From the Inquirer.
Pa. governor keeps '04 World Series promise to boy
The Associated Press Posted on Mon, Oct. 27, 2008
PHILADELPHIA - Jake Lancianese is a 10-year-old who knows the two things you need when calling in a promise from a politician: a good memory and rock-solid documentation.
That's how the fifth-grader from Aston got to attend Game 4 of the World Series with Gov. Ed Rendell on Sunday.
Rendell visited Hilltop Elementary School in 2004, when Jake was in first grade, and asked students why early childhood education was important. What would happen, he asked, if a strong building was built on a weak foundation?
Jake raised his hand. "It would fall down."
Rendell told the boy he was right, and added that the next time the Phillies made it to the World Series he would get him a ticket.
The governor promptly forgot. Not Jake.
When the Phillies took a two-game lead on the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National Division Championship Series earlier this month, Jake composed a letter to Rendell , in cursive. That's how you write to a governor, he said.
"Well, it took us four years, but we're almost there," he wrote. "I was hoping you'd still be the governor when they made it and lucky for me you are."
The 4-foot-9, 80-pound first baseman included his baseball card from last summer at the Phillies Baseball Academy and a copy of an article in the Delaware County Daily Times about Rendell's visit to his school.
Jake highlighted the lines about the Phillies ticket.
After receiving the boy's letter , sent by certified mail , Rendell told his wife, Midge, an appellate court judge, that they'd be attending the game with a guest.
"I got the letter (and) it blew me away," Rendell said. "What blew me away was first of all, he remembered. Secondly, he was a such a great Phillies fan. And thirdly, he did such a great job in building his case."
Rendell called the package "a better presentation than I get from members of my own staff when making a point, or lawyers making a case."
From their seats 23 rows behind the visitor's dugout, the Rendells, Jake and his father, Pat, a third-shift Amtrak maintenance foreman, watched the Phillies rout the Rays 10-2.
Jake wore his Phillies cap and hooded sweat shirt, and brought his mitt in case of foul balls. A politician's promise was fulfilled.
"I thought I had a pretty good chance of getting the ticket," Jake said, "because he's a pretty good guy."
Rendell said: "I always believe with young people, you have to reward boldness. Any kid who has guts to do that and build a case so carefully, I had no choice. It was such a remarkable thing."
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Steil describes bill to end teacher strikes
From the BCCT.
Steil describes bill to end teacher strikes
By MANASEE WAGH
Bucks County Courier Times
Parents and teachers recently listened to state Rep. Dave Steil describe the workings of a bill to end teacher strikes.
Strike-Free Education Act House Bill 1369, if passed by the state Legislature, would make strikes illegal and add several mediation steps to the bargaining process between teachers unions and school districts. If those steps still result in a stalemate, the new law ultimately would require four negotiating sessions a month until an agreement is reached. It would make each step of the process transparent to the public.
Steil, R-31, plans to retire shortly. He urged listeners to ask their state representatives to support the bill.
“It happens when a mass of people get behind it and say, "We want this done,' ” he said.
The meeting last week at the Yardley Community Center and attended by about 35 people who wanted to know more about the legislation, was organized by local teacher strikes opponent Simon Campbell of Lower Makefield.
Jill Basile, the parent of a child in the Souderton School District, also spoke at the meeting.
The Souderton district was shut down recently for 13 school days during a strike. Basile's anger propelled her into action, she said. She made fliers, called the local media and is meeting with local politicians to garner more support for strike-free legislation.
Lower Makefield resident Rafe Schach thought it would be good for Pennsylvania to study the contract negotiation practices of the 37 states that already make teacher strikes illegal. Shach's children go to private school but he is interested in ending strikes, he said.
Campbell's concern with ending strikes began after Pennsbury School District teachers went on strike for 21 days during a contract dispute in 2005. He organized StopTeacherStrikes.com, a group of parents and teachers who support the strike-free bill.
“A private organization should not have the right to shut down a public learning facility,” said Campbell at the meeting.
Pennsbury teachers union vice president Michelle Marcinkus attended the first half-hour of the meeting. She said she wanted to see how many interested people would show up.
Steil describes bill to end teacher strikes
By MANASEE WAGH
Bucks County Courier Times
Parents and teachers recently listened to state Rep. Dave Steil describe the workings of a bill to end teacher strikes.
Strike-Free Education Act House Bill 1369, if passed by the state Legislature, would make strikes illegal and add several mediation steps to the bargaining process between teachers unions and school districts. If those steps still result in a stalemate, the new law ultimately would require four negotiating sessions a month until an agreement is reached. It would make each step of the process transparent to the public.
Steil, R-31, plans to retire shortly. He urged listeners to ask their state representatives to support the bill.
“It happens when a mass of people get behind it and say, "We want this done,' ” he said.
The meeting last week at the Yardley Community Center and attended by about 35 people who wanted to know more about the legislation, was organized by local teacher strikes opponent Simon Campbell of Lower Makefield.
Jill Basile, the parent of a child in the Souderton School District, also spoke at the meeting.
The Souderton district was shut down recently for 13 school days during a strike. Basile's anger propelled her into action, she said. She made fliers, called the local media and is meeting with local politicians to garner more support for strike-free legislation.
Lower Makefield resident Rafe Schach thought it would be good for Pennsylvania to study the contract negotiation practices of the 37 states that already make teacher strikes illegal. Shach's children go to private school but he is interested in ending strikes, he said.
Campbell's concern with ending strikes began after Pennsbury School District teachers went on strike for 21 days during a contract dispute in 2005. He organized StopTeacherStrikes.com, a group of parents and teachers who support the strike-free bill.
“A private organization should not have the right to shut down a public learning facility,” said Campbell at the meeting.
Pennsbury teachers union vice president Michelle Marcinkus attended the first half-hour of the meeting. She said she wanted to see how many interested people would show up.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Special Meeting Reminder
From the BCCT.
FOR SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
NOTICE, it is hereby given that the Morrisville Borough School District Board of School Directors shall hold a special meeting on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the LGI Room at the School District's Middle/Senior High School, 550 West Palmer Street, Morrisville, Pennsylvania. The purpose of the special meeting is to appoint a Business Manager, review and consider the award of electrical bids, and any other business that comes before the board.
Marlys Mihok, Secretary
Appeared in: Bucks County Courier Times on Sunday, 10/26/2008
FOR SPECIAL SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
NOTICE, it is hereby given that the Morrisville Borough School District Board of School Directors shall hold a special meeting on Wednesday, October 29, 2008 beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the LGI Room at the School District's Middle/Senior High School, 550 West Palmer Street, Morrisville, Pennsylvania. The purpose of the special meeting is to appoint a Business Manager, review and consider the award of electrical bids, and any other business that comes before the board.
Marlys Mihok, Secretary
Appeared in: Bucks County Courier Times on Sunday, 10/26/2008
School-Business Chemistry in Bristol Township
From the BCCT.
Experimental education
By JOHN ANASTASI
Staff Writer
Scientists at Rhodia’s Bristol Township research and development center took a “chemistry is cool” message and some hands-on experiments to four elementary schools in Lower Bucks and Burlington counties last week.
Reaching out to young people is vital at a time when schools are churning out fewer American scientists and the country is “losing its intellectual property prowess” through expiring patents, said John Cherkauskas Jr., vice president of research and development at the Bristol Township facility.
“Of the scientists training in the United States, my feeling is that a third to half of them are from other countries,” Cherkauskas said, referring to postgraduate training. “The more interesting we make science to students, the better off it is.”
As part of National Chemistry Week, 20 scientists visited Snyder-Girotti Elementary School in Bristol, Lafayette Elementary School in Bristol Township, Fountain Woods Elementary School in the Burlington Township School District and St. Paul’s School in Burlington.
“We try to promote science on both sides of the river,” Cherkauskas said.
Headquartered in France, Rhodia has a presence in 25 countries. Its North American headquarters is in Middlesex County, N.J. Rhodia boasts a diverse portfolio of chemicals used in everything from automobiles and electronics to home care and health and beauty products.
