From the BCCT.
Columbine aftereffects reach local schools
By: RACHEL CANELLI
Bucks County Courier Times
Security has been transformed in Bucks County schools. But one violence prevention group gives a grade of D+ to a $10 billion effort to improve safety in the nation's schools.
More than 10 years ago, Lou Muenker was watching a group of eighth-graders stroll into a Neshaminy school just like any other morning.
Then an administrator, Muenker noticed one of the students had a cell phone. Since mobiles were rare and prohibited in the mid-1990s, he asked the boy why he needed it.
In case my mom needs to reach me for an emergency, the young man said. Muenker light-heartedly teased back that the school already had that covered with a phone in the office.
If only life were still that simple, said Muenker, the district's acting superintendent.
"Now, I can't argue," he said. "[Having a phone] could be very valuable [in a crisis] and we have to be conscious of that."
In the aftermath of Columbine, school officials have been forced to take a step back from their assumed sense of security. When Eric Harris and Dylan Klebold walked into their Colorado high school with guns 10 years ago today, killing 13 and wounding 24, their massacre altered authorities' skewed views of safety across the country.
Administrators began implementing tougher procedures such as locked doors and surveillance cameras. They've instituted security personnel and crisis drills.
And since authorities originally thought Harris and Klebold were taking revenge on popular teens for being bullied, officials also got involved in anti-bullying plans.
Not enough
After $10 billion has been spent on security nationwide, one nonprofit says it's still not enough.
A report card on school violence and prevention by Community Matters gives America's efforts a D-plus. Even though zero-tolerance laws have been passed in more than 28 states, with at least 19 also having anti-bullying legislation, kids are bullying at younger ages and using electronics to do so, the study said.
Between 1999 and 2007, the percentage of students who didn't go to school because of safety concerns increased, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. From 2000 to 2005, there was a 50 percent increase in the percentage of youth who were victims of online harassment.
What's lacking, according to the foundation, is funding and an emphasis on emotional, social and behavioral skills.
Many Bucks County school officials, though, disagreed with the grade and said they are doing everything they can to protect children.
For districts like Morrisville, Quakertown and Bensalem and schools, including Bucks County Technical High School in Bristol Township and Holy Ghost Prep in Bensalem, that has meant increasing awareness, cooperation and prevention through emergency plans, training, safety committees, and mentoring and anti-bullying programs, administrators said.
Bensalem staff also must wear ID badges, and people have one entry point only to each building, said Superintendent James Lombardo.
In Neshaminy, where officials continue to offer peer mediation, Internet safety forums and a sanctuary room for immediate intervention, visitors must be buzzed into facilities, Muenker said.
Monitoring visitors
It's a policy similar to Bristol Township's, where greeters have been hired to watch the doors and grant or deny access to the district's nine elementary schools, and monitor guests' visits, said Jim White, operations, safety, environmental and training coordinator.
Their visitors' passes also change color if people stay more than an hour. Though it's rare, greeters could spot the color changing IDs and make sure guests are where they're supposed to be and not just hanging around for no reason.
"Security has changed drastically," said White. "Years ago, when we talked about safety, we meant falling on the playground, not keeping intruders and weapons out. It was assumed and that's sad."
White said he also never dreamed that Bristol Township would own metal detectors, even if they're mostly used on suspicion and not a regular basis.
"What's dramatic and profound is that the effect of Columbine has been for every asset of education," said White. "It's almost become a part of the curriculum and as important as reading, writing and arithmetic."
But security experts say there's still always so much more schools can do - like install mass notification systems and locators into laptops.
That's what Tony Ciambrello, a senior technician for THREE sigma LLC recommends. The Morrisville-based company distributes security products, including fire alarm systems and motion detectors, to mainly higher educational institutions like Delaware Valley College.
"The concern has increased, but I'd say a D-plus is just about right for how well schools are doing," said Ciambrello. "I realize there's money involved and they're limited without alarming parents too much, but they could do more."
A basic system could start at a few thousand dollars. That would increase by several hundred with each location included and speakers for a wireless broadcast system that could transmit pre-recorded messages in emergencies, specifically on college campuses, Ciambrello said.
However, studies show that schools are still the safest place for kids, said Lombardo.
Investigators now know that the Columbine boys weren't bullied and seeking retaliation. But they also know that Klebold was suicidal and Harris had psychological problems.
It is that understanding that convinces schools like Neshaminy and Pennsbury to maintain participation in events like Challenge Day to increase tolerance and understanding, officials said.
"It's difficult to suggest that kids at all times are safe from people who want to do them harm," said Muenker. "I'm not sure what prevents it in the long run. We can only minimize by anticipating. There are no guarantees. We've just got to wake up every day, and hope that they'll be safe by the end of it."
"Years ago, when we talked about safety, we meant falling on the playground, not keeping intruders and weapons out." - Jim White, safety coordinator for Bristol Township schools
Monday, April 20, 2009
Ten years after Columbine, school security stepped up
From the Inquirer.
10 years after Columbine, school security stepped up
By Kristen A. Graham and Bonnie L. Cook, Posted on Sun, Apr. 19, 2009
Some schools have banned backpacks. Others have locked doors, installed cameras, bought metal detectors, and started disaster drills.
Ten years ago tomorrow, two teenagers killed 13 people and wounded 23 others inside Columbine High School in suburban Littleton, Colo., a massacre that forever altered the nation's school-security landscape.
"We used to just worry about drugs and alcohol, but now we're all overwhelmed by this fear that our children aren't safe in schools," said Al Hall, director of security for the Hatboro-Horsham School District.
While some national experts say schools are no safer now than they were a decade ago, educators from around the region point to new efforts to keep students out of harm's way. Among other things, they're training staffers, attending safety conferences, putting cameras on buses, and setting up emergency-notification systems.
Like many regional districts, Hatboro-Horsham has never had tragedy, but it has opted for a proactive approach - just in case. Hall's position is new, and the district also stresses security in small and large ways.
Visitors must now surrender IDs when they enter schools. Emergency plans are updated frequently. Students drill for specific events - a suspicious package found, an intruder inside the building. There's a hotline to report worrisome activity, and reminders for school staff to keep an eye out for troubled students.
"We're constantly monitoring. What are our students drawing in art class? Are they drawing a stick person with a knife stuck in, or are they drawing flowers in a field?" Hall said.
Last week, dozens of school staffers from around Montgomery County gathered in a King of Prussia conference room to hear security expert Kenneth Trump talk about the post-Columbine security landscape and answer questions about lockdown drills, safety fixes on a tight budget, and cyberbullying.
"Some people are dealing with communities that still have the philosophy 'It can't happen here,' " Trump told the educators. "There are glaring gaps, and lots of work remaining."
Just after Columbine, school safety was the hot topic, with awareness at an all-time high and money readily available.
Then came 9/11, and the nation's focus shifted to terrorism, Trump said.
These days, school security is a mixed bag, he said.
Some schools fall short, mostly at keeping safety plans updated and well-practiced, and at investing in training.
It's easy to slip on the basics - failing to enforce a universal ID policy, allowing visitors to enter a building without signing in, leaving a door unlocked by mistake.
Steven Beck, school-safety coordinator with the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety, sees that firsthand.
"At times, I still have to go out and convince school personnel that this is important, that there isn't a guarantee it won't happen in your particular location," Beck said.
But in general, Beck said, school shootings and narrow misses elsewhere have served as wake-up calls.
Locally, in 2006, a multi-student plot was averted in Winslow, and a Springfield Township student killed himself at school with an AK-47.
In 2007, a plot by a home-schooled student to kill people at Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School was thwarted, and last year, a student's plan to kill individuals he did not like at Pottstown High also was averted.
Now, there's much better communication among schools and police and fire departments, Beck said.
Students are kept aware of the importance of a safe school environment and warned of tough stances on bullying.
In Radnor, Leo Bernabei, the school district's director of operations, has seen a sea change in the 30 years he's been around.
Gone is the custodian with the overflowing key ring to secure buildings; now, codes are digital. Professional security consultants are hired.
"As a parent, I would say hi to the secretary and walk right to my child's classroom," Bernabei said. "Not anymore. You have to have a background check to go deep in the building."
In Cherry Hill, staff are reminded to be on the lookout for mental-health issues, and students are schooled in stopping bullying before it starts, said Michael Nuzzo, director of security for the district.
New to the district this year is an emergency parent-notification system - should a school be locked down or evacuated, for instance, parents would get the message automatically.
"A lot of school districts are moving in that direction," Nuzzo said. "The mind-set has changed. We know a tragedy can happen any time, any place."
Urban districts have their own set of safety challenges - violence in school communities, huge buildings with dozens of doors - but Columbine still jarred Philadelphia into beefing up security measures.
"And every year, the anniversary of the event is a poignant reminder for us to focus on school safety," said James Golden, who heads that department for the Philadelphia School District.
Before Columbine, the district had metal detectors in some schools.
Afterward, it went to universal metal detection in high schools. With cameras, locked doors, and IDs, it has adopted the same strategies most suburban schools are using, Golden said.
Golden also said the district had sent more than 1,000 administrators and staff to federal emergency-preparedness training.
"They go through training as if they're first responders," he said.
In Washington Township, where voters endorsed a tax hike in 2004 for upgrades to school safety, including cameras for buses and high school hallways, Superintendent Cheryl Simone said safety was "foremost."
"Securing the building, securing the kids, is your number-one job," Simone said. "You have to do that before you can attend to your primary mission, educating kids."
School shootings during the last 10 years also have "upped the ante for the severity of discipline."
Now, zero-tolerance policies mean that a penknife on a key chain or a pair of scissors in a kindergartner's backpack equal an automatic suspension.
"It's a very different perspective," Simone said. "We do take these things seriously, at all grade levels."
Jim White, who handles security for Bristol Township schools, has seen "drastic changes" since Columbine.
From ID badges and surveillance cameras to a portable metal detector and more regular locker checks, it's a new world order, White said, with staff required to be on alert about safety.
"Teachers, the custodial staff, are constantly looking for something out of place," White said. "The guidance counselors are trying to get students to say, 'Hey, this person is a threat.' "
Children are different, too, White said - no longer innocent about the danger that's out there.
And though there was some initial parent pushback on stepped-up security measures, White said, that has faded.
"People appreciate your trying to protect their kids," he said.
10 years after Columbine, school security stepped up
By Kristen A. Graham and Bonnie L. Cook, Posted on Sun, Apr. 19, 2009
Some schools have banned backpacks. Others have locked doors, installed cameras, bought metal detectors, and started disaster drills.
Ten years ago tomorrow, two teenagers killed 13 people and wounded 23 others inside Columbine High School in suburban Littleton, Colo., a massacre that forever altered the nation's school-security landscape.
"We used to just worry about drugs and alcohol, but now we're all overwhelmed by this fear that our children aren't safe in schools," said Al Hall, director of security for the Hatboro-Horsham School District.
