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Tecumseh School Board approves spending $25,000 for a spot on Detroit TV program
By DEB WUETHRICH
If all goes as planned, Tecumseh Public Schools will be one of three schools featured on a television show on Wednesday, March 24 at 8 p.m. With a 6-1 vote (Jason Sines voted no), Tecumseh Board of Education members approved the spending of $25,000 to contract with a professional marketing firm and be a part of WXYZ Channel 7 Detroit’s quarterly program called, “Best Schools in Michigan.” The programs highlight the best attributes of three featured schools each time.
The school board members held a special meeting Monday, Feb. 1, to learn more about a marketing plan that would include the professional production of a DVD that would air on the show and then be given to the district to use as it wishes.
Members of the board’s Executive Committee initially met last Thursday with Sue Goldberg, a representative of Sussman and Sikes, a marketing firm from Southfield, to discuss the possibility of being on the March show. The special meeting was held because the company required a short-turnaround commitment on the project.
“Marketing our schools has been something we’ve talked about quite a bit as a board and set as one of our goals,” said Board President Debbie Johnson-Berges. “We think we have a truly exceptional school with a lot of great programs, and that’s something that needs to be shown to those thinking of moving into the Tecumseh area.”
The board viewed a 20-minute video that had previously aired to get a feel for what the effort might do to help promote the school. The show featured the Berkley School District, Lake Shore Public Schools, and Lincoln Consolidated Schools, showcasing different assets. Johnson-Berges said that the program is said to be seen by an estimated 200,000 viewers, with commercials leading up to the program. Once the show airs, the district could put a link on its website directing people to the show, as well as have DVDs made for such uses as handing out to realtors or showing in group settings.
Johnson-Berges said that the first school to participate, Fraser Public Schools, received 324 new enrollees in its School of Choice program as a direct result of the program.
“All we have to do is attract three-and-a-half students to earn back the $25,000 we’d spend,” she said, taking into consideration the Foundation Allowance received for each pupil. She said that the district spent $10,000 in radio ads last year, “and to tell the truth, I’m not sure we really got anything for that $10,000,” she said.
Board members discussed the benefits of having professionally produced marketing materials to help share the district’s positive programs, such as its high ACT scores. Some potential concerns also were discussed. Board member Jason Sines said he was uncomfortable with spending the money without having some time to make plans for how the resulting materials would be used after the broadcast.
“It’s hard to spend $25,000 now when none of that is figured out,” he said. Sines said he believed the district needed to focus more on the local community and retaining students before expanding to a statewide level. He also said, “It might be helpful to weigh the costs of different production companies. I have no knowledge base if this is a good deal or not because there’s nothing to compare it to.”
“What makes it difficult for us is we feel like we’re being pressured to vote on it tonight because we have a short window,” said board member Lou Englund. “But we want to be one of those few schools in there. I’m counting on the fact that we did the homework. I would feel bad to kill it and feel bad not to give it a shot.”
Board member Jimmie Rice said he came into the meeting unsure of what his vote would be but discussions about how the DVD and materials could be used locally in helping to share the district’s successes with the community as well as to attract new students found him favoring the move. He said that he would like to see the district “make hay while the sun shines,” and spend time with the staff to get everyone fired up while the opportunity is presenting itself.
“The whole thing could be an opportunity to change the climate and atmosphere here as well as to involve the school at the same time,” Rice said. “We don’t want it to be just a rah-rah shot. There’s a possibility it could make a lot of things different in a lot of ways.”
Johnson-Berges said she views participation as just the beginning of marketing efforts.
“I see this as the start of a marketing campaign that we could use to bring the board to other things,” she said. “I think this could be the start of a corner we’ll turn in marketing ourselves and being proud to be from Tecumseh, and being proud of our teachers, staff and students. This becomes our springboard for pulling things in and making that commitment to the community and to the area.”
Absolutley unbelievable!
Absolutley unbelievable! Seriously folks, why would anyone living in Saline or Ann Arbor, move further away from their work to come to Tecumseh? My guess is that TPS doesn't offer anything better than Saline and Ann Arbor schools already have. And is Chelsea really that much different than Tecumseh?
