The Danville News from Sunbury PA provides us with a break from our school board bickering: Some old-fashioned bickering of their own.
Published December 19, 2008 12:45 am - NetSummary
District divided on building decision
By Karen Blackledge, The Danville News
DANVILLE -- School board members often bicker at public meetings, and sometimes to the point of personality conflicts. This week's meeting was no exception.
At the end of the meeting, two residents including Mike Benjamin, said they were embarrassed by some board members' behavior. At the start of the meeting, he said the board needs to be fiscally responsible and "emotionally based decisions need to be replaced with a rational decision. Consolidation is the only plan on the table that meets any of these needs," he said of a consolidated elementary school. The board rescinded its vote to renovate and expand three elementaries and has no project at this time.
The arguing began when director Kellie Krum asked who would "step up to the plate all the time" and attend planning meetings on design if a consolidated elementary school is approved. While not in favor of a consolidated school, she represented the board at previous meetings on a consolidated school. Her attendance made the difference in space being provided for special education and for Head Start in the plans, she said.
"I work 60 hours a week, have two kids and am a single parent," said director Megan Raup who also represents the board on the Columbia-Montour Vocational-Technical School Board. "You work weekends and Carol (Bisordi, previous board member who attended the planning meetings with Krum) didn't work," Raup said. "You're attacking board members," she told Krum.
Member Jennifer Henning said someone needs to attend the meetings if the board votes again on a consolidated school. Before she was appointed to the board, she served on the building committee for the consolidated school, which at that time was proposed for district property across from the high school.
Board President Allan Schappert said he was willing to represent the board at meetings if a consolidated school is approved. Director Steve Schooley said he could assist Schappert.
Schappert said the district can't afford any other choice but a consolidated school. "Doing nothing will delay the inevitable further and put our children at a greater disadvantage," he said.
Vice President Dr. Paul Moser said a consolidated school will save nearly $700,000 a year. "One single school is less expensive than three little ones. If we forgo consolidation, there are safety and security issues. There are modules that were supposed to be temporary and have become part of the landscape and systems in those schools that aren't quite right. Class size is easier to control at one location and we face the prospect of reorganizing personnel with one school," he said.
Schappert said the cost to maintain the three schools amounts to a half-mill of taxes every year or an average of $75 per year for a taxpayer. "With a consolidated school, we avoid that. Looking at the numbers, everything pales in comparison," he said. "It's not just us taxing our citizens. It's the borough, the county, state and federal taxes. Everyone in this room is hit in the pocketbook and who's going to pay for this? Every day we hear more and more jobs are being lost and I don't want to contribute to this. We are still pouring money into these old schools and kicking that can down the road. Waiting makes it more expensive," he said.
Schooley, who favors consolidation, wanted to put the project on hold for six months due to the economy. The state has indicated it will be cutting revenues to districts, he said.
Business Administrator Richard Snodgrass said a consolidated school is a "more cost-effective way of running the schools than we are doing now." He said there is a potential need to raise taxes if they do not consolidate.
While saying there is no perfect project, Snodgrass recommended taking the best option and working it through. While the current economy is difficult, he believes it creates some opportunities for construction costs if we can get in the market at the right time, we will realize some savings, and if we get a bid at a time people are hungry for jobs and projects."
A number of residents spoke at the meeting. Most of them favor consolidation.
Retired Danville teacher Joan Kessler wants Danville Elementary as the consolidated school. "The day will come to build a new middle school and you'll be talking about building it on this hill," she said of the high school site. She favors Mahoning-Cooper becoming a location for administration and maintenance.
"We are not a community with a population increase around the bend and school population isn't expected to increase," she said.
"We need to find a consensus either way, stick to it or we need to table it," Christy Payton of Mahoning Township said. Payton favors keeping neighborhood schools.
Richard Snyder of Valley Township, who attended a one-room school and then the first consolidated school in Danville, asked, "Where will we get the tax money? I'm over 65 and there are a lot more people over 65. A big elaborate school -- I think we can live with what we have now."
Amy Andrews, with a son at Riverside and a son in Head Start, was concerned about her special needs son in Head Start being thrown into a large group in a consolidated school. "I'm afraid he will be bullied. I'd like to keep Riverside as a family school," she said.
Craig Welliver said building a consolidated school at the high school will compound parking problems. "It's not big enough for a playground and young drivers will be around the elementary school. You need to consider where it will be built before you decide on consolidation," he said.
Wes Wertman, businessman and long-time resident, said it comes down to the economy. "Now is not the time to do anything," he said. "Money that is spent for architecture is all on paper and not lost. I had a lot of plans for 2009 but I canceled them as of October. My products went back 20 years. This effects the whole economy and everybody's business is going downhill. People are losing their jobs."
Bob Snyder of Mahoning Township suggested Danville Elementary become the consolidated school for kindergarten through third grades.
Joe Mahoney, who has taught in the buildings being discussed, said the Liberty-Valley Elementary is still considered a neighborhood school but it is a large school. He questioned rebuilding in outdated schools when the trend in the nation is to go green. "We built a stadium that was outdated. We have to look at what our needs are and what's best for our kids and for the community," he said.
Marcy Taylor of Danville reminded everyone that President-Elect Barack Obama said he will provide money for schools. "Maybe if we take a step back and wait to see what he wants to do, maybe he can help us with this funding," she said.
George Wagner of Riverside earlier didn't favor a consolidated school, but with the cost difference between the three elementaries and a consolidated school widened considerably now, he has changed his mind.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
School Pension Fund Bonuses
From lehighvalleylive.com
The bonuses probably aren't going anywhere. Both Gov. Rendell and top members of the state legislature have suggested not awarding the bonuses.
It's nice when even public officials catch on to the idea that times are tight.
Pa. school pension fund staff bonuses ending
12/16/2008, 4:07 p.m. EST
The Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Twenty-one investment staffers at Pennsylvania's public school pension fund received more than $854,000 in bonuses for the 2007-08 fiscal year, even though the fund's investments experienced a $1.8 billion net loss, a newspaper reported Tuesday.
The Public School Employees' Retirement System board plans to end the practice at the end of the month, however, citing market conditions and other factors.
"There was some concern given the unprecedented markets at this point," PSERS executive director Jeffrey Clay told The Patriot-News of Harrisburg. "Across the country, there are issues raised with respect to incentive compensation for investment professionals in this market."
Bonuses for the fiscal year ended June 30 ranged from $9,720 to $106,223. The fund's investment staff receive base salaries between $63,179 and $251,542.
Gov. Ed Rendell sent a letter to system officials in November in which he advised against awarding the bonuses.
"Given the fund's recent performance and the serious financial challenges now facing the commonwealth as a whole, the payment of large bonuses to PSERS employees would be inappropriate and indefensible," Rendell wrote.
But the system's lawyers concluded that it was contractually obligated to award the bonuses because the board's policy already authorized the payments, system officials told the newspaper.
Despite the investment losses, the system's in-house investors outperformed their peers nationally, system officials said.
The investment staff's base salaries are lower than the going rate for professional investors, system officials said. The board might consider increasing the salaries in the future to keep them competitive or seek other suggestions from an outside consultant, Clay said.
Investors at Pennsylvania's other state pension fund, the State Employees' Retirement System, will not likely receive bonuses this year, given the fund's losses for the 2008 calendar year, spokesman Robert Gentzel said. The fund's investments fell 14.4 percent from January through September.
SERS investment employees are eligible for bonuses if they achieve at least an 8.5 percent rate of return.
Pennsylvania is among a minority of states that offer bonuses to the investment staff of its state pension funds, said Keith Brainard, research director for the National Association of State Retirement Administrators.
"I think the fact that more don't do it has more to do with the politics of the issue rather than the merits of it," Brainard said.
Pennsylvania Auditor General Jack Wagner said his agency was considering a possible audit of PSERS' contracts to determine why the system could not legally forgo the bonuses when its investments were losing money. Last year, Wagner released an audit criticizing Pennsylvania's student-loan agency for awarding $7.5 million in employee bonuses over a three-year period.
___
Information from: The Patriot-News, http://www.pennlive.com/patriotnews
© 2008 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
The bonuses probably aren't going anywhere. Both Gov. Rendell and top members of the state legislature have suggested not awarding the bonuses.
It's nice when even public officials catch on to the idea that times are tight.
Pa. school pension fund staff bonuses ending
12/16/2008, 4:07 p.m. EST
The Associated Press
HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Twenty-one investment staffers at Pennsylvania's public school pension fund received more than $854,000 in bonuses for the 2007-08 fiscal year, even though the fund's investments experienced a $1.8 billion net loss, a newspaper reported Tuesday.
The Public School Employees' Retirement System board plans to end the practice at the end of the month, however, citing market conditions and other factors.
"There was some concern given the unprecedented markets at this point," PSERS executive director Jeffrey Clay told The Patriot-News of Harrisburg. "Across the country, there are issues raised with respect to incentive compensation for investment professionals in this market."
Bonuses for the fiscal year ended June 30 ranged from $9,720 to $106,223. The fund's investment staff receive base salaries between $63,179 and $251,542.
Gov. Ed Rendell sent a letter to system officials in November in which he advised against awarding the bonuses.
"Given the fund's recent performance and the serious financial challenges now facing the commonwealth as a whole, the payment of large bonuses to PSERS employees would be inappropriate and indefensible," Rendell wrote.
But the system's lawyers concluded that it was contractually obligated to award the bonuses because the board's policy already authorized the payments, system officials told the newspaper.
Despite the investment losses, the system's in-house investors outperformed their peers nationally, system officials said.
The investment staff's base salaries are lower than the going rate for professional investors, system officials said. The board might consider increasing the salaries in the future to keep them competitive or seek other suggestions from an outside consultant, Clay said.
Investors at Pennsylvania's other state pension fund, the State Employees' Retirement System, will not likely receive bonuses this year, given the fund's losses for the 2008 calendar year, spokesman Robert Gentzel said. The fund's investments fell 14.4 percent from January through September.
SERS investment employees are eligible for bonuses if they achieve at least an 8.5 percent rate of return.
Pennsylvania is among a minority of states that offer bonuses to the investment staff of its state pension funds, said Keith Brainard, research director for the National Association of State Retirement Administrators.
"I think the fact that more don't do it has more to do with the politics of the issue rather than the merits of it," Brainard said.
Pennsylvania Auditor General Jack Wagner said his agency was considering a possible audit of PSERS' contracts to determine why the system could not legally forgo the bonuses when its investments were losing money. Last year, Wagner released an audit criticizing Pennsylvania's student-loan agency for awarding $7.5 million in employee bonuses over a three-year period.
___
Information from: The Patriot-News, http://www.pennlive.com/patriotnews
© 2008 Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.
Special Education Inclusion
From the Pittsburgh Tribune Review.
Schools aim for inclusion with special-needs
Amy Crawford, TRIBUNE-REVIEW Saturday, December 20, 2008
Most of the first-graders at Bon Air Elementary in Lower Burrell raised their hands, eager to sound out the words that teachers Courtney Barbiaux and Jennifer Hartung spelled with magnetic letters on the blackboard.
As Hartung spelled out jump, hump, and stump, Barbiaux, a special education teacher, scanned the room, looking for students who were having trouble grasping the concept of blended consonants.
Schools aim for inclusion with special-needs
Amy Crawford, TRIBUNE-REVIEW Saturday, December 20, 2008
Most of the first-graders at Bon Air Elementary in Lower Burrell raised their hands, eager to sound out the words that teachers Courtney Barbiaux and Jennifer Hartung spelled with magnetic letters on the blackboard.
As Hartung spelled out jump, hump, and stump, Barbiaux, a special education teacher, scanned the room, looking for students who were having trouble grasping the concept of blended consonants.
Among the 19 children in the class are two with autism and one with a learning disability. Despite their special education status, they were fully a part of the class, working on the same lesson as everybody else.
