Saturday, January 31, 2009
Dr. Pierce and Mr. Hyde
Does anyone remember M*A*S*H? Not the Donald Sutherland/Elliot Gould movie version, but the ubiquitous Alan Alda television version.
In the second season episode “Dr. Pierce and Mr. Hyde”, Hawkeye sends President Truman a rather terse telegram. (For our younger readers, a telegram is sort of like a 1880s version of an email.)
Anyway, the entire text of Hawkeye's telegram is “Who’s responsible?”
That question has been posed rather frequently here, but thanks to an emailer, here's the answer in writing. Let's set the wayback machine to April 2007, just days before the primary that paved the way forward to the Stop the School control of the Morrisville school board. Location: The Bucks County Courier Times legal notices.
So when those board members try and point the finger of shame about "inherited problems" or "you stopped the cursory March safety inspection", all they can point to is their own reflection in the mirror. These five people knew the schools were crumbling, yet chose to stop the only solution in play, and then didn't have a solution of their own as a replacement.
Who's responsible? There's five names there. Book 'em, Danno.
In the second season episode “Dr. Pierce and Mr. Hyde”, Hawkeye sends President Truman a rather terse telegram. (For our younger readers, a telegram is sort of like a 1880s version of an email.)
Anyway, the entire text of Hawkeye's telegram is “Who’s responsible?”
That question has been posed rather frequently here, but thanks to an emailer, here's the answer in writing. Let's set the wayback machine to April 2007, just days before the primary that paved the way forward to the Stop the School control of the Morrisville school board. Location: The Bucks County Courier Times legal notices.
So when those board members try and point the finger of shame about "inherited problems" or "you stopped the cursory March safety inspection", all they can point to is their own reflection in the mirror. These five people knew the schools were crumbling, yet chose to stop the only solution in play, and then didn't have a solution of their own as a replacement.
Who's responsible? There's five names there. Book 'em, Danno.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Bristol School Taxes Rising
From the BCCT
Board to consider tax increase
JOAN HELLYER
The Bristol school board, citing the economic downturn, left open the possibility Thursday night of raising property taxes an average $128 to cover 2009-10 operating expenses.
But board members also reiterated that they are aiming to avoid a tax increase all together. However, it's too early to know if enough funds will be available to cover an estimated $900,000 revenue shortfall in the 2009-10 projected budget, they said.
So the board directed administrators to develop a preliminary budget that includes an 8 mill property tax hike. The increase would bring Bristol's total millage to 128 mills.
The $600,000 in additional revenue that would be produced with the tax increase could be used in part to cover next school year's expenses. Plus, the board could use reserve funds, revenue from building rentals and savings from a possible early retirement plan for district teachers to finance the $20.5 million projected budget.
As per the state's property tax law, known as Act 1, the board had until Thursday to decide if it needed to raise taxes more than 5.3 percent of the current millage rate.
Although the proposed 8 mills is more than the 6.36 mills allowed by the state index, the district will not have to seek voter approval in the May primary, said Joseph Roe, the district's business manager.
That's because Bristol can ask for state permission to use exemptions to raise taxes above the index to cover debt service and special education costs, he said.
President David Chichilitti, Vice President John D'Angelo, John Hill, Mary Jane Paglione, Jeff Paleafico, Louis Persichetti, and James Petrino voted to move forward toward enacting a preliminary budget. Joseph Fusco and Steve Cullen did not attend the meeting.
The proposed financial plan is available for public review until the board considers adopting it Feb. 12. Call 215-781-1011 for information on when the preliminary budget can be reviewed.
Board to consider tax increase
JOAN HELLYER
The Bristol school board, citing the economic downturn, left open the possibility Thursday night of raising property taxes an average $128 to cover 2009-10 operating expenses.
But board members also reiterated that they are aiming to avoid a tax increase all together. However, it's too early to know if enough funds will be available to cover an estimated $900,000 revenue shortfall in the 2009-10 projected budget, they said.
So the board directed administrators to develop a preliminary budget that includes an 8 mill property tax hike. The increase would bring Bristol's total millage to 128 mills.
The $600,000 in additional revenue that would be produced with the tax increase could be used in part to cover next school year's expenses. Plus, the board could use reserve funds, revenue from building rentals and savings from a possible early retirement plan for district teachers to finance the $20.5 million projected budget.
As per the state's property tax law, known as Act 1, the board had until Thursday to decide if it needed to raise taxes more than 5.3 percent of the current millage rate.
Although the proposed 8 mills is more than the 6.36 mills allowed by the state index, the district will not have to seek voter approval in the May primary, said Joseph Roe, the district's business manager.
That's because Bristol can ask for state permission to use exemptions to raise taxes above the index to cover debt service and special education costs, he said.
President David Chichilitti, Vice President John D'Angelo, John Hill, Mary Jane Paglione, Jeff Paleafico, Louis Persichetti, and James Petrino voted to move forward toward enacting a preliminary budget. Joseph Fusco and Steve Cullen did not attend the meeting.
The proposed financial plan is available for public review until the board considers adopting it Feb. 12. Call 215-781-1011 for information on when the preliminary budget can be reviewed.
Morrisville parents want long-term plan
From the BCCT.
What a shock. We want a plan. That's the first time I've heard about that request...NOT!
One of our own borough councilmen lost total control at a school board meeting once shouting "Shame! Shame!" at the late Ed Frankenfield. Mr. Frankenfield's crime? Demanding a plan from the Emperor. (Side note to all who have heard about the Emperor's removal of public speakers from the January 28 meeting because they were disruptive. Not only did he not stop Mr. Worob, he applauded Mr. Worob's comments when they were concluded.)
Do you get it now, your Lord Highness? Where is the plan?
Be sure to send your written comments on the closure plan by Monday at 3:00 P.M. The Emperor and Solicitor Fitzpatrick promised answers to the questions posed.
Morrisville parents want long-term plan
Residents are encouraged to submit written opinions about the proposed closing of M.R. Reiter Elementary by Monday.
By MANASEE WAGH
Whether or not their district is one school short, residents would like to see a long-term plan for Morrisville’s children.
People scattered across the auditorium at the Morrisville Middle/Senior High School listened as about 20 residents, most of them parents, give testimony during a public hearing Thursday evening to close M.R. Reiter Elementary School.
Parents expressed frustration with a December furnace explosion that has required the roughly 250 Reiter students to attend class in various district locations, including the high school. Starting next month, modular units will be installed on Grandview Elementary’s property for grades one and two.
“What are you going to do next? How do we address the children’s safety, especially if we put kindergarten kids with high school kids?” said resident Kevin Waters.
Various parents said they laud the administration’s efforts to continue their children’s education during the emergency, but denounce the board’s lack of full disclosure about a long-term plan if Reiter is permanently closed.
“I’d like to see what they promised during the campaign, that they were going to work on education and safety,” said Susan Hough, the parent of a child at Reiter.
Ed Bailey, the father of a child in the district, said he’d like to see a referendum to decide whether or not Reiter should be closed.
“I don’t want see-sawing. We should come up with a reasonable compromise that most voters will support. There’s been a lot of anger, and I’d like to see us come together,” he said.
The two boilers in the aging building are about 50 years old and should have been replaced twice during their lifetime, said Paul DeAngelo, the district’s business administrator, at the hearing.
Reiter is in poor shape, with cracking that allows water to seep into the building and some features that date back to the 1920s, said Bill Corfield, a representative from Vitetta, an architectural and engineering firm that performed an assessment of the district’s two elementary schools, Reiter and the smaller Grandview.
If the Reiter building and property are sold, the remaining two schools could use the money for renovation, board President William Hellmann has said. Vitetta is starting the design phase for renovating the high school soon and the board has directed the firm to look at fixing problems in Grandview as well.
Renovating Reiter’s structural issues and physical systems, including windows, boilers, electrical, plumbing and lighting, would cost about $4 million. Renovating Grandview would cost about $2.6 million.
“Grandview is not large enough for the children we have. I haven’t seen a long-term plan to place students,” said Johanny Manning, a former school board member who has a child in Reiter. She said the cur rent situation crams elementary students into makeshift classrooms, and doesn’t allow for proper instruction in either core subjects or extras, like music or art.
After the hearing, the board cannot make any decisions about closing Reiter for at least 90 days, according to the school code. District solicitor Michael Fitzpatrick encouraged residents to submit written opinions about the proposed closing by Monday, Feb. 2 at 3 p.m. to contribute to the public hearing record. The opinions can be given to the administrative offices at 550 West Palmer St.
Financial problems have plagued the district for years, with previous boards trying different options to provide a quality education in better buildings. The current board is looking into possibly housing preK though grade eight in the high school building, a plan that requires sending grades nine through 12 to other districts on a paid tuition basis.
Fitzpatrick said at the Wednesday board meeting that he has not gotten “entirely positive” responses from neighboring districts about this proposition.
About 855 students currently attend school in Morrisville’s three buildings.
Though parent Elvin Velez did not give testimony at the hearing, he said he’d like to see a consolidated school done properly.
“As a taxpayer, it could be cumbersome, but that’s the nature of the beast,” he said. “We could pull through this as a community to find solutions.”
What a shock. We want a plan. That's the first time I've heard about that request...NOT!
One of our own borough councilmen lost total control at a school board meeting once shouting "Shame! Shame!" at the late Ed Frankenfield. Mr. Frankenfield's crime? Demanding a plan from the Emperor. (Side note to all who have heard about the Emperor's removal of public speakers from the January 28 meeting because they were disruptive. Not only did he not stop Mr. Worob, he applauded Mr. Worob's comments when they were concluded.)
Do you get it now, your Lord Highness? Where is the plan?
Be sure to send your written comments on the closure plan by Monday at 3:00 P.M. The Emperor and Solicitor Fitzpatrick promised answers to the questions posed.
Morrisville parents want long-term plan
Residents are encouraged to submit written opinions about the proposed closing of M.R. Reiter Elementary by Monday.
By MANASEE WAGH
Whether or not their district is one school short, residents would like to see a long-term plan for Morrisville’s children.
People scattered across the auditorium at the Morrisville Middle/Senior High School listened as about 20 residents, most of them parents, give testimony during a public hearing Thursday evening to close M.R. Reiter Elementary School.
Parents expressed frustration with a December furnace explosion that has required the roughly 250 Reiter students to attend class in various district locations, including the high school. Starting next month, modular units will be installed on Grandview Elementary’s property for grades one and two.
“What are you going to do next? How do we address the children’s safety, especially if we put kindergarten kids with high school kids?” said resident Kevin Waters.
Various parents said they laud the administration’s efforts to continue their children’s education during the emergency, but denounce the board’s lack of full disclosure about a long-term plan if Reiter is permanently closed.
“I’d like to see what they promised during the campaign, that they were going to work on education and safety,” said Susan Hough, the parent of a child at Reiter.
Ed Bailey, the father of a child in the district, said he’d like to see a referendum to decide whether or not Reiter should be closed.
“I don’t want see-sawing. We should come up with a reasonable compromise that most voters will support. There’s been a lot of anger, and I’d like to see us come together,” he said.
The two boilers in the aging building are about 50 years old and should have been replaced twice during their lifetime, said Paul DeAngelo, the district’s business administrator, at the hearing.
Reiter is in poor shape, with cracking that allows water to seep into the building and some features that date back to the 1920s, said Bill Corfield, a representative from Vitetta, an architectural and engineering firm that performed an assessment of the district’s two elementary schools, Reiter and the smaller Grandview.
If the Reiter building and property are sold, the remaining two schools could use the money for renovation, board President William Hellmann has said. Vitetta is starting the design phase for renovating the high school soon and the board has directed the firm to look at fixing problems in Grandview as well.
Renovating Reiter’s structural issues and physical systems, including windows, boilers, electrical, plumbing and lighting, would cost about $4 million. Renovating Grandview would cost about $2.6 million.
“Grandview is not large enough for the children we have. I haven’t seen a long-term plan to place students,” said Johanny Manning, a former school board member who has a child in Reiter. She said the cur rent situation crams elementary students into makeshift classrooms, and doesn’t allow for proper instruction in either core subjects or extras, like music or art.
After the hearing, the board cannot make any decisions about closing Reiter for at least 90 days, according to the school code. District solicitor Michael Fitzpatrick encouraged residents to submit written opinions about the proposed closing by Monday, Feb. 2 at 3 p.m. to contribute to the public hearing record. The opinions can be given to the administrative offices at 550 West Palmer St.
Financial problems have plagued the district for years, with previous boards trying different options to provide a quality education in better buildings. The current board is looking into possibly housing preK though grade eight in the high school building, a plan that requires sending grades nine through 12 to other districts on a paid tuition basis.
Fitzpatrick said at the Wednesday board meeting that he has not gotten “entirely positive” responses from neighboring districts about this proposition.
About 855 students currently attend school in Morrisville’s three buildings.
Though parent Elvin Velez did not give testimony at the hearing, he said he’d like to see a consolidated school done properly.
“As a taxpayer, it could be cumbersome, but that’s the nature of the beast,” he said. “We could pull through this as a community to find solutions.”
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Reiter Closure Hearing TONIGHT
From the BCCT.
Reminder: TONIGHT, 7:00 P.M. in the high school auditorium.
Public hearing Thursday to close M.R. Reiter Elementary
Posted in News on Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 at 3:11 pm by Courier Times reporter Manasee Wagh
Morrisville’s residents will voice their opinions and concerns Thursday at a public hearing to consider permanently closing down M.R. Reiter Elementary School.
The board majority has been encouraging the closing of one elementary in the financially strapped district. Selling the property would provide money to renovate the district’s two other school buildings, board President William Hellmann has said. Both Morrisville Middle/Senior High School and Grandview Elementary School are in somewhat better shape than Reiter.
Reiter parents have expressed concern over the idea of closing their children’s school, the larger of the district’s two elementary schools.
Its operational problems culminated in a December furnace explosion, driving its more than 250 pre-K through fifth-grade students to other district locations. Next month, district officials expect to install modular units on Grandview’s property to house the displaced children.
After the public hearing about Reiter, the board cannot make any decisions about closing the building for at least 90 days, according to school code.
Parents are also upset that the board is mulling over a long-term plan to send grades nine through 12 to other districts, turning Morrisville into a pre-K through eighth-grade district. The feasibility of this endeavor is still uncertain.
Reminder: TONIGHT, 7:00 P.M. in the high school auditorium.
Public hearing Thursday to close M.R. Reiter Elementary
Posted in News on Wednesday, January 28th, 2009 at 3:11 pm by Courier Times reporter Manasee Wagh
Morrisville’s residents will voice their opinions and concerns Thursday at a public hearing to consider permanently closing down M.R. Reiter Elementary School.
The board majority has been encouraging the closing of one elementary in the financially strapped district. Selling the property would provide money to renovate the district’s two other school buildings, board President William Hellmann has said. Both Morrisville Middle/Senior High School and Grandview Elementary School are in somewhat better shape than Reiter.
Reiter parents have expressed concern over the idea of closing their children’s school, the larger of the district’s two elementary schools.
Its operational problems culminated in a December furnace explosion, driving its more than 250 pre-K through fifth-grade students to other district locations. Next month, district officials expect to install modular units on Grandview’s property to house the displaced children.
After the public hearing about Reiter, the board cannot make any decisions about closing the building for at least 90 days, according to school code.
Parents are also upset that the board is mulling over a long-term plan to send grades nine through 12 to other districts, turning Morrisville into a pre-K through eighth-grade district. The feasibility of this endeavor is still uncertain.
IMPORTANT Reiter Closure Meeting Info
I received this important information about the special meeting Thursday evening to close M. R. Reiter. DO NOT ALLOW THIS MODIFICATION OF THE CONDITIONS YOU ARE USED TO STOP YOU FROM SPEAKING. Be prepared. Be ready.
Pennsylvania code is not well posted online. Here is an entry from the Pennsylvania Newspapers Association as a guide to
Closing a School (24 P.S. § 7-780)
In the event of a permanent closing of a public school, a public hearing must be held at least three (3) months before the decision of the board relating to the school closing. Notice of the hearing must be given in a newspaper of general circulation in the school district at least 15 days prior to the hearing date.
The board has fulfilled this provision, but like everything else in this district, we find out about the details with almost no time to prepare. Does anyone have a copy of the statute that can be posted so that we, the people, (where have I heard that phrase before?), know the law? Maybe the school board or the solicitor would have it posted on the district website along with all the presentations and testimony taken at the meeting.
The hearing scheduled for this Thursday evening is a hearing under Section 780 of the Public School Code. It is different than a typical school board public meeting in that the Administration would give a presentation, followed possibly by contracted professionals to provide their opinion. Members of the public who determine to participate in the hearing can also comment upon the permanent closing of M.R. Reiter Elementary School.
It is a hearing. Everyone who participates will be sworn. They will be giving their names to a Court Reporter (stenographer) so that a full and complete record will be available. The solicitor would start by stating the purpose of the hearing and admitting into evidence affidavits of posting and advertisement. The official testimony will follow.
