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Profissional Documentos
Cultura Documentos
When I entered the district on August 1, 2007, we were dealing with the residual
effects of a $14 million human resources deficit – laying off over 370 employees –
equivalent to 1/3 of the district’s employees to include teachers, secretaries, classroom
aides, cleaners, custodians, warehouse workers, stadium crew, directors, managers,
supervisors and non-union secretaries and clerks. The table below indicates the current
status of the groups reduced:
Reduction in force
OAPSE 120
Paraprofessionals, Spec. Ed Aides, 56 3 53
Mental Health Asst., Instructional
Center Aides, Auxiliary Aides)
OAPSE 377
(Cleaners and Courier) 16 15 1
NCF&O
(Custodians, Warehouse Workers, 13 10 3
Stadium Crew, Maintenance Crew)
Administrators
(Directors, Managers and 11 2* 9
Supervisors)
Non-rep
(Non union Secretaries and Clerks) 14 6 8
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Programs like the Montessori Program had been dismantled. Athletic coaches,
gone. All elementary fine arts programs and instrumental music devastated. Elementary
Physical Education minimized. Accurate human resources staff accountability systems,
non-existent. Special Education inclusion, gone. Instructional school based support
teachers, gone. Intervention programs, gone. High school course offerings, gone. Only
one foreign language high school course (Spanish) offered to our students, meaning our
students couldn’t qualify for an Honors Diploma. Operations had gone for years without
proper attention and the condition of the buildings was not a priority. Staff was
distraught. Morale was low and distrust was at an all time high. Our community felt
disenfranchised and the media uninformed. I could go on listing the issues and
challenges we faced – but what is important to understand is that everyone understood
that there were issues and challenges. Everyone was willing to move past the hurt and
come together behind the “glass half full” concept. Everyone made concessions –
worked a little harder, a little longer. Everyone stood strong for Lorain, our community
and its children.
When we presented the Lorain Promise, we promised we would be transparent –
honest – open. We shared it would take time – but we wouldn’t waste any time either.
We promised we would be inclusive; making sure all had a part of the future plan. We
promised to be fiscally responsible – and we are. We’ve made “every penny count.” We
solicited suggestions from all employees – all schools around what we could do to save
money. Then we implemented the employees’ suggestions. We have a weekly process
to review all requisitions and spending. We get it! We understand that every penny
counts. And as a result, we are not only within budget – but running in the black! Our
goal is to keep depositing our pennies in the bank this year – to help offset some of next
year’s deficit. Let’s see what we will have in the “piggy bank” in June!
We promised to always “put children first” and that all decisions would be based
on that premise. And we have. No, we are not perfect. But we have learned from
mistakes and made every effort not to repeat them. Our focus has remained on success.
Success for every child! Our students come first and we make no bones about it. Our
students come before adults, politics, contracts, past practices and personal interests. Our
students keep us grounded in “why we exist.” They remind us of the importance of
giving them the highest quality education possible.
It is with the promise to communicate openly – often and honestly – that we are
presenting this Lorain Promise update. I always say to staff “people only know what we
tell them or show them.” We have to communicate so there can be understanding and
awareness. So to make everyone aware of where we are and what we’ve accomplished
we submit these accomplishments. Please note that these accomplishments are the result
of the “village effort.” No one person made these happen. Many people – pulling the
same direction – all focused on success, made these happen. We all know that it’s a
journey worth taking.
This journey to success can only be reached when everyone is focused and
aligned in the same direction. We must all be on this path – helping one another, staying
strong and positive thinking – not always looking back. We do pick each other up
occasionally, because everyone needs a helping hand from time to time. You know what
they say, when you are running forward- but looking back – you are bound to hit
something and get hurt (always good to have a little humor while on the journey ☺!)
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As promised . . .
So that’s it for now. This is where we are! We thank you for taking time to read
this. We thank you for your love. We thank you for your words of encouragement and
support. But most of all we thank you for giving us the awesome opportunity to save
lives and change the future for a better American (and tomorrow).
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Listed below are the accomplishments in the areas of teaching and learning:
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• Awarded $7,000 grant from Ohio Department of Education (ODE) for
Culturally Relevant Pedagogy for staff development
• Successful implementation of the Magnet Grant at six sites:
Washington:
Math through Music - Students at all grade levels are involved in math labs which
utilize manipulative and hands-on activities. Students participate in piano
keyboard labs to apply their math through music.
Garfield:
Adventures in Science - Students participate in inquiry based learning labs and are
now working with simple machines.
Morrison:
Arts through Literature - Artist Augusto Bordelois worked with students in the
creation of a ceramic quilt, Artist Kristen Kliffel worked with students with
clay in making coil pots, Artist Jimmie Woody “Voices in Black History”
performance designed around student writing and literature. Students
participate in reader’s theater, creative writing activities such as Oliver’s
travel throughout Ohio in which students create books about their travel as it
relates to various sites throughout Ohio. Morning talk show in which new
groups of students learn how interview and run a television studio throughout
the school year.
