Brandon Twp.- The Brandon School Board will vote on ratification tonight of a three-year contract with the Michigan Education Association, representing about 200 teachers in the district.
The tentative agreement will have a change in the school calendar year, following a mandate from Gov. Jennifer Granholm and the State of Michigan that the school year start after Labor Day. Changes in school day start and end times are also possible.
Brandon Schools Superintendent Tom Miller, chief negotiator for the school board, would not confirm any changes prior to ratification of the tentative agreement covering the 2006-2008 school years.
‘They could change,? he acknowledged, but added, ‘We’re still bargaining and hope to have the board ratify a tentative agreement with the teachers on Monday night. We’re looking at everything, a lot of decisions are based on the governor’s mandate that students start school after Labor Day. We are making adjustments in the district that are appropriate as required by the state.?
Beth Nuccio, school board president, said there have been discussions regarding bus runs and start and end times for all schools in the district.
The Brandon School District currently has a two-tiered bus system, with K-4 students riding together and 5-12 grade students riding together. The latter arrangement was first implemented a decade ago to save money and has caused controversy since, with some parents uncomfortable with fifth and sixth graders riding the bus with high school students.
‘Parents are concerned about 10-year-olds riding with 18-year-olds… It’s a valid concern. We’ve had no major problems in that area, but I understand that concern, so we’re trying to address it. It’s a matter of making sure we’re complying with the law and meeting the needs the best way we can. Whether that means changing times, we’re trying to do the best we can for the students and the students? families.?