Its market diversity has helped the company weather financial troubles in certain industries, while its far-reaching geographic footprint has helped insulate it from economic slowdowns in certain counties. But it also came with a drawback.
“We were more diverse, but that made it difficult for Wall Street to understand our strategy,” said Cherkauskas, who added that realization prompted the company to pull back and sharpen its focus.
The company sold off some of its business and, in 2005, moved its research and development activity to a smaller property that had previously belonged to Rohm and Haas in Bristol Township.
There Rhodia and about 140 of its permanent and temporary research and development employees worked on several key products segments.
The company produces chemicals used in personal care products like body washes. It also makes a pesticide additive that helps the liquid coat a surface rather than bounce off, a chemical that makes paint easier to apply and a product used in automobile catalytic converters.
“Chemistry is important in everything we do,” Cherkauskas said of society. “We need to instill awareness of the importance of chemistry and show chemistry in a positive light. That can stimulate young people to a career.”
Kati Bryson, sixth-grade teacher at Lafayette Elementary School, said that after Rhodia’s scientists appeared at the Bristol Township school during last year’s National Chemistry Week she noticed that the students seemed more excited about the possibility of a career in science after taking part in some experiments.
“I think their eyes were opened,” said Bryson. “I think it’s a wonderful program. … It lets the kids meet scientists and know they are real people. It gives them a good impression of scientists.”
Experimental education
By JOHN ANASTASI
Staff Writer
Scientists at Rhodia’s Bristol Township research and development center took a “chemistry is cool” message and some hands-on experiments to four elementary schools in Lower Bucks and Burlington counties last week.
Reaching out to young people is vital at a time when schools are churning out fewer American scientists and the country is “losing its intellectual property prowess” through expiring patents, said John Cherkauskas Jr., vice president of research and development at the Bristol Township facility.
“Of the scientists training in the United States, my feeling is that a third to half of them are from other countries,” Cherkauskas said, referring to postgraduate training. “The more interesting we make science to students, the better off it is.”
As part of National Chemistry Week, 20 scientists visited Snyder-Girotti Elementary School in Bristol, Lafayette Elementary School in Bristol Township, Fountain Woods Elementary School in the Burlington Township School District and St. Paul’s School in Burlington.
“We try to promote science on both sides of the river,” Cherkauskas said.
Headquartered in France, Rhodia has a presence in 25 countries. Its North American headquarters is in Middlesex County, N.J. Rhodia boasts a diverse portfolio of chemicals used in everything from automobiles and electronics to home care and health and beauty products.
Its market diversity has helped the company weather financial troubles in certain industries, while its far-reaching geographic footprint has helped insulate it from economic slowdowns in certain counties. But it also came with a drawback.
“We were more diverse, but that made it difficult for Wall Street to understand our strategy,” said Cherkauskas, who added that realization prompted the company to pull back and sharpen its focus.
The company sold off some of its business and, in 2005, moved its research and development activity to a smaller property that had previously belonged to Rohm and Haas in Bristol Township.
There Rhodia and about 140 of its permanent and temporary research and development employees worked on several key products segments.
The company produces chemicals used in personal care products like body washes. It also makes a pesticide additive that helps the liquid coat a surface rather than bounce off, a chemical that makes paint easier to apply and a product used in automobile catalytic converters.
“Chemistry is important in everything we do,” Cherkauskas said of society. “We need to instill awareness of the importance of chemistry and show chemistry in a positive light. That can stimulate young people to a career.”
Kati Bryson, sixth-grade teacher at Lafayette Elementary School, said that after Rhodia’s scientists appeared at the Bristol Township school during last year’s National Chemistry Week she noticed that the students seemed more excited about the possibility of a career in science after taking part in some experiments.
“I think their eyes were opened,” said Bryson. “I think it’s a wonderful program. … It lets the kids meet scientists and know they are real people. It gives them a good impression of scientists.”
Sunday, October 26, 2008
Borough Council Recap
From the BCCT
PUBLIC MEETING WRAP
Morrisville Council
215-295-8181
When: Monday, Oct. 20
Issue: Nominate Edward Albertson to fill council vacancy.
Vote: Approved 4-3 by Jane Burger, Eileen Dreisbach, Rita Ledger and Stephen Worob. Nancy Sherlock, Kathryn Panzitta and David Rivella voted to nominate Fred Kerner.
Issue: Appoint Albertson to the council.
Vote: Approved 7-0.
Issue: Accept Aug. 18 meeting minutes.
Vote: Approved 7-0.
Issue: Pay bills; acknowledge receipt of $64,835.24 from Department of the Auditor General and distribute 100 percent to the Morrisville Fire Co.; award the 2008-09 consortium salt bid; pay $172,402.10 for curb and sidewalk project; pay $79,005.01 for median island and traffic signal installation project; approve change order for curb and sidewalk project and library boiler replacement; pay $8,892 for boiler replacement project; award bid for storm sewer construction to L.C. Costa Contractors for $30,700; award contract for library slate roof repairs to Alper Enterprises for $2,700.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Issue: Acknowledge 2009 community development block grant application for the Morrisville Library air conditioning installation for $194,500; accept state Department of Community and Economic Development grant for $44,500 for an emergency generator for borough hall.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Issue: Appoint Lillian Piscopo to the recreation board.
Vote: Approved 6-1-1. Ledger voted no. Albertson abstained.
Issue: Appoint Patricia Brofman to the recreation board.
Vote: Approved 5-2-1. Ledger and Panzitta voted no. Albertson abstained.
Issue: Approve 2008 Halloween policy; appoint borough manager George Mount as the borough’s open records officer; set an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission policy; accept resignation of Andy Thompson from the Landmark Towns of Bucks County steering committee.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Issue: Deny the preliminary plan for Penn Jersey Real Properties because applicant withdrew plans.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Issue: Authorize borough manager to submit grant to DCED in the amount of $5,000 for replacement handguns for the borough police department.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Issue: Advertise rental registration ordinance.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
PUBLIC MEETING WRAP
Morrisville Council
215-295-8181
When: Monday, Oct. 20
Issue: Nominate Edward Albertson to fill council vacancy.
Vote: Approved 4-3 by Jane Burger, Eileen Dreisbach, Rita Ledger and Stephen Worob. Nancy Sherlock, Kathryn Panzitta and David Rivella voted to nominate Fred Kerner.
Issue: Appoint Albertson to the council.
Vote: Approved 7-0.
Issue: Accept Aug. 18 meeting minutes.
Vote: Approved 7-0.
Issue: Pay bills; acknowledge receipt of $64,835.24 from Department of the Auditor General and distribute 100 percent to the Morrisville Fire Co.; award the 2008-09 consortium salt bid; pay $172,402.10 for curb and sidewalk project; pay $79,005.01 for median island and traffic signal installation project; approve change order for curb and sidewalk project and library boiler replacement; pay $8,892 for boiler replacement project; award bid for storm sewer construction to L.C. Costa Contractors for $30,700; award contract for library slate roof repairs to Alper Enterprises for $2,700.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Issue: Acknowledge 2009 community development block grant application for the Morrisville Library air conditioning installation for $194,500; accept state Department of Community and Economic Development grant for $44,500 for an emergency generator for borough hall.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Issue: Appoint Lillian Piscopo to the recreation board.
Vote: Approved 6-1-1. Ledger voted no. Albertson abstained.
Issue: Appoint Patricia Brofman to the recreation board.
Vote: Approved 5-2-1. Ledger and Panzitta voted no. Albertson abstained.
Issue: Approve 2008 Halloween policy; appoint borough manager George Mount as the borough’s open records officer; set an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission policy; accept resignation of Andy Thompson from the Landmark Towns of Bucks County steering committee.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Issue: Deny the preliminary plan for Penn Jersey Real Properties because applicant withdrew plans.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Issue: Authorize borough manager to submit grant to DCED in the amount of $5,000 for replacement handguns for the borough police department.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Issue: Advertise rental registration ordinance.