While some national experts say schools are no safer now than they were a decade ago, educators from around the region point to new efforts to keep students out of harm's way. Among other things, they're training staffers, attending safety conferences, putting cameras on buses, and setting up emergency-notification systems.
Like many regional districts, Hatboro-Horsham has never had tragedy, but it has opted for a proactive approach - just in case. Hall's position is new, and the district also stresses security in small and large ways.
Visitors must now surrender IDs when they enter schools. Emergency plans are updated frequently. Students drill for specific events - a suspicious package found, an intruder inside the building. There's a hotline to report worrisome activity, and reminders for school staff to keep an eye out for troubled students.
"We're constantly monitoring. What are our students drawing in art class? Are they drawing a stick person with a knife stuck in, or are they drawing flowers in a field?" Hall said.
Last week, dozens of school staffers from around Montgomery County gathered in a King of Prussia conference room to hear security expert Kenneth Trump talk about the post-Columbine security landscape and answer questions about lockdown drills, safety fixes on a tight budget, and cyberbullying.
"Some people are dealing with communities that still have the philosophy 'It can't happen here,' " Trump told the educators. "There are glaring gaps, and lots of work remaining."
Just after Columbine, school safety was the hot topic, with awareness at an all-time high and money readily available.
Then came 9/11, and the nation's focus shifted to terrorism, Trump said.
These days, school security is a mixed bag, he said.
Some schools fall short, mostly at keeping safety plans updated and well-practiced, and at investing in training.
It's easy to slip on the basics - failing to enforce a universal ID policy, allowing visitors to enter a building without signing in, leaving a door unlocked by mistake.
Steven Beck, school-safety coordinator with the Montgomery County Department of Public Safety, sees that firsthand.
"At times, I still have to go out and convince school personnel that this is important, that there isn't a guarantee it won't happen in your particular location," Beck said.
But in general, Beck said, school shootings and narrow misses elsewhere have served as wake-up calls.
Locally, in 2006, a multi-student plot was averted in Winslow, and a Springfield Township student killed himself at school with an AK-47.
In 2007, a plot by a home-schooled student to kill people at Plymouth-Whitemarsh High School was thwarted, and last year, a student's plan to kill individuals he did not like at Pottstown High also was averted.
Now, there's much better communication among schools and police and fire departments, Beck said.
Students are kept aware of the importance of a safe school environment and warned of tough stances on bullying.
In Radnor, Leo Bernabei, the school district's director of operations, has seen a sea change in the 30 years he's been around.
Gone is the custodian with the overflowing key ring to secure buildings; now, codes are digital. Professional security consultants are hired.
"As a parent, I would say hi to the secretary and walk right to my child's classroom," Bernabei said. "Not anymore. You have to have a background check to go deep in the building."
In Cherry Hill, staff are reminded to be on the lookout for mental-health issues, and students are schooled in stopping bullying before it starts, said Michael Nuzzo, director of security for the district.
New to the district this year is an emergency parent-notification system - should a school be locked down or evacuated, for instance, parents would get the message automatically.
"A lot of school districts are moving in that direction," Nuzzo said. "The mind-set has changed. We know a tragedy can happen any time, any place."
Urban districts have their own set of safety challenges - violence in school communities, huge buildings with dozens of doors - but Columbine still jarred Philadelphia into beefing up security measures.
"And every year, the anniversary of the event is a poignant reminder for us to focus on school safety," said James Golden, who heads that department for the Philadelphia School District.
Before Columbine, the district had metal detectors in some schools.
Afterward, it went to universal metal detection in high schools. With cameras, locked doors, and IDs, it has adopted the same strategies most suburban schools are using, Golden said.
Golden also said the district had sent more than 1,000 administrators and staff to federal emergency-preparedness training.
"They go through training as if they're first responders," he said.
In Washington Township, where voters endorsed a tax hike in 2004 for upgrades to school safety, including cameras for buses and high school hallways, Superintendent Cheryl Simone said safety was "foremost."
"Securing the building, securing the kids, is your number-one job," Simone said. "You have to do that before you can attend to your primary mission, educating kids."
School shootings during the last 10 years also have "upped the ante for the severity of discipline."
Now, zero-tolerance policies mean that a penknife on a key chain or a pair of scissors in a kindergartner's backpack equal an automatic suspension.
"It's a very different perspective," Simone said. "We do take these things seriously, at all grade levels."
Jim White, who handles security for Bristol Township schools, has seen "drastic changes" since Columbine.
From ID badges and surveillance cameras to a portable metal detector and more regular locker checks, it's a new world order, White said, with staff required to be on alert about safety.
"Teachers, the custodial staff, are constantly looking for something out of place," White said. "The guidance counselors are trying to get students to say, 'Hey, this person is a threat.' "
Children are different, too, White said - no longer innocent about the danger that's out there.
And though there was some initial parent pushback on stepped-up security measures, White said, that has faded.
"People appreciate your trying to protect their kids," he said.
Board to vote on allowing members to phone it in
From the BCCT.
Board to vote on allowing members to phone it in
By: RACHEL CANELLI
Bucks County Courier Times
Other districts, including Council Rock, have allowed board members to participate in meetings via phone.
When it comes to a policy letting board members remotely participate in meetings, Neshaminy officials hung up and are trying again.
After debating the rule's language last month, the school board expects to vote on it during the April 28 meeting.
The process would let no more than one director per meeting call into a public board meeting and vote via phone. And each board member would be able to make such a request only once a year through the board president or superintendent, according to the policy.
Board member William O'Connor requested the guideline so he wouldn't have to miss too many board meetings for unexpected business trips. O'Connor wanted the rule to allow two directors per meeting to vote by phone twice a year.
The policy gives the board the ability to increase those numbers in the future, administrators said.
Board member Richard Eccles expressed concerns that board members would miss too many meetings. But district solicitor Thomas J. Profy III said it wouldn't count as an absence if a board member participated via phone.
Profy also said the board member participating remotely cannot be used to reach a quorum. At least five other board members must be present to hold the meeting, said Profy.
Board member William Spitz said he favors remote participation, which he believes could be monitored and adjusted to avoid abuse.
The concept already is used in some districts, including Council Rock, where a board member recently participated by phone for more than one meeting after having surgery, officials said.
And Neshaminy allowed board member Joseph Blasch to attend an executive session by phone, Blasch said.
Representatives of the Pennsylvania School Boards Association said 35 school districts across the state have adopted similar protocols.
After not allowing a councilman who was on military duty overseas to vote from his post, the Tullytown council later agreed to let members on active military duty vote by phone early last year.
But Neshaminy board member Frank Koziol argued the policy isn't necessary. By his calculations, only five votes out of more than 200 in the past few years failed due to a director's absence.
Board President Ritchie Webb said he could see why the policy might be beneficial, but he'll be voting against the policy, too, because voting over the phone doesn't allow directors to look residents in the eyes.
Board to vote on allowing members to phone it in
By: RACHEL CANELLI
Bucks County Courier Times
Other districts, including Council Rock, have allowed board members to participate in meetings via phone.
When it comes to a policy letting board members remotely participate in meetings, Neshaminy officials hung up and are trying again.
After debating the rule's language last month, the school board expects to vote on it during the April 28 meeting.
The process would let no more than one director per meeting call into a public board meeting and vote via phone. And each board member would be able to make such a request only once a year through the board president or superintendent, according to the policy.
Board member William O'Connor requested the guideline so he wouldn't have to miss too many board meetings for unexpected business trips. O'Connor wanted the rule to allow two directors per meeting to vote by phone twice a year.
The policy gives the board the ability to increase those numbers in the future, administrators said.
Board member Richard Eccles expressed concerns that board members would miss too many meetings. But district solicitor Thomas J. Profy III said it wouldn't count as an absence if a board member participated via phone.
Profy also said the board member participating remotely cannot be used to reach a quorum. At least five other board members must be present to hold the meeting, said Profy.
Board member William Spitz said he favors remote participation, which he believes could be monitored and adjusted to avoid abuse.
The concept already is used in some districts, including Council Rock, where a board member recently participated by phone for more than one meeting after having surgery, officials said.
And Neshaminy allowed board member Joseph Blasch to attend an executive session by phone, Blasch said.
Representatives of the Pennsylvania School Boards Association said 35 school districts across the state have adopted similar protocols.
After not allowing a councilman who was on military duty overseas to vote from his post, the Tullytown council later agreed to let members on active military duty vote by phone early last year.
But Neshaminy board member Frank Koziol argued the policy isn't necessary. By his calculations, only five votes out of more than 200 in the past few years failed due to a director's absence.
Board President Ritchie Webb said he could see why the policy might be beneficial, but he'll be voting against the policy, too, because voting over the phone doesn't allow directors to look residents in the eyes.
Sunday, April 19, 2009
Council Meeting Reminder
Morrisville Council: Monday, April 20, 2009
7:30 p.m., borough hall, 35 Union St.
Agenda: regular business items. 215-295-8181
7:30 p.m., borough hall, 35 Union St.
Agenda: regular business items. 215-295-8181
U.S. Supreme Court to hear school strip-search case
From the Austin (TX) Statesman via the Los Angeles Times
Supreme Court to hear school strip-search case
By David G. Savage
LOS ANGELES TIMES
Sunday, April 19, 2009
SAFFORD, Ariz. — When Savana Redding, now 19, talks of what happened to her in eighth grade, it is clear that the painful memories linger.
She speaks of being embarrassed and fearful, and of staying away from school for two months. And she recalls the "whispers" and "stares" from others in this small eastern Arizona mining town after she was strip-searched in the nurse's office because a vice principal suspected she might be hiding an extra-strength ibuprofen in her underwear.
The Supreme Court will hear her case Tuesday. Its decision, the first to address the issue of strip-searches in schools, will set legal limits, if any, on the authority of school officials to search for drugs or weapons on campus.
If limits on searches are imposed, the school district warns, its ability to keep all drugs out of its schools would be reduced. In this case, said district lawyer Matthew Wright, the vice principal was concerned because one student had gotten seriously ill from taking unidentified pills.
"That was the driving force for him. If nothing had been done, and this happened to another kid, parents would have been outraged," Wright said.
Only once in the past has the high court ruled on a school search case. In 1980 a New Jersey girl was caught smoking in the bathroom, and her principal searched her purse for cigarettes.
The justices upheld that search because the principal had a specific reason for looking in her purse. But they did not say how far officials could go, and how much of a student's privacy could be sacrificed, to maintain safety at school. That's the issue in Safford Unified School District v. Redding.
Judges have been split over whether Redding's rights were violated. A federal magistrate in Tucson, Ariz., upheld the search because the vice principal was relying on a student's tip. In a 2-1 decision, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals agreed.
Last year, however, the full 9th Circuit Court took up the case and ruled 6-5 for Redding. Last fall, the school district appealed to the high court, saying it "finds itself on the front lines of the decades-long war against drug abuse among students."
