Superintendent of Schools Holland Public Schools A report on the first 100+ days

Areas of Focus:  District Enrollment & Demographics  Facilities  Finances  Student Achievement  Community Partnerships  Programs in Action

District Demographics: 4422 Active Students 4,164 K-12 FTE= Minus 236 students from fall % are Special Education 56.4% are Free/Reduced Lunch 4.1% are homeless 42.4% White 38.9% Hispanic 6.3% Multi-Racial 6.2% Black 5.9% Asian.3% Other

33% Decline in last decade

HPS District Facilities

Facility Assessment In January 2007 a full facility assessment was completed by GMB Architects of Holland, Michigan. GMB Architects/Engineers is a full service A/E firm. During this initial assessment, GMB identified many needs for the buildings of Holland Public Schools. Items in the facilities themselves are through their life cycle and/or do not meet present demands. However, it was emphasized that they were impressed overall with the level of building maintenance that has occurred over the years.

Most of the items discovered through the initial assessment in January 2007 fell into two categories:  Items that have served or will serve in the near future their useful life: This includes roofing and mechanical boilers. While roofs did not appear to be neglected, they are simply reaching a time of replacement. The boilers have also been well maintained but many of them are over 40 years old.  Issues and technologies that have surfaced in the past decade that may augment safety and reduce operating costs. This includes a systematic approach to address security and safety in district facilities. In addition, energy saving measures may also be an area of concern given the increasing price of utilities and the growing concern of energy usage and the impact on our environment.

The total costs associated with general maintenance and operational improvements was $19, 241,000.

In May 2007 the voters of the School District of the City of Holland approved a sinking fund millage that will generate $10 million of revenue over the next ten years. An additional $9.2 Million is needed to facilitate total project costs if the district maintains all of its current facility operations.

Declining enrollment in the district with an annual 3% to 5% reduction is probable. As a result, a district short term plan for that leads into a longer use facilities plan is needed.

Finances: After increasing by 2.2% during 2007, the United States economy is expected to grow by 1.1% in 2008 and 1.8% in 2009; however, the crisis in the financial sector is putting this forecast in doubt. Growing fallout from the subprime mortgage problem has caused the crisis in the U.S. financial sector to escalate to a critical level during the last two weeks. –Senate Fiscal Agency

The Michigan economy has shown little improvement since the 2001 recession. Since the Michigan employment peak in June 2000, Michigan payroll employment has declined by 494,900 jobs or 10.5% Michigan payroll employment in August 2008 was 69,500 jobs below the August 2007 level.

Since June 2000, Michigan has lost 36.9% of its total manufacturing jobs and has lost 50.0% of its vehicle manufacturing jobs. Michigan payroll employment is expected to continue to decline and will mark the ninth consecutive year of payroll employment decline in Michigan.

HPS Finances: Today, we are operating in deficit spending. Our total revenue loss for the school year is over $2.5M Because of the district’s cost containment initiatives over the past decade, we will be able to weather this deficit for a short period of time. However, we will have to make adjustments for the future this school year that respond to the decline in revenue, increase in our expenditures and use of our district’s facilities.

Due to the significant changes that have taken place in the previous years, the most recent year ending 6/30/2008 showed progress in extending the district’s financial viability. The school year has begun with significant challenges, mostly due to a larger than budgeted student count decline. While the State of Michigan Foundation Grant increased by $109 per student for , the current economic conditions of the State may precipitate a pro-ration of that funding sometime this fiscal year. In addition, funding cuts from Federal Grants have impacted programs.

Michigan began this fiscal year October 1 and already faces up to a ($600M) deficit. The main issue with the economy and any potential increased deficit is the auto sector. The auto industry across the country controls/affects over 1million jobs. Just in Michigan it accounts for over 100,000 jobs. Any loss of one major player (GM, DCX, Ford) will effect upwards of 25,000 jobs in Michigan alone. The School Aid Fund is looking at a ($200M) deficit this year - this represents the School Aid's portion of the full deficit. The Executive Order that is expected in December or January could have the following effects: –Reductions in categorical items –Proration - could be more than was received as an increase this last year. For Holland that was $109/FTE-Information from the audited membership count is due in early December - This may help offset any proration if fewer students are in Michigan than budgeted.

Future Impacts: Continued student loss projected Challenging economic condition in Michigan and the significant tie to the automotive and furniture industries in the local economy Reduction in tax revenues at the state level could lead to budget cuts or pro-ration in the current year as referenced by Governor Granholm’s recent comments. Increased costs for energy needs, longer term purchases (buses), technology and negotiated labor contracts Needs of facilities Changes in mandated instructional time for Young 5’s and Kindergarten

Student Achievement- Holland High School MME

Community Partnerships Essential to the health and well being of Holland Public Schools Provide resources of time, energy, people, revenue, extended learning and advancement for our students in the community

Examples of Partner Involvement: Holland Hospital Foundation Hope College Grand Valley State University Van Andel Education Institute Faith-Based Partners City of Holland Holland/Zeeland Community Foundation Holland Educational Foundation Holland Police Department OAISD Head Start Kids Hope USA

Holland Public Schools Programs in Action