KIDS FIRST CAMPAIGN

Bryan Klochack Out??

2010-03-23T19:47:00.002-04:00

We are hearing that Bryan Klochack will be out as MHS Principal at the end of this school year. Word on the street - - - He is resigning - Told his staff Monday (3/22) & School Board approved on Monday (3/22)

Where are the savings?

2009-10-02T16:57:00.002-04:00

Interesting find on the MEA webpage - It's from their online magazine "MEA Voice"

Look at page 15 - Feature column on privatization of the Marshall custodians.

http://mea.org/voice/2009Sept/62AC8D517E82CF48BE494CCBC31C6FFC/index.html

Thoughts??

How about a little RESPECT

2009-06-11T11:44:00.004-04:00

Mr. Klochack, Principal at Marshall High School, reads along as the two MHS Graduates give their speeches.

We are told that the two graduates had to turn their speeches into Mr. Klochack prior to graduation - that's understandable. Obviously he was so concerned that the grads may add a word or two in, that he followed along with the copy they turned in to him. Both speeches were great - too bad he didn't pay attention to them because he was too busy reading them word for word.
Word of advice: Show respect, and you shall receive respect.

Huh??

2009-06-08T16:11:00.000-04:00

Rumor has it that a top building administrator will be pulling their children from MPS and heading to Olivet Schools. Anybody have any confirmation on that?

It's official

2009-05-05T20:58:00.000-04:00

Bill DeSmet has beat Georgia Marsh in a landslide.

Vote for DeSmet for Marshall board

2009-04-29T15:12:00.000-04:00

As seen in the Battle Creek Enquirer April 28, 2009

I wish to encourage people to vote for Bill DeSmet for the Marshall school board. Bill is a bright, energetic young man with children in the Marshall school system. He is concerned about the best education possible for them and for all of the students in the Marshall Public Schools. His knowledge of business, particularly in purchasing, should make him an important member of our school board.

It is time that we give more of the younger members of our community the opportunity to step forward to help for the betterment of Marshall. I encourage you to give Bill your vote on May 5.

Tom Franke
Marshall

Thank you!

2009-04-15T13:32:00.003-04:00

Wow. What a week it has been here at MPS Change is Good. Since Monday the 13th we have averaged 200 page visits and 300 page views per day. Keep spreading the word about www.mpschangeisgood.blogspot.com

What a meeting

2009-04-13T22:22:00.002-04:00

Reports coming in from the Board Meeting tonight:

Meeting lasted 3 hours. Approx. 150 people in attendance. Vic did a horrible job in the final moments of the meeting representing the Marshall Public School Board. Yelling and raising his voice. John Coulter wanted the Hulkow issue on the agenda tonight - but was rejected. Dan Stulberg stayed silent during the whole Hulkow discussion - hmmmmm. Coulter & Paul Beardslee admitted this issue has gone on way too long.

What did we miss - comment about what you thought about tonight.

Joyce Phillips' Last Stand

2009-04-11T12:33:00.002-04:00

As seen in this weeks Ad-Visor/Chronicle.

SUPPORT
"COACH HULKOW"!
ATTEND SCHOOL BOARD MEETING ON
MONDAY APRIL 13 @ 7:00PM
AT GORDON ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

It has come to the attention of many school district supporters that a recommendation is being made by our Supt. at this coming Monday, April 13th school board meeting to terminate coach Rich Hulkow's contract with the district! Rather than serving as both Athletic Director and football coach, he has been asked by the Supt. to choose one or the other and the board is to act on this recommendation Monday night. Quite frankly, we find it hard to believe that such an action would even be considered by the board. Given that a new Supt. has been hired, such a recommendation should be deferred to the new Supt. in a similar and consistent manner as with the Asst Supt. and Curriculum Director's positions.

Rich Hulkow's effort as both A.D. and football coach over the past 25 years has been outstanding. It would be difficult to find a comparable record. In addition to growing the athletic program to provide equitable opportunities for boy and girls and managing it competently for 25 years, he has brought many dollars to the district via his initiatives. This would include starting the Redhawk Open (est. $500,000 over 25 years) and raising additional dollars through revitalization of the Athletic Boosters organization resulting in greater membership revenue and initiating booster activities such as the former bingo game and present tailgate sales, etc. Further, the present contract arrangement entered into by the board by way of a 3rd party on coach Hulkow's behalf two years ago, has resulted in savings to the district of over $25,000 annually. Board President Vic Potter at the time was heard to have said the cost savings agreement was a good business decision. In liht of the district's present finances, the decision to undo this arrangement looks foolish and suggests an ulterior motive on the part of the Supt. considering that Rich has continued to do an excellent job. As to Rich's coaching success, there are very few coaches who have won 80% of their games over this long a career, particularly considering that many of these games were played against larger Class A Schools. Additionally, his hiring and maintaining an excellent coaching staff in football and in other sports has allowed the continuation of a fine athletic program. Why change now? What's the rationale/motive? If the Board supports this change, it is a certainty that the district would lose booster support, Redhawk Open support and would most likely further undermine the prospect for passing a bond issue. We have even heard some booster suggest a Board recall if this change were to be supported by the Board.

If school district residents wish to support Coach Hulkow and maintain his outstanding leadership as both A.D. and football coach, please attend the school board meeting on Monday, April 13th at 7PM at Gordon Elementary School and tell the board how you feel!

Yours Truly,
Lou Giannunzio, Former Supt. 1983 - 2001
Paul Herman, Local Businessman and football coach
Steve Hageman, Former Booster President
Doug Jackson, Booster Treasurer
Jeff Albaugh, Former school board president (served 12 years)
Bob Lyng, School board 12 years, Boosters President 13 years
Lynn Kalinoski, Redhawk Open Chairman

Come one Come all.

2009-03-22T23:20:00.002-04:00

Monday March 23rd - Marshall High School - 7pm
Public Forum regarding the upcoming budget

Please go and share your ideas!

Interest in Write-In Candidates?

2009-02-23T17:06:00.001-05:00

It appears by comments on the last blog entry that there seems to be some interest in having a write-in candidate in the upcoming School Board election in May. Discuss.....

It's official

2009-02-19T21:24:00.001-05:00

Dr. Randy Davis is the new MPS superintendent.

Reposting blog entry from "Somber Reflections"

2009-02-13T23:08:00.002-05:00

I am re-posting an excellent blog entry from "somber reflections". As the blogger mentions towards the bottom of their post - Get Involved! If you care about the future of Marshall Public Schools, speak up, contact the board members and let them know who is best to be the next MPS Superintendent.

Good point! This is the real world. We have unrealistic expectations of the superintendent and the school board. Reading in the paper how excited they got over some cliche answers from the candidates reminds me how out of touch our board members are. I am not saying their responses were bad, but any teacher would expect such responses and they are no big deal.

I do not expect the board to be experts in all areas of education but I do expect them to make a good faith effort to work with the teaching staff and do their best to learn what goes on and why? They have not done this very well, if at all. Joyce Phillips turned out to be arrogant, self-serving and of limited competence in managing the school district. She made many mistakes and made no attempt to improve or work effectively with the staff. She failed, period! She was not always honest and did her best to cover her mistakes. Many think she had even worse intentions, I do not know. Nobody feels she truly carried about the Marshall schools in any way, probably not even the board thinks anything good about her any longer.

