I am following with great interest the Novi Board of Education’s discussion of an International Baccalaureate program. Every Novi taxpayer should be following this issue closely.

The premise is that an IB program would be good for Novi students – and a “product differentiator” in helping attract additional enrollment to Novi from other school districts. (It should be noted that this same premise was used when Novi Schools agreed to pay big dollars for additional full-day kindergarten classes. Yet, this “product differentiator” has had no significant effect on Novi’s student enrollment).

Clearly, I support investigating the benefits of any new academic program that will benefit Novi students. Recall that we recently cut $3 million from the 07/08 fiscal budget. More cuts are expected in the upcoming school year. During these very tight economic times, we should consider the following:

1. If we add an academic program (IB or anything else), what program(s) needs to be cut to afford this additional expense? Do we eliminate more from special education support services? Cut literary specialists at the elementary level? Layoff more folks from custodial services? Do we finally look at eliminating Block Scheduling from the high school? Do we sell the unused Bosco property?
2. How much does the implementation of IB cost? Shouldn’t we, as taxpayers know how much this program costs before we start training personnel? Why is this issue being fast-tracked through our School Board with little debate? Why is only one trustee asking tough questions (and getting unclear answers)? There was more debate during three board meetings in late 2007 when the issue of webcasting board meetings for the community was discussed (a simple $700/year budget item).

And regarding IB in general, many questions need to be answered. For example:

1. Data indicates that IB programs around the country compete (and in some cases eliminate) Advanced Placement programs at the high school. Is that what Novi wants? I thought we had a premier AP program. Why hurt it?
2. Stand-alone Standard Level (SL) IB courses are not recognized by most universities for college credit. An IB certificate is no more than a participation trophy. You get one for simply taking the IB exam, whether you pass or fail. Is that what we want for our Novi students?
3. Currently, Novi Schools are using Title II-Federal Grant Funds (our tax dollars) to train teachers on the IB program. Is this a good use of our federal funds? Budget dollars are tight. School administrators constantly remind the public about the budget problem. So, could we use these grant funds for a different educational priority – perhaps enhancing reading and writing programs at the elementary level?
4. The IB curriculum is directed by an arm of the United Nations. Is that what Novi wants? I thought Novi taxpayers pay high tax dollars because they want LOCAL CONTROL of their children’s curriculum? Do we need our curriculum approved by a group in Geneva, Switzerland and tests graded by folks in other countries?
5. Why does IB make it hard to obtain guides/syllabi for their courses by charging a fee, while AP course information can be downloaded for free?
6. IB personnel won’t disclose their financial records. Does Novi want to deal with an organization that is so secretive?

The IB curriculum continues to be a controversial topic around the country. I believe that our school board needs to ask tough questions before we proceed with any further funding. As with any major initiative, I expect that our board will indeed put this matter to a vote before moving forward.