Consolidation plan has support, critics

From the BCCT

As long as the plan doesn't turn out like this commentary from "Frazz"...

Consolidation plan has support, critics
Gov. Ed Rendell proposed studying whether the number of districts in Pennsylvania can be slashed from 501 to 100.
By GARY WECKSELBLATT

Ronald Stockham’s ancestors settled in Pennsylvania before William Penn.

A 10th-generation Morrisville resident, he has a historical perspective on the challenges faced by the tiny Morrisville School District of 831 students, which has tried to merge with neighboring Pennsbury.

The move may have gained steam this week when Gov. Ed Rendell proposed creating a commission to study whether the number of school districts in Pennsylvania can be slashed from 501 to 100.

“We need to find more effective ways to make education more efficient,” state Education Secretary Gerald Zahorchak said. “If you really study it, you can determine if there are savings to be gained.”

Stockham, 66 and a Morrisville attorney, is all for a merger with Pennsbury’s 11,064 student body.

“I support and applaud Gov. Rendell’s proposal,” he said. “It’s not efficient to keep throwing money for duplication and services. It’s about time ... long overdue.”

Back in 1933, when Stockham’s mother taught at Morrisville High School, the surrounding school districts of Fallsington, Lower Makefield and Yardley sent their high school students to Morrisville High on a tuition basis.

In the late 1950s, when Stockham attended Morrisville High, Pennsbury High School used Morrisville’s Robert Morris Athletic Field for its home football games and track meets.

“Both historical precedent and current economic conditions indicate that the Morrisville School District and Pennsbury School District should be entering into mutually beneficial arrangements as the right thing to do,” he said.

Back in the 1950s, when it was home to the second shopping center on the east coast, Morrisville had a strong economic base. At that time, Pennsbury sought a merger.

“They’ve been talking about this for decades,” said Mike Fitzpatrick, Morrisville’s solicitor. “It’s never had the support of both districts at the same time.”

Recently, Fitzpatrick has asked Pennsbury and other local districts to consider taking about 300 students in grades nine through 12 on a tuition basis.

Fitzpatrick called Rendell’s plan an affirmation of Morrisville’s recent actions and intent to partner with neighboring districts.

“The Commonwealth can be a partner to assist economically fragile districts by providing incentives for neighboring larger districts to partner with smaller ones.” he said.

Linda Palsky, a member of the Pennsbury School Board, said she’s “very interested” to hear more of Rendell’s plan because “some smaller school districts throughout the state could be better served” by merging.

“But my number one concern is the quality of education for Pennsbury students and the cost to taxpayers, especially as we approach some very, very difficult financial times.”

Rendell contends that fewer districts would mean less of a local tax burden on property owners by spreading the share of school costs over a larger number of people.

It’s been done before. Back in the 1960s, when the Commonwealth had more than 2,000 districts, the state ordered districts to consolidate.

Still, more than 40 percent of the state’s school districts enroll fewer than 2,000 students each, and more than 80 percent enroll fewer than 5,000.

“Almost everyone agrees that Pennsylvania has too many school districts,” Rendell said during Wednesday’s budget address. “This means that we have ever-increasing pressure to increase local property taxes.”

Locally, after Morrisville, Bristol Borough [1,193], New Hope Solebury [1,551], Palisades [1,990] and Upper Moreland [3,041] are the only districts with fewer than 5,000 students. The largest are Central Bucks [20,359], North Penn [12,772], and Pennsbury.

In 2007, Standard & Poor’s reported to the state’s Legislative Budget and Finance Committee on the cost-effectiveness of consolidating school districts. It estimated savings would be more likely if the combined enrollments were less than 3,000 students.

Palisades superintendent Francis Barnes, who previously held Zahorchak’s job, questioned whether consolidation actually saves the money it promises.

“It’s a noble goal, but I don’t understand how that would do it,” he said.

Tim Allwein, assistant executive director of the Pennsylvania School Boards Association, told The Associated Press his organi zation hopes to work with the commission but is not convinced that school district merg ers save large amounts of money

Stockham Strip Club Update

From BucksLocalNews.com

Council discusses strip club lawsuit
President says burlesque-style theater not in the mix for downtown
By Petra Chesner Schlatter, Posted on Wed, Jan 28, 2009

Morrisville Borough Council's executive session on Jan. 20 dealt with litigation regarding the constitutional right to operate a gentleman's club in Morrisville.

Todd Colarusso, a principal in the New Jersey-based Stockham Interests LLC, is suing the borough, claiming Morrisville zoning ordinances "impose restrictions and prohibitions on First Amendment protected expression."