Vote: Approved unanimously.
Will Pa. graduation exams improve public education?
A press release from the Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Will Pa. graduation exams improve public education?
Gov. Rendell has been pushing the idea of a statewide graduation requirement that all students pass a test (his latest gives one of four options) before graduating. Rendell's plans are taking heat from both lawmakers and education interest groups.
Almost half (47 percent) of Pennsylvania's 11th-grade students don't meet proficiency standards on the PSSA in math, while 35 percent underachieve in reading. Yet, most of these students graduate anyway. The Commonwealth Foundation's examination of student performance results -- given that the state's standards are far below the national standards -- indicates that our public schools are worse than we thought they were.
So is a graduation exam the answer?
Some think that graduation rates are already too low in Pennsylvania (only 60 percent of black males graduate, according to one analysis). Others think too many graduate when they aren't adequately prepared. Last year, 23 states (representing 64 percent of students) had some sort of graduation exam. And at least one study shows that graduation exams do not reduce graduation rates -- though some question whether the exams are meaningful at all.
We don't have any problem with high-stakes testing. After all, "teaching to the test" isn't a problem, if a test adequately measures what children should have learned. But is the State Board of Education the proper entity to create the test?
On the one hand, we like the idea of local control, rather than standards set by a state bureaucracy. On the other hand, it is clear that local government isn't always committed to excellence - see, for instance, the Pittsburgh School District's decision to make 50 percent the lowest possible score on any test.
One thing is certain: Pennsylvania has a long way to go to improve the quality of our public education system, and as our recent experience has shown, simply spending more isn't going to improve the quality of our schools.
Instead, Pennsylvania could look to Florida, which implemented high academic standards and tests, held schools and students accountable, ended social promotion (both before graduation and at earlier grades), and offered an array of school-choice options for families.
Will a graduation exam requirement improve our schools? If so, who should craft it? If not, what should the state do to improve its public schools?
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Will Pa. graduation exams improve public education?
Gov. Rendell has been pushing the idea of a statewide graduation requirement that all students pass a test (his latest gives one of four options) before graduating. Rendell's plans are taking heat from both lawmakers and education interest groups.
Almost half (47 percent) of Pennsylvania's 11th-grade students don't meet proficiency standards on the PSSA in math, while 35 percent underachieve in reading. Yet, most of these students graduate anyway. The Commonwealth Foundation's examination of student performance results -- given that the state's standards are far below the national standards -- indicates that our public schools are worse than we thought they were.
So is a graduation exam the answer?
Some think that graduation rates are already too low in Pennsylvania (only 60 percent of black males graduate, according to one analysis). Others think too many graduate when they aren't adequately prepared. Last year, 23 states (representing 64 percent of students) had some sort of graduation exam. And at least one study shows that graduation exams do not reduce graduation rates -- though some question whether the exams are meaningful at all.
We don't have any problem with high-stakes testing. After all, "teaching to the test" isn't a problem, if a test adequately measures what children should have learned. But is the State Board of Education the proper entity to create the test?
On the one hand, we like the idea of local control, rather than standards set by a state bureaucracy. On the other hand, it is clear that local government isn't always committed to excellence - see, for instance, the Pittsburgh School District's decision to make 50 percent the lowest possible score on any test.
One thing is certain: Pennsylvania has a long way to go to improve the quality of our public education system, and as our recent experience has shown, simply spending more isn't going to improve the quality of our schools.
Instead, Pennsylvania could look to Florida, which implemented high academic standards and tests, held schools and students accountable, ended social promotion (both before graduation and at earlier grades), and offered an array of school-choice options for families.
Will a graduation exam requirement improve our schools? If so, who should craft it? If not, what should the state do to improve its public schools?
SchoolBoardTransparency.org: Transparency in Teacher Strikes and Negotiations
A press release from the Commonwealth Foundation for Public Policy Alternatives
10/23/08
Pennsylvania school boards get a hand-up
#1 in the nation for teacher strikes
Today, the Commonwealth Foundation announced the launch of a new project engaging in an effort to provide greater transparency in negotiations between school boards and labor unions.
As part of a year-long campaign to provide greater transparency in school district labor negotiations, the Commonwealth Foundation has unveiled a new website and blog, SchoolBoardTransparency.org. SchoolBoardTransparency.org will offer insight and advice in the labor negotiations process for school boards and citizens. The site will provide regular posts on issues, news, and best practices in school district labor negotiations, and allows users to comment and create posts on a moderated blog.
The project will also include a "how-to" manual for school board members looking to provide greater transparency during union negotiations and a resource for media covering public school labor negotiations. The guides will provide the important questions to ask and explain the key issues typically involved in labor negotiation contracts.
Fred D. Baldwin, a school board member of the Carlisle Area School District in Pennsylvania for 14 years and board president for 12 years, is spearheading the project. "Bringing transparency to the board-union bargaining process would encourage both boards and unions to make more realistic proposals," Mr. Baldwin said. "When both sides tell the public what they're proposing and why, the result will be fewer misleading rumors, shorter bargaining periods and fewer teacher strikes. This doesn't require changing the law, just school boards acting on the principle of 'no taxation without information.'"
"The frequency of teacher strikes and long-unresolved labor negotiations in Pennsylvania is partly the result of a lack of openness and public understanding of the underlying issues," said Matthew Brouillette, president of the Commonwealth Foundation and a former teacher and public school board member. "Transparency in the negotiation process is crucial if we are seriously committed to improving education and safeguarding taxpayers."
Transparent school labor negotiations and openness in how school districts spend taxpayer money will provide for a more informed debate during contract negotiations, teacher strikes, and school budget discussions. The Commonwealth Foundation's goal is to ensure that citizens have the tools they need to evaluate how their property taxes are spent and to decide on future property tax increases. More transparency in labor negotiations will also make sure the public has adequate information to help school boards and unions set spending priorities during contract negotiations and their annual budget setting.
# # #
The Commonwealth Foundation (www.CommonwealthFoundation.org) is an independent, non-profit public policy research and educational institute based in Harrisburg, PA. For more, visit SchoolBoardTransparency.org.
10/23/08
Pennsylvania school boards get a hand-up
#1 in the nation for teacher strikes
Today, the Commonwealth Foundation announced the launch of a new project engaging in an effort to provide greater transparency in negotiations between school boards and labor unions.
As part of a year-long campaign to provide greater transparency in school district labor negotiations, the Commonwealth Foundation has unveiled a new website and blog, SchoolBoardTransparency.org. SchoolBoardTransparency.org will offer insight and advice in the labor negotiations process for school boards and citizens. The site will provide regular posts on issues, news, and best practices in school district labor negotiations, and allows users to comment and create posts on a moderated blog.
The project will also include a "how-to" manual for school board members looking to provide greater transparency during union negotiations and a resource for media covering public school labor negotiations. The guides will provide the important questions to ask and explain the key issues typically involved in labor negotiation contracts.
Fred D. Baldwin, a school board member of the Carlisle Area School District in Pennsylvania for 14 years and board president for 12 years, is spearheading the project. "Bringing transparency to the board-union bargaining process would encourage both boards and unions to make more realistic proposals," Mr. Baldwin said. "When both sides tell the public what they're proposing and why, the result will be fewer misleading rumors, shorter bargaining periods and fewer teacher strikes. This doesn't require changing the law, just school boards acting on the principle of 'no taxation without information.'"
"The frequency of teacher strikes and long-unresolved labor negotiations in Pennsylvania is partly the result of a lack of openness and public understanding of the underlying issues," said Matthew Brouillette, president of the Commonwealth Foundation and a former teacher and public school board member. "Transparency in the negotiation process is crucial if we are seriously committed to improving education and safeguarding taxpayers."