Also, how many people are going to be able to sell their homes without taking a loss to move here?
This board and administration seem to want to keep their eyes closed to the real problem at the High School. The administration and several teachers there are simply horrible and expect the students to act more responsibly then they themselves act. A principal that doesn't care, a vice principal that only screams at kids, security that intentionally jerks on lockers until they pop open so that kids get in trouble, teachers that forget to record grades on a regular basis, etc are a large part of the reason parents are moving their kids to other districts.
If TPS wants to increase enrollment, I suggest someone develop the courage to address the real problems first.
Please list names....
You have singled out three positions where you state that they are "horrible", the principal, vice principal, and security. It is easy to find out or already know who those people are.
As a teacher at the high school, I would appreciate you naming the teachers and not painting us all with the same brush. Have you approached the teachers in question or administrators in order to address the problem?
I believe I said "Several
I believe I said "Several Teachers." Now, if you really are a teacher that want names named, you could start with your own first.
Also,, if you are a real teacher, then you know there are several teachers that lose grades, improperly enter them into the system, don't make any extra time to help students, show anger at students for having a differing opinion during class debates, etc.
If you really care about the perception of your peers, I suggest you be a vocal leader in trying to improve the quality of job being done by some of your peers.
... and yes, those teachers
... and yes, those teachers were approached, some after refusing to return phone calls. Two refused to change a grade and both were arrogant in their position, even though evidence was provided to show they were wrong (they even admitted it).
Trying to discuss issues with a couple of others on how to best help my student, was met with apathy. One didn't have the time for me and said it wasn't her job after 2:30pm. The other said they would get back to me and never did.
Those are the highlights.
I WILL HELP CLARIFY !!!!
We as parents are talking about teachers that mark our kids absent from class even though the kid is in class ! As teachers how can not knowing your classroom seating go on ? We as parents are also talking about teachers who dont plug grades into EDLINE in a timely manner ! As a parent who holds his son to high standards I have been burned several times by thinking the information on EDLINE is true , up to date , and accurate just to find its not even close !!! Im talking about electives currently offered at T.P.S. that have no funding or not enough funding . I dont consider getting an " A " in Home Improvement Tech by simply watching ESPN SPORTS because they have no money for projects a good thing ! I dont consider "NUTRITION" to be a complete class because they dont cook with meat because they have no funding for it ! Gym class is about FOOTBALL MEETINGS ! What about the kids who dont play football ? I cant wait to see how well T.P.S. does when the test scores from "RACE TO THE TOP" come in !
BINGO! I forgot to
BINGO!
I forgot to mention the absences. The High School is sorley in need of some real leadership and a cleaning out of some teachers with bad attitudes and poor work ethic.
As I stated before, the students are expected to act more responsibily that the teachers and administration.
If any good, honest hard working teacher is concerned about their job and their professions reputation, they should work hard to change the educational climate at the High School.
Where's the Money Coming From?
Here's a snippet fromt the Daily Telegram that wasn't in the Herald.
McAran said Tecumseh has budgeted between $10,000 and $12,000 annually for marketing. Finding local sponsors to help pay for additional showings of the video or simply to help with the marketing could defray some of the costs, he and several other board members noted.
So why wasn't this printed in the Herald? Is the Herald bias?
If the board only budgets between $10 & $12K annually, where is the extra $15k coming from? Oh.. they expect the business owners to pick up the tab. But doesn't most business owners already have a budget for marketing? And if the business owners do not assist with "wonderful" idea that this board has already dedicated money to, where is the extra funding coming from? That right...we'll just the the students learn from the old school books that they'll have to share. Or they'll just cram them into more crowded school rooms because they would have to lay off more teachers.
I am really surprised that the teachers have not stood up to this board. Are they that afraid them?
For some reason this school board continues to try and make Tecumseh more like Saline and Ann Arbor, and they have forgotten the small town atmosphere that Tecumseh is. Where everyone looks out for each other, but this board continues to jam big city ideas down our throats. I say if they want to be like Saline or Ann Arbor, then they need to go there and get out of our town and quit screwing it up.
