Schoolin’ Around with TCAPS

 

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.