What next? If we are lucky the next superintendent will be an improvement. Probably not great, but probably not worse. Expectations do need to be lowered. The Marshall schools do not have the reputation they once had. Enrollment and budgets are in decline. Many of the best teachers have retired or moved on. We have lost about 2,000 jobs in Marshall the last few years. It may be a long time until things get better.

As best you can everyone who cares should get involved. I agree, drop trying to hold Joyce accountable- it is not going to happen. Those who support her and protect her dominate the board and have very wealthy supporters backing her. That is simply the reality of this tragic situation.

Maybe, just maybe, things will get a little better next year. The victims will not be helped in this matter, they are out of luck. Life goes on. Life is not fair. Things are bleak and the sky is still very cloudy. At least try to find a superintendent who has been a building Principal and knows how to effectively work with the staff. That should at least be a bare minimum standard.

Discuss....

2009-02-11T10:14:00.003-05:00

We know that members of the Marshall School Board frequent the blog. Let them know what you think of the final two candidates.

Bruce Burger - Morrice Area Schools Superintendent

Randy Davis - Athens Area Schools Superintendent

Dave Watson, Headmaster of Howe Military School was dropped from consideration. Thank you Mr. Watson for putting yourself out there during this process. We wish you much success in the future.

What's the rush?

2008-08-18T23:29:00.005-04:00

Brian Metcalf will be leaving us for Hudsonville.
It's being reported that Amy Jones has accepted a job in Lakeview.
Next summer Joyce Phillips will be gone.
Discuss..........

Breaking News

2008-08-05T22:22:00.004-04:00

**BREAKING NEWS**
10:35pm - 8/5/08

Marshall Public School voters reject $35.34 Million Bond

Unofficial Election Result for Marshall Bond:

No: 1807
Yes: 1452

See the break down of the vote here:
http://www.electionmagic.com/results/mi/C13results/C1300401101.htm

VOTE!

2008-08-04T12:40:00.005-04:00

UPDATE 5:00pm 8/5/08 - City of Marshall had approx. 1100 votes cast.

UPDATE 1:00pm 8/5/08 - Reports are showing lower turn-out in the city during the early hours.
As reports come in, we will post them.

Voting is OUR civic duty. Tuesday August 5th - GO VOTE.

To see where to vote and to see your sample ballot, visit this web page:
https://services2.sos.state.mi.us/mivote/

Throughout your day tomorrow, remind people in passing to go vote. Voting is easy, we just wish more people would exercise their right to do so.

Us against them fostered in district

2008-07-12T13:03:00.003-04:00

"Us against them" fostered in district
Cathie Vaught, Marshall
as published in the Marshall Chronicle Saturday, July 12, 2008

You are probably aware that I am no longer employed by Marshall Public Schools. It has come to my attention that there is a perception that I left MPS because I anted a "year round" position. Nothing could be further from the truth. I am heartbroken that I had to leave MPS.
The reason that I felt compelled to seek another job and express my personal opinions in this letter is only because of the appallingly poor leadership and treatment of my family and other staff and their families.
The district has pursued policies that abjectly favor the "us against them" mentality; protecting "yes men" while outsourcing anyone who has questioned the leadership and its policies.
You, as our elected, or in many cases "unopposed" elected leaders have dropped the ball for your electorate. You vigorously resist change and challenges to that leader to the detriment of the district she leads.
It is apparent that this administration's vision has lacked the ability to maintain effective or positive leadership with the employees and students of this district.
The superintendent and some of her direct administrative colleagues seem uncaring and unkind. They seem to have ignored and discounted the needs, wants, and wishes of most members of the Marshall teaching community, especially subordinates.
Past policies and practices in regard to hiring, discipline and budget expenditures have been thrown out the window with total impunity and this has been allowed by you, the school board.
I do need to say that I have been very impressed and encouraged with the newer member of the board; John Coulter, Ali Webb and, in the end, Chris Varvatos who have actually had the guts to ask questions. The other members of this administration's "rubber stamp committee" are an embarrassment to the Marshall community.
I find it amazing that a community such as Marshall can polarize itself for the "Redskin Issue,"but can't polarize itself for what I feel is the most destructive administration yet to hit Marshall Public Schools.
The harm that has been done to the teaching and support staff can be clearly observed by the psychological and, ultimately, physical ramifications that have occured to countless hard working people in the recent past.
Even many of our Marshall students have commented to me on their dissatisfaction with this administration. This is not, as some board members like to rationalize, a "small group of disgruntled employees."
This is a reality that is swept under the rug.
I know, because I was one of the people who suffered from this fear and have witnessed countless other teachers and employees who cannot speak out in fear of losing their jobs or their self respect. I am speaking for them!
I, and many of my neighbors, will not support a bond issue, at least for one more year, until the present administration has been replaced.
As a recent employee, I have seen in my opinion, what the public hasn't: A monumental waste of funds that we previously approved for the much needed improvement of our schools. I cannot, in good conscience support another waste of funds. I will be happy to support any bond issues after this year is over and a more honest and straightforward leadership prevails.
Marshall has a real opportunity to use their schools to draw in new members to our community. Larger class sizes, fewer college prep classes and continuously patching up our old school buildings is not the vision that we as parents and taxpayers should support.
There appears to be a pattern in Marshall Public Schools that can no loner be ignored: Award winning teachers, administrators and staff members that are honest, straightforward and are independent thinkers appear to be repeatedly singled out until they leave, retire before they are ready or worse. Who will be next on the list?
To the superintendent and also to her direct subordinates and those members of the Marshall School Board who have contributed to this situation I say shame on you! Again these thoughts are my own opinion. Please feel free to contact me regarding any portion of this letter.
Sincerely but sadly yours,
Cahtie Vaught,
Marshall

Can You Afford The Tax Hike?

2008-06-27T22:56:00.003-04:00

Snapshot taken from www.marshallbond.org

Talk about the price of the bond proposal - Can you afford it? -Discuss -

Let the good times roll - -

2008-04-19T23:53:00.002-04:00

Discuss..........
***Bryan Klochack - Principal - MHS***
We hear there are MAJOR issues at Marshall High School - Fill us in.
Is he doing a good job in his first year at the helm?

Please remember - Discussion can be had WITHOUT being rude.

Thoughts on Bond Proposal

2008-04-05T22:41:00.001-04:00

Hey - We've been away for a looooong time.

But what do you think about the bond proposal that we will be voting on this summer?

What will come . . . .

2007-08-13T22:29:00.000-04:00

The Marshall Board of Education, as expected, voted 7-0 to privatize our custodial staff. There really isn't much to say - it was very emotional.

Cool-Down Period

2007-08-10T21:10:00.000-04:00

For whatever reason, people are starting to personally attack each other. I WILL NOT TOLERATE THIS! So for the time being, I am suspending the MPS Change is Good Blog. I will open the blog back up for discussion after the August Board meeting. If you have any comments or concerns, please contact mpschangeisgood@yahoo.com

Fact Finding Mission

2007-05-24T09:56:00.000-04:00

Longtime - No post. But we are back. We would sure love it if people can fill us in on the following items. Joyce: Maybe you can send out a Rumor Control e-mail informing people what the truth is.

