From the BCCT.
Seems like Morrisville is in the bottom the ninth with two out, bases empty, the bottom of the order coming up, and three back to back grand slams needed to tie.
Architect says new school project is in ‘great shape’
The district has used about half of the contingency funds it set aside to cover unforeseen costs.
By JOAN HELLYER
The Bristol School District is “in the top of the ninth inning” with the construction of its new $33 million-plus school, the project’s chief architect said Thursday night.
Most of the work should be completed by June, added Angelo Rago, the district’s project representative, during the school board meeting.
The building at 450 Beaver St. will open in September and will serve approximately 1,100 students in pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade.
School board members asked the chief architect, Michael Minton, to address rumors that the project was way over budget. It’s not, the Vitetta architect said. The district has used only about half of the contingency funds it had set aside to cover unforeseen costs in the project, Minton said.
That amounts to about 2.5 percent of the project’s entire cost.
The contingency funds, as well as capital reserve funds are being used to cover costs relating to a soil remediation delay in 2007, change orders and contractor claims, officials said.
Showing posts with label Bristol. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Bristol. Show all posts
Friday, April 17, 2009
Sunday, March 22, 2009
State grant money could go to waste
From the BCCT.
If you have any further problems with deciding how to handle the grant money, make the check payable to the "Morrisville School District" and send it to the attention of Paul DeAngelo, Business Administrator.
State grant money could go to waste
By JOAN HELLYER
Bucks County Courier Times
The school board held off financial support for the plan until priority concerns are identified.
Bristol's municipal government has won a $250,000 state grant to fix up local ball fields, but that money could go to waste if the school district doesn't help match the funds, borough council President Ralph DiGuiseppe said.
"Do we want to invest the $500,000? It's either that or we give the $250,000 back to the state and say, 'Thank you, but no thank you.' We don't need any more fields for the borough. It's up to the school," DiGuiseppe said during the board's meeting Thursday night.
Despite the plea, the board remained noncommittal. President David Chichilitti said the board does not want to commit any money to the project until the most pressing needs for playing fields are identified.
The borough obtained the $250,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to make the improvements. It has to match the $250,000 with its own money or money from other sources in order to use the state funds, officials said. No deadline has been announced.
The municipality could contribute $150,000 if the school board would pitch in another $150,000 to secure the matching grant, DiGuiseppe said. The extra $50,000 would be used to cover design fees and other related costs, he said.
Bristol insiders say the board is taking a cautious approach to the request because the district recently paid the borough almost $500,000 in construction and permit fees for the new pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade school under construction off Beaver Street.
The payment, as required by borough officials, was made in a lump sum at the beginning of the project instead of as costs were incurred. DiGuiseppe promised the school board in early 2008 that any fee money leftover at the end of the project would be used for recreational purposes.
Now that the new school is just about completed, board members want to see what taxpayer dollars will be left over from the fees to use toward the ball field renovations, district sources said.
In the meantime, Chichilitti asked that a joint committee, made up of district and borough representatives, determine what's needed to accommodate area ball teams. Once the priority concerns are identified, the board could decide if it wants to be involved in the renovation project, he said.
Board members made the request Thursday after Evan Stone, a site designer with Pennoni Associates Inc., presented an overview of the proposed improvements to four ball fields at Memorial Fields off Jefferson Avenue that would be partially paid for with the matching funds.
The $500,000 would cover costs associated with the first phase of an estimated $1.4 million project that could be done in two phases, Stone said.
This is the second time in as many months Stone gave board members an overview. During the initial presentation in February, district representatives asked Stone to go before the full board to sketch out the project. However, board members Steve Cullen, Mary Jane Paglione and Louis Persichetti Sr. did not attend Thursday's meeting.
Given their absence, Chichilitti said he was reluctant to ask board members if they wanted to help finance the work.
Chichilitti said the board wants to make sure the work addresses areas that need improvements. For instance, he said, the fields' bathrooms do not need to be replaced right now. They just need some touchup paint. As part of that review, Chichilitti asked Stone to provide the committee with specific deadlines for the process involved in securing the state grant.