A few years ago, those students would have been sent to another room for separate lessons. Today, students with special needs are more often included in the mainstream classroom, an approach proponents say helps special education students academically and socially.
The federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, passed in 1990 and revised in 1997 and 2004, says that students with disabilities should spend as much time as possible with their non-disabled peers. In 2004, the Pennsylvania Department of Education settled a class-action lawsuit over that requirement, and since then the state has held school districts more accountable.
Four years later, many schools still are scrambling to get it right, often simply "dumping" all of their special education students in mainstream classes, said Bernard Miller, director for exceptional programs at the Pennsylvania State Education Association.
Critics, including some advocates for the disabled, say mainstreaming can be taken too far, when students with serious learning problems are left to fend for themselves in regular classrooms.
"Inclusion is really big right now," Miller said.
But, while the teachers' union favors inclusion when appropriate, Miller said, "This is a big state and there are huge differences district to district."
Ideally, Miller said, general education teachers would be trained and prepared to have special-needs students in their classrooms, and those students who need extra help would still have access to a special education teacher. For many students, Miller said, pulling them out of the regular classroom is still the best option.
"Inclusion isn't an exact science," Miller said. "When it is working, we need to celebrate it, and when it's not, we need to go back to the drawing board."
One strategy used by several districts in Westmoreland and Allegheny counties is co-teaching, where two teachers team up to teach a class, as in the first grade at Bon Air.
It's an idea that has been around since the 1990s, but in recent years has become more widespread.
Ellen Estomin, who directs the special education programs in the Pittsburgh Public Schools, said every school in the city district has an inclusion program.
Some of those schools use co-teaching, she said, and the district plans to expand the method to more schools.
"For inclusion to work, it takes a team of people," Estomin said. "We are really working hard to make it work well."
The Franklin Regional School District has used co-teaching since 2000, longer than most districts, said special education director Ron Tarosky.
"Our kids do very well," Tarosky said proudly, noting that the district's special education students met requirements under the No Child Left Behind Act every year.
Most general education teachers do not have much experience with special education, Tarosky said, and that can make mainstreaming difficult. The benefit of co-teaching is that it allows a teacher who knows the content --- reading, math or science, for example ---- to work together with one who understands how to adapt it for special-needs students.
Recently at Franklin Regional Senior High School in Murrysville, English teacher Susan White and special education teacher Tina Girt were guiding ninth-graders, several of whom have learning disabilities, through the play "A Raisin in the Sun."
Using tests and evaluations, the pair could tell which students were grasping the material and who needed extra help or a modified assignment. White said the two-teacher team seemed to benefit all the students, not just those with special needs.
With more than a decade's experience in special education, Girt remembered a time when students with learning disabilities usually were segregated from their peers. The push for inclusion was an improvement, she said.
"The minute you put them in the special ed class, they misbehave because they feel like the expectations are lower there," Girt said.
Nancy Janicak, whose son Justin, 14, has Down syndrome, said she noticed that inclusion can boost a student's confidence.
The family moved to Export from Indiana County last year, and Justin now is part of an inclusion program at Franklin Regional Middle School. He still works on math and English with a special education teacher, but goes to class with his seventh-grade peers for other subjects, learning the same lessons.
"He doesn't have to remember as much as the other children," Nancy Janicak said, "but he's held accountable for the curriculum."
Being included has made Justin more excited about school, his mother said, and he has been making friends.
"He's one of the gang now," she said, "instead of the kid in 'that room.' "
At Bon Air Elementary, administrators said the first official year of co-teaching has been going well. Barbiaux and Hartung, who co-teach language arts, were pleased with their first-graders' progress.
"We've seen them improve," said Hartung, who attributed gains over last year's class to having a second teacher in the room. "It's easier for us to pick up on a lot more --- who's struggling, who needs more help."
Every student benefits from a lower student-teacher ratio, Hartung said.
Administrators in Burrell School District have high hopes for the co-teaching program, which operates under the motto "Every child can learn."
"There have been some times when students have been mainstreamed and it hasn't worked out," said Matthew Conner, who began the program last year as the special education director. "But with this model, they have more support and it hasn't been an issue."
Conner, who now is principal at Burrell's Charles A. Huston Middle School, said he hopes to find that co-taught students will do better on the PSSA, the standardized test Pennsylvania uses to determine whether schools are making progress under No Child Left Behind.
Bon Air officials already were noticing substantial improvements on scores for the 4Sight test, which projects PSSA scores.
"If they're mainstreamed and they're successful, it increases their confidence," Conner said. "We hope that spills over into the PSSAs."
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Leadership: The Year End List
Who knew there was a monthly magazine dedicated to public servants? I didn't. However, governing.com certainly does exist, and they have a monthly print magazine as well.
Their year end issue presents -- SURPRISE! -- the public officials of the year.
The major aspect of these stories is not what they do, but how they do what they do. There's leadership in their actions.
Keeping some measure of restraint, what about Morrisville's public officials? Who gets placed on Santa's list of good kids, and who gets put on the naughty list?
Putting aside the "I'm getting nothing but coal for Christmas" list, what does Santa's good list looks like in Morrisville?
I'd like to start off with some nominees to Santa's good list. From the Borough side, Mayor Tom Wisnosky, Code Officer Robert Seward, and Borough Manager George Mount.
From the school district side, the late Ed Frankenfield certainly deserves praise, but I'm holding off on naming any other current board members to either list. Dr. Beth Yonson is also on that good list.
How about those non-public official public people? There's really too many to list by name at the Rotary. Ditto at the Ivins House. There's compassionate civic leadership in action day after day.
Do you have any others? Tell us the people who make Morrisville not just a place to live, but HOME.
Every campaign season brings a raft of candidates who boast that they will take office ready to ask the tough questions about why their states, cities and counties stick to the same policies and strategies, instead of finding ways to perform better. They promise to poke into the dark corners of government and get the answers needed to improve the system. Unfortunately, a promise that looks simple in October becomes difficult to implement in January. More often than not, the toughest questions end up near the bottom of a long to-do list.
For a public official, asking tough questions is rarely fun. But it's doable, if somebody with brains and courage and persistence demands answers. Our eight Public Officials of the Year possess all those qualities. Their efforts have brought real results that have improved the lives of the people they represent. Governing is proud to honor their accomplishments.
“I think I gotta get a lot smarter between now and then!”
Country singer Tim McGraw, dismissing with a joke reports that he wants to run for governor of Tennessee in 2010 but saying that "if the time comes where there's something available and I think I can do some positive things, I'll be glad to do it"
Their year end issue presents -- SURPRISE! -- the public officials of the year.
The major aspect of these stories is not what they do, but how they do what they do. There's leadership in their actions.
Keeping some measure of restraint, what about Morrisville's public officials? Who gets placed on Santa's list of good kids, and who gets put on the naughty list?
Putting aside the "I'm getting nothing but coal for Christmas" list, what does Santa's good list looks like in Morrisville?
I'd like to start off with some nominees to Santa's good list. From the Borough side, Mayor Tom Wisnosky, Code Officer Robert Seward, and Borough Manager George Mount.
From the school district side, the late Ed Frankenfield certainly deserves praise, but I'm holding off on naming any other current board members to either list. Dr. Beth Yonson is also on that good list.
How about those non-public official public people? There's really too many to list by name at the Rotary. Ditto at the Ivins House. There's compassionate civic leadership in action day after day.
Do you have any others? Tell us the people who make Morrisville not just a place to live, but HOME.
Every campaign season brings a raft of candidates who boast that they will take office ready to ask the tough questions about why their states, cities and counties stick to the same policies and strategies, instead of finding ways to perform better. They promise to poke into the dark corners of government and get the answers needed to improve the system. Unfortunately, a promise that looks simple in October becomes difficult to implement in January. More often than not, the toughest questions end up near the bottom of a long to-do list.
For a public official, asking tough questions is rarely fun. But it's doable, if somebody with brains and courage and persistence demands answers. Our eight Public Officials of the Year possess all those qualities. Their efforts have brought real results that have improved the lives of the people they represent. Governing is proud to honor their accomplishments.
“I think I gotta get a lot smarter between now and then!”
Country singer Tim McGraw, dismissing with a joke reports that he wants to run for governor of Tennessee in 2010 but saying that "if the time comes where there's something available and I think I can do some positive things, I'll be glad to do it"
Hellmann Removes M.R. Reiter Without Authorization
Let's not forget this gem either.
On June, 12 companies submitted proposals to work on all three school buildings. Bill Hellmann, the board president, later cut that down to five and removed M. R. Reiter from the equation without consulting the rest of the board, said board member Robin Reithmeyer at Tuesday's board meeting.
She voted against going forward on the boiler replacements without a plan that included all three schools.
Where's all the "safety of the students" protests now?
District takes steps toward restoring schools
By MANASEE WAGH
Bucks County Courier Times
MORRISVILLE -- After several decades, it's time to initiate serious updates in Morrisville schools, say area residents.
The school board recently voted 7-1 to start preliminary work to replace the boilers in the high school building and Grandview Elementary.
Some school board members and residents call it the first step toward restoring the schools, which have been in need of repairs for years.
“This is the beginning of something. People should applaud this beginning,” said resident Sharon Hughes.
The district will use Vitetta, a Philadelphia-based architectural and engineering corporation, to begin assessing the work necessary to replace the boilers, as well as looking into two new burners for the elementary school.
Morrisville residents have been calling for a plan to get the deteriorating high school and both elementaries in better shape since the current board canceled plans to build a consolidated K-12 school.
But there's a problem with taking action on the boilers now, the board minority said.
Evaluating the needs of two schools, designing a custom boiler for each and completing installation could take six months. That would put the project's conclusion well into the heating season, according to Tim Lastichen, district facilities director.
The price tag for the boilers alone is more than $100,000, not counting the labor and any expenses that could crop up along the way, he said at the Tuesday board meeting.
Some residents and the board minority complained this is a poor time to start an expensive project without a long-term restoration plan that would take the schools' many other problems into account.
In May, the board voted to hire Wick Fisher White, an engineering firm, to do a $30,000 study of the work needed at the high school and two elementaries. The next step was to advertise for several companies to do that work.
On June, 12 companies submitted proposals to work on all three school buildings. Bill Hellmann, the board president, later cut that down to five and removed M. R. Reiter from the equation without consulting the rest of the board, said board member Robin Reithmeyer at Tuesday's board meeting.
She voted against going forward on the boiler replacements without a plan that included all three schools.
However, some board members and residents attending the meeting thought it was a bad idea to wait any longer.
“The reason for moving forward is to address an important item,” said board member Brenda Worob, referring to the boilers.
Plus, part of the original $30 million bond that the previous board borrowed to fund a consolidated school needs to be spent soon, Hellmann said.
Board member William Farrell suggested the district not delay the boiler project just because it would take a long time. Maybe the district wouldn't complete it in time for this year's cold season, but at least the preparation work would be done, he said.
As for the second elementary school, M. R. Reiter, Lastichen didn't think it was worth investing in a new boiler, though residents complained that it was too cold for comfort there during the winter.
“Reiter's so bad, I think it should be bulldozed. I wouldn't spend money on it,” Lastichen said during the meeting.
M.R. Reiter's future is still up in the air.
In May, Hellmann unveiled a tentative plan to save money by combining the schools somehow, but no clear action has been taken in that direction yet.
A temporary fix for providing heat in the winter may be to bring modular heaters into Reiter and the other schools, said board member John Buckman.
The district will hold a community action plan meeting at 7 p.m. July 22, in the LGI room of the high school to discuss the boilers and other issues. Residents are encouraged to participate.
Manasee Wagh can be reached at 215-949-4206 or mwagh@phillyBurbs.com.
July 19, 2008 6:27 AM
On June, 12 companies submitted proposals to work on all three school buildings. Bill Hellmann, the board president, later cut that down to five and removed M. R. Reiter from the equation without consulting the rest of the board, said board member Robin Reithmeyer at Tuesday's board meeting.