Neither Colarusso nor his lawyer, Luke Lirot of Tampa, Fla., could be reached for comment.

The site of the club was proposed for Bridge Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in the ailing downtown business district.

The developer wants to put a burlesque-style theater in the . Other proposed uses in the building would be a health club and a restaurant. The Morrisville Zoning Hearing Board unanimously rejected Colarusso's application for a strip club in May 2008.

While adult entertainment use is not allowed in the commercial district, it is permitted in Morrisville's industrial zones.

According to James Downey, borough council solicitor, there are no state regulations or guidelines about how far away an adult entertainment establishment can be situated from a school or church.

The daughter of a local Baptist minister said at the hearing last year that youths would walk by the strip club on their way to and from school. Her father spoke out against adult entertainment in his church's neighborhood.

The pastor of the Catholic school quoted the Bible, stating a man "looks at a woman with lust, he has already committed adultery."

The borough's insurance company is handling the litigation. Initially, the borough filed a motion to dismiss the claim. The federal judge in Philadelphia threw out some of the claims, but let stand the First Amendment challenge.

Solicitor Downey said the normal approach is to take a matter like this to the Court of Common Pleas in Doylestown.

"They didn't do it - they took it straight to federal court," he emphasized.

Morrisville Borough Council President Nancy Sherlock said the Stockham Building is in the center of town. "Our hope was for the revitalization of Morrisville's downtown," she said. "I speak for myself at this time, but I believe it is the consensus of borough council that a burlesque establishment was not in that mix."

Since the 1970s, Sugar and Spice, a local strip club, has existed on South Pennsylvania Avenue, Sherlock noted.

"I think that we struggle with an image," she said. "A lot of people aren't familiar with the bright side of Morrisville. We have beautiful tree-lined streets.

"We have residents, who are very proud of their homes. They take care of their homes. There are many attractive homes in Morrisville," Sherlock noted.

The council president said an issue that needs to be addressed is the fact that a crossing guard stands at the intersection and crosses the children. "I know that Pastor [Gary] Taylor from the Baptist Church was adamant," Sherlock said. "It is close to his church and he said it would be detrimental to his church's members."

Sherlock said she could not comment specifically about the litigation. The matter is discussed in executive session because it is a legal matter.

"We will see what happens," she said.

Council Member Jane Burger explained the that zoning hearing board heard the request. "They denied it for several reasons," she said. "[The developer] failed to show hardship that they could not rent to tenants of any of the types of businesses allowed in the C-2 commercial district," Burger added.

Education Policy and Leadership Center

Thanks to the emailer to sent me this information on the Education Policy and Leadership Center at eplc.org. They have a look at Gov. Rendell's 2009-2010 budget from the education point of view.

There's links to other budgets going back to 2003-2004 and a lot of good info to check out.

Rendell wants to consolidate 400 PA school districts

From the Inquirer.

OK. Let's look at consolidations. There's a lot of benefits and drawbacks whichever way we choose to go.

Rendell wants to consolidate 400 PA school districts
By Dan Hardy and Kristen A. Graham Posted on Wed, Feb. 4, 2009

Gov. Rendell wants to slash the number of school districts statewide, eliminating about 400 of the current 501 Pennsylvania public school systems.

The controversial proposal would make a more efficient public education system, he said.

"There is nothing sacrosanct about the need to maintain 500 separate school districts across the state - each with its own staggering, and growing, administrative costs," the governor said in his budget address.

Rendell wants a legislative committee to study consolidation and return recommendations within a year.

The revelation came as Rendell proposed to increase Pennsylvania's public school funding by $265.3 million, a 2.8 increase over last year's budget. That's amid proposed cuts in many other state budget items.

"Even in these difficult times, we must not lose sight of the fact that every additional dollar we allocate to public education will benefit our children even as it helps relieve the burden of local property taxes," Rendell said in his budget address today.

Rendell also hopes to provide $550 million in tuition relief to Pennsylvania students who attend state-system schools or community colleges, an initiative he'd like to fund by legalizing video-poker machines at restaurants, private clubs and corner bars.

For basic education funding - the largest portion of the state education budget - the governor proposes an increase of $300 million.

The total proposed budget for public schools is $9.9 billion, which would make up 37 percent of the proposed $26.6 billion budget - the largest single item.

Special education funding would remain flat; money for charter schools and transportation would increase; most other programs would be cut.