In terms of the procedure for the hearing (length of testimony, number of witnesses, etc.) the presiding officer (President of the Board) will determine. We should have all those interested in providing testimony sign a card with name and address. Based upon the number of witnesses, the presiding officer can increase the normal (board policy) time allotment to 4 or 5 minutes and also announce that anyone can provide written testimony up to three days following the hearing and that the record will be supplemented with the written testimony. That way everyone can be assured of participation in the hearing.
Pennsylvania code is not well posted online. Here is an entry from the Pennsylvania Newspapers Association as a guide to
Closing a School (24 P.S. § 7-780)
In the event of a permanent closing of a public school, a public hearing must be held at least three (3) months before the decision of the board relating to the school closing. Notice of the hearing must be given in a newspaper of general circulation in the school district at least 15 days prior to the hearing date.
The board has fulfilled this provision, but like everything else in this district, we find out about the details with almost no time to prepare. Does anyone have a copy of the statute that can be posted so that we, the people, (where have I heard that phrase before?), know the law? Maybe the school board or the solicitor would have it posted on the district website along with all the presentations and testimony taken at the meeting.
The hearing scheduled for this Thursday evening is a hearing under Section 780 of the Public School Code. It is different than a typical school board public meeting in that the Administration would give a presentation, followed possibly by contracted professionals to provide their opinion. Members of the public who determine to participate in the hearing can also comment upon the permanent closing of M.R. Reiter Elementary School.
It is a hearing. Everyone who participates will be sworn. They will be giving their names to a Court Reporter (stenographer) so that a full and complete record will be available. The solicitor would start by stating the purpose of the hearing and admitting into evidence affidavits of posting and advertisement. The official testimony will follow.
In terms of the procedure for the hearing (length of testimony, number of witnesses, etc.) the presiding officer (President of the Board) will determine. We should have all those interested in providing testimony sign a card with name and address. Based upon the number of witnesses, the presiding officer can increase the normal (board policy) time allotment to 4 or 5 minutes and also announce that anyone can provide written testimony up to three days following the hearing and that the record will be supplemented with the written testimony. That way everyone can be assured of participation in the hearing.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Socio-economics and School Scores
We've touched on this from time to time, but this blog entry from the Neshaminy Info blog makes the case pretty well:
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
PSSA's as a Grad Requirement
While the district is mulling over how to motivate students to take the PSSA’s seriously, there is much disagreement over whether or not to make PSSA proficiency a graduation requirement.
From what I’ve observed, most within district staff don’t believe it’s a good idea, but clearly some administrators see it as a quick way to get results even though almost everyone would prefer positive motivation rather than negative reinforcement.
There is tremendous public pressure to raise PSSA scores immediately, and that may drive the decision regarding the issue of proficiency as a graduation requirement.
COMMENT: The answer to the question is simple. But first do the following exercise. Without doing a Google search, rate the following school districts in the order of their PSSA scores (high to low). HINT: It's easy, it has nothing to do with education.
Here is the list in alphabetical order.
Bensalem, Bristol, Centennial, Central Bucks, Council Rock, Morrisville, Neshaminy, New Hope-Solebury, Palisades, Pennridge, Pennsbury, Quakertown
Post your guess as a comment and I will post the results shortly.
COMMENT: Before I list the order of the PSSA scores, here is the list of all the Bucks districts from high to low based on real estate prices
of the homes in the district.
New-Hope Solebury, Central Bucks, Council Rock, Quakertown, Palisades, Centennial, Pennsbury, Neshaminy, Bensalem, Morrisville, Bristol
Now swap New-Hope Solebury and Central Bucks and you have the PSSA score list. I told you it was easy!
But it is also very interesting.
This tells me that the low PSSA scores are not the fault of the administration, teachers or school board. The focus should be more on the parents and the social-economic problems that some of our students encounter.
Our school board is really a modified board of taxation fiddling while the schools erode. Our borough council is dancing to the same tune placing roadblock after roadblock in the way of financial progress.
The time to address this is NOW. The May primary filing period for the open council and board seats is coming soon. Get involved: Either run yourself or support a candidate who will make Morrisville greater.
Does anyone have a definite list a list of the seats that are open. Here's what I have, as identified by their current occupant. If this list is wrong, please let me know:
School Board: Joe Kemp, Brenda Worob, Jack Buckman, Bill Farrell (all four year terms)
Borough Council: Jane Burger, Steven Worob, Rita Ledger (4 year yerms) and Ed Albertson (2 year unexpired term)
Mayor: Tom Wisnosky (4 year term)
Wednesday, December 12, 2007
PSSA's as a Grad Requirement
While the district is mulling over how to motivate students to take the PSSA’s seriously, there is much disagreement over whether or not to make PSSA proficiency a graduation requirement.
From what I’ve observed, most within district staff don’t believe it’s a good idea, but clearly some administrators see it as a quick way to get results even though almost everyone would prefer positive motivation rather than negative reinforcement.
There is tremendous public pressure to raise PSSA scores immediately, and that may drive the decision regarding the issue of proficiency as a graduation requirement.
COMMENT: The answer to the question is simple. But first do the following exercise. Without doing a Google search, rate the following school districts in the order of their PSSA scores (high to low). HINT: It's easy, it has nothing to do with education.
Here is the list in alphabetical order.
Bensalem, Bristol, Centennial, Central Bucks, Council Rock, Morrisville, Neshaminy, New Hope-Solebury, Palisades, Pennridge, Pennsbury, Quakertown
Post your guess as a comment and I will post the results shortly.
COMMENT: Before I list the order of the PSSA scores, here is the list of all the Bucks districts from high to low based on real estate prices
of the homes in the district.
New-Hope Solebury, Central Bucks, Council Rock, Quakertown, Palisades, Centennial, Pennsbury, Neshaminy, Bensalem, Morrisville, Bristol
Now swap New-Hope Solebury and Central Bucks and you have the PSSA score list. I told you it was easy!
But it is also very interesting.
This tells me that the low PSSA scores are not the fault of the administration, teachers or school board. The focus should be more on the parents and the social-economic problems that some of our students encounter.
Our school board is really a modified board of taxation fiddling while the schools erode. Our borough council is dancing to the same tune placing roadblock after roadblock in the way of financial progress.
The time to address this is NOW. The May primary filing period for the open council and board seats is coming soon. Get involved: Either run yourself or support a candidate who will make Morrisville greater.
Does anyone have a definite list a list of the seats that are open. Here's what I have, as identified by their current occupant. If this list is wrong, please let me know:
School Board: Joe Kemp, Brenda Worob, Jack Buckman, Bill Farrell (all four year terms)
Borough Council: Jane Burger, Steven Worob, Rita Ledger (4 year yerms) and Ed Albertson (2 year unexpired term)
Mayor: Tom Wisnosky (4 year term)
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Don't turn your back
From the BCCT.
Why did the BCCT tack on $20 million dollars? The cost of the K-12 was $30 million as shown in previous articles and Google Archives. The archive also highlights how long ago these buildings have been found to be in disrepair and just how long this board of taxpayer advocates have been fighting it. It also shows the ugliness of their tactics through the years.
Why isn't the BCCT also calling for the removal of the school board? If it's clear that"most members are not committed to a high school program at all" then why are these people even on the board?
To the readership in Harrisburg (and yes, there is), if the local newspaper can see that the board has shirked its responsibility, can you see it as well?
Don't turn your back
The welfare of Morrisville students should be uppermost in everybody's mind.
Someone once said "It takes a village to raise a child." With that in mind, we turn to the resurrected debate over transferring Morrisville students to the Pennsbury School District, which once again focuses on cost, capacity, transportation and other issues of practicality. A little history: Morrisville has proposed transferring its 300 or so high school students to another district - preferably Pennsbury - with Morrisville footing the bill for their education. Pennsbury school board members were not receptive to the idea when questioned by our reporter, citing practical concerns and the impact on Pennsbury taxpayers.
For sure, practicality should be part of the debate. What's missing is attention to what's best for kids.
Without a doubt, the best thing for Morrisville students would be to remain at their hometown school in pursuit of a quality education. Problem is, the Morrisville school board is not committed to providing a quality high school program. In fact, most members are not committed to a high school program at all.
The current board majority was elected to nix a $50 million school construction project that would have given the district a new K-12 school. Instead, the board wants to renovate the high school for K-8, closing the two elementary schools and transferring the high school students to a willing taker.
Given the board's political and philosophical makeup, the high school students would be better off elsewhere. That's the sad reality. We're not saying it's OK; just the sad situation that exists. It's also a tough situation for students, their parents and officials in other districts that Morrisville has petitioned to strike a deal.
Indeed, so difficult and sensitive is the situation that we encourage the district's state representatives to get involved. That includes state Rep. John Galloway, D-140, and state Sen. Charles McIlhinney, R-10. It also could and perhaps should include state Rep. Steve Santarsiero, D-31, who, with Galloway, represents citizens in Pennsbury.
Galloway already entered the fray, suggesting that Morrisville and Pennsbury place referendums on their ballots. That's one idea. Another might be for the three reps to facilitate discussions between officials and hold informational sessions for citizens. We know money is tight in Harrisburg but maybe funds could be found to help a willing district absorb the Morrisville students.
Whatever happens, we encourage all involved to put the educational welfare of students above all else. Granted, that's the Morrisville board's responsibility - one it has shamefully shirked. We'd just hate to think that everybody intends to turn their backs on those kids.
FOLLOW UP EMAIL: 11:25 AM: There is no Pennsbury fairy...
I thought you might be interested in posting the comments written in response to the Courier editorial. The second and third reflect what we are up against. We have to take care of our own. There is no Pennsbury fairy, and we should stop stalking them with nothing to offer in return:
Pat17, 01-27-09, 8:26 am | Rate: -1 | Report
While I appreciate the sentiment of your editorial, there is a significant factual error. The new school project was NEVER a 50 million dollar project, it was a 30 million dollar project.
Goon, 01-27-09, 8:31 am | Rate: -1 | Report
I think the Pennsbury board is putting students first, the Pennsbury students. Our schools are already overpopulated and there seems to be no feasible reason why us taxpayers should absorb additional costs and lessen our own children's educational experience.
Morrisville residents unfortunately continually vote in incompetent board members and now want to shovel their problem off on us? I don't think so.
Rebecca100, 01-27-09, 9:22 am | Rate: 0 | Report
Pennsbury does not even put Pennsbury students first. Staff come first. Kids are way down the list. Parents get 5 minutes to be ignored at school board meetings. Wellness policies mandated by the federal government and PA dept of education policies like the one for hand washing are being ignored and called "an ideal" not a law. When I came here the gym capacity sign read "300" whereas over 650 students plus staff were attending assemblies. The principal changed the sign to the enrollment number (actually 2 short of the enrollment number, perhaps my 2) a week before the fire marshall came to do the actual inspection.
There seems to be no concern for rules or the kids.
I would like to see these school districts work together for the sake of the kids but each district has to bear its fair share of responsibility for its own resident students too.
But we need a change in heart or a change in personnel in the Pennsbury District too.
snowbird080, 01-27-09, 11:25 am | Rate: Flag 1 Flag | Flag Report
Why are they trying to force Pennsbury to take these students? Why not just send them to Trenton High School where probably most of them belong anyway.
Pat17, 01-27-09, 11:30 am | Rate: Flag -1 Flag | Flag Report
To Rebecca and Goon. As a Morrisville parent I appreciate your comments because this community needs to wake up and take responsibility, and I hope we will. The current board was voted in to end a building project, and ran on the idea that a k-12 school was a bad idea, not just a tax issue.
The new building would have housed all our students in a more cost efficient and educationally sound facility, that was designed to separate age levels and had flexibility to accomodate a changing educational program. We would be in the third year of the three stage tax increase by now and would be realizing significant operating cost reduction had the current board not ended the plan.
Board members have an obligation to act in the educational interest of the students they serve. They are not a taxpayer advocate body, but are charged with upholding quality public education. This board ended the new building project with only a cursory study of the issues with the buildings. Now we are dealing with a crisis and the education of our children has been disrupted, as much as the teachers and kids have made the best of a bad situation. And the "bad" k-12 idea? Now we have it, without any planning, redesign or age appropriate settings for the youn children.
That said, the voters voted based on what the candidates told them, and I know many who would now take back their vote. Hopefully, this is a wake up call - nobody else s going to fic our problems for us. Unfortunately, the ones most affected are those who have no vote at all, the children. Let's hope this is a bad as it gets and the next disaster does not result in tragedy.
Why did the BCCT tack on $20 million dollars? The cost of the K-12 was $30 million as shown in previous articles and Google Archives. The archive also highlights how long ago these buildings have been found to be in disrepair and just how long this board of taxpayer advocates have been fighting it. It also shows the ugliness of their tactics through the years.
Why isn't the BCCT also calling for the removal of the school board? If it's clear that"most members are not committed to a high school program at all" then why are these people even on the board?
To the readership in Harrisburg (and yes, there is), if the local newspaper can see that the board has shirked its responsibility, can you see it as well?
Don't turn your back
The welfare of Morrisville students should be uppermost in everybody's mind.
Someone once said "It takes a village to raise a child." With that in mind, we turn to the resurrected debate over transferring Morrisville students to the Pennsbury School District, which once again focuses on cost, capacity, transportation and other issues of practicality. A little history: Morrisville has proposed transferring its 300 or so high school students to another district - preferably Pennsbury - with Morrisville footing the bill for their education. Pennsbury school board members were not receptive to the idea when questioned by our reporter, citing practical concerns and the impact on Pennsbury taxpayers.
For sure, practicality should be part of the debate. What's missing is attention to what's best for kids.
Without a doubt, the best thing for Morrisville students would be to remain at their hometown school in pursuit of a quality education. Problem is, the Morrisville school board is not committed to providing a quality high school program. In fact, most members are not committed to a high school program at all.
The current board majority was elected to nix a $50 million school construction project that would have given the district a new K-12 school. Instead, the board wants to renovate the high school for K-8, closing the two elementary schools and transferring the high school students to a willing taker.
Given the board's political and philosophical makeup, the high school students would be better off elsewhere. That's the sad reality. We're not saying it's OK; just the sad situation that exists. It's also a tough situation for students, their parents and officials in other districts that Morrisville has petitioned to strike a deal.
Indeed, so difficult and sensitive is the situation that we encourage the district's state representatives to get involved. That includes state Rep. John Galloway, D-140, and state Sen. Charles McIlhinney, R-10. It also could and perhaps should include state Rep. Steve Santarsiero, D-31, who, with Galloway, represents citizens in Pennsbury.
Galloway already entered the fray, suggesting that Morrisville and Pennsbury place referendums on their ballots. That's one idea. Another might be for the three reps to facilitate discussions between officials and hold informational sessions for citizens. We know money is tight in Harrisburg but maybe funds could be found to help a willing district absorb the Morrisville students.
Whatever happens, we encourage all involved to put the educational welfare of students above all else. Granted, that's the Morrisville board's responsibility - one it has shamefully shirked. We'd just hate to think that everybody intends to turn their backs on those kids.
FOLLOW UP EMAIL: 11:25 AM: There is no Pennsbury fairy...
I thought you might be interested in posting the comments written in response to the Courier editorial. The second and third reflect what we are up against. We have to take care of our own. There is no Pennsbury fairy, and we should stop stalking them with nothing to offer in return:
Pat17, 01-27-09, 8:26 am | Rate: -1 | Report
While I appreciate the sentiment of your editorial, there is a significant factual error. The new school project was NEVER a 50 million dollar project, it was a 30 million dollar project.
Goon, 01-27-09, 8:31 am | Rate: -1 | Report
I think the Pennsbury board is putting students first, the Pennsbury students. Our schools are already overpopulated and there seems to be no feasible reason why us taxpayers should absorb additional costs and lessen our own children's educational experience.
Morrisville residents unfortunately continually vote in incompetent board members and now want to shovel their problem off on us? I don't think so.
Rebecca100, 01-27-09, 9:22 am | Rate: 0 | Report
Pennsbury does not even put Pennsbury students first. Staff come first. Kids are way down the list. Parents get 5 minutes to be ignored at school board meetings. Wellness policies mandated by the federal government and PA dept of education policies like the one for hand washing are being ignored and called "an ideal" not a law. When I came here the gym capacity sign read "300" whereas over 650 students plus staff were attending assemblies. The principal changed the sign to the enrollment number (actually 2 short of the enrollment number, perhaps my 2) a week before the fire marshall came to do the actual inspection.
There seems to be no concern for rules or the kids.
I would like to see these school districts work together for the sake of the kids but each district has to bear its fair share of responsibility for its own resident students too.
But we need a change in heart or a change in personnel in the Pennsbury District too.
snowbird080, 01-27-09, 11:25 am | Rate: Flag 1 Flag | Flag Report
Why are they trying to force Pennsbury to take these students? Why not just send them to Trenton High School where probably most of them belong anyway.
