SLCS District Update
May 25th, 2023
Superintendent's Update
Good evening SLCS Families and Staff Members,
Memorial Day is celebrated this year on Monday, May 29th. This is a time dedicated to honoring the American men and women who died while serving in the U.S. military. Our thoughts are with all SLCS families who lost loved ones while they were serving. We also want to send a heartfelt thank you to all of the veterans in the SLCS school community and to those currently enlisted in our armed forces. You are deservedly held in the highest regard for your sacrifice and service to our country!
SLCS Proud!
Steven Archibald
Superintendent
No School-Memorial Day
There is no school on Monday, May 29th in honor of Memorial Day.
Budget Reductions FAQ
Information regarding the budget outlook for the school district specific to the 2022-23 and 2023-24 budgets has been shared in previous issues of the District Update and at Board of Education meetings. This is a link to information that was shared in the May 4th District Update. This link can be used to access the May 16th Board of Education meeting. The conversation regarding the budget is at the 30:00 mark. The presentation slides shared at the Board meeting are available on the district website and by clicking this link.
Below are some frequently asked questions and answers related to the budget information that has been shared. Please don’t hesitate to contact Mr. Archibald after reviewing the available information if you have any additional questions or feedback.
Q1: The community passed a capital improvement projects bond in August 2020. Can this money be used to address the budget shortfall for 2023-24?
A1: No. Bond proceeds can be used to purchase, erect, complete, remodel, or equip or re-equip school buildings or other facilities. The monies can also pay for furnishing new or renovated school buildings; acquiring, preparing, developing, or improving sites; purchasing school buses; and obtaining, installing, equipping, or re-equipping school buildings for technology. Maintenance or repairs are not a permissible use of the dollars, nor are funding operating costs.
Q2: Why is the district nurse position at Hardy Elementary School being eliminated for next school year?
A2: There are no students currently scheduled to attend Hardy next year who will require nurse services. That will be reassessed should a need arise. There will still be two District nurses who currently work out of CMS and SLHS.
Q3: Can you explain the reduction in hours for the building paraprofessionals?
A3: Prior to COVID, there were 2 paras allocated for each elementary school for 20 hours a week each (a total of 320 hours per week district-wide). We increased the hours during the pandemic due to an increase in responsibilities. Currently, each building is allocated two paraprofessional positions each for a total of 28 hours per week (a total of 448 hours per week district-wide). For next year, we are reducing the total hours to 380 hours per week. Each school will have a base allocation of 2 paras at 20 hours per week as they did previously. The remaining 60 hours will be allocated to schools based on enrollment.
Q4: Does the reduction in paraprofessional hours impact students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) who have a one-to-one paraprofessional assigned to assist them?
A4: No.
Q5: Restorative Practice (RP) has been an integral part of the student discipline process for many years. Can other staff members perform restorative practice sessions with students?
A5: Yes. We have added school social workers over the last two years. School social workers and many of the building administrators are trained to conduct RP sessions. We will look to train additional staff members if necessary
Q6: What cost containment ideas are being considered?
A6: This is an area that we will continue to address for the foreseeable future. Current ideas include adjusting the heating and cooling set points in buildings, reducing printing, encouraging two-sided printing whenever feasible, and changing vendors currently used to provide contracted services. This list is not to serve as an exhaustive list and will be an ongoing area of focus district-wide.
As stated previously, we want to assure everyone that none of these decisions are easy and all are made with much thought and careful consideration. At the end of this difficult process, I am fully confident that SLCS will continue to provide our students with the quality educational experience they expect and deserve.
SLHS Theater Presents
Mental Health Resources
As the summer months are approaching, Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) is providing important mental health resources to the educational community to encourage a safe and healthy summer.
For additional mental health resources, please visit oaklandchn.org
SLAYA Summer Enrichment
South Lyon East Football Camp
Upcoming Events
May 29 - No School - Memorial Day
June 10 - High School Graduations
June 14 - All Students ½ Day
June 15 - All Students ½ Day
June 16 - All Students ½ Day - Last Day of School