.‘Hard times’ in Unionville-Chadds Ford
by Olivia Ceccarelli ,Staff Writer
The Unionville-Chadds Ford School District may be suffering next year with fewer teachers, increased class sizes, and eliminated programs for students and the community. These and other cuts totaling more than the $1.1 million budget shortfall created by reduced state funding were discussed at a special finance meeting on Tuesday, March 29 that was attended by about 50 members from the public, mostly teachers and district staff.
In February, when the board approved a preliminary budget for the 2011-2012 school year, it was confident it did not need to raise property taxes by more than 1 percent in Chester County. The board did not move forward in seeking exceptions from the state that would allow the district to raise taxes beyond the Act 1 limit of 1.4 percent.
After Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Corbett released his preliminary state budget in March, district officials realized they were off the mark by about $1.1 million because of reduced revenue from the state. The district had predicted a reduction in the basic education subsidy, down by $300,000, because it was supplemented by stimulus funding that disappeared this year. The district was surprised by the loss of the $97,000 in block grant funding, and especially by the $89,000 eliminated for reimbursement for students attending charter schools. The majority of the loss in state revenue came from the $613,000 the state may not be reimbursing for employees’ Federal Insurance Contributions Act (FICA) payroll taxes for employee retirement. The state is discussing changing the formula for reimbursement, from 50 percent to about 15 percent for U-CF next year.
The board now needs to determine if it would raise taxes up to the Act 1 limit, as well as identify additional expenditure reductions and sources of revenue. “This was an exercise the administration did not welcome,” stressed Superintendent Sharon Parker.
U-CF is looking at sweeping cuts across the district. Parker noted that the potential cuts presented were about $600,000 in excess of the $1.1 million the district lacked, and so there are choices to be made. First, the district would consider tightening up budgets for building allocations, administrative departments, energy management, night security, and summer maintenance. It may have to dip into the capital reserve by $75,000. Also, the community program SAGE, where senior citizens tutor students, may be cut out completely. For employees, the district is looking to find efficiencies in health care and force two furlough periods, one day in July and three days over winter break. The furloughs alone would save the district more than $100,000. There is also talk of a one-year pay freeze for all district positions.
At this time, the board is not looking to cut middle school athletics, as neighboring districts may be forced to. However, the district may raise activity fees for a total gain of $50,000 for next year.
Deeper cuts, should the district need to go that far, jeopardize professional and staff positions. While the district is hoping for retirements, it isn’t ruling out the possibility of laying off six or so people. First in danger: clerical and para-professional positions. Second: three to four positions in guidance and social work. Finally, one elementary teacher may be let go, resulting in increased class sizes, as well as one middle school German teacher, eliminating that program, a middle school Learning-To-Learn teacher, a high school family and consumer science teacher, a high school physical education teacher, and a computer applications teacher. The district would consider doing replacement hiring, such as adding a world languages teacher, to fill program gaps.
The board had hoped that some unsettled business, whose financial savings could impact this year’s budget, could be resolved in time. One constant point of contention has been a new teachers’ contract – the district would like to see a contract that reflects modest pay increases and a less costly health care plan. It’s unlikely that a new contract reflecting district savings or otherwise will be agreed upon by both the district and the teachers’ union before it would make a difference for the 2011-2012 budget.
The district has also learned from a study released earlier in the month that privatizing transportation would be less expensive than the current in-house system. The district is beginning the process of seeking bids from busing contractors, which should be received in time to make a decision by June. If the district is to contract out, those savings would appear in the 2011-2012 budget. The district will also be entertaining a custodial study to evaluate effectiveness and efficiencies, but it would not be made in time for incorporation in the final budget.
Emotions started to come out as the magnitude of potential cuts became more apparent to audience members. Some teachers were offended that the board spoke as if they weren’t part of the tax base. Guidance staff members were worried that cuts in their department may be harmful to at-risk students. Overall, audience members were concerned about the apparent flippant attitude with which the board presented teacher layoffs. One young woman suggested that sessions be videotaped so that board members could review their behavior. “I’m not liking totally what I’m seeing,” she said. “There seems to be some boredom, fatigue, lack of interest, rolling eyes,” she continued. “You’re talking about people’s jobs.”
Board President Timotha Trigg gently reminded folks that all board members were district residents and that the majority had kids going through the schools.
School officials themselves displayed frustration because they were in a tough position, especially regarding the budget calendar. The state requires Pennsylvania school districts to come out with a preliminary budget in February and a final budget in June. The state, meanwhile, has consistently disrespected its own July 1 deadline for approving a final budget for the past eight years. Usually by the time schools know exactly how much money they’ll get from the state, it’ll be too late to raise taxes. The penalties for not adhering to the deadlines are fines and the removal of the superintendent.
Between now and final budget determination, the superintendent will be meeting with Sen. Andrew Dinniman (D) and other local legislators. School officials are also encouraging public participation. There is detailed information on the district Web site, as well as an e-mail address for suggestions. The proposed final budget will be released at the May work session, and the board will vote on the final budget in June. The district will be holding a community meeting on April 14 at 7 p.m. in the Unionville High School cafeteria to hear from parents and residents and continue budget discussions.
After all, “We can’t sit and blindly cross our fingers and say this just can’t happen,” said Business Manager Bob Cochran.
“These are hard times in Chester County,” said Trigg gravely.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
School officials examine four-day week (Coatesville) - Daily Local News 04/19/2011
School officials examine four-day week
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
By SARA MOSQUEDA-FERNANDEZ
Staff Writer
EAST CALN — Area school officials are taking a closer look at a four-day school week as they examine ideas to prevent programs and staff from budget cuts.
Depending on what state subsidies are approved by the Legislature, Coatesville Area is seriously considering implementing a four-day school week, and some sources say officials in the Great Valley School District also considered this possibility.
Most states mandate a 180-day school calendar, and more than 120 school districts nationwide use a four-day school week as of 2009. According to the Pennsylvania School Code, public schools and pre-kindergartens must be open for at least 180 days for academic instruction for students.
There is an exception. When “a meritorious educational program warrants,” a school calendar can be measured by hours rather than days, with secondary schools meeting a minimum of 990 hours, and elementary meeting 900 hours, as mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
To meet those hours, Coatesville Area would extend its school day by about one hour and 20 minutes for elementary schools and 45 minutes a day for the middle and high schools.
The district would start the 2011-12 academic year after Labor Day, as mandated by House Bill 137, and incorporate holidays into the 154-day calendar. Each week would consist of four lengthened instructional days, with the fifth day off.
The district’s 10 required teacher in-service days would therefore occur before and after the school year and on some of the fifth weekdays when students would be absent from school.
Advocates of the shorter school week say this schedule could produce higher attendance, better morale, longer class periods and savings in transportation, facilities and personnel costs.
According to a January 2009 research brief by University of Southern Maine professors Christine Donis-Keller and David Silvernail, the savings of schools operating under a four-day school week range from 2 percent to 9 percent of a school district’s operating budget.
Coatesville Area officials estimate it would save about $1.7 million a year with this change.
Opponents of the proposal say the savings would be minimal, the schedule would create extra daycare costs and the longer days could exhaust younger students. Some also point out that the 180-day school calendar is already three weeks shorter than almost every industrialized nation in Europe and Asia, where students habitually outperform U.S. students in math, science and reading.
At a district committees meeting earlier this month, Coatesville Area Superintendent Richard Como said no research or evidence indicates that a four-day week has negative or positive affects on student performance and learning.
Como said this plan would receive serious consideration if other proposed cuts and consolidations were insufficient to close the district’s projected budget deficit.
To contact staff writer Sara Mosqueda-Fernandez, send an e-mail to smfernandez@dailylocal.com.
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Tuesday, April 19, 2011
By SARA MOSQUEDA-FERNANDEZ
Staff Writer
EAST CALN — Area school officials are taking a closer look at a four-day school week as they examine ideas to prevent programs and staff from budget cuts.
Depending on what state subsidies are approved by the Legislature, Coatesville Area is seriously considering implementing a four-day school week, and some sources say officials in the Great Valley School District also considered this possibility.
Most states mandate a 180-day school calendar, and more than 120 school districts nationwide use a four-day school week as of 2009. According to the Pennsylvania School Code, public schools and pre-kindergartens must be open for at least 180 days for academic instruction for students.
There is an exception. When “a meritorious educational program warrants,” a school calendar can be measured by hours rather than days, with secondary schools meeting a minimum of 990 hours, and elementary meeting 900 hours, as mandated by the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
To meet those hours, Coatesville Area would extend its school day by about one hour and 20 minutes for elementary schools and 45 minutes a day for the middle and high schools.
The district would start the 2011-12 academic year after Labor Day, as mandated by House Bill 137, and incorporate holidays into the 154-day calendar. Each week would consist of four lengthened instructional days, with the fifth day off.
The district’s 10 required teacher in-service days would therefore occur before and after the school year and on some of the fifth weekdays when students would be absent from school.
Advocates of the shorter school week say this schedule could produce higher attendance, better morale, longer class periods and savings in transportation, facilities and personnel costs.
According to a January 2009 research brief by University of Southern Maine professors Christine Donis-Keller and David Silvernail, the savings of schools operating under a four-day school week range from 2 percent to 9 percent of a school district’s operating budget.
Coatesville Area officials estimate it would save about $1.7 million a year with this change.
Opponents of the proposal say the savings would be minimal, the schedule would create extra daycare costs and the longer days could exhaust younger students. Some also point out that the 180-day school calendar is already three weeks shorter than almost every industrialized nation in Europe and Asia, where students habitually outperform U.S. students in math, science and reading.
At a district committees meeting earlier this month, Coatesville Area Superintendent Richard Como said no research or evidence indicates that a four-day week has negative or positive affects on student performance and learning.
Como said this plan would receive serious consideration if other proposed cuts and consolidations were insufficient to close the district’s projected budget deficit.
To contact staff writer Sara Mosqueda-Fernandez, send an e-mail to smfernandez@dailylocal.com.
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Downingtown preliminary budget includes tax hike-Daily Local News 04/18/2011
Downingtown preliminary budget includes tax hike
Spending plan has 2.75 percent rise in property tax
Monday, April 18, 2011
By SARA MOSQUEDA-FERNANDEZ, Staff Writer
EAST CALN — A preliminary budget adopted last week by Downingtown Area school officials increases property taxes 2.75 percent.
The school board set the tax rate Wednesday while allowing for an adjustment when final state budget figures are known.
If the governor's proposed budget cuts on public school subsidies change and more financial support become available, school board President Jackie Fenn said, "those funds would be directly applied to reduce the tax increase."
The board may raise property taxes up to 3.3 percent this year without a referendum. The limit is set annually by state law.
According to administrative liaison Richard Fazio, along with its tax increase and spending cuts, the current budget plan calls for the school district to tap its reserve fund to help close a $2.5 million budget gap.
The reserve fund is typically designated for unforeseen capital repairs and maintenance expenses unaccounted for in the district's annual spending plan. The reserve can also help minimizing new loans.
The school board's first vote on a tax increase cap was for 2.9 percent, with only Fenn and Barbara Hurt-Simmons voting in favor.
The board's second vote for 2.75 percent drew dissenting votes from Thomas Ost-Prisco and Suzanne Simonelli.
This month's board meeting was filled with students, teachers, parents and residents standing shoulder-to-shoulder along the room's walls and jamming doorways. Many pleaded for the board to spare various programs or staff positions. The district's music and arts programs seemed to draw the most speakers and supporters.
Christelle LaRocque, a Downingtown High School East sophomore involved in the chorus program, said, "My experience … and the music program in general has been wonderful. Slowly chipping away will take away from the program, and I feel it would take away from the students. This program has affected their ability to learn."
LaRocque offered an alternative to music program cutbacks that the board had been recently considering. She suggested that if all 3,600 students in music programs from kindergarten through 12fth grade paid a $25 activities fee and band students paid $50, "that evens out to $150,000 exactly."
Simonelli supported a look at implementing or increasing activities fees, but board Vice President Jane Bertone said those fees add up quickly for families with children involved in activities.
Assistant Superintendent Tony Watson clarified that school administrators never recommended eliminating any programs, including music, but have advocated for cooperation and suggestions from the community.
"We have to come up with a creative way" to save programs and balance the budget, Watson said.
Fenn said she was thrilled to hear students such as LaRocque and others offer solutions and hoped to hear more ideas from the community.
Fenn also encouraged residents to participate in rallies protesting against the proposed state budget. Fenn said ralllies are scheduled for April 27 and May 5.
"We need to hear the concern and the impacts that these decisions are having on our communities," she said.
Also Wednesday, school officials announced that the district has received the Meritorious Budget Award from the Association of School Business Officials International for its 2010-11 budget. The award honors districts that exemplify high standards of school budgeting.
To contact staff writer Sara Mosqueda-Fernandez, send an e-mail to smfernandez@dailylocal.com.
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2011 dailylocal.com, a Journal Register Property
Spending plan has 2.75 percent rise in property tax
Monday, April 18, 2011
By SARA MOSQUEDA-FERNANDEZ, Staff Writer
EAST CALN — A preliminary budget adopted last week by Downingtown Area school officials increases property taxes 2.75 percent.
The school board set the tax rate Wednesday while allowing for an adjustment when final state budget figures are known.
If the governor's proposed budget cuts on public school subsidies change and more financial support become available, school board President Jackie Fenn said, "those funds would be directly applied to reduce the tax increase."
The board may raise property taxes up to 3.3 percent this year without a referendum. The limit is set annually by state law.
According to administrative liaison Richard Fazio, along with its tax increase and spending cuts, the current budget plan calls for the school district to tap its reserve fund to help close a $2.5 million budget gap.
The reserve fund is typically designated for unforeseen capital repairs and maintenance expenses unaccounted for in the district's annual spending plan. The reserve can also help minimizing new loans.
The school board's first vote on a tax increase cap was for 2.9 percent, with only Fenn and Barbara Hurt-Simmons voting in favor.
The board's second vote for 2.75 percent drew dissenting votes from Thomas Ost-Prisco and Suzanne Simonelli.
This month's board meeting was filled with students, teachers, parents and residents standing shoulder-to-shoulder along the room's walls and jamming doorways. Many pleaded for the board to spare various programs or staff positions. The district's music and arts programs seemed to draw the most speakers and supporters.
Christelle LaRocque, a Downingtown High School East sophomore involved in the chorus program, said, "My experience … and the music program in general has been wonderful. Slowly chipping away will take away from the program, and I feel it would take away from the students. This program has affected their ability to learn."
LaRocque offered an alternative to music program cutbacks that the board had been recently considering. She suggested that if all 3,600 students in music programs from kindergarten through 12fth grade paid a $25 activities fee and band students paid $50, "that evens out to $150,000 exactly."
Simonelli supported a look at implementing or increasing activities fees, but board Vice President Jane Bertone said those fees add up quickly for families with children involved in activities.
Assistant Superintendent Tony Watson clarified that school administrators never recommended eliminating any programs, including music, but have advocated for cooperation and suggestions from the community.
"We have to come up with a creative way" to save programs and balance the budget, Watson said.
Fenn said she was thrilled to hear students such as LaRocque and others offer solutions and hoped to hear more ideas from the community.
Fenn also encouraged residents to participate in rallies protesting against the proposed state budget. Fenn said ralllies are scheduled for April 27 and May 5.
"We need to hear the concern and the impacts that these decisions are having on our communities," she said.
Also Wednesday, school officials announced that the district has received the Meritorious Budget Award from the Association of School Business Officials International for its 2010-11 budget. The award honors districts that exemplify high standards of school budgeting.
To contact staff writer Sara Mosqueda-Fernandez, send an e-mail to smfernandez@dailylocal.com.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter:
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www.facebook.com/dailylocalnews
URL: http://www.dailylocal.com/articles/2011/04/18/news/srv0000011448459.prt
2011 dailylocal.com, a Journal Register Property
Thursday, April 14, 2011
KCSD approves preliminary final budget - Daily Local News 04/14/2011
KCSD approves preliminary final budget
Nearly 4 percent increase in property tax bills anticipated
Thursday, April 14, 2011
By Wm. Shawn Weigel, Staff Writer
The Kennett Consolidated School District board of school directors anticipates an average $180 increase in next year's tax bills.
The board voted 6-0 on Monday night to accept the preliminary final budget, with board members George Drake and Heather Schaen absent.
The $180 equated to an increase in the millage rates by 3.84 percent.
At 3.84 percent, the millage would increase from 24.7781 to 25.7293, or roughly 0.95 mills. A mill is a tax of $1 per $1,000 of assessed real estate value. That means for a home valued at $198,000, taxes for next year would be just under $5,100.
District business manager Mark Tracy said the 3.84 percent increase is consistent with the preliminary budget proposed in January.
