The politicians in Washington have their pork, the Oley Valley School Board is no different. The majority voted to approve a track costing well over $1,000,000.
A special interest group complained the current track was not PIAA compliant. They also complained about the surface and appearance.
The estimates for refurbishing the facility began at $450,000. The track supporters promised to pay for half.
Board President Robert A. Heckman reassured the community that there were no decisions to move forward on the request. However, after the board voted to pay an architect $33,000 for a design of the new facility, his assurances were met with skepticism.
Soon other groups arrived with their demands and the costs rocketed over $1,400,000. Again, Mr. Heckman offered more assurances that no decisions were finalized.
Soon, the group that promised to pay half through fund raising could not meet their obligations. The board was forced to change their commitment from funding half the cost to paying “at least half the cost”. In other words, they obligated the taxpayers to pay more than their fair share.
The official cost of this new athletic facility is $1,403,356.00. It will serve up to 120 students. There are over 2,000 students in the district.
The board could have voted for the $820,356 option and met PIAA concerns, instead they choose the most expensive plan. During the bid process, the district refused to consider other less costly options than a synthetic surface.
Had they maintained the track, there would be no need to spend such an enormous sum now.
The track is not state mandated. The state does not consider this an educational expense either because it is not one of the ten exemptions to referendum on school spending.
There will be some who say the money came from the Capital Reserve Fund and not the operational budget, therefore, taxes were not affected. The Capital Reserve Fund is created will tax dollars. When the reserve is depleted by a major expenditure, it is replenished with tax dollars.
The future needs of education will be short $1,403,356.00 and it too must be funded with higher school tax dollars.
The school board could have put the plan in the 2007-2008 budget, thereby requiring in effect, a referendum vote of approval by the entire community rather than the influence of a special interest group on this extravagance.
Seven board member voted “Yes” , Robert A. Heckman, Scarlette Gotwals, Barbara M. Bieber, Richard M. Maloney, Christopher M. Hannum,Kerry Madeira, Ralph C. Richard.
One board member voted “No”, Mary Anne McCarthy. She felt the cost was too high, but she would have voted for a less expensive version. Robert Cappa was absent.
The district wants to raise taxes for the seventh consecutive year in the 2007-2008 budget. Paradoxically, they complain the state does not send enough money for “educational” needs.
The voters will have an opportunity to vote on the board’s perpetual, insatiable, spending appetite in May 2007. There are five seats up for election.
Let your voice be heard!
Posts
460 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 401 – 460 of 460FYI, we're considering Tarsus Manor in Fleetwood for mom. There are nice places all around the county. Maybe Oley should consider building one in the senior development going in next to the Middle School for those who never leave the valley.
Our deepest condolences to anyone that can't figure out why...WHY...people run for board. To imply that there's an actual paycheck involved is pretty funny. But, to ignore the real reasons people run for board:
Getting the best for THEIR child/children, while they can administer those moves with their own hands.
Selling THEIR property to the school...for a far greater sum than the average Joe would pay.
Promising teachers that if they vote for them to get on the board, THE ELECTED BOARD MEMBER will insure that the VERY BEST benefits will be approved by the board.
IF YOU ARE IGNORANT TO THOSE FEW FACTS, YOU'RE COSTING EVERYONE THAT'S NOT A TEACHER OR A BOARD MEMBER...BIGTIME.
It's pathetic that those with their hands in the cash drawer think nobody will notice. Shame on everyone that is allowing this behavior. In foreign countries, you get your hand chopped off if you're caught stealing ONCE. And, when the town folk announce," Hi, there, doule-stump....you can see that some people are dumb enough to steal and get caught....TWICE.
Yet there are still those bloggers that are stupid enough to state..."you've got a better plan, step up to the plate."
Yeah!Just a simple kettle of hot tar and a S___ load of feathers.
Go!
The previous post (11:04am) implies that all the board members, past, present and future are in it for a pay off.
Based on their opinion, we have left nothing of greatness to the children. Their comments regarding penalties and hand chopping almost sounds like they agree with taliban like justice.
scarythat this attitude lives amongst us!
