October 2022 | Monthly news for and about the staff of Northwest Education Services | |
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Funding Special Education
Dear North Ed Staff,
On Nov. 8, voters in our district will consider a 0.5-mill restoration millage proposal that, if approved, would ensure we are able to collect a stable source of local funding to support Special Education services for our region and the 3,000 students who need them each year.
Millage proposals can be complex issues and we encourage you to learn more about this proposal by visiting our website (www.tinyurl.com/NorthEdMillage) where we will continue to provide more information and resources as we near Election Day.
Here is one critical point: Taxpayers would not see an increase in the existing 2-mill levy rate if the proposal passes. Instead, if the majority of voters in our district approve of the restoration millage, North Ed would be able to maintain the 2-mill levy at its current rate.
If approved, the millage would essentially serve as an insurance policy and allow us to offset potential future reductions caused by Headlee Amendment rollbacks. Millage are subject to reductions under the Headlee Amendment when property values increase faster than the rate of inflation – a process commonly known as Headlee rollbacks. If that happens, and our levy drops below the current 2-mill rate, that means less funding for Special Education regionally.
Our ballot proposal asks voters to consider a 0.5-mill restoration millage for a period of 10 years (2023-32). If approved, that would increase the amount of millage North Ed has available to offset any future millage reductions caused by future potential rollbacks permitted under the Headlee Amendment. Again, only the amount needed to maintain the current 2-mill levy would be collected if this proposal passes.
Stay tuned for an upcoming video and other communications that we hope will further inform our staff and communities on this important issue.
Thank you and please vote on Nov. 8.
Respectfully,
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Dr. Nick Ceglarek
Northwest Education Services Superintendent
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Special Education Millage | |
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Special Ed Millage Proposal on Ballot
Northwest Education Services is seeking a 0.5-mill, 10-year restoration millage (2023-32) to support special education services for roughly 3,000 students in the region. The proposal will appear on the Nov. 8 ballot, and, if approved, would allow North Ed to maintain its existing 2-mill levy and offset future potential reductions to millage levies caused by Headlee Amendment rollbacks and the volatile rise and fall of property values and inflation. To provide more information about the millage proposal to the community, the webpage linked below has been established.
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Election Do's & Don'ts
Under campaign finance laws, public employees acting in official capacities are permitted to provide factual and non-advocacy information to educate communities about ballot questions and candidates. However, North Ed board members and employees acting in such official capacities are prohibited from endorsing, advocating or seeking support for any ballot proposals or candidates. When employees are on their “own time” and using their own funds and resources, they have the option to make opinion or advocacy statements. For a brief overview of campaign finance laws and how they relate to public school employees, please review the following resource:
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Tanya Hartley
Licensed Practical Nurse
Previous work: Copper Ridge Surgery Center and a family-owned garage door business
Education: Lumen Christi HS, Jackson Community College
Interests: Biking, walking, anything outdoors and raising two daughters, ages 19 and 12.
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Cole McDaniel
Career Tech Parapro, Culinary Arts
Previous work: Rooted, Barista
Education: Mancelona HS
Interests: Swimming, hiking and all outdoor fun.
Fun Fact: Attended Career Tech Culinary Arts program and served as NTHS president. Took first at Skills USA in Front of House Service cateogry.
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Isaac Mead-Renius
Custodian, Admin Building
Previous work: Bill Marsh Automotive
Education: Youker HS
Interests: Volunteering
Fun Fact: He's a firefighter
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Hayden Northrup
Technology Support Specialist
Previous work: Stone House Bread
Education: Mancelona HS
Interests: Performances in Old Town Playhouse Productions
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Disability: Part of the Equity Equation
October is National Disability Employment Awareness Month (NDEAM), hosted annually to put a spotlight on the essential role people with disabilities play in a diverse and inclusive workforce. This year’s theme for the national month of recognition – now in its 77th year, according to the U.S. Department of Labor – is “Disability: Part of the Equity Equation.”
“We cannot effectively challenge inequality – or advance our social just mission – unless we address the needs, concerns, and priorities of the one billion people around the world who live with disabilities,” according to the Ford Foundation, which works to confront ableism and strives toward greater inclusivity at both the institutional and individual levels.
More resources about NDEAM can be found at the Department of Labor’s website.
Learn more about the Ford Foundation’s work on disability inclusion online.
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"It's important to highlight the valuable contribution that our students with disabilities make to our community, both as workers and volunteers throughout our five-county region."
