- traditional infrastructure
- school construction
- energy efficiency
- broadband access
- health-information technology
December 18, 2008
Obama's Stimulus Package
Preliminary indications point to the following main components of President-elect Obama's school stimulus package:
December 17, 2008
AASA Survey
The American Association of School Administrators (AASA) administered a survey to superintendents in December 2008 to learn how school districts would spend one-time block-grant funds if they were to become available as part of a Federal economic stimulus package. The results are as follows:
Please contact me at brad.stefanoni@greenbush.org to discuss how your company and Greenbush can work collaboratively to assist school districts in Kansas in January-February 2009.
- Facilities-related projects: building repair, building renovation, security measures, and deferred school construction projects
- Classroom instructional materials/technology: classroom technology, classroom equipment/supplies, textbooks, and music education equipment/supplies
- Technology-related projects: machines (computers, printers etc.), infrastructure/hardware, software, connectivity
Please contact me at brad.stefanoni@greenbush.org to discuss how your company and Greenbush can work collaboratively to assist school districts in Kansas in January-February 2009.
December 15, 2008
President-elect Obama's Recovery Plan
Following is content from eSchool News in regard to President-elect Obama's recovery plan and how it relates to schools.
To boost the sinking economy, government needs to invest in modernizing and upgrading school buildings, expanding broadband internet access, making public buildings more energy efficient, and launching a public works program to rebuild the nation's highways, said President-elect Barack Obama in a Dec. 6 radio address.
The address, which is also available on YouTube, came a day after the government reported that employers cut 533,000 jobs in November, the most in 34 years. The plans are part of a vision for a massive economic recovery program Obama wants Congress to pass and have waiting on his desk when he takes office Jan. 20.
He offered no price estimate for the grand plan, nor stipulations for how the money might be divided or its effect on the country's financial health at a time of burgeoning deficits. However, a recent report by the Center for American Progress suggested a spending plan of $350 billion in the first year of economic stimulus and recovery. Obama's transition co-chair, John Podesta, is currently on a leave of absence from his position as president and chief executive
of the center.
A few of the initiatives outlined in Obama's address also can be found in the center's study, written by Will Straw, associate director for economic growth, and Michael Ettlinger, vice president for economic policy.
"My economic recovery plan will launch the most sweeping effort to modernize and upgrade school buildings that this country has ever seen," Obama said in the address. "We will repair broken schools, make them more energy-efficient, and put new computers in our classrooms. Because to help our children compete in a 21st-century economy, we need to send them to 21st-century schools."
In Straw's and Ettlinger's report, they recommend that a total of $20 billion be spent to address the nearly one-third of schools that have one or more temporary buildings housing an average of 160 students each--and the hundreds of billions of estimated dollars needed to bring school facilities to good condition.
The report suggests that $7.25 billion should be spent immediately to support state and local green school construction and modernization projects. It suggests an additional $12.75 billion be spent on school districts to eliminate years of deferred maintenance, particularly in schools in low-income communities. The study claims that those two measures could create 250,000 skilled maintenance and repair jobs and supply $6 billion of materials and
supplies.
Obama's proposed upgrades to schools are part of a larger plan to make all public buildings more energy-efficient. The U.S. government currently pays the highest energy bill in the world, according to the president-elect.
Weekly Address from the President-Elect
"We need to change that. We need to upgrade our federal buildings by replacing old heating systems and installing efficient light bulbs. That won't just save you, the American taxpayer, billions of dollars each year. It will put people back to work," Obama said.
The president-elect also said he plans to make sure that all children have access to broadband internet service. On his transition web site, change.gov, Obama said he plans to get broadband to every community in the nation through a combination of reforming the Universal Service Fund; making better use of the nation's wireless spectrum; promoting next-generation facilities, technologies, and applications; and implementing new loan programs and tax
incentives.
"It is unacceptable that the United States ranks 15th in the world in broadband adoption. Here, in the country that invented the internet, every child should have the chance to get online, and they'll get that chance when I'm president--because that's how we'll strengthen America's competitiveness in the world," he said.
The Center for American Progress study suggested that $5 billion be spent to help build the infrastructure necessary to enhance access and increase demand for broadband, creating 97,500 new jobs. Straw and Ettlinger suggest that $335 million of the $5 billion be used to fully fund the Broadband Data Improvement Act, which gives states a clearer picture of where gaps in broadband availability currently exist.
On Dec. 2, a coalition of representatives form telecommunications firms, technology advocacy groups, and technology trade associations issued a call to action urging Obama to make the development and initial implementation of a comprehensive national broadband strategy a high priority when he takes office in January. The coalition included groups such as AT&T, Verizon, the Telecommunications Industry Association, Google, Public Knowledge, and Free Press.
According to the coalition's call to action, "Too many Americans still do not have access to affordable broadband or lack the equipment or knowledge to use it effectively. If the United States is to remain a leader in the global economy, our broadband networks must also be robust enough to enable our people, businesses, and public and private institutions to take full advantage of emerging and future bandwidth-intensive and quality-sensitive
applications."
The largest piece of Obama's plan to revive the economy would occur through a job-creating public works plan on a scale unseen since the building of the interstate highway system in the 1950s.
Obama said his plan would employ millions of people, saving or creating 2.5 million jobs for the nearly 2 million people who have already lost their jobs.
To boost the sinking economy, government needs to invest in modernizing and upgrading school buildings, expanding broadband internet access, making public buildings more energy efficient, and launching a public works program to rebuild the nation's highways, said President-elect Barack Obama in a Dec. 6 radio address.
The address, which is also available on YouTube, came a day after the government reported that employers cut 533,000 jobs in November, the most in 34 years. The plans are part of a vision for a massive economic recovery program Obama wants Congress to pass and have waiting on his desk when he takes office Jan. 20.