Transparent school labor negotiations and openness in how school districts spend taxpayer money will provide for a more informed debate during contract negotiations, teacher strikes, and school budget discussions. The Commonwealth Foundation's goal is to ensure that citizens have the tools they need to evaluate how their property taxes are spent and to decide on future property tax increases. More transparency in labor negotiations will also make sure the public has adequate information to help school boards and unions set spending priorities during contract negotiations and their annual budget setting.
# # #
The Commonwealth Foundation (www.CommonwealthFoundation.org) is an independent, non-profit public policy research and educational institute based in Harrisburg, PA. For more, visit SchoolBoardTransparency.org.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Mailbag 2: Check the Checks
Here's an email from a sharp eyed parent who apparently had some time to look over the October business meeting minutes.
Anyone have any answers?
Thank you Marlys Mihok! Now each month we can look over the check register and see exactly where our money goes.
Does anyone know why the PSBA conference expenses for Dr Yonson and Mrs Mihok are different? In check 35075, entry 1888 for Dr Yonson is for $199.00. Entry 1887 for Mrs Mihok is $315.00. Why is there a $116.00 difference?
Then there's the entries for legal services. In check 35133, entry 2038 is for $108.00 to Begley, Carlin marked "bond issue defasance". Ignoring the spelling error, I thought defeasance was a done deal. Why are we incurring any more expenses?
Then there's check 35202 to Sweet, Stevens, Katz and Williams for special education legal fees for $878.11. Was that in the original budget? What services were cut to pay for this?
How about check 35120? That's twenty lunches for the pre-K students for twenty days. That's 400 lunches for $1000.00, or $2.50 per lunch. I'm told the high school lunches are $2.50 each. Are the elementary lunches the same price? Even if they are .25 cents cheaper, that would save $100.00
Anyone have any answers?
Thank you Marlys Mihok! Now each month we can look over the check register and see exactly where our money goes.
Does anyone know why the PSBA conference expenses for Dr Yonson and Mrs Mihok are different? In check 35075, entry 1888 for Dr Yonson is for $199.00. Entry 1887 for Mrs Mihok is $315.00. Why is there a $116.00 difference?
Then there's the entries for legal services. In check 35133, entry 2038 is for $108.00 to Begley, Carlin marked "bond issue defasance". Ignoring the spelling error, I thought defeasance was a done deal. Why are we incurring any more expenses?
Then there's check 35202 to Sweet, Stevens, Katz and Williams for special education legal fees for $878.11. Was that in the original budget? What services were cut to pay for this?
How about check 35120? That's twenty lunches for the pre-K students for twenty days. That's 400 lunches for $1000.00, or $2.50 per lunch. I'm told the high school lunches are $2.50 each. Are the elementary lunches the same price? Even if they are .25 cents cheaper, that would save $100.00
MHS tops other schools in blood drives
From the BCCT. Here's those darned kids, faculty, and staff at Morrisville High School gettin' all mavericky and doin' good for the community.
Will they do it again? You betcha!
Morrisville High School tops other schools in blood drives
Posted in News on Friday, October 24th, 2008 at 10:28 am by Courier Times reporter Manasee Wagh
The American Red Cross Blood Services Penn-Jersey Region has named Morrisville High School the High School of the Year for Bucks County.
The school collected more blood than any other school in the region during its two blood drives in the last several months. That combined with the growth in its blood collection from the last school year deemed Morrisville High School the top donor school.
Representatives from the school will attend an awards ceremony next Wednesday at Mercer County College in West Windsor, N.J.
This is the 11th annual American Red Cross All High School Event, which examines blood donations at more than 300 high schools throughout the region.
Will they do it again? You betcha!
Morrisville High School tops other schools in blood drives
Posted in News on Friday, October 24th, 2008 at 10:28 am by Courier Times reporter Manasee Wagh
The American Red Cross Blood Services Penn-Jersey Region has named Morrisville High School the High School of the Year for Bucks County.
The school collected more blood than any other school in the region during its two blood drives in the last several months. That combined with the growth in its blood collection from the last school year deemed Morrisville High School the top donor school.
Representatives from the school will attend an awards ceremony next Wednesday at Mercer County College in West Windsor, N.J.
This is the 11th annual American Red Cross All High School Event, which examines blood donations at more than 300 high schools throughout the region.
Mailbag 1: Mother Bear
Here's another question from Mother Bear. I'm betting answers will not be forthcoming.
I am guessing that the board majority elected not to follow PDE Plan Con specs for a reason. Could that reason be that once the district begins major renovations, building/s in their entirety will need to be brought to PDE code?As several former studies revealed, the cost of renovation would then approach that of building new, with little operating cost reduction.
Did the board opt out of state reimbursement because of a loophole in the oversight of public school facilities? If so, then given the priorities of this board majority, which by every indication have nothing to do with the well being of children, this explains their twisted decision. If it isn't so, then they truly are being flippant with public money.
So, take your pick, would you prefer the board to be flippant with your money, or your children's lives? What a pathetic choice. Further, the seeming lack of true state oversight to protect our children is not just disheartening, but disgusting.
I am guessing that the board majority elected not to follow PDE Plan Con specs for a reason. Could that reason be that once the district begins major renovations, building/s in their entirety will need to be brought to PDE code?As several former studies revealed, the cost of renovation would then approach that of building new, with little operating cost reduction.
Did the board opt out of state reimbursement because of a loophole in the oversight of public school facilities? If so, then given the priorities of this board majority, which by every indication have nothing to do with the well being of children, this explains their twisted decision. If it isn't so, then they truly are being flippant with public money.
So, take your pick, would you prefer the board to be flippant with your money, or your children's lives? What a pathetic choice. Further, the seeming lack of true state oversight to protect our children is not just disheartening, but disgusting.
Friday, October 24, 2008
Business Meeting Update
From the BCCT
New acting principal at Morrisville’s elementary schools
Posted in News on Thursday, October 23rd, 2008 at 2:20 pm by Courier Times reporter Manasee Wagh
The Morrisville School Board voted 7-0 Wednesday to hire Laurie Ruffing as Acting Principal for both Grandview and M. R. Reiter Elementary Schools.About 440 students attend the two schools.
Ruffing replaces Karen Huggins, who retired from the district on June 30 but helped with administrative duties part-time this summer.
Ruffing’s position will become effective Oct. 27 at a salary of $65,000.
She has been a first-grade teacher in the district for the past four years, said Superintendent Elizabeth Yonson. A long-term substitute will take over Ruffing’s teaching position.
The board went into executive session from 8:35 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. during Wednesday’s meeting to discuss legal and personnel issues.
When it returned, William Hellmann, board president, announced a special meeting in the LGI Room of the Morrisville Middle/Senior High School on Wednesday, Oct. 29 to vote on a new business administrator to replace recently retired Reba Dunford.
New acting principal at Morrisville’s elementary schools
Posted in News on Thursday, October 23rd, 2008 at 2:20 pm by Courier Times reporter Manasee Wagh
The Morrisville School Board voted 7-0 Wednesday to hire Laurie Ruffing as Acting Principal for both Grandview and M. R. Reiter Elementary Schools.About 440 students attend the two schools.
Ruffing replaces Karen Huggins, who retired from the district on June 30 but helped with administrative duties part-time this summer.
Ruffing’s position will become effective Oct. 27 at a salary of $65,000.
She has been a first-grade teacher in the district for the past four years, said Superintendent Elizabeth Yonson. A long-term substitute will take over Ruffing’s teaching position.
The board went into executive session from 8:35 p.m. to 9:15 p.m. during Wednesday’s meeting to discuss legal and personnel issues.
When it returned, William Hellmann, board president, announced a special meeting in the LGI Room of the Morrisville Middle/Senior High School on Wednesday, Oct. 29 to vote on a new business administrator to replace recently retired Reba Dunford.
The Perils of Dropping Out
From the Philadelphia Business Journal
Pa. study points up perils of dropping out
Thursday, October 23, 2008 - 2:49 PM EDT
The future for high school dropouts in Pennsylvania is not a bright one, according to a report released on Thursday which shows that twice as many are unemployed and living in poverty than their peers with diplomas.
