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Genesee Intermediate School District Board of Education
Reorganizes for the 2008-09 School Year
Genesee ISD Announces Process and Schedule to Fill Board
of Education Vacancy
GISD Implements Four-Day Work Week
After 31 Years of Dedicated Service, Peggy Tortorice
Retires from the Genesee Intermediate School District Board of Education
GISD’s Health Safety and Nutrition Services to
Host Project FRESH Program
Genesee ISD Transportation Staff Recognized for Excellence
Flint Kiwanis Educational Foundation Announces Scholarship
Winners
Eighth Annual Young Inventors Fair
Schools of Choice Program for 2008-2009
For Immediate Release
July 15, 2008
#1161
Genesee Intermediate School District Board of Education
Reorganizes for the 2008-09 School Year
The Genesee Intermediate School District Board of Education held its
Reorganization Meeting for the 2008-09 school year on Monday, July 14.
The following board members were elected to leadership positions:
- Lawrence P. Ford - President
- Jerry G. Ragsdale - Vice President
- Dale A. Green - Secretary
- Paul D. Newman - Treasurer
The GISD Board of Education will continue to hold its regular meeting
on the fourth Tuesday of each month, at 5:00 p.m., with the exception
of December for the holiday break.
Special meetings/work sessions will be held on the second Tuesday of
each month except for April, 2009. Additionally, the annual budget hearing
has been scheduled for March 11, 2009 at 7:00 p.m.
All meetings are held in Room 101 at the Erwin L. Davis Education Center,
2413 West Maple Avenue, in Mundy Township. ####
For Immediate Release
June 30, 2008
#1160
Genesee ISD Announces Process and Schedule to Fill
Board of Education Vacancy
Flint, Michigan – The Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD)
will begin accepting applications today from citizens who are interested
in filling the vacant seat on the GISD Board of Education.
The seat was left open by the resignation of GISD Board Member Peggy
J. Tortorice. Mrs. Tortorice announced her retirement on Tuesday, June
24, 2008, effective June 30, 2008.
Consistent with Section 308.614 of the Revised School Code and GISD Board
of Education Policy 0142.5, the GISD Board of Education will select a
candidate to fill the vacant seat in a process that is thorough and open
to the public.
An applicant must be a registered voter who lives in GISD’s 21-school-district
service area. To be considered for appointment, candidates must submit
a one-page letter of application and a one-page resume to the GISD Superintendent’s
Office no later than 4 p.m., Tuesday, July 15, 2008.
Applications should be addressed to:
Lawrence P. Ford, President
Genesee Intermediate School District Board of Education
2413 West Maple Avenue
Flint, Michigan 48507-3493
All interviews and meetings are open to the public and will be held in
Room 101 of the Erwin L. Davis Education Center, 2413 West Maple Avenue,
Flint, Michigan. Initial interviews are scheduled for Tuesday, July 22
and Wednesday, July 23. If necessary, a second round of interviews for
final candidates will be scheduled. The GISD Board of Education will select
the new board member on Thursday, July 24 following any second interviews.
The names of candidates and a complete schedule of interviews and meetings
will be posted after applications have been submitted. Pursuant to the
Revised School Code, the new board member will serve until June 30, 2009.
All questions, comments or requests for information may be submitted
to Dr. Thomas Svitkovich, Superintendent, Genesee Intermediate School
District, 2413 West Maple Avenue, Flint, Michigan 48507-3493.
####
For Immediate Release
July 1, 2008
#1159
GISD Implements Four-Day Work Week
The Genesee Intermediate School District (GISD) will implement a four-day
work week beginning July 7, 2008. This initiative is part of a continuing
effort to reduce energy costs for the district and help reduce transportation
costs for its staff. The regular five-day work week will be compressed
into a four-day work week.
Effective July 7, 2008, through August 8, 2008, all GISD
facilities will be closed on Fridays. The district’s business hours
will be:
Monday through Thursday, from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30
p.m.
Even though district facilities will be closed for business on Fridays,
any need for critical services, that may require certain staff to work
unique schedules, will be provided. GISD is committed to serving the needs
of its constituents and the four-day work week will not result in any
reduction of services.
Early this fall, the "summer 2008 work schedule" will be evaluated
to determine the savings to the district and employees, and to determine
whether to implement a similar arrangement in the future.