Charlie McDonald - MPS Head of Technology
It is "rumored" that in the past 4 years he has received a total raise of close to $20,000. He is "rumored" to be making in the low $80,000 range.

Joyce Phillips - Superintendent
3% raise and buying of years at the past board meeting. Also MANY perks in her contract - We wish we knew what her "perks" are.

Custodial Staff
They are on the chopping block. The board is currently looking into privatizing our Custodial Staff.

It is hard to believe that people at the top keep getting FAT POCKETS, and the ones towards the bottom keep getting things taken away. Please fill us in on any information you may have.

Election Results Are Final!

2007-05-08T22:24:00.000-04:00

Proposal 1 & 2 were passed by the voters today. Because of todays results, you will see some much needed improvements mainly at the High School!

In other election news
Kellogg Community College Board of Trustees
Top 3 vote getters were:
Reba Harrington
Brian Hice
Jonathan Byrd

Congrats to EVERYONE who got out and voted today!

Election Day

2007-05-08T08:57:00.000-04:00

UPADATE as of 10:15p.m.

With 8 of 9 precincts reporting the vote totals are as follows:

Proposal 1
Yes 1525
No 483

Proposal 2
Yes 1176
No 831

As of 9:00a.m. today, voter turn-out is VERY low. Total votes were in the low 100's. We will keep you updated as we hear more numbers. Is low voter turn-out good or bad for the bond?

Update/Correction
Those numbers were from the City of Marshall Voting Area

Update as of 10:45am
The numbers for the City of Marshall Voting Area are in the low 200's
Please get out to vote, these numbers are not looking good.

Update as of 12:30pm
The numbers for the Township of Marshall Voting Area are in the mid 250's

A Jeer from Shelly Sulser

2007-04-07T13:43:00.000-04:00

In The Marshall Chronicle this week, Shelly Sulser did numerous Cheers and Jeers in her Editorial Column. The following is one of her jeers:

Jeers to the Marshall School Board for purposely refusing to keep written records of its recent evaluation of Dr. Joyce Phillips. President Vic Potter reported that no board members filled out their individual evaluation form. And, when the summary form was released, there were no board member comments included. The board leans toward secrecy too often by waiting until the day before major meetings such as two recent school board retreats and all other meeting to publicly post the sessions planned at least a month in advance in most cases.
Educators who expect students to do more than the minimum are setting a bad example when it sticks only to the minimum required of them by the state's public access laws.
Minimum meeting notices combined with rigid copying fees for every document - including $20 to $30 per month for the board packet - does nothing to HELP your local paper get the accurate information to you in a timely manner and to get it right.
It only creates another hurdle to surmount in our continued struggle to get to the truth.
An air of secrecy breeds suspicion - and sometimes critical bloggers - even when you have nothing to hide.
So cheers to the City of Marshall for always working with us - not against us - in our efforts to keep you - the real boss of both entities - informed so you can keep them held accountable.

Thanks Shelly for speaking what so many of us are thinking. So we here at MPS Kids First Cheer you! Wake up Board Members! Your secrecy doesn't help getting this Bond passed for the new "Lame Duck Superintendent."

It's All About The Benjamin's

2007-03-28T20:40:00.000-04:00

Joyce proved that her intention was very clear when coming to Marshall. The vision that she saw was not about excellence in education. It was not about keeping kids first. Her vision was $$$$$$$. Her vision was to collect a Michigan pension along with her Indiana pension. And what did we do? We bought into it! We didn't win anything. We lost! In a major way. She will be leaving here at the end of her contract and feel like she turned this District around. Well she did, she turned this District into the ground. The sad thing is - she won't care. She doesn't care that she drove off some very good employees in this District. She will be traveling the world - she is an international Super Star! - she is going to spread her vision world-wide. To the Marshall School Board: You let us down! 3.8 out of 5? When this bond doesn't pass - I hope you as a Board aren't surprised. Let's wait a couple years when we have a real Superintendent, and maybe a School Board with a spine - and then lets talk about a Bond Issue.

Which Way Will They Sway?

2007-03-27T14:56:00.000-04:00

Tonight - March 27th - Will be the Superintendent Review talks in the Community Room at the Middle School. The meeting takes place at 6:00pm. If you can't make the meeting, stay tuned to www.mpschangeisgood.blogspot.com for the latest information coming out of the meeting.

Congratulations Ron!

2007-03-27T14:39:00.000-04:00

Its Official. Ron Behrenwald was hired by Cedar Springs Public Schools at last night's CSPS Board Meeting. Thanks for everything you did for the Marshall Public Schools. A true class act, and an unbelievable leader.

More Fallout on the way?

2007-03-23T22:01:00.000-04:00

Is another well respected Administrator on their way out? We are hearing that Susan Townsend - Principal of Walters Elementary is in the running for an Administrative position in another District. Anybody have any information on this rumor we are hearing? How long do we all stand by while all these great Administrators leave us? But hey, as long as we have the good "Doctor" at the helm we should all be happy - - Right?!?

Superintendents Review

2007-03-23T15:08:00.000-04:00

Tuesday Night at 6:00. Community Room at the Middle School. Joyce's evaluation meeting. Show up and see what her "yes Joyce" friends Vic, Janice, and Dan say about her. Will Paul, John, Chris, and Ali stand up for change? Come on down and check it out. Her evaluation discussion will be held in closed session - by Joyce's request. But there will be an open session of the meeting.

Check It Out!!!

2007-03-21T11:00:00.000-04:00

It's good to see that The Marshall Chronicle has also realized how great of a tool a blog can be! Check it out with the following link: Chronicle Advisor Blog
The most recent posting is "How would you review Dr. Joyce Phillips' leadership?"
Head on over to their blog and post away on how you think she should be reviewed?"

"Not on the work clock" - "Concerned Citizen"??!!??

2007-03-21T10:33:00.000-04:00

Joyce states in the current issue of The Marshall Chronicle that she attended the Citizens Bond Campaign meeting "not on the work clock" and she was "attending as a concerned citizen". She should have been there as "Superintendent" of the District. If you want to get behind this bond Joyce - then get behind it. Don't come to the meeting as a "concerned citizen". Are you afraid that if this renewal of this bond fails - then you will be the one to blame? Also The Chronicle reported that approximately 20 people showed up for the meeting. What wasn't reported is that a majority of the 20 people were from Kingscott and School officials. It would be interesting to know how many community members were there - maybe 5? Doesn't sound like there is much community interest in this renewal. Of course at their next meeting there will be more people in attendance and they will try to spin that into how the community is so excited about the bond now. But that will happen when each attendee of the original meeting is told to bring 10 others with them for the next meeting!

Ron Behrenwald on the way out?

