The Emperor's reign of terror has claimed another victim: award winning business manager Reba Dunford.
Reba Dunford was often the last voice of reason pleading with the Emperor before he went and did something wild and wacky. He did it anyway, but it's on record that she tried. Wait until the Emperor finds out she was right in what she recommended to the board.
The Imperial bullying of the business manager was pretty obvious and blatant. Even lawyers have a veneer of mutual professional respect. Apparently William Hellmann, CPA, missed that ethics class discussion.
Superintendent Yonson seems to fill her busy days accepting resignations. How many more lifeboats are going over the side before we wake up and impeach this Emperor and this board?
Morrisville schools business manager resigns
Posted in News on Wednesday, August 20th, 2008 at 4:40 pm by Columnist Kate Fratti
Morrisville School District’s Business Manager Reba Dunford tendered her resignation Tuesday effective Oct. 18.
Superintendent Elizabeth Yonson said it was with regret that she accepted the resignation. Dunford has been with the district 4 years.
“Reba Dunford is an excellent business administrator. She restructured the business office and made it more efficient. She is an important member of my team and I will miss her,” Yonson said Wednesday.
Dunford and Yonson have been the subject of heated and often public criticism from the new school board majority. Soft-spoken Dunford sparred openly at times with School Board President Bill Hellmann in recent budget work sessions in which Hellmann presented his own budget drafts.
The board, despite Yonson’s protest, reduced her contract from the five years approved by the previous board to three.
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Steve, pick up the needle, man
A follow up to this post.
Folks, this is what passes for a "high public official" in Morrisville.
Comments To This Article:
* kim - Pennsbury needs to re-register also!!!
(08/15/2008 )
I don't think the kids from Trenton are being dropped off to attend Morrisville, I see kids waiting at bus stops for Pennsbury buses in cars with NJ plates.
* Steve - FrATTY More twists and more misinformation!!
(08/16/2008 )
Here Kate goes again!! Just like the misspelling in the title above twisting the truth to hurt her political opposites whom volunteer their time and save the taxpayers money. Small example, why does she exclusively state that the re-registration is to purge the children from Trenton? Because she hopes to plant the seeds of perceived prejudice against the new school board. The misinformation in Fratti's article is more voluminous than what I have time to refute however Kate, given the dubious history of mis-managment and corruption in the school district, why should we trust school employees with sensitive information more than long term highly respected residents? Maybe you'd feel better if we brought back Frank or the good doctor to oversee things!! This type of re-registration has worked well in the past but Kate fails to mention that. She is a fine example of why her rag newspaper is going down the drain. Feel that pink slip getting closer Kate??????????
* Ann - In Steve We Trust...
(08/16/2008 )
Small example, why does she exclusively state that the re-registration is to purge the children from Trenton?
It's probably from stuff like this, which is a quote from a commenter at the March 26, 2008 Morrisville school board meeting:
I feel that board should consider a registration process for all students entering school in September of ’08. Parents of students should have to submit tax bills for proof of residency and renters would have to submit copies of the lease along with any necessary legal documentation in the event that the students is under their guardianship, but in actually is not their child/children. Perhaps this process should be carried out each year to eliminate students that should no be enrolled in MHS. This could definitely be a savings. I personally have heard the parents who stated that their children are enrolled in the Morrisville School System. “Quote…”the one mother said, just take them across the bridge it is easy to do”. She did it. She was telling the other Mothers “I know you don’t want your kids in Trenton High…why put up with that when you can put them in Morrisville.
* kate - what worries me . . .
(08/16/2008 )
I don't feel the pink slip, Steve, but when I read this kind of careless, angry rant from an elected official I do feel my lunch come up ... especially since this terrific little town is so in need of reputable, thoughtful, ethical leadership to move it forward.
* kate - Doh!
(08/16/2008 )
Given the fat jokes I've endured from this particular official, I realize I just opened myself up to further critique of my diet what with a reference to lunch and all ...
* Ann - Bonehead Appetit
(08/16/2008 )
April 20, 1997 New York Times:
''When school lets out and you see a lot of cars with out-of-state license plates picking children up, that's a problem,'' said Stephen Worob, treasurer of the Morrisville board and a leading supporter of the new policy. ''Another board member and I followed some over the border, on a kind of fact-finding mission. We're convinced that there are a substantial number of out-of-district kids in our schools illegally.''
* Steve - Golly Ann !!!
(08/17/2008 )
You're almost as good a truth twister as Kate. How do you equate that a 1997 quote about "out of state license plates," means that a re-registration is to purge Trenton kids. Dah!!! Won't it purge all illegal students equally? How dare you use an anecdotal comment from an unnamed source to support the racial undertones of Kate's hateful article. She is so blinded by her hate for the new school board that she can't help herself. Maybe it is time for Dale or Pat to talk to her. I personally do not subscribe to the Courier Times anymore. Kate is a part of the reason. By the way Kate, do you even live in Morrisville?
* Ann - Gee Whiz
(08/17/2008 )
I wasn't trying to equate anything, other than the mental image of you and some other board member following cars with out-of-state license plates over the border 11 years ago on a fact-finding mission. How far did you follow them, by the way? And who was that other board member?
* kate - Oh, now I see ...