Rendell also proposed relieving the burden of school taxes on local residents by drastically cutting the number of school districts, from 500 to no more than 100. A 12-member commission would develop a consolidation plan within a year, under his proposal, with the legislature voting on which of two proposals to accept. If it turned down both, the Department of Education would decide.

"Full-scale school consolidation provides a very effective way to relieve the local property tax burden all across Pennsylvania," Rendell told the legislature. "There is nothing sacrosanct about the need to maintain 500 separate schools districts across the state - each with its own staggering, and growing, administrative costs."

Last year, Rendell proposed to increase state education funding by $2.6 billion over six years to bring all school district up to the level at which they could provide an adequate education for their students. At the urging of the Rendell administration, the legislature enacted a new funding plan for public schools, based on a state study that established the cost of providing an adequate education for all students. The plan set a goal of ramping up basic education subsidies by enough so that within six years, every school district could provide an adequate education to its students.

Basic education funding was increased by $274 million for this school year, the largest dollar increase since 1991, as the first step toward that objective. The Rendell administration set a goal of increasing the subsidy by $2.6 billion by 2013-14.

The formula established a basic per-student payment, then adjusted it to take into account poverty, the number of limited education students, a district's size and its geographic location. Districts with high tax rates and low wealth received more.

To stay on track for delivering the $2.6 billion increase, Rendell had planned to increase basic education funding in this year's budget by $418 million.

The governor is proposing using the same funding formula this year, but, he said, "sadly, we can no longer afford this level of increase, though the need for this funding is no less compelling than before."

The Pennsylvania School Funding Campaign, a coalition of groups that pushed for state funding increases, said in a statement that it supports the governor's proposal.

"It is an important commitment in light of the current economic climate, cuts in other areas of the state budget, and education cuts in other states," said Ron Cowell, president of the Education Policy and Leadership Center and a member of the School Funding Campaign steering Committee.

Lawmakers take a look at spending plan

From the BCCT.

"Morrisville must be absorbed." "Resistance is futile." Pass it on.

Lawmakers take a look at spending plan
By GARY WECKSELBLATT

As he listened to Gov. Ed Rendell give his budget address Wednesday, state Rep. Scott Petri couldn’t help but think back to the old comedy team of Laurel and Hardy.

“Oh, boy, what a fine mess we’ve gotten ourselves into, Ollie,” Petri said from Harrisburg, where Rendell unveiled his $29 billion spending plan.

“I just don’t believe he cuts enough to get the job done,” said Petri, R-178. “We have to do what every household is doing right now, tighten our belts as much as we can. That’s not easy, but nothing can be excluded.”

Local legislators reacted to Rendell’s proposal, which comes at a time of a deepening economic recession that has left most states facing spending cuts and hoping for a federal monetary injection.

Pennsylvania is no different, expecting $2.4 billion in stimulus money from Washington to help overcome a shrinking economic base due to rising unemployment.

Among the highlights likely to spark debate:

Rendell would spend $130 million this year to shrink the cost of college education for students who attend the 14 public universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education or community colleges. For example, a student in a family making $60,000 a year would have tuition dropped from $12,010 to $4,750.

Funding the program could be problematic. Rendell suggests video poker games in bars, taverns, restaurants and private clubs — establishments with liquor licenses.

Rendell would cut $218 million, or 35 percent, for the Community and Economic Development Department that gives grants and aid to local governments, community organizations and businesses.

The governor is also suggesting eliminating 400 of the state’s 501 school districts to make public education more efficient.

While there would be no broad-based tax increases, the state cigarette tax would rise 10 cents a pack to $1.45.

There would be a tax on other tobacco products, including cigars, snuff and pipe tobacco — 36 cents an ounce for smokeless and loose tobacco and 36 cents per 10 cigars or cigarillos.

“He made a lot of very bold and courageous statements today,” said Sen. Chuck McIlhinney, R-10. “He put some stuff out there that’s very valuable and worth looking at.”

State Rep. John Galloway, a Democrat like Rendell, is all for the measure to merge districts. In Galloway’s 140th District is the Morrisville School District. Saddled with worn-out buildings and high taxes, the district has tried to be absorbed by neighboring Pennsbury.

“It’s an idea I fully support,” he said. “We could get down to 200 school districts and save taxpayers billions of dollars. It’s the smart way to go.”

Sate Rep. Paul Clymer, R-145, disagreed. “I’m opposed to it,” he said. “To be bigger is not always better. It would take away community pride. Teachers teach better when they’re in schools they’re accustomed to. I think students will get lost in this process. You lose a sense of history and pride and what you’re about as a community.”

