A New Beginning

Our new Superintendent/Administration, and the recent defeat of the Bloomfield Hills School District bond proposal, has actually provided an opportunity for a "new beginning" for the District. The selection of Fielding Nair as the District's partner in facilitating the community's collaboration on a common vision for "21st Century instruction" allows us the opportunity to build community consensus by first agreeing on the appropriate educational strategy for the district, and then building the appropriate facility requirements (whatever they may be) around that. This will provide everyone in the community (who is willing to engage/participate) an opportunity to understand what is required to optimize the high school education of our District's "learners". This same process can ultimately be applied to education at all grade levels in the District.

In the business world it is "People, Process, Technology, Facilities". I think the same holds true, to a large degree, in the world of education. I have never been more encouraged in terms of our potential to reach consensus as a community. That's how I see it.

Change Isn't Always Easy

Ben Franklin was quoted as saying "in this world nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes". The implied message is that change is inevitable. My "community" is experiencing a tremendous amount of change at the moment. My employer, Chrysler, is undergoing a complete transformation as a result of the emergence from Chapter 11 and the change in leadership/ownership. The end result, I believe, will be a much stronger and prosperous company. This change is not easy, and not always pleasant, but the goal is worth "the trip" to get there.

Bloomfield Hills Schools is anticipating a major change of its own.....a one high school future. Given the legacy and long standing traditions of having two outstanding high schools (Andover and Lahser), this will be a major "paradigm shift". Further, given the financial and demographic realities facing the district, it's important to step back and take stock of what needs to be retained (educational excellence) and even further enhanced (educational excellence). To deliver on that, in a rapidly changing environment, often requires change in how things are done. After reviewing the exhaustive analysis conducted by the District staff on the "implications" of a "one high school future", I am confident that this is the wisest course of action at this juncture. I believe that history will show that this was a critical step in fulfilling the vision to be come a "Lighthouse" district. As circumstances change, I am equally confident the Bloomfield Hills Schools has the capability to adapt in ways that will not only preserve but advance educational excellence. Anything less is wholly inconsistent with our heritage and the mandate of the residents. That's how I see it.

It's The Simple Things

The global financial crisis is coming down especially hard on Michigan, primarily as a result of all the cutbacks in the Manufacturing sector (notably automotive). Being a "survivor" of Chrysler's brush with "extinction" I am profoundly grateful to be employed, and to be able to provide for my family. Many are not as fortunate and need our prayers and assistance. The recent reality of nearly losing "everything" has highlighted the tremendous joy that comes from the simple things. Spending time with family and friends, making the best of the cold weather through sledding, skating, or whatever. Speaking of skating, my oldest daughter and I (at her insistence) took on the task of trying to build an ice skating rink in our backyard. Nothing extravagant, but a successful "Daddy/Daughter" project nonetheless. Watching the kids laughing and screaming in delight as they play on the rink with their friends is a welcome respite from the stresses and concerns that all of us here in Motown are continuing to struggle with. Too often we realize that we really don't need more things....we just need to be more grateful. That's how I see it.

Hi, I'm from the Government and I'm Here to Help

This evening I attended a meeting of the Bloomfield Hills Board of Education, where I am currently serving as a Trustee. The Michigan Department of Education has asked all Michigan school districts to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), committing us to abide by legislation (which has not been finalized!) which they "hope" will qualify Michigan for part of the "Race To The Top" legislation coming out of Washington. The Board decided not to sign the MOU for a host of reasons. Two things that immediately called out to me were:
1. No good attorney would ever advise a client to sign a document that would obligate them to an agreement that has not been finalized, and fully "vetted" relative to it's potential impact on the client
2. It seems this legislation is targeted at helping select Districts that are woefully inadequate in taking care of the education of their students, and taxpayer dollars. Nevertheless, it is also being forced on all the rest of the Districts that do not fall into that categorization. Why not word the legislation to help those who truly need it? It's important in life to stay focused on the problem(s) you are trying to solve. Otherwise the "cure" can be worse than the "disease".

That's how I see it.