MAPS 2020
Facts & Feedback


MAPS 2020 Community Forums
Two MAPS 2020 Vision Community Forums are planned to provide update information regarding our facilities plan for the future. We hope you are able to join us on one of the following dates:
Tuesday, March 16 @ 7 pm to be held virtually. Meeting access in provided below:
Join Zoom Meeting
https://zoom.us/j/91056804853?pwd=cmhpOUY3UXNGQ091T1diRll5TUpBQT09
Meeting ID: 910 5680 4853
Passcode: 402e12
Tuesday, April 20th @ 7 pm to be held at the Kennedy Elementary Library, if conditions allow.
Information regarding the bond details was shared at a virtual Community Forum in November of 2020. If you are unable to make it to one of our upcoming forums, you can learn more about the Vision plan by clicking the link below.
The forum focused on the scope of the proposal for MAPS facilities future and and allowed for questions to be submitted and answered by a panel representing the District and project contractors. The answers to these questions are also provided in our FAQs. Please reach out to us with your questions and feedback.
Additionally, meetings of the Jefferson Neighborhood Committee began in November of 2020 to discuss possible options for the Jefferson Elementary site after the building is removed per the scope of the bond project. You can watch the first recorded session by clicking on the link below.
Ask Ron
Below you will find answers to questions that have been asked of our Superintendent, Ron Stoneman about the MAPS 2020 visioning process. Have a question about MAPS 2020 visioning process or the district facilities? Please don’t hesitate to submit your questions for Ron following the link below.
Our Community
How does Manistee's millage compare to other districts in the County?
K-12 Investment in County Districts
How does Manistee's millage compare to other districts in the region?
K-12 Investment in Regional Districts
How can our school district impact the Economic Development initiative happening in Manistee?
In 2011, Michael Walden, an economist at North Carolina State University, wrote an extensive report on the economic impact of public schools. He indicated one of the most important impacts of a school district on its local economy is from the “outputs” of schools such as the generation of successful graduates who will be more productive in the local economy and who impose fewer public costs by becoming less likely to engage in crime and drug use, and more likely to lead healthier, productive lifestyles.
Local Manistee community entities are working in collaboration with the Michigan Economic Development Corporation through the Rising Tide Initiative to identify how to improve the economic forecast of Manistee County by measuring which efforts will have the greatest long-term impact on economic concerns such as job stability, workforce development, and affordable housing. Manistee Area Public Schools works to ensure an educational foundation that is supportive of these efforts.
I don't have a student in the school district, why should I be concerned about schools?
FOUNDATION FOR A STRONG COMMUNITY
A strong community foundation includes the following elements:
- Economic– Diverse, vital, and innovative business providing service and creating job opportunity.
- Education– High-quality educational resources for lifetime learning.
- Health & Wellness – Access to quality health care resources.
- Neighborhood & Community – Provide housing and basic needs of residents, while creating a sense of pride and shared purpose.
- Assets– Recreational, historic, and cultural assets for quality lifestyle.
EDUCATION FOR A STRONG COMMUNITY
Why education matters…
- Potential for stabilizing property values*
- Attracts and keeps families in our community
- Fosters economic development
- Provides work force for area businesses
- Develops students into productive citizens
Community Impact of Your School District
*According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, there is a clear connection between school expenditures and home values. A report titled, “Using Market Valuation to Assess Public School Spending,” found that for every dollar spent on public schools in a community, home values increased by $20. These findings indicate that additional school expenditures may benefit everyone in the community, whether or not those residents actually have children in the local public-school system.
Insulating Property Values
*In a 2009 study at Georgia Tech, the effects of the recession on housing values were studied to identify changes in the demand for certain characteristics of residential properties as the market was falling.
They analyzed home buying influencing characteristics such as bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, age, stories, garage, basement, general interior and exterior, school district, crime stats, median income, etc. The research discovered that a quality school district can have a profound insulating effect on the housing values in the surrounding community.
How could the approval of the Ludington Area School District bond effect the Manistee community?
Although we are in full support of the Ludington Area School District Safe & Modern Schools Plan, we are also keenly aware of the potential impact the district’s improvements could make on the Ludington community that neighbors our county. Educational resources are important to the economic strength of a community. Quality educational resources are a critical component in community selection for those considering future business and development opportunities.
Foundational Factors for a Strong Community
- Economic – Diverse, vital, and innovative business providing service and creating job opportunity.
- Education – High-quality educational resources for lifetime learning.
- Health & Wellness – Access to quality health care resources.
- Neighborhood & Community – Provide housing and basic needs of residents, while creating a sense of pride and shared purpose.
- Assets – Recreational, historic, and cultural assets for quality lifestyle.
Additional consideration of neighboring educational assets is also a concern. According to a National Bureau of Economic Research report, it was found that the degree of external competition that a school district faces from neighboring districts may also affect the efficiency of school spending and therefore housing values. This speaks to a more expansive concern to school districts and their surrounding communities regarding student retention in the face of the School of Choice option.
With the introduction of School of Choice in 1996, school districts were placed in the position of having to consider marketability for the first time. Over the last few years, MAPS SOC population is showing an upward trend in SOC transfers. Proving a margin exists for improvement.
In a competitive market, it becomes critical for school districts to identify what impacts decision making. Parents are measuring 21st Century learning amenities, test scores, academic offerings, extracurricular diversity, fiscal responsibility, social and behavioral supports, community pride, and more.
Manistee is compared with neighboring communities based upon development opportunities, as well as our educational, housing, and workforce assets. In order to retain students and grow business and manufacturing in our county, we need to envision and invest in a future for our community that supports Manistee as a great place to live, work and raise a family.
Why education matters to a community…
- Potential for stabilizing property values*
- Attracts and keeps families in our community
- Fosters economic development
- Provides work force for area businesses
- Develops students into productive citizens
Community Impact of Your School District
*According to the National Bureau of Economic Research, there is a clear connection between school expenditures and home values. A report titled, “Using Market Valuation to Assess Public School Spending,” found that for every dollar spent on public schools in a community, home values increased by $20. These findings indicate that additional school expenditures may benefit everyone in the community, whether or not those residents actually have children in the local public-school system.