Lowell:
Fine Arts - Students are engaged in song, dance and choir performances.
Performances: “What Makes America Great”, Winter Concert Choir,
SpringBell Choir Concert, Black Light Theatre - A trip into a pyramid and
through history, Three Piggy Opera, Billy Goats Gruff, Tikki Tikki Tembo-
Kindergartners first experience with theatre. School wide themes are infused
throughout core curriculum to provide the academic connection with
performances.
General Johnnie Wilson:
Adventures in Animation - Students in grades 6-8 participate in animation
computer labs where students analyze gaming and breakdown the components
that are used to create computer generated games. Computer games are also
incorporated in core subject areas: math, science, social studies and language
arts. Students create their own city using Sim City and have to use critical
thinking skills to solve problems. Martin Culbert, of Digipen Institute of
Technology the founders of Nintendo provides the technical and educational
support and guidance for the students and site-core teams.
Whittier:
Fine Arts - provide students with experience in drama productions, dance and
choir. Artists: George Woideck, Jonathan Graham and Neil Chastain provide
specialized instruction in Drumming and math, creating murals and the
dramatic arts.
• Magnet Open Houses are on-going from March – May 2009:
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April 2, 2009 1:00-3:00 p.m.
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Disabilities. The Special Education department participated in this process
starting last year and concluding this year and was found to be in compliance
by the Ohio Department of Education.
• All Intervention Specialists district wide participated in professional
development sessions regarding best practices in IEP writing and compliance
with Ohio’s Policies and Procedures for Educating Students with Disabilities.
These professional development activities keep our Intervention Specialists up
to date on best practices in instructing students with disabilities.
• Intervention Specialists from across the district participated in many
Professional Development opportunities this year including best practices for
Inclusion models, successful instructional and behavioral strategies for
students with Autism, new IDEA updates, and training on the new IEP and
ETR forms that will be in effect beginning September 1, 2009.
• Training was provided to all administrators in the district at the start of the
2008-09 school year in IDEA law, special education policies and procedures
and best practices for educating students with disabilities.
• Opportunities for students with disabilities to receive special education
services in the regular education setting through inclusion models were
expanded.
• Increased Foreign Language courses for high school students - reinstated
French and added Mandarin (Chinese)
• The application for two guest Mandarin teachers have been reviewed by the
Ohio Department of Education and forwarded to the College Board with the
recommendation that we receive the two teachers. Lorain is regarded as a
priority district for this by the ODE.
• Project GRAD has expanded operations to include Lorain Admiral King –
participants qualify for a $4,000 college scholarship
• The University of Toledo is offering a new scholarship program for Lorain
students to receive full tuition
• The district has entered into a partnership with The Ohio State University to
offer scholarships to qualified GEAR UP students for special scholarship
dollars
• The Lowell Adventures in Art Open House and Art Show took place on
February 24, 2009, and transferred to the Charleston Administrative Center
“art gallery” for display at the March 11, 2009, Board of Education meeting
• The Street Drum Corps gave a series of workshops to seventh and eighth
graders at the Whittier Middle School Adventures in Art. Their national tour
brought them to Lorain and Whittier students were also able to attend a
special morning concert on February 27, 2009, for school students held at the
Stocker Art Center at Lorain County Community College. The Street Drum
Corps also performed later at an evening concert as part of Stocker’s concert
series.
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• The Southview High School musical production of Jason Robert Brown’s
“Songs for a New World,” took place on March 5, 6, and 7, 2009, in
Southview’s auditorium. Admiral King’s production of “Little Shop of
Horrors” takes place on March 20, 21, and 22, 2009, in the Admiral King
auditorium. The Admiral King band leaves shortly thereafter, on March 26,
2009, for a week in Disneyworld.
• Due to monies being made available to the district from the federal magnet
grant, additional instruments can now be rented for use by students at
Washington Elementary Adventures in Math through Music school. The
instruments rented with this grant money will be done in partnership with the
very accommodating staff at Driscol Music.
• Plans are in the works to establish a recording studio over the summer as part
of the Fine Arts offerings available to students next fall at Whittier Middle
School Adventures in Art.
• Plans are also being made for an All-City musical production of “The Wiz” to
be held at the Lorain Palace Theatre on May 22 and 23, 2009. Performing
rights have been applied for and a production team is being assembled.
Auditions for high school, middle school, and elementary school students will
be announced shortly before the end of March.
• The Fine Arts Department Web site is running in the Education area of the
Lorain City Schools Web site. Among the available information, please check
out the concert and performance calendar for a schedule of district arts events.
