Oley School District Unveils A Sticker Shock Budget
The Oley Valley School District had a budget meeting on February 27, 2006. Attending the meeting were most of the school board members, along with the superintendant and the business manager.
The administration presented the 2006-2007 budget request. They want to increase spending by $2,797,901.22 over the 2005-2006 budget. In addition, the board is considering the building of a new sysnthetic track and field at a projected cost of $1,400,000.
The budget request and the new track/field represent a potential millage increase of 5.62 mills.
The Oley Valley School District millage is 21.50.
The homeowner pays $2,150 per $100,000 of assessed value. The 2006-2007 budget will raise the school property taxes to $2712.00 per $100,000 of assessed value or a 26% increase !!
A member of the audience asked the attending board members how they planned to finance such an enormous increase. The board did not respond.
We urge the citizens to attend the Oley Valley School District meeting on Wednesday, March 15,2006, 7:00 PM at the Oley Elementary School Library.
The citizens of the Oley Valley School District want a quality education at an affordable price, not blank check budgets.
The administration presented the 2006-2007 budget request. They want to increase spending by $2,797,901.22 over the 2005-2006 budget. In addition, the board is considering the building of a new sysnthetic track and field at a projected cost of $1,400,000.
The budget request and the new track/field represent a potential millage increase of 5.62 mills.
The Oley Valley School District millage is 21.50.
The homeowner pays $2,150 per $100,000 of assessed value. The 2006-2007 budget will raise the school property taxes to $2712.00 per $100,000 of assessed value or a 26% increase !!
A member of the audience asked the attending board members how they planned to finance such an enormous increase. The board did not respond.
We urge the citizens to attend the Oley Valley School District meeting on Wednesday, March 15,2006, 7:00 PM at the Oley Elementary School Library.
The citizens of the Oley Valley School District want a quality education at an affordable price, not blank check budgets.
126 Comments:
It is about time people did something about taxes.
School boards should be replaced.
According to my calculations, the new 2006-2007 budget increase of (26%) will increase my school property taxes by over 1,100.00 Is this legal?????? I definately think we should have some kind of referendum for such an increase. Can we afford this? I have a wife and two children to support. The cost of gas for the cars/food/diapers/car payments/mortgage we are just getting by. I don't have an extra 1,100.00 dollars to give to the district and I think its outrageous for them to think I do. The average tax payer can't afford this additional burden from the district. Especially those on a fixed income or those who don't get annual increases in salary. Making people decide between taxes/heating their homes or health insurance/medication doesn't make any sense to me.
Mark Rittwage 252 Old State Road
Oley Valley School District Concerned Citizen
Here is an interesting tidbit the taxpayers might not know. To date, since the beginning of the 2005-2006 school year, at 110 days of school, I asked for some information which the school very promptly supplied. As of February 14th, there have been 1,144 teacher absences in this school district, and these teachers were rewarded with a $715,000 pay increase. Most of these absences were not illness-related, they were approved by the school district superintendent. This on the low end has cost the school district approximately $70,000 for substitute teachers. This also translates into approximately 1,144 classes that were not taught, as most of the substitute teachers are just there to babysit.
At the budget meeting on February 27th, I asked what we budgeted for substitute teachers for the 2005-2006 school year and the figure was $200,000, and I am sure we will use every bit of it. I did not really get an answer from the superintendent as to why we have all these absences, and I would like to know. Our school district in again putting pressure on our students to do well on their PSSA's which are coming up in March, but exactly when are our children being taught, with this many teachers out of the classroom on a daily basis. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE.
anonymous said:
Our taxes have doubled since we moved here in 2000. Oley needs to
start using our tax dollars on
education not non-educational items. We are in need of up to date textbooks not new sports facilities!!!! We are not Wyomissing or other school districts that have a large tax base. The majority of the school taxes come from the homeowners. Our state test scores prove that the current administration is in need of a major overhaul. Year after year we continuously fall behind the state standards but there is never any accountability with this school board and administration. When is this nightmare going to end!!! We need change now!!!! come on March 15th. and speak up!!!!
We need to have term limits for board members and administration.
Change would do a lot of good!!!
The President of the United States can only be in office for 2 terms!!! Why doesn't the Oley school board follow the same rules????!!!!
Just an FYI - there is also a board meeting this Wednesday, March 8th at 7:00 p.m. in the Board Room in the Administration Building. Come to see how our board conducts itself - you might find it interesting!
The majority of the Oley Valley School Board is completely out of touch with reality. Their egregious ability to spend other peoples' money without consideration of the consequences to others is apparent. They are continually on a spending binge and pass the consequences of their actions onto everyone else without conscience.
One has to wonder the state of the Oley Board members' personal fiscal position. Instead of the Dept. of Ed. administering the proposed "School Board Certification Program," the taxpayers need to insist that the board members disclose their financial condition as a precursor to running for office. If they spend and make debt beyond their ability to pay, then they certainly aren't fit to manage anyone else's money.
When are GOOD people going to run for office and/or vote out these bums. I cannot believe there are not 6 or 7 better people out there to replace these charlatans. It's about time GOOD people stop complaining, start voting and run for school board.
When will the spending stop?
Don't these elitist School Board members know that there is just so much income in this district, and they've pretty much wrung us out.
Okay, so those who can't afford to pay these high taxes are supposed to sell their homes to others who have more money than they do and just adore paying usury rates of school taxes. But, even if these potential home buyers actually have more money than brains, who wants to purchase a modest home and pay disproportionate taxes?
Has anyone noticed. Many of the big employers and a lot of the big money is leaving Berks County. Check out the Wyomissing mansions and country estates for sale. The City of Reading is bankrupt, the County of Berks (funded by we the people) will be bankrupt after bailing out the City of Reading; and out here in the Oley Valley School District, our school taxes will be the final nail in our financial coffins. All the while, our out-of-touch school board continues its unrestrained spending and debt, not caring that the money isn't theirs, and then malign anyone who shows them the facts.
If the boards' arrogant stupidity effected only themselves it would be laughable. But, elderly folks having to leave their family homesteads and lifelong homes because of this madness is unforgivable. "Taxed to the Max"
Taxpayers are putting a lot of pressure on our school board. Let's try to better understand the facts. "Walk a mile in their shoes!" Please note that most of the board's members are in a financial position which eliminates their need to understand the hardship of paying the rising school taxes. There are no paupers on our school board, therefore, there are no members that can honestly relate to the hardship they themselves are inflicting upon many of our residents, Senior Citizens and younger taxpayers alike.