McIlhinney wasn’t ready to commit. He said as Rendell spoke, “I tried to picture how it would work. Could we get to 100 school districts? I don’t know. Do we have some with 600 students that shouldn’t be there? Probably.”

Clymer, a critic of legalized gambling, reserved his real venom for Rendell’s plan to legalize video poker.

Citing 107,000 slot machines in Las Vegas that Pennsylvania can top under Rendell’s guidelines, Clymer said “he’s trying to turn us into Las Vegas. But we’re not a travel destination like Las Vegas. The people who gamble here are from here. The money we’re getting to feed this program is Pennsylvania money.”

Clymer lamented that gambling studies show it’s the poor and less educated who gamble. “Now you have the poor being lured into bars and taverns. The mixture of alcohol and gambling is lethal to begin with.”

A point seconded by Petri.

“In this economy do you want people to go to a bar and come home with no paycheck at all?” he asked. “And what does this do to the gaming industry that was supposed to give us property tax relief? And what does it do to the lottery fund (that pays for senior programs)?

“Every action has a consequence. This is over the top.”

While saying gambling is not a panacea, Galloway said the money should not be used for student aid. “I think it should be used for property taxes to directly affect the people in those municipalities (where the machines are located).

McIlhinney called the tuition plan “rather ambitious, but you can’t dismiss anything on day one. But as I’m sitting here now I’m leaning against it.”

Of cuts to local governments, Clymer said there’s going to be “universal pain. We have to balance the budget and work together as never before.”

Petri, a member of the Appropriations Committee, said in the coming weeks he’ll be “digging through every line item and looking for every savings and dollar I can find. We must expand the base of people who are employed. That’s what our mantra has to be.”

Said Galloway, “It’s my contention we should go even further and fundamentally change the way we do business here. I see this as an opportunity. This could be one of our better days in Harrisburg. We’ve taken our hits here, and rightfully so. Hopefully we’re up to the task.”

McIlhinney represents Falls, Lower Makefield, Morrisville, Tullytown, Newtown, Newtown Township, Upper Makefield, Yardley, 20 municipalities in Central and Upper Bucks, 2 Montgomery County communities. Petri’s district includes Northampton, Wrightstown, Ivyland, portions of Upper Makefield, Upper Southampton, Warwick. Galloway represents Bristol, Morrisville, Tullytown, Falls, 2 districts in Bristol Township, 1 district in Middletown. Clymer represents 14 municipalities in Upper Bucks.

Voters won’t be asked about tax limits

From the BCCT.

Voters won’t be asked about tax limits
Five districts are hoping state-authorized exemptions will allow them to exceed the property tax increase limit.
By JOAN HELLYER

School boards in Lower Bucks County will, once again, avoid asking voters for approval to raise property taxes above a pre-determined state limit for the next school year, district officials said.

The boards had until Jan. 29 to decide if voters’ approval to go above the limit would be needed during the May primary, according to the state’s property tax relief law.

Most districts are allowed to raise taxes 4.1 percent above their current millage rate, according to the state. Bristol’s index is 5.3 percent, and Bristol Township can raise taxes 5.2 percent without voter approval. The amount of increase allowable for each district is calculated by averaging the statewide average weekly wage with employment cost index data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, state officials said.

Local districts have not had to go to referendum since the tax relief law known as Act 1 went into effect in 2006. However, this year it was a close call for several districts struggling to cover projected expenses in the midst of the economic downturn.

To make ends meet, the Bensalem, Bristol, Centennial, Neshaminy and Pennsbury boards are considering a suggested tax increase that combines the district’s predetermined index rate with different exemptions.

The exemptions include expenses such as special education, health benefits and debt service costs incurred before Act 1 went into effect, officials said.

Bensalem, for instance, is asking the state for permission to claim exemptions for special education and health benefits. Those exemptions would push the district’s total tax increase to 6 percent of the current millage of 130.4 mills.

That equates to 7.77 mills and would mean the owner of the average property in the district would pay $170 more in taxes in 2009-10 should the board impose the maximum increase possible without voter approval.

As per Act 1, the five area districts looking to combine the index increase with exemptions have until mid February to adopt a preliminary budget specifying how they expect to cover 2009-10 costs.

The other three area boards, Bristol Township, Council Rock and Morrisville, have passed resolutions promising to keep any property tax increases for 2009-10 to the state-imposed limit.

Those school boards have until late May to adopt a preliminary budget. All districts have until June 30 to adopt their 2009-10 final budgets.

Parents criticize board in writing

From the BCCT.