He also said it is the highest the district can raise the rates without seeking additional exceptions under Act 1.
The $72.2 million budget represents a $553,000 increase over the 2010-11 budget.
Board member Mike Finnegan, who also heads the finance committee, said the administration is struggling to balance the budget in the wake of Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed cuts to basic education subsidies.
Finnegan said that even though they anticipated some reduction, the district wound up missing out on four sources of funding: charter school tuition reimbursement, the accountability block grant, educational assistance grant and social security reimbursement.
The reductions equal more than $1.28 million less annually for the district, Finnegan said.
He said state legislators are hoping to provide some relief to school districts struggling to pay for various unfunded state mandates.
Finnegan said the committee recently put together a list of potential areas of reduction, with each category receiving a rating based on its need.
Finnegan said cost-saving measures discussed include building budget cuts, charging outside groups for building use, outsourcing nighttime maintenance, energy efficiencies, travel reductions, charging activity fees, partial and full wage freezes and reducing the middle school sports programs.
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© 2011 dailylocal.com, a Journal Register Property
Nearly 4 percent increase in property tax bills anticipated
Thursday, April 14, 2011
By Wm. Shawn Weigel, Staff Writer
The Kennett Consolidated School District board of school directors anticipates an average $180 increase in next year's tax bills.
The board voted 6-0 on Monday night to accept the preliminary final budget, with board members George Drake and Heather Schaen absent.
The $180 equated to an increase in the millage rates by 3.84 percent.
At 3.84 percent, the millage would increase from 24.7781 to 25.7293, or roughly 0.95 mills. A mill is a tax of $1 per $1,000 of assessed real estate value. That means for a home valued at $198,000, taxes for next year would be just under $5,100.
District business manager Mark Tracy said the 3.84 percent increase is consistent with the preliminary budget proposed in January.
He also said it is the highest the district can raise the rates without seeking additional exceptions under Act 1.
The $72.2 million budget represents a $553,000 increase over the 2010-11 budget.
Board member Mike Finnegan, who also heads the finance committee, said the administration is struggling to balance the budget in the wake of Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed cuts to basic education subsidies.
Finnegan said that even though they anticipated some reduction, the district wound up missing out on four sources of funding: charter school tuition reimbursement, the accountability block grant, educational assistance grant and social security reimbursement.
The reductions equal more than $1.28 million less annually for the district, Finnegan said.
He said state legislators are hoping to provide some relief to school districts struggling to pay for various unfunded state mandates.
Finnegan said the committee recently put together a list of potential areas of reduction, with each category receiving a rating based on its need.
Finnegan said cost-saving measures discussed include building budget cuts, charging outside groups for building use, outsourcing nighttime maintenance, energy efficiencies, travel reductions, charging activity fees, partial and full wage freezes and reducing the middle school sports programs.
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URL: http://www.dailylocal.com/articles/2011/04/14/news/srv0000011401638.prt
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Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Coatesville schools consider budget stopgaps - Daily Local News 04/13/2011
Coatesville schools consider budget stopgaps
It's on list reviewed by school officials Tuesday
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
By SARA MOSQUEDA-FERNANDEZ, Staff Writer
CALN — Coatesville Area School District's Board unveiled a variety of possible changes in the face of the state's proposed budget.
At a finance meeting Tuesday night, school officials discussed a list of programs that could face restructuring, reduction or elimination should Gov. Tom Corbett's budget be passed by the state Legislature.
The list included an early retirement incentive program, class size increases, implementation of a four-day school week and the consolidation of some bus stops to coincide with changing school bell times.
Officials said the measures will all be reviewed by the school board during its April 26 meeting.
District Superintendent Richard Como maintained no decisions would be final until the state decides upon Corbett's budget.
"We will make (our budget) work and still be accountable for the high successes … and quality of education for our students," Como said.
The early retirement incentive program will be made available to any full-time employe at least 53 years old who qualifies for retirement under the conditions of the Public School Employees' Retirement System and has committed at least 10 years of service to the district.
If the school board approves, the retirees will receive a $15,000 payment in June and receive medical insurance until they reach Social Security's full retirement age. But the cost of the retiree's insurance to the district will not increase over this year's current rate, and the retiree must make up the difference between current and future costs.
Later this month, the board plans to review a proposal to increase class sizes for every school in the district for the 2011-12 school year. Kindergarten through second grade would increase by one student. The current class sizes are 20 to 24 students for kindergarten and 22 to 26 students for first through second grades.
Class sizes in third through 12th grades, currently 24 to 30 students, would all increase by three students.
Should this measure be adopted, a second-grade class at Reeceville Elementary School could be risking safety, according the school board.
As explained by Director of Research and Development and Pupil Services Anthony Romaniello, the move from a five-day to a four-day school week would save about $1.7 million in busing and utilities for the next school year.
To make up for the lost hours from those days, the school days would be longer by about an hour and 20 minutes at the elementary schools and 45 minutes at secondary schools, and the number of school days in a year would decrease from 180 to 154.
The extra time each day need not necessarily involve academics, perhaps instead incorporating time for student activities, clubs, athletics or tutoring from teachers. Como said parents who work later into the day might prefer a longer school day, making student pick-up times more manageable.
According to Teresa Powell, the district's director of elementary education, with this calendar, teachers would work 164 days, with their 10 required in-service days occurring prior to and after the student school year, and on the weekday when students are not in school. After Labor Day, the four-day week would incorporate time off for Thanksgiving, winter break, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, spring break and Memorial Day. The school calendar for charter schools would not change.
Como said no research or evidence indicates a four-day week has negative or positive affects on student performance and learning.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 20 states, including California, New Mexico, Wisconsin, Colorado and Georgia, have some school districts with schools operating on a four-day week. And Arkansas, Delaware, New Hampshire, Texas, Virginia and Washington all have laws allowing for such a school week, though no schools there currently schedule this way.
Coatesville Area school officials also propose that by changing the times when schools open and close for classes paired with consolidating some bus stops, the district can save $380,000. The consolidation of bus stops would be for middle and high school and would save the district from using eight buses. The bell times would change by 15 minutes.
If Corbett's budget is approved, the district faces an a budget gap of about $6 million even after some cuts have been made.
"We're thinking outside of the box," said Como. "We are in this as a team."
To contact staff writer Sara Mosqueda-Fernandez, send an e-mail to smfernandez@dailylocal.com.
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URL: http://www.dailylocal.com/articles/2011/04/13/news/srv0000011406201.prt
© 2011 dailylocal.com, a Journal Register Property
It's on list reviewed by school officials Tuesday
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
By SARA MOSQUEDA-FERNANDEZ, Staff Writer
CALN — Coatesville Area School District's Board unveiled a variety of possible changes in the face of the state's proposed budget.
At a finance meeting Tuesday night, school officials discussed a list of programs that could face restructuring, reduction or elimination should Gov. Tom Corbett's budget be passed by the state Legislature.
The list included an early retirement incentive program, class size increases, implementation of a four-day school week and the consolidation of some bus stops to coincide with changing school bell times.
Officials said the measures will all be reviewed by the school board during its April 26 meeting.
District Superintendent Richard Como maintained no decisions would be final until the state decides upon Corbett's budget.
"We will make (our budget) work and still be accountable for the high successes … and quality of education for our students," Como said.
The early retirement incentive program will be made available to any full-time employe at least 53 years old who qualifies for retirement under the conditions of the Public School Employees' Retirement System and has committed at least 10 years of service to the district.
If the school board approves, the retirees will receive a $15,000 payment in June and receive medical insurance until they reach Social Security's full retirement age. But the cost of the retiree's insurance to the district will not increase over this year's current rate, and the retiree must make up the difference between current and future costs.
Later this month, the board plans to review a proposal to increase class sizes for every school in the district for the 2011-12 school year. Kindergarten through second grade would increase by one student. The current class sizes are 20 to 24 students for kindergarten and 22 to 26 students for first through second grades.
Class sizes in third through 12th grades, currently 24 to 30 students, would all increase by three students.
Should this measure be adopted, a second-grade class at Reeceville Elementary School could be risking safety, according the school board.
As explained by Director of Research and Development and Pupil Services Anthony Romaniello, the move from a five-day to a four-day school week would save about $1.7 million in busing and utilities for the next school year.
To make up for the lost hours from those days, the school days would be longer by about an hour and 20 minutes at the elementary schools and 45 minutes at secondary schools, and the number of school days in a year would decrease from 180 to 154.
The extra time each day need not necessarily involve academics, perhaps instead incorporating time for student activities, clubs, athletics or tutoring from teachers. Como said parents who work later into the day might prefer a longer school day, making student pick-up times more manageable.
According to Teresa Powell, the district's director of elementary education, with this calendar, teachers would work 164 days, with their 10 required in-service days occurring prior to and after the student school year, and on the weekday when students are not in school. After Labor Day, the four-day week would incorporate time off for Thanksgiving, winter break, Martin Luther King Day, Presidents Day, spring break and Memorial Day. The school calendar for charter schools would not change.
Como said no research or evidence indicates a four-day week has negative or positive affects on student performance and learning.
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 20 states, including California, New Mexico, Wisconsin, Colorado and Georgia, have some school districts with schools operating on a four-day week. And Arkansas, Delaware, New Hampshire, Texas, Virginia and Washington all have laws allowing for such a school week, though no schools there currently schedule this way.
Coatesville Area school officials also propose that by changing the times when schools open and close for classes paired with consolidating some bus stops, the district can save $380,000. The consolidation of bus stops would be for middle and high school and would save the district from using eight buses. The bell times would change by 15 minutes.
If Corbett's budget is approved, the district faces an a budget gap of about $6 million even after some cuts have been made.
"We're thinking outside of the box," said Como. "We are in this as a team."
To contact staff writer Sara Mosqueda-Fernandez, send an e-mail to smfernandez@dailylocal.com.
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www.twitter.com/wcdailylocal
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URL: http://www.dailylocal.com/articles/2011/04/13/news/srv0000011406201.prt
© 2011 dailylocal.com, a Journal Register Property
School union accepts freeze - Daily Local News 04/11/2011
School union accepts freeze
Monday, April 11, 2011
By SARA MOSQUEDA-FERNANDEZ
Staff Writer
WEST GOSHEN — West Chester Area School Board announced wage freeze agreements Monday they say will save taxpayers $1.4 million.
At a meeting Monday night, school officials announced the district had reached agreements with the unions to create one-year extensions in a budget-reduction effort, initiating a wage freeze.
Three unions representing the district’s teachers, support staff and custodians almost unanimously agreed to freeze their salaries for another fiscal year, officials said.
“This decision … was was proactive and voluntary on the part of the (members of the West Chester Area Education Association) and not the result of discussions made at the negotiations table,” said teachers union President Debbie Fell.
“We are at the point where the district will be forced now to increase class size and cut our children’s programs, like full-day kindergarten. … I want our school board and our community to know that the members of our union are willing to share the sacrifices that are required by everyone in the community.”
District administrators who fall under Act 93 are under contract through 2013 and were represented by Le Roy Whitehead, principal of J.R. Fugett Middle School.
“Realizing the severe financial situation (in which) the WCASD as well as many other school districts in our county and in our state find themselves, our employee group … was the first group, actually, to agree to a salary wage freeze also for this coming year,” said Whitehead.
The combined agreements of the groups cover 1,380 employees who will go without a raise to their salaries, school officials said.
“In my 27 years of working in the public school system, I’ve never seen anything like this,” said district Superintendent Jim Scanlon. “Our staff truly understands the difficult economy, but more importantly they are doing whatever it takes to keep the focus on students and learning during this time of financial hardship.
“I’m very honored and proud to be the superintendent of this school district with all these wonderful people working together for the kids.”
Some school board members echoed Scanlon.
“I think it is very important and probably historical,” said board members James T. Smith. “There will be no other school district in this entire state where its employees will make the sacrifice that our employees have made for the good of the students. This is unheard of, unprecedented.”
“A lot of districts are just sitting down (to really cut at their budget) now, and they face $9 (million) and $10 million gaps because of it,” said district Communications Director Rob Partridge. “Since we cut $5 million last year, our gaps are smaller. … When all’s said and done, you know, the parents of our district need to realize that, yeah, pretty big sacrifices are being made.”
Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed budget for Pennsylvania includes cuts that, if approved by the Legislature, will reduce West Chester Area’s state subsidy by almost $5 million, officials said.
The district had planned for a $1.1 million state revenue reduction, but the proposed budget will cut funding for school district programs to 2003-04 levels, district officials said.
“I’m calling on the employees of our public schools —administrators, teachers, support workers, everyone — to hold the line,” Corbett said in his budget address last month. “If it means a pay freeze, trust me, you’ll have plenty of company out there to keep you warm.”
“I am a long-time taxpayer and definitely a stake-holder in this district,” said Fell. “Gov. Corbett and his legislature have made deep cuts to education in our state while increasing spending on prisons. … Has Pennsylvania decided that our children’s quality of education is no longer a priority?”
To contact staff writer Sara Mosqueda-Fernandez, send an e-mail to smfernandez@dailylocal.com.
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URL: http://www.dailylocal.com/articles/2011/04/11/news/doc4da3cbbfcb6a0123902779.prt
© 2011 dailylocal.com, a Journal Register Property
Monday, April 11, 2011
By SARA MOSQUEDA-FERNANDEZ
Staff Writer
WEST GOSHEN — West Chester Area School Board announced wage freeze agreements Monday they say will save taxpayers $1.4 million.
At a meeting Monday night, school officials announced the district had reached agreements with the unions to create one-year extensions in a budget-reduction effort, initiating a wage freeze.
Three unions representing the district’s teachers, support staff and custodians almost unanimously agreed to freeze their salaries for another fiscal year, officials said.
“This decision … was was proactive and voluntary on the part of the (members of the West Chester Area Education Association) and not the result of discussions made at the negotiations table,” said teachers union President Debbie Fell.
“We are at the point where the district will be forced now to increase class size and cut our children’s programs, like full-day kindergarten. … I want our school board and our community to know that the members of our union are willing to share the sacrifices that are required by everyone in the community.”
District administrators who fall under Act 93 are under contract through 2013 and were represented by Le Roy Whitehead, principal of J.R. Fugett Middle School.
“Realizing the severe financial situation (in which) the WCASD as well as many other school districts in our county and in our state find themselves, our employee group … was the first group, actually, to agree to a salary wage freeze also for this coming year,” said Whitehead.
The combined agreements of the groups cover 1,380 employees who will go without a raise to their salaries, school officials said.
“In my 27 years of working in the public school system, I’ve never seen anything like this,” said district Superintendent Jim Scanlon. “Our staff truly understands the difficult economy, but more importantly they are doing whatever it takes to keep the focus on students and learning during this time of financial hardship.
“I’m very honored and proud to be the superintendent of this school district with all these wonderful people working together for the kids.”
Some school board members echoed Scanlon.
“I think it is very important and probably historical,” said board members James T. Smith. “There will be no other school district in this entire state where its employees will make the sacrifice that our employees have made for the good of the students. This is unheard of, unprecedented.”
“A lot of districts are just sitting down (to really cut at their budget) now, and they face $9 (million) and $10 million gaps because of it,” said district Communications Director Rob Partridge. “Since we cut $5 million last year, our gaps are smaller. … When all’s said and done, you know, the parents of our district need to realize that, yeah, pretty big sacrifices are being made.”
Gov. Tom Corbett’s proposed budget for Pennsylvania includes cuts that, if approved by the Legislature, will reduce West Chester Area’s state subsidy by almost $5 million, officials said.
The district had planned for a $1.1 million state revenue reduction, but the proposed budget will cut funding for school district programs to 2003-04 levels, district officials said.
“I’m calling on the employees of our public schools —administrators, teachers, support workers, everyone — to hold the line,” Corbett said in his budget address last month. “If it means a pay freeze, trust me, you’ll have plenty of company out there to keep you warm.”
“I am a long-time taxpayer and definitely a stake-holder in this district,” said Fell. “Gov. Corbett and his legislature have made deep cuts to education in our state while increasing spending on prisons. … Has Pennsylvania decided that our children’s quality of education is no longer a priority?”
To contact staff writer Sara Mosqueda-Fernandez, send an e-mail to smfernandez@dailylocal.com.
Follow us on Facebook and Twitter:
www.twitter.com/wcdailylocal
www.facebook.com/dailylocalnews
URL: http://www.dailylocal.com/articles/2011/04/11/news/doc4da3cbbfcb6a0123902779.prt
© 2011 dailylocal.com, a Journal Register Property
School board law one step closer to vote -Daily Local News 04/07/2011
School board law one step closer to vote
Thursday, April 7, 2011
By Evan Brandt
Special to the Local News
A law sponsored by a local state senator and supported by another, which would prevent any school board from increasing property taxes without a two-thirds majority vote, has moved out of committee and is one step closer to a vote.
