The Oley Valley School District continues to circle the wagons with another policy designed to restrict and inhibit community participation in the educational process.
The Policy Committee, headed by Robert J. Cappa recently passed a policy to restrict public comment at the regular board meetings.
Despite several editorials in the Reading Eagle, Board is obligated to listen to the public, Proposed changes block Sunshine Act, Revised Oley Policy still may be illegal, suggesting the policy violates not only the spirit of the First Amendment, but maybe the state Sunshine Laws, the Policy Committee and the board voted their anti-free speech rules anyway.
Mr. Cappa in his letter to the editor “An audience not guaranteed” sneered at the idea he must listen to the community.
Lately, the Policy Committee concocted a standard regarding Public Records. A new Fee Structure can potentially make in-file information very costly.
The copy costs will be twenty-five cents a copy. There could be an hourly rate, as well.
Mr. Cappa lectured in his letter to the editor “Letter twisted comments” in rebuttal to the idea that the district would charge hourly rates for public information,
“The policy specifically states that the district shall not assess any fees for staff time or resources used to evaluate a request for access to pub-lic records. This is unchanged”
However, the new phrase in the Fee Structure Cost to provide the required material, other than paper, should be reasonable and shall be determined by the Superintendent contradicts his claim.
They assert the policy is misinterpreted, yet they cannot define what “Cost to provide the required material, other than paper” means.
This loophole can easily inhibit access for people of modest means.
The committee claimed the revision is for anyone who makes “volumes” of requests. When asked if they could provide any examples of such an event, they could not site any. When asked why they would change a policy that worked in the past, they could not provide a reason, either. When asked what the hourly rate might be, they did not have an answer.
Mr. Cappa gloated over the possibility that a Right to Know lawsuit might resolve the matter.
The Reading Eagle wrote an editorial about the Oley Valley School District, “Board action violates public’s right to know” describing their refusal to discuss the Nextel lease agreement.
Potential exorbitant fees preventing the public from records they have every right to see and review tests the Right to Know Law, as well.
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265 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 265 of 265Well now, there's a strategy for you: ask questions you know they can't answer, then criticize them for not answering.
The elections are over, yet the spin continues. Someone is looking foolish here.
The pending lawsuits are public record. Go to the court house and check it our for yourself. What is really scary is the sportsters don't seem to care about the financial picture of the school district. They only say "gimme more and more and more" and don't care how foolish the added spending is.
If they operate their own budgets that way, whoa Momma, someday the house of cards will be afalling down.
Did someone say they oppose increasing security?
"Parents" that can't see the financial burdon that the extra sports items will undoubtedly place upon EACH taxpayer, obviously have no clue as to how a successful budget functions.
Do what your Grandpa told you, "save first, spend later. Works every time.
How many of these supporters run their family budgets via credit cards? This country is in a real mess, and so dense that that don't see Chinese banks handing us our own credit destroyed future on a cheap, silverplated platter. Don't like that comment? Sorry, but that's a little free speech I've just utilized, and it felt good. Thank a veteran if you agree.
THE WHOLE COUNTRY USES TOO MUCH CREDIT, IT IS WRECKING OUR COUNTRY
Suggest that some of the many ASSISTANTS we are already paying to do goodness knows what...start pulling security shifts. They want the great pay to work here, let them actually work here.
Not that I'm in favor of the football program, but let's give a little credit where credit is due. The football folks did do fund raises and came bearing a $41,000 check as reported by the newspaper.
How about this ballot question - Do the citizens of this district agree with a football program in our schools? Maybe voters will get a say in the matter with the referendum.
Welcome, you must be new here
"Attention truth seekers, this is not a change, they always could charge and never have. "
Since some people attend meetings and ask questions, the board decides to trample on First Amendment and ignore Sunshine Laws about Public Participation at board meetings.
Now, since the inception of the blog, the board and the administration decide to change a policy about Public Records.
Interesting coincidences….
At the last meeting, Mr. Cappa smuggly stated "It is our prerogative" to do as they please regarding the public.
“An explination was given that in a case where the business office and administration found the request to be exorbitant, an estimate of cost would be provided before the request was fulfilled “
This is nonsensical explanation is the reason the new policy on Public Records is vague, contradictory and subject to abuse.
What does the district consider “exorbitant”. They refused to describe such a situation so that people looking for information would have some idea what their costs may be prior to the request. They also refused to quote and hourly rate.