####
For Immediate Release
June 25, 2008
#1158
After 31 Years of Dedicated Service, Peggy Tortorice
Retires from the Genesee Intermediate School District Board of Education
Peggy J. Tortorice announced her retirement from the Genesee Intermediate
School District (GISD) Board of Education after 31 years of dedicated
service to the county’s students and schools.
“I want to thank all my colleagues on the GISD Board of Education
and fellow board members from the constituent boards for the opportunity
to serve over the past 31 years,” Mrs. Tortorice said. “I
have been honored to receive your continued support and have been proud
of our efforts to bring the very best to our students in Genesee County.”
Mrs. Tortorice was first elected to the GISD Board in 1977. She led the
board as president for eight terms and also held the offices of vice president,
secretary and treasurer for most of her tenure. She was active in many
board leadership functions, including extensive committee work. Mrs. Tortorice
also served on the Clio Board of Education, the Mott Children’s
Health Center Advisory Committee, the Community Foundation of Greater
Flint, Eastern Star, and currently serves on HealthPlus of Michigan Board
of Directors and the Genesee County Educational Foundation Board as its
President for the past twenty-three years. Mrs. Tortorice worked in many
roles throughout her career, having served as a nursing instructor at
the Saginaw Schools Averill Career Center, and posts in Clio Area Schools,
Chevrolet Manufacturing Hospital, Hurley Medical Center, and St. Joseph
Hospital as a nurse. She began her career as a professional basketball
player with the Hazel Walker’s Arkansas Travelers.
Mrs. Tortorice graduated from C.S. Mott Community College with an Associate’s
Degree in Nursing and earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Health
Occupations from the University of Michigan-Flint. She also earned her
Master of Arts Degree in General Education Administration from Central
Michigan University in 1979.
During her last term as president, the Genesee Intermediate School District
was recognized with a Board Visionary Leadership Award from the Michigan
Association of School Boards. Mrs. Tortorice lead the effort to expand
services to students by developing a new early college in the community
patterned after GISD’s successful Mott Middle College. Mrs. Tortorice
was instrumental in the design and implementation of Mott Middle College
– Michigan’s first middle college – 17 years ago.
Mrs. Tortorice has taken a leadership role in expanding health-related
programs for both students and staff through GISD’s Health, Safety
and Nutrition Services department. This department, during Mrs. Tortorice’s
tenure, expanded from 17 employees to nearly 250 employees countywide.
Programs range from the very successful Bridges to the Future initiative,
which is a grant-funded program for Genesee County’s students focusing
on before and after school activities, to the SKIP to a Great Start early
childhood program that has a national reputation and has been selected
for many state and national awards.
In addition to her board responsibilities, Mrs. Tortorice spent countless
hours as an active member of the Genesee County Association of School
Board Members, Michigan Association of School Boards and the National
School Boards Association. She has been a presenter at many local, state
and national education conferences, focusing on the GISD’s many
excellent programs.
Board colleagues thanked Mrs. Tortorice for her years of service and
acknowledged her leadership as a member of the board of education. She
was recognized for dedicating time and effort on behalf of the students
of Genesee County.
“Mrs. Tortorice will forever be recognized as one of Genesee County’s
and Michigan’s strongest advocates for public education, excellence
and accountability in our schools, as well as health and wellness for
students and staff,” said GISD Superintendent Dr. Thomas Svitkovich.
“We are saddened to see her official service to our students and
citizens end, but we know her support will always be with our students
and public schools.”
####
For Immediate Release
June 5, 2008
#1157
GISD’s Health Safety and Nutrition Services
to Host Project FRESH Program
Health Safety and Nutrition Services will host Michigan Project FRESH
Programs on July 15, 22, and 29, 2008 at the Flint Farmer’s Market.
Project FRESH is a program that makes fresh produce available to low-income,
nutritionally-at-risk consumers, by using Michigan farmers' markets. The
program was started in 1986 in several states across the country. In 1988,
Congress authorized a three-year demonstration project to test the concept
in 10 states. The project's success led Congress to enact the WIC Farmers'
Market Nutrition Act of 1992 (P.L.102-314).
Women and children (ages 1-4) currently enrolled in the WIC (Women, Infants,
and Children) program can get coupons for fresh fruits and vegetables.
Women who are either pregnant or breastfeeding are targeted to help meet
their special nutritional needs.
