For all, the response from Ms. Clark: Ms. Spencer, Your response helps me understand your perspective. Thank you for the further explanation. I am scheduled to meet with Mrs. De la Vergne at 8:30 Monday morning to look at additional options for French II students. Although we are also faced with a mandate to develop online classes for high school students, I agree that a world language is not the best course content for participation in an online course. Also, I agree with your perspective about the Academic Honors Diploma and it is very important to ACS, administration, staff and Board to facilitate an ever increasing numbers of students achieving such. There are reductions anticipated in the music department at Highland Middle School, not with the goal to reduce current programs, rather, in an effort to accommodate the need for our youngest middle school students (grade 6) to have ample instructional time in the areas of mathematics and literacy. You point out the success that ACS has experienced in the elementary schools. What our data indicates, and many teachers substantiate, is that growth in these important academic areas tends to fall off as students transition to middle school. It is imperative that student achievement in the essential academic areas is supported with the strongest and most comprehensive instruction. We are working very hard to move from a D grade at HMS. At Anderson High School, the current recommendation is to reduce by .5 position in the music department. As I, and the AHS administrators have reviewed the numbers, this staffing structure attempts to balance continued provision of instrumental and vocal music programs, and remain fiscally responsible for the costs of such provision. It is significant challenge, in many venues, to grow, sustain, and re-introduce programs and courses that will best provide all students with opportunities essential for their academic, social, emotional, vocational, etc. needs. We have a very diverse student population and the needs of that population are diverse, as well. Public schools, and particularly ACS, have a constant challenge to remain responsible stewards of public funds and attempt to provide the educational services necessary for every student. It is very frustrating when we cant do it all for everyone. You speak to the $10 million in surplus. Please understand, that is one time money, not recurring revenue. We are very hopeful that in the near future, with the cooperation of the AFT, we will be able to access what surplus remains to bring ACS teaching salaries to anticipated levels. All ACS employees took a reduction in salary in recent years, however; that reduction was restored to all employees in 2013. Administrators did not give themselves raises, the Board of School Trustees approved such, as is their fiduciary responsibility. Administrators in ACS received an annual stipend for the 2013/2014 academic year, based on an evaluation system that is legally required through Indiana Statute. Because administrators are not part of the Anderson Federation of Teachers bargaining unit, they are subject to the Indiana Statute compliance. I dont believe there are any specific items on the April 8th agenda that will speak directly to your questions. I hope this limited response has been clear and somewhat helpful in understanding the various processes regarding courses, programs and staffing. Again, I am happy to talk with you further. E-mail is sometimes the least effective communication media. Please, feel free to call me if you have additional questions.
Posted on: Mon, 31 Mar 2014 03:15:23 +0000
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