Parents criticize board in writing
By MANASEE WAGH

Morrisville residents have written letters to school officials expressing fears for the district’s future.

“I demand to know what is in store for my children’s education and most importantly their proper safety?!” parent Tammi Bresnen wrote.

Five people responded to district solicitor Michael Fitzpatrick’s encouragement for additional written testimony after a Jan. 29 public hearing about the closing of M.R. Reiter Elementary School.

“It’s not a lot, but it’s not bad,” board member John Buckman said of the number of people who wrote.

Bresnen and other residents criticized the board for poor communication with the public.

“This board has shown time and time again that it does not act with a publicly discussed, debated, and enacted long-term strategic plan in place. It acts in fits and starts without an overarching goal,” wrote parent Kevin Leather.

The board plans to refurbish Grandview, the district’s other elementary school, and it’s investigating putting grades kindergarten through eight in the high school building. Leather called those two initiatives “opposing avenues of action.”

Resident Carol J. Bargery proposed renovating Reiter and selling Grandview. Morrisville could send grades kindergarten through eight to the high school and grades nine through 12 to Reiter, she wrote. The district should hold a public referendum before closing Reiter or any other building, she suggested.

About 250 students attend Morrisville Middle/Senior High School in grades nine through 12. Until a December furnace explosion, Reiter housed more than 250 students.

They are sharing space currently with other students in various district buildings for at least the rest of the school year. The explosion is not the sole rationale for closing the school. Board members had planned to close at least one elementary school in the district and use the money from its sale to renovate the district’s two other school buildings. The Reiter incident and an earlier evaluation of the building provided the board justification to pick Reiter for closing.

About 20 people expressed their opinions verbally at the public hearing. Then residents had until 3 p.m. on Feb. 2 to submit written opinions as part of the public hearing record.

Representatives from Vitetta, the engineering and architectural firm hired to evaluate the district schools, said at the public hearing that Reiter was in worse shape than Grandview Elementary. It has serious cracking in the walls and water seepage indoors.

“To fix that building doesn’t seem too probable at this point. Whatever the testimony’s saying, we have to look at the problems,” said Buckman. He said he sympathized with parents who expressed frustration with Reiter’s issues.

Morrisville is installing eight modular units on Grandview’s property this month to give some of the displaced students their own space. Bad weather has delayed the units’ installation, Superintendent Elizabeth Yonson said last week.

The district has reserved $7.4 million for renovations to the high school and one elementary school.

Vitetta is about to start the design phase of window and boiler renovations for the high school. The work shouldn’t cost more than $4.8 million, said district business administrator Paul DeAngelo.

Since Reiter may be closed, Grandview is next on the list to be renovated. Vitetta’s current estimate for fixing the smaller Grandview is $2.6 million. Resolving Reiter’s problems would cost about $4 million, according to the company.

The board can only make a decision about closing a school building 90 days after the public hearing, according to school code.

“Our board will come to a well thought out decision about what is best for our educational program, the children and the taxpayers and hopefully satisfy most of the community,” board President William Hellmann wrote in an e-mail exchange Tuesday.

Bargery hopes the board will be more candid about its thinking.

“Maybe if you would be more open and forthright with the community the community would reach out, and when Americans work together there is nothing we can’t do,” she wrote.

Special Education Compliance Monitoring Visit to MV

Thanks to the emailer for this information.

On February 23, 2009, William Riggar, Pennsylvania Department of Education, has scheduled a Special Education Compliance Monitoring at the Morrisville School District.

http://www.pattan.k12.pa.us/files/Memos/PennLink061308.pdf

The PDE has responsibility to ensure that all applicable Local Education Agencies provide services, education services and programs that are in compliance with applicable state and federal laws and regulations. In order to fulfill this responsibility, the Bureau of Special Education has established administrative procedures for monitoring of program implementation, include evaluating the appropriateness, effectiveness and accountability of special education services and programs.

I'll Use a Lifeline, Regis

From the BCCT.

Bang the drum. Again. And again. Why the tuitioning thing one more time?

The notion of the federal funding as a basis for the merger is foolish. This is an economic stimulus package, a one shot deal, not a promise of sustained funding. That's like buying a house on the basis of one year's tax refund. We tried that already. Look where it got us.

Let's say that the BCCT needs a lifeline. The Philadelphia Inquirer, which encircles the tiny Courier Times circulation area, has offered to accept the newsroom staff and the Courier Times will even pay the salary of this staff. Governor Rendell and the state legislature are smiling on the deal and offer some incentives as well. Everyone's having a warm fuzzy moment...What a neighborly thing to do!