I wonder if the district would do business with a vendor who said the price for service would be known to them at the time of delivery!
Mr. Cappa said they never would charge for Public Records and he attacked a citizen in a letter to the editor suggesting there would be a charge.
In addition, the policy states there would be no charges for records in one section, but the fee schedule suggests there would be, in another section.
The Policy Committee structured this policy so that it can be applied one way for one person and another way for a different person.
“Do we really want the empolyees of the district spending hours satisfying a huge request on the taxpayers dime?”
Mr. Cappa suggests the district must use legions of employees spending hours on end to retrieve in-file records.
He ,again ,contradicts himself because at a public meeting, he admitted there have never been any such requests, yet he wants to change the policy anyway.
The requests for Public Records are for information given to the school board. There should be no problems retrieving data already supplied to the board.
He is just the typical politician trying to defend a policy designed to impede and inhibit the community from knowing potentially embarrassing facts.
“There's really no way to put an exact cost to it in advance. The variable is who's time would be necessary: the business manager, the assistant, or a secretary. Each case could be different.”
I think we covered this ground previously.
Mr. Cappa and with board approval crafted a policy for a situation they cannot describe. It’s purpose is obvious.
“If some arbitrary cost was listed, Al wouldn't be satisfied with that either. There's just no pleasing some people and a policy or administrative regulation should not be written to satisfy one individual.”
The term Public Records is an annoyance to Mr. Cappa, just like the annoyance he feels when he has to listen to the public at meetings.
The word public is plural not singular.
The public has the right to Public Records, yet there is an individual, Mr. Cappa, and his accomplices, the school board, who are very uncomfortable with revealing, then having to discuss public information.
“He should be glad he's not charged for the electricity he uses when he actually wheels in his own photocopier to the administration office. (not a joke)”
It is a portable copier.
Mr. Cappa is serious about his threat.
He is the reason why the new policy in the hands of partisan intent on abusing his power would be not in the community’s interest.
WHAT EVERY TOWN NEEDS IS A SPIRITED SAINT MARY!
Just for the record, I have NEVER seen Al Jacobs sign any posting on this blog. Are we to assume that Oley Concerned Citizens is always Al?
Well, finally, FINALLY a worthwhile suggestion on this blog. Yes, it would be great to see a football question on the ballot. It would not only settle this once and for all, but it would guarantee a good turnout to the polls for the School Board primary election.
It would also serve as a great conversation starter at King's or the Oley Legion Diner, "So what do you think about that football team?"
"Just for the record, I have NEVER seen Al Jacobs sign any posting on this blog. Are we to assume that Oley Concerned Citizens is always Al?"
As far as the blog signature yes.
The Oley Concerned Citizens are those in the community who voted for change in our tax system, signed no tax increase petitions, attended meetings asking for tax relief as well as those who signed to be on mailing lists.
These citizens are interested in fiscal and educational accountability.
They want a quality edcuation at an affordable price.
These community members are the perceived adversaries of those who direct insults in their direction rather than presenting facts to substantiate their attacks.
Facts speak for themselves. The only people in favor of our current tax system are the teachers and the staff. They've got nothing to lose and everything to gain by agreeing with the board on everything. If the board was forced to reduce spending, dramatically, you'd see a real about face with the loyalty of teachers and staff. Sometimes, even the union can't change this fact: everyday people are running out of money. Period.
GO MARY GO! YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO SPEAK ON THIS BLOG, CAPPA AND HIS BUDDIES HAVE A CLEAR INTENT OF HURTING PEOPLE. HE IS A MONSTER TO SAY THE LEAST. IS THE BOARD AFRAID OF HIM? WHY IS THE BOARD PRESIDENT GETTING MORE RED FACED AT MEETINGS WHEN AL ASKS QUESTIONS? WHAT ARE THEY TRYING TO HIDE?
Hey, don't forget all of the sweetheart deals that get shoved under the table, lining up jobs for their kin-folk, etc. It's like a small town version of NASA and the $72.00 screw driver and $28.00 bolt, remember that? As if that ever changed....
Why do they not want the public to know what they are doing?
Don't put the halloween masks away...they could be useful at that big table of 9. Can't hear what they say, anyway, so may as well not see their faces, either...
Hey Cappa, come clean. Tell us everything! God Bless the victims of the terrible car crash early this morning. Slow down people life is toooooo short.
