From the BCCT.
Outrageous benefits come at taxpayers expense
Bucks County Courier Times
Your editorial on Pennsylvania state pensions is so true and on target. The cost of the outrageous pension increases that our protected criminal class (a.k.a. the state Legislature) gave themselves in 2001 is coming home to roost. The Legislature took a 50 percent pension increase and gave the teachers, the most influential group in the Legislature, a 25 percent increase as the price for its own increase.
On Dec. 11, Pennsbury's administration provided the board and community with a five-year projection of the district's financial condition using data provided before the latest information from the Teachers' Retirement System estimating that pension costs will be 16.4 percent of salaries in 2012-13 vs. 4.7 percent in the coming year.
The numbers provided by Pennsbury's administration presented the board with frightening options. I have requested a new five-year projection based on the Retirement' System's latest projections and this projection can only be more frightening. The options will be: double-digit tax increases; larger class sizes; draconian cuts in bus service and student activities or some combination thereof.
When these are combined with the ever-increasing unfunded mandates on special education and other things, the money put into educating non-special education children (the average reader's children) will shrink more while the privileged will get their pensions and the legislators will get their lifetime health benefits at no cost.
There are two ways to change this picture. One requires a change in the state Constitution so these outrageous benefits can be scaled back. The other would be for the state to declare bankruptcy. I suppose two more solutions could be a Dow Jones average of 25,000 or a bailout from the federal government. The last two are out of our control.
Many of us will have gone bankrupt along with the state should that be the path. The only reasonable path to help all of us is to change the Constitution so public sector pensions mirror those of the taxpayers. I am not saying that public employees do not deserve pensions but the taxpayer does not deserve being forced into bankruptcy to provide them.
The solution to the problem is in the hands of those who created it. Will the Legislature step up and solve this problem? Not unless each of us forces the issue and demands reform.
Richard B. Johnson
Pennsbury school director Region 3
Monday, January 12, 2009
Tough queries likely at pension powwow
From the Inquirer
PhillyDeals: Tough queries likely at pension powwow
By Joseph N. DiStefano Posted on Sun, Jan. 11, 2009
Jeffrey Clay runs the $55 billion Pennsylvania Public School Employees' Retirement System, which cuts checks worth more than $4 billion a year for retired teachers and other public-school workers.
It's the biggest investment fund in Pennsylvania, which means that, like other investment funds, it's not as big as it was last year.
Clay is starting to gear up for the annual pilgrimage by state agencies to Harrisburg's stone-domed Capitol.
He'll explain to senators and representatives what his staff plans to spend this year, and how much more it will cost the citizens of the state to keep the checks coming to 170,000 school retirees and survivors.
I've gone to those hearings a couple of times. When markets were up, you didn't see tough questions. The reps accepted what they were told by Clay or his counterparts at the State Employees' Retirement System. Though there's always someone who wants to know: If you're doing so well, can we increase benefits to my constituents?
Clay has attended these hearings since he joined PSERS as deputy chief legal counsel in 1990. But at this year's hearings in early March, he's expecting there'll be more than the usual interest. Maybe some sparks.
"My guess is we'll hear about the rate cycle, hedge funds, and the bonus issue," Clay said.
The "rate cycle" means the formula by which this state has chosen to finance public pensions, usually by pushing the expense as far into the future as possible and hoping the market does really, really well next year.
The school pension "employer-contribution rate" is a big deal for PSERS at the moment. The state subsidy is paid partly by state taxes and partly by local school districts. So when the rate goes up, so do property taxes.
The subsidy is currently projected to quadruple, to $2.3 billion a year, by 2011-12. And that assumes markets recover during the current fiscal year.
The losses of hedge funds are in the news, but they are more an issue at PSERS's smaller, more radical twin, the SERS, which has more of its money invested with hedge, private-equity and other alternative investments than any other major pension fund, and hasn't told us yet how much they all lost last year.
As to bonuses, Clay's agency has been beaten up for giving managers $854,000 in bonuses this year, despite the fund's falling 17 percent for the 12 months ended Sept. 30.
The way investment pros look at the world, even though PSERS shrank, it did better than many of its peers. To private-sector fund managers, who are paid a lot more than the civil servants who run PSERS, "relative outperformance" means you did a good job, and deserve something extra.
But to the tax-paying public angry over its own shrinking 401(k) and IRA accounts, a loss is a loss, and Republicans like State Sen. John Rafferty, who represents parts of Chester, Montgomery and Berks Counties, have asked for the bonuses back.
I'm less worried about the thousands PSERS pays its staff than the hundreds of millions it pays outside managers, whose performance is not recorded in its annual reports.
Better to ask how the state plans to either boost subsidies or to cut benefits for future retirees - and why SERS and PSERS should keep trying so hard to boost investment returns, exposing taxpayers to risk, and hiring expensive outside managers to run those assets, if it doesn't have more to show for the effort.
Add the $1 billion teachers pay PSERS in payroll deductions every year - which rises every year with contracted teacher salaries and new hires - plus the $2.3 billion PSERS is supposed to raise from state and local taxpayers by 2011-12, and
we're getting to where the amount spent to finance PSERS each year approaches the amount it spends on pensions.
If those lines cross, why not just scrap all the fancy foreign investments and commodity pools, spend down the existing funds, and pay the checks as they come due?
"There is a pay-as-you-go system," Clay told me. "It's Social Security," and "it's out of control," as the number of retirees explodes, compared with workers paying into the system.
PhillyDeals: Tough queries likely at pension powwow
By Joseph N. DiStefano Posted on Sun, Jan. 11, 2009
Jeffrey Clay runs the $55 billion Pennsylvania Public School Employees' Retirement System, which cuts checks worth more than $4 billion a year for retired teachers and other public-school workers.
It's the biggest investment fund in Pennsylvania, which means that, like other investment funds, it's not as big as it was last year.
Clay is starting to gear up for the annual pilgrimage by state agencies to Harrisburg's stone-domed Capitol.
He'll explain to senators and representatives what his staff plans to spend this year, and how much more it will cost the citizens of the state to keep the checks coming to 170,000 school retirees and survivors.
I've gone to those hearings a couple of times. When markets were up, you didn't see tough questions. The reps accepted what they were told by Clay or his counterparts at the State Employees' Retirement System. Though there's always someone who wants to know: If you're doing so well, can we increase benefits to my constituents?
Clay has attended these hearings since he joined PSERS as deputy chief legal counsel in 1990. But at this year's hearings in early March, he's expecting there'll be more than the usual interest. Maybe some sparks.
"My guess is we'll hear about the rate cycle, hedge funds, and the bonus issue," Clay said.
The "rate cycle" means the formula by which this state has chosen to finance public pensions, usually by pushing the expense as far into the future as possible and hoping the market does really, really well next year.
The school pension "employer-contribution rate" is a big deal for PSERS at the moment. The state subsidy is paid partly by state taxes and partly by local school districts. So when the rate goes up, so do property taxes.
The subsidy is currently projected to quadruple, to $2.3 billion a year, by 2011-12. And that assumes markets recover during the current fiscal year.
The losses of hedge funds are in the news, but they are more an issue at PSERS's smaller, more radical twin, the SERS, which has more of its money invested with hedge, private-equity and other alternative investments than any other major pension fund, and hasn't told us yet how much they all lost last year.
As to bonuses, Clay's agency has been beaten up for giving managers $854,000 in bonuses this year, despite the fund's falling 17 percent for the 12 months ended Sept. 30.
The way investment pros look at the world, even though PSERS shrank, it did better than many of its peers. To private-sector fund managers, who are paid a lot more than the civil servants who run PSERS, "relative outperformance" means you did a good job, and deserve something extra.
But to the tax-paying public angry over its own shrinking 401(k) and IRA accounts, a loss is a loss, and Republicans like State Sen. John Rafferty, who represents parts of Chester, Montgomery and Berks Counties, have asked for the bonuses back.
I'm less worried about the thousands PSERS pays its staff than the hundreds of millions it pays outside managers, whose performance is not recorded in its annual reports.
Better to ask how the state plans to either boost subsidies or to cut benefits for future retirees - and why SERS and PSERS should keep trying so hard to boost investment returns, exposing taxpayers to risk, and hiring expensive outside managers to run those assets, if it doesn't have more to show for the effort.
Add the $1 billion teachers pay PSERS in payroll deductions every year - which rises every year with contracted teacher salaries and new hires - plus the $2.3 billion PSERS is supposed to raise from state and local taxpayers by 2011-12, and
we're getting to where the amount spent to finance PSERS each year approaches the amount it spends on pensions.
If those lines cross, why not just scrap all the fancy foreign investments and commodity pools, spend down the existing funds, and pay the checks as they come due?
"There is a pay-as-you-go system," Clay told me. "It's Social Security," and "it's out of control," as the number of retirees explodes, compared with workers paying into the system.
Transfer tax plunge pinching budgets
From the BCCT.
Transfer tax plunge pinching budgets
By: JENNA PORTNOY, Bucks County Courier Times
Bad news keeps coming for local governments and school districts that rely on real estate sales to generate revenue.
Taxes and fees collected by the Bucks and Montgomery counties' recorders of deeds were uniformly down in 2008, according to year-end figures released last week.
"We all know the economy is in a bad situation and that's reflected in the yearly report," said Bucks County Recorder of Deeds Ed Gudknecht.
Every time a property changes hands, the counties' elected recorders of deeds office levies a tax of 2 percent on the property's market value. Of that number, 1 percent goes to the state. The municipality and school district where the property is located split the other 1 percent. This levy is called the real estate transfer tax. A drop in overall sales has meant a dramatic decrease of nearly 20 percent for local governments.
The total transfer tax remitted to Bucks townships and boroughs was down about $4 million in 2008, compared with the 2007 total of $21 million. The same goes for 16 school districts.
In Montgomery County, school districts and municipalities lost $10 million - about 30 percent - in transfer tax collection.
The Hatboro-Horsham School District will bring in about 55 percent less transfer tax, for a hit of nearly $910,000, bringing the 2008 total to about $728,000.
Montgomery County Recorder of Deeds Nancy J. Becker said the school district is far from alone.
"It looks like the economy hit everyone, with an across-the-board decrease in the number of transactions and tax revenue, although the growth areas, such as the North Penn area, were hit the worst financially," she said.
New Hope-Solebury School District took the biggest percentage hit of Bucks' school districts. In 2007, the district brought in more than $1 million, but last year the number nose-dived more than 40 percent to about $600,000.
Gregory Hogg, the district's business administrator, said the number is significant considering current fiscal year revenues should total about $31 million.
"It is going to be reflected in next year's budget because we have to make up for that loss," he said, adding that he will present these and other numbers to the board Jan. 21.
Municipalities, however, have already had to grapple with decreases in various taxes and revenue streams in 2009 budgets passed last month.
Based on monthly transfer tax checks from the county, Doylestown Township predicted within a few thousand dollars that its figure would be down about 30 percent to about $456,000 in 2008.
The 2009 budget anticipates a similarly bleak view, said finance officer Bill Wightman.
"We have a balanced budget and we managed to do it without raising taxes. We knew we were getting less money," he said. "We know that the market out there is not too good."
Dismal sales affected other revenue streams collected by recorders of deeds. For example, in Bucks, about $3.4 billion worth of property changed hands in 2008, compared with $4.3 billion in 2007. Last year's figure represents the biggest drop since 2002.
Interest on the office's various bank accounts was down to about $38,000 last year, compared with four times as much in 2007. Finally, the office recorded 102,199 documents last year, the lowest figure since 1997.
"Times are bad," said Gudknecht, "but we just keep going on and hope things will improve."
Transfer tax plunge pinching budgets
By: JENNA PORTNOY, Bucks County Courier Times
Bad news keeps coming for local governments and school districts that rely on real estate sales to generate revenue.
Taxes and fees collected by the Bucks and Montgomery counties' recorders of deeds were uniformly down in 2008, according to year-end figures released last week.
"We all know the economy is in a bad situation and that's reflected in the yearly report," said Bucks County Recorder of Deeds Ed Gudknecht.
Every time a property changes hands, the counties' elected recorders of deeds office levies a tax of 2 percent on the property's market value. Of that number, 1 percent goes to the state. The municipality and school district where the property is located split the other 1 percent. This levy is called the real estate transfer tax. A drop in overall sales has meant a dramatic decrease of nearly 20 percent for local governments.
The total transfer tax remitted to Bucks townships and boroughs was down about $4 million in 2008, compared with the 2007 total of $21 million. The same goes for 16 school districts.
In Montgomery County, school districts and municipalities lost $10 million - about 30 percent - in transfer tax collection.
The Hatboro-Horsham School District will bring in about 55 percent less transfer tax, for a hit of nearly $910,000, bringing the 2008 total to about $728,000.
Montgomery County Recorder of Deeds Nancy J. Becker said the school district is far from alone.
"It looks like the economy hit everyone, with an across-the-board decrease in the number of transactions and tax revenue, although the growth areas, such as the North Penn area, were hit the worst financially," she said.
New Hope-Solebury School District took the biggest percentage hit of Bucks' school districts. In 2007, the district brought in more than $1 million, but last year the number nose-dived more than 40 percent to about $600,000.
Gregory Hogg, the district's business administrator, said the number is significant considering current fiscal year revenues should total about $31 million.
"It is going to be reflected in next year's budget because we have to make up for that loss," he said, adding that he will present these and other numbers to the board Jan. 21.
Municipalities, however, have already had to grapple with decreases in various taxes and revenue streams in 2009 budgets passed last month.
Based on monthly transfer tax checks from the county, Doylestown Township predicted within a few thousand dollars that its figure would be down about 30 percent to about $456,000 in 2008.
The 2009 budget anticipates a similarly bleak view, said finance officer Bill Wightman.
"We have a balanced budget and we managed to do it without raising taxes. We knew we were getting less money," he said. "We know that the market out there is not too good."
Dismal sales affected other revenue streams collected by recorders of deeds. For example, in Bucks, about $3.4 billion worth of property changed hands in 2008, compared with $4.3 billion in 2007. Last year's figure represents the biggest drop since 2002.
Interest on the office's various bank accounts was down to about $38,000 last year, compared with four times as much in 2007. Finally, the office recorded 102,199 documents last year, the lowest figure since 1997.
"Times are bad," said Gudknecht, "but we just keep going on and hope things will improve."
Sunday, January 11, 2009
Landmark Towns Nominees
From the BCCT.
Nominees sought for Landmark Towns award
By GEMA MARIA DUARTE
Do you know an outstanding person, business or organization involved with the Landmark Towns projects?
Nominate that person or entity for the first Landmark Towns of Bucks County community achievement awards.
“The awards are intended to recognize and celebrate the achievements of the best people, businesses and organizations in Bucks County whose works complement the mission of Landmark Towns,” said Donna Boone, regional Main Street coordinator for Landmark Towns of Bucks County.
Landmark Towns is a regional revitalization initiative of four boroughs along the Delaware Canal — Bristol, Morrisville, New Hope and Yardley. The project, which is led by the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, is designed to help these small towns renew economic life in their business districts, while preserving and enhancing their industrial and cultural heritage.
“The countless hours that these individuals, businesses and not-for-profit organizations provide significantly contribute to a better quality of life, making the four Landmark Towns better places to live, work and play,” Boone said.
Nominations can be made in several categories, such as Landmark Towns of Bucks County Partner of the Year, Woman in Business, Philanthropy, Economic Development, Cultural/Historic Organization, Community Enrichment and Business Excellence.
Details of each category can be found in the nomination brochures available at the four borough halls or by requesting them from Boone at 2 Canals End Road Suite 204-C in Bristol or calling 215-781-2605.
Nominations are due by Jan. 16. Recipients will receive their awards at a banquet April 29 at the Yardley Country Club.