Pat17, 01-27-09, 11:30 am | Rate: Flag -1 Flag | Flag Report
To Rebecca and Goon. As a Morrisville parent I appreciate your comments because this community needs to wake up and take responsibility, and I hope we will. The current board was voted in to end a building project, and ran on the idea that a k-12 school was a bad idea, not just a tax issue.
The new building would have housed all our students in a more cost efficient and educationally sound facility, that was designed to separate age levels and had flexibility to accomodate a changing educational program. We would be in the third year of the three stage tax increase by now and would be realizing significant operating cost reduction had the current board not ended the plan.
Board members have an obligation to act in the educational interest of the students they serve. They are not a taxpayer advocate body, but are charged with upholding quality public education. This board ended the new building project with only a cursory study of the issues with the buildings. Now we are dealing with a crisis and the education of our children has been disrupted, as much as the teachers and kids have made the best of a bad situation. And the "bad" k-12 idea? Now we have it, without any planning, redesign or age appropriate settings for the youn children.
That said, the voters voted based on what the candidates told them, and I know many who would now take back their vote. Hopefully, this is a wake up call - nobody else s going to fic our problems for us. Unfortunately, the ones most affected are those who have no vote at all, the children. Let's hope this is a bad as it gets and the next disaster does not result in tragedy.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Pennsylvania Graduation Testing
From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Debate rages over requiring students to pass tests to graduate
Monday, January 26, 2009
By Tom Barnes, Post-Gazette Harrisburg Bureau
HARRISBURG -- The Rendell administration says it has a new weapon in its ongoing battle to create "graduation competency exams," which Pennsylvania high school students would have to pass in order to get their diploma.
The state Department of Education surveyed more than 62,000 recent Pennsylvania high school graduates who attend one of the 14 State System of Higher Education universities (such as Slippery Rock, California, Indiana or Edinboro) or are students at one of Pennsylvania's 14 community colleges.
In a report released last week, the department found that one-third of them -- more than 20,000 high school graduates -- needed to take one or more remedial courses in college in core academic subjects, mainly math and English, "so they could catch up to their college-level peers."
The cost of the remedial courses, paid by the colleges, local taxpayers and the students themselves, exceeded $26 million, said state Education Secretary Gerald Zahorchak.
"These figures are startling,'' he said. "When some 20,000 students a year ... must take additional coursework just to catch up (with other college students), it's clear there is a problem in our high schools."
Mr. Zahorchak is the point man for one of Gov. Ed Rendell's top goals -- creating 10 new exams called "graduation competency assessments." They would test high school students' knowledge of basic and advanced algebra, geometry, biology, chemistry, English composition and literature, American history, civics and world history. Students couldn't graduate without passing at least six of the 10 exams.
Mr. Zahorchak said the 20,000 students who needed remedial college help are by no means all of the 2007-08 high school graduates -- just those who entered the 28 state-owned universities and community colleges,
But the fact that so many had to take remedial courses to understand college-level academics shows there's a major problem in many Pennsylvania high schools, where graduation requirements aren't tough enough, he said.
"Every one of these kids who leaves high school unprepared academically is missing out on job opportunities, and that impacts their lifetime earning capability," said department spokesman Michael Race.
If Mr. Rendell gets his way -- and that's a big if -- the new competency exams could be administered to some high school students as early as the 2010-11 school year. The senior class of 2014 would have to meet the new requirements in order to graduate. A student who fails one or more tests would get more instruction in high school and retake the test.
But the push for the new tests has drawn criticism from some state lawmakers, who say that with the state facing a $2.3 billion budget deficit, this isn't the time to embark on any expensive new programs. Some officials of the 501 school districts also don't like the new tests, fearing the state may be trying to impose authority over graduation standards.
"More than 23 education and children's organizations have been expressing adamant opposition" to the proposed competency tests, said Shauna M. D'Alessandro, a West Jefferson Hills school director. She called it "ludicrous that in the 21st century age of instant information ... our secretary of education continues to advocate tests that would encourage the further memorization and regurgitation of facts."
House Republican leader Sam Smith of Punxsutawney and Rep. James Roebuck, D-Philadelphia, chairman of the House Education Committee, said they've gotten a lot of complaints about the new tests.
"We've spent millions developing and implementing the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment tests, which already are considered by experts as a determinate of college readiness,'' said Smith aide Steve Miskin.
The fiscal 2008-09 budget contains an initial $9 million for seeking "requests for proposals" from test-writing companies. The state has received some proposals but hasn't awarded a contract yet.
And in early February, when Mr. Rendell unveils his new budget proposal, he'll ask for more money to continue development of the exams in 2009-10. Rendell spokesman Chuck Ardo couldn't say how much more will be sought.
But a one-time expense of at least $45 million already is expected, since nine of the tests will cost $5 million each to prepare. The 10th test, one dealing with algebra, will be developed nationally and won't cost the state anything, said Mr. Race.
In addition to that $54 million, there will be additional annual costs for school districts to adminster the competency tests, if they get final approval from the state board of education and a state oversight agency called the Intergovernmental Regulatory Review Commission.
Sen. Jane Orie, R-McCandless, said the governor couldn't have picked a worse time to spend state money on a test that she claims isn't needed.
"It is unbelievable that in today's economy that the governor wants to spend $45 million on a new test to address what he claims is a $26 million problem,'' she said.
Mr. Race noted that $26 million is an annual cost and would be higher if it included every single Pennsylvania graduate who goes on to college.
Ms. Orie argued the state doesn't need a new test "to tell us what we already know," that some students are deficient in some areas. "We have enough tests to know who is succeeding in schools."
With a big deficit looming, she said she'll continue "to fight this reckless spending." She plans to introduce a bill to prevent the Education Department from proceeding with the test without authorizing legislation from the General Assembly.
Debate rages over requiring students to pass tests to graduate
Monday, January 26, 2009
By Tom Barnes, Post-Gazette Harrisburg Bureau
HARRISBURG -- The Rendell administration says it has a new weapon in its ongoing battle to create "graduation competency exams," which Pennsylvania high school students would have to pass in order to get their diploma.
The state Department of Education surveyed more than 62,000 recent Pennsylvania high school graduates who attend one of the 14 State System of Higher Education universities (such as Slippery Rock, California, Indiana or Edinboro) or are students at one of Pennsylvania's 14 community colleges.
In a report released last week, the department found that one-third of them -- more than 20,000 high school graduates -- needed to take one or more remedial courses in college in core academic subjects, mainly math and English, "so they could catch up to their college-level peers."
The cost of the remedial courses, paid by the colleges, local taxpayers and the students themselves, exceeded $26 million, said state Education Secretary Gerald Zahorchak.
"These figures are startling,'' he said. "When some 20,000 students a year ... must take additional coursework just to catch up (with other college students), it's clear there is a problem in our high schools."
Mr. Zahorchak is the point man for one of Gov. Ed Rendell's top goals -- creating 10 new exams called "graduation competency assessments." They would test high school students' knowledge of basic and advanced algebra, geometry, biology, chemistry, English composition and literature, American history, civics and world history. Students couldn't graduate without passing at least six of the 10 exams.
Mr. Zahorchak said the 20,000 students who needed remedial college help are by no means all of the 2007-08 high school graduates -- just those who entered the 28 state-owned universities and community colleges,
But the fact that so many had to take remedial courses to understand college-level academics shows there's a major problem in many Pennsylvania high schools, where graduation requirements aren't tough enough, he said.
"Every one of these kids who leaves high school unprepared academically is missing out on job opportunities, and that impacts their lifetime earning capability," said department spokesman Michael Race.
If Mr. Rendell gets his way -- and that's a big if -- the new competency exams could be administered to some high school students as early as the 2010-11 school year. The senior class of 2014 would have to meet the new requirements in order to graduate. A student who fails one or more tests would get more instruction in high school and retake the test.
But the push for the new tests has drawn criticism from some state lawmakers, who say that with the state facing a $2.3 billion budget deficit, this isn't the time to embark on any expensive new programs. Some officials of the 501 school districts also don't like the new tests, fearing the state may be trying to impose authority over graduation standards.
"More than 23 education and children's organizations have been expressing adamant opposition" to the proposed competency tests, said Shauna M. D'Alessandro, a West Jefferson Hills school director. She called it "ludicrous that in the 21st century age of instant information ... our secretary of education continues to advocate tests that would encourage the further memorization and regurgitation of facts."
House Republican leader Sam Smith of Punxsutawney and Rep. James Roebuck, D-Philadelphia, chairman of the House Education Committee, said they've gotten a lot of complaints about the new tests.
"We've spent millions developing and implementing the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment tests, which already are considered by experts as a determinate of college readiness,'' said Smith aide Steve Miskin.
The fiscal 2008-09 budget contains an initial $9 million for seeking "requests for proposals" from test-writing companies. The state has received some proposals but hasn't awarded a contract yet.
And in early February, when Mr. Rendell unveils his new budget proposal, he'll ask for more money to continue development of the exams in 2009-10. Rendell spokesman Chuck Ardo couldn't say how much more will be sought.
But a one-time expense of at least $45 million already is expected, since nine of the tests will cost $5 million each to prepare. The 10th test, one dealing with algebra, will be developed nationally and won't cost the state anything, said Mr. Race.
In addition to that $54 million, there will be additional annual costs for school districts to adminster the competency tests, if they get final approval from the state board of education and a state oversight agency called the Intergovernmental Regulatory Review Commission.
Sen. Jane Orie, R-McCandless, said the governor couldn't have picked a worse time to spend state money on a test that she claims isn't needed.
"It is unbelievable that in today's economy that the governor wants to spend $45 million on a new test to address what he claims is a $26 million problem,'' she said.
Mr. Race noted that $26 million is an annual cost and would be higher if it included every single Pennsylvania graduate who goes on to college.
Ms. Orie argued the state doesn't need a new test "to tell us what we already know," that some students are deficient in some areas. "We have enough tests to know who is succeeding in schools."
With a big deficit looming, she said she'll continue "to fight this reckless spending." She plans to introduce a bill to prevent the Education Department from proceeding with the test without authorizing legislation from the General Assembly.
Several eye lawmakers’ surplus to ease budgets
From the BCCT.
Several eye lawmakers’ surplus to ease budgets
Gov. Rendell and some legislators claim much of $200 million should be moved to the general fund.
By GARY WECKSELBLATT
As Pennsylvania’s budget deficit worsens, the $200 million surplus sitting in legislative accounts is looking more and more like an easy way to cut into the red ink.
Gov. Ed Rendell pegged the state shortage at $2.3 billion last week, nearly 44 percent higher than his $1.6 billion forecast a month earlier.
And while he said he would not propose any increases in the state’s sales or personal income taxes, according to The Associated Press, he is planning painful spending cuts and likely government layoffs.
“It’s a sign of the times,” Rendell said. “… I think everyone has to tighten their belts.”
That includes the four legislative caucuses, who typically hang onto their reserves to keep operating in case of a budget showdown with the governor.
“The governor understands that the Legislature needs a cushion, but he believes that the bulk of that money should go back into the general fund,” said Chuck Ardo, Rendell’s spokesman.
Lawmakers of both parties in Bucks and Montgomery counties agreed.
State Rep. Josh Shapiro, a Montgomery County Democrat and chairman of the Legislative Audit Advisory Commission, which audits the General Assembly’s financial records, said “I have called now for the return of that surplus and establishment of policy to limit future surpluses. That money belongs to the taxpayers and should be invested for their needs.”
Shapiro said he is working on legislation to “immediately return the bulk of the money to the general fund.”
His bill, which he plans to introduce early next month, would also cap the surplus “at no more than 15 percent of each line item.”
That would basically shrink the allowable surplus to about $45 million, he said.
Told of Shapiro’s plan, Ardo said, “That sounds eminently reasonable. Considering that it makes sense, it’s likely to face stiff opposition in the Legislature.”
State Rep. Gene DiGirolamo, a Bensalem Republican, said, “I believe we should have some money in reserve but $200 million is too much for four caucuses. While we don’t want the governor to hold us hostage over budget negotiations, we need to limit this, especially now when we’re looking at cutting so many important programs.”
According to the audit commission, the surplus was $161 millions in 2004-05 and $211 million 2006-07.
The Legislature has appropriated more than $330 million for its annual operations, according to Shapiro, making it the second-costliest in the nation.
Steve Miskin, spokesman for House Minority Leader Sam Smith of Jefferson County, said his caucus would want to hang onto enough money to keep operating for at least four to six months. That’s two to three times what Shapiro is calling for.
“We’re not going to give on that,” Miskin told The Associated Press.
Barry Kauffman, executive director of government watchdog Common Cause/Pennsylvania, said it’s “very difficult to justify” a $200 million surplus “especially during these stressful, very tough economic times.
“Their argument is that the money guards against the governor holding them hostage in budget negotiations. But by the same token, the executive has only very limited funds, which can give the Legislature the upper hand.
“I’d say it’s time for everybody to chip in and make a difference.”
Several eye lawmakers’ surplus to ease budgets
Gov. Rendell and some legislators claim much of $200 million should be moved to the general fund.
By GARY WECKSELBLATT
As Pennsylvania’s budget deficit worsens, the $200 million surplus sitting in legislative accounts is looking more and more like an easy way to cut into the red ink.
Gov. Ed Rendell pegged the state shortage at $2.3 billion last week, nearly 44 percent higher than his $1.6 billion forecast a month earlier.
And while he said he would not propose any increases in the state’s sales or personal income taxes, according to The Associated Press, he is planning painful spending cuts and likely government layoffs.
“It’s a sign of the times,” Rendell said. “… I think everyone has to tighten their belts.”
That includes the four legislative caucuses, who typically hang onto their reserves to keep operating in case of a budget showdown with the governor.
“The governor understands that the Legislature needs a cushion, but he believes that the bulk of that money should go back into the general fund,” said Chuck Ardo, Rendell’s spokesman.
Lawmakers of both parties in Bucks and Montgomery counties agreed.
State Rep. Josh Shapiro, a Montgomery County Democrat and chairman of the Legislative Audit Advisory Commission, which audits the General Assembly’s financial records, said “I have called now for the return of that surplus and establishment of policy to limit future surpluses. That money belongs to the taxpayers and should be invested for their needs.”
Shapiro said he is working on legislation to “immediately return the bulk of the money to the general fund.”
His bill, which he plans to introduce early next month, would also cap the surplus “at no more than 15 percent of each line item.”
That would basically shrink the allowable surplus to about $45 million, he said.
Told of Shapiro’s plan, Ardo said, “That sounds eminently reasonable. Considering that it makes sense, it’s likely to face stiff opposition in the Legislature.”
State Rep. Gene DiGirolamo, a Bensalem Republican, said, “I believe we should have some money in reserve but $200 million is too much for four caucuses. While we don’t want the governor to hold us hostage over budget negotiations, we need to limit this, especially now when we’re looking at cutting so many important programs.”
According to the audit commission, the surplus was $161 millions in 2004-05 and $211 million 2006-07.
The Legislature has appropriated more than $330 million for its annual operations, according to Shapiro, making it the second-costliest in the nation.
Steve Miskin, spokesman for House Minority Leader Sam Smith of Jefferson County, said his caucus would want to hang onto enough money to keep operating for at least four to six months. That’s two to three times what Shapiro is calling for.
“We’re not going to give on that,” Miskin told The Associated Press.
Barry Kauffman, executive director of government watchdog Common Cause/Pennsylvania, said it’s “very difficult to justify” a $200 million surplus “especially during these stressful, very tough economic times.
“Their argument is that the money guards against the governor holding them hostage in budget negotiations. But by the same token, the executive has only very limited funds, which can give the Legislature the upper hand.
“I’d say it’s time for everybody to chip in and make a difference.”
Meeting Reminder
January 28, 2009
Morrisville school board: 7:30 p.m.,
Large Group Instruction Room of Middle/Senior High School,
550 W. Palmer St.
Agenda: engineering services for renovation of Grandview Elementary; bid specifications for high school renovation; resolution not to raise taxes by more than index, grants acceptance. 215-736-2681
Morrisville school board: 7:30 p.m.,
Large Group Instruction Room of Middle/Senior High School,
550 W. Palmer St.
Agenda: engineering services for renovation of Grandview Elementary; bid specifications for high school renovation; resolution not to raise taxes by more than index, grants acceptance. 215-736-2681
Bucks drawing up stimulus wish list
From the BCCT.
Bucks drawing up stimulus wish list
The county will be ready to submit so-called “shovel ready” projects as soon as President Obama signs an economic recovery plan.
By JENNA PORTNOY
Last week, county officials held a brainstorming session to explore what projects could be eligible for federal stimulus funds.
“Without further guidance I don’t think we can go beyond the county’s capital projects that are already on the books,” said Planning Director Lynn Bush. “We’re trying to stay on top of it as best we can.”