He offered no price estimate for the grand plan, nor stipulations for how the money might be divided or its effect on the country's financial health at a time of burgeoning deficits. However, a recent report by the Center for American Progress suggested a spending plan of $350 billion in the first year of economic stimulus and recovery. Obama's transition co-chair, John Podesta, is currently on a leave of absence from his position as president and chief executive
of the center.
A few of the initiatives outlined in Obama's address also can be found in the center's study, written by Will Straw, associate director for economic growth, and Michael Ettlinger, vice president for economic policy.
"My economic recovery plan will launch the most sweeping effort to modernize and upgrade school buildings that this country has ever seen," Obama said in the address. "We will repair broken schools, make them more energy-efficient, and put new computers in our classrooms. Because to help our children compete in a 21st-century economy, we need to send them to 21st-century schools."
In Straw's and Ettlinger's report, they recommend that a total of $20 billion be spent to address the nearly one-third of schools that have one or more temporary buildings housing an average of 160 students each--and the hundreds of billions of estimated dollars needed to bring school facilities to good condition.
The report suggests that $7.25 billion should be spent immediately to support state and local green school construction and modernization projects. It suggests an additional $12.75 billion be spent on school districts to eliminate years of deferred maintenance, particularly in schools in low-income communities. The study claims that those two measures could create 250,000 skilled maintenance and repair jobs and supply $6 billion of materials and
supplies.
Obama's proposed upgrades to schools are part of a larger plan to make all public buildings more energy-efficient. The U.S. government currently pays the highest energy bill in the world, according to the president-elect.
Weekly Address from the President-Elect
"We need to change that. We need to upgrade our federal buildings by replacing old heating systems and installing efficient light bulbs. That won't just save you, the American taxpayer, billions of dollars each year. It will put people back to work," Obama said.
The president-elect also said he plans to make sure that all children have access to broadband internet service. On his transition web site, change.gov, Obama said he plans to get broadband to every community in the nation through a combination of reforming the Universal Service Fund; making better use of the nation's wireless spectrum; promoting next-generation facilities, technologies, and applications; and implementing new loan programs and tax
incentives.
"It is unacceptable that the United States ranks 15th in the world in broadband adoption. Here, in the country that invented the internet, every child should have the chance to get online, and they'll get that chance when I'm president--because that's how we'll strengthen America's competitiveness in the world," he said.
The Center for American Progress study suggested that $5 billion be spent to help build the infrastructure necessary to enhance access and increase demand for broadband, creating 97,500 new jobs. Straw and Ettlinger suggest that $335 million of the $5 billion be used to fully fund the Broadband Data Improvement Act, which gives states a clearer picture of where gaps in broadband availability currently exist.
On Dec. 2, a coalition of representatives form telecommunications firms, technology advocacy groups, and technology trade associations issued a call to action urging Obama to make the development and initial implementation of a comprehensive national broadband strategy a high priority when he takes office in January. The coalition included groups such as AT&T, Verizon, the Telecommunications Industry Association, Google, Public Knowledge, and Free Press.
According to the coalition's call to action, "Too many Americans still do not have access to affordable broadband or lack the equipment or knowledge to use it effectively. If the United States is to remain a leader in the global economy, our broadband networks must also be robust enough to enable our people, businesses, and public and private institutions to take full advantage of emerging and future bandwidth-intensive and quality-sensitive
applications."
The largest piece of Obama's plan to revive the economy would occur through a job-creating public works plan on a scale unseen since the building of the interstate highway system in the 1950s.
Obama said his plan would employ millions of people, saving or creating 2.5 million jobs for the nearly 2 million people who have already lost their jobs.
December 3, 2008
AEPA Winter Meeting 2008: Day 2
Extensions of Bids:
- Administrative Software (Professional Development): voted not to extend contract with LearnKey
- Administrative Software: extended contract with SchoolDude for six months (June 30, 2009)
- Athletic Equipment: extended contract with Samson
- Artificial Turf: extended contract with Atlas
- Tracks and Courts: extended contracts with Atlas and Robert Cohen
- Hardwood and Synthetic Flooring: extended contracts with Atlas and Robert Cohen
December 2, 2008
AEPA Winter Meeting 2008: Day 1
Bid awards by category:
- Roofing: Received only one response to invitation to bid. Bid awarded to Tremco.
- Carpeting: Bid awarded to Interface FLOR and Mohawk.
- Vehicles: Bid awarded to Husky Trucks. The vehicle category will be re-bid.
- Copiers: Bid awarded to Kyocera Mita and Konica Minolta.
- Medicaid: Bid awarded to Sivic Solutions Group
- Tremco
- CDW-G
- Atlas Track & Tennis
- Furniture: extended contracts for Mity Lite, Spectrum, and School Specialty
- Online Training: voted not to extend contract with Aries Technology
- Sports and Health Catalogs: extended contract with BSN Sports
- Technology Catalogs: extended contract with CDW-G
- Modular and Portable Buildings: extended contracts with Mobilease, Modern Building Systems, and Williams Scotsman
- Office Supplies: extended contract with Corporate Express
- Classroom Supplies: voted not to extend contract with ABC School Supplies; extended contracts with Corporate Express and School Specialty
- Web Based Auctions: extended contract with Lone Star Auctioneers
- Administrative Software (Food): voted not to extend contracts with School Link Technologies and Pacific Triangle Software
- Administrative Software (Transportation): voted not to extend contract with Trapeze Software
November 14, 2008
Notes from Kansas' Commissioner of Education
At one of Greenbush's superintendent forums last week, Alexa Posny, Commissioner of Education in Kansas, spent the better part of an hour discussing challenges for schools in the next couple of years. Following is a synopsis:
Early Childhood Education: Should continue to be a priority, but lack of funding will put this on hold.
Eighth Grade Algebra: Only one-third of students take eighth grade algebra. There is the need to increase these numbers.
AP Courses: Participation in AP courses (taking the test) is considerably lower than other states. Superintendents talked about the reasons for that: cost, extent of dual credit courses, etc.