Nominees sought for Landmark Towns award
By GEMA MARIA DUARTE
Do you know an outstanding person, business or organization involved with the Landmark Towns projects?
Nominate that person or entity for the first Landmark Towns of Bucks County community achievement awards.
“The awards are intended to recognize and celebrate the achievements of the best people, businesses and organizations in Bucks County whose works complement the mission of Landmark Towns,” said Donna Boone, regional Main Street coordinator for Landmark Towns of Bucks County.
Landmark Towns is a regional revitalization initiative of four boroughs along the Delaware Canal — Bristol, Morrisville, New Hope and Yardley. The project, which is led by the Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor, is designed to help these small towns renew economic life in their business districts, while preserving and enhancing their industrial and cultural heritage.
“The countless hours that these individuals, businesses and not-for-profit organizations provide significantly contribute to a better quality of life, making the four Landmark Towns better places to live, work and play,” Boone said.
Nominations can be made in several categories, such as Landmark Towns of Bucks County Partner of the Year, Woman in Business, Philanthropy, Economic Development, Cultural/Historic Organization, Community Enrichment and Business Excellence.
Details of each category can be found in the nomination brochures available at the four borough halls or by requesting them from Boone at 2 Canals End Road Suite 204-C in Bristol or calling 215-781-2605.
Nominations are due by Jan. 16. Recipients will receive their awards at a banquet April 29 at the Yardley Country Club.
Pickled??
From the BCCT.
Towns work through economic downturn
By JAMES MCGINNIS
So anxious he couldn’t sleep, Northampton township Manager Robert Pellegrino walked into budget meeting after budget meeting but gave the community only two options — raise taxes or lay off cops.
When people stopped buying homes, the tax on real estate transfers in Northampton fell more than $600,000. Pellegrino said he had “no cushion.”
And if the troubles of Wall Street continue to hit small town Main Street, other towns across Lower Bucks could be in the very same pickle next year.
Communities throughout the area are bracing for significantly lower returns on their investments, less revenue from building permits and fees, and higher costs on everything from insurance to road salt and even bullets. (Some police are paying nearly three times as much for ammunition thanks to the war in Iraq.)
Facing a $1.1 million deficit this year, Bristol Township will draw from a “dangerously low” cash reserve to balance the budget. Township Manager Jeff Bartlett warned that the town could run out of money in two or three years. But Councilman Rick Pluta said he was more worried about the poor. “If we raise taxes,” he said, “that could be someone’s prescription drug bill for the month.”
Bristol Township and its sister to the south seemed polar opposites this budget season. Bensalem will continue to spend big (and offer tax rebates) thanks to $10 million in casino host fees from Philadelphia Park and a $61 million nest egg from the sale of its sewer system. Still, Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo was cautious about the future.
Investments that generated $3.6 million in 2007 will yield only $2.1 million this year, Bensalem finance manager Jack McGinley estimated. Still there’s enough money for the $250 rebate check for the owners of every home in town.
Bensalem started offering its rebates in 2007. The people of Falls will get rebate checks for the first time in 2009 — $100 for every property owner and $50 for every business owner.
But that might seem a pittance compared to the $5,000 “gift” checks headed to all those who own property in Tullytown. Landfill fees will allow the borough to continue to provide the rebate checks and a large number of services this year, according to the budget.
Tullytown property taxes pay for the borough administration but wouldn’t be enough to cover expenses for police, public works or street repairs, as budgeted for 2009. Tullytown’s reliance on landfill income was cause for concern when then-outgoing borough manager Andy Warren presented his budget in October. Landfill income could begin to taper off in two to three years, leaving the borough in a pickle, he warned.
Already pickled, Morrisville — with the third-highest municipal property taxes in Lower Bucks — had to raise them another $70 this year.
When Mayor Thomas Wisnosky found out there wasn’t enough money for new police guns, he gave up his $2,900 salary. Wisnosky said some of the department’s guns were more than 20 years old.
Still some towns are managing to make ends meet. With some of the lowest municipal taxes in the area, Langhorne, Penndel, Newtown, Lower Southampton and Newtown Township will go without a tax increase again this year.
After finally paying off a municipal bond, officials in Bristol wanted to lower taxes this year. But any savings the borough hoped to realize are needed to balance the budget, borough Manager Jim Dillon told his council.
Middletown raised taxes $29 for the average resident to pay off debt.
Lower Makefield raised taxes $10 for the average resident to give more money to the Yardley-Makefield Fire Co. Wrightstown avoided a tax increase, cutting from the budget a $200,000 salt shed.
Even Yardley started the budget process in the hole, but it was hardly dramatic. The borough council announced an $82 deficit, but ended with a budgeted $3.70 surplus. So the community has at least a little money to sock away for 2010.
BIG TICKET ITEMS
Despite the economy, officials in Lower Bucks will spend millions of dollars on big-ticket items this year.
Bensalem will contribute $4.4 million to a planned athletic center adjacent to its high school and $5.5 million to expand the police department.
Falls will spend $2.5 million on a bigger senior center and another $1.2 million for a boat access on the Delaware River near Pennsbury Manor.
Newtown Township will spend $2.6 million on athletic fields and $8 million on a new municipal complex.
Middletown will spend $2.7 million on a new public works building.
Bristol will also spend $2 million on renovations to its police and fire departments, using about $1.6 million in grants.
UPDATED WITH GRAPHIC
Towns work through economic downturn
By JAMES MCGINNIS
So anxious he couldn’t sleep, Northampton township Manager Robert Pellegrino walked into budget meeting after budget meeting but gave the community only two options — raise taxes or lay off cops.
When people stopped buying homes, the tax on real estate transfers in Northampton fell more than $600,000. Pellegrino said he had “no cushion.”
And if the troubles of Wall Street continue to hit small town Main Street, other towns across Lower Bucks could be in the very same pickle next year.
Communities throughout the area are bracing for significantly lower returns on their investments, less revenue from building permits and fees, and higher costs on everything from insurance to road salt and even bullets. (Some police are paying nearly three times as much for ammunition thanks to the war in Iraq.)
Facing a $1.1 million deficit this year, Bristol Township will draw from a “dangerously low” cash reserve to balance the budget. Township Manager Jeff Bartlett warned that the town could run out of money in two or three years. But Councilman Rick Pluta said he was more worried about the poor. “If we raise taxes,” he said, “that could be someone’s prescription drug bill for the month.”
Bristol Township and its sister to the south seemed polar opposites this budget season. Bensalem will continue to spend big (and offer tax rebates) thanks to $10 million in casino host fees from Philadelphia Park and a $61 million nest egg from the sale of its sewer system. Still, Mayor Joseph DiGirolamo was cautious about the future.
Investments that generated $3.6 million in 2007 will yield only $2.1 million this year, Bensalem finance manager Jack McGinley estimated. Still there’s enough money for the $250 rebate check for the owners of every home in town.
Bensalem started offering its rebates in 2007. The people of Falls will get rebate checks for the first time in 2009 — $100 for every property owner and $50 for every business owner.
But that might seem a pittance compared to the $5,000 “gift” checks headed to all those who own property in Tullytown. Landfill fees will allow the borough to continue to provide the rebate checks and a large number of services this year, according to the budget.
Tullytown property taxes pay for the borough administration but wouldn’t be enough to cover expenses for police, public works or street repairs, as budgeted for 2009. Tullytown’s reliance on landfill income was cause for concern when then-outgoing borough manager Andy Warren presented his budget in October. Landfill income could begin to taper off in two to three years, leaving the borough in a pickle, he warned.
Already pickled, Morrisville — with the third-highest municipal property taxes in Lower Bucks — had to raise them another $70 this year.
When Mayor Thomas Wisnosky found out there wasn’t enough money for new police guns, he gave up his $2,900 salary. Wisnosky said some of the department’s guns were more than 20 years old.
Still some towns are managing to make ends meet. With some of the lowest municipal taxes in the area, Langhorne, Penndel, Newtown, Lower Southampton and Newtown Township will go without a tax increase again this year.
After finally paying off a municipal bond, officials in Bristol wanted to lower taxes this year. But any savings the borough hoped to realize are needed to balance the budget, borough Manager Jim Dillon told his council.
Middletown raised taxes $29 for the average resident to pay off debt.
Lower Makefield raised taxes $10 for the average resident to give more money to the Yardley-Makefield Fire Co. Wrightstown avoided a tax increase, cutting from the budget a $200,000 salt shed.
Even Yardley started the budget process in the hole, but it was hardly dramatic. The borough council announced an $82 deficit, but ended with a budgeted $3.70 surplus. So the community has at least a little money to sock away for 2010.
BIG TICKET ITEMS
Despite the economy, officials in Lower Bucks will spend millions of dollars on big-ticket items this year.
Bensalem will contribute $4.4 million to a planned athletic center adjacent to its high school and $5.5 million to expand the police department.
Falls will spend $2.5 million on a bigger senior center and another $1.2 million for a boat access on the Delaware River near Pennsbury Manor.
Newtown Township will spend $2.6 million on athletic fields and $8 million on a new municipal complex.
Middletown will spend $2.7 million on a new public works building.
Bristol will also spend $2 million on renovations to its police and fire departments, using about $1.6 million in grants.
UPDATED WITH GRAPHIC
Toll Bridge Construction *Almost* Done
From the BCCT
New traffic pattern at Route 1 construction zone
Bucks County Courier Times
The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission has announced a new layout of exit and entry ramps at the Route 1/Pennsylvania Avenue interchange in Morrisville, beginning Monday.
The last interchange segment, the on/off ramps linking Route 1 southbound with the southbound lanes of South Pennsylvania Avenue, will be in place. The other three exit or entry quadrants at the interchange were recently reconfigured as part of the continuing $102 million Trenton-Morrisville (Route 1) Toll Bridge rehabilitation and widening project, said commission spokesman Joe Donnelly.
The only major portion of work that remains at the interchange is the application of a pavement top coat. This will take place later this year when winter is over.
"This project is progressing in a manner that should allow the work to be completed in advance of its original scheduled completion date," said commission executive director Frank G. McCartney.
New traffic pattern at Route 1 construction zone
Bucks County Courier Times
The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission has announced a new layout of exit and entry ramps at the Route 1/Pennsylvania Avenue interchange in Morrisville, beginning Monday.
The last interchange segment, the on/off ramps linking Route 1 southbound with the southbound lanes of South Pennsylvania Avenue, will be in place. The other three exit or entry quadrants at the interchange were recently reconfigured as part of the continuing $102 million Trenton-Morrisville (Route 1) Toll Bridge rehabilitation and widening project, said commission spokesman Joe Donnelly.
The only major portion of work that remains at the interchange is the application of a pavement top coat. This will take place later this year when winter is over.
"This project is progressing in a manner that should allow the work to be completed in advance of its original scheduled completion date," said commission executive director Frank G. McCartney.
Quakertown: $4.8 Million Shortfall
From the BCCT.
Has anyuone asked the Emperor yet what the 2009-10 budget looks like here at home?
How about the 2008-09 budget?
District budget facing $4.8 million shortfall
By: HILARY BENTMAN
Quakertown school board members got their first look at the 2009-10 budget and it's probably one they'd like to forget.
That's because the dismal economy and declining revenues have left the district $4.8 million in the hole.
The administration is recommending drawing $4.1 million in reserves down to zero to give officials time to make further cuts to not only balance the budget but build up the fund balance again.
"We can't have a budget with negative numbers," said Superintendent Lisa Andrejko.
Officials acknowledge starting with a zero fund balance is a scary proposition, particularly if the money can't be found to replenish the account.
After an early round of cuts, the district is looking at an $87.9 million preliminary budget, which is $3.4 million, or 4 percent, higher than the current $84.5 million budget.
Taxes will certainly increase next year; the question remains by how much.
Under a state-set cap, the district is allowed to increase taxes by 4.1 percent, or 5.14 mills, before seeking voter approval. For a home assessed at the district average of $28,800, that translates to a $148 tax increase, for a total bill of $3,762.
However, Quakertown can exceed this cap without voter permission through exceptions -ways for schools to disregard certain expenses in their budgets, such as construction, retirement and health care costs that contribute to the need for higher taxes.
With its allowable exceptions, Quakertown could raise taxes by about 4.59 percent, or 5.755 mills, which translates to a tax increase of $166, for a total bill of $3,780.
The district has fallen victim to the foundering economy.
Several major businesses within the district, including Lowes and Target, have succeeded in getting Bucks County to reassess their property values because of a decline in their worth. When a property's assessment value drops so does the amount of taxes the district generates.
The district has lost about $125,000 in revenue because of reassessments, said business manager Sylvia Lenz.
New construction in the district has also dropped off, along with home sales, hurting the amount collected in real estate transfer taxes. The district has also seen revenue from earned income tax increase by less than 1 percent, compared with the 3 percent to 5 percent increases seen in previous years, said Lenz.
As for the cuts the district will consider, no area is off the table. Everything from new and vacant staff positions, to technology, facility improvements, class electives and sports will be examined.
"Throughout every level we're going to see reductions," said Andrejko. "Every level is going to have some impact."
Officials will continue to work on the plan with a preliminary budget up for adoption on Feb. 12.
Has anyuone asked the Emperor yet what the 2009-10 budget looks like here at home?
How about the 2008-09 budget?
District budget facing $4.8 million shortfall
By: HILARY BENTMAN
Quakertown school board members got their first look at the 2009-10 budget and it's probably one they'd like to forget.
That's because the dismal economy and declining revenues have left the district $4.8 million in the hole.
The administration is recommending drawing $4.1 million in reserves down to zero to give officials time to make further cuts to not only balance the budget but build up the fund balance again.
"We can't have a budget with negative numbers," said Superintendent Lisa Andrejko.
Officials acknowledge starting with a zero fund balance is a scary proposition, particularly if the money can't be found to replenish the account.
After an early round of cuts, the district is looking at an $87.9 million preliminary budget, which is $3.4 million, or 4 percent, higher than the current $84.5 million budget.
Taxes will certainly increase next year; the question remains by how much.
Under a state-set cap, the district is allowed to increase taxes by 4.1 percent, or 5.14 mills, before seeking voter approval. For a home assessed at the district average of $28,800, that translates to a $148 tax increase, for a total bill of $3,762.
However, Quakertown can exceed this cap without voter permission through exceptions -ways for schools to disregard certain expenses in their budgets, such as construction, retirement and health care costs that contribute to the need for higher taxes.
With its allowable exceptions, Quakertown could raise taxes by about 4.59 percent, or 5.755 mills, which translates to a tax increase of $166, for a total bill of $3,780.
The district has fallen victim to the foundering economy.
Several major businesses within the district, including Lowes and Target, have succeeded in getting Bucks County to reassess their property values because of a decline in their worth. When a property's assessment value drops so does the amount of taxes the district generates.
The district has lost about $125,000 in revenue because of reassessments, said business manager Sylvia Lenz.
New construction in the district has also dropped off, along with home sales, hurting the amount collected in real estate transfer taxes. The district has also seen revenue from earned income tax increase by less than 1 percent, compared with the 3 percent to 5 percent increases seen in previous years, said Lenz.
As for the cuts the district will consider, no area is off the table. Everything from new and vacant staff positions, to technology, facility improvements, class electives and sports will be examined.
"Throughout every level we're going to see reductions," said Andrejko. "Every level is going to have some impact."
Officials will continue to work on the plan with a preliminary budget up for adoption on Feb. 12.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Grant Money Awarded
From the BCCT
Grants announced for emergency responders
Posted in News on Friday, January 9th, 2009 at 1:30 pm by James McGinnis
A dozen local fire and ambulance companies will receive grants this year, state Rep. John Galloway announced Friday.
Bristol Fire Company, Bristol Volunteer Company No. 6, American Hose Hook and Ladder, and Bristol Consolidated will each receive about $11,000.