A dropout in Pennsylvania can expect to earn roughly $19,000 per year, compared to the $45,000 earned by a college graduate with a bachelor’s degree, according to the report, “Dropping Back In: Re-engaging Out-of-School-Youth,” which was released by the Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, a statewide children’s advocacy group. Dropouts are also twice as likely to live in poverty as youth who have earned a high school diploma and three times as likely as youth who have attended some college or earned an associate’s degree, the child’s advocacy group reported.
“In today’s high-tech world, securing a high school diploma is a must but far too many Pennsylvania children fail to graduate,” said Joan L. Benso, president and CEO of PA Partnerships for Children. “It is imperative that we provide the necessary supports to not only keep kids in school and prevent them from dropping out in the first place, but to find a way to re-engage them in their education once they have dropped out.”
Last year, Pennsylvania had a 20 percent graduation gap, meaning that 20 percent of the ninth graders in the 2003-04 school year failed to graduate from the same school district four years later.
The report recommended several options to the state in addressing and preventing dropouts, including support to advance the literacy skills of struggling students, accelerated learning and credit recovery for students who are over-age and severely under-credited, and evening classes and online courses to address the particular needs of out-of-school youth.
A high school diploma is a must in today’s ever-changing high-tech world, but it shouldn’t be the finish line because young people will need to extend their education beyond high school to access high-skill, high-wage occupations, the study concluded.
Pa. study points up perils of dropping out
Thursday, October 23, 2008 - 2:49 PM EDT
The future for high school dropouts in Pennsylvania is not a bright one, according to a report released on Thursday which shows that twice as many are unemployed and living in poverty than their peers with diplomas.
A dropout in Pennsylvania can expect to earn roughly $19,000 per year, compared to the $45,000 earned by a college graduate with a bachelor’s degree, according to the report, “Dropping Back In: Re-engaging Out-of-School-Youth,” which was released by the Pennsylvania Partnerships for Children, a statewide children’s advocacy group. Dropouts are also twice as likely to live in poverty as youth who have earned a high school diploma and three times as likely as youth who have attended some college or earned an associate’s degree, the child’s advocacy group reported.
“In today’s high-tech world, securing a high school diploma is a must but far too many Pennsylvania children fail to graduate,” said Joan L. Benso, president and CEO of PA Partnerships for Children. “It is imperative that we provide the necessary supports to not only keep kids in school and prevent them from dropping out in the first place, but to find a way to re-engage them in their education once they have dropped out.”
Last year, Pennsylvania had a 20 percent graduation gap, meaning that 20 percent of the ninth graders in the 2003-04 school year failed to graduate from the same school district four years later.
The report recommended several options to the state in addressing and preventing dropouts, including support to advance the literacy skills of struggling students, accelerated learning and credit recovery for students who are over-age and severely under-credited, and evening classes and online courses to address the particular needs of out-of-school youth.
A high school diploma is a must in today’s ever-changing high-tech world, but it shouldn’t be the finish line because young people will need to extend their education beyond high school to access high-skill, high-wage occupations, the study concluded.
Halloween Happenings at Y
From the BCCT.
The Morrisville YMCA is hosting its Halloween Happenings from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at 200 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Kids can get decked out in the Halloween best and trick-or-treat through the YMCA’s hallways. YMCA officials say it’s a safe alternative to trick-or-treating through neighborhoods. There’s no cost for the event, but a canned or dried food donation is necessary to get in. For more info, call the YMCA at 215-736-8077.
The Morrisville YMCA is hosting its Halloween Happenings from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at 200 N. Pennsylvania Ave. Kids can get decked out in the Halloween best and trick-or-treat through the YMCA’s hallways. YMCA officials say it’s a safe alternative to trick-or-treating through neighborhoods. There’s no cost for the event, but a canned or dried food donation is necessary to get in. For more info, call the YMCA at 215-736-8077.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Education Policy: McCain and Obama
From CQ Politics, a comparison of the Obama and McCain education initiatives.
Welcome to CQ Politics' guide to the policy positions, voting behavior and public statements of Barack Obama and John McCain. Notes, Votes and Quotes provides a serious and non-partisan examination of Obama and McCain's stands on the key issues of the day; what they propose to do as president; how they have voted in the Senate, according to CQ's unparalleled coverage of congressional voting behavior; and what they have said about these issues. We'll continue to add new issues until the election, so check back regularly.
Education
NOTES: Obama's education proposals include increasing funding for Head Start; amending the Bush administration education law known as "No Child Left Behind"; doubling funding for federal charter schools; recruiting new teachers, particularly in math and the sciences; and offering a $4,000 college tuition credit for any recipient who agrees to complete 100 hours of community service.
NOTES: McCain supports increased school choice proposals, including a voucher system. He would pay bonuses to teachers who agree to work in the most troubled schools. He supports alternative routes to teacher certification. McCain says his proposals would give more control to parents, teachers and principals.
VOTES: Obama in 2007 was one of 79 senators who voted for a bill to cut government subsidies to student loan firms by about $20 billion and redirect most of the money to aid for students and college graduates. The bill also increased the maximum Pell grant award by $1,090 over five years. McCain missed the vote. (Senate Roll Call Vote 326, Sept. 7, 2007)
VOTES: McCain in 2001 voted for No Child Left Behind, as did 86 other senators. Obama was not a U.S. senator at the time. (Senate Roll Call Vote 371, Dec. 18, 2001)
McCain in 1998 was one of 59 senators who voted for to allow individuals to contribute up to $2,000 a year of after-tax funds in tax-sheltered savings accounts to use to pay educational expenses. (Senate Roll Call Vote 169, June 24, 1998)
QUOTES: "This probably has more to do with our economic future than anything and that means it also has a national security implication, because there's never been a nation on earth that saw its economy decline and continued to maintain its primacy as a military power. So we've got to get our education system right. Now, typically, what's happened is that there's been a debate between more money or reform, and I think we need both." (Barack Obama at 3rd presidential debate in Hempstead, N.Y., Oct. 15, 2008)
"So what I want to do is focus on early childhood education, providing teachers higher salaries in exchange for more support. ... Charter schools, I doubled the number of charter schools in Illinois despite some reservations from teachers unions. I think it's important to foster competition inside the public schools." (Barack Obama at 3rd presidential debate in Hempstead, N.Y., Oct. 15, 2008)
"Where we disagree is on the idea tha we can somehow give out vouchers -- give vouchers as a way of securing the problems in our education system." (Barack Obama at 3rd presidential debate in Hempstead, N.Y., Oct. 15, 2008)
"The main components of my education agenda at the federal level are to, number one, adequately fund federal mandates like No Child Left Behind or special education, to free up resources at local school levels so that they can do more with the money that they have. Number two, to provide billions of dollars in funding for early childhood education programs, so that kids are getting prepared when they start school. Number three, providing additional money to hire, retain and train excellent teachers, which is probably the single biggest determinant as to whether children do well in school." (Barack Obama remarks at campaign event in Zanesville, Ohio, July 1, 2008)
QUOTES: "Now as far as the No Child Left Behind is concerned, it was a great first beginning in my view. It had its flaws, it had its problems, the first time we had looked at the issue of education in America from a nationwide perspective. And we need to fix a lot of the problems. We need to sit down and reauthorize it." (John McCain at 3rd presidential debate in Hempstead, N.Y., Oct. 15, 2008)
"Education is the civil rights issue of this century. Equal access to public education has been gained, but what is the value of access to a failing school? We need to shake up failed school bureaucracies with competition, empower parents with choice. Let's remove barriers to qualified instructors, attract and reward good teachers, and help bad teachers find another line of work." (John McCain acceptance speech at Republican National Convention, Sept. 4, 2008)
"When a public school fails, repeatedly, to meet these minimal objectives, parents ask only for a choice in the education of their children. Some parents may choose a better public school. Some may choose a private school. Many will choose a charter school. No entrenched bureaucracy or union should deny parents that choice and children that opportunity." (John McCain remarks to National Urban League National Conference, Aug. 1, 2008)
"We need training -- job training and education programs for those that have lost their jobs and those that are in danger of losing their jobs, training and education programs that work. And there are training and education programs that work, utilizing our community colleges to help those people get back into the economy." (John McCain remarks at campaign event in Miami, Fla., June 6, 2008)
Welcome to CQ Politics' guide to the policy positions, voting behavior and public statements of Barack Obama and John McCain. Notes, Votes and Quotes provides a serious and non-partisan examination of Obama and McCain's stands on the key issues of the day; what they propose to do as president; how they have voted in the Senate, according to CQ's unparalleled coverage of congressional voting behavior; and what they have said about these issues. We'll continue to add new issues until the election, so check back regularly.