(08/17/2008 )
Steve, are we to believe that you followed students to the Princenton border? I haven't heard a soul argue that re-registration aimed at insuring all enrolled students actually reside in the boro is a bad idea. It's necessary, I suppose. Morrisville can not pick up the tab for Trenton's failures. That said, using volunteers to conduct re-registration is unnecessary and an afront to parents worried about exposing their private information to strangers instead of paid, trained staff. As for the veiled threat that somehow my superiors would be chagrinned by my comments, it isn't so. I'm charged with commenting on the goings on around me as they might interest readers. My reader response indicates I've struck a nerve in Morrisville. The goings on here, bear watching to inform the average citizen. I do not live in Morrisville, Mr. Worob. You needn't to live there to observe the challenges it faces.
* kate - Not enough information for hate
(08/17/2008 )
Mr. Worob, I can honestly say I don't know any of the Morrisville School Board members except for the most casual acquaintance in the last 6 months. The only thing I "hate" is disregard for taxpaying residents. Some of them are parents who depend on these schools for the education of their children. It is an education that generations of Morrisville residents before them took for granted. I do not live in Morrisville. You don't have to live there to see some elected officials are acting badly.
* kate - sorry
(08/17/2008 )
Forgive me, in my impatience to be approved by the "blog master" (who is he anyway?) I posted twice.
* steve - Ok Kate, but are you fair.
(08/19/2008 )
Believe it or not, I have a certain amount of respect for a tenacious person who stands up and fights. Even if they are short sighted and biased. I realize Kate that you are not a typical reporter with an obligation to convey both sides. You are a feel good story teller or a rip their throat out reporter who thrives on emotions rather than unbiased, fair reporting. That being said, before a little weasel can fill up your ears, you should at least afford a little courtesy to the other side. On one hand you state you "do not mean to demean volunteers," "they may be very nice people." Then, on the other hand you allude they may be "thieves and gossips." You really don't know these people and never bothered to speak to them but I'll tell you this, at least one of them you hurt very badly. Why? because you are closed minded and set in your ways but I now offer you a chance to change this. Let's face it, you consider yourself a voice and champion of the good people who need your help. Am I right? OK. I think I'm a good person(believe it or not) and I can use your help. Please tell me, what do you think about a Bucks County judge who presides over an unfair trial and then tells the person who was fighting for the people that,"if you appeal my decision, I will do everything in my power to stop you." Yes it's true Kate, there is a judge with high aspirations who believes he has more power than we have rights. Then some poor court reporter felt obligated to omit his threat from the transcript and lie about it. I kid you not, there are many witnesses to this. If you are a fair person for the people then call me for the story or your life.
* steve - Typo!!!
(08/19/2008 )
Sorry Kate it's late. That was supposed to end,"the story OF your life. My bad.
* - Score
(08/19/2008 )
KATE; 1 STEVE; 0
* Ann - Victim or Aggressor?
(08/19/2008 )
Among the problems I have with what you’re saying, Steve, is that the trial of which you speak was not “the people vs. former Morrisville School District Superintendent Dr. John Gould”, it was “Dr. John Gould vs. Steve Worob, the guy who brazenly and recklessly shot his mouth off so much about Dr. Gould’s alleged corruption, which he was unable to prove, that Dr. Gould got tired of it and sued him for ‘slander per se’ for damaging his reputation and hurting his prospects for future employment”. And Dr. Gould won, to the tune of over $100,000.
You see, you may have a point, even a good point, but you can’t maliciously tear someone down just because you think you’re right. Even if there was something there, you couldn’t back it up. I’m not defending corruption or Dr. Gould (who seems to have done an adequate job of defending himself). But I am defending the principle of innocent until proven guilty, a presumption I’m sure you would want if you were facing charges.
His words may have been harsh, but I think the Judge was trying to do you a favor. I think he was trying to say “Let it go. End this destructive vendetta, for everyone’s sake, including yours.” Kind of like on June 9, 1954, when Joseph Welch said to Senator Joseph R. McCarthy (R – Wisconsin), “Let us not assassinate this lad further, Senator. You have done enough. Have you no sense of decency sir, at long last? Have you left no sense of decency?”. Does that mean there were absolutely zero commies in the entire U.S. Government? No. But do the ends always justify the means? No. The world’s not perfect, but overall I think justice was served in your case.
* steve - Ann
(08/19/2008 )
Ann, I really didn't like you before but now I'm beginning to feel sorry for you. You're pathetic and you don't even realize it.
* steve - How about it Kate.
(08/19/2008 )
A great story about an unscrupulous judge who is a member of the good old Republicans club that controls the courthouse and politics in Bucks County. I'm a life long Republican but when something stinks in my party I am not afraid to expose it. You see, the debacle that unfolded in Morrisville was just the tip of the iceberg of pervasive corruption that is rooted in large bond issues to school districts from major federal lending institutions. All of this buried by a Republican controlled justice system. Get in the way and the boys in black robes will crush you. It makes me wonder how many people are unjustly sitting in jail. But Ann would say "justice was served" I guess.
* kate - Did we change the subject ?
(08/20/2008 )
Steve, pick up the needle, man. You've been playing the same old song for so long. Publish the book you promise. Who could tell your version of the story better than you?
As for the volunteers, they may be very nice people, but they've been organized by people who aren't always so nice ... I still wonder if they share the school board majority's view that privacy laws are a nuisance. It's a fair question in the case of a re-registration that requires personanal information be released to them.
* kate - And about that intimidation thing you do ...
(08/20/2008 )
Freud says there are no accidents....the story or my life? sheesh.
Folks, this is what passes for a "high public official" in Morrisville.