Edgely, Fairless Hills, Falls Township and Levittown, Morrisville and Tullytown fire companies will also receive about $11,000 each.
Bucks County and Levittown-Fairless Hills rescue squads will each receive about $5,000, Galloway said.
“These grants can be used for purchasing equipment, upgrading facilities, training or paying down debt,” Galloway said. “Far too much time is spent by our volunteer first responders raising money.”
Grants announced for emergency responders
Posted in News on Friday, January 9th, 2009 at 1:30 pm by James McGinnis
A dozen local fire and ambulance companies will receive grants this year, state Rep. John Galloway announced Friday.
Bristol Fire Company, Bristol Volunteer Company No. 6, American Hose Hook and Ladder, and Bristol Consolidated will each receive about $11,000.
Edgely, Fairless Hills, Falls Township and Levittown, Morrisville and Tullytown fire companies will also receive about $11,000 each.
Bucks County and Levittown-Fairless Hills rescue squads will each receive about $5,000, Galloway said.
“These grants can be used for purchasing equipment, upgrading facilities, training or paying down debt,” Galloway said. “Far too much time is spent by our volunteer first responders raising money.”
Recall the WHOLE Board??
From the LA Times (and thanks for the email tip!)
* The district has just three schools and fewer than 500 students.
* Notorious for political bickering and personal rivalries, the district has run through seven superintendents in the last eight years and 15 school board members in the last five.
Recall election OK'd for an entire school board in Tuolumne County
Tioga High students campaigned to unseat the Big Oak Flat-Groveland board after it got rid of their popular math teacher over an allegation of plagiarism.
By Richard C. Paddock, January 10, 2009
Reporting from San Francisco -- In what may be the first attempt in California to unseat an entire school board, high school students and supporters who want to oust all five members collected enough signatures to put the issue before voters, the Tuolumne County clerk said Friday.
The students organized the recall campaign as a civics project after the board of the Big Oak Flat-Groveland Unified School District voted to get rid of their popular math teacher, a former professional football player.
"We're pretty excited about it," said Tioga High School senior Billy Hilton, 17, one of the student leaders of the recall effort. "I don't think this has happened many other places. We were able to do it because our school and community are so small and tight-knit."
The school board is scheduled to meet next week to receive formal notice that the recall has qualified. The board will have the option of calling the election itself and allowing a vote entirely by mail. The election is most likely to be held May 5, said Tuolumne County Clerk and Auditor-Controller Deborah Russell.
The California School Boards Assn., which represents 95% of the state's school districts, does not keep election records, but staff members said the recall of a school board is uncommon if not unprecedented.
"We can't remember a time when a whole board has been recalled," said Susan Swigart, communications director for the 76-year-old association.
At Tioga High, where the recall campaign began, students were beginning to contemplate campaign activities, including putting together a voter pamphlet and holding a debate among candidates for the board.
Civics teacher Tim King, who helped the students turn their class project into political action, said he was proud of what the teenagers had been able to do.
"I don't think it's really sunk in," he said. "They don't realize what they have accomplished. When was the last time you heard about an entire school board being recalled?"
The sparsely populated district near Yosemite National Park is nearly as large in square miles as the Los Angeles Unified School District but has just three schools and fewer than 500 students.
School board President Lillian Cravens said the campaign to oust the board is in keeping with the community's quarrelsome style. Notorious for political bickering and personal rivalries, the district has run through seven superintendents in the last eight years and 15 school board members in the last five.
"These people are always fighting up here," she said. "They are always threatening a recall. This time they just followed through."
The latest controversy began in September after Supt. Mari Brabbin and the school board removed Ryan Dutton from his job teaching math at Tioga High over an allegation of plagiarism. He also lost his post coaching baseball.
Dutton, 31, who was studying for his teaching credential at Cal State Fresno, was accused of copying another student's homework in March. He denied the charge.
It is unclear how the allegation reached the school district. The university said the allegation was unfounded, but the school board has refused to take Dutton back.
After his removal, the entire student body staged a one-day protest that shut down the high school. Soon after, the students began organizing the recall campaign.
The students have appealed to the school board to rehire Dutton, but the members have declined, saying they trust the information about him that they received in private.
Most of the students are not old enough to vote or collect signatures, but parents and teachers joined in support of the effort. The campaign needed 910 signatures for each school board member and collected about 1,200, easily qualifying for the ballot.
Opponents of the recall have wondered whether the students were being used by some in the community to settle old scores.
School board member David Gookin took the qualification of the recall in stride, saying, "It's the right of the electorate in a democratic process to ask for a recall."
He said he stood by his record but had not decided to what extent he might mount a campaign to retain his post. He has no regrets about Dutton's removal, he said.
"I have no apologies for the action I took as a board member," he said.
Cravens, who was appointed nine months ago and elected president in December, said serving on the school board was a thankless job. Her husband, she said, will be the happiest man in town if she is ousted.
"If I don't get recalled, that's fine," she said. "If I do get recalled, that's fine. I don't see any reason to campaign. People who know me know the truth about me."
Cravens, who was the registrar at Aptos High School near Santa Cruz for 30 years, retired to the Groveland area five years ago. "The sad part of it is they do their best to ruin your reputation," she said. "Now people look at me like I am some kind of thief and monster."
Dutton, who hopes to return to Tioga High and resume teaching math, said he was overwhelmed by the support from the students and community.
"I knew that I had a good relationship with them, but you never think that the kids would rise up and do something of that sort," he said. "I can't say enough about their support. It reiterates for me that this is the right career for me."
* The district has just three schools and fewer than 500 students.
* Notorious for political bickering and personal rivalries, the district has run through seven superintendents in the last eight years and 15 school board members in the last five.
Recall election OK'd for an entire school board in Tuolumne County
Tioga High students campaigned to unseat the Big Oak Flat-Groveland board after it got rid of their popular math teacher over an allegation of plagiarism.
By Richard C. Paddock, January 10, 2009
Reporting from San Francisco -- In what may be the first attempt in California to unseat an entire school board, high school students and supporters who want to oust all five members collected enough signatures to put the issue before voters, the Tuolumne County clerk said Friday.
The students organized the recall campaign as a civics project after the board of the Big Oak Flat-Groveland Unified School District voted to get rid of their popular math teacher, a former professional football player.
"We're pretty excited about it," said Tioga High School senior Billy Hilton, 17, one of the student leaders of the recall effort. "I don't think this has happened many other places. We were able to do it because our school and community are so small and tight-knit."
The school board is scheduled to meet next week to receive formal notice that the recall has qualified. The board will have the option of calling the election itself and allowing a vote entirely by mail. The election is most likely to be held May 5, said Tuolumne County Clerk and Auditor-Controller Deborah Russell.
The California School Boards Assn., which represents 95% of the state's school districts, does not keep election records, but staff members said the recall of a school board is uncommon if not unprecedented.
"We can't remember a time when a whole board has been recalled," said Susan Swigart, communications director for the 76-year-old association.
At Tioga High, where the recall campaign began, students were beginning to contemplate campaign activities, including putting together a voter pamphlet and holding a debate among candidates for the board.
Civics teacher Tim King, who helped the students turn their class project into political action, said he was proud of what the teenagers had been able to do.
"I don't think it's really sunk in," he said. "They don't realize what they have accomplished. When was the last time you heard about an entire school board being recalled?"
The sparsely populated district near Yosemite National Park is nearly as large in square miles as the Los Angeles Unified School District but has just three schools and fewer than 500 students.
School board President Lillian Cravens said the campaign to oust the board is in keeping with the community's quarrelsome style. Notorious for political bickering and personal rivalries, the district has run through seven superintendents in the last eight years and 15 school board members in the last five.
"These people are always fighting up here," she said. "They are always threatening a recall. This time they just followed through."
The latest controversy began in September after Supt. Mari Brabbin and the school board removed Ryan Dutton from his job teaching math at Tioga High over an allegation of plagiarism. He also lost his post coaching baseball.
Dutton, 31, who was studying for his teaching credential at Cal State Fresno, was accused of copying another student's homework in March. He denied the charge.
It is unclear how the allegation reached the school district. The university said the allegation was unfounded, but the school board has refused to take Dutton back.
After his removal, the entire student body staged a one-day protest that shut down the high school. Soon after, the students began organizing the recall campaign.
The students have appealed to the school board to rehire Dutton, but the members have declined, saying they trust the information about him that they received in private.
Most of the students are not old enough to vote or collect signatures, but parents and teachers joined in support of the effort. The campaign needed 910 signatures for each school board member and collected about 1,200, easily qualifying for the ballot.
Opponents of the recall have wondered whether the students were being used by some in the community to settle old scores.
School board member David Gookin took the qualification of the recall in stride, saying, "It's the right of the electorate in a democratic process to ask for a recall."
He said he stood by his record but had not decided to what extent he might mount a campaign to retain his post. He has no regrets about Dutton's removal, he said.
"I have no apologies for the action I took as a board member," he said.
Cravens, who was appointed nine months ago and elected president in December, said serving on the school board was a thankless job. Her husband, she said, will be the happiest man in town if she is ousted.
"If I don't get recalled, that's fine," she said. "If I do get recalled, that's fine. I don't see any reason to campaign. People who know me know the truth about me."
Cravens, who was the registrar at Aptos High School near Santa Cruz for 30 years, retired to the Groveland area five years ago. "The sad part of it is they do their best to ruin your reputation," she said. "Now people look at me like I am some kind of thief and monster."
Dutton, who hopes to return to Tioga High and resume teaching math, said he was overwhelmed by the support from the students and community.
"I knew that I had a good relationship with them, but you never think that the kids would rise up and do something of that sort," he said. "I can't say enough about their support. It reiterates for me that this is the right career for me."
Friday, January 9, 2009
School board declares 'emergency' in Morrisville
From buckslocalnews.com
School board declares 'emergency' in Morrisville
By Petra Chesner Schlatter; Staff Editor Posted on Wed, Jan 7, 2009
MORRISVILLE -- In an 8-0 vote, the Morrisville School Board passed a resolution Jan. 5 declaring an emergency and authorizing certain purchases in the wake of the Dec. 13 furnace explosion at M.R. Reiter Elementary School.
Those purchases are contingent on whether or not the insurance company will pay for eight modulars.
A special hearing is scheduled for Jan. 29 about the possible closure of M.R. Reiter forever. The board majority, led by President Bill Hellman, is in favor of closing the school, despite opposition from parents. M.R. Reiter has been closed since the blast.
Paul DeAngelo, the school district's new business manager, told a full house at the special meeting that a report was scheduled to be released at press time about the composition of the soot, which was caused by the explosion.
After the meeting, DeAngelo said the report would tell whether carcinogens were found in the soot. He confirmed that asbestos was confined to the chimney of the furnace.
DeAngelo gave a detailed presentation about how much it would cost to lease eight modulars, which would be installed at Grandview Elementary School.
The board approved the leasing of eight modular classrooms with restrooms from Mobilease Modular Space, Inc. of Thoro-fare, N.J. The total cost over two years would be $433,472 plus the cost for delivery costs to dismantle and return the modulars.
The cost would be $5,760 per month for 24 months plus $6,400 delivery, $98,932 for set-up and $189,900 for utilities.
With the vote approving the modulars, the configuration of which grades will go where will change. Some parents attending the special meeting were concerned that fifth-graders would attend classes at the Morrisville Middle/Senior High School.
Dr. Elizabeth Yonson, superintendent, assured the audience that if M.R. Reiter were to be closed, fifth graders would be segregated from the sixth-graders at the middle/senior high school. But she stressed that a configuration plan is not yet in place because the school board would have to approve one.
Yonson also noted that the Pre-Kindergarten classes, which have been held at the YMCA, could go to the middle/high school. She said this is done in other school districts and that high school students often work with that population.
First-and second-grades would attend class in the modulars. Kindergarten classes would be held in Grandview Elementary. Third-and fourth-grades would remain at the main building at Grandview.
Yonson described the modulars as "very nice" and "great." She noted there would be bathrooms in the classrooms and covered walkways for children. The modulars would be air-conditioned. She said without air conditioning, summer was "unbearable on the second floor of M.R. Reiter."
"There will be new carpeting," Yonson said. "They look absolutely brand new. When you walk in, you would not know you were in a modular."
One parent was concerned about the noise that would be created when the modulars were installed. Yonson said there would be less noise than in the older modulars now at M.R. Reiter.
"We need to do something immediately so our children and teachers have a quality education," Yonson said.
Opening the public comment section was former School Board Member Johanny Manning, who had advocated building the controversial $30-million consolidated school complex. That plan called for housing all grades in one facility.
Manning served on the school board before the new majority took control of the school board after the November 2007 elections. The new majority was part of a slate to stop plans for the school complex. The new board stopped the school from being built.
Saying the current problems with M.R. Reiter were inevitable, Manning asserted that the problem would have occurred regardless of whom was serving on the school board.
"I have to say, 'We told you so,'" Manning said. "We knew that the furnaces were long past their expectancy. I don't want to hear it's a total surprise. It's been happening for years. I say, shame on you!"
Manning said the school year has "truly been interrupted."
She criticized the school board for "spending a half-million dollars not knowing what we will do in a month. If the building is not reopened, how do we change the configuration?"
Yonson said insurance would pay for the modulars, it is not coming from district funds.
Jon Perry, a Morrisville Borough resident, told the audience to continue attending school board meetings. "You really have to keep your eye on this board," he said. Perry added that people should "try to get [board members] to do the right thing."
Perry said the current board majority "forges ahead" with "inadequate information."
School Board Member Bill Farrell said, "I come here month in and month out. It's a circus. Forget what's happened in the past." He said M.R. Reiter was a "time bomb."
One resident said that "all three schools are time bombs."
One idea that was raised was using Manor Elementary School to ease crowding at Grandview because of M.R. Reiter students being placed at Grandview.
However, Mike Fitzpatrick, board solicitor, said the district and the Head Start program have a lease/purchase agreement for 20 years. He said using Manor, which is owned by the school district, would probably not be an option.
Parents asked when teachers would be able to get the rest of their teaching materials. One parent alleged that the teachers were just "babysitting" the children. But, Yonson and Laurie Ruffing, acting elementary principal, said that was not true. Teachers were able to go into M.R. Reiter after the blast to get some of what they needed.
The teachers, Ruffing said, will get additional materials before the clean-up effort at M.R. Reiter is complete.
During the meeting, other parents expressed their concerns about the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up of students. They said that more crossing guards are needed at the high school for the students' safety.
School board declares 'emergency' in Morrisville
By Petra Chesner Schlatter; Staff Editor Posted on Wed, Jan 7, 2009
MORRISVILLE -- In an 8-0 vote, the Morrisville School Board passed a resolution Jan. 5 declaring an emergency and authorizing certain purchases in the wake of the Dec. 13 furnace explosion at M.R. Reiter Elementary School.
Those purchases are contingent on whether or not the insurance company will pay for eight modulars.
A special hearing is scheduled for Jan. 29 about the possible closure of M.R. Reiter forever. The board majority, led by President Bill Hellman, is in favor of closing the school, despite opposition from parents. M.R. Reiter has been closed since the blast.
Paul DeAngelo, the school district's new business manager, told a full house at the special meeting that a report was scheduled to be released at press time about the composition of the soot, which was caused by the explosion.
After the meeting, DeAngelo said the report would tell whether carcinogens were found in the soot. He confirmed that asbestos was confined to the chimney of the furnace.
DeAngelo gave a detailed presentation about how much it would cost to lease eight modulars, which would be installed at Grandview Elementary School.
The board approved the leasing of eight modular classrooms with restrooms from Mobilease Modular Space, Inc. of Thoro-fare, N.J. The total cost over two years would be $433,472 plus the cost for delivery costs to dismantle and return the modulars.
The cost would be $5,760 per month for 24 months plus $6,400 delivery, $98,932 for set-up and $189,900 for utilities.
