Save the BPS Environmental Center

Check The Math
The so called savings do not add up. The proposal says that the BEC costs $200,000. This is closer to half for a program that is easily worth twice that amount. The supposed cost trade off quoted in the newspaper was $70 per child at the BEC and $7 at BH? This does not add up either.
Consider:
This savings is based upon a staff salary and total benefits package at the top of the pay scale. In reality the staff member to be bumped will be further down the scale. A difference, conservatively, of $40,500. That total is also based upon three half time staff. There are only two which saves another $7,500. A big chunk of the so called savings will actually become an expense paid to BH for shipping our students out of the district. If BH charges the same fee they charge their own students $7 =$22,000. Do do overlook the increased transportation fees. The Administration says this charge will be ‘pretty much the same’. Not possible. This year the Durham Transportation company has saved the BEC budget nearly half the allowed $12,000. It will cost more than $6,000 to go to BH. The trip is further= more milage. The trip is longer= more wages+overtime. And, the BIngham Farms population will not be walking to BH. The costs will have to go up. Durham has to at least break even. They do not give away their services. Transportation will be closer to $15,000
Check the math. $115,000 = $36 per student, less than a family movie night. The savings do not make sense. Giving up a vital program that has always raised it’s own revenue for exhibits, equipment, physical plant (Close to $98,000 at no expense to the school district). The BEC programming has value to the total community. It has a place in the fabric of a Birmingham education. It is not too late.
Further consideration:
Birmingham has chosen to invest a great deal of revenue into the wonderful technology basket. The BEC is also an investment. One which deserves respect and preservation and also costs a great deal less.
$36 per student is much less than the constantly changing technology that is so critical to our students. So critical that research shows children between the ages of 6-11 spend up to 8 hours everyday infront of some form of screen viewing technology. And less than 6 minutes each day in outdoor exploration. Technology is a marvelous tool but it is only a tool. The Environmental Center is a real world minds-on resource for action. A resource that belongs to every student. It brings their classroom experience to life. Shipping Birmingham students elsewhere for programming outside the district’s carefully constructed curriculum does not add up.
It is not too late. Contact the School Board ask them to make a different choice. Ask them to think about the future of their students and this community. Environmental preservation and stewardship takes forward vision especially during difficult economic times.
boardofeducation@birmingham.k12.mi.us

Birmingham could cut … [environmental] education center

Closing the BEC does not send a socially responsible “green” message to the community and students of Birmingham Public Schools. The 2008 Strategic Plan says “…create deep commitment to individual and social responsibility….”

5.1 C. Develop and support consistent ‘green’ initiatives district-wide that align with community expectations and state and federal statutes.

The Environmental Center is a critical piece of Birmingham’s commitment to environmental stewardship.

The ”Q and A on Proposed Budget Recommendations” in the Feb. 5 school e-newsletter does not mention closing the Environmental Center. This cut is still on the table for the school board’s consideration. The Board needs to hear from you. Sign up for the BPS e-news.

Please contact the Board with your suggestions for saving the Environmental Center. Contact the BPS School Board. Or post your ideas under “Comment.”

This grass roots Blog has been created to share information regarding the proposal to close the BPS Environmental Center.