Attending school board meetings could answer your questions. Now let's not miss any of these important facts:
Almost all of the board members attend nearly every meeting, often on time. Occassionally, every member stays for the entire meeting.
Almost every member shows up for important meetings which feature events such as VOTING on the budget. Only on rare occassions have school board members actually spoken out of turn, whispered and snickered amongst themselves like teenagers in a studyhall. Of course, there is the added responsibility of the "private session" part of the meetings. You know, the part of the meeting where the school board goes into another room to conduct their business, and the general public gets the swell offer of some cookies and lemonade, paid for by their own tax dollars. How very thoughtful?
Anyone attending can quickly sense the aire of arrogance a good percentage of the board displays. The positions they are supposed to fill should hold enough importance to prompt the "elected" members to not only show up on a regular basis, but to put forth the effort that is expected of them. If they're not really interested in fulfilling the requirements of the entire position, please, step aside and let a new crew get in there and make our community both proud and relieved. Possibly a new crew that does not have immediate family members working as teachers within the very system they are representing. That just doesn't seem right, does it?
With that said, I remain anonymous, wouldn't you?
There are board members that have family members as teachers as well as teacher subs. The board members that have family working at the same district they represent should not vote on teacher contracts!!! Currently they refuse to not vote. They look at the taxpayers sitting in the board room during these very important issues make faces and stupid comments and vote when they know this is a conflict of interest and not allowed. The way that act at board meetings is just discusting. We the taxpayers who pay the bills for this district should be treated way better then the way we currently are. It makes me sick with all the arrogant behavior of this board and administration. We need to have a bigger show of people in this district at meetings.. If we stand up for what is right and make this school a better place it will only benefit our future and the future of the children. COME TO THE MARCH 15TH MEETING IN THE ELEM. SCHOOL LIBRARY AND LETS BAND TOGETHER AS CONCERNED TAXPAYERS AND PARENTS OF THE FUTURE GENERATION!!!!!!!!
We've attended a few school board meetings, and we know we should try to attend more often. Unfortunately, we each have to work two jobs to make our family's budget stretch to where we have our bases covered. Who'd have guessed that couples in their late 50s would have to seek and hopefully secure an additional sourse of income, just to pay school taxes? Like many, we pay far more towards our healthcare than any teacher would ever consider paying. Of course, we don't have much choice, no union is patting us on the back, nor are they guaranteeing our coverage. Can't they see that they are instrumental in breaking the system? When the well runs dry, the pampered teachers might realize how much they really need the common taxpayers.But it won't be for their tax dollars, it will be for survival tips. After all, it's the scrimping taxpayers that have been forced into mandatory survival training. And we WILL survive. So, when the well does run dry, good luck to the likes of our pampered teachers, because stamping their feet and carrying picket signs just won't cut it.
Let's get a better turnout for school board meetings! Invite your neighbors, they should be concerned.
We have only lived here for 3 years and our taxes have gone up every year to reach the unbelievable amount of almost 13,000 a year. If Oley would allow some business, ie, medical and office buildings and retail shopping then allot of the burden may be lifted away from the homeowner. Our properties don't grow as fast as the school and township taxes grow.
"We have only lived here for 3 years and our taxes have gone up every year to reach the unbelievable amount of almost 13,000 a year."
Unfortunately, this is common situation in our district.
The millage has increased from 14.08 in 1999 to 21.50 in 2005, yet we have little to show for this investment except higher teacher, administrator salary and benefits.
If the school board increases the 2006 budget to cover the numbers the district has put on the table to test the waters, then it will have a devastating affect on the community.
The school board just settled a new five year teacher contract with the teachers' union, which they cannot afford to fund based on their 2006 revenue projections !
Talk to you friends and neighbors and alert them about this budget. The school board needs to hear from those who are paying the bills.
NOW I LAY ME
DOWN TO SLEEP
PILE OF TAXES
AT MY FEET
FRET AND WORRY
ALL NIGHT LONG
BANK ACCOUNT'S WEAK
BUT
THE SCHOOL BOARD'S
S T R O N G
SHOULDN'T MENTION
GOD IN SCHOOL
PRAYER IS...
AGAINST THE RULE
HELP US HARRISBURG
HEAR OUR PLEA
WE'RE ASKING YOU
ON BENDED KNEE.
AMEN!
Down in the Valley..
the Valley so low
homeowners asking...
"Why must I go?"
Our School Board tells us
the way it will be..
Pay what we tell you
or you must flee.
It's hard to believe that
this is for the kids....
The track will be pretty...
but we're on the skids.
When we came to the Valley..
we thought it was neat....
but now it seems like
it's for THE ELETE.
The message they're sending
to kids young and sweet....
mom and pop pay those taxes...
Or you're out on the street.
As a first time school board meeting attendee, I was appalled at the treatment of the taxpayers who questioned the budget and tax increases.I noticed quickly the red-faced man at the head table was absolutely rude to all of the speakers, telling them their time was up.I would like to encourage all Oley Valley taxpayers to attend an eye-opening school board meeting. P.S. Dress nice ,they video tape it!!
There are a lot of comments regarding getting new school board members. I'm confused, the past two elections offered various new candidates, but the people of Oley SD voted for the same members. Next time the elections come around, vote for anyone, and only anyone who is not currently a board member. We have had opportunities to change the board, and failed as a community to do so. Let us not make the same mistake again.
Dr. Cappa is an embarrassment to this school board and the rest of the board look scared to death to speak when asked a question from the public. I was glad to see the big turnout at last nights meeting. It just shows to this school district that there are alot of people out there that are sick of what this board is doing and the way they treat people. It is time to make huge changes!!!! Please keep coming to these meetings. Lets all band together. Next meeting is 3/21/06 in the administration building.
"Dr.?" The title, itself, has become a mockery. There's lots of "Dr." folks around town, but they're not backed up by much, are they? After attending but a few school board meetings, one might wonder why those "Docs" are not in practice....somewhere. If asked to leave the school board, it's possible that being asked to leave a position is not a new experience. Purely speculation, of course. Upon exiting the meeting, I found myself looking for the cloak room....where they hang their capes and crowns. I know it's there somewhere.
Grandma always said that you can attract more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.