That means wading through the speculation to identify projects already in the planning stages. For example, federal dollars could buoy construction of the justice center and garage in Doylestown, repair or replace county bridges and upgrade emergency responders’ technology, she said.
Commissioner Jim Cawley added to the list a possible jail expansion, preservation of historical properties and nonbricks-and-mortar improvements, like upgrades to human services, which make up about half of the county’s $468 million budget.
Asked if affordable housing for the county’s low to moderate income residents would make the cut, Cawley said he’s open to any and all ideas: “It really comes down to where we can spend the dollars,” he said. “We will have a list and work very hard to try to have worthy projects.”
Commissioner Charley Martin said the county is unlikely to take a leadership role with municipalities, which have their own projects to push.
“If you start to prioritize municipal projects and put Bensalem ahead of Bristol or Quakertown over Doylestown, you run into, ‘How’d you come up with that?’ ”
Chief Operating Office Dave Sanko said it’s too early to identify specific projects “because the guidelines are still fairly nebulous.” County officials have, however, already met with Congressman Patrick Murphy’s staff to talk about the recovery package, he said.
The county, which will keep the tax rate flat this year for the third consecutive year, will likely have to compete for dollars with cities and states facing huge deficits. Gov. Ed Rendell has said the state shortfall could amount to be as much as $1.9 billion and Philadelphia’s five-year budget woes amount to another billion dollars.
But will the stimulus approach work?
“I honestly don’t know,” Cawley said. “We know one road — give billions to the market and see what happens — we know that road doesn’t lead anywhere.”
The administration reportedly wants to use the second half of the $700 billion bailout to put pressure on financial institutions to help homeowners avoid foreclosure and once again begin to extend credit to individuals and businesses.
Early talk of an economic recovery bill working its way through Congress describes a two-year, $825 billion plan to address priorities Obama outlined in his campaign, such as alternative energy, lower taxes for most and modernized schools. Roughly $30 billion could be devoted to road and bridge repairs.
“Make sure that the dollars get into the pockets of the people who work the hardest and they will give you an honest day’s work for an honest day’s labor,” Cawley said.
Democrats hope to deliver a stimulus package to Obama’s desk by mid-February.
Bucks drawing up stimulus wish list
The county will be ready to submit so-called “shovel ready” projects as soon as President Obama signs an economic recovery plan.
By JENNA PORTNOY
Last week, county officials held a brainstorming session to explore what projects could be eligible for federal stimulus funds.
“Without further guidance I don’t think we can go beyond the county’s capital projects that are already on the books,” said Planning Director Lynn Bush. “We’re trying to stay on top of it as best we can.”
That means wading through the speculation to identify projects already in the planning stages. For example, federal dollars could buoy construction of the justice center and garage in Doylestown, repair or replace county bridges and upgrade emergency responders’ technology, she said.
Commissioner Jim Cawley added to the list a possible jail expansion, preservation of historical properties and nonbricks-and-mortar improvements, like upgrades to human services, which make up about half of the county’s $468 million budget.
Asked if affordable housing for the county’s low to moderate income residents would make the cut, Cawley said he’s open to any and all ideas: “It really comes down to where we can spend the dollars,” he said. “We will have a list and work very hard to try to have worthy projects.”
Commissioner Charley Martin said the county is unlikely to take a leadership role with municipalities, which have their own projects to push.
“If you start to prioritize municipal projects and put Bensalem ahead of Bristol or Quakertown over Doylestown, you run into, ‘How’d you come up with that?’ ”
Chief Operating Office Dave Sanko said it’s too early to identify specific projects “because the guidelines are still fairly nebulous.” County officials have, however, already met with Congressman Patrick Murphy’s staff to talk about the recovery package, he said.
The county, which will keep the tax rate flat this year for the third consecutive year, will likely have to compete for dollars with cities and states facing huge deficits. Gov. Ed Rendell has said the state shortfall could amount to be as much as $1.9 billion and Philadelphia’s five-year budget woes amount to another billion dollars.
But will the stimulus approach work?
“I honestly don’t know,” Cawley said. “We know one road — give billions to the market and see what happens — we know that road doesn’t lead anywhere.”
The administration reportedly wants to use the second half of the $700 billion bailout to put pressure on financial institutions to help homeowners avoid foreclosure and once again begin to extend credit to individuals and businesses.
Early talk of an economic recovery bill working its way through Congress describes a two-year, $825 billion plan to address priorities Obama outlined in his campaign, such as alternative energy, lower taxes for most and modernized schools. Roughly $30 billion could be devoted to road and bridge repairs.
“Make sure that the dollars get into the pockets of the people who work the hardest and they will give you an honest day’s work for an honest day’s labor,” Cawley said.
Democrats hope to deliver a stimulus package to Obama’s desk by mid-February.
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Christmas Story Redux
From the BCCT.
I believe that the phrase Pennsbury is struggling not to say is "Physician, heal thyself."
After years of neglect from our own boards of education, here Morrisville is, standing in the bail-out line with Citibank, AIG, and the three Detroit auto manufacturers. No wonder people outside of the district are concerned.
Morrisville taxpayers note: Is there any place in this article that suggests we would be paying less in tax?
Officials: No room for more students
Rep. Galloway suggested referendums be held in Morrisville and Pennsbury on any proposed student transfers.
By MANASEE WAGH
Pennsbury says it simply doesn’t have room for an infusion of students from outside the district.
Though Morrisville is once again knocking on its door for help, some Pennsbury board members say that nothing has changed from previous efforts to merge the districts.
This time, Morrisville solicitor Michael Fitzpatrick is asking Pennsbury and other local districts to consider taking about 300 students in grades nine through 12 on a tuition basis.
That money doesn’t translate into extra cash for Pennsbury, said board member Linda Palsky. She said she doesn’t believe the buildings can support the extra students, and services such as guidance counseling are already stretched thin over the high school’s 3,400 students.
“The money isn’t free money for us. It’s to educate those students. It’s not going to be a windfall for us,” she said. “I understand it’s the neighborly thing to do, but it’s going to be on the backs of the Pennsbury taxpayers.”
Unless the state forces some sort of merger and makes it advantageous to her district’s taxpayers, Palsky said she doesn’t support taking on additional students.
State Rep. John Galloway, D-140, said both Morrisville and Pennsbury should hold voter referendums about the proposed student transfer. If Morrisville ends up with a financial situation it can’t handle, it could need to ask the state to intervene.
“But the state can’t unilaterally act on its own,” Galloway said.
Declaring itself a distressed district is a last resort under 1998’s Public School Empowerment Act, said state Rep. Paul Clymer, R-145, the minority chairman of the House Education Committee. One qualification of financial distress is the inability to pay teacher salaries for 90 days, he said.
At this point, Morrisville could simply ask to speak with the secretary of education to explore ways to attain more resources, Clymer added.
Fitzpatrick has said he plans to talk to state representatives, but he didn’t return phone calls and e-mails Thursday and Friday requesting further comment. He has been communicating with Pennsbury for the past six months and is reaching out to other local districts as well.
Housing grades pre-K through eight in the high school building and sending grades nine through 12 to other districts on a paid tuition basis may be Morrisville’s best hope for survival, Fitzpatrick said. He compared it to the crisis that’s forcing some local private schools to merge due to lack of funds and enrollments.
The cost of educating one Morrisville secondary school child is about $15,000, a price tag that’s close to the highest in Lower Bucks. Pennsbury’s cost is just above $12,000.
Board member Gene Dolnick said he’s not sure about class size and building utilization projections. He was also unsure about how Morrisville PSSA scores might affect his own district’s averages. This past year, Morrisville High School students’ reading and math PSSA scores made great strides but were slightly lower than Pennsbury’s.
“I’m not ruling it out, but I’m not ruling it in,” Dolnick said.
Gregory Lucidi, Pennsbury board president, says that until Pennsbury built a two-story, 55,000-square-foot addition and renovated its West campus building in 2004, “we were busting at the seams.” Now, he said, students just “barely fit comfortably.”
Pennsbury’s two high school buildings have a capacity of 3,414 students, according to the district. That means the spaces are already nearly filled. In 2006, the high school averaged 25 students per teacher, according to the district. That’s more than Neshaminy’s high school ratio of 14 students to one teacher and Bristol Township’s ratio of 22 students to one teacher.
Pennsbury’s already considering enlarging class sizes to reduce expenses, said Lucidi. Adding 300 more students next year “would be a major impact on resources,” he added.
However, the state Department of Education’s January 2009 estimate projects a 14.5 percent drop in Pennsbury’s high school population by 2017.
The district’s own projection for that year is 2,979 students, a 12.4 percent drop from this year. That’s based on a variety of factors, and the number may change in time, according to the district.
Lucidi thinks Pennsbury will experience increases in all grades, including children from families who don’t want to pay for private schools anymore. Pennsbury doesn’t have data on how many of its students used to attend private school but more than 2,000 new students register each year in Pennsbury, according to the district.
In the meantime, Morrisville has been dealing with spiraling financial problems. The same issues have been cropping up for years, including the need to renovate or replace its three buildings. It is about to consider closing one of its two elementary schools permanently. Most other solutions, such as rebuilding or renovating all the buildings, imply a tax increase, based on past board discussions.
In 1990, the Pennsbury school board voted against a merger after a feasibility study found it would cost $1 million in transportation costs and would significantly raise taxes in Pennsbury. Around that time, the district offered help providing advanced courses to Morrisville, but “for some reason the ball was dropped on their part,” said board member Palsky.
“We’ve gone around and around with Morrisville for years now,” she said.
Galloway represents Tullytown and Falls (Pennsbury School District), Morrisville, Bristol, two districts in Bristol Township and one district in Middletown. Clymer represents Durham, East and West Rockhill, Haycock, Milford, Perkasie, Quakertown, Richland, Richlandtown, Riegelsville, Sellersville, Springfield, Telford and Trumbauersville in Upper Bucks.
I believe that the phrase Pennsbury is struggling not to say is "Physician, heal thyself."
After years of neglect from our own boards of education, here Morrisville is, standing in the bail-out line with Citibank, AIG, and the three Detroit auto manufacturers. No wonder people outside of the district are concerned.
Morrisville taxpayers note: Is there any place in this article that suggests we would be paying less in tax?
Officials: No room for more students
Rep. Galloway suggested referendums be held in Morrisville and Pennsbury on any proposed student transfers.
By MANASEE WAGH
Pennsbury says it simply doesn’t have room for an infusion of students from outside the district.
Though Morrisville is once again knocking on its door for help, some Pennsbury board members say that nothing has changed from previous efforts to merge the districts.
This time, Morrisville solicitor Michael Fitzpatrick is asking Pennsbury and other local districts to consider taking about 300 students in grades nine through 12 on a tuition basis.
That money doesn’t translate into extra cash for Pennsbury, said board member Linda Palsky. She said she doesn’t believe the buildings can support the extra students, and services such as guidance counseling are already stretched thin over the high school’s 3,400 students.
“The money isn’t free money for us. It’s to educate those students. It’s not going to be a windfall for us,” she said. “I understand it’s the neighborly thing to do, but it’s going to be on the backs of the Pennsbury taxpayers.”
Unless the state forces some sort of merger and makes it advantageous to her district’s taxpayers, Palsky said she doesn’t support taking on additional students.
State Rep. John Galloway, D-140, said both Morrisville and Pennsbury should hold voter referendums about the proposed student transfer. If Morrisville ends up with a financial situation it can’t handle, it could need to ask the state to intervene.
“But the state can’t unilaterally act on its own,” Galloway said.
Declaring itself a distressed district is a last resort under 1998’s Public School Empowerment Act, said state Rep. Paul Clymer, R-145, the minority chairman of the House Education Committee. One qualification of financial distress is the inability to pay teacher salaries for 90 days, he said.
At this point, Morrisville could simply ask to speak with the secretary of education to explore ways to attain more resources, Clymer added.
Fitzpatrick has said he plans to talk to state representatives, but he didn’t return phone calls and e-mails Thursday and Friday requesting further comment. He has been communicating with Pennsbury for the past six months and is reaching out to other local districts as well.
Housing grades pre-K through eight in the high school building and sending grades nine through 12 to other districts on a paid tuition basis may be Morrisville’s best hope for survival, Fitzpatrick said. He compared it to the crisis that’s forcing some local private schools to merge due to lack of funds and enrollments.
The cost of educating one Morrisville secondary school child is about $15,000, a price tag that’s close to the highest in Lower Bucks. Pennsbury’s cost is just above $12,000.
Board member Gene Dolnick said he’s not sure about class size and building utilization projections. He was also unsure about how Morrisville PSSA scores might affect his own district’s averages. This past year, Morrisville High School students’ reading and math PSSA scores made great strides but were slightly lower than Pennsbury’s.
“I’m not ruling it out, but I’m not ruling it in,” Dolnick said.
Gregory Lucidi, Pennsbury board president, says that until Pennsbury built a two-story, 55,000-square-foot addition and renovated its West campus building in 2004, “we were busting at the seams.” Now, he said, students just “barely fit comfortably.”
Pennsbury’s two high school buildings have a capacity of 3,414 students, according to the district. That means the spaces are already nearly filled. In 2006, the high school averaged 25 students per teacher, according to the district. That’s more than Neshaminy’s high school ratio of 14 students to one teacher and Bristol Township’s ratio of 22 students to one teacher.
Pennsbury’s already considering enlarging class sizes to reduce expenses, said Lucidi. Adding 300 more students next year “would be a major impact on resources,” he added.
However, the state Department of Education’s January 2009 estimate projects a 14.5 percent drop in Pennsbury’s high school population by 2017.
The district’s own projection for that year is 2,979 students, a 12.4 percent drop from this year. That’s based on a variety of factors, and the number may change in time, according to the district.
Lucidi thinks Pennsbury will experience increases in all grades, including children from families who don’t want to pay for private schools anymore. Pennsbury doesn’t have data on how many of its students used to attend private school but more than 2,000 new students register each year in Pennsbury, according to the district.
In the meantime, Morrisville has been dealing with spiraling financial problems. The same issues have been cropping up for years, including the need to renovate or replace its three buildings. It is about to consider closing one of its two elementary schools permanently. Most other solutions, such as rebuilding or renovating all the buildings, imply a tax increase, based on past board discussions.
In 1990, the Pennsbury school board voted against a merger after a feasibility study found it would cost $1 million in transportation costs and would significantly raise taxes in Pennsbury. Around that time, the district offered help providing advanced courses to Morrisville, but “for some reason the ball was dropped on their part,” said board member Palsky.
“We’ve gone around and around with Morrisville for years now,” she said.
Galloway represents Tullytown and Falls (Pennsbury School District), Morrisville, Bristol, two districts in Bristol Township and one district in Middletown. Clymer represents Durham, East and West Rockhill, Haycock, Milford, Perkasie, Quakertown, Richland, Richlandtown, Riegelsville, Sellersville, Springfield, Telford and Trumbauersville in Upper Bucks.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Delay in Modulars?
I received this email earlier this week. Does anyone have any info?
I heard this morning that the mobile classroom project "finish date" has been moved from January 23 to February 20th now because of water in the holes where the put the cement foundations that the trailers will sit on! Have you heard of this from anyone else?
I heard this morning that the mobile classroom project "finish date" has been moved from January 23 to February 20th now because of water in the holes where the put the cement foundations that the trailers will sit on! Have you heard of this from anyone else?
Friday, January 23, 2009
A Dubious "Thumbs Up"
From the BCCT.
Now it's the BCCT who is using only the dollars and cents criteria to look at the Morrisville schools situation. After profiling the Emperor's self-serving fiscal statement and taking him to task for it, they now copy his example.
There's two big differences here: The first is simple transparency. Here we find that Solicitor Fitzpatrick has been conducting these secret negotiations for six months, yet nothing has been discussed in public at any board meetings. We have our former congressman conducting secret meetings for the secret meeting board.
That's a disappointing stain on the congressman's reputation that's going to be hard to dismiss, even if he is only performing duties at the request of the client.
[NOTE: It looks like a vote was held in June to authorize the solicitor to proceed with these inquiries, so our initial information was inaccurate. We may not like the secret meetings, but they were authorized, so the solicitor was acting properly. The above paragraph is inaccurate and we regret the error.]
The BCCT takes the Neshaminy school board to task for its secrecy, yet sanctions it in Morrisville. "Citizens ought to get periodic updates on negotiations that include more than no comment, and a series of hearings should be held before the board takes a vote. That would be the thoughtful thing to do for taxpayers, which is who board members represent." Why the inconsistency in the editorials? Why isn't that same line of reasoning being used for Morrisville?
It also shows that the entire series of community action plan meetings was a complete farce and a waste of time and money. Out front, the participants were yessed to death and a grand show was made of "community participation", while in the back room, Solicitor Fitzpatrick and the Emperor were already ignoring anything yet to come out of there and busily moving along on the Emperor's grand six point plan that STILL HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC!
The second difference is that even I'd be willing to look at Pennsbury and Morrisville "merging", which is completely different from "tuitioning out".
