ONLY HALF THE STORY

Is it really too much to ask of the Grand Rapids Press to tell the full story?  Last week, the local rag headlined the regional section with "By choice, GR schools a bigger draw".  Reporter Dave Murray then opens the story with this:

"Grand Rapids slowly is becoming a destination district for students using the county's school choice plan.  Educators say 84 suburban students are entering the city schools through the plan, up 23 from last year and by far the most ever accepted by the district."

Murray's "by far" is an indication of just how pathetic Grand Rapids public schools are in drawing new students from the 'burbs.  But you wouldn't know this because he makes no mention whatsoever in his lengthy article that the GRPS will probably lose another 800 or more students to suburban districts come September.  So now you have the other half of the story.

Comments

[beentheredonethat]

So, how many opted out of GRPS? I see they don't advertise that. Could it be that this information was released to "help" in the negotiations with the teachers' union - "Hey, look, we're getting more students in through school of choice so you can be eligible for a higher pay raise!" The real question still remains - how many are leaving?

[The Executive Director]

Hi, Been There.

The school board estimates that 800 more students will leave the GRPS this fall. How reliable is their estimate? I don't know, although they were surprised by last fall's record exodus from city schools.

As for raises, teachers will get bonuses ranging from .25 to 1.75% of current salary depending upon the number of students who leave. Granted the bonus goes up if fewer students decamp for suburban districts, but the bottom line is that teachers still get rewarded for a shrinking system.

But then that's government work. Time served, not results achieved is the measure of success.

Regards, Bill

[beentheredonethat]

I understand that they estimated a loss of 800, that's been the estimated loss for the last couple of years if I recall. This estimated loss includes everything from moving out of district, dropping out of the system, going to charters and parochial schools plus the school of choice. It is my understanding of the teacher's bonus that it will be based on the number of students above and beyond this estimated loss. Example - if they only lose 650, teachers would get the bonus. If they lose 850, they are out of luck.

The point I was getting at is by proudly proclaiming the increase in school of choice students coming in, and strategically omitting the ones leaving the district, it gives the false impression that the district is gaining students. That would only be true if the ones leaving through school of choice were to remain the same or lessen. Thus the negotiating tool used with teachers to get this "new" bonus plan based on enrollment gains.

[The Executive Director]

Hi, Been There.

It should surprise no one that the GRPS would want to finagle figures in their favor, as you correctly described. The real problem is the major daily newspaper for this town that can't (won't?) cut through their crap to tell the full story.

Thanks again for your comments.

Regards, Bill