Career Clusters: There will be a proposal put forth that every student have a career plan.
At-Risk Programs: Will continue to be a focus with 13,000 new kids eligible.
Early Childhood Education: Should continue to be a priority, but lack of funding will put this on hold.
Eighth Grade Algebra: Only one-third of students take eighth grade algebra. There is the need to increase these numbers.
AP Courses: Participation in AP courses (taking the test) is considerably lower than other states. Superintendents talked about the reasons for that: cost, extent of dual credit courses, etc.
Career Clusters: There will be a proposal put forth that every student have a career plan.
At-Risk Programs: Will continue to be a focus with 13,000 new kids eligible.
November 12, 2008
The Economy and Kansas School Districts
The following is from Mark Tallman at the Kansas Association of School Boards. It outlines the economy and how it will impact school districts in Kansas. The point being that this is not the time to stick our heads in the sand. School districts need Greenbush and our business partners more than ever to help them be more cost-effective and efficient so they can squeeze every ounce of value from their limited dollars.
State revenue projections plummet
The consensus revenue estimating group reduced projected revenues to the State General Fund by $230 million in the current fiscal year (2008-09) when it met Tuesday. It also projected no increase in revenues for FY 2010, far short of the historic average of four percent growth. Revenue projections could be cut even further in April if the national economy continues to slump.
School districts should expect the possibility of cuts in base funding and other state aid programs, including the $59 base budget increase already approved for next year, as the state faces a massive revenue shortfall.
Under the budget approved at the end of the 2008 legislative session, the state expected to begin FY 2009 with a balance of $533 million and receive about $6 billion in revenues during the year. The Legislature approved spending $6.4 billion, which would leave a state general fund balance of $118 million. But tax receipts for FY 2008 were nearly $60 million below expectations. The new projected drop in revenues, combined with other budget changes, means the state now faces a shortfall of $137 million in the current year.
That could increase later this week, when the Department of Education, Legislative Research Department and Budget Division meet to consider changes in school finance estimates. For example, the number of students qualifying for free lunch is expected to increase, which will require more funding for at-risk weighting. When a student qualifies for free lunch, the funding for the child increases between 45 and 50 percent due to the weighting.
Governor Kathleen Sebelius, who is preparing her budget recommendations for the upcoming Legislature, has already asked state agencies for two percent budget cuts, which would save over $40 million this year. The state also expects to begin receiving funding for expanded gaming activities in the state, and has the ability to make certain shifts in spending to manage the budget.
But an even bigger problem will face the Governor and Legislature in the 2010 budget. The Legislative Fiscal Staff estimates that the Legislature is already committed to over $6.57 billion in spending for FY 2010, including the $59 base increase, social service caseloads (which are expected to increase in a bad economy), funding for the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (which will be affected by the stock market collapse), restoration of aid to cities and counties to reduce property taxes, deferred maintenance at the state universities, and state employee pay plan adjustments.
If tax receipts do not increase in FY 2010 from the lowered base of FY 2009, projected expenditures would exceed projected revenues by nearly $800 million. To put that amount in context, the additional funding school districts have received over the past three years is approximately $500 million.
Most of the projected revenue drop is in individual income taxes, due to expected losses in capital gains earnings. However, if unemployment increases, income tax revenue from wages will also decline. Reduced income and access to borrowing also affects purchases and therefore sales tax receipts. State receipts have also been reduced by tax cuts; transferring sales tax money to the transportation department and other programs; and the federal stimulus package which reduced business taxes.
Faced with a similar budget crisis in 2002, the Legislature cut spending in many areas but also passed a $252 million tax increase to avoid deeper cuts in programs, including education. Another possibility is that the new administration of Barack Obama will seek a second economic stimulus package that would include aid to states and local governments.
Mark Tallman
Assistant Executive Director/Advocacy
Kansas Association of School Boards
mtallman@kasb.org
State revenue projections plummet
The consensus revenue estimating group reduced projected revenues to the State General Fund by $230 million in the current fiscal year (2008-09) when it met Tuesday. It also projected no increase in revenues for FY 2010, far short of the historic average of four percent growth. Revenue projections could be cut even further in April if the national economy continues to slump.
School districts should expect the possibility of cuts in base funding and other state aid programs, including the $59 base budget increase already approved for next year, as the state faces a massive revenue shortfall.
Under the budget approved at the end of the 2008 legislative session, the state expected to begin FY 2009 with a balance of $533 million and receive about $6 billion in revenues during the year. The Legislature approved spending $6.4 billion, which would leave a state general fund balance of $118 million. But tax receipts for FY 2008 were nearly $60 million below expectations. The new projected drop in revenues, combined with other budget changes, means the state now faces a shortfall of $137 million in the current year.
That could increase later this week, when the Department of Education, Legislative Research Department and Budget Division meet to consider changes in school finance estimates. For example, the number of students qualifying for free lunch is expected to increase, which will require more funding for at-risk weighting. When a student qualifies for free lunch, the funding for the child increases between 45 and 50 percent due to the weighting.
Governor Kathleen Sebelius, who is preparing her budget recommendations for the upcoming Legislature, has already asked state agencies for two percent budget cuts, which would save over $40 million this year. The state also expects to begin receiving funding for expanded gaming activities in the state, and has the ability to make certain shifts in spending to manage the budget.
But an even bigger problem will face the Governor and Legislature in the 2010 budget. The Legislative Fiscal Staff estimates that the Legislature is already committed to over $6.57 billion in spending for FY 2010, including the $59 base increase, social service caseloads (which are expected to increase in a bad economy), funding for the Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (which will be affected by the stock market collapse), restoration of aid to cities and counties to reduce property taxes, deferred maintenance at the state universities, and state employee pay plan adjustments.