Is there not a way to approach the school board about the changes that we want and need, without the sting of vinegar? Surely they are not doing EVERYTHING wrong. They do spend their own time on research, etc. We should appreciate all the good things they have done, and thank them for doing so. In addition, we need to make our points perfectly clear as to where we stand on the most important thing. Taxes. Yes, our children are the most important concern here. But if a growing number of residents simply can't swing the rapidly increasing taxes, what will there actually be for the children? Excuses? The parents and the board should be working together, and pushing in the same direction. When there's a war, only one side wins. This is not supposed to be about "sides." We insist that our children act their age, and now, it's time for their parents and the board to do the same.
"Grandma always said that you can attract more flies with honey than you can with vinegar.
Is there not a way to approach the school board about the changes that we want and need, without the sting of vinegar?"
Unfortunately, you are dealing with the issues power and money.
The board revels in their perceived power and the teacher union protects their salary and benefits.
The status quo aka. "The Good Ole Boy Network" does not respond to discussion.
If you are there to cheer lead you are welcome, otherwise, your comments are met with disdain.
"The parents and the board should be working together, and pushing in the same direction. When there's a war, only one side wins. This is not supposed to be about "sides."
A quality education at an affordable price.
A basic goal the board ignores.
what is the penalty for non-payment of school taxes-by everyone? Is it possible for everyone to withhold their tax payments until a reasonable figure can be settled upon? Or, does that mean besides tax penalties, we fund our own trip to BCP, too?
As to the penalty for not paying property taxes. It's simply paying the penalties for about 2 years before the sheriff gets involved.
My husband and I have long thought, if everyone simply paid on the last day of the penalty phase, the school wouldn't have enought funds to operate ... as they 'DEPEND" on the responsible, fiscally prudent citizens who take advantage of the discounts.
Unfortunately, because so many home mortgages require the bank to pay the taxes directly, this won't work for the majority. BUT it would be fun to see how it would effect them if the rest of us who pay directly would with-hold until the 11th hour.
We think holding on til the "11th hour" is a great idea. Even if it's only the percentage of people that don't have the taxes withheld by the banks. Why make it easier for the school board and teachers.
We have nothing against good teachers getting what they deserve. But, how did their union ever come up with the astronomical figures they are demanding? There are people doing plenty of jobs with equal responsibility that make way less. Also, "non-teachers" work ALL YEAR LONG. None of this seems fair, but I guess fair is not part of the story. Setting that aside, lets at least get the taxes agreed upon by everyone, not just a board and a union. Unless they live in the Oley area, it's not coming out of their pockets.
"Setting that aside, lets at least get the taxes agreed upon by everyone, not just a board and a union."
We had the opportunity to have referendums on spending in our school district.
But, the school district spent thousands of taxpayer dollars and the teachers sent children home with scare tactic stories to prevent referendums in the Act 50 2003 election.
The majority prediction of the Act 50 Tax Study Committee is coming true. More and more homeowners would be facing the prospect of losing their homes, if we stayed under the current tax system.
If we had referendums on school budgets in our district, we would have influence over exorbitant teacher contracts, a golden parachute superintendent contract, new tracks, and wish-list spending.
The residents of this area need only to look around and see the changes already in place. Every realtor's site has several Oley properties listed for sale. Or, take notice to the sale signs on your way to and from...well....just about anywhere in our area.
How many terms are school board members allowed to "serve?" And if it's as long as they keep getting elected, what part does cross-filing play? How can you run under both parties?
Act 50 mentioned above. That is bad law and I am thankful that it failed. Act 50 did not address balancing a quality education with fiscal responsibility. Unfortunately, I see comments on only one side of the issue, and that is taxes. I truly believe that the school board could maintain its current educational standards and reduce the overall budget by 5 - 10%. Definately NO increase is needed. However, to do so would take community involvement, all year, not just at budget times. I think that all of us that attend board meetings should actively make demands for a curriculm review and evaluation. The board constantly adds 'stupid' thing to the requirements, but never eliminates things. For instance, a year or two ago they added a stupid requirement to force kids to do some civic or charitable act. This is to help build character (or brainwash them to be guilty liberals). At no point has the PUBLIC asked the board to explain where the breakdown in their operations are and why are the kids graduating without character. (Please don't reply that the parents aren't doing their jobs because that is a short sighted justification. Ask any senior citizen, and the current kids are all losers, except their grandchildren).
Why do students have NO pride in the Oley schools. Read the 'voices' section of the reading eagle a few weeks ago when Oley was in the spotlight. It was honest and not flatering to the school district. It reflects the quality of the school now, as well as years ago. As kids, we all pride ourselves that "I have been working since I have been 12", etc. I challenge the community to find jobs in Oley that teach the kids something, and provide enough pay so they can buy and/or build that old car.
Please continue to fight the budget crisis and change the ill attempt by the board to be fiscally responsible. But also force the board (and Dr. Zackon)to evaluate the true failures of the school, which is the real cause of the budget mess.
One final shot at the board and school administration, why are they starting another strategic plan - They did this several years ago, and failed miserably in accomplishing its goals. Ask why they can't accomplish things and hold them publicly accountable for their failures (which is poor management)as well as acknowedge them when a valient attempt is made.
I'd heard that the track was supposed to be paid for from "another fund." If there's another fund with $1.5 million dollars available... for a new track...how long has that money been there? Why are they increasing taxes each year, when there's piles of "extra money" sitting somewhere?
Just an FYI. The Strategic Plan must be filed every six years with The Department of Education, and must encompass certain areas. The school does not have a choice in compiling information for this plan - they are mandated by The PA School Code to develop a plan every six years.
What our school does with this plan, however, is on the school.
We also had to submit a District Improvement Plan for the last school year (2004-05), as we did not meet AYP for the PSSA testing for two consecutive years (2002-03 and 2003-04).
That is why it was imperative that the school district do well on the PSSA's, as if we do not meet the AYP on this year's PSSAs we drop back to School Improvement I.
This certainly does not say a lot for the education our students are receiving in the Oley Valley School District.
What is the "strategy" in their "Strategic Plan"?
The Oley tax system is about to witness a recreation of the old west "Ghost Towns." Everywhere you look, you see "For Sale" signs. Before you know it, word will get out to all of the opportunists coming here from NY, North Jersey, etc, that our "Pristine environment at an unbelievable price tag" is not to be believed at all. That's because it will be gone. Raising taxes to these levels is pushing out our own people, and bringing in people that are only interested in a big house with what they currently consider "low taxes." Now that the taxes are creeping up higher and higher, these are the residents that are whining the most. They sold their out of state properties for far more than our properties were going for, and came here, primarily, out of greed. Now that they are seeing the taxes rise rapidly, they are crying that this is unfair. Our Berks County home owners have paid into this tax system all these years, and the new ones have paid merely a tiny fraction of what we've already put into the system. Where is there gripe justified? They came here to "use" our system. If that's progress, we'd better stand back and take a better look at things.