The bill’s prime sponsor is state Sen. John Rafferty, R-44th, of Collegeville.
Voting in support of moving the bill out of committee was state Sen. Andrew Dinniman, D-19th, of West Whiteland, the education committee’s minority chairman.
The proposed bill was one of 17 the committee moved forward earlier this week — all part of what the committee’s chairman, state Sen. Jeff Piccola, R-15th, is calling “mandate relief.”
Contacted Wednesday evening, Rafferty said the bill is the same one he proposed last year, but which did not get passed because “we ran out of time” and the Senate session expired before adoption could occur.
However, the bill’s speedy passage out of committee this week raised hopes it may make it to the floor, and then on to the House of Representatives and Gov. Tom Corbett’s desk.
“I think it’s got a pretty good shot, already being out of committee,” Rafferty said, adding that it will probably next be considered by the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Currently, under a five-year old law named Act 1, school boards cannot raise taxes above a state-imposed index based on the rate of inflation unless approved by the voters, or unless the Pennsylvania Department of Education grants any of a series of “exemptions.”
The Pennsylvania Independent news website reported that in the first five years since Act 1 was enacted, only 12 of the 1,345 exemptions sought by school districts have been turned down by the Commonwealth.
A separate bill, which was approved in the Senate Finance Committee Monday, would eliminate those exemptions as well.
Nonetheless, Rafferty’s bill, known as Senate Bill 537, would require a two-thirds “super-majority” vote by a school board to raise taxes, even if the increase is within the state-imposed index.
“I look at it really as a taxpayer fairness bill,” said Rafferty.
“I’ve seen a lot of tax increases get passed with a lot of 5-4 votes,” said Rafferty, noting that he is a former school board member.
“I think this bill offers the taxpayers a dose of fairness,” added Rafferty, “especially when you consider that most of the taxpayers who pay the bills do not have kids in the school system.”
But state Sen. Daylin Leach, D-17th, voted against the bill saying it gives an unfair advantage to those opposing increases and is an affront to the foundational one-man, one-vote basis of democracy.
“A small majority of one-third can block the will of the majority,” Leach said, according to the Pennsylvania Independent news website.
Dinniman, who said he does not “understand people who vote against every single bill” as Leach did on each of the 17 bills endorsed by the education committee, said the two-thirds majority is necessary to protect taxpayers in difficult fiscal times.
He said the cuts Corbett has proposed to public education, some of which he hopes to reverse with the help of a bi-partisan coalition of legislators, are likely to lead to increases in property taxes to make up for the lost state funding.
“The resulting property tax increases will break the back of the taxpayers,” Dinniman said. “I think it’s appropriate. It’s rare that a school board passes a tax increase with less than a two-thirds majority anyway.”
When informed of Rafferty’s observation that he had seen many 5-4 votes on property tax hikes, Dinniman demurred, saying, “I don’t disagree with Sen. Rafferty that there may have been some 5-4 votes, but there were also many that were not.”
Both senators said they had received many letters from constituents supporting the bill.
Further, both Rafferty and Dinniman said they had heard little objection from school boards on the bill, although both said they had heard from some individual board members.
Neither could remember which school districts those members opposing the bill represented.
However, if they haven’t already, both senators may soon hear from Pottstown School Board member Michele Pargeon, whose opposition to the bill was expressed last week during a school board meeting.
The board member designated to report on education-related bills being discussed in Harrisburg, Pargeon said to include Rafferty’s bill in a package of proposed legislation called “mandate relief” is “absolutely ridiculous.”
“I don’t know how they can consider this mandate relief,” Pargeon said. “They cut funding from the state; then they want to tie our hands so we can’t raise property taxes, but they never want to talk about the way this Commonwealth funds education.”
Added Pargeon, “I don’t know how they can shovel this at us and call it ‘mandate relief.’” She urged school board members to tell citizens to “contact your state representatives and ask them not to vote for this.”
URL: http://www.dailylocal.com/articles/2011/04/07/news/doc4d9e6faff092e845222153.prt
© 2011 dailylocal.com, a Journal Register Property
Thursday, April 7, 2011
By Evan Brandt
Special to the Local News
A law sponsored by a local state senator and supported by another, which would prevent any school board from increasing property taxes without a two-thirds majority vote, has moved out of committee and is one step closer to a vote.
The bill’s prime sponsor is state Sen. John Rafferty, R-44th, of Collegeville.
Voting in support of moving the bill out of committee was state Sen. Andrew Dinniman, D-19th, of West Whiteland, the education committee’s minority chairman.
The proposed bill was one of 17 the committee moved forward earlier this week — all part of what the committee’s chairman, state Sen. Jeff Piccola, R-15th, is calling “mandate relief.”
Contacted Wednesday evening, Rafferty said the bill is the same one he proposed last year, but which did not get passed because “we ran out of time” and the Senate session expired before adoption could occur.
However, the bill’s speedy passage out of committee this week raised hopes it may make it to the floor, and then on to the House of Representatives and Gov. Tom Corbett’s desk.
“I think it’s got a pretty good shot, already being out of committee,” Rafferty said, adding that it will probably next be considered by the Senate Appropriations Committee.
Currently, under a five-year old law named Act 1, school boards cannot raise taxes above a state-imposed index based on the rate of inflation unless approved by the voters, or unless the Pennsylvania Department of Education grants any of a series of “exemptions.”
The Pennsylvania Independent news website reported that in the first five years since Act 1 was enacted, only 12 of the 1,345 exemptions sought by school districts have been turned down by the Commonwealth.
A separate bill, which was approved in the Senate Finance Committee Monday, would eliminate those exemptions as well.
Nonetheless, Rafferty’s bill, known as Senate Bill 537, would require a two-thirds “super-majority” vote by a school board to raise taxes, even if the increase is within the state-imposed index.
“I look at it really as a taxpayer fairness bill,” said Rafferty.
“I’ve seen a lot of tax increases get passed with a lot of 5-4 votes,” said Rafferty, noting that he is a former school board member.
“I think this bill offers the taxpayers a dose of fairness,” added Rafferty, “especially when you consider that most of the taxpayers who pay the bills do not have kids in the school system.”
But state Sen. Daylin Leach, D-17th, voted against the bill saying it gives an unfair advantage to those opposing increases and is an affront to the foundational one-man, one-vote basis of democracy.
“A small majority of one-third can block the will of the majority,” Leach said, according to the Pennsylvania Independent news website.
Dinniman, who said he does not “understand people who vote against every single bill” as Leach did on each of the 17 bills endorsed by the education committee, said the two-thirds majority is necessary to protect taxpayers in difficult fiscal times.
He said the cuts Corbett has proposed to public education, some of which he hopes to reverse with the help of a bi-partisan coalition of legislators, are likely to lead to increases in property taxes to make up for the lost state funding.
“The resulting property tax increases will break the back of the taxpayers,” Dinniman said. “I think it’s appropriate. It’s rare that a school board passes a tax increase with less than a two-thirds majority anyway.”
When informed of Rafferty’s observation that he had seen many 5-4 votes on property tax hikes, Dinniman demurred, saying, “I don’t disagree with Sen. Rafferty that there may have been some 5-4 votes, but there were also many that were not.”
Both senators said they had received many letters from constituents supporting the bill.
Further, both Rafferty and Dinniman said they had heard little objection from school boards on the bill, although both said they had heard from some individual board members.
Neither could remember which school districts those members opposing the bill represented.
However, if they haven’t already, both senators may soon hear from Pottstown School Board member Michele Pargeon, whose opposition to the bill was expressed last week during a school board meeting.
The board member designated to report on education-related bills being discussed in Harrisburg, Pargeon said to include Rafferty’s bill in a package of proposed legislation called “mandate relief” is “absolutely ridiculous.”
“I don’t know how they can consider this mandate relief,” Pargeon said. “They cut funding from the state; then they want to tie our hands so we can’t raise property taxes, but they never want to talk about the way this Commonwealth funds education.”
Added Pargeon, “I don’t know how they can shovel this at us and call it ‘mandate relief.’” She urged school board members to tell citizens to “contact your state representatives and ask them not to vote for this.”
URL: http://www.dailylocal.com/articles/2011/04/07/news/doc4d9e6faff092e845222153.prt
© 2011 dailylocal.com, a Journal Register Property
School District of Lancaster plans to cut staff, programs -Lancasteronline 04/12/2011
School District of Lancaster plans to cut staff, programs
175 jobs would be outsourced. Four academic programs would be axed. 11 central office positions would be eliminated. Savings would total about $7.5 million.
Intelligencer Journal
Lancaster New Era
Updated Apr 12, 2011 23:34
Lancaster
By BRIAN WALLACE, Staff Writer
School District of Lancaster is considering eliminating or outsourcing 175 or more jobs next year under a drastic cost-cutting program unveiled Tuesday to help fill an expected $10 million funding gap.
The proposal would include outsourcing 100 custodial and alternative education jobs, cutting four academic programs, eliminating several high school electives and "realigning and reducing" 18 classroom positions.
Administrators and board members declined to specify which programs and positions would be cut, but the plan involves eliminating 11 administrative jobs and 64 other positions — mainly teachers — at district schools.
Board members assured members of the sparse audience that the district is not cutting its pre-kindergarten and all-day kindergarten programs or eliminating its music and art programs.
The reductions would total about $7.5 million — nearly making up for the $7.9 million cut in state funding for SDL in Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed 2011-12 budget.
The district, which gets 44 percent of its revenue from the state, was particularly hard-hit by the cuts, which Corbett proposed in the face of a $4 billion state deficit.
"In a time when the resources aren't there, we have to rethink how we serve kids," superintendent Pedro Rivera said in announcing the cost-cutting proposal, which would be implemented in the fall.
Even with the reductions, the district is still about $3.5 million short of balancing its budget next year.
Board members agreed SDL should limit a tax increase to 2 percent — its base Act 1 index — or less, although it won permission from the state to hike taxes by more than 5 percent next year, with exceptions.
A 2 percent hike would generate only about $1.3 million in additional revenue, so the board asked the administration to propose more spending cuts in the coming weeks before it votes on a preliminary budget May 24.
Rivera said the district could not share specifics on the cuts until all affected employees are notified.
Here is what was proposed, including the potential number of job reductions and the projected savings:
• Contracting with an outside company to provide custodial services to district schools: 100 jobs, $750,000 savings.
The custodians are members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union.
• Contracting with Camelot Schools to run Phoenix Academy, a district alternative education school: $500,000. The impact on jobs would likely be minimal because most teachers would be offered positions elsewhere in the district.
• Cutting four academic programs: 42 jobs, $3.73 million.
• Reducing and realigning academic programs: nine elementary and nine secondary classroom positions, $1.35 million.
• Eliminating 11 central office positions: $861,900.
• Restructuring high school electives: four positions, $300,000.
Audience members complained about the lack of detail on the proposed cuts and said the board waited too long to begin debating the reductions.
But board members said they've been discussing the budget for months and weren't able to move forward with specific reductions until Corbett unveiled his budget last month.
Luz Tiru, president of the AFSCME local that represents the custodians, said union members have not had an opportunity to offer a proposal to the district that matches the projected savings from outsourcing.
Matt Przywara, SDL's chief financial officer, said SDL needs to seek proposals from potential custodial contractors before it can provide more detailed information to the union.
Under the contract, AFSCME has to be given a chance to match the offer before an outside firm can take over its contract, which runs through 2011-12.
Przywara said the contractor would have to match the salaries and health benefits in the final year of the contract, but the district would no longer have to make pension contributions for the workers.
In future years, the contractor would be free to hire its own employees and establish its own pay rates and benefits.
"I'm hoping that we can come up with a counterproposal so that we don't have to lose any of our members," Tiru said.
She said many custodians are longtime SDL employees who live in the district. They earn about $11 to $15 an hour, Tiru said.
bwallace@lnpnews.com
Read more: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/374953#ixzz1JSVaafGp
175 jobs would be outsourced. Four academic programs would be axed. 11 central office positions would be eliminated. Savings would total about $7.5 million.
Intelligencer Journal
Lancaster New Era
Updated Apr 12, 2011 23:34
Lancaster
By BRIAN WALLACE, Staff Writer
School District of Lancaster is considering eliminating or outsourcing 175 or more jobs next year under a drastic cost-cutting program unveiled Tuesday to help fill an expected $10 million funding gap.
The proposal would include outsourcing 100 custodial and alternative education jobs, cutting four academic programs, eliminating several high school electives and "realigning and reducing" 18 classroom positions.
Administrators and board members declined to specify which programs and positions would be cut, but the plan involves eliminating 11 administrative jobs and 64 other positions — mainly teachers — at district schools.
Board members assured members of the sparse audience that the district is not cutting its pre-kindergarten and all-day kindergarten programs or eliminating its music and art programs.
The reductions would total about $7.5 million — nearly making up for the $7.9 million cut in state funding for SDL in Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed 2011-12 budget.
The district, which gets 44 percent of its revenue from the state, was particularly hard-hit by the cuts, which Corbett proposed in the face of a $4 billion state deficit.
"In a time when the resources aren't there, we have to rethink how we serve kids," superintendent Pedro Rivera said in announcing the cost-cutting proposal, which would be implemented in the fall.
Even with the reductions, the district is still about $3.5 million short of balancing its budget next year.
Board members agreed SDL should limit a tax increase to 2 percent — its base Act 1 index — or less, although it won permission from the state to hike taxes by more than 5 percent next year, with exceptions.
A 2 percent hike would generate only about $1.3 million in additional revenue, so the board asked the administration to propose more spending cuts in the coming weeks before it votes on a preliminary budget May 24.
Rivera said the district could not share specifics on the cuts until all affected employees are notified.
Here is what was proposed, including the potential number of job reductions and the projected savings:
• Contracting with an outside company to provide custodial services to district schools: 100 jobs, $750,000 savings.
The custodians are members of the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees union.
• Contracting with Camelot Schools to run Phoenix Academy, a district alternative education school: $500,000. The impact on jobs would likely be minimal because most teachers would be offered positions elsewhere in the district.
• Cutting four academic programs: 42 jobs, $3.73 million.
• Reducing and realigning academic programs: nine elementary and nine secondary classroom positions, $1.35 million.
• Eliminating 11 central office positions: $861,900.
• Restructuring high school electives: four positions, $300,000.
Audience members complained about the lack of detail on the proposed cuts and said the board waited too long to begin debating the reductions.
But board members said they've been discussing the budget for months and weren't able to move forward with specific reductions until Corbett unveiled his budget last month.
Luz Tiru, president of the AFSCME local that represents the custodians, said union members have not had an opportunity to offer a proposal to the district that matches the projected savings from outsourcing.
Matt Przywara, SDL's chief financial officer, said SDL needs to seek proposals from potential custodial contractors before it can provide more detailed information to the union.
Under the contract, AFSCME has to be given a chance to match the offer before an outside firm can take over its contract, which runs through 2011-12.
Przywara said the contractor would have to match the salaries and health benefits in the final year of the contract, but the district would no longer have to make pension contributions for the workers.
In future years, the contractor would be free to hire its own employees and establish its own pay rates and benefits.
"I'm hoping that we can come up with a counterproposal so that we don't have to lose any of our members," Tiru said.
She said many custodians are longtime SDL employees who live in the district. They earn about $11 to $15 an hour, Tiru said.
bwallace@lnpnews.com
Read more: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/374953#ixzz1JSVaafGp
Octorara Area School District eyes 7 teacher furloughs - Lancasteronline 04/12/2011
Octorara Area School District eyes 7 teacher furloughs Educational and administrative changes also proposed
Intelligencer Journal
Lancaster New Era
Updated Apr 12, 2011 22:38
Atglen
By DEBBIE WYGENT, Correspondent
The Octorara Area School District is considering placing seven teaching staff on furlough and enacting major cost-saving educational and administrative changes to rein in its budget in light of recent state and federal funding cuts.
"I have a great deal of difficulty reading this," school board President Lisa Bowman said during Monday night's work session as she read the names of the staff who might be cut.
The list includes Jim Weagley, director of athletics and school and community activities, and six other full- and part-time teachers. Also, four retiring staff — including a high school Spanish teacher, elementary teacher, high school librarian and elementary reading specialist — will not be replaced if, on Monday, the school board gives Superintendent Tom Newcome a favorable response to the proposed cuts.
"We're losing some good people through furlough and the retirement process," Newcome said. "It's a very challenging agenda item but we must keep moving if we're going to make our budget work," he said. Newcome noted that reorganizing staff and administrators means the changes will have the least impact on students.
Newcome is also recommending that the district reorganize the high school and middle school, which are next to each other, into one operating center to be named Octorara Junior-Senior High School.