Well? Why aren't you packing? Because it's not a good deal. Where's the gain for either newspaper?

It's not the greatest analogy. Then again, tuitioning out the students is not that great an idea either. What happens in a year, two, or three, when Pennsbury says there's no more room and Morrisville has no more room either? What happens when Pennsbury doubles the tuition cost at the end of the contract? That's the marketplace laws of supply and demand at work. A school system is pressured enough these days. It doesn't need the added pressure of uncertainty.

Merger? Let's talk. Tuitioning? NO.

Lifeline to a neighbor
Needing a helping hand
Could $4.2 million in stimulus funds working their way through Congress enable Morrisville high school students to attend Pennsbury?

If the U.S. House of Representatives prevails in Congress, the Pennsbury School District would receive an extra $3.5 million in stimulus grants over the next two years. The economically deprived Morrisville School District would receive $708,800.

The amount going to Morrisville schools would be like a Band-Aid, since the district needs millions and millions of dollars to renovate substandard schools at a time when its tax base has eroded. In near desperation, the school board is looking for options.

The board has appealed to Pennsbury, which encircles tiny Morrisville, to accept about 400 high school students on a paid tuition basis. That way, the more up-to-date borough high school could be turned into a consolidated K-8.

The remaining two schools would be closed and, hopefully, sold. But Pennsbury says it has no room for the high school students.

Given the promise of new federal funding, coupled with the borough’s willingness to pay tuition for its students to attend Pennsbury High School, we hope Pennsbury officials consider ways to help Morrisville. It’s the neighborly thing to do.

Board Transparency

From schoolboardtransparency.org

This is the work of Sunshine Review, a coalition of organizations committed to open records and transparency in government. Earlier this month it published an online assessment of how Pennsylvania school websites rate by various transparency standards.

How did Morrisville do?

The Good
* The current budget is published.
* The names of all school board members and contact information for seven out of nine members are available.
* The names and contact information for all administrative officials are published.
* School board meeting minutes, agendas, and schedules are posted.
* Information on public records is provided.

The Bad
* There is no information on audits, lobbying, background checks, academic performance, contracts, and taxes.
* Contact information for two out of nine school board members is not available.

[NOTE: Bill Farrell and Jack Buckman do not have email addresses listed because they do not use email. They should have email addresses that point to a central location so that mail to them can be printed and included in their packets. It's OK that they do not have email. It's not OK that they are potentially out of touch.]

Pennsylvania Budget Pains

From the BCCT.

Pa. shortfall promises big test for gov, lawmakers
The Associated Press

As the nation's economy was plodding to a halt and layoffs were accelerating last summer, Pennsylvania state government's budget shortfall was already growing.

It started in May, when the state recorded its first of what is now nine consecutive monthly shortfalls, and is now so large that it begs comparison to the handful of budget crises that rank as the worst of the past 40 years.

And it promises to entangle Gov. Ed Rendell and state legislators in a protracted battle that is certain to stretch into the summer and possibly into the campaigns for the 2010 elections.

While the Democratic governor and legislative leaders of both parties are pledging to work together in a bipartisan way and erase the shortfall without a major tax increase, some observers question whether they grasp the full extent of the problem or the difficult steps that will have to be taken.

"This was created by an economic storm that is sweeping across the state and nation," said Michael L. Young, who studies Pennsylvania state government and runs a Harrisburg-based opinion research firm. "This one is big time. This one is the real thing."

The budget gap has rocketed to Topic No. 1 on an agenda already choked with unresolved issues: crumbling highways and bridges, a growing number of uninsured and skyrocketing electric bills.

Sensitive decisions over who will pay more and who will get less are likely to expose political fissures, as well as divisions between a second-term governor who leaves office in less than two years and legislators with their own political futures to consider.

Rendell and legislators didn't help themselves last summer when they approved a $28.3 billion budget that increased spending by 4 percent and relied on more than $550 million from one-time sources to prop up spending _ even as some lawmakers and senior staff quietly predicted a shortfall of a billion dollars or more.

Rendell now projects that revenues will lag $2.3 billion _ or nearly 8 percent _ behind expectations when this fiscal year ends on June 30. Maintaining the same services and subsidies in the 2009-10 fiscal year would create an even bigger shortfall after inflation is figured in, Rendell and legislators predict.

So far, Rendell has sought to freeze $500 million in spending and has threatened to lay off state employees unless he gets money-saving concessions from labor unions.

On Wednesday, when he presents his 2009-10 budget to a joint session of the state Senate and House of Representatives, Rendell is expected to lay out his vision for how state operations should make the painful adjustment to the national recession.