He asked board member James Petrino and Athletic Director Greg Pinelli to represent the district on the committee along with another board member still to be named. DiGuiseppe agreed to appoint three municipal representatives to the committee and the board agreed to split Pennoni's fees with the borough.
If you have any further problems with deciding how to handle the grant money, make the check payable to the "Morrisville School District" and send it to the attention of Paul DeAngelo, Business Administrator.
State grant money could go to waste
By JOAN HELLYER
Bucks County Courier Times
The school board held off financial support for the plan until priority concerns are identified.
Bristol's municipal government has won a $250,000 state grant to fix up local ball fields, but that money could go to waste if the school district doesn't help match the funds, borough council President Ralph DiGuiseppe said.
"Do we want to invest the $500,000? It's either that or we give the $250,000 back to the state and say, 'Thank you, but no thank you.' We don't need any more fields for the borough. It's up to the school," DiGuiseppe said during the board's meeting Thursday night.
Despite the plea, the board remained noncommittal. President David Chichilitti said the board does not want to commit any money to the project until the most pressing needs for playing fields are identified.
The borough obtained the $250,000 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to make the improvements. It has to match the $250,000 with its own money or money from other sources in order to use the state funds, officials said. No deadline has been announced.
The municipality could contribute $150,000 if the school board would pitch in another $150,000 to secure the matching grant, DiGuiseppe said. The extra $50,000 would be used to cover design fees and other related costs, he said.
Bristol insiders say the board is taking a cautious approach to the request because the district recently paid the borough almost $500,000 in construction and permit fees for the new pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade school under construction off Beaver Street.
The payment, as required by borough officials, was made in a lump sum at the beginning of the project instead of as costs were incurred. DiGuiseppe promised the school board in early 2008 that any fee money leftover at the end of the project would be used for recreational purposes.
Now that the new school is just about completed, board members want to see what taxpayer dollars will be left over from the fees to use toward the ball field renovations, district sources said.
In the meantime, Chichilitti asked that a joint committee, made up of district and borough representatives, determine what's needed to accommodate area ball teams. Once the priority concerns are identified, the board could decide if it wants to be involved in the renovation project, he said.
Board members made the request Thursday after Evan Stone, a site designer with Pennoni Associates Inc., presented an overview of the proposed improvements to four ball fields at Memorial Fields off Jefferson Avenue that would be partially paid for with the matching funds.
The $500,000 would cover costs associated with the first phase of an estimated $1.4 million project that could be done in two phases, Stone said.
This is the second time in as many months Stone gave board members an overview. During the initial presentation in February, district representatives asked Stone to go before the full board to sketch out the project. However, board members Steve Cullen, Mary Jane Paglione and Louis Persichetti Sr. did not attend Thursday's meeting.
Given their absence, Chichilitti said he was reluctant to ask board members if they wanted to help finance the work.
Chichilitti said the board wants to make sure the work addresses areas that need improvements. For instance, he said, the fields' bathrooms do not need to be replaced right now. They just need some touchup paint. As part of that review, Chichilitti asked Stone to provide the committee with specific deadlines for the process involved in securing the state grant.
He asked board member James Petrino and Athletic Director Greg Pinelli to represent the district on the committee along with another board member still to be named. DiGuiseppe agreed to appoint three municipal representatives to the committee and the board agreed to split Pennoni's fees with the borough.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Bristol: Read My Lips
From the BCCT.
No new taxes.
Board vows no tax increase
By JOAN HELLYER
Bucks County Courier Times
District officials continue to pursue an early retirement incentive for teachers and other possible cost-cutting measures.
Bristol school board members committed Thursday night to not raise property taxes for the upcoming school year.
They made the declaration after learning the district had received an approximate $800,000 reimbursement from the state for renovations done a few years ago on the district administrative building.
The reimbursement could be used to help cover a near $1,000,000 revenue deficit projected for the 2009-10 budget, board members said.
That means the owner of the district's average assessed property of $16,000 would pay about $1,920 in the coming year.
President David Chichilitti, Vice President John D'Angelo, Joseph Fusco, John Hill, Jeff Paleafico and James Petrino voted in favor of the no tax concept. Steve Cullen, Mary Jane Paglione and Louis Persichetti Sr. did not attend the meeting.