Also on the docket
This week, the Supreme Court will consider the reverse-discrimination claim of Matthew Marcarelli and a group of white firefighters from the New Haven, Conn., department. They all passed a promotion exam, but the city threw out the test because no blacks would have been promoted, saying the exam had a "disparate impact" on minorities likely to violate the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
Mary Frances Berry, a history professor at the University of Pennsylvania and head of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights during the Clinton administration, said the firefighters' case has broad implications.
"This is about whether we are going to see a sea change in how the judiciary looks at the need for these (protections), and how the popular culture and electoral politics influence their perceptions," Berry said.
Besides the firefighters' lawsuit, the Supreme Court will soon hear a case seeking to overturn a Voting Rights Act requirement that all or parts of 16 states, including Texas, with a history of discrimination must get approval from the Justice Department before changing election procedures.
Supreme Court to hear school strip-search case
By David G. Savage
LOS ANGELES TIMES
Sunday, April 19, 2009
SAFFORD, Ariz. — When Savana Redding, now 19, talks of what happened to her in eighth grade, it is clear that the painful memories linger.
She speaks of being embarrassed and fearful, and of staying away from school for two months. And she recalls the "whispers" and "stares" from others in this small eastern Arizona mining town after she was strip-searched in the nurse's office because a vice principal suspected she might be hiding an extra-strength ibuprofen in her underwear.
The Supreme Court will hear her case Tuesday. Its decision, the first to address the issue of strip-searches in schools, will set legal limits, if any, on the authority of school officials to search for drugs or weapons on campus.
If limits on searches are imposed, the school district warns, its ability to keep all drugs out of its schools would be reduced. In this case, said district lawyer Matthew Wright, the vice principal was concerned because one student had gotten seriously ill from taking unidentified pills.
"That was the driving force for him. If nothing had been done, and this happened to another kid, parents would have been outraged," Wright said.
Only once in the past has the high court ruled on a school search case. In 1980 a New Jersey girl was caught smoking in the bathroom, and her principal searched her purse for cigarettes.
The justices upheld that search because the principal had a specific reason for looking in her purse. But they did not say how far officials could go, and how much of a student's privacy could be sacrificed, to maintain safety at school. That's the issue in Safford Unified School District v. Redding.
Judges have been split over whether Redding's rights were violated. A federal magistrate in Tucson, Ariz., upheld the search because the vice principal was relying on a student's tip. In a 2-1 decision, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals agreed.
Last year, however, the full 9th Circuit Court took up the case and ruled 6-5 for Redding. Last fall, the school district appealed to the high court, saying it "finds itself on the front lines of the decades-long war against drug abuse among students."
Also on the docket
This week, the Supreme Court will consider the reverse-discrimination claim of Matthew Marcarelli and a group of white firefighters from the New Haven, Conn., department. They all passed a promotion exam, but the city threw out the test because no blacks would have been promoted, saying the exam had a "disparate impact" on minorities likely to violate the 1964 Civil Rights Act.
Mary Frances Berry, a history professor at the University of Pennsylvania and head of the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights during the Clinton administration, said the firefighters' case has broad implications.
"This is about whether we are going to see a sea change in how the judiciary looks at the need for these (protections), and how the popular culture and electoral politics influence their perceptions," Berry said.
Besides the firefighters' lawsuit, the Supreme Court will soon hear a case seeking to overturn a Voting Rights Act requirement that all or parts of 16 states, including Texas, with a history of discrimination must get approval from the Justice Department before changing election procedures.
Tea and taxes
From the Inquirer.
Editorial: Tea and taxes Posted on Sun, Apr. 19, 2009
Tax protesters who held "tea parties" in Philadelphia and other cities are both right and wrong.
They're right that the national debt is out of control. But they're wrong about taxpayers now bearing an especially heavy burden.
The demonstrations ignited partisan disagreements about motives, but they also raised a point that's beyond dispute: The federal government must get serious about balancing its books, soon.
Despite bailouts and massive government spending to combat the recession, overall tax burdens today are not as high as in previous years. That's because the federal government, instead of paying its way, habitually takes the easy way out by borrowing too much.
Still, the average taxpayer this year will pay 28.2 percent of his or her income in federal, state, and local taxes, according to the conservative-leaning Tax Foundation in Washington. That's the lowest overall tax burden since 1967. The high was 33.6 percent in 2000.
Middle-income households in 2006 paid an average of 14.2 percent of their income in federal taxes, the lowest level since 1979, according to the left-leaning Center for Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington.
Tax Freedom Day, billed as the day each year when Americans have worked enough to pay off all of their taxes, was April 13. That's two weeks earlier than 2007, and the earliest date since 1967.
That doesn't mean taxes are low everywhere. Certain states and cities have chronically high taxes. New Jersey ranks second behind Connecticut in overall tax burden (Pennsylvania is 11th). Philadelphia, with its wage and business privilege taxes, is one of the highest-taxing cities in the nation.
Overall tax rates are lower than in the past, but what's high is the government's credit-card balance. Federal spending has soared in the past decade, and tax revenue hasn't kept pace.
If taxes funded all of Washington's spending this year, Tax Freedom Day wouldn't arrive until May 29, which would be the latest ever.
When President George W. Bush took office in 2001, the national debt stood at $5.7 trillion. Bush cut taxes but boosted spending dramatically. When he left office, the national debt had risen to more than $10 trillion, with nary a tea party in sight. For most of that time, Republicans controlled Congress.
With Democrats now in charge of Congress and the White House, the deficit in the fiscal year that ends Sept. 30 will hit $1.85 trillion. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office calculates that President Obama's budget would add $9.2 trillion to the national debt over the next 10 years, a level that can't be sustained.
Overall tax rates are lower now than in previous years, but deficits are a looming tax bill that must be paid eventually. Faced with that, arguing whether tea-party protesters have partisan motives is like playing the violin badly while Rome burns.
Spending to fight the recession and create jobs was necessary. And anti-tax protesters don't talk enough about what spending they'd like to cut. The Pentagon's half-trillion-dollar budget? Government pensions or Medicare's prescription-drug program?
The deficit problem didn't begin with the economic-stimulus plan. Nor will it be solved without public pressure, including tea parties.
Editorial: Tea and taxes Posted on Sun, Apr. 19, 2009
Tax protesters who held "tea parties" in Philadelphia and other cities are both right and wrong.
They're right that the national debt is out of control. But they're wrong about taxpayers now bearing an especially heavy burden.
The demonstrations ignited partisan disagreements about motives, but they also raised a point that's beyond dispute: The federal government must get serious about balancing its books, soon.
Despite bailouts and massive government spending to combat the recession, overall tax burdens today are not as high as in previous years. That's because the federal government, instead of paying its way, habitually takes the easy way out by borrowing too much.
Still, the average taxpayer this year will pay 28.2 percent of his or her income in federal, state, and local taxes, according to the conservative-leaning Tax Foundation in Washington. That's the lowest overall tax burden since 1967. The high was 33.6 percent in 2000.
Middle-income households in 2006 paid an average of 14.2 percent of their income in federal taxes, the lowest level since 1979, according to the left-leaning Center for Budget and Policy Priorities in Washington.
Tax Freedom Day, billed as the day each year when Americans have worked enough to pay off all of their taxes, was April 13. That's two weeks earlier than 2007, and the earliest date since 1967.
That doesn't mean taxes are low everywhere. Certain states and cities have chronically high taxes. New Jersey ranks second behind Connecticut in overall tax burden (Pennsylvania is 11th). Philadelphia, with its wage and business privilege taxes, is one of the highest-taxing cities in the nation.
Overall tax rates are lower than in the past, but what's high is the government's credit-card balance. Federal spending has soared in the past decade, and tax revenue hasn't kept pace.
If taxes funded all of Washington's spending this year, Tax Freedom Day wouldn't arrive until May 29, which would be the latest ever.
When President George W. Bush took office in 2001, the national debt stood at $5.7 trillion. Bush cut taxes but boosted spending dramatically. When he left office, the national debt had risen to more than $10 trillion, with nary a tea party in sight. For most of that time, Republicans controlled Congress.
With Democrats now in charge of Congress and the White House, the deficit in the fiscal year that ends Sept. 30 will hit $1.85 trillion. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office calculates that President Obama's budget would add $9.2 trillion to the national debt over the next 10 years, a level that can't be sustained.
Overall tax rates are lower now than in previous years, but deficits are a looming tax bill that must be paid eventually. Faced with that, arguing whether tea-party protesters have partisan motives is like playing the violin badly while Rome burns.
Spending to fight the recession and create jobs was necessary. And anti-tax protesters don't talk enough about what spending they'd like to cut. The Pentagon's half-trillion-dollar budget? Government pensions or Medicare's prescription-drug program?
The deficit problem didn't begin with the economic-stimulus plan. Nor will it be solved without public pressure, including tea parties.
A National Education Standard?
From TIME.com
How to Raise the Standard in America's Schools
By Walter Isaacson Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2009
National standards have long been the third rail of education politics. The right chokes on the word national, with its implication that the feds will trample on the states' traditional authority over public schools. And the left chokes on the word standards, with the intimations of assessments and testing that accompany it. The result is a K-12 education system in the U.S. that is burdened by an incoherent jumble of state and local curriculum standards, assessment tools, tests, texts and teaching materials. Even worse, many states have bumbled into a race to the bottom as they define their local standards downward in order to pretend to satisfy federal demands by showing that their students are proficient.
It's time to take another look. Without national standards for what our students should learn, it will be hard for the U.S. to succeed in the 21st century economy. Today's wacky patchwork makes it difficult to assess which methods work best or how to hold teachers and schools accountable. Fortunately, there are glimmers of hope that the politics surrounding national standards has become a little less contentious. A growing coalition of reformers — from civil rights activist Al Sharpton to Georgia Republican governor Sonny Perdue — believe that some form of common standards is necessary to achieve a wide array of other education reforms, including merit pay for good teachers and the expansion of the role of public charter schools. (See pictures of inside a public boarding school.)
The idea of "common schools" that adopt the same curriculum and standards isn't new. It first arose in the 1840s, largely owing to the influence of the reformer Horace Mann. But the U.S. Constitution leaves public education to the states, and the states devolve much of the authority to local school districts, of which there are now more than 13,000 in the U.S. The Federal Government provides less than 9% of the funding for K-12 schools. That is why it has proved impossible thus far to create common curriculum standards nationwide. In 1989, President George H.W. Bush summoned the nation's governors to Charlottesville, Va., to attempt a standards-based approach to school reform. The result was only a vague endorsement of "voluntary national standards," which never gained much traction. In 1994, President Bill Clinton got federal money for standards-based reform, but the effort remained in the hands of the states, leading to a wildly varying hodgepodge of expectations for — as well as ideological battles over — math and English curriculums.