Education
NOTES: Obama's education proposals include increasing funding for Head Start; amending the Bush administration education law known as "No Child Left Behind"; doubling funding for federal charter schools; recruiting new teachers, particularly in math and the sciences; and offering a $4,000 college tuition credit for any recipient who agrees to complete 100 hours of community service.
NOTES: McCain supports increased school choice proposals, including a voucher system. He would pay bonuses to teachers who agree to work in the most troubled schools. He supports alternative routes to teacher certification. McCain says his proposals would give more control to parents, teachers and principals.
VOTES: Obama in 2007 was one of 79 senators who voted for a bill to cut government subsidies to student loan firms by about $20 billion and redirect most of the money to aid for students and college graduates. The bill also increased the maximum Pell grant award by $1,090 over five years. McCain missed the vote. (Senate Roll Call Vote 326, Sept. 7, 2007)
VOTES: McCain in 2001 voted for No Child Left Behind, as did 86 other senators. Obama was not a U.S. senator at the time. (Senate Roll Call Vote 371, Dec. 18, 2001)
McCain in 1998 was one of 59 senators who voted for to allow individuals to contribute up to $2,000 a year of after-tax funds in tax-sheltered savings accounts to use to pay educational expenses. (Senate Roll Call Vote 169, June 24, 1998)
QUOTES: "This probably has more to do with our economic future than anything and that means it also has a national security implication, because there's never been a nation on earth that saw its economy decline and continued to maintain its primacy as a military power. So we've got to get our education system right. Now, typically, what's happened is that there's been a debate between more money or reform, and I think we need both." (Barack Obama at 3rd presidential debate in Hempstead, N.Y., Oct. 15, 2008)
"So what I want to do is focus on early childhood education, providing teachers higher salaries in exchange for more support. ... Charter schools, I doubled the number of charter schools in Illinois despite some reservations from teachers unions. I think it's important to foster competition inside the public schools." (Barack Obama at 3rd presidential debate in Hempstead, N.Y., Oct. 15, 2008)
"Where we disagree is on the idea tha we can somehow give out vouchers -- give vouchers as a way of securing the problems in our education system." (Barack Obama at 3rd presidential debate in Hempstead, N.Y., Oct. 15, 2008)
"The main components of my education agenda at the federal level are to, number one, adequately fund federal mandates like No Child Left Behind or special education, to free up resources at local school levels so that they can do more with the money that they have. Number two, to provide billions of dollars in funding for early childhood education programs, so that kids are getting prepared when they start school. Number three, providing additional money to hire, retain and train excellent teachers, which is probably the single biggest determinant as to whether children do well in school." (Barack Obama remarks at campaign event in Zanesville, Ohio, July 1, 2008)
QUOTES: "Now as far as the No Child Left Behind is concerned, it was a great first beginning in my view. It had its flaws, it had its problems, the first time we had looked at the issue of education in America from a nationwide perspective. And we need to fix a lot of the problems. We need to sit down and reauthorize it." (John McCain at 3rd presidential debate in Hempstead, N.Y., Oct. 15, 2008)
"Education is the civil rights issue of this century. Equal access to public education has been gained, but what is the value of access to a failing school? We need to shake up failed school bureaucracies with competition, empower parents with choice. Let's remove barriers to qualified instructors, attract and reward good teachers, and help bad teachers find another line of work." (John McCain acceptance speech at Republican National Convention, Sept. 4, 2008)
"When a public school fails, repeatedly, to meet these minimal objectives, parents ask only for a choice in the education of their children. Some parents may choose a better public school. Some may choose a private school. Many will choose a charter school. No entrenched bureaucracy or union should deny parents that choice and children that opportunity." (John McCain remarks to National Urban League National Conference, Aug. 1, 2008)
"We need training -- job training and education programs for those that have lost their jobs and those that are in danger of losing their jobs, training and education programs that work. And there are training and education programs that work, utilizing our community colleges to help those people get back into the economy." (John McCain remarks at campaign event in Miami, Fla., June 6, 2008)
State Budget Cutting
From the Inquirer. Can cuts in K-12 funding be far behind?
Pa. universities facing budget cuts
By Susan Snyder Inquirer Staff Writer Posted on Thu, Oct. 23, 2008
The 14 universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, including West Chester and Cheyney, will be faced with some unexpected budget slashing in the coming months, courtesy of the cash-strapped state.
The state system's board today is expected to approve a request from Gov. Rendell to give back 4.25 percent, or about $22 million, of its state appropriation for 2008-09, which was $498.5 million.
Looking to next year, the board is also expected to put the state on notice that it will need a 5.7 percent hike in funding over the current year. The funding request is part of a proposed 2009-10 budget that the state system is required to submit to the state by Oct. 31. Under that proposed budget, the state system would increase tuition by 4 percent.
State system spokesman Kenn Marshall said the numbers were preliminary, and the state board won't vote on a tuition hike until July, after the state budget is approved.
The state system's committee approved the numbers even though economic troubles are looming.
"The feeling of the board is we needed to ask for what we needed. It's important that the legislature and governor's office knows this is what we really need to operate," Marshall said.
Earlier this month Rendell ordered a number of austerity measures to keep Pennsylvania's budget balanced, including directing cabinet secretaries to trim their spending by 4.25 percent.
State-related institutions, including Pennsylvania State University, the University of Pittsburgh, Lincoln University and Temple University, were also asked to plan for 4.25 percent cuts in their state funding this year.
Temple announced it would institute a hiring freeze and restrict travel in response. Penn State will not fill positions, will hold off on equipment purchases, and will ask all departments to look for other efficiencies.
The state system universities will need to forego hires, defer maintenance, or make other cuts, Marshall said.
"It will be up to each university to decide how they do it," he said.
West Chester, one of the largest universities in the system, will lose about $2.4 million, and Cheyney, already struggling financially, will see a drop of $680,000. Indiana University of Pennsylvania, the largest in the state system, will see the biggest fall - $2.7 million.
While Rendell asked the schools only to plan for a possible cut at this point, officials expect it will occur "unless things really turn around very quickly," Marshall said.
Pa. universities facing budget cuts
By Susan Snyder Inquirer Staff Writer Posted on Thu, Oct. 23, 2008
The 14 universities in the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education, including West Chester and Cheyney, will be faced with some unexpected budget slashing in the coming months, courtesy of the cash-strapped state.
The state system's board today is expected to approve a request from Gov. Rendell to give back 4.25 percent, or about $22 million, of its state appropriation for 2008-09, which was $498.5 million.
Looking to next year, the board is also expected to put the state on notice that it will need a 5.7 percent hike in funding over the current year. The funding request is part of a proposed 2009-10 budget that the state system is required to submit to the state by Oct. 31. Under that proposed budget, the state system would increase tuition by 4 percent.
State system spokesman Kenn Marshall said the numbers were preliminary, and the state board won't vote on a tuition hike until July, after the state budget is approved.
The state system's committee approved the numbers even though economic troubles are looming.
"The feeling of the board is we needed to ask for what we needed. It's important that the legislature and governor's office knows this is what we really need to operate," Marshall said.
Earlier this month Rendell ordered a number of austerity measures to keep Pennsylvania's budget balanced, including directing cabinet secretaries to trim their spending by 4.25 percent.
