2008

Colleagues:

Sometimes when I write, I use verse to express myself. This is one of those times.  
Recently, we learned that the nearly 90,000 children of the Detroit Public Schools once again face some uncertainty. For those of you who live in Detroit or the metro-Detroit area, you are probably more aware of the details of what has happened in and to the Detroit Public Schools in the past decade or more.

It is hard to know how to close out such a wonderful chapter in my life and career. I beg your indulgence to allow me to repeat some things I’ve already said in the past, as important messages bear repeating.

As chair of the Michigan Liquid Asset Fund Plus (MILAF +) Board, I feel it's appropriate that I am writing a column on the topic of investing. As our resources in schools dwindle with the overwhelming upheaval in the financial markets in recent months as well as what is happening with the Big 3 auto companies,

Nominations due December 31, 2008:

• 2009 MSBO Meridian Award of Excellence
• Mark and Kay Stebbins
• Wally Piper Scholarships
• MSBO Distinguished Service Award.

Annual Maintenance and Support – Version 2009 
One of MSBO’s commitments is to maintain, support and upgrade the program from year to year. When a district purchases the Annual Maintenance and Support, they receive the update to the software (Version 2009), updated documentation that explains the changes, and software support. This update includes:

January 29, 2009 • 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Clinton County RESA • 1013 South US 27 • St. Johns • 48879

January 21-22, 2009 • Kellogg Center, East Lansing
Agenda: 9 am to 4 pm each day

“Give a Little Bit” is the theme for MSBO’s 2009 Conference. We’re asking that you give a little bit of your time to get a great deal of useful information to help you and your district deal with the challenges you face.

Having been in the U.S. Navy, I learned numerous pithy sayings. Have you ever seen a group of sailors coming into port, having been out at sea with months and months of paychecks in their pockets?

Do you understand the power of, “thank you?” I mean an honestly given expression of appreciation. As I close out my career at MSBO, I often reflect on how many people I feel gratitude towards.