A big welcome to Marlys Mihok, today's guest blogger, as she appeared in the BCCT.
At least we have the answer to the Kate Fratti's question of "What are they hiding?" The answer: A big fat super-grande enchilada filled with nada.
Updated May 12 with more comment goodness from the BCCT website. Who knew Marlys had so many fans?
Raising scores, lowering costs
Bucks County Courier Times
The Morrisville school board has four seats to fill in the primary election. Every candidate has cross-filed and the ballot positions do not follow any order. But beware; there is a world of difference between the "Stay On Track" candidates and the other hopefuls.
Over the last 16 months the "Stop the School" board majority has kept the promise of increasing test scores and lowering taxes without affecting the educational programs. Just ask our superintendent and business manager. Rumors rumbling around town could not be further from the truth. We have not cut funding for special education, music or sports. We actually added girls JV Softball to the extracurricular roster. We will not fire para educators or classroom aides and in fact hired four more. We have only reduced our administrative staff by one elementary principal and one high school assistant principal, through attrition.
Do we really need a principal and assistant principal for the high school and two principals at the elementary school when total district enrollment is just 855 students? Morrisville has been top heavy with highly paid administrators for decades.
Our opponents say we don't have a plan. Truth is in just 16 months the Morrisville school board has installed fire alarms in every classroom. Placing children in classrooms without smoke detectors was outrageous to us. A kitchen ventilation system and fire suppressant hoods have been installed in the cafeteria. We have completed renovations in our junior/senior high school to upgrade the electrical system. This summer all the windows will be replaced with state of the art triple pane windows which will keep in the heat from our new gas-fired boilers scheduled to be installed before students return in the fall.
Since taking office, the Stop the School majority has reduced health insurance costs keeping the same coverage, telephone system costs, and copier lease costs. Remember the Sandy Gibson School Board said renovations to our buildings would cost more than building new? New building costs from Vitetta Architects and engineers predicted their new school building costs to be $48 million for the new Pre K through 12 campus. The renovation budget in reality is only $7 million and all of our bid proposals are lower than estimated.
And speaking of the budget, Morrisville Borough School District has a balanced budget this year. Taxes in our borough decreased last year by 39 mils or 600 for the average homeowner. This year on July 1 your tax bill will be another pleasant surprise as the board majority will propose another reduction to our business manager.
Two men running on the opposition have publicly stated that they were in favor of building the new K through 12 campus and if elected they will build a new school. With enrollment declining every month does this make sense to you? They have invited everyone receiving their flier to a rally serving free hot dogs and soda. Trust me, that free hot dog in exchange for your vote will really cost you $1,500 dollars a year every year in tax increases to house their own children in unnecessary new construction.
In summary the Morrisville school board "Stop the School" majority in our first 16 months has raised test scores, lowered taxes, reduced wasteful spending, and has renovations under way. So it is my recommendation that we "stay on track" on May 19. Re-elect Brenda Worob, a board veteran now in the majority; and we need your vote for Ronald Stout who saved us almost a million dollars with his common sense suggestions; and Jack Buckman, who has served Morrisville residents in many capacities for years; and John DeWilde, a special education teacher who will be an advocate for students and families in our district.
May 11, 2009 02:00 AM
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charley, 05-11-09, 8:38 am | Rate: Flag -3 Flag | Flag Report
Raising scores, lowering costs, exploding boilers...yep. The current Mo'ville school board is doing a fabulous job.
charley, 05-11-09, 10:11 am | Rate: Flag -3 Flag | Flag Report
"...in just 16 months the Morrisville school board has installed fire alarms in every classroom."
Well, I'm sure those fire alarms came in handy when the boiler exploded. Safety first, huh?
leatherk, 05-11-09, 1:32 pm | Rate: Flag -3 Flag | Flag Report
There is no plan. The district business administrator, under penalty of perjury, has certified that the six point plan that both Bill Hellmann and Brenda Worob claimed the district was developing (as reflected in approved and posted board meeeting minutes) does not exist. The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Office of Open Records has confirmed this finding and also cautioned the district regarding factual errors of this type causing legitimate cause for concern.
https://www.dced.state.pa.us/public/o...
It's too bad that Marlys was unable to attend the candidate meet and greet last Sunday at Williamson Park even though she called up one of the "opposition" candidates and asked to be invited. As a result of her phone call, all four candidates from the stop the school side were invited. Not one of them showed. Two mayoral candidates did attend and some excellent discussions took place between the public and the candidates that were present.
The point isn't the hot dogs and soda. It's the open communication between people that makes this important. Instead of hiding things from the public, like the $2.5 million spent to re-sell the defeased bond monies back or holding secret meetings out of the public eye, the candiates and the public met openly. For example, we openly discussed that the "new" K-12 school idea is completely dead. Everyone who attended is in agreement that any new school would need to be approved by public referendum and that there is no way the town would approve. Only the stop the school people continue to dredge up the memory of the "new" school just to scare people.
charley, 05-11-09, 2:37 pm | Rate: Flag -3 Flag | Flag Report
Hey all you "thumbs downers." Why not try to rebutt some of what has been posted here instead of clicking a little red down arrow and thinking that somehow qualifies as thoughtful debate.
From an AP article reprinted in EducationWeek.c om: "No one was injured, but the explosion seemed to some to be another indication that the Morrisville School District needs to get out of the education business. Despite having one of the highest school tax rates in Bucks County, students learn in aging facilities and have less-than-stell ar test scores to show for it."
Hear that? Members of the current Morrisville School District need to get OUT OF THE EDUCATION BUSINESS!
Anonymous Coward, 05-11-09, 3:08 pm | Rate: Flag -3 Flag | Flag Report
"stay on track" includes blowing up schools. "stay on track" means trailers for elementary school kids. "stay on track" means looting the emergency fund to appear to balance the budget. It means lying about the other candidates who have NEVER said they are building another school. It means lying about a 6-point plan. It means forcing Dr. Yonson to take a contract cut. It means forcing the principal to do two jobs. It means shipping out the high school students to the lowest quality alternative school (stopped only by huge numbers of irate parents). It means lowering taxes with no consideration to the safety or education of the students.
floating duck, 05-11-09, 3:36 pm | Rate: Flag 0 Flag | Flag Report
How about being told to GET OUT OF YOUR HOME? That is just about as rediculous as telling families that sorry but Morrisville needs to get out of the education business so we cannot have your children here so there goes your home value! Some young families moved here FOR the small school system. Our child is not a number but has a name and I do not feel that children should wonder were they are going to attend school! How would you feel not knowing were you go to work day to day. Ignorance is bliss and I'm saddened by all of the ignorance in this could be amazing small town. If you do not want to live in a family oriented town YOU GET OUT. We are staying and fighting FOR OUR CHILDREN and quality of LIFE.
False Profit, 05-11-09, 3:49 pm | Rate: Flag -3 Flag | Flag Report
More than a few lies or distortions packed in there, including:
1. This board majority raised test scores.
This board majority had ABSOLUTELY NOTHING to do with the higher PSSA test scores. The most recent tests Mihok's crowing about were taken in Spring 2008, before the board majority's 1st budget was even passed. BLATANT LIE!
2. Taxes in the borough decreased last year by 39 mils or 600 for the average homeowner.
Huh? First off, 39 mils equates to $702 in Morrisville, so Mihok's math is WRONG. Actually, school taxes decreased by 17.8 mils ($321) for the average homeowner. Another $217 per homeowner (12.1 mils) came from gambling revenue that the school board had NOTHING TO DO WITH. Way to try to take credit for that!
Boro taxes INCREASED by 3.5 mils ($70) - does Mihok want to take credit for that?
Why did school taxes go down $321? The board defeased (gave back) most of the bond money for new school construction or renovations (which cost taxpayers $2.5 million long-term), and took $1.1 million (19 mils) from the district's "fund balance" (savings account).
So, in effect, Mihok's really saying..."Hey, reduce taxes last year, we cost taxpayers $2.5 million over the long-haul, and drained over $1 million from the savings account left by prior boards - don't we look GOOD???"
No, I don't think you do.
False Profit, 05-11-09, 3:57 pm | Rate: Flag -3 Flag | Flag Report
"I will never, never, ever be responsible for any child because I am a school board member."
- Marlys Mihok
Tuesday, July 15, 2008, 9:27 a.m.
False Profit, 05-11-09, 4:07 pm | Rate: Flag -3 Flag | Flag Report
Mihok sez --> That free hot dog in exchange for your vote will really cost you $1,500 dollars a year every year in tax increases to house their own children in unnecessary new construction.
Then why does the flier being handed out by her allies say the tax increase will be $3,300?
Forget about the fact that no new school can be built without voter approval. Can you and your cronies at least get your lies straight and settle on a number?
At least the blowhard McCarthy-like Senator in "The Manchurian Candidate" eventually settled on 57 card-carrying commies in Congress after checking out a Heinz Ketchup bottle!
False Profit, 05-11-09, 4:15 pm | Rate: Flag -4 Flag | Flag Report
Oh, and why did Mihok and crony board candidate Ron Stout camp out across the park on the rainy Sunday when many citizens and school board candidates were under the pavillion actually having reasonable discussions with their hot dogs & soda?
Creepy and sad, but TRUE!
Mihok should have taken a picture - it would have lasted longer! Then again, maybe she did?
ADDED May 12: Wow. Who knew Marlys had so many fans?
Note To Self, 05-11-09, 5:07 pm | Rate: Flag 0 Flag | Flag Report
Call the IRS:
To make sure I am correct that the QSRE is violating their 501C3 status by campaigning in any way for/against political candidates during any election cycle!
Have a nice day :)
davidi n Morrisville, 05-11-09, 5:32 pm | Rate: Flag 0 Flag | Flag Report
I have been accused of wanting a new school, by Mrs. Mihok. I believe that in a perfect world, we would all like to live in, go to school in, work in, brand new buildings. I have said that the people of Morrisville would like a new school, but we flat out cannot afford it --- and state law mandates a referendum to decide the matter by the people of Morrisville. Apparently, again, Mrs. Mihok doesn't know the law. She spews lies about people she disagrees with but won't have the respect to face someone and argue truths, not fantacy of her own making. She claims 2 candidates made pro new school comments. She doesn't even know who they are. One of those she accused isn't running for anything, he made some comments at a meeting about closing M R Reiter school. Shes not a very detail orriented person I guess. I haven't heard them talk at all about the students during ANY of their meetings. When asked if they could hire a 1 on 1 aide since 5 have left the district, Hellman and Mihok only asked what was their salary, did they get benefits, and do we pay into retirement for them. How about do we need them? how are they being utilized now? How many students are they helping and do we need more? The only way any were hired is because the pres and his wondrous sidekick Al weren't at the meeting. Sad, very sad. They care only about the checkbook. I care about the students and the taxpayers. I have payed taxes here for 18 years and have 1 duaghter who grasduated from Morrisville and 1 in 9th grade. Between the entire sitting board, there is 1 child in the system. Mrs. Mihok has told bald faced lies for her own agrandizement and benefit. It's sad she can't hold her head any higher than the curb she has stooped to.
slimjim01, 05-11-09, 5:34 pm | Rate: Flag 0 Flag | Flag Report
The above article is a low blow...even for you Marlys! Marlys seems determined to destroy Morrisville. As the mouthpiece for the "Stay on Track" team, she should get her facts straight before spouting off in the press...maybe the water in the hot tub was too much, and she is not able to think clearly these days, or maybe it was the flash from her camera while taking pictures of children(creepy , I know!!)and she is not able to see things for what they are. Morrisville deserves better!!!
charley, 05-11-09, 5:42 pm | Rate: Flag 0 Flag | Flag Report
Does anyone have pictures of the post-explosion boiler from M.R. Reiter? Those pics need to be circulated throughout Mo'ville so the residents can see how effective the current board has been and how much they care about the students.
It's a shame that a nice town like Mo'ville gets shackled with a school board that is led by a sneaky, arrogant knucklehead like Hellmann.
To "floating duck," my point in my last post was that the current school board is rotten and they should not be in the education business. I'm sorry to have not made that more clear. I have nephews in the Mo'ville school system and they've had wonderful teachers. There are great educators, staff, and students in that school district. The kids are loyal to their schools and my one nephew who was in Reiter and is now stuck in a portable at Grandview still talks about his "old" school and misses it terribly. I feel the current board has woefully short-changed the students in Mo'ville and should be too ashamed of themselves to even consider asking to be re-elected.
gratefullee, 05-11-09, 10:16 pm | Rate: Flag -1 Flag | Flag Report
As the blog so nicely points out, Quid Pro Quo.
From http://savethemorrisvilleschool.blogs... :
-----Original Message-----
From: bill hellmann [mailto:bill hellmann cpa@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, June 30, 2008 10:55 AM
To: Heater, Gloria
Cc: bill hellmann
Subject: RE: engineering services, high school boilers
i am the one that stirs the drink. if i sit there, yonson's spending
will kill this town. she has two puppet board members that do whatever
she tells them, and the TINY pro-schoolers crew. ha ha ha! they are all
sand pounders. ha ha ha !
one by one they are either leaving or being replaced. soon, yonson will
be by herself. i have been talking to bill farrara and i like him and
so do other board members. he likes the consolidation we are talking
about (tuitioning out). i assured him we will always need a super and
at least one principal.
i know i am not polite at the meetings. i will work on that and try to
be more patient and respectful to the other fools. my problem is i
have little patience for incompetence and i am surrounded by those
types of people up there.
--------------- --------------- --------
Is this the kind of person you want running your town's school? No school = no one moving in and investing their family's future and money. Ironic that he talks about Yonson's puppets, given that Mihok and crew vote lockstep with Hellmann who, as you can see from the aforementioned e-mail, is a mature, thoughtful, individual who cares so much about the future of the school and students (can you feel the sarcasm?).
leatherk, 05-12-09, 7:24 am | Rate: Flag -1 Flag | Flag Report
A vote for Worob, Buckman, Stout, and DeWilde is a vote for Hellmann and Mihok. Staying on track is voting to continue intolerance, secrecy, and an "us versus them mentality".
charley, 05-12-09, 8:57 am | Rate: Flag -1 Flag | Flag Report
"Mr. Leather filed a timely appeal of the denial on April 3, 2009 seeking copies of the “six-point plan.” Mr. Leather subsequently indicated that he was only appealing the denial of a copy of the “six point plan.” After the filing of the appeal, Mr. DeAngelo provided the OOR with a sworn attestation that a record containing a “six point plan” does not exist."
