So true....

School Board Meeting 09/16/2013

OCTORARA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
PUBLIC SCHOOL BOARD MEETING
September 16, 2013 – 7:30 p.m.
Jr./Sr. High School Multi-Purpose Room
 
AGENDA

1. Moment of Silence
2. Pledge of Allegiance 
3. Roll Call
All present

4. Approval of Minutes from the Work Session of August 12, 2013 and the Regular Meeting of August 19, 2013.
Approved

5. Presentations
Dr. Newcome introduced Lydia Lion as the student representative to the Board.
 
6. Information Items

A.  Cheryl Johnson will transfer from a personal care aide/instructional assistant at  the Octorara Area Sr. High School to an instructional assistant at the Primary  Learning Center. (Replacing Kathryn Weston who resigned.)

7. Treasurer’s Report
A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the General Fund Report for period ending August 31, 2013.
Mr. Ganow presented the report.  Approved

8. Business Manager’s Report
A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the list of bills for payment.
Mr. Carsley presented the report.  There were some questions about checks.  Mr. Carsley will get the answers back to those who asked.

9. Visitors’ Comments - Agenda Items Only
None

10. Recommended Action Items:  (Italicized items are new; they were not on the September 9, 2013 agenda.)
A-O Approved.

A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the list of school bus drivers employed by Althouse Transportation, Inc. for the 2013-2014 school year.

B. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the list of school bus runs by Althouse Transportation, Inc. for the 2013-2014 school year.

C. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the revisions to Policy 815 “Acceptable Use Policy”, second reading.

D. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the revisions to Policy 807 “Opening Exercises”, second reading.

E. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve a stipend of $383.55 for Ms. Deb Canby for writing a successful grant.  The grant provided $7,671 for the Octorara Health and Physical Education Department and was awarded by CCRES. 

                  Resignation Approvals:
F. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept, with regret, the resignation of Ms. Stacey Hoopes as an instructional assistant at the Octorara Intermediate School effective August 14, 2013.  (Hired August 2, 2007)

                    Hiring Approvals: 
G. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Jennifer Shaw as  long term substitute ISS monitor at the Octorara Area Sr. High School for the 2013-2014 school year pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District.  Ms. Shaw’s rate will be $10.15 per hour. (Replacing Jason Ralston who transferred.)

H. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute teachers for the 2013-2014 school year:

 Andrew Buchy, Science
 Sara Daigle, Elementary
 Alicia Hardy, Social Studies
 David Hazell, Music
 Lisa Hillman, Elementary
 Kelly Holub, Elementary, Reading Specialist
 Melody Hostetter, Elementary
 Jessica Karahilis, Science/Biology
 Dawn Kimberling, Elementary
 Mark Klucharich, Social Studies
 Lisa Rohrer, Elementary 
 Sheena Scheffel, Elementary
 Elizabeth Schlegel, Elementary
 Leah Tymeson, Science
 Alicia VanDenAcre, Social Studies, Family & Consumer Science
 Rachel McNaughton, Elementary, Mid-Level Math
 
I. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute support staff for the 2013-2014 school year:

  Sharon Burget, Cafeteria
  Kelly Jeffries, Cafeteria
  Christine Sellers, Cafeteria

J. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following supplemental contracts for the 2013-2014 school year:

JoAnn Marinacci  Mentor Johanna Lasak     2 pts @ $600  $1,200
David Baker  Mentor Ashley Stern        2 pts @ $600  $1,200
Melissa Fanelli  Mentor Alison Venini  2 pts @ $600  $1,200
Kelly Wetzel   Mentor Morgan Callaway        2 pts @ $600  $1,200
Michelle Moran  Mentor Ashley Whiteman        2 pts @ $600  $1,200
Jennifer Dean  Mentor Jessica Hyrnkow                                      $   200
Vanessa Peterson  Mentor Amanda Friedman       2 pts @ $600  $1,200
Amanda Kieffer  Mentor Shelley Leonard           2 pts @ $600  $1,200
Mark Peticca  Mentor Mark Durante                1  pt @ $600  $   600
Nikki Bonaduce-Davis  Mentor Richard Baker               1  pt @ $600  $   600
Adam Udell  Mentor Matt Worrell                                       $   200
Kathleen Heller  Mentor Jason Ralston                                     $   200
Pat Lauletta  Mentor Liz DiSabatino             2 pts @ $600  $1,200
Jen Watson  Mentor Scott Gee  2 pts @ $600                 $1,200

K. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following changes in  salary due to graduate credits earned:

Alysyn Hoffman  From M ($53,642) to M+15 ($58,707)  Step 17 to MAX
Dawn Munion  From B+15 ($51,719) to M ($53,642)  Step 17 to MAX
Jennifer John  From M ($53,642) to M+15 ($58,707)  Step 17 to MAX
 Joan Miller  From B ($49,441) to B+15 ($51,719)  Step 17 to MAX
Kelly Wetzel  From M+45 ($68,500) to M+60 ($71,642)  Step 11to MAX
Marjory Zajac  From M+15 (65,253) to M+30 ($67,127)**  Step 10 to MAX
 ** Note:  Ms. Zajac’s salary will be prorated for the 2013-2014 school year due to her FMLA and sabbatical.   

L. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Jennifer Godowsky’s request for unpaid Family Medical Leave for the purpose of child rearing from approximately January 30, 2014 through April 30, 2014 and an additional unpaid leave of absence from May 1, 2014 through the close of the 2013-2014  school year.  Ms. Godowsky is a music teacher at the Octorara Primary Learning Center.


M. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Fallon Manchin’s request for unpaid Family Medical Leave for the purpose of child rearing from approximately March 21, 2014 through April 22, 2014.  Ms. Manchin is a Learning Support teacher at the Octorara Elementary School.


N. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Cristin Schultz as a long term substitute instructional assistant at the Octorara Elementary School effective August 26, 2013 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District.  Ms. Schultz’s rate will be $11.65 per hour. (Replacing Trent Zook who transferred.)


O. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Cristin Shultz’s resignation as a long term substitute instructional assistant at the Octorara Elementary School effective August 30, 2013.


P. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the student activity request for “The Class of 2017” at the Octorara Area Sr. High School.
Approved

Q. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept the resignation of Ms. April Pidgeon as a cafeteria employee effective May 30, 2013.  (Hired January 21, 2013)
Approved

R. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Mary “Kim” Myers as a Title I reading assistant at the Primary Learning Center effective August 28, 2013 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District. Ms. Myers’ rate will be $11.65 per hour for 5.75 hours per day.  (Replacing Linda Haslett who transferred.)
Approved

S. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Joan Agen as a half-time Virtual Academy Teacher at the Octorara Area Sr. High School effective September 12, 2013 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District.  Ms. Agen’s salary will be $26,696 which is half of Step 18 to MAX of the Mastewr’s Scale.
Mr. Ganow asked how many students there are.  Dr. Newcome said there are 8 in what was called Alternative Education.  This position will also cover those who have come back from virtual charter schools.  Approved.

T. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the agreement for Octorara Landscape and Turf Company to perform fertilization and mowing services on all District athletic fields from September 1, 2013 through June 30, 2014 at a fee of $45,542.
Mr. Oleyniczak asked about wording in the contract.  He wanted to know if it had been reviewed by counsel.  Dr. Newcome & Mr Carsley stated that they used the language from the bleacher contract.  Approved

11. Finance Committee Report
Ms.Johnson gave the report.  Linda Neff gave a report on recommendations from the Student Advisory Group concerning lunches.  Recommendations have been implemented.  She also went over regulations.

Discussed annual audit, tax collector bond, index for next year (2.1) and Linville Hill bus contract.

Received tax equalization information from the State.

12. Policy Committee Report
Mr. Ganow gave the report.  Second reading of 815 and 807 tonight.  Will be looking at more in October.

13. I.U./C.A.T. Board Representative's Report
Mr. Stoltzfus stated that the meeting is Wed.  He will forward report to Board members when he receives it.

14. Old Business
None

15. New Business
None

16. Other Items and Announcements
The Board chose who they are voting for in the Pennsylvania School Board Association election.

17. Visitors' Comments - General
None

18. Administrator Comments/Announcements
Ms. Wilson reported that the Keystone Exams being used for graduation and PA Common Core standards were approved last Thursday.

Dr. Rohrer let everyone know that Homecoming is next week.  There will be a lot of activities.

Mr. Ganow asked if there were issues getting people into the games.  Dr. Rohrer said they may have to open additional gates.