It's possible that not all of the money from the reimbursement will need to be used because a possible early retirement incentive for Bristol teachers and other cost-cutting measures continue to be pursued, district officials said.
The board has to adopt a final 2009-10 budget by June 30.
No new taxes.
Board vows no tax increase
By JOAN HELLYER
Bucks County Courier Times
District officials continue to pursue an early retirement incentive for teachers and other possible cost-cutting measures.
Bristol school board members committed Thursday night to not raise property taxes for the upcoming school year.
They made the declaration after learning the district had received an approximate $800,000 reimbursement from the state for renovations done a few years ago on the district administrative building.
The reimbursement could be used to help cover a near $1,000,000 revenue deficit projected for the 2009-10 budget, board members said.
That means the owner of the district's average assessed property of $16,000 would pay about $1,920 in the coming year.
President David Chichilitti, Vice President John D'Angelo, Joseph Fusco, John Hill, Jeff Paleafico and James Petrino voted in favor of the no tax concept. Steve Cullen, Mary Jane Paglione and Louis Persichetti Sr. did not attend the meeting.
It's possible that not all of the money from the reimbursement will need to be used because a possible early retirement incentive for Bristol teachers and other cost-cutting measures continue to be pursued, district officials said.
The board has to adopt a final 2009-10 budget by June 30.
Friday, March 6, 2009
Game plan in motion for new school
From the BCCT.
Game plan in motion for new school
By JOAN HELLYER
Bristol’s new, estimated $34 million Warren Snyder-John Girotti School is expected to open in six months when the 2009-10 school year begins Sept. 9, district officials said.
But before that can happen, crews have to finish building the school off Beaver Street, and district administrators have to develop a game plan for the school that will be able to serve up to 1,100 students in pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade.
The administrators gave school board members an update Thursday night about what they’ve already come up with and explained what areas still need to be worked out.
Among the areas covered were time schedules, which will be staggered for the students depending on their grade level.
Middle school kids in sixth through eighth grade will begin their day at 7:45 a.m. and their school day will end at 2:31 p.m., according to administrators. Elementary school students will begin their day at 8:05 a.m. and end it at 2:40 p.m. Details on student drop-off and pickup are being worked out.
Also addressed during the meeting were core curriculums for the two levels. Both will continue, as will all middle level electives and other courses, including the exploratory language program, the administrators said.
Administrators will continue working out operation plans and give the board an update in May about several issues including time schedules for both elementary and middle level students.
Principal Rosemary Parmigiani will meet in July with fire officials in the borough to develop an emergency exit plan.
During the meeting, the board approved the 2009-10 district calendar that includes the Sept. 9 start day for the new school year. That differs from the start dates in recent years, when kids were generally back in school by the end of August.
The later start date will enable district officials to have enough time to make sure the school is ready for business, Superintendent Broadus Davis Jr. said.
Game plan in motion for new school
By JOAN HELLYER
Bristol’s new, estimated $34 million Warren Snyder-John Girotti School is expected to open in six months when the 2009-10 school year begins Sept. 9, district officials said.
But before that can happen, crews have to finish building the school off Beaver Street, and district administrators have to develop a game plan for the school that will be able to serve up to 1,100 students in pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade.
The administrators gave school board members an update Thursday night about what they’ve already come up with and explained what areas still need to be worked out.
Among the areas covered were time schedules, which will be staggered for the students depending on their grade level.
Middle school kids in sixth through eighth grade will begin their day at 7:45 a.m. and their school day will end at 2:31 p.m., according to administrators. Elementary school students will begin their day at 8:05 a.m. and end it at 2:40 p.m. Details on student drop-off and pickup are being worked out.
Also addressed during the meeting were core curriculums for the two levels. Both will continue, as will all middle level electives and other courses, including the exploratory language program, the administrators said.
Administrators will continue working out operation plans and give the board an update in May about several issues including time schedules for both elementary and middle level students.
Principal Rosemary Parmigiani will meet in July with fire officials in the borough to develop an emergency exit plan.
During the meeting, the board approved the 2009-10 district calendar that includes the Sept. 9 start day for the new school year. That differs from the start dates in recent years, when kids were generally back in school by the end of August.
