Administrators and school board members from Clarkston Schools spent the entirety of the Aug. 14 board meeting discussing the future of the district and their long-term goals.
Prior to a final round of discussion, Superintendent Dr. Al Roberts spoke about what he called the ‘State of the Schools.? In his talk, Roberts emphasized that administrators need to keep a close eye on the processes the district implements as much as the results.
‘Despite the exceptional efforts of many fine teachers and administrators, some students fail,? Roberts said when discussing education across the country. ‘There is a significant gap between practices deemed to be effective and those utilized in some classrooms.?
Admitting there is a fine line between the responsibilities of the board and administrators at times, Roberts said the district has a process to establish a balancing act. Continuing that balancing act directed the focus of the district’s goals, which are similar to the ones they agreed upon for previous school years (see sidebar).
President Stephen Hyer said the goals are long-term goals, and that officials will not be looking for instant results.
‘Generally, the way we use these (goals) is more long-term,? said Hyer. ‘It’s more of a plan of tweaking these every year, but looking five years down the road and saying ‘What can we do between now and then???
In the immediate future, however, Hyer said a majority of the board attention will focus on budgetary issues.
‘The budget is the issue, but everything that falls off that is going to be what we’re consumed with,? said Hyer. ‘We’ve whittled away so many things over the years? all the things that are not directly affecting kids are gone.?
Hyer said the board is looking at making adjustments and reevaluating priorities before cuts come in the picture again, but with the district expecting to post another deficit at the end of this fiscal year, drastic steps may have to be taken in the near future.
‘Eventually, two years out, we’ve got to be back even again. We’ve got to get from where we are now to there in two years,? said Hyer.
When discussing options to cut expenses, Hyer said the absolute last resort is laying off teachers, something the district temporarily did in April. Since that time, the district has recalled teachers from the pinks slips, but Hyer said the district is running out of options.
‘It’s very likely everything is going to get restructured that doesn’t affect the classroom and the curriculum needs to remain as close to it is now as possible,? he said.
‘Eliminating teachers is really the last item on the totem pole. It’s a trade off. Everything is a trade-off. We’re trying to decide what’s best overall,? Hyer said.
‘Eventually we get to the point where we can’t live without some things and we’ve got to look at some teaching positions.
‘Everything is on the table and I have no idea what we’re going to end up looking at, but that’s going to be a vast majority of our time,? said Hyer.
Two major discussions stem directly from these budgetary issues and will be decided this year. All district contracts ? both union and nonunion ? expire this year and new facility rental fees are being negotiated for community organizations using school facilities.

District Goals

? Develop and improve instruction with a results driven orientation

? Manage safe and orderly school environments with a focus on clear direction and good discipline

? Maintain and improve building appearances and protect equipment and other assets

? Demonstrate fiscal responsibility

? Effectively utilize technology to support learning and administrative applications

? Developing exceptional employees who understand and support the district vision