She voted against going forward on the boiler replacements without a plan that included all three schools.
Where's all the "safety of the students" protests now?
District takes steps toward restoring schools
By MANASEE WAGH
Bucks County Courier Times
MORRISVILLE -- After several decades, it's time to initiate serious updates in Morrisville schools, say area residents.
The school board recently voted 7-1 to start preliminary work to replace the boilers in the high school building and Grandview Elementary.
Some school board members and residents call it the first step toward restoring the schools, which have been in need of repairs for years.
“This is the beginning of something. People should applaud this beginning,” said resident Sharon Hughes.
The district will use Vitetta, a Philadelphia-based architectural and engineering corporation, to begin assessing the work necessary to replace the boilers, as well as looking into two new burners for the elementary school.
Morrisville residents have been calling for a plan to get the deteriorating high school and both elementaries in better shape since the current board canceled plans to build a consolidated K-12 school.
But there's a problem with taking action on the boilers now, the board minority said.
Evaluating the needs of two schools, designing a custom boiler for each and completing installation could take six months. That would put the project's conclusion well into the heating season, according to Tim Lastichen, district facilities director.
The price tag for the boilers alone is more than $100,000, not counting the labor and any expenses that could crop up along the way, he said at the Tuesday board meeting.
Some residents and the board minority complained this is a poor time to start an expensive project without a long-term restoration plan that would take the schools' many other problems into account.
In May, the board voted to hire Wick Fisher White, an engineering firm, to do a $30,000 study of the work needed at the high school and two elementaries. The next step was to advertise for several companies to do that work.
On June, 12 companies submitted proposals to work on all three school buildings. Bill Hellmann, the board president, later cut that down to five and removed M. R. Reiter from the equation without consulting the rest of the board, said board member Robin Reithmeyer at Tuesday's board meeting.
She voted against going forward on the boiler replacements without a plan that included all three schools.
However, some board members and residents attending the meeting thought it was a bad idea to wait any longer.
“The reason for moving forward is to address an important item,” said board member Brenda Worob, referring to the boilers.
Plus, part of the original $30 million bond that the previous board borrowed to fund a consolidated school needs to be spent soon, Hellmann said.
Board member William Farrell suggested the district not delay the boiler project just because it would take a long time. Maybe the district wouldn't complete it in time for this year's cold season, but at least the preparation work would be done, he said.
As for the second elementary school, M. R. Reiter, Lastichen didn't think it was worth investing in a new boiler, though residents complained that it was too cold for comfort there during the winter.
“Reiter's so bad, I think it should be bulldozed. I wouldn't spend money on it,” Lastichen said during the meeting.
M.R. Reiter's future is still up in the air.
In May, Hellmann unveiled a tentative plan to save money by combining the schools somehow, but no clear action has been taken in that direction yet.
A temporary fix for providing heat in the winter may be to bring modular heaters into Reiter and the other schools, said board member John Buckman.
The district will hold a community action plan meeting at 7 p.m. July 22, in the LGI room of the high school to discuss the boilers and other issues. Residents are encouraged to participate.
Manasee Wagh can be reached at 215-949-4206 or mwagh@phillyBurbs.com.
July 19, 2008 6:27 AM
What the MRR Explosion Looks Like From Grandview
Thanks to the emailer for this look inside Grandview while hosting the kindergarteners visiting from M. R. Reiter.
At GV the kindergarten kids in my daughters class have been doing a LOT of coloring this week simply because they are missing so many supplies there isn't much else to do. They are eating lunch in their classroom. On Gym day they were unable to have gym class because the fifth graders were using the lunchroom to eat during their normal lunch time. Instead Mr Campbell and Mrs Craig did an art project in the classroom. Yesterday they went outside for a brief walk to get some fresh air. The playground has been too wet to use. Today was library day and they were unable to check out library books for obvious reasons. On music day Mrs Plummer came tot he classroom and sang some songs and then they colored some more. A Letter came home two days ago asking for parents to send in books so the children will have some books to read/look at in the classrooms. If anyone out there has age appropriate books laying around that are no longer used and in good shape you may consider donating them to the K classrooms. There was also a request for tissues and hand sanitizer and cleaners for the tables. Teachers were unable to take anything like that from MRR. Only bare necessities were brought over....some manipulative toys...couple games...which explains all the coloring going on this week! The children seem to be doing ok but my daughter also wants to know "when can we go back to MRR? What's taking so long?" Traffic around GV has been a nightmare! Can't imagine what it would be like with trailers(excuse me...mobile classrooms) and 200 more students on the property.
At GV the kindergarten kids in my daughters class have been doing a LOT of coloring this week simply because they are missing so many supplies there isn't much else to do. They are eating lunch in their classroom. On Gym day they were unable to have gym class because the fifth graders were using the lunchroom to eat during their normal lunch time. Instead Mr Campbell and Mrs Craig did an art project in the classroom. Yesterday they went outside for a brief walk to get some fresh air. The playground has been too wet to use. Today was library day and they were unable to check out library books for obvious reasons. On music day Mrs Plummer came tot he classroom and sang some songs and then they colored some more. A Letter came home two days ago asking for parents to send in books so the children will have some books to read/look at in the classrooms. If anyone out there has age appropriate books laying around that are no longer used and in good shape you may consider donating them to the K classrooms. There was also a request for tissues and hand sanitizer and cleaners for the tables. Teachers were unable to take anything like that from MRR. Only bare necessities were brought over....some manipulative toys...couple games...which explains all the coloring going on this week! The children seem to be doing ok but my daughter also wants to know "when can we go back to MRR? What's taking so long?" Traffic around GV has been a nightmare! Can't imagine what it would be like with trailers(excuse me...mobile classrooms) and 200 more students on the property.
Who Needs a Referendum?
Apparently, the closing of an elementary school is not the same as the closing of the high school.
Board president William Hellmann said no decision about closing the high school would be made without going to referendum. He agreed to organize a meeting with all board members and community stake holders, including residents, students and teachers, to brainstorm ideas and discuss options for Morrisville going forward.
Ask the Emperor: Where's the referendum?
'It is our future'
By MANASEE WAGH
Bucks County Courier Times
An emotional crowd packed the Morrisville Middle/Senior High School auditorium Wednesday night in a show of support for keeping the 116-year-old high school together.
About 15 people spoke during the school board's public comment session, most giving impassioned statements against dissolving the school.
“We found a gem of a town,” William Martin said of his family's wish to move into Morrisville for its community and small school. If the students are sent to other, larger districts, like nearby Pennsbury, they would have little opportunity to join and excel in sports teams, the band, and other groups, said Martin, father of a student.
The large turnout at the meeting also included about 50 Middle/Senior High School students. Several, including student representative Kimberley Charles, expressed outrage at the board's unwillingness to allow them to speak longer after the end of the 45-minute public comment period.
“Let them speak!” was the often-repeated cry from students and other attendees.
Student Michael Leather said the school is too valuable to disband.
“The teachers here are our mentors for life,” he told the board. “Have a student poll and ask us what we want, since it is our future.”
John W. Jordan, the president of the Bucks County NAACP, also spoke during the public comment session, not only about keeping the school together, but also to point out a racial comment allegedly made by current Morrisville school board member Alfred Radosti.
“The NAACP is asking tonight for the resignation of Mr. Radosti,” said Jordan, whose speech elicited gasps from the crowd and sustained applause.
Jordan said Radosti made his comments in front of another former school board member, who did not want to be named. That member brought the matter to Jordan's attention, and he spoke to the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Civil Rights Division and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.
“Certain things will not be tolerated,” said Jordan, also vice president of the state NAACP and a former Morrisville school board member. Jordan said he was talking to the state Department of Education to “check on what the board is doing.”
Jordan also addressed concerns that programs might be cut to accommodate financial issues.
After public comment, Superintendent Elizabeth Yonson said that neither programs nor textbooks were slated to be cut at this point.
“We looked at the contingency fund of $120,000,” she said, adding that it could be used in place of raising taxes above the state mandated 4.4 percent index.
In an agenda meeting two weeks ago, the board decided to forego applying for state exceptions, which would allow the district to raise taxes above the index to cope with uncontrollable costs.
About two weeks ago it was revealed that some members of the new Morrisville school board majority contacted local school systems to see if they would be interested in accepting its high school students on a tuition basis. This was reportedly one option to relieve financial and other stresses in the district.
Board president William Hellmann said no decision about closing the high school would be made without going to referendum. He agreed to organize a meeting with all board members and community stake holders, including residents, students and teachers, to brainstorm ideas and discuss options for Morrisville going forward.
Staff writer Kate Fratti contributed to this article. Manasee Wagh can be reached at 215-949-4206 or mwagh@phillyburbs.com. Kate Fratti can be reached at 215-949-4179 or kfratti@phillyBurbs.com.
January 24, 2008 6:29 AM
Board president William Hellmann said no decision about closing the high school would be made without going to referendum. He agreed to organize a meeting with all board members and community stake holders, including residents, students and teachers, to brainstorm ideas and discuss options for Morrisville going forward.
Ask the Emperor: Where's the referendum?
'It is our future'
By MANASEE WAGH
Bucks County Courier Times
An emotional crowd packed the Morrisville Middle/Senior High School auditorium Wednesday night in a show of support for keeping the 116-year-old high school together.
About 15 people spoke during the school board's public comment session, most giving impassioned statements against dissolving the school.
“We found a gem of a town,” William Martin said of his family's wish to move into Morrisville for its community and small school. If the students are sent to other, larger districts, like nearby Pennsbury, they would have little opportunity to join and excel in sports teams, the band, and other groups, said Martin, father of a student.
The large turnout at the meeting also included about 50 Middle/Senior High School students. Several, including student representative Kimberley Charles, expressed outrage at the board's unwillingness to allow them to speak longer after the end of the 45-minute public comment period.
“Let them speak!” was the often-repeated cry from students and other attendees.
Student Michael Leather said the school is too valuable to disband.
“The teachers here are our mentors for life,” he told the board. “Have a student poll and ask us what we want, since it is our future.”
John W. Jordan, the president of the Bucks County NAACP, also spoke during the public comment session, not only about keeping the school together, but also to point out a racial comment allegedly made by current Morrisville school board member Alfred Radosti.
“The NAACP is asking tonight for the resignation of Mr. Radosti,” said Jordan, whose speech elicited gasps from the crowd and sustained applause.
Jordan said Radosti made his comments in front of another former school board member, who did not want to be named. That member brought the matter to Jordan's attention, and he spoke to the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Civil Rights Division and the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission.
“Certain things will not be tolerated,” said Jordan, also vice president of the state NAACP and a former Morrisville school board member. Jordan said he was talking to the state Department of Education to “check on what the board is doing.”
Jordan also addressed concerns that programs might be cut to accommodate financial issues.
After public comment, Superintendent Elizabeth Yonson said that neither programs nor textbooks were slated to be cut at this point.
“We looked at the contingency fund of $120,000,” she said, adding that it could be used in place of raising taxes above the state mandated 4.4 percent index.
In an agenda meeting two weeks ago, the board decided to forego applying for state exceptions, which would allow the district to raise taxes above the index to cope with uncontrollable costs.
About two weeks ago it was revealed that some members of the new Morrisville school board majority contacted local school systems to see if they would be interested in accepting its high school students on a tuition basis. This was reportedly one option to relieve financial and other stresses in the district.
Board president William Hellmann said no decision about closing the high school would be made without going to referendum. He agreed to organize a meeting with all board members and community stake holders, including residents, students and teachers, to brainstorm ideas and discuss options for Morrisville going forward.
Staff writer Kate Fratti contributed to this article. Manasee Wagh can be reached at 215-949-4206 or mwagh@phillyburbs.com. Kate Fratti can be reached at 215-949-4179 or kfratti@phillyBurbs.com.