Comments To This Article:
* kim - Pennsbury needs to re-register also!!!
(08/15/2008 )
I don't think the kids from Trenton are being dropped off to attend Morrisville, I see kids waiting at bus stops for Pennsbury buses in cars with NJ plates.
* Steve - FrATTY More twists and more misinformation!!
(08/16/2008 )
Here Kate goes again!! Just like the misspelling in the title above twisting the truth to hurt her political opposites whom volunteer their time and save the taxpayers money. Small example, why does she exclusively state that the re-registration is to purge the children from Trenton? Because she hopes to plant the seeds of perceived prejudice against the new school board. The misinformation in Fratti's article is more voluminous than what I have time to refute however Kate, given the dubious history of mis-managment and corruption in the school district, why should we trust school employees with sensitive information more than long term highly respected residents? Maybe you'd feel better if we brought back Frank or the good doctor to oversee things!! This type of re-registration has worked well in the past but Kate fails to mention that. She is a fine example of why her rag newspaper is going down the drain. Feel that pink slip getting closer Kate??????????
* Ann - In Steve We Trust...
(08/16/2008 )
Small example, why does she exclusively state that the re-registration is to purge the children from Trenton?
It's probably from stuff like this, which is a quote from a commenter at the March 26, 2008 Morrisville school board meeting:
I feel that board should consider a registration process for all students entering school in September of ’08. Parents of students should have to submit tax bills for proof of residency and renters would have to submit copies of the lease along with any necessary legal documentation in the event that the students is under their guardianship, but in actually is not their child/children. Perhaps this process should be carried out each year to eliminate students that should no be enrolled in MHS. This could definitely be a savings. I personally have heard the parents who stated that their children are enrolled in the Morrisville School System. “Quote…”the one mother said, just take them across the bridge it is easy to do”. She did it. She was telling the other Mothers “I know you don’t want your kids in Trenton High…why put up with that when you can put them in Morrisville.
* kate - what worries me . . .
(08/16/2008 )
I don't feel the pink slip, Steve, but when I read this kind of careless, angry rant from an elected official I do feel my lunch come up ... especially since this terrific little town is so in need of reputable, thoughtful, ethical leadership to move it forward.
* kate - Doh!
(08/16/2008 )
Given the fat jokes I've endured from this particular official, I realize I just opened myself up to further critique of my diet what with a reference to lunch and all ...
* Ann - Bonehead Appetit
(08/16/2008 )
April 20, 1997 New York Times:
''When school lets out and you see a lot of cars with out-of-state license plates picking children up, that's a problem,'' said Stephen Worob, treasurer of the Morrisville board and a leading supporter of the new policy. ''Another board member and I followed some over the border, on a kind of fact-finding mission. We're convinced that there are a substantial number of out-of-district kids in our schools illegally.''
* Steve - Golly Ann !!!
(08/17/2008 )
You're almost as good a truth twister as Kate. How do you equate that a 1997 quote about "out of state license plates," means that a re-registration is to purge Trenton kids. Dah!!! Won't it purge all illegal students equally? How dare you use an anecdotal comment from an unnamed source to support the racial undertones of Kate's hateful article. She is so blinded by her hate for the new school board that she can't help herself. Maybe it is time for Dale or Pat to talk to her. I personally do not subscribe to the Courier Times anymore. Kate is a part of the reason. By the way Kate, do you even live in Morrisville?
* Ann - Gee Whiz
(08/17/2008 )
I wasn't trying to equate anything, other than the mental image of you and some other board member following cars with out-of-state license plates over the border 11 years ago on a fact-finding mission. How far did you follow them, by the way? And who was that other board member?
* kate - Oh, now I see ...
(08/17/2008 )
Steve, are we to believe that you followed students to the Princenton border? I haven't heard a soul argue that re-registration aimed at insuring all enrolled students actually reside in the boro is a bad idea. It's necessary, I suppose. Morrisville can not pick up the tab for Trenton's failures. That said, using volunteers to conduct re-registration is unnecessary and an afront to parents worried about exposing their private information to strangers instead of paid, trained staff. As for the veiled threat that somehow my superiors would be chagrinned by my comments, it isn't so. I'm charged with commenting on the goings on around me as they might interest readers. My reader response indicates I've struck a nerve in Morrisville. The goings on here, bear watching to inform the average citizen. I do not live in Morrisville, Mr. Worob. You needn't to live there to observe the challenges it faces.
* kate - Not enough information for hate
(08/17/2008 )
Mr. Worob, I can honestly say I don't know any of the Morrisville School Board members except for the most casual acquaintance in the last 6 months. The only thing I "hate" is disregard for taxpaying residents. Some of them are parents who depend on these schools for the education of their children. It is an education that generations of Morrisville residents before them took for granted. I do not live in Morrisville. You don't have to live there to see some elected officials are acting badly.
* kate - sorry
(08/17/2008 )
Forgive me, in my impatience to be approved by the "blog master" (who is he anyway?) I posted twice.
* steve - Ok Kate, but are you fair.