Insulating Property Values
*In a 2009 study at Georgia Tech, the effects of the recession on housing values were studied to identify changes in the demand for certain characteristics of residential properties as the market was falling.
They analyzed home buying influencing characteristics such as bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage, age, stories, garage, basement, general interior and exterior, school district, crime stats, median income, etc. The research discovered that a quality school district can have a profound insulating effect on the housing values in the surrounding community.
Could MAPS work with the City on a park plan to ensure that we have adequate practice fields and tennis courts?
Buildings
How will the district make safety of our students a priority in all buildings?
Safety of our students and staff is, and always has been, the focus of our attention. We have addressed safety in a multitude of ways and will continue to allocate resources to build upon these efforts. MAPS administration, staff, Board of Education, and our Student Safety Advisory Committee have worked hard to formulate solutions for addressing safety concerns. The following is a summary of some of our recent progress in the area of safety:
Communication
- Communication Matrix Developed and Implemented
- Safety Communication and Resources Presented on Safety Page of Website
- Efforts to Improve Communication Between District and Parents
- Manistee Community Safety Committee Developed for Countywide Communication of Safety Standards
Buildings
- Building Tours Completed/Identified Safety Improvement Opportunities
- Grant Obtained for Safety Film at MMHS
- Bus Protocols Implemented
- Door Sensor Installation
- Fingerprinting Standards Identified
- Emergency Operation Procedures Reviewed and Revised
Education & Training
- Social Emotional Learning Curriculums Reviewed
- OK 2 Say Training
- Stewards of Children Training
- QPR Training
- Student & Staff Opportunities
- Opioid Symposium
- Vaping Assembly
- Homeland Security
Ongoing Initiatives
- MMHS Safety Improvements to Entry – Budgeting for 2019/20 Project
- Working with contractors to design improvements for front entrance and office areas
- Create separation between student population and adults visiting the building
- Door Sensor Installations
- Bus Route Improvement
- Schedules are being revised to accomplish 10-minute drop-off windows
- Manistee Community Safety Committee – EOP Alignment
- 763-page EOP document was presented for review
- Standards are being finalized
- CentraWellness at Madison
- Madison will be the new location for the CentraWellness Autism & ADD Therapist
- Jefferson Parent Visit to Ludington – Locked All Day Policy
- Access & Entry procedure monitored at each building
- Met with parent advisors to discuss in-building safety concerns
- Visited Ludington to review Locked All Day procedures
- Developing policy and procedure for keeping building locked at all times
- Reviewed and discussed revised drop-off & pick-up procedures that will be implemented for 2019/20
- MMHS Pick-Up & Drop-Off/Bus Route Improvement
- Discussed opportunities for improving the transportation procedures at MMHS
- Solutions implemented with Transportation Director
- MMHS Safety Improvements to Entry – Budgeting for 2019/20 Project
Has the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the priorities the bond scope?
Although the scope has not changed, our thinking about the project priorities has been altered. The circumstances of the last several months has redefined the meaning of “Safe Schools”. In addition to features such as secure entrances, learning corridor lockdowns, and improved transportation routes, we are also mindful of the importance of modern air quality standards, flexible and adequate learning spaces, and surfaces that can be easily sanitized.
The scope includes modernized mechanical assets to improve energy efficiency and air quality for the renovated Kennedy Elementary building. Additionally, an assessment of air quality at the MMHS building was completed determining that the current mechanicals meet current air exchange standards not requiring any change in scope.
What is the age of each of the current school buildings?
Manistee Middle High School was placed into service in 2003
Kennedy Elementary was placed into service in 1967
Madison Elementary was placed into service in 1964
Jefferson Elementary was placed into service in 1954
I thought taxpayers voted to pay for the removal of the old high school, why wasn’t the building torn down?
Why not relocate/consolidate the bus garage in this bond scope?
As much as we would like to be able to meet all of the district need with one bond, through our facilities assessment and planning, including community feedback, we were able to determine a scope for the bond that addresses our greatest needs currently. The scope was designed to address efficiencies, while also considering sensitivity to the financial tolerance of our community.
It is possible in the future that we may consider a consolidation of our transportation resources to the location of our Madison Community Learning Center. The lot size of that property may prove to be able to accommodate those assets.
Will the Jefferson building be torn down in this plan?
Yes, the proposed plan includes full demolition of the Jefferson building as well as the necessary site work to create an open greenspace at the Jefferson site. A Jefferson Neighborhood Committee has been formed to assist the MAPS Board of Education in determining a use for the Jefferson property that will meet the needs of the District and our community. The current playground equipment and parking lot will be maintained until a plan for that site has been further developed.
Could the Jefferson property be subdivided for residential use?
This is an option that is being discussed with our Jefferson Neighborhood Committee. Although there was initial concern amongst neighbors regarding the scale of the development that could occur on this plot of land, the District is exploring opportunities that may allow for small-scale, single family home development that would quell these concerns.
Couldn’t we just keep Jefferson and still improve Kennedy?
Renovating Kennedy Elementary while also budgeting for the estimated maintenance needs of Jefferson Elementary would be cost prohibitive to the District. Removing the Jefferson Building (the oldest of the 4 buildings currently online –built 1954) the district will save millions in anticipated maintenance for a building not needed to serve current enrollment forecasts.
*Maintenance cost come from MAPS General Fund Budget
** Capital Need based on Facility Assessment
Investing in our elementary with the best infrastructure allows the district to save $21.16 million over the next 20 years.
*Maintenance cost come from MAPS General Fund Budget
Have you considered closing Madison?
Through the process of facilities visioning, we have considered many options. Madison is an aging building, however the space available there has been put to great use. The former Madison Elementary School has undergone a repurposing plan which began after the building consolidation in 2017 and was recently renamed: Madison Community Learning Center. Madison currently houses, MAPS Preschool, Great Start Readiness Program, MAPS After School Care, Face to Face Homeschool Program, Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy, is a resource for Manistee Intermediate School District, and most recently became the new location for the CentraWellness Autism & ADD Therapist.