If tax receipts do not increase in FY 2010 from the lowered base of FY 2009, projected expenditures would exceed projected revenues by nearly $800 million. To put that amount in context, the additional funding school districts have received over the past three years is approximately $500 million.
Most of the projected revenue drop is in individual income taxes, due to expected losses in capital gains earnings. However, if unemployment increases, income tax revenue from wages will also decline. Reduced income and access to borrowing also affects purchases and therefore sales tax receipts. State receipts have also been reduced by tax cuts; transferring sales tax money to the transportation department and other programs; and the federal stimulus package which reduced business taxes.
Faced with a similar budget crisis in 2002, the Legislature cut spending in many areas but also passed a $252 million tax increase to avoid deeper cuts in programs, including education. Another possibility is that the new administration of Barack Obama will seek a second economic stimulus package that would include aid to states and local governments.
Mark Tallman
Assistant Executive Director/Advocacy
Kansas Association of School Boards
mtallman@kasb.org
November 4, 2008
The Daily Motivator
The most effective form of leadership is born out of the
sincere desire and proven ability to make a positive
contribution. Those who lead best are those for whom
leadership itself is not the primary aim.
True leadership is not embodied in a position or title. True
leadership arises from an exemplary life of making positive,
valuable contributions that inspire others to do the same.
The most successful leaders have no interest in telling
others what to do. Successful leaders are those who promote
and support conditions in which each person can act with
effectiveness and experience fulfillment in his or her own
special way.
Great leaders are not those who claim to have all the
answers or to solve every problem. Great leaders lead by
example rather than by proclamation.
To be a leader, be a shining example. Do precisely that
which you would lead others to do, and do it spectacularly.
Leadership at its best enlarges upon the sincere and
productive efforts of the leader. Make those efforts the
best they can be, and they'll result in true, effective
leadership.
-Ralph Marston
sincere desire and proven ability to make a positive
contribution. Those who lead best are those for whom
leadership itself is not the primary aim.
True leadership is not embodied in a position or title. True
leadership arises from an exemplary life of making positive,
valuable contributions that inspire others to do the same.
The most successful leaders have no interest in telling
others what to do. Successful leaders are those who promote
and support conditions in which each person can act with
effectiveness and experience fulfillment in his or her own
special way.
Great leaders are not those who claim to have all the
answers or to solve every problem. Great leaders lead by
example rather than by proclamation.
To be a leader, be a shining example. Do precisely that
which you would lead others to do, and do it spectacularly.
Leadership at its best enlarges upon the sincere and
productive efforts of the leader. Make those efforts the
best they can be, and they'll result in true, effective
leadership.
-Ralph Marston
October 24, 2008
Greenbush Business Partners Meeting Oct. 22
On Oct. 22, several Greenbush business partners met at Greenbush's Topeka office. The goal of the meeting was for partners to learn more about the products and services that each provide. It was also a chance to outline an action plan for how Greenbush and our partners can better serve school districts in Kansas. The following Greenbush business partners were represented:
Brad
- Advance Catastrophe Technologies (ACT)
- Simplified Online Communication System (SOCS)
- TextCaster
- The MASTER Teacher
- Custom Energy
- SchoolReach
- SchoolDistrictU
- Patron Insight
- Asset Services
- exchanging contact information with each partner via a web-based tool
- organize more direct marketing that is specific to each partner
- partners will submit timely information for e-Connection newsletters
- Brad will provide partners with a grid that articulates the alignment of programs, products, and services to federal and state regulations, funding, grants etc.
- facilitate a "Greenbush Business Partner Showcase" in spring 2009
- partners may work with The MASTER Teacher to publish content in their publications
Brad
October 13, 2008
Marketing Initiative
One of Greenbush's business partners, SchoolReach, contacted me two weeks ago with an idea for a marketing initiative. We worked collaboratively with SchoolReach to create a special sign-up deal for school districts who are non current users of the SchoolReach instant parent contact system.
The point here is, working together as partners, we were able to offer added value to school districts served by Greenbush. Plus, we shared the marketing costs and responsibilities to capitalize on each party's capabilities.
I encourage any Greenbush business partner or AEPA vendor to contact me to inquire about how to orchestrate a similar marketing initiative.
The point here is, working together as partners, we were able to offer added value to school districts served by Greenbush. Plus, we shared the marketing costs and responsibilities to capitalize on each party's capabilities.
I encourage any Greenbush business partner or AEPA vendor to contact me to inquire about how to orchestrate a similar marketing initiative.
September 30, 2008
New Kansas AEPA Brochure Coming Soon!
In our continuing efforts to create awareness of AEPA vendors, products, and services available to school districts in Kansas, we are creating a new marketing brochure for both print (bi-fold) and e-marketing.
Kansas AEPA Vendors, please review your section in the draft brochure to ensure the contact information is up-to-date and accurate. Please e-mail corrections to me by Oct. 10. You may download a pdf version of the brochure from the Kansas AEPA web page: CLICK HERE then click on "Draft Kansas AEPA Brochure"
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or suggestions you may have. Thank you for partnering with Greenbush to serve the needs of school districts in Kansas.
Regards,
Brad
Kansas AEPA Vendors, please review your section in the draft brochure to ensure the contact information is up-to-date and accurate. Please e-mail corrections to me by Oct. 10. You may download a pdf version of the brochure from the Kansas AEPA web page: CLICK HERE then click on "Draft Kansas AEPA Brochure"
Please feel free to contact me with any questions or suggestions you may have. Thank you for partnering with Greenbush to serve the needs of school districts in Kansas.
Regards,
Brad
September 17, 2008
Keep an Eye on Growing Kansas School Districts
A recent article in the Topeka Capital Journal highlighted the growth of the Seaman USD 345 school district in Topeka, Kan: CLICK HERE to read the article.
While sometimes it is easy to focus on schools experiencing declining enrollment, the schools that are experiencing growth have their own unique needs that can possibly be fulfilled by business partners of Greenbush.