Is this the kind of school board the students of Morrisville deserve? I believe they deserve much MUCH better than Hellmann and his current cabal.
lurch03, 05-12-09, 9:30 am | Rate: Flag -1 Flag | Flag Report
I find it mindboggling that Marlys and her crew would take credit for the higher test scores. They had nothing to do with it. The real test will be this years PSSA results. The current board majority has done nothing for the education of the children. They are only interested in lower taxes!!Some in their crew even want to eliminate them altogether!http://www.legis.state.pa.us/cfdocs/l...
Isn't the author of this a big supporter of Hellman&Co? Morrisville voters should be vary aware of the tactics Marlys and her crew are up to. Unethical...yes ....Do not vote for the "stay on track" candidates!!!!T hey will further derail Morrisville!
lurch03, 05-12-09, 9:44 am | Rate: Flag -1 Flag | Flag Report
"Placing children in classrooms without smoke detectors was outrageous to us."
Marlys.....why did it take you 16 months to install fire alarms? If children were of your concern don't you think this should have been done sooner?? Oh that's right....
"I will never, never, ever be responsible for any child because I am a school board member."
- Marlys Mihok
Tuesday, July 15, 2008, 9:27 a.m.
You have already answered that for us!!
ANGRY PARENT, 05-12-09, 10:04 am | Rate: Flag 0 Flag | Flag Report
Marlys is there any reason you need to LIE? Are you scared you're going to lose? You know darn well that there is NO TALK about a new school being built!!!!! Test scores ha ha That's a big THANKS to Dr Yonson! She is the one who made the difference, how can you take credit when you weren't even on the board yet? you could careless what our test scores are. you know if they keep falling Moville will be in trouble,,,like shutting down schools...That would just make your day HUH?
We need BECK, MILLER, JENKINS & STONEBURNER for our school board. THEY CARE ABOUT OUR CHILDREN'S FUTURE!!!!
KEEP UP ALL YOUR LIES BECAUSE THEY WILL JUST HIT YOU IN THE FACE LATER.....
False Profit, 05-12-09, 10:05 am | Rate: Flag -1 Flag | Flag Report
PSSA scores have been trending higher for about the last 5 yrs., which coincides with Dr. Yonson's arrival as Superintendent.
When the Mihok board majority took power at the end of 2007, what did they do? They spent a couple grand of taxpayer $$$ for a law firm to evaluate Dr. Yonson's signed 5-yr. contract, then ripped it up and handed her a 3-yr. deal - take it or shove it.
Dr. Yonson easily could have not signed it, sued for breach of contract, and won - all at taxpayer expense. She didn't, which is a testiment to her placing children's and taxpayer concerns above her own personal concerns.
But Dr. Yonson knows a hostile board majority that doesn't properly value education when she sees one. She's now a finalist for a Superintendent postion in Springfield, Montgomery County. More turnover, more turmoil.
Just another of many short-sighted, hard-headed, hostile, arrogant decisions by the board majority.
A gimmicky tax cut isn't worth the price. Let's give others a chance. Please vote: BECK, MILLER, JENKINS, STONEBURNER.
lurch03, 05-12-09, 10:11 am | Rate: Flag 0 Flag | Flag Report
Well said angry parent!!!
The whole town knows the new school is a dead idea!!If ever a new school idea is brought up again it will have to go to a vote by the people of the town(ie: referendum). The only ones who do not get this are the current board majority(Hellma n & co.).
Vote May 19
BECK,MILLER,JEN KINS,STONEBURNE R for school board!
They will not lie to you!
False Profit, 05-12-09, 10:19 am | Rate: Flag 0 Flag | Flag Report
I keep wondering when all the lies are going to catch up with her. I hope the increase in lying about baseline levels is a sign that the election is really close this time, and may not go her way.
But stranger things have happened. For example, Mihok, Worob, and many others campaigned for the now-hated Sandy Gibson board she blasts. In many ways, she helped make the stinky smelly bed we're all now lying in. Thanks! All told, we spent about $5 million to plan and then tank a new school - so in the end we're getting $7 million in renovations for $12 million. What a bargain! And still we have trailers at Grandview Elementary.
And wasn't Mihok on the 1990's board that improperly locked out teachers/aides, which ended up costing taxpayers over $1 million?
As Sonny & Cher said, the beat goes on......
False Profit, 05-12-09, 10:20 am | Rate: Flag -1 Flag | Flag Report
Ooops, I meant above, not about, baseline levels!
False Profit, 05-12-09, 10:39 am | Rate: Flag -1 Flag | Flag Report
Mihok was caught in a lie to Courier Times reporter Kate Fratti last year.
Mihok lied and said Dr. Yonson hadn't informed the board about a deadline for passing a tax cap resolution. Dr. Yonson had informed the board, and she had the tapes to prove it.
Given Mihok's documented history of lying, I'm surprised the Courier Times didn't fact-check her article before printing it. Newspapers have an obligation to print the truth, and she has burned them before.
charley, 05-12-09, 1:08 pm | Rate: Flag 0 Flag | Flag Report
From Kate Fratti's column on the situation in Mo'ville:
"In an e-mail written to the rest of the board fewer than 24 hours after the boiler blew, board President Bill Hellmann indicated a shuttered M.R. Reiter is just what he’d hoped for. The emphasis is all his.
“If we close both elementary schools and put everybody in the high school, we will save a FORTUNE in operating costs. EVERY YEAR. The pro new-schoolers wanted a K-12 school. Well here it is. The other people who might not want a K-12 are a minority and when they see their reduced tax bill on July 1 of each year, they just may change their minds in these new tough economic times. We will save ANOTHER fortune by not repairing either of those two buildings. We will solve the M.R. Reiter problem. CLOSE THIS RAT TRAP NOW.”
Hellmann’s e-mail makes it clear why in June he eliminated Reiter from a list of buildings to be examined by engineers in preparation for eventual renovations that might have prevented the explosion. And, it’s clear, now, why the board’s been dragging its feet on fixes to Grandview Elementary School, too.
Rat traps.
Hellmann, Brenda Worob, Marlys Mihok, Al Radosti, Bill Farrell and Gloria Heater were voted into office by an electorate that desperately wanted to stop construction of a new K-12 building it could not afford. The winning slate promised voters they’d renovate existing buildings instead.
They lied. Some of them have said privately they’d like to rid the borough of the entire school system.
One school down. Two to go."
Oh, and keep up the good work clicking on all those little red down arrows. Whoever is doing that should have the guts to jump in here and defend the current board. I guess they won't because the current board is indefensible. Period.
lurch03, 05-12-09, 1:48 pm | Rate: Flag 1 Flag | Flag Report
Its people like Marlys Mihok that give Morrisville a bad reputation.
Vote May 19
BECK, MILLER, JENKINS, STONEBURNER for school board!
False Profit, 05-12-09, 2:55 pm | Rate: Flag -1 Flag | Flag Report
Remember this Bill Hellmann, CPA (aka King, My King, Emperor, My Emperor, etc. to Marlys Mihok) email?
Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2008 9:51 AM
i just spoke to mike [presumably Fitzpatrick, Board Solicitor] about school closings. he said it would take a year for hearings, etc. but we could put mr reiter kids in grandview or high school in an EMERGENCY situation. this is good. it will give us an excuse to get them out, quickly. once they are out of mr reiter, lets keep them
out! also, we do not have the money to build out anywhere. we need to renovate and ADAPT, only.
False Profit, 05-12-09, 3:01 pm | Rate: Flag -1 Flag | Flag Report
Or this one, just 4 days after the MR Reiter Elementary furnace explosion:
December 17, 2008, 9:21 am, subject Injunction – “I think they [presumably the Borough] would have filed an injunction if the school board tried to reopen it without consent from the Borough Engineer as far as safety is concerned. Here is our chance. CLOSE THIS RAT TRAP NOW. TELL FRATTI!!! HA HA HA. I AM THE ANTI-CHRISTTTTT TTTT.”
Check the January 5, 2009 board meeting minutes at the link below if you don't believe it.
http://www.mv.org/files/16907/JAN.5.2...
charley, 05-12-09, 4:08 pm | Rate: Flag -2 Flag | Flag Report
Also from the 01/05/09 meeting minutes:
"Marlys Mihok read a statement:
At the February 27, 2008 school board meeting Mr. Tim Lastichen, our building maintenance supervisor stated that his main concern was the heating system at Reiter. It scared him. Tim stated that we should be looking into the heating system at Reiter. At that meeting Mr. Hellmann made a motion to have an engineering safety study done on both elementary schools. Board members voting yes were Hellmann, Farrell and Worob. I was absent. Members voting no were Kemp, Reithmeyer and Frankenfield. The motion was defeated 3-3. The safety study was not done. Mr. Hellmann wanted the record to show that the safety issues and the nay votes were not following. These are safety issues that should be fixed immediately. On March 12, 2008 when the full board was present Mrs. Reithmeyer brought up a paper called “House Rules.” This is not a part of our board policy. The House Rules state in part “motions defeated can not be reintroduced until the 3rd business meeting.” Dr. Yonson supported Mrs. Reithmeyer
Special meeting of Board of Directors on this issue. Subsequently, the engineering safety study on the elementary schools was not put on the agenda on this night. Mrs. Reithmeyer not only voted against having the engineering safety study done at the 2 elementary schools on February 27, 2008, her, Mr. Kemp and Dr. Yonson also blocked it from being put on the agenda meeting on March 12, 2008. Nine months later the furnace exploded at Reiter and windows shattered. What would the parents of children say to Mr. Kemp and Mrs. Reithmeyer if the windows blew out in their child’s face? Our children were put at risk of injury or worse by Mrs. Reithmeyer, Mr. Kemp and Dr. Yonson.
Mr. Hellmann: stated that everybody on this board has made mistakes in the past year. If we keep fighting we will not get anything done. It’s time to get together and solve our problems.
Mr.Kemp: you say this after asking Marlys to read this pointing fingers and me and Robin, Dr. Yonson and Ed who at the time said we already have a report, why do we need another one? We know what’s wrong why not fix it?
Mrs. Reithmeyer: Mr. Lastichen did say it needed to be fixed and your half-baked report, that your company admittedly told us was a ‘cursory” report. Then when we looked at the boilers I sat here and argued vehemently with you because you wouldn’t put Reiter on the list. You didn’t want to include Reiter. You only did two burners are Grandview because Tim begged for it.
Mr. Hellmann: I wanted Reiter left off because I didn’t think that school was safe.
Mrs. Reithmeyer: That’s right; so don’t be blaming me for it. It’s on your shoulders. You and Marlys can burden it."
Okay, so Hellmann & Co. KNEW that Reiter was dangerous and DID NOTHING to keep the kids in there safe, but Mihok sure was quick to lay the blame on three others, including Dr. Yonson. Oh, wait, they did install some fire alarms in some classrooms. Safety first, huh Mihok?
False Profit, 05-12-09, 4:38 pm | Rate: Flag 1 Flag | Flag Report
At the Feb. 27, 2008 meeting, Hellmann wanted to do cheapo, flimsy, walk-through, open nothing reports for the 2 elementary schools.
In Jan. 2008, he hired a firm to do this for the High School. He hired them ON HIS OWN, without board authorization.
The board had to bail him out by voting at the Jan. 30, 2008 meeting to pay for the High School report, or risk being sued by the firm for failure to pay.
Hellmann has demonstrated over and over again that he can't or won't follow rules, and only gets away with it because he has loyal followers like Mihok, Worob, and Buckman to bail him out.
Enough is enough! The ends don't justify the means!
Please vote:
BECK, MILLER, JENKINS, STONEBURNER for school board on May 19!
False Profit, 05-12-09, 4:46 pm | Rate: Flag 1 Flag | Flag Report
Refresh my memory again on who was ABSENT at the Feb. 27, 2008 meeting and could have broken the 3-3 deadlock?
Oh, that's right. Marlys Mihok.
Hellmann Mihok crony Al Radosti was absent too.
Gloria Heater was absent too, and might have voted with them back then, but I think she has since seen what a horror show they really are.
And what would a winning vote have achieved? Why, 2 more cheapo, flimsy, walk-through, open nothing reports for the 2 elementary schools, even though the inadequacies of, and problems with, all 3 schools had already been thoroughly studied.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
Stay on Track
Thirteen days to the primary election.
I do not think anyone needs the services of the departed Pennsylvania Avenue psychic to know who I might be supporting in the primary.
Stay on track: It implies safety and stability, organization and capability, plan and purpose.
For anyone who read through that last line and was able to envision any of Hellmann's Heroes as exemplars of those qualities, my hat's off to you.
Where's the plan? Those were Ed Frankenfield's last public words, while he was shouted down and berated from the audience by a borough councilman (and school board spouse) no less. There's no shame in wanting a plan. We're still waiting for something. Anything. [Check the "Frankenfield" and "Frankenfield Question" links to the left.]
Save the School: Building a new school would have been preferable to the mess we have right now. But that's gone. The bond was sold in the dark of night by the Emperor acting alone for $2.5 million dollars. Even some of the board members did not know those details. Shame on them for not asking for the details. Shame on the Emperor for acting alone. Shame on the board for enabling this behavior. [Check the "defeasement" links to the left.]
Reality check time people: The new school is dead, buried, done, gone, shiva is over, the black bunting is placed away, the flag's back at full mast, the grave marker is placed, the flowers have wilted, Jack Kevorkian has left town, and there's no corpse to deep freeze and place next to Ted Williams and Walt Disney. I'm not sure how many more metaphors I can use to describe the lack of life here. Any sort of expenditure like that is not possible without a town-wide referendum.
Pride, Integrity, and Accountability: Pride as in "I will not invest in this town and will advise my clients not to invest in this town." Integrity as in "Whose house will we have the next secret meeting at? I can bring the donuts!" Accountability as in "This is what we stand for and you can double check because we left a visible paper trail. NOT!" [Check the "accountability" and "leadership" links to the left]
I'm having a hard time dealing with the "accountability" issue. Each time I turn around, I'm told that someone or other is behind on municipal payments of one type or another. [Complete deniability: I do not know for certain of ANYONE who is or is not behind and I am not naming any names based on rumor. But you know who you are and you know your current situation. Let the glass houses rule apply.] In March, the board of education denied an appeal to remove the tax penalties of someone who paid one day late. Let's hope everyone who is running for school board and borough offices is paid up on their taxes and municipal bills. Especially if they vote to deny any sort of tax relief for someone else.