Because the two schools, including the recently renovated high school, have full facilities, the change will not mean that seventh-graders will be eating lunch with eleventh-graders. It does mean, however, that the administration will be reorganized and taking on more duties, and that the former team-teaching model used at the middle school will be replaced.
Newcome is asking for board approval on April 18 so he can proceed with getting Pennsylvania Department of Education approval for the maneuver. Newcome said sharing teachers between buildings without team teaching enables some furloughs because students gain teaching periods.
For middle school students, this will also mean that seventh-grade students will gain a reading period; the middle school Unified Arts program will be expanded; band and music will become scheduled classes; and individual help time will be eliminated.
Newcome also is proposing that because a high school librarian is retiring, the district create two library positions — one for grades K-6 and one for grades 7-12. Each school building would be staffed with a half-day library assistant.
Middle school Principal Elena Wilson said her communication arts teachers are prepared to work with students on library research skills.
Newcome said other furloughs, resignations and retirements may be forthcoming.
The superintendent said he also reviewed the district kindergarten program and is recommending that the district keep two sections of full-day, everyday kindergarten; create six sections of full-day, alternate-day kindergarten; and keep one section of half-day Monday-through-Friday morning kindergarten, with parents providing transportation at midday.
"This allows parents to know they have some options," Newcome said, adding that the program will be finalized after spring kindergarten registration.
Newcome said the district also is moving toward offering its own technical education classes to save money. He said the district is already offering Agriculture Mechanization, Agriculture Production Operations and Job Seeking/Changing Skills.
Newcome said the district is awaiting state approval for the following technical education classes: Business Marketing, Woodworking Technology and Cabinet Making; Commercial and Graphic Arts; Drafting Technology; and Commercial and Advertising Arts.
In response to parent concerns, he said students already enrolled in other culinary programs will be allowed to attend, but the district is moving toward offering its own culinary arts, early childhood education and accounting programs and wants to make it board policy to keep Octorara students in programs offered on campus.
An estimate of the savings the district will realize as a result of the furloughs and changes was not available Tuesday. The school board next meets at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the Octorara Middle School multipurpose room.
Read more: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/374937#ixzz1JSUoxXsr
Intelligencer Journal
Lancaster New Era
Updated Apr 12, 2011 22:38
Atglen
By DEBBIE WYGENT, Correspondent
The Octorara Area School District is considering placing seven teaching staff on furlough and enacting major cost-saving educational and administrative changes to rein in its budget in light of recent state and federal funding cuts.
"I have a great deal of difficulty reading this," school board President Lisa Bowman said during Monday night's work session as she read the names of the staff who might be cut.
The list includes Jim Weagley, director of athletics and school and community activities, and six other full- and part-time teachers. Also, four retiring staff — including a high school Spanish teacher, elementary teacher, high school librarian and elementary reading specialist — will not be replaced if, on Monday, the school board gives Superintendent Tom Newcome a favorable response to the proposed cuts.
"We're losing some good people through furlough and the retirement process," Newcome said. "It's a very challenging agenda item but we must keep moving if we're going to make our budget work," he said. Newcome noted that reorganizing staff and administrators means the changes will have the least impact on students.
Newcome is also recommending that the district reorganize the high school and middle school, which are next to each other, into one operating center to be named Octorara Junior-Senior High School.
Because the two schools, including the recently renovated high school, have full facilities, the change will not mean that seventh-graders will be eating lunch with eleventh-graders. It does mean, however, that the administration will be reorganized and taking on more duties, and that the former team-teaching model used at the middle school will be replaced.
Newcome is asking for board approval on April 18 so he can proceed with getting Pennsylvania Department of Education approval for the maneuver. Newcome said sharing teachers between buildings without team teaching enables some furloughs because students gain teaching periods.
For middle school students, this will also mean that seventh-grade students will gain a reading period; the middle school Unified Arts program will be expanded; band and music will become scheduled classes; and individual help time will be eliminated.
Newcome also is proposing that because a high school librarian is retiring, the district create two library positions — one for grades K-6 and one for grades 7-12. Each school building would be staffed with a half-day library assistant.
Middle school Principal Elena Wilson said her communication arts teachers are prepared to work with students on library research skills.
Newcome said other furloughs, resignations and retirements may be forthcoming.
The superintendent said he also reviewed the district kindergarten program and is recommending that the district keep two sections of full-day, everyday kindergarten; create six sections of full-day, alternate-day kindergarten; and keep one section of half-day Monday-through-Friday morning kindergarten, with parents providing transportation at midday.
"This allows parents to know they have some options," Newcome said, adding that the program will be finalized after spring kindergarten registration.
Newcome said the district also is moving toward offering its own technical education classes to save money. He said the district is already offering Agriculture Mechanization, Agriculture Production Operations and Job Seeking/Changing Skills.
Newcome said the district is awaiting state approval for the following technical education classes: Business Marketing, Woodworking Technology and Cabinet Making; Commercial and Graphic Arts; Drafting Technology; and Commercial and Advertising Arts.
In response to parent concerns, he said students already enrolled in other culinary programs will be allowed to attend, but the district is moving toward offering its own culinary arts, early childhood education and accounting programs and wants to make it board policy to keep Octorara students in programs offered on campus.
An estimate of the savings the district will realize as a result of the furloughs and changes was not available Tuesday. The school board next meets at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the Octorara Middle School multipurpose room.
Read more: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/374937#ixzz1JSUoxXsr
$25M project eyed in Sadsbury - Lancasteronline 04/10/2011
$25M project eyed in Sadsbury
Intelligencer Journal
Lancaster New Era
Updated Apr 10, 2011 22:59
Christiana
By DEBBIE WYGENT, CorrespondentA
$25 million corporate campus that could create 250 to 300 jobs and bring hundreds of thousands of tax dollars to the cash-strapped Octorara Area School District is currently under planning consideration in Sadsbury Township, Lancaster County.
Bill MacCauley of John Rock Inc., who purchased the historic 115-acre Brown farm in Sadsbury Township last year, told Sadsbury Township supervisors April 5 that he is in negotiations with a prospective buyer. He asked that the matter be considered by supervisors and the township's planning commission.
Although MacCauley is keeping the identity of the buyer confidential during sensitive real estate negotiations, he told supervisors that the buyer is interested in creating a corporate campus for one wholesale business with loading docks, an office, and packaging and storage space.
MacCauley said the buyer has in mind a corporate space similar to the business park near Coatesville that houses businesses including Keystone Helicopter, CDTI and his own John Rock Inc.
He said the proposed campus could occupy between 40 and 70 acres of the Brown tract, which is just north of the Dutchway Farm Market and J.B. Zimmerman Hardware on Route 41. Access to the new site would be through the existing Sadsbury Business Park and would not require a new road or traffic light, MacCauley said.
During the meeting, supervisors noted that the proposed development is in the township's mixed-use zoning district, which allows manufacturing, packaging, storage and commercial businesses, along with residences.
"We are looking for your feedback," MacCauley told supervisors, noting the prospective buyer is also looking at other properties.
"It sounds good to me," said Supervisor Greg Esh.
"I'm with Greg; I'm very interested," added Supervisor Eugene Lammey. "We've been looking for something like this for a while. That is our urban growth area in the township."
Township zoning officer Bill Beers said he thought the light industrial warehouse and office space would be a good mix. He said township planners will need to agree that the proposal meets the township's definition of mixed-use zoning.
"This is what we need here," MacCauley said after the meeting. "It will bring in tax revenue and good jobs."
"When you are writing an ordinance, you are writing in a cloud, and then someone drives a truck through it," MacCauley said. "Too many of the townships zone it wrong. We need little corporate parks."
David Blank, a planning commission member, invited MacCauley to present his plans to the township planning commission at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the township building, 7182 White Oak Road, Christiana.
In other business, supervisors:
• Signed a letter for the Heritage Group confirming that since the state Department of Transportation took a portion of the group's property, lots one and two of its subdivision are not buildable.
• Signed plans for the Zook subdivision on Mount Vernon Road.
• Agreed they would prefer a 10-year franchise with Comcast, rather than a 20-year agreement.
Read more: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/373880#ixzz1JSTwdLJx
Intelligencer Journal
Lancaster New Era
Updated Apr 10, 2011 22:59
Christiana
By DEBBIE WYGENT, CorrespondentA
$25 million corporate campus that could create 250 to 300 jobs and bring hundreds of thousands of tax dollars to the cash-strapped Octorara Area School District is currently under planning consideration in Sadsbury Township, Lancaster County.
Bill MacCauley of John Rock Inc., who purchased the historic 115-acre Brown farm in Sadsbury Township last year, told Sadsbury Township supervisors April 5 that he is in negotiations with a prospective buyer. He asked that the matter be considered by supervisors and the township's planning commission.
Although MacCauley is keeping the identity of the buyer confidential during sensitive real estate negotiations, he told supervisors that the buyer is interested in creating a corporate campus for one wholesale business with loading docks, an office, and packaging and storage space.
MacCauley said the buyer has in mind a corporate space similar to the business park near Coatesville that houses businesses including Keystone Helicopter, CDTI and his own John Rock Inc.
He said the proposed campus could occupy between 40 and 70 acres of the Brown tract, which is just north of the Dutchway Farm Market and J.B. Zimmerman Hardware on Route 41. Access to the new site would be through the existing Sadsbury Business Park and would not require a new road or traffic light, MacCauley said.
During the meeting, supervisors noted that the proposed development is in the township's mixed-use zoning district, which allows manufacturing, packaging, storage and commercial businesses, along with residences.
"We are looking for your feedback," MacCauley told supervisors, noting the prospective buyer is also looking at other properties.
"It sounds good to me," said Supervisor Greg Esh.
"I'm with Greg; I'm very interested," added Supervisor Eugene Lammey. "We've been looking for something like this for a while. That is our urban growth area in the township."
Township zoning officer Bill Beers said he thought the light industrial warehouse and office space would be a good mix. He said township planners will need to agree that the proposal meets the township's definition of mixed-use zoning.
"This is what we need here," MacCauley said after the meeting. "It will bring in tax revenue and good jobs."
"When you are writing an ordinance, you are writing in a cloud, and then someone drives a truck through it," MacCauley said. "Too many of the townships zone it wrong. We need little corporate parks."
David Blank, a planning commission member, invited MacCauley to present his plans to the township planning commission at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the township building, 7182 White Oak Road, Christiana.
In other business, supervisors:
• Signed a letter for the Heritage Group confirming that since the state Department of Transportation took a portion of the group's property, lots one and two of its subdivision are not buildable.
• Signed plans for the Zook subdivision on Mount Vernon Road.
• Agreed they would prefer a 10-year franchise with Comcast, rather than a 20-year agreement.
Read more: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/373880#ixzz1JSTwdLJx
Donegal school board, teachers OK cuts - Lancasteronline 04/06/2011
Donegal school board, teachers OK cuts Union plan reduces raises for 2 years
Intelligencer Journal
Lancaster New Era
Updated Apr 06, 2011 23:58
By DEAN LEE EVANS, Correspondent
Donegal school board members Wednesday night unanimously approved a reduction in contracted salaries offered by the district's teachers' union.
"This is better than a salary freeze," Amy Swartz, Donegal business manager, said.
The board agreed with a round of applause to the teachers.
"My hat's off to (teachers)," board member Robert Spayde said. "You have done a tremendous thing for this board. You have done a tremendous thing for the taxpayers of this district. And you continue to amaze me with what you do for our children."
Swartz said the offer by the union to take a salary increase of 1.5 percent instead of 3.5 percent for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 school years saves the district $586,000 in salaries. When benefits on those salaries are taken into account, the total savings to the district is more than $634,000.
"A one-year salary freeze would have saved the district only $464,000," she said.
As part of the offer approved by the board, the four-year contract — approved in early 2010 — would be extended an additional year until June 2015.
Swartz said the 3.5 percent rate would be reinstated for the last two years of the contract.
There was no comment by union representatives at the meeting. However, in a prepared press release, Donegal Education Association co-president Susan Heydt said the two-year agreement allows the district to "focus on education rather than financial uncertainty."
District officials did not have any information regarding the results of the vote taken by the union membership, but Swartz said the vote was "substantial."
"There was strong support by the teachers," she said.
The union's offer was not listed on the district's meeting agenda.
"Things are happening very quickly," board member John Coleman said prior to the meeting.
Swartz said the offer by the union means the district would have to "start the budget all over again."
The district faces a $2.4 million budget shortfall, which amounts to approximately six percent of the district's total budget.
She said the 2011-12 budget did not include the salary savings of the amended teachers' contract.
The administration outlined several proposals Wednesday — some of which were approved by the board — that would contribute toward reducing the budget.
Swartz said the amended teacher's contract is not contingent on anything, and the district could still furlough teachers and staff to bring the shortfall under control.
The amended contract must be reviewed by the district's solicitor and ratified by the union's executive board to reflect Wednesday's board action.
Read more: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/372204#ixzz1JSSaDyNu
Intelligencer Journal
Lancaster New Era
Updated Apr 06, 2011 23:58
By DEAN LEE EVANS, Correspondent
Donegal school board members Wednesday night unanimously approved a reduction in contracted salaries offered by the district's teachers' union.
"This is better than a salary freeze," Amy Swartz, Donegal business manager, said.
The board agreed with a round of applause to the teachers.
"My hat's off to (teachers)," board member Robert Spayde said. "You have done a tremendous thing for this board. You have done a tremendous thing for the taxpayers of this district. And you continue to amaze me with what you do for our children."
Swartz said the offer by the union to take a salary increase of 1.5 percent instead of 3.5 percent for the 2011-12 and 2012-13 school years saves the district $586,000 in salaries. When benefits on those salaries are taken into account, the total savings to the district is more than $634,000.
"A one-year salary freeze would have saved the district only $464,000," she said.
As part of the offer approved by the board, the four-year contract — approved in early 2010 — would be extended an additional year until June 2015.
Swartz said the 3.5 percent rate would be reinstated for the last two years of the contract.
There was no comment by union representatives at the meeting. However, in a prepared press release, Donegal Education Association co-president Susan Heydt said the two-year agreement allows the district to "focus on education rather than financial uncertainty."
District officials did not have any information regarding the results of the vote taken by the union membership, but Swartz said the vote was "substantial."
"There was strong support by the teachers," she said.
The union's offer was not listed on the district's meeting agenda.
"Things are happening very quickly," board member John Coleman said prior to the meeting.
Swartz said the offer by the union means the district would have to "start the budget all over again."
The district faces a $2.4 million budget shortfall, which amounts to approximately six percent of the district's total budget.
She said the 2011-12 budget did not include the salary savings of the amended teachers' contract.
The administration outlined several proposals Wednesday — some of which were approved by the board — that would contribute toward reducing the budget.
Swartz said the amended teacher's contract is not contingent on anything, and the district could still furlough teachers and staff to bring the shortfall under control.
The amended contract must be reviewed by the district's solicitor and ratified by the union's executive board to reflect Wednesday's board action.
Read more: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/372204#ixzz1JSSaDyNu
Manheim Township teachers say 'givebacks' are still under discussion-Lancasteronline 04/06/2011
Manheim Township teachers say 'givebacks' are still under discussion
Intelligencer Journal
Lancaster New Era
Updated Apr 06, 2011 23:58
By BRIAN WALLACE, Staff Writer
The president of the Manheim Township teachers' union said teachers are "prepared to continue discussing economic considerations and givebacks" with the school district to help it balance next year's budget.
But Tod Harach, speaking at a public forum Wednesday, said Manheim Township Education Association also wants guarantees that successful academic programs won't be cut and that class sizes won't grow.
Harach made his first public statements since the union notified the school board Friday that it had rejected a request for teachers to take a pay freeze or cut their raises by 50 percent next year. A pay freeze would save the district about $1 million.
The union leadership apparently rejected the request without the full membership voting on it. A resident at the hearing said that left the district's teachers "in an incredibly difficult position."
The comments came during a two-hour hearing on the district's 2011-12 budget, at which the administration explained how it plans to cut an additional $750,000 in spending to help fill a $4.7 million funding gap next year.
Among the proposed new cuts are the elimination of three custodial and plant services positions and seven secretarial positions, and reducing librarian positions from full time to half time.
The district several months ago announced other proposed cuts, including the elimination of underenrolled music courses, the layoffs of five teachers and a 50 percent reduction in stipends for coaches and advisers.
One resident, whose husband is a teacher, criticized the cuts.
"As a community, we seem not to understand that teachers, coaches and teachers of the performing arts are the ones making the biggest influences on how much students excel," she said.
"When there are tough choices to be made, the last thing to be cut should be the backbone of education — teachers and coaches."
Other parents expressed sadness that teachers who have had a profound influence on their children will be laid off next year.