I would encourage you to follow Kansas school trends via the Topeka Capital Journal or other media sources. Make a phone call to the school superintendent to ask how your bag of educational resources may be of help to them. Most superintendents are open to soft inquiries when the message is, "how can I help your school district?"
Have a great day!
Brad
While sometimes it is easy to focus on schools experiencing declining enrollment, the schools that are experiencing growth have their own unique needs that can possibly be fulfilled by business partners of Greenbush.
I would encourage you to follow Kansas school trends via the Topeka Capital Journal or other media sources. Make a phone call to the school superintendent to ask how your bag of educational resources may be of help to them. Most superintendents are open to soft inquiries when the message is, "how can I help your school district?"
Have a great day!
Brad
September 4, 2008
Communication with Superintendents
Greenbush has started a new monthly e-newsletter for school superintendents called, "Greenbush e-Connection." The goal of this e-newsletter is to provide superintendents with timely information that is vital to them. It is NOT a commercial or marketing venture for Greenbush, simply a way to increase both the quantity and quality of information for school superintendents.
Please email me and I will email a copy of our first edition to you.
As you come across information in your specific product/service categories please email pertinant, timely information to me.
Please email me and I will email a copy of our first edition to you.
As you come across information in your specific product/service categories please email pertinant, timely information to me.
August 21, 2008
Midwest Regional Procurement Meeting Day 2
AEPA vendors will present their products/services to the group today.
- Corporate Express-A Staples Company: All existing Corporate Express/AEPA contracts will be honored by Staples. 40% of a school buildings' budgets goes to art supplies, according to market research by Corporate Express.
- Corporate Express has a line of "green" cleaning products for schools. These products are comparable in price to non-green products.
- Konica Minolta: 90% of their 60 Midwest dealers are using AEPA contracts. AEPA is their largest contract in the U.S. Their security systems sets them apart from the competition.
- Robert Cohen: Have both indoor athletic flooring and running tracks. They offer Mondo, Fisher Tracks, and Aacer Flooring. Kiefer Flooring serves Midwest; Ron DeMeyer is Kansas' representative. Brent Davidson is the Aacer representative for Midwest.
- Tremco: Plan is to work with Dave Adams, Tremco, to develop a customized marketing brochure for Kansas or the Midwest. Their Asset Management program has much potential for Kansas school districts.
August 20, 2008
Midwest Regional Procurement Meeting Day 1
Wednesday began with presentations from vendors on natural gas consortia and fuel hedging.
States present include: Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, New Mexico, Pennsylvania.
An interesting side note...Cooperating School Districts (CSD) partners with a local school district and the St. Louis Science Center to provide the Challenger Learning Center-St. Louis. The center uses a space theme (Voyage to Mars mission) and simulations as a teaching tool for both students instruction and team building, www.challenger.org. The Challenger Learning Center-St. Louis may be a good contact as Greenbush moves toward a Mission to Mars program at Abernathy Science Education Center.
Each state present was given the opportunity to address the group in regard to their organization and how they apprise the school districts they serve of AEPA:
States present include: Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Missouri, New Mexico, Pennsylvania.
An interesting side note...Cooperating School Districts (CSD) partners with a local school district and the St. Louis Science Center to provide the Challenger Learning Center-St. Louis. The center uses a space theme (Voyage to Mars mission) and simulations as a teaching tool for both students instruction and team building, www.challenger.org. The Challenger Learning Center-St. Louis may be a good contact as Greenbush moves toward a Mission to Mars program at Abernathy Science Education Center.
Each state present was given the opportunity to address the group in regard to their organization and how they apprise the school districts they serve of AEPA:
- Indiana: They have a unique e-procurement model for their members to use.
- Kansas: Dave Adams, Tremco, suggested capitalizing on our name "Greenbush" to align with the current "green" movement.
- Kentucky: They have a great one page, folded flier that outlines all AEPA vendors, including their current bid number. Kentucky hosts a vendor fair each spring at which they create a venue for their school district personnel and vendors to network.
- California: Facilitates a "Best Purchasing Practices Workshop."
- Pennsylvania: Host January/February vendor roadshows with keynote speaker.
August 18, 2008
Kansas School Finance Debate Heats Up
The current state of the economy has sparked new debate in regard to school finance in Kansas. We foresee more debate on school finance in Kansas in the upcoming months. Check out this link from the Topeka Capital Journal Online for a more comprehensive column on Kansas school finance: www.cjonline.com/stories/081808/kan_319878557.shtml
What I really want to emphasize to all Greenbush business partners and Kansas AEPA vendors is that now is when the schools we serve need you most. Your ability to save money for school districts is even more important now. Collaboration between Greenbush, the business sector, and school districts is critical now. Please continue to work diligently to provide valuable educational resources to our school districts at cost effective prices.
What I really want to emphasize to all Greenbush business partners and Kansas AEPA vendors is that now is when the schools we serve need you most. Your ability to save money for school districts is even more important now. Collaboration between Greenbush, the business sector, and school districts is critical now. Please continue to work diligently to provide valuable educational resources to our school districts at cost effective prices.
August 6, 2008
Back to School
Folks, schools in Kansas will be back in session beginning the week of August 11! An exciting time as always!
Following are a few tips for marketing your products and services to school districts in Kansas during this challenging time of year:
PS: The new Star Wars movie "The Clone Wars" will be in theaters on August 15 so go check it out. May The Force be with you!
Following are a few tips for marketing your products and services to school districts in Kansas during this challenging time of year:
- the month of August is busy for school administrators...DON'T BUG THEM!
- start sending marketing materials after Labor Day
- fall sports will be in full swing soon so any partner with products related to sports should be communicating with school administrators, athletic directors, and coaches
- if a partner representative is in a school in Kansas please refer school personnel to www.greenbush.org as a link to a wide array of educational resources
PS: The new Star Wars movie "The Clone Wars" will be in theaters on August 15 so go check it out. May The Force be with you!
