Questions Answered on Hazel Park Schools Challenges and
Changes
(C. Proxmire, April 11, 2015)
With new leadership in place at Hazel Park Schools, and a quickly moving plan for economic stability, parents, teachers and those losing their jobs have been concerned about the state of the school district. Last month a plan was approved that cut 169 positions, 47 of which were teachers. The plan aims to eliminate the district’s $11.8 million deficit in five years. Dr. Rick Repicky, who is serving as the Interim Superintendent, answered questions about the changes.
How is it possible to cut that many teachers without reducing class size? What is the average class size and how does it compare with other districts?
Class size will not be affected in a significant way. Elementary classes will maintain an average of 26-30 students. As our enrollment declines, less staff members are required. Most of the secondary cuts are impacting situations where classes were previously running at low numbers or situations that were semi-academic, like in-school suspension. These cuts may force a few, low population high school classes to go online, but the reality is that online classes are the norm in several neighboring districts. The state has considered an online requirement since it prepares students for what is to come in most colleges.
Has HP considered merging with another school district, such as Madison or Ferndale? Can you speak on whether this would be an option or not?
At this time, we feel we can right the ship without a merger. With more attention to detail, better processes including checks and balances, Hazel Park Schools will be the right-sized and running efficiently for our community.
Will there be any building closures or re-arranging?
As our enrollment declined, we closed and repurposed buildings to meet the district’s and community’s needs. At this time we are operating with the appropriate space needed for our student population.
How did this shortfall happen?
Many factors contribute to the economic downturn. In the last 8 years (from 2007-08 to the present)
Revenue has dropped by $13M ($54.M to $41M)
Revenue is directly tied to:
Our enrollment which has dropped by 1,000 students (4,670 to 3,642)
Our per pupil funding which has dropped by $300/student ($7,780 to $7485).
What role did the former administration have in the problems the district faces now? Has anything criminal taken place or any money come up missing?
We are still digging through records so we don’t have the whole story yet. It does appear, however, that there was a lack of attention to detail and process. While hindsight makes things easy, there are several cuts we are making now that could have been enacted earlier given the $13M decrease in revenue over the last 8 years.
Why did the former deficit-elimination plan not work?
I cannot comment on this since our entire staff is so wrapped up in the current plan, there is no time to analyze previous plans.
How does the staff size compare to other districts with similar amounts of kids?
At this time, it is difficult to give a definitive answer, but I will say that our Deficit Elimination Plan is concentrating on “right-sizing” the district – trimming staff to an appropriate number relative to out student population. When the dust settles, we should be comparably staffed.
How will layoffs be determined?
The district will enact the flexibility afforded by PA 1248 in dealing with teacher layoffs. This act states the criteria for teacher layoffs as:
1 – Performance
2 – Significant, relevant accomplishments and contributions, i.e., absent a viable alternative judged good for students, a current band director may be kept over another teacher who has more seniority but teaches in a more general field
3 – Relevant, special training that has been used in recent years, i.e., we have a reading program for struggling readers called READ 180. Teaching this course requires specialized training. A READ 180 teacher may be kept over a teacher with more seniority in a more general field.
4 – Seniority
Layoffs in non-teaching groups are determined by seniority.
What can parents and residents do to help HP Schools?
We ask that parents focus on the everyday events that affect their students in their schools. In this deficit situation our goal is to affect HP kids as little as possible. I also suggest they stay informed on how the district is proceeding through these difficult times. I will take on much of that responsibility. At a time like this, the entire Hazel Park school community will be looking for explanations and direction. That is one of my most important roles.
One issue before was with communications. What are you, or will you, be doing to improve communications with current HP parents, the community at large and perspective families?
As stated up above, I will create some form of regular communication to the staff & community giving updates on these fast-paced changes. I have always made it a practice to get into schools and attend parent meetings. That will continue.
When do you anticipate hiring a new Superintendent?
The target date for the appointment of a new superintendent is June 1 with the person beginning on July 1.
Anything else you think the public should know?
While this right-sizing process can rattle nerves, there are two things that Hazel Park Schools will always keep in the forefront:
(1) Our mission is educating students – learning for all. We will not lose focus of this purpose.
(2) We are performing necessary remodeling. There will be dust, but when it all settles, Hazel Park Schools will stand stronger than ever.
For more on Hazel Park Schools, including the details of the deficit elimination plan, go to http://www.hazelpark.k12.mi.us/.
Previous stories:
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2015/03/31/169-positions-eliminated-as-hazel-park-schools-approves-5-year-deficit-elimination-plan/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2015/03/22/hazel-park-interim-superintendent-gives-turnaround-update/
https://oaklandcounty115.com/2015/03/17/hazel-park-school-administrators-resign-oakland-schools-steps-in/