They also came here believing that our school district Oley Valley was one that the children would be able to learn to the state standards and above!!! What a joke that is. More than half of each class has children that are having trouble with reading and math. What about our drop out rate. For this size school district we should be able provide a good quality education for ALL of the students.
What is the drop out rate at Oley?
I am not sure of the exact numbers, but at a past board meeting the administration was talking to the board about the rate and that the state is alerted of the numbers and based of the number of students at Oley our rate was high, exact number I do not know. Maybe this can be brought up at a meeting and if they are in the mood to give you a correct answer you can get the exact number. Even 1 student is too many, we should try our hardest to keep the children in school and teach them what they need to exceed in life, they are the future.
We agree, even one child dropping out is too many. It would be interesting to see if the board could, or would, consider the question, and actually answer it. We all know that they are well aware of those facts in particular. We've attended a few scattered meetings over the past few years, and both of us were initially shocked at the behavior and reactions of some..not all..but some of the board. We were made to feel as if we were asking stupid questions, and that we were not worthy of an answer. We took it with a grain of salt, and considered the source. We were, however, embarrassed and appauled by the way the board handled questions or statements from senior citizens. Certain members of the board were down right ignorant. At some point in everyone's life, we'll all be the senior citizens. What we witnessed was akin to mouthing off to your grandpa. What decent adult would do that? Again, we consider the source.
I agree 100%. The board treats the public like dirt, God forbid we ask a question to them. The board president if you could call him that turns bright red, the super points his finger and Dr. Cappa laughs at us. This has to change. We the taxpayers need to know what is going on in this district. We own this district with the absorbent taxes we pay. And I will say it again we need a clean sweep in Oley not only in Harrisburg. 17 years on the board is way too long Mr. Heckman. Give us all a break and get off!!!!!
One would have to wonder, how does the board get anything constructive done, when it appears as though everything performed by them at a public meeting is followed up by quiet little giggles and groans. I think everyone would agree that school board members should not be chatting amongst themselves, rolling their eyes in their heads, and passing rude comments along to each other...which, by the way, is very easy to hear.
Also, teachers posing as plain old taxpayers attending meetings is odd. They may well pay their taxes here, but they teach in Reading. It's not like Reading is doing a great job teaching their students.
any news on that "other fund" that was mentioned,pertaining to the way the track is supposed to be funded?
The Reading teacher that you were talking about is going to retire this year. Good for Reading but we will now have to pay for the BIG PENSION he will be receiving. That is also a joke!!! Maybe he will move far far away. He is funny,he only shows up during budget and teacher contract meetings. His friend on the board must have him on speed dial!!!!!
How can one forget, this teacher also a resident of the Oley Valley S.D. also comes around during election to get his buddies back on our school board. He tries to intimidate voters and possible future new board members. Ask the ones that moved out of this district because of him.
If we're writing in reference to the same person, as I suspect we are, it makes me thankful for one specific thing. None of the kids I know and care about are in his classes. He's a "bully," in the truest sense of the word. Besides our teachers telling our children that it's basically okay to trespass, remove signs from other's property, and on top of that, it's okay to "bully" your way through life, as long as you get what you want. I was not raised like that, nor were my children. On a brighter side, I don't have to look over my shoulder....and, I can sleep at night. I do wonder how those characters look themselves in the mirror, and, how they sleep with a clear conscience
I wonder myself. Thank God there are a few good moral people out there, that care about the well being of their children, and the education of their children.
HEllo,
i was approached at the polls by a weird man that I since learned is a teacher. He was pushy and gave me the creeps. I hope this was not a teacher where my children attend, in Oley. I have not seen him in our school, and believe me, I did look. He was extremely tall and mouthy, and was chatting with people in the voting line about how his retirement pay was guaranteed, no matter what. Isn't it nice that he and others like him can rest assured, knowing that as long as there are old people to shove out into the street and make room for more affluent taxpayers, this man's financial future is secure? Man, now that's progress!
The Reading School District has the honors of this creep teaching in there schools. I heard he is going to be retiring from Reading this year. He does have friends on our school board and he does show up every so often to cause trouble and open his big mouth. Do not worry he does not teach here. Hopefully he never will!!!!! By the way he is tall and mouthy.
Well, then, that certainly explains it. Tall, mouthy, peculiar, and arrogant. Nothing quite says, "teach our children," quite like those traits.
Does anyone know why the school board goes into those closed session parts of a meeting? It seems that the taxpayers interested enough to attend the meetings should be able to see and hear the whole thing.
We do not see half of it!!! They say they go into the closed sessions for personnel reasons and litigation reasons.
"I'd heard that the track was supposed to be paid for from "another fund." If there's another fund with $1.5 million dollars available... for a new track...how long has that money been there? Why are they increasing taxes each year, when there's piles of "extra money" sitting somewhere?"
The fund you are describing is the Capital Reserve Fund.
It is created and maintained with your tax dollars.
Currently, there is approximately $1,700,000 in the Capital Reserve Fund.
If the board withdraws $1,400,000 from the fund, then it will reduce the balance to nearly $300,000.
To get the fund back to its original balance of $1,700,000 or higher, the school board will raise your taxes.
There are other funds that have cash in them the board does not voluntarily discuss with the public during budget process.
The amount of money in these funds could be used to reduce your taxes.
Today, members of the Oley Valley Track and Field team took home papers imploring them to attend Property and Transportation Meetings and Board Meetings in April. The paper warned that the students would not be getting a new track if they didn't advocate it at meetings. It is childish and immature that the school district would degrade themselves to have students do their dirty work. When the administration should be standing up for themselves, they are shielding themselves with students. Using scare tactics on high schoolers show the low morality and principle who govern this school district.
For the record, the tall creepy Reading school district teacher is Dale Bietzel and he is a buddy of Bob Heckman. Regarding the track kids taking info home, well I guess Jason B. (athletic director) finally organized something. His position is one that can be easily cut. Why not just pay one of the coaches a few extra bucks to do whatever he does.
The school board is grooming Jason B. to become and asst. principal!!!
