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A Look Ahead at the FY 2011 School Aid Budget
Based on information from the Revenue Estimating Conference held in Lansing in mid-January, early projections for the FY 2011 school aid budget are that the state's foundation grant could be reduced by up to $550 per pupil when compared to last year's grant, which is $385 lower than this year's foundation grant. There are, however, some remaining federal stimulus dollars available to backfill this cut, so the "net" reduction would be roughly $435 when compared to last year and $270 when compared to the current year. Please note these projections are preliminary and we are still unsure what Governor Granholm will propose when she introduces the executive budget for FY 2011 this Thursday, February 11 in Lansing. We are also unsure how the legislature will react, but hearings on the school aid budget will begin next week. MAPSA will be working closely on the school aid budget, representing the interests of charter schools and fighting for funding equity for our members schools. Please click here for a one-page overview of the school aid budget.
Reduce your unexcused absentee rates! FREE Webinar on February 17th!
Space is limited! Sign up today! The webinar will show you how National Heritage Academies reduced unexcused absentee rates by 50% while freeing up hours of staff time each day. Learn step-by-step insight from John Perna, NHA SIS Program Manager, how they identified the problem, then tested and implemented EZ Attendance Alert from SchoolReach. You'll be surprised and shocked to hear what NHA staff and parents are saying about the new system. To reserve your space, click here.
MAPSA continues to work for opportunities that benefit our member schools. Your feedback is important to us! Please let us know how we are doing and what other opportunities would be beneficial for you. Send us your ideas at membership@charterschools.org.
New Grant Opportunity for Charter Schools!
Click here to view all grant opportunities on MAPSA's "Best Practices" website!
The Center for Michigan's Education Town Hall Meeting
March 10, 2010
8AM - Noon
Eagle Eye Golf Club (click for directions)
15500 Chandler Rd, East Lansing
Space is limited - reserve your seat by sending an email to lbraun@pscinc.com. There is no charge to attend. Please indicate if you intend to stay for lunch. CLICK HERE for Event Details
This is another in a continuing series of policy town halls produced by the Center for Michigan in cooperation with Public Sector Consultants, Inc. These events are designed to help citizens get more involved in statewide issues, mingle with decision makers, and help set a solutions-oriented policy agenda in Lansing. Our last event in November drew wide media coverage and more than 200 statewide participants to talk about long-term budget and tax policy solutions. In effect, the November meeting previewed some of the "grand bargain" reform discussions now underway at the Capitol.
The March 10 event will feature The Center's interactive "clicker" voting technology and will focus audience members on the kinds of long-term education policy choices 10,000 people have deliberated in nearly 500 statewide Community Conversations since fall 2007, including:
Performance: What is the return for Michigan's investments in pre-school, K-12, and higher education?
Funding & Affordability: How much should Michigan invest in pre-school, K-12, and higher education programs? What more can be done to assure affordable access to all levels of education?
Innovation: What additional innovative steps can Michigan take to best prepare students to participate in Michigan's transforming economy?
The list of confirmed speakers includes some of the most influential and experienced education minds in the state, including Michigan State University President Lou Anna K. Simon, State Superintendent of Public Instruction Mike Flanagan, Kalamazoo Valley Community College President Marilyn Schlack, American Federation of Teachers-Michigan President David Hecker, and University Prep Academy Superintendent Doug Ross, as well as early childhood policy experts Judy Samelson and Jack Kresnak. | 
Bulletin Briefs 