Dr. Newcome had two items: 

1. Last Wednesday, the Octorara Agriculture Business Environmental Science group picked a date for an Agriculture Expo featuring student work.  It will be held 5/31/2014 from 9 am - 5 pm.  There are several volunteers from the community.  Ms. Lion is co-chair.
2. Friday evening after the football game, he overheard a teacher make a comment. Several people were cleaning up trash, etc.  The teacher said something to the effect that "this is what's great about Octorara - everyone pitches in - the superintendent, school board president, other school board members.   Dr. Newcome discussed ways our school board members were involved in the school and community before becoming board members and how they continue to be involved whether or not they have children attending Octorara. 

19. Board Comments
Mr. Norris reminded everyone that the first parade of the season is Wednesday in Quarryville.  Step-off  for the band is at 6:15.  He also noted that on Saturday, Dr. Newcome attended Atglen Community Day and took a turn in the dunk tank.  He thanked him for doing so.

Ms. Bowman let Board members know that there is a copy of a letter from a resident included in their packets.  The resident is upset about taxes.  Mr. Norris contacted the resident and talked with him.  She wanted to publicly acknowledge receipt of the letter.

20. Adjournment


Finance Committee Meeting – Monday, September 16, 2013 – 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Policy Committee Meeting – Monday, September 16, 2013 – 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Executive Session for personnel – Monday, September 16, 2013 – Following the Regular Meeting in the District Office Conference Room

Education Committee Meeting – Monday, September 23, 2013 – 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

 Facility Committee Meeting – Monday, October 14, 2013 – 6:30 p.m. in the  District  Office Conference Room

Next regularly scheduled Work Session – Monday, October 14, 2013 – 7:30 p.m. in the Jr. High School Multi-Purpose Room

Policy Committee Meeting – Monday, October 21, 2013 – 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Finance Committee Meeting – Monday, October 21, 2013 – 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting – Monday, October 21, 2013 – 7:30 p.m. in the Jr. High School Multi-Purpose Room

Education Committee Meeting – Monday, October 28, 2013 – 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Work Session 9/9/2013

 OCTORARA AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT WORK SESSION
September 9, 2013 – 7:30 p.m.
Jr./Sr. High Multipurpose Room

Discussion Guide

1. Moment of Silence
2. Pledge of Allegience
3. Roll Call
All present

4. Presentations
None

5. Visitors' Comments - Agenda Items Only
None

6. Information Items
None

7. Presentation of Agenda Items for the September 16, 2013 Regular Monthly Public Meeting:

A. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the list of school bus drivers employed by Althouse Transportation, Inc. for the 2013-2014 school year.

B. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the list of school bus runs by Althouse Transportation, Inc. for the 2013-2014 school year.

C. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the revisions to Policy 815 “Acceptable Use Policy”, second reading.

D. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the revisions to Policy 807 “Opening Exercises”, second reading.


E. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve a stipend of $383.55 for Ms. Deb Canby for writing a successful grant.  The grant provided $7,671 for the Octorara Health and Physical Education Department and was awarded by CCRES. 
Stipend is 5% of grant amount.  Ms. Camby has written successful grants for the past several years.

                  Resignation Approvals:
F. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept, with regret, the resignation of Ms. Stacey Hoopes as an instructional assistant at the Octorara Intermediate School effective August 14, 2013.  (Hired August 2, 2007)


                    Hiring Approvals: 
G. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Jennifer Shaw as  long term substitute ISS monitor at the Octorara Area Sr. High School for the 2013-2014 school year pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District.  Ms. Shaw’s rate will be $10.15 per hour. (Replacing Jason Ralston who transferred.)
Ms. Shaw filled in last spring in the same position.

H. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute teachers for the 2013-2014 school year:

 Andrew Buchy, Science
 Sara Daigle, Elementary
 Alicia Hardy, Social Studies
 David Hazell, Music
 Lisa Hillman, Elementary
 Kelly Holub, Elementary, Reading Specialist
 Melody Hostetter, Elementary
 Jessica Karahilis, Science/Biology
 Dawn Kimberling, Elementary
 Mark Klucharich, Social Studies
 Lisa Rohrer, Elementary 
 Sheena Scheffel, Elementary
 Elizabeth Schlegel, Elementary
 Leah Tymeson, Science
 Alicia VanDenAcre, Social Studies, Family & Consumer Science

I. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following substitute support staff for the 2013-2014 school year:
  Sharon Burget, Cafeteria
  Kelly Jeffries, Cafeteria
  Christine Sellers, Cafeteria