(08/19/2008 )
Believe it or not, I have a certain amount of respect for a tenacious person who stands up and fights. Even if they are short sighted and biased. I realize Kate that you are not a typical reporter with an obligation to convey both sides. You are a feel good story teller or a rip their throat out reporter who thrives on emotions rather than unbiased, fair reporting. That being said, before a little weasel can fill up your ears, you should at least afford a little courtesy to the other side. On one hand you state you "do not mean to demean volunteers," "they may be very nice people." Then, on the other hand you allude they may be "thieves and gossips." You really don't know these people and never bothered to speak to them but I'll tell you this, at least one of them you hurt very badly. Why? because you are closed minded and set in your ways but I now offer you a chance to change this. Let's face it, you consider yourself a voice and champion of the good people who need your help. Am I right? OK. I think I'm a good person(believe it or not) and I can use your help. Please tell me, what do you think about a Bucks County judge who presides over an unfair trial and then tells the person who was fighting for the people that,"if you appeal my decision, I will do everything in my power to stop you." Yes it's true Kate, there is a judge with high aspirations who believes he has more power than we have rights. Then some poor court reporter felt obligated to omit his threat from the transcript and lie about it. I kid you not, there are many witnesses to this. If you are a fair person for the people then call me for the story or your life.
* steve - Typo!!!
(08/19/2008 )
Sorry Kate it's late. That was supposed to end,"the story OF your life. My bad.
* - Score
(08/19/2008 )
KATE; 1 STEVE; 0
* Ann - Victim or Aggressor?
(08/19/2008 )
Among the problems I have with what you’re saying, Steve, is that the trial of which you speak was not “the people vs. former Morrisville School District Superintendent Dr. John Gould”, it was “Dr. John Gould vs. Steve Worob, the guy who brazenly and recklessly shot his mouth off so much about Dr. Gould’s alleged corruption, which he was unable to prove, that Dr. Gould got tired of it and sued him for ‘slander per se’ for damaging his reputation and hurting his prospects for future employment”. And Dr. Gould won, to the tune of over $100,000.
You see, you may have a point, even a good point, but you can’t maliciously tear someone down just because you think you’re right. Even if there was something there, you couldn’t back it up. I’m not defending corruption or Dr. Gould (who seems to have done an adequate job of defending himself). But I am defending the principle of innocent until proven guilty, a presumption I’m sure you would want if you were facing charges.
His words may have been harsh, but I think the Judge was trying to do you a favor. I think he was trying to say “Let it go. End this destructive vendetta, for everyone’s sake, including yours.” Kind of like on June 9, 1954, when Joseph Welch said to Senator Joseph R. McCarthy (R – Wisconsin), “Let us not assassinate this lad further, Senator. You have done enough. Have you no sense of decency sir, at long last? Have you left no sense of decency?”. Does that mean there were absolutely zero commies in the entire U.S. Government? No. But do the ends always justify the means? No. The world’s not perfect, but overall I think justice was served in your case.
* steve - Ann
(08/19/2008 )
Ann, I really didn't like you before but now I'm beginning to feel sorry for you. You're pathetic and you don't even realize it.
* steve - How about it Kate.
(08/19/2008 )
A great story about an unscrupulous judge who is a member of the good old Republicans club that controls the courthouse and politics in Bucks County. I'm a life long Republican but when something stinks in my party I am not afraid to expose it. You see, the debacle that unfolded in Morrisville was just the tip of the iceberg of pervasive corruption that is rooted in large bond issues to school districts from major federal lending institutions. All of this buried by a Republican controlled justice system. Get in the way and the boys in black robes will crush you. It makes me wonder how many people are unjustly sitting in jail. But Ann would say "justice was served" I guess.
* kate - Did we change the subject ?
(08/20/2008 )
Steve, pick up the needle, man. You've been playing the same old song for so long. Publish the book you promise. Who could tell your version of the story better than you?
As for the volunteers, they may be very nice people, but they've been organized by people who aren't always so nice ... I still wonder if they share the school board majority's view that privacy laws are a nuisance. It's a fair question in the case of a re-registration that requires personanal information be released to them.
* kate - And about that intimidation thing you do ...
(08/20/2008 )
Freud says there are no accidents....the story or my life? sheesh.
Pennsbury Back to School Profile
From the BCCT
Going high tech, going green
By MANASEE WAGH
Pennsbury is using its $1.17 million Classrooms for the Future state grant to enhance education at the high school. Students and teachers already have started using integrated technology such as microscope analysis systems hooked up to an interactive whiteboard at the front of the classroom.
The district’s Makefield Elementary School will go green. Both the school and the environment will benefit from sustainable practices like a green roof covered with plants that help insulate the building and reduce storm water runoff, rooftop solar panels that gather energy and a variety of energy conservation designs.
Abby Brazina, a social studies teacher at William Penn Middle School, was selected from a national pool of more than 1,700 applicants to be an honored guest of the Japanese government as part of the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program.
As part of a group of 160 American educators, she will travel to Japan for three weeks in October to promote greater intercultural understanding. Brazina hopes to learn how the Japanese incorporate cultural values and customs into schools to promote character education and civic responsibility.
Pennsbury serves more than 12,500 students in Falls, Tullytown, Lower Makefield and Yardley.
It employs more than 1,531, including 809 teachers, with a $167.5 million budget. For information, visit www.pennsbury.k12.pa.us WHO’S WHO IN THE SCHOOLS?
