Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2010

Following a trip to the Ypsilanti school district, the Niles Community Schools Board of Education will meet tonight to discuss the their thoughts on who could be the district’s next superintendent.

Though it has been mentioned plenty in the pages of this paper, on television in school newsletters and casual conversations – now is an extremely vital time for schools statewide.

Reductions in state aid no only amount to the possibility of a reduction in teaching positions, consolidations of buildings but could also mean a loss in programs.

From the minor to the unavoidable, the changes that will take place within the districts that educate area students will create a ripple effect that will impact the futures of those students for years to come.

So we encourage members of the community, parents and teachers to get involved and make themselves aware of the decisions their respective school boards are making.

As this school year nears its end and a new one looms with hefty challenges, those challenges could have an impact on a child’s college education, development in sports programs or expansion in the arts.

For as it may seem time to get back to basics for Michigan schools, outside of the classroom the world is becoming evermore competitive in culture.

Businesses from the time honored to the cutting edge are embracing new ideas and demanding the most capable people to build strong, forward thinking teams.

Our educational system not only affects our future workforce but the viability of our community and those who oversee the district are about to decide on a new face to lead our students into what is certain to be a challenging and ambitious future.

That individual ought to be capable but realistic, experienced but willing to venture into new realms of leadership, creative but not frivolous.
For parents, teachers and community members, tonight’s meeting at the Westside Administrative Building is one they should be interested in attending.

As it is a time of great concern for the state’s schools, now is the time to take notes.