J.  That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following supplemental contracts for the 2013-2014 school year:
JoAnn Marinacci  Mentor Johanna Lasak  2 pts @ $600          $1,200
David Baker  Mentor Ashley Stern            2 pts @ $600          $1,200
Melissa Fanelli  Mentor Alison Venini     2 pts @ $600           $1,200
Kelly Wetzel   Mentor Morgan Callaway   2 pts @ $600          $1,200
Michelle Moran  Mentor Ashley Whiteman        2 pts @ $600  $1,200
Jennifer Dean  Mentor Jessica Hyrnkow                                      $   200
Vanessa Peterson  Mentor Amanda Friedman       2 pts @ $600 $1,200
Amanda Kieffer  Mentor Shelley Leonard     2 pts @ $600      $1,200
Mark Peticca  Mentor Mark Durante         1  pt @ $600  $   600
Nikki Bonaduce-Davis  Mentor Richard Baker          1  pt @ $600  $   600
Adam Udell  Mentor Matt Worrell                                      $   200
Kathleen Heller  Mentor Jason Ralston                                 $   200
Pat Lauletta  Mentor Liz DiSabatino     2 pts @ $600                  $1,200
Jen Watson  Mentor Scott Gee  2 pts @ $600                              $1,200

Mr. Ganow questioned the number of new hires.  Dr. Newcome explained that not all are new hires.  New hires are the 2pts.  An existing employee moving to a new building/new position is 1pt. and an existing employee moving to a new position in the same building is $200.

K. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve the following changes in     salary due to graduate credits earned:

Alysyn Hoffman  From M ($53,642) to M+15 ($58,707)  Step 17 to MAX
Dawn Munion  From B+15 ($51,719) to M ($53,642)  Step 17 to MAX

L. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Jennifer Godowsky’s request for unpaid Family Medical Leave for the purpose of child rearing from approximately January 30, 2014 through April 30, 2014 and an additional unpaid leave of absence from May 1, 2014 through the close of the 2013-2014  school year.  Ms. Godowsky is a music teacher at the Octorara Primary Learning Center.

M. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Fallon Manchin’s request for unpaid Family Medical Leave for the purpose of child rearing from approximately March 21, 2014 through April 22, 2014.  Ms. Manchin is a Learning Support teacher at the Octorara Elementary School.

N. That the Octorara Board of School Directors approve Ms. Cristin Schultz as a long term substitute instructional assistant at the Octorara Elementary School effective August 26, 2013 pending completion of employee related documents required by law and the District.  Ms. Schultz’s rate will be $11.65 per hour. (Replacing Trent Zook who transferred.)

O. That the Octorara Board of School Directors accept Ms. Cristin Shultz’s resignation as a long term substitute instructional assistant at the Octorara Elementary School effective August 30, 2013.

Dr. Newcome explained that since Ms. Shultz worked for a few days, that in order to pay her, there needed to be the formal approval of hiring & then resignation.

8.  Facility Committee Report
Mr. Stoltzfus gave the report on the Facilities Committee meeting. 

• Estimated $17K tree problems.  Some we can handle, some we can't.
• HS Roof was completed 8/25
• Water treatment plant needs some significant updates.  It's been 12 years since major upgrades occurred.  We need estimates.ll 
• Auditorium - problem w/ railing down front.
• We will update long-range plan by October meeting.
• 5 years ago, the renovations on the High School began.  We've had issues with water in the band room & the studio.  We thought it had been fixed, but with these last heavy rains, there was more water.  We don't know what the source is.  It has been scoped.  They may look at dyes.  We have signed letters from contractors who did the work that they will be responsible for repairs.
• The district has taken care of the athletic fields in the past (fertilizing, etc.)  Sent out to bid for fertilization, maintenance & mowing.  
• There is a request for a shed at the Jr. High Field Hockey field.
• Fall Fest will occur at end of the month.  There was a request for fireworks.  It is on hold for this year until the District can research it.
• Linville Hill bus runs - no increase in rates.
• There is nothing on the sign at Rt 41 & Highland Rd.  The rails that hold the letters need to be replace.  Looking at price to fix.

9. Other Items/Concerns
PASBA (Pennsylvania School Board Association) - changed bylaws - established new voting delegates. Delegates to vote on platform.  Meeting is during the day.  None of our Board members are available to go.  We don't have to send anyone.  Instead of individuals voting, the Board votes as a whole.  This will not be an official action of the Board.