Election time is coming folks, time to show this board who is really in charge and vote everyone out! Get a board in there that will not "extend" McAran's contract.
More waste
Such a waste. NOBODY moves to a town for a kids education. They move because of their job. WE HAVE NO JOBS. Sure, they might consider Clinton, Brittain, Adrian for schools of choice but not move here for our schools. I seriously thought our board members were a brighter bunch.
More Waste ---
I agree here, even with Consolidated Buscuit coming into Tecumseh. There are 2 larger companies in the area that have recently announced that they are closing their doors. Another large employer in Adrian will soon be annoucing that they are also leaving Lenawee County for "Greener Pastures" This one, when announced, will be a surprise to many.
Just travel up Scott St in Adrian, there are 9 houses that have just been put up for sale. in the past week. Some are already empty. Those are not only children leaving the school district but families leaving the county, because there is nothing here for them and nothing coming to keep them here.
Let Tecumseh spend the 25,000.00, they may only need 3.5 students to make up for it, but how many are they going to lose before the end of the school year and over the summer.
I will give them this. At least they are trying to do something to attract students to the school. What are our County Leaders doing to attract businesses to Lenawee County ?? How many of you are traveling 60-70 miles one way everyday to go to work because there are no jobs here? I personally have 2 jobs, neither are in Lenawee County. I have to commute and if something does not change soon, I will also be taking my family out of here to "Greener Pastures" And yes my children go to Tecumseh Schools.
Proof Positive
McAran needs to be removed from office either voluntarily or by force. This is proof positive that he is out of control and has absolutely ZERO concern for the students or the community. Remove him! These people should be ashamed!
$25,000 for a 20 second television spot! Absurd. I MUST see it .. I want to count how many times it shows the $2.1 Million football field.
"Johnson-Berges said she views participation as just the beginning of marketing efforts." And they are laying off TEACHERS!!!!
They've already spent $10,000 over and above this new $25,000 and DJ-B says,"and to tell the truth, I’m not sure we really got anything for that $10,000,”
Criminals!
Correction
Apologies to the Telegram, I mis-read 20 minute program as 20 second spot. Sorry, my adrenaline was pumping. $25,000 for 7 minutes is still bunk.
Everything else I said hold true to my beliefs. McAran and all who vote YES to frivolous expendatures like this need to go. I'm sorry Jimmy Rice, you sold out already, you should have followed your first instinct and held your ground. All of you have failed the Tecumseh students once again.
New Super????
I doubt very much that Mr. McAran will leave voluntarily - he is not Kurt Warner - he won't walk away from a guaranteed contract. I'm not sure how many years he has on his current contract, but I seem to recall there being an "extension" about a year ago. Are you willing to remove him by force [whatever that means - I'm sure it takes the School Board to remove him] AND continue to pay him his contract for a couple years or more?
Maybe a Herald Survey on that question would be beneficial to the current and future board members.
Force
Right now my idea of 'by Force' would either be the Paddywagon men in white coats to put him in a straight jacket and walk him out. Or the Police department arresting him for theft of our tax dollars. The man has obviously lost his mind.
No Gimme, I'm not advocation vigilantism. I thought I read 2012 was his latest extension but the bobblehead board members keep voting extensions, so who knows. Could be 2112 at this point.
Clarification
According to information provided at Monday's special board meeting, the Channel 7 program is 30 minutes long, less 10 minutes for commercials. Of the 20 minutes allocated for the program, Tecumseh will receive 7 minutes.
THS Grad with marketing consulting firm--you were conned ;(
I'm a 1996 THS grad who now resides in Plymouth and own a sucessful marketing consulting firm after 10+ years as a marketing director and several years before that at an advertising and public relations agency. I regularly create 4 minute videos for a client who does venture capital investing, and the videos we create are done in HighDef for around $3,000. We use Avalon Films in Royal Oak, a professional video and editing house that does the Pure Michigan campaigns, so we are not doing this at home on our laptops.