Current high school students involved in the performing arts also complained about the proposed cuts in music electives, the elimination of the fourth-grade strings program and the furloughing of a music teacher.
Superintendent Gene Freeman said all the reductions are painful, but the district is facing unprecedented financial challenges that aren't going away next year.
"When you have a $4.7 million deficit, there's no way to not feel the pinch," he said. "I think it's all harsh. This stuff is very hard, which means everything is difficult to make decisions on."
Other residents pointed out the need for sacrifices on the part of everyone, including teachers.
"I've lived in the township for 10 years, and I've watched my mortgage go up every year because of school taxes," Donald Dresser said.
"I'm not saying that those taxes are bad, but when someone stands up and says it's that stingy taxpayer (demanding cuts), well, there's a point where everyone has to chip in and take a share."
Resident Barbara Jones said she teaches in another district where teachers recently agreed to a pay freeze.
"I'm not happy about it, but I did it. I'm just saying look around. It's not easy, but I think we all have to do what we can," she said.
"I love this district and my district as well, but I think we do need to work together. Teachers, if we don't try to give just a little bit, what's going to happen to the kids?"
The administration in December asked teachers to consider a freeze or a cut in their raises to 2 percent, instead of the 3.9 percent average guaranteed in next year's contract.
On Friday, the union notified the board the requests had not been accepted. Exactly how they were rejected remained unclear Wednesday.
The union rank and file met to discuss the requests, but apparently did not vote on them. School board members Wednesday night said they did not know exactly what the union or its leadership voted on.
When Harach was asked, after the hearing, to clarify the issue, he referred the question to Wendy Leary, a negotiator with the Pennsylvania State Education Association.
"We are in discussions with the school board, and because of confidentiality, the only statement we have is what Tod made," she said, referring to Harach's comments during the hearing.
"We can't discuss anything until all discussions are final. As soon as discussions are final, you'll know."
The district must approve a budget by June 30.
bwallace@lnpnews.com
Read more: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/372207#ixzz1JSRVCTcr
Intelligencer Journal
Lancaster New Era
Updated Apr 06, 2011 23:58
By BRIAN WALLACE, Staff Writer
The president of the Manheim Township teachers' union said teachers are "prepared to continue discussing economic considerations and givebacks" with the school district to help it balance next year's budget.
But Tod Harach, speaking at a public forum Wednesday, said Manheim Township Education Association also wants guarantees that successful academic programs won't be cut and that class sizes won't grow.
Harach made his first public statements since the union notified the school board Friday that it had rejected a request for teachers to take a pay freeze or cut their raises by 50 percent next year. A pay freeze would save the district about $1 million.
The union leadership apparently rejected the request without the full membership voting on it. A resident at the hearing said that left the district's teachers "in an incredibly difficult position."
The comments came during a two-hour hearing on the district's 2011-12 budget, at which the administration explained how it plans to cut an additional $750,000 in spending to help fill a $4.7 million funding gap next year.
Among the proposed new cuts are the elimination of three custodial and plant services positions and seven secretarial positions, and reducing librarian positions from full time to half time.
The district several months ago announced other proposed cuts, including the elimination of underenrolled music courses, the layoffs of five teachers and a 50 percent reduction in stipends for coaches and advisers.
One resident, whose husband is a teacher, criticized the cuts.
"As a community, we seem not to understand that teachers, coaches and teachers of the performing arts are the ones making the biggest influences on how much students excel," she said.
"When there are tough choices to be made, the last thing to be cut should be the backbone of education — teachers and coaches."
Other parents expressed sadness that teachers who have had a profound influence on their children will be laid off next year.
Current high school students involved in the performing arts also complained about the proposed cuts in music electives, the elimination of the fourth-grade strings program and the furloughing of a music teacher.
Superintendent Gene Freeman said all the reductions are painful, but the district is facing unprecedented financial challenges that aren't going away next year.
"When you have a $4.7 million deficit, there's no way to not feel the pinch," he said. "I think it's all harsh. This stuff is very hard, which means everything is difficult to make decisions on."
Other residents pointed out the need for sacrifices on the part of everyone, including teachers.
"I've lived in the township for 10 years, and I've watched my mortgage go up every year because of school taxes," Donald Dresser said.
"I'm not saying that those taxes are bad, but when someone stands up and says it's that stingy taxpayer (demanding cuts), well, there's a point where everyone has to chip in and take a share."
Resident Barbara Jones said she teaches in another district where teachers recently agreed to a pay freeze.
"I'm not happy about it, but I did it. I'm just saying look around. It's not easy, but I think we all have to do what we can," she said.
"I love this district and my district as well, but I think we do need to work together. Teachers, if we don't try to give just a little bit, what's going to happen to the kids?"
The administration in December asked teachers to consider a freeze or a cut in their raises to 2 percent, instead of the 3.9 percent average guaranteed in next year's contract.
On Friday, the union notified the board the requests had not been accepted. Exactly how they were rejected remained unclear Wednesday.
The union rank and file met to discuss the requests, but apparently did not vote on them. School board members Wednesday night said they did not know exactly what the union or its leadership voted on.
When Harach was asked, after the hearing, to clarify the issue, he referred the question to Wendy Leary, a negotiator with the Pennsylvania State Education Association.
"We are in discussions with the school board, and because of confidentiality, the only statement we have is what Tod made," she said, referring to Harach's comments during the hearing.
"We can't discuss anything until all discussions are final. As soon as discussions are final, you'll know."
The district must approve a budget by June 30.
bwallace@lnpnews.com
Read more: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/372207#ixzz1JSRVCTcr
Teachers in Manheim Township nix pay freeze - Lancasteronline 04/05/2011
Teachers in Manheim Township nix pay freeze
Won’t cut 3.9% raises next year
Intelligencer Journal
Lancaster New Era
Updated Apr 05, 2011 23:38
BRIAN WALLACE, Staff Writer
Manheim Township teachers have rejected proposals to freeze their salaries or cut their raises by 50 percent next year to help the school district balance its budget, according to district officials.
Manheim Township Education Association notified the school board Friday that it had rejected the requests, which would have saved the district between $500,000 and $1 million.
Union president Tod Harach could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday night.
School board president Hannah Bartges said there's "still room for conversation" on possible concessions, and the door remains open for another vote.
The administration in December asked the union to consider a pay freeze to help Manheim Township School District cope with a challenging budget year, Bartges said.
The district faces a $4 million funding gap as a result of rising expenses and reductions in local, state and federal revenue.
District administrators and some support staff members agreed to a wage freeze, and the administration asked teachers to consider forgoing next year's raises, which will average 3.9 percent, or accept a smaller hike of 2.0 percent, district spokeswoman Marcie Brody said.
The proposals did not include any promises from the administration that no teachers would be laid off next year.
The district is planning to furlough five teachers as part of a reduction in course offerings and has proposed cutting teacher stipends for coaches and advisers by 50 percent next year.
The wage freeze would have saved the district about $1 million; the smaller raises would have cut expenditures by about half that amount.
The administration told the union in December that it needed a decision on possible concessions by Thursday, Bartges said. On Friday, the union notified school board members via email that "the union rejected the options," Brody said.
It wasn't clear Tuesday whether the entire union membership or just union leaders voted on both proposals.
"We don't know what was presented to the membership," Brody said.
School board member Tom O'Brien said the proposals were explained to the membership at a meeting last week.
"My understanding is they were invited to vote. What they voted on or didn't vote on I don't know. I wish I did know," he said.
"All we know is, as of today, they have not agreed on concessions."
Teachers in four Lancaster County school districts recently agreed to pay freezes and other concessions in their contracts for next year.
Penn Manor teachers Monday approved a new one-year contract that freezes salaries and guarantees no teacher layoffs in 2011-12.
Teachers in Hempfield and Warwick school districts also agreed to freeze their salaries next year under previously negotiated contracts.
Those pay freezes are expected to save the three districts a total of nearly $3 million.
Lampeter-Strasburg teachers agreed last week to work fewer days next year in a move that should save the district $300,000. The L-S school board approved the concessions Monday.
Teachers at other districts in the county, including Elizabethtown, Cocalico and Conestoga Valley, have been asked to consider concessions.
In Manheim Township, Bartges said both sides will continue talking.
"We have been working with representatives from the education association since December, and we're still working on it," she said.
"We hope that we can come to some agreement."
bwallace@lnpnews.com
Read more: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/371506#ixzz1JSQBortN
Won’t cut 3.9% raises next year
Intelligencer Journal
Lancaster New Era
Updated Apr 05, 2011 23:38
BRIAN WALLACE, Staff Writer
Manheim Township teachers have rejected proposals to freeze their salaries or cut their raises by 50 percent next year to help the school district balance its budget, according to district officials.
Manheim Township Education Association notified the school board Friday that it had rejected the requests, which would have saved the district between $500,000 and $1 million.
Union president Tod Harach could not immediately be reached for comment Tuesday night.
School board president Hannah Bartges said there's "still room for conversation" on possible concessions, and the door remains open for another vote.
The administration in December asked the union to consider a pay freeze to help Manheim Township School District cope with a challenging budget year, Bartges said.
The district faces a $4 million funding gap as a result of rising expenses and reductions in local, state and federal revenue.
District administrators and some support staff members agreed to a wage freeze, and the administration asked teachers to consider forgoing next year's raises, which will average 3.9 percent, or accept a smaller hike of 2.0 percent, district spokeswoman Marcie Brody said.
The proposals did not include any promises from the administration that no teachers would be laid off next year.
The district is planning to furlough five teachers as part of a reduction in course offerings and has proposed cutting teacher stipends for coaches and advisers by 50 percent next year.
The wage freeze would have saved the district about $1 million; the smaller raises would have cut expenditures by about half that amount.
The administration told the union in December that it needed a decision on possible concessions by Thursday, Bartges said. On Friday, the union notified school board members via email that "the union rejected the options," Brody said.
It wasn't clear Tuesday whether the entire union membership or just union leaders voted on both proposals.
"We don't know what was presented to the membership," Brody said.
School board member Tom O'Brien said the proposals were explained to the membership at a meeting last week.
"My understanding is they were invited to vote. What they voted on or didn't vote on I don't know. I wish I did know," he said.
"All we know is, as of today, they have not agreed on concessions."
Teachers in four Lancaster County school districts recently agreed to pay freezes and other concessions in their contracts for next year.
Penn Manor teachers Monday approved a new one-year contract that freezes salaries and guarantees no teacher layoffs in 2011-12.
Teachers in Hempfield and Warwick school districts also agreed to freeze their salaries next year under previously negotiated contracts.
Those pay freezes are expected to save the three districts a total of nearly $3 million.
Lampeter-Strasburg teachers agreed last week to work fewer days next year in a move that should save the district $300,000. The L-S school board approved the concessions Monday.
Teachers at other districts in the county, including Elizabethtown, Cocalico and Conestoga Valley, have been asked to consider concessions.
In Manheim Township, Bartges said both sides will continue talking.
"We have been working with representatives from the education association since December, and we're still working on it," she said.
"We hope that we can come to some agreement."
bwallace@lnpnews.com
Read more: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/371506#ixzz1JSQBortN
Penn Manor School District OKs teachers' salary freeze-Lancasteronline 04/05/2011
Penn Manor School District OKs teachers' salary freeze Lampeter-Strasburg teachers agree to less pay for fewer days worked
Intelligencer Journal
Lancaster New Era
Updated Apr 05, 2011 18:45
By P.J. REILLY and BRIAN WALLACE, Staff
Correction April 5, 2011 — Lampeter-Strasburg School District administrators volunteered Monday to freeze their salaries at current levels for the 2011-2012 school year. The story below incorrectly stated the freeze was the result of a school board decision.
•••
School boards in the Penn Manor and Lampeter-Strasburg districts on Monday approved salary concessions expected to save a combined total of more than $1 million next year.
• In Penn Manor, the board voted 7-1 to accept a one-year contract proposed by the teachers that will freeze their salaries at current levels in 2011-12.
• The L-S board unanimously approved a measure offered by the teachers to reduce their work schedule in exchange for less pay next year.
The actions are the latest cost-cutting moves involving teachers, administrators and support staff at Lancaster County public schools, which are facing multimillion-dollar funding deficits in next year's budgets.
The Penn Manor agreement is the first new contract in the county to include a pay freeze. Teachers in two other districts — Hempfield and Warwick — earlier agreed to forgo raises next year in previously negotiated contracts.
With the pay freeze, Penn Manor expects to save about $870,000 next year over the cost of teacher salaries if the current contract was extended, superintendent Mike Leichliter said.
"Both sides worked diligently to come to agreement on a contract which puts the needs of the students first," Leichliter said. "At the same time, we recognize the financial hardships the district and taxpayers are facing."
The district's 384 teachers are in the final year of a three-year contract extension that boosted their pay by an average of 3.7 percent, or about $2,200, in 2010-11.
In exchange for the wage freeze, the district has promised it will not lay off any teachers next year.
The contract also limits the number of pay hikes teachers can receive for completing course work in a master's degree program and compels the administration and teachers to form a committee to study potential cost-saving measures concerning health care in future contracts.
"The (union's) goal was to work together with the district to tackle the current economic challenges facing Penn Manor," Mary Kay Fair, president of Penn Manor Education Association, said in a prepared statement.
In L-S, teachers voted 174-10 last week to amend the terms of their contract and work 187, instead of 191, days next year.
The concession, which was approved by the school board, will reduce teacher raises by an average of about $1,330, saving the district about $300,000, L-S business manager Terry Sweigart said.
The district's 226 teachers received raises averaging about $2,400 this year, Sweigart said, in a contract that expires in June 2012.
In addition to the cuts in raises for teachers, the school board decided salaries for the district's administrators will be frozen next year at this year's level.
School board members said the two salary-cutting measures alone would reduce the 2.9-percent tax hike the district had anticipated for next year to less than 2 percent.
And district officials said more cuts could still be coming to trim that tax hike further.
The concessions approved in the two districts Monday are the latest cost-cutting moves by county school districts grappling with declining state, federal and local revenue, including a proposed $27 million cut in state aid for 2011-12.
Administrators in more than half the county's 17 districts have agreed to pay freezes, as have support staff members in several school districts.
Teachers in several districts, including Manheim Township, Elizabethtown, Conestoga Valley and Cocalico, also are considering concessions for next year.
Negotiations on new contracts are under way for teachers in Manheim Central, School District of Lancaster and Octorara Area school districts and Lancaster County Career & Technology Center.
Correspondents Elaine Jones and Cindy Hummel contributed to this report.
preilly@lnpnews.com
bwallace@lnpnews.com
Read more: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/371073#ixzz1JSOGqbgA
Intelligencer Journal
Lancaster New Era
Updated Apr 05, 2011 18:45
By P.J. REILLY and BRIAN WALLACE, Staff
Correction April 5, 2011 — Lampeter-Strasburg School District administrators volunteered Monday to freeze their salaries at current levels for the 2011-2012 school year. The story below incorrectly stated the freeze was the result of a school board decision.
•••
School boards in the Penn Manor and Lampeter-Strasburg districts on Monday approved salary concessions expected to save a combined total of more than $1 million next year.
• In Penn Manor, the board voted 7-1 to accept a one-year contract proposed by the teachers that will freeze their salaries at current levels in 2011-12.
• The L-S board unanimously approved a measure offered by the teachers to reduce their work schedule in exchange for less pay next year.
The actions are the latest cost-cutting moves involving teachers, administrators and support staff at Lancaster County public schools, which are facing multimillion-dollar funding deficits in next year's budgets.
The Penn Manor agreement is the first new contract in the county to include a pay freeze. Teachers in two other districts — Hempfield and Warwick — earlier agreed to forgo raises next year in previously negotiated contracts.
With the pay freeze, Penn Manor expects to save about $870,000 next year over the cost of teacher salaries if the current contract was extended, superintendent Mike Leichliter said.
"Both sides worked diligently to come to agreement on a contract which puts the needs of the students first," Leichliter said. "At the same time, we recognize the financial hardships the district and taxpayers are facing."
The district's 384 teachers are in the final year of a three-year contract extension that boosted their pay by an average of 3.7 percent, or about $2,200, in 2010-11.
In exchange for the wage freeze, the district has promised it will not lay off any teachers next year.
The contract also limits the number of pay hikes teachers can receive for completing course work in a master's degree program and compels the administration and teachers to form a committee to study potential cost-saving measures concerning health care in future contracts.
"The (union's) goal was to work together with the district to tackle the current economic challenges facing Penn Manor," Mary Kay Fair, president of Penn Manor Education Association, said in a prepared statement.
In L-S, teachers voted 174-10 last week to amend the terms of their contract and work 187, instead of 191, days next year.
The concession, which was approved by the school board, will reduce teacher raises by an average of about $1,330, saving the district about $300,000, L-S business manager Terry Sweigart said.