In the proposed plan, with a reasonable investment to renovate space and mechanical services, the Madison Community Learning Center would be used as a community hub offering practical resources and innovative programs to meet the educational, health, social, and behavioral needs of students throughout our community as well as the location of our administrative offices.
The move of our administrative offices to Madison allows for the space needed at Kennedy to house all lower grades, Pre-K through 5 in one location.
Through the further development of collaborative community partnerships, we will endeavor to assist Manistee families with centralized, diverse resources to help them thrive and grow.
Why don’t you just create one campus at the MMHS site?
Financial
Why do you think now is the best time to consider this project?
Over the years we have been able to maintain basic operations and maintenance of our buildings through our operations budget and alternative funding opportunities. This bond scope addresses consolidation and efficiency projects that extend well beyond what our funding would allow to be addressed.
Financial Considerations:
- The current bond drops off in 2029.
- The 2017 facilities assessment identified infrastructure, maintenance, and furnishings needs in excess of $48 million over the next 10 years.
- With all 4 buildings remaining in service, in 20 years that number jumps to $63+ million.
- Consolidating our elementary infrastructure, as outlined in the bond scope, would allow the district to save and estimated $21.16 million over the next 20 years, based upon projected maintenance and capital need of all existing elementary buildings.
- Construction costs grow each year that we wait.
- With current budgetary allocation at 9% to cover expenses such as general repairs, utilities, plowing, etc., in addition to capital improvements, our facility needs are very quickly outpacing our budget.
- Right now we are in a position to borrow money at a relatively low cost due to current market conditions.
Where can I learn more about MAPS budget and financial plan?
Why are we holding a fund balance when we have maintenance needs?
The MAPS district holds a fund balance (sometimes referred to as a rainy-day fund), which is set aside to cover district operations for emergencies and times when state or local revenues may be delayed or not available.
The Mackinaw Center for Public Policy Reports:
The Michigan School Business Officials organization recommends that districts maintain a fund balance of at least 15% of a district’s general fund expenditures. Based on data from Bulletin 1011 for fiscal 2006, the general fund balance after reserves and designations of conventional school districts and charter schools statewide was about 10.8% of total current operating expenditures, showing that many districts struggle to meet the recommendation.MAPS fund balance for the 2017-18 school year was approximately 20% of the total budget.
How did Proposal A change state school funding?
State Funding
Prior to Proposal A, schools were financed primarily through local property taxes. In 1993-94, Michigan home and business owners were paying on average 33 operational mills assessed on the State Equalized Value (50% of market value) of their properties. At that time, local taxation accounted for roughly 69% of the State/local split of school finance, with State funding making up the other 31%.
In July of 1993, the Michigan Legislature approved, and the Governor signed into law, P.A. 145 of 1993. This law exempted all real and personal property taxes for school operating purposes beginning in 1994. This law eliminated approximately 64% or $6.4 billion of $10.0 billion of total K-12 school funding beginning in FY 1994-95, requiring the Legislature to create a new funding structure.
Proposal A passed in March 1994:
- Sales Tax Increased from 4% to 6%, with 100% of the Revenue from the Additional 2% Dedicated to the School Aid Fund (SAF);
- Use Tax – All Revenue from the 2% Increase –SAF;
- State Education Tax Assessed on the Taxable Value of all Property at 6 mills;
- New Real Estate Transfer Tax – 0.75% applied to the selling price of the property;
- Cigarette Tax – increase from 25 to 75 cents per pack, with 63.4% of the increase dedicated to the School Aid Fund. (August 1, 2002 saw a 50 cent increase, 20 cents of which was dedicated to the SAF. This tax increased again on July 1, 2004, to $2.00/pack; none of the 75 cent increase was dedicated to the School Aid Fund.)
Why don’t we just wait until the 1999 bond debt drops off?
Unfortunately, we do not have the luxury of waiting until 2029 when the current bond drops off. The facilities assessment that was conducted in 2018 has identified facilities infrastructure, maintenance and furnishings needs in excess of $48 million dollars over the next 10 years, if no changes are made to the current 4-building facilities configuration. With all 4 buildings remaining in service, that number jumps to $63+ million in 20 years.
With each year that passes, our buildings age and require additional maintenance. Approximately 91% of our annual budget is allocated to expenses directly related to educating our students, this leaves us with 9% of our budget for building operations and maintenance. In addition to covering everyday expenses such as general repairs, utilities, plowing, etc., from this budget we must also allocate for capital improvements for things like roof or window replacement, and furnishings upgrades. The budgetary allocation for the 2018/19 schools year provided approximately $1.3 million for operations and maintenance plus $328,000 to service debt from the 7 million dollars in improvement work completed without incurring additional tax burden on our community. As you can see, our facilities needs are very quickly outpacing our budget.
How has School of Choice impacted the school district?
According to a National Bureau of Economic Research report, it was found that the degree of external competition that a school district faces from neighboring districts may also affect the efficiency of school spending and therefore housing values. This speaks to a more expansive concern to school districts and their surrounding communities regarding student retention in the face of the School of Choice option.
With the introduction of School of Choice in 1996, school districts were placed in the position of having to consider marketability for the first time. Over the last few years, MAPS SOC population is showing an upward trend in SOC transfers. Proving a margin exists for improvement.
In a competitive market, it becomes critical for school districts to identify what impacts decision making. When selecting a school district, parents may consider measuring 21st Century learning amenities, test scores, academic offerings, extracurricular diversity, fiscal responsibility, social and behavioral supports, community pride, and more.
Manistee is compared with neighboring communities based upon development opportunities, as well as our educational, housing, and workforce assets. In order to retain students and grow business and manufacturing in our county, MAPS needs to envision and invest in a future for our community that supports Manistee as a great place to live, work and raise a family.
How did the September 2020 bond issuance refunding impact the current bond debt?
On September 23, 2020 the MAPS Board of Education accepted a bid for bond issuance refunding allowing the District to refinance the balance of the 1999 bond ($7,970,000) at an interest rate of .98% (from 4%) which results in a savings over the remainder of the bond life of $1,275,538.
Was the Paine Aquatic Center paid for by a school bond?