Mr. Sines said " I have no knowledge base if this is a good deal or not because there’s nothing to compare it to" and he's right. But I do have the knowledge base and I know for sure the board SERIOUSLY overpaid for their 7 minute promotional video, unless it is being shot on location in Paris, and my concern is that no one voting had any point of relevance to know if $25,000 was industry-standard for this type of video or not. Clearly, I am here to tell you it is not a fair market price--the school system got swindled in my opinion, and was sold this without any clear marketing strategy for the video or the audience (is this the best medium to reach Schools of Choice candidates in mostly Lenawee County?? Many LC houses get Toledo stations instead of Detroit) The board should start with a fully concepted strategic marketing plan, of which this video could be a TACTIC. Starting willy-nilly with a tactic without a clear plan for its use or audience or medium is a recipe for throwing money away, which I fear the board did here.
Thank you for your
Thank you for your insight.
This is just one more thing this board and administration has failed at. Seriously, our community should be ashamed for the bozos we have voted onto the school board. I have now decided that my kids will be attending Clinton Public Schools next year. I can't bear to see such uneducated school board behavior from those who are suppose to be looking out for the education of children.
Actors
They would have had to hire actors if they wanted to find anyone in Tecumseh these days with a smile on their face.
As the last comment said, thanks for the insight.
Out of Touch
Ann Arbor News did a story on this "Best Schools in Michigan" that TPS just signed up to participate. After seeing what other schools offer for LESS tax dollars, maybe we should bus our kids to those districts!
Once again, we have people in control that really do not understand the issues. Simply stated, we do not have enough kids in this state for all of the 550 plus districts. In Lenawee alone, 12 districts, not counting LISD. Why not consolidate??? Let the LISD take care of the adminstration duties. The money saved from the elimination of the duplication can go to the classrooms. Or better yet, back to the taxpayers!!!!
Where are the re-call petitions?
I tried.
I really am sorry to each and every one of you that I failed to get the recall done. I guess throwing away $25,000 doesn't really compare to throwing away 2.5 million on a football field - that, by the way, didn't attract any more students than the upcoming TV "spot" they bought. Hope they at least can get the standing water off of the pretty new track before they shoot it... wait maybe we can throw some more money at that... after all who cares whether kids get an education as long as we can blame the problems at High School (not making AYP) on the Special Ed. kids - that just happen to be thrown under the bus once again. The board, other than Jason Sines seem to be incapable of facing the facts, or of at the very least, looking around, as Jon Brynne pointed out - we are turning into a ghost town / ghost county / ghost state... no matter how much you advertise you can't get people to move here without jobs, sort of like building a field that no one wants, wrong answer - wrong time. I find it horribly ironic and a bit humorous that the Ann Arbor News decided to blast Lincoln Schools this week for "paying for 'The Best Schools' title" the same title Tecumseh School Board bought Monday night. CHECK IT OUT _ - _ http://www.annarbor.com/news/lincoln-pays-25000-to-be-named-one-of-the-top-school-districts-in-michigan/index.php
I couldn't get the Board recalled, I am sorry, but I am running for the School Board. I can't say that any of the decisions are going to be easy, its going to be a tough time ahead, but we need people in touch with reality. If you would like to support my run for School Board I will be at Basil Boys on Saturday from 1 to 3 with my nomination petition and just to talk, maybe share your ideas and experiences. Thank all of you for your concern. Dave Govro for School Board May 4th 2010.
Not your Fault.......
Dave, not your fault with the re-call effort. We all share the blame.
My concern with this board is still the lack of understanding and the deceptions they present to the public. For example, remember the last millage request for the sports complex? The one that would extend our current millage debt of 7.2 mills out to 2030 by a credit card approach of "buy now, pay later"? The request that would result in 15-20 MILLION for debt interest charges for a 2.1 million expenditure?
Just over 1,600 district voters fell for this scheme, but fortunately the majority said "NO". But for those "YES" voters, you actually will get your wish. The current millage of 7.2 mills, scheduled to decrease in 2016, will not be decreasing. This is due to the fact that the bond was based on a district taxable value growth rate of 5% annually. Last year the taxable value DECREASED almost 2%. So we all will keep paying............