July 24, 2008
Back to School Marketing
As we get closer to back to school time, I encourage all Greenbush business partners and Kansas AEPA vendors to contact me if they have new marketing materials. Back to school is a great time to apprise school administrators of educational resources with new and/or updated print and e-marketing materials.
Additionally, any web-based marketing materials you have will be a welcome addition to Greenbush's new website. Check out www.greenbush.org and type either "partners" or "aepa" in the search function.
Additionally, any web-based marketing materials you have will be a welcome addition to Greenbush's new website. Check out www.greenbush.org and type either "partners" or "aepa" in the search function.
July 16, 2008
Marketing Survey
I have been surveying the school administrators served by Greenbush to ascertain how they prefer to receive information regarding educational resources available to them. Following is one response I received from a superintendent in southeast Kansas:
"For me personally, the Superintendent Forums and e-mails are most effective. If superintendents do not attend the forums, I think video streaming might be an effective tool. I don't buy anything from vendors who contact me directly. I usually refer them to Greenbush, and if they make the cut there, I consider using them."
In future posts I will continue to share responses from school administrators. I foresee Greenbush utilizing multiple marketing avenues on which to deliver customized information directly to school decision makers in the specific mode in which they prefer to receive it.
"For me personally, the Superintendent Forums and e-mails are most effective. If superintendents do not attend the forums, I think video streaming might be an effective tool. I don't buy anything from vendors who contact me directly. I usually refer them to Greenbush, and if they make the cut there, I consider using them."
In future posts I will continue to share responses from school administrators. I foresee Greenbush utilizing multiple marketing avenues on which to deliver customized information directly to school decision makers in the specific mode in which they prefer to receive it.
July 9, 2008
New Greenbush Website
On July 2, Greenbush launched our new website at www.greenbush.org. This new website is the culmination of an entire redesign of our website based on the needs of the school districts we serve.
This impacts business partners and Kansas AEPA vendors by providing a much more user-friendly web presence at which school district administrators and teachers may quickly find the information they seek in regard to educational resources.
A vital component of our new website is the robust search function that was custom-developed to meet our customers' needs. When you visit our new home page at www.greenbush.org, type "partners" or "AEPA" in the search function or type the name of your business. A link to our business partners or AEPA homepage will pop up. Each business partner and AEPA vendor will have their own unique page. Individual web pages for each AEPA vendor are still in development at the time this blog post was published.
Once you have reviewed our new website, please contact me so that we may hone your individual page to meet your specific desires. I need all the feedback I can receive from our business partners and AEPA vendors so that I may continue to develop our web presence to meet the needs of both our partners and the school districts served by Greenbush.
This impacts business partners and Kansas AEPA vendors by providing a much more user-friendly web presence at which school district administrators and teachers may quickly find the information they seek in regard to educational resources.
A vital component of our new website is the robust search function that was custom-developed to meet our customers' needs. When you visit our new home page at www.greenbush.org, type "partners" or "AEPA" in the search function or type the name of your business. A link to our business partners or AEPA homepage will pop up. Each business partner and AEPA vendor will have their own unique page. Individual web pages for each AEPA vendor are still in development at the time this blog post was published.
Once you have reviewed our new website, please contact me so that we may hone your individual page to meet your specific desires. I need all the feedback I can receive from our business partners and AEPA vendors so that I may continue to develop our web presence to meet the needs of both our partners and the school districts served by Greenbush.
July 2, 2008
Kansas Economy and New Business Partner
Greenbush executive director, Dave DeMoss, commented recently that he communicated with several school superintendents in Kansas who each discussed with him the ongoing fiscal challenges they face. Increasing fuel and energy costs compounded with a dipping economy have superintendents scrutinizing their budgets to ensure they are providing quality educational opportunities for their students in the most cost-effective, efficient manner.
Paraphrasing Mr. DeMoss, the role of Greenbush is even more crucial now through facilitating cooperation and collaboration among school districts to pool educational resources to stretch limited funding even further. Again, I challenge all Greenbush business partners and Kansas AEPA vendors to think creatively about ways to add value to your products and services to save money for Kansas school districts on educational resources.
Also, Greenbush would like to welcome Asset Services as a new business parter. Asset Services provides asset inventory services to school districts to assist them in creating an efficient inventory of their assets. Check them out at www.assetservices.com. Welcome to Greenbush!
Paraphrasing Mr. DeMoss, the role of Greenbush is even more crucial now through facilitating cooperation and collaboration among school districts to pool educational resources to stretch limited funding even further. Again, I challenge all Greenbush business partners and Kansas AEPA vendors to think creatively about ways to add value to your products and services to save money for Kansas school districts on educational resources.
Also, Greenbush would like to welcome Asset Services as a new business parter. Asset Services provides asset inventory services to school districts to assist them in creating an efficient inventory of their assets. Check them out at www.assetservices.com. Welcome to Greenbush!
June 25, 2008
Success Story and Marketing Notes
Greetings Greenbush business partners and AEPA vendors. I hope your summer is going well.
A success story...On June 11, a tornado destroyed much of the town of Chapman, Kan., a town of approximately 1,400 residents east of Abilene, Kan. Most of the town sustained significant damage as did the schools.
Williams Scotsman, a Kansas AEPA vendor, immediately stepped in to offer assistance with modular classrooms to ensure students will have a place in which to learn this fall. This is a great example of how AEPA and quality partners like Williams Scotsman can make great things happen for schools through conscientious leadership and the advantage of pre-bid AEPA contracts.
I encourage other business partners and AEPA vendors to contact me to inquire how you may assist the Chapman, Kan. school district in recovering from this tornado.
Marketing Notes...I have begun individual, anecdotal surveys of key superintendents in Greenbush's primary service area. Preliminary discussions are yielding some very interesting comments on how Greenbush and business partners/AEPA vendors can more effectively apprise school administrators of educational resources available to them. I will post my notes once I have completed my discussions and compiled notes.