• Math Simple Solutions has been implemented within the elementary and
junior high level for all students Kindergarten through grade 6. Math Simple
Solutions is a homework model where work is assigned for practice that is
structured around content with which students have a high degree of
familiarity. Professional Development has been provided. There are
established expectations for higher level questions focusing on short answers
and extended responses to be added to each daily student lesson.
• Teachers are providing extended learning opportunities in reading and math.
These opportunities are offered after school, before school, and on Saturdays
for kindergarten through grade 8 students. Student participation is based on
the following results: OAT achievement from the previous school year, 4
Sight Data, SRI Data, Progress Report grades, and teacher input.
• Formula Writing has been reintroduced within the writing curriculum
following professional development for grades K-8. Formula Writing is a
writing program that consists of a spiral curriculum where structured formulas
and graphic organizers are used to effectively respond to short answers and
extended responses in reading, math, and the sciences.
• Grades 3 and 4 Writing Curriculum Guides distributed to Grades 3, 4 staff.
• Grade Level Meetings K-6 has taken place (November 2008, January 2009)
and SFA Component Meetings - Instructional Levels (March, May 2009).
• Formula Writing, Inc. has compiled a list of OAT vocabulary and OGT
vocabulary on one CD. This CD has been distributed to K-12 principals for
dissemination with staff members for classroom and subject area usage.
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• A “News and Notes” is distributed to SFA Principals and SFA Facilitators
with the purpose of communicating information and happenings focused on:
SFA, safety, curriculum and instructional delivery, professional development,
and housekeeping misc. items.
• Academic Round Tables sessions are conducted at each elementary school site
to review academic, attendance, and behavior goals, to analyze current
collected data, assess current action steps, revise and/or plan new action steps
and strategies, and to celebrate achieved goals. The sessions follow the
conclusion of each grading period.
• The Subject Area Vertical Alignment Committee developed K-6 power
standards and vertical alignment for math and English.
• Reactivation of the Curriculum Quality Control Council (CQCC)
• Working with NASA to develop curriculum for the Pre-Engineering program
at Frank Jacinto as part of the STEM initiative which will begin for the 2009-
2010 school year.
• Worked with staff members from Garfield elementary and ESC to develop
short cycle assessment questions for the district.
• Re-aligned Career-Technical weighted funding budget in order to lease
laptops for all 9th and 10th grade students
• Increased Career-Technical weighted funding from $1,200,000 to $1,600,000
by adding new College and Professional Pathways programs, creating
additional sections of current Pathways and receiving additional weighted
funding for a portion of the academic classes. The additional weighted
funding for academics is a direct result of:
proper approval of several applications by ODE.
proper EMIS/ESIS coding by administrators.
improved scheduling at the high schools.
• Increased number of Career-Technical (College and Professional Pathways)
programs at the high school level from 12 to 23. New Programs added for the
2008-2009 school year were:
Business Management . Admiral King
Business Management . P.A.C.E. Academy
Career Based Intervention Admiral King
Career Based Intervention Southview
HVAC ......................... Admiral King
Music Studio ............... Admiral King
Music Studio ............... Southview
Private Security ........... Admiral King
Teaching Professions ... Southview
Teaching Professions.... Admiral King
Welding ....................... Southview
• Completed the Course Selection Guide. Below are new courses:
Biomedical Science (CPP)
Cosmetology (CPP)
Forensic Science (Science)
Intermediate Basketball/Flag Football (PE)
Introduction to Hospitality and Tourism (CPP)
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Life Long Fitness/Strength Training Skills (PE)
Mandarin Chinese I and II (Foreign Language)
Private Security (CPP)
Problem Solving (Math)
PSEO BIOG 151 (Science)
PSEO CHMY 155 (Science)
PSEO PSYH 151 (Social Studies)
Sign Language (Foreign Language)
Sports Literature (English)
Walking/Low Impact Recreation Activities (PE)
World Issues & Debate (Social Studies)
• Five of our College and Professional Pathways, that are also College Tech
Prep, are offering the Lorain County Community College (LCCC)
• Opened two Gateway To Technology programs at the middle school level.
This is a middle school pre-engineering program offered through Project Lead
The Way. This middle school program will feed into the current College and
Professional Pathway called Pre-engineering Technology which is offered at
Admiral King. They will also feed into the new Biomedical Science pathway
that will be offered at both Admiral King and Southview next school year.
Biomedical Science is also a program offered through Project Lead The Way.
• The College and Professional Pathway program called Interactive Multimedia
has begun a partnership with our own Channel 20. The program has expanded
its curriculum into the area of video production and editing. Mr. Terry Traut
and Mr. Joe Bock are in the process of upgrading the lab space at Admiral
King. It is through their tireless efforts that this partnership is a success. Our
students have videoed various performances and athletic events, edited them
and aired them on Channel 20.
