The Traverse City Area Public School (TCAPS) system is huge. In fact, when you consider that 10,000 students are spread out over 300 sq. miles, TCAPS is the largest school district in the state. (It’s the largest in population and sq. miles combined.)
So there’s no doubt that today’s speakers, Superintendent Paul Soma, and fellow Rotarian and Associate Superintendent Sander Scott, have big jobs. They’re in charge of a major district that strives every day to provide a high quality, comprehensive education at a low cost.
Paul said a recent community perception survey helped them understand some challenges and opportunities. According to the survey, many people want more say in decision-making and many are simply unaware of many great accomplishments of TCAPS.
Paul, Sander, and the TCAPS board hope to change that perception. Paul said that even though the district faces declining enrollment, funding, and building condition, TCAPS schools continue to be listed as some of the best schools in the country and for that, he said, the community should be proud.
Sander told us that the district is going through a 3-5 year strategic financial plan process that’s intended to better align student programs and educational priorities with the district’s financial goals.
They also carved out plenty of time for good questions about testing, challenging areas, teacher pay and accountability.
IM Rotary is scheduled for next Tuesday, February 9th
Community Service
NMC BBQ, Bell ringing, Christmas Baskets, One Way Coat Day, Game Dinner & Munson Manor
Committee for the Handicapped/Tag Day
Please RSVP to Lou Anne Ford at louannef@gmail.com.
Please check in with me in the Dome Room, get your lunch and bring it back to the Executive Board Room. The IM Rotary meeting is held in the Executive Board Room off the front lobby.
Please check your email for your quarterly statement/invoice. We sent this quarter’s statement electronically though QuickBooks.
If you did not receive a statement or would like a statement mailed to you please contact Kathy at tcrotary2822@gmail.com or call 941-5421.
10. There is a District Training Assembly strategically placed not more than 2 hours away from where you live. (Elk Rapids – January 16; Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario – January 30; Muskegon – February 13)
9. The District Training Assembly faculty have you and your Rotary club in mind when preparing training material.
8. The District Leadership believe that a District Training Assembly is one of the best ways to provide district wide training to the club leaders.
7. Attending a District Training Assembly is a great way to spend a winter Saturday when there isn’t a need to prepare for the Holidays.
6. Building relationships at a District Training Assembly will increase your circle of friends who are devoted to serve above self.
5. You are recognized as one very important person who is making a difference through your contributions to serving through Rotary.
4. The District Training Assembly is a safe place to ask any question about Rotary without being criticized.
3. Joining Leaders, Exchanging Ideas and Taking Action is still the best way to cultivate a culture to impacting our communities and beyond.
2. You are appreciated for your servant leadership provided through your local Rotary Club.
1…The District Training Assembly is a place to gain new information, knowledge, friendships, resources to serve more effectively and easy to register. Click here to register
Susan Kraus and Lou Anne Ford are planning a pickleball event for Tuesday, Jan. 26th at the old YMCA. The event will take place from 5:30 PM-7:30 PM . Space is limited, please sign up at the meeting or email Kathy tcrotary2822@gmail.com if you’re interested.
The Rotary Bulletin team is looking for another writer… or two. The job is simple – once a month or so you take your turn telling fellow Rotarians what happened at the weekly meeting.
A typical roundup story is only 300 to 400 words and takes about 15 minutes to do.
If you’re interested in becoming part of the Rotary Bulletin team, please contact Nick Edson or Kathy Bussell.
Paul said a recent community perception survey helped them understand some challenges and opportunities. According to the survey, many people want more say in decision-making and many are simply unaware of many great accomplishments of TCAPS.
The job is simple – once a month or so you take your turn telling fellow Rotarians what happened at the weekly meeting.
Rotary Club of Traverse City
