Mike's Monday Memo

Here’s what’s up for the week of February 13, 2006:

1. Valentine’s Day is Tomorrow – Remember flowers are nice, dinner is great, but “Diamonds are FOREVER!”
   
   
2. Governor Granholm 2006-2007 Budget – The good news is the Governor is recommending that our local districts receive an increase.  To date, I have not heard if her budget includes any additional money for ISDs. The next step in the process is both the House and Senate will review the budget and make proposed changes. The final budget might not be completed until this summer.  (See Attached) Goals for Education.
   
   
3. Sad News – I’m sorry to inform you that Mary Casper and Barb Przybylski’s father, Joseph F. Regulski, passed away on Friday, February 10, 2006. Please keep Mary, Barb and their family in your thoughts and prayers during this sad time.
   
   
4. New Retirement Rate 2006-2007- We just received the new retirement rate for our next school year. Our current rate is 16.34% 2005-2006. The new rate will be 17.74 % or an increase of 1.4%. Just to put this in perspective, for every dollar we spend for employee’s salaries, .1774 cents goes into retirement. This does not include the approximate 4 cents employee contributes in addition to their own retirement.
   
   
5. Finger Printing Update - We will be requesting that the Board of Education approve the purchase of the finger printing equipment. If approved, we hope to receive the equipment within 90 days. Once we have the equipment and are trained, we will begin the finger scanning process. This will be required for all employees. Our Administrators will be the first to be finger printed.
   
   
6. Be a Great Team Player - Boost morale and team spirit with words of praise and encouragement for co-workers. Don’t hesitate to offer help whenever you can. Your efforts will be remembered when your work piles up. Stay positive, even in times of conflict or stress. A bright outlook is contagious. Make co-workers aware of new ideas, problems and information. Clear and timely communication keeps everyone on track. Stay flexible. View change as a challenge and opportunity, rather than as a disruption. Do your part. Complete your work on time so that the team can move ahead together.
   
   
7. Birthday Wishes – 2/13 Jacinda Wackerle; 2/16 Chrisann Failing. Happy Birthday!