The later start date will enable district officials to have enough time to make sure the school is ready for business, Superintendent Broadus Davis Jr. said.
Friday, February 13, 2009
Bristol Tax Rise
From the BCCT.
Preliminary budget has average $128 tax hike
School board members promised to find a way to eliminate the need for a property tax increase.
By JOAN HELLYER
The owner of Bristol’s average assessed property would pay an extra $128 in taxes in the coming school year should there be no changes to the district’s preliminary budget.
The school board promised Thursday night it is trying to reduce the projected 2009-10 tax increase to $0, but is leaving open the possibility of raising taxes raise taxes if needed, given the current economic climate.
The board wants to find a way to cover an estimated $900,000 revenue shortfall projected for 2009-10. It is trying to do that with a combination of an early retirement incentive for district teachers, the use of reserve funds, and the leasing of classroom space to outside agencies.
But that plan has not been finalized and officials want to make sure they have a backup plan in case all the pieces do not fall in place.
So, as required by the state’s property tax relief law known as Act 1, the board adopted a $20.5 million preliminary budget Thursday night that includes an 8 mill tax increase.
According to a state-designated index, Bristol can raise taxes 5.3 percent or 6.36 mills without asking for voter approval. However, the preliminary budget adopted Thursday night is about 1.4 percent above that limit because the board will seek exemptions for special education and debt service costs.
Should the board move forward with the 8-mill increase, the owner of the average assessed property of $16,000 would pay $2,048 in taxes next school year.
The board has until June 30 to finalize the 2009-10 budget.
Preliminary budget has average $128 tax hike
School board members promised to find a way to eliminate the need for a property tax increase.
By JOAN HELLYER
The owner of Bristol’s average assessed property would pay an extra $128 in taxes in the coming school year should there be no changes to the district’s preliminary budget.
The school board promised Thursday night it is trying to reduce the projected 2009-10 tax increase to $0, but is leaving open the possibility of raising taxes raise taxes if needed, given the current economic climate.
The board wants to find a way to cover an estimated $900,000 revenue shortfall projected for 2009-10. It is trying to do that with a combination of an early retirement incentive for district teachers, the use of reserve funds, and the leasing of classroom space to outside agencies.
But that plan has not been finalized and officials want to make sure they have a backup plan in case all the pieces do not fall in place.
So, as required by the state’s property tax relief law known as Act 1, the board adopted a $20.5 million preliminary budget Thursday night that includes an 8 mill tax increase.
According to a state-designated index, Bristol can raise taxes 5.3 percent or 6.36 mills without asking for voter approval. However, the preliminary budget adopted Thursday night is about 1.4 percent above that limit because the board will seek exemptions for special education and debt service costs.
Should the board move forward with the 8-mill increase, the owner of the average assessed property of $16,000 would pay $2,048 in taxes next school year.
The board has until June 30 to finalize the 2009-10 budget.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Voters won’t be asked about tax limits
From the BCCT.
Voters won’t be asked about tax limits
Five districts are hoping state-authorized exemptions will allow them to exceed the property tax increase limit.
By JOAN HELLYER
School boards in Lower Bucks County will, once again, avoid asking voters for approval to raise property taxes above a pre-determined state limit for the next school year, district officials said.
The boards had until Jan. 29 to decide if voters’ approval to go above the limit would be needed during the May primary, according to the state’s property tax relief law.
Most districts are allowed to raise taxes 4.1 percent above their current millage rate, according to the state. Bristol’s index is 5.3 percent, and Bristol Township can raise taxes 5.2 percent without voter approval. The amount of increase allowable for each district is calculated by averaging the statewide average weekly wage with employment cost index data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, state officials said.
Local districts have not had to go to referendum since the tax relief law known as Act 1 went into effect in 2006. However, this year it was a close call for several districts struggling to cover projected expenses in the midst of the economic downturn.
To make ends meet, the Bensalem, Bristol, Centennial, Neshaminy and Pennsbury boards are considering a suggested tax increase that combines the district’s predetermined index rate with different exemptions.
The exemptions include expenses such as special education, health benefits and debt service costs incurred before Act 1 went into effect, officials said.
Bensalem, for instance, is asking the state for permission to claim exemptions for special education and health benefits. Those exemptions would push the district’s total tax increase to 6 percent of the current millage of 130.4 mills.