With the vote approving the modulars, the configuration of which grades will go where will change. Some parents attending the special meeting were concerned that fifth-graders would attend classes at the Morrisville Middle/Senior High School.
Dr. Elizabeth Yonson, superintendent, assured the audience that if M.R. Reiter were to be closed, fifth graders would be segregated from the sixth-graders at the middle/senior high school. But she stressed that a configuration plan is not yet in place because the school board would have to approve one.
Yonson also noted that the Pre-Kindergarten classes, which have been held at the YMCA, could go to the middle/high school. She said this is done in other school districts and that high school students often work with that population.
First-and second-grades would attend class in the modulars. Kindergarten classes would be held in Grandview Elementary. Third-and fourth-grades would remain at the main building at Grandview.
Yonson described the modulars as "very nice" and "great." She noted there would be bathrooms in the classrooms and covered walkways for children. The modulars would be air-conditioned. She said without air conditioning, summer was "unbearable on the second floor of M.R. Reiter."
"There will be new carpeting," Yonson said. "They look absolutely brand new. When you walk in, you would not know you were in a modular."
One parent was concerned about the noise that would be created when the modulars were installed. Yonson said there would be less noise than in the older modulars now at M.R. Reiter.
"We need to do something immediately so our children and teachers have a quality education," Yonson said.
Opening the public comment section was former School Board Member Johanny Manning, who had advocated building the controversial $30-million consolidated school complex. That plan called for housing all grades in one facility.
Manning served on the school board before the new majority took control of the school board after the November 2007 elections. The new majority was part of a slate to stop plans for the school complex. The new board stopped the school from being built.
Saying the current problems with M.R. Reiter were inevitable, Manning asserted that the problem would have occurred regardless of whom was serving on the school board.
"I have to say, 'We told you so,'" Manning said. "We knew that the furnaces were long past their expectancy. I don't want to hear it's a total surprise. It's been happening for years. I say, shame on you!"
Manning said the school year has "truly been interrupted."
She criticized the school board for "spending a half-million dollars not knowing what we will do in a month. If the building is not reopened, how do we change the configuration?"
Yonson said insurance would pay for the modulars, it is not coming from district funds.
Jon Perry, a Morrisville Borough resident, told the audience to continue attending school board meetings. "You really have to keep your eye on this board," he said. Perry added that people should "try to get [board members] to do the right thing."
Perry said the current board majority "forges ahead" with "inadequate information."
School Board Member Bill Farrell said, "I come here month in and month out. It's a circus. Forget what's happened in the past." He said M.R. Reiter was a "time bomb."
One resident said that "all three schools are time bombs."
One idea that was raised was using Manor Elementary School to ease crowding at Grandview because of M.R. Reiter students being placed at Grandview.
However, Mike Fitzpatrick, board solicitor, said the district and the Head Start program have a lease/purchase agreement for 20 years. He said using Manor, which is owned by the school district, would probably not be an option.
Parents asked when teachers would be able to get the rest of their teaching materials. One parent alleged that the teachers were just "babysitting" the children. But, Yonson and Laurie Ruffing, acting elementary principal, said that was not true. Teachers were able to go into M.R. Reiter after the blast to get some of what they needed.
The teachers, Ruffing said, will get additional materials before the clean-up effort at M.R. Reiter is complete.
During the meeting, other parents expressed their concerns about the morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up of students. They said that more crossing guards are needed at the high school for the students' safety.
Let's Get On Board
From the BCCT.
Anyone have any information on the meeting?
Borough hears redevelopment plan
By: REGIS D'ANGIOLINI
Morrisville caught a glimpse into a possible future Thursday night as its Economic Development Corporation heard a presentation on revitalizing the town's economic landscape.
Brian Miller, of the Miller Design Group of Newtown Township, outlined the state's Transit Revitalization Investment District grant program, which is designed to redevelop older communities surrounding transportation hubs such as train stations.
The grant proposal, if approved by the borough, would see $75,000 contributed by the state with the remaining portion funded by the borough and private donations. The money would pay for scouting of an area for revitalization - designated to be within a half-mile radius of any proposed train station; time and effort researching the area; the public process involved; and creating a management entity for it.
Any area designated for redevelopment would be deemed mixed use, creating a walkable environment with retail businesses, residences and open space.
While SEPTA has stated it has no plans to create a train station along the R7 line in Morrisville, Miller said the study would provide the borough with ammunition to make the case for one.
"They're on a learning curve," Miller said, referring to SEPTA. "They've got a way to go to get themselves around this concept."
A representative from SEPTA was not present at the meeting.
Steve Amend, chairman of the borough's economic development entity, said that if a train station is not in the borough's future the study could be used for a revitalization program surrounding the 127 bus route.
While Thursday night's presentation did not specify an exact location for redevelopment, Miller suggested that revitalization could include upgrades to Pennsylvania Avenue and additional structures created along Bridge Street.
"Communities like yours and Penndel and Croydon have the right to your future," he said. "You have the right to stand up and say we want certain things. I am convinced this program is a keeper."
Anyone have any information on the meeting?
Borough hears redevelopment plan
By: REGIS D'ANGIOLINI
Morrisville caught a glimpse into a possible future Thursday night as its Economic Development Corporation heard a presentation on revitalizing the town's economic landscape.
Brian Miller, of the Miller Design Group of Newtown Township, outlined the state's Transit Revitalization Investment District grant program, which is designed to redevelop older communities surrounding transportation hubs such as train stations.
The grant proposal, if approved by the borough, would see $75,000 contributed by the state with the remaining portion funded by the borough and private donations. The money would pay for scouting of an area for revitalization - designated to be within a half-mile radius of any proposed train station; time and effort researching the area; the public process involved; and creating a management entity for it.
Any area designated for redevelopment would be deemed mixed use, creating a walkable environment with retail businesses, residences and open space.
While SEPTA has stated it has no plans to create a train station along the R7 line in Morrisville, Miller said the study would provide the borough with ammunition to make the case for one.
"They're on a learning curve," Miller said, referring to SEPTA. "They've got a way to go to get themselves around this concept."
A representative from SEPTA was not present at the meeting.
Steve Amend, chairman of the borough's economic development entity, said that if a train station is not in the borough's future the study could be used for a revitalization program surrounding the 127 bus route.
While Thursday night's presentation did not specify an exact location for redevelopment, Miller suggested that revitalization could include upgrades to Pennsylvania Avenue and additional structures created along Bridge Street.
"Communities like yours and Penndel and Croydon have the right to your future," he said. "You have the right to stand up and say we want certain things. I am convinced this program is a keeper."
Bad Economy = Lower Costs?
From the NJ Star-Ledger.
So? Dust off the old K-12 school plans and let's see if it can be built for less money. Stop trying to cram kids into a school that was built for the 1950s and lets have a 21st century school that can accommodate everyone.
Taxpayers save on two school projects
Construction slump leads to cut-rate bids
Thursday, January 08, 2009
BY RUDY LARINI Star-Ledger Staff
The dismal economy does have its bright spots.
The New Jersey Schools Development Authority, the state agency responsible for school construction, is benefiting from a depressed construction market that will save taxpayers nearly $9 million to build two schools in South Jersey.
Eighteen bids were received for the two projects, including a dozen for one of the schools. James Poole, the authority's senior director for procurement and contract services, said the dozen bids was "unprecedented" for a project of that magnitude in his experience with the authority and its predecessor, the Schools Construction Corp.
Kris Kolluri, the authority's chief executive officer, attributed the high number of bidders to a "robust and competitive" construction industry in a depressed economy where residential and commercial development have slowed to a crawl.
"The market conditions have a lot to do with it," Kolluri said. "And the low cost is a benefit that the taxpayers will enjoy."
The project attracting 12 bidders was the Egg Harbor Middle and Elementary School in Atlantic County, whose cost had been estimated at $17.9 million. Yesterday, the authority's board accepted a low bid of $15.2 million by Tamburro Bros. Construction Co. of Millville.
The board also approved awarding the low bid of $21 million by Chanree Construction Co. of Ortley Beach for the Morgan Village Middle School in Camden, a project whose cost had been estimated at $27.2 million.
Both the Egg Harbor school for 364 students and the Morgan Village school for 520 students are scheduled to open in September 2010.
Kolluri also said plans are proceeding to preserve either the full facade or just the tower portion of the 92-year-old Camden High School while building a new $110 million school behind it.
Saving only the tower would cost about $4 million, while restoring the entire facade would cost about $6 million, he said.
The board had held off last month approving a $21 million exterior renovation as part of a $120 million project to modernize the school after questions arose over whether it would be more cost effective to build a new school.
The iconic high school, known as the "castle on the hill," is regarded as an inspirational landmark overlooking the Parkside neighborhood southeast of downtown Camden.
So? Dust off the old K-12 school plans and let's see if it can be built for less money. Stop trying to cram kids into a school that was built for the 1950s and lets have a 21st century school that can accommodate everyone.
Taxpayers save on two school projects
Construction slump leads to cut-rate bids
Thursday, January 08, 2009
BY RUDY LARINI Star-Ledger Staff
The dismal economy does have its bright spots.
The New Jersey Schools Development Authority, the state agency responsible for school construction, is benefiting from a depressed construction market that will save taxpayers nearly $9 million to build two schools in South Jersey.
Eighteen bids were received for the two projects, including a dozen for one of the schools. James Poole, the authority's senior director for procurement and contract services, said the dozen bids was "unprecedented" for a project of that magnitude in his experience with the authority and its predecessor, the Schools Construction Corp.
Kris Kolluri, the authority's chief executive officer, attributed the high number of bidders to a "robust and competitive" construction industry in a depressed economy where residential and commercial development have slowed to a crawl.
"The market conditions have a lot to do with it," Kolluri said. "And the low cost is a benefit that the taxpayers will enjoy."
The project attracting 12 bidders was the Egg Harbor Middle and Elementary School in Atlantic County, whose cost had been estimated at $17.9 million. Yesterday, the authority's board accepted a low bid of $15.2 million by Tamburro Bros. Construction Co. of Millville.
The board also approved awarding the low bid of $21 million by Chanree Construction Co. of Ortley Beach for the Morgan Village Middle School in Camden, a project whose cost had been estimated at $27.2 million.
Both the Egg Harbor school for 364 students and the Morgan Village school for 520 students are scheduled to open in September 2010.
Kolluri also said plans are proceeding to preserve either the full facade or just the tower portion of the 92-year-old Camden High School while building a new $110 million school behind it.
Saving only the tower would cost about $4 million, while restoring the entire facade would cost about $6 million, he said.
The board had held off last month approving a $21 million exterior renovation as part of a $120 million project to modernize the school after questions arose over whether it would be more cost effective to build a new school.
The iconic high school, known as the "castle on the hill," is regarded as an inspirational landmark overlooking the Parkside neighborhood southeast of downtown Camden.
Three Minute Rule Ended
From the BCCT.
I always figured that the eventual successor to the Emperor would end the three minute rule and pry the beeping egg timer from Marlys' hands. It looks like a simple lawsuit fixes it.
New policy ends limit on public comment
By: DANNY ADLER
There will be no time limit on public comment at Northampton's board of supervisors meetings.
And, certainly, there was no time limit in Bucks County court Thursday, as township officials took hours to reach an agreement of sorts.
Bucks County Judge John J. Rufe continued a hearing for one year on a lawsuit filed by Northampton resident and attorney Marvin Gold after the township supervisors agreed to the new board chairman's prohibition on time limits at public meetings.
Gold filed the suit in November after the supervisors' former chairman imposed a three-minute speaking limit on the public. Gold claimed the move was used as "a gag order" on residents with opposing opinions and violated the state's Sunshine Act.
Other residents also have wondered about the rule's freedom-of-speech implications.
After being appointed supervisors chairman Monday, Vincent J. Deon said he would do away with the time limit, barring "extreme circumstances" when there are a large number of residents who want to speak at a single meeting.
The rule was first imposed in September by Supervisor George Komelasky to prevent meetings from going into the wee hours of the morning and to ensure the township conducted all its business. Komelasky was inconsistent in enforcing the time limits during meetings, sometimes letting residents speak longer when fewer people wanted the microphone.
The judge ordered the three supervisors at the courthouse Thursday to get the other two supervisors on the phone and come to some sort of compromise, Gold said. After a two-hour conference call of the supervisors, township solicitor Joe Pizzo said the board agreed to Deon's policy.
"Chairman Deon announced that a policy that had previously been in place under the prior board chairman restricting public comment to three minutes was being lifted. He's doing that on his own volition and it's going to be his policy," Pizzo told the judge.
"It's a 100 percent victory," Gold said outside the courtroom. "All I was seeking was the right to speak for a reasonable amount of time."
Pizzo, though, claimed the case was a moot point "because there's no more time limits." He also noted that he disagrees that a three-minute rule violates the Sunshine Act.
Supervisors Frank Rothermel and Jim Cunningham were also on hand supporting Gold's case. "I'm pleased that reason prevailed," Rothermel said.
Township resident Ed Bailey, a regular at the board of supervisors meetings, was happy.
"I think the outcome is clear and just," he said. "The meetings should go as long as they have to."
The lawsuit stems, in part, from the Sept. 24 supervisors meeting where the limit was put into place.
I always figured that the eventual successor to the Emperor would end the three minute rule and pry the beeping egg timer from Marlys' hands. It looks like a simple lawsuit fixes it.
New policy ends limit on public comment
By: DANNY ADLER
There will be no time limit on public comment at Northampton's board of supervisors meetings.
And, certainly, there was no time limit in Bucks County court Thursday, as township officials took hours to reach an agreement of sorts.
Bucks County Judge John J. Rufe continued a hearing for one year on a lawsuit filed by Northampton resident and attorney Marvin Gold after the township supervisors agreed to the new board chairman's prohibition on time limits at public meetings.
Gold filed the suit in November after the supervisors' former chairman imposed a three-minute speaking limit on the public. Gold claimed the move was used as "a gag order" on residents with opposing opinions and violated the state's Sunshine Act.
Other residents also have wondered about the rule's freedom-of-speech implications.
After being appointed supervisors chairman Monday, Vincent J. Deon said he would do away with the time limit, barring "extreme circumstances" when there are a large number of residents who want to speak at a single meeting.
The rule was first imposed in September by Supervisor George Komelasky to prevent meetings from going into the wee hours of the morning and to ensure the township conducted all its business. Komelasky was inconsistent in enforcing the time limits during meetings, sometimes letting residents speak longer when fewer people wanted the microphone.
The judge ordered the three supervisors at the courthouse Thursday to get the other two supervisors on the phone and come to some sort of compromise, Gold said. After a two-hour conference call of the supervisors, township solicitor Joe Pizzo said the board agreed to Deon's policy.
"Chairman Deon announced that a policy that had previously been in place under the prior board chairman restricting public comment to three minutes was being lifted. He's doing that on his own volition and it's going to be his policy," Pizzo told the judge.
"It's a 100 percent victory," Gold said outside the courtroom. "All I was seeking was the right to speak for a reasonable amount of time."
Pizzo, though, claimed the case was a moot point "because there's no more time limits." He also noted that he disagrees that a three-minute rule violates the Sunshine Act.
Supervisors Frank Rothermel and Jim Cunningham were also on hand supporting Gold's case. "I'm pleased that reason prevailed," Rothermel said.
Township resident Ed Bailey, a regular at the board of supervisors meetings, was happy.
"I think the outcome is clear and just," he said. "The meetings should go as long as they have to."
The lawsuit stems, in part, from the Sept. 24 supervisors meeting where the limit was put into place.
Gravy Train: Can We Have $30 Million?
From pennlive.com and the Patriot News
If the city of Harrisburg can get into the handout line, what's to stop Morrisville?