Chief Executive Officer:
Paul Long, 215-428-4100, ext. 10001
Assistant superintendents:
Kevin McHugh, (interim director of curriculum and instruction, K-12), 215-428-4100, ext. 10014
Donald Harm (administration), 215-428-4100, ext. 10012
Principals:
Pennsbury High East: W. David Bowman, 215-949-6700 Pennsbury High West: Lisa Becker, 215-949-6780 Charles Boehm Middle: Theresa Ricci, 215-428-4220 William Penn Middle: Larry Ricci, 215-428-4280 Pennwood Middle: Patricia Steckroat (acting principal), 215-428-4237 Afton Elementary: Norman Gross, 215-321-8540 Walt Disney Elementary: Fay Manicke, 215-949-6868 Edgewood Elementary: Michele Spack, 215-321-2410 Fallsington Elementary: David Hughes, 215-428-4170 Makefield Elementary: Donna McCormick-Miller, 215-321-2420 Manor Elementary: Richard Houseknecht, 215-949-6770 Oxford Valley Elementary: Fran Nitkin, 215-949-6808 Penn Valley Elementary: Peggy Schiavone, 215-949-6800 Quarry Hill Elementary: Karen Laarkamp, 215-321-2400 Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary: Robert Wurst, 215-428-4256 Village Park Elementary: Joe Masgai, 215-949-6740
SCHOOL BOARD
Members: President Gregory Lucidi Jr., Gene Dolnick, Michielle Deis, Howard Goldberg, Arlene Gordon, Adele Governatore, Richard Johnson, Linda Palsky and Gabriele Smyth. The board meets at 8 p.m. on the second and third Thursdays of the month, except in July and August, in the auditorium of the Fallsington Elementary School on Yardley Avenue. The first meeting of the 2007-2008 school year will be on Aug. 23. To contact the board, visit www.pennsbury.k12.pa.us.
SCHOOL CALENDAR
Sept 2, First day of school Sept 30-Oct 1, Rosh Hashana – no school Oct 9, Yom Kippur – no school Nov 11, Veterans Day – no school Nov 12-14, Parent-teacher conferences, half-day grades 1-5 Nov 27, 28, Thanksgiving holiday – no school Dec 24-Jan 2, Christmas holidays – no school Jan 19, Martin Luther King Day no school Feb 16, Presidents Day – no school April 9, 10, Passover/Easter/spring recess – no school
April 15-17, Parent-teacher conferences, half-day grades 1-5 May 25, Memorial Day, no school June 17, Last day of school
FAST FACTS ABOUT PENNSBURY
Average SAT scores
(Unofficial scores for 2007-2008):
Critical reading: 530 Math: 545 Writing: 516
Total number of AP courses: 20
Student – teacher average ratios: Elementary: 23 – 1 Middle: 25 – 1 High School: 25 – 1
Average Teacher’s Salary: $77,524.41
Percentage of 2008 class that planned to go on to higher education: 93.34
Median household income in Pennsbury: $72,029.52
Cost per student: Elementary: $9,647.27 Secondary: $12,010.64
Partnerships with businesses: More than 1,000 through the Pennsbury Partners Program, including Yardley Jewelers, Yardley Flower Company, VFW Post 6393, Exelon Generation, International Culinary Schools of the Arts Institute, Transcend Sports Training Systems and Newtown Chamber Orchestra. AYP Status: All but two individual Pennsbury schools are meeting AYP. Penn Valley and Fallsington Elementary Schools each have one subgroup that did not achieve the required benchmark in reading.
Going high tech, going green
By MANASEE WAGH
Pennsbury is using its $1.17 million Classrooms for the Future state grant to enhance education at the high school. Students and teachers already have started using integrated technology such as microscope analysis systems hooked up to an interactive whiteboard at the front of the classroom.
The district’s Makefield Elementary School will go green. Both the school and the environment will benefit from sustainable practices like a green roof covered with plants that help insulate the building and reduce storm water runoff, rooftop solar panels that gather energy and a variety of energy conservation designs.
Abby Brazina, a social studies teacher at William Penn Middle School, was selected from a national pool of more than 1,700 applicants to be an honored guest of the Japanese government as part of the Japan Fulbright Memorial Fund Teacher Program.As part of a group of 160 American educators, she will travel to Japan for three weeks in October to promote greater intercultural understanding. Brazina hopes to learn how the Japanese incorporate cultural values and customs into schools to promote character education and civic responsibility.
Pennsbury serves more than 12,500 students in Falls, Tullytown, Lower Makefield and Yardley.
It employs more than 1,531, including 809 teachers, with a $167.5 million budget. For information, visit www.pennsbury.k12.pa.us WHO’S WHO IN THE SCHOOLS?
Chief Executive Officer:
Paul Long, 215-428-4100, ext. 10001
Assistant superintendents:
Kevin McHugh, (interim director of curriculum and instruction, K-12), 215-428-4100, ext. 10014
Donald Harm (administration), 215-428-4100, ext. 10012
Principals:
Pennsbury High East: W. David Bowman, 215-949-6700 Pennsbury High West: Lisa Becker, 215-949-6780 Charles Boehm Middle: Theresa Ricci, 215-428-4220 William Penn Middle: Larry Ricci, 215-428-4280 Pennwood Middle: Patricia Steckroat (acting principal), 215-428-4237 Afton Elementary: Norman Gross, 215-321-8540 Walt Disney Elementary: Fay Manicke, 215-949-6868 Edgewood Elementary: Michele Spack, 215-321-2410 Fallsington Elementary: David Hughes, 215-428-4170 Makefield Elementary: Donna McCormick-Miller, 215-321-2420 Manor Elementary: Richard Houseknecht, 215-949-6770 Oxford Valley Elementary: Fran Nitkin, 215-949-6808 Penn Valley Elementary: Peggy Schiavone, 215-949-6800 Quarry Hill Elementary: Karen Laarkamp, 215-321-2400 Eleanor Roosevelt Elementary: Robert Wurst, 215-428-4256 Village Park Elementary: Joe Masgai, 215-949-6740
SCHOOL BOARD
Members: President Gregory Lucidi Jr., Gene Dolnick, Michielle Deis, Howard Goldberg, Arlene Gordon, Adele Governatore, Richard Johnson, Linda Palsky and Gabriele Smyth. The board meets at 8 p.m. on the second and third Thursdays of the month, except in July and August, in the auditorium of the Fallsington Elementary School on Yardley Avenue. The first meeting of the 2007-2008 school year will be on Aug. 23. To contact the board, visit www.pennsbury.k12.pa.us.