The district's 226 teachers received raises averaging about $2,400 this year, Sweigart said, in a contract that expires in June 2012.
In addition to the cuts in raises for teachers, the school board decided salaries for the district's administrators will be frozen next year at this year's level.
School board members said the two salary-cutting measures alone would reduce the 2.9-percent tax hike the district had anticipated for next year to less than 2 percent.
And district officials said more cuts could still be coming to trim that tax hike further.
The concessions approved in the two districts Monday are the latest cost-cutting moves by county school districts grappling with declining state, federal and local revenue, including a proposed $27 million cut in state aid for 2011-12.
Administrators in more than half the county's 17 districts have agreed to pay freezes, as have support staff members in several school districts.
Teachers in several districts, including Manheim Township, Elizabethtown, Conestoga Valley and Cocalico, also are considering concessions for next year.
Negotiations on new contracts are under way for teachers in Manheim Central, School District of Lancaster and Octorara Area school districts and Lancaster County Career & Technology Center.
Correspondents Elaine Jones and Cindy Hummel contributed to this report.
preilly@lnpnews.com
bwallace@lnpnews.com
Read more: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/371073#ixzz1JSOGqbgA
Teaching about teachers - Lancasteronline 04/02/2011
Teaching about teachers
Lesson plan: Education isn’t a 9-to-5 job.
Sunday News
Apr 02, 2011 23:32
By MANDY STOLTZFUS, Staff Writer
Heidi Marshall was doing what she does on a normal Saturday: grading papers, creating lesson plans, writing notes to students and drinking Diet Pepsi.
Except this time she was surrounded by other teachers doing the same things in the middle of the busy food court at Park City Center.
Marshall and several other teachers from the Manheim Township, Warwick and Hempfield school districts decided to do their weekend work at the mall for the shopping public to see.
"Teaching is a passion, not just a profession," Marshall said.
"This is not a protest. We just want people to see that teaching never stops. It is our life," she said.
The teachers sat at tables with their laptop computers, grade books and stacks of papers to read and grade. Marshall spread word of the event by Facebook and by word of mouth.
The teachers had little signs on each table that read, "I am a teacher, ask me what I am doing."
Amid the familiar food court smells of pizza, Chinese food and french fries, shoppers and Saturday mall-dwellers stopped and asked.
"Teachers spend countless hours above and beyond the school day," Marshall said. "You can't just punch a clock."
Marshall is a fifth-grade teacher at Bucher Elementary School. Her father and grandfather were teachers. Her son is studying history and considering becoming a teacher.
"I told him, you won't ever make a lot of money, but you will be rewarded in so many better ways," Marshall said.
The negativity surrounding teachers in recent news is the main reason why Marshall said she felt compelled to do something proactive.
The women are concerned about Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed cuts to school funding and the difficult decisions many schools will have to make in the coming months on programs and personnel.
"Politicians are sending out an anti-school message and as teachers we remain quiet and professional," said Jackie Lerch, of Elizabethtown, a Manheim Township Middle School reading specialist.
"We need support from our communities. We want people to talk to us."
Lerch entered the profession after being inspired by her second-grade teacher.
"Mrs. Summerville completely changed my life," Lerch said. "As a teacher you never know how far down the road you can influence someone."
Shareen Burkhardt, who was studying versions of "The Diary of Anne Frank," teaches seventh- and eighth-grade reading at Manheim Township Middle School. She has to make separate lesson plans based on the needs of her students, who are all at different reading levels.
She creates study guides and virtual field trips so students can use technology that they understand to learn better.
"Teaching is Monday through Sunday," Burkhardt said. "It's all the time. But I do my job because I love it."
The teachers want to keep meeting at the mall and to function as a support group for each other.
"We learn so much from each other," Burkhardt said. "It's very much about collaborating."
Burkhardt studied the books on her lap and worked on her lesson plans.
"It's never done," Burkhardt said, of a teachers' work. "But really it's about the seeds you plant.
"Behind a lot of stories are a teacher that affected someone's life."
Mandy Stoltzfus is a Sunday News staff writer. Email her at mstoltzfus@lnpnews.com.
Read more: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/370135#ixzz1JSMo97Y0
Lesson plan: Education isn’t a 9-to-5 job.
Sunday News
Apr 02, 2011 23:32
By MANDY STOLTZFUS, Staff Writer
Heidi Marshall was doing what she does on a normal Saturday: grading papers, creating lesson plans, writing notes to students and drinking Diet Pepsi.
Except this time she was surrounded by other teachers doing the same things in the middle of the busy food court at Park City Center.
Marshall and several other teachers from the Manheim Township, Warwick and Hempfield school districts decided to do their weekend work at the mall for the shopping public to see.
"Teaching is a passion, not just a profession," Marshall said.
"This is not a protest. We just want people to see that teaching never stops. It is our life," she said.
The teachers sat at tables with their laptop computers, grade books and stacks of papers to read and grade. Marshall spread word of the event by Facebook and by word of mouth.
The teachers had little signs on each table that read, "I am a teacher, ask me what I am doing."
Amid the familiar food court smells of pizza, Chinese food and french fries, shoppers and Saturday mall-dwellers stopped and asked.
"Teachers spend countless hours above and beyond the school day," Marshall said. "You can't just punch a clock."
Marshall is a fifth-grade teacher at Bucher Elementary School. Her father and grandfather were teachers. Her son is studying history and considering becoming a teacher.
"I told him, you won't ever make a lot of money, but you will be rewarded in so many better ways," Marshall said.
The negativity surrounding teachers in recent news is the main reason why Marshall said she felt compelled to do something proactive.
The women are concerned about Gov. Tom Corbett's proposed cuts to school funding and the difficult decisions many schools will have to make in the coming months on programs and personnel.
"Politicians are sending out an anti-school message and as teachers we remain quiet and professional," said Jackie Lerch, of Elizabethtown, a Manheim Township Middle School reading specialist.
"We need support from our communities. We want people to talk to us."
Lerch entered the profession after being inspired by her second-grade teacher.
"Mrs. Summerville completely changed my life," Lerch said. "As a teacher you never know how far down the road you can influence someone."
Shareen Burkhardt, who was studying versions of "The Diary of Anne Frank," teaches seventh- and eighth-grade reading at Manheim Township Middle School. She has to make separate lesson plans based on the needs of her students, who are all at different reading levels.
She creates study guides and virtual field trips so students can use technology that they understand to learn better.
"Teaching is Monday through Sunday," Burkhardt said. "It's all the time. But I do my job because I love it."
The teachers want to keep meeting at the mall and to function as a support group for each other.
"We learn so much from each other," Burkhardt said. "It's very much about collaborating."
Burkhardt studied the books on her lap and worked on her lesson plans.
"It's never done," Burkhardt said, of a teachers' work. "But really it's about the seeds you plant.
"Behind a lot of stories are a teacher that affected someone's life."
Mandy Stoltzfus is a Sunday News staff writer. Email her at mstoltzfus@lnpnews.com.
Read more: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/370135#ixzz1JSMo97Y0
School data, all at your fingertips - Lancasteronline 04/01/2011
School data, all at your fingertips
State website gathers information
Intelligencer Journal
Lancaster New Era
Updated Apr 01, 2011 22:37
By BRIAN WALLACE, Staff Writer
Gov. Tom Corbett wants the state to implement a ratings system that assesses how well public schools educate their students and spend taxpayers' money.
The "A to F" grading system he envisions isn't in place yet, but the state Department of Education this week took a step in that direction by adding a link on its website titled "How is my school doing?"
The link on the home page www.pde.state.pa.us includes data on standardized test scores, graduation, dropout and attendance rates and student progress reports for all 500 public school districts in the state.
It also provides links to contact information and websites for every public school in the state.
Ron Tomalis, the acting education secretary, requested the changes as the state transitions to a more user-friendly school-rating system.
"This is transparency. It's letting the parent and the taxpayers know how well our schools are doing in one easy stop," Tomalis said.
Tomalis is moving to Pennsylvania from Maryland and, like other parents, he wanted to compare school districts as he considered where to live, but the information wasn't readily accessible.
"All parents should have access to this data," he said.
The links don't provide any new information, but they do consolidate data that was previously strewn throughout the department's website, accessible only through a detailed, and cumbersome, search.
While not comprehensive, the links provide a lot of information that parents and other taxpayers curious about their local schools might find helpful.
A person searching for data on, say, Ephrata High School, would learn that the school made AYP ("adequate yearly progress") based on its students' PSSA scores in math and reading in 2010 but fell short of the AYP standard in 2009.
Data on how much academic growth students made in a year also is available through a link to the Pennsylvania Value-Added Assessment System (PVAAS) website.
That site indicates Ephrata High earned a green rating ("above predicted achievement") in math and was the top-rated school in Lancaster County and among the top 5 percent of high schools in the state.
In reading, it didn't fare as well, earning a yellow rating ("met predicted achievement"), but the school still ranked second in the county and was among the top one-third in the state.
Some of the databases are much more user-friendly than others.
The PVAAS and AYP sites, for instance, provide multiple options for comparing schools and different groups of students and assessing changes from year to year. Most of the others links, though, are simply to charts of numbers with few options for comparing data or breaking it down.
In addition, some databases use education jargon the general public might not understand. For instance, districts are sometimes referred to as LEAs (local educational agencies). Attendance is listed as ADA (average daily attendance), while enrollment is ADM (average daily membership).
Nonetheless, the links are a start toward a more transparent and user-friendly system, Tomalis said.
The education department will clean up some of the wording and add more data, including information on school expenditures, in the coming months, he said.
Tomalis expects the state to implement a new school-ratings system within a year.
bwallace@lnpnews.com
Read more: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/369516#ixzz1JSLbQ37g
State website gathers information
Intelligencer Journal
Lancaster New Era
Updated Apr 01, 2011 22:37
By BRIAN WALLACE, Staff Writer
Gov. Tom Corbett wants the state to implement a ratings system that assesses how well public schools educate their students and spend taxpayers' money.
The "A to F" grading system he envisions isn't in place yet, but the state Department of Education this week took a step in that direction by adding a link on its website titled "How is my school doing?"
The link on the home page www.pde.state.pa.us includes data on standardized test scores, graduation, dropout and attendance rates and student progress reports for all 500 public school districts in the state.
It also provides links to contact information and websites for every public school in the state.
Ron Tomalis, the acting education secretary, requested the changes as the state transitions to a more user-friendly school-rating system.
"This is transparency. It's letting the parent and the taxpayers know how well our schools are doing in one easy stop," Tomalis said.
Tomalis is moving to Pennsylvania from Maryland and, like other parents, he wanted to compare school districts as he considered where to live, but the information wasn't readily accessible.
"All parents should have access to this data," he said.
The links don't provide any new information, but they do consolidate data that was previously strewn throughout the department's website, accessible only through a detailed, and cumbersome, search.
While not comprehensive, the links provide a lot of information that parents and other taxpayers curious about their local schools might find helpful.
A person searching for data on, say, Ephrata High School, would learn that the school made AYP ("adequate yearly progress") based on its students' PSSA scores in math and reading in 2010 but fell short of the AYP standard in 2009.
Data on how much academic growth students made in a year also is available through a link to the Pennsylvania Value-Added Assessment System (PVAAS) website.
That site indicates Ephrata High earned a green rating ("above predicted achievement") in math and was the top-rated school in Lancaster County and among the top 5 percent of high schools in the state.
In reading, it didn't fare as well, earning a yellow rating ("met predicted achievement"), but the school still ranked second in the county and was among the top one-third in the state.
Some of the databases are much more user-friendly than others.
The PVAAS and AYP sites, for instance, provide multiple options for comparing schools and different groups of students and assessing changes from year to year. Most of the others links, though, are simply to charts of numbers with few options for comparing data or breaking it down.
In addition, some databases use education jargon the general public might not understand. For instance, districts are sometimes referred to as LEAs (local educational agencies). Attendance is listed as ADA (average daily attendance), while enrollment is ADM (average daily membership).
Nonetheless, the links are a start toward a more transparent and user-friendly system, Tomalis said.
The education department will clean up some of the wording and add more data, including information on school expenditures, in the coming months, he said.
Tomalis expects the state to implement a new school-ratings system within a year.
bwallace@lnpnews.com
Read more: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/369516#ixzz1JSLbQ37g
Schools get OK to hike taxes - Lancasteronline 03/31/2011
Schools get OK to hike taxes
But most won't exceed state limits Intelligencer Journal
Lancaster New Era
Updated Mar 31, 2011 23:16
By BRIAN WALLACE, Staff Writer
Twelve of 17 Lancaster County school districts have won permission to increase property taxes beyond their state-mandated limits next year.
The extra leeway means the 12 districts can raise taxes by an average of 5.4 percent next year — three times the 1.6 percent average they were limited to under Act 1, the state law that regulates school property taxes.
But it's unlikely many of those districts will use that extra taxing ability in 2011-12.
Elizabethtown, Manheim Central and Columbia have already announced they don't plan to use their exceptions, and Cocalico is likely to stay within its base index. Three other districts have said they plan to use only part of their exceptions when they approve budgets later this spring.
School officials said they can't justify major tax increases — even in the face of massive cuts in state and federal education funding — when so many districts residents are reeling from the economic downturn.
This year may be the last for exceptions, a mechanism approved under Act 1 to give districts more taxing ability for costs they can't control.
State Sen. Mike Brubaker of Warwick Township has introduced legislation to eliminate exceptions and require voter approval for any tax hike above a district's base Act 1 index, which is based on the rate of inflation.
Senate Bill 911 would make school boards and administrators more accountable to taxpayers and stimulate a "vigorous debate" over education funding priorities, Brubaker said.
"I think for too long the taxpayer has been at the back of the bus, and I want to move the taxpayer to the front of the bus," he said.
Under current law, school districts must seek voter approval for property tax increases that exceed their indexes, plus exceptions. But only 11 referendum votes have taken place statewide in five years.
Most county school administrators oppose Brubaker's bill, saying exceptions provide much-needed wiggle room to help districts pay for unfunded mandates without cutting other programs.
They cite pension costs, which are set by the state, and special education programs, which are mandated under federal law as the biggest expenditures they have little control over.
State funding for special education has not increased in three years, despite the double-digit increases in the cost of student services that some districts have experienced in recent years.
Pension contributions also are rising, but at a much faster pace. The current contribution rate of 5.64 percent will increase by more than 50 percent next year, to 8.65 percent, and continue rising until peaking at 27 percent in 2021.
School officials say it will be difficult to convince voters to pay higher taxes for expenditures like these that school boards have no control over.
"Those exceptions are not a taxpayer decision to fund or not to fund," Laura Cowburn, business manager of Columbia School District, said in an e-mail.
"If the state would fund the exceptions or even share in the cost of the value of the exceptions, the entire tax burden wouldn't be placed on one local tax population.
"If the exceptions go away and the index continues to be below 2 percent, more and more cuts to staff, programs and building maintenance are the only alternatives," she said.
Brubaker said he's willing to consider amendments that would allow for a limited number of exceptions, but for now, S.B. 911 calls for all exceptions to be scrapped.
Ephrata, Manheim Township, Warwick, Penn Manor and Pequea Valley school districts did not apply for exceptions for next year and must keep tax increases within their base Act 1 indexes, which range from 1.4 percent to 1.7 percent.
Among the districts that sought exceptions, Solanco qualified for the biggest tax increase — 9.6 percent — but business manager Tim Shrom said he expects taxes to rise by no more than 2.9 percent next year.
Octorara also won permission for a hefty hike of 7.11 percent for Lancaster County taxpayers. But business manager Dan Carsley said the district intends to stay as close as possible to its base index of 1.4 percent.
Conestoga Valley also plans to stay below its index with exceptions, which totals 3.3 percent, and Lampeter-Strasburg is planning to keep any tax increase under 2 percent, less than half the 4.39 percent hike it could implement with exceptions.
Columbia plans no tax hike next year, despite getting permission for a 7.9 percent increase, Cowburn said.
The county's public school districts are following the same pattern as last year, when 12 of them applied for exceptions but only six used them.
The average school property tax hike in 2010-11 was 3.34 percent, just under the average base index for all districts — without exceptions — of 3.4 percent.
bwallace@lnpnews.com
Read more: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/369275#ixzz1JSIdBAjz
But most won't exceed state limits Intelligencer Journal
Lancaster New Era
Updated Mar 31, 2011 23:16
By BRIAN WALLACE, Staff Writer
Twelve of 17 Lancaster County school districts have won permission to increase property taxes beyond their state-mandated limits next year.
The extra leeway means the 12 districts can raise taxes by an average of 5.4 percent next year — three times the 1.6 percent average they were limited to under Act 1, the state law that regulates school property taxes.