Programs for Pregnant and breastfeeding women only will be held on the
following Tuesdays:
- Tuesday, July 15, 2008
- Tuesday, July 22, 2008
- Tuesday, July 29, 2008
- Programs will last one hour starting at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 1:00
p.m., and 2:00 p.m.
Programs for Pregnant and breastfeeding women that include child participation
will be held on the following Tuesdays:
- Tuesday, August 5, 2008 for Children aged 1 - 3
- Tuesday, August 12, 2008 for Children aged 3 - 5
- Programs will last one hour starting at 9:00 a.m., 10:00 a.m., 1:00
p.m., and 2:00 p.m.
There will also be Developmental Screenings and Lead Screenings available
from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. available on all dates above.
####
For Immediate Release
May 14, 2008
#1156
Genesee ISD Transportation Staff Recognized for Excellence
At its May 13, 2008 meeting, the Genesee Intermediate School District
Board of Education highlighted awards received by two GISD Transportation
staff members. These individuals represent the high-quality professionalism
provided by GISD staff members who serve constituent school districts
in Genesee County.
Nominations for the awards were reviewed by a selection committee comprised
of drivers, aides, administrative staff and other Transportation personnel.
Charlie Jackson, GISD Bus Driver, received the Excellence in Transportation
Award. Mr. Jackson has been employed with GISD since 2002. GISD Bus Drivers
are eligible when they are members of the bargaining unit and have excellent
driving records, attendance, and work habits. Mr. Jackson’s name
will be entered into the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation
Region 10 School Bus Driver of the Year competition.
Tracee Shaw, GISD Transportation Aide, received the Excellence in Transportation
Award. Ms. Shaw has been employed with GISD since 1998. GISD Transportation
Aids are eligible when they are members of the bargaining unit and have
excellent attendance and work habits.
“I certainly wish to extend my congratulations to our staff members
for their excellent service to students, parents, and schools,”
said Dr. Thomas Svitkovich, Superintendent.
####
For Immediate Release
May 9, 2008
#1155
Flint Kiwanis Educational Foundation Announces Scholarship
Winners
The Flint Kiwanis Educational Foundation is pleased to announce its grant
recipients for 2008. The key to receiving a grant, in addition to grades,
school involvement and community service, is "demonstrated financial
need." Approximately 45 students applied for grants of which four
received $1,250 scholarships that are renewable for three additional years,
totaling $5,000 each. This year, eight scholarships from previous award
winners will be renewed.
The four scholarship winners for 2008 are as follows:
Student, Swartz Creek High School
Michigan State University
Major: Business/Pre-Law
Student, Davison High School
Michigan State University
Major: Math
Student, Genesee High School
Kettering University
Major: Applied Mathematics
Student, Davison High School
University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
Major: Microbiology
Kiwanis will officially present the awards on June 5, 2008 at an Awards
Luncheon at the First Presbyterian Church, Downtown Flint.
####
For Immediate Release
May 1, 2008
#1154
Eighth Annual Young Inventors Fair
FLINT – The eighth annual Young Inventors Fair will take place
on May 7, 2008 from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
on the 5th floor of the Kettering University Campus Center in the International
Room.
The Young Inventors Program (YIP) is sponsored by the Genesee Intermediate
School District (GISD) and provides an exciting opportunity for young
students (Grades 1-6) in Genesee County to create inventions and to present
them to the community. The mission of the program is to support students
in learning critical and creative thinking skills by creating original
inventions as extraordinary solutions to perplexing problems and perceived
personal or community needs.
While participating in the yearlong Young Inventors Program, students
learn about invention through an engaging, high interest curriculum that
emphasizes critical thinking skills, scientific inquiry and problem solving.
It integrates the core curriculum areas of mathematics, science, language
arts and social studies and applies them to real world problems to be
solved. The YIP curriculum is congruent with the Michigan Department of
Education Content Standards for Learning. It is supported by local school
districts, teachers, local inventors, and parents to give students the
opportunity to utilize the scientific process to create original inventions.
YIP assists students and teachers in connecting academics to real-life
careers and inventors. The program culminates with the Young Inventors
Fair that allows students the opportunity to showcase their inventions
for fellow students and the greater community.
This year, over 1,000 students and 34 teachers are participating in the
program which is supported by the A.G. Bishop Charitable Trust, Citizens
Charitable Trusts, Community Foundation of Greater Flint, Genesee Intermediate
School District, James A. Welch Foundation, Jennings Memorial Foundation,
Kettering University, Landaal Packaging, and Marathon Ashland Petroleum,
LLC.