A success story...On June 11, a tornado destroyed much of the town of Chapman, Kan., a town of approximately 1,400 residents east of Abilene, Kan. Most of the town sustained significant damage as did the schools.
Williams Scotsman, a Kansas AEPA vendor, immediately stepped in to offer assistance with modular classrooms to ensure students will have a place in which to learn this fall. This is a great example of how AEPA and quality partners like Williams Scotsman can make great things happen for schools through conscientious leadership and the advantage of pre-bid AEPA contracts.
I encourage other business partners and AEPA vendors to contact me to inquire how you may assist the Chapman, Kan. school district in recovering from this tornado.
Marketing Notes...I have begun individual, anecdotal surveys of key superintendents in Greenbush's primary service area. Preliminary discussions are yielding some very interesting comments on how Greenbush and business partners/AEPA vendors can more effectively apprise school administrators of educational resources available to them. I will post my notes once I have completed my discussions and compiled notes.
June 18, 2008
"Secondlife" for Education
Secondlife is an Internet-based virtual environment. Greenbush continues to explore viable ways to utilize 3-D virtual environments like Secondlife to provide educational opportunities that are unavailable through more traditional delivery vehicles.
I subscribe to an technology RSS feed from "Education Week" and I received the following article today. I wanted to share this article with you to plant a seed amongst business partners/AEPA vendors to begin brainstorming how to utilize 3-D virtual environments for the benefit of school districts serve by Greenbush.
Click here: "Educators Get a 'Second Life'"
I subscribe to an technology RSS feed from "Education Week" and I received the following article today. I wanted to share this article with you to plant a seed amongst business partners/AEPA vendors to begin brainstorming how to utilize 3-D virtual environments for the benefit of school districts serve by Greenbush.
Click here: "Educators Get a 'Second Life'"
June 17, 2008
Cutting Costs for School Districts
I wanted to share with you an article from the June 2008 "District Administrator" publication that features a Kansas AEPA vendor, Tremco/WTI. Dave Adams, Tremco's director of education and government solutions, articulates how to saves school districts money with their roofing solutions.
Check it out: Cutting Costs from the Inside Out -District Administrator, June 2008
Check it out: Cutting Costs from the Inside Out -District Administrator, June 2008
June 4, 2008
The World is Awesome
I saw this on The Discovery Channel the other night and thought Greenbush business partners would enjoy it. Click on this link The World is Awesome
May 23, 2008
Kansas Education Information Source
A great source for up-to-date information on education in Kansas is the Topeka Capital Journal. Bookmark the website at www.cjonline.com.
You may also subscribe to their RSS feed at http://www.cjonline.com/RSS/headlines.xml.
The Topeka Capital Journal's educational content will help you stay on top of current educational news in Kansas.
You may also subscribe to their RSS feed at http://www.cjonline.com/RSS/headlines.xml.
The Topeka Capital Journal's educational content will help you stay on top of current educational news in Kansas.
April 12, 2008
April 12 AEPA Meeting
Dialog on online professional development. Kentucky would be a great resource for School Improvement Services to network with.
We volunteered to work with Iowa and Michigan to bring resolve to BSN Sports issue with adding contract number to school district purchase orders.
Member Roundtable on Marketing (what works):
Vendors were invited to discuss why new categories should be considered by AEPA:
We volunteered to work with Iowa and Michigan to bring resolve to BSN Sports issue with adding contract number to school district purchase orders.
Member Roundtable on Marketing (what works):
- CA: hosted a "Best Purchasing Practices" workshop for USDs
- CO: newsletter to members
- CT: web page for each vendor and vendor showcase
- IA: "Profile of Savings" to each USD
- KY: bi-monthly meeting of cohort groups
- MI: web-blasts, alliances with state educational affiliate groups
- MO: meetings with local sales reps
- MT: cost comparisons to USDs
- ND hired retired superintendent as sales manager
- OH: brochure of all AEPA vendors
- PA: marketing meetings with all vendors and road shows with all vendors
- TX: vendor rollouts
- VA: place all contracts on website
Vendors were invited to discuss why new categories should be considered by AEPA:
- Investments:
- AIG Retirement (formerly VALIC)- CES currently has a contract with AIG. First company to enroll K-12 403(b) plan. New IRS regulations regarding 403(b) in school districts? IRS Compliance Services and/or Investment Services would be the categories bid. Advantages to schools: 1) schools don't have to bid; 2) discounts on services.
- Medicaid Third Party Billing
- Maximus- web-based system with which USD personnel complete documentation.
- Mailing Systems- Value to schools is discounts on products and savings on mailings.
- REAP (Regional Education Applicant Program)- allows school districts to post job openings online.
- Roofing
- Carpet
- Copiers
- Vehicles
- Mailing Machines (new)
- Alarm/Security Systems (new) New Bid Committee: Kansas-Brad, ?
- Medicaid Third Party Billing (new)
April 11 AEPA Meeting
Vendor report cards: Kansas ranks 8th in gross sales among the 22 member states of AEPA. Kansas rose three spots since November 2007.
After discussion of AESA partnership, we will be opening dialog with the following entities in Kansas in order to continue to create awareness of AEPA in school districts in Kansas:
Vendor roundtables: Notes from each vendor roundtable discussion are forthcoming.
After discussion of AESA partnership, we will be opening dialog with the following entities in Kansas in order to continue to create awareness of AEPA in school districts in Kansas:
- Unites School Administrators
- Kansas Assn. of School Administrators
- Kansas Assn. of School Boards
- Council of Superintendents
- Kansas Assns. of School Principals
- Kansas Assn. of School Business Officials
- Kansas Dept. of Education
Vendor roundtables: Notes from each vendor roundtable discussion are forthcoming.