But it's unlikely many of those districts will use that extra taxing ability in 2011-12.
Elizabethtown, Manheim Central and Columbia have already announced they don't plan to use their exceptions, and Cocalico is likely to stay within its base index. Three other districts have said they plan to use only part of their exceptions when they approve budgets later this spring.
School officials said they can't justify major tax increases — even in the face of massive cuts in state and federal education funding — when so many districts residents are reeling from the economic downturn.
This year may be the last for exceptions, a mechanism approved under Act 1 to give districts more taxing ability for costs they can't control.
State Sen. Mike Brubaker of Warwick Township has introduced legislation to eliminate exceptions and require voter approval for any tax hike above a district's base Act 1 index, which is based on the rate of inflation.
Senate Bill 911 would make school boards and administrators more accountable to taxpayers and stimulate a "vigorous debate" over education funding priorities, Brubaker said.
"I think for too long the taxpayer has been at the back of the bus, and I want to move the taxpayer to the front of the bus," he said.
Under current law, school districts must seek voter approval for property tax increases that exceed their indexes, plus exceptions. But only 11 referendum votes have taken place statewide in five years.
Most county school administrators oppose Brubaker's bill, saying exceptions provide much-needed wiggle room to help districts pay for unfunded mandates without cutting other programs.
They cite pension costs, which are set by the state, and special education programs, which are mandated under federal law as the biggest expenditures they have little control over.
State funding for special education has not increased in three years, despite the double-digit increases in the cost of student services that some districts have experienced in recent years.
Pension contributions also are rising, but at a much faster pace. The current contribution rate of 5.64 percent will increase by more than 50 percent next year, to 8.65 percent, and continue rising until peaking at 27 percent in 2021.
School officials say it will be difficult to convince voters to pay higher taxes for expenditures like these that school boards have no control over.
"Those exceptions are not a taxpayer decision to fund or not to fund," Laura Cowburn, business manager of Columbia School District, said in an e-mail.
"If the state would fund the exceptions or even share in the cost of the value of the exceptions, the entire tax burden wouldn't be placed on one local tax population.
"If the exceptions go away and the index continues to be below 2 percent, more and more cuts to staff, programs and building maintenance are the only alternatives," she said.
Brubaker said he's willing to consider amendments that would allow for a limited number of exceptions, but for now, S.B. 911 calls for all exceptions to be scrapped.
Ephrata, Manheim Township, Warwick, Penn Manor and Pequea Valley school districts did not apply for exceptions for next year and must keep tax increases within their base Act 1 indexes, which range from 1.4 percent to 1.7 percent.
Among the districts that sought exceptions, Solanco qualified for the biggest tax increase — 9.6 percent — but business manager Tim Shrom said he expects taxes to rise by no more than 2.9 percent next year.
Octorara also won permission for a hefty hike of 7.11 percent for Lancaster County taxpayers. But business manager Dan Carsley said the district intends to stay as close as possible to its base index of 1.4 percent.
Conestoga Valley also plans to stay below its index with exceptions, which totals 3.3 percent, and Lampeter-Strasburg is planning to keep any tax increase under 2 percent, less than half the 4.39 percent hike it could implement with exceptions.
Columbia plans no tax hike next year, despite getting permission for a 7.9 percent increase, Cowburn said.
The county's public school districts are following the same pattern as last year, when 12 of them applied for exceptions but only six used them.
The average school property tax hike in 2010-11 was 3.34 percent, just under the average base index for all districts — without exceptions — of 3.4 percent.
bwallace@lnpnews.com
Read more: http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/369275#ixzz1JSIdBAjz
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
School Board Work Session 04/11/2011
OCTORARA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
WORK SESSION
April 11, 2011 – 7:30 p.m.
Middle School Multi-Purpose Room
DISCUSSION GUIDE
1. Lord’s Prayer
2.Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
3.Roll Call
All Present
4. Presentations: Budget Update
Dr. Newcome said that items 7A-G would cover the update for tonight.
He gave an overview of the parent & town hall meetings held in March. The items that warranted the most discussions were:
5.Visitors’ Comments - Agenda Items Only
None
6.Information Items:
None
7.Presentation of Agenda Items for the April 18, 2011 Regular Monthly Public Meeting:
A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools to reorganize Octorara Area High School and Octorara Middle School from two separate operating centers to one operating center to be named Octorara Junior-Senior High School.
Dr. Newcome stated that these are on the agenda for next week because programatic changes must be approved by the Board before being sent for approval by the PA Dept. of Ed.
Mrs. Bicking asked why this change needed to happen.
Dr. Newcome said to eliminate middle school teams; have the same schedule as the high school & administrative changes.
Mr. Norris asked that Dr. Newcome highlight some of the curriculum changes.
Dr. Newcome said that they would be eliminating teaching positions, but gaining teaching periods. The major change is in CA.
Mrs. Wilson explained that unified arts could be expanded. Seventh grade woul have a reading period. During this time, the students in seminar could have their class, as they are advanced readers.
Mr. Norris asked how kids who need help will get it.
Mrs. Wilson said that they would continue to run interventions in class. There will be help classes. They currently receive Math Title 1 money for after school math labs. They will accomplish the same thing by having the Math Title 1 aides come in an hour later & stay after school.
Mr. Rohrer explained that the Futures class, currently a 9th grade course, will be pushed to 8th grade. Next year both 8th grade & 9th grade will take it - then it will become an 8th grade course.
Ms. Johnson wanted to clarify that 7th & 8th grade students would not be integrated with HS students, even though they could be going to the high school for band & chorus. Ms. Wilson stated that they already do that.
B. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools for the Organizational Chart for the Administrative Team as submitted March 14, 2011.
C. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools to eliminate one librarian and create two library positions for the Octorara Area School District, Elementary Librarian for Grades K-6 and Secondary Librarian for Grades 7-12.
Mr. Norris asked if this meets state requirements. Dr. Newcome said that it does.
Mr. McCartney wanted to know if students would get enough instruction in using a library. Dr. Newcome said that they are movin to a media center concept. (Less Dewey Decimal; more Technology).
Mr. McCartney said that children don't read as much as they used to & they need help achieving reading levels. He said you can't read on an iPod.
Mrs. Wilson said that the 7th & 8th grade CA teachers are prepared to work with students in the library. It will be part of the reading class in 7th grade & CA in 8th grade.
D. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools to staff each school building library with one library assistant for a half day (.5 position).
E. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the furloughs of the following staff due to reorganization:
Alison Mannetta Second Grade due to seniority transfer
Ashley Stoltzfus Fourth Grade due to seniority transfer
Jessica Hammond EAP Tutoring/Secondary Communication Arts due to seniority transfer
Mary Wallett EAP Tutoring/Secondary Communication Arts due to seniority transfer
Stephanie Rusen Half Time Secondary Communication Arts due to seniority transfer
Tabitha Wallace Half Time Secondary Communication Arts due to seniority transfer
Jim Weagley Athletic Director and Director of School and Community Activities due to assigning duties to other administrators.
Note: The following staff will not be replaced and have been approved for either retirement or resignation:
Judy Curiel – High School Spanish
Jody Bradley – Elementary Teacher
Lynn Cugini – High School Librarian
Jody Pitt – Elementary Reading Specialist
Other furloughs, resignations, and retirements may be forthcoming.
Dr. Newcome said that all of the dominoes had not fallen into place yet. Furloughs occur strictly on a seniority/certification basis. Some of these people have 3-4 years - shows how we haven't been hiring.
F. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools to offer Kindergarten as follows:
1.Keep two sections for at-risk students of full day, every day kindergarten.
2.Create six sections of full day, alternate day kindergarten.
3.Keep one section of half-day, every day kindergarten in the morning with parent provided transportation at the mid-day (no District mid-day transportation).
Note: After registration later this month we will have better numbers to determine if we need to add any half day sections. The constant will be that we will eliminate the mid-day bus run.
Changes were made after the community meetings. They will try and nail down numbers at Kindergarten registration. There will not be less than 20 students per classroom, so if 30 sets of parents want 1/2 day, there will be a lottery.
Mr. Malone asked what would be on the surveys at registration regarding charter schools.
Dr. Newcome said they wouldn't be asking about charter schools. They just did a survey of parents of students in charter schools. They sent out 17 surveys; received 7 back. One (1) said they would have sent their child to Octorara had there been all-day Kindergarten. Six (6) said they would't send their child to Octorara even if there had been all -day Kindergarten.
Mr. Hume asked if there were Federal funds for the at-risk all day classes. Dr. Newcome said there isn't. Those classes were started with block grants from the state.
Mr. Norris said he appreciated the options. He is concerned about scheduling with throwing 1/2 sessions in the mix. He asked about Kindergarten activities. He asked Dr. Newcome some questions about all-day every-day and his preferences. Dr. Newcome said that if he were to make a recommendation based on educational reasons only, he would recommend all-day; everyday.
Mr. Norris asked if this should/could be a possible referendum question. He advocates all-day; everyday.
Dr. Newcome address the question of staff responses. He wouldn't say they are thrilled. They have had good questions. They have been given parameters to develop the program. He said that change makes people nervous. Activities will probably look different.
He also said that they need to get some details together on the schedule, etc. They have contacted area daycare centers.
Mr. Hume wanted to remind everyone that every grade level has special needs. There is a lot we can't provide because of finances.
Mr. McCartney wanted to know if anyone was going to address the concerns of the students.
Mr. Rohrer holds a Student Advisory Council where students would have an opportunity to express concerns.
Mr. Norris feels that as details become clear that people will be more comfortable and that will filter to the students.
G. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools to require students to attend state approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs offered in the Octorara Area School District (OASD) when a similar program is offered through the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU). Similar will be defined by comparison of task lists and the NOCTI test to be used at the end of course. Similar will not be defined by CIP Code, CIP Title, entities name for course, instructors certificate, syllabus of course, or specific materials and methods to be utilized. Conditions of this recommendation include:
1.State approval must be obtained by the OASD by January 1 of the year in which the program is to begin. 2.If a student begins in a state approved program at either location, CCIU location or OASD location, the student will finish the program at this location unless mutually agreed to switch by both program entities and the parent of the student.
3.Approved CTE programs at OASD as of January 1, 2011 but are not offered at TCHS include:
a. Agriculture Mechanization, General
b.Agriculture Productions Operations, General
c.Job Seeking/Changing Skills (Diversified Occupations)
4.Programs Waiting Approval for OASD as of April 18, 2011 but are not offered at TCHS include:
a. Business Marketing
b.Woodworking Technology – Cabinet Making
c.Commercial and Graphic Arts
d.Drafting Technology
e. Commercial and Advertising Arts We will offer these programs if approval is granted prior to the start of the 2011-2012 school term.
5.Programs Waiting Approval for OASD as of April 18, 2011 that are offered at TCHS include:
a.Culinary Arts
b.Early Childhood Education
c.Accounting
6.Students will be admitted to programs offered by CCIU only for the start of a new school year or at the mid-term of the OASD school year and only if the OASD does not have a similar program of study at the given enrollment point.
7.If a student enrolls at a CCIU run program and switches programs after enrollment in the CCIU program the student must enroll in a program offered at OASD if the new program the student enrolls in is offered at the OASD.
The administration will develop this into policy but for the sake of clarity and direction this is placed for Board approval until such policy is developed.
Dr. Newcome hopes this addresses concerns. This outlines the timing. The beginning language defines "similar". They are taking culinary arts off the table for this cycle. It gives them a year to develop the program.
There are programs at TCHS that we can never offer here. We are all facing the same market & vying for the same students. They have seen the patterns change. TCHS has started having open enrollment, which doesn't really work for a high school schedule. We will let students enter programs at a logical time. Students often change programs.
Mr. Malone asked how we are notified if a student changes programs. Dr. Newcome said that we aren't. Mr. Malone thinks we should require that.
Mrs. Bowman said that part of the rationale for the HS renovation was to bring some of these programs back.
Dr. Newcome appreciated the conversations he had with parents & that they were willing to have those conversations.
H. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the 2011-2012 Chester County Intermediate Unit Core Services Budget in the amount of $16,580,711.
I. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the 2011-2012 Chester County Intermediate Unit Occupational Education Budget in the amount of $22,559,582.
Mrs. Bicking asked about the percent changes of "H" and "I". They were 0% and 1.4% respectively.
Mr. Ganow asked if these were variable dependent on the number of students. For "H" - no. For "I" - on a 3 year average.
J. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the submission of Part H of PLANCON (Series of 2010A, Series of 2011) for the High School Renovation and Addition Project – Project Financing.
K. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the use of the varsity softball field by the Octorara Softball Association on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. beginning April 3, 2011 through June 19, 2011.
Mr. Ganow asked for the purpose. Dr. Newcome will follow-up.
Resignation Approvals:
L. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept, with regret, the resignation of Ms. Mary Weigher as a cafeteria server at the Octorara Primary Learning Center for purpose of retirement effective April 15, 2011. (Hired April 1, 1998)
M. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept, with regret, Ms. Nancy Hess’s resignation as building secretary at the Octorara Intermediate School effective April 15, 2011. (Hired December 2, 2003)
N. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Erin Morrissey’s resignation as junior varsity field hockey coach effective April 1, 2011. (Hired July 19, 2010.)
O. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Mary Wallet’s resignation as girls’ tennis coach effective March 16, 2011. (Hired August 2009)
Hiring Approvals:
P. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Mr. David Villa as Access Assistant for the District effective April 6, 2011 through September 30, 2011 pending completion of work related documents required by law and the District. Mr. Villa’s rate will be $18.49 per hour for 20 hours per week.
Q. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute teacher for the 2010-2011:
Linda McCawley (Elementary)
R. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve a change in rate from $12.00 per hour to $13.00 per hour for the following 2011 Summer Reading Program employees:
Sue Aquadro, Denyce Copeland, Connie Rutter
S. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following volunteer coaches for the 2011 softball program:
Meredith Benson, Jen Michalski, Greg Patton
8. Facilities Committee Report
Mr. Stoltzfus said the committee met this evening. The classroom portion of the renovation that started in January is almost complete. They still need to complete some communications cabling - which related to the electric contracting discussed last month.
The roof on the gym is almost complete, as is the painting. They are getting ready to take up the floor. There have been some issues with the air conditioning units.
The asbestos removal is almost complete in the Auditorium. There is an issue with the chandeliers. They have asbestos wiring & they don't know if they can save them. They need more information. They will start on the auditorium roof soon.
The project is well within budget.
There are still issues with water at OIS. They are coming out Wednesday to meet.
The OMS roof will be worked on over the summer.
The RFP for custodial outsourcing went out. It is due 4/21.
Mr. Carsley is working with Althouse on transportation software package.
It will cost approx. $12,000 to remove the pods.
They are still waiting on the results of tests on the terrazo tile in the front of the school.
There was discussion about change orders & how they work - which ones need to come to the Board & which ones don't.
9.Other Items/Concerns
None
10. Visitors’ Comments – General
Terry Freitag (West Sadsbury) discussed the Culinary Arts program. She asked that Dr. Newcome clarify what he stated earlier, but she was going to continue with what she wanted to say. She didn't think it was fair that the kids did everything they were supposed to; applied & were accepted & then were told they couldn't go. If they had known it was a possibility, they could have understood. There is a difference between the program at TCHS and the home ec rooms at Octorara. The kids shouldn't be denied that opportunity.
Joan Agen (Parkesburg) had some questions about the future of athletics & the directions of private funding.
Karen Mummert (Londonderry) also had comments about the Culinary Arts program. She said the facility at Octorara was not an acceptable substitute. She didn't want to criticize the Admin for trying to save taxpayer money. She stated she needed to be an advocate for her child.
Thomas Seth (Sadbury Lancaster) said he is concerned that once the MS & HS becomes a Jr/Sr High that there would be two Libraries & two Cafeterias. He thinks they should be combined to save staff. He feels there is underutilized space and the Octorara has the highest square footage / student of any area district.
Nicole Campbell (West Fallowfield) works with Kindergarten students & says there are social, emotional & physical disadvantages to an all day/every other day schedule.
11. Administrator Comments/Announcements
Mr. Haller said that they made it through the PSSAs and had a celebration. The PTO helped by providing a DJ. The kids had fun. Kathy Smith informed him that 6th grade won the FBI SOS Challenge. This was a national competition concerning online safety. Three students attended the PMEA Songfest.
Mr. Harmer said that they held the 24 Game qualifier (math competition) for 4th grade. The top 16 will compete on April 20th.
Mr. Ganow questioned some errors on the discipline reports.
Dr. Newcome clarified that the students who had been accepted to the Culinary Arts program at TCHS will get to go.
He reiterated his view that athletics will become privately funded.
