wellness website for full details.
https://spweb.tbaisd.k12.mi.us/sites/home/healthandwellness/default.aspx

Board Briefs – November 6, 2012 Board Briefs – December 4, 2012
Personnel Updates:
New Positions:
Migrant Teacher/Director
Teacher Assistant AI
New Employees:
Deb Neddo, Migrant Teacher/Director
Jacob Sedgwick, Teacher Assistant
Stacy Udell, Teacher Assistant
Peter Povolo, Parapro, Precision Machining
Mark Fink, Computer Technician
Resignation:
Ty Wessell, Instructional Consultant
Superintendent’s Report:
• We heard two presentations in response to a request
for proposals for the Health Insurance Consortium.
Presentations were made by MEBS bringing an Aetna
product and Priority Health. Aetna was more costly
than current plans. Priority Health asked for a January
1, 2013 proposal with a July 1, 2013 effective date.
The consortium agreed to bring Priority back in January
for another proposal. We hope to have more insurance
carriers present proposals in January.
Approved:
• Contract with Michigan Virtual School
• Line item adjustments for General Ed budget 2012-13
• Snow plow bid
• Auditor’s report
• Cash match agreement with MRS
• Early childhood specialist services
• Michigan Council for the Arts and Cultural Affairs
mini grant
• Contract with Wexford-Missaukee ISD on behalf of
Northern Michigan Learning Consortium
Special Education Report:
• We are working through proposed rule changes from
the Office of Early Childhood that apply to birth to age
three. The Office of Great Start was created by MDE to
have control of all early childhood programs within MI.
• Michigan recently changed insurance guidelines for
individuals with autism. Guidelines may be based on
eligibility and diagnosis made by a family physician.
Career & Technical Report:
• Advisory meetings were held in October for CTC
programs. This gives staff a chance to receive feedback
from area business partners on new trends that may
apply to classroom instruction.
• Visitation for 10th grade students from TCAPS are
in December. Other local district visits will follow in
February. Presentations occured at local districts.
• Students from the early childhood program are
decorating a tree for the Festival of Trees. Agriscience
students are making holiday wreaths and centerpieces.
Instructional Services/Technology Report:
• Annual data meeting with instructional services and
literacy staff was held to review long range planning for
training and inservices for area districts.
• We now offer local districts cost savings on future
purchases of Northwest Evaluation Association tests
through consortium pricing to license NWEA math,
reading, and language arts assessments to partnering
districts.
Personnel Updates:
New Employees:
Aven Purcell, Teacher Assistant AI
David Kaggwa, Job Coach
Carol Navarro, Paraprofessional, Allied Health
Resignation:
Dr. Marie Connors-Gilmore, Assist. Superintendent
Jimmy Turnbull, Paraprofessional
Cheryl Wolf, Accountant
Liberty Provost, Teacher Assistant
Justin Noordhoek, Teacher, Beaver Island
Superintendent’s Report:
• We have invited area legislators to attend our
Superintendents Association meeting scheduled
on December 14 to discuss educational issues
and proposed legislation. To date Senator Walker
and Representative Schmidt have confirmed their
attendance.
• We wish Marie Connors-Gilmore the best as she
nears retirement at the end of January. We are
scheduling interviews on December 17 for the Assistant
Superintendent of Special Education position.
Approved:
• Continuation of a 100% summer tax collection
in those districts that implement a 100% summer
collection for 2012-13
• Board Policies
• Contract with NMCAA for Way to Grow
Special Education Report:
• Leigh Kennedy, Curriculum Director for Special
Education provided an update on literacy work in the
region. The efforts by general and special education
literacy team members and local districts are targeted
to provide an efficient system of sustainable literacy
improvement. Literacy teams help support instructional
strategies in classrooms and provide professional
development in district buildings.
Career & Technical Report:
• Celebrated perfect attendance with 299 of 1000 CTC
students.
• Electrical Occupations program is working with an
iPad application to calculate the amount of conduit it
would take for a building project.
• Students in the Early Childhood program are raising
funds to purchase hats and mittens for the Father Fred
Foundation by asking area businesses to donate a
portion of their sales to this cause.
• CTC staff and students joined forces to donate items
toward the benefit dinner and auction for the Jelinek
family in Suttons Bay.
Instructional Services/Technology Report:
• The Department of Education has released school
report card changes that identify new district targets in
math and writing.
• Our technology team is working closely with Kingsley
Area Schools to help integrate technology support for
staff and students. We are also providing support to
Buckley Community Schools as they move through the
process of finding an IT department replacement.