Stay on track means there's a starting point, a defined course, and a defined destination. Imagine the track missing somewhere along the way: That's a derailment. Imagine no stations along the way: There's no way to gauge progress (or the lack of it.) Our track so far is made up of the whims and caprices of the Lord High Emperor of Education as aided by the hard-core members of the Board of Accomplices.
Before you say "That's not true!", let's look at Sandy Gibson and Robin Reithmeyer for just a moment. Each were elected with the "stop the school but don't ask too many details" groups of their day. Each was duly seated and started the hard work of doing what they are there to do: look, keep an open mind, consider the options, and use their best judgment to achieve the best decision possible for the broadest group possible.
They strayed from the orthodoxy that got them elected. Heretics! Burn them at the metaphorical stake! And so they were. Their "friends" have dropped them like last month's refrigerator science experiment leftovers. There's a lot of old stop the school campaign shirts out there with the Reithmeyer name crossed out in big, bold strokes and worn like badges of honor.
Badges, yes. Honor, um, not so much.
This all shows the closed mindedness of this band. They cannot allow open examination of their aims or goals because it exposes the fallacies and ill-conceived notions that govern the Bizzaro world where they live. The only problem with this is now it's the Bizzaro world where you live too.
The links to your left are filled with day to day information on nearly two years of shenanigans. I humbly ask you to take a look through the pages collected. If you can look through there and still believe that staying on track is the wisest course, then I thank you for your time and ask that you please vote your conscience.
If, however, you can see a brighter future where the borough council can work with the school directors, where the school directors will work with the public, parents, teachers, and staff in a fair and open manner, then you need to look for Pride, Respect, and Responsibility.
Beck, Miller, Jenkins, and Stoneburner for Morrisville School Board
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Morrisville, Pennsbury can't overcome differences
From the Inquirer.
Morrisville, Pennsbury can't overcome differences
[Also printed in the BCCT]
[Also printed in the Trentonian with a great "stay on track" front page picture of desolation and despair]
You talkin about me? Our plight, and our shame, has gone national.
KATHY MATHESON Posted on Sat, May. 2, 2009
The Associated Press
MORRISVILLE, Pa. - From the outside, the M.R. Reiter Elementary School looks like any other school tucked into a quiet residential neighborhood , except there are no kids on the playground, no swings on the swing set, no flag on the flagpole. It's been closed since a boiler exploded in December.
No one was injured, but the explosion seemed to some to be another indication that the Morrisville School District needs to get out of the education business. Despite having one of the highest school tax rates in Bucks County, students learn in aging facilities and have less-than-stellar test scores to show for it.
Even school board president Bill Hellmann says tiny Morrisville, with only 825 students, is too small to have its own district.
"It's kind of ridiculous," Hellmann said.
Some think Morrisville would be a perfect candidate for a merger under Gov. Ed Rendell's push to save money by consolidating the state's 500 districts into 100. The problem is that Morrisville's nearest neighbor, the more affluent Pennsbury School District, isn't interested.
Headquartered about 30 miles northeast of Philadelphia in Fallsington, Pennsbury has about 11,500 students and much higher SAT scores, a broader curriculum and better facilities , including two pools and a football stadium.
But Pennsbury also has problems. Its 3,400-student high school is near capacity, three of its 15 schools are striving to meet all federal educational standards and officials are trying to close a $12 million gap in next year's budget.
"We're struggling as it is to try to meet the needs of our students and be responsible to our tax base," said Pennsbury school board president Greg Lucidi.
Morrisville is a 2-square-mile borough just across the Delaware River from Trenton, N.J. Its $20 million annual school budget pays to operate a combined middle school/high school and two elementary schools, though elementary students are temporarily consolidated on one campus.
The local rubber plant and steel mill have closed, leaving its 10,000 residents with little commercial or industrial tax revenue and meager room for growth. As a result, its school tax rate is 29 percent higher than Pennsbury's.
The Pennsbury district's $174 million budget covers 15 schools across a large swath of Bucks County and is supported by a broad tax base, from manicured subdivisions and office parks to farmland and shopping centers.
Talk of merging the two districts goes back decades, but money, logistics and emotions have always gotten in the way.
In 1956, the Pennsylvania Economy League determined that Morrisville would benefit from a merger in part because of projected financial difficulties. Those problems were evident by 1971, when then-Superintendent Paul Phillips warned that Morrisville students would be shortchanged unless the district reorganized.
"Our program will deteriorate ... because of the tremendous demands which will be placed on the schools by society for a better educational program, as well as by state regulations," he wrote in a memo to the school board. "It cannot be provided with a small financial base which now exists in our town."
A 1986 Morrisville study suggested that sending its 7th through 12th graders to Pennsbury on a tuition basis "could be the best of all worlds." But it never happened; Pennsbury was experiencing explosive growth at the time as developers built up farmland in its bedroom communities for Philadelphia, New York and Princeton, N.J.
In 2004, the Pennsbury board refused to participate in a merger study, leaving it unclear what costs or savings might be realized through consolidation.
Some suggest the resistance stems in part from race and class tensions. About half of Morrisville students are minority, compared with about 12 percent of Pennsbury students.
Lucidi disputes that.
"We're not rich," he said. "We have a diversity of students and a diversity of taxpayers in our district."
But there are other obstacles to a merger: transportation costs, since Morrisville doesn't use buses; teacher salaries, if lower-paid Morrisville teachers join the Pennsbury union; and concern over disparities in standardized test scores.
"Adding a whole new population of students that haven't been through our processes could be detrimental to our scores," Lucidi said.
Pennsbury's average 1040 SAT score dwarfs Morrisville's 810. But on state assessments, 74 percent of Morrisville students scored proficient or better in math compared with 79 percent of Pennsbury students; in reading, Morrisville scored 68 percent proficient to Pennsbury's 80 percent.
Some have suggested the state could grant Pennsbury "test amnesty," allowing it to omit Morrisville students' scores for a given number of years, if the districts merged.
Morrisville tried to reinvent itself by building a new K-12 campus a few years ago, but taxpayer acrimony led to the plan being scrapped. Sandy Gibson, a former Morrisville board president, left town because of that and what she calls a lack of commitment to the students.
"Morrisville is never, ever going to invest in itself," she said.
So while Pennsbury solicits bids to turn one of its 11 elementary schools into a "green" building, Morrisville may permanently close M.R. Reiter. Asbestos was dislodged when the boiler exploded.
Officials in both communities say a merger will only happen if Harrisburg forces it , and helps finance it.
State Rep. John Galloway, D-Bucks, said it's not clear that Pennsbury would be the best fit for Morrisville, and that perhaps it's the wrong question to be asking.
"The question is whether or not Morrisville can sustain a school district," Galloway said. "Half the people in that town believe they can sustain a school district. The other half believe Morrisville's in a lot of trouble."
Morrisville, Pennsbury can't overcome differences
[Also printed in the BCCT]
[Also printed in the Trentonian with a great "stay on track" front page picture of desolation and despair]
You talkin about me? Our plight, and our shame, has gone national.
KATHY MATHESON Posted on Sat, May. 2, 2009
The Associated Press
MORRISVILLE, Pa. - From the outside, the M.R. Reiter Elementary School looks like any other school tucked into a quiet residential neighborhood , except there are no kids on the playground, no swings on the swing set, no flag on the flagpole. It's been closed since a boiler exploded in December.
No one was injured, but the explosion seemed to some to be another indication that the Morrisville School District needs to get out of the education business. Despite having one of the highest school tax rates in Bucks County, students learn in aging facilities and have less-than-stellar test scores to show for it.
Even school board president Bill Hellmann says tiny Morrisville, with only 825 students, is too small to have its own district.
"It's kind of ridiculous," Hellmann said.
Some think Morrisville would be a perfect candidate for a merger under Gov. Ed Rendell's push to save money by consolidating the state's 500 districts into 100. The problem is that Morrisville's nearest neighbor, the more affluent Pennsbury School District, isn't interested.
Headquartered about 30 miles northeast of Philadelphia in Fallsington, Pennsbury has about 11,500 students and much higher SAT scores, a broader curriculum and better facilities , including two pools and a football stadium.
But Pennsbury also has problems. Its 3,400-student high school is near capacity, three of its 15 schools are striving to meet all federal educational standards and officials are trying to close a $12 million gap in next year's budget.
"We're struggling as it is to try to meet the needs of our students and be responsible to our tax base," said Pennsbury school board president Greg Lucidi.
Morrisville is a 2-square-mile borough just across the Delaware River from Trenton, N.J. Its $20 million annual school budget pays to operate a combined middle school/high school and two elementary schools, though elementary students are temporarily consolidated on one campus.
The local rubber plant and steel mill have closed, leaving its 10,000 residents with little commercial or industrial tax revenue and meager room for growth. As a result, its school tax rate is 29 percent higher than Pennsbury's.
The Pennsbury district's $174 million budget covers 15 schools across a large swath of Bucks County and is supported by a broad tax base, from manicured subdivisions and office parks to farmland and shopping centers.
Talk of merging the two districts goes back decades, but money, logistics and emotions have always gotten in the way.
In 1956, the Pennsylvania Economy League determined that Morrisville would benefit from a merger in part because of projected financial difficulties. Those problems were evident by 1971, when then-Superintendent Paul Phillips warned that Morrisville students would be shortchanged unless the district reorganized.
"Our program will deteriorate ... because of the tremendous demands which will be placed on the schools by society for a better educational program, as well as by state regulations," he wrote in a memo to the school board. "It cannot be provided with a small financial base which now exists in our town."
A 1986 Morrisville study suggested that sending its 7th through 12th graders to Pennsbury on a tuition basis "could be the best of all worlds." But it never happened; Pennsbury was experiencing explosive growth at the time as developers built up farmland in its bedroom communities for Philadelphia, New York and Princeton, N.J.
In 2004, the Pennsbury board refused to participate in a merger study, leaving it unclear what costs or savings might be realized through consolidation.
Some suggest the resistance stems in part from race and class tensions. About half of Morrisville students are minority, compared with about 12 percent of Pennsbury students.
Lucidi disputes that.
"We're not rich," he said. "We have a diversity of students and a diversity of taxpayers in our district."
But there are other obstacles to a merger: transportation costs, since Morrisville doesn't use buses; teacher salaries, if lower-paid Morrisville teachers join the Pennsbury union; and concern over disparities in standardized test scores.
"Adding a whole new population of students that haven't been through our processes could be detrimental to our scores," Lucidi said.
Pennsbury's average 1040 SAT score dwarfs Morrisville's 810. But on state assessments, 74 percent of Morrisville students scored proficient or better in math compared with 79 percent of Pennsbury students; in reading, Morrisville scored 68 percent proficient to Pennsbury's 80 percent.
Some have suggested the state could grant Pennsbury "test amnesty," allowing it to omit Morrisville students' scores for a given number of years, if the districts merged.
Morrisville tried to reinvent itself by building a new K-12 campus a few years ago, but taxpayer acrimony led to the plan being scrapped. Sandy Gibson, a former Morrisville board president, left town because of that and what she calls a lack of commitment to the students.
"Morrisville is never, ever going to invest in itself," she said.
So while Pennsbury solicits bids to turn one of its 11 elementary schools into a "green" building, Morrisville may permanently close M.R. Reiter. Asbestos was dislodged when the boiler exploded.
Officials in both communities say a merger will only happen if Harrisburg forces it , and helps finance it.
State Rep. John Galloway, D-Bucks, said it's not clear that Pennsbury would be the best fit for Morrisville, and that perhaps it's the wrong question to be asking.
"The question is whether or not Morrisville can sustain a school district," Galloway said. "Half the people in that town believe they can sustain a school district. The other half believe Morrisville's in a lot of trouble."
Saturday, May 2, 2009
Quid Pro Quo
We continue our look at the royal email chain, and this one is a doozy.
Does anyone remember the Emperor's warm endorsement of Bill Ferrara as a wonderful principal who would make a fine superintendent some day?
It's backed up by this email.
-----Original Message-----
From: bill hellmann [mailto:bill hellmann cpa@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, June 30, 2008 10:55 AM
To: Heater, Gloria
Cc: bill hellmann
Subject: RE: engineering services, high school boilers
i am the one that stirs the drink. if i sit there, yonson's spending
will kill this town. she has two puppet board members that do whatever
she tells them, and the TINY pro-schoolers crew. ha ha ha! they are all
sand pounders. ha ha ha !
one by one they are either leaving or being replaced. soon, yonson will
be by herself. i have been talking to bill farrara and i like him and
so do other board members. he likes the consolidation we are talking
about (tuitioning out). i assured him we will always need a super and
at least one principal.
i know i am not polite at the meetings. i will work on that and try to
be more patient and respectful to the other fools. my problem is i
have little patience for incompetence and i am surrounded by those
types of people up there.
That, my friends, is a "quid pro quo". You support my tuitioning out scheme and I'll make sure you have a job.
You've seen the quid pro quo in action most recently in Illinois as Gov. Rod Blagojevich was impeached for his attempt to sell the open U.S. Senate seat previously occupied by Barack Obama. You make a donation to me, I'll get a Senate seat for you.
I have only heard and seen good things with Mr. Ferrara, which is what makes this all the more tragic. Roland Burris, from all accounts, is a good man too.
It's also clear that they shortened Dr. Yonson's contract from five to three years "safe" in the knowledge that the Emperor had already identified her successor.
To our readers outside of the Morrisville area: Our apologies for putting on such a good show. It makes us look like a bunch of rubes who couldn't govern an ice cream truck without help. But if our bad example stops you from committing the same mistakes, you're welcome.
Parents and friends: If this does not make you think twice about what "keep on track" means, then I'm not sure what will. Keep on track is a vote for Hellmann and everything he has done.
Does anyone remember the Emperor's warm endorsement of Bill Ferrara as a wonderful principal who would make a fine superintendent some day?
It's backed up by this email.
-----Original Message-----
From: bill hellmann [mailto:bill hellmann cpa@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, June 30, 2008 10:55 AM
To: Heater, Gloria
Cc: bill hellmann
Subject: RE: engineering services, high school boilers
i am the one that stirs the drink. if i sit there, yonson's spending
will kill this town. she has two puppet board members that do whatever
she tells them, and the TINY pro-schoolers crew. ha ha ha! they are all
sand pounders. ha ha ha !
one by one they are either leaving or being replaced. soon, yonson will
be by herself. i have been talking to bill farrara and i like him and
so do other board members. he likes the consolidation we are talking
about (tuitioning out). i assured him we will always need a super and
at least one principal.
i know i am not polite at the meetings. i will work on that and try to
be more patient and respectful to the other fools. my problem is i
have little patience for incompetence and i am surrounded by those
types of people up there.