Close but not exactly correct
Wolverine - your memory is correct in a couple of items, but the added debt wasn't simply for the 2.1 Million cost of buiding the Sport Complex. If you will recall, there were two bonds involved for a total of about $37M in new debt. The rest of your information is sound, but the $15-20M additional interest was based on this full $37M figure, not just the Sports Stadium cost of $2.1M
Consolidate with Tecumseh? Uh....no thanks!
Why would any school want to consolidate with Tecumseh? The surrounding school districts are not in the hole that Tecumseh has put themselves in. The students are leaving Tecumseh to attend Clinton and Britton. Both school districts that have adequate sports facilities, school supplies, books, and are not laying off teachers and staff. I think it would take a lot to pull your kid out of their original school, but parents have to do what is right for their child. Clearly, no $25,0000 (seven minute video) is going to lure them back to the school district. In fact, I'm sure that the neighboring school districts will benefit from their lack of judgement. They have a fancy stadium and a nice school, but no $$$. Here's a concept: When times are good, spend away, but keep some back for a rainy day. When times are bad, only buy what you need.
Video
It is hard to imagine a school board being any more inept than the one we have. There is a good article on Ann Arbor.com the Superintendant for Ann Arbor schools was approached for the same video. He and the school board viewed the whole deal as morally and ethically wrong and they decided not to sign up for the program. Because there is no criteria to be called a Best of Michigan School all you have to do is fork over $25,000.
I love my kids schools.
No not Tecumseh Schools. Seems the board of education and McAron have no clue on how to run the schools. Otherwise they would realize Now is not the time to be playing these games.
But what do they care? They just presented the Janitors a package deal last week. Take another cut in pay, no replacement employees, pay 10% more insurance premium, (Which would make it 20%) Take away their vacation time, sick days OR be privatized! These guys make an average of less than $20k a year. They don't get the tools to do their jobs with anymore and are expected to have the schools spotless?
But why does McAron care. He has a locked in contract $120k full coverage insurance, no deductables, a walnut finished desk, fancy chair to sit his lazy but in, and obviously the board of education's blessing to screw people anytime he can.
The board of Ed is the biggiest joke of all. Ya Mr. Rice, You have already lost my next votes. I knew that was coming.
Mr. Sines, Your sad. Do you have any kids in Tecumseh Schools? probally not.
Hey I'll make you a guys a deal. Give me the $25k and I'll paint my vehicle up with your add and drive all over the country. Maybe we can even get some kids from NY, NY-- LA-- Denver, Chicago?
Might be able to get a few from Canada too.
3.5 is what they need
Hardly. I am taking 3.0 kids out of the school this year. So when my $22,000 leaves to Clinton or Britton they will need 6.5 kids to break even. Good luck!
I have put up with arrogance, unwelcoming schools and teachers who could use some more time in learning how to work with CHILDREN. Fix the problems, not throw money to buy your way into a best school. What a strong message that sends to our children. If you can't make the grade, buy it! I think I'll send my children to school with $1000 each and they can pay their teachers to be "The Best Student"! I dare them to suspend or give me trouble about it!
Tecumseh schools do not care
Tecumseh schools do not care about the students, they just care about the money they get from the students that are there on count day. They get all this money and it goes to a new football field that they can't even win on. When it comes to sporting events, they don't hesitate getting buses. When it comes to something educational, they all of a sudden can't get buses to take the participants to the event. I was in the spelling bee 3 times and when i asked if there would be a bus taking us, they didnt hesitate to say no. I think sports are not needed in schools. The high school has alot of wasted space. They don't need a building that big. It's ridiculous. I have a sibling in tecumseh schools and my parents have had nothing but problems with the school system. Once i reached middle school, it all went downhill from there. I'm just glad my child will not be going to TPS when he gets into kindergarten.
My experience as well has
My experience as well has been once the student hits High School, it becomes a nightmare
More to make you mad ...