In merging, Morrisville gets seated on the board, (probably only one board member) and has somewhat of a say in policy and direction. In tuitioning out, we are at the mercy of their board to do what's right. As readers have pointed out, the tuitioning option removes any semblance of control from the parents and the Morrisville board. Pennsbury is free to set tuition as they want. They can even let the contract lapse following expiration. What do we do with the students then?
The problem is not that we might need to move the students. The parents are not fools. We know the schools themselves are in need of repair. We also pay the tax bills and know the burden there as well. The problem is that just about everything in this district is presented to the public as a surprise box of chocolates from Forrest Gump. We never know what we're going to get.
One final thing about the line "A few million dollars from Morrisville to take its high school kids..."? Why do you dismiss our children like that with such a disrespectful line of reasoning? Despite what is happening here, they are NOT cattle to be sent here and there. They are our children and our future. If you're a Morrisville parent and want to complain about this disrespect, here's a link to do that.
Thumbs Up
To a better education for students at Morrisville High School, where a dire financial situation has put the damper on opportunities available to kids in wealthier districts.
Unfortunately, more opportunities and better conditions for Morrisville High School students likely means attending another high school. To that end, the Morrisville school board has contacted other districts in hopes of striking a deal.
This is a very tough situation for students and their parents. Kids naturally have allegiance to their school and parents want their children close to home. But this school board was elected to nix a plan to build a new K-12 school and it wasted no time getting the deed done. The board also does not intend to renovate the district’s two elementary schools. In fact, one was shut down because of a boiler explosion.
Instead, members appear to favor renovating the high school as a K-8 school and paying another district to educate borough high school students. It might be the best alternative.
And the best choice among the alternatives is neighboring Pennsbury. Morrisville is surrounded by the Pennsbury School District, which could use an infusion of revenue.
Pennsbury is facing a budget shortfall of $12.6 million and a $457 tax hike for the average homeowner. A few million dollars from Morrisville to take its high school kids would help plug Pennsbury’s budgetary hole and reduce the gargantuan tax hike the board’s considering.
Pennsbury officials — and taxpayers — should seriously think about it. It also would be the neighborly thing to do.
Now it's the BCCT who is using only the dollars and cents criteria to look at the Morrisville schools situation. After profiling the Emperor's self-serving fiscal statement and taking him to task for it, they now copy his example.
There's two big differences here: The first is simple transparency. Here we find that Solicitor Fitzpatrick has been conducting these secret negotiations for six months, yet nothing has been discussed in public at any board meetings. We have our former congressman conducting secret meetings for the secret meeting board.
That's a disappointing stain on the congressman's reputation that's going to be hard to dismiss, even if he is only performing duties at the request of the client.
[NOTE: It looks like a vote was held in June to authorize the solicitor to proceed with these inquiries, so our initial information was inaccurate. We may not like the secret meetings, but they were authorized, so the solicitor was acting properly. The above paragraph is inaccurate and we regret the error.]
The BCCT takes the Neshaminy school board to task for its secrecy, yet sanctions it in Morrisville. "Citizens ought to get periodic updates on negotiations that include more than no comment, and a series of hearings should be held before the board takes a vote. That would be the thoughtful thing to do for taxpayers, which is who board members represent." Why the inconsistency in the editorials? Why isn't that same line of reasoning being used for Morrisville?
It also shows that the entire series of community action plan meetings was a complete farce and a waste of time and money. Out front, the participants were yessed to death and a grand show was made of "community participation", while in the back room, Solicitor Fitzpatrick and the Emperor were already ignoring anything yet to come out of there and busily moving along on the Emperor's grand six point plan that STILL HAS NOT BEEN RELEASED TO THE PUBLIC!
The second difference is that even I'd be willing to look at Pennsbury and Morrisville "merging", which is completely different from "tuitioning out".
In merging, Morrisville gets seated on the board, (probably only one board member) and has somewhat of a say in policy and direction. In tuitioning out, we are at the mercy of their board to do what's right. As readers have pointed out, the tuitioning option removes any semblance of control from the parents and the Morrisville board. Pennsbury is free to set tuition as they want. They can even let the contract lapse following expiration. What do we do with the students then?
The problem is not that we might need to move the students. The parents are not fools. We know the schools themselves are in need of repair. We also pay the tax bills and know the burden there as well. The problem is that just about everything in this district is presented to the public as a surprise box of chocolates from Forrest Gump. We never know what we're going to get.
One final thing about the line "A few million dollars from Morrisville to take its high school kids..."? Why do you dismiss our children like that with such a disrespectful line of reasoning? Despite what is happening here, they are NOT cattle to be sent here and there. They are our children and our future. If you're a Morrisville parent and want to complain about this disrespect, here's a link to do that.
Thumbs Up
To a better education for students at Morrisville High School, where a dire financial situation has put the damper on opportunities available to kids in wealthier districts.
Unfortunately, more opportunities and better conditions for Morrisville High School students likely means attending another high school. To that end, the Morrisville school board has contacted other districts in hopes of striking a deal.
This is a very tough situation for students and their parents. Kids naturally have allegiance to their school and parents want their children close to home. But this school board was elected to nix a plan to build a new K-12 school and it wasted no time getting the deed done. The board also does not intend to renovate the district’s two elementary schools. In fact, one was shut down because of a boiler explosion.
Instead, members appear to favor renovating the high school as a K-8 school and paying another district to educate borough high school students. It might be the best alternative.
And the best choice among the alternatives is neighboring Pennsbury. Morrisville is surrounded by the Pennsbury School District, which could use an infusion of revenue.
Pennsbury is facing a budget shortfall of $12.6 million and a $457 tax hike for the average homeowner. A few million dollars from Morrisville to take its high school kids would help plug Pennsbury’s budgetary hole and reduce the gargantuan tax hike the board’s considering.
Pennsbury officials — and taxpayers — should seriously think about it. It also would be the neighborly thing to do.
Thursday, January 22, 2009
The Farm Program LIVES!
From the BCCT.
Like a bad horror movie where the slasher just keeps on coming back no matter what, we find this morning that the farm program is back.
"Districts south of Route 1" is an interesting phrase that sounds delicately parsed to hide something. Disregarding the fact that Route 1 runs north-south and so there's nothing "south" of Route 1, it sounds like code for Bristol or Philly area districts.
Channelling the (God help me!) Emperor for a moment, what WILL it take for anyone to get this?
You're seeking to dismantle one of the cornerstones that makes a town a home and a place to stay and raise a family. Why would anyone buy a home in Morrisville other than as a starter home? The new family can get in, build some equity, use the elementary schools, and then sell to another young starter family while they move "uptown" to one of the big McDevelopments where there's an actual high school.
I find it distressing that some of the people who have benefited most from a safe and solid Morrisville borough, long term residents who raised their families here next door to the same families for years and years, are some of the prime drivers in derailing the train. The small-town Morrisville is a treasure that should be passed on to the next generation, and generations after that.
This threatens to help turn the borough into nothing more than a trailer park without the wheels. Homeowners: If you thought your home equity was threatened by the recession, you ain't seen nothing yet.
This will all be decided in May when the primary is held. The Emperor has recruited a slate of candidates who will perpetuate this vision of Morrisville. If you do not like this, NOW is the time to come out to the board meetings and see what is happening. If you are able, RUN for the board and defeat these foolish plans.
Officials ask neighboring districts to take students
Morrisville would send its high school students to other districts on a paid tuition basis.
By MANASEE WAGH
Morrisville School District is once again reaching out to other local districts for help.
District solicitor Michael Fitzpatrick recently confirmed that he is contacting neighboring Pennsbury and other school districts south of Route 1 to find out if they would take Morrisville’s high school students on a paid tuition basis.
“This is a strong option that would be considered by the board along with whatever other options are available,” Fitzpatrick said Wednesday.
At an average cost of $15,000 per student and a large retiree population, Morrisville has been running into a range of troubles, including coming up short on funds to renovate its school buildings.
Fitzpatrick said that in the current recession, the best option may be to educate grades pre-K through eight in the current high school building, and educate the roughly 300 students in grades nine through 12 elsewhere.
Presumably, the district would sell its two elementary schools. It has scheduled a public hearing later this month to consider closing M.R. Reiter Elementary School, whose heater exploded in mid-December, causing students to be relocated to other district sites for the rest of the school year.
Fitzpatrick said that at least one Morrisville parent has told him that the idea of sending children to other districts on a tuition basis is appealing, given the current problems in Morrisville.
A parent of two children at Reiter, Jermaine Jenkins said he was opposed to the idea of sending any students away to other districts because the relationships that teachers foster with their students need to be maintained.
“I already transitioned my family to Morrisville,” he said. “This small-town atmosphere is beneficial. If you have residents with children, the comfort is in knowing they are in the same district you live in.”
Jenkins added that he plans to run for school board as soon as possible.
In the past, Morrisville has asked Pennsbury to take some of its students, but the larger district has always refused. Recently, Pennsbury school board President Gregory Lucidi said his district’s schools are already at capacity and cannot handle more students.
Fitzpatrick said he has been communicating with Pennsbury for the past six months, but he still has to hear an answer to his latest request.
“Three years ago, any of the neighboring school districts would have easily said no. But given reduced fund balances, and with declining revenues and decreased assessments, the time might be right for them to reconsider,” Fitzpatrick said.
It’s too early to tell what response Morrisville will get from other districts, he added.
“I hope I would find openness to the idea and possible interest,” he said. “I will be engaging state officials as well to see what they can do to make this feasible.”
Like a bad horror movie where the slasher just keeps on coming back no matter what, we find this morning that the farm program is back.
"Districts south of Route 1" is an interesting phrase that sounds delicately parsed to hide something. Disregarding the fact that Route 1 runs north-south and so there's nothing "south" of Route 1, it sounds like code for Bristol or Philly area districts.
Channelling the (God help me!) Emperor for a moment, what WILL it take for anyone to get this?
You're seeking to dismantle one of the cornerstones that makes a town a home and a place to stay and raise a family. Why would anyone buy a home in Morrisville other than as a starter home? The new family can get in, build some equity, use the elementary schools, and then sell to another young starter family while they move "uptown" to one of the big McDevelopments where there's an actual high school.
I find it distressing that some of the people who have benefited most from a safe and solid Morrisville borough, long term residents who raised their families here next door to the same families for years and years, are some of the prime drivers in derailing the train. The small-town Morrisville is a treasure that should be passed on to the next generation, and generations after that.
This threatens to help turn the borough into nothing more than a trailer park without the wheels. Homeowners: If you thought your home equity was threatened by the recession, you ain't seen nothing yet.
This will all be decided in May when the primary is held. The Emperor has recruited a slate of candidates who will perpetuate this vision of Morrisville. If you do not like this, NOW is the time to come out to the board meetings and see what is happening. If you are able, RUN for the board and defeat these foolish plans.
Officials ask neighboring districts to take students
Morrisville would send its high school students to other districts on a paid tuition basis.
By MANASEE WAGH
Morrisville School District is once again reaching out to other local districts for help.
District solicitor Michael Fitzpatrick recently confirmed that he is contacting neighboring Pennsbury and other school districts south of Route 1 to find out if they would take Morrisville’s high school students on a paid tuition basis.
“This is a strong option that would be considered by the board along with whatever other options are available,” Fitzpatrick said Wednesday.
At an average cost of $15,000 per student and a large retiree population, Morrisville has been running into a range of troubles, including coming up short on funds to renovate its school buildings.
Fitzpatrick said that in the current recession, the best option may be to educate grades pre-K through eight in the current high school building, and educate the roughly 300 students in grades nine through 12 elsewhere.
Presumably, the district would sell its two elementary schools. It has scheduled a public hearing later this month to consider closing M.R. Reiter Elementary School, whose heater exploded in mid-December, causing students to be relocated to other district sites for the rest of the school year.
Fitzpatrick said that at least one Morrisville parent has told him that the idea of sending children to other districts on a tuition basis is appealing, given the current problems in Morrisville.
A parent of two children at Reiter, Jermaine Jenkins said he was opposed to the idea of sending any students away to other districts because the relationships that teachers foster with their students need to be maintained.
“I already transitioned my family to Morrisville,” he said. “This small-town atmosphere is beneficial. If you have residents with children, the comfort is in knowing they are in the same district you live in.”
Jenkins added that he plans to run for school board as soon as possible.
In the past, Morrisville has asked Pennsbury to take some of its students, but the larger district has always refused. Recently, Pennsbury school board President Gregory Lucidi said his district’s schools are already at capacity and cannot handle more students.
Fitzpatrick said he has been communicating with Pennsbury for the past six months, but he still has to hear an answer to his latest request.
“Three years ago, any of the neighboring school districts would have easily said no. But given reduced fund balances, and with declining revenues and decreased assessments, the time might be right for them to reconsider,” Fitzpatrick said.
It’s too early to tell what response Morrisville will get from other districts, he added.
“I hope I would find openness to the idea and possible interest,” he said. “I will be engaging state officials as well to see what they can do to make this feasible.”
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Tax Increase for MV Schools?
By this time last year, the "stop the school and do nothing else" board of education had already said no tax increases and had published their resolution to not exceed the 4.1% Act I increase cap.
As we all know, they DEcreased taxes for 2008-2009 through one-time gimmicks like bond defeasement and first time draconian cuts in other line items. Yes, we were the only district in Bucks to decrease taxes.
Now for the 2009-2010 budget cycle, where's the triumphal crowing and cackling about saving the taxpayer money? Where's the resolution to keep the tax increase low?
I hear rumor that the Emperor has identified a sizeable gap in THIS year's budget and that next year's budget increase will be a whopper. This is BEFORE the teacher pension fund issues that he's already identified as being a 35 mill tax increase for 2010-2011 and beyond.
Does anyone have the inside story? [Shout out to the departed Reba Dunford who said this would happen.]
As we all know, they DEcreased taxes for 2008-2009 through one-time gimmicks like bond defeasement and first time draconian cuts in other line items. Yes, we were the only district in Bucks to decrease taxes.
Now for the 2009-2010 budget cycle, where's the triumphal crowing and cackling about saving the taxpayer money? Where's the resolution to keep the tax increase low?
I hear rumor that the Emperor has identified a sizeable gap in THIS year's budget and that next year's budget increase will be a whopper. This is BEFORE the teacher pension fund issues that he's already identified as being a 35 mill tax increase for 2010-2011 and beyond.
Does anyone have the inside story? [Shout out to the departed Reba Dunford who said this would happen.]
Things you hear outside on a chilly day
Here's an email from a parent that was sent to the school administration and graciously copied to me as well. Removing personal information, here's what it says:
Just wanted to tell you about a conversation I had with a [...] mother outside waiting for [...] this afternoon. The mother said she had her daughter in private school for the past two years and the education she receives HERE in Morrisville is BETTER than the private school. She went on to say how much she loved the teachers and how much her daughter enjoys her school.
While you and I already know this, it is always nice to hear it. SO I thought I would send it along.
We know it here too. It's only the school board that doesn't.
Just wanted to tell you about a conversation I had with a [...] mother outside waiting for [...] this afternoon. The mother said she had her daughter in private school for the past two years and the education she receives HERE in Morrisville is BETTER than the private school. She went on to say how much she loved the teachers and how much her daughter enjoys her school.
While you and I already know this, it is always nice to hear it. SO I thought I would send it along.
We know it here too. It's only the school board that doesn't.
Bristol Twp: $145 school tax hike
From the BCCT.
$145 tax hike projected for 2009-10
By JOAN HELLYER
The owner of Bristol Township’s average assessed property would need to pay about $145 more in taxes in the upcoming school year to help cover district expenses, according to projections reviewed by the school board Tuesday night.
The 9.1-mill projected increase would be just shy of how much the board is allowed to raise property taxes without having to seek voter approval, as dictated by the state’s property tax relief law, said Gerald Barcik, the district’s business manager.
The board passed a resolution Tuesday night promising not to raise taxes more than 5.2 percent so it will not need to have a referendum in the May primary.
If projections remain the same, the 2009-10 tax increase would bring the district’s total millage to just more than 185 mills.
That means the owner of the district’s average assessment of $16,000 would pay about $2,970 in taxes during the upcoming school year.
About $3 million in additional salary and benefits are fueling the additional costs in the near $114 million budget, he said.
In addition to the additional tax revenue, Barcik suggested the board consider using $1.6 million of the district’s saving’s account, known as the fund balance, to prevent the need for an even greater tax increase.
Barcik said he did not include a potential gambling rebate into consideration that would reduce the tax hike because gambling revenues have declined around the state.
Board members will begin in March to take an in-depth look for ways to trim expenses, Barcik said. The board has until June 30 to adopt a final budget.
$145 tax hike projected for 2009-10
By JOAN HELLYER
The owner of Bristol Township’s average assessed property would need to pay about $145 more in taxes in the upcoming school year to help cover district expenses, according to projections reviewed by the school board Tuesday night.