That equates to 7.77 mills and would mean the owner of the average property in the district would pay $170 more in taxes in 2009-10 should the board impose the maximum increase possible without voter approval.
As per Act 1, the five area districts looking to combine the index increase with exemptions have until mid February to adopt a preliminary budget specifying how they expect to cover 2009-10 costs.
The other three area boards, Bristol Township, Council Rock and Morrisville, have passed resolutions promising to keep any property tax increases for 2009-10 to the state-imposed limit.
Those school boards have until late May to adopt a preliminary budget. All districts have until June 30 to adopt their 2009-10 final budgets.
Voters won’t be asked about tax limits
Five districts are hoping state-authorized exemptions will allow them to exceed the property tax increase limit.
By JOAN HELLYER
School boards in Lower Bucks County will, once again, avoid asking voters for approval to raise property taxes above a pre-determined state limit for the next school year, district officials said.
The boards had until Jan. 29 to decide if voters’ approval to go above the limit would be needed during the May primary, according to the state’s property tax relief law.
Most districts are allowed to raise taxes 4.1 percent above their current millage rate, according to the state. Bristol’s index is 5.3 percent, and Bristol Township can raise taxes 5.2 percent without voter approval. The amount of increase allowable for each district is calculated by averaging the statewide average weekly wage with employment cost index data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, state officials said.
Local districts have not had to go to referendum since the tax relief law known as Act 1 went into effect in 2006. However, this year it was a close call for several districts struggling to cover projected expenses in the midst of the economic downturn.
To make ends meet, the Bensalem, Bristol, Centennial, Neshaminy and Pennsbury boards are considering a suggested tax increase that combines the district’s predetermined index rate with different exemptions.
The exemptions include expenses such as special education, health benefits and debt service costs incurred before Act 1 went into effect, officials said.
Bensalem, for instance, is asking the state for permission to claim exemptions for special education and health benefits. Those exemptions would push the district’s total tax increase to 6 percent of the current millage of 130.4 mills.
That equates to 7.77 mills and would mean the owner of the average property in the district would pay $170 more in taxes in 2009-10 should the board impose the maximum increase possible without voter approval.
As per Act 1, the five area districts looking to combine the index increase with exemptions have until mid February to adopt a preliminary budget specifying how they expect to cover 2009-10 costs.
The other three area boards, Bristol Township, Council Rock and Morrisville, have passed resolutions promising to keep any property tax increases for 2009-10 to the state-imposed limit.
Those school boards have until late May to adopt a preliminary budget. All districts have until June 30 to adopt their 2009-10 final budgets.
Friday, December 19, 2008
More from the mailbag
Thanks to the emailer who sent me this in response to the Bristol budget shortfall posting.
From: bill hellmann
Date: Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 12:54 PM
To: bill hellmann
Cc: GLORIA HEATER, joe kemp , MARLYS MIHOK , ROBIN REITHMEYER , BRENDA WOROB
hi folks:
for the past two months i have been extensively studying the operations and finances of bristol boro school district. these two districts are similar in size and close in proximity. the differences between that school district and our school district on both the revenue side AND the expense side are staggering and substantial. they have us beat every which way i can think about.
i am putting together a six part plan that will make our school district much more efficient and more in line with the bristol borough school district and without materially affecting the educational quality of our school district. due to their efficiency they can afford to build a brand new school, we can not.
we have major business and apartment complex owners constantly trying to reduce their property tax assessments and they have been successful. perhaps, if these major taxpayers see us getting our operational, political and financial house in order, they will stop.
last year i wrote in the paper i would not invest one more nickle or one nickle of client money in this town unless and until this school district wakes up. that still holds today.
last year in the board conference room i told everybody that if we do not restructure, sell your house and get out of this town. that still holds today.
anybody get it yet?
bill
From: bill hellmann
Date: Mon, Dec 15, 2008 at 12:54 PM
To: bill hellmann
Cc: GLORIA HEATER
hi folks:
for the past two months i have been extensively studying the operations and finances of bristol boro school district. these two districts are similar in size and close in proximity. the differences between that school district and our school district on both the revenue side AND the expense side are staggering and substantial. they have us beat every which way i can think about.