Good old Dale needs to get a life so does his buddy on the board.
Odds are, the ones that really need to read the above posts, are reading them. It's possible that they did not actually know how the general public views them or feels about their antics. Well, now they know. Do I hear the sound of squirming?
Was Dale the guy in the monkey suit?
It is about time the public finds out what this school board, administration and the rest of the followers are doing and the way they treat people. Amen to whoever started this blog!!!!!!
He looks like a monkey
The party that started this blog has every taxpayer's vote and a big pat on the back. And, I bet the contents of this blog have been thoroughly discussed....in close session!
"Today, members of the Oley Valley Track and Field team took home papers imploring them to attend Property and Transportation Meetings and Board Meetings in April. The paper warned that the students would not be getting a new track if they didn't advocate it at meetings. It is childish and immature that the school district would degrade themselves to have students do their dirty work. When the administration should be standing up for themselves, they are shielding themselves with students. Using scare tactics on high schoolers show the low morality and principle who govern this school district."
The potential cost of the track could reach $1,400,000 or higher.
The supporters of this non-educational expense promised to pay half the cost.
So far, only $180,000 has been pledged.
The board should ask the community if they want to pay higher taxes for a track.
They can do this by putting the question on the November 2006 ballot.
How stupid is this.....around 60 seniors are going on a trip to NYC the biggest city in the country and our school district is letting them have 6 hours of FREE time with no adult supervision... and they say they care about our children!!!! what a joke!!!!!
Let's see if having the track and field children come to meetings will make the board approve spending our tax dollars of a non-educational item. let the children have fund raisers to collect the money they need for the track.
I find it amazing that concerned citizens are encouraged to come to school board meetings to voice their opinions. But the second that the track team is supposed to show up to voice THEIR opinions, it is some conspiracy against the Oley Valley taxpayers. Isn't a good idea to have as many people from as many different social and economic backgrounds coming to school board meetings to voice their opinion? Shouldn't our youth learn to come to meetings to see how things work? Aren't they going to be voters in this community in the near future?
If you are so anxious to have this new track bring the money you promised for it to the meeting!!!!!
Show us the money!!!!!!
The children will not be taxpayers in the future, they will not be able to pay for the huge property taxes in this district. Use OUR money on education only. The children need good quality education in order to be good citizens and to keep America strong.
The children will not be taxpayers in the future, they will not be able to pay for the huge property taxes in this district. Use OUR money on education only. The children need good quality education in order to be good citizens and to keep America strong.
we would put our name in here but then the school board and administration would cause problems for our children, it happened in the past!!!!!!
When you are dealing with snakes anything can happen. Teach our children to raise money for the track then they can feel accomplishment and pride. Maybe they could tie this in with their senior project and kill 2 birds with one stone as the saying goes. If they do not have there senior project done by the end of the junior year they will not be able to run on the new track anyway. Nothing is for FREE in this world!!!!
As to having students show up at meetings to "demand" we spend $1.4 million for a track: the lessons being to taught to the children are outrageous!
It says their desires are more important than a mature thought process and the lives of those who have to pay for their brattish demands. The school board, teachers union and administration are certainly the perfect role models for creating students' attititudes of entitlement. Where I come from, if you don't work you don't eat .... Likewise, if you don't pay school taxes, you don't dictate to those who do. What a sickening sham! This rat pack of twisted role models at Oley Valley needs to be run out of town.
Unfortunately, this latest scenario at Oley is in keeping with most of the current themes in movies, t.v., etc. .... that somehow the kids have all the answers while adults who don't agree with them, and those who pay the bills, are idiots who can't make proper decisions without the kids' input.
Hold the phone here.
When Act 50 was initially being discussed at school board meetings, the number of people attending rose rapidly, making it necessary to hold the following meetings in a huge room. From an outsider's point of view, it looked quite impressive. Sadly, this was a period of time when we saw people we'd never expect to see at a school board meeting. TEACHERS. Yes, tons of teachers found time in their busy lives to show up at these meetings. It looked kind of funny, if you know what I mean. Honestly, at the regular old meetings, it was extremely rare to see teachers in attendance for any reason. Even if they lived here.
Also, at those meetings, the board would announce a stream of "cutsie" little children presenting something pertaining to their classwork or sports programs. Those acts are better suited for a school open house or parent-teacher program.
It was comical at best, to see these children come in and make their little presentations, or recieve an award, at a school board meeting. You know, the meetings that have maybe 30 people total, in the meeting, including the entire board. Of course we're proud of our children and their accomplishments, but those presentations are not appreciated in front of 20 or 30 people, a generous count at best.
It was obvious to this reporter why they scheduled the kids programs at that time. To soak up a great deal of the time alotted that particular evening, leaving less time for the taxpayers to have any part of the stage.
On a final note, I'd like to add this:
After years of attendance at school board meetings all over Berks County, I find one board that stands out in the crowd, and that is Oley. While making an attempt to appear professional in every way, they have failed. They have consistently presented themselves in a way that is not a good example to the children. Not at all.The head of the board has a responsibility to both the school and the community. If I were assigning a grade to this person, it would be "F," for Failure. Get your act together, Mr. President. There are a multitude of unsatisfied citizens here, and the crowd is growing at a rapid pace.
As for the new track:
There are a good number of folks that may, indeed, need practice running.
6 hours in NYC...FREE?
If your 12th grade children didn't learn from YOU... how to behave in Oley... then maybe you do have cause for concern.
NYC is like Oley...with sidewalks. As long as they don't act like the big fish from the little pond, they'll be fine. You may wish to suggest to the kids that they should try not to stick out like a sore thumb.
If you're not comfortable sending 12th graders to NYC, I can only imagine how you'll feel when they get sent to IRAQ, etc. Count on Bush for that one...
CAT IS TO DOG AS OLEY IS TO NYC. WE HAVE MAIN STREET THEY HAVE MANY STREETS. OUR STUDENTS SAFETY SHOULD COME FIRST. EVEN PEOPLE LIVING IN NYC GET LOST. YES PARENTS ARE STILL LETTING THEIR SENIORS GO. BUT WHEN MY CHILD REACHES HER SENIOR YEAR I WILL THINK TWICE BEFORE I WOULD LET HER GO. THE YOUNG ADULTS THAT SIGN UP TO GO TO IRAG GO TO TRAINING BEFORE THEY START IN COMBAT. OUR SENIORS DO NOT KNOW NYC AT ALL!!!!!