The 9.1-mill projected increase would be just shy of how much the board is allowed to raise property taxes without having to seek voter approval, as dictated by the state’s property tax relief law, said Gerald Barcik, the district’s business manager.
The board passed a resolution Tuesday night promising not to raise taxes more than 5.2 percent so it will not need to have a referendum in the May primary.
If projections remain the same, the 2009-10 tax increase would bring the district’s total millage to just more than 185 mills.
That means the owner of the district’s average assessment of $16,000 would pay about $2,970 in taxes during the upcoming school year.
About $3 million in additional salary and benefits are fueling the additional costs in the near $114 million budget, he said.
In addition to the additional tax revenue, Barcik suggested the board consider using $1.6 million of the district’s saving’s account, known as the fund balance, to prevent the need for an even greater tax increase.
Barcik said he did not include a potential gambling rebate into consideration that would reduce the tax hike because gambling revenues have declined around the state.
Board members will begin in March to take an in-depth look for ways to trim expenses, Barcik said. The board has until June 30 to adopt a final budget.
Meeting Reminder
Morrisville school board: 7:30 p.m., large group instruction room of Middle/Senior High School, 550 W. Palmer St. Agenda: set agenda for next week’s meeting. 215-736-2681
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Transitions
With Baby New Year 2009 still in the toddler stage, it's time for another transition. This time, we say good-bye to President George W. Bush and say hello to President Barack Obama. CNN shows us how the logistics of the move, down to placing presidential cereal and peanut butter in the kitchen, is accomplished in just six hours.Every four to eight years, for the past 220 years, we've been performing this peaceful transition of power. While for many Americans, this inauguration is a special day of hope, change, and renewal, in general we tend to take this civil exercise for granted. In some countries, there is no hope for transitions of power, peaceful or not.
Thank you to 43 for your service to your country. And a big welcome to the game for 44. May God bless each of these men, and the United States of America.
Now it gets interesting...
Budgetary restraint
From the BCCT.
Budgetary restraint
School boards must maximize tax relief.
There’s an important monetary deadline coming up, and we’re not talking about income tax day (although April 15 will be here soon enough). By the end of January, school boards have to decide whether they need to raise taxes more than the index designated by Act 1, the so-called property tax relief law.
We say “so-called” precisely because of the index provision, which allows school districts to raise taxes a certain amount without voter approval. That was the idea behind the legislation: To bring taxpayers more directly into the budget process. By some magic, most districts always manage to bring their increases in under the index, or use any of a number of exemptions to exceed their limit and still avoid going before voters.
Some officials say Act 1 is a good law and has, in fact, helped rein in out-of-control tax increases. A lot people disagree. They argue that the law gives school boards too much room to pass hefty yearly tax increases as they always have.
Anyway, for the 2009-10 school year, most districts in Bucks can boost taxes up to 4.1 percent without triggering a referendum. The way the economy is, and given the fact that many workers who still have jobs will see no increase in their salaries this year, 4.1 percent is a pretty significant hit. Remember, too, that the 4.1 ceiling could be higher in districts that claim an allowable exemption. Capital expenditures are one such item.
We understand there are times when prices have to rise, and in a down economy, such increases can hurt. We also understand the importance of education, and that good education costs money.
All that said, however, we implore school officials to work harder than ever to keep spending increases to an absolute minimum and challenge them not to view the 4.1 percent index (it’s higher in a few districts) as carte blanche to raise taxes by that amount.
While school boards have an obligation to provide quality education, they have an equal obligation to taxpayers to budget responsibly, particularly in difficult times such as these.
Budgetary restraint
School boards must maximize tax relief.
There’s an important monetary deadline coming up, and we’re not talking about income tax day (although April 15 will be here soon enough). By the end of January, school boards have to decide whether they need to raise taxes more than the index designated by Act 1, the so-called property tax relief law.
We say “so-called” precisely because of the index provision, which allows school districts to raise taxes a certain amount without voter approval. That was the idea behind the legislation: To bring taxpayers more directly into the budget process. By some magic, most districts always manage to bring their increases in under the index, or use any of a number of exemptions to exceed their limit and still avoid going before voters.
Some officials say Act 1 is a good law and has, in fact, helped rein in out-of-control tax increases. A lot people disagree. They argue that the law gives school boards too much room to pass hefty yearly tax increases as they always have.
Anyway, for the 2009-10 school year, most districts in Bucks can boost taxes up to 4.1 percent without triggering a referendum. The way the economy is, and given the fact that many workers who still have jobs will see no increase in their salaries this year, 4.1 percent is a pretty significant hit. Remember, too, that the 4.1 ceiling could be higher in districts that claim an allowable exemption. Capital expenditures are one such item.
We understand there are times when prices have to rise, and in a down economy, such increases can hurt. We also understand the importance of education, and that good education costs money.
All that said, however, we implore school officials to work harder than ever to keep spending increases to an absolute minimum and challenge them not to view the 4.1 percent index (it’s higher in a few districts) as carte blanche to raise taxes by that amount.
While school boards have an obligation to provide quality education, they have an equal obligation to taxpayers to budget responsibly, particularly in difficult times such as these.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Number 7 On The Charts
From the Pittsburgh Tribune Review
State's schools earn No. 7 ranking in nonprofit study
By Amy Crawford, TRIBUNE-REVIEW, Monday, January 19, 2009
Pennsylvania schools got a B minus in a recent nationwide study -- not bad, considering that the nation's schools garnered a C.
The nonprofit Editorial Projects in Education, which publishes the newspaper Education Week, released its annual 50-State Report Card this month, and Pennsylvania's public schools with a score of 80.3 are ranked seventh.
Maryland's schools won the top slot, with a score of 84.7 percent, a solid B. Massachusetts came in second, followed by New York and Virginia. No state could boast an A grade.
Education Week editors said the grades were based on a variety of statistics, including school funding, test scores and graduation rates, along with whether states have set high standards.
The overall grades were broken down into 23 categories. Pennsylvania received a perfect score in workplace readiness. It received its lowest score, a C minus, in college readiness.
"We're pleased about our placement," said Michael Race, a spokesman for the Pennsylvania Department of Education. However, he added, "We can't really rest on our laurels."
Race said the department is most troubled by the college-readiness grade. While the state's high school graduation rate is one of the highest in the nation, he said, the percentage of people holding post-secondary degrees is below average.
More than 80 percent of Pennsylvania students graduate with high school diplomas, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Census data shows that about a quarter of Pennsylvanians have four-year degrees, slightly lower than the national average of 27 percent.
Race said that increasing the rigor of high school programs would address that disparity. The department will continue to push for graduation competency assessments, a controversial proposal that would require all high school students to pass a series of tests before graduating.
"You really have to up the rigor of your schools," Race said. "Our kids don't compete with kids in New Jersey and Ohio anymore; they compete with kids in Singapore and China."
Closer to home, local school officials were pleased by the ranking, though not surprised.
"I think we have great schools here, especially in Southwestern Pennsylvania," said Georgia Teppert, principal at Greater Latrobe Senior High School. "I've been around, and we're fortunate here in Westmoreland County."
She acknowledged the state could get a better grade.
"We can do better," she said. "We continue to forge ahead. But we've made great strides."
State's schools earn No. 7 ranking in nonprofit study
By Amy Crawford, TRIBUNE-REVIEW, Monday, January 19, 2009
Pennsylvania schools got a B minus in a recent nationwide study -- not bad, considering that the nation's schools garnered a C.
The nonprofit Editorial Projects in Education, which publishes the newspaper Education Week, released its annual 50-State Report Card this month, and Pennsylvania's public schools with a score of 80.3 are ranked seventh.
Maryland's schools won the top slot, with a score of 84.7 percent, a solid B. Massachusetts came in second, followed by New York and Virginia. No state could boast an A grade.
Education Week editors said the grades were based on a variety of statistics, including school funding, test scores and graduation rates, along with whether states have set high standards.
The overall grades were broken down into 23 categories. Pennsylvania received a perfect score in workplace readiness. It received its lowest score, a C minus, in college readiness.
"We're pleased about our placement," said Michael Race, a spokesman for the Pennsylvania Department of Education. However, he added, "We can't really rest on our laurels."
Race said the department is most troubled by the college-readiness grade. While the state's high school graduation rate is one of the highest in the nation, he said, the percentage of people holding post-secondary degrees is below average.
More than 80 percent of Pennsylvania students graduate with high school diplomas, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. Census data shows that about a quarter of Pennsylvanians have four-year degrees, slightly lower than the national average of 27 percent.
Race said that increasing the rigor of high school programs would address that disparity. The department will continue to push for graduation competency assessments, a controversial proposal that would require all high school students to pass a series of tests before graduating.
"You really have to up the rigor of your schools," Race said. "Our kids don't compete with kids in New Jersey and Ohio anymore; they compete with kids in Singapore and China."
Closer to home, local school officials were pleased by the ranking, though not surprised.
"I think we have great schools here, especially in Southwestern Pennsylvania," said Georgia Teppert, principal at Greater Latrobe Senior High School. "I've been around, and we're fortunate here in Westmoreland County."
She acknowledged the state could get a better grade.
"We can do better," she said. "We continue to forge ahead. But we've made great strides."
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Blogging the Inauguration With the PDE
From the Inquirer.
Springfield High students blogging the inauguration
By Dan Hardy, Posted on Sat, Jan. 17, 2009
A group of students from Springfield High School will share the Obama inauguration online with other high school students on Tuesday.
The 10 students will be blogging and videocasting from Washington for the Delaware County high school's Inauguration Project.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has picked up and promoted the project as part of its effort to make the inauguration an educational experience for students. The Springfield program also will include live broadcasts at the National Constitution Center, where Springfield High students will talk to visitors on Inauguration Day.
The coverage, which will include taped segments on a variety of inauguration-related topics, will be coordinated at the high school's broadcast studio. The project will be online at http://shsinaugurationproject.blogspot.com
Since Obama's election, excitement about the trip to the capital has been building, especially among the students who will be standing on the Mall on Inauguration Day.
"It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience," senior Stephanie Scoleri said at the high school on Thursday. "There will be so many people with a common interest and common excitement together in one spot. It's going to be amazing."
Sophomore Rob Toomey added: "It makes me proud to be there. Years from now I will tell my kids about it, that we were there for a historic moment in our history."
Though only a few Springfield High students will personally witness the inaugural events, hundreds of district students got involved in a broad range of activities preparing for the broadcast. They taped segments on presidential and inaugural history and policy questions Obama will face, recited the presidential Oath of Office in several languages, and videotaped musical performances by the school's orchestra and chorus.
Some students even recorded their solution to an "Inaugural Math" problem involving how many police will be needed at the event and how many people will be there. Middle school students recorded messages of support to the Obama children.
"It has been an extraordinary experience," said David Jurkiewicz, a broadcast journalism teacher at the school.
The Springfield High students going to Washington will spend a week there as part of a civic-engagement program run by the Close Up Foundation, which seeks to help students understand their government by giving them an inside look at how it works.
On the day of the inauguration, they will be between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, interviewing people in the crowd and sharing their impressions. They said they would attempt to broadcast the events live, though there are predictions that the volume of Internet traffic during the inauguration may make that difficult.
That evening and later in the week, the Springfield students will interview their Close Up peers from other states about their perspectives on the Obama administration, and respond to online questions from high school students who are looking at their Web site. They will also talk with area politicians and national policymakers, and visit government sites throughout the city. Upon their return home, they plan to put together a documentary about their experience.
Several of the students said that Obama's election, coupled with the inauguration project, had gotten them to look ahead to the role they will play in society as adults. "[Obama] focuses on the youth; once he started becoming involved, he gave me something to relate to, so because of him, I got more involved in politics," said Scoleri.
Said senior Paul Jamrogowicz: "Our goal [for the Inauguration Project] is to enlighten and help educate kids and teens around the nation about how our government works, and to rejuvenate our youth and get them excited for our future, because we are the ones who will be running things."
That kind of comment is just what the teachers who are helping organize the Inauguration Project hoped for, said Jurkiewicz, the broadcast journalism teacher. "We've been able to pull back; they've taken the reins, they've taken control. . . . They're completely invested in it all."
Added Rob Nelson, a social studies teacher who will go to Washington with the students and is helping put together the technology for the event:
"This is why I got into teaching, watching what these kids have done. I'm amazed."
Springfield High students blogging the inauguration
By Dan Hardy, Posted on Sat, Jan. 17, 2009
A group of students from Springfield High School will share the Obama inauguration online with other high school students on Tuesday.
The 10 students will be blogging and videocasting from Washington for the Delaware County high school's Inauguration Project.
The Pennsylvania Department of Education has picked up and promoted the project as part of its effort to make the inauguration an educational experience for students. The Springfield program also will include live broadcasts at the National Constitution Center, where Springfield High students will talk to visitors on Inauguration Day.
The coverage, which will include taped segments on a variety of inauguration-related topics, will be coordinated at the high school's broadcast studio. The project will be online at http://shsinaugurationproject.blogspot.com
Since Obama's election, excitement about the trip to the capital has been building, especially among the students who will be standing on the Mall on Inauguration Day.
"It's a once-in-a-lifetime experience," senior Stephanie Scoleri said at the high school on Thursday. "There will be so many people with a common interest and common excitement together in one spot. It's going to be amazing."
Sophomore Rob Toomey added: "It makes me proud to be there. Years from now I will tell my kids about it, that we were there for a historic moment in our history."
Though only a few Springfield High students will personally witness the inaugural events, hundreds of district students got involved in a broad range of activities preparing for the broadcast. They taped segments on presidential and inaugural history and policy questions Obama will face, recited the presidential Oath of Office in several languages, and videotaped musical performances by the school's orchestra and chorus.
Some students even recorded their solution to an "Inaugural Math" problem involving how many police will be needed at the event and how many people will be there. Middle school students recorded messages of support to the Obama children.
"It has been an extraordinary experience," said David Jurkiewicz, a broadcast journalism teacher at the school.
The Springfield High students going to Washington will spend a week there as part of a civic-engagement program run by the Close Up Foundation, which seeks to help students understand their government by giving them an inside look at how it works.
On the day of the inauguration, they will be between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, interviewing people in the crowd and sharing their impressions. They said they would attempt to broadcast the events live, though there are predictions that the volume of Internet traffic during the inauguration may make that difficult.
That evening and later in the week, the Springfield students will interview their Close Up peers from other states about their perspectives on the Obama administration, and respond to online questions from high school students who are looking at their Web site. They will also talk with area politicians and national policymakers, and visit government sites throughout the city. Upon their return home, they plan to put together a documentary about their experience.
Several of the students said that Obama's election, coupled with the inauguration project, had gotten them to look ahead to the role they will play in society as adults. "[Obama] focuses on the youth; once he started becoming involved, he gave me something to relate to, so because of him, I got more involved in politics," said Scoleri.
Said senior Paul Jamrogowicz: "Our goal [for the Inauguration Project] is to enlighten and help educate kids and teens around the nation about how our government works, and to rejuvenate our youth and get them excited for our future, because we are the ones who will be running things."
That kind of comment is just what the teachers who are helping organize the Inauguration Project hoped for, said Jurkiewicz, the broadcast journalism teacher. "We've been able to pull back; they've taken the reins, they've taken control. . . . They're completely invested in it all."
Added Rob Nelson, a social studies teacher who will go to Washington with the students and is helping put together the technology for the event:
"This is why I got into teaching, watching what these kids have done. I'm amazed."
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Pennsbury: Projected deficit could bring $457 tax hike
From the BCCT.
But...but...Pennsbury has always been the shining salvation of Morrisville! How can this be???
Projected deficit could bring $457 tax hike
A projected 10 percent tax increase may force a public referendum, the first in Bucks since state Act 1 went into effect.
Taxpayers may have to shell out extra money to overcome a $12.6 million deficit in Pennsbury.
Conservative projections point to a $457 tax increase for the average homeowner.
That’s a nearly 10 percent increase, well above the statemandated 4.1 percent, said Isabel Miller, the district’s business administrator. Unless the district whittles down expenses and finds ways to pump up revenues, going over the threshold would mean the first public referendum on a tax increase in Bucks under new state legislation.
For a homeowner with an average district property assessment of $31,304, the tax bill would be $4,996.
“At this point in the budget process, it is premature to use that hypothetical number because it represents an impact that will not occur,” said district CEO Paul Long.
In this early version, several pieces of required information are still vague, such as revenue from gaming funds, state grants and federal funding, said Miller.
Since the budget is in its formative stages, Pennsbury is planning 16 different measures to save costs. They include a transportation review to make busing more efficient, taking over classes that are traditionally provided by the Intermediate Unit, finding efficiencies in the high school schedule and consolidating building use during summer and other vacation periods.
Districts can apply for state exceptions, which would allow them to raise taxes above the 4.1 percent index to pay for certain less controllable costs such as special education.
The deficit is due in part to an expected drop in revenues from real estate taxes. In the current economic situation, the district expects interest rates on its investments to be low as well.