January 24, 2008 6:29 AM
Friday, December 19, 2008
Bathroom Water Leak in MHS?
Does anyone have any information about a water leak today at the high school where a bathroom sink came off the wall and water was flowing out into the corridors?
More from the mailbag
Thanks to the emailer who sent me this in response to the Bristol budget shortfall posting.
From: bill hellmann
Date: Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 12:54 PM
To: bill hellmann
Cc: GLORIA HEATER, joe kemp , MARLYS MIHOK , ROBIN REITHMEYER , BRENDA WOROB
hi folks:
for the past two months i have been extensively studying the operations and finances of bristol boro school district. these two districts are similar in size and close in proximity. the differences between that school district and our school district on both the revenue side AND the expense side are staggering and substantial. they have us beat every which way i can think about.
i am putting together a six part plan that will make our school district much more efficient and more in line with the bristol borough school district and without materially affecting the educational quality of our school district. due to their efficiency they can afford to build a brand new school, we can not.
we have major business and apartment complex owners constantly trying to reduce their property tax assessments and they have been successful. perhaps, if these major taxpayers see us getting our operational, political and financial house in order, they will stop.
last year i wrote in the paper i would not invest one more nickle or one nickle of client money in this town unless and until this school district wakes up. that still holds today.
last year in the board conference room i told everybody that if we do not restructure, sell your house and get out of this town. that still holds today.
anybody get it yet?
bill
From: bill hellmann
Date: Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 12:54 PM
To: bill hellmann
Cc: GLORIA HEATER
hi folks:
for the past two months i have been extensively studying the operations and finances of bristol boro school district. these two districts are similar in size and close in proximity. the differences between that school district and our school district on both the revenue side AND the expense side are staggering and substantial. they have us beat every which way i can think about.
i am putting together a six part plan that will make our school district much more efficient and more in line with the bristol borough school district and without materially affecting the educational quality of our school district. due to their efficiency they can afford to build a brand new school, we can not.
we have major business and apartment complex owners constantly trying to reduce their property tax assessments and they have been successful. perhaps, if these major taxpayers see us getting our operational, political and financial house in order, they will stop.
last year i wrote in the paper i would not invest one more nickle or one nickle of client money in this town unless and until this school district wakes up. that still holds today.
last year in the board conference room i told everybody that if we do not restructure, sell your house and get out of this town. that still holds today.
anybody get it yet?
bill
Chicken Alert, Revisited
For a long time, I've been pointing out the silence of the stop the school people. Here's an entry from where the former Gibson board was moving forward with the new school and Angry Al Radosti emerged as the voice of reason...with no comment.
While the Emperor was marking up old board minutes for his own purposes to show that he was interested in health and safety, let's look back even farther.
Let's set the wayback machine for August 10, 2007.
Board member Alfred Radosti, a Republican who won both the Democratic and GOP primary election in May, said, “this community has spoken more than once and they [school board members] don't listen to the community.”
Radosti, who opposes a new school, refused to comment further.
Gibson, in defending construction of the new school, said, “It's a life, safety and health issue to allow these buildings [the existing schools] to continue to deteriorate.”
Oops...it looks like the former board was worried about the same health and safety thing. It's just that William R. Hellmann CPA, Angry Al Radosti, Marlys Mihok, William Farrell, Gloria Heater, and Robin Reithmeyer ran on a platform to STOP THE SCHOOL and not one bit more. They were elected and with Brenda Worob, did just that. They stopped the school.
Last week's Reiter blast and the deteriorations since then fall squarely on these shoulders. Anyone who disputes that needs to re-read the stop the school campaign literature.
Reithmeyer took the school board job with open eyes. From the beginning she's recognized there's more to running a school system than being a taxpayer advocate. Very quickly, she joined the late Ed Frankenfield in asking "where's the plan?"
Just as quickly, the stop the school purists produced all sorts of fatwas and shunnings against Reithmeyer. She was defying the one true way: HELLMANN!
She doggedly kept on and is exposing Hellmann's shady and underhanded activities left and right. Now Heater has done a similar expose showing more of the Emperor's tacky tactics.
Perhaps Non Sequitur illustrates their leadership principle best:
From the beginning there was no plan, and there still is no plan. All they wanted was to stop the school and lower your taxes.
Your kids? Collateral damage.
While the Emperor was marking up old board minutes for his own purposes to show that he was interested in health and safety, let's look back even farther.
Let's set the wayback machine for August 10, 2007.
Board member Alfred Radosti, a Republican who won both the Democratic and GOP primary election in May, said, “this community has spoken more than once and they [school board members] don't listen to the community.”
Radosti, who opposes a new school, refused to comment further.
Gibson, in defending construction of the new school, said, “It's a life, safety and health issue to allow these buildings [the existing schools] to continue to deteriorate.”
Oops...it looks like the former board was worried about the same health and safety thing. It's just that William R. Hellmann CPA, Angry Al Radosti, Marlys Mihok, William Farrell, Gloria Heater, and Robin Reithmeyer ran on a platform to STOP THE SCHOOL and not one bit more. They were elected and with Brenda Worob, did just that. They stopped the school.
Last week's Reiter blast and the deteriorations since then fall squarely on these shoulders. Anyone who disputes that needs to re-read the stop the school campaign literature.
Reithmeyer took the school board job with open eyes. From the beginning she's recognized there's more to running a school system than being a taxpayer advocate. Very quickly, she joined the late Ed Frankenfield in asking "where's the plan?"
Just as quickly, the stop the school purists produced all sorts of fatwas and shunnings against Reithmeyer. She was defying the one true way: HELLMANN!
She doggedly kept on and is exposing Hellmann's shady and underhanded activities left and right. Now Heater has done a similar expose showing more of the Emperor's tacky tactics.
Perhaps Non Sequitur illustrates their leadership principle best:
From the beginning there was no plan, and there still is no plan. All they wanted was to stop the school and lower your taxes.
Your kids? Collateral damage.
Hellmann: Morrisville Can Be Just Like Bristol
First we "want to be like Pennsbury." Then, the model is that we should "be like Bristol."
When do we get to "be like Morrisville?"
Don't forget that Bristol is the model for the SIX POINT HELLMANN PLAN
District facing early $800,000 deficit
Bristol School District officials are looking for ways to trim an estimated $800,000 from the projected 2009-10 budget, said Joseph Roe, Bristol’s business manager during the school board meeting Thursday night.
Roe declined to say how much the total projected budget because several adjustments still need to be made to the financial plan.
The board can raise taxes 5.3 percent or 6.36 mills without asking for voter approval to help cover district expenses, according to a predetermined index established by the state.
But that additional revenue would not be enough cover the projected revenue shortfall, Roe said.
The board has scheduled 6 p.m. budget review sessions for Jan. 8, Jan. 22, and Jan. 29 to figure out how to proceed.
Board members have until Jan. 29 to decide if they want to increase the tax rate above the index to help cover the revenue shortfall.
If the board decides to go for the higher increase, it will need to ask for and receive voter approval during the May primary before it can proceed with the increase.
When do we get to "be like Morrisville?"
Don't forget that Bristol is the model for the SIX POINT HELLMANN PLAN
District facing early $800,000 deficit
Bristol School District officials are looking for ways to trim an estimated $800,000 from the projected 2009-10 budget, said Joseph Roe, Bristol’s business manager during the school board meeting Thursday night.
Roe declined to say how much the total projected budget because several adjustments still need to be made to the financial plan.
The board can raise taxes 5.3 percent or 6.36 mills without asking for voter approval to help cover district expenses, according to a predetermined index established by the state.
But that additional revenue would not be enough cover the projected revenue shortfall, Roe said.
The board has scheduled 6 p.m. budget review sessions for Jan. 8, Jan. 22, and Jan. 29 to figure out how to proceed.
Board members have until Jan. 29 to decide if they want to increase the tax rate above the index to help cover the revenue shortfall.
If the board decides to go for the higher increase, it will need to ask for and receive voter approval during the May primary before it can proceed with the increase.
Thumbs down from the BCCT
Thumbs down from the BCCT
To Morrisville school board President William Hellman, who could use some sensitivity training. Make that a lot of sensitivity training
We couldn’t believe how he opened this week’s school board meeting, which drew over a hundred concerned, if not horrified, elementary school parents. The moms and dads were there in response to a weekend boiler explosion that has shut down the M.R. Reiter Elementary School — perhaps permanently.
Rather than expressing relief that nobody was injured and apologizing for the disruption in the children’s school schedule, Hellman opened the meeting by outlining how much the school board saved by cancelling last year’s planned construction of a new K-12 school. Also removed from the district’s agenda — solely by Hellman — were proposed renovations at Reiter. Or as Hellman calls it, the “rat trap.”
Lovely. No wonder parents are calling for the guy’s head.
To Morrisville school board President William Hellman, who could use some sensitivity training. Make that a lot of sensitivity training
We couldn’t believe how he opened this week’s school board meeting, which drew over a hundred concerned, if not horrified, elementary school parents. The moms and dads were there in response to a weekend boiler explosion that has shut down the M.R. Reiter Elementary School — perhaps permanently.
Rather than expressing relief that nobody was injured and apologizing for the disruption in the children’s school schedule, Hellman opened the meeting by outlining how much the school board saved by cancelling last year’s planned construction of a new K-12 school. Also removed from the district’s agenda — solely by Hellman — were proposed renovations at Reiter. Or as Hellman calls it, the “rat trap.”
Lovely. No wonder parents are calling for the guy’s head.
Thursday, December 18, 2008
MHS Winter Concert TONIGHT
Thank you to the emailer for this reminder. This is one of the last chances to see the Morrisville High School in concert. Once the Emperor has his way, . No more high school, no more concerts, no more football, no more...well, you get the idea.
7:30PM High School Winter Concert
The Winter Concert will be held on 12/18 in
the Middle Senior High School auditorium at 7:30PM.
7:30PM High School Winter Concert
The Winter Concert will be held on 12/18 in
the Middle Senior High School auditorium at 7:30PM.
Vitetta Report Available
Now not just for the select elect of the Emperor, the Vitetta Report is available at the district website.
Oddly enough...it reads pretty much like the 2005 report.
You can view the whole group of reports here.
Oddly enough...it reads pretty much like the 2005 report.
You can view the whole group of reports here.
From the Mailbag
Here's an entry from Santa's bulging bag o'email.
I appreciate the readership as well as the feedback.
savethemorrisvilleschool@yahoo.com is open 24/7.
Hello, I'm a relatively new resident to Morrisville, I moved here with my family about a year and a half ago. The idea of a small borough and a small school district where children have a name and are not just a number is what we thought we were getting into. I've been to board meetings, and have been reading your blog for some time now, trying to gain as much information as possible with regards to our current state of affairs in our schools. After last nights meeting, I am disgusted with the way this current board conducts itself!! From board members interrupting each other, and Mr. Hellmann appearing to fall asleep between 10 and 10:30 pm.(Some in the audience actually took a picture of this!)this is no way for a board of elected officials to conduct itself. This board is giving Morrisville a bad name. They should be ashamed of their actions and behavior. This district is small and manageable, but the current board cannot even get through a discussion on a motion without getting snippy and interrupting each other. Its no wonder nothing is getting done. Or perhaps that is the plan, to get nothing done. It seems the majority only wants to save taxes and close schools. It was great to see Mrs. Reithmeyer stand up to Mr. Hellmann, and Mrs. Heater reveal her alarming e-mail from Mr. Hellmann, more members need to see the light(ie:Worab,Mihok,Farrell). Perhaps then we can get back to fixing our schools, and educating our children.
I would like to get more involved and I would like to get our community more involved. Keep up the great work!!
I appreciate the readership as well as the feedback.
savethemorrisvilleschool@yahoo.com is open 24/7.