2007-03-12T09:03:00.000-04:00

Ron Behrenwald is in the top 3 for a Principal position somewhere other than Marshall. Sources say he is pretty much "the top choice". Like other bloggers have said, this is truly a sad day for Marshall. But a great time for Ron. If he gets this position he will be going to a place where its Superintendent will let him do his job. His new boss will not be telling him how to run his building, like his current boss does. Shame on the current Marshall School Board for letting this happen! They could've stopped this downward spiral a long time ago. Unfortunately we will keep on spiraling downward and it will all be on the Board's shoulders when we hit rock bottom - or have we already hit?

Diploma Issue

2007-02-15T09:53:00.000-05:00

There seems to be some discussion on the blog why we are "blaming" Central Office for losing this diploma. Was it turned in at the "current" High School? Was it turned in at the "old" high school? If you want to know the FACTS just make one simple phone call to the Superintendent's Office and ask. You should get a simple, Yes it was turned in here. Our intention is not to cast blame on whoever lost this diploma. If you read the "Raspberry" you can tell he was given the run-around. This diploma has been in his family since 1911! What if someone lost a family treasure of yours since 1911? Wouldn't you want direct answers? All that needed to be done about the issue is tell the man from Olivet that we are very sorry but we lost it, and issue an apology. But this District is no longer in the business to offer apologies if we screw up. Isn't Marshall the same old fashioned caring community we once were? Far too often people of this District are given the RUN-AROUND. It's simple really - Admit you made a mistake - and Move On! But it looks like the leaders of our District NEVER screw up - the blame ALWAYS falls on someone else.

Hopefully there will be a correction coming.....

2007-02-12T15:33:00.000-05:00

From the Battle Creek Enquirer
published 2/12/07

Raspberries:
To Marshall High School. About two years ago I offered my father's diploma from 1911. They said they were interested in displaying it but that it would not be framed immediately as they had another diploma from about the same era, and cost was mentioned. I checked every few months to see if it had been used. Each visit they said no, with varying excuses. A couple months ago I told them I would like the diploma back since it was not being displayed. I was then told that they had lost it. Two employees thereafter told me that they would call me. Calls never came. Needless to say, I am greatly unhappy as this was kept in my family for about 94 years.
-L.K. Collins, Olivet

The raspberry should be to the Marshall Public Schools. If our information is correct, the diploma was dropped off to the Superintendent's Office. Central Office is the headquarters for all things historical to be displayed.

Are YOU thinking of running for the Board?

2007-01-18T14:40:00.000-05:00

Should I - Shouldn't I? Is that going back and forth in your head? Will I have the support I need? Lets make one thing plain and simple. YOU WILL have the support it needs to get elected. There are MANY people at the ready to help YOU get elected. If you want a committee - you've GOT a committee! WE WILL BE HERE FOR YOU!

Poll Results

2007-01-17T21:53:00.000-05:00

Thank You for the highest amount of votes in the least amount of time! In a 4 day span, there were 82 votes.

Results are as follows for people you would like to see run for the Board:
(Only the top 4 are listed)

Darlene Neidlinger: 17 Votes
Steve Hageman: 14 Votes
Lou Giannunzio: 14 Votes
Someone Else: 13 Votes

Video of Changed Meetings

2007-01-16T15:34:00.000-05:00

As mentioned below, there was talk of not being able to video tape the meetings that are going to be in different buildings in the District. At the meeting last night the Board approved moving 3 future Board meetings to 3 different buildings in the District. Vic Potter & John Coulter brought up the importance of the meetings being on video. Joyce Phillips responded that - We will try our hardest to get the meetings on tape - not word for word, but real close to that statement. We just wanted to update what we know now after posting that original blog entry earlier in the week.

What are we hearing??

2007-01-12T14:56:00.000-05:00

We at MPS Change Is Good have learned some news that MAY be coming out of the Board Meeting on Monday January 15th. Is this another part of Joyce's new campaign?

Board meetings will start moving to different buildings in the District (Walters, Gordon, High School, etc.)

When they are NOT in the Community Room at the Middle School we have learned that the meetings WILL NOT be video taped.
By not video taping, that is just another example of Joyce trying to limit the information that is coming out of her office. How are the hundreds of people who watch the meetings on tv supposed to know what happens at those meetings? We guess time will tell.

Lets Run For The Board!

2007-01-12T08:07:00.000-05:00

OK - Are you ready! Lets get serious. Start throwing names out there that would be good for the board. If you know the person that is being talked about, call them and see if they would have any interest in running. If that person says NO, please post here. We need to start figuring out some candidates - FAST. I will try to keep a running log of people who we all suggest - and then update the list when we know if they have been contacted and what their answer is - I will then post that list on the blog and keep updating it once we hear an answer. So lets get busy!!

Some names that have already been thrown out as possible candidates -
Darlene Neidlinger
John Walton
Anita Clark
Steve Hageman
Denise Genise
Lou Giannunzio
Stan Wolk

Now you can subscribe!

2007-01-12T08:03:00.000-05:00

Over on the left hand side of the blog you may have noticed a SUBSCRIBE ME button. What is that you ask? Well everytime the Kids First Campaign Blog has a new blog entry - you get an email saying that it has been updated. But please note, everytime a blog entry get commented on, you will NOT get a email. It is ONLY when the blogger in charge of this site makes a new blog entry. Feel free to subscribe today, if at a later time you no longer want to receive emails, just unsubscribe!

A change for '07

2007-01-11T21:02:00.000-05:00

Hope everyone loves the new look. We are entering a time of the year that is going to become VERY critical for our district. A campain is coming that will need to be very organized to be successful. A campaign that will start turing the tide for a better future for Marshall Public Schools. And we hope that this Blog can be a useful communication tool throughout this process. Share your ideas with us. If you know of a way that this blog can become more useful in our quest to mobilize a Board that truly puts OUR KIDS FIRST! please email the blog at mpskidsfirst@yahoo.com or share your ideas by posting an entry under this topic. Let's all keep the main thing, the main thing - Keep Our Kids First!

MPS Kids First!

2007-01-10T14:13:00.000-05:00

We are trying to change up the look a little bit of the blog. Remember - Change IS Good! You will see 5 "Blog Entries" on the main page. ALL other entries can be found in the ARCHIVE section on the side of the page. You will see at the top of the page a NEW Title. "Kids First Campaign" **The title came from a blogger who posted this catchy phrase - THANKS!** It is OBVIOUS that some people are NOT putting our Kids First - no matter how much they write about it in columns. OUR kids are no longer FIRST! What comes before our kids you may ask...Well that is a good question - It seems small town politics have leap frogged our kids - It seems personal vendettas have leap frogged our kids - It's truly disgusting what is going on...
If you would like to send a personal e-mail to the blog - that you don't want others to see - but would like to get your point across - feel free to send an e-mail to mpskidsfirst@yahoo.com

Good Post from "I have a secret"