Mary has what many people wish they had. Enough courage to ask questions and tell the truth. Sorry to see it's not catching on in Oley. The land of the SHEEP.
BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO! I AM SCARED!
They the board are the ones that already look creepy, they do not need a mask!
There's only one profession that allows the participants to bury their mistakes.
Hey Dale whats up? Have not heard from you in a while!
May the saints be with you!
We hear lots about "the facts" and "the truth" on here. Blogs are usually for people to air their opinions. When someone states what they believe they are condemed for not having all the facts, when they are actually just stating their opinion. What are the blog rules here?
Good question for Al, exactly what are the blog rules...in general.
To the best of my knowledge, blog rules would be about the same as anything else you do in life.
Ask questions.
Be honest.
Try not to be hurtful, even though it seems abundantly clear that people holding school board positions don't seem to have any problem with being rude to the ones that take the time to go see how things are going. Kind of bias? Not really. All anyone has to do is go to a few meetings, or a lot of them, and see that the smiling faces that enter the board room change like lightening when they're actually asked to provide answers.
Again, be honest, ask what ever questions you wish, but don't be surprised at the lashing out you receive when you accidently or not so accidently step on somebody's toes.
How about it, Al, what do you think?
I must have read 100s of blogs stating that the board members are very rude. If this is true, which board members are the ones in question? And why are they allowed to present themselves in such a childish manner? Does the president show a reaction to these acts of arrogance?
Because the Oley Concerned Citizens (aka: Al and Cindy) attend board meetings with the expectation that the board will immediately and fully see things their way, they consider all responses by the board to be rude or illegal. For those who rely on these two folks for their sole source of information, realize it is considerably biased.
"How about it, Al, what do you think?"
There will be another video of the board and their unwillingness to be forthright with the public.
Restricting public comment, making Public Records too expensive, not answering questions at board meetings is all in a day's work for the school board.
"What are the blog rules here?"
This is a community blog. It is encouraged to provide factual information from reliable sources, but expressing your opinion is fine.
The blog is for people to present their documentation and views on both side of an issue.
The more people interact, the more informed people will be when they vote.
db
You are the one who has an agenda here.
As a teacher union member orchestrating elections against those who support the system instead of living off of it.
You've done so many under handed things over the past 20 years, it would fill a book, and always to YOUR PERSONAL benefit.
Stop acting like you care about anyone other than your self and what you have to personally gain off of the backs of old folks and taxpayers. There are names for creatures like that -- leach, blood sucker, and so forth.
This might not be very nice, but it is true. You asked for it Dale. If you're going to dish out, you better be prepared to get it back -- except you are getting back truth (and of course you are already getting your teacher's pension), and all we ever got from you was self-interested lies and twisted bull crap at every election.
Watch him in action, folks, at the May primaries. See it for yourself.
Maybe I haven't been following too closely, but who is Mary, and now Dale?
Mary is a close friend of my family. If we had more mothers like Mary, we'd have less problems all around. She and her husband raise THEIR OWN CHILDREN. They are to be commended. They have great children, which does not just "happen." Their children come first, and their education is very important. She cares about her family, and ALL children, and she's not too shy to both tell you and show you that she cares.
As for that other name in question? Read the above, and realize that does not describe him.
Dale? Dale who? Is that a man or a woman? I think it's a woman's name, like Dale Evans. But I think she's dead, isn't she? Well, dead is not a cheery word, how about "No longer riding the range," or "She's grooming Trigger in that big old barn in the sky," Yes, that sounds better. Dale is grooming Trigger, in that big old barn in the sky. Which has nothing to do with Sky King, although he's up there, too.
We can only hope and pray that in Heaven, there's no Union. Can you imagine? Union clouds and non-union clouds.
To 5:38pm
Are you talking about the same Mary Swartz that has taken name calling to a new level?
Yeah, I wish my Mom was that nice.
Mary is a shining example for all children.(Including her own.) Her husband must be proud of her also.
Someone told me she volunteers at in the schools. Did anyone do a background check on her? (I hope)
Some one said "who's who? said...
Dale? Dale who? Is that a man or a woman?"
I know it's 5 o'clock some where, but there ought to be laws about drinking and bloging.
