Daniel G. Pappas
Executive Director, from the MIEM Team

October 6, 2005: Nuts and Bolts of Human Resources
MELG Building, MASA Conference Room, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Presenters: Christine K. Conley-Sowels, Ph.D.
Gwendolyn P. Tabb, MA
Cost: $105 member/$135 nonmember
SB-CEU's: 0.5

So you just accepted a position to be at the helm of human resources/personnel – now what? This workshop will provide you with an overview of personnel issues from two administrators who have worked directly in the field. You will work through scenarios in handling employee discipline, evaluations, grievance hearings and dismissal. This presentation will include information on recruiting, hiring, retention and disciplinary concerns of staff and the difference between working with unions/associations and at-will employees. **Elective for MSBO Human Resource Specialist Certification

October 9-11, 2005: 7th Annual Facilities Conference
Crystal Mountain Resort, Thompsonville
Cost: $225 member/$265 nonmember
SB-CEU's: 0.5-0.9

The MSBO 7th Annual Facilities Directors Conference is designed to provide you with the most current information regarding the profession of facilities management in schools, from managing athletic turf to strategic facilities planning. You will also have the opportunity to visit with vendors at the Facilities Expo and learn about the newest products and services being offered.

October 10, 2005: Teacher Evaluations & Understanding Legal Aspects
Lansing Community College, West, 8:45 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Presenters: Lisa Swem, Thrun Law Firm, P.C. and Lynn Parrish, Howell Public Schools
Cost: $120 member/$150 nonmember
SB-CEU's: 0.6

The workshop will focus on both practical and legal aspects in the evaluation of new and experienced staff. We’ll cover probationary and tenured staff observation and evaluation, the purpose and scope of evaluation, remediation and preparation needed to sustain discharge and alternative types of formative evaluations.

October 14, 2005: Application Deadline for MIEM Crystal Award Program
The MIEM Crystal Award recognizes and celebrates the outstanding work performance, achievements and contributions of individuals who work in support staff positions within Michigan school districts. Applications must be submitted or postmarked by October 14, 2005.

October 20, 2005: Videoconference - Navigating the New IDEA: What You Need To Know
Lansing Community College, West (Host Site), 9:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
Presenters: Thrun Law Firm, P.C.
Cost: $75 member/$90 nonmember
SB-CEU's: 0.3

Join the Thrun Law Firm, P.C., in conjunction with MIEM, for a timely presentation on the key statutory changes, proposed implementing regulations and other relevant information you need to know now to ensure compliance and avoid due process hearings and complaints. Participants will receive practical information, tips, and tools to assist their schools with such tough issues as private school consultation, IEP amendments, manifestation determinations, excusals from IEP meetings, hearings and much more. (This meeting will be video conferenced) Sites will be held at AMA ESD, Coor ISD, Copper Country ISD, Kent ISD, LCC West, Macomb ISD, Marquette-Alger RESA, Oakland Schools, Sanilac, St. Clair ISD Tuscola ISD, Van Buren ISD.

October 26, 2005: Marketing Your School On-Line Course
Presenter: Lisa Bond Brewer, MSBO
Register online at www.gomiem.org

This is a four-week course. In this course participants will learn the importance of being an ambassador for your school district on or off the job; the importance of keeping the community up-to-date with the school district’s goals and challenges; techniques and factors that are considered by public relations specialists when marketing a school district to their community; the various forms of communication that can be used to deliver information to the school community; and the appropriate and practical ways to use the different avenues of communication.

October 26-27, 2005: MEAP & MI Access
Marquette/Gaylord

A special two-day conference for MEAP & MI-Access Coordinators. Visit www.gomiem.org for information and to register. (Other dates and sites are available).

The

• Cost of Living Increase – provide annual funding increases equal to inflation for K-12 schools, community colleges and universities.
• Equity – reduce the gap between lowest-spending and highest-spending K-12 districts from $1,300 to $1,000 between 2007 and 2012.
• Pension Costs – cap retirement contribution at the current 14.87% of payroll for K-12 districts, community colleges and universities.
• Declining Enrollment – base funding for K-12 school districts with declining enrollment based on the student enrollment average of the three prior fiscal years.

For further information, please review the "Tips, Hints & FAQs About Circulating Initiative Petitions" and look at the sample Education Funding Guarantee petition (pdf) (The petition may take one-two minutes to download and open). Also, available for your information is "How the Initiative Petition Process Works" (pdf).

If you would like to request a petition for obtaining signatures, please fill out the short online PETITION REQUEST form. The Coalition will make certain that pre-printed petitions are mailed to you promptly, with specific circulation instructions.