The No Child Left Behind Act pushed by President George W. Bush unintentionally exacerbated the problem. It required each state to ensure that its students achieve "universal proficiency" in reading and math — but allowed each to define what that meant. The result was that many states made their job easier by setting their bar lower. This race to the bottom resulted in a Lake Wobegon world where every state declared that its kids were better than average. Take the amazing case of Mississippi. According to the standards it set for itself, 89% of its fourth-graders were proficient or better in reading, making them the best in the nation. Yet according to the random sampling done every few years by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) test, a mere 18% of the state's fourth-graders were proficient, making them the worst in the nation. Even in Lake Wobegon that doesn't happen. Only in America. The Thomas B. Fordham Institute, led by reformer Chester Finn Jr., has been analyzing state standards for more than a decade and concludes, "Two-thirds of U.S. children attend schools in states with mediocre standards or worse."
See the rest at TIME.com
How to Raise the Standard in America's Schools
By Walter Isaacson Wednesday, Apr. 15, 2009
National standards have long been the third rail of education politics. The right chokes on the word national, with its implication that the feds will trample on the states' traditional authority over public schools. And the left chokes on the word standards, with the intimations of assessments and testing that accompany it. The result is a K-12 education system in the U.S. that is burdened by an incoherent jumble of state and local curriculum standards, assessment tools, tests, texts and teaching materials. Even worse, many states have bumbled into a race to the bottom as they define their local standards downward in order to pretend to satisfy federal demands by showing that their students are proficient.
It's time to take another look. Without national standards for what our students should learn, it will be hard for the U.S. to succeed in the 21st century economy. Today's wacky patchwork makes it difficult to assess which methods work best or how to hold teachers and schools accountable. Fortunately, there are glimmers of hope that the politics surrounding national standards has become a little less contentious. A growing coalition of reformers — from civil rights activist Al Sharpton to Georgia Republican governor Sonny Perdue — believe that some form of common standards is necessary to achieve a wide array of other education reforms, including merit pay for good teachers and the expansion of the role of public charter schools. (See pictures of inside a public boarding school.)
The idea of "common schools" that adopt the same curriculum and standards isn't new. It first arose in the 1840s, largely owing to the influence of the reformer Horace Mann. But the U.S. Constitution leaves public education to the states, and the states devolve much of the authority to local school districts, of which there are now more than 13,000 in the U.S. The Federal Government provides less than 9% of the funding for K-12 schools. That is why it has proved impossible thus far to create common curriculum standards nationwide. In 1989, President George H.W. Bush summoned the nation's governors to Charlottesville, Va., to attempt a standards-based approach to school reform. The result was only a vague endorsement of "voluntary national standards," which never gained much traction. In 1994, President Bill Clinton got federal money for standards-based reform, but the effort remained in the hands of the states, leading to a wildly varying hodgepodge of expectations for — as well as ideological battles over — math and English curriculums.
The No Child Left Behind Act pushed by President George W. Bush unintentionally exacerbated the problem. It required each state to ensure that its students achieve "universal proficiency" in reading and math — but allowed each to define what that meant. The result was that many states made their job easier by setting their bar lower. This race to the bottom resulted in a Lake Wobegon world where every state declared that its kids were better than average. Take the amazing case of Mississippi. According to the standards it set for itself, 89% of its fourth-graders were proficient or better in reading, making them the best in the nation. Yet according to the random sampling done every few years by the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) test, a mere 18% of the state's fourth-graders were proficient, making them the worst in the nation. Even in Lake Wobegon that doesn't happen. Only in America. The Thomas B. Fordham Institute, led by reformer Chester Finn Jr., has been analyzing state standards for more than a decade and concludes, "Two-thirds of U.S. children attend schools in states with mediocre standards or worse."
See the rest at TIME.com
Saturday, April 18, 2009
I'm Looking for a Few Good Men (Women Too)
This is not Texas and they're called school directors here. It looks like the job requirements are the same.
One quoted quality really stepped out and saluted: "School board elections are not the place to resolve personal grievances against the schools (or district)"
Ask yourself: What values do the people I voted for in 2007 represent?
Ask yourself again: What do I want in 2009?
What does it take to be an Effective School Board Trustee?
Posted on April 16, 2009 at 8:59 pm
By PHYLLIS SNODGRASS
President, San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce
It’s that time again – the time when candidates run for school board trustee for the San Marcos CISD. Why should the Chamber of Commerce care? Because school board trustees put into motion actions which ultimately lead to the success or failure of our schools. They are the governing body that the Superintendent of Schools reports to. If education is truly the number one economic development tool of our community– then school board trustees are absolutely critical to the future success of our community.
The quality and equity of education is a priority concern of educators, parents, business and community leaders and public officials in San Marcos. To ensure high quality education, the citizens of San Marcos must identify and elect Board Trustees who are qualified to meet the many difficult challenges facing the district. In an effort to identify and define the attributes that a school Board Trustee needs to meet these challenges, more than sixty leaders from 30 community organizations and many businesses came together in 1993, then again in 2007, to develop an Attribute Profile of an Effective School Board Trustee. Based on national best practices, regional experience, and the expertise of these leaders, this Attribute Profile was created.
The following organizations participated in the collaborative development of and/or endorsed this profile:
• Austin Area Research Organization (AARO)
• Austin Area Urban League
• Austin Council of PTA’s
• Austin Independent School District
• Austin Interfaith
• Austin Partners in Education
• Capital City African American Chamber of Commerce
• Capital Metro
• City of Austin Mayor’s Office
• Community Action Network
• E3 Alliance
• Executive Women International
• Greater Austin Chamber
• Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Junior League
• Leadership Austin
• League of Women Voters in Austin
• Real Estate Council of Austin (RECA)
• Ready By 21 Coalition
• Southwest Key
• Texas Business & Education Coalition (TBEC)
• The Austin Project
• The University of Texas at Austin
• United Way – Capital Area
• Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Texas
• Community, Civic and Business Leaders
• Other regional school district representatives
This representative and very knowledgeable group has created a brochure to help communities in Central Texas choose the very best possible school board trustees. The brochure details the qualities highlighted by this broad range of community partners as the most important attributes of a successful school board trustee.
An Effective School Board Trustee Should:
• Be a visionary, goal-directed, and willing to take risks. Be willing to set and have experience setting policy priorities.
• Have proven and appropriate organizational, fiscal and leadership skills suitable for the size and complexity of the school district.
• Demonstrate commitment to equity and access to quality education and world-class standards of achievement for all students.
• Demonstrate the ability to build consensus and to achieve collaborative outcomes.
• Value diversity and equity as criteria for decision-making.
• Be willing to set an example and establish accountability at all levels for achievement of all students, by understanding how to identify relevant data and use it appropriately.
• Practice good and efficient governance, understanding the role of policy-maker versus administrator.
• Represent the population served by our district and be a strong advocate for public education.
• Understand the need for alignment from early childhood through college and career success and across education providers to create a continuum of success for students.
• Exhibit personal qualities that embody a positive role model for our children and our community.
School board elections are not the place to resolve personal grievances against the schools (or district) nor should they be used merely as a stepping stone for future public office. Our schools deserve quality candidates that possess the above attributes and are willing to bring their knowledge and skills to the table to benefit the students of San Marcos CISD. There is a huge time commitment involved in serving as a school board trustee and each and every one of us should be thankful to our current trustees for the dedicated service that they provide to our community. A full list of questions that should be asked of every candidate for school board trustee can be found on the chamber’s website at www.sanmarcostexas.com. Our students deserve the best, and it is up to us to support the candidates that will best meet the needs of those students.
One quoted quality really stepped out and saluted: "School board elections are not the place to resolve personal grievances against the schools (or district)"
Ask yourself: What values do the people I voted for in 2007 represent?
Ask yourself again: What do I want in 2009?
What does it take to be an Effective School Board Trustee?
Posted on April 16, 2009 at 8:59 pm
By PHYLLIS SNODGRASS
President, San Marcos Area Chamber of Commerce
It’s that time again – the time when candidates run for school board trustee for the San Marcos CISD. Why should the Chamber of Commerce care? Because school board trustees put into motion actions which ultimately lead to the success or failure of our schools. They are the governing body that the Superintendent of Schools reports to. If education is truly the number one economic development tool of our community– then school board trustees are absolutely critical to the future success of our community.
The quality and equity of education is a priority concern of educators, parents, business and community leaders and public officials in San Marcos. To ensure high quality education, the citizens of San Marcos must identify and elect Board Trustees who are qualified to meet the many difficult challenges facing the district. In an effort to identify and define the attributes that a school Board Trustee needs to meet these challenges, more than sixty leaders from 30 community organizations and many businesses came together in 1993, then again in 2007, to develop an Attribute Profile of an Effective School Board Trustee. Based on national best practices, regional experience, and the expertise of these leaders, this Attribute Profile was created.
The following organizations participated in the collaborative development of and/or endorsed this profile:
• Austin Area Research Organization (AARO)
• Austin Area Urban League
• Austin Council of PTA’s
• Austin Independent School District
• Austin Interfaith
• Austin Partners in Education
• Capital City African American Chamber of Commerce
• Capital Metro
• City of Austin Mayor’s Office
• Community Action Network
• E3 Alliance
• Executive Women International
• Greater Austin Chamber
• Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Junior League
• Leadership Austin
• League of Women Voters in Austin
• Real Estate Council of Austin (RECA)
• Ready By 21 Coalition
• Southwest Key
• Texas Business & Education Coalition (TBEC)
• The Austin Project
• The University of Texas at Austin
• United Way – Capital Area
• Women’s Chamber of Commerce of Texas
• Community, Civic and Business Leaders
• Other regional school district representatives
This representative and very knowledgeable group has created a brochure to help communities in Central Texas choose the very best possible school board trustees. The brochure details the qualities highlighted by this broad range of community partners as the most important attributes of a successful school board trustee.
An Effective School Board Trustee Should:
• Be a visionary, goal-directed, and willing to take risks. Be willing to set and have experience setting policy priorities.
• Have proven and appropriate organizational, fiscal and leadership skills suitable for the size and complexity of the school district.
• Demonstrate commitment to equity and access to quality education and world-class standards of achievement for all students.
• Demonstrate the ability to build consensus and to achieve collaborative outcomes.
• Value diversity and equity as criteria for decision-making.
• Be willing to set an example and establish accountability at all levels for achievement of all students, by understanding how to identify relevant data and use it appropriately.
• Practice good and efficient governance, understanding the role of policy-maker versus administrator.
• Represent the population served by our district and be a strong advocate for public education.
• Understand the need for alignment from early childhood through college and career success and across education providers to create a continuum of success for students.
• Exhibit personal qualities that embody a positive role model for our children and our community.
School board elections are not the place to resolve personal grievances against the schools (or district) nor should they be used merely as a stepping stone for future public office. Our schools deserve quality candidates that possess the above attributes and are willing to bring their knowledge and skills to the table to benefit the students of San Marcos CISD. There is a huge time commitment involved in serving as a school board trustee and each and every one of us should be thankful to our current trustees for the dedicated service that they provide to our community. A full list of questions that should be asked of every candidate for school board trustee can be found on the chamber’s website at www.sanmarcostexas.com. Our students deserve the best, and it is up to us to support the candidates that will best meet the needs of those students.