2007-01-06T10:13:00.000-05:00

Let's not forget about the special education position that became open last summer at the high school. JP as a personal vendetta against everyone at the high school blocked the hiring of a very qualified person. A highly qualified individual was interviewed in August. This person had (i may have this wrong - about 13 years experience). JP would not hire them in at step 3. (fund equity...more $$$ for the board to give to her). What teacher with incredible experience, especially in this field, would want a teaching job at starting teacher wages. MPS did not get this individual...in fact...MPS got no one. The building principal tried extremely hard to work this problem out - the good doctor didn't "make the main thing the main thing". In fact, she didn't "put kids first". A temporary long term sub is in that position, without credentials in special education. This person is absolutely wonderful but not qualified in that particular field. JP does anything she can to cause obstacles for the high school. The three administrators at the high school are wonderful. JP - should take her agenda and stay out of the buildings...there is no need for her to be managing these buildings. (maybe the middle school but the rest were and are doing fine without her). Administrators are in place (before JP) because they are qualified to do the job they have been hired to do. In fact, they have been doing extraordinary jobs before she rode into Marshall. Her job running her own PR campaign should keep her busy enough to be leaving others to the jobs they were hired for. News flash for the board: There were not problems with these building administrations to be fixed quite contrary to what the good doctor has tried to convinced you of. Let her mess up the Foreman issue and cost the district tens of thousands of dollars...isn't that going to be enough damage. Especially when she will not be here to stand up and admit she made a mistake. That is what Hulk did when the elgibility error happened. What an incredible example that wonderful man set for our kids. Kids are constantly asked "why the current supt. does what she does". Can we really afford to have her create any more messes. Now she is wanting employee input for her PR Chronicle articles...we are quite appalled at this request. Why would we want to help an inadequate superintendent to deceive the community and board on her FAILED LEADERSHIP. Employees know her articles are pretty words she wants the community to believe. Who cares what the employees actually see and know. Stay tuned to her upcoming lawsuit against the Chronicle and perhaps the MEA. Many people want to see the survey results go to press. Perhaps she can spend more of the districts funds to invalidate 152 employee opinions. MPS NEEDS HONEST CITIZENS TO RUN FOR SCHOOL BOARD...DEADLINE 2/13/07. Wait to turn in petitions on 2/12/07 - JP likes surprises...she thrives on them.

Gooooooo TEAM!

2006-12-13T22:36:00.000-05:00

So what did ALI WEBB say during the last board meeting. Did she slam the cheerleaders? Fill us in here!

Is there a High Road?

2006-12-09T13:08:00.000-05:00

Hello All! This blog was created so USEFUL thoughts could be exchanged. It was created so the public could hear concerns from MPS staff regarding leadership at the top. It was created so people could share GREAT things happening within the district. As the title to this entry states - Is there a High Road? The answer is YES. Can't we just state the problems we are facing in this district, and leave the low personal remarks out of it? The majority of posters here on this blog can't stand the personal attacks that come from the Superintendent's Office. Why must some of us stoop to that level? SO - pull the road map back out - FIND THE HIGH ROAD - let's all get back on task.

So, Dr. Metcalf, You like to double talk?

2006-11-26T16:09:00.000-05:00

Congrats goes out once again to Sue Boley, our school nurse, receiving school nurse of the year. In this weeks Marshall Chronicle Brian Metcalf is PRAISING Sue Boley. Kind of hard to believe if you know what the two Doctors put poor Sue Boley through months ago. Anyone who has info about the events that took place, PLEASE POST.

Poll Results

2006-11-25T09:19:00.000-05:00

Vic Potter & Janice Darling are up for re-election in 2007. If they decide to run for re-election, Will you vote for them?

No - 82 votes - 93%
Yes - 4 votes - 5%
Too Early to say - 2 votes - 2%

Don't forget to check out the new poll!

November Board Meeting

2006-11-24T22:43:00.000-05:00

Well, the Marshall Board of Education held their November Board meeting. By now, it has been playing on Marshall Access. If you have seen the meeting - What did you like about it? or What didn't you like about it?

Recall??

2006-11-22T21:17:00.000-05:00

So there have been several posts about a recall being started. Is it true? Anyone have any information on it? Hopefully the people posting about the recall are truly going through with it. If they are posting those comments and it really isn't happening, ALL of the credibility flies out of the window. So post info if you have it. Who is being recalled? What is the language? FILL US IN!

Happy Turkey Day!!

2006-11-22T12:33:00.000-05:00

Just a quick post to tell everyone to have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Hope you enjoy the day with what really matters - Family and Friends!

4th Superintendents Corner

2006-11-19T18:58:00.001-05:00

Leadership is about Our Students’ Future
Dr. Joyce Phillips
November 15, 2006

Two weeks ago, while recovering from foot surgery, I began to reread the national bestseller that many leaders from business and education are enthusiastically discussing. This bestseller is The World is Flat, authored by Thomas L. Friedman, a three-time Pulitzer Prize winner for his work at The New York Times.

In the first one-third of his book, Mr. Friedman details the ten forces that have flattened our world. These forces begin with the fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989. Among the ten, he also mentions Netscape going public (August 8, 1995), work flow software, open-sourcing, outsourcing, offshoring, supply-chaining, insourcing, in-forming, and the steroids (digital, mobile, personal, and virtual).

After he builds his case for flattening of the world, Mr. Friedman discusses what this type of world means to our children. He argues that many good jobs will exist in the flat world for those with the knowledge and ideas to seize them.

Is this important to Marshall? Are these ideas relevant our students’ future? The answer is yes!

Very few things in our lives remain exactly the same forever. The current frenzy about PlayStation 3 is one reminder of our appetite for newer, better, faster.

We need to keep our eyes focused on the world in which our young people will live and work. It is going to be different than ours, and the PlayStations of this world are going to accelerate that change.

Friedman uses four terms to describe the types of workers that our children will become: special, specialized, anchored, and adaptable.

Special workers are the Bill Gates of the world. Few will make it to that level, but those who do will dramatically change the world for the rest of us.

Specialized workers are those whose jobs cannot be digitized and/or outsourced because of knowledge. Examples of these jobs are brain surgeons, software engineers, and advanced machine tool and robot operators. Wages are competitive because they are based on specialized skills.

Anchored workers are those whose jobs must be done in a specific location and involve face-to-face contact with a customer, client, patient, or audience. Examples of these jobs are electricians, accountants, lawyers, plumbers, chefs, teachers, and physicians. Wages are set according to local market conditions.

Adaptable workers are those who constantly acquire new skills, knowledge, and expertise that allow them to create value. An adaptable worker focuses on continuous learning because innovation will happen faster and faster in our children’s lifetime. Wages are set according to the value of adaptability.

Friedman argues that the more we humans push out the boundaries of knowledge and technology, the more complex tasks that machines will do, the more that people with specialized education or those with the ability to learn how to learn, will be in demand.

Will Marshall’s students live, work, and play in a different word? Yes, they will. All you have to do is look around our community and state, to watch the current struggles as we work through some of these changes.

In Marshall Public Schools, we need to keep our eyes on the changing world and prepare our students accordingly.

We need to keep the main thing, the main thing.

Our Kids First

3rd Superintendents Corner

2006-11-18T00:33:00.000-05:00

Sorry for the delay in getting the 3rd "Superintendent's Corner" posted. I believe this was published in last weeks Marshall Chronicle (November 13, 2006 - or - November 6, 2006)

Leadership is about Student Achievement
Dr. Joyce Phillips
October 25, 2006

Last week, I shared my vision for Marshall Public Schools. Now, I will begin to share details of that vision and let you know what’s happening in our schools.

