Quick Hits: Schools to Investigate Privatizing Custodians, Transportation Staff

The West Bloomfield School District voted Monday to investigate the possibility of privatizing positions for custodians, bus drivers and transportation services for students.

The board voted unanimously at its Monday meeting to authorize a request from the administration for proposals.  The vote was preceded by concerns from board members who acknowledged a large gathering of district employees and union representatives at .

The board passed the resolution to "divert as little funding from the educational programs are possible." Several board members mentioned a desire to keep a strong, personal level of trust between the staff and students. 

"We don't know the potential value of privatization — it's going to depend on what our investigation consists of," said Trustee David Einstandig. 

Lakes Area Coordinating Council director from the Michigan Education Association, Cyndi Austin, of West Bloomfield, said that staff members average 16.5 years working in the district. 

The board is expected to consider findings from the administration at its April 30 meeting. 

Quick hits

• Marlene Davis of the Iowa-based school executive search firm Ray and Associates addressed the board for the first time after being
• A proposed field trip at to bring sophomores, juniors, and seniors on a tour throughout France and Spain to help aid language courses was approved to take place in 2013. Principal Tom Shelton said that it will be the first of its kind in the district since 2001.