Oley School Board Stonewalls Budget Requests
A room of full of taxpayers attending a meeting looking for answers about the ominous 2006 school budget, were met with silence, intimidation, and indifference by the Oley Valley School District school board.
The board often criticizes people who ask questions about district spending in June when the budgets are passed. They get a lecture about not being involved in the process sooner.
Last night, the community gets involved in March, and we told it is too early to ask questions about the budget.
The truth of the matter is that the board does not want to answer any questions about this budget.
Bottom line, the citizens of the Oley Valley School District face a 6.46 mill increase in school property taxes!
Those who attended the meeting were shocked by what they saw and heard. They came not believing the flyers posted in the community about the budget. Last night they realize the gravity of the situation.
The next budget meeting is Tuesday, March 21,2006 at 7:00 PM in the Administration Building Boardroom.
Come join us and let your voice be heard. Tell your friends and neighbors.
At the request of people who attended the meeting, the contents of a speech made to the board are being posted for the community to review.
"The Budget and Finance meeting held on February 27th revealed the most outlandish spending requests in recent memory. The district wants to increase spending by $2,797,901.
The enormous budget request will be portrayed as critical to education, but a review suggests otherwise.
Adding more staff when school enrollment is down, new TV's, new cafeteria chairs because the current ones "pinch the posterior", New Television Studio equipment, new wireless connections in addition to existing land line connections, a new athletic trainer, a new scoreboard, a litany of new technology increases....the list goes on and on.
The individual making the technology request said " The board has created a monster.." when they engaged on the spending spree for technology.
Replacing unusable equipment is one thing, having the latest toy is another.
It gets worse, we discover that the $2,797,901 does not include the cost of a new track.
The new track costs have escalated from $350,000 to nearly a $1,400,000 facility, due to a $39,000 architect recommendation.
The supporters of this non-educational expenditure promised to provide at least half the cost. According to published reports, no funds have been received from this group to date.
A board member even said in the paper, taxes would not rise because of the track. Nonsense, the money will probably come from the Capital Reserve Fund, which was created with tax dollars. If the money is spent on the track, the Capital Reserve Fund will be replenished with new tax dollars.
Based on the district's estimated revenues, the board cannot even pay for the new teachers contract, much less anything else.
The $2,797,901 budget request and the $1,400,000 facility are the district numbers presented to the public.
Adding the two figures, the total bill could be $4,197,901 of additional spending which represents a 6.46 mill increase!
When the board was asked at the budget meeting, " How are we going to fund over four million dollars of spending with only a half million of revenues? ", the board did not respond.
A potential 6.46 mill increase or anything close to that amount deserves honesty and candor from the board.
14 Comments:
Now is the time for all taxpayers of the Oley Valley to be seen AND heard....but it can't stop there. Attending school board meetings and attempting to politely ask questions is a start. But it seems like we've got a long, long way to go. By flyer, phone calls, and knocking on doors....spread this news now! Don't rely on the radio or newspapers. This is NOT radio free Oley. Once a caller states their real opinions, they're either bleeped or disconnected.The closer the taxpayers get to being unable to cough up the ever-rising tax demands placed upon them, the more desparate they can become. It's "get to know your neighbor" time.....
ATTENTION PARENTS OF MIDDLE SCHOOLERS
We have heard that the middle school principal met with our 6th graders in the auditorium to discuss the PSSA's some time in the last two weeks.
Parents have reported that their children were told that after the tests were over, the tests would be reviewed and if there were any dots that were not filled in (questions that were not answered) that the children would be called down to the "Special Room" to fill in these blanks.
After completion of the tests, the tests are to be locked up and NO ONE CAN REVIEW THEM.
A parent has spoken directly with the Department of Education, Assessment Division, and was told that this is not allowed after completion of the tests, and that in light of the district's issues with the PSSA's last year, an educator misconduct would be filed with whomever was responsible for this act.