First and foremost, my vision includes high student achievement … for all.

We talk about the MEAP a lot because it is the single common statewide assessment which measures student achievement. When students take the MEAP, the goal is to meet or exceed the expectations set by the state for that grade level and content area.

Let’s take a look now at MEAP achievement in reading, writing, and math - the 3 R’s we consider so important.

The following information is from October 2005 in grades 3-8, the grades required to be tested by No Child Left Behind.

As you read, keep in mind that a score of 80% or higher in any area is a commendable.

Reading: In Marshall, in every grade level tested, 80% or more of our students met or exceeded expectations: grade 3, 95%; grade 4, 87%; grade 5, 90%; grade 6, 89%; grade 7, 85%; and grade 8, 81%. In Michigan, achievement ranged from 87% in grade 3 to 73% grade 8. When compared to schools in Calhoun County and to other high performing schools in the state such as Novi and Farmington, our students excelled.

Are we proud? Yes we are! Will we continue to improve? Yes we will.

Writing: In Marshall, there is a different picture of achievement: grade 3, 53%; grade 4, 48%; grade 5, 66%; grade 6, 79%; grade 7, 80%; grade 8, 68%. In Michigan, achievement ranged from 51% in grade 3 to 65% in grade 8. Most interestingly, our achievement matched that of other schools in Calhoun County and high performing schools.

What does that say about the area of writing? Without a doubt, the whole state needs to improve. And in Marshall, we take this message seriously. In 2005-06, our major area of focus for professional development was writing. We also realigned our writing curriculum to the state’s grade level content expectations. We are learning new methods for teaching writing and we are working at this consistently, from classroom to classroom, and school to school.

Math: In Marshall, the following percentage of students met or exceeded expectations: grade 3, 95%; grade 4, 87%; grade 5, 78%; grade 6, 69%; grade 7, 58%; grade 8, 68%. In Michigan, the range was 87% in grade 3 to 63% in grade 8. Interestingly, our achievement in grades 3-8 compared favorably to other schools in Calhoun County but only in grades 3- 4 in those other high performing schools.

What are we doing as a district about math? In 2005-06, we realigned our math curriculum to the state’s grade level content expectations. In 2006-07, we are immersed in professional development through several initiatives including but not limited to PROM/SE (Promoting Rigorous Outcomes in Math and Science Education), Lenses on Learning, and IMMAP (Improving Middle Math Achievement Project). We are piloting Everyday Mathematics in K-grade 5 classrooms where teachers have volunteered. We are learning new methods for teaching mathematics and we will work at this consistently, from classroom to classroom, and school to school.

In Marshall, we are proud of our tradition of high achievement. We will continue to connect our curriculum, revise our instruction, and keep our focus on high achievement for all.

We will keep the main thing, the main thing.

Our Kids First

2nd Poll Results

2006-11-16T11:13:00.000-05:00

Results for the 2nd Poll Question:

If the $51.6 Million Bond Proposal is on the ballot in May how will you vote?

No - 56 Votes - 77%
Yes - 14 Votes - 19%
Undecided - 3 Votes - 4%

Total Votes - 73

Let it be known

2006-11-16T11:03:00.000-05:00

It is important to point out that Vic Potter also joined John Coulter and Chris Varvatos in commenting about the surveys during the November Board Meeting. Some bloggers have just mentioned John and Chris about commenting about the surveys (I even screwed up by not mentioning Vic in my last post) - But it is important to note for the record that Vic did make a comment. Thanks again for your continuing involvement in this blog!

Why No E-Mail??

2006-11-15T19:17:00.000-05:00

- Why does Janice Darling choose not to let the public that she represents know her e-mail address? ~~~ All it takes is a simple note to Kimberly VanWormer in the Superintendent's Office saying - Put my e-mail address on the School Web Page. ~~~ She is the only Board Member NOT to have an e-mail address listed on the web page.

- Don't you think with this big "Communication" push that is coming from the board - Janice Darling would have all of her Lines of Communication OPEN?

- Why didn't Janice Darling join John Coulter and Chris Varvatos in speaking about the Staff Surveys during the Board Comments of the November Board Meeting? - Isn't Janice Darling the head of the Personnel Committee? - Once again, Janice Darling was the ONLY Board Member NOT to comment about the Surveys.

So - - E-Mail Janice Darling and tell her your concerns.
darling123@cablespeed.com

Janice - You have always been a pillar in this community. We are lucky to have such a person like you here in Marshall. Please do what you were elected to do - Be your own person on the board - Ask Questions! - Talk to People within the District - You will see that Joyce Phillips may not be very good to be so closely connected to.

Is This Leadership?

2006-11-13T15:28:00.000-05:00

Courtesy of Marshall Public Access

Why Would Joyce Phillips talk while Sam Ramon is trying to make a comment?

Why does Paul Beardslee have to take the Leadership Role and tell Joyce to wait while Sam finishes?

Is this how a Leader acts during a Public Meeting?
-Remember John Coulter saying to the Audience that it was rude to talk while Board Members are making comments - Does that rule apply to Joyce Phillips?

Board Meeting on Monday

2006-11-09T23:11:00.000-05:00

Just a reminder that the November School Board Meeting is this upcoming Monday. If you have never been to a meeting, you should go. You don't have to stand and speak, just sit and watch. It is VERY interesting to see the School Board work. More people need to start going to these meetings, it is just another way to get involved in your school community! So a reminder - November 13th - 7:00pm - Community Room - Marshall Middle School.

GET OUT THE VOTE!!!

2006-11-06T08:39:00.000-05:00

Don't forget to VOTE tomorrow, Tuesday November 7th! It is a very big part of our democratic process. If you don't vote, then don't complain on how things are run!

End of the Week Stats

2006-11-04T13:04:00.000-05:00

MPS Change Is Good
-- Site Summary ---

Visits
Total .......................... 575
Average per Day ................. 79
Average Visit Length ......... 10:56

Page Views
Total ........................ 1,831
Average per Day ................ 245
Average per Visit .............. 3.1

1st Poll Results

2006-11-04T12:59:00.000-05:00

At the end of our first poll here are the results.

How do you rate the job our Superintendent is doing?

Unfavorable - 70 Votes - 80%
Favorable - 13 Votes - 15%
Not Enough Info To Answer - 4 Votes - 5%

Total Votes - 87

Make sure to check out the new poll!

School Time

2006-11-02T09:11:00.000-05:00

Well it seems "Anonymous" is very concerned about MPS Employees using
school computers to post entries into this blog during school time.
Looking through the comments for every blog entry, it seems that most
of the entries take place from 2:50p.m. on. Yes, there are some others
that are posted before that time, but WE all should realize that it's
not just MPS staff participating in this blog. Why should we assume it is not just MPS
employees? Well as I pulled the sites statistics, there have been over
425 visitors to the blog with over 1500 page views. Is it fair to say
that the administration may look into who has visited this site during
school time? It may be. But, whats to say they haven't visited during
their lunch periods? If the administration doesn't want this page being
viewed on school computers, it probably only takes a simple phone call
to the Technology Department to put a block on it.