A conservative estimate shows a $2.6 million decrease in total local revenues, said Miller at a budget presentation before Thursday evening’s board meeting.
Total revenues will likely drop $6.7 million from this year, she said.
Expenditures will increase by about 3.4 percent, or about $5.9 million. Miller said that figure is encouraging because the 2008-09 earliest budget draft reflected a nearly 6 percent expenditure increase. More importantly, this year’s final budget still ended up with an expenditure increase of 3.3 percent, she said. The district still has time to lower expenses until the final budget has to be approved May 14.
“But it’s harder this year to cut expenses because there isn’t much left to cut without affecting programs,” Miller added.
The rise is fueled in part by salaries, which the district calculated at 4.3 percent higher, and benefits, which may rise by 6.1 percent. Total salaries and benefits are anticipated to be about $135 million.
Recently the teachers union and the school board reached a tentative agreement to forgo raises and extend the current contract, pay scale and benefit package another year.
Planned renovations for Makefield Elementary School and other projects may also fuel expenses.
At this point, the budget does not take into account the fund balance. The district savings account is projected to carry about $2.4 million into next year, but that number could change, said Miller.
The public is encouraged to attend budget committee meetings, board member Gene Dolnick said at Thursday’s meeting.
But...but...Pennsbury has always been the shining salvation of Morrisville! How can this be???
Projected deficit could bring $457 tax hike
A projected 10 percent tax increase may force a public referendum, the first in Bucks since state Act 1 went into effect.
Taxpayers may have to shell out extra money to overcome a $12.6 million deficit in Pennsbury.
Conservative projections point to a $457 tax increase for the average homeowner.
That’s a nearly 10 percent increase, well above the statemandated 4.1 percent, said Isabel Miller, the district’s business administrator. Unless the district whittles down expenses and finds ways to pump up revenues, going over the threshold would mean the first public referendum on a tax increase in Bucks under new state legislation.
For a homeowner with an average district property assessment of $31,304, the tax bill would be $4,996.
“At this point in the budget process, it is premature to use that hypothetical number because it represents an impact that will not occur,” said district CEO Paul Long.
In this early version, several pieces of required information are still vague, such as revenue from gaming funds, state grants and federal funding, said Miller.
Since the budget is in its formative stages, Pennsbury is planning 16 different measures to save costs. They include a transportation review to make busing more efficient, taking over classes that are traditionally provided by the Intermediate Unit, finding efficiencies in the high school schedule and consolidating building use during summer and other vacation periods.
Districts can apply for state exceptions, which would allow them to raise taxes above the 4.1 percent index to pay for certain less controllable costs such as special education.
The deficit is due in part to an expected drop in revenues from real estate taxes. In the current economic situation, the district expects interest rates on its investments to be low as well.
A conservative estimate shows a $2.6 million decrease in total local revenues, said Miller at a budget presentation before Thursday evening’s board meeting.
Total revenues will likely drop $6.7 million from this year, she said.
Expenditures will increase by about 3.4 percent, or about $5.9 million. Miller said that figure is encouraging because the 2008-09 earliest budget draft reflected a nearly 6 percent expenditure increase. More importantly, this year’s final budget still ended up with an expenditure increase of 3.3 percent, she said. The district still has time to lower expenses until the final budget has to be approved May 14.
“But it’s harder this year to cut expenses because there isn’t much left to cut without affecting programs,” Miller added.
The rise is fueled in part by salaries, which the district calculated at 4.3 percent higher, and benefits, which may rise by 6.1 percent. Total salaries and benefits are anticipated to be about $135 million.
Recently the teachers union and the school board reached a tentative agreement to forgo raises and extend the current contract, pay scale and benefit package another year.
Planned renovations for Makefield Elementary School and other projects may also fuel expenses.
At this point, the budget does not take into account the fund balance. The district savings account is projected to carry about $2.4 million into next year, but that number could change, said Miller.
The public is encouraged to attend budget committee meetings, board member Gene Dolnick said at Thursday’s meeting.
Busing
Neighborhood schools are a longstanding American institution. The idea of busing the students elsewhere has long been controversial, and there's a long list of other resources that can be reviewed covering from the 1950s to 2009.
In Pennsylvania, (correct me if I'm reading something wrong) the law is that elementary students can walk up to 1.5 and secondary up to 2.0 miles.
This leads to the email I received:
Good evening,
I just had a thought. Now that MR Reiter is closed, people living down in parts of Ward 1, by Post Rd., etc. are more than 2.0 miles from their school. This requires that the district institute bussing by law. We have provided the shuttle from Manor Park to MR Reiter in the past, because it is between 2 school buildings AND nobody was >2 miles from MR Reiter. That same argument won't hold up if we are no longer using MR Reiter. This will be an astronomical expense for the district, as they will also have to provide bussing to all private school kids to any academic institution within 10 miles (including NJ). If someone were looking for an argument to build new on the property of MR Reiter, or do a proper renovation, this would be it. Like I said, just a thought...........
Anyone want to add anything? I have reservations about this argument because the consolidated K-12 building would have achieved the same thing that we have today, and I don't think I saw busing mentioned in that plan.
I'm thinking this would also be a huge drain on the savings from farming out the high school students as well.
In Pennsylvania, (correct me if I'm reading something wrong) the law is that elementary students can walk up to 1.5 and secondary up to 2.0 miles.
This leads to the email I received:
Good evening,
I just had a thought. Now that MR Reiter is closed, people living down in parts of Ward 1, by Post Rd., etc. are more than 2.0 miles from their school. This requires that the district institute bussing by law. We have provided the shuttle from Manor Park to MR Reiter in the past, because it is between 2 school buildings AND nobody was >2 miles from MR Reiter. That same argument won't hold up if we are no longer using MR Reiter. This will be an astronomical expense for the district, as they will also have to provide bussing to all private school kids to any academic institution within 10 miles (including NJ). If someone were looking for an argument to build new on the property of MR Reiter, or do a proper renovation, this would be it. Like I said, just a thought...........
Anyone want to add anything? I have reservations about this argument because the consolidated K-12 building would have achieved the same thing that we have today, and I don't think I saw busing mentioned in that plan.
I'm thinking this would also be a huge drain on the savings from farming out the high school students as well.
Lower Merion Restores Video Edits
From the Inquirer, a followup to yesterday's story about the Lower Merion school board's heavy handed video edits.
Would the board have restored it if the story had not hit the national media? Maybe yes, and maybe nt.
What if we try the same experiment and have the underhanded and hidden goings on from Morrisville be exposed...
L. Merion board will restore trimmed video
By Bonnie L. Cook Posted on Fri, Jan. 16, 2009
The Lower Merion School District has rescinded its decision to edit a videotape of Monday's stormy school-board meeting and will make the restored version available to the public.
In a letter sent home to parents yesterday, Superintendent Christopher McGinley apologized for making what he called a "heat-of-the-moment" decision to excise a five-minute segment of the video.
He said the complete version would be posted on the district's Web site by last night and would be available for viewing on public-access TV.
"While our policy might have allowed us to edit the tape, it is clear that the edit has had unintended consequences and the decision added more fuel to an already hot fire," McGinley wrote.
"This is not the way we wish to move forward and this is not the signal we want to send to the community."
On Monday night, the board enacted a redistricting plan that will have 200 children from slices of South Ardmore, North Narberth and Penn Valley bused to Harriton High School in Rosemont. Most live close enough to Lower Merion High in Ardmore to walk there.
The redistricting plan is needed to balance enrollment between the high schools because more families live near Lower Merion High than Harriton.
Before the vote, South Ardmore parent Aaron Williams, 37, interrupted a board member's speech with an outburst accusing the board of racism. He then stormed out of the building.
That episode was cut from a videotape of the meeting because Williams spoke out of turn and violated district civility policy, a spokesman said.
Williams' wife, Liz, spoke for him yesterday. "While an apology is very nice, it doesn't take away the events that have happened or how I feel about them," she said.
Williams explained in a letter to The Inquirer yesterday why he grew incensed at the meeting. It seemed to him that board members were not hearing concerns from African Americans that pockets of children would be isolated by the plan, he said. The district denies that and has said it listens carefully.
Response came quickly to the district's reversal.
"I respect them for admitting to the fact that they made the wrong choice. However, what we have to take away from this incident is the clear fact that race relations in the Lower Merion School District are not good," said South Ardmore resident Lynn Brandsma. "Until they deal with this problem, there is no foundation on which to build trust."
An opponent of the redistricting plan, Brandsma had called the district's editing of the tape censorship.
"Censoring someone from our community is just another example of what little regard they have of our opinions and feelings. It is just one more slap in the face," said Anastasia Frandsen, a Penn Valley Elementary School parent from Ardmore.
"No amount of workshops, transition meetings, or other types of token support for affected parents will heal the rift that has been caused by this process," said Ivan Haskell of South Ardmore.
Would the board have restored it if the story had not hit the national media? Maybe yes, and maybe nt.
What if we try the same experiment and have the underhanded and hidden goings on from Morrisville be exposed...
L. Merion board will restore trimmed video
By Bonnie L. Cook Posted on Fri, Jan. 16, 2009
The Lower Merion School District has rescinded its decision to edit a videotape of Monday's stormy school-board meeting and will make the restored version available to the public.
In a letter sent home to parents yesterday, Superintendent Christopher McGinley apologized for making what he called a "heat-of-the-moment" decision to excise a five-minute segment of the video.
He said the complete version would be posted on the district's Web site by last night and would be available for viewing on public-access TV.
"While our policy might have allowed us to edit the tape, it is clear that the edit has had unintended consequences and the decision added more fuel to an already hot fire," McGinley wrote.
"This is not the way we wish to move forward and this is not the signal we want to send to the community."
On Monday night, the board enacted a redistricting plan that will have 200 children from slices of South Ardmore, North Narberth and Penn Valley bused to Harriton High School in Rosemont. Most live close enough to Lower Merion High in Ardmore to walk there.
The redistricting plan is needed to balance enrollment between the high schools because more families live near Lower Merion High than Harriton.
Before the vote, South Ardmore parent Aaron Williams, 37, interrupted a board member's speech with an outburst accusing the board of racism. He then stormed out of the building.
That episode was cut from a videotape of the meeting because Williams spoke out of turn and violated district civility policy, a spokesman said.
Williams' wife, Liz, spoke for him yesterday. "While an apology is very nice, it doesn't take away the events that have happened or how I feel about them," she said.
Williams explained in a letter to The Inquirer yesterday why he grew incensed at the meeting. It seemed to him that board members were not hearing concerns from African Americans that pockets of children would be isolated by the plan, he said. The district denies that and has said it listens carefully.
Response came quickly to the district's reversal.
"I respect them for admitting to the fact that they made the wrong choice. However, what we have to take away from this incident is the clear fact that race relations in the Lower Merion School District are not good," said South Ardmore resident Lynn Brandsma. "Until they deal with this problem, there is no foundation on which to build trust."
An opponent of the redistricting plan, Brandsma had called the district's editing of the tape censorship.
"Censoring someone from our community is just another example of what little regard they have of our opinions and feelings. It is just one more slap in the face," said Anastasia Frandsen, a Penn Valley Elementary School parent from Ardmore.
"No amount of workshops, transition meetings, or other types of token support for affected parents will heal the rift that has been caused by this process," said Ivan Haskell of South Ardmore.
You looked for the Advil WHERE??
From cnn.com
Court to hear case of teen strip-searched for ibuprofen
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A 13-year-old Arizona girl who was strip-searched by school officials looking for ibuprofen pain reliever will have her case heard at the Supreme Court.
The U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether school officials were right to strip-search a student over ibuprofen.
The justices accepted the case Friday for review. They will decide whether a campus setting gives school administrators greater discretion to control students suspected of illegal activity than police are allowed in cases involving adults in public spaces.
Arguments are expected to be heard in April.
At issue is whether school administrators are constitutionally barred from conducting searches of students investigated for possessing or dealing drugs that are banned on campus.
A federal appeals court found the search "traumatizing" and illegal.
Some parents say older children deserve the same constitutional rights as adults, but educators counter that a school setting always has been treated differently by the courts. They say a ruling against them could jeopardize campus safety.
The case involves Savana Redding, who in 2003 was an eighth-grade honor student at Safford Middle School, about 127 miles from Tucson, Arizona. Earlier that day the vice principal had discovered prescription-strength ibuprofen pills in the possession of one of Redding's classmates. That student, facing punishment, accused Redding of providing her with the 400-milligram pills.
The school has a zero-tolerance policy for all prescription and over-the-counter medication, including the ibuprofen, without prior written permission.
Redding was pulled from class by a male vice principal, Kerry Wilson, escorted to an office and confronted with the evidence. She denied the accusations.
A search of Redding's backpack found nothing. Then, although she had never had prior disciplinary problems, a strip-search was conducted with the help of a school nurse and Wilson's assistant, both females. According to court records, she was ordered to strip to her underwear and her bra was pulled out. Again, no drugs were found.
In an affidavit, Redding said, "The strip-search was the most humiliating experience I have ever had. I held my head down so that they could not see that I was about to cry."
With the help of the American Civil Liberties Union, Redding and her family sued, and a federal appeals court in San Francisco, California, ruled against the school.
The court wrote: "Common sense informs us that directing a 13-year-old girl to remove her clothes, partially revealing her breasts and pelvic area, for allegedly possessing ibuprofen ... was excessively intrusive."
The court said the school went too far in its effort to create a drug- and crime-free classroom. "The overzealousness of school administrators in efforts to protect students has the tragic impact of traumatizing those they claim to serve. And all this to find prescription-strength ibuprofen."
In its appeal to the high court, the school district said requiring a legal standard of "probable cause" to conduct student searches would cast a "roadblock to the kind of swift and effective response that is too often needed to protect the very safety of students, particularly from the threats posed by drugs and weapons."
The high court has had a mixed record over the years on students' rights. The court could now be asked to clarify the extent of student rights involving searches, and the discretion of officials over those for whom they have responsibility
Court to hear case of teen strip-searched for ibuprofen
WASHINGTON (CNN) -- A 13-year-old Arizona girl who was strip-searched by school officials looking for ibuprofen pain reliever will have her case heard at the Supreme Court.
The U.S. Supreme Court will decide whether school officials were right to strip-search a student over ibuprofen.
The justices accepted the case Friday for review. They will decide whether a campus setting gives school administrators greater discretion to control students suspected of illegal activity than police are allowed in cases involving adults in public spaces.
Arguments are expected to be heard in April.
At issue is whether school administrators are constitutionally barred from conducting searches of students investigated for possessing or dealing drugs that are banned on campus.
A federal appeals court found the search "traumatizing" and illegal.
Some parents say older children deserve the same constitutional rights as adults, but educators counter that a school setting always has been treated differently by the courts. They say a ruling against them could jeopardize campus safety.
The case involves Savana Redding, who in 2003 was an eighth-grade honor student at Safford Middle School, about 127 miles from Tucson, Arizona. Earlier that day the vice principal had discovered prescription-strength ibuprofen pills in the possession of one of Redding's classmates. That student, facing punishment, accused Redding of providing her with the 400-milligram pills.
The school has a zero-tolerance policy for all prescription and over-the-counter medication, including the ibuprofen, without prior written permission.
Redding was pulled from class by a male vice principal, Kerry Wilson, escorted to an office and confronted with the evidence. She denied the accusations.
A search of Redding's backpack found nothing. Then, although she had never had prior disciplinary problems, a strip-search was conducted with the help of a school nurse and Wilson's assistant, both females. According to court records, she was ordered to strip to her underwear and her bra was pulled out. Again, no drugs were found.
In an affidavit, Redding said, "The strip-search was the most humiliating experience I have ever had. I held my head down so that they could not see that I was about to cry."
With the help of the American Civil Liberties Union, Redding and her family sued, and a federal appeals court in San Francisco, California, ruled against the school.
The court wrote: "Common sense informs us that directing a 13-year-old girl to remove her clothes, partially revealing her breasts and pelvic area, for allegedly possessing ibuprofen ... was excessively intrusive."
The court said the school went too far in its effort to create a drug- and crime-free classroom. "The overzealousness of school administrators in efforts to protect students has the tragic impact of traumatizing those they claim to serve. And all this to find prescription-strength ibuprofen."
In its appeal to the high court, the school district said requiring a legal standard of "probable cause" to conduct student searches would cast a "roadblock to the kind of swift and effective response that is too often needed to protect the very safety of students, particularly from the threats posed by drugs and weapons."
The high court has had a mixed record over the years on students' rights. The court could now be asked to clarify the extent of student rights involving searches, and the discretion of officials over those for whom they have responsibility
Friday, January 16, 2009
Paging Rose Mary Woods
From the Inquirer.
I always thought that the people who recorded our contentious board meetings themselves were a little over the top.
Maybe not..
Note: For the benefit of our younger readers, info on Rose Mary Woods, and her "improbable stretch".