Suggested Reading: Deb Wuethrich's blog adds a little insight to this on the Staff Blogs link.
Desperate times call for
Desperate times call for desperate measures.
If and that's a big IF, TPS can generate more school of choice students as other schools that have advertised in this program before..wouldn't that be a wonderful thing?
Unethical or Ethical, most school districts in Michigan are all facing the same issues, high paid admin, student enrollment down, budget crunches, etc...
We were thinking of moving to a different city, but that school district is in such a mess with three school closings, expecting two elementary schools to house over 1600 kids, among other things..that we have begun to think otherwise. Problem is this kind of scenerio is happening all over the state. So what is a parent or a school system supposed to do?
Sad to say that public schools are forced to use advertising to generate income, this is what charter schools (who draw on public school funding) and state standarized testing have put public schools in a corner. Our children have become nothing more than business fodder for public, private, and charter schools.
This does not "let" the administration go they should be held accountable for certain things and unless Tecumseh starts thinking in "big city" ways, your only going to lose more students. Tecumseh should be offering more than just sports if they want students that can compete in todays job markets. The newspapers should be showcasing more than sports, school districts that do well have a wide variety of programs...not just sports oriented programs.
We have just started in TPS and so far our experience has been nothing but wonderful, we have found the prinicpal and teachers to be very accomidating and forward thinking in their approach to teaching. Especially with our patrticular situation. Most of education is what you as a parent put into it and what you show to your children on how important education is. In fact we like our school so much, that we are considering moving into the city of Tecumseh instead of being school of choice. What's in the future? It's too soon to tell. One can only hope that the TPS high school will change in the next 12 years and offer more than sports.
I read alot of comments about how a school system shouldn't do this or shouldn't do that with their budget, but how about some citzens coming up with some real ideas and proposals to present to the boards.
... Desperate ideas
H - Obviouslly you haven't been around for a while since your kids just started TPS. What you suggest makes good sense, but this board has a proven history of NOT listening to the citizens. What do you think would make them start now.
I hope your time here continues to be wonderful. This problem is not the Teachers' faults ,and the Principals would face being eliminated if they voiced their concerns opposing McAran. Just don't let your kids get too attached to any of their teachers or few remaining assistants, because they may be laid off in next quarter. This board spends fivolously on thngs like this 7 minute advertisement 'spot', but not on the important necessities.
The only criteria to make this supposed show's "Top Schools" list is that each district's administrators were 'duped' into forking out $25,000. Just show 'em the money and you've made the list. Please read the 'yes' voting board members comments ... they've already spent tens of thousands and 'not sure' they have gotten anything in return. So their answer ... spend more!
Your title is appropriate, these are desperate times, we desperately need to get rid of McAran and overhaul this board.
I challenge McAran to post a letter to the editor explaining his 'logic' (using the term loosely) in his own words. Not a sales pitch describing the potential benefits, but explaining how he came to these decisions. He has been perversely silent through all of this, except through reporter quotes. The answer is he won't. He doesn't care what Joe Citizen thinks. He wants what he wants at any cost to us.
Freedom Thanks! You
Freedom
Thanks! You are correct we haven't been here that long. I too have noticed that while many other school districts in the state are trying keep their community involed and aware of the budget cuts/proposals etc.. TPS seems to like to keep their citizens in the dark.
Saline has a blog about the budget, Ypsi has been having comunnity meetings and brainstorming sessions, Ann Arbor has been up front with all of the ideas and changes, Clinton has information on their webpage, Tecumseh so far has nothing recent on their webpage. If you are a working parent, going to the school board meetings isn't always a option. I for one would like to be able to see more of the bigger picture of what is going on at TPS.
Schools
Real leadership starts at the top and to be an effective leader you must lead. Mr. McAran should have taken the same pay cut as the teachers first, to show them that he is leading by example. The school board should have ripped up his 6 yr extension and reworked the deal. I don't know if the board members get paid anything for the meetings but they should have given that money up first also. Things are bad at other schools maybe just not as bad because they had the vision that the economy was not going to turn around and foolishly spend 2.4 million on a new stadium in our economy. The $25,000 would have went a long way to purchase those items on the lists us parents get for supplies to buy for our kids classrooms.