Hello, I'm a relatively new resident to Morrisville, I moved here with my family about a year and a half ago. The idea of a small borough and a small school district where children have a name and are not just a number is what we thought we were getting into. I've been to board meetings, and have been reading your blog for some time now, trying to gain as much information as possible with regards to our current state of affairs in our schools. After last nights meeting, I am disgusted with the way this current board conducts itself!! From board members interrupting each other, and Mr. Hellmann appearing to fall asleep between 10 and 10:30 pm.(Some in the audience actually took a picture of this!)this is no way for a board of elected officials to conduct itself. This board is giving Morrisville a bad name. They should be ashamed of their actions and behavior. This district is small and manageable, but the current board cannot even get through a discussion on a motion without getting snippy and interrupting each other. Its no wonder nothing is getting done. Or perhaps that is the plan, to get nothing done. It seems the majority only wants to save taxes and close schools. It was great to see Mrs. Reithmeyer stand up to Mr. Hellmann, and Mrs. Heater reveal her alarming e-mail from Mr. Hellmann, more members need to see the light(ie:Worab,Mihok,Farrell). Perhaps then we can get back to fixing our schools, and educating our children.
I would like to get more involved and I would like to get our community more involved. Keep up the great work!!
Bucks Bucking Trend?
From the BCCT.
Bucks will not raise taxes in ’09
County officials used $3.2 million from a reserve fund, increased conservative revenue projections and cut vehicle costs.
By JENNA PORTNOY
For the third consecutive year, Bucks County will not raise taxes in 2009, instead opting to take a $3.2 million budget shortfall from the rainy day fund.
The county finance department cut an initial $7.1 million spending gap nearly in half mostly by increasing conservative revenue projections and reducing vehicle costs.
Poor performance on pension fund investments and a 12 percent increase in health care costs account for a $6.8 million budget hit.
The tax rate will remain at 21.9 mills next year. That means a resident owning property assessed at the county average of $35,942 will pay $789 in taxes next year, the same as in 2007 and 2008. A mill is a tax of $1 on every $1,000 of assessed value.
Commissioners approved the $467.6 million spending plan by a vote of 2-1, along party lines. All three commissioners praised the county financial team. Taking money from the rainy day fund will reduce the total to about $68 million.
Commissioner Diane Marseglia, the only Democrat on the three-member board, said she wanted commissioners to enforce 2 percent across-the-board cuts for all departments, eliminate a human resources position, drop benefits for row officers’ solicitors and reduce 3 percent cost of living raises for non-union workers. Marseglia also objected to the budget process, which she said discourages the public discussion of potential cuts and their implications.
No members of the public attended a public hearing on the budget.
Commissioner Jim Cawley, a Republican, has said if the county ever decided to reduce raises, the move would have to affect all employees, both union and non-union.
Brian Hessenthaler, director of finance and administration, said the county’s projections still reflect the global financial meltdown, but to a lesser extent than first anticipated. For example, the final budget anticipates fewer delinquent taxpayers — down from 4 percent to about 3 percent — which added $1.7 million to the spending plan.
He also found an additional $360,000 in gaming revenue; $175,000 in revenue from clerk of courts, prothonotary and sheriff ’s fees and $55,000 from a health department grant that will not expire next year as previously anticipated. The county plans to bring in $1 million from the sale of the Quakertown Annex on Route 309.
The county will not hire a public records officer at a salary of $61,800. Instead, the county will name an existing employee to fulfill duties mandated by the state Right to Know law.
Hessenthaler asked all county departments to slash 10 percent from their budgets in case the state makes drastic cuts that affect county spending. Although only about half of the departments responded, he said, the revised budgets helped him identify $100,000 in deferred vehicle purchases.
The other departments will be made to comply and if more savings can be identified, Hessenthaler will make additional cuts.
Corrections also wanted to spend $148,000 on vehicles next year. Instead the purchases were postponed or officials will use unassigned cars from the county fleet. Finally, he said, the county will save $16,000 by taking cars away from 18 employees assigned vehicles 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Commissioners plan to hold a special meeting 6 p.m. Dec. 29 to set the salary for two elected jury commissioners. Commissioner Charley Martin, also a Republican, suggested eliminating the jobs, which pay $19,600 each plus benefits, but that must be accomplished at the state level.
The state-mandated minimum salary is $10,500. Any changes would affect officials beginning four-year terms in 2010.
Bucks will not raise taxes in ’09
County officials used $3.2 million from a reserve fund, increased conservative revenue projections and cut vehicle costs.
By JENNA PORTNOY
For the third consecutive year, Bucks County will not raise taxes in 2009, instead opting to take a $3.2 million budget shortfall from the rainy day fund.
The county finance department cut an initial $7.1 million spending gap nearly in half mostly by increasing conservative revenue projections and reducing vehicle costs.
Poor performance on pension fund investments and a 12 percent increase in health care costs account for a $6.8 million budget hit.
The tax rate will remain at 21.9 mills next year. That means a resident owning property assessed at the county average of $35,942 will pay $789 in taxes next year, the same as in 2007 and 2008. A mill is a tax of $1 on every $1,000 of assessed value.
Commissioners approved the $467.6 million spending plan by a vote of 2-1, along party lines. All three commissioners praised the county financial team. Taking money from the rainy day fund will reduce the total to about $68 million.
Commissioner Diane Marseglia, the only Democrat on the three-member board, said she wanted commissioners to enforce 2 percent across-the-board cuts for all departments, eliminate a human resources position, drop benefits for row officers’ solicitors and reduce 3 percent cost of living raises for non-union workers. Marseglia also objected to the budget process, which she said discourages the public discussion of potential cuts and their implications.
No members of the public attended a public hearing on the budget.
Commissioner Jim Cawley, a Republican, has said if the county ever decided to reduce raises, the move would have to affect all employees, both union and non-union.
Brian Hessenthaler, director of finance and administration, said the county’s projections still reflect the global financial meltdown, but to a lesser extent than first anticipated. For example, the final budget anticipates fewer delinquent taxpayers — down from 4 percent to about 3 percent — which added $1.7 million to the spending plan.
He also found an additional $360,000 in gaming revenue; $175,000 in revenue from clerk of courts, prothonotary and sheriff ’s fees and $55,000 from a health department grant that will not expire next year as previously anticipated. The county plans to bring in $1 million from the sale of the Quakertown Annex on Route 309.
The county will not hire a public records officer at a salary of $61,800. Instead, the county will name an existing employee to fulfill duties mandated by the state Right to Know law.
Hessenthaler asked all county departments to slash 10 percent from their budgets in case the state makes drastic cuts that affect county spending. Although only about half of the departments responded, he said, the revised budgets helped him identify $100,000 in deferred vehicle purchases.
The other departments will be made to comply and if more savings can be identified, Hessenthaler will make additional cuts.
Corrections also wanted to spend $148,000 on vehicles next year. Instead the purchases were postponed or officials will use unassigned cars from the county fleet. Finally, he said, the county will save $16,000 by taking cars away from 18 employees assigned vehicles 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Commissioners plan to hold a special meeting 6 p.m. Dec. 29 to set the salary for two elected jury commissioners. Commissioner Charley Martin, also a Republican, suggested eliminating the jobs, which pay $19,600 each plus benefits, but that must be accomplished at the state level.
The state-mandated minimum salary is $10,500. Any changes would affect officials beginning four-year terms in 2010.
Budget Blues Continue: Bensalem
From the BCCT.
District faces estimated $7M shortfall in 2009-10
The school board can only raise taxes a certain amount to cover the shortfall, and it’s not enough to cover all the projected expenses.
By JOAN HELLYER
The Bensalem School District could face an estimated $7 million revenue shortfall in the coming school year, according to 2009-10 projections reviewed by the school board Wednesday night.
Preliminary projections suggest expenses will increase from about $109 million in the current school year to just over $114 million in 2009-10, said Jack Myers, the district’s director of business administration.
However, district officials anticipate revenues will be less than $107 million in the coming school year.
The board can raise taxes 4.1 percent over the current tax rate, or 5.33 mills, without asking for voter approval, according to an index determined by the state, said Jack Myers, the district’s director of business administration.
If taxes increase by that amount, the owner of the district’s average assessed property of $22,000 would pay just over $2,977 in taxes in 2009-10.
The additional taxes would bring in about $3 million in extra revenue, Myers said.
The rest of the shortfall could be covered with money from the district’s savings account, known as the fund balance. It’s expected to total about $11.3 million in the upcoming academic year, he said.
Myers did not say how much from the fund should be used to help cover the shortfall.
But he cautioned board members that if they used too much of the savings in the next two years, there would be nothing left to help cover any revenue shortfall in 2011-12.
As required by Act 1, the state’s property tax relief law, the board has to decide if it wants to raise the tax rate above its index to help cover expenses. The only way it can do that is to get voter approval in the May primary.
The board will have another budget work session Jan. 14 to decide how it plans to cover all the expenses in the projected 2009-10 budget.
District faces estimated $7M shortfall in 2009-10
The school board can only raise taxes a certain amount to cover the shortfall, and it’s not enough to cover all the projected expenses.
By JOAN HELLYER
The Bensalem School District could face an estimated $7 million revenue shortfall in the coming school year, according to 2009-10 projections reviewed by the school board Wednesday night.
Preliminary projections suggest expenses will increase from about $109 million in the current school year to just over $114 million in 2009-10, said Jack Myers, the district’s director of business administration.
However, district officials anticipate revenues will be less than $107 million in the coming school year.
The board can raise taxes 4.1 percent over the current tax rate, or 5.33 mills, without asking for voter approval, according to an index determined by the state, said Jack Myers, the district’s director of business administration.
If taxes increase by that amount, the owner of the district’s average assessed property of $22,000 would pay just over $2,977 in taxes in 2009-10.
The additional taxes would bring in about $3 million in extra revenue, Myers said.
The rest of the shortfall could be covered with money from the district’s savings account, known as the fund balance. It’s expected to total about $11.3 million in the upcoming academic year, he said.
Myers did not say how much from the fund should be used to help cover the shortfall.
But he cautioned board members that if they used too much of the savings in the next two years, there would be nothing left to help cover any revenue shortfall in 2011-12.
As required by Act 1, the state’s property tax relief law, the board has to decide if it wants to raise the tax rate above its index to help cover expenses. The only way it can do that is to get voter approval in the May primary.
The board will have another budget work session Jan. 14 to decide how it plans to cover all the expenses in the projected 2009-10 budget.
Is the High School Safe?
The 2005 buildings report also addressed the Middle-Senior High School, the building where most of our children are now located.
We anxiously await the (drum roll please) VITETTA REPORT! Yes, the answer to all our problems, Vitetta will swoop in and tell us what to do.
Let's see if this report gets distributed.
UPDATED: The Vitetta Report is available at the district website.
3.0 Morrisville High School
Executive Summary
With the exception of the main sanitary, fire alarm, security, public address, data and clock systems, the mechanical and electrical systems have exceeded their expected service lives and require replacement. Depending on the new program, portions of the emergency lighting and electrical distribution systems can be retained.
3.1 Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Systems and Equipment
3.1.1 Unit Ventilators and Air Handling Units
General:
• The majority of the classrooms, both in the original 1958 Building and the 1972 Addition are served by unit ventilators with hot water heating coils and ventilation air provisions. Ventilation is obtained both through the roof and through louvers on the exterior walls.
• Larger spaces, such as the gym, kitchen and the Instructional Materials Center are served by ducted air handling units with a hot water heating coil and outdoor air louvers.
Age/Condition:
• The unit ventilators, air handling units and ductwork are over thirty years old and have far exceeded their useful service lives.
Code Issues:
• Not applicable.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• The unit ventilators, air handling units and ductwork systems are not suitable for reuse and must be replaced.
3.1.2 Boilers
General:
• Two oil-fired boilers, which serve HVAC equipment in the original 1968 Building, generate heating water for classroom and corridor heating. Refer to Photograph C1 in Appendix “C”.