GOOD LUCK!!!!!
Sorry the correct spelling is IRAQ
Sorry the correct spelling is IRAQ
Commenting on Oley's sidewalks - we don't have real sidewalks. The only real sidewalk we have is up near the Church on Main Street.
Comparing Oley to New York is utterly ridiculous.
My senior class trip was to New York, and I do not remember having to pay for this trip. It came out of our Senior Class Fund. Is the School District playing with their money too?
Where exactly are the seniors going on this trip? I heard, and I do not know if this is correct, that they were going to see a pro basketball game, and the rest of the time is slotted for free time.
On our trip, we went to a Broadway play, had dinner at a nice Italian restaurant and had some free time.
Are they doing anything educational on this trip? They can go see a professional basketball game in Philadelphia.
Well there you have it, your kids are going to NYC for free, it is not going to cost anything, no one is going to pay for the fuel, the bus and their lunch, imagine that free!
Sounds like someone is a little snippy, lets for get that in Philadelphia someone is killed every day (like in Iraq) and let us not forget how schools send kids on vacation and never return. Is NYC any different? And let’s never forget 911, should we count on Bush for that? Typical smoke screen, draw attention away from the issues; parents take note, coach your kids, stay away from tall buildings, act like New Yorkers (not like us country folks) less you embarrass the members of the Oley Valley School Board.
Well there you have it, your kids are going to NYC for free, it is not going to cost anything, no one is going to pay for the fuel, the bus and their lunch, imagine that free!
Sounds like someone is a little snippy, lets for get that in Philadelphia someone is killed every day (like in Iraq) and let us not forget how schools send kids on vacation and never return. Is NYC any different? And let’s never forget 911, should we count on Bush for that? Typical smoke screen, draw attention away from the issues; parents take note, coach your kids, stay away from tall buildings, act like New Yorkers (not like us country folks) less you embarrass the members of the Oley Valley School Board.
Mr. Cappa you are a joke!!!!!
Mr. Cappa what do you do all day? Any volunteer work, any community work, any anything?????
Are you caught up on General Hospital??????
If we have the kids put on track shoes and run to NYC, then maybe we can call that free. Liberals always call something “free” when the costs are extracted from “other people”.
It is a shame that the other 3/4 seniors cannot go to NYC because of the costs. We had a senior fund when I went to school at Oley that the seniors did fund raisers, pie sales, etc. to pay for the trip. What happened to the money from this year's senior class? We are not saying it is free, we earned it!!!! Maybe if you can read and understand you would know what I said. Plus I am not a liberal like the school board, they like to spend other people's money!!!!!
It's possible that's there's been a misconception here. I believe the point was not that the trip was FREE, but that the NYC trip involved FREE TIME..6 hours free time for the seniors to explore NYC. It's not likely that anyone would be in a burning building or abducted on a beach. But! The possibilities are endless here. The point was:
by the time your children/students reach 12th grade, whether they've been to NYC or not, they should have the common sense to stick together, act in a mature and responsible manner, and still have fun. The point is that baby chicks have to leave the nest sometime, and the better prepared they are, the easier the transition. Prepare your children/students, and watch them impress you.
As far as the funding, I am unaware of seeing any fundraisers by the seniors for this trip. My family would gladly support such a thing! A trip that kids work to help fund turns out to be a very meaningful experience. Lets always stand behind our children, even when they're taller that we are! This is what it's all about. Nurture your children in all ways, then stand back and prepare to be impressed. These are OLEY KIDS, and they are as good as the parents and school that stands behind them!
Browsing over MOST of the past few comments, it sure looks like the parents of Oley kids have zero confidence in their people skills. Has anyone asked the students how they feel about their parent's lack of confidence?
Do these same parents allow their children to do ANYTHING in READING? AKA Crime Central....
I don’t think parents lack confidence in their offspring; however, they are wary of the world we’re sending them into.
My children are in 7th and 9th grade. We have a lifelong ritual. Eat supper together as many nights as possible, and watch the news together. We never let our children get out of touch with the world around them. Life can be pretty and life can be ugly. Learn that early and be prepared. It's not stripping them of their childhood, it's preparing them for the real world they will face head on.
There appears to be a lot of misunderstandings on this blog. If seniors are not trusted going to NYC, how can they be trusted to go to college? It is good to know that the trip is not paid by tax payers. Let’s get back to being informed, do we need or do we want a professional grade track? Can we afford to have the highest school tax burden per person in the county? I am sure families did not migrate to the Oley Valley on account of all the amenities the district boasts. To spring this on tax payers is deceptive.
The above comment is right on. The concern parents that are on this blog regarding NYC are the same parents that care about good quality education and safety. We do not need this track.
Bingo! Let's see the chat get away from Cappa's attitude, Heckman's red face, and sneaky Dale Bietzel. Everyone is well aware that our board members are arrogant snots with pumped up egos. Enough about that, it's old news. All you're doing is making their egos worse than they already were. And consider how the other members of the board feel, it's like they're no-names.
The subject matter is TAXES,HIGHER TAXES, EVEN HIGHER TAXES, AND A FANCY TRACK GETTING FUNDED BY SOME Darned SECRET "OTHER FUND."
has anyone found a way to compare prices of the newer types of tracks? Why are we presented with a figure of $1,400,000 and we're supposed to just think to ourselves, "Well, I guess they know best, that must just be the price. That sure seems like a whole lot of money, doesn't it?
"has anyone found a way to compare prices of the newer types of tracks? Why are we presented with a figure of $1,400,000 and we're supposed to just think to ourselves, "Well, I guess they know best, that must just be the price. That sure seems like a whole lot of money, doesn't it?"
The board was asked if they had looked into a cinder/stone track's costs compared to the synthetic.
Robert A. Heckman, board president, said there had been a review, but would not provide details.
He rejected the idea of refurbishing the track with anything other than a new, synthetic material.
It would have been informative if the board decided to provide the community with a cost comparison.
"We did not meet AYP in 04/05". The Reading Eagle confirmed this today 3/29/06 on page A4. We did not meet the state standards and now our school board wants to throw up to $1.4 mil on a new track. Let's get it together folks, we need to get back to education. Are we not a school district that should want to see the children turn out to become future leaders. Education comes first!!!!!
You would think that with all the talk about the track that the most important accomplishment would be to have kids who can really run fast, maybe so they can run away from the tax master? Or may be the board members can practice running, as in “running for the office”.
