McPherson Planning Major Reorganization

The Ann Arbor Public Schools will undergo extensive changes under the organization plans of new School Supt. R. Bruce McPherson, who also reported that $1.5 million will not have to be cut from the 1971-72 operating budget with his administration. McPherson made his comments at a press conference before the Board of Education meeting and also during the meeting where he read a prepared statement on his reorganization plans. With the elimination of nine positions, McPherson estimated that the district will now save $32,365 in salary costs as a result of the shifting of duties. He also said during the next two months there should be a reduction of some $100,000 in administrative costs from the new organization of positions. McPherson said his administration will adopt a new method for proposing a budget that will make a total budget breakdown for the entire system with school-by-school operating costs. "By reviewing the total budget, instead of taking the budget from the previous year then adding new programs and expenses on it, we can eliminate duplications in programs and develop clearer services to reduce operating expenses, said McPherson. A new budget will be presented to the board before the end of the summer and because McPherson's reorganization plans encompass operating within the present financial framework, he recommended that the 2.61-millage request that was defeated last month should not be returned to the voters this summer. The new administration will retain the positions of human relations ombudsman held by Dr. Robert Potts; financial controller, Gerald Neff; and personnel director, Stanley Zubel. The three positions of assistant superintendent for planning, Richard Creal; associate superintendent for instruction, Sam Sniderman; and assistant superintendent for community services, John Hubley, have been eliminated from the organization. The administrators holding these positions, however, have not been fired or submitted resignations according to McPherson. He said that he is working with them to determine if there are any alternative positions available for them within the new structure. "By the end of this month we hope to know whether or not they will be able to function inside the Ann Arbor School District or if it would be to their advantage or desire to seek positions elsewhere," said McPherson. "During this transitional period the board will give its maximum support to these administrators." McPherson said that during the past two months as superintendent-elect, his every effort has been "bent to the task" of organizing the administrative and supervisory staff of the school system in a manner which will best serve the interests of the Ann Arbor Public Schools. "In brief, I wanted to know answers to three questions: "-Was the administrative structure simple enough to be understood by personnel within the school system and the public? "- Were resources being used at maximum efficiency? " Were resources being delivered precisely to school, community and children? "I found that major improvements could be recommended and put into practice in each of these areas," said McPherson. The planning arm will involve the areas of financial control and planning, capital planning, research and evaluation and external affairs. The operational arm will focus primarily on the efficiënt and effective operation of schools. Building principáis will report directly to the office of the deputy superintendent for operations, said McPherson. Other areas within the scope of this arm include the on-going operations of personnel, field services (custodial, cafeteria, transportation and buildings and grounds services), libraries, continuing education, occupational education and practical nursing. "In summary those activities which are best accomplished in school communities will be decentralized. Those activities which must be under the direct control of the Board of Education I and the superintendent will remain centralized. Further savings in administrative and supervisory costs will be accomplished in the course of the 1971-72 school year," said McPherson. McPherson reported that the "tightening of belts has started at the top of the organization." "Changes in an organization involve changes in function and roles. Ultimately people are affected," said McPherson. However, "my obligation was to evaluate the organization of the school district, not the performance of its employees. "During the 1971-72 school year I accept this responsibility but until July 1, this obligation has not been mine," said the top administrator. "In every instance where a position has been eliminated by reorganization, we have worked and are continuing to work with the individual affected." "It is my conviction that in the 1971-72 school year the organization will be increasingly responsive to necessary change wherever the stimulus. We - intend to hold tight to the best of the past and to search out the best of the future," McPherson said. The superintendent also told of plans to move the central administrative offices to school buildings. He said a superintendent should not be in a building where there are no students, and "we need to utilize the space in this district to its maximum potential."