No. The Paine Aquatic Center was built through the generous donation of private funds from the Paine Family. Bill Paine, a local Manistee citizen, presented to a joint meeting of the City of Manistee and Manistee Area Public School Boards a proposal to build a community pool for the Manistee area. The City of Manistee and Manistee Area Public Schools both agreed to accept the proposed project and entered into an Interlocal Services Agreement on the operation and maintenance costs for the building. The proposal called for the pool to be attached to the Manistee High School facilities. The pool opened in July of 2009.
Maintenance is provided in conjunction with our community partners:
- City of Manistee
- Munson Healthcare
- Charter Township of Filer
What are the benefits of building consolidation?
Using an assessment of the current physical structures of district, we have evaluated our facilities needs over the next 20 years. Comparing operational expenses to facility need, we have developed a plan for efficient use and maintenance of our physical assets, ensuring sustainable and supportive learning environments for future Chippewas.
Additionally, we have taken into account how changes in enrollment may impact our district capacity and financial future. In the MAPS 2020 Vision, consideration has been given to the capacity of individual buildings, maintenance requirements of those buildings over the next 20 years, and student enrollment projections. The MAPS 2020 Vision aligns our facilities assessment findings with historic and projected enrollment figures to reconfigure current district assets.
Although the MAPS 2020 Vision bond scope cannot completely encapsulate all needs for all facilities for the next 20 years, we are confident that we have developed a plan that provides appropriately scaled learning environments for our student population, while also delivering efficient and affordable facilities the district can maintain well into the future, saving the district millions in maintenance and operational costs.
Potential Benefits include:
- Operational efficiency
- Buildings scaled to enrollment projections
- Shared resources
- Transportation efficiency
- Improved financial stability
- Reduced maintenance costs
How does MAPS district millage compare to other area districts?
Where does school funding come from and how is that money spent?
Click this link for a chart showing district revenues and spending:
MAPS SchoolFunding 2018 19 Update FINAL
If the bond is passed in 2020, how would the building maintenance money saved be allocated?
Based upon a third-party facility assessment, the funds needed to maintain and improve all buildings over the next 20 years would be more than 60 million dollars. Through traditional school funding, this far exceeds the district budget for building maintenance and improvement. On average the district is currently able to allocate approximately $1.4 million dollars per year on building maintenance and improvement.
Based upon the current school funding structure, maintaining and improving all buildings over the next 20 years without community support would not be possible. Therefore, the district would need to ask the community for additional funds through another bond proposal, which would likely exceed the amount asked for in the current proposal.
The MAPS 2020 bond proposal, asking for $29,825,000, has taken into consideration the enrollment projections for the next 10 years and has carefully considered how current buildings can be adapted to meet the needs of our students for years to come. The intention in developing this plan was to ensure supportive and safe learning environments for all students, while also considering financial stewardship of the district for the next 20 years. We estimate that the proposed configuration outlined in the bond proposal would save the district approximately $21 million dollars over the next 20 years.
How is the revenue sharing money from Little River Band of Ottawa Indians spent?
A portion of the revenue sharing money generously contributed annually from the LRBOI is allocated to debt retirement by the Board. Since the inception of the PILT payments, the MAPS Board of Education has transferred in excess of $1,756,000 of Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT) money from the general fund to the debt service fund, which has reduced taxpayer burden. As a measure of impact, last year’s transfer covered 6.85% of the same periods levied debt service payments. The additional funds are generally allocated to capital expenditures and building maintenance needs, expenditures which currently amount to approximately 1.4 million dollars per year.
Academics
Why are you focusing on facilities instead of academics?
The MAPS 2020 Vision includes programmatic elements that reach beyond the bond scope and our physical environments. Our Social Emotional Learning (SEL) curriculum provides social and emotional programming within the academic curriculum to help our students learn about self-awareness, self-management, relationship building and other basic life skills. The intention is to address emotional and behavioral issues through a comprehensive, consistent approach at all grade levels, while also providing them with critical thinking, problem solving, and communication skills needed to be successful on any life path they choose.
Through a carefully considered balance of academic curriculum, technology, social and emotional programming, and well-planned and supportive learning environments we will enable our students to excel, while also providing a stable educational foundation within our community.
The Full MAPS 2020 Vision includes plans for:
- Flexible & Collaborative Learning Spaces
- Secure & Accessible Buildings
- Educational Excellence through Professional and Curriculum Development
- Supportive Culture for Students and Staff
- Community Stability through Support of Economic Development Efforts
- Operational Efficiency through Long-Term Facilities Planning
- Expansion of Extracurricular Assets
- Community Collaboration of Shared Resources
How does this plan support students interested in trades careers?
In order to continue to meet the needs of these students, our Career Technical Education (CTE) program offers MAPS students the opportunity to earn articulated college credit through partnerships the district has with WSCC, as well as Ferris State, and other higher learning institutions. CTE opportunities provide our students with the academic and technical skills, knowledge and training necessary to succeed in their chosen career field.
How does MAPS educational programming provide resources for advanced students?
Advanced Placement Classes
Advanced Placement is a program run by the College Board (the makers of the SAT) that allows students to take courses at MAPS, for which they can earn college credit and/or qualify students for more advanced classes when they begin college.
The AP courses are designed to give the student the experience of an intro-level college class while still in high school, providing the challenge advanced students desire. They may even earn college credit for the class if they pass the AP exam with a qualifying score. Current AP courses offered at MAPS:
- English (Composition)
- Environmental Science
- US History
- Psychology
- Calculus I
- Computer Science
- Chemistry
Dual Enrollment
Through a partnership with West Shore Community College, MAPS Students are able to apply for Dual Enrollment. This program allows high school students to enroll in college courses for credit while still in high school.
Why is the academic curriculum focused so much on technology?
Technology has been shown to transform learning by introducing in a new model of connected teaching. Technology links teachers to their students and provides expanded access to content, resources, and systems to help them improve instruction and personalize learning for the way a student learns.
Today’s world requires students to have strong technological skills regardless of their path for the future. As the job market evolves, so must our curriculum in order to provide relevant skills for advanced education and entering the workforce.
Planning
How was the bond proposal plan developed?