Community Craftsmen Award
From the BCCT.
Congratulations to the teachers and students who give of their time and talent. Good show!
Morrisville students show off toy-making talents
By: MANASEE WAGH
Bucks County Courier Times
Morrisville Middle/Senior High School students have been recognized for volunteering their time and toy-making talents to benefit kids in the community.
The school recently achieved runner-up status in the national Minwax Community Craftsman Award, which rewards groups or individuals who are "doing good with wood" for other people.
Fourteen Morrisville students enrolled in woodworking made 48 toys, ranging from wooden Flintstone cars to Tic-Tac-Toe boards and two large alphabet trains. They gave the trains to displaced M.R. Reiter Elementary School Pre-K and kindergarten children to use during the school day. All the toys started as wood grown in Morrisville that was sawed by a Morrisville graduate, said technology education teacher Kevin Jones.
Some of the toy ideas come from woodworking books and the Internet, while others are unique student creations, said Jones.
This is the fourth year the students have worked on an annual toy drive in conjunction with Ivin's House, a community service organization that distributes the toys to needy children each year.
As an award, the school's technology education department will receive $1,500 worth of Minwax products. The top prize is a $5,000 cash grant, a supply of Minwax products and a consultation with leading finishing expert Bruce Johnson.
Congratulations to the teachers and students who give of their time and talent. Good show!
Morrisville students show off toy-making talents
By: MANASEE WAGH
Bucks County Courier Times
Morrisville Middle/Senior High School students have been recognized for volunteering their time and toy-making talents to benefit kids in the community.
The school recently achieved runner-up status in the national Minwax Community Craftsman Award, which rewards groups or individuals who are "doing good with wood" for other people.
Fourteen Morrisville students enrolled in woodworking made 48 toys, ranging from wooden Flintstone cars to Tic-Tac-Toe boards and two large alphabet trains. They gave the trains to displaced M.R. Reiter Elementary School Pre-K and kindergarten children to use during the school day. All the toys started as wood grown in Morrisville that was sawed by a Morrisville graduate, said technology education teacher Kevin Jones.
Some of the toy ideas come from woodworking books and the Internet, while others are unique student creations, said Jones.
This is the fourth year the students have worked on an annual toy drive in conjunction with Ivin's House, a community service organization that distributes the toys to needy children each year.
As an award, the school's technology education department will receive $1,500 worth of Minwax products. The top prize is a $5,000 cash grant, a supply of Minwax products and a consultation with leading finishing expert Bruce Johnson.
Neshaminy Budget: Good News and Bad News
From the BCCT.
Board facing tough budget decisions
By: RACHEL CANELLI
Burlington County Times
Good news! Neshaminy’s budget should fall within the Act 1 tax spending limit. The bad news: Everybody won’t like something about it. That’s what business administrator Joseph Paradise told the Neshaminy school board this week about the district’s previously projected $167 million spending plan. To meet the tax law’s allowable 4.1 percent increase, which equals 6 mills or $4.6 million in Neshaminy, officials said they need to shrink a $14 million deficit to $4.5 million.
It’s unclear who, or what, will suffer the most. But administrators said the cuts will involve program changes and elimination and service reductions from the cabinet to the custodians, including teachers.
“We’re not sure how we’re going to do that yet,” said Paradise. “It’s still a work in progress. Every part of the district will be affected. But there’s no other way to do it. There’s no magic bullet.”
Revenues, including property and business taxes, are down almost $3 million to about $153 million, Paradise reported last month. Since officials don’t want to use any more of the dwindling $1.2 million savings account, taxpayers would see an average $500 increase to help fill that gap, administrators said.
For that reason, some homeowners, many senior citizens, have been petitioning the board for a zero percent budget/tax increase.
To ease the burden, board members and administrators have discussed sharing elementary art, music and gym teachers, advertising at sporting events, reducing the pre-first program, going paperless, increasing class size, charging community groups to use facilities, eliminating lead teachers, decreasing bus routes and charging for extra-curricular activities.
Neshaminy qualifies, though, for about $3.3 million in exceptions, including for special education. So, that could bump the district’s allowable total increase to 7 percent, or 10.32 mills. But the board members previously voted to try their best not to use those.
Paradise is expected to present the updated budget to the board during its April 28 meeting, which begins at 7 p.m., in Maple Point Middle School’s board room.
Board facing tough budget decisions
By: RACHEL CANELLI
Burlington County Times
Good news! Neshaminy’s budget should fall within the Act 1 tax spending limit. The bad news: Everybody won’t like something about it. That’s what business administrator Joseph Paradise told the Neshaminy school board this week about the district’s previously projected $167 million spending plan. To meet the tax law’s allowable 4.1 percent increase, which equals 6 mills or $4.6 million in Neshaminy, officials said they need to shrink a $14 million deficit to $4.5 million.
It’s unclear who, or what, will suffer the most. But administrators said the cuts will involve program changes and elimination and service reductions from the cabinet to the custodians, including teachers.
“We’re not sure how we’re going to do that yet,” said Paradise. “It’s still a work in progress. Every part of the district will be affected. But there’s no other way to do it. There’s no magic bullet.”
Revenues, including property and business taxes, are down almost $3 million to about $153 million, Paradise reported last month. Since officials don’t want to use any more of the dwindling $1.2 million savings account, taxpayers would see an average $500 increase to help fill that gap, administrators said.
For that reason, some homeowners, many senior citizens, have been petitioning the board for a zero percent budget/tax increase.
To ease the burden, board members and administrators have discussed sharing elementary art, music and gym teachers, advertising at sporting events, reducing the pre-first program, going paperless, increasing class size, charging community groups to use facilities, eliminating lead teachers, decreasing bus routes and charging for extra-curricular activities.
Neshaminy qualifies, though, for about $3.3 million in exceptions, including for special education. So, that could bump the district’s allowable total increase to 7 percent, or 10.32 mills. But the board members previously voted to try their best not to use those.
Paradise is expected to present the updated budget to the board during its April 28 meeting, which begins at 7 p.m., in Maple Point Middle School’s board room.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Baseball in the Schools
From the BCCT.
Seems like Morrisville is in the bottom the ninth with two out, bases empty, the bottom of the order coming up, and three back to back grand slams needed to tie.
Architect says new school project is in ‘great shape’
The district has used about half of the contingency funds it set aside to cover unforeseen costs.
By JOAN HELLYER
The Bristol School District is “in the top of the ninth inning” with the construction of its new $33 million-plus school, the project’s chief architect said Thursday night.
Most of the work should be completed by June, added Angelo Rago, the district’s project representative, during the school board meeting.
The building at 450 Beaver St. will open in September and will serve approximately 1,100 students in pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade.
School board members asked the chief architect, Michael Minton, to address rumors that the project was way over budget. It’s not, the Vitetta architect said. The district has used only about half of the contingency funds it had set aside to cover unforeseen costs in the project, Minton said.
That amounts to about 2.5 percent of the project’s entire cost.
The contingency funds, as well as capital reserve funds are being used to cover costs relating to a soil remediation delay in 2007, change orders and contractor claims, officials said.
Seems like Morrisville is in the bottom the ninth with two out, bases empty, the bottom of the order coming up, and three back to back grand slams needed to tie.
Architect says new school project is in ‘great shape’
The district has used about half of the contingency funds it set aside to cover unforeseen costs.
By JOAN HELLYER
The Bristol School District is “in the top of the ninth inning” with the construction of its new $33 million-plus school, the project’s chief architect said Thursday night.
Most of the work should be completed by June, added Angelo Rago, the district’s project representative, during the school board meeting.
The building at 450 Beaver St. will open in September and will serve approximately 1,100 students in pre-kindergarten through eighth-grade.
School board members asked the chief architect, Michael Minton, to address rumors that the project was way over budget. It’s not, the Vitetta architect said. The district has used only about half of the contingency funds it had set aside to cover unforeseen costs in the project, Minton said.
That amounts to about 2.5 percent of the project’s entire cost.
The contingency funds, as well as capital reserve funds are being used to cover costs relating to a soil remediation delay in 2007, change orders and contractor claims, officials said.
Mayoral Candidate Question
This was posted as a comment to the post and was prepared by one of our more perspicacious observers. It deserves open and serious consideration from all of us.
Peter has left a new comment on your post "Mayoral Candidate Speaks":
Mr. Thomson,
Let me start by saying thank you for reaching out to our little community of blogheads. I am hoping we can engage in some discussion and better understand your candidacy.
I'll be frank, your association with the QSRE makes me skeptical. I realize this may be unfair as we've never met (AFAIK) and I know nothing about you other than your name is attached to the QSRE and Stop The School crowd. In my experience, people can generally be judged by the company they keep, and in my opinion the QSRE/STS crowd is what this town does not need; they (or at least the most vocal among them) stand for stagnation, status quo, anti-progress.
That said, I am interested in knowing how you would improve Morrisville's position in the world. How did you feel about the Gateway project? How would you handle the legal wrangling of the proposed burlesque club? Smoke shops? In your mind, what are the top 3 things that are wrong with MV and how do we fix them? (notice the inclusion -- this is task for us all) What are the top 3 things that are RIGHT? And how do we capitalize on them? Have you read the 10 year improvement plan that was done last year? Please give us your thoughts on that.
If the other candidates are out there reading, I'd love to hear your responses too.
I suspect most of this blog readership will be voting in May and November. I know I certainly will.
Peter has left a new comment on your post "Mayoral Candidate Speaks":
Mr. Thomson,
Let me start by saying thank you for reaching out to our little community of blogheads. I am hoping we can engage in some discussion and better understand your candidacy.
I'll be frank, your association with the QSRE makes me skeptical. I realize this may be unfair as we've never met (AFAIK) and I know nothing about you other than your name is attached to the QSRE and Stop The School crowd. In my experience, people can generally be judged by the company they keep, and in my opinion the QSRE/STS crowd is what this town does not need; they (or at least the most vocal among them) stand for stagnation, status quo, anti-progress.
That said, I am interested in knowing how you would improve Morrisville's position in the world. How did you feel about the Gateway project? How would you handle the legal wrangling of the proposed burlesque club? Smoke shops? In your mind, what are the top 3 things that are wrong with MV and how do we fix them? (notice the inclusion -- this is task for us all) What are the top 3 things that are RIGHT? And how do we capitalize on them? Have you read the 10 year improvement plan that was done last year? Please give us your thoughts on that.
If the other candidates are out there reading, I'd love to hear your responses too.
I suspect most of this blog readership will be voting in May and November. I know I certainly will.
I Ain't Bo Peep, and These Ain't Sheep
Thanks to all the emailers on this situation. We previously discussed this in this post and this post last December.
April 16, 2009
Dear Parent/Guardian:
This afternoon at 1:00 pm, Morrisville Middle/Senior High School went into restrictive movement. The purpose of the restrictive movement was to clear the school so Interquest Detection Canines could conduct a search. This search serves several purposes with the most important being ensuring a safe environment for all members of the Morrisville Middle/Senior High School community. Additionally, this will send a message to any student considering bringing harmful substances to the middle/senior high school. The school administration, faculty, and students will not tolerate this type of activity in their school.