But speaking of school time, it is important to point out what "Concerned MPS Parent" stated yesterday. "So...What is your input on Dr. Phillips sending two MPS employees over to Principal Bennick's home to put in an air conditioner during school,ie,
work time and using school equipment? This is something that is public
knowledge that was done which if we use your input from a previous
listing you think that Dr. Phillips should be fired for not doing her
job and using school equipment for personal benefit."

Two valid points. MPS employees shouldn't use school computers to POST COMMENTS on the blog AND Joyce Phillips should not be sending MPS employees to other employees houses to install a window unit air conditioner.

Excellence In Marshall

2006-10-31T22:47:00.000-05:00

We are SO lucky to live in a community where people truly and deeply care about our school district. This blog is proof of that. We, like every school district in America, has problems. Everyone who has posted on this blog cares about this district. WE ALL want to see the Marshall Public School be the best WE can be. Sometimes the GOOD of the district gets lost in the bad of the district. Lets take some time and realize what some of the good has been recently --

Sue Boley our District Wide Nurse was awarded Michigan's 2007 School Nurse of the Year.
We just had a successful all-elementary school carnival. Thanks to all the parent volunteers for all your hard work!
Sue Townsend - Principal of Walters Elementary was awarded a Principal of the Year Award.
The MHS Boys Golf Team recently placed 3rd in the State.
The MHS Marching Band recently received a "ONE" rating during the District 11 Marching Band Festival.
A group of Marshall Citizens spent many weeks investigating our Districts Facility Needs - and reported their findings to the Board. Thanks to them for spending some of their free time (which seems to be so hard to find) to figure out how to improve our facilities to keep us competitive with other districts.

These are some of the things that make us a District with Excellence! Please feel free to add other good thing that has happened recently in OUR District.

You Learn Something New Everyday!

2006-10-31T00:16:00.000-05:00

Taken From www.marshall.k12.mi.us/district/index.html#belief

Belief Statement

Every individual has worth and dignity, is unique and learns in relation to that uniqueness, and has the right to educational opportunity in order to reach his or her potential.
Students have the right to acquire the greatest possible understanding of themselves and the right to gain an appreciation of their worth.
The mastery of essential skills is the primary focus of its educational program.
Learning is a lifelong process, and therefore, the school district must provide the opportunities for all students to develop in the physical, cognitive, affective, and creative domains.
The preservation of a free society depends upon the ability of its citizens to protect individual liberty; thus, schools must promote the democratic ideal, promote social justice, and develop an appreciation of America's heritage.

Family Feud?

2006-10-29T20:03:00.000-05:00

- AND THE SURVEY SAYS -
Below are the numerical results to the Unionized Staff Survey Results that were presented to the Marshall Board of Education during the October Board Meeting. The results are arranged in alphabetical order.
1 = POOR
2 = BELOW AVERAGE
3 = AVERAGE
4 = ADEQUATE
5 = SUPERIOR

NEEDLESS TO SAY - TALK AMONGST YOURSELVES!

Was This Necessary?

2006-10-29T09:49:00.000-05:00

A few weeks back the rock at Marshall High School was painted. On one side it said "Fire Phillips - Metcalf - Jones" - On the other side it said "Students For A Better School". Has a student group formed? Will they start speaking out about their issues? I guess they only know. So go ahead - - - Talk Amongst Yourselves!

A few housekeeping notes. Maybe you have noticed the new poll on the sidebar of this blog. There will be a poll every week, on different issues. The results will be posted at the conclusion of the poll - of course it is a non-scientific poll. Also at the end of every week the stats from this blog will be released - how many visitors, how many page views, etc. So thank you - "MarshallMom", "Marshall Taxpayer", "Carol", "Dr.M", "MpsParent", "The Grinch", "T Dawg", and all other "Anonymous" bloggers! Thank you for not only visiting this blog, but POSTING with your thoughts. Lets ALL keep this dialogue going. It is so very important!

Under Pressure - Talk Amongst Yourselves

2006-10-28T12:13:00.000-04:00

Published October 28, 2006
The Marshall Chronicle
by John Jacobs, J-Ad President/CEO

Despite the disappointment by certain groups that the Chronicle puts too much emphasis on negative news, we're going to continue to tell the truth, fairly, accurately, without pressure from any group requesting us to "join the team!" We strive to do it responsibly, carefully, with much thought and concern for how it will affect those involved. We receive numerous news tips which we welcome. We take them all seriously, investigate and make judgments about their news value on a regular basis. Some become stories, some don't. Please don't presume that we will be reckless with the information. I think we've proven that we won't. We're not joiners - we're informers of facts. We're not going to tell you how to think, how to vote, but we will offer KNOWLEDGE so you can make your own choices and become more aware of the actions of the public entities in your hometown, the community we ALL love and want to prosper and grow. In regard to the Marshall Teachers Association and other unionized staff survey presented to the Board of Education two weeks ago, we believe before the community can be asked to approve the investment of $51.6 million on physical properties, the school board, as a group, needs to address the reported low morale of the teachers. The teachers and support staff represents our most important educational resource! Their combined talent and experience must be available to the students without impairment. When they report to be uncomfortable with the attitude and environment in which they perform their services, it could affect the education of our young people. We can't allow that to occur. Reaction is required by those in charge, namely, the Board of Education, to fix the problem and go forward! Despite the pressure, the Chronicle will continue to be unbiased, fact finding, fact reporting and dedicated to sharing every and anything positive (or otherwise). Marshall is a truly great community with a strong future.

Both Sides Welcomed

2006-10-27T12:10:00.000-04:00

This blog was created so there can be open dialogue between "both sides". No matter what "side" you are on - please use this tool to discuss your displeasures, ideas to make positive forward movement, etc. Remember - - - open dialogue about topics is useful, you may not agree with what people have to say, but as long as we are talking about it - that is a good thing!

Talk Amongst Yourselves.......

2006-10-26T20:54:00.000-04:00

Quoted from The Marshall Chronicle
October 23, 2006

"Fact is, since I've been here, I'm told I'm the most visible superintendent Marshall's ever had. I attend more student events, more sporting events, more of the arts performances and more community events than any other superintendent. I take that as a compliment. Because I care about Marshall."
-Joyce Phillips, Superintendent MPS

Discussion Of Topics

2006-10-25T19:59:00.000-04:00

If you would like to discuss any of the topics listed in this blog please click on the comments link below the post and type your comment. To read comments (if there are any comments left about the topic) click the comment link to read them.