Concerned Parent, With
Concerned Parent,
With all due respect, even though TPS built that stadium..which has been done and yes I'm upset about the waste of money too, but regardless it has been built and that money is not coming back. Most if not all other school districts are all facing millions of dollars in budget cuts. We have been thinking of moving to other areas in Michigan but after looking at some of the areas budget cut proposals (closing schools in Ypsi and Saline, Music and Arts on the chopping block first, Ypsi's new superintendent and the insane salary + perks that they gave him, etc...) we still aren't sure where to move to.
Not that I'm trying to defend McAran, but it seems most if not all the school districts are not looking at cutting admin salary..so why is that? I think it's commendable that Tecumseh Principals are agreeing to pay back a premium portion, which so far in other literature..I have not yet read other school districts doing. Yes, TPS is in a mess but compared to other school districts, maybe it's not in such a large mess? (which might change because TPS, is not very forthcoming with information to the community)
As for supplies that we as parents provide, most if not all, school districts in Michigan rely on parents to buy supplies. It's been that way ever since I remember going to school in the 80's and 90's.
Britton teachers care
My oldest stayed in Tec, school....first thing she had to do in college was take basic math. When my yougest was in 4th grade, he asked to change schools. He couldn't take all the yelling teachers and helpers did at the students. So we checked out Britton!!!! Britton may not have the best of the best sports, but they make up for it in education and teachers who actually care!!!!! We moved him in the middle of the year...best thing we did!! He went on to become valedictorian of his class and received a FULL 4 year scholorship (over $120,000 worth of higher education)...and is holding a GPA of 4.0 in college.
Glad the state money went to Britton for my child....WISH MY TAXES COULD!!!!
Tecumseh reputation
TPS might as well have flushed this money down the toilet. Word of mouth advertising is better than paying someone on to say your one of the best schools. I am taking my kids out of Tecumseh starting this next school year and I know of 10 other kids that are going to be sent to other schools next year. Tecumseh will never be able to recruit enough kids to make up for the ones that are leaving until they address the arrogant attitudes that the teachers and administrators have, especially the superintendent and the principal of the middle school have. The TPS employees that I have dealt with have such a sense of entitlement that it is amazing. They act like they are owed thier jobs. Teaching is a public service...not an entitlement to a 12 month pay check for 9 months of work. Until TPS treats kids and parents better and puts education first, people will be leaving the district faster than the Titanic.
Teachers?
Whoa Horsey! I agreed with your money down the toilet comment, but you threw it all away by blasting Teachers. For every one of your 'horrible teacher' stories I can give you FOUR of teachers that have gone way above and beyond. I have a HUGE issue with this school board, namely McAran, but the teaching profession is an increasingly difficult job. Your 12 months pay for 9 months work is one of the oldest, and frankly 'uneducated', arguments still in existence. During the supposed 9-months of work most teacher put in extraordinary hours and care deeply about the majority of their students. Execpt, of coure, the ones with parents like yourself, who think THEY are entitled to a daytime babysitting service and their kids can do no wrong.
This issue is not about teachers, it is about a school board that has gone out of control with its spending.
So glad to hear this.
We are moving to the area, and we've heard great things about TPS from word of mouth. I'm killing myself over what schools to enroll my children in, and your post finally settled me down a bit. I'm sitting here thinking 37 comments out the entire community shouldn't sway me, but all I hear is negativity on here and more positive things when I actually ask people their oppinions. .
I have a meeting at the school next week to take a tour and observe. If I like what I see, TPS, here we come!
Welcome
New - Welcome! I really don't think anyone on here wants to see TPS fail. There are a lot of hard feelings right now as the current administration gets what they want at whatever the cost. Many, many people in this community 'care', but very few actually 'vote'.