The governor is expected to proposed shrinking or eliminating programs. He will scour state accounts for reserves. And he is looking to tax previously untaxed activities, such as sales of chewing tobacco and cigars and the production of natural gas.

All of this has legislators and others recalling the shortfalls of 1991, 1977 and 1971, when budgets were passed with massive tax increases only after events such as long stalemates, high-stakes court challenges, melees on the House floor and state employees going unpaid or getting laid off.

"I think clearly it's going to be one of the biggest challenges we've faced in Harrisburg in a number of years," said Allegheny County Sen. Jay Costa, the ranking Democrat on the Appropriations Committee.

The 1991 budget battle is stuck in the memories of many in the Capitol.

In December 1990, then-Gov. Robert P. Casey's budget director, Michael Hershock, announced that the state was staring at a $1 billion shortfall. However, he dismissed the need for a major tax increase.

Less than two months later, Casey proposed $1.7 billion in tax increases. In August 1991, Casey signed a budget with $3.3 billion in new taxes.

Barbara Hafer, who was the state's auditor general and the unsuccessful Republican challenger to Casey's re-election in 1990, said the solution was as bad as the problem.

Legislators, she said, held the budget hostage by demanding money for their pet projects before they would vote for a tax package that they viewed as a political risk.

This time around, legislative leaders must exercise fiscal discipline, said Hafer, who later was elected as state treasurer.

"What is it going to take to pass that budget? That's the question you have to ask," Hafer said last week. "Legislators say, 'I need something to run on. I need (money for) my bridge, my street, my school district, my Little League, my baseball field, my fire department' and that becomes expensive."

In 1971, legislators finally closed a massive shortfall by passing the state's first income tax after a budget impasse that lasted more than a year.

Young warned of a repeat. Legislators may pull out all the stops this year to avoid a broad-based tax increase _ only to find that a still-worsening economy leaves them with no choice in 2010, just months before voters elect a new governor and nine out of 10 legislators, Young said.

"The prospect of a major tax increase in a major gubernatorial year is almost beyond imaginable," Young said. "This is a doomsday scenario that we may see."

If they wonder whether to vote for a major tax increase, legislators can consider this: Research by Young and Franklin & Marshall College pollster G. Terry Madonna found that voters are unlikely to take revenge on legislators because they supported a tax increase.

Re-election rates reached above 95 percent in the elections following tax increases in 1983 and 1991 _ leading Madonna and Young to call it the "great tax vote myth."

Elementary School Blues

A shout out to all our elementary school teachers, courtesy of Adam @ Home.

Not out of the woods in PA state taxes

From forbes.com

Imagine if Morrisville could somehow tack on a tiny little one penny tax per pack on all the tobacco that goes through our little borough.

Pa. gov says he wants dime-a-pack cigarette tax
By MARK SCOLFORO , 01.30.09, 01:44 PM EST

Cigarette smokers in Pennsylvania could soon be paying a dime a pack more as part of Gov. Ed Rendell's plan to balance the state budget.

Rendell revealed the idea and other details of his coming budget proposal during a conference call Thursday with about a dozen reporters at medium-sized newspapers around the state. He also has been conducting TV news interviews in advance of Wednesday's budget address.

The current cigarette tax is $1.35, and the additional levy should raise about $50 million a year. The governor said he also favors $50 million in taxes on smokeless tobacco and cigars, which are not currently taxed.

Rendell plans to seek $150 million a year in new taxes on the extraction of natural gas from the Marcellus Shale rock formation.

He will again push for a plan, known as the "pharmacy carve-out," to have the state reap savings in its various health care programs by directly purchasing pharmaceuticals from drug companies. The idea has previously stalled in the Legislature.

And he told the reporters the General Assembly should dedicate its entire $200 million surplus to the budget. That was a change from last week, when Rendell said the figure should be $175 million.

"Families are hurting and everyone needs to pitch in," Rendell said. "I will not be sympathetic to lobbyists and campaign contributors."
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He noted the state faces an increasing unemployment rate and has a growing waiting list for subsidized adult health insurance.

The most recent estimates say current fiscal year revenue collections will end up $2.3 billion below projections, and that billions more will be needed to balance next year's spending plan.

"We can't tell Pennsylvanians that they're out of luck and on their own," he said. "We have $2.3 billion in red ink this year and there's more to come next year. This is something no Band-Aid can fix."

The governor says he expects to cut 100 of the state budget's 750 line items, including funding for anti-drug education, health literacy and a summer program for artistically and academically talented high school students.