PLEASE TALK TO YOUR CHILDREN AND FIND OUT IF THIS HAS OCCURRED WITH YOUR CHILD. THIS IS AGAINST THE LAW, AND THE OLEY VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT IS DESPERATE TO HAVE GOOD SCORES SO THEY CAN DIG THEMSELVES OUT OF THE HOLE IN WHICH THEY FIND THEMSELVES. AS A DISTRICT WE HAVE TO DO WELL THIS YEAR ON THE PSSA'S, OR WE SLIP BACK INTO CORRECTIVE ACTION 1 FOR AYP.
PLEASE DO NOT LET THE SCHOOL PASS THE MESSAGE TO YOUR CHILDREN THAT IT IS OK TO CHEAT FOR THE GOOD OF THE SCHOOL.
Many such events have taken place in the recent past. Parents need to ask their children about these things, and then bring up the questions at the school board meetings. They don't seem to mind asking the students to be deceptive. How about those act 50 signs that were taken down by the orders of Oley teachers? Teachers told the students to remove them. When I was a youngster, that was called trespassing, stealing, and kind of stupid.Teaching the children that freedom of speech can be altered by the decision of their teachers.....that's just plain wrong.
PSSA tests. For the past several years this allegation has been leveled against the school. I have heard parents state this at board meeting, and to my dismay, it comes down to "he said" "she said". If the state rules state that corrections are not allowed under "ANY" circumstances, then I ask that someone post that in writing from the Dept of Ed. However, I can't believe this to be the case, and do NOT accept any statement that starts with "...I was told by someione on the phone..." I deal with a lot of PA gov't employees, and do not base anything of importance on what I am told by them on the telephone. I always ask for it via email.
It would be odd that if a student accidently answers the fill in the dot test downwards instead of across, that corrections would not only be acceptable but expected. If such corrections were not made, the validity of the results would be more worthless. It would not reflect the score of that child and would alter a true overall "Oley Assessment".
However, If a student is asked to change specific answers or review specific questions, then that should be shouted from the roof tops, because that would be blatenly, morally and ethically wrong.
PS: Thhis blog is a great idea, and cudos to its originator (Mr. Jacobs I assume).
How does one go about getting rid of the current Oley School Board? Are they in there for life? Since they don't want to listen to the requests of the people, maybe it's time to change the leadership!
Or are they just copying the attitude of the current tyrants in Washington DC?
"How does one go about getting rid of the current Oley School Board? Are they in there for life? Since they don't want to listen to the requests of the people, maybe it's time to change the leadership!"
The process starts with citizens becoming aware of the problem.
Then it is electing board members who reflect the will of the community.
Finally, the new board institutes a permanent change in the way the district does business.
New Board members? It is the responsibility of the citizens. I stated in a rant under another topic in this blog that the past two election cycles have netted losses to new "blood" attempting to get on the board. The election process starts with the primary election. It is the responsibility of the citizens to vote in THIS election FIRST. The primary elections set the final ballot for the general election. It is here where the election is won and lost. Due to lazy voters, and a lack of a forum to meet candidates, too many individuals exercise their right to be lazy, and vote a straight slate (D or R). The primaries will have determined which candidates will be represented on both sides of the ballot, due to cross filing opportunities. Those candidates on both sides will win, because of the process.
Vote only for challengers, and NOT incumbents. Here is the hard part for the valley citizens. DO NOT vote for the incumbents because they are nice people, you know them, they and their families have lived here for 200 years. Vote for new representation.
"New Board members? It is the responsibility of the citizens."
New board members and new ideas...
New Board Members. Every two years there are either 4 or 5 seats up for election. Two years ago there were nine candidates for five seats. This past Nov. there were five candidates for four seats. Either the electorate is satisfied with their representation by re-electing the incumbants like clockwork OR are dissatisfied, but over 8,000 registered voters don't bother to vote - no candidate has received more than 1,700 votes. Eighteen months from now, contact the Bureay of Elections and start the process of putting your name on the ballot. Be prepared to attend at least two monthly subcommittee meetings, two monthly board meetings, award banquets, science fair, art show, 2-3 annual meetings with twp. supervisors, Koffee Klatches,plays, sporting events, graduation-related activities, etc. in support of the district,in addition to outside reading,review of minutes-bills-accounting-correspondance-newsletters-current events. Be prepared for being wrong in nearly everything you do -you'll never please everyone. There are no term limits for School Director, but the voters have a voice at the polls. You also have a voice in State-wide elections. This "Education Governor" promised to make education a priority - instead of the 50% funding support districts should get, we see about 20%. Here's another chance to vote for the incumbant or the new candidate. Speak at the polls!!