That, my friends, is a "quid pro quo". You support my tuitioning out scheme and I'll make sure you have a job.
You've seen the quid pro quo in action most recently in Illinois as Gov. Rod Blagojevich was impeached for his attempt to sell the open U.S. Senate seat previously occupied by Barack Obama. You make a donation to me, I'll get a Senate seat for you.
I have only heard and seen good things with Mr. Ferrara, which is what makes this all the more tragic. Roland Burris, from all accounts, is a good man too.
It's also clear that they shortened Dr. Yonson's contract from five to three years "safe" in the knowledge that the Emperor had already identified her successor.
To our readers outside of the Morrisville area: Our apologies for putting on such a good show. It makes us look like a bunch of rubes who couldn't govern an ice cream truck without help. But if our bad example stops you from committing the same mistakes, you're welcome.
Parents and friends: If this does not make you think twice about what "keep on track" means, then I'm not sure what will. Keep on track is a vote for Hellmann and everything he has done.
Another probable swine flu case in PA
From the BCCT.
Another probable swine flu case in PA
By: JO CIAVAGLIA
Bucks County Courier Times
Pennsylvania health officials aren’t sure when they’ll receive advanced testing kits that would allow faster confirmation of suspected swine flu cases, as the number of probable cases in the state continues growing.
Health officials anticipated the first shipment would be received by Monday at the latest, but with the number of states and cases growing by the hour, the CDC is prioritizing distribution to states with confirmed swine flu cases.
Pennsylvania had no confirmed swine flu cases as of Friday, though two more suspicious cases were added Friday.
“We’re not sure when they will be coming in,” state health spokeswoman Holli Senior said Friday.
The specialized test kits allow state health officials to confirm swine flu cases without forwarding the specimens to CDC labs, which has been overwhelmed with suspected positive samples.
Meanwhile, local county officials are stepping up surveillance efforts.
The Bucks health department is requiring schools to track and forward daily absences among students and staff involving flu-like symptoms. In Montgomery County, 9-1-1 callers can expect to be asked if anyone at the caller’s location is experiencing flu-like symptoms so that first responders can take appropriate precautions if necessary.
As of Friday, Pennsylvania had six unconfirmed swine flu cases — two in Montgomery and four in Philadelphia.
At least five cases were described as mild infections and the patients have recovered or recovering, health officials said. State health officials had no details for the latest case involving a 39 year-old woman.
Those suspected cases are the only ones with unknown genetic fingerprints among more than 100 positive type A flu samples the state tested last week, state health spokeswoman Stacy Kriedeman said.
Locally, Doylestown Hospital tested at least 25 people with flu-like symptoms since Monday, and Lower Bucks Hospital in Bristol Township tested at least 22, hospital officials said. Only one Lower Bucks patient was positive, but for influenza type B, spokesman John Coffman said.
Medical and public health officials are following a three-step process for confirming a person is infected with the new swine flu, which health officials are now calling the 2009 H1N1.
If a rapid flu test is positive for type A influenza, the most common flu virus, the specimen is forwarded to the state department of health for further analysis.
Scientists then look for specific genetic fingerprints known as virus subtypes. If the subtype is unknown, swine flu is suspected and the specimen is sent to the CDC for conclusive testing, Kriedeman said.
Adding to challenges facing public health workers is the regular flu season hasn’t ended, meaning those viruses, which include a human type A H1N1 subtype, are still circulating. Also, false-positive influenza test results are more likely to occur when disease prevalence is low, which is generally at the beginning and end of the influenza season, according to the CDC.
Montgomery County officials reported a second probable swine flu case Friday involving a 28 year-old Lower Merion man who became sick on April 28. The man had not traveled in the last month and he had no known contact with ill people, according to county health officials.
The four other probable cases involve three Philadelphia residents, a 25-year-old man and 46-year-old female, and 2-year-old child and a 31-year-old Mexican man visiting Upper Merion.
The unidentified visitor, who had a valid work visa, reportedly became ill as he was traveling to the U.S. from Mexico last weekend, said Mike Baysinger, Montgomery County’s deputy director of personal health services.
The man was traveling alone and did not interact with people after he became ill, Baysinger said. He became sick on April 25, but has since completely recovered.
Probable swine flu cases are recommended to self-isolate at their homes and complete appropriate anti-viral treatment.
At least 17 U.S. states have confirmed more than 150 swine flu cases and one death, according to state and federal counts. Some scientists Friday said the virus is showing little staying power in the cities with the most cases and suggested that it may lack the genetic guts of previous killer bugs.
The identical, previously unseen flu virus has spread to at least 12 countries, though most infected were only mildly sickened. In Mexico, where the virus originated, it is suspected of sickening more than 3,000 people and killing for than 160.
The official world count for the fast-spreading 2009 H1N1 influenza, virus was almost 600 confirmed cases in 12 countries with 10 deaths, the World Health Organization said Friday, though the number is believed to be much larger.
Jo Ciavaglia can be reached at 215 949-4181 or jciavaglia@phillyBurbs.com. For more health and fitness information, visit Jo’s blog at www.phillyburbs.com/opinions/blogs/courier_blogs/jo_ciavaglia
FLU CLUES
? Human influenza virus usually refers to those subtypes that spread widely among humans. H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2 are the only known Influenza A virus subtypes currently circulating among humans.
? Influenza Type A is the most common and also the scariest of the three influenzas, causing the most serious epidemics in history. H1N1 flu strains caused roughly half of all flu infections in 2006.
? Other strains of H1N1 are endemic in pigs and birds.
? Four main influenza type A virus subtypes that have been isolated in pigs: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and H3N1, however most of the recently isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.
? The H1N1 swine flu virus circulating globally now is not the same as human H1N1 viruses, meaning that the vaccines for human seasonal flu won’t provide protection from swine flu viruses. But the swine flu bug circulating does respond successfully to antiviral treatment.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Another probable swine flu case in PA
By: JO CIAVAGLIA
Bucks County Courier Times
Pennsylvania health officials aren’t sure when they’ll receive advanced testing kits that would allow faster confirmation of suspected swine flu cases, as the number of probable cases in the state continues growing.
Health officials anticipated the first shipment would be received by Monday at the latest, but with the number of states and cases growing by the hour, the CDC is prioritizing distribution to states with confirmed swine flu cases.
Pennsylvania had no confirmed swine flu cases as of Friday, though two more suspicious cases were added Friday.
“We’re not sure when they will be coming in,” state health spokeswoman Holli Senior said Friday.
The specialized test kits allow state health officials to confirm swine flu cases without forwarding the specimens to CDC labs, which has been overwhelmed with suspected positive samples.
Meanwhile, local county officials are stepping up surveillance efforts.
The Bucks health department is requiring schools to track and forward daily absences among students and staff involving flu-like symptoms. In Montgomery County, 9-1-1 callers can expect to be asked if anyone at the caller’s location is experiencing flu-like symptoms so that first responders can take appropriate precautions if necessary.
As of Friday, Pennsylvania had six unconfirmed swine flu cases — two in Montgomery and four in Philadelphia.
At least five cases were described as mild infections and the patients have recovered or recovering, health officials said. State health officials had no details for the latest case involving a 39 year-old woman.
Those suspected cases are the only ones with unknown genetic fingerprints among more than 100 positive type A flu samples the state tested last week, state health spokeswoman Stacy Kriedeman said.
Locally, Doylestown Hospital tested at least 25 people with flu-like symptoms since Monday, and Lower Bucks Hospital in Bristol Township tested at least 22, hospital officials said. Only one Lower Bucks patient was positive, but for influenza type B, spokesman John Coffman said.
Medical and public health officials are following a three-step process for confirming a person is infected with the new swine flu, which health officials are now calling the 2009 H1N1.
If a rapid flu test is positive for type A influenza, the most common flu virus, the specimen is forwarded to the state department of health for further analysis.
Scientists then look for specific genetic fingerprints known as virus subtypes. If the subtype is unknown, swine flu is suspected and the specimen is sent to the CDC for conclusive testing, Kriedeman said.
Adding to challenges facing public health workers is the regular flu season hasn’t ended, meaning those viruses, which include a human type A H1N1 subtype, are still circulating. Also, false-positive influenza test results are more likely to occur when disease prevalence is low, which is generally at the beginning and end of the influenza season, according to the CDC.
Montgomery County officials reported a second probable swine flu case Friday involving a 28 year-old Lower Merion man who became sick on April 28. The man had not traveled in the last month and he had no known contact with ill people, according to county health officials.
The four other probable cases involve three Philadelphia residents, a 25-year-old man and 46-year-old female, and 2-year-old child and a 31-year-old Mexican man visiting Upper Merion.
The unidentified visitor, who had a valid work visa, reportedly became ill as he was traveling to the U.S. from Mexico last weekend, said Mike Baysinger, Montgomery County’s deputy director of personal health services.
The man was traveling alone and did not interact with people after he became ill, Baysinger said. He became sick on April 25, but has since completely recovered.
Probable swine flu cases are recommended to self-isolate at their homes and complete appropriate anti-viral treatment.
At least 17 U.S. states have confirmed more than 150 swine flu cases and one death, according to state and federal counts. Some scientists Friday said the virus is showing little staying power in the cities with the most cases and suggested that it may lack the genetic guts of previous killer bugs.
The identical, previously unseen flu virus has spread to at least 12 countries, though most infected were only mildly sickened. In Mexico, where the virus originated, it is suspected of sickening more than 3,000 people and killing for than 160.
The official world count for the fast-spreading 2009 H1N1 influenza, virus was almost 600 confirmed cases in 12 countries with 10 deaths, the World Health Organization said Friday, though the number is believed to be much larger.
Jo Ciavaglia can be reached at 215 949-4181 or jciavaglia@phillyBurbs.com. For more health and fitness information, visit Jo’s blog at www.phillyburbs.com/opinions/blogs/courier_blogs/jo_ciavaglia
FLU CLUES
? Human influenza virus usually refers to those subtypes that spread widely among humans. H1N1, H1N2, and H3N2 are the only known Influenza A virus subtypes currently circulating among humans.
? Influenza Type A is the most common and also the scariest of the three influenzas, causing the most serious epidemics in history. H1N1 flu strains caused roughly half of all flu infections in 2006.
? Other strains of H1N1 are endemic in pigs and birds.
? Four main influenza type A virus subtypes that have been isolated in pigs: H1N1, H1N2, H3N2, and H3N1, however most of the recently isolated influenza viruses from pigs have been H1N1 viruses.
? The H1N1 swine flu virus circulating globally now is not the same as human H1N1 viruses, meaning that the vaccines for human seasonal flu won’t provide protection from swine flu viruses. But the swine flu bug circulating does respond successfully to antiviral treatment.
Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Friday, May 1, 2009
Galloway: Pensions a 'snowballing crisis'
From the BCCT.
Kudos to Rep. Galloway for hearing the outcry and starting a legislative response.
Sen. McIlhinney believes "the state needs to do something." That's a bold call for action..NOT. Even our school board members think the state should so something. The difference here, sir, is that you're one of the ones who is a "do-somethinger" in this mess. Let's get your do-something machine in gear sometime this decade, if you would?
Contact Senator Chuck McIlhinney (R-PA 10th) and Representative John T. Galloway (D-PA 140th)
Galloway: Pensions a 'snowballing crisis'
By: JAMES MCGINNIS
Bucks County Courier Times
The pension fund for school employees reported a loss of $1.7 billion. The fund for state workers said it lost $11 billion.
The global recession has only added to a "snowballing crisis" with state pensions and, without a special commission, it's only going to get worse for taxpayers, state Rep. John Galloway, D-140, said Thursday.
Galloway has joined a long line of Pennsylvania lawmakers to ring alarm bells over two pensions - one for Pennsylvania's teachers and the other for all state workers. He sent a letter this week to the speaker of House of Representatives, calling for a commission on the pensions.
Each fund lost billions of dollars in 2008 and, unless the economy turns around, Pennsylvania could be forced by law to raise taxes to support those funds in 2012, lawmakers said.
The Pennsylvania School Employees Retirement System reported a loss of $1.7 billion in 2008. There's about $60 billion left.
The state workers pension fund reported a loss of $11 billion, leaving $24 billion in the fund at the beginning of 2009.
Galloway said he believes the traditional legislative process of sending such matters to a committee for research and consideration simply wasn't going to work this time.
"I think the problem is so large - it's not something that we can just deal with in committee," he said. We need to act on this, and a (traditional) committee might never even come to the floor (of the House).
"A speaker's commission would bring in all the different committees and put more pressure on us to act," Galloway continued. "We're getting a lot of pressure to just do nothing and wait and see if the economy can just turn this around."
"But what if it doesn't?" Galloway said.
State Rep. Scott Petri, R-178, said he "would not oppose anything that brings more attention and urgency to this problem. Waiting and knowing, and just letting it stew is not resolving it.
"Before the recession, it looked like we were starting to build a way out of this hole - at least a way to make the hole smaller," Petri added. "But then the economy made a turn for the worse."
A number of state lawmakers are trying to secure federal stimulus funds to try and plug that hole, Petri added.
While he would support a speaker's commission, state Rep. Tony Melio, D-141, said lawmakers can't seriously consider any ideas that cost Pennsylvania more money.
"We had a meeting with the appropriations chairman, who told us that we just don't have any money and we can't spend any more money," Melio said. "Until we get the stimulus fund figured out, we just can't do anything."
State Sen. Chuck McIlhinney, R-10, said he supported the need for a special convention on the pension and considers it a crisis. The state needs to do something, he said.
State Rep Gene DiGirolamo, R-18, was less certain of the need for a speaker's commission and he disagreed with Galloway's remarks about the committee process.
"I don't know if I agree with the idea that if it goes into a committee that it would just die in there. I think the committees would have to be part of this process also.
"Whether this is a crisis or not is going to depend on the economy over the next couple of years," DiGirolamo continued. "It's something that we certainly should be studying. What he's proposing - I'm not sure if that's the right approach."
The Pennsylvania school pension fund serves more than 600,000 current and former school employees in Pennsylvania, according to its Web site. The Pennsylvania State Employees Retirement System has about 219,000 members, officials said.
Kudos to Rep. Galloway for hearing the outcry and starting a legislative response.