• Two oil-fired boilers, which were installed during the 1972 Addition, generate steam to serve heat exchangers. The heat exchangers use the boiler steam to provide heating water for the classrooms, corridors, and office spaces. Refer to Photograph C2 in Appendix “C”.
• Two base-mounted pumps circulate the heating water throughout the 1968 Building.
Refer to Photograph C3 in Appendix “C”.
Age/Condition:
• The boilers and heat exchangers are all over thirty years old and at the end of their useful service lives.
• The base-mounted pumps appear to be approximately five years old, in fair condition, and can be expected to last another ten to fifteen years.
Code Issues:
• There are not apparent code issues related to the base-mounted pumps.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• The boilers and heat exchangers, have exceeded their useful lives, are not suitable for reuse or continued use, and must be replaced.
• The pumps are not suited for new energy efficient HVAC systems required by a new program of space use, and must be replaced.
3.1.3 Cooling System
General:
• An existing air handling unit, which serves the Instructional Materials Center was retrofitted with a cooling coil and remote condensing unit in 1996. The dedicated condensing unit, rated for 30 tons cooling, is located in the open courtyard adjacent to the Instructional Materials Center.
• A 5-ton rooftop unit, installed in 1995, serves a conference room and the Business Manager’s Office Area.
• A 10-ton split system, installed in 1997, serves several offices on the west side of the open courtyard.
• Window air conditioners are incidental, have been added as piecemeal appliances at selective locations, and are not addressed further within this report.
Age/Condition:
• The existing air handling unit serving the Instructional Materials Center, as mentioned previously, is beyond it useful service life. Refer to Article 3.2.1 above.
• The 30-ton condensing unit, 5-ton rooftop unit and 10-ton split system are approximately ten years old and can be expected to last another five to eight years.
Code Issues:
• There are no apparent code issues related to the cooling system equipment.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• The 30-ton condensing unit, 5-ton rooftop unit and 10-ton split system, depending on the planned renovations and new program of space use at the existing unit locations, could be reused.
3.1.4 Underground Oil Tanks
General:
• There are two 12,000 gallon underground oil tanks, one located adjacent to each boiler room. Refer to Photograph C4 in Appendix “C”.
• Oil pumps, located at each boiler, supplies oil from the underground tank to the boilers.
Refer to Photograph C5 in Appendix “C”.
• A 5,000 gallon underground oil tank, which originally served an emergency generator, has been abandoned in-place.
Age/Condition:
• The oil tanks and pumps are over forty years old and have far exceeded their useful service lives.
Code Issues:
• Any repair work resulting from leaks will subject the overall system to compliance with stringent, expensive Federal Environmental Requirements. Prudent evaluation of existing tank/piping system integrity and lead free performance is recommended.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• The oil tanks and oil pumps are not suitable for reuse or continued use, and must be replaced.
3.1.5 Automatic Temperature Control System
General:
• Automatic temperature control system is pneumatic and served by multiple air compressors located in each Boiler Room.
Age/Condition:
• The control system appears to be over twenty years old and has far exceeded its useful service life.
Code Issues:
• Not applicable.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• The control system is not suitable for reuse or continued use, and must be replaced.
3.1.6 Exhaust Systems
General:
• General and toilet room exhaust is provided by roof mounted fans.
Age/Condition:
• The exhaust fans are over forty years old, have far exceeded their useful service lives, and are not meeting standard performance requirements.
Code Issues:
• Systems are unable to meet Pennsylvania State System Performance Requirements.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• The exhaust systems are not suitable for reuse and must be replaced.
3.2 Plumbing Systems and Equipment
3.2.1 Plumbing Fixtures
General:
• Plumbing fixtures consist of water closets, urinals, lavatories, showers, water coolers and hand sinks in various locations throughout the school. Refer to Photographs C6 and C7 in Appendix “C”.
Age/Condition:
• The majority of the plumbing fixtures appear to be at least thirty years old, have far exceeded their useful service lives, are in part faulty, and not capable of repair.
Code Issues:
• Systems are unable to meet Pennsylvania State System Performance Requirements.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• A majority of the plumbing fixtures are not suitable for continued use, much less reuse in an upgraded schoolhouse facility, and must be replaced.
3.2.2 Sanitary and Vent Piping
General:
• The piping is concealed in construction and was not directly observed. For the purposes of this report, it is assumed the piping is cast-iron and of original construction.
• There are no reported problems with the main building sewer.
Age/Condition:
• Sanitary and vent piping system is over thirty years old and has far exceeded its useful service life.
Code Issues:
• Not applicable.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• The domestic water piping is not suitable for reuse in an updated, modernized program of space use, and must be replaced.
• The Municipal Water Company should be consulted to determine suitability of overall property water service entrance for expansion of useful capacity.
3.2.3 Domestic Water Piping
General:
• The visible piping is copper and the majority appears to be of original construction.
• A four-inch Municipal water service supplies the property via an entry at the 1973 mechanical room on the south side of the building. There are no reported problems with the service entrance.
Age/Condition:
• The majority of the domestic water piping system is over thirty years old, has far exceeded its useful service life.
Code Issues:
• Not applicable.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• The domestic water piping is not suitable for reuse in an updated, modernized program of space use, and must be replaced.
• The Municipal Water Company should be consulted to determine suitability of overall property water service entrance for expansion of useful capacity.
3.2.4 Domestic Water Heaters
General:
• Two propane-fired water heaters with storage tank, located in the 1973 Boiler Room, serve plumbing fixtures in the 1973 Addition. Refer to Photograph C8 in Appendix “C”.
Age/Condition:
• The propane-fired water heaters are approximately eight years old and are in fair condition.
Code Issues:
• There are no apparent code issues related to the propane-fired water heaters.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• The water heaters are suitable for reuse, depending on capacity to serve an expanded program of space use. The need for additional capacity must be determined.
3.3 Fire Protection Systems and Equipment
3.3.1 Automatic Fire Suppression
General:
• There are no automatic fire suppression systems in the building. If substantial renovation is planned, a trade off cost study will be required to compare fire isolation affected by general construction barriers to full building fire sprinklering at $4.00 per square foot.
3.4 Electrical Systems and Equipment
3.4.1 Electric Service
General:
• Three-Phase underground 4160 VAC electric service conductors originate from PECO utility pole located next to Palmer Street. The service conductor conduits enter the building and into a 500 KVA unit substation with 120/208VAC secondary located off the old boiler room. Refer to Photograph C9 in Appendix “C”. The electric service is metered at the Utility Company Primary Distribution, “PD” rate.
Age/Condition:
• The original District owned, 1958 vintage Federal Pacific Main Dry Transformer failed within the past five years. Temporary emergency service expenses alone, including premium time, and a rental transformer over several months is reported to have cost more than $9,000.00. The permanent, new replacement is said to have cost more than
$30,000.00, again based on premium time, and tight space constraints in the electrical vault.
• Electrical service equipment, with the exception of the transformer which was just recently replaced, is more than thirty years old, in poor condition, and the manufacturer is no longer in business.
Code Issues:
• The transformer secondary is not protected by a main circuit breaker, as required by applicable life safety sections of the National Electric Code.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• The Electric service equipment (Federal Pacific) lost UL Certification in 1981, the existing equipment is unsafe for continued use, much less future use.
3.4.2 Service Entrance Switchboard
General:
• The switchboard’s six (6) air circuit breakers supply the entire building. These breakers (Federal Pacific) are no longer manufactured and the company is out of business. Refer to Photograph C10 in Appendix “C”.
Age/Condition:
• Electrical service switchboard is more than thirty years old and in poor condition, manufacturer is no longer in business and parts are unavailable.
Code Issues:
• The switchboard does not meet current life safety codes.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• Service entrance switchboard is not acceptable for present use, much less extended use for a new space program.
3.4.3 Branch Circuit Panelboards
General:
• Breaker circuit panels throughout the building supply lighting and general power circuits. There is a lack of available spaces for additional branch circuit breakers in these panels. Refer to Photograph C11 in Appendix “C” for a typical branch circuit panelboard.
Age/Condition:
• Branch circuit panelboards are more than thirty years old, and the manufacturer (Federal
Pacific) is no longer in business. Replacement circuit breakers are not available for these panels.
Code Issues:
• Not applicable.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• Panelboards throughout the building are not acceptable for present use, much less in a new space use program.
3.4.4 Interior Lighting Fixtures
General:
• Each classroom has three rows of stem mounted, two lamp T-12, fluorescent direct/ indirect light fixtures. Refer to Photograph C12 in Appendix “C” for typical classroom light fixtures. Corridor lighting is generally 2 x 4 lay-in with prismatic lens and T-12 lamps. Office lighting is 2 x 4 lay-in with ½" parabolic louvers and T-12 lamps.
Age/Condition:
• Fluorescent light fixtures throughout the building are between thirty and forty years old and are in fair condition, but are not energy efficient and contain “PCB” ballasts.
Code Issues:
• Not applicable.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• Interior light fixtures and exit signs, located throughout the building, are not suitable for reuse.
3.4.5 Emergency Lighting and Power Distribution
General:
• A diesel fueled 35Kw Onan Emergency generator and automatic transfer switch is located in the new boiler room and supplies power to life safety systems, emergency lighting, and one boiler and pump.
Age/Condition:
• The generator and transfer switch is less than two years old and in good condition.
Code Issues:
• There are no apparent code issues related to the generator and transfer switch.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• The generator and transfer switch are suitable for reuse.
3.4.6 Exterior Lighting Fixture
General:
• Pole mounted HID lighting fixtures are used in the parking lot using photocells for control. HID lights are mounted around perimeter of building for security lighting.
Age/Condition:
• Exterior HID light fixtures are in acceptable condition.
Code Issues:
• There are no apparent code issues related to the exterior lighting fixtures.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• Exterior Light fixtures are suitable for reuse.
3.4.7 Fire Alarm and Fire Detection System
General:
• The fire alarm system is a non-coded addressable system with pull stations and notification devices.
• Audio/visual alarm units are located in corridors and toilet rooms.
• Fire alarm control equipment is manufactured by Silent Night Company, and replacement parts are available. All alarms report to a central station. Refer to Photograph C13 in Appendix “C”. The Owner reports no problems with false alarms.
• Only a few smoke and heat detectors were observed.
Age/Condition:
• Fire alarm detection system equipment is less than two years old and in good condition.
Code Issues:
• Audio/Visual alarm units are not located in each classroom and office space, which fails to meet regulations of the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• Fire alarm and detection system equipment is suitable for reuse. The system must be expanded for addition of code required smoke detectors and audio/visual alarm units.
3.4.8 Public Address System
General:
• The Public Address (PA) and communication equipment was manufactured by Bogen Company, and includes: control panel in the administration office; speakers in all classrooms, corridors and offices; and handsets that provide intercommunication between classrooms and the main office.
Age/Condition:
• PA system equipment is approximately ten years old and in fair condition. Replacement parts are available for this system.
Code Issues:
• There are no apparent code issues related to the PA system.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• PA system equipment is suitable for reuse.
3.4.9 Computer Data Network System
General:
• Minimal data network outlets are located in each classroom. The data outlets are wired to a central data network patch panel. The data network system components are Category 5 rated.
Age/Condition:
• Data network system equipment is in good condition and is approximately seven years old. The data network file server equipment is approximately five years old.
Code Issues:
• There are no apparent code issues related to the data network system.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• Data network system equipment is suitable for continued use. Extensions will be required to suite the new program of use.
3.4.10 Clock and Change of Class Program System
General:
• Lathom Corporation manufactured the clock system. Replacement parts are available for this system. The clock control panel is located in the administration office and clocks are located in all classrooms. Refer to Photograph C14 in Appendix “C”.
Age/Condition:
• Clock control panel and all clocks are between five and ten years old and in good
condition.