Rendell spokesman Barry Ciccocioppo said Friday that some of those programs may not be permanently eliminated.

"He hopes that when the economy picks up that some of the line items that he'll propose eliminating on Wednesday will be restored," Ciccocioppo said.

The governor said the state appears likely to get about $7.6 billion from the federal stimulus package being negotiated in Congress. That would include $4 billion for health care, $2.4 billion for education and $1.2 billion for infrastructure, he said.

Rendell declined to disclose his proposed total budget for 2009-10; the current year's general fund budget is $28.3 billion.

In his budget address, Rendell is expected to specify how much of the $750 million "rainy day" contingency fund he wants to draw down this year and next. He may also delve further into the topic of state workers' furloughs or layoffs.

Earlier this week, his aides formally notified public employees' unions that furloughs could begin in a month. The administration also wants to draw nearly $200 million from a reserve in the state workers' health plan. The governor also recently announced that as many as 2,000 state jobs could be cut.

A lively first month for Pa. Open Records Office

From pennlive.com

Has anyone had any experiences with either the school board or the borough with the new open records law that they would like to share?

A lively first month for Pa. Open Records Office
1/31/2009, 12:33 p.m. EST By PETER JACKSON, The Associated Press

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Pennsylvania's fledgling Office of Open Records, defender of the public's interest in a transparent government, turns one month old this weekend.

It's been an interesting start.

Inmates at state prisons have written to the agency under the mistaken impression that it can help them obtain records that prove their innocence.

A man planning a tribute to the "Marlboro Man" of cigarette advertising fame was convinced there are Pennsylvania records that would help his cause and appealed to the office for assistance.

"We had people who've asked us if they can get the address of an old high-school buddy," said Terry Mutchler, the reporter-turned-lawyer who is the agency's director.

Of course, the office itself is not a record repository, but rather the agency that enforces the newly expanded state Right-to-Know Law and settles disputes over records scattered throughout state and local governments.

In the months and years ahead, after it finishes hiring its seven or eight staff lawyers and becomes fully operational, the office's appellate rulings will be instrumental in fine-tuning the boundaries of that law.

In the meantime, the staff spends a lot of time answering dozens of e-mails and phone calls that arrive daily from citizens, journalists and government officials.

It also has to weed out "appeals" that lack legitimate grounds. For example, the law allows agencies a specific time frame to respond to records requests, and some people have tried to appeal before the end of that period.

"There's a lot of confusion here at the beginning," Mutchler said.

More than two dozen legitimate appeals are pending, most of them filed by citizens whose requests for records have been denied by local agencies.

The office also issues nonbinding "advisory opinions" on specific questions.

For example, the Pennsylvania Recorder of Deeds Association questioned whether the law even applies to its members, who maintain real-estate records in each of the 67 counties, and, if so, whether they must comply with the 25-cents-a-page limit that the Office of Open Records has imposed on photocopying fees.

In her opinion, Mutchler noted that recorders of deeds are listed in the state constitution's definition of "county officers" and, therefore, covered by the law.

However, because other laws trump the Right-to-Know Law in the event of conflicts, the recorders may continue charging 50 cents per page because the state Judicial Code permits it, she said.

In a pending request from Allegheny County, the borough council of Franklin Park asked Mutchler whether tape recordings of council meetings that the borough secretary uses in compiling minutes of the meeting are considered public records under the Right-to-Know Law.

"The borough needs to know whether it is proper to continue to maintain the recordings only for the short amount of time needed to create the written minutes or if it needs to undertake a new practice of storing the tapes and making them available for the long term," wrote borough solicitor Robert Max Junker.

A request from Franklin County suggests that a number of elected county offices — district attorneys, sheriffs, registers of wills, clerks of court and prothonotaries among them — should be treated as "judicial agencies."

Using that interpretation, affected agencies could withhold all but financial records, instead of having to comply with the much broader disclosure requirements that apply to nonjudicial agencies.

The county solicitor cited state law and a Commonwealth Court ruling to buttress his argument that the offices in question should be considered part of the state's unified judicial system.

Mutchler said she hopes to issue an opinion in that case next week.

"We're overworked already," she said.

What Were They Thinking?

Thanks to the emailer for the answer.

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.

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.

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.”

Updates from the Closure Hearing

Any news from the M. R. Reiter closure hearing?

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.

News From the January Business Meeting?

Any news to share?

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.”

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

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.

When Would I Use Math?

Everyday? Thanks to Luann for showing us how.

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.

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?

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.