Board evaluation of Phillips not accurate

2006-10-25T19:56:00.000-04:00

Letter to the Editor:

How many people would not read a survey conducted, regarding them directly, immediately? Joyce Phillips stated that after receiving the survey at the Monday board meeting, she had not had the time to read them as of print day, Thursday. How likely is that? Especially since, according to her ‘guest column’ in which she was running damage control she is trying to blame the MPS employees of being afraid of change. Quite the contrary. Change is welcome when it is in the best interest of our students, community and staff. Marshall deserves a superintendent with a better overall rating than 1.7%. This is still an overall rating of poor. Read the guest article again - apparently Joyce had read the survey. When 218 surveys are sent out and 153 returned, that shows a great desire for change. Why are you trying to make this seem so insignificant? Are you afraid of change? Maybe that is the real problem here. What was Joyce’s overall rating on the survey? On a one to five did she receive an overall of 2, 3, 4 or 5? No, her overall rating was 1.7%. With 218 being sent out, 110 returned them on Joyce. The other personnel had no dealing or knowledge of what the superintendent does or what that position entails. This was a return on Joyce of 50%. Does that not show a need for change? It would seem to me that if any other school employee received all overall 1’s (poor), they would be dismissed. The survey scale was as follows: 5=superior, 4=adequate, 3=average, 2=below average and 1=poor. Does Marshall deserve a “poor superintendent” running our schools? I would hope each and every one reading this would say ‘no’. This is going to require a lot of change on Joyce’s part. Talk of doing a survey began in late March through early April. Staff, after reading the board’s yearly evaluation of the superintendent (Marshall Chronicle, May 15, 2006) began talking about letting their opinion be heard through the survey tool. It was decided to do the survey during the summer months when attention could be given to it. The MPS staff did not feel the board was accurate in their opinion of Joyce Phillips’ performance. According to Vic Potter, saying, he “thinks employees would be happy we believe in our leader.” Is it not important for approximately 300-plus MPS employees to believe in their leader or just seven school board members? Are seven school board members not elected to represent the whole community? According to the Oct. 9, 2006 Chronicle, Vic Potter is quoted as saying, “they say there are no names on it (the survey). Give me some people to talk to. The board has always been open to anybody to talk. No one has called me. With no names, I won’t know what to think. I guess I have to see what the contents are. Are they upset because she is making some people do their jobs and they don’t want to?” Answer: How often do you take part in a survey and are asked to submit your name? Vic, you could begin by talking to any school employee regarding the concerns evident in the survey. MPS employees have been told for years that they are not to take concerns to the boar - they are to speak to the superintendent first. As far as employees not wanting to be made to do their jobs, over 300 employees have been and will continue to do the excellent jobs they were hired to do before Joyce Phillips came to Marshall and for decades after she leave this area.

Lynn Griffin, Marshall
Published 10/23/2006
The Marshall Chronicle

Superintendent's Corner

2006-10-25T16:05:00.000-04:00

by Dr. Joyce Phillips, Superintendent, MPS
Published October 23, 2006
The Marshall Chronicle

Vision is a powerful tool. It sets the course to the future, gives us direction, and allows us to focus on purpose and strategic direction. Without vision, we are always looking in the rear view mirror. Looking in the rear view mirror of your car will get you out of the driveway. Once you get out of the driveway though, you are stuck until you look ahead. It is only by looking forward through the windshield at the road that you can get anywhere. That's not to say that checking the backward view from time to time isn't important. It is. However, by constantly looking backward, you cannot move ahead. A leader is the keeper of the vision. A leader keeps the main thing, the main thing. Here is my vision for Marshall Public Schools:
My vision includes high student achievement. In my vision, the achievement of Marshall's students is highly regarded throughout the county, region, and state. Elementary, middle and high school students have opportunities for enrichment, advanced study or remediation. After high school graduation, students are successful in their next choices, whether that is a 4 year or 2 year college or university; the workforce; the military; or other technical training. Failure is not acceptable. My vision includes highly qualified staff. Each position in the district, from support staff, to teaching staff, to administrative staff is filled by the highest qualified, most competent person for that position. My vision includes a school board that sets strategic direction for the district and develops policy. The board sets goals and then holds all of us accountable for those goals. My vision includes a school environment which supports quality teaching and learning. School space that is well maintained and up-to-date meets students' needs and learning styles. The buildings are clean and in good repair. The well-kept grounds make a statement that we care from the outside to the inside, and that everything we do is important. My vision includes a transportation system that holds students' safety in the highest regard and a food service system that provides healthy choices and quality foods. My vision includes opportunities for quality professional development and training. All staffs eagerly engage in these opportunities to continue learning new techniques and strategies that will increase their effectiveness in their position. Continuous improvement is valued and expected. My vision includes a community partnership that is dedicated to the success of out students and programs. My vision also includes awareness for fiscal responsibility. The success of my vision depends on the financial health of the district. We cannot overspend our limits or none of the vision becomes reality. After reading this, you have a pretty good idea about my ideas for Marshall Public Schools. Over the course of these last three years, you have seen this vision spark into life and begin to take shpae. As the vision continues to unfold and drive our work, I make you a promise: I will continue to keep Our Kids First.

Lets Hear What You Have To Say

2006-10-16T12:33:00.000-04:00

Unless you have been hiding under a rock here in Marshall, you know that there is some controversy brewing (or has already brewed and people are just finding out about it) with our top administration of the Marshall Public Schools, mainly Joyce Phillips. The common theme coming out now from Joyce Phillips and Board President Vic Potter is that communication is good. So, what better communication tool than a Blog. Feel free to post any comments that you have about this topic.

KIDS FIRST CAMPAIGN

Bryan Klochack Out??

Where are the savings?

How about a little RESPECT

Huh??

It's official

Vote for DeSmet for Marshall board

Thank you!

What a meeting

Joyce Phillips' Last Stand

Come one Come all.

Interest in Write-In Candidates?

It's official

Reposting blog entry from "Somber Reflections"

Discuss....

What's the rush?

Breaking News

VOTE!

Us against them fostered in district

Can You Afford The Tax Hike?

Let the good times roll - -

Thoughts on Bond Proposal

What will come . . . .

Cool-Down Period

Fact Finding Mission

Election Results Are Final!

Election Day

A Jeer from Shelly Sulser

It's All About The Benjamin's

Which Way Will They Sway?

Congratulations Ron!

More Fallout on the way?

Superintendents Review

Check It Out!!!

"Not on the work clock" - "Concerned Citizen"??!!??

Ron Behrenwald on the way out?

Diploma Issue

Hopefully there will be a correction coming.....

Are YOU thinking of running for the Board?

Poll Results

Video of Changed Meetings

What are we hearing??

Lets Run For The Board!

Now you can subscribe!

A change for '07

MPS Kids First!

Good Post from "I have a secret"

Gooooooo TEAM!

Is there a High Road?

So, Dr. Metcalf, You like to double talk?

Poll Results

November Board Meeting

Recall??

Happy Turkey Day!!

4th Superintendents Corner

3rd Superintendents Corner

2nd Poll Results

*Let it be known*

Why No E-Mail??

Is This Leadership?

Board Meeting on Monday

GET OUT THE VOTE!!!

End of the Week Stats

1st Poll Results

School Time

Excellence In Marshall

You Learn Something New Everyday!

Family Feud?

Was This Necessary?

Under Pressure - Talk Amongst Yourselves

Both Sides Welcomed

Talk Amongst Yourselves.......

Discussion Of Topics

Board evaluation of Phillips not accurate

Superintendent's Corner

Lets Hear What You Have To Say

Let it be known