10. Visitors’ Comments – General                  
None

11. Administrator Comments/Announcements
Dr. Rohrer said that approx. 150 students need to get their ipads

Dr. Newcome said that the Homeland Security/Career Technical program has been officially approved.  There are 17 students enrolled.  Signal 88 is providing sponsorship ($500) - in partnership with the District.  Local fire departments & law enforcement are also helping.

Safety update - Brian Dikun is collecting data.  They have gathered statistics on SRO and security officers in Chester and Lancaster County school districts.  We have received no direction in applying for grants from the State.
              
The District is hosting a safety summit on 10/14.  It is by invitation only (law enforcement, school board members, etc.)  It is a non-student day.

If you go by the Octorara Area Food Cupboard, take a look at the sign.  It was made by Octorara students.  

Enrollment as of the 3rd day of school:  2,502
Nov. 1st last year:  2,505
This will be updated throughout the year.

The dedication of the Operations Facility Center will occur over homecoming in recognition of Dale Miller.

Policies that will be worked on in the near future:

• Child abuse
• Opposite gender participating in sports
• Drug screening policy
• Open records policy

These will be talked about at the next policy meeting.  First reading probably in October.  

Homecomng is the end of September.  There will be a schedule next week.

Congratulations to the staff on a good opening of school.  Everyone is hard at work.

12. Board Comments
None

13. Adjournment


 Facility Committee Meeting – Monday, September 9, 2013 – 6:30 p.m. in the  District  Office  Conference Room

Executive Session for personnel – Monday, September 9, 2013 – Following the Work Session in the District Office Conference Room

Finance Committee Meeting – Monday, September 16, 2013 – 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Policy Committee Meeting – Monday, September 16, 2013 – 6:30 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Next regularly scheduled Board Meeting – Monday, September 16, 2013 – 7:30 p.m. in the Jr. High School Multi-Purpose Room

Education Committee Meeting – Monday, September 23, 2013 – 6:00 p.m. in the District Office Conference Room

Why Philadelphia Schools will Close Their Doors Forever - Digital Journal 9/2/2013 by Jay McClung

Why Philadelphia schools will close their doors forever

Posted Sep 2, 2013 by Jay McClung

The School District of Philadelphia, the eighth largest school district in the United States, nestled in the country’s fifth largest city, will make history when it permanently closes it doors within the next two years.

RGB Free Stock Photos

Locked Gate

While Philadelphia is one of the largest school districts in the country, it is also one of the most bankrupt. The district will start the 2013-2014 school on September 9 but stares at a $304 million deficit. If it weren’t for the city borrowing $50 million on behalf of the school district, none of the 218 public schools would be opening next week. The slight infusion of money allows Superintendent William Hite to open schools on time but it’s far from meeting the needs of the district that had to lay off 20 percent of its total staff over the summer. It was the second consecutive year of thinning out staff that saw 3,800 teacher and staff positions eliminated, 100 school nurses, 90 school resource officers, and 43 bilingual counselors.

Although the school district continues to have financial and academic trouble year after year, the finger pointing halts at the State of Pennsylvania. After taking control of the district in 2001, the state has not fixed any of the problems in Philadelphia; allowing the current situation to spread like a virus. Jerusah O. Conner is an education professor at Villanova University and is an expert on the Philadelphia school district. In a recent interview, Professor Conner said that the state shoulders much of the blame for the district’s problems. “Pennsylvania ranks 8th lowest in the country, spending only 35.8 percent on education. Were it not for the deliberate underinvestment and disinvestment in Philadelphia schools by the state, the district could easily be enjoying a multibillion dollar surplus instead of a deficit.”

Many in the education field say that Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett is to blame for the crisis in Philadelphia. Corbett should have allocated more money for Philadelphia after taking office but instead, he made massive budget cuts in 2011, including cutting $1 billion from education statewide. The results of Corbett’s axe wielding left the district with a $629 million shortfall that year and the momentum of the crisis continued to grow. The city of Philadelphia attempted to generate money by raising property taxes 3.85 percent last year to generate an estimated $53 million for the district but that, just like this year’s gift of $50 million, is just a band aid on a severed artery. Some lawmakers in the Pennsylvania acknowledge the crisis and put together a state rescue package for Philadelphia. The $141 million aid, along with an additional $45 million from the state previously allocated to the district, is awaiting Governor Corbett’s signature. The money is being withheld by the state while Superintendent Hite and Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter negotiate with the teachers’ union about taking enormous salary cuts and rolling back certain benefits. Since there has been no agreement with the union, funding from the state is being held and will only be released once negotiations are complete.

