Countdown to April 29 to PERMANENTLY close M. R. Reiter. Ask the board to see the 6 point plan.

Saturday, March 1, 2008

Comic Relief

Courtesy of Luanne.

Is this funny or reality?

Posted by Save The School at 7:49 AM
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2 comments:

Jon said...

Whew, I feel a whole lot better now!


Board is eager to brush up on budgets and basics

By MANASEE WAGH
Bucks County Courier Times

School board directors in Morrisville plan to attend educational sessions this spring to bone up on what every board member needs to know — from budgets to basics.

“I'd rather do it sooner than later. I think we definitely need it. I intend to take classes,” said Robin Reithmeyer, who was elected to the board this past November.

The Pennsylvania School Boards Association offers classes like “Budget Basics for School Boards,” “The Board's Role in Promoting Student Growth and Achievement” and “It's the Law!” about the powers and duties of being a school board member. Many new board members take at least some classes.

At the latest board meeting on Wednesday, district solicitor Thomas Kelly suggested that board members take advantage of the association's courses.

Superintendent Elizabeth Yonson said that it's been hard getting all the board members together to attend classes at the same time. But that's what she wants to do because it would help team building. Unfortunately, board members haven't found a convenient time and place for classes yet.

“I had suggested it to the board when they first came on,” she said. “The closest session would have been in Allentown or Downingtown, that's quite a trek.”


Yonson hopes to bring somebody who can teach the courses to the district soon.

“Then we could actually have the board members do a retreat and learn about roles and responsibilities.”

Board members are eager to take new classes or brush up on old knowledge.

Marlys Mihok said she hasn't yet taken a class.

“I'm very interested. There's a series of three I believe,” she said.

Alfred Radosti has taken courses before, but would be happy to take more, he said.

“Some are valuable and should be looked at. We get information after becoming board members also.”

Board member Joseph Kemp also would like to continue his education as a board member.

“I took the classes when I first started two years ago. It was very helpful. Depending on what's offered, I'll definitely take more classes.”

March 1, 2008 at 9:31 AM
Jon said...

And, you see, it's everywhere, not just here. And if everyone would just forget about rules and laws and information and thinking and JUST COOPERATE, there wouldn't be any problems at all.



Board plans workshop to enhance communication

By RACHEL CANELLI
Bucks County Courier Times

To get along, the Neshaminy school board is going to get away.

With a multi-million dollar deficit, possible building closures and contract negotiations in the district's future, the Neshaminy school board members agreed they need to be on the same page.

On the administration's recommendation, the board agreed to a workshop/retreat in the near future to “get everyone in place” to deal with the business in Neshaminy, said Superintendent Paul Kadri Tuesday night.

“I think it is a great idea,” said board President Richard Eccles. “We [need] someone to come in and help with overall communication, direction and leadership of the board, cabinet and administration ... someone who knows Neshaminy and the people who live, work and truly care for our schools and community.”

Eccles suggested former Superintendent Howard Wilson, but since the details of the workshop are still being decided, it is unclear if he will attend.

Officials said that disagreements among board members and administrators and behind-the-scenes conflict have caused frustration and strained the cohesiveness of the board.

While administrators did not detail the issues, Kadri described the “distraction” as unhealthy.

Board members, too, did not specify the problems, but residents noted obvious tension during meetings and disagreements, for example, over the budget, personnel positions and school closings.

“This board will not experience a more critical moment than this,” said board member William O'Connor. “If we cannot resolve several serious issues, then we will be unable to move forward as a unit and, quite frankly, I cannot see myself serving on this board any longer if this continues. Maintaining the status quo is not an option.”


Administrators said the retreat would focus on board members working together. The meeting's date, time and location were not disclosed.

As long as the board sticks to interpersonal relationships and not “agency business,” the workshop would not violate the Pennsylvania Sunshine Act, according to Melissa Melewsky, media law counsel for the state newspaper association.

“I think it's fine ... [to work] out bugs...” she said Thursday. “But [the board members] have to be extraordinarily careful that they don't cross the line. That would be a problem.”

Although Kadri said the idea had the unanimous support of the board's nine members, no public vote was taken.

“This doesn't guarantee success, but it does give us the opportunity to address lingering concerns,” Kadri said. “The entire community should be encouraged by this immediate effort of cooperation. We're here for the students and community. [This shows] our willingness to become stronger.”

March 1, 2008 at 9:36 AM

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