Sen. McIlhinney believes "the state needs to do something." That's a bold call for action..NOT. Even our school board members think the state should so something. The difference here, sir, is that you're one of the ones who is a "do-somethinger" in this mess. Let's get your do-something machine in gear sometime this decade, if you would?
Contact Senator Chuck McIlhinney (R-PA 10th) and Representative John T. Galloway (D-PA 140th)
Galloway: Pensions a 'snowballing crisis'
By: JAMES MCGINNIS
Bucks County Courier Times
The pension fund for school employees reported a loss of $1.7 billion. The fund for state workers said it lost $11 billion.
The global recession has only added to a "snowballing crisis" with state pensions and, without a special commission, it's only going to get worse for taxpayers, state Rep. John Galloway, D-140, said Thursday.
Galloway has joined a long line of Pennsylvania lawmakers to ring alarm bells over two pensions - one for Pennsylvania's teachers and the other for all state workers. He sent a letter this week to the speaker of House of Representatives, calling for a commission on the pensions.
Each fund lost billions of dollars in 2008 and, unless the economy turns around, Pennsylvania could be forced by law to raise taxes to support those funds in 2012, lawmakers said.
The Pennsylvania School Employees Retirement System reported a loss of $1.7 billion in 2008. There's about $60 billion left.
The state workers pension fund reported a loss of $11 billion, leaving $24 billion in the fund at the beginning of 2009.
Galloway said he believes the traditional legislative process of sending such matters to a committee for research and consideration simply wasn't going to work this time.
"I think the problem is so large - it's not something that we can just deal with in committee," he said. We need to act on this, and a (traditional) committee might never even come to the floor (of the House).
"A speaker's commission would bring in all the different committees and put more pressure on us to act," Galloway continued. "We're getting a lot of pressure to just do nothing and wait and see if the economy can just turn this around."
"But what if it doesn't?" Galloway said.
State Rep. Scott Petri, R-178, said he "would not oppose anything that brings more attention and urgency to this problem. Waiting and knowing, and just letting it stew is not resolving it.
"Before the recession, it looked like we were starting to build a way out of this hole - at least a way to make the hole smaller," Petri added. "But then the economy made a turn for the worse."
A number of state lawmakers are trying to secure federal stimulus funds to try and plug that hole, Petri added.
While he would support a speaker's commission, state Rep. Tony Melio, D-141, said lawmakers can't seriously consider any ideas that cost Pennsylvania more money.
"We had a meeting with the appropriations chairman, who told us that we just don't have any money and we can't spend any more money," Melio said. "Until we get the stimulus fund figured out, we just can't do anything."
State Sen. Chuck McIlhinney, R-10, said he supported the need for a special convention on the pension and considers it a crisis. The state needs to do something, he said.
State Rep Gene DiGirolamo, R-18, was less certain of the need for a speaker's commission and he disagreed with Galloway's remarks about the committee process.
"I don't know if I agree with the idea that if it goes into a committee that it would just die in there. I think the committees would have to be part of this process also.
"Whether this is a crisis or not is going to depend on the economy over the next couple of years," DiGirolamo continued. "It's something that we certainly should be studying. What he's proposing - I'm not sure if that's the right approach."
The Pennsylvania school pension fund serves more than 600,000 current and former school employees in Pennsylvania, according to its Web site. The Pennsylvania State Employees Retirement System has about 219,000 members, officials said.
Bensalem: No KOIZ
From the BCCT.
No tax zone for Horizon center
By: MANASEE WAGH
Bucks County Courier Times
The Bensalem school board Wednesday night failed to approve a Keystone Opportunity Zone designation for part of the Horizon Corporate Center near the Neshaminy Mall. The five board members present refused to make a motion to consider the issue, so their inaction amounted to a failed vote.
The KOZ program offers tax relief to companies, typically allowing them to pay no property taxes on future development. Tenants also could get waivers from certain business taxes.
Brian O'Neill, who owns O'Neill Properties on Horizon land, gave an impassioned speech claiming that the KOZ designation would draw more business and potentially 2,000 construction jobs to the area during the next few years.
About 100 construction trades union members supported O'Neill at the meeting and left sorely disappointed.
Opponent George Flocco, executive director of Bensalem Economic Development Corp., said the tax breaks would only force township residents to bear an additional tax burden.
If the board had voted for the KOZ proposal, O'Neill Properties would have gone to the township today to get the next part of the needed approvals. Township, county and school district approvals are all needed to allow a property to take advantage of a KOZ.
Board members said it didn't make sense to allow prime real estate like the Horizon Corporate Center to get a break on taxes.
Express Scripts in Bensalem recently got KOZ status in Bristol, making it exempt from several forms of state business taxes through 2020. Its employees would still pay wage taxes to the communities where they live or work.
No tax zone for Horizon center
By: MANASEE WAGH
Bucks County Courier Times
The Bensalem school board Wednesday night failed to approve a Keystone Opportunity Zone designation for part of the Horizon Corporate Center near the Neshaminy Mall. The five board members present refused to make a motion to consider the issue, so their inaction amounted to a failed vote.
The KOZ program offers tax relief to companies, typically allowing them to pay no property taxes on future development. Tenants also could get waivers from certain business taxes.
Brian O'Neill, who owns O'Neill Properties on Horizon land, gave an impassioned speech claiming that the KOZ designation would draw more business and potentially 2,000 construction jobs to the area during the next few years.
About 100 construction trades union members supported O'Neill at the meeting and left sorely disappointed.
Opponent George Flocco, executive director of Bensalem Economic Development Corp., said the tax breaks would only force township residents to bear an additional tax burden.
If the board had voted for the KOZ proposal, O'Neill Properties would have gone to the township today to get the next part of the needed approvals. Township, county and school district approvals are all needed to allow a property to take advantage of a KOZ.
Board members said it didn't make sense to allow prime real estate like the Horizon Corporate Center to get a break on taxes.
Express Scripts in Bensalem recently got KOZ status in Bristol, making it exempt from several forms of state business taxes through 2020. Its employees would still pay wage taxes to the communities where they live or work.
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Dr. Yonson: Say It Ain't So!
From Montgomery Media.
Public meets with finalists for school district superintendent
Published: Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Elizabeth Yonson. Sun staff photos by BOB RAINES
By Nick Malinowski
Staff Writer
With the search for the next Springfield Township School District Superintendent down to two candidates, the school board hosted community meetings Tuesday and Wednesday evening to give resident a chance to examine the finalists.
Superintendent Roseann Nyiri is retiring in July after seven years on the job.
On Tuesday, Elizabeth Yonson, currently the superintendent of the Morrisville School District, spent the day in Springfield, meeting teachers, administrators, staff and students before addressing parents and answering their questions in the high school auditorium.
The Morrisville district has a student enrollment of 1,050 and an annual budget of about $19 million.
Yonson told the 25 parents in attendance at the high school auditorium Tuesday that Springfield, which is larger than Morrisville yet more intimate than other districts, would allow her to be personally involved with the staff, a prospect she found attractive.
Of her five years at Morrisville, Yonson said she was most proud of raising the proficiency levels and closing the achievement gap between white students and students of many minority groups.
Questions from parents included concerns about Yonson’s commitment to the position, planned curriculum changes and goals, the importance of athletics and afterschool activities and ways to save money.
On Wednesday, Wendy Royer, director of elementary education in the West Shore School District in New Cumberland, was asked most of the same questions as well as additional ones, many focusing on her lack of experience as a superintendent at another school district.
Royer explained that because of West Shore’s size — 8,000 students — and her work on curricular programs for multiple buildings, she had gained leadership skills that would translate to Springfield.
Both candidates said they appreciated the strong community support for the Springfield School District and would make gaining a firm understanding of the needs of the constituents a priority before looking to make any changes.
Following Wednesday’s meeting with Royer, Laurie Kristiniak, president of the High School/Middle School PTA, said the meetings were a poor forum for parents to get to know the candidates, and that it was impossible to make substantial judgments about either one because many of the questions demanded precise and thoughtful answers that the format did not allow.
The search would have been better had a parent group had the opportunity to meet with each candidate in face-to-face interviews, she said.
“In no way did the search team replace the stakeholders,” she said. “We felt our insight as parents is an insight a majority of the board members don’t have. How can that not be important?”
Fifty-seven candidates applied for the position, and the school board reviewed 16 applications, interviewing six candidates before arriving at two, school board President Malcolm Gran said Wednesday.
The public, teachers and staff were not included in earlier steps of the recruitment process to preserve confidentially, so that rejected candidates were not put in an awkward position within their current districts, Gran said.
Yonson and Royer were eventually selected because of their track records of creating strong curricula and improving their schools, he said.
Although both candidates were relatively local, Yonson from Bucks County and Royer from just outside Harrisburg, Gran said that the national search was necessary.
“We had some fascinating candidates from, really, around the world, one from Italy, one from Canada,” he said.
The board is not required by law to do any type of candidate search, he said.
To decide between Yonson and Royer, the board will again meet with each candidate and go through responses prompted by this week’s meetings from the community and teachers.
A hiring date has not been set, but residents should contact the board with reactions by Sunday, Gran said following Wednesday’s meeting.
Public meets with finalists for school district superintendent
Published: Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Elizabeth Yonson. Sun staff photos by BOB RAINES
By Nick Malinowski
Staff Writer
With the search for the next Springfield Township School District Superintendent down to two candidates, the school board hosted community meetings Tuesday and Wednesday evening to give resident a chance to examine the finalists.
Superintendent Roseann Nyiri is retiring in July after seven years on the job.
On Tuesday, Elizabeth Yonson, currently the superintendent of the Morrisville School District, spent the day in Springfield, meeting teachers, administrators, staff and students before addressing parents and answering their questions in the high school auditorium.
The Morrisville district has a student enrollment of 1,050 and an annual budget of about $19 million.
Yonson told the 25 parents in attendance at the high school auditorium Tuesday that Springfield, which is larger than Morrisville yet more intimate than other districts, would allow her to be personally involved with the staff, a prospect she found attractive.
Of her five years at Morrisville, Yonson said she was most proud of raising the proficiency levels and closing the achievement gap between white students and students of many minority groups.
Questions from parents included concerns about Yonson’s commitment to the position, planned curriculum changes and goals, the importance of athletics and afterschool activities and ways to save money.
On Wednesday, Wendy Royer, director of elementary education in the West Shore School District in New Cumberland, was asked most of the same questions as well as additional ones, many focusing on her lack of experience as a superintendent at another school district.
Royer explained that because of West Shore’s size — 8,000 students — and her work on curricular programs for multiple buildings, she had gained leadership skills that would translate to Springfield.
Both candidates said they appreciated the strong community support for the Springfield School District and would make gaining a firm understanding of the needs of the constituents a priority before looking to make any changes.
Following Wednesday’s meeting with Royer, Laurie Kristiniak, president of the High School/Middle School PTA, said the meetings were a poor forum for parents to get to know the candidates, and that it was impossible to make substantial judgments about either one because many of the questions demanded precise and thoughtful answers that the format did not allow.
The search would have been better had a parent group had the opportunity to meet with each candidate in face-to-face interviews, she said.
“In no way did the search team replace the stakeholders,” she said. “We felt our insight as parents is an insight a majority of the board members don’t have. How can that not be important?”
Fifty-seven candidates applied for the position, and the school board reviewed 16 applications, interviewing six candidates before arriving at two, school board President Malcolm Gran said Wednesday.
The public, teachers and staff were not included in earlier steps of the recruitment process to preserve confidentially, so that rejected candidates were not put in an awkward position within their current districts, Gran said.
Yonson and Royer were eventually selected because of their track records of creating strong curricula and improving their schools, he said.
Although both candidates were relatively local, Yonson from Bucks County and Royer from just outside Harrisburg, Gran said that the national search was necessary.
“We had some fascinating candidates from, really, around the world, one from Italy, one from Canada,” he said.
The board is not required by law to do any type of candidate search, he said.
To decide between Yonson and Royer, the board will again meet with each candidate and go through responses prompted by this week’s meetings from the community and teachers.
A hiring date has not been set, but residents should contact the board with reactions by Sunday, Gran said following Wednesday’s meeting.
Schools Monitoring Flu Progress
From the BCCT.
Link to the Morrisville District website and specific swine flu recommendations.
Schools closely monitoring situation
If a student is infected with swine flu, the county health department would recommend closing the school for seven days, a county spokeswoman said.
FROM STAFF REPORTS
With Pennsylvania reporting its first probable case of swine flu in Philadelphia Wednesday, local school administrators and public health officials are closely watching the outbreak sweeping across the United States.
Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware are among the states with unconfirmed swine flu reports, while 11 states have confirmed at least 93 cases and one death, a toddler from Mexico, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The World Health Organization has raised the swine flu alert level to five, the second highest level meaning it believes a global outbreak of the disease is imminent. The identical virus has spread to at least seven countries, though most were mildly sickened; Mexico, where the virus originated, is the hardest hit with more than 2,400 sickened and more than 150 deaths.
The suspected first Pennsylvania case occurred in a 2-year old child in Philadelphia who became ill on March 23, according to the state department of health. The child has no known risk factors for exposure to swine flu and he has fully recovered.
With the virus moving human-to-human, national attention has focused on schools where health officials worry it can spread quickly. Most of the U.S. cases so far are connected with two schools in New York City.
President Barack Obama said public health officials are recommending schools with confirmed or suspected cases of swine flu “strongly consider temporarily closing so that we can be as safe as possible.”
The CDC said more U.S. cases have required hospitalizations and a pattern of more severe illness associated with the virus may be emerging in the United States. Typically 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population is infected and 36,000 deaths are blamed on seasonal flu annually.
Pennsylvania health officials have maintained contact with schools this week to keep them updated, spokeswoman Holli Senior said. School districts do not currently submit emergency preparedness plans to the state Department of Education.
If a student is infected with swine flu, the county health department would recommend closing a school for seven days, the infection’s incubation period, Bucks spokeswoman Stacey Hajdak said. But the final decision would be left with the superintendent, she added.
In Bucks County, schools have posted basic swine flu prevention information on Web sites. Public, parochial and private school officials are also monitoring CDC updates and student and staff illnesses, as well as updating parents, officials said.
“As a proactive measure, we will be meeting with all of our staff this week to go over our procedures,” said Leon Poeske, acting director of the Bucks County Technical High School in Bristol Township.
Neshaminy Superintendent Louis Muenker said his schools would follow county and state health department recommendations, unless a national directive requires other action.
Council Rock School District is reevaluating field trips scheduled for cities and other high population areas.