State-related institutions, including Pennsylvania State University, the University of Pittsburgh, Lincoln University and Temple University, were also asked to plan for 4.25 percent cuts in their state funding this year.
Temple announced it would institute a hiring freeze and restrict travel in response. Penn State will not fill positions, will hold off on equipment purchases, and will ask all departments to look for other efficiencies.
The state system universities will need to forego hires, defer maintenance, or make other cuts, Marshall said.
"It will be up to each university to decide how they do it," he said.
West Chester, one of the largest universities in the system, will lose about $2.4 million, and Cheyney, already struggling financially, will see a drop of $680,000. Indiana University of Pennsylvania, the largest in the state system, will see the biggest fall - $2.7 million.
While Rendell asked the schools only to plan for a possible cut at this point, officials expect it will occur "unless things really turn around very quickly," Marshall said.
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Food for fright
From the BCCT
Food for fright
Posted in Community on Tuesday, October 21st, 2008 at 4:31 pm by Gwen Shrift
The Morrisville Ambulance Squad has a deal for you - bring a non-perishable item for the Morrisville Presbyterian Church’s food pantry, and they’ll knock a dollar off the admission price before scaring you silly at their haunted house fundraiser.
The event takes place Oct. 24-26 and Oct. 31-Nov. 1, starting at 7 p.m. each date. Hauntings take place at 139 Washington St. Full admission is $3; with food donation, $2.
The church’s food center is open on Wednesdays from 9:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 7 to 8 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month.
Food for fright
Posted in Community on Tuesday, October 21st, 2008 at 4:31 pm by Gwen Shrift
The Morrisville Ambulance Squad has a deal for you - bring a non-perishable item for the Morrisville Presbyterian Church’s food pantry, and they’ll knock a dollar off the admission price before scaring you silly at their haunted house fundraiser.
The event takes place Oct. 24-26 and Oct. 31-Nov. 1, starting at 7 p.m. each date. Hauntings take place at 139 Washington St. Full admission is $3; with food donation, $2.
The church’s food center is open on Wednesdays from 9:15 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. and from 7 to 8 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month.
Baseball or the People's Business?
From the BCCT. I wonder how the Emperor and his minions will approach this?
I figure the discussion, re-discussion, clarification, re-clarification, and re-re-discussion (followed by a Q&A session) over Grandview student safety on the roads will take a good amount of time alone. And that's just one piece of new business. There's a whole lot of old business to clog up anyone's night.
Officials hope to steal home from meetings
Others plan to keep track of World Series games during meetings with cell phones and other devices.
By JOAN HELLYER
Harry Kramer has his game plan set for the Bensalem school board meeting scheduled to begin tonight, less than an hour before the first pitch in the first game of the World Series.
“I am going to try to get through that meeting as quickly as humanly possible, because I know people really want to see the Phillies,” said Kramer, the board president. “They don’t want to see our smiling faces on TV.”
Kramer admits he wants to get home in time to cheer on the Phils as they take on the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1, but promises the district’s operations won’t be a victim of his game plan.
“We’re going to do everything by the book,” Kramer said. “All the business is going to be covered 100 percent. However, it’s going to be done in an expedient manner.”
No such luck for other local government boards, like the Buckingham supervisors, who also meet tonight, according to Chairwoman Maggie Rash.
The Buckingham board, which is known for meetings that often run late into the night, has a full agenda. The supervisors plan to keep track of the game’s score with their iPhones and other electronic devices as they work their way through the township’s business, according to Rash.
Despite Phanatic support for the Phillies during the team’s quest to win the World Series, area government boards are generally keeping to their meeting schedules this week and next, officials said.
Some, like the Bensalem school board, will be able to wrap up business quickly.
Others, not so much. This group includes the Horsham council, which gets its first look at the municipality’s proposed 2009 municipal budget Monday night, said township Manager Mike McGee. That’s when Game 5 is scheduled to be played.
“There’s no tax increase because we have a significant carryover of surplus funds to next year,” the manager said, adding that he doesn’t expect the Monday night meeting to be a long, drawn-out process.
“I can’t imagine the meeting going past 9 o’clock, especially if the Phillies are playing, because then we’ll have very few residents here. Maybe we should make the agenda longer then,” McGee joked.
The Penndel Council also will review its proposed 2009 budget Monday night, said President Ward McMasters.
“It’s the way it goes. I can’t not have it. We’re going for it. At this point of the year, you don’t have a whole lot of choice, because you have a lot of things to get done,” McMasters said. “Besides, there may not even be a fifth game. So who knows? We may not even have to worry about it.”
I figure the discussion, re-discussion, clarification, re-clarification, and re-re-discussion (followed by a Q&A session) over Grandview student safety on the roads will take a good amount of time alone. And that's just one piece of new business. There's a whole lot of old business to clog up anyone's night.
Officials hope to steal home from meetings
Others plan to keep track of World Series games during meetings with cell phones and other devices.
By JOAN HELLYER
Harry Kramer has his game plan set for the Bensalem school board meeting scheduled to begin tonight, less than an hour before the first pitch in the first game of the World Series.
“I am going to try to get through that meeting as quickly as humanly possible, because I know people really want to see the Phillies,” said Kramer, the board president. “They don’t want to see our smiling faces on TV.”
Kramer admits he wants to get home in time to cheer on the Phils as they take on the Tampa Bay Rays in Game 1, but promises the district’s operations won’t be a victim of his game plan.
“We’re going to do everything by the book,” Kramer said. “All the business is going to be covered 100 percent. However, it’s going to be done in an expedient manner.”
No such luck for other local government boards, like the Buckingham supervisors, who also meet tonight, according to Chairwoman Maggie Rash.
The Buckingham board, which is known for meetings that often run late into the night, has a full agenda. The supervisors plan to keep track of the game’s score with their iPhones and other electronic devices as they work their way through the township’s business, according to Rash.
Despite Phanatic support for the Phillies during the team’s quest to win the World Series, area government boards are generally keeping to their meeting schedules this week and next, officials said.
Some, like the Bensalem school board, will be able to wrap up business quickly.
Others, not so much. This group includes the Horsham council, which gets its first look at the municipality’s proposed 2009 municipal budget Monday night, said township Manager Mike McGee. That’s when Game 5 is scheduled to be played.
“There’s no tax increase because we have a significant carryover of surplus funds to next year,” the manager said, adding that he doesn’t expect the Monday night meeting to be a long, drawn-out process.
“I can’t imagine the meeting going past 9 o’clock, especially if the Phillies are playing, because then we’ll have very few residents here. Maybe we should make the agenda longer then,” McGee joked.
The Penndel Council also will review its proposed 2009 budget Monday night, said President Ward McMasters.
“It’s the way it goes. I can’t not have it. We’re going for it. At this point of the year, you don’t have a whole lot of choice, because you have a lot of things to get done,” McMasters said. “Besides, there may not even be a fifth game. So who knows? We may not even have to worry about it.”
Borough Council Recap
From the BCCT.
First off, congrats and good wishes to Councilman Albertson.
Now let's check the box scores:
* Dems 6, GOP 2 (a big swing from the GOP control of a few months ago)
* Council 3, PJRP 0 (this most recent defeat for PJRP might be better to call a forfeit since the plans were withdrawn. Anyone know the scoop on that?)
* Citizens: zero tax relief (let's hope Councilman Albertson can help turn that around. Can we afford to wait another year to sweep out the do-nothing council?)
Memo to the Dems: The GOP may have ruled the roost for many previous years, but you're in charge now. If you don't get your collective act together and get new life in this town, you'll be tagged with the error on the play and be relegated back to minority status.
P.S.: Go Phils!
Council appoints Democrat to fill vacant seat
The Morrisville Borough Council appointed Democrat Edward Albertson to fill a council seat left vacant last month by Republican George Bolos.