SCHOOL CALENDAR
Sept 2, First day of school Sept 30-Oct 1, Rosh Hashana – no school Oct 9, Yom Kippur – no school Nov 11, Veterans Day – no school Nov 12-14, Parent-teacher conferences, half-day grades 1-5 Nov 27, 28, Thanksgiving holiday – no school Dec 24-Jan 2, Christmas holidays – no school Jan 19, Martin Luther King Day no school Feb 16, Presidents Day – no school April 9, 10, Passover/Easter/spring recess – no school
April 15-17, Parent-teacher conferences, half-day grades 1-5 May 25, Memorial Day, no school June 17, Last day of school
FAST FACTS ABOUT PENNSBURY
Average SAT scores
(Unofficial scores for 2007-2008):
Critical reading: 530 Math: 545 Writing: 516
Total number of AP courses: 20
Student – teacher average ratios: Elementary: 23 – 1 Middle: 25 – 1 High School: 25 – 1
Average Teacher’s Salary: $77,524.41
Percentage of 2008 class that planned to go on to higher education: 93.34
Median household income in Pennsbury: $72,029.52
Cost per student: Elementary: $9,647.27 Secondary: $12,010.64
Partnerships with businesses: More than 1,000 through the Pennsbury Partners Program, including Yardley Jewelers, Yardley Flower Company, VFW Post 6393, Exelon Generation, International Culinary Schools of the Arts Institute, Transcend Sports Training Systems and Newtown Chamber Orchestra. AYP Status: All but two individual Pennsbury schools are meeting AYP. Penn Valley and Fallsington Elementary Schools each have one subgroup that did not achieve the required benchmark in reading.
Morrisville Back to School Profile
Next in the BCCT PSSA/Back to School queue: Morrisville
Computers enhance lessons
Students earn college credit for language classes in Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Russian and Japanese at the high school.
By MANASEE WAGH
Morrisville Middle/Senior High School recently received a Classrooms for the Future grant, enabling students to use more computers and integrated technology to enhance classroom lessons.
The technology already has boosted learning in science and social studies classes in the past year and will soon be used in math and English classes. Teachers used interactive whiteboards and laptops to develop lessons.
Students can research online, develop photo and storybooks, do assessments online, make instructional review games and develop projects, said former high school Principal Melanie Gehrens.
Morrisville received a dual enrollment grant last year, which allows students to take college classes while still in high school. Students were able to take Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Russian and Japanese via distance-learning college programs.
Students said that the dual enrollment courses helped prepare them and get ahead, according to Gehrens.
Thirty of last year’s graduating seniors accumulated a total of 197 college credits through the dual enrollment program. Currently, 41 students are enrolled to take dual enrollment college courses next year.
All schools made AYP in 2008-09, with significant gains in 11th-grade math scores. Proficiency scores increased 28 percent.
The school district serves more than 980 students in three schools. It employs 140 people and runs on a $19.8 million annual budget. For information, visit www.mv.org
WHO’S WHO IN THE SCHOOLS:
Superintendent: Dr. Elizabeth Hammond Yonson, 215-736-5930
Principals:
Morrisville Middle/Senior High School: TBA (Melanie Gehrens just left district), 215-736-5260
Grandview Elementary School: Kate Taylor, 215-736-52380
M.R. Reiter Elementary School, Karen Huggins, 215-736-5270
School board: William Hellmann (president), Alfred Radosti (vice president), Marlys Mihok (secretary), Brenda Worob (treasurer), William Farrell, John “Jack” Buckman, Joseph Kemp, Robin Reithmeyer, Gloria Heater. The board meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m., except in July, in the Large Group Instruction Room of the Middle/Senior High School on West Palmer Street. For information, visit www.mv.org.
SCHOOL CALENDAR:
Sept 3, First day of school Sept 30, Rosh Hashana – no school Oct 9, Yom Kippur – no school Nov 10, Clerical day – early dismissal Nov 25, Teacher conferences – early dismissal Nov 27, 28, Thanksgiving holiday – no school Dec 24-Jan 2, Christmas holidays – no school Jan 19, Martin Luther King Day – no school Feb 13, no school Feb 16, Presidents Day – no school April 8, Clerical day – early dismissal April 9-13, Spring Break, no school May 25, Memorial Day, no school June 16, Last day of school
FAST FACTS
Average SAT scores 2006 -2007: Verbal: 458 Math: 442
2006-2007 average teacher salary: $69,000 Number of AP courses: 15 Student/teacher ratio:
Elementary: 20:1 Grades 7-8: 20:1 Secondary: 22:1
District’s cost per student for elementary and for secondary:
Elementary $13,023.41 Secondary $14,214.71
Median income in the district: $53,316
Partnerships with businesses: UPS, Air Products, Waste Management, Silver Lake, Bucks County Workforce Investment Board Inc., School Works, Morrisville Collaborative, YMCA AYP Status: All schools made AYP
Computers enhance lessons
Students earn college credit for language classes in Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Russian and Japanese at the high school.