Education experts, like Professor Conner, say that Corbett has an agenda for Philadelphia and that plan, apparently, is to strangle the life out of the struggling district. According to a report, 80 percent of Philadelphia students come from disadvantaged backgrounds, only slightly more than 60 percent of students graduate from high school, and less than 60 percent are proficient in reading and math. Those numbers aren’t acceptable to Governor Corbett. After cutting the education budget, the Governor commissioned Boston Consulting Group, a major global-business consulting and school “right-sizing” firm, to a $1.5 million contract to fix the Philadelphia problem. Boston Consulting Group has a worldwide reputation for crushing teachers’ unions and putting most public schools under charter control. Corbett followed the firm’s advice and the infusion of charter schools is starting to overrun Philadelphia.

According to The Philadelphia Citypaper, the School District of Philadelphia will spend $729 million on charter schools in the coming fiscal year. Nearly a third of Philadelphia’s students will attend 84 charter schools this year and it will cost the district an estimated $7000 per student to attend a charter school. Parents are starting to move their children away from the nearly extinct public schools by enrolling them in charter schools and virtual charter schools. The problem with this equation is academics and money. A Stanford study found students at 100 percent of Pennsylvania’s cyber charters performed significantly lower than the peers at traditional schools. Five Pennsylvania cyber charters receive $200 million in tax money each year to produce unacceptable results. The Agora Cyber Charter, which is run by the for-profit company K12, made $31.6 million last year from state taxpayers. It’s interesting to note that billionaire Michael Milken is an owner of K12 and that Mr. Milken was convicted of racketeering and securities fraud in 1989.

Adding more fuel to the charter fire is the state’s law that keeps the school district powerless. Daniel Denvir says, “For reasons that aren’t clear, millions of dollars have moved between the network of charter schools, their parent nonprofit, and two property-management entities. The School District is charged with overseeing city charters but 'does not have the power or access to the financial records of the parent organization.'” This is how companies like Aspira Inc. are draining the life out of Philadelphia schools. Denvir reports that Aspira Inc. of Pennsylvania operates four Philadelphia charter schools and owes large sums of money to the district. As of last June, that total had climbed to $3.3 million. The Philadelphia charter school scandal, however, has become common the past five years. Since 2008, 18 Philadelphia charter schools have been under federal investigations. A 2010 City Controller investigation stated that the district is “extremely vulnerable to fraud, waste, and abuse.” Superintendent Hite even went on record to say, “Unmanaged, self-directed, charter-school growth could force the district into a perpetual deficit.”

Unfortunately, for Mr. Hite and everyone involved with the School District of Philadelphia, the end is approaching. Over the summer, the governor appointed School Reform Commission (SRC), passed a “doomsday” budget for Philadelphia that included cuts so drastic that there was no money for school to open this fall and funding for things such as paper, new books, athletics, arts, music, and guidance counselors would be slashed. In a press conference this past May, Thomas Knudsen, the Chief Recovery Officer for the School Reform Commission, stated that SRC plans to, “close 40 schools next year and an additional six every year thereafter until 2017. The remaining 20 to 30 schools would be placed into ‘achievement networks’ where public and private groups would compete to manage the networks.” Adding more fuel to the fire, Governor Corbett is now backing legislation that will dramatically decrease charter oversight, reduce local control, extend the charter period from 5 years to 10 years, and grant automatic charter renewals.

This crisis, and the ultimate downfall of Philadelphia public schools, could have been avoided through proper financial management. At the end of the last budget year, the state of Pennsylvania had a modest surplus but Governor Corbett chose to allocate money towards building new prisons. Helen Gym, a public school parent and the founder of Parents United for Public Education, told the Washington Post, “Pennsylvania is one of three states in the nation without a funding formula for schools (based on enrollment, population, or other metric). The funding of districts is basically determined in back room deals among party leadership, with little consideration of need or even actual enrollment.”

Although schools will open in Philadelphia next week, the district and the city have a long year ahead of them while Governor Corbett’s charter movement continues to gain strength. In a year or two, we will all look back at this historic event and talk about how Tom Corbett turned the School District of Philadelphia into Sodom and Gomorrah.

Read more: http://www.digitaljournal.com/print/article/357577#ixzz2eOYIWCn6

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