How about trying to write when you can complete one coherent sentence at a time?
to 4:03
Excuse me, but why would you assume that Al and Cindy are the only people "concerned" with these matters? Not to sound unkind or rude, but you're assuming a lot. Many, if not most of us, are not teachers or retired teachers. And we work far more hours in any given work day than any teacher I ever met. This is the way it is for most of this tax base. You've got a handful of large income people, and a few middle class (remember them, the middle class? Take pictures, they won't be around long) The remainder of this area are the worker ants. The high wage earners are not better than the lower ones, but they seem to be convinced that they are. Although religion is supposed to be a separate issue, on this blog it's all fair play. Down the road a ways, we will ALL have to answer to a higher authority. Regardless of each denomination, they all have one thing in common. We're the little guys, and the big guy will at some time let us know how he thinks we spent our time here on earth. This is my opinion and you can take it or leave it:
Teaching is a wonderful profession. Guiding our children in the direction of becomming happy, healthy, self sufficient adults is a great task. It takes a lot of hard work and a lot of patience and understanding. Good parents appreciate what good teachers do, and visa versa.
The part most "non-teachers" don't understand is how the rates have been set for teacher's pay scales, and why it is never actually questioned. Many people are working what anyone would consider to be equally important jobs, but their pay scale is nowhere near that of the teachers. Of course, there won't be many teachers that think they're overpaid.
The bottom line is this: Union demands are out of control. They expect young families and very old ones to pay outrageous tax bills to fill the union demands for school teachers' paychecks.
Down at the very end of that road, when you're questioned about your absolute greed and how your combined demands allowed you to live like a king or queen, and allowed young kids to go without the necessities and senior citizens to cough up every last cent for their taxes, or get the heck out of their own homes, after paying in all their lives.
The last question would be:
HOW DO YOU SLEEP?
If you say, "just fine," then you're not my kind of people. You're selfish and sad, and your type should not be teaching my kids.
background was completed and passed with flying colors. thank you very much. And for your information my family is supported of me and I am supported of them and the children of this district. Just ask the children in the Elem. school about how caring and helpful I am when I am working there or volunteering in the Cafe. The children are smarter than some of you pro-boarders that do not like the facts being presented on this blog. If this blog is so meaningless (spelled check please) why are you on this yourself. I hope you have a wonderful weekend and maybe you can get your background checks done and volunteer in our schools. You are retired now why are you not doing any community service? See you on election day.
Friends:
Are you suffering from OTS?
Overpaid Teacher's Syndrome. It's sweeping the country like influenza.
6:01...looking for one "coherent" sentence? Try this:
When you don't notice a touch of much needed humor here and there, bow out gracefully. And leave the booze jokes to HBO, they're not working for you.
I never had or never will mention this blog site when working with the children at our schools. They have enough to worry about just getting through the day. It makes me feel good to be able to help when needed for any child in this school district when I am there. Think all you want of me. I spoke on here last night and told Dr. Cappa I was sorry for the unkind comments I wrote but the things you and the Dr. write are far worse then I could even dream of writing. I am trying to stick with the issues of this district. I will always give Al and Cindy, Linda and Russ my respect. I trust what they are saying is true. They have gave up countless hours going to meetings and research to keep this district accountable. They are more in tune of what is going on here then the current board members.
Background checks? The volunteers seem fine. Perhaps with Oley's track record, a better question might be..."what yo-yo did the background check on the TEACHER that was involved with an 8th grader a couple of years back? It's not like anyone has forgotten that little beauty.
Unions are all about power and money. As long as there are teachers' unions, they'll have us over a barrel. The OVEA derives its power from the state and nation-wide union. Oley doesn't operate in a vacuum.
Background checks are meaningless. Only those stupid or careless enough to have gotten caught in the past will come up. Anyone slick enough to get away with criminal behavior will be able to continue flying under the radar.
re: 8:31
..."Oley doesn't operate in a vacuum..?"
That's strange, I've heard many people say it sucks here....
"That's strange, I've heard many people say it sucks here...."
Too bad they feel that way. If I were them I'd move! Maybe they can find the pie in the sky district they're searching for
Erin Negley's report of the Oley board meeting in today's Reading Eagle confirms the previous blogger. She even identifies Al Jacobs by name, reporting that he repeatedly asked questions that the board could not comment on at this time because of litigation concerns. It seems to me that if the board and their attorney agree that they can't comment on it, there must be a legal reason. In attempting to make Oley look bad, Al Jacobs is the one looking foolish here. What's your real motiviation Al? From all I've read on this blog, its moved beyond "truth seeking" to more personal animosity between him and Dr. Cappa, Mr. Heckman,& Dr. Zackon.