• The Lorain City School District has moved forward with the Career-Technical
Credit Transfer (CT2) and completed the Automotive Technology and
Networking pathways. The district is in full compliance. The state's Credit
Transfer Policy (CT2) initiative will enable students who are enrolled in
secondary career-technical or adult workforce programs meeting state CT2
learning outcomes to receive guaranteed credit at Ohio's state funded
postsecondary institutions with those technical programs. HB 66(2005)
reflects the Ohio Legislature’s desire to remove barriers for credit transfer
between programs in secondary career-technical education or adult workforce
and programs at two- and four-year postsecondary institutions. The CT2
initiative follows a similar initiative prompted by HB 95 (2003) that mandates
colleges and universities to work together to facilitate credit transfer between
and among two and four year postsecondary institutions. The CT2 initiative
builds upon and extends articulation and transfer by recognizing equivalent
technical content among secondary and postsecondary institutions, describing
the knowledge/skills based on recognized industry standards necessary for
guaranteed credit upon college enrollment; using learning outcomes to form
the basis for a system of equivalence, extending a statewide credit guarantee
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for technical courses and supporting progression/pathway from secondary and
adult career-technical programs to state-assisted colleges and universities.
• Changed how placement of English Language Learners (ELL) is done
• Eliminated K/1 split by utilizing ELL resource teacher as a classroom teacher.
There are ongoing efforts to eliminate splits for the 2009-2010 school year
with no additional cost to the district.
• Partnered with LCCC to bring program to Longfellow Middle that focuses on
Spanish literacy. Students work is then going to be on display at LCCC on
April 30, 2009.
• Creation of the ELL Academic Team concept. The purpose of the ELL
Academic Teams is to meet in order to discuss individual students and
determine the type of ELL support needed. End result of these meetings is the
creation of a Plan of Support for each ELL student in the district.
• Revised the district’s 504 forms and procedures to effectively manage
students with 504 Plan district wide. Students on a 504 Plan must show that
they have difficulty with one or more of the following major life activities:
caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing,
speaking, breathing, learning, and working.
• Establishing Preparing All Children to be Empowered (P.A.C.E.) - an
alternative school, for credit recovery with behavior modification support,
which opened on August 27, 2009. P.A.C.E. Academy is alternative
placement for students in grades 3-8 that are struggling behaviorally and
academically. Our classroom size is 15:1 to individualize and personalize
each student’s education. P.A.C.E. Academy also houses our 9th grade
students who have been unsuccessful at high school and have been placed at
the Academy to recover credits and become successful when there are placed
back at their high school after achieving the credits needed to return. Also the
Academy opened another wing in December, the Education to Vocation wing.
This area is for our older students in the district that need a few credits to
receive their diploma. These students come to the Academy from 8 a.m. to
noon and then are able hold a job to assist with family finances.
• Developed a Leadership Academy for aspiring principals within our district.
Our communications department has contributed the following items this past
year:
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will each receive a $2,000 matching grant from the Nordson Corporation
Foundation.
• Conducted a successful Second Annual Heart Ball attended over 250 District
employees and raising $2,500 for the Lorain Fire Department – As a result the
Fire Department plans to use the funds for fire education at the elementary
school level through the use of the smoke house, which was left unused for
the past several years due to lack of funding
ENERGY
* Eight schools recognized by the EPA as being Energy Star compliant
* Testified before the PUCO about the importance of maintaining the electric
discount program for schools
* The Energy Program saved the district in 25 months in the program, over
$1,586,000
FACILITIES
* Abated and demolished 4 buildings: Emerson, Homewood, Larkmoor, Meister
* New construction started: Hawthorne and Lincoln Elementary Schools
* Currently out to bid is the abatement and demolition of Lorain Middle School
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FOOD SERVICE
* Decreased equipment repair costs by monitoring and utilizing current staff rather
than going directly to an outside vendor
* Increased number of breakfasts being served by approximately 9,000 meals
district-wide as of 1/30/09
* Anticipate breaking even by the end of this school year in food service fund
OPERATIONS
* Kept Workers Compensation premiums down through the use of different
programs, such as $2,500 deductible on medical only claims, Transitional work
program, wage continuation and attending the Lorain Chamber of Commerce
Safety Council. Investigated WC claims and challenged if incident seemed to be
suspect
* Started and continuing school cleanliness survey along with implementation of
cleaning improvement plan for schools as needed
* Implement abatement plans for all sites relative to “Jarod’s Law” requirements
PROCUREMENT
* After the previous administration’s purchase of the eSchoolMall program two
years ago with an investment of $14,000, we are currently weeks away from
implementing the new electronic purchasing system
* Renegotiated copier agreement that will save the District close to $250,000
* Purchased the four previously leased transportation and cargo vans at a savings of
more than $21,000
TRANSPORTATION
* Reduced the number of buses used from last year for a cost savings of $170,750
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