“While we are not taking a position on these trips at this time, changes in the concentration or severity of this reported outbreak will likely force the district to eliminate some or all of these trips,” according to a letter to parents.
Holy Ghost Preparatory High School in Bensalem reported it has an emergency response plan in case a swine flu situation should arise, said Ken Ferrara, the school’s executive director of Institutional Advancement. He doesn’t expect that the school to close because of an outbreak.
The Philadelphia Archdiocese’s superintendent for Catholic education Wednesday sent health department guidelines to its elementary and high school principals, but left it to the administrators’ discretion to forward it to school families, spokeswoman Donna Farrell said.
She added the archdiocese would likely follow the same protocol it uses during the regular flu season.
“We have schools that sometimes have to close because so many teachers are sick, so it is something we’re prepared to deal with,” Farrell said.
Bucks County Community College, which has three campuses, incorporated a pandemic flu response plan into its emergency preparedness manual two years ago, during the avian flu scare.
If a local, state or federal health agency declares a local flu or viral outbreak, which could potentially affect the college, college administrators meet and decide the course of action, according to the manual.
Decisions may include: Closure of the campus in whole or part, delayed semester start, cancellation of a semester, opening up campus as a temporary health facility, continuing college business as usual but taking precautionary medical measures, etc.
Ongoing training of college administrators and information dissemination to campus users will be part of the college’s response to addressing the potential for a pandemic flu, viral outbreak, or other health related emergency.
Staff writers Manasee Wagh, Jo Ciavaglia, Rachel Canelli and Joan Hellyer contributed to this story.
Link to the Morrisville District website and specific swine flu recommendations.
Schools closely monitoring situation
If a student is infected with swine flu, the county health department would recommend closing the school for seven days, a county spokeswoman said.
FROM STAFF REPORTS
With Pennsylvania reporting its first probable case of swine flu in Philadelphia Wednesday, local school administrators and public health officials are closely watching the outbreak sweeping across the United States.
Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware are among the states with unconfirmed swine flu reports, while 11 states have confirmed at least 93 cases and one death, a toddler from Mexico, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The World Health Organization has raised the swine flu alert level to five, the second highest level meaning it believes a global outbreak of the disease is imminent. The identical virus has spread to at least seven countries, though most were mildly sickened; Mexico, where the virus originated, is the hardest hit with more than 2,400 sickened and more than 150 deaths.
The suspected first Pennsylvania case occurred in a 2-year old child in Philadelphia who became ill on March 23, according to the state department of health. The child has no known risk factors for exposure to swine flu and he has fully recovered.
With the virus moving human-to-human, national attention has focused on schools where health officials worry it can spread quickly. Most of the U.S. cases so far are connected with two schools in New York City.
President Barack Obama said public health officials are recommending schools with confirmed or suspected cases of swine flu “strongly consider temporarily closing so that we can be as safe as possible.”
The CDC said more U.S. cases have required hospitalizations and a pattern of more severe illness associated with the virus may be emerging in the United States. Typically 5 to 20 percent of the U.S. population is infected and 36,000 deaths are blamed on seasonal flu annually.
Pennsylvania health officials have maintained contact with schools this week to keep them updated, spokeswoman Holli Senior said. School districts do not currently submit emergency preparedness plans to the state Department of Education.
If a student is infected with swine flu, the county health department would recommend closing a school for seven days, the infection’s incubation period, Bucks spokeswoman Stacey Hajdak said. But the final decision would be left with the superintendent, she added.
In Bucks County, schools have posted basic swine flu prevention information on Web sites. Public, parochial and private school officials are also monitoring CDC updates and student and staff illnesses, as well as updating parents, officials said.
“As a proactive measure, we will be meeting with all of our staff this week to go over our procedures,” said Leon Poeske, acting director of the Bucks County Technical High School in Bristol Township.
Neshaminy Superintendent Louis Muenker said his schools would follow county and state health department recommendations, unless a national directive requires other action.
Council Rock School District is reevaluating field trips scheduled for cities and other high population areas.
“While we are not taking a position on these trips at this time, changes in the concentration or severity of this reported outbreak will likely force the district to eliminate some or all of these trips,” according to a letter to parents.
Holy Ghost Preparatory High School in Bensalem reported it has an emergency response plan in case a swine flu situation should arise, said Ken Ferrara, the school’s executive director of Institutional Advancement. He doesn’t expect that the school to close because of an outbreak.
The Philadelphia Archdiocese’s superintendent for Catholic education Wednesday sent health department guidelines to its elementary and high school principals, but left it to the administrators’ discretion to forward it to school families, spokeswoman Donna Farrell said.
She added the archdiocese would likely follow the same protocol it uses during the regular flu season.
“We have schools that sometimes have to close because so many teachers are sick, so it is something we’re prepared to deal with,” Farrell said.
Bucks County Community College, which has three campuses, incorporated a pandemic flu response plan into its emergency preparedness manual two years ago, during the avian flu scare.
If a local, state or federal health agency declares a local flu or viral outbreak, which could potentially affect the college, college administrators meet and decide the course of action, according to the manual.
Decisions may include: Closure of the campus in whole or part, delayed semester start, cancellation of a semester, opening up campus as a temporary health facility, continuing college business as usual but taking precautionary medical measures, etc.
Ongoing training of college administrators and information dissemination to campus users will be part of the college’s response to addressing the potential for a pandemic flu, viral outbreak, or other health related emergency.
Staff writers Manasee Wagh, Jo Ciavaglia, Rachel Canelli and Joan Hellyer contributed to this story.
Tech school budget approved
From the BCCT.
(NOTE TO DESK - MIGHT WANT TO DOUBLE CHECK YOU REMOVED ALL THE NOTES BEFORE POSTING THE STORY. PRINTER DEVILS HAVE NOW GONE DIGITAL. THX STS)
Tech school budget wins approval
By: JOAN HELLYER
Bucks County Courier Times
Three sending districts will pay more in 2009-10 and the other three will pay less based on the school's funding formula.
By Joan Hellyer
Bucks County Technical High School operations in 2009-10 will be financed with a $22.4 million budget approved by a majority of governing bodies of the sending school districts.
The technical high school's bylaws call for at least four school boards from the sending districts and at least 28 board members of the governing panels to approve the proposed budget.
The Neshaminy school board on Tuesday night pushed the approval process across the finish line with a 7-2 vote in favor of the budget for the school off Wistar Road in Bristol Township.
The Bristol, Morrisville and Pennsbury boards previously approved the "bare bones" budget with 26 members of those governing bodies voting in favor of it.
Bensalem's school board was scheduled Wednesday night to vote on the tech school budget.
The Bristol Township board, however, rejected the financial plan to protest the 15 percent increase its district will pay in 2009-10. The added costs are needed to cover recent enrollment increases of Bristol Township students at the tech school, BCTHS representatives said.
Bensalem and Bristol also will pay more in the coming year while Morrisville, Neshaminy and Pennsbury will pay less based on the school's funding formula, officials said.
Bensalem will pay $3,135,268, Bristol's charge is $733,313, Bristol Township's share is $6,503,272, Morrisville will be charged $528,077, Neshaminy's cost is $3,921,993 and Pennsbury will pay $3,643,532, said officials.
Overall, the budget is 2.9 percent greater than the 2008-09 budget, said administrators, who are moving forward to enact the financial plan effective July 1.
(NOTE TO DESK - MIGHT WANT TO CHECK WITH MANASEE WHO IS COVERING BENSALEM MEETING TONIGHT TO SEE WHAT THAT BOARD DECIDES - RIGHT NOW I JUST HAVE IT THAT "BENSALEM'S SCHOOL BOARD WAS SCHEDULED WEDNESDAY NIGHT TO VOTE ON THE TECH SCHOOL BUDGET." THX, JH)
(NOTE TO DESK - MIGHT WANT TO DOUBLE CHECK YOU REMOVED ALL THE NOTES BEFORE POSTING THE STORY. PRINTER DEVILS HAVE NOW GONE DIGITAL. THX STS)
Tech school budget wins approval
By: JOAN HELLYER
Bucks County Courier Times
Three sending districts will pay more in 2009-10 and the other three will pay less based on the school's funding formula.
By Joan Hellyer
Bucks County Technical High School operations in 2009-10 will be financed with a $22.4 million budget approved by a majority of governing bodies of the sending school districts.
The technical high school's bylaws call for at least four school boards from the sending districts and at least 28 board members of the governing panels to approve the proposed budget.
The Neshaminy school board on Tuesday night pushed the approval process across the finish line with a 7-2 vote in favor of the budget for the school off Wistar Road in Bristol Township.
The Bristol, Morrisville and Pennsbury boards previously approved the "bare bones" budget with 26 members of those governing bodies voting in favor of it.
Bensalem's school board was scheduled Wednesday night to vote on the tech school budget.
The Bristol Township board, however, rejected the financial plan to protest the 15 percent increase its district will pay in 2009-10. The added costs are needed to cover recent enrollment increases of Bristol Township students at the tech school, BCTHS representatives said.
Bensalem and Bristol also will pay more in the coming year while Morrisville, Neshaminy and Pennsbury will pay less based on the school's funding formula, officials said.
Bensalem will pay $3,135,268, Bristol's charge is $733,313, Bristol Township's share is $6,503,272, Morrisville will be charged $528,077, Neshaminy's cost is $3,921,993 and Pennsbury will pay $3,643,532, said officials.
Overall, the budget is 2.9 percent greater than the 2008-09 budget, said administrators, who are moving forward to enact the financial plan effective July 1.
(NOTE TO DESK - MIGHT WANT TO CHECK WITH MANASEE WHO IS COVERING BENSALEM MEETING TONIGHT TO SEE WHAT THAT BOARD DECIDES - RIGHT NOW I JUST HAVE IT THAT "BENSALEM'S SCHOOL BOARD WAS SCHEDULED WEDNESDAY NIGHT TO VOTE ON THE TECH SCHOOL BUDGET." THX, JH)
Top Republican assails Gov. Rendell's budget
From the Inquirer.
Top Republican assails Gov. Rendell's budget
By Angela Couloumbis Posted on Tue, Apr. 28, 2009
Inquirer Harrisburg Bureau
HARRISBURG - A top Senate Republican yesterday set the stage for a budget showdown with the Rendell administration, saying that the governor's plan reflected "short-term thinking" and that he could not support it without major changes.
Senate Appropriations Chairman Jake Corman (R., Centre) said the Republican-controlled Senate would soon pass a counterproposal that would call for spending 5 percent less than Gov. Rendell's $29 billion spending plan for the next fiscal year, which starts July 1.
The Republican alternative also would not increase any taxes, he said.
"If we were to adopt [the governor's] plan, we in the legislature would be committing something akin to budgetary malpractice," Corman said at the monthly press club luncheon in Harrisburg.
Corman did not say how Republicans would achieve their spending cuts. He and others have said those details would be released early next month.
Corman said the Republican plan called for reducing Rendell's proposed budget to close to $27.5 billion. While the GOP plan would include the roughly $2 billion in federal stimulus aid that Rendell's budget relies on, it would reject Rendell's proposal to add taxes on tobacco sales, natural-gas extraction, and health-insurance premiums.
Corman acknowledged that reducing Rendell's budget "does not come without pain and does not come without political peril."
"But we absolutely have to do it, and we have to do it now to get our economic house in order," he said.
Rendell spokesman Chuck Ardo yesterday countered that "at a time when more Pennsylvanians are looking to government for essential services, it appears the senator's proposal will provide less of them."
He added that "the governor's vision for the commonwealth's future has been endorsed by the electorate twice," and that "the time for rhetorical flourish is long past - it's time to do the hard work necessary to craft a responsible budget."
The deadline to pass the budget is July 1. Since Rendell took office in 2003, no budget has been passed on time.
This year appears no different, with Republicans once again showcasing wide ideological and fiscal differences with the administration.
Rendell's proposed budget includes no broad-based tax increases, but it does seek a 10-cent-per-pack increase in the cigarette tax and new levies on smokeless tobacco and natural-gas reserves.
While education, welfare, corrections, and probation and parole would receive budget increases, every other department faces cuts.
Rendell has proposed eliminating funding for 101 state programs, including schools for the deaf and children of military veterans, and trimming spending for 346.
Top Republican assails Gov. Rendell's budget
By Angela Couloumbis Posted on Tue, Apr. 28, 2009
Inquirer Harrisburg Bureau
HARRISBURG - A top Senate Republican yesterday set the stage for a budget showdown with the Rendell administration, saying that the governor's plan reflected "short-term thinking" and that he could not support it without major changes.
Senate Appropriations Chairman Jake Corman (R., Centre) said the Republican-controlled Senate would soon pass a counterproposal that would call for spending 5 percent less than Gov. Rendell's $29 billion spending plan for the next fiscal year, which starts July 1.
The Republican alternative also would not increase any taxes, he said.
"If we were to adopt [the governor's] plan, we in the legislature would be committing something akin to budgetary malpractice," Corman said at the monthly press club luncheon in Harrisburg.
Corman did not say how Republicans would achieve their spending cuts. He and others have said those details would be released early next month.
Corman said the Republican plan called for reducing Rendell's proposed budget to close to $27.5 billion. While the GOP plan would include the roughly $2 billion in federal stimulus aid that Rendell's budget relies on, it would reject Rendell's proposal to add taxes on tobacco sales, natural-gas extraction, and health-insurance premiums.
Corman acknowledged that reducing Rendell's budget "does not come without pain and does not come without political peril."
"But we absolutely have to do it, and we have to do it now to get our economic house in order," he said.
Rendell spokesman Chuck Ardo yesterday countered that "at a time when more Pennsylvanians are looking to government for essential services, it appears the senator's proposal will provide less of them."
He added that "the governor's vision for the commonwealth's future has been endorsed by the electorate twice," and that "the time for rhetorical flourish is long past - it's time to do the hard work necessary to craft a responsible budget."
The deadline to pass the budget is July 1. Since Rendell took office in 2003, no budget has been passed on time.
This year appears no different, with Republicans once again showcasing wide ideological and fiscal differences with the administration.
Rendell's proposed budget includes no broad-based tax increases, but it does seek a 10-cent-per-pack increase in the cigarette tax and new levies on smokeless tobacco and natural-gas reserves.
While education, welfare, corrections, and probation and parole would receive budget increases, every other department faces cuts.
Rendell has proposed eliminating funding for 101 state programs, including schools for the deaf and children of military veterans, and trimming spending for 346.
Neshaminy: Busy Signal, Please Try Again
From the BCCT.