Dear president-elect: Please send Harrisburg $96 billion
by JOHN LUCIEW, The Patriot-News, Thursday January 08, 2009, 6:24 PM
Harrisburg wants a $700 million slice of President-elect Barack Obama's estimated $1 trillion stimulus package, soon to be debated in Washington, D.C.
Harrisburg Mayor Stephen R. Reed said this week that he has compiled a laundry list of more than 30 "shovel ready" projects that could be funded under Obama's plan that is expected to be heavy on infrastructure development. "We're very hopeful," Reed said.
Reed said he submitted Harrisburg's wish list as part of a larger list compiled by some 640 cities by the United States Conference of Mayors. All told, the mayor's group put in for $96 billion to fund some 15,200 local infrastructure projects.
Among the Harrisburg highlights: $7.2 million for repaving of 75 streets, $3.1 million to hire 50 new police officers, $62 million to upgrade the William Penn high school campus, $2 million for bus stops with LED signs, and a whopping $98 million for the so-called southern gateway project at Paxton and Second streets. The mayor also seeks $22 million for the city's two downtown hotel proposals.
Reed said he doesn't expect to receive funding for all the project, but he said he'd like to see whatever money does come go directly to the city, instead of being funneled through the state.
If the city of Harrisburg can get into the handout line, what's to stop Morrisville?
Dear president-elect: Please send Harrisburg $96 billion
by JOHN LUCIEW, The Patriot-News, Thursday January 08, 2009, 6:24 PM
Harrisburg wants a $700 million slice of President-elect Barack Obama's estimated $1 trillion stimulus package, soon to be debated in Washington, D.C.
Harrisburg Mayor Stephen R. Reed said this week that he has compiled a laundry list of more than 30 "shovel ready" projects that could be funded under Obama's plan that is expected to be heavy on infrastructure development. "We're very hopeful," Reed said.
Reed said he submitted Harrisburg's wish list as part of a larger list compiled by some 640 cities by the United States Conference of Mayors. All told, the mayor's group put in for $96 billion to fund some 15,200 local infrastructure projects.
Among the Harrisburg highlights: $7.2 million for repaving of 75 streets, $3.1 million to hire 50 new police officers, $62 million to upgrade the William Penn high school campus, $2 million for bus stops with LED signs, and a whopping $98 million for the so-called southern gateway project at Paxton and Second streets. The mayor also seeks $22 million for the city's two downtown hotel proposals.
Reed said he doesn't expect to receive funding for all the project, but he said he'd like to see whatever money does come go directly to the city, instead of being funneled through the state.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Is the 3-Minute Rule Illegal?
From the BCCT.
Any lawyers out there want to test the Morrisville school district's legal budget?
Democratic supervisors back lawsuit on time limits for comment
DANNY ADLER
The Democratic supervisors in Northampton said they will support an attorney suing the township and the board of supervisors for imposing time limits on public comment at the board's meetings.
A lawsuit filed by township resident and attorney Marvin Gold will go before Bucks County Judge John J. Rufe in Doylestown at 9:30 a.m. today. Gold wants an injunction to stop the supervisors from imposing time limits on public comment at their meetings.
Supervisor Jim Cunningham said in a statement via e-mail Wednesday that he opposes the former chairman's "unilaterally imposed 3-minute rule limiting public comment at the meetings. I will lend my support to Mr. Gold in securing relief from this limit on free speech for our citizens."
When the rule was imposed in September, Cunningham told the newspaper that the time limit "in and of itself is not an unreasonable thing," but criticized the board for changing rules in mid-stream.
Republican Supervisor George Komelasky, who was chairman of the board when the time limit was first imposed, said the limit was a way to stop meetings from going into the wee hours of the morning and to ensure the township conducted all its business.
Frank Rothermel, the other Democrat, claimed the limit was used to "squelch valid public concerns."
In the complaint filed in November, Gold claimed a three-minute time limit violates the state's Sunshine Act by not allowing a reasonable amount of time to speak at public meetings. He called it a "gag order on residents + with competing opinions."
When appointed supervisors' chairman Monday night, Vincent J. Deon said he would impose a time limit "only under extreme circumstances, such as those when an overabundance of citizens" want to talk during a single meeting.
No time limit was issued during Monday's three-hour meeting, the first of 2009.
Any lawyers out there want to test the Morrisville school district's legal budget?
Democratic supervisors back lawsuit on time limits for comment
DANNY ADLER
The Democratic supervisors in Northampton said they will support an attorney suing the township and the board of supervisors for imposing time limits on public comment at the board's meetings.
A lawsuit filed by township resident and attorney Marvin Gold will go before Bucks County Judge John J. Rufe in Doylestown at 9:30 a.m. today. Gold wants an injunction to stop the supervisors from imposing time limits on public comment at their meetings.
Supervisor Jim Cunningham said in a statement via e-mail Wednesday that he opposes the former chairman's "unilaterally imposed 3-minute rule limiting public comment at the meetings. I will lend my support to Mr. Gold in securing relief from this limit on free speech for our citizens."
When the rule was imposed in September, Cunningham told the newspaper that the time limit "in and of itself is not an unreasonable thing," but criticized the board for changing rules in mid-stream.
Republican Supervisor George Komelasky, who was chairman of the board when the time limit was first imposed, said the limit was a way to stop meetings from going into the wee hours of the morning and to ensure the township conducted all its business.
Frank Rothermel, the other Democrat, claimed the limit was used to "squelch valid public concerns."
In the complaint filed in November, Gold claimed a three-minute time limit violates the state's Sunshine Act by not allowing a reasonable amount of time to speak at public meetings. He called it a "gag order on residents + with competing opinions."
When appointed supervisors' chairman Monday night, Vincent J. Deon said he would impose a time limit "only under extreme circumstances, such as those when an overabundance of citizens" want to talk during a single meeting.
No time limit was issued during Monday's three-hour meeting, the first of 2009.
"Make the time for your kid. Get out there!"
From the BCCT.
"Make the time for your kid. Get out there and find out what's going on," I've been asking that for a very long time. These yahoos with their back room deals wouldn't be able to remain if more parents came out to see who is running the education of their children.
"During the summer, the administration will spend some time to determine a longer-range plan..." This is a long haul, folks. We have been waiting over a year now for the stop the school people to tell us what's next. When we fold this little emergency into the mix, not only is it the Emperor's Christmas present (antiChrist-mas present perhaps?), but the temporary work around solutions become more and more the daily reality: One K-12 school.
Did you ever notice that EVERYTHING the stop the school people campaigned against is exactly what they have done? Yet there's so sense of embarrassment from any one of them.
Modular classrooms should be ready next month
By: MANASEE WAGH
A public hearing will take place Jan. 29 to discuss closing M.R. Reiter Elementary School permanently.
Displaced Morrisville students should be attending school in modular classrooms and other district locations by Feb. 2. A school furnace explosion forced them out of their classrooms.
Since Dec. 17, the M.R. Reiter Elementary School emergency compelled the district to place more than 250 students in the middle/high school, the Morrisville YMCA and Grandview Elementary School. They have been there since Dec. 17, but those locations were meant for very short-term use.
Nobody was hurt in the late night explosion.
Paul d'Angelo, the district's business administrator, said the eight modular classrooms should be in place outside Grandview Elementary School by Jan. 23. Part of the delay between getting the classrooms and using them is due to two teacher in-service days at the end of this month, he said.
As of Feb. 2, the district plans to place the first and second grades in the modular classrooms. Kindergarten, third and fourth grades will attend classes in Grandview. Pre-K students are still in the nearby YMCA and may remain there, said d'Angelo. Fifth-grade students will go to the high school. Young children in the high school are kept separate from the older kids, Superintendent Elizabeth Yonson said when Reiter students initially were placed at the high school.
Insurance on Reiter is paying for the $433,472 cost to deliver, rent and operate the classrooms. Each will include its own restroom and be surrounded by a fence for added safety, Yonson said at a Monday meeting to approve them.
"It's a plan for the rest of the school year," d'Angelo said. "During the summer, the administration will spend some time to determine a longer-range plan. We're not looking for the kids to be in the modulars long-term."
But Greta O'Keefe, the parent of a Reiter second-grader, believes the students may be stuck with their temporary placements much longer. "I see it as them leaving this as a permanent situation. I don't see this board majority as fixing anything," she said.
O'Keefe said that her son's education has been stripped down to math worksheets and spelling. Other parents also said their children's regular lessons have been suffering since their displacement.
The problem is that teachers aren't allowed to enter Reiter to retrieve lesson materials while the school is being cleaned of carbon dust left behind by the explosion.
Tim Lastichen, director of facilities, said the district started getting teaching materials to Reiter instructors Wednesday. The pre-K teachers should get their materials today, he said.
Once a thorough cleaning is done, the school will undergo tests to detect toxic substances, Lastichen said. Reiter's insurance company is paying for the cleaning and tests.
Insurance will also cover an engineer's evaluation of the heating system. Until then, the district won't know if the system is salvageable, Lastichen said.
Both O'Keefe and board member Joseph Kemp would like to see the board plan renovations of the high school so it can house all grades.
That plan would have to start with a public referendum and would likely involve substantial renovations to keep elementary, middle and high school students separate, said Kemp, the parent of a Reiter second-grader.
"What I hope for in at least the next couple of years is that the board will decide to keep Grandview open, and we can update some systems there," he said. "I could certainly live with modulars there for a couple years. If it's feasible and we do move everyone into the high school, we'll have time to do it right."
In the meantime, the district may sell Reiter.
It's in worse shape than the district's other elementary school and its middle/senior high school. The board has scheduled a public hearing on Jan. 29 for community input about possibly closing Reiter permanently.
"I hope they shut Reiter down," said O'Keefe. "I think it's a piece of crap. They should be renovating the high school."
A former school board member, O'Keefe said she is shocked at how few parents attend school board meetings.
"Make the time for your kid. Get out there and find out what's going on," she advised.
The board has to wait 90 days after the hearing before it can make a decision about closing down the school, according to school code.
Kemp hopes the Reiter property in the residential district of Grandview Avenue near Palmer Street is sold to a housing developer.
Penn-Jersey Real Properties, a local real estate developer, approached the district about building 20 town homes on the Reiter property after the previous board decided to build a brand new school housing all grades, said Kemp. The new board majority canceled that plan to stop rising taxes.
Kemp thinks the board should approach the developer again and entertain "any and all" offers.
"That would help not only the district but the town," he said. "We just don't have enough taxpayers."
"Make the time for your kid. Get out there and find out what's going on," I've been asking that for a very long time. These yahoos with their back room deals wouldn't be able to remain if more parents came out to see who is running the education of their children.
"During the summer, the administration will spend some time to determine a longer-range plan..." This is a long haul, folks. We have been waiting over a year now for the stop the school people to tell us what's next. When we fold this little emergency into the mix, not only is it the Emperor's Christmas present (antiChrist-mas present perhaps?), but the temporary work around solutions become more and more the daily reality: One K-12 school.
Did you ever notice that EVERYTHING the stop the school people campaigned against is exactly what they have done? Yet there's so sense of embarrassment from any one of them.
Modular classrooms should be ready next month
By: MANASEE WAGH
A public hearing will take place Jan. 29 to discuss closing M.R. Reiter Elementary School permanently.
Displaced Morrisville students should be attending school in modular classrooms and other district locations by Feb. 2. A school furnace explosion forced them out of their classrooms.
Since Dec. 17, the M.R. Reiter Elementary School emergency compelled the district to place more than 250 students in the middle/high school, the Morrisville YMCA and Grandview Elementary School. They have been there since Dec. 17, but those locations were meant for very short-term use.
Nobody was hurt in the late night explosion.
Paul d'Angelo, the district's business administrator, said the eight modular classrooms should be in place outside Grandview Elementary School by Jan. 23. Part of the delay between getting the classrooms and using them is due to two teacher in-service days at the end of this month, he said.
As of Feb. 2, the district plans to place the first and second grades in the modular classrooms. Kindergarten, third and fourth grades will attend classes in Grandview. Pre-K students are still in the nearby YMCA and may remain there, said d'Angelo. Fifth-grade students will go to the high school. Young children in the high school are kept separate from the older kids, Superintendent Elizabeth Yonson said when Reiter students initially were placed at the high school.
Insurance on Reiter is paying for the $433,472 cost to deliver, rent and operate the classrooms. Each will include its own restroom and be surrounded by a fence for added safety, Yonson said at a Monday meeting to approve them.
"It's a plan for the rest of the school year," d'Angelo said. "During the summer, the administration will spend some time to determine a longer-range plan. We're not looking for the kids to be in the modulars long-term."
But Greta O'Keefe, the parent of a Reiter second-grader, believes the students may be stuck with their temporary placements much longer. "I see it as them leaving this as a permanent situation. I don't see this board majority as fixing anything," she said.
O'Keefe said that her son's education has been stripped down to math worksheets and spelling. Other parents also said their children's regular lessons have been suffering since their displacement.
The problem is that teachers aren't allowed to enter Reiter to retrieve lesson materials while the school is being cleaned of carbon dust left behind by the explosion.
Tim Lastichen, director of facilities, said the district started getting teaching materials to Reiter instructors Wednesday. The pre-K teachers should get their materials today, he said.
Once a thorough cleaning is done, the school will undergo tests to detect toxic substances, Lastichen said. Reiter's insurance company is paying for the cleaning and tests.
Insurance will also cover an engineer's evaluation of the heating system. Until then, the district won't know if the system is salvageable, Lastichen said.
Both O'Keefe and board member Joseph Kemp would like to see the board plan renovations of the high school so it can house all grades.
That plan would have to start with a public referendum and would likely involve substantial renovations to keep elementary, middle and high school students separate, said Kemp, the parent of a Reiter second-grader.
"What I hope for in at least the next couple of years is that the board will decide to keep Grandview open, and we can update some systems there," he said. "I could certainly live with modulars there for a couple years. If it's feasible and we do move everyone into the high school, we'll have time to do it right."
In the meantime, the district may sell Reiter.
It's in worse shape than the district's other elementary school and its middle/senior high school. The board has scheduled a public hearing on Jan. 29 for community input about possibly closing Reiter permanently.
"I hope they shut Reiter down," said O'Keefe. "I think it's a piece of crap. They should be renovating the high school."
A former school board member, O'Keefe said she is shocked at how few parents attend school board meetings.
"Make the time for your kid. Get out there and find out what's going on," she advised.
The board has to wait 90 days after the hearing before it can make a decision about closing down the school, according to school code.
Kemp hopes the Reiter property in the residential district of Grandview Avenue near Palmer Street is sold to a housing developer.
Penn-Jersey Real Properties, a local real estate developer, approached the district about building 20 town homes on the Reiter property after the previous board decided to build a brand new school housing all grades, said Kemp. The new board majority canceled that plan to stop rising taxes.
Kemp thinks the board should approach the developer again and entertain "any and all" offers.
"That would help not only the district but the town," he said. "We just don't have enough taxpayers."
Official Harassment
From the BCCT.
So does the same go for harassed and bullied school board members?
Councilman claims harassment by officials
GEMA MARIA DUARTE
Bristol Councilman Jim Lutz has asked the District Attorney’s Office to look into whether the council president and borough manager abused their power to harass him.
“An abuse of power,” Lutz said in his letter of complaint dated Dec. 29. “Are these individuals using their office to harass me personally? Intimidation! Is this an attempt to keep me in line? To get me to back off of positions I’ve taken? Legally — are they giving residents legal advice? The tenants lost their case, any repercussions for the borough?”
The tenants the councilman is referring to are Denise Tomazos and Kevin Smith, who filed a complaint against Lutz in District Court before getting direction from council President Ralph DiGuiseppe and Manager James Dillon. A second complaint was filed after they sought the borough’s help.