How 'bout if we don't hang Al on one issue? Up to this point, he's the one person that has attempted to alert the taxpayers that everything is NOT A-OKAY with Oley's Board and Administration. How many packs of lies do you need to be told before YOU get the point?
The records on this lawsuit is for anyone to look into at the court house. This is not something the board has to hide. The public has the right to know under the law. This is our tax dollars being wasted on a senseless lawsuit. Even the judge dismissed it. Al can ask these questions at public meetings. The board does not want to answer because they already look stupid even starting this lawsuit. It is not an isolated issue, go to board meetings and listen to the board sit there silently. They do not want to anwser anything that has to do with this district, lawsuit or not.
Read the last sentence in todays article in the Eagle, The board did not answer AGAIN. They look like puppets, only speak when they get the nod from the big guy.
Would it be wise for a member to speak when council advises them not to?
If anyone really wants to "know it all," they should get on the board. Then we can ask them about information from an executive session. Will they reveal what they're advised and sworn not to?
Hey Al. If Oley won't talk about this suit, why don't you contact the steel company directly? Maybe they will want to talk or you may find out they can't comment either.
Ever hear of confidentiality?
"In attempting to make Oley look bad, Al Jacobs is the one looking foolish here. What's your real motiviation Al? "
It is not Oley that looks bad it is the board.
They make decisions that even the local newspapers are forced to comment.
The district owes a contractor $1,400,000. We have only $1,200,000 in the Capital Projects Fund to cover the bill.
Rhetorically, who will pay the $200,000 difference?
Then there is the issue of the over $1,000,000 reimbursement from the state that is affected by the lawsuit.
We sure can use that money these days.
My motivation is accountability.
What is your motivation for not wanting to discuss the issue?
In the near future, there will be a video on the blog of the entire conversation regarding the lawsuit.
If there are records available at the courthouse, then everything that can be know at this time already is. Where's the mystery?
And once settled, the whole case will be a public document. Patience is a virtue.
It is a public document now. Are you reading this blog site? Can you comprehend what is being written of this blog? We have told you countless times that this lawsuit can be viewed NOW at the courthouse. How do you think Al knows about this lawsuit? It is a public record. The board wishes it was not a public record. They are up to hiding important info. from the public that pays the bills AGAIN!
Twisted minds twisting the lawsuit again!
Hello out there, did you have your coffee yet today? Get your brain working will you. Go the court house yourself and look up this lawsuit and leave Al alone. Are you afraid of the truth and that Al is right? Why are you so upset that the public ask questions? We have the right to know under the law!
Good morning Dr. and Dale.
Again, what is the mystery? If its public and Al's read it, how is that hiding anything? What can be legally commented on has been, and what can't be at this time will be eventually.
Dale who?
Dale is a retired Reading High School Teacher. However, HE is the self-appointed election organizer for the pro-union, pro-tax and spend group that controls the board. His methods have been questionable, at best.
As to Dale Evans, I think her horse was Buttermilk.
Your words were very amusing. Just ignore the people who didn't get it. Very fun. Because I too remember Jingles who drove the jeep Nellie Bell, and Sky King, and the name of the plane was the Songbird. Thanks for the memories.
...A new video on the blog...come on Al, get it on here. Actions speak louder than words. And a video will give the thick headed bloggers something to view a few times, and decide for themselves if they believe their own eyes and ears.
...............Of... course ...there... was.... ..."Chip 'n Dale"...some sort of quirky little rodents from the TV past. Am I getting close?
Quirky? Yes.
Rodent? Possibly.
Little? Dedends. One can be as tall as a sky scraper, and still be small.
Here's one for those that don't like the warm and fuzzy 50s and 60s:
Sitting on the living room floor with your "Lunch with Uncle Pete" tray on your lap, following along with the show. Uncle Pete on the front and a map (game) of the United States on the back. Sunbeam Bread, Skippy Peanut Butter, and Welches Grape Jelly. And a "tumbler" of WHOLE MILK!
Hope the younger bloggers don't mind that 20 second trip down "happy street!"
Okay, who can tell the "class" where Uncle Pete ended up? Hint: "Everybody Loves...his son!"
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