The search lasted approximately two hours. During this time, teachers and support staff not assigned to students were available to escort any student in need of medical assistance to the nurse’s office. Students needing to use the lavatory facilities were also escorted to the lavatory. Prior to being able to use the lavatory students were searched. This was done to keep students from getting rid of any illegal substances while they were using the facilities. If a student’s locker was identified by the dog, the content of the locker and the student was searched. Additionally, the parent/guardian was immediately contacted. At no time was a student subjected to a search by the use of a dog.
Today’s search was conducted following School Board Policy (#226) and with utmost respect for student privacy. Students, teachers, staff, and parents/guardians have the right to expect to come to a safe place to learn, work, or visit.
Sincerely,
William J. Ferrara Principal
April 16, 2009
Dear Parent/Guardian:
This afternoon at 1:00 pm, Morrisville Middle/Senior High School went into restrictive movement. The purpose of the restrictive movement was to clear the school so Interquest Detection Canines could conduct a search. This search serves several purposes with the most important being ensuring a safe environment for all members of the Morrisville Middle/Senior High School community. Additionally, this will send a message to any student considering bringing harmful substances to the middle/senior high school. The school administration, faculty, and students will not tolerate this type of activity in their school.
The search lasted approximately two hours. During this time, teachers and support staff not assigned to students were available to escort any student in need of medical assistance to the nurse’s office. Students needing to use the lavatory facilities were also escorted to the lavatory. Prior to being able to use the lavatory students were searched. This was done to keep students from getting rid of any illegal substances while they were using the facilities. If a student’s locker was identified by the dog, the content of the locker and the student was searched. Additionally, the parent/guardian was immediately contacted. At no time was a student subjected to a search by the use of a dog.
Today’s search was conducted following School Board Policy (#226) and with utmost respect for student privacy. Students, teachers, staff, and parents/guardians have the right to expect to come to a safe place to learn, work, or visit.
Sincerely,
William J. Ferrara Principal
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Reading Olympics News
Thanks to the emailer for this news tip.
Our 4th and 5th grade "Grandview Greats" won a blue ribbon at tonight's reading olympics, held at Bensalem High School, with a total 60 points! Please post the good news.
Our 4th and 5th grade "Grandview Greats" won a blue ribbon at tonight's reading olympics, held at Bensalem High School, with a total 60 points! Please post the good news.
Philly Schools Plan Released
From the Inquirer
School district reform plan released
By MENSAH M. DEAN
Philadelphia Daily News Posted on Tue, Apr. 14, 2009
After fielding ideas and concerns at more than a dozen meetings attended by an estimated 3,000 people since the first week of March, the Philadelphia School District has released the final draft of Superintendent Arlene Ackerman's signature reform plan.
"Imagine 2014, a 64-page document containing the "strategic direction for our schools for the next five years," was posted on the district's Internet site - www.phila.k12.pa.us - last night.
Due to community input, the number of reforms contained in the final plan has grown since Ackerman made public the rough draft on Feb. 18.
Added to the plan are: a call to decrease the student-to-counselor ratio to 500-to-1 in elementary schools; request to expand opportunities for middle school students to take world languages; and changes in class schedules at high schools to create smaller class sizes.
In addition, the plan says English language arts, math, science and social studies courses will be updated so that they are more integrated, rigorous and relevant in preparing students for college and careers.
The core curriculum will be linked to real-world and field experiences to provide students with instruction that is relevant to their everyday lives and reflects the diversity of the student population, the plan says.
School communities will be "integrally involved" in the process of reforming failing schools, the report says. The plan calls for placing 10 such schools under new management by September 2010, and a total of about 30 schools by 2014.
While the plan states that the district has made steady progress over the last seven years under state control, major problems remain.
Just 43 percent of schools are making adequate yearly progress under the federal No Child Left Behind Act; just 33 percent of 11th graders are proficient in reading on the state's annual exam; and in math, a 28 percent point gap exist with white and Asian students outpacing African-American and Latino students.
The School Reform Commission is scheduled to review the plan during its 2 p.m. meeting tomorrow at the district's headquarters, 440 N. Broad St. The commission will vote on the plan at its April 22 meeting.
School district reform plan released
By MENSAH M. DEAN
Philadelphia Daily News Posted on Tue, Apr. 14, 2009
After fielding ideas and concerns at more than a dozen meetings attended by an estimated 3,000 people since the first week of March, the Philadelphia School District has released the final draft of Superintendent Arlene Ackerman's signature reform plan.
"Imagine 2014, a 64-page document containing the "strategic direction for our schools for the next five years," was posted on the district's Internet site - www.phila.k12.pa.us - last night.
Due to community input, the number of reforms contained in the final plan has grown since Ackerman made public the rough draft on Feb. 18.
Added to the plan are: a call to decrease the student-to-counselor ratio to 500-to-1 in elementary schools; request to expand opportunities for middle school students to take world languages; and changes in class schedules at high schools to create smaller class sizes.
In addition, the plan says English language arts, math, science and social studies courses will be updated so that they are more integrated, rigorous and relevant in preparing students for college and careers.
The core curriculum will be linked to real-world and field experiences to provide students with instruction that is relevant to their everyday lives and reflects the diversity of the student population, the plan says.
School communities will be "integrally involved" in the process of reforming failing schools, the report says. The plan calls for placing 10 such schools under new management by September 2010, and a total of about 30 schools by 2014.
While the plan states that the district has made steady progress over the last seven years under state control, major problems remain.
Just 43 percent of schools are making adequate yearly progress under the federal No Child Left Behind Act; just 33 percent of 11th graders are proficient in reading on the state's annual exam; and in math, a 28 percent point gap exist with white and Asian students outpacing African-American and Latino students.
The School Reform Commission is scheduled to review the plan during its 2 p.m. meeting tomorrow at the district's headquarters, 440 N. Broad St. The commission will vote on the plan at its April 22 meeting.
Some Officials Not Following Open Records Law
From WGAL-TV
Some Officials Not Following Open Records Law
Legislation Allows Citizens To Request Information From Any State Agency
POSTED: 5:47 pm EDT April 14, 2009
UPDATED: 9:19 am EDT April 15, 2009
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The state's new open records law is designed to help citizens better understand how government works in Pennsylvania, and in many ways it is working. But some officials are still going out of their way to keep information from the public.
Nearly every day, the public can take a tour of the state Capitol building to learn about its architecture and history. But there is a lot that goes on in the Capitol that Pennsylvania residents never hear about. That's where Terry Mutchler comes in.
"There are public officials that view the Right To Know law as a nuisance," said Mutchler.
Mutchler is executive director of the state's newly created Office of Open Records, which is tucked away in a corner of the Keystone office building in Harrisburg. She said the law has only been in effect for a few months, but that hasn't stopped some public agencies from misusing it.
"I will sometimes hear from public officials who are following the letter of the law and the spirit of the law," said Mutchler. "But I'll also hear from folks who say they'll hide their Right To Know officer so they can never receive a Right To Know request," said Mutchler.
The law allows anyone to request information from any government agency in the state, from local municipalities all the way to the governor's office.
Agencies Must Copy, Mail Records
A recent dispute involved whether government agencies are required to make copies and mail records that are requested. Some have refused to do so.
"When the law talks about postage and photo copiers, the intent is that you do, as a government official, have the obligation to photocopy and mail records," said Mutchler.
She said workers in state agencies were also recently directed by the governor's office not to answer her calls because they felt requests from her office should be handled in writing. Mutchler said her office has been busy handling these types of concerns.
"Now that we have open government, we actually have a lot of work to do within that framework to see the actual results," said Mutchler. "I think there has to be a better balance struck."
A balance that, she said, would make open government in Pennsylvania a priority.
Open Records Resources
* For a "citizen's guide" with information about how to use the law, go to:
https://www.dced.state.pa.us/public/oor/rtkcitizensguidefinal.pdf
For a link to a generic form needed to file a request, go to:
https://www.dced.state.pa.us/public/oor/Form-Uniform_Request.pdf
For a list of open records contacts in local government agencies across the state, go to:
https://www.dced.state.pa.us/public/oor/orolist.pdf
For a list of open records contacts in state agencies, go to:
https://www.dced.state.pa.us/public/oor/aoroList.pdf
For a list of open records contacts in school districts, go to:
https://www.dced.state.pa.us/public/oor/orolist_sd.pdf
Some Officials Not Following Open Records Law
Legislation Allows Citizens To Request Information From Any State Agency
POSTED: 5:47 pm EDT April 14, 2009
UPDATED: 9:19 am EDT April 15, 2009
HARRISBURG, Pa. -- The state's new open records law is designed to help citizens better understand how government works in Pennsylvania, and in many ways it is working. But some officials are still going out of their way to keep information from the public.
Nearly every day, the public can take a tour of the state Capitol building to learn about its architecture and history. But there is a lot that goes on in the Capitol that Pennsylvania residents never hear about. That's where Terry Mutchler comes in.
"There are public officials that view the Right To Know law as a nuisance," said Mutchler.
Mutchler is executive director of the state's newly created Office of Open Records, which is tucked away in a corner of the Keystone office building in Harrisburg. She said the law has only been in effect for a few months, but that hasn't stopped some public agencies from misusing it.
"I will sometimes hear from public officials who are following the letter of the law and the spirit of the law," said Mutchler. "But I'll also hear from folks who say they'll hide their Right To Know officer so they can never receive a Right To Know request," said Mutchler.
The law allows anyone to request information from any government agency in the state, from local municipalities all the way to the governor's office.
Agencies Must Copy, Mail Records
A recent dispute involved whether government agencies are required to make copies and mail records that are requested. Some have refused to do so.
"When the law talks about postage and photo copiers, the intent is that you do, as a government official, have the obligation to photocopy and mail records," said Mutchler.
She said workers in state agencies were also recently directed by the governor's office not to answer her calls because they felt requests from her office should be handled in writing. Mutchler said her office has been busy handling these types of concerns.
"Now that we have open government, we actually have a lot of work to do within that framework to see the actual results," said Mutchler. "I think there has to be a better balance struck."
A balance that, she said, would make open government in Pennsylvania a priority.
Open Records Resources
* For a "citizen's guide" with information about how to use the law, go to:
https://www.dced.state.pa.us/public/oor/rtkcitizensguidefinal.pdf
For a link to a generic form needed to file a request, go to:
https://www.dced.state.pa.us/public/oor/Form-Uniform_Request.pdf
For a list of open records contacts in local government agencies across the state, go to:
https://www.dced.state.pa.us/public/oor/orolist.pdf
For a list of open records contacts in state agencies, go to:
https://www.dced.state.pa.us/public/oor/aoroList.pdf
For a list of open records contacts in school districts, go to:
https://www.dced.state.pa.us/public/oor/orolist_sd.pdf
New Hope-Solebury: We're In This Together
From the BCCT.