The process of establishing a future vision for the Manistee Area Public School district began in the fall of 2016, with an effort to understand both an internal and external perspectives on the needs of our district. From this, it was determined that the district needed a scaled facilities plan that would better meet the physical and financial needs of our district over the next 20 years.
- Over 120 one-on-one interviews were conducted with community members
- Community input forums were held
- Surveys were administered
- Facility assessment was completed
- Current enrollment and future projections were assessed
How is the MAPS district addressing Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, & Threats (SWOT) study results?
Academics
- Recruited a dedicated Curriculum Director in 2019.
- Developed a professional learning community, which engages a group of educators to share expertise and works collaboratively to improve teaching skills and the academic performance of students.
- Continued efforts are being made in assessing student progress through work with the NWEA and incorporating data gathered into the creation of student focused solutions for optimizing instruction.
Safety
- Created the Student Safety Advisory Committee (SSAC) a community-based safety initiative team to research, devise, and inform the Board of Education regarding initiatives to improve safety.
- Identified, applied for, and was awarded grant dollars to improve safety features of district assets. Additional opportunities are being continually sought.
- Participating regularly in collaborative safety efforts with local law enforcement and neighboring districts to streamline response procedures
- Leading student group initiatives focused on improved internal culture and positive decision making.
- Ongoing participation of administration, staff, and students in local efforts and training for safety awareness initiatives.
Communication
- Implemented outreach effort with internal and external stakeholders to better understand the perception, concerns, and desires of our community.
- Assembled a staff leadership committee to lead internal culture development and proliferation.
- Launched a new website focused on improvement of communication and robust and easily accessible resources.
Facilities Stewardship
- Engaging in discussion with internal and external stakeholders to identify a 20-year vision for district facilities plan.
- Identifying potential bond initiative to fund highest priority facilities needs.
- Outlining 20-year strategy for maintaining existing district assets.
- Maintaining the integrity of the operating budget while making infrastructure improvements for creatingsafe, secure, healthy and energy-efficient school in partnership with Honeywell Initiatives.
Why didn’t you just maintain the buildings we have?
- Improved Indoor & Outdoor Lighting
- Upgraded Fire Alarm Systems
- Installed Playground at Kennedy Elementary
- Purchased New Busses
- Boilers & Controls
- Roofed all buildings
- Added Security Cameras and Installed Door Monitoring Systems
- Updated Classroom Technology
- Upgraded Baseball, Softball, and Football Fields
- Built Restroom & Concessions Building at Football Fields
- Repaired & Expanded Parking Lots
- Built Community Track
- Built Paine Aquatic Center
Perhaps the greatest concern when considering this question is the long-range cost to maintain our facilities and how the current configuration will serve our population as it declines. Enrollment is projected to decrease by more than 30% over the next 20 years. As enrollment declines, so will school funding. The impact of maintaining numerous aging buildings, not operating at capacity, would create a significant financial burden on the district.
Is daycare being considered in this plan?
Will this plan allow for growth if our population was to boom?
How do our class sizes compare with other districts in our county?
Bear Lake 25:1
Kaleva Norman Dickson 22:1
Onekama 21:1
Community Facilities Forum Presentation
On April 25, 2019, Ronald Stoneman, Manistee Area Public Schools Superintendent, presented a Community Facilities Forum presentation outlining preliminary options for MAPS facilities vision for the future. View the presentation here, and share your thoughts by completing the Forum Survey.
MAPS 2020 Vision Forum Presentation
On September 5th & September 9th, 2019, Ronald Stoneman, Manistee Area Public Schools Superintendent, presented the MAPS 2020 Vision Forum outlining a plan for MAPS facilities vision for the future. View the presentation here.
MAPS 2020 Vision Forum Update
On October 8th, 2019, Ronald Stoneman, Manistee Area Public Schools Superintendent, held an updated MAPS 2020 Vision Forum presentation reviewing the plan and answering questions received through community feedback. View the presentation here, and share your thoughts by completing the Forum Survey.
MAPS 2020 Vision Impact
On December 12th, 2019, Ronald Stoneman, Manistee Area Public Schools Superintendent, attended a Manistee Area Chamber of Commerce Board meeting to provide an update for the MAPS 2020 Vision. He reviewed the plan elements and provided insight on the financial aspects and community impact of the proposal. View the presentation here.
MAPS 2020 A Future for Jefferson
On January 7th, 2020, Ronald Stoneman, Manistee Area Public Schools Superintendent, invited the neighbors of the Jefferson Elementary property to meet to provide information and seek feedback regarding the Jefferson property future in the MAPS 2020 Vision. He reviewed the plan elements and provided insight on the options for consideration for the future use of this property. Community members in attendance shared several ideas for the property. These ideas will be considered and a follow up meeting planned. View the presentation here.
In the News
FOCUS AREA PRIORITIES – TOP RESPONSES
All of the information contained in the toggles below are the raw data points gathered from the various forums held to date. The MAPS 2020 site will continue to build on these sections as more groups throughout our community are approached.
The Top Responses outlined below are a summary of the top priorities identified from ALL discussions.
- Collaborative/flexible/more space/small group accommodations
- Improved parking/pick-up & drop-off
- Auxiliary/dedicated gyms
- Safe entrances to buildings
- Electrical/tech improvements/smart boards
- Voctech/maker’s space
- Improved furnishings/flexible seating
- HVAC improvement
- Natural light/windows/lighting improvement
- Early childhood facilities
- Plumbing improvement/ bath, sinks, drinking fountains in room
Feedback Collected from Facilities Forums
Overall SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Threats Exercise) Summary - February 2017
October 2016 through January 2017, 120 one-on-one internal and external stakeholder interviews were conducted to inform a SWOT analysis. The interview answers have been compiled to formulate this “Overall SWOT Summary”. To appear on this SWOT summary, similar answers must have been given across 40% or more of the designed cross section. The findings contained here are a general summation of answer groups.