Lutz refused to comment on the letter until it was reviewed by his lawyer, James Downey of Begley, Carlin & Mandio. The paper was unsuccessful in reaching District Attorney Michelle Henry on Tuesday for comment.
DiGuiseppe said he was doing his job when he told the pair they had the right to file a complaint to stop Lutz from evicting them for back rent. They said they withheld about $2,300 in rent money because the landlord hadn’t reimbursed them for fixing up the rental.
“If someone comes to the borough (with an issue) and if it’s not a borough issue, that person has the right to file a civil lawsuit,” DiGuiseppe said. “My job is to help people living in the borough. I didn’t file it. I didn’t give them the money to file. My job is to inform the public of their rights. It doesn’t matter whether it’s against Lutz or whoever.”
“This is similar to his last erroneous accusations made prior to the last election,” Dillon said. “He is attempting to use the District Attorney’s Office for his political gain. I have given the same advice to other residents who feel they have received improper treatment from their landlords.”
Tomazos and Smith each filed a complaint in district court concerning costs they put out for the refurbishment of the house they rented. Tomazos’s focused on the cost of materials; Smith’s for labor costs. Both complaints asked to stop the eviction. Peranteau dismissed the complaints, but the couple appealed to county court.
So does the same go for harassed and bullied school board members?
Councilman claims harassment by officials
GEMA MARIA DUARTE
Bristol Councilman Jim Lutz has asked the District Attorney’s Office to look into whether the council president and borough manager abused their power to harass him.
“An abuse of power,” Lutz said in his letter of complaint dated Dec. 29. “Are these individuals using their office to harass me personally? Intimidation! Is this an attempt to keep me in line? To get me to back off of positions I’ve taken? Legally — are they giving residents legal advice? The tenants lost their case, any repercussions for the borough?”
The tenants the councilman is referring to are Denise Tomazos and Kevin Smith, who filed a complaint against Lutz in District Court before getting direction from council President Ralph DiGuiseppe and Manager James Dillon. A second complaint was filed after they sought the borough’s help.
Lutz refused to comment on the letter until it was reviewed by his lawyer, James Downey of Begley, Carlin & Mandio. The paper was unsuccessful in reaching District Attorney Michelle Henry on Tuesday for comment.
DiGuiseppe said he was doing his job when he told the pair they had the right to file a complaint to stop Lutz from evicting them for back rent. They said they withheld about $2,300 in rent money because the landlord hadn’t reimbursed them for fixing up the rental.
“If someone comes to the borough (with an issue) and if it’s not a borough issue, that person has the right to file a civil lawsuit,” DiGuiseppe said. “My job is to help people living in the borough. I didn’t file it. I didn’t give them the money to file. My job is to inform the public of their rights. It doesn’t matter whether it’s against Lutz or whoever.”
“This is similar to his last erroneous accusations made prior to the last election,” Dillon said. “He is attempting to use the District Attorney’s Office for his political gain. I have given the same advice to other residents who feel they have received improper treatment from their landlords.”
Tomazos and Smith each filed a complaint in district court concerning costs they put out for the refurbishment of the house they rented. Tomazos’s focused on the cost of materials; Smith’s for labor costs. Both complaints asked to stop the eviction. Peranteau dismissed the complaints, but the couple appealed to county court.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
Decorum and Civility: They're More than Words in the Dictionary
From the BCCT.
I'm told that Monday's special meeting of the board of chosen accomplices started with a statement that "public comment is welcomed" and that it only took a few minutes before the Emperor was bashing the speakers and the speakers were bashing right back.
There were a few calls for civility in the midst of the emergency, but the personalities populating the polarities of the situation seem to have already been determined and are digging in for a long haul.
The "new" board, now a year old, had a chance for such a fresh start and immediately began with the concealment of information, the now emerging email chains of back room deals. Hoping for change from the current board is like hoping the scorpion won't sting the frog. Fat chance: it's the scorpion's nature.
If you are unhappy with the way things are working in Morrisville, the time to step in is NOW. The filing deadline for candidates for the May primary is only a few short weeks away. Several seats will be open on both the board of education and the borough council.
Vote out those who can't be trusted. Bring in the people who will work for the future.
New supervisors chairman calls for civility, decorum
By: DANNY ADLER
Vincent Deon, Northampton's freshly appointed supervisors chairman, called for "civility and decorum" during public meetings in the new year. However, Monday's reorganization meeting was marked with the increasingly common sparring and heckling that's seeped its way into town hall over the past year.
"We need to do the people's business without all of the bickering and political infighting that's infiltrated the meetings in the past year," Deon said. "The residents of this township deserve better and we must deliver."
That might be easier said than done.
During the three-hour meeting, board members raised their voices and interrupted one another. At one point, Supervisor Frank Rothermel, a Democrat, mimicked Republican Supervisor George Komelasky as he spoke and chopped his hand on the dais.
Komelasky had suggested that both Rothermel and his fellow Democratic supervisor, Jim Cunningham, resign from the board. And Deon asked Cunningham to watch his language after saying "goddamn" during the televised meeting. ("I'm sorry, I offer it up as a prayer of patience," Cunningham responded.)
Deon had even asked one audience member to leave the meeting after he was heckled. Apparently, Deon spoke with the resident during a brief recess and he was not forced to leave.
There were accusations of supervisors putting out half-truths and inaccuracies, cronyism, mud-slinging and smear tactics.
One resident, Marvin Gold, likened the board to the deserted schoolboys in William Golding's novel "Lord of the Flies," suggesting the Republicans are "bullies" who "are afraid to discuss issues."
"I'm disappointed, I'm saddened, I'm embarrassed, I'm frustrated," Gold said, "+ I thought you men were better than this. I thought eventually you'd come to your senses. I thought eventually you'd stop pissing on the public, but I see tonight's not quite that night, not just yet."
"We're not bullies," Deon said Tuesday. "I invite the discourse."
Republicans criticized Rothermel for his heavy emphasis on issues relating to the Northampton Bucks County Municipal Authority - with both the controversial $11.5 million west end sewer expansion plan and a lawsuit involving the Richboro Shopping Center - and for "running a political campaign" at the township's meetings.
"I think business needs to be conducted as business for the citizens, not for the politicians," said resident James Kinney, a Republican committeeman who served as a supervisor for 24 years.
Rothermel dismissed the criticism Tuesday afternoon. "We're trying to change politics as normal in Northampton," he said.
The supervisors also clashed on some key appointments during the reorganization meeting.
Appointments for supervisors' chairman, vice chairman, township solicitor and vacancy board chairman were split along party lines. Others, such as those to the township's municipal authority, were on the agenda but never brought up for a vote.
Rothermel wanted the board to "put a good foot forward" and work towards bipartisanship by appointing Cunningham as vice chairman after Deon was appointed chairman. Ultimately, Republican John Long Jr. was appointed vice chairman. Komelasky said it wasn't a partisan issue and he had confidence in Long's leadership.
The Republicans reappointed solicitor Ed Rudolph. The Democrats opposed the reappointment, with Rothermel saying he wanted an independent solicitor because Rudolph also serves as the municipal authority's solicitor.
Republicans also appointed Robert Borkowski, secretary of the local GOP committee, as the vacancy board chairman. The Democrats voted against it.
Cunningham said: "2009's getting off to a bang-up start."
"All in all, I think things went pretty well this evening," Deon said at the end of the meeting, getting a roomful of laughs from the crowd. "Clearly, we have a lot to work on on this board."
I'm told that Monday's special meeting of the board of chosen accomplices started with a statement that "public comment is welcomed" and that it only took a few minutes before the Emperor was bashing the speakers and the speakers were bashing right back.
There were a few calls for civility in the midst of the emergency, but the personalities populating the polarities of the situation seem to have already been determined and are digging in for a long haul.
The "new" board, now a year old, had a chance for such a fresh start and immediately began with the concealment of information, the now emerging email chains of back room deals. Hoping for change from the current board is like hoping the scorpion won't sting the frog. Fat chance: it's the scorpion's nature.
If you are unhappy with the way things are working in Morrisville, the time to step in is NOW. The filing deadline for candidates for the May primary is only a few short weeks away. Several seats will be open on both the board of education and the borough council.
Vote out those who can't be trusted. Bring in the people who will work for the future.
New supervisors chairman calls for civility, decorum
By: DANNY ADLER
Vincent Deon, Northampton's freshly appointed supervisors chairman, called for "civility and decorum" during public meetings in the new year. However, Monday's reorganization meeting was marked with the increasingly common sparring and heckling that's seeped its way into town hall over the past year.
"We need to do the people's business without all of the bickering and political infighting that's infiltrated the meetings in the past year," Deon said. "The residents of this township deserve better and we must deliver."
That might be easier said than done.
During the three-hour meeting, board members raised their voices and interrupted one another. At one point, Supervisor Frank Rothermel, a Democrat, mimicked Republican Supervisor George Komelasky as he spoke and chopped his hand on the dais.
Komelasky had suggested that both Rothermel and his fellow Democratic supervisor, Jim Cunningham, resign from the board. And Deon asked Cunningham to watch his language after saying "goddamn" during the televised meeting. ("I'm sorry, I offer it up as a prayer of patience," Cunningham responded.)
Deon had even asked one audience member to leave the meeting after he was heckled. Apparently, Deon spoke with the resident during a brief recess and he was not forced to leave.
There were accusations of supervisors putting out half-truths and inaccuracies, cronyism, mud-slinging and smear tactics.
One resident, Marvin Gold, likened the board to the deserted schoolboys in William Golding's novel "Lord of the Flies," suggesting the Republicans are "bullies" who "are afraid to discuss issues."
"I'm disappointed, I'm saddened, I'm embarrassed, I'm frustrated," Gold said, "+ I thought you men were better than this. I thought eventually you'd come to your senses. I thought eventually you'd stop pissing on the public, but I see tonight's not quite that night, not just yet."
"We're not bullies," Deon said Tuesday. "I invite the discourse."
Republicans criticized Rothermel for his heavy emphasis on issues relating to the Northampton Bucks County Municipal Authority - with both the controversial $11.5 million west end sewer expansion plan and a lawsuit involving the Richboro Shopping Center - and for "running a political campaign" at the township's meetings.
"I think business needs to be conducted as business for the citizens, not for the politicians," said resident James Kinney, a Republican committeeman who served as a supervisor for 24 years.
Rothermel dismissed the criticism Tuesday afternoon. "We're trying to change politics as normal in Northampton," he said.
The supervisors also clashed on some key appointments during the reorganization meeting.
Appointments for supervisors' chairman, vice chairman, township solicitor and vacancy board chairman were split along party lines. Others, such as those to the township's municipal authority, were on the agenda but never brought up for a vote.
Rothermel wanted the board to "put a good foot forward" and work towards bipartisanship by appointing Cunningham as vice chairman after Deon was appointed chairman. Ultimately, Republican John Long Jr. was appointed vice chairman. Komelasky said it wasn't a partisan issue and he had confidence in Long's leadership.
The Republicans reappointed solicitor Ed Rudolph. The Democrats opposed the reappointment, with Rothermel saying he wanted an independent solicitor because Rudolph also serves as the municipal authority's solicitor.
Republicans also appointed Robert Borkowski, secretary of the local GOP committee, as the vacancy board chairman. The Democrats voted against it.
Cunningham said: "2009's getting off to a bang-up start."
"All in all, I think things went pretty well this evening," Deon said at the end of the meeting, getting a roomful of laughs from the crowd. "Clearly, we have a lot to work on on this board."
SEPTA and Morrisville
From the BCCT.The story mentions the $25,000 portion of the grant that Morrisville needs to come up with. I received an email that reported a Borough Council Member has previously applied for another transportation-oriented grant of approx. $42,000. At this point in time, there's no information available that grant was approved or not.
This is wonderful news! I have no idea who the council member is, but the idea that we could potentially already have most of the pieces in place to move this study along is great. A portion of the grant could be used to cover most of the $25,000 that Morrisville needs to provide.
I've called the borough council a do-nothing group intent on allow Morrisville to stagnate and fail. Here's a sign that at least one forward thinking council member is out there.
Planner to discuss transit ideas for borough
By: DANNY ADLER
SEPTA has no long-term plans to create a stop in Morrisville.
A professional planner will meet with Morrisville's economic development corporation this week about a possible study aimed at creating a transit-oriented borough.
The vision is to use mass transit and the borough's walkability as a catalyst for redevelopment.
Brian Miller, of the Miller Design Group in Newtown Township, will meet with the corporation at 7 p.m. Thursday at borough hall, 35 Union St. The meeting is open to the public.
Proponents say a new train station along SEPTA's R7 rail line is vital to the "transit revitalization investment district." Morrisville had a train station that was discontinued in the 1960s.
SEPTA spokesman Felipe Suarez said the transportation authority has no long-term plans to create a stop in Morrisville.
A Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development grant is available to help pay for the study. The DCED could give up to $75,000, with a local match of up to $25,000.
Steve Amend, chairman of the borough economic development corporation, said a transit-oriented plan would attract developers to Morrisville, which for years has sought to revitalize.
Miller has created plans for other Lower Bucks towns.
He presented Penndel's Renaissance Plan in September 2007. It called for a hotel, supermarket, drugstore, office space, amphitheater, art studios, apartments and acres of open space.
The new Croydon plan for Bristol Township, presented in November 2007, called for office parks, outdoor theaters, a 17-acre environmental center and a multi-story transit center, eight marinas, a skate park and hundreds of acres of existing homes cleared for open space.
Penndel and Bristol Township officials haven't taken concrete steps to implement the plans.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Bensalem Band Gets Lessons From Experts
From the BCCT.
Musicians to get lessons from experts
By: JOAN HELLYER
About 100 Bensalem students have signed up to take part in "An Evening of Master Classes."
Pawel Bogdanowicz believes musicians, just by their nature, are constantly looking for ways to improve.
"We're always striving for perfection," said Pawel, 17, a trumpet player in the Bensalem High School band.
That's why the high school senior said he's looking forward to Jan. 14, when he and about 100 other Bensalem students will work with professional musicians, actors, teachers and college professors in free, performance-based workshops at the school off Hulmeville Road.
During "An Evening of Master Classes," clinicians will provide the students in third through 12th grade with an outside perspective on how to improve their techniques and delivery, organizers said.
"Something might click for you that didn't click before. That's what you are waiting for, that one bit of inspiration," Pawel said during a band rehearsal Monday afternoon.
High school instrumental music teacher Michael Drobish came up with the idea for the workshops after serving as a visiting clinician at a master class in the Centennial School District. The program is similar to fine arts workshops hosted by other area districts, he said.
The goal is to help students develop their talents to improve their performances and be better prepared for talent-type competitions against their peers, Drobish said.
"He cares," Bensalem senior Katie Schlenker, 17, said. "He wants us to all be better musicians."
Katie, an oboe player, hopes working with a college professor during the master class will help her build on her previous success in district band competition, where she was first chair in the oboe section last year.
The future music major said she also welcomes the opportunity to get a feel for what college will be like, since she expects to be working with a professor during the workshop.
"I think anyone who has an opportunity like this should take advantage of it," Katie said. "The [clinicians] are great performers. I hope everyone learns a lot."
Musicians to get lessons from experts
By: JOAN HELLYER
About 100 Bensalem students have signed up to take part in "An Evening of Master Classes."
Pawel Bogdanowicz believes musicians, just by their nature, are constantly looking for ways to improve.
"We're always striving for perfection," said Pawel, 17, a trumpet player in the Bensalem High School band.
That's why the high school senior said he's looking forward to Jan. 14, when he and about 100 other Bensalem students will work with professional musicians, actors, teachers and college professors in free, performance-based workshops at the school off Hulmeville Road.
During "An Evening of Master Classes," clinicians will provide the students in third through 12th grade with an outside perspective on how to improve their techniques and delivery, organizers said.