Board members won't be allowed to call in votes
By: RACHEL CANELLI
Bucks County Courier Times
A motion to allow school board directors to cast their votes by phone narrowly failed.
A policy that would've allowed Neshaminy school board members to participate in meetings by phone was disconnected Tuesday night.
The vote failed 4-5 with only board members William O'Connor, William Spitz, Susan Cummings and Joseph Blasch voting yes.
The process would've let no more than one director per meeting call into a public board meeting and vote via phone. And each board member would have been able to make such a request only once a year through the board president or superintendent, according to the policy.
O'Connor, who works in sales and marketing, requested the guideline so he wouldn't have to miss too many board meetings for unexpected business trips. He wanted the rule to allow two directors per meeting to vote by phone twice a year since his job takes him a few times a year to places like South Carolina, Puerto Rico and Germany. O'Connor said he missed two or three meetings in the last year.
Board member Richard Eccles expressed concerns that board members would miss too many meetings. But district solicitor Thomas J. Profy III said it wouldn't count as an absence if a board member participated via phone.
The policy would've given the board the ability to increase those numbers in the future, administrators said.
Profy also said the board member participating remotely could not have been used to reach a quorum. At least five other board members must be present to hold a meeting, said Profy.
Board member William Spitz favored the remote participation, which he believed could be monitored and adjusted to avoid abuse.
The concept already is used in some districts, including Council Rock, where a board member recently participated by phone for more than one meeting after having surgery, officials said.
And Neshaminy allowed board member Blasch to attend an executive session by phone, Blasch said.
Representatives of the Pennsylvania School Boards Association said 35 school districts across the state have adopted similar protocols.
After not allowing a councilman who was on military duty overseas to vote from his post, the Tullytown council later agreed to let members on active military duty vote by phone early last year.
But Neshaminy board member Frank Koziol argued the policy isn't necessary. By his calculations, only five votes out of more than 200 in the past few years failed due to a director's absence.
Board President Ritchie Webb said he could see why the policy might be beneficial, but he voted against the policy, too, because voting over the phone doesn't allow directors to look residents in the eyes. Webb was also concerned about members hearing public comment.
Board members won't be allowed to call in votes
By: RACHEL CANELLI
Bucks County Courier Times
A motion to allow school board directors to cast their votes by phone narrowly failed.
A policy that would've allowed Neshaminy school board members to participate in meetings by phone was disconnected Tuesday night.
The vote failed 4-5 with only board members William O'Connor, William Spitz, Susan Cummings and Joseph Blasch voting yes.
The process would've let no more than one director per meeting call into a public board meeting and vote via phone. And each board member would have been able to make such a request only once a year through the board president or superintendent, according to the policy.
O'Connor, who works in sales and marketing, requested the guideline so he wouldn't have to miss too many board meetings for unexpected business trips. He wanted the rule to allow two directors per meeting to vote by phone twice a year since his job takes him a few times a year to places like South Carolina, Puerto Rico and Germany. O'Connor said he missed two or three meetings in the last year.
Board member Richard Eccles expressed concerns that board members would miss too many meetings. But district solicitor Thomas J. Profy III said it wouldn't count as an absence if a board member participated via phone.
The policy would've given the board the ability to increase those numbers in the future, administrators said.
Profy also said the board member participating remotely could not have been used to reach a quorum. At least five other board members must be present to hold a meeting, said Profy.
Board member William Spitz favored the remote participation, which he believed could be monitored and adjusted to avoid abuse.
The concept already is used in some districts, including Council Rock, where a board member recently participated by phone for more than one meeting after having surgery, officials said.
And Neshaminy allowed board member Blasch to attend an executive session by phone, Blasch said.
Representatives of the Pennsylvania School Boards Association said 35 school districts across the state have adopted similar protocols.
After not allowing a councilman who was on military duty overseas to vote from his post, the Tullytown council later agreed to let members on active military duty vote by phone early last year.
But Neshaminy board member Frank Koziol argued the policy isn't necessary. By his calculations, only five votes out of more than 200 in the past few years failed due to a director's absence.
Board President Ritchie Webb said he could see why the policy might be beneficial, but he voted against the policy, too, because voting over the phone doesn't allow directors to look residents in the eyes. Webb was also concerned about members hearing public comment.
Pa. senator pushes bill on school district mergers
From the Inquirer.
Pa. senator pushes bill on school district mergers
The Associated Press Posted on Tue, Apr. 28, 2009
HARRISBURG, Pa. - A western Pennsylvania state senator wants a government commission to study how to consolidate many of Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts.
Cambria County Democrat John Wozniak said Tuesday the state should begin a process he says could take years but result in better academic programs and substantial cost savings.
Wozniak's proposal is similar to an idea Gov. Ed Rendell introduced during his February budget address.
Wozniak wants a 15-member commission that would hold 20 public hearings around the state before putting forward a plan to realign districts.
Rendell said the state should aim for about 100 school districts, but Wozniak isn't setting a goal yet.
Pa. senator pushes bill on school district mergers
The Associated Press Posted on Tue, Apr. 28, 2009
HARRISBURG, Pa. - A western Pennsylvania state senator wants a government commission to study how to consolidate many of Pennsylvania's 500 public school districts.
Cambria County Democrat John Wozniak said Tuesday the state should begin a process he says could take years but result in better academic programs and substantial cost savings.
Wozniak's proposal is similar to an idea Gov. Ed Rendell introduced during his February budget address.
Wozniak wants a 15-member commission that would hold 20 public hearings around the state before putting forward a plan to realign districts.
Rendell said the state should aim for about 100 school districts, but Wozniak isn't setting a goal yet.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Economics 101: Supply and Demand
Here's an idea from an emailer. What do you think?
I have driven past several businesses in Morrisville that are displaying their red "Stay on Track" campaign signs and was wondering if you could start a new thread on the blog where we can keep track of which businesses they are. I am not asking for a boycott, but I am personally interested in knowing which business owners in my town reject my kids' education. Then, with this knowledge I can decide which businesses I will continue to support and which I will not.
To date, I have seen the red signs in front of:
* Hellmann, CPA (of course)
* The Squirrels Nest
* A-Z Music
Anyone see any others? Please post them here.
Added April 29 4:30 P.M. I received an email suggestion that these "Stay on Track" sign sightings should be photographed. I received photos from Hellmann, Squirrels Nest, Colonial Hair, and A-Z Music. Do NOT photograph or report residences. I have removed one reported sighting and the comment for a private residence.
I have driven past several businesses in Morrisville that are displaying their red "Stay on Track" campaign signs and was wondering if you could start a new thread on the blog where we can keep track of which businesses they are. I am not asking for a boycott, but I am personally interested in knowing which business owners in my town reject my kids' education. Then, with this knowledge I can decide which businesses I will continue to support and which I will not.
To date, I have seen the red signs in front of:
* Hellmann, CPA (of course)
* The Squirrels Nest
* A-Z Music
Anyone see any others? Please post them here.
Added April 29 4:30 P.M. I received an email suggestion that these "Stay on Track" sign sightings should be photographed. I received photos from Hellmann, Squirrels Nest, Colonial Hair, and A-Z Music. Do NOT photograph or report residences. I have removed one reported sighting and the comment for a private residence.
The Emperor's Mailbag
Our series on the Emperor's released emails continues with a look that is all too familiar to us.
From: bill hellmann
> [mailto:bill_hellmannXXXXX@yahoo.com]
> Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 12:02 PM
> To: Heater, Gloria
> Subject: RE: COMPETITION ON HEALTH AND OTHER
> BENEFITS
>>
i am not trying to show up the admin. i want them do
> do their job, that is all. they won't do their job
> unless i bully them first, it seems. i think they do
> not think i am serious about it because they never
> faced it before, i guess? kind of weird?
> i want to live in peace and educate the kids at a
> cost
> the town can afford instead of getting blasted each
> july.
>>
see you tonight!!
>
> bill
Oh dear. Isn't this in violation of Morrisville School District policy 252?
Then there's the Emperor's take on the pro-schoolers. (I guess I'm one of them.)
From: bill hellmann [mailto:bill_hellmann_cpa@yahoo.com)
Sent: Monday, June 30, 2008 1:19 PM
To: Heater, Gloria
Cc: bill hellmann
Subject: RE: FW: Notes from last meeting
well if i am not the boss how am i to get anything done? you sound like ole
mrs. reithmeyer. i need four other votes, remember? what was my promise,
please refresh my memory. i believe it was only on the tuitioning out
referendum, correct?
NOT on a k-12 consolidated school? i do not care. if this town wants to keep
the school the same, fine, but get ready to get crushed on july 1 each year.
you worry about politics all the time. let me tell you, you have not seen
anything yet as far as the public when you have to vote on the projected tax
increases the next few years. these pro-new schoolers you are afraid of will
be nothing compared to that.
these pro-new schoolers do not bother me one iota!!!!!!
if you can not take the heat, get out of the kitchen, because it will get
hotter this time next year. mark my words!!!!!!!!!
Let's have a refresher course in how to identify abusive leadership styles.
From: bill hellmann
> [mailto:bill_hellmannXXXXX@yahoo.com]
> Sent: Friday, May 16, 2008 12:02 PM
> To: Heater, Gloria
> Subject: RE: COMPETITION ON HEALTH AND OTHER
> BENEFITS
>>
i am not trying to show up the admin. i want them do
> do their job, that is all. they won't do their job
> unless i bully them first, it seems. i think they do
> not think i am serious about it because they never
> faced it before, i guess? kind of weird?
> i want to live in peace and educate the kids at a
> cost
> the town can afford instead of getting blasted each
> july.
>>
see you tonight!!
>
> bill
Oh dear. Isn't this in violation of Morrisville School District policy 252?
Then there's the Emperor's take on the pro-schoolers. (I guess I'm one of them.)
From: bill hellmann [mailto:bill_hellmann_cpa@yahoo.com)
Sent: Monday, June 30, 2008 1:19 PM
To: Heater, Gloria
Cc: bill hellmann
Subject: RE: FW: Notes from last meeting
well if i am not the boss how am i to get anything done? you sound like ole
mrs. reithmeyer. i need four other votes, remember? what was my promise,
please refresh my memory. i believe it was only on the tuitioning out
referendum, correct?
NOT on a k-12 consolidated school? i do not care. if this town wants to keep
the school the same, fine, but get ready to get crushed on july 1 each year.
you worry about politics all the time. let me tell you, you have not seen
anything yet as far as the public when you have to vote on the projected tax
increases the next few years. these pro-new schoolers you are afraid of will
be nothing compared to that.
these pro-new schoolers do not bother me one iota!!!!!!
if you can not take the heat, get out of the kitchen, because it will get
hotter this time next year. mark my words!!!!!!!!!
Let's have a refresher course in how to identify abusive leadership styles.
Going the Extra Step
Thanks to the emailer who sent this in:
This reminds me of our board of education. They're just concerned with the quick fix and not willing to do the real work to make it right.
This reminds me of our board of education. They're just concerned with the quick fix and not willing to do the real work to make it right.
Neshaminy: Layoffs Coming
From the BCCT.
Business administrator recommends layoffs
About 65 positions would be eliminated under the potential budget changes.
By RACHEL CANELLI
With a somber tone, business administrator Joseph Paradise Tuesday night forecasted Neshaminy School District’s financial future: layoffs.
After months of trying to find ways to cut the projected $14 million deficit and avoid a $500 tax hike, Paradise recommended many budget changes to the Neshaminy school board, which included eliminating about 65 positions.
Paradise said the administration’s suggestions are made “with great sadness … but little choice.”
“Many of these cuts reduce … spending to their bare minimum,” Paradise read from a prepared statement. “It will not be business as usual next year in Neshaminy … there will be few dollars to do anything other than what’s legally required.”
To fill the holes between an estimated $167 million spending plan and $153 in projected revenues, Paradise described how officials found more than $10 million mostly through employee jobs.
That would reduce the average tax increase from 12.5 percent to 3.6 percent, which is under the Act 1 4.1 percent limit, administrators said.
If approved, at least two cabinet-level spots, including one in human resources, won’t be filled, saving roughly $300,000. By moving the ninth grade to the renovated high school next year, more than 27 positions would be eliminated, said Paradise.
And, so far, about 25 support staff jobs could be lost, officials said.
Administrators recommended saving $637,000 of the $10.6 million transportation budget by eliminating the mid-day kindergarten bus run, as well as reducing late day transportation routes and consolidating pick-up and drop-off spots.
Paradise strongly suggested that the board seriously consider establishing a committee to close an elementary school next year.
Travel and support staff ’s overtime would be reduced by 50 percent, officials said. Administrators said they can more efficiently schedule music, art, and languages.
Officials also recommended increasing facilities usage fees, gather $250,000 through establishing to-be-determined fees for extra-curricular activities to cover a portion of the $1.6 million activities budget, saving $114,000 by canceling the summer work program and eliminating the long term service awards ceremony.
While some residents continued petitioning the board for no tax and budget increase, others, including senior citizens, said they supported Paradise’s recommendations. They also suggested forging business partnerships, being more energy efficient, creating a budget committee and seeking corporate sponsorships, specifically for sports.
Since officials used $8.8 million of the district’s savings in the last two years — more than Neshaminy’s history — administrators suggested avoiding what’s left of the dwindling $1.2 million fund balance to bridge the gap.
Officials said they’d continue to review the budget.
“It’s with heavy heart that we have to have this conversation tonight,” said Superintendent Lou Muenker. “Every number comes with a story, a face and a family. But these recommendations don’t come without a lot of sleepless nights.”
Business administrator recommends layoffs
About 65 positions would be eliminated under the potential budget changes.
By RACHEL CANELLI
With a somber tone, business administrator Joseph Paradise Tuesday night forecasted Neshaminy School District’s financial future: layoffs.
After months of trying to find ways to cut the projected $14 million deficit and avoid a $500 tax hike, Paradise recommended many budget changes to the Neshaminy school board, which included eliminating about 65 positions.
Paradise said the administration’s suggestions are made “with great sadness … but little choice.”
“Many of these cuts reduce … spending to their bare minimum,” Paradise read from a prepared statement. “It will not be business as usual next year in Neshaminy … there will be few dollars to do anything other than what’s legally required.”
To fill the holes between an estimated $167 million spending plan and $153 in projected revenues, Paradise described how officials found more than $10 million mostly through employee jobs.
That would reduce the average tax increase from 12.5 percent to 3.6 percent, which is under the Act 1 4.1 percent limit, administrators said.