– Rena Spencer, Supervisor, Life Skills Center
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Remembering LGBT History
You may have heard of the Stonewall Riots in June 1969 that served as a catalyst for the gay rights movement in the U.S. and the world. While June is widely known as Pride Month – when we recognize the LGBTQ+ community – the month of October is also LGBT History Month, which encompasses National Coming Out Day on Oct. 11. Equality Forum is a nonprofit committed to furthering justice for LGBT individuals and recognizes achievements of those leaders with its list of LGBT History Month Icons. Up North Pride is a local organization that advocates for a community that’s inclusive of all sexual orientations and identities. For more information or to get involved, visit the group’s website.
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Honoring Indigenous Peoples
Indigenous Peoples Day is the second Monday of October. It recognizes the history of Native Americans and the devastating losses they experienced throughout the colonizing of the Americas by European settlers and foreign explorers. As noted on North Ed’s homepage in our Land Acknowledgement Statement, we inhabit land that was cherished and maintained for generations by the Anishinaabe people, and it is important to understand our place in that history. To learn more, check out the websites for the National Museum of the American Indian and the Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians.
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Seeking SAIL 2.0 Committee Members
We are seeking willing participants to serve on our SAIL 2.0 (Serving, Achieving, Inspiring, Learning) strategic planning committees. If you are interested in furthering our work on Phase 1 goals, please complete this brief SURVEY by Oct. 14.
This is an incredible opportunity to work with colleagues across North Ed around focused efforts on Phase 1 goals. As we continue through Phase 2 and 3 of SAIL 2.0, we will reach out again to seek participants willing to continue that work.
Meeting times will vary, and roles and responsibilities will be committee-specific. Please note that based on the size of our organization, not all requests may be accommodated. If you indicate a willingness to serve, you will receive additional follow-up information.
You can learn more about North Ed's strategic planning efforts online here.
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COVID-19 Guidance
North Ed will continue to follow the guidance of local health experts, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) and the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) as we monitor COVID-19’s presence in our community. Currently, North Ed employees must access their own sick time when missing work for COVID-19, as they do with other illnesses. A brief summary of the guidance North Ed will follow is below:
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Continuing to support vaccination as a means of protecting oneself from contracting COVID-19 and experiencing serious illness, hospitalization and death. We encourage someone who is considering vaccination to discuss that option with their medical provider.
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Testing for COVID-19 is still encouraged. If you test positive for COVID-19, it is recommended that you stay home for five days and wear a mask for five days upon return to work or school.
- If you are exposed to someone who has COVID-19, you do not need to quarantine. Simply monitor for symptoms and consider wearing a mask when around others.
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Open Enrollment Approaches
It is that time of year again! Open enrollment is coming for both our MESSA members and SET SEG Blue Cross Blue Shield members.
Open enrollment for both MESSA and SET SEG BCBS will be Nov. 1 to Nov. 30. Additional information will be emailed to staff members by mid-October.
More details about health insurance may be found on our staff intranet under the Employee Benefits webpage.
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Educator Effectiveness Data Appeals Window Open
Each year, starting on the first business day in September and ending on the first business day in December, districts may submit data appeals for inaccurate educator effectiveness ratings for any of the past five years into the Registry of Educational Personnel (REP). To support teacher re-certification, it is essential that educator evaluation and assignment information entered into the REP is accurate. This appeals window is only for the purpose of updating inaccurate effectiveness ratings data within the REP. It is not a process for contesting the outcome of an evaluation. Any data corrected during the appeals window for teachers in instructional roles will appear in MOECS immediately after being entered by the district.
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$500 Referral Bonus Applies to TAs and Parapros
North Ed staff can earn a $500 bonus for successfully referring someone who joins our team as a teacher assistant or paraprofessional. Due to an ongoing need to fill vacant TA and parapro positions, this opportunity will remain in place until vacancies are filled. Simply email the name of your referral to HR Generalist Jaime Lewis. If that person is hired, you will get a $500 bonus in your paycheck.
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If you read the newsletter in your email inbox, you may be missing the full story! | |
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Regional Staff Development Day (RSDD)
RSDD will be back in person on Nov. 1, with host sites at West Middle School and West Senior High School in Traverse City Area Public Schools. This year, we are working to promote collaboration by designing sessions to allow for colleagues with similar roles (grade levels, content assignments, etc.) to have time together to learn, network, dialogue and plan.
Everyone is encouraged to sign up early. Space in each session is limited and participants are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Lunch will be provided on site.
