Letter to the Editor: Brighton Enrichment Program in Danger of Being Cut

Dear Enrichment Instructors, Friends and Participants,

The Brighton Area School Board stated at their Board Meeting, February 25th, that they would like to move the Enrichment classes out of the school district and over to the SELCRA group. We have no idea how SELCRA will structure this service, but we know that the current Enrichment classes would be closed and staff and instructors would be let go. Prior Boards have chosen not to do that move, as it is not financially beneficial. This board seems to not want to look at the financial impacts and in turn want to simply provide SELCRA what they want. This brings me to my request. I would like to help the current board members to better understand the Enrichment programs and the benefits it provides to the school. I have gathered some facts about our programs that may help them to understand how the Enrichment department works.

Brighton Enrichment Facts:
Since 2004-05 school year, the school district voted to charge the departments of Community Education with a 15% indirect charge back to the school. Over the last 10 years Enrichment has provided $270,953 direct support back to the school’s general fund. All of Community Ed is 2.5 Million dollars.

This year’s budget shows $15,370 going to the district in support.

If the Enrichment department has a tough year and is unable to run in the black, the rest of the Community Education Departments have covered that loss AND covered the money Enrichment gives to the school.

During the tough economic trials of the last five years, Enrichment has streamlined programs, cut unnecessary costs, reduced staff, reduced the supervisor, created efficiencies and worked to continue to meet the community’s needs while staying operational.

The instructors of Enrichment continue to support the district and the department with fundraisers and donations in order to support our events and help generate revenues so we can keep fees at a low rate.

Kim Ladd has a recreation degree and has worked with community programming for the last 15 years. She has the skills and education to continue to support this department into the future needs of our community. She has also worked as interim Director of Community Education when the Director was off for 2 and a half months. 

In 2012, Enrichment offered over 700 classes and served over 5,000 community members with programs, classes and events.

So, I guess my overall hope is that the families and friends of our Enrichment department will see a value in helping to keep the programs running. In the past, each of you have helped us to remedy class issues, building problems and enhance programs we offer by sharing your thoughts, ideas and feedback. We have worked together to ensure your experience was positive and enriching. 

The Brighton Area School Board will be voting on these reductions as soon as they’re next meeting, March 11th, 2013 at 7 p.m. at the BECC building. I encourage you to please come and share your thoughts about this reduction. They need to hear from the community and what the community wants. 

I am including the school board member’s email addresses. I ask that you contact all with your concerns as a few have already made up their mind and will be less than open to the feedback. 

Miles Vieu – vieaum@brightonk12.com OR kmvieau@comcast.net
Bill Anderson – andersb@brightonk12.com OR williameanderson@comcast.net
Nick Fiani – nfiani@live.com
Jay Krause – krausej@brightonk12.com
Beth Minert – minertb@brightonk12.com
John Conely – conelyj@brightonk12.com OR conelyrental@sbcglobal.net
Bill Trombley – brtrombley@grangerconstruction.com

Thank you for your support over the years and for allowing us to work with you and your children. We hope we will be able to serve you for many more years to come. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Kim Ladd or myself.

Thank you for any help you can provide,

Anne Rennie 
Director Supervisor
Brighton Community Education Enrichment
810-299-4131 
renniea@brightonk12.com

Kim Ladd
Enrichment Supervisor
810-299-3818
laddk@brightonk12.com