If approved, at least two cabinet-level spots, including one in human resources, won’t be filled, saving roughly $300,000. By moving the ninth grade to the renovated high school next year, more than 27 positions would be eliminated, said Paradise.
And, so far, about 25 support staff jobs could be lost, officials said.
Administrators recommended saving $637,000 of the $10.6 million transportation budget by eliminating the mid-day kindergarten bus run, as well as reducing late day transportation routes and consolidating pick-up and drop-off spots.
Paradise strongly suggested that the board seriously consider establishing a committee to close an elementary school next year.
Travel and support staff ’s overtime would be reduced by 50 percent, officials said. Administrators said they can more efficiently schedule music, art, and languages.
Officials also recommended increasing facilities usage fees, gather $250,000 through establishing to-be-determined fees for extra-curricular activities to cover a portion of the $1.6 million activities budget, saving $114,000 by canceling the summer work program and eliminating the long term service awards ceremony.
While some residents continued petitioning the board for no tax and budget increase, others, including senior citizens, said they supported Paradise’s recommendations. They also suggested forging business partnerships, being more energy efficient, creating a budget committee and seeking corporate sponsorships, specifically for sports.
Since officials used $8.8 million of the district’s savings in the last two years — more than Neshaminy’s history — administrators suggested avoiding what’s left of the dwindling $1.2 million fund balance to bridge the gap.
Officials said they’d continue to review the budget.
“It’s with heavy heart that we have to have this conversation tonight,” said Superintendent Lou Muenker. “Every number comes with a story, a face and a family. But these recommendations don’t come without a lot of sleepless nights.”
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Dubious Budget Congratulations
From the BCCT.
Let's not go this far just yet. The first paragraph, "undisclosed unilateral decisions by the board chairman, secret discussions about shipping high school students to another district, and other shenanigans" speaks volumes by chapter and verse regarding the track this school board is traveling.
There's a lack of ethics at work here on a 24/7 basis.
So while the numbers may add up, does the action those budget numbers represent also add up? A stopped clock is wrong twice a day and every yin must have some yang.
With all due respect to the esteemed Dr. Yonson, the Emperor has very little use for her in public and in private. Perhaps we should recognize that she and her staff have done wonders with what little she has to work with rather than using her endorsement as proof the budget, and the strategy behind it, is sound.
Incredible shrinking budget
Here’s one you don’t hear very often.
Morrisville school board members have taken a lot of flack in the last year or so — from the community and also from us. They deserved most of it: Undisclosed unilateral decisions by the board chairman, secret discussions about shipping high school students to another district, and other shenanigans have earned the board majority just and heated criticism.
But board members deserve credit as well. We refer to this recent headline: “No tax increase for district.”
When was the last time you read that one?
Credit the board’s focus on cutting expenses. Admittedly, board members have gotten help via the departure of high-salaried administrators who have not been replaced, and the shuttering of an elementary school after a boiler fire. But a concerted effort to identify and end wasteful practices such as the extraneous use of paper helped produce a budget that proposes spending a million dollars less than last year.
The motivations driving this board often are wrong-headed. So while there is good reason to remain skeptical of almost anything this board does, it’s reassuring that Superintendent Elizabeth Yonson has given the zero-tax increase spending plan her seal of approval.
“I can assure you all the cuts will not change any of the programs we’ve been doing,” Yonson said.
We’re glad to hear it. Morrisville students and parents have been through enough.
Let's not go this far just yet. The first paragraph, "undisclosed unilateral decisions by the board chairman, secret discussions about shipping high school students to another district, and other shenanigans" speaks volumes by chapter and verse regarding the track this school board is traveling.
There's a lack of ethics at work here on a 24/7 basis.
So while the numbers may add up, does the action those budget numbers represent also add up? A stopped clock is wrong twice a day and every yin must have some yang.
With all due respect to the esteemed Dr. Yonson, the Emperor has very little use for her in public and in private. Perhaps we should recognize that she and her staff have done wonders with what little she has to work with rather than using her endorsement as proof the budget, and the strategy behind it, is sound.
Incredible shrinking budget
Here’s one you don’t hear very often.
Morrisville school board members have taken a lot of flack in the last year or so — from the community and also from us. They deserved most of it: Undisclosed unilateral decisions by the board chairman, secret discussions about shipping high school students to another district, and other shenanigans have earned the board majority just and heated criticism.
But board members deserve credit as well. We refer to this recent headline: “No tax increase for district.”
When was the last time you read that one?
Credit the board’s focus on cutting expenses. Admittedly, board members have gotten help via the departure of high-salaried administrators who have not been replaced, and the shuttering of an elementary school after a boiler fire. But a concerted effort to identify and end wasteful practices such as the extraneous use of paper helped produce a budget that proposes spending a million dollars less than last year.
The motivations driving this board often are wrong-headed. So while there is good reason to remain skeptical of almost anything this board does, it’s reassuring that Superintendent Elizabeth Yonson has given the zero-tax increase spending plan her seal of approval.
“I can assure you all the cuts will not change any of the programs we’ve been doing,” Yonson said.
We’re glad to hear it. Morrisville students and parents have been through enough.
Neshaminy: Now WE Want a School Board Just Like Morrisville
From the BCCT.
First Pennsbury, now Neshaminy...
"Vote on May 19 for candidates who support taxpayers." What ever happened to the children in this equation? Take this fight to Harrisburg. Stop making the children pay alongside the rest of us. Call your state senator and representative.
Contracts made when times were better are going to look lavish when compared to today. Similarly, they would look shabby against a healthy economy.
Personnel costs are an immense cost in every business, not just teaching. But teaching is a very high "face time" profession, requiring 1 on 25 group interaction (pick your teacher to class ratio as you will), and the necessary 1 on 1 interactions. No computer program in existence today can replace the teacher-student time.
Teachers are well educated people and they deserve a real salary based on their past experience, their current workload, and the night education they are receiving to become better at their job. Do not read that to mean I stand for unlimited and excessive pay. I've signed payrolls in the past. Fair pay for fair work, but remember that one man's fair is another's foul.
Another local school board, another local taxpayer riot. Been there, done that. Our wreckage is still bouncing from the collapse, and the occasional heater explosion.
Are you sure you want to go down this extremist road?
Tell irresponsible unions, school boards our pockets are empty
The moment of truth is approaching. This was announced at the Neshaminy board meeting when Joe Paradise, the school district’s business manager, stated, “The preliminary budget will be out April 28 and there will be something for everyone to hate in this budget.” As the guardian of spending no one understands the tyranny of the numbers better.
When he says “everyone,” I have more than a suspicion that he means every one of us taxpayers will yet again shoulder the pain caused by past and current failures in fiscal responsibility.
However, taxpayers need to understand the reason our budget is so painful. Escalating personnel costs in our district now comprise nearly 80 percent of the expense. This is predominately unionized personnel, aka teachers and staff. Their excessive past contracts, including rich benefits, have put us in a $14 million deficit and this will likely be severely exasperated by the outrageous demands in the next contract.
Read every page of the last collective bargaining agreement (an extension of the 1998 contract) from 2002 and you will see contracted pay, benefits and perks that will absolutely drive you crazy — especially now. Amazingly, in the ongoing renegotiation, the most highly compensated teachers and staff in Bucks County (top 10 in Pennsylvania), now are demanding much more.
When he says “something,” we ALL will hate, it is code for the draconian cuts the board will be forced to make to close the budget gaps resulting from the elephant in the room — out of control employee costs. The teachers rejected a perfectly decent offer the board made last year and one the administrators recently accepted. This included a generous 3 percent annual increase and a diminished yet still rich benefits package. They should have grabbed it since now, given the deteriorating economy, this package is now even more unaffordable for the district.
The National Federation of Teachers and its members didn’t compromise, but instead insisted on demanding a 4 percent increase plus steps totaling 6 percent annually, zero employee contribution to the exponentially increasing budget health care costs, continued defined benefit retirement plan, including full non-participatory health care in retirement, retirement bonuses of $30,000 vs. the current $27,000 (who gets this in the real world?), a longevity bonus (WHAT? You have to be kidding?) and many other benefits that no other Pennsylvania district still provides.
Just think, if the offer the board made is unaffordable, what if they now get a compromised middle ground deal or worse, their demands? You won’t be able to cut enough elsewhere and we will be in deeper deficit spending and escalating annual tax increases as far as the eye can see.
A petition circulating in the district on behalf of taxpayers for a Fair Neshaminy Budget, so far signed by several hundred taxpayers and growing, has demanded the board withdraw its offer and make a significantly reduced one with much lower long-term cost to taxpayers. Many more are speaking up at school board meetings.
When the board recommends cuts in programs that will negatively impact the children of the district (remember them?), don’t direct all your displeasure at board members. Their hands have been tied by unions and lawmakers so they do what state laws permit. Instead, focus blame on the teachers and union leaders. The possible reduction in educational quality will now rest with them as they make their needs preeminent to ours.
Many are uncomfortable that these facts are being called out publicly, but unfortunately this powerful group has brought it on themselves as they simply have no defense of the demands. Please know that if the union wins, everyone else loses. It will lead not only to continued massive tax increases, but also to potentially major reductions in very popular programs. Ironically, to secure their demands, union leadership will throw some teachers over the side due to program elimination.
I don’t know about you, but I have had it with irresponsible unions, school boards and politicians who assume our pockets are deep enough to pay all the bills they sign up for? People continue to fatten up at the public trough when the rest of us can now least afford it. Fair compensation in line with current private sector offerings is acceptable but communities should no longer have to subsidize the excessive packages that teachers and other public workers demand through their powerful unions. If the madness doesn’t stop, our children and grandchildren will be left with the increasingly noncompetitive public education system we have now — and taxes that make Europe look like a bargain.
Join the fight. Speak at tonight’s board meeting. Vote on May 19 for candidates who support taxpayers.
First Pennsbury, now Neshaminy...
"Vote on May 19 for candidates who support taxpayers." What ever happened to the children in this equation? Take this fight to Harrisburg. Stop making the children pay alongside the rest of us. Call your state senator and representative.
Contracts made when times were better are going to look lavish when compared to today. Similarly, they would look shabby against a healthy economy.
Personnel costs are an immense cost in every business, not just teaching. But teaching is a very high "face time" profession, requiring 1 on 25 group interaction (pick your teacher to class ratio as you will), and the necessary 1 on 1 interactions. No computer program in existence today can replace the teacher-student time.
Teachers are well educated people and they deserve a real salary based on their past experience, their current workload, and the night education they are receiving to become better at their job. Do not read that to mean I stand for unlimited and excessive pay. I've signed payrolls in the past. Fair pay for fair work, but remember that one man's fair is another's foul.
Another local school board, another local taxpayer riot. Been there, done that. Our wreckage is still bouncing from the collapse, and the occasional heater explosion.
Are you sure you want to go down this extremist road?
Tell irresponsible unions, school boards our pockets are empty
The moment of truth is approaching. This was announced at the Neshaminy board meeting when Joe Paradise, the school district’s business manager, stated, “The preliminary budget will be out April 28 and there will be something for everyone to hate in this budget.” As the guardian of spending no one understands the tyranny of the numbers better.
When he says “everyone,” I have more than a suspicion that he means every one of us taxpayers will yet again shoulder the pain caused by past and current failures in fiscal responsibility.
However, taxpayers need to understand the reason our budget is so painful. Escalating personnel costs in our district now comprise nearly 80 percent of the expense. This is predominately unionized personnel, aka teachers and staff. Their excessive past contracts, including rich benefits, have put us in a $14 million deficit and this will likely be severely exasperated by the outrageous demands in the next contract.
Read every page of the last collective bargaining agreement (an extension of the 1998 contract) from 2002 and you will see contracted pay, benefits and perks that will absolutely drive you crazy — especially now. Amazingly, in the ongoing renegotiation, the most highly compensated teachers and staff in Bucks County (top 10 in Pennsylvania), now are demanding much more.
When he says “something,” we ALL will hate, it is code for the draconian cuts the board will be forced to make to close the budget gaps resulting from the elephant in the room — out of control employee costs. The teachers rejected a perfectly decent offer the board made last year and one the administrators recently accepted. This included a generous 3 percent annual increase and a diminished yet still rich benefits package. They should have grabbed it since now, given the deteriorating economy, this package is now even more unaffordable for the district.
The National Federation of Teachers and its members didn’t compromise, but instead insisted on demanding a 4 percent increase plus steps totaling 6 percent annually, zero employee contribution to the exponentially increasing budget health care costs, continued defined benefit retirement plan, including full non-participatory health care in retirement, retirement bonuses of $30,000 vs. the current $27,000 (who gets this in the real world?), a longevity bonus (WHAT? You have to be kidding?) and many other benefits that no other Pennsylvania district still provides.
Just think, if the offer the board made is unaffordable, what if they now get a compromised middle ground deal or worse, their demands? You won’t be able to cut enough elsewhere and we will be in deeper deficit spending and escalating annual tax increases as far as the eye can see.
A petition circulating in the district on behalf of taxpayers for a Fair Neshaminy Budget, so far signed by several hundred taxpayers and growing, has demanded the board withdraw its offer and make a significantly reduced one with much lower long-term cost to taxpayers. Many more are speaking up at school board meetings.
When the board recommends cuts in programs that will negatively impact the children of the district (remember them?), don’t direct all your displeasure at board members. Their hands have been tied by unions and lawmakers so they do what state laws permit. Instead, focus blame on the teachers and union leaders. The possible reduction in educational quality will now rest with them as they make their needs preeminent to ours.
Many are uncomfortable that these facts are being called out publicly, but unfortunately this powerful group has brought it on themselves as they simply have no defense of the demands. Please know that if the union wins, everyone else loses. It will lead not only to continued massive tax increases, but also to potentially major reductions in very popular programs. Ironically, to secure their demands, union leadership will throw some teachers over the side due to program elimination.
I don’t know about you, but I have had it with irresponsible unions, school boards and politicians who assume our pockets are deep enough to pay all the bills they sign up for? People continue to fatten up at the public trough when the rest of us can now least afford it. Fair compensation in line with current private sector offerings is acceptable but communities should no longer have to subsidize the excessive packages that teachers and other public workers demand through their powerful unions. If the madness doesn’t stop, our children and grandchildren will be left with the increasingly noncompetitive public education system we have now — and taxes that make Europe look like a bargain.
Join the fight. Speak at tonight’s board meeting. Vote on May 19 for candidates who support taxpayers.
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