i am putting together a six part plan that will make our school district much more efficient and more in line with the bristol borough school district and without materially affecting the educational quality of our school district. due to their efficiency they can afford to build a brand new school, we can not.
we have major business and apartment complex owners constantly trying to reduce their property tax assessments and they have been successful. perhaps, if these major taxpayers see us getting our operational, political and financial house in order, they will stop.
last year i wrote in the paper i would not invest one more nickle or one nickle of client money in this town unless and until this school district wakes up. that still holds today.
last year in the board conference room i told everybody that if we do not restructure, sell your house and get out of this town. that still holds today.
anybody get it yet?
bill
Hellmann: Morrisville Can Be Just Like Bristol
First we "want to be like Pennsbury." Then, the model is that we should "be like Bristol."
When do we get to "be like Morrisville?"
Don't forget that Bristol is the model for the SIX POINT HELLMANN PLAN
District facing early $800,000 deficit
Bristol School District officials are looking for ways to trim an estimated $800,000 from the projected 2009-10 budget, said Joseph Roe, Bristol’s business manager during the school board meeting Thursday night.
Roe declined to say how much the total projected budget because several adjustments still need to be made to the financial plan.
The board can raise taxes 5.3 percent or 6.36 mills without asking for voter approval to help cover district expenses, according to a predetermined index established by the state.
But that additional revenue would not be enough cover the projected revenue shortfall, Roe said.
The board has scheduled 6 p.m. budget review sessions for Jan. 8, Jan. 22, and Jan. 29 to figure out how to proceed.
Board members have until Jan. 29 to decide if they want to increase the tax rate above the index to help cover the revenue shortfall.
If the board decides to go for the higher increase, it will need to ask for and receive voter approval during the May primary before it can proceed with the increase.
When do we get to "be like Morrisville?"
Don't forget that Bristol is the model for the SIX POINT HELLMANN PLAN
District facing early $800,000 deficit
Bristol School District officials are looking for ways to trim an estimated $800,000 from the projected 2009-10 budget, said Joseph Roe, Bristol’s business manager during the school board meeting Thursday night.
Roe declined to say how much the total projected budget because several adjustments still need to be made to the financial plan.
The board can raise taxes 5.3 percent or 6.36 mills without asking for voter approval to help cover district expenses, according to a predetermined index established by the state.
But that additional revenue would not be enough cover the projected revenue shortfall, Roe said.
The board has scheduled 6 p.m. budget review sessions for Jan. 8, Jan. 22, and Jan. 29 to figure out how to proceed.
Board members have until Jan. 29 to decide if they want to increase the tax rate above the index to help cover the revenue shortfall.
If the board decides to go for the higher increase, it will need to ask for and receive voter approval during the May primary before it can proceed with the increase.
Friday, September 26, 2008
New school nearing completion
From the BCCT. Congrats to the Bristol School District.
New school nearing completion
Bristol’s new school is roughly 70 percent complete, according to the architect who designed the facility.
“We’re making very good progress with all of our prime [contractors],” said Michael Minton, a VITETTA architect, during the district’s school board meeting Thursday night.
The estimated $33.2 million school will house Bristol’s prekindergarten through eighth grade classes. It will be able to accommodate up to 1,100 students.
The building is located off Buckley Street adjacent to the current Warren Snyder-John Girotti Elementary School.
It originally was supposed to be completed in time for the beginning of the current school year, but was delayed for four months early on in the project while urban fill was removed from the site.
The building likely will be completed in early 2009, school district officials said.
New school nearing completion
Bristol’s new school is roughly 70 percent complete, according to the architect who designed the facility.
“We’re making very good progress with all of our prime [contractors],” said Michael Minton, a VITETTA architect, during the district’s school board meeting Thursday night.
The estimated $33.2 million school will house Bristol’s prekindergarten through eighth grade classes. It will be able to accommodate up to 1,100 students.
The building is located off Buckley Street adjacent to the current Warren Snyder-John Girotti Elementary School.
It originally was supposed to be completed in time for the beginning of the current school year, but was delayed for four months early on in the project while urban fill was removed from the site.
The building likely will be completed in early 2009, school district officials said.
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