City PTSA - Welcome

Due to technical difficulties and an incorrect email link, the LAC's Powerword Essay contest has been extended. PLEASE NOTE that If you submitted an essay, you need to resubmit by following the correct link below. The deadline has been extended to this Friday, June 8, midnight.

Submit your 800 word essay on one of the education funding topics to powerword@cityptsa.com Students who enter will have a chance to win tickets to this summer's Lollapalooza music festival in Chicago's Grant Park Aug. 2-5. All submissions will be sent to your state legislators!

Continue reading "POWER WORD CYBER RALLY STILL OPEN" »

Posted by Kate at 03:05 AM | Permalink

If you weren't able to attend the April 26, forum, "Michigan's Future: The Budget Crisis, the Education Crisis and You", don't despair. The Community Media Center will be showing it on GRTV's Livewire Cable Channel 24 on the following dates:

Tuesday, May 1st, 7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, May 2nd, 2:00 p.m.
Thursday, May 3rd, 7:00 p.m.
Friday, May 4th, 2:00 p.m.
Saturday, May 5th 10:00 a.m.
Sunday, May 6th, 6:00 p.m.

The LAC committee will make DVDs available for a small fee. Watch the Pulse for more info.

Posted by cityviews at 01:03 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

There's no time like the present to get the facts of how tax cuts are affecting the education deficit in Michign. The City PTSA Legislative Action committee is proud to present a forum featuring keynote speaker Dr. Charles L. Ballard. Admission is free.

Michigan's Future: the Budget Crisis, the Education Crisis and You.

What: City High/Middle School PTSA will host Charles Ballard speaking on his recent book Michigan's Economic Future: Challenges and Opportunities (July, 2006)

When: Thursday, April 26, 2007 @ 7:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Where: GRPS Franklin Campus auditorium, 1331 Franklin Avenue, SE.

Why: Charles Ballard will help us gain perspective on Michigan's budget challenges and the increased public school funding crisis as they affect broader aspects of our state and our lives as a whole. Mike Pumford, legislative liaison for GRPS and KISD, will help citizens understand what actions they can take to influence legislators in making critical decisions for our future. Learn the significance of the renewable millage that will be on the ballot May 8, and meet the school board candidates.

For information, contact
Anne Marie Bessette
249-9241
ambessette@iserv.net
Keep reading to learn more about Dr. Ballard or visit the Education Funding Action category to read all about the issues.

Continue reading "Don't Miss the LACs Funding Forum April 26!" »

Posted by Kate at 09:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Please help the City Middle High PTSA Legislative Action Committee help spread the word about our upcoming forum: Michigan's Future: the Budget Crisis, the Education Crisis and You by distributing this flyer. The forum is scheduled fro Thursday, April 26, 7 p.m. at the GRPS Franklin Campus auditorium, 1331 Franklin Ave. SE and offers the views of Dr. Charles Ballard. Admission free. Click on the link to download and print. Thanks for your assistance.

Download file City Funding Forum

Posted by Kate at 01:45 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Get informed and take action to preserve education in Michigan. With a millage vote coming May 8 and sweeping cuts afoot in state legislature by May 1st, it's urgent parents and students arm themselves with information to have a say in our future. The City High Middle Legislative Action Committee is hosting a forum about the funding crisis in Michigan April 26, 7 p.m. at the GRPS Franklin Campus auditorium 1331 Franklin Ave. SE. But before you join us, bone up on the issues. LAC Chairwoman Anne Marie Bessette has prepared a comprehensive backgrounder to help parents and students understand the issues...before it's too late. READ ON!

Continue reading "AN URGENT MESSAGE FROM YOUR LEGISLATIVE ACTION COMMITTEE" »

Posted by Kate at 12:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On Tuesday, May 8, 2007, the Grand Rapids Public Schools will ask for permission to levy the Non-Homestead property tax rate for three years. This Non-Homestead millage currently generates approximately $30 million of the revenue needed to operate our schools each year. This is what it will cost homeowners . . . NOTHING. Read on for frequently asked questions. And make sure you vote to support our students!

Continue reading "FAQ ABOUT THE MILLAGE RENEWAL MAY 8" »

Posted by Kate at 11:18 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

GRPS board member Lisa Hinkel wrote this incisive op-ed for the Grand Rapids Press March 31, 2007. Ms. Hinkel has graciously offered it for posting. Please read on for a local perspective on the funding crisis our children face.

Continue reading "Board Member Speaks Out on Education Funding Crisis" »

Posted by Kate at 11:12 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

We are at a critical time in Michigan. The state budget has been cut by $3 billion in the past seven years. The 2007 General Fund revenues are lower than those in 1996. The state's reserves are used up and almost $7 billion in one-time resources have been exhausted. For fiscal year 2007, the General Fund will have a shortfall in revenues of $607 million and the School Aid Fund will see a revenue shortage of $377 million. Facing a nearly $1 billion in revenues shortfall, our legislators and governor have the responsibility of balancing the state budget. The Single Business Tax must also be replaced or leave a $1.9 billion hole in the General Fund revenues for fiscal year 2008 and beyond. READ MORE TO LEARN HOW YOU CAN HELP!

Continue reading "APRIL BUDGET CRISIS SUMMARY from the LAC" »

Posted by Kate at 10:59 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Use this handy list of local state representatives to tell legislators you DO NOT SUPPORT MID YEAR TAX CUTS. Time is of the essence. There is a "body copy" for a suggested letter you can copy and paste into an email, or you can use your own words to get your message across. If you don't know which member is your representative, send it to them all. They need to hear your VOICE. READ MORE.

Continue reading "Take Action on Funding Cuts Now!" »

Posted by Kate at 10:51 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)