Here’s a thought, with all the computers we can eliminate a lot of teachers and utilize technology, online teachers? Oh… I forgot the unions would never let that happen, computers may be powerful but they don’t pay dues.
The Teacher's Union is no different than any other union. One of their original purposes was to get little kids out of dangerous factories. Another was to secure fair wages. That was then, this is now. The mafia style unions we are forced to deal with now, serve a different purpose. They protect the jobs of people that would not know an honest day's work if it bit them.
After reading the Reading Eagle, cover to cover, I failed to find any great paying jobs for students attending a school with a "simply marvelous track."
When the school board is through researching the best selling points of a "synthetic track," they can start research on replacing our "synthetic school board."
Can I get an Amen?
BUDGET-- ECONOMICAL:
SUITABLE FOR PEOPLE WITH A LIMITED AMOUNT OF MONEY TO SPEND.
IF MY FAMILY CAN DO IT, AND YOUR FAMILY CAN DO IT, THEN WHY CAN'T THE SCHOOL BOARD DO IT? AREN'T THEY SUPPOSED TO BE THE SMART ONES?
oley school board should have a blog for use like a suggestion box. At least with that, we would think they actually acknowledged our concerns. It would be good because many of us are still at work when they have the meetings, which gives us no voice at all.
Amen! It would be nice if the board actually acknowledged any concerns. When you even go to a board meeting they do not want to hear you speak at all!!!!! So not showing up doesn't matter because they do not want to listen!!!! Replacing this current board with real honest kind-hearted people would be the best thing for OLEY!!!! Mr Heckman and the rest of the board that have been on more than 4 years need to GO!!!!!
What about term limits!!!!!!!??????
PS!!! show up at the next board meetings on April 12th and 19th and one on April 4th. Even if you do not talk just having a mass amount of people there will show them we mean business, and we are not going to take there nonsense anymore.
Rather than teaching our children a better way to run, we should be teaching them a better way to DRIVE. Since Driver's Ed was removed from Oley, the number of "youthful idiots" behind the wheel is unbelievable. It's been a long time since I taught a youngster to drive, but it looks like it's been a long time since anyone else has taught these children either. Having no better way to approach the parents, I am using this format. Open your eyes, mama and papa, your children drive like they are blind.
Let's get Al Jacobs to run for school board!
That would be one down and 8 to go.
8 DOWN AND ONE "SUPER" TO GO. WE NEED TO GO FROM TOP TO BOTTOM. IF HECKMAN GOES ZACKON NEEDS TO GO!!!!!
WHEN THERE IS NOTHING "SUPER" ABOUT THE SUPER, THEN IT'S SURELY TIME FOR HIM TO GO!
Rave on, bloggies? Sounds like someone is stuck in the 60s. Not a good sign if they are trying to be a productive part of a successful school board.....
"...Since Driver's Ed was removed from Oley, the number of "youthful idiots" behind the wheel is unbelievable. It's been a long time since I taught a youngster to drive, but it looks like it's been a long time since anyone else has taught these children either. Having no better way to approach the parents, I am using this format. Open your eyes, mama and papa, your children drive like they are blind.
2:56 PM "
This is an idiotic posting, off point and disrespectful. There are plenty of drivers in the area, of all ages, that need to take a drivers ed. class, not just the kids.
"RAVE ON BLOGGIES SOUNDS LIKE SOMEONE IS STUCK IN THE 60S" THIS SOUNDS LIKE MR. CAPPA WROTE THIS. DO SOMETHING WITH YOUR LIFE MR. CAPPA, YOU OF COURSE WOULD THINK OF THIS BLOG SITE AS A JOKE. WHAT HAPPENED TO YOUR BRAIN, OR DID YOU NEVER HAVE ONE. YOU DO NOT CARE AT ALL ABOUT THE PEOPLE IS THIS DISTRICT!!! GET OFF THE BOARD!!!!!
Responding to: "Mr Heckman and the rest of the board that have been on more than 4 years need to GO!!!!!What about term limits!!!!!!!??????
4:17 PM"
Oley voters get what they vote for. Heckman has been in the top 2 or 3 vote geters of every election, primary and general, that I have observed in the past few election cycles. If you really want to change the board, get a candidate you can trust and go out and run a campaign. Spend some money. Do the hard work required. Get your neighbors to board meetings. Don't just blog complain. (who do you think looks at this anyway? 50 or 100 people?)
There should be terms limits for board president and for board seats in general. Also the public needs to remember that the superintendant is the driver of the Oley bus. The board dosen't steer it. Jeff Zackon should retire.
DRIVER'S ED ! ! !
Not at all an idiotic posting, and certainly not disrespectful. I, too, would take any opportunity to voice the same opinion. Of course not all Oley students drive like bozos, but the one that nearly smashed into my van in King's parking lot should have her photo displayed somewhere, as fair warning to others. Four young girls, driver on a cell phone, blairing stereo, and not a clue as to the vehicle she came inches from smashing into. Inches.
Sorry for a post which is not about the all important rising taxes, but hey, if they do us in while driving in a parking lot, we won't be able to pay are taxes. So there!
question about cross filing....
How can an election be fair if the members cross file?
IF MR. HECKMAN DID NOW RUN EVERY TIME HIS 4 YEARS WAS UP MAYBE WE COULD HAVE GOTTEN SOME NEW PEOPLE ON THE BOARD. I KNOW 2 1/2 YEARS AGO THERE WAS 9 PEOPLE RUNNING FOR 5 POSITIONS AND IF HE DID NOT RUN SOMEONE ELSE WOULD OF GOTTEN ON THE BOARD WITH NEW IDEAS. ONLY ABOUT A COUPLE OF HUNDRED VOTE SO IT IS NOT LIKE EVERYONE LIKES HIM, HIS NAME IS ONE PEOPLE KNOW. IF THEY CAME TO A BOARD MEETING AND SAW HIM IN ACTION HE WOULD NEVER BEEN ON THE BOARD THIS LONG. HE IS A DISGRACE TO OLEY. HE ONLY CARES ABOUT HIS IMAGE AND NEW BUILDINGS WITH HIS NAME OF THE WALL AND NOW HE WANTS HIS NAME ON THE TRACK. MR. ZACKON SHOULD OF RETIRED OR LEFT LONG AGO ALSO, BUT THE CURRENT BOARD JUST GAVE HIM A 5 YEAR CONTRACT WITH LOTS OF $$$$$$. HE IS NOT GOING TO LEAVE ANYTIME SOON. SHAME OF THIS BOARD!!!!