The schedule may be found by clicking on this link so that you can see the "big picture" of the day. To sign up, simply click on the session that you are choosing, and it will take you directly to our Unified Talent system where you can register. Of course, we encourage you to first check in with your building and/or district leadership regarding plans for the day unique to your organization.
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Restorative Practices
Restorative Practices is a continuum of informal and formal tools, practices and processes that are intentionally used to build and maintain healthy relationships and, when needed, repair relationships.
WHY Restorative Practices:
- Allows us to live our values!
- To develop community
- To manage conflict and tensions by repairing harm and restoring relationships.
For more information about Restorative Practices and supports available through North Ed, please contact Marianne Swank, High Impact Leadership Facilitator and Professional Learning Specialist at mswank@northwested.org or 231-922-6354.
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SAILORS on Deck!
Every day North Ed staff members make a difference in our school communities. SAILORS on Deck is a way to honor a member of our staff during each monthly Board of Education meeting. Recognize a colleague through the SAIL Organizational Recognition System (ORS) TODAY!
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Happy Birthday!
See who celebrates in October
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Annual Fundraiser Auction
DKG International Society
for Key Women Educators
Come join your friends and browse the annual chance and silent auction that benefit area students and teachers through grants that further educational growth.
Tues., Oct. 18 | 5:30 - 7:45 p.m.
North Ed Conference Center
Complimentary refreshments
Hosted by DKG Phi Chapter
Email: dkggta@gmail.com
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988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
A new three-digit number – “988” – has been established to route callers to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline primarily seeks to offer a sense of hope, and people can call, chat or text the nationwide dialing code if they or a loved one are in a suicidal or mental health-related crisis to connect with someone who can help.
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Classified Ads
House For Rent - 2 Bedroom/1 Bath, Furnished home, Indian Trail neighborhood (near Career Tech). $1500/mo. plus utilities. Trash and water services included. Lease ASAP through May 15, 2023. Contact Garrison Reardon at reard1gp@gmail.com
North Ed staff are welcome to submit classified ad requests by the 25th of each month to NorthEdNews@NorthwestEd.org
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Student Loan Forgiveness for Teachers
Through Oct 31, 2022, the U.S. Department of Education is offering public servants working in government and staff in eligible nonprofits a second chance to qualify for student loan forgiveness. Michigan's State Superintendent Dr. Michael Rice said capitalizing on the federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program is one way to retain Michigan educators.
Click the link below to learn more about the program and eligibility requirements.
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2022-23 Mileage/Travel Procedures
The mileage reimbursement rate has increased to 62.5 cents per mile effective July 1, 2022. Staff who want to be reimbursed for eligible mileage must complete the Mileage Voucher form under Travel Forms & Resources on the staff intranet. The form has been updated to reflect the increased rate. The 2022-23 school year schedule is as follows:
- July 1 – Sept. 30: DEADLINE Oct. 31, 2022
- Oct. 1 – Dec. 31: DEADLINE Jan. 31, 2023
- Jan. 1 – March 31: DEADLINE April 30, 2023
- April 1 – June 30: DEADLINE June 30, 2023
Travel reimbursements are included in your paycheck and are not subject to income tax withholding. For questions, please refer to the staff handbook or contact Carol Balhorn in the business office at cbalhorn@NorthwestEd.org.
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Technology Resources
As part of new employee orientation, a presentation was provided to give staff an overview of the Technology Department and its functions. The presentation contains useful information and technology resources for both new staff and seasoned veterans alike. Click the button below to review it!
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North Ed TECH HELP
Need help with a technology issue? Try this:
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Research common problems and solutions through North Ed's Help Desk Shared Google Drive.
- Call the Help Desk at 231.922.6307. Leave a message if your call goes unanswered.
- Submit a Help Desk ticket online by clicking the link below.
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Provide feedback or offer comments via the Help Desk Survey instead of responding with a final note of appreciation through the system ticket (which re-opens the service request).
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North Ed Apparel Store Now Open
North Ed swag is available for purchase! Order direct from our approved supplier. It's easy! Browse the North Ed online catalog TODAY!
Website link location:
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Getting the Lingo Right
As you talk about Northwest Education Services (shortened to North Ed, not Northwest Ed), it is important that we all use the correct words and represent the organization in unified fashion. Brand integrity depends on each of us. If you have brand questions or need logos for an event, document or presentation, contact the Communications Department at NorthEdNews@NorthwestEd.org.
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Board of Education Links
General Resources
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COVID-19 Resources
Communication Links
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Northwest Education Services
1101 Red Drive, Traverse City, MI 49684
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