The teachers of Tecumseh are wonderful people. Every district has the one or two parents that dislike the one or two Teachers for their own personal reasons, but please DO NOT think for a minute that our Teachers don't care about your children. My kids all adored their teachers, many of whom still teach, and they (the kids) are good, contributing members of society today.
This mess will iron out and I for one sincerely hope you don't base your choice on these forum words. Anonimity, including my own - for my own reasons, tends to bring out the worst in people. However, power and control often have the same result and Mr. McAran has proven that over and over.
Please feel comfortable in considering Tecumeh Shools.
Welcome
... Even if I can't spell Tecumseh like it is supposed to be spelled! <smile>
Thank you so much.
Thanks so much for your input. I was hoping someone would chime in and help put me at ease, and you sure did.
I honestly don't understand why people don't vote but will be the first to voice their oppositions. That really kills me. For what it's worth, we plan to get involved and stay abreast of what's going on in our community and in our schools. It's important as a parent and great for the kids alike. Again, thanks for putting me at ease. I (we) appreciate it.
Sorry
Sorry, but you couldn't be more wrong. Besideds the school board and McAran, this has to do with every employee of TPS. The High School is a DISASTER!. Yes there are many good teachers there, but there are many bad as well. Teachers who screw up grades, absence reporting, refuse to help after 2:30pm, etc are bringing the entire group down.
The High school administrators are terrible also. The vice principal only screams at kids, the prinicpal is completely aloof and has little iudea of what's going on. Security constantly and purposefully trying to bait kids into trouble....
Parents are just pulling kids because of the School Board and McAran, I promise you that.
I Rest My Case
Looking forward to when you change your name to TecNonResident ...
Enough said.
LIke McAran, the school
LIke McAran, the school board and the High School admin, ignoring the issues causing families to leave the district will not fix the root cause of the problems.
There are big issues at the High School and as long as they are not addressed, families will be moving out.
By the way
By the way, you can't really believe families are leaving the district because of school board spending, right? Parents are looking for good cirriculum, with dedicated teachers and administration that is engaged with the running of the schools.
Sorry pal, but that is clearly not Tecumseh High School right now.
Blah Blah Blah
Ummm unless you have had the experiences with teachers at TPS like I have, you have no idea what you are talking about. And a Teacher, probably a poor one, defending the other teachers really holds no waters for me. I have had NUMEROUS problems with teachers. And I dont use the schools as a baby sitter. I have two straight A kids, no thanks to the teachers at TPS, because we have involvement from both parents, one of which does not work outside of the house, so we dont need a baby sitter. If TPS was our baby sitter, I would fire them because they wouldnt even be able to do that right. I graduated from Tecumseh schools and went on to earn three degrees, including two masters degrees. TPS used to have great teachers. Now....not so much. Now it is a place filled with people that act like they are entitled to taking your money. But, thats the great thing about America, I have the choice to move into a better school district and leave the inadequate schools to people like yourself and the other teachers that you work with.
Right on target
Right on target MadParent. I too have a great student there with a 3.85 GPA and taking AP courses.
However, for the life of me, I don't understand why the real issues aren't being addressed.
Like the old saying goes, "If you put lipstick on a pig, it's still a pig!" and the problems at the High School aren't going to go away because we spent $25K on a video.
Loss for words?
Nope .. not a teacher. Thanks for the compliment though.
Enjoy you day off kids!
New Welcome! we are
New
Welcome! we are kind of new (8years) but new to the schools. I had reservations at first, because I spent too much time reading the boards here. We have found a wonderful community at our school (parents, teachers, and principal combined) and have been planning on moving to the city to be closer to the school.
So far my kindergartener has had a wonderful experience and we have a wonderful teacher and principal. If you would like to talk more, please contact me at quietcountessatyahoo .com No spaces between the email address and of course at should be the @ but I can't comment with links.
Thank you
Thank you for your input as well. I sent you an email.
why?
i mean seriously why would anybody from detroit, ann arbor, livonia or any other city would want to move to tecumseh. tecumseh is a quiet little town but if people move here they will fell isolated and they will have to travel longer distances to do anything. and adrian really doesnt have a ton of stuff there either.
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