Cross filing for school boards is a PA state law. It's intent was to create a "non-partisan" effect for the voter. To de-emphasize the polital party. Personally I want to know what political party a candidate belongs to, but to not cross file is a hughe disadvantage to any candidate, especially in the general election. Do your homework and find out what party the candidates are registered in before voting.
Cross Filing - It is an element of the election process mandated by the state. However, what does the party mean as it relates to the school board. The board is not full of Democrats or Republicans. They do not have any input into public policy in such a manner.
Party politics is evident at the county commissioner level, the state and federal level, but not at the school board level.
This is evident as the Oley School Board, as well as many other school boards in the area have written half hearted resolutions to the state legistators requesting 'meaningful' tax reform. A copy of this weak attempt is hanging at the administration building. If they had any party affiliation, etc., then you would see something in Harrisburg happening. More importantly, it would not be a shifting of tax burden debate, but would be a spending reform initiative. Harrisburg is currently arguing to put one class of voters against another, or one generation against another, etc. Nothing good can come from this pitiful example of democracy. None of us want to push the tax burden, and the social problems to our children and our grandchildren. We all realize that it is our collective obligation to make things better for our grandchildren, not burdening them with correcting our collective failures. It took us 25+ years to screw the system up to get it where it is, that my grandson is soon going to be saddled with.
The real evil in the election process that affects the school board election is the 'straight slate' vote.
Before worrying about the cross filing rules, the public should demand a straight slate elimination from the voting machines. Unfortunately, that is a state political issue, and would take the cross filing issue away.
The rules are very specific on which offices can cross file (School Board, Township Council, etc.) Maybe it is time to get Senator O'Pake to to make all ballots have the candidates listed once, in alphabetical order, without party designation. Furthermore, open the primaries, so it does not ensure that the same # of D's and R's are represented. Just the top vote getters in the primaries.
However, such reform would take power away from the Teacher Unions and the ABA, etc.
Money talks, Logic walks!
The poster who tries to belittle people by calling them nothing more than bloggies smacks of liberal elitism.
This is the same posture of the look down their collective nose attitude of the Oley School Board.
The problem of these self-proclaimed elitists who think they are the center of intelligence is explaining why their policies for public education is nothing more than an expensive boondoggle and an educational failure.
To the cliche champion of the above comment; think through your calling board members "self -proclaimed elitests". No one would ever call themselves that. More policies and requirements are shoved down from the state than you'll be able to understand. Try proof reading your comments. Proud Oley grad??
To the above poster making excuses for a failed board and bankrupt leftist ideals, your claim of superior knowledge flies in the face of facts.
Try not using the old tactics of blaming the state for a local school district's miserable performance.
You might start by learning how to spell elitist!
IS A TRACK SHOVED DOWN FROM THE STATE? I DO NOT THINK SO!!!! IF ANYTHING THE STATE SHOULD HAVE HIGHER STANDARDS THEN THEY CURRENTLY HAVE. IF THIS STATE KNEW WHAT YOU AND THE REST OF THIS BOARD WAS UP TO HIDING OUR MONIES IN DIFFERENT COLUMNS, CHEATING ON THE PSSA'S, THE LIST COULD GO ON AND ON, MAYBE ONE DAY WE WILL SEE YOU HANDCUFFED AND TAKEN AWAY!!! WHAT A PARTY I WILL HAVE!!!! YOU ARE ALL SNAKES!!! AND THAT IS BEING NICE!!!!
Crooked is as crooked does.
How can the state be expected to "help" us, when they're as crooked and greedy as the board?
The "local talent" that is our school board, is nothing more than the big fish in the little pond. We need all new fish, the old ones stink.
YOU ARE RIGHT, BUT WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH THE LOCAL CROOKS ON A DAILY BASIS. THEY ARE THE ONES THAT WILL FORCE PEOPLE OF THIS DISTRICT OUT OF THERE HOMES. 1.4 MIL OF OUR TAX DOLLARS THEY WANT TO USE ON A NEW TRACK, HARRISBURG DID NOT TELL THEM TO SPEND THAT. THE PEOPLE IN HARRISBURG NEED TO BE REPLACED ALSO. LET THIS YEAR START THE YEAR OF CHANGE!!!!!
YOU ARE RIGHT, BUT WE HAVE TO DEAL WITH THE LOCAL CROOKS ON A DAILY BASIS. THEY ARE THE ONES THAT WILL FORCE PEOPLE OF THIS DISTRICT OUT OF THERE HOMES. 1.4 MIL OF OUR TAX DOLLARS THEY WANT TO USE ON A NEW TRACK, HARRISBURG DID NOT TELL THEM TO SPEND THAT. THE PEOPLE IN HARRISBURG NEED TO BE REPLACED ALSO. LET THIS YEAR START THE YEAR OF CHANGE!!!!!
Hey what's with the ALL CAPS? Too lazy to use the shift key? And by the way you are way over your quota of exclamation points.
Maybe with the caps you will be able to read and try in that brain of yours if you have one to understand the concerns and problems with this district. Maybe out of the goodness of your heart you can make the important changes needed for a successful school district, but then again you do not have a heart, you think everything is a joke, but the joke is on you. You are the one making a fool of yourself, not the concern citizens of this district.
The school board is on a shopping spree that can't possibly be funded by the income level of the majority of our residents. If this is their heart's desire, then let "them" move to an area more suited to their financial follies.
Our school board already has sufficient funding for the necessities, and many extras. They have it well hidden. Hide and seek is over. Think of the entire student body, first and foremost. Put your over-inflated egos on the back burner, or better yet, in another zip code.
Right TRACK?
I don't think so. At last night's meeting, I observed a taxpayer who was on crutches and stood a great deal of time. The meeting was packed with "Oley's finest students," and several parents. Yet, not one healthy, young student had enough manners or common sense to get up and offer the disabled gentleman their chair. Nor did their parents. A few WOMEN offered their seats, but the gentleman declined taking a seat from a woman. Another taxpayer (male) offered his seat and it was greatly appreciated. Nit-picking? No! We're being asked (or told) that the board wants to spend $1,400,000 for a new track. This is for a bunch of kids that didn't show 5 cents worth of brains last night. Then, again, they can only know what is taught to them by their parents, and their teachers. Perhaps their evening would have been better spent studying. It was, however, interesting to see so many new faces!
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