STRENGTHS
- Wide Range of Curriculum Choices/Advance Placement/Dual Enrollment
- Elementary Reading Program/Reading & Math Interventions
- SpecialEducation
- Adventure Learning
- Diverse Athletic and Extra Curricular Offerings
- Band Program
- Quality,Specialized Instructional Staff/Administration
- High School Facility, Pool, and Football Stadium
- Technology/1:1Program/Student Centric Power Learning
- Fiscal Management
- Student Relationships/Diversity/Tolerance/Social Opportunities for Students
- Superintendent Involvement on State Level
- Ability to Monitor/Assess Student Progress(NWEA,PowerSchool)
- PLC*
- Love andLogic*
* Not mentioned by external survey
WEAKNESSES
- Communication Internally & Externally
- Social-Emotional Needs of Students
- Responding to Changing Demographics
- Programming for Non-College Bound Students
- Internal Culture
- Initiative Overload/Layering Tasks/Change of Direction/Goals
- Age and Functional Obsolescence/Elementary Buildings
- Challenge of Meeting the Needs of All Students
- Aftermath of Inconsistent Leadership/Changes
- Community & School Spirit
- Morale andStress
- Articulation and Unification of Vision and Goals
- Collaborative Internal Process
- Test Scores
- Disconnect on some issues between Administrators and Instructional Staff
OPPORTUNITIES
- Engagement with Community/Community Partnerships
- IncreasedParental and Family Involvement
- Grants/Growth of Endowment Funds with MCCF
- Cultivate Ambassadors
- Collaboration/Offerings Provided for District Schools
- Creating/Providing a Day Care Program
- Extend Use of Facilities
- Bond Proposal for Facilities
- Board Development
- Strategy for Communications/Public Relations
- DevelopingTechnical and Trade Programs
THREATS
- State and Federal Funding/Sources of Revenue
- Legislative Changes Ongoing with Curriculum/Standards
- Competition for Students/Declining Enrollment
- Demographics/Deteriorating Socio-Economic Level
- Continuing Recruitment of Quality Teachers
- Legislative Changes Ongoing with Curriculum/Standards
- Litigation
MAPS Staff Meeting - November 2018
MAPS Staff Meeting 11/20 – 41 participants | |||||
Internal Highest Priority Items Identified | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Total by building | Total |
1. Collaborative/flexible/more space/small group accomodations | 63 | ||||
General | 11 | 19 | 1 | 31 | |
MMHS | 11 | 5 | 0 | 16 | |
Kennedy | 8 | 5 | 0 | 13 | |
Jefferson | 2 | 1 | 0 | 3 | |
2. Improved parking/pick-up & drop-off | 37 | ||||
General | 15 | 0 | 0 | 15 | |
MMHS | 7 | 2 | 0 | 9 | |
Kennedy | 7 | 1 | 0 | 8 | |
Jefferson | 3 | 2 | 0 | 5 | |
3. Auxiliary/dedicated gyms | 32 | ||||
General | 11 | 3 | 6 | 20 | |
MMHS | 6 | 3 | 0 | 9 | |
Kennedy | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
Jefferson | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | |
4. Safe entrances to buildings | 30 | ||||
General | 9 | 1 | 5 | 15 | |
MMHS | 7 | 1 | 0 | 8 | |
Kennedy | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
Jefferson | 2 | 2 | 0 | 4 | |
5. Electrical/tech improvements/smartboards | 22 | ||||
General | 9 | 4 | 0 | 13 | |
MMHS | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |
Kennedy | 4 | 1 | 0 | 5 | |
Jefferson | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | |
6. Votech/maker’s space | 21 | ||||
General | 4 | 1 | 2 | 7 | |
MMHS | 2 | 12 | 0 | 14 | |
Kennedy | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Jefferson | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
7.. Improved furnishings/flexible seating | 21 | ||||
General | 10 | 0 | 1 | 11 | |
MMHS | 3 | 2 | 0 | 5 | |
Kennedy | 3 | 0 | 0 | 3 | |
Jefferson | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | |
8. HVAC improvement | 17 | ||||
General | 7 | 2 | 1 | 10 | |
MMHS | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | |
Kennedy | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
Jefferson | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
9. Natural light/windows/lighting improvement | 17 | ||||
General | 6 | 2 | 0 | 8 | |
MMHS | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |
Kennedy | 5 | 0 | 0 | 5 | |
Jefferson | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | |
10. Day care facilities | 13 | ||||
General | 4 | 4 | 4 | 12 | |
MMHS | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | |
Kennedy | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
Jefferson | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | |
11. Plumbing improvement/ bath, sinks, drinking fountains in room | 13 | ||||
General | 8 | 0 | 0 | 8 | |
MMHS | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | |
Kennedy | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |
Jefferson | 2 | 0 | 0 | 2 | |
MAPS Staff Professional Development - December 2018
Staff Professional Development Presentation 12/18 | |
Cards Collected | 82 |
Presentation/Information Quality | |
History helpful and presented well | 44 |
Show renderings of plans for district, help visualizing district options | 2 |
Excellent process for educating internal stakeholders | 2 |
Teachers feel they are a part of the process | 1 |
Much better process than what happened in past | 1 |
Was very familiar with history | 1 |
Information was general, not about our district | 1 |
Content Concerns | |
Reality of affordability | 2 |
Staff feels admin already has a plan and their input won’t matter | 1 |
Requests for Additional Information/Next Steps | |
Long term budgeting/maintenance plans needed | 7 |
More focus on elementary | 5 |
Operating cost information needed | 4 |
Keep collecting input | 2 |
Collect input from students | 2 |
Wants to share more input | 2 |
Ready to see what happens next | 2 |
Washington School sale? | 1 |
Wants to see a future timeline for next 10 years | 1 |
Teacher opportunity to give input on workflow in new spaces | 1 |
Wants more information about building reno vs. new building | 1 |
More info on past failed bonds | 1 |
Community Engagement | |
Need to educate/involve community/make history easy to understand | 14 |
Concern for public support | 1 |
Misconception about building removal | 1 |
Engage community to use facilities, advertise at events | 1 |
Focus Area Feedback | |
Focus areas identified are good | 30 |
Gym needs to be a high priority | 5 |
K-5 bathrooms in classrooms/use as shelters | 3 |