To the obvious school board member, or family member of the school board member that posted above comment. I agree that it takes an incredible amount of volunteer time. I agree that you will be wrong in every decision you make, because the public is generally passive, until budget. However, as for all the extra time (awards, science fair, etc.), that is NOT expected of you, nor should you accept that as a responsibility. You are elected to run the school, not participate, and anyone who thinks otherwise is wrong. If you are to dedicate that much to the volunteer position you have taken on, please utilize it guiding the school into a better direction.
As for Fast Eddie breaking his campaign promise, did you expect anything else? However, I have been promised a raise for several years, and I have not got it yet. (I will not take the easy cheap shot at the new contract) And just like the school, I get unexpected expenses, etc. However, I, as well as most people, are forced, and have learned to do more with less.
It amazes me that we are constantly adding new programs, etc., but old ones are never removed! I have attended many board meeting (outside of the budget window) and have felt bad for all participants, for the complete and total breakdown in process. The perception is, GO TO EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE MEETING, AGRREE TO ALL VOTE YES, return to public meeting, have ZERO debate, vote yes. Then complain about criticism. Maybe, executive sessions should be eliminated from the democratic process, unless it involves a personnel issue.
The public was not asked to participate in the teachers contract - which they must pay for. That is not what the public expects of its elected leaders, even though they are volunteer, it does not make them above critism.
As far as attending all the events, as board members, you would not have too., if the school started some initatizes that instilled pride in Oley, which currently doesn't exist. If the public (old and young) was proud if its community school, like in other surrounding areas, it try to make the school the center of the public. Then, the public would attend events, and the board members wouldn't feel so obligated to attend every event, or would attend as a member of the public, for pleasure!
Please accept these comments as critism, but also realize that most people do understand and appreciate the incredible amount of work that you as board members agree too. And I hope that some of those who post on and organize this blog throw their name in the hat for the next round of elections. It is too easy to cast the stones, and maybe they should volunteer to be leaders also. I would love to see change at the board, constant turn over, and a mixture of people, some parents, some senior citizens, and some community minded individuals that don't fall into either of the other two groups.
Board members must attend as many school events as possible. Is it expected and they get criticized if they don't attend events. How else can they observe first hand and meet parents? You want them to depend only on the reports of Zackon and the principals? Anyone who thinks othersise is wrong.
"Board members must attend as many school events as possible... How else can they observe first hand and meet parents?...Anyone who thinks othersise is wrong."
WRONG
If a school board member needs to attend these functions to feel the pulse of the people, then they were previous given too much credit for being in touch with the community/residents. Maybe they truly are out of touch.
Maybe they would be in touch if they had email addresses where the public could contact them, instead of relying of meeting at such events. The majority of the events that were posted above attract a few parents. These are not "community" oriented events. The school board represents the community as whole, not just parents. They are the laiason between the public and the administration. They are to ensure that the youth are adequately educated. They are not expected to be social coordinators at science fairs!
Therefore your reply to the posting above is wrong. Don't worry about the critism, do what you volunteered to do, be the kids advocate for a good education, and be a wise and adequate trustee of the residents assets.
Don't be a politician, be an advocate.
It is funny that the above seems to think the board members need to show up at events.. First of all they should want to and be proud of the children in these events and all the children in this district. I have seen the board president and the "SUPER" at events and they facial expressions sure show they rather be somewhere else. Where is the pride of this school district within it's administration and the board. It starts at the TOP. It is time for major changes in the school district.
If you're elected to one of those five seats in Nov. '07, don't attend TOO many district functions in the heart of the community. But if you're not involved you'll be called "out of touch." Good luck in your campaign and in trying to figure out these citizens - run something that you don't participate in?
Just lower taxes and all will be fine in the Oley Valley I suppose. (I notice no response to the public's voting record-per the 12:15 PM entry.)
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