District strives to cut more
By: FREDA R. SAVANA
Bucks County Courier Times
Like everyone else, the New Hope-Solebury School District is feeling the squeeze from the rough economy.
Wrestling to bring down costs, without damaging the small district's strong reputation, New Hope Superintendent Raymond Boccuti said Wednesday his staff has found another $287,000 to slash from next year's budget.
In an impassioned and somewhat frustrated tone, Boccuti detailed cuts ranging from $144,000 from a teacher's retirement and a resignation, to $1,000 in professional books. Part-time custodians, consultants and new computers are being axed. Updated textbooks are being pushed off for another year.
"We've looked and looked at this budget. We're doing a lot of dramatic things while preserving the integrity of the school district," Boccuti told the school board.
If the new reductions make their way out of the budget, taxpayers are still facing a 4.98 percent tax hike, or a $217 increase for the owner of a home assessed at the district average. That's down from the $314 it projected earlier this year for a $33.3 million spending plan.
"To get it to zero," said the superintendent, "you'll have to gut the fund balance and cut staff and programs."
Among the proposed cuts is the "Artist in Residence" program, which brings art into schools, for a savings of $6,500. Cutting the district's school resource officer, a New Hope police officer who visits the campus periodically, would save another $45,000, according to Boccuti.
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The superintendent pointed out the officer has rarely been at the school in recent months, as he's been needed by the borough's police department, which is also struggling with budget cuts.
"I don't want us to be penny wise and pound foolish," said school director Laurence Fieber, expressing concern about the cuts. He suggested maybe the home and school association and the nonprofit New Hope Education Fund, which supports various school-related projects, could pick up some of the slack.
Board President Rebecca Malamis said parents offered to help when the district stopped running late buses to cut costs and would probably do it again.
"This is a time for our community to come together," she said.
Boccuti and the board agreed to discuss the program cuts with the local organizations and parents.
Parents, volunteers and community groups will be asked to help with some school programs.
April 16, 2009 02:20 AM
District strives to cut more
By: FREDA R. SAVANA
Bucks County Courier Times
Like everyone else, the New Hope-Solebury School District is feeling the squeeze from the rough economy.
Wrestling to bring down costs, without damaging the small district's strong reputation, New Hope Superintendent Raymond Boccuti said Wednesday his staff has found another $287,000 to slash from next year's budget.
In an impassioned and somewhat frustrated tone, Boccuti detailed cuts ranging from $144,000 from a teacher's retirement and a resignation, to $1,000 in professional books. Part-time custodians, consultants and new computers are being axed. Updated textbooks are being pushed off for another year.
"We've looked and looked at this budget. We're doing a lot of dramatic things while preserving the integrity of the school district," Boccuti told the school board.
If the new reductions make their way out of the budget, taxpayers are still facing a 4.98 percent tax hike, or a $217 increase for the owner of a home assessed at the district average. That's down from the $314 it projected earlier this year for a $33.3 million spending plan.
"To get it to zero," said the superintendent, "you'll have to gut the fund balance and cut staff and programs."
Among the proposed cuts is the "Artist in Residence" program, which brings art into schools, for a savings of $6,500. Cutting the district's school resource officer, a New Hope police officer who visits the campus periodically, would save another $45,000, according to Boccuti.
Advertisement
The superintendent pointed out the officer has rarely been at the school in recent months, as he's been needed by the borough's police department, which is also struggling with budget cuts.
"I don't want us to be penny wise and pound foolish," said school director Laurence Fieber, expressing concern about the cuts. He suggested maybe the home and school association and the nonprofit New Hope Education Fund, which supports various school-related projects, could pick up some of the slack.
Board President Rebecca Malamis said parents offered to help when the district stopped running late buses to cut costs and would probably do it again.
"This is a time for our community to come together," she said.
Boccuti and the board agreed to discuss the program cuts with the local organizations and parents.
Parents, volunteers and community groups will be asked to help with some school programs.
April 16, 2009 02:20 AM
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Mayoral Candidate Speaks
Here's a comment that was made to the mayoral candidate posting that deserves to see the light of day as a posting of its own.
I am accepting it as a posting from Graeme Thomson, democratic candidate for mayor in Morrisville. If it later turns out not to be his posting, this will be removed.
In the interests of full disclosure, I believe this is the same person who was the administrator of several websites many of our readers are familiar with, but I would provide the opportunity to let the poster make that disclosure. It might make some people wonder how fervently this poster advocates investment in Morrisville while his friends would not.
Graeme has left a new comment on your post "3 Dems running for Morrisville mayor":
I guess it is time for me to chime in and introduce myself.
I am running for mayor I decided to run for mayor the day our incumbent told the school board and citizens at a school board meeting something to the effect that he had spoken to 1000 people about the school issue. It is time for absentee mayor to end and to bring someone in to the position.
I moved to Morrisville, I decided to live here, because of the town and because of the people.
When I chose Morrisville for my home I worked in New York, it was certainly not because it was close to where I worked but I wanted a home where I could raise my family. I can’t think of any place better then Morrisville.
I worked for 12 years in "Advertising and Public Relations", I know better then any of the other candidates how to talk to business leaders, and I know how to show them what a great opportunity Morrisville is.
Morrisville has some hard times ahead if we do not select a business leader. The Calhoun Street Bridge is about to be shutdown for an extended period of time cutting seriously into the number of consumers coming in to Morrisville. To make matters worse PA has increased the taxes on tobacco, making it more expensive for people from New Jersey to here and buy cigarettes then buy them in NJ. I do not smoke and wish we had a better “draw” in Morrisville but at the moment it is the biggest “draw” we have for consumers. More people come to Morrisville to buy cigarettes then any other single item. While they are here people stop at some of our other business. Weather they buy a slice of pizza or a haircut every dollar they spend while they are here adds to our economy.
We need to take strong action to remind Morrisville residents of Morrisville, this is the prime time to do just that. With the cost of fuel on the rise again it is time for the town to learn how to shop local again. During the 2nd world war there were billboards all over reminding people to conserve fuel. That combined with letting people know what businesses and services we have will bring local consumers into our shops. As the shops do better in the area we will be able to meet with business owners and show them that stores in Morrisville can make profit, if you gave a business a tax free ride they will not move here if they do not think they can make profit. It will be a long process, bringing more business into Morrisville but together we can.
As for my being a puppet, life would be a lot simpler if I were. The only person who tells me what to do is my wife, and honestly even she is not completely happy with those results☺ I have always stood up for what I believe and will fight for what I think is right, and though I am willing to listen to other opinions, my decisions are my own not what I was told. I think about my words and actions before I speak or act, so I do not need handlers.
With the work and this campaign keeping me busy I can not promise to keep popping in to this blog, but I am a computer nerd both professionally and at home so this is as good of place as any to leave questions.
Even if you do not vote for me in May I hope you will get out and vote. I also hope you will support who ever is elected in November.
Think Green, Buy Local
I am accepting it as a posting from Graeme Thomson, democratic candidate for mayor in Morrisville. If it later turns out not to be his posting, this will be removed.
In the interests of full disclosure, I believe this is the same person who was the administrator of several websites many of our readers are familiar with, but I would provide the opportunity to let the poster make that disclosure. It might make some people wonder how fervently this poster advocates investment in Morrisville while his friends would not.
Graeme has left a new comment on your post "3 Dems running for Morrisville mayor":
I guess it is time for me to chime in and introduce myself.
I am running for mayor I decided to run for mayor the day our incumbent told the school board and citizens at a school board meeting something to the effect that he had spoken to 1000 people about the school issue. It is time for absentee mayor to end and to bring someone in to the position.
I moved to Morrisville, I decided to live here, because of the town and because of the people.
When I chose Morrisville for my home I worked in New York, it was certainly not because it was close to where I worked but I wanted a home where I could raise my family. I can’t think of any place better then Morrisville.
I worked for 12 years in "Advertising and Public Relations", I know better then any of the other candidates how to talk to business leaders, and I know how to show them what a great opportunity Morrisville is.
Morrisville has some hard times ahead if we do not select a business leader. The Calhoun Street Bridge is about to be shutdown for an extended period of time cutting seriously into the number of consumers coming in to Morrisville. To make matters worse PA has increased the taxes on tobacco, making it more expensive for people from New Jersey to here and buy cigarettes then buy them in NJ. I do not smoke and wish we had a better “draw” in Morrisville but at the moment it is the biggest “draw” we have for consumers. More people come to Morrisville to buy cigarettes then any other single item. While they are here people stop at some of our other business. Weather they buy a slice of pizza or a haircut every dollar they spend while they are here adds to our economy.
We need to take strong action to remind Morrisville residents of Morrisville, this is the prime time to do just that. With the cost of fuel on the rise again it is time for the town to learn how to shop local again. During the 2nd world war there were billboards all over reminding people to conserve fuel. That combined with letting people know what businesses and services we have will bring local consumers into our shops. As the shops do better in the area we will be able to meet with business owners and show them that stores in Morrisville can make profit, if you gave a business a tax free ride they will not move here if they do not think they can make profit. It will be a long process, bringing more business into Morrisville but together we can.
As for my being a puppet, life would be a lot simpler if I were. The only person who tells me what to do is my wife, and honestly even she is not completely happy with those results☺ I have always stood up for what I believe and will fight for what I think is right, and though I am willing to listen to other opinions, my decisions are my own not what I was told. I think about my words and actions before I speak or act, so I do not need handlers.
With the work and this campaign keeping me busy I can not promise to keep popping in to this blog, but I am a computer nerd both professionally and at home so this is as good of place as any to leave questions.
Even if you do not vote for me in May I hope you will get out and vote. I also hope you will support who ever is elected in November.
Think Green, Buy Local
Inefficient, expensive, but an American icon
From the Inquirer.
Inefficient, expensive, but an American icon
The neighborhood school helps to define who we are. Consolidation threatens that.
Commentary By Jonathan Zimmerman, Posted on Tue, Apr. 14, 2009
Imagine two school districts somewhere on America's checkered educational landscape. Each district has 1,000 students. But each one also has its own superintendent, clerical employees, and buses. And neither can afford electives in art, music, or technology.
Wouldn't you want to merge them?
Across the country, governors and state legislatures are trying to do exactly that. Here in Pennsylvania, Gov. Rendell has proposed a 12-member commission to suggest ways to consolidate some of our state's 501 school districts. Lawmakers in South Carolina, Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa are devising their own consolidation schemes. In these tough times, the argument goes, bigger districts will reduce administrative costs while enhancing curricula. So citizens will get more educational bang for their property-tax buck.
Only, the citizens don't see it that way. Especially in rural areas, voters have produced a flood of letters and petitions against consolidation. And in Maine, which passed a consolidation law two years ago, opponents are mounting a campaign to repeal it.
What's going on here? Part of the issue concerns money: Many voters doubt consolidation would cut costs or fear their taxes would actually go up.