Kitchen, cafeteria flow | 2 |
Doors locked consistently/increased security at all entrances | 2 |
Safe learning environment needed for elementary | 2 |
Age appropriate playgrounds | 2 |
Separate space for Middle & High School | 1 |
Stairs at Kennedy need to be removed | 1 |
Replace lockers | 1 |
Improved use of space | 1 |
Gathering place for kids before school | 1 |
Individualized education | 1 |
Large egress windows in classrooms | 1 |
Media tech centers needed for growing demands | 1 |
Loves library collaboration idea | 1 |
Bullet proof glass | 1 |
Green spaces with seating | 1 |
Safety procedures needed | 1 |
New buildings needed | 1 |
Day care required to bring in new families | 1 |
Air quality and circulation | 1 |
Daycare is a strange idea | 1 |
Washers and dryers | 1 |
Central air | 1 |
Showers | 1 |
Separate space for science rooms | 1 |
Sound system | 1 |
Puppy room for teachers | 1 |
Combine K-5 | 1 |
Exit door to outside from every classroom | 1 |
ID and backgrounds for every person coming into buildings, way to identify visitors | 1 |
General Feedback | |
Improvements need to be made for students to show respect/pride | 2 |
Volunteering to speak | 2 |
Site visit of renovated school needed | 1 |
LRCR needs to contribute more in the community | 1 |
Better quality of life needed in Manistee | 1 |
Bond is needed | 1 |
Site visit of renovated school needed | 1 |
MAPS Supporters Forum - December 2018
SSAC/ATP/Boosters Presentation Feedback 12/19 | # responses |
Question #1 – Building improvements to support safety | |
Improve front entry procedures | 5 |
More than just buzzers at the doors, cameras, alarms, security systems | 4 |
Visitor enter into secured area | 2 |
Safety glass on all exterior windows | 1 |
Security throughout building, classrooms, open spaces | 1 |
Random strangers less of a concern than those who know the school routines | 1 |
Too much burden on secretaries to oversee all building traffic and navigate concerns | 1 |
Better lockdown procedures for secondary entrances | 1 |
Question #2 – Facility improvements to support diverse educational goals | |
More vocational ed opportunities, hands on learning | 5 |
Teach life skills | 2 |
Collaborative/flexible learning spaces | 2 |
Team/group learning to teach how to work in business environment | 1 |
Promote positive culture for students and faculty | 1 |
Upgrade classrooms with current technology | 1 |
Alternative classroom settings for students who cannot function in P.S. groups | 1 |
“Safety net” for near drop-outs/frequent suspensions | 1 |
College not the only working goal | 1 |
Is there a plan for a K-12 campus? | 1 |
Build relationships with community, businesses, WSCC | 1 |
Larger classrooms to accommodate larger class sizes – one teacher with several aides to work in small groups | 1 |
Question #3 – How to strengthen community support | |
More information provided to parents and public, ie: history piece | 3 |
Share information about budgeting for building improvements vs. new build | 1 |
Reps are welcome to present at monthly ISD meeting | 1 |
Have many more conversations like tonight’s presentation (businesses, Chamber, tribe, human services groups) | 1 |
Mental health “clinic” in school building | 1 |
Leverage resources within community vs. spending money to duplicate efforts | 1 |
Utilize existing spaces for fine arts events, meetings, pool, community events | 1 |
Build partnerships with the parochial schools and home schoolers | 1 |
Community center parenting classes | 1 |
Adult Ed classes | 1 |
Early childhood family education | 1 |
Drug/alcohol education programs | 1 |
Nutrition/cooking classes – real kitchens | 1 |
Offer regular dinners combined with family educational opportunities | 1 |
Food pantry, clothing share programs in schools | 1 |
Rent facilities for adult sports | 1 |
Board of Education Presentation - January 2019
Board of Education Presentation Feedback 1/19 | # responses |
Question #1 – How do you feel that the staff priorities identified align with the objectives of the MAPS Board of Education? | |
Priorities align | 3 |
Staff should not have to focus on facilities needs because of past failed bonds | 1 |
New Fresh learning spaces are pinnacle to district survival and ability to compete | 1 |
Safety | 1 |
Space | 1 |
Fixtures | 1 |
Question #2 – What facility improvements do you feel would best support our District’s goals for students at every stage of their educational journey? | |
Open, multi-purpose areas | 2 |
HVAC and security improvements at elementary | 1 |
Elementary improvement as focus | 1 |
Makers space for all levels of learning | 1 |
Better lighting, windows | 1 |
Major remodel of Jefferson or new facility | 1 |
Make adjustments to MMHS to maximized learning environment | 1 |
Board always strive to listen to staff needs | 1 |
Question #3 – How can our facilities better serve the needs of the greater Manistee community, and how can we use this opportunity to strengthen community support? | |
Increase access to after-hours activity & meeting space, track access | 3 |
Increase participation w/WSCC & Baker with space in Manistee | 1 |
Inviting fitness facility separate from learning would keep district focus on pride | 1 |
Safe entrances | 1 |
Outreach efforts to bring the community into the schools | 1 |
Community Forum Presentation - April 4, 2019
Forum Presentation Feedback 4-4-19 | # responses |
21 | |
Question #1 – What improvements do you feel are most important for meeting the diverse educational needs of our students? | |
Flexible learning spaces to allow movement/space for small group instruction | 6 |
Voctech opportunities | 3 |
Adequate facilities with improved technology | 2 |
Environmentally sound HVAC | 2 |
Get rid of 1927 building | 2 |
Support/$ Teachers with supplies needed | 1 |
Life skills and social studies/humanities for well-rounded students | 1 |
Better teacher to pupil interactions | 1 |
Age appropriate improvements to facilities/smaller class sizes | 1 |
Safe buildings | 1 |
Common expectations | 1 |
AP Classes | 1 |
Classroom storage/shelving | 1 |
Natural light | 1 |
Bring back HOST program | 1 |
New functioning building | 1 |
Do it right the first time even if it has to be phased | 1 |
Teacher education for individualized learning | 1 |
