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NEWS

Budget fix keeps Spartan Village open another year

Katie Byrne
May 30, 2002

In the aftermath of Tuesday night’s cost-cutting decisions, East Lansing school board members took stock of what’s to come following the passage of $3.1 million in budgetary reductions. The decision to keep Spartan Village Elementary School, 1460 Middlevale Road, open as a pre-K-2 school as opposed to the current K-4 building was “the best we could do under the circumstances,” board Treasurer Barb McMillan said. “It was very painful to think of closing Spartan Village,” she said.

NEWS

Iowa president takes over U-M

Amy Bartner
May 30, 2002

Mary Sue Coleman was chosen the University of Michigan’s 19th president - the first female to hold the post - Wednesday. But those who hired her say her résumé is more impressive than her gender. “Certainly, gender didn’t play into my decision,” said U-M Regent Dan Horning.

MICHIGAN

Study: State ranks 15 in tax revenues

Amy Bartner
May 30, 2002

“Taxes, like death, are inevitable,” is the opening line in Charles Ballard’s tax study on Michigan, titled “Michigan’s Tax Climate: A New Perspective.” But the MSU economics professor’s report shows the climate for taxes might be stormier than some expected. “One thing that surprised at least some people was that there’s been a lot of attention paid to the reductions in taxes in the (Gov.

COMMENTARY

Problem pipes

Central Michigan may well need an improved infrastructure to deliver gasoline products to the region.

COMMENTARY

Opening doors

In a 6-1 vote Tuesday evening, the East Lansing school board decided Spartan Village Elementary School will remain open next year - but it will not be the same school the community has come to identify with. Major changes include reducing the school from a kindergarten through fourth grade program to K-2 curriculum only. Closing the school was one of 72 ideas suggested at earlier budget discussions to help the city make up for a $3.5 million deficit.

NEWS

Diversity argued in ongoing discussion

Katie Byrne
May 30, 2002

Spartan Village Elementary School’s pupils are known for their different skin colors and cultural backgrounds. The small elementary at 1460 Middlevale Road is a blessing for parents such as Vicki Sorrone, who want a diverse education for their young children. But Sorrone said it wouldn’t be a stretch to think that her blessing is what nearly brought the school to closure by the East Lansing school board in an attempt to remedy the district’s financial woes. “Personally, I think one of the reasons they chose Spartan Village is because some of the parents here are international and do not participate in the community as much as parents from some other schools,” Sorrone said at a school board meeting earlier this month. Sorrone, a school-of-choice parent from Haslett, said she kept her two children from attending Haslett schools because its system is “too white.” Board Treasurer Barb McMillan said Spartan Village was considered for cuts because it has the lowest number of residential students, making transportation costs higher than any other school in the district. Board member Rod Murphy said, if anything, diversity was a factor that helped the school stay open. “Because of university apartments and because of the international flavor at MSU, our schools have always had an international flair,” Murphy said.

FEATURES

Not Memento, but just as good

Cory Vowell
May 29, 2002

Do not, I repeat, do not go into the film “Insomnia” expecting to see a mixed sort of jigsaw puzzle similar to director Christopher Nolan’s last movie, “Memento”. I made this mistake already - don’t make the same mistake.

MICHIGAN

Bad weather hurts parade attendance

Kurt Ludke
May 29, 2002

Shortly before Saturday’s Memorial Day parade began a brief shower passed through the area, making the already cool conditions difficult for veterans, families and children to brave the weather and celebrate the holiday.But not everyone thought the weather was a foe in bringing people out to watch the colorful floats and marching music.David Jones, a drum major for the Everett High School Marching Band, said the cold temperatures were not the main problem.“It wasn’t too cold,” the 16-year-old said, “but at the beginning it started to rain.”Jones also said there were fewer people in the crowd this year.Still, an estimated 300 people came to wave and cheer for the bands and local veterans as they marched south along Capitol Avenue.People covered with blankets sat along the sidewalks cheering and clapping.

NEWS

E.L. school stays open

Katie Byrne
May 29, 2002

After more than four hours of discussion, the East Lansing school board voted 6-1 to keep the doors open at Spartan Village Elementary School. Officials had proposed closing the school to help make up a $3.5 million deficit in next year’s budget.

FEATURES

R.L. poised for success with J Records

Tanee Elston
May 29, 2002

The year of J Records continues as R & B singer R.L. debuts his first solo album called “RL:Ements,” which features some of the hottest artists and music in the industry. R.L., formerly of the group Next, has ventured out on his own as an “R & B thug,” which he likes to refer to himself as in his music. He starts off the album slowly, allowing listeners to get to know him through the track “Elements.” The vocals on this song are emotional and honest as he opens up to his audience about the elements he’s composed of.