Code Issues:
• There are no apparent code issues related to the clock system equipment.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• Clock system equipment is suitable for reuse and expansion.
3.4.11 Security and Intrusion Detection System
General:
• Building intrusion detection system equipment includes motion detectors in corridors and selected classrooms wired to control equipment in the first floor Small Group Instruction Room. Audio alarms are located on each floor in the corridor. Napco manufactured the motion detection system equipment and replacement parts are available.
Age/Condition:
• Intrusion detection system equipment is two to three years old and is in good condition.
Code Issues:
• There are no apparent code issues related to the intrusion detection system.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• Intrusion detection system equipment is suitable for reuse and expansion.
3.4.12 Auditorium Lighting and Dimming System
General:
• Lighting in the auditorium is recessed incandescent fixtures connected to the dimming system. Lighting level is generally poor and lamps are continually being replaced at significant expense.
• The dimming panel and remote control unit are forty years old, substantially inoperative, no longer in production, and parts are unavailable. The sound system is also of the same vintage. Both Sound and Stage Lighting Control Systems are not suitable for present use, much less extended use in an upgraded facility with modern space program.
• The stage lighting appears to be adequate, but the stage spotlights are forty years old and not energy efficient.
Age/Condition:
• The lighting and dimming system is approximately forty years old, and in poor condition.
Code Issues:
• There is insufficient working space around the dimming rack.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• The lighting and dimming system are not suitable for reuse.
3.4.13 Gymnasium Lighting
General:
• Lighting fixtures are twin hi-bay lighting fixtures with one mercury vapor lamp and one incandescent lamp on separate circuits.
• The mercury vapor lamp is inefficient compared to the newer HID light source.
Age/Condition:
• The lighting fixtures are approximately forty years old, and no longer made. Spare parts are not available.
Code Issues:
• Not applicable.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• The lighting system is not suitable for reuse.
We anxiously await the (drum roll please) VITETTA REPORT! Yes, the answer to all our problems, Vitetta will swoop in and tell us what to do.
Let's see if this report gets distributed.
UPDATED: The Vitetta Report is available at the district website.
3.0 Morrisville High School
Executive Summary
With the exception of the main sanitary, fire alarm, security, public address, data and clock systems, the mechanical and electrical systems have exceeded their expected service lives and require replacement. Depending on the new program, portions of the emergency lighting and electrical distribution systems can be retained.
3.1 Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning Systems and Equipment
3.1.1 Unit Ventilators and Air Handling Units
General:
• The majority of the classrooms, both in the original 1958 Building and the 1972 Addition are served by unit ventilators with hot water heating coils and ventilation air provisions. Ventilation is obtained both through the roof and through louvers on the exterior walls.
• Larger spaces, such as the gym, kitchen and the Instructional Materials Center are served by ducted air handling units with a hot water heating coil and outdoor air louvers.
Age/Condition:
• The unit ventilators, air handling units and ductwork are over thirty years old and have far exceeded their useful service lives.
Code Issues:
• Not applicable.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• The unit ventilators, air handling units and ductwork systems are not suitable for reuse and must be replaced.
3.1.2 Boilers
General:
• Two oil-fired boilers, which serve HVAC equipment in the original 1968 Building, generate heating water for classroom and corridor heating. Refer to Photograph C1 in Appendix “C”.
• Two oil-fired boilers, which were installed during the 1972 Addition, generate steam to serve heat exchangers. The heat exchangers use the boiler steam to provide heating water for the classrooms, corridors, and office spaces. Refer to Photograph C2 in Appendix “C”.
• Two base-mounted pumps circulate the heating water throughout the 1968 Building.
Refer to Photograph C3 in Appendix “C”.
Age/Condition:
• The boilers and heat exchangers are all over thirty years old and at the end of their useful service lives.
• The base-mounted pumps appear to be approximately five years old, in fair condition, and can be expected to last another ten to fifteen years.
Code Issues:
• There are not apparent code issues related to the base-mounted pumps.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• The boilers and heat exchangers, have exceeded their useful lives, are not suitable for reuse or continued use, and must be replaced.
• The pumps are not suited for new energy efficient HVAC systems required by a new program of space use, and must be replaced.
3.1.3 Cooling System
General:
• An existing air handling unit, which serves the Instructional Materials Center was retrofitted with a cooling coil and remote condensing unit in 1996. The dedicated condensing unit, rated for 30 tons cooling, is located in the open courtyard adjacent to the Instructional Materials Center.
• A 5-ton rooftop unit, installed in 1995, serves a conference room and the Business Manager’s Office Area.
• A 10-ton split system, installed in 1997, serves several offices on the west side of the open courtyard.
• Window air conditioners are incidental, have been added as piecemeal appliances at selective locations, and are not addressed further within this report.
Age/Condition:
• The existing air handling unit serving the Instructional Materials Center, as mentioned previously, is beyond it useful service life. Refer to Article 3.2.1 above.
• The 30-ton condensing unit, 5-ton rooftop unit and 10-ton split system are approximately ten years old and can be expected to last another five to eight years.
Code Issues:
• There are no apparent code issues related to the cooling system equipment.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• The 30-ton condensing unit, 5-ton rooftop unit and 10-ton split system, depending on the planned renovations and new program of space use at the existing unit locations, could be reused.
3.1.4 Underground Oil Tanks
General:
• There are two 12,000 gallon underground oil tanks, one located adjacent to each boiler room. Refer to Photograph C4 in Appendix “C”.
• Oil pumps, located at each boiler, supplies oil from the underground tank to the boilers.
Refer to Photograph C5 in Appendix “C”.
• A 5,000 gallon underground oil tank, which originally served an emergency generator, has been abandoned in-place.
Age/Condition:
• The oil tanks and pumps are over forty years old and have far exceeded their useful service lives.
Code Issues:
• Any repair work resulting from leaks will subject the overall system to compliance with stringent, expensive Federal Environmental Requirements. Prudent evaluation of existing tank/piping system integrity and lead free performance is recommended.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• The oil tanks and oil pumps are not suitable for reuse or continued use, and must be replaced.
3.1.5 Automatic Temperature Control System
General:
• Automatic temperature control system is pneumatic and served by multiple air compressors located in each Boiler Room.
Age/Condition:
• The control system appears to be over twenty years old and has far exceeded its useful service life.
Code Issues:
• Not applicable.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• The control system is not suitable for reuse or continued use, and must be replaced.
3.1.6 Exhaust Systems
General:
• General and toilet room exhaust is provided by roof mounted fans.
Age/Condition:
• The exhaust fans are over forty years old, have far exceeded their useful service lives, and are not meeting standard performance requirements.
Code Issues:
• Systems are unable to meet Pennsylvania State System Performance Requirements.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• The exhaust systems are not suitable for reuse and must be replaced.
3.2 Plumbing Systems and Equipment
3.2.1 Plumbing Fixtures
General:
• Plumbing fixtures consist of water closets, urinals, lavatories, showers, water coolers and hand sinks in various locations throughout the school. Refer to Photographs C6 and C7 in Appendix “C”.
Age/Condition:
• The majority of the plumbing fixtures appear to be at least thirty years old, have far exceeded their useful service lives, are in part faulty, and not capable of repair.
Code Issues:
• Systems are unable to meet Pennsylvania State System Performance Requirements.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• A majority of the plumbing fixtures are not suitable for continued use, much less reuse in an upgraded schoolhouse facility, and must be replaced.
3.2.2 Sanitary and Vent Piping
General:
• The piping is concealed in construction and was not directly observed. For the purposes of this report, it is assumed the piping is cast-iron and of original construction.
• There are no reported problems with the main building sewer.
Age/Condition:
• Sanitary and vent piping system is over thirty years old and has far exceeded its useful service life.
Code Issues:
• Not applicable.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• The domestic water piping is not suitable for reuse in an updated, modernized program of space use, and must be replaced.
• The Municipal Water Company should be consulted to determine suitability of overall property water service entrance for expansion of useful capacity.
3.2.3 Domestic Water Piping
General:
• The visible piping is copper and the majority appears to be of original construction.
• A four-inch Municipal water service supplies the property via an entry at the 1973 mechanical room on the south side of the building. There are no reported problems with the service entrance.
Age/Condition:
• The majority of the domestic water piping system is over thirty years old, has far exceeded its useful service life.
Code Issues:
• Not applicable.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• The domestic water piping is not suitable for reuse in an updated, modernized program of space use, and must be replaced.
• The Municipal Water Company should be consulted to determine suitability of overall property water service entrance for expansion of useful capacity.
3.2.4 Domestic Water Heaters
General:
• Two propane-fired water heaters with storage tank, located in the 1973 Boiler Room, serve plumbing fixtures in the 1973 Addition. Refer to Photograph C8 in Appendix “C”.
Age/Condition:
• The propane-fired water heaters are approximately eight years old and are in fair condition.
Code Issues:
• There are no apparent code issues related to the propane-fired water heaters.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• The water heaters are suitable for reuse, depending on capacity to serve an expanded program of space use. The need for additional capacity must be determined.
3.3 Fire Protection Systems and Equipment
3.3.1 Automatic Fire Suppression
General:
• There are no automatic fire suppression systems in the building. If substantial renovation is planned, a trade off cost study will be required to compare fire isolation affected by general construction barriers to full building fire sprinklering at $4.00 per square foot.
3.4 Electrical Systems and Equipment
3.4.1 Electric Service
General:
• Three-Phase underground 4160 VAC electric service conductors originate from PECO utility pole located next to Palmer Street. The service conductor conduits enter the building and into a 500 KVA unit substation with 120/208VAC secondary located off the old boiler room. Refer to Photograph C9 in Appendix “C”. The electric service is metered at the Utility Company Primary Distribution, “PD” rate.
Age/Condition:
• The original District owned, 1958 vintage Federal Pacific Main Dry Transformer failed within the past five years. Temporary emergency service expenses alone, including premium time, and a rental transformer over several months is reported to have cost more than $9,000.00. The permanent, new replacement is said to have cost more than
$30,000.00, again based on premium time, and tight space constraints in the electrical vault.
• Electrical service equipment, with the exception of the transformer which was just recently replaced, is more than thirty years old, in poor condition, and the manufacturer is no longer in business.
Code Issues:
• The transformer secondary is not protected by a main circuit breaker, as required by applicable life safety sections of the National Electric Code.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• The Electric service equipment (Federal Pacific) lost UL Certification in 1981, the existing equipment is unsafe for continued use, much less future use.
3.4.2 Service Entrance Switchboard
General:
• The switchboard’s six (6) air circuit breakers supply the entire building. These breakers (Federal Pacific) are no longer manufactured and the company is out of business. Refer to Photograph C10 in Appendix “C”.
Age/Condition:
• Electrical service switchboard is more than thirty years old and in poor condition, manufacturer is no longer in business and parts are unavailable.
Code Issues:
• The switchboard does not meet current life safety codes.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• Service entrance switchboard is not acceptable for present use, much less extended use for a new space program.
3.4.3 Branch Circuit Panelboards
General:
• Breaker circuit panels throughout the building supply lighting and general power circuits. There is a lack of available spaces for additional branch circuit breakers in these panels. Refer to Photograph C11 in Appendix “C” for a typical branch circuit panelboard.
Age/Condition:
• Branch circuit panelboards are more than thirty years old, and the manufacturer (Federal
Pacific) is no longer in business. Replacement circuit breakers are not available for these panels.
Code Issues:
• Not applicable.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• Panelboards throughout the building are not acceptable for present use, much less in a new space use program.
3.4.4 Interior Lighting Fixtures
General:
• Each classroom has three rows of stem mounted, two lamp T-12, fluorescent direct/ indirect light fixtures. Refer to Photograph C12 in Appendix “C” for typical classroom light fixtures. Corridor lighting is generally 2 x 4 lay-in with prismatic lens and T-12 lamps. Office lighting is 2 x 4 lay-in with ½" parabolic louvers and T-12 lamps.