"Something might click for you that didn't click before. That's what you are waiting for, that one bit of inspiration," Pawel said during a band rehearsal Monday afternoon.
High school instrumental music teacher Michael Drobish came up with the idea for the workshops after serving as a visiting clinician at a master class in the Centennial School District. The program is similar to fine arts workshops hosted by other area districts, he said.
The goal is to help students develop their talents to improve their performances and be better prepared for talent-type competitions against their peers, Drobish said.
"He cares," Bensalem senior Katie Schlenker, 17, said. "He wants us to all be better musicians."
Katie, an oboe player, hopes working with a college professor during the master class will help her build on her previous success in district band competition, where she was first chair in the oboe section last year.
The future music major said she also welcomes the opportunity to get a feel for what college will be like, since she expects to be working with a professor during the workshop.
"I think anyone who has an opportunity like this should take advantage of it," Katie said. "The [clinicians] are great performers. I hope everyone learns a lot."
Special Meeting Recap: WE TOLD YOU SO
Did anyone attend the special meeting last night and want to add anything?
From the BCCT.
Modular classrooms approved for Reiter
By: REGIS D'ANGIOLINI
Parents in Morrisville were angry the boilers at the damaged school were allowed to fall into disrepair.
Tempers flared Monday night as the Morrisville school board approved modular classrooms for the displaced students of M.R. Reiter Elementary School.
The board unanimously approved eight modular classrooms on the property of Grandview Elementary School at a cost of $433,472. Board treasurer Brenda Worob was not in attendance.
The money for the classrooms will come from the insurance policy on M.R. Reiter Elementary School, which was heavily damaged by a boiler explosion Dec. 13. Students have since been housed at the Morrisville YMCA and the Morrisville Middle/Senior High school.
The modules, which will be rented from Mobilease Modular Space Inc. of Thorofare, N.J., will each include its own restroom and will be surrounded by a fence for added safety, according to Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Yonson.
"They look absolutely brand new," she said, explaining that they are less than five years old. "When you go in there, you will be amazed."
During public comment, some of the 50-plus parents in attendance were critical of the school board for not acting sooner on the repair and maintenance of Reiter as well as the district's two other schools.
"We told you so, we told you so, we told you so," said parent Joanna Manning. "You knew the furnaces were well past their life expectancy. Shame on you."
Board President Bill Hellmann said the board attempted to approve a "cursory" engineering study last year to pre-empt such a crisis, but it was voted down. One of the board members who voted against it, Robin Reithmeyer, said she did so because the district was ready to take action on repair and maintenance of the schools, and she did not see the point of another study.
"I did not want to vote for anything in a cursory report," she added, explaining that the report was a brief overview with no specifics.
Manning was also critical of the board approving temporary housing before a long-term plan to house the students is in place. A public hearing on whether to permanently closer Reiter will be held Jan. 14.
From the BCCT.
Modular classrooms approved for Reiter
By: REGIS D'ANGIOLINI
Parents in Morrisville were angry the boilers at the damaged school were allowed to fall into disrepair.
Tempers flared Monday night as the Morrisville school board approved modular classrooms for the displaced students of M.R. Reiter Elementary School.
The board unanimously approved eight modular classrooms on the property of Grandview Elementary School at a cost of $433,472. Board treasurer Brenda Worob was not in attendance.
The money for the classrooms will come from the insurance policy on M.R. Reiter Elementary School, which was heavily damaged by a boiler explosion Dec. 13. Students have since been housed at the Morrisville YMCA and the Morrisville Middle/Senior High school.
The modules, which will be rented from Mobilease Modular Space Inc. of Thorofare, N.J., will each include its own restroom and will be surrounded by a fence for added safety, according to Superintendent Dr. Elizabeth Yonson.
"They look absolutely brand new," she said, explaining that they are less than five years old. "When you go in there, you will be amazed."
During public comment, some of the 50-plus parents in attendance were critical of the school board for not acting sooner on the repair and maintenance of Reiter as well as the district's two other schools.
"We told you so, we told you so, we told you so," said parent Joanna Manning. "You knew the furnaces were well past their life expectancy. Shame on you."
Board President Bill Hellmann said the board attempted to approve a "cursory" engineering study last year to pre-empt such a crisis, but it was voted down. One of the board members who voted against it, Robin Reithmeyer, said she did so because the district was ready to take action on repair and maintenance of the schools, and she did not see the point of another study.
"I did not want to vote for anything in a cursory report," she added, explaining that the report was a brief overview with no specifics.
Manning was also critical of the board approving temporary housing before a long-term plan to house the students is in place. A public hearing on whether to permanently closer Reiter will be held Jan. 14.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Does This Train Stop In Morrisville?
Do you want the answer to be "YES"? Then here's another way that we can get behind a renaissance in Morrisville. Keep this Thursday night open.
*** ATTENTION ***
ALL MORRISVILLE RESIDENTS / BUSINESS OWNERS / REALTORS / COMMUTERS
YOU ARE INVITED TO A SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING HOSTED BY THE MORRISVILLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (M.E.D.C.)
“A TRANSIT REVITALIZATION INVESTMENT DISTRICT (T.R.I.D.) STUDY FOR MORRISVILLE BOROUGH”
WHEN: THURSDAY JANUARY 8TH 2009 @ 7:00 P.M.
WHERE: MORRISVILLE BOROUGH HALL
T.R.I.D. IS FUNDED IN PART BY A SPECIAL STATE GOVERNMENT-SPONSORED GRANT PROGRAM CREATED TO IDENTIFY FUTURE LAND USE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SCENARIOS FOR PROPERTIES AND SITES SURROUNDING EXISTING AND PROPOSED TRANSIT STOPS. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW A NEW PROPOSED MORRISVILLE TRAIN STATION COULD BENEFIT OUR RESIDENTS AND LOCAL BUSINESSES WHILE SIGNIFICANTLY ENHANCING THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF MORRISVILLE BOROUGH.
“THE T.R.I.D. STUDY FOR MORRISVILLE”:
THURSDAY JANUARY 8TH 2009
7:00 P.M.
MORRISVILLE BOROUGH HALL
SEATING WILL BE LIMITED
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INPUT AND SUPPORT OF THIS PROPOSED T.R.I.D. STUDY
SEE YOU THERE!
*** ATTENTION ***
ALL MORRISVILLE RESIDENTS / BUSINESS OWNERS / REALTORS / COMMUTERS
YOU ARE INVITED TO A SPECIAL PUBLIC MEETING HOSTED BY THE MORRISVILLE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION (M.E.D.C.)
“A TRANSIT REVITALIZATION INVESTMENT DISTRICT (T.R.I.D.) STUDY FOR MORRISVILLE BOROUGH”
WHEN: THURSDAY JANUARY 8TH 2009 @ 7:00 P.M.
WHERE: MORRISVILLE BOROUGH HALL
T.R.I.D. IS FUNDED IN PART BY A SPECIAL STATE GOVERNMENT-SPONSORED GRANT PROGRAM CREATED TO IDENTIFY FUTURE LAND USE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT SCENARIOS FOR PROPERTIES AND SITES SURROUNDING EXISTING AND PROPOSED TRANSIT STOPS. FIND OUT MORE ABOUT HOW A NEW PROPOSED MORRISVILLE TRAIN STATION COULD BENEFIT OUR RESIDENTS AND LOCAL BUSINESSES WHILE SIGNIFICANTLY ENHANCING THE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT OF MORRISVILLE BOROUGH.
“THE T.R.I.D. STUDY FOR MORRISVILLE”:
THURSDAY JANUARY 8TH 2009
7:00 P.M.
MORRISVILLE BOROUGH HALL
SEATING WILL BE LIMITED
THANK YOU FOR YOUR INPUT AND SUPPORT OF THIS PROPOSED T.R.I.D. STUDY
SEE YOU THERE!
District scrambles to house students
From the BCCT
District scrambles to house students
MANASEE WAGH
Tonight the Morrisville School Board will discuss where to place some of its elementary school students.
The district quickly needs to figure out where to hold classes this semester for the more then 250 children of M.R. Reiter Elementary School. A mid-December furnace explosion in the Reiter boiler room shut down the school, forcing the administration to scramble to find temporary instructional spaces.
The students attended classes until the winter break in Morrisville Middle/Senior High School, the Morrisville YMCA and Grandview Elementary School.
Nobody was hurt in the late-night blast that blew out a window. A fault in the fuel valve operation probably triggered it, according to Tim Lastichen, the district's director of facilities.
Schools reopen today, but the district is busy starting repairs and cleanup at Reiter. The board is considering housing students in modular units at Grandview several blocks away, at least until it figures out how to deal with Reiter, said board member Robin Reithmeyer Friday.
"We will get options on Monday, like where can the kids go and how much will it cost," she said. She doesn't yet know what other alternatives will be brought up at the meeting, but thinks the modular units at Grandview may be the best available way for the students to resume instruction.
The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. in the high school, at 550 West Palmer St.
On Jan. 14, the school board will hold a public hearing as the first step toward permanently closing Reiter. Both elementary schools have been experiencing systems problems for years. The Reiter explosion is the latest major symptom of breakdowns in the aging structures. Out of all three ailing district school buildings, the 1920s-era Reiter is in the worst shape.
Selling an elementary school building would generate money for renovating the district's other schools, board President William Hellmann said last month.
The explosion precipitated the school board's efforts to shut down a school.
School code mandates that the board cannot make any decision to close a building for at least 90 days after a public hearing to discuss community concerns.
Morrisville school district at-a-glance
* District educates about 1,000 students in 2 elementary schools and one high school serving grades 6-12. District employs about 140 people.
* Average teacher salary is about $70,000, according to the state Department of Education. Teacher contracts count for half of district's $19.8 million budget.
* District's cost per student is $13,023 for elementary and $14,215 for secondary.
* Median income in the district is $53,316.
* District finding it difficult to gather enough income tax funds, in part due to Morrisville's large transitory population. The current dip in the housing market is added strain likely to show up in next year's budget.
* The borough's schools are old and have been having problems with multiple systems for years, including electrical and heating units.
* The former school board took out a $30 million loan to construct a consolidated school housing every grade. Many residents disapproved of tax increases tied to the project for the next several years. The board spent about $2 million of the original $30 million bond for architectural and engineering fees related to the proposed building.
* In December 2008, several new school board members entered office on the promise of not raising taxes. It canceled the new school venture and returned most of the bond money, keeping about $7 million to renovate the high school. Returning the bond money cost about $2.4 million.
* Taxes are expected to drop $321 this year. The average homeowner would pay $3,371 for an average assessed property of $18,000. However, school administrators say educational programs may suffer because of pared-down budget.
* Pennsbury School District, which surrounds the much smaller district of Morrisville, has historically refused to absorb Morrisville schools. Less than a month ago Pennsbury school officials said its facilities are already at capacity and that the district cannot take on the added complication and cost of supporting 1,000 more students and additional staff.
* In 2008, some community members started putting together an education foundation to partner with businesses and private individuals for funding educational projects. The foundation recently received its nonprofit status and is on its way to generating funds from interested donors.
District scrambles to house students
MANASEE WAGH
Tonight the Morrisville School Board will discuss where to place some of its elementary school students.
The district quickly needs to figure out where to hold classes this semester for the more then 250 children of M.R. Reiter Elementary School. A mid-December furnace explosion in the Reiter boiler room shut down the school, forcing the administration to scramble to find temporary instructional spaces.
The students attended classes until the winter break in Morrisville Middle/Senior High School, the Morrisville YMCA and Grandview Elementary School.
Nobody was hurt in the late-night blast that blew out a window. A fault in the fuel valve operation probably triggered it, according to Tim Lastichen, the district's director of facilities.
Schools reopen today, but the district is busy starting repairs and cleanup at Reiter. The board is considering housing students in modular units at Grandview several blocks away, at least until it figures out how to deal with Reiter, said board member Robin Reithmeyer Friday.
"We will get options on Monday, like where can the kids go and how much will it cost," she said. She doesn't yet know what other alternatives will be brought up at the meeting, but thinks the modular units at Grandview may be the best available way for the students to resume instruction.
The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. in the high school, at 550 West Palmer St.
On Jan. 14, the school board will hold a public hearing as the first step toward permanently closing Reiter. Both elementary schools have been experiencing systems problems for years. The Reiter explosion is the latest major symptom of breakdowns in the aging structures. Out of all three ailing district school buildings, the 1920s-era Reiter is in the worst shape.
Selling an elementary school building would generate money for renovating the district's other schools, board President William Hellmann said last month.
The explosion precipitated the school board's efforts to shut down a school.
School code mandates that the board cannot make any decision to close a building for at least 90 days after a public hearing to discuss community concerns.
Morrisville school district at-a-glance
* District educates about 1,000 students in 2 elementary schools and one high school serving grades 6-12. District employs about 140 people.
* Average teacher salary is about $70,000, according to the state Department of Education. Teacher contracts count for half of district's $19.8 million budget.
* District's cost per student is $13,023 for elementary and $14,215 for secondary.
* Median income in the district is $53,316.
* District finding it difficult to gather enough income tax funds, in part due to Morrisville's large transitory population. The current dip in the housing market is added strain likely to show up in next year's budget.
* The borough's schools are old and have been having problems with multiple systems for years, including electrical and heating units.
* The former school board took out a $30 million loan to construct a consolidated school housing every grade. Many residents disapproved of tax increases tied to the project for the next several years. The board spent about $2 million of the original $30 million bond for architectural and engineering fees related to the proposed building.
* In December 2008, several new school board members entered office on the promise of not raising taxes. It canceled the new school venture and returned most of the bond money, keeping about $7 million to renovate the high school. Returning the bond money cost about $2.4 million.
* Taxes are expected to drop $321 this year. The average homeowner would pay $3,371 for an average assessed property of $18,000. However, school administrators say educational programs may suffer because of pared-down budget.
* Pennsbury School District, which surrounds the much smaller district of Morrisville, has historically refused to absorb Morrisville schools. Less than a month ago Pennsbury school officials said its facilities are already at capacity and that the district cannot take on the added complication and cost of supporting 1,000 more students and additional staff.
* In 2008, some community members started putting together an education foundation to partner with businesses and private individuals for funding educational projects. The foundation recently received its nonprofit status and is on its way to generating funds from interested donors.
How Do You Solve A Problem Like M.R. Reiter?
It's not quite as catchy as the original, but you get the point.
Tonight. In the high school auditorium, 7:00 P.M. What do we do about Reiter?
Here's my Nostradamus impression: Reiter will never re-open. Grandview will become a K-3 or 4 building. The high school will be a grades 3-4 to 12 building. And once those high school students are farmed out, everyone will be in the K-8 former high school.
When the safety and stability of a school building has been ignored by your own orders, and you're the one who is holding onto the pieces of what's left, it's hard to quietly sweep the problem under the rug.
So tonight, the Emperor and his board of chosen accomplices will have to splutter and hem and haw and somehow explain why they did what they did and how they're going to mop up this monstrous lake of spilt milk.
Come on out and watch the performance. Comments from the public will likely be limited to about the first fifteen people, so first come, first served.
Some of the expected highlights:
* Watch the Emperor explain about not wanting to repair Reiter when he knew it was "a rat trap". The safety of our kids was never a concern. Only the money. That's all it was ever about. Show me the money!
* Listen as the "no K-12 school on my watch" stop the school board majority, who really did stop the new school, explains how a K-12 building in the old school is a good thing. Flip-flopping isn't a sport limited to Washington DC anymore.
* Watch the action as the board explains where all of the $7 million dollars earmarked for renovations has gone. And it ain't enough to do the job. That's OK...it was never enough in the first place. It was all about cutting taxes.
* Oh...while we're talking about those lower taxes, ask about the new budget and how big the increase is going to be this July.
Tonight. In the high school auditorium, 7:00 P.M. What do we do about Reiter?