But there's more. To Americans, school is not simply an institution to educate the largest number of children at the lowest expense possible. It's a symbol of community, of the geographic spaces and face-to-face relationships that help define who we are. If we give up our schools or our districts, we relinquish part of ourselves.
Consider the one-room schoolhouse, the ultimate emblem of our nation's educational localism. As late as 1913, fully one-half of the nation's students attended a single-teacher school. And they did so over the protests of state legislators and educational officials, who railed incessantly against the inefficiency of one-room schools.
In many ways, the critics were correct. These schools had children of different ages huddling around smoky stoves and reciting long passages to their young teachers, who often possessed not much more education than the kids. Meanwhile, despite the myth of the tidy "little red schoolhouse," many were barren, dilapidated shacks. They weren't even red, because parsimonious citizens refused to pay for paint.
But the schools were theirs, and that's what mattered. Often the lone public building within miles, the one-room school hosted marriages, funerals, spelling bees, and political rallies. It also featured evening dramas and debates, the only entertainment in many parts of the country.
One Utah school staged a debate about whether "a load of seed potatoes" or "a load of women" was "most needed in the community." In North Dakota, villagers deliberated on whether "the Farm Woman Works Harder and has Less Recreation than the Farm Man." (A three-judge panel ruled for the Farm Woman.)
Not surprisingly, then, these Americans bridled when states moved to consolidate their schools. "Individuality will be lost, the pride taken in 'our' school and 'our' teacher gone," warned one parent in upstate New York, identifying herself only as a "Rural Mother."
Hers was a lost cause. By 1925, 19 states had passed laws to encourage school consolidation, often giving cash awards to districts for each single-room school they closed. Thirty-five years later, in 1960, just 1 percent of our students attended a one-room school.
But we still celebrate the tiny rural school. Look at the eight entrances to the Washington headquarters of the Department of Education, installed for a 2002 rally kicking off the federal No Child Left Behind law. Each entrance is shaped like a one-room school, featuring a slanted roof and a bell tower; the only added modern element is the slogan "No Child Left Behind," emblazoned in bold letters across all of them.
"We serve the ideal of the little red schoolhouse," then-Secretary of Education Rod Paige told the rally. "It is one of the greatest symbols of America - a symbol that every child must be taught and every child must learn, that every community was involved and every parent's input valued."
How could a one-room schoolhouse become the icon for No Child Left Behind, which gave the federal government unprecedented new powers over American education? It was illogical - even laughable. Symbolically, however, it made perfect sense. Amid the anonymity and centralization of modern life, we need emblems of the local bonds that hold us together.
That's what we get from small school districts, which continue to embody America's communal ideal. A 1,000-student district is not a one-room school, to be sure, but it is still small - and it's still ours. It may not make economic or even educational sense, but it fits snugly into the story we tell about ourselves: our roots, our purpose, and our identity. Whoever wants to change that story will have to come up with a better one.
Inefficient, expensive, but an American icon
The neighborhood school helps to define who we are. Consolidation threatens that.
Commentary By Jonathan Zimmerman, Posted on Tue, Apr. 14, 2009
Imagine two school districts somewhere on America's checkered educational landscape. Each district has 1,000 students. But each one also has its own superintendent, clerical employees, and buses. And neither can afford electives in art, music, or technology.
Wouldn't you want to merge them?
Across the country, governors and state legislatures are trying to do exactly that. Here in Pennsylvania, Gov. Rendell has proposed a 12-member commission to suggest ways to consolidate some of our state's 501 school districts. Lawmakers in South Carolina, Illinois, Indiana, and Iowa are devising their own consolidation schemes. In these tough times, the argument goes, bigger districts will reduce administrative costs while enhancing curricula. So citizens will get more educational bang for their property-tax buck.
Only, the citizens don't see it that way. Especially in rural areas, voters have produced a flood of letters and petitions against consolidation. And in Maine, which passed a consolidation law two years ago, opponents are mounting a campaign to repeal it.
What's going on here? Part of the issue concerns money: Many voters doubt consolidation would cut costs or fear their taxes would actually go up.
But there's more. To Americans, school is not simply an institution to educate the largest number of children at the lowest expense possible. It's a symbol of community, of the geographic spaces and face-to-face relationships that help define who we are. If we give up our schools or our districts, we relinquish part of ourselves.
Consider the one-room schoolhouse, the ultimate emblem of our nation's educational localism. As late as 1913, fully one-half of the nation's students attended a single-teacher school. And they did so over the protests of state legislators and educational officials, who railed incessantly against the inefficiency of one-room schools.
In many ways, the critics were correct. These schools had children of different ages huddling around smoky stoves and reciting long passages to their young teachers, who often possessed not much more education than the kids. Meanwhile, despite the myth of the tidy "little red schoolhouse," many were barren, dilapidated shacks. They weren't even red, because parsimonious citizens refused to pay for paint.
But the schools were theirs, and that's what mattered. Often the lone public building within miles, the one-room school hosted marriages, funerals, spelling bees, and political rallies. It also featured evening dramas and debates, the only entertainment in many parts of the country.
One Utah school staged a debate about whether "a load of seed potatoes" or "a load of women" was "most needed in the community." In North Dakota, villagers deliberated on whether "the Farm Woman Works Harder and has Less Recreation than the Farm Man." (A three-judge panel ruled for the Farm Woman.)
Not surprisingly, then, these Americans bridled when states moved to consolidate their schools. "Individuality will be lost, the pride taken in 'our' school and 'our' teacher gone," warned one parent in upstate New York, identifying herself only as a "Rural Mother."
Hers was a lost cause. By 1925, 19 states had passed laws to encourage school consolidation, often giving cash awards to districts for each single-room school they closed. Thirty-five years later, in 1960, just 1 percent of our students attended a one-room school.
But we still celebrate the tiny rural school. Look at the eight entrances to the Washington headquarters of the Department of Education, installed for a 2002 rally kicking off the federal No Child Left Behind law. Each entrance is shaped like a one-room school, featuring a slanted roof and a bell tower; the only added modern element is the slogan "No Child Left Behind," emblazoned in bold letters across all of them.
"We serve the ideal of the little red schoolhouse," then-Secretary of Education Rod Paige told the rally. "It is one of the greatest symbols of America - a symbol that every child must be taught and every child must learn, that every community was involved and every parent's input valued."
How could a one-room schoolhouse become the icon for No Child Left Behind, which gave the federal government unprecedented new powers over American education? It was illogical - even laughable. Symbolically, however, it made perfect sense. Amid the anonymity and centralization of modern life, we need emblems of the local bonds that hold us together.
That's what we get from small school districts, which continue to embody America's communal ideal. A 1,000-student district is not a one-room school, to be sure, but it is still small - and it's still ours. It may not make economic or even educational sense, but it fits snugly into the story we tell about ourselves: our roots, our purpose, and our identity. Whoever wants to change that story will have to come up with a better one.
School district mergers worth talking about
From GoErie.com
School district mergers worth talking about
Published: April 13. 2009 12:01AM
It's easy to anticipate the following arguments against Gov. Ed Rendell's proposal to pare Pennsylvania's school districts from 500 to 100.
-Large districts are unworkable.
-Smaller school districts are more attuned to the needs of the community.
-Previous mergers haven't saved money.
-Models from the business world can't be imposed on public education.
-Transportation costs would eat up savings and require students to spend too much time on the bus.
But instead of dismissing Rendell's proposal, those interested in improving public education should review Rendell's ideas with an open mind.
Rendell wants to create a legislative commission with a one-year timetable "to study how best to right-size Pennsylvania's local school districts," according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Those who work in the private sector understand that businesses continually search for ways to stay competitive. Often, this leads to consolidations within a particular business or a specific industry. School districts should not escape this scrutiny.
Rendell has said that consolidation would not require individual schools to close, but that it would reduce administrative costs. In the current economy, we have reached a tipping point. Property taxes can't be hiked every year to cover government spending that grows when everyone else is cutting back.
Erie's educational leaders and taxpayers should look to previous attempts to merge school districts and learn how those districts that passed on a merger are functioning today. The Harbor Creek and Iroquois school districts received a grant to share a business manager and considered merging in 1999. Girard and Fairview almost merged 40 years ago, but the fear of loss of local control and identity killed the merger.
How do property taxes compare for those districts now? What about course offerings for students? How have administrative costs changed over a specific time frame?
"There comes a time when you have to look beyond maintaining inefficiencies because somebody wants to maintain their school colors or mascot," said Center Area Superintendent Daniel Matsook, whose district in Beaver County will merge with Monaca on July 1. We like his blunt assessment.
We also like the attitude of Robert Puerta, board president in the Saucon Valley School District. "We should appreciate the governor's courage in raising this issue at a time when there is no consensus for such action. We never lose when we take the time to honestly discuss reform, and there are some great questions to be debated in this subject," Puerta wrote in an Op-ed for the Morning Call in Allentown.
Let the debate begin, without preconceived conclusions.
School district mergers worth talking about
Published: April 13. 2009 12:01AM
It's easy to anticipate the following arguments against Gov. Ed Rendell's proposal to pare Pennsylvania's school districts from 500 to 100.
-Large districts are unworkable.
-Smaller school districts are more attuned to the needs of the community.
-Previous mergers haven't saved money.
-Models from the business world can't be imposed on public education.
-Transportation costs would eat up savings and require students to spend too much time on the bus.
But instead of dismissing Rendell's proposal, those interested in improving public education should review Rendell's ideas with an open mind.
Rendell wants to create a legislative commission with a one-year timetable "to study how best to right-size Pennsylvania's local school districts," according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Those who work in the private sector understand that businesses continually search for ways to stay competitive. Often, this leads to consolidations within a particular business or a specific industry. School districts should not escape this scrutiny.
Rendell has said that consolidation would not require individual schools to close, but that it would reduce administrative costs. In the current economy, we have reached a tipping point. Property taxes can't be hiked every year to cover government spending that grows when everyone else is cutting back.
Erie's educational leaders and taxpayers should look to previous attempts to merge school districts and learn how those districts that passed on a merger are functioning today. The Harbor Creek and Iroquois school districts received a grant to share a business manager and considered merging in 1999. Girard and Fairview almost merged 40 years ago, but the fear of loss of local control and identity killed the merger.
How do property taxes compare for those districts now? What about course offerings for students? How have administrative costs changed over a specific time frame?
"There comes a time when you have to look beyond maintaining inefficiencies because somebody wants to maintain their school colors or mascot," said Center Area Superintendent Daniel Matsook, whose district in Beaver County will merge with Monaca on July 1. We like his blunt assessment.
We also like the attitude of Robert Puerta, board president in the Saucon Valley School District. "We should appreciate the governor's courage in raising this issue at a time when there is no consensus for such action. We never lose when we take the time to honestly discuss reform, and there are some great questions to be debated in this subject," Puerta wrote in an Op-ed for the Morning Call in Allentown.
Let the debate begin, without preconceived conclusions.
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