Age/Condition:
• Fluorescent light fixtures throughout the building are between thirty and forty years old and are in fair condition, but are not energy efficient and contain “PCB” ballasts.
Code Issues:
• Not applicable.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• Interior light fixtures and exit signs, located throughout the building, are not suitable for reuse.
3.4.5 Emergency Lighting and Power Distribution
General:
• A diesel fueled 35Kw Onan Emergency generator and automatic transfer switch is located in the new boiler room and supplies power to life safety systems, emergency lighting, and one boiler and pump.
Age/Condition:
• The generator and transfer switch is less than two years old and in good condition.
Code Issues:
• There are no apparent code issues related to the generator and transfer switch.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• The generator and transfer switch are suitable for reuse.
3.4.6 Exterior Lighting Fixture
General:
• Pole mounted HID lighting fixtures are used in the parking lot using photocells for control. HID lights are mounted around perimeter of building for security lighting.
Age/Condition:
• Exterior HID light fixtures are in acceptable condition.
Code Issues:
• There are no apparent code issues related to the exterior lighting fixtures.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• Exterior Light fixtures are suitable for reuse.
3.4.7 Fire Alarm and Fire Detection System
General:
• The fire alarm system is a non-coded addressable system with pull stations and notification devices.
• Audio/visual alarm units are located in corridors and toilet rooms.
• Fire alarm control equipment is manufactured by Silent Night Company, and replacement parts are available. All alarms report to a central station. Refer to Photograph C13 in Appendix “C”. The Owner reports no problems with false alarms.
• Only a few smoke and heat detectors were observed.
Age/Condition:
• Fire alarm detection system equipment is less than two years old and in good condition.
Code Issues:
• Audio/Visual alarm units are not located in each classroom and office space, which fails to meet regulations of the Americans With Disabilities Act.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• Fire alarm and detection system equipment is suitable for reuse. The system must be expanded for addition of code required smoke detectors and audio/visual alarm units.
3.4.8 Public Address System
General:
• The Public Address (PA) and communication equipment was manufactured by Bogen Company, and includes: control panel in the administration office; speakers in all classrooms, corridors and offices; and handsets that provide intercommunication between classrooms and the main office.
Age/Condition:
• PA system equipment is approximately ten years old and in fair condition. Replacement parts are available for this system.
Code Issues:
• There are no apparent code issues related to the PA system.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• PA system equipment is suitable for reuse.
3.4.9 Computer Data Network System
General:
• Minimal data network outlets are located in each classroom. The data outlets are wired to a central data network patch panel. The data network system components are Category 5 rated.
Age/Condition:
• Data network system equipment is in good condition and is approximately seven years old. The data network file server equipment is approximately five years old.
Code Issues:
• There are no apparent code issues related to the data network system.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• Data network system equipment is suitable for continued use. Extensions will be required to suite the new program of use.
3.4.10 Clock and Change of Class Program System
General:
• Lathom Corporation manufactured the clock system. Replacement parts are available for this system. The clock control panel is located in the administration office and clocks are located in all classrooms. Refer to Photograph C14 in Appendix “C”.
Age/Condition:
• Clock control panel and all clocks are between five and ten years old and in good
condition.
Code Issues:
• There are no apparent code issues related to the clock system equipment.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• Clock system equipment is suitable for reuse and expansion.
3.4.11 Security and Intrusion Detection System
General:
• Building intrusion detection system equipment includes motion detectors in corridors and selected classrooms wired to control equipment in the first floor Small Group Instruction Room. Audio alarms are located on each floor in the corridor. Napco manufactured the motion detection system equipment and replacement parts are available.
Age/Condition:
• Intrusion detection system equipment is two to three years old and is in good condition.
Code Issues:
• There are no apparent code issues related to the intrusion detection system.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• Intrusion detection system equipment is suitable for reuse and expansion.
3.4.12 Auditorium Lighting and Dimming System
General:
• Lighting in the auditorium is recessed incandescent fixtures connected to the dimming system. Lighting level is generally poor and lamps are continually being replaced at significant expense.
• The dimming panel and remote control unit are forty years old, substantially inoperative, no longer in production, and parts are unavailable. The sound system is also of the same vintage. Both Sound and Stage Lighting Control Systems are not suitable for present use, much less extended use in an upgraded facility with modern space program.
• The stage lighting appears to be adequate, but the stage spotlights are forty years old and not energy efficient.
Age/Condition:
• The lighting and dimming system is approximately forty years old, and in poor condition.
Code Issues:
• There is insufficient working space around the dimming rack.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• The lighting and dimming system are not suitable for reuse.
3.4.13 Gymnasium Lighting
General:
• Lighting fixtures are twin hi-bay lighting fixtures with one mercury vapor lamp and one incandescent lamp on separate circuits.
• The mercury vapor lamp is inefficient compared to the newer HID light source.
Age/Condition:
• The lighting fixtures are approximately forty years old, and no longer made. Spare parts are not available.
Code Issues:
• Not applicable.
Suitability for General Reuse:
• The lighting system is not suitable for reuse.
Hellmann'$ Chri$tmas Pre$ent
From the BCCT.
Doe$ $crooge ever receive the the me$$age from the three gho$t$? Or were the dream$ $imply returned to $ender, addre$$ unknown?
The children of Morri$ville are only dollar $ign$ to the Emperor Pre$ident. They are $imply another commodity to be traded, bought, and $old.
The Emperor'$ opening $tatement recounting all the $aving$ he ha$ $upplied $howed much more that dollar$ and cent$ It $howed u$ an empty void. How $ad.
Voter$: We got what we paid for. Enjoy the $aving$.
Board plans hearing to close Reiter
Angry parents packed the meeting room to oppose the move. “Our community’s children are not numbers,” said one.
By MANASEE WAGH
After a 25-minute-late start and much heated finger-pointing, the Morrisville School Board voted Wednesday night to advertise for a public hearing to close M.R. Reiter Elementary School.
The hearing would be set for Wednesday, Jan. 14. Board members Robin Reithmeyer, Gloria Heater and Joseph Kemp voted against the advertisement. Board member Al Radosti was absent.
At least 150 residents packed the meeting room, many of them parents of elementary schoolchildren.
Prior to the vote, the board heard public comment from nearly 20 different borough residents, the majority of whom were angry and emotional about the move toward closing the school without determining where to place its more than 250 students safely.
“If these were your children, would you even consider this option?” elementary PTO President Robin Tohm asked the board.
She broke down in tears as she thanked the district staff and administrators for smoothly transitioning Reiter students to alternative locations temporarily after a late night explosion in Reiter’s furnace room blew out windows in the building on Dec. 13.
From Dec. 17 until at least Jan. 5, Reiter students are to attend class at alternative district locations, including the Morrisville YMCA, the Middle/Senior High School and Grandview Elementary School.
Parents expressed anger over board President William Hellmann’s statement at the start of the meeting outlining how much the current board is saving the borough in tax money through canceling last year’s planned construction of a new, $30 million consolidated school for all grades.
They were also upset about Hellmann’s recent e-mail exchanges with other board members in which he called the deteriorating Reiter a “rat trap” that is consuming borough funds for continued maintenance. Hellmann’s e-mail suggested putting all 400-plus elementary school students from Reiter and Grandview into the middle/senior high school.
“Our community’s children are not numbers,” said parent Damon Miller. “You can’t just shuffle them around.”
Putting all grades into the high school would be extremely difficult, since that building caters to older students’ needs, the administration has said.
In case students cannot return to Reiter during the rest of this school year because of safety concerns, they would be set up in modular units at Grandview, said Elizabeth Yonson, district superintendent. The estimated cost of those units could be $108,000, said administrators.
For an hour before the vote to hold a public hearing, board members argued loudly among themselves about what they did or did not do toward fixing the districts’ three schools this past year. Shouts and comments against the board majority and applause for those who spoke against the board president punctuated their arguments.
Board member Gloria Heater accused Hellmann of trying to get some board members to come to a vote about the future of the schools behind other board members’ backs.
At that, some residents yelled at Hellmann, “Resign now!”
A representative from Vitetta, the engineering and architectural firm the school board hired to analyze district schools, also spoke at the meeting to say that his firm had released its report today about the state of the two elementary schools’ boilers, electrical systems, windows and ventilators. The report includes estimations for renovation costs.
It will be posted on the district Web site at www.mv.org.
The board has to hold a public hearing at least 90 days before making any decision to close a school, according to school code.
Doe$ $crooge ever receive the the me$$age from the three gho$t$? Or were the dream$ $imply returned to $ender, addre$$ unknown?
The children of Morri$ville are only dollar $ign$ to the Emperor Pre$ident. They are $imply another commodity to be traded, bought, and $old.
The Emperor'$ opening $tatement recounting all the $aving$ he ha$ $upplied $howed much more that dollar$ and cent$ It $howed u$ an empty void. How $ad.
Voter$: We got what we paid for. Enjoy the $aving$.
Board plans hearing to close Reiter
Angry parents packed the meeting room to oppose the move. “Our community’s children are not numbers,” said one.
By MANASEE WAGH
After a 25-minute-late start and much heated finger-pointing, the Morrisville School Board voted Wednesday night to advertise for a public hearing to close M.R. Reiter Elementary School.
The hearing would be set for Wednesday, Jan. 14. Board members Robin Reithmeyer, Gloria Heater and Joseph Kemp voted against the advertisement. Board member Al Radosti was absent.
At least 150 residents packed the meeting room, many of them parents of elementary schoolchildren.
Prior to the vote, the board heard public comment from nearly 20 different borough residents, the majority of whom were angry and emotional about the move toward closing the school without determining where to place its more than 250 students safely.
“If these were your children, would you even consider this option?” elementary PTO President Robin Tohm asked the board.
She broke down in tears as she thanked the district staff and administrators for smoothly transitioning Reiter students to alternative locations temporarily after a late night explosion in Reiter’s furnace room blew out windows in the building on Dec. 13.
From Dec. 17 until at least Jan. 5, Reiter students are to attend class at alternative district locations, including the Morrisville YMCA, the Middle/Senior High School and Grandview Elementary School.
Parents expressed anger over board President William Hellmann’s statement at the start of the meeting outlining how much the current board is saving the borough in tax money through canceling last year’s planned construction of a new, $30 million consolidated school for all grades.
They were also upset about Hellmann’s recent e-mail exchanges with other board members in which he called the deteriorating Reiter a “rat trap” that is consuming borough funds for continued maintenance. Hellmann’s e-mail suggested putting all 400-plus elementary school students from Reiter and Grandview into the middle/senior high school.
“Our community’s children are not numbers,” said parent Damon Miller. “You can’t just shuffle them around.”
Putting all grades into the high school would be extremely difficult, since that building caters to older students’ needs, the administration has said.
In case students cannot return to Reiter during the rest of this school year because of safety concerns, they would be set up in modular units at Grandview, said Elizabeth Yonson, district superintendent. The estimated cost of those units could be $108,000, said administrators.
For an hour before the vote to hold a public hearing, board members argued loudly among themselves about what they did or did not do toward fixing the districts’ three schools this past year. Shouts and comments against the board majority and applause for those who spoke against the board president punctuated their arguments.
Board member Gloria Heater accused Hellmann of trying to get some board members to come to a vote about the future of the schools behind other board members’ backs.
At that, some residents yelled at Hellmann, “Resign now!”
A representative from Vitetta, the engineering and architectural firm the school board hired to analyze district schools, also spoke at the meeting to say that his firm had released its report today about the state of the two elementary schools’ boilers, electrical systems, windows and ventilators. The report includes estimations for renovation costs.
It will be posted on the district Web site at www.mv.org.
The board has to hold a public hearing at least 90 days before making any decision to close a school, according to school code.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)