Here's my Nostradamus impression: Reiter will never re-open. Grandview will become a K-3 or 4 building. The high school will be a grades 3-4 to 12 building. And once those high school students are farmed out, everyone will be in the K-8 former high school.
When the safety and stability of a school building has been ignored by your own orders, and you're the one who is holding onto the pieces of what's left, it's hard to quietly sweep the problem under the rug.
So tonight, the Emperor and his board of chosen accomplices will have to splutter and hem and haw and somehow explain why they did what they did and how they're going to mop up this monstrous lake of spilt milk.
Come on out and watch the performance. Comments from the public will likely be limited to about the first fifteen people, so first come, first served.
Some of the expected highlights:
* Watch the Emperor explain about not wanting to repair Reiter when he knew it was "a rat trap". The safety of our kids was never a concern. Only the money. That's all it was ever about. Show me the money!
* Listen as the "no K-12 school on my watch" stop the school board majority, who really did stop the new school, explains how a K-12 building in the old school is a good thing. Flip-flopping isn't a sport limited to Washington DC anymore.
* Watch the action as the board explains where all of the $7 million dollars earmarked for renovations has gone. And it ain't enough to do the job. That's OK...it was never enough in the first place. It was all about cutting taxes.
* Oh...while we're talking about those lower taxes, ask about the new budget and how big the increase is going to be this July.
Sunday, January 4, 2009
Political Correctness Strikes Again
The use of politically correct euphemisms goes a little far sometimes. There's "mobile classrooms" instead of "trailers" and "reality TV" instead of "I'm out of ideas for TV shows".
There's ways to say "You're Stupid!".
We even have ways to speak about the behaviour of cats.
Here finally, is the answer to the age old question: When is a school not a school?
Primary drops 'school' from title
An MP has questioned why a new £4.7 million school has dropped the word "school" from its title because it has "negative connotations"
Sheffield's Watercliffe Meadow is to be called a "place of learning" instead of a primary school.
Local MP Richard Caborn said: "I'm always open to new ideas but the reality is education is about preparing young people to live in the real world. I just don't think the case has been made to drop the word school to a place of learning. I don't know why they have done it."
The decision was defended by headteacher Linda Kingdon. She told The Sheffield Star: "We decided from an early stage we didn't want to use the word 'school'.
"This is Watercliffe Meadow, a place for learning. One reason was many of the parents of the children here had very negative connotations of school. Instead we want this to a be a place for family learning, where anyone can come.
"We were able to start from scratch and create a new type of learning experience. There are no whistles or bells or locked doors. We wanted to de-institutionalise the place and bring the school closer to real life.'
Councillor Andrew Sangar, Sheffield City Council's Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Lifelong Learning, said: "It's a school, we consider it a school and that's how we refer to it.
"How a school chooses to manage and refer to itself is a matter for the board of governors and the community it serves and we're relaxed about that."
http://www.sheffield.gov.uk(Sheffield City Council)
There's ways to say "You're Stupid!".
We even have ways to speak about the behaviour of cats.
Here finally, is the answer to the age old question: When is a school not a school?
Primary drops 'school' from title
An MP has questioned why a new £4.7 million school has dropped the word "school" from its title because it has "negative connotations"
Sheffield's Watercliffe Meadow is to be called a "place of learning" instead of a primary school.
Local MP Richard Caborn said: "I'm always open to new ideas but the reality is education is about preparing young people to live in the real world. I just don't think the case has been made to drop the word school to a place of learning. I don't know why they have done it."
The decision was defended by headteacher Linda Kingdon. She told The Sheffield Star: "We decided from an early stage we didn't want to use the word 'school'.
"This is Watercliffe Meadow, a place for learning. One reason was many of the parents of the children here had very negative connotations of school. Instead we want this to a be a place for family learning, where anyone can come.
"We were able to start from scratch and create a new type of learning experience. There are no whistles or bells or locked doors. We wanted to de-institutionalise the place and bring the school closer to real life.'
Councillor Andrew Sangar, Sheffield City Council's Cabinet Member for Children's Services and Lifelong Learning, said: "It's a school, we consider it a school and that's how we refer to it.
"How a school chooses to manage and refer to itself is a matter for the board of governors and the community it serves and we're relaxed about that."
http://www.sheffield.gov.uk(Sheffield City Council)
Saturday, January 3, 2009
What Do You Do With A Schoolfull of Students When the School is Out Sick?
From the BCCT.
That's the $64,000 question our pre K through second grade parents want answered.
Trailers are fun. It's like camping. Come on...you'll get used to it. Think of school being made out of Legos. You can stack and shape them anyway you want. I did. See what Grandview could look like.
The school board has already made the decision: The MHS building is going to be a K-12 school (or K-8 if they can find a nearby farmer). Reiter and Grandview are to be closed. They have too many physical problems. While they have never said that out loud, that's what they are doing.
* They sold back the bond money for $2.5 million dollars. (See defeasement articles.)
* They used a low budget non-inspection inspection report to legitimize their president emperor and his cowboy actions.(See the Hellmann Report articles.)
* They ignored Reiter as long as they could by order of the Emperor.
Here's what they have done so far: They stopped the new school without adequately providing for the existing schools. Even the BCCT agrees.
What they've done is the equivalent of claiming "my dog ate the homework" without even providing the pooch or a gnawed piece of paper as evidence.
The school board has been defined by "I believe..." instead of investigation and reliance on fact. The whole building project was shelved because the Emperor believes that the Philadelphia Roman Catholic archdiocese's building of two high schools were costing too much: I do not believe that we can build a quality K-12 school for $30 million. The Philadelphia Archdiocese plans to build two new high schools in our area, at a size not much larger than our planned school building but at a cost of $65 million each.
What's the reality? Bristol's doing just fine, thank you, building their comparable building for just about the same price promised.
Belief? Or facts gathered from investigation? What runs the Morrisville School District?
I can believe in Elvis or Martians too...
Monday meeting to discuss options for Reiter students
Posted in News on Friday, January 2nd, 2009 at 2:52 pm by Courier Times reporter Manasee Wagh
Morrisville School Board will discuss the future of M.R. Reiter Elementary School and where to house its students this semester during a January 5 meeting. A mid-December furnace explosion in the Reiter boiler room precipitated the school board’s efforts to close the school.
Since then, the school’s more than 250 children have been taking classes in Morrisville Middle/Senior High School, the Morrisville YMCA and Grandview Elementary School.
In the meantime, the district is busy with repairs and cleanup at Reiter, so the board is considering housing students in modular units at Grandview several blocks away.
The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. in the Large Group Instruction Room of the high school at 550 W. Palmer St.
That's the $64,000 question our pre K through second grade parents want answered.
Trailers are fun. It's like camping. Come on...you'll get used to it. Think of school being made out of Legos. You can stack and shape them anyway you want. I did. See what Grandview could look like.
The school board has already made the decision: The MHS building is going to be a K-12 school (or K-8 if they can find a nearby farmer). Reiter and Grandview are to be closed. They have too many physical problems. While they have never said that out loud, that's what they are doing.
* They sold back the bond money for $2.5 million dollars. (See defeasement articles.)
* They used a low budget non-inspection inspection report to legitimize their president emperor and his cowboy actions.(See the Hellmann Report articles.)
* They ignored Reiter as long as they could by order of the Emperor.
Here's what they have done so far: They stopped the new school without adequately providing for the existing schools. Even the BCCT agrees.
What they've done is the equivalent of claiming "my dog ate the homework" without even providing the pooch or a gnawed piece of paper as evidence.
The school board has been defined by "I believe..." instead of investigation and reliance on fact. The whole building project was shelved because the Emperor believes that the Philadelphia Roman Catholic archdiocese's building of two high schools were costing too much: I do not believe that we can build a quality K-12 school for $30 million. The Philadelphia Archdiocese plans to build two new high schools in our area, at a size not much larger than our planned school building but at a cost of $65 million each.
What's the reality? Bristol's doing just fine, thank you, building their comparable building for just about the same price promised.
Belief? Or facts gathered from investigation? What runs the Morrisville School District?
I can believe in Elvis or Martians too...
Monday meeting to discuss options for Reiter students
Posted in News on Friday, January 2nd, 2009 at 2:52 pm by Courier Times reporter Manasee Wagh
Morrisville School Board will discuss the future of M.R. Reiter Elementary School and where to house its students this semester during a January 5 meeting. A mid-December furnace explosion in the Reiter boiler room precipitated the school board’s efforts to close the school.
Since then, the school’s more than 250 children have been taking classes in Morrisville Middle/Senior High School, the Morrisville YMCA and Grandview Elementary School.
In the meantime, the district is busy with repairs and cleanup at Reiter, so the board is considering housing students in modular units at Grandview several blocks away.
The meeting will take place at 7 p.m. in the Large Group Instruction Room of the high school at 550 W. Palmer St.
Thursday, January 1, 2009
The Magic 8-Ball Says 2009 Will Be...
I saw this cartoon this morning and could not help but to think about the challenges facing the Emperor, his board of selected accomplices, and the good people of Morrisville, taxpayers and students alike, during anno domini two thousand and nine.
Does anyone [someone, please!!] have an optimistic line to add?
Sheldon
Does anyone [someone, please!!] have an optimistic line to add?
Sheldon
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Happy New Year 2009
The new year 2009 will bring along the same challenges that 2008 posed, along with a new crop of unforeseen problems.
There's hope for 2009...we're getting a new president in Washington. Who says we can't do the same right here at home?
Let's leave 2008 laughing at least. Enjoy the holiday and we'll get together again next year. Drive safely and be sure to tip your server.
Garfield
Real Life Adventures
Baby Blues [Kudos for the use of algebra in the third strip]
Added January 1. The reach of the cupcake police increases.
Added January 2
Added January 3
There's hope for 2009...we're getting a new president in Washington. Who says we can't do the same right here at home?
Let's leave 2008 laughing at least. Enjoy the holiday and we'll get together again next year. Drive safely and be sure to tip your server.
Garfield
Real Life Adventures
Baby Blues [Kudos for the use of algebra in the third strip]
Added January 1. The reach of the cupcake police increases.
Added January 2
Added January 3
2008 in Review: Pa. taxpayers rally for change in 2008
From the Pottstown Mercury
2008 in Review: Pa. taxpayers rally for change in 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008 8:12 AM EST
By Michael Hays, mhays@pottsmerc.com
Although taxpayers took their grievances to Harrisburg in 2008, their protests did little to change the way schools are funded.
The tax reform debate wages on.
Several state representatives introduced legislation this year to eliminate school property taxes, and about 100 people from the Pottstown area traveled to Harrisburg on June 2 to rally in support of their bill and protest the current system of taxation.
"It can be done. The only thing that is required is leadership and the will," said state Rep. Keith McCall, D-Carbon County, the No. 2 ranking Democrat in the House of Representatives, answering the rally cry to eliminate the property tax.
He was one of many speakers at the June 2 "Save Our Homes" rally organized by the Pennsylvania Taxpayers Cyber Coalition and state Rep. Sam Rohrer, R-Berks County, in support of House Bill 1275, the School Property Tax Elimination Act.
This proposal failed to become law in 2008, but several representatives want to keep trying.
Rep. Tom Quigley, R-146th Dist., met with Sen. Mike Folmer, R-48th Dist., and Rohrer in October to discuss school property taxes. Folmer's proposal could feature a "strong sales tax," including the taxation of food and clothing, Quigley recently said.
Lawmakers' primary task in 2009 will be keeping essential services going and balancing the budget in a tough economic climate. Perhaps by the summer or early fall, the General Assembly can take a look at what can realistically be accomplished, Quigley said.
The two buses that left Pottstown on the morning of June 2 were filled with many senior citizens, in addition to two Owen J. Roberts School Board members and a few working-age residents.
Jeff Krystopa, 39, moved into a new home in Amity with his wife and three children back in 2003. They picked an affordable home, thinking that Krystopa's salary at Merck would allow his wife to stay at home with the kids.
Annual property taxes payable to the Daniel Boone School District increased approximately $4,000 to $5,000 over five years, he told The Mercury in June. His wife has since gone back to work to help pay the bills.
"Our bill went up every single year, sometimes by the thousands," Krystopa said.
Despite being at his peak earning potential at this point in his life, he feels vulnerable.
"There are people who have the power to take my home away. School board members have the ability to take my house away by their poor decisions," Krystopa said.
One school board member addressed the frenzied crowd during the Harrisburg rally. William O'Conner, a Neshaminy School District board member, said educational reform and relief are needed. Poor school districts suffer when the system is unfair, he said.
O'Conner theorized that the reason change hasn't happened yet because legislators feel "safe" with the status quo on education funding.
"We didn't put you in office to feel safe; we elected you to be agents of change!" he said.
Public education in Pennsylvania is supported primarily through property taxes. The Spring-Ford Area School District receives approximately 78 percent of its revenues from local sources. By comparison, federal coffers contributed less than 1 percent of the current school year's budget.
For most residents and business owners, school taxes amount to their largest single levy for the year.
2008 in Review: Pa. taxpayers rally for change in 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008 8:12 AM EST
By Michael Hays, mhays@pottsmerc.com
Although taxpayers took their grievances to Harrisburg in 2008, their protests did little to change the way schools are funded.
The tax reform debate wages on.
Several state representatives introduced legislation this year to eliminate school property taxes, and about 100 people from the Pottstown area traveled to Harrisburg on June 2 to rally in support of their bill and protest the current system of taxation.
"It can be done. The only thing that is required is leadership and the will," said state Rep. Keith McCall, D-Carbon County, the No. 2 ranking Democrat in the House of Representatives, answering the rally cry to eliminate the property tax.
He was one of many speakers at the June 2 "Save Our Homes" rally organized by the Pennsylvania Taxpayers Cyber Coalition and state Rep. Sam Rohrer, R-Berks County, in support of House Bill 1275, the School Property Tax Elimination Act.
This proposal failed to become law in 2008, but several representatives want to keep trying.
Rep. Tom Quigley, R-146th Dist., met with Sen. Mike Folmer, R-48th Dist., and Rohrer in October to discuss school property taxes. Folmer's proposal could feature a "strong sales tax," including the taxation of food and clothing, Quigley recently said.
Lawmakers' primary task in 2009 will be keeping essential services going and balancing the budget in a tough economic climate. Perhaps by the summer or early fall, the General Assembly can take a look at what can realistically be accomplished, Quigley said.
The two buses that left Pottstown on the morning of June 2 were filled with many senior citizens, in addition to two Owen J. Roberts School Board members and a few working-age residents.
Jeff Krystopa, 39, moved into a new home in Amity with his wife and three children back in 2003. They picked an affordable home, thinking that Krystopa's salary at Merck would allow his wife to stay at home with the kids.
Annual property taxes payable to the Daniel Boone School District increased approximately $4,000 to $5,000 over five years, he told The Mercury in June. His wife has since gone back to work to help pay the bills.
"Our bill went up every single year, sometimes by the thousands," Krystopa said.
Despite being at his peak earning potential at this point in his life, he feels vulnerable.
"There are people who have the power to take my home away. School board members have the ability to take my house away by their poor decisions," Krystopa said.
One school board member addressed the frenzied crowd during the Harrisburg rally. William O'Conner, a Neshaminy School District board member, said educational reform and relief are needed. Poor school districts suffer when the system is unfair, he said.
O'Conner theorized that the reason change hasn't happened yet because legislators feel "safe" with the status quo on education funding.
"We didn't put you in office to feel safe; we elected you to be agents of change!" he said.
Public education in Pennsylvania is supported primarily through property taxes. The Spring-Ford Area School District receives approximately 78 percent of its revenues from local sources. By comparison, federal coffers contributed less than 1 percent of the current school year's budget.
For most residents and business owners, school taxes amount to their largest single levy for the year.
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