K-6 one school | 1 |
Community does not want to invest in voodoo projects/old high school should have been removed with last bond | 1 |
Faciilities that support new learning | 1 |
Dedicated counselors | 1 |
Safe learning environment | 1 |
Fiscal responsibility | 1 |
1 | |
Question #2 – With student safety being a top priority, what are your thoughts about potential buildings improvements to promote safety? | |
Improved drop-off & pick-up procedures/bussing & parking procedures | 7 |
Barriers to entry/limited access entry | 7 |
Behavior prevention/psychological support | 2 |
New building with safety improvements | 2 |
Door supervision with the buzzer system | 1 |
Fast response procedures | 1 |
Continue SSAC | 1 |
Continue community communication | 1 |
Doors that shut properly | 1 |
Light at Maple & 12th — 2 hours daily, M/F (with City & MCC) | 1 |
Cut 2 exit doors from Varsity locker rooms to secure H.S. from Pool | 1 |
Addition HS locker rooms | 1 |
Upgrades to facilities to meet current codes | 1 |
Upgrade security ASAP | 1 |
Educate students/standard expectaions | 1 |
Monitored surveillance on all entrances | 1 |
Improved safety practices | 1 |
1 | |
Question #3 – In what ways can the MAPS district support the needs of our community? | |
Collaborative use of facilities/ Community use of pool, gyms, classrooms, media area, after-school learning | 4 |
Continuing ed/Adult ed | 2 |
Skilled trades education | 2 |
Take care of our current facilities, pool, track, by putting $ aside each year so the full $$ can be spread out | 1 |
Private fundraising | 1 |
Community meeting spaces | 1 |
Improved varied learning environments | 1 |
Contact with local businessess/apprenticeships/internships | 1 |
After-school mentoring | 1 |
Better psychological support | 1 |
Communicate plans with commiunity | 1 |
Cooperation with Community College | 1 |
Place-based learning | 1 |
Infant/pre-school/day care | 1 |
Bring generations together for events and activities | 1 |
Space for homless families to receive support and resources | 1 |
Use $ to preserve, maintain, and decay in current buildings | 1 |
Food, clothing, support services | 1 |
Community outreach | 1 |
Community collaborations/shared resources | 1 |
1 |
Community Forum Staff Presentation - April 25, 2019
Communiity Forum Staff Presentation Feedback 4/25/19 | # responses |
26 | |
Question #1 – Which option (A,B,C) do you feel best supports the direction of our MAPS 20/20 Vision? | |
Option C | 18 |
Option B | 6 |
Option A | |
Question #2 – Our list of desired improvements has been established through feedback. Which improvements do you feel are most important for creating supportive learning environments for our students? | |
Safety in buildings//safe entrances | 17 |
21st century learning | 10 |
Improved parking/pick-up & drop-off | 10 |
Auxillary gym space | 7 |
HVAC | 5 |
Day care/early childhood / before school care | 4 |
Natural Lighting | 4 |
Loss of athletic field at Kennedy is a concern | 3 |
Improved furnishings | 2 |
Electrical improvements | 2 |
Plumbing | 2 |
Voctech | 2 |
2 playgrounds | 1 |
Improved PA systems in all buildings | 1 |
Question #3 – What can be done to build community support for our vision? | |
Educate voters to build trust | 4 |
Educate reguarding community relevance/benefits (property, maintenance, improvents) | 3 |
Teacher support | 1 |
Share/talk | 1 |
Social Media/Talk to Real Manistee | 1 |
Adjust proposal to appeal to older crowd | 1 |
Community mindset is great | 1 |
Present united front | 1 |
Networking | 1 |
Honesty & Transparency | 1 |
Community Forum Presentation - April 25, 2019
Communiity Forum Presentation Feedback 4/25/19 | # responses |
15 | |
Question #1 – Which option (A,B,C) do you feel best supports the direction of our MAPS 20/20 Vision? | |
Option C – Most affordable | 8 |
Option B | 3 |
Option A | 0 |
Laura’s question about the life of B vs C is a good question. | 1 |
Have you considered closing Madison? | 1 |
I think there is a mixture of the three that may be the best solution. Look at the $8.3mm at MMHS, keep MMHS full, and lower (?) the footprint in all other places. | |
Some combination of B & C. How do Madison & Jefferson compare? Would Madison be a better rec site? Let community focus on rec & develop vision for rec | |
D — None of the above. Must cost less until bond payment has been paid off in 2029. | 1 |
Make Jefferson green space | 1 |
Question #2 – Our list of desired improvements has been established through feedback. Which improvements do you feel are most important for creating supportive learning environments for our students? | |
Safety in buildings//safe entrances | 6 |
21st century learning | 5 |
Improved parking drop off (@ MMHS. Have students park in student parking) | 5 |
Improved furnishings | 2 |
Auxillary gym space & sport facilities; practice fields | 2 |
Day care/early childhood | 1 |
The list hits them all! | 1 |
Bus garage | 1 |
Plumbing facilities | 1 |
Clean classrooms/bathrooms | 1 |
Voctech | 1 |
Greenspace | 1 |
Less tech, more traditional teaching | 1 |
Electric tech improvement | 1 |
Question #3 – What can be done to build community support for our vision? | |
Continuing to reach out to the community with open discussions like this. | 2 |
Welcoming feedback and keeping them informed on the process. | 1 |
Community collaboration and building trust | 1 |
Community support for vision? Get all potential “yes” votes (all parents!) | 1 |
Parent involvement | 1 |
New elementary school and make Jefferson green space. | 1 |
Include Community Forum presentation at beginning of year school events → (welcoming new parents, handbook review, etc.) | |
CentraWellness on campus. | 1 |
Add dedicated WSCC voctech space on campus. | 1 |
Get the word out!! Attending events such as Business After Hours, RisingTide meetings, etc. | 1 |
Have dedicated money to use for marketing the bond | 1 |
Teacher/staff need to be on the same page together and be positive in asking for options. | 1 |
Take down 1927 HS first (soon) | 1 |
Present realistic plans, more transparency, show more details not marketing fluff. | 1 |
Need More Information?
Location: 550 Maple St, Manistee, MI 49660 | Map
Telephone: 231-723-3521
Central Office Hours: M-F: 8:30am – 4:30pm
Superintendent: Ron Stoneman
Email: rstoneman@manistee.org