By MANASEE WAGH
Morrisville Middle/Senior High School recently received a Classrooms for the Future grant, enabling students to use more computers and integrated technology to enhance classroom lessons.
The technology already has boosted learning in science and social studies classes in the past year and will soon be used in math and English classes. Teachers used interactive whiteboards and laptops to develop lessons.
Students can research online, develop photo and storybooks, do assessments online, make instructional review games and develop projects, said former high school Principal Melanie Gehrens.
Morrisville received a dual enrollment grant last year, which allows students to take college classes while still in high school. Students were able to take Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Russian and Japanese via distance-learning college programs.
Students said that the dual enrollment courses helped prepare them and get ahead, according to Gehrens.Thirty of last year’s graduating seniors accumulated a total of 197 college credits through the dual enrollment program. Currently, 41 students are enrolled to take dual enrollment college courses next year.
All schools made AYP in 2008-09, with significant gains in 11th-grade math scores. Proficiency scores increased 28 percent.
The school district serves more than 980 students in three schools. It employs 140 people and runs on a $19.8 million annual budget. For information, visit www.mv.org
WHO’S WHO IN THE SCHOOLS:
Superintendent: Dr. Elizabeth Hammond Yonson, 215-736-5930
Principals:
Morrisville Middle/Senior High School: TBA (Melanie Gehrens just left district), 215-736-5260
Grandview Elementary School: Kate Taylor, 215-736-52380
M.R. Reiter Elementary School, Karen Huggins, 215-736-5270
School board: William Hellmann (president), Alfred Radosti (vice president), Marlys Mihok (secretary), Brenda Worob (treasurer), William Farrell, John “Jack” Buckman, Joseph Kemp, Robin Reithmeyer, Gloria Heater. The board meets the fourth Wednesday of the month at 7:30 p.m., except in July, in the Large Group Instruction Room of the Middle/Senior High School on West Palmer Street. For information, visit www.mv.org.
SCHOOL CALENDAR:
Sept 3, First day of school Sept 30, Rosh Hashana – no school Oct 9, Yom Kippur – no school Nov 10, Clerical day – early dismissal Nov 25, Teacher conferences – early dismissal Nov 27, 28, Thanksgiving holiday – no school Dec 24-Jan 2, Christmas holidays – no school Jan 19, Martin Luther King Day – no school Feb 13, no school Feb 16, Presidents Day – no school April 8, Clerical day – early dismissal April 9-13, Spring Break, no school May 25, Memorial Day, no school June 16, Last day of school
FAST FACTS
Average SAT scores 2006 -2007: Verbal: 458 Math: 442
2006-2007 average teacher salary: $69,000 Number of AP courses: 15 Student/teacher ratio:
Elementary: 20:1 Grades 7-8: 20:1 Secondary: 22:1
District’s cost per student for elementary and for secondary:
Elementary $13,023.41 Secondary $14,214.71
Median income in the district: $53,316
Partnerships with businesses: UPS, Air Products, Waste Management, Silver Lake, Bucks County Workforce Investment Board Inc., School Works, Morrisville Collaborative, YMCA AYP Status: All schools made AYP
Morrisville Borough Council recap
From the BCCT.
PUBLIC MEETING WRAP
Morrisville council
215-295-8181
When: Monday, Aug. 18.
Issue: Accept April 21 meeting minutes.
Vote: Approved 8-0 by nancy Sherlock, Kathryn Panzitta, George Bolos, Jane Burger, Eileen Dreisbach, Rita Ledger, David Rivella and Stephen Worob.
Issue: Pay bills; pay $64,165.68 to J.L. Gruber Contractor Inc., for curb and sidewalk replacement on South Pennsylvania Avenue.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Issue: Morrisville Rotary’s request to use Williamson Park for a carnival from Oct. 2 through Oct. 5.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Issue: Three projects to possibly be funded by the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission’s compact authorization investment program; direct the borough manager and engineer to send a list of the projects and an application to the bridge commission.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Impact: The borough wants to install new curbs and sidewalks on the north side of West Bridge Street from Harding to Cox avenues at an estimated cost of $100,000, the north side of Philadelphia Avenue between South Pennsylvania Avenue and Washington Street at an estimated cost of $70,000 and both sides of Washington Street between Philadelphia Avenue and Green Street at an estimated cost of $75,000. The borough was given approximately $1.5 million from the bridge commission for improvements to West Bridge Street and South Pennsylvania Avenue. Because bids for those projects came in low, the borough has a surplus of about $345,000. If these projects are approved by the bridge commission, that would leave the borough with an approximate $100,000 surplus.
Issue: Resolution for sewer extension for the Falkowski/Kulpinski subdivision at 130 Delaware Ave.; 2008 Labor Day Run following the previously established route; amend the resolution reducing membership of the UCC Board of Appeals from five members to three members
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Issue: Appoint Paul Kavanagh to a three-year term on the Morrisville Economic Development Corp.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Issue: Appoint Karen Kane to a three-year term on the Morrisville Economic Development Corp.
Vote: Approved 4-0 by Burger, Dreisbach, Ledger and Rivella. Other council members voted for two other applicants.
