Superintendent Kennedy Launches a Space-Centered Campaign

[XLFD]

Perhaps I need more space in my brain to appreciate the concepts I just can't seem to understand with the Ludington Area School District (LASD) facilities plans.  On May 31st, about 40 people attended a meeting designed to introduce to the public the LASD's designs on bringing the schools in the district up to date so the students could engage in "21st Century Learning".   After reading the recap in the local paper, I think I'm inclined to go back to the twentieth century, when costs were reasonable and our students were among the smartest in the world.

As you read the recap provided, do so critically by looking at the plans suggested, looking at how its presented at the meeting and in the article, looking at who is presenting the material, and looking at the reasons for these changes.  

With that read, let's take a look over what was presented and certain themes:

1) LASD needs bigger classrooms:  Superintendent Kennedy says classrooms need to expand from 700 sq. ft. to the 900-1000 sq ft. range.  I knew childhood obesity was bad, but do we really need to increase classroom size by over 40% to accommodate them?   Maybe the size increase needs to accommodate more students per classroom.  Not likely, student enrollment at LASD at the turn of the 21st century was around 2700, since then the numbers have been in a decreasing pattern and was down under 2200 in 2016.  

The LASD has lost around 20% of their enrollment without any indication of future growth, the number of students per classroom has also declined over that period, rising temporarily due to the closure of South Hamlin Elementary.  Every LASD student has roughly 15-20% more space than they did a generation ago simply because of decreased enrollment.  

I've thoroughly reviewed the website for 21st Century Learning, and 'classroom space' is not an issue they cover.  The four essential rules of 21st Century learning have nothing dependent on the physical size of a classroom, yet we are told that we must increase the size of all classrooms by 40%, a very costly proposition considering that the schools must expand in size and radically change their current structure in order to accomplish that goal.

2) The Five Alternatives:  Let's review what these are in terms of their costs and how the 'experts present them, the experts being Superintendent Kennedy, along with Jeff Hoag of Holland's GMB Architecture and Dan LaMore of GR's Christman Construction, the prospective contractors who set the numbers (the 2nd alternative is stated twice in the article):

1) $55 million:  scratching the surface to keep things operational.  Kennedy says this option just doesn't cut it and is not what the process is about.  Lamore says it keeps students warm, safe and dry, but does not move the LASD into this century.  

2) $97 million:  involves a new lower elementary building, renovating all upper elementary buildings.  Would adopt many 21st CL standards.

3) $110 million:  switching the existing middle/high school complex to an elementary (pre K- 5th) school, constructing a new complex for post-5th graders, along with a new transportation center.

4) $136 million:  involves a new lower and a new upper elementary building, new transportation and athletic facilities, and renovating the existing middle/high school

5) $160 million:  involves all new buildings, with the new middle/high school relocated to the school forest

Obviously, a superintendent would love to be remembered for bringing in all new buildings and high-end architect and construction executives would be wanting to sell the public on the last option.  I think all options are too divorced from the reality of affordability to the LASD.  I choose the option of getting consultants that will not be tainted with the conflicts that each of the three presenters have in this situation, ones that are firmly entrenched in reality and wish not to put the LASD firmly into the red for the rest of the 21st Century and beyond.

3)  Public Comment:  Even though there is about twenty column inches dealing with 'public comment' did you notice that the full length was a soliloquy by Jason Kennedy.  So while Kennedy mentions that the amount of people that showed up was great and provided feedback and input, the newspaper only reported what he said.  This is typical of what happens with propaganda pieces.

The LASD has refused to shine light on the future direction of their facilities and their goal of 21st Century learning in their website or anywhere else I can find.  Rather, it is occasionally floated in the COLDNews as a process of determining the future of the LASD with little or no explanation.  The superintendent tells us on his page that the technology bond permits every student a 21st century education in connection with our global community, but that's about it.  

 

But if our students are already getting 21st century education at their fingertips, why does the physical grounds of their school have to change as dramatically as envisioned, with bigger classroom spaces and all new facilities?  A new $2 million fire station being put in their backyard seems like a bargain in comparison.

[Freedom Seeker]

The project study could use a good and financially responsible analyst like you XLFD.

[AQUAMAN]

Coiincidence? Twin Lake is only about 10 miles away from Holton, where Kennedy was Superintendent just previously to Ludington for about 4-5 years. Wonder if that too was hit hard for bldg. improvements to the school system there.

[Willy]

Excellent reporting X.Where in the world did this idea hatch from? Who are these people who want to pile this incredible debt on the LASD taxpayers? I'm sure there has already been huge expenditures payed to bring this plan together. Mr. Kennedy reveals much  about himself with his "global community propaganda". I'm afraid we have a person in Mr. Kennedy who identifies with Globalism which means that Ludington LASD citizens needs do not come before the needs of outsiders. In my opinion he needs to be fired. Along with anyone on the school board who is in favor of this monstrous plan.