He commented on the cafeteria/library question. He didn't see a way to save on staff. There is a 2 hour block of time to run the cafeteria. Logistically, he doesn't think they could pull it off. They would have to mix the grades & 7th grades could end up eating lunch with seniors. He would not recommend it.
With the staffing cuts, some services won't get done & others will get picked up.
There is no future renovation planned after the HS renovation is complete.
12.Board Comments
Mr. Stoltzfus commented on the sq. ft/child. He doesn't have the figures, but know that they followed the feasibility study. The enrollment was on track until the recession hit. You build to the feasibility study, not to current enrollment. There are over 400 building permits waiting for the economy to turn around.
Mr. Norris commented on the cafeteria issue. As the parent of two school age children, he know they barely have enough time to each now. It would be irresponsible to put a plan in place that would make it worse. He also doesn't want to see anyone research the square footage question. It would be a huge waste of resources given all of the other things that need to be worked on.
He was glad to see that 3 students won Lenfest awards. Someone in the district must be doing something right.
Mr. Malone noted that there is a separate cafeteria fund and that it is not part of the general fund. They are self-sustaining.
Mr. Ganow commented on an article in the paper about a proposed corporate center in the district. He feels the District needs to work with the township to make it happen. Dr. Newcome has already been in contact.
Mr. Hume thanked OIS for having a reward for the PSSAs.
Ms. Bowman commented that the best place to start getting involved with the athletic issue is to get involved with the various booster organizations. She said she was invited to an Education Adviory Council.
13. Adjournment
Facility Committee Meeting – Monday, April 11, 2011 – 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room
Executive Session for personnel – Monday, April 11, 2011 – Following the Work Session in the Octorara District Office Conference Room
Finance and Policy Committee Meeting – Monday, April 18, 2011 – 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room
Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting – Monday, April 18, 2011– 7:30 p.m. in the Octorara Middle School Multi-Purpose Room
WORK SESSION
April 11, 2011 – 7:30 p.m.
Middle School Multi-Purpose Room
DISCUSSION GUIDE
1. Lord’s Prayer
2.Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag
3.Roll Call
All Present
4. Presentations: Budget Update
Dr. Newcome said that items 7A-G would cover the update for tonight.
He gave an overview of the parent & town hall meetings held in March. The items that warranted the most discussions were:
- Kindergarten restructuring
- Middle school CA classes
- TCHS
5.Visitors’ Comments - Agenda Items Only
None
6.Information Items:
None
7.Presentation of Agenda Items for the April 18, 2011 Regular Monthly Public Meeting:
A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools to reorganize Octorara Area High School and Octorara Middle School from two separate operating centers to one operating center to be named Octorara Junior-Senior High School.
Dr. Newcome stated that these are on the agenda for next week because programatic changes must be approved by the Board before being sent for approval by the PA Dept. of Ed.
Mrs. Bicking asked why this change needed to happen.
Dr. Newcome said to eliminate middle school teams; have the same schedule as the high school & administrative changes.
Mr. Norris asked that Dr. Newcome highlight some of the curriculum changes.
Dr. Newcome said that they would be eliminating teaching positions, but gaining teaching periods. The major change is in CA.
Mrs. Wilson explained that unified arts could be expanded. Seventh grade woul have a reading period. During this time, the students in seminar could have their class, as they are advanced readers.
Mr. Norris asked how kids who need help will get it.
Mrs. Wilson said that they would continue to run interventions in class. There will be help classes. They currently receive Math Title 1 money for after school math labs. They will accomplish the same thing by having the Math Title 1 aides come in an hour later & stay after school.
Mr. Rohrer explained that the Futures class, currently a 9th grade course, will be pushed to 8th grade. Next year both 8th grade & 9th grade will take it - then it will become an 8th grade course.
Ms. Johnson wanted to clarify that 7th & 8th grade students would not be integrated with HS students, even though they could be going to the high school for band & chorus. Ms. Wilson stated that they already do that.
B. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools for the Organizational Chart for the Administrative Team as submitted March 14, 2011.
C. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools to eliminate one librarian and create two library positions for the Octorara Area School District, Elementary Librarian for Grades K-6 and Secondary Librarian for Grades 7-12.
Mr. Norris asked if this meets state requirements. Dr. Newcome said that it does.
Mr. McCartney wanted to know if students would get enough instruction in using a library. Dr. Newcome said that they are movin to a media center concept. (Less Dewey Decimal; more Technology).
Mr. McCartney said that children don't read as much as they used to & they need help achieving reading levels. He said you can't read on an iPod.
Mrs. Wilson said that the 7th & 8th grade CA teachers are prepared to work with students in the library. It will be part of the reading class in 7th grade & CA in 8th grade.
D. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools to staff each school building library with one library assistant for a half day (.5 position).
E. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the furloughs of the following staff due to reorganization:
Alison Mannetta Second Grade due to seniority transfer
Ashley Stoltzfus Fourth Grade due to seniority transfer
Jessica Hammond EAP Tutoring/Secondary Communication Arts due to seniority transfer
Mary Wallett EAP Tutoring/Secondary Communication Arts due to seniority transfer
Stephanie Rusen Half Time Secondary Communication Arts due to seniority transfer
Tabitha Wallace Half Time Secondary Communication Arts due to seniority transfer
Jim Weagley Athletic Director and Director of School and Community Activities due to assigning duties to other administrators.
Note: The following staff will not be replaced and have been approved for either retirement or resignation:
Judy Curiel – High School Spanish
Jody Bradley – Elementary Teacher
Lynn Cugini – High School Librarian
Jody Pitt – Elementary Reading Specialist
Other furloughs, resignations, and retirements may be forthcoming.
Dr. Newcome said that all of the dominoes had not fallen into place yet. Furloughs occur strictly on a seniority/certification basis. Some of these people have 3-4 years - shows how we haven't been hiring.
F. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools to offer Kindergarten as follows:
1.Keep two sections for at-risk students of full day, every day kindergarten.
2.Create six sections of full day, alternate day kindergarten.
3.Keep one section of half-day, every day kindergarten in the morning with parent provided transportation at the mid-day (no District mid-day transportation).
Note: After registration later this month we will have better numbers to determine if we need to add any half day sections. The constant will be that we will eliminate the mid-day bus run.
Changes were made after the community meetings. They will try and nail down numbers at Kindergarten registration. There will not be less than 20 students per classroom, so if 30 sets of parents want 1/2 day, there will be a lottery.
Mr. Malone asked what would be on the surveys at registration regarding charter schools.
Dr. Newcome said they wouldn't be asking about charter schools. They just did a survey of parents of students in charter schools. They sent out 17 surveys; received 7 back. One (1) said they would have sent their child to Octorara had there been all-day Kindergarten. Six (6) said they would't send their child to Octorara even if there had been all -day Kindergarten.
Mr. Hume asked if there were Federal funds for the at-risk all day classes. Dr. Newcome said there isn't. Those classes were started with block grants from the state.
Mr. Norris said he appreciated the options. He is concerned about scheduling with throwing 1/2 sessions in the mix. He asked about Kindergarten activities. He asked Dr. Newcome some questions about all-day every-day and his preferences. Dr. Newcome said that if he were to make a recommendation based on educational reasons only, he would recommend all-day; everyday.
Mr. Norris asked if this should/could be a possible referendum question. He advocates all-day; everyday.
Dr. Newcome address the question of staff responses. He wouldn't say they are thrilled. They have had good questions. They have been given parameters to develop the program. He said that change makes people nervous. Activities will probably look different.
He also said that they need to get some details together on the schedule, etc. They have contacted area daycare centers.
Mr. Hume wanted to remind everyone that every grade level has special needs. There is a lot we can't provide because of finances.
Mr. McCartney wanted to know if anyone was going to address the concerns of the students.
Mr. Rohrer holds a Student Advisory Council where students would have an opportunity to express concerns.
Mr. Norris feels that as details become clear that people will be more comfortable and that will filter to the students.
G. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the recommendation of the Superintendent of Schools to require students to attend state approved Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs offered in the Octorara Area School District (OASD) when a similar program is offered through the Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU). Similar will be defined by comparison of task lists and the NOCTI test to be used at the end of course. Similar will not be defined by CIP Code, CIP Title, entities name for course, instructors certificate, syllabus of course, or specific materials and methods to be utilized. Conditions of this recommendation include:
1.State approval must be obtained by the OASD by January 1 of the year in which the program is to begin. 2.If a student begins in a state approved program at either location, CCIU location or OASD location, the student will finish the program at this location unless mutually agreed to switch by both program entities and the parent of the student.
3.Approved CTE programs at OASD as of January 1, 2011 but are not offered at TCHS include:
a. Agriculture Mechanization, General
b.Agriculture Productions Operations, General
c.Job Seeking/Changing Skills (Diversified Occupations)
4.Programs Waiting Approval for OASD as of April 18, 2011 but are not offered at TCHS include:
a. Business Marketing
b.Woodworking Technology – Cabinet Making
c.Commercial and Graphic Arts
d.Drafting Technology
e. Commercial and Advertising Arts We will offer these programs if approval is granted prior to the start of the 2011-2012 school term.
5.Programs Waiting Approval for OASD as of April 18, 2011 that are offered at TCHS include:
a.Culinary Arts
b.Early Childhood Education
c.Accounting
6.Students will be admitted to programs offered by CCIU only for the start of a new school year or at the mid-term of the OASD school year and only if the OASD does not have a similar program of study at the given enrollment point.
7.If a student enrolls at a CCIU run program and switches programs after enrollment in the CCIU program the student must enroll in a program offered at OASD if the new program the student enrolls in is offered at the OASD.
The administration will develop this into policy but for the sake of clarity and direction this is placed for Board approval until such policy is developed.
Dr. Newcome hopes this addresses concerns. This outlines the timing. The beginning language defines "similar". They are taking culinary arts off the table for this cycle. It gives them a year to develop the program.
There are programs at TCHS that we can never offer here. We are all facing the same market & vying for the same students. They have seen the patterns change. TCHS has started having open enrollment, which doesn't really work for a high school schedule. We will let students enter programs at a logical time. Students often change programs.
Mr. Malone asked how we are notified if a student changes programs. Dr. Newcome said that we aren't. Mr. Malone thinks we should require that.
Mrs. Bowman said that part of the rationale for the HS renovation was to bring some of these programs back.
Dr. Newcome appreciated the conversations he had with parents & that they were willing to have those conversations.
H. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the 2011-2012 Chester County Intermediate Unit Core Services Budget in the amount of $16,580,711.
I. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the 2011-2012 Chester County Intermediate Unit Occupational Education Budget in the amount of $22,559,582.
Mrs. Bicking asked about the percent changes of "H" and "I". They were 0% and 1.4% respectively.
Mr. Ganow asked if these were variable dependent on the number of students. For "H" - no. For "I" - on a 3 year average.
J. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the submission of Part H of PLANCON (Series of 2010A, Series of 2011) for the High School Renovation and Addition Project – Project Financing.
K. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the use of the varsity softball field by the Octorara Softball Association on Sundays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. beginning April 3, 2011 through June 19, 2011.
Mr. Ganow asked for the purpose. Dr. Newcome will follow-up.
Resignation Approvals:
L. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept, with regret, the resignation of Ms. Mary Weigher as a cafeteria server at the Octorara Primary Learning Center for purpose of retirement effective April 15, 2011. (Hired April 1, 1998)
M. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept, with regret, Ms. Nancy Hess’s resignation as building secretary at the Octorara Intermediate School effective April 15, 2011. (Hired December 2, 2003)
N. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Erin Morrissey’s resignation as junior varsity field hockey coach effective April 1, 2011. (Hired July 19, 2010.)
O. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Mary Wallet’s resignation as girls’ tennis coach effective March 16, 2011. (Hired August 2009)
Hiring Approvals:
P. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the employment of Mr. David Villa as Access Assistant for the District effective April 6, 2011 through September 30, 2011 pending completion of work related documents required by law and the District. Mr. Villa’s rate will be $18.49 per hour for 20 hours per week.
Q. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute teacher for the 2010-2011:
Linda McCawley (Elementary)
R. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve a change in rate from $12.00 per hour to $13.00 per hour for the following 2011 Summer Reading Program employees:
Sue Aquadro, Denyce Copeland, Connie Rutter
S. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following volunteer coaches for the 2011 softball program:
Meredith Benson, Jen Michalski, Greg Patton
8. Facilities Committee Report
Mr. Stoltzfus said the committee met this evening. The classroom portion of the renovation that started in January is almost complete. They still need to complete some communications cabling - which related to the electric contracting discussed last month.
The roof on the gym is almost complete, as is the painting. They are getting ready to take up the floor. There have been some issues with the air conditioning units.
The asbestos removal is almost complete in the Auditorium. There is an issue with the chandeliers. They have asbestos wiring & they don't know if they can save them. They need more information. They will start on the auditorium roof soon.
The project is well within budget.
There are still issues with water at OIS. They are coming out Wednesday to meet.
The OMS roof will be worked on over the summer.
The RFP for custodial outsourcing went out. It is due 4/21.
Mr. Carsley is working with Althouse on transportation software package.
It will cost approx. $12,000 to remove the pods.
They are still waiting on the results of tests on the terrazo tile in the front of the school.
There was discussion about change orders & how they work - which ones need to come to the Board & which ones don't.
9.Other Items/Concerns
None
10. Visitors’ Comments – General
Terry Freitag (West Sadsbury) discussed the Culinary Arts program. She asked that Dr. Newcome clarify what he stated earlier, but she was going to continue with what she wanted to say. She didn't think it was fair that the kids did everything they were supposed to; applied & were accepted & then were told they couldn't go. If they had known it was a possibility, they could have understood. There is a difference between the program at TCHS and the home ec rooms at Octorara. The kids shouldn't be denied that opportunity.
Joan Agen (Parkesburg) had some questions about the future of athletics & the directions of private funding.
Karen Mummert (Londonderry) also had comments about the Culinary Arts program. She said the facility at Octorara was not an acceptable substitute. She didn't want to criticize the Admin for trying to save taxpayer money. She stated she needed to be an advocate for her child.
Thomas Seth (Sadbury Lancaster) said he is concerned that once the MS & HS becomes a Jr/Sr High that there would be two Libraries & two Cafeterias. He thinks they should be combined to save staff. He feels there is underutilized space and the Octorara has the highest square footage / student of any area district.
Nicole Campbell (West Fallowfield) works with Kindergarten students & says there are social, emotional & physical disadvantages to an all day/every other day schedule.
11. Administrator Comments/Announcements
Mr. Haller said that they made it through the PSSAs and had a celebration. The PTO helped by providing a DJ. The kids had fun. Kathy Smith informed him that 6th grade won the FBI SOS Challenge. This was a national competition concerning online safety. Three students attended the PMEA Songfest.
Mr. Harmer said that they held the 24 Game qualifier (math competition) for 4th grade. The top 16 will compete on April 20th.
Mr. Ganow questioned some errors on the discipline reports.
Dr. Newcome clarified that the students who had been accepted to the Culinary Arts program at TCHS will get to go.
He reiterated his view that athletics will become privately funded.
He commented on the cafeteria/library question. He didn't see a way to save on staff. There is a 2 hour block of time to run the cafeteria. Logistically, he doesn't think they could pull it off. They would have to mix the grades & 7th grades could end up eating lunch with seniors. He would not recommend it.
With the staffing cuts, some services won't get done & others will get picked up.
There is no future renovation planned after the HS renovation is complete.
12.Board Comments
Mr. Stoltzfus commented on the sq. ft/child. He doesn't have the figures, but know that they followed the feasibility study. The enrollment was on track until the recession hit. You build to the feasibility study, not to current enrollment. There are over 400 building permits waiting for the economy to turn around.
Mr. Norris commented on the cafeteria issue. As the parent of two school age children, he know they barely have enough time to each now. It would be irresponsible to put a plan in place that would make it worse. He also doesn't want to see anyone research the square footage question. It would be a huge waste of resources given all of the other things that need to be worked on.
He was glad to see that 3 students won Lenfest awards. Someone in the district must be doing something right.
Mr. Malone noted that there is a separate cafeteria fund and that it is not part of the general fund. They are self-sustaining.
Mr. Ganow commented on an article in the paper about a proposed corporate center in the district. He feels the District needs to work with the township to make it happen. Dr. Newcome has already been in contact.
Mr. Hume thanked OIS for having a reward for the PSSAs.
Ms. Bowman commented that the best place to start getting involved with the athletic issue is to get involved with the various booster organizations. She said she was invited to an Education Adviory Council.
13. Adjournment
Facility Committee Meeting – Monday, April 11, 2011 – 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room
Finance and Policy Committee Meeting – Monday, April 18, 2011 – 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room
Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting – Monday, April 18, 2011– 7:30 p.m. in the Octorara Middle School Multi-Purpose Room
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