Albertson, who works for the Public Service Enterprise Group energy company in New Jersey, Monday night edged out Fred Kerner, vice chairman of the Morrisville Democratic Club, for the Third Ward council seat in a 4-3 vote.
Council Democrats Eileen Dreisbach and Rita Ledger, as well as Republicans Jane Burger and Stephen Worob voted to nominate Albertson. Democrats Nancy Sherlock, Kathryn Panzitta and David Rivella voted for Kerner, who works in the mail room at Rider University.
The face of the eight-member board is now made up of six Democrats and two Republicans.
Albertson was sworn in by District Judge Michael Burns. He shook hands with his new colleagues and took his seat behind the council’s dais.
Bolos resigned last month because he moved to Virginia with his family.
In other business Monday night, the council unanimously denied preliminary plans for an office building at East Bridge Street and North Delmorr Avenue that was developer Penn Jersey Real Properties’ second attempt of sorts for a Morrisville Gateway Center.
The controversial Gateway Center proposal was killed in May by a lack of council support. A month later, Penn Jersey proposed an office building that was less than half the size of the Gateway Center proposal.
The council denied the second project because Penn Jersey withdrew its plans, officials said.
The newspaper was unsuccessful in reaching Penn Jersey officials for comment.
First off, congrats and good wishes to Councilman Albertson.
Now let's check the box scores:
* Dems 6, GOP 2 (a big swing from the GOP control of a few months ago)
* Council 3, PJRP 0 (this most recent defeat for PJRP might be better to call a forfeit since the plans were withdrawn. Anyone know the scoop on that?)
* Citizens: zero tax relief (let's hope Councilman Albertson can help turn that around. Can we afford to wait another year to sweep out the do-nothing council?)
Memo to the Dems: The GOP may have ruled the roost for many previous years, but you're in charge now. If you don't get your collective act together and get new life in this town, you'll be tagged with the error on the play and be relegated back to minority status.
P.S.: Go Phils!
Council appoints Democrat to fill vacant seat
The Morrisville Borough Council appointed Democrat Edward Albertson to fill a council seat left vacant last month by Republican George Bolos.
Albertson, who works for the Public Service Enterprise Group energy company in New Jersey, Monday night edged out Fred Kerner, vice chairman of the Morrisville Democratic Club, for the Third Ward council seat in a 4-3 vote.
Council Democrats Eileen Dreisbach and Rita Ledger, as well as Republicans Jane Burger and Stephen Worob voted to nominate Albertson. Democrats Nancy Sherlock, Kathryn Panzitta and David Rivella voted for Kerner, who works in the mail room at Rider University.
The face of the eight-member board is now made up of six Democrats and two Republicans.
Albertson was sworn in by District Judge Michael Burns. He shook hands with his new colleagues and took his seat behind the council’s dais.
Bolos resigned last month because he moved to Virginia with his family.
In other business Monday night, the council unanimously denied preliminary plans for an office building at East Bridge Street and North Delmorr Avenue that was developer Penn Jersey Real Properties’ second attempt of sorts for a Morrisville Gateway Center.
The controversial Gateway Center proposal was killed in May by a lack of council support. A month later, Penn Jersey proposed an office building that was less than half the size of the Gateway Center proposal.
The council denied the second project because Penn Jersey withdrew its plans, officials said.
The newspaper was unsuccessful in reaching Penn Jersey officials for comment.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
District parting with green to go green
From the BCCT.
District parting with green to go green
By CHRISTINA KRISTOFIC
Central Bucks School District saved more than $70,000 in utilities by having a four-day workweek over the summer.
And district officials hope that they will continue to save on utilities by implementing a new $19.8 million energy initiative, which includes the installation of equipment and software — computerized boiler controls, occupancy sensors for lighting, occupancy sensors for the heating and air-conditioning systems, and machines that shut off the vending machines at night — in all of the district’s 26 buildings.
The district will also improve insulation in many of its buildings, install solar-powered heaters at the pools at Central Bucks East and South high schools, and replace the lighting in some of its buildings.
District officials estimate that the initiative will save more than $18 million in utility costs in the first 20 years, after initiative-related expenses have been paid.
The initiative was approved unanimously by the school board last week.
“It’s so refreshing when we can put money and time and energy into something like this, that’s actually going to have such a great payback,” board President Geryl McMullin said.
“We’re trying desperately to become more green in the school district.”
McMullin said she’d like to take the money the district saves from the energy initiative and invest it into other environmentally friendly initiatives.
“We’ve got a lot of buildings. We use a lot of electricity and we use a lot of fuel. And we need to do our best to do our part,” she said.
District officials decided in June to close 21 of the district’s 26 buildings on Fridays for seven weeks over the summer. Superintendent N. Robert Laws estimated at the time that the four-day workweek would save the district about $53,000 in utility costs.
The actual savings turned out to be $71,554, operations director Scott Kennedy reported last week.
Johnson Controls Inc., an international company with headquarters in Milwaukee, Wis., is working with Central Bucks to install the new equipment and software over the next 14 months. The equipment and software will be installed in phases, and Johnson Controls and district staff are currently working on the schedule, Kennedy said.
The project will cost the school district $14.8 million up front; the district is making a down payment of $7.5 million and financing the remaining $7.3 million over 15 years at a rate of 4 percent. District officials estimate that — with loan interest, software licensing fees and training costs — the project will ultimately cost $19.8 million over 20 years.
Johnson Controls has guaranteed that the district will begin to see savings in utility costs after the equipment and software are installed.
District officials expect to see total savings over 20 years of $38.8 million.
After it has paid the $19.8 million in expenses, the district expects to have a total utility savings of more than $18.9 million.
Johnson Controls will also provide the school with educational materials — to be used in the classroom — about energy efficiency.
District parting with green to go green
By CHRISTINA KRISTOFIC
Central Bucks School District saved more than $70,000 in utilities by having a four-day workweek over the summer.
And district officials hope that they will continue to save on utilities by implementing a new $19.8 million energy initiative, which includes the installation of equipment and software — computerized boiler controls, occupancy sensors for lighting, occupancy sensors for the heating and air-conditioning systems, and machines that shut off the vending machines at night — in all of the district’s 26 buildings.
The district will also improve insulation in many of its buildings, install solar-powered heaters at the pools at Central Bucks East and South high schools, and replace the lighting in some of its buildings.
District officials estimate that the initiative will save more than $18 million in utility costs in the first 20 years, after initiative-related expenses have been paid.
The initiative was approved unanimously by the school board last week.
“It’s so refreshing when we can put money and time and energy into something like this, that’s actually going to have such a great payback,” board President Geryl McMullin said.
“We’re trying desperately to become more green in the school district.”
McMullin said she’d like to take the money the district saves from the energy initiative and invest it into other environmentally friendly initiatives.
“We’ve got a lot of buildings. We use a lot of electricity and we use a lot of fuel. And we need to do our best to do our part,” she said.
District officials decided in June to close 21 of the district’s 26 buildings on Fridays for seven weeks over the summer. Superintendent N. Robert Laws estimated at the time that the four-day workweek would save the district about $53,000 in utility costs.
The actual savings turned out to be $71,554, operations director Scott Kennedy reported last week.
Johnson Controls Inc., an international company with headquarters in Milwaukee, Wis., is working with Central Bucks to install the new equipment and software over the next 14 months. The equipment and software will be installed in phases, and Johnson Controls and district staff are currently working on the schedule, Kennedy said.
The project will cost the school district $14.8 million up front; the district is making a down payment of $7.5 million and financing the remaining $7.3 million over 15 years at a rate of 4 percent. District officials estimate that — with loan interest, software licensing fees and training costs — the project will ultimately cost $19.8 million over 20 years.
Johnson Controls has guaranteed that the district will begin to see savings in utility costs after the equipment and software are installed.
District officials expect to see total savings over 20 years of $38.8 million.
After it has paid the $19.8 million in expenses, the district expects to have a total utility savings of more than $18.9 million.
Johnson Controls will also provide the school with educational materials — to be used in the classroom — about energy efficiency.
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