- 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 3, 2008
AEPA Winter Meeting 2008: Day 2
Extensions of Bids:
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.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