PUBLIC MEETING WRAP
Morrisville council
215-295-8181
When: Monday, Aug. 18.
Issue: Accept April 21 meeting minutes.
Vote: Approved 8-0 by nancy Sherlock, Kathryn Panzitta, George Bolos, Jane Burger, Eileen Dreisbach, Rita Ledger, David Rivella and Stephen Worob.
Issue: Pay bills; pay $64,165.68 to J.L. Gruber Contractor Inc., for curb and sidewalk replacement on South Pennsylvania Avenue.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Issue: Morrisville Rotary’s request to use Williamson Park for a carnival from Oct. 2 through Oct. 5.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Issue: Three projects to possibly be funded by the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission’s compact authorization investment program; direct the borough manager and engineer to send a list of the projects and an application to the bridge commission.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Impact: The borough wants to install new curbs and sidewalks on the north side of West Bridge Street from Harding to Cox avenues at an estimated cost of $100,000, the north side of Philadelphia Avenue between South Pennsylvania Avenue and Washington Street at an estimated cost of $70,000 and both sides of Washington Street between Philadelphia Avenue and Green Street at an estimated cost of $75,000. The borough was given approximately $1.5 million from the bridge commission for improvements to West Bridge Street and South Pennsylvania Avenue. Because bids for those projects came in low, the borough has a surplus of about $345,000. If these projects are approved by the bridge commission, that would leave the borough with an approximate $100,000 surplus.
Issue: Resolution for sewer extension for the Falkowski/Kulpinski subdivision at 130 Delaware Ave.; 2008 Labor Day Run following the previously established route; amend the resolution reducing membership of the UCC Board of Appeals from five members to three members
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Issue: Appoint Paul Kavanagh to a three-year term on the Morrisville Economic Development Corp.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Issue: Appoint Karen Kane to a three-year term on the Morrisville Economic Development Corp.
Vote: Approved 4-0 by Burger, Dreisbach, Ledger and Rivella. Other council members voted for two other applicants.
Federal Lawsuit over Strip Club
From the BCCT
Developer sues borough in federal court over strip club
Posted in News on Tuesday, August 19th, 2008 at 12:48 pm by Courier Times staff writer Danny Adler
MORRISVILLE — Strip clubs aren’t illegal. And a New Jersey developer is saying Morrisville’s “framework of zoning and regulatory ordinances, which … impose restrictions and prohibitions on First Amendment protected expression” to bring a gentlemen’s club to the borough is unconstitutional, according to a federal lawsuit against Morrisville and the borough’s zoning hearing board.
The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Philadelphia, says the borough’s restrictions “chill” and make it impossible to operate an adult entertainment facility.
The strip club and bar Sugar & Spice is located about one-third of a mile south of Stockham Interests proposed go-go joint.
Stockham Interests LLC also seeks damages in excess of $75,000.
The suit also challenges the zoning hearing board’s denial of a 1,000-square-foot “soft” vinyl billboard on the side of the building facing Route 1 - which was proposed after great opposition of the strip club. The suit says the denial prevents protected commercial speech.
The Morrisville zoning hearing board’s May decision denying Stockham Interests variances to allow adult entertainment in the Stockham Building at Pennsylvania Avenue and Bridge Street and variances from sign regulations was based on “no evidence” and was an “abuse of discretion,” the suit alleges.
The request for the variances was unanimously denied by the zoning hearing board in May.
The developer was planning for a “burlesque-style” strip club for the second floor of the four-story Stockham Building. Plans also called for a first-floor restaurant and bakery, as well as a fitness center on the third and fourth floors.
Calls to Stockham Interests attorney, Joseph Beller, and borough Solicitor James Downey III were not immediately returned Tuesday.
Developer sues borough in federal court over strip club
Posted in News on Tuesday, August 19th, 2008 at 12:48 pm by Courier Times staff writer Danny Adler
MORRISVILLE — Strip clubs aren’t illegal. And a New Jersey developer is saying Morrisville’s “framework of zoning and regulatory ordinances, which … impose restrictions and prohibitions on First Amendment protected expression” to bring a gentlemen’s club to the borough is unconstitutional, according to a federal lawsuit against Morrisville and the borough’s zoning hearing board.
The suit, filed in U.S. District Court in Philadelphia, says the borough’s restrictions “chill” and make it impossible to operate an adult entertainment facility.
The strip club and bar Sugar & Spice is located about one-third of a mile south of Stockham Interests proposed go-go joint.
Stockham Interests LLC also seeks damages in excess of $75,000.
The suit also challenges the zoning hearing board’s denial of a 1,000-square-foot “soft” vinyl billboard on the side of the building facing Route 1 - which was proposed after great opposition of the strip club. The suit says the denial prevents protected commercial speech.
The Morrisville zoning hearing board’s May decision denying Stockham Interests variances to allow adult entertainment in the Stockham Building at Pennsylvania Avenue and Bridge Street and variances from sign regulations was based on “no evidence” and was an “abuse of discretion,” the suit alleges.
The request for the variances was unanimously denied by the zoning hearing board in May.
The developer was planning for a “burlesque-style” strip club for the second floor of the four-story Stockham Building. Plans also called for a first-floor restaurant and bakery, as well as a fitness center on the third and fourth floors.
Calls to Stockham Interests attorney, Joseph Beller, and borough Solicitor James Downey III were not immediately returned Tuesday.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)