A 5-minute gap in L. Merion record
By Bonnie L. Cook, Posted on Thu, Jan. 15, 2009
A five-minute segment is missing from the cable-TV videotape of a meeting Monday night during which the Lower Merion school board adopted an unpopular redistricting plan.
The school district says the cut was made because the speakers were out of order and it has the right to alter any tape in accordance with school-board policy.
The unedited version would have shown South Ardmore parent Aaron Williams, 37, interrupting board member Susan Guthrie as she read a statement just before 9 p.m. Williams shouted about his frustration over a plan to bus children from a narrow swath of South Ardmore, a largely black community, to Harriton High School, though the children could walk to nearby Lower Merion High.
Portions of North Narberth and Penn Valley also are slated for busing under the redistricting plan.
Williams' sons, Benjamin, 6, and Curtis, 8, live in the affected area and will be bused to Harriton if the family stays in the community.
As Guthrie told the audience that the plan's second version had shown the pitfalls of redistricting because it isolated pockets of children, Williams stood and shouted: "You just said it yourself. It's just a small group of children. Look at the blue line."
He went on to lambaste Guthrie: "You're going to sit here and say this is the best you can do?" Then he turned and walked out of the meeting, and was followed by other African Americans.
None of that appears on the video, shown on a public-access channel in Lower Merion Township and posted on the school district's Web site, www.lmsd.org. (A direct link to the video can be found here.)
The gap is about halfway through the video. The edited video picks up at 9:05 with acting President Lyn Kugel's plea for order and civility.
"If there is another outburst, we will ask that you leave, and we will provide an escort," she said. There were no outbursts during the rest of the meeting.
Doug Young, the school district spokesman, said in an e-mail yesterday that the district acted properly in excising the five minutes of tape.
"I've been advised that there was a single edit made to the tape in accordance with two district policies," Young said in an e-mail. "Mr. Williams' comments were edited from the recording pursuant to Board Policy 7 'Meetings' specifically Section G.1.c.
"In this case, Mr. Williams' comments and other comments from the audience at that time were out of order in that they were made during board member deliberations after public comment was closed.
"The manner in which the comments were made also violated Board Policy 6 'Civility' which the meeting chair, Ms. Kugel, had referenced multiple times during the meeting."
Responding to an e-mailed question about whether the board had invoked those guidelines before, he wrote: "Yes, this practice has been invoked multiple times in the past few years when there have been direct violations of the policy. The district vehemently opposes censorship, and has aired numerous comments that might be deemed controversial or in opposition to district views. The difference is that these comments have come during the designated time allotted for public comment at each meeting."
In an e-mail to school officials, Lynn Brandsma, an opponent of the redistricting plan from South Ardmore, said she was "bothered by this censorship." She saw the tape on cable TV.
"Mr. Williams did not use profanity," she wrote. "There was no motion to strike his or other comments from the record. Why are these comments and actions (specifically walking out in anger) by our black citizens edited out?"
Young said last night: "The goal is to maintain an environment where public dialogue can be most effectively shared, considered and respected by all."
I always thought that the people who recorded our contentious board meetings themselves were a little over the top.
Maybe not..
Note: For the benefit of our younger readers, info on Rose Mary Woods, and her "improbable stretch".
A 5-minute gap in L. Merion record
By Bonnie L. Cook, Posted on Thu, Jan. 15, 2009
A five-minute segment is missing from the cable-TV videotape of a meeting Monday night during which the Lower Merion school board adopted an unpopular redistricting plan.
The school district says the cut was made because the speakers were out of order and it has the right to alter any tape in accordance with school-board policy.
The unedited version would have shown South Ardmore parent Aaron Williams, 37, interrupting board member Susan Guthrie as she read a statement just before 9 p.m. Williams shouted about his frustration over a plan to bus children from a narrow swath of South Ardmore, a largely black community, to Harriton High School, though the children could walk to nearby Lower Merion High.
Portions of North Narberth and Penn Valley also are slated for busing under the redistricting plan.
Williams' sons, Benjamin, 6, and Curtis, 8, live in the affected area and will be bused to Harriton if the family stays in the community.
As Guthrie told the audience that the plan's second version had shown the pitfalls of redistricting because it isolated pockets of children, Williams stood and shouted: "You just said it yourself. It's just a small group of children. Look at the blue line."
He went on to lambaste Guthrie: "You're going to sit here and say this is the best you can do?" Then he turned and walked out of the meeting, and was followed by other African Americans.
None of that appears on the video, shown on a public-access channel in Lower Merion Township and posted on the school district's Web site, www.lmsd.org. (A direct link to the video can be found here.)
The gap is about halfway through the video. The edited video picks up at 9:05 with acting President Lyn Kugel's plea for order and civility.
"If there is another outburst, we will ask that you leave, and we will provide an escort," she said. There were no outbursts during the rest of the meeting.
Doug Young, the school district spokesman, said in an e-mail yesterday that the district acted properly in excising the five minutes of tape.
"I've been advised that there was a single edit made to the tape in accordance with two district policies," Young said in an e-mail. "Mr. Williams' comments were edited from the recording pursuant to Board Policy 7 'Meetings' specifically Section G.1.c.
"In this case, Mr. Williams' comments and other comments from the audience at that time were out of order in that they were made during board member deliberations after public comment was closed.
"The manner in which the comments were made also violated Board Policy 6 'Civility' which the meeting chair, Ms. Kugel, had referenced multiple times during the meeting."
Responding to an e-mailed question about whether the board had invoked those guidelines before, he wrote: "Yes, this practice has been invoked multiple times in the past few years when there have been direct violations of the policy. The district vehemently opposes censorship, and has aired numerous comments that might be deemed controversial or in opposition to district views. The difference is that these comments have come during the designated time allotted for public comment at each meeting."
In an e-mail to school officials, Lynn Brandsma, an opponent of the redistricting plan from South Ardmore, said she was "bothered by this censorship." She saw the tape on cable TV.
"Mr. Williams did not use profanity," she wrote. "There was no motion to strike his or other comments from the record. Why are these comments and actions (specifically walking out in anger) by our black citizens edited out?"
Young said last night: "The goal is to maintain an environment where public dialogue can be most effectively shared, considered and respected by all."
Gaming law has been a bust
From the Inquirer.
Commentary
Gaming law has been a bust
As Pa. officials tout a rise in revenue, they overlook the cost, and an unfair tax system.
By Daniel R. Reynolds, Posted on Thu, Jan. 15, 2009
A journalist living in Jenkintown
This year will mark the fifth anniversary of Pennsylvania's gaming law, originally conceived as a way of protecting the state's horse-racing industry. Neighboring states such as Delaware and West Virginia had instituted slot-machine gaming to boost purses at their racetracks.
But the bill's initial intent got hijacked at some point. Signed by Gov. Rendell in July 2004, the bill was sold not as horse-racing protectionism, but as a tax-relief vehicle. Revenue from gaming, it was said, could be used to trim property taxes.
Written by the office of now-indicted former State Sen. Vincent Fumo, the bill expanded gaming way beyond the imagination of the framers of the horse-racing protection bill, who merely envisioned slot machines at the state's four racetracks. As it turns out, when slots casinos become operational in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania will have 61,000 slot machines - more than any other state except Nevada.
State officials say they are cutting taxes with gaming revenue. In fact, they are subjecting Pennsylvanians to higher taxes.
The government says nearly $1 billion in gaming revenue has been made available to trim property taxes, but it isn't fluttering down from heaven or being printed by the Federal Reserve. It's coming out of the pockets of Pennsylvanians who are walking into casinos, putting it into slot machines, and not getting it back.
Expanding gaming in Pennsylvania is simply an additional de facto tax - on top of the state lottery implemented many years ago.
There is work to be done on the issue of taxation in Pennsylvania, but it is not the work that Rendell, Fumo, and their brethren in Harrisburg have done - and that, in the end, can benefit only casino operators. Lawmakers must lead for the good of the entire public, not just a segment of it, and abolish the property tax as a means of funding public education in Pennsylvania.
The residential property tax is a regressive tax - that is, it taxes poor people at higher rates than it does rich people. Because of their lower property values, poor communities are forced to implement higher property taxes to raise enough money to fund their schools. And communities with high property values can afford to keep their property taxes lower.
In Allegheny County, for example, the borough of Wilkinsburg, which is predominantly poor and African American, had a 2008 school-district property-tax rate of 3.5 percent. A home valued at $100,000 there had an annual school property-tax bill of $3,500.
In Fox Chapel, a well-to-do, predominantly white suburb north of Pittsburgh that is home to the likes of Teresa Heinz Kerry, the corresponding rate is 2.03 percent. A $100,000 home in Fox Chapel has a school property-tax bill of $2,030.
So the school property-tax bill for a low-income resident of Wilkinsburg is 72.4 percent higher than the same bill for a millionaire heiress who lives in Fox Chapel.
In Montgomery County, where I live, consider the plight of Cheltenham Township, which has a school property-tax rate of 3.54 percent - the highest in the county. Compare that with well-heeled Lower Merion Township, which has a school property-tax rate of 1.89 percent, or a little more than half Cheltenham Township's.
Until we address this government-instituted disparity, which advances well-off communities and punishes poorer ones, there is really nothing for the state to be proud about on the issue of taxation.
The solution is to do away with the residential property tax and fund education with a tax on income. Then education could be state-funded on a per-student basis, ensuring that every school gets adequate funding without imposing gruesome property-tax rates on poorer communities.
You like to gamble? I'll bet such a change doesn't happen in my lifetime.
Commentary
Gaming law has been a bust
As Pa. officials tout a rise in revenue, they overlook the cost, and an unfair tax system.
By Daniel R. Reynolds, Posted on Thu, Jan. 15, 2009
A journalist living in Jenkintown
This year will mark the fifth anniversary of Pennsylvania's gaming law, originally conceived as a way of protecting the state's horse-racing industry. Neighboring states such as Delaware and West Virginia had instituted slot-machine gaming to boost purses at their racetracks.
But the bill's initial intent got hijacked at some point. Signed by Gov. Rendell in July 2004, the bill was sold not as horse-racing protectionism, but as a tax-relief vehicle. Revenue from gaming, it was said, could be used to trim property taxes.
Written by the office of now-indicted former State Sen. Vincent Fumo, the bill expanded gaming way beyond the imagination of the framers of the horse-racing protection bill, who merely envisioned slot machines at the state's four racetracks. As it turns out, when slots casinos become operational in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania will have 61,000 slot machines - more than any other state except Nevada.
State officials say they are cutting taxes with gaming revenue. In fact, they are subjecting Pennsylvanians to higher taxes.
The government says nearly $1 billion in gaming revenue has been made available to trim property taxes, but it isn't fluttering down from heaven or being printed by the Federal Reserve. It's coming out of the pockets of Pennsylvanians who are walking into casinos, putting it into slot machines, and not getting it back.
Expanding gaming in Pennsylvania is simply an additional de facto tax - on top of the state lottery implemented many years ago.
There is work to be done on the issue of taxation in Pennsylvania, but it is not the work that Rendell, Fumo, and their brethren in Harrisburg have done - and that, in the end, can benefit only casino operators. Lawmakers must lead for the good of the entire public, not just a segment of it, and abolish the property tax as a means of funding public education in Pennsylvania.
The residential property tax is a regressive tax - that is, it taxes poor people at higher rates than it does rich people. Because of their lower property values, poor communities are forced to implement higher property taxes to raise enough money to fund their schools. And communities with high property values can afford to keep their property taxes lower.
In Allegheny County, for example, the borough of Wilkinsburg, which is predominantly poor and African American, had a 2008 school-district property-tax rate of 3.5 percent. A home valued at $100,000 there had an annual school property-tax bill of $3,500.
In Fox Chapel, a well-to-do, predominantly white suburb north of Pittsburgh that is home to the likes of Teresa Heinz Kerry, the corresponding rate is 2.03 percent. A $100,000 home in Fox Chapel has a school property-tax bill of $2,030.
So the school property-tax bill for a low-income resident of Wilkinsburg is 72.4 percent higher than the same bill for a millionaire heiress who lives in Fox Chapel.
In Montgomery County, where I live, consider the plight of Cheltenham Township, which has a school property-tax rate of 3.54 percent - the highest in the county. Compare that with well-heeled Lower Merion Township, which has a school property-tax rate of 1.89 percent, or a little more than half Cheltenham Township's.
Until we address this government-instituted disparity, which advances well-off communities and punishes poorer ones, there is really nothing for the state to be proud about on the issue of taxation.
The solution is to do away with the residential property tax and fund education with a tax on income. Then education could be state-funded on a per-student basis, ensuring that every school gets adequate funding without imposing gruesome property-tax rates on poorer communities.
You like to gamble? I'll bet such a change doesn't happen in my lifetime.
Bread Crumbs in Bucks
From the BCCT.
Signs would promote, link towns
By JOHN ANASTASI
Consultants working on the Landmark Towns of Bucks County project Thursday presented a vision of four unique communities linked by a network of related signs.
Some of the signs luring visitors to New Hope, Yardley, Morrisville and Bristol would serve, they said, as “bread crumbs” to lead travelers in. Others would make sure they know where they were when they get there.
“The idea is to promote the town and its economic development,” said design consultant Barbara Schwarzenbach, of Philadelphia’s Cloud Gehshan Associates. “Sometimes you drive through a town before you realize you missed it.”
The solution the consultants presented at Bristol’s borough hall Thursday evening starts with signs on roadways surrounding the towns that indicate their direction with arrows and list their distance in miles. Many of those would have to be discussed with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation because they would be set up on state roads.
The boroughs themselves would be dotted with different types of signs. Some, at the gateways, would simply list the name of the town.
Others signs would provide passersby with history, directions to shopping areas, cultural centers or other amenities. While the information would be different with each town, the signs would share the same feel. The colors would be different but the schemes would be the same.
“You want to create a new brand and support that brand,” said Adam Krom, a planner at Wallace Roberts & Todd LLC in Philadelphia.
Krom said the project could establish more than 100 signs between those set up in each town and those erected in their surrounding areas and along a byway that would link the four municipalities using Route 32, South Pennsylvania Avenue and, eventually, Farragut Avenue in Bristol.
“I don’t have any problem with the concept or the color schemes and I like what they’ve done,” said New Hope manager John Burke.
He worried, however, that New Hope already has a large number of signs on its narrow streets and that more could clutter the sight of the town.
“That’s something we’ll have to take a serious look at,” he said.
Landmark Towns obtained $100,000 in state funding plus $30,000 from the Bucks County Conference and Visitors Bureau to fund the consultants’ work, said Donna Boone, regional Main Street coordinator for Landmark Towns.
Preliminary plans are being presented in each town. The next presentation is scheduled for Feb. 10 in Morrisville. A final design should be completed by April. Boone said Landmark Towns is seeking out additional grants to begin phasing in the signs after the project receives the blessing of each town’s borough council.
Signs would promote, link towns
By JOHN ANASTASI
Consultants working on the Landmark Towns of Bucks County project Thursday presented a vision of four unique communities linked by a network of related signs.
Some of the signs luring visitors to New Hope, Yardley, Morrisville and Bristol would serve, they said, as “bread crumbs” to lead travelers in. Others would make sure they know where they were when they get there.
“The idea is to promote the town and its economic development,” said design consultant Barbara Schwarzenbach, of Philadelphia’s Cloud Gehshan Associates. “Sometimes you drive through a town before you realize you missed it.”
The solution the consultants presented at Bristol’s borough hall Thursday evening starts with signs on roadways surrounding the towns that indicate their direction with arrows and list their distance in miles. Many of those would have to be discussed with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation because they would be set up on state roads.
The boroughs themselves would be dotted with different types of signs. Some, at the gateways, would simply list the name of the town.
Others signs would provide passersby with history, directions to shopping areas, cultural centers or other amenities. While the information would be different with each town, the signs would share the same feel. The colors would be different but the schemes would be the same.
“You want to create a new brand and support that brand,” said Adam Krom, a planner at Wallace Roberts & Todd LLC in Philadelphia.
Krom said the project could establish more than 100 signs between those set up in each town and those erected in their surrounding areas and along a byway that would link the four municipalities using Route 32, South Pennsylvania Avenue and, eventually, Farragut Avenue in Bristol.
“I don’t have any problem with the concept or the color schemes and I like what they’ve done,” said New Hope manager John Burke.
He worried, however, that New Hope already has a large number of signs on its narrow streets and that more could clutter the sight of the town.
“That’s something we’ll have to take a serious look at,” he said.
Landmark Towns obtained $100,000 in state funding plus $30,000 from the Bucks County Conference and Visitors Bureau to fund the consultants’ work, said Donna Boone, regional Main Street coordinator for Landmark Towns.
Preliminary plans are being presented in each town. The next presentation is scheduled for Feb. 10 in Morrisville. A final design should be completed by April. Boone said Landmark Towns is seeking out additional grants to begin phasing in the signs after the project receives the blessing of each town’s borough council.
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