The Young Inventors Fair will feature 112 inventions created by 114 inventors
from 10 Genesee County Schools. They creatively address a number of needs,
solving everyday problems. Inventions such as the Automatic Closing Fridge,
Self Charging Water Car, Smelly Tele, Non-Stop Leash Puller, Choose-A-Cleat,
Night Squirter, Mountain Laundry Mover, and the Puppy Paw Washer will
be featured.
####
For Immediate Release
May 5, 2008
#1153
Schools of Choice Program for 2008-2009
For the 2008-2009 school year, Schools of Choice will continue in all
local public school districts in Genesee County. Parents can request to
send their child(ren) to a school outside their district of residence
through the GISD Collaborative Schools of Choice Program. It is designed
to provide academic options to enhance learning for students in grades
K-12.
The Collaborative Schools of Choice Program was developed by the Genesee
County Superintendents Association. Last year, all 21 districts engaged
in the countywide-choice plan for 2007-2008 with over 1,100 students participating.
This year, superintendents continue the program to allow greater movement
of students. Districts have determined which buildings, programs and grade
levels have space for Schools of Choice applicants for 2008-2009. A common
Schools of Choice Application form (attached) is used in all school districts.
It can be obtained at each school district’s board of education
office or at GISD beginning May 5. Information regarding the Schools of
Choice Program is also available on the GISD website: www.geneseeisd.org
Features of the plan include:
- The number of students that participating districts will accept or
release shall not exceed 1% of a district’s K-12 Pupil Membership
count for the 2007-2008 school year. This is in addition to students
who have already been accepted and released in previous years.
- Parents/guardians can apply to only one Genesee County school district
for the
Schools of Choice Program on behalf of their child(ren). If the choice
district does
not accept the application, parents/guardians may have the option of
applying to
another school district where openings exist.
- If requests exceed 1%, a random drawing will be used to determine
participation. Siblings will be grouped together for random drawing
purposes if space is available in receiving districts.
- Districts can decline to accept students if available space or local
district classenrollment numbers do not allow for additional nonresident
students. Interested parents should contact their School of Choice to
obtain information on programs, buildings and grades that are open to
nonresident students.
- Participating districts have agreed to stay in the choice program
for the entire school year.
- Transfers take place at the beginning of the school year. There are
no mid-year transfers. Students must remain in their choice school for
the complete school year.
- It is responsibility of the receiving district to provide special
education services as needed.
- Student transportation must be provided by parent/guardian.
- Parents, guardians, and students who participate are required to
meet with a building administrator or counselor of the enrolling district
prior to the start of the 2008-2009 school year.
- Student transfers must meet curriculum, credit, promotion, and graduation
requirements of the choice district in which they are enrolled.
- No discrimination. (religion, race, color, national origin, sex,
or handicap that is unrelated to a student’s ability to utilize/benefit
from the school or its services or because student uses adaptive devices
or aids)
- The receiving district has the right to refuse students who have
been suspended,
expelled, or withdrawn to avoid suspension or expulsion within the last
two years.
- Students accepted under this Schools of Choice Program are allowed
to stay in the choice district until graduation unless attendance or
discipline problems occur.
- Michigan High School Athletic Association rules and regulations will
apply to all students participating in interscholastic athletics. Under
the MHSAA transfer policy, high school students (entering grades 10-12)
who transfer by choice from one school to another are not eligible to
participate in interscholastic athletics for one full semester.
Timeline for the GISD Collaborative Schools of Choice Program . . .
- By May 5, 2008 - Districts announce available space by school building,
grade level, and program (if participating) and may distribute applications.
- May 30, 2008, 4:00 p.m. - APPLICATION DEADLINE! Applications for
transfer, completed by parent/guardian, must be returned to resident
district’s board of education office. (There are no guarantees
regarding available space or sibling placement).
- June 27, 2008 - Parents are notified of acceptance by choice district
and, if not selected, in resident district’s lottery.
- July 11, 2008 - Parents notify choice and resident districts of their
intent to enroll
in a choice district.
- July 18, 2008 - Parents notified of nonacceptance by choice district.
- August 8, 2008 - Last date to file written appeal of transfer decision
with GISD
Superintendent. Call (810) 591-4422 for appeal information and form.
####
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