April 10 AEPA Meeting
It was voted to convene a meeting of AEPA Unincorporated. Max Luft was elected Chairperson. Indiana motioned to move AEPA trademark to AEPA Incorporated. Motion by California to vote Max Luft person responsible for the trademark AEPA and transferring the address. AEPA Unincorporated adjourned, AEPA Incorporated reconvened.
Dialog with Brian Talbott on benefits of aligning with AESA included increased volume of sales toward the end goal of procuring better prices for the school districts we serve.
Dialog with Brian Talbott on benefits of aligning with AESA included increased volume of sales toward the end goal of procuring better prices for the school districts we serve.
April 8, 2008
AEPA Spring Meeting
I'll be out of the office April 10 and 11 attending the spring meeting of the Association of Educational Purchasing Agencies.
March 17, 2008
Peak Purchasing Times for Schools
Check out the following link for insight into peak purchasing times for school districts: CLICK HERE
March 10, 2008
AASA Publication March 2008
The March 2008 School Administrator publication of The American Association of School Administrators is available now. CLICK HERE to access it.
February 26, 2008
Eudora Kansas USD 491 Construction Project
Date: Feb. 26, 2008
To: Kansas AEPA Vendors and Greenbush Business Partners
From: Brad Stefanoni
Re: Eudora Kansas USD 491 Construction Project
Eudora Kansas USD 491 is planning a facilities construction project. Please see the attached invitation for bid. Please contact the following for more information on the scope of this project:
Monty Musick
Universal Construction
P-913-342-1150
F-913-342-1151
mmusick@universalconstruction.net
To: Kansas AEPA Vendors and Greenbush Business Partners
From: Brad Stefanoni
Re: Eudora Kansas USD 491 Construction Project
Eudora Kansas USD 491 is planning a facilities construction project. Please see the attached invitation for bid. Please contact the following for more information on the scope of this project:
Monty Musick
Universal Construction
P-913-342-1150
F-913-342-1151
mmusick@universalconstruction.net
February 21, 2008
February 18, 2008
A Time to Test
Standardized testing season has come to school districts in Kansas. As Greenbush business partners embark in spring 2008 marketing initiatives I would encourage you to keep testing in mind as schools will be very busy administering standardized tests to students.
For a complete run-down on the Kansas testing schedule CLICK HERE.
For a complete run-down on the Kansas testing schedule CLICK HERE.
February 15, 2008
AESA News
In reading an article in AESA News (Association of Educational Service Agencies) I found some interesting questions raised by the author in regard to education service centers doing business with and meeting the needs of schools. Ponder the following:
- How can we be leaders on the cutting edge without being so far in front of our customers that they may not be able to catch-up?
- How can we be entrepreneurial without being too slick?
- How can we build internal capacity without over extending the budget?
- How can we be ready at a moment's notice to prove our worth?
- How do we assist our schools with their growing pressures of the virtual world?
February 13, 2008
"Seeding" Your Field
I have spoken to several Greenbush business partners over the last few days about how to stimulate interest of new products and/or services among school districts in Kansas.
Many partners have had experienced success by offering "early bird" incentives for school districts that jump on board first. Please contact me if you would like my assistance in exploring our network of business partners who have successfully navigated this process.
Many partners have had experienced success by offering "early bird" incentives for school districts that jump on board first. Please contact me if you would like my assistance in exploring our network of business partners who have successfully navigated this process.
February 8, 2008
Addition to Due Diligence in New Partnership Inquiries
I am working toward a first-tier level addition to Greenbush's due diligence process of reviewing new partnership inquiries. In order to ensure that Greenbush continues to meet the specific needs of the school districts we serve, we are designing an "interest survey" for lack of a better term.
We want a way to be able to gauge surface-level interest among school administrators (superintendents, principals etc.) as well as other school district personnel. The layman's version translates into...if 100 superintendents out of 120 indicate interest in a new product/service then that prompts me to move to the next level of exploring a partnership. Conversely, if only two superintendents out of 120 indicate interest then maybe the need is not there at the present time.
More to come.
We want a way to be able to gauge surface-level interest among school administrators (superintendents, principals etc.) as well as other school district personnel. The layman's version translates into...if 100 superintendents out of 120 indicate interest in a new product/service then that prompts me to move to the next level of exploring a partnership. Conversely, if only two superintendents out of 120 indicate interest then maybe the need is not there at the present time.
More to come.
February 5, 2008
Upcoming Kansas Education Conferences
Many business partners of Greenbush have inquired about educational conferences in Kansas. Click on the following link and scroll down the left-hand side of the page for a list of upcoming education conferences in Kansas: CLICK HERE!
February 4, 2008
Education in the "Flat World"
A colleague found an interesting article in the American Association of School Administrators' "The School Administrator" February 2008 edition that details a discussion with author Daniel Pink on "curiosity, passion and the politics of school reform in the global marketplace."
Enjoy...CLICK HERE!
Enjoy...CLICK HERE!
February 1, 2008
Creating Awareness for Partners
This is a constant struggle that I face...keeping the school districts served by Greenbush apprised of the products and services available to them through Greenbush business partners and Kansas AEPA vendors.
As we move into spring 2008 I plan to explore many new options for creating awareness and I am looking forward to new ideas from our partners.
As we move into spring 2008 I plan to explore many new options for creating awareness and I am looking forward to new ideas from our partners.
January 31, 2008
E-rate Deadline Approaching
It's been awhile since my last posting but I'm not going to try to catch up!
E-rate filing for school districts has taken up most of my December and January. Between a colleague and myself we file E-rate for approximately 40 school districts. Feb. 7 is the deadline for filing the Form 471 so after then I will have more time to dedicate to my business partners and AEPA.
Later,
Brad
E-rate filing for school districts has taken up most of my December and January. Between a colleague and myself we file E-rate for approximately 40 school districts. Feb. 7 is the deadline for filing the Form 471 so after then I will have more time to dedicate to my business partners and AEPA.
Later,
Brad
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