To 11:37 a.m.:
The reason we're in this mess is because NO ONE IS EVER HELD ACCOUNTABLE.
Perhaps if we held people accountable for what they did, we would have less crime around.
Instead we coddle, give them three meals a day, let them repeat offend, etc.
Bet you wouldn't be posting a blog like the last if something happened to one of your loved ones.
Each and every citizen in the district over the age of 18 had the opportunity to get involved and "clean up the mess." You list why you think people get on the schood board. We haven't heard from RS in a while, is this why he spent so many years there? Can we make such general and sweeping accusations for the reason others prefer to complain from the sidelines rather than run for the board themselves?
...To 11:37 a.m...Bet you wouldn't be posting a blog like the last if something happened to one of your loved ones.
12:21 PM, March 18, 2007
I don't disagree with your comments about accountability. Just comments about justice, and comments like the one above.
I was tought differently at church this morning.
I meant taught not tought
Allow me to relay a story:
When we moved into this district my oldest daughter was in 9th grade (she's now 32 years old)and our other daughter was about 5. I never encountered such treatment as what our daughter received in the middle school. She was bullyied and treatened by other students and even told by one teacher that she would make life a "living hell" for her. My wife and I went to the principal but everything was denied. Also, she was having problems with her grades. We told the guidance councelor and her teachers that if she showed signs of slipping that they should notify us so that we could help. When the next report card came home there were several D's and F's. When I calld the school to question why we weren't notified as previously agreed they said that they don't do that. It ended up that year that we withdrew her from Oley and sent her to Central Catholic (even though we are Lutheran) for the rest of her high school years.
When our youngest entered Kindergarten the following year I made the decision to run for school board so that I would be able to monitor her progress through Oley. I never asked for or received any favors and never interferred with any teacher that she had. But it was amazing how much better her educational experience was compared to our other daughter by virtue of me being on the board. I stayed on until the year after she graduated (13 years).
I never knew any board member who "had their hand in the till" or was rewarded in any way for anything. I have to believe I made a difference by being on the board as did LB and all the others, either directly or indirectly.
If anyone says I was on the board for selfish reasons or personal issues that's OK. If wanting the best education for your children and everyone elses children, free from intimidation and threats, is selfish then I plead guily.
"Can we make such general and sweeping accusations for the reason others prefer to complain from the sidelines rather than run for the board themselves?"
In a democracy anyone can participate in the manner they choose. They can vote and/or voice their opinions. Attempting to silence debate is the plan of a communist.
No one is trying to silence the debate. But there are all kinds of accusations about those who choose one way of getting involved over another by some who are fine with open debate until they disagree with the comments,then resort to labeling as Communists any and all who have a different view. You're so democratic.
So some are/were on the board to make a difference, thereby being a benefit to all the children, even if it includes their own. Thanks for the clarification RS - case closed.
More than likely, nobody was talking about when RS was on the board. I believe they were referring to the NOW board.
Well, you're probably correct. Why would it matter what the board did back then? We're dealing with what the board is doing now. Good, bad, or indifferent, we're here now. This is like trying to blame Clinton for our troubles today. It might make sense, but it changes nothing.
If we don't understand the past, we will never prosper in the future. Do we want history to repeat itself?
I know most of the board members, and with one or two exceptions, I do not believe that any of the members are on the board more than 2 terms, with two of them on in their first term.
That tells me that there is a long standing culture at the board, which needs to be rooted out.
RS stated why he pursued the board, and I salute him for his reasoning. That is the type of reason which should compel an individual to pursue public office, even if it is uncompensated, and you can never be liked by a majority, because of the nature of the position.
Maybe it is time to get all the old board members together, for the past 30 years, and have a round table discussion to see if members priorities changed, or if the publics perception is changed.
you complained that
"Interestingly the Oley School district initiated proceedings to attempt to force a family have their child undergo a special needs evaluation to see if the child qualified for Special Education Services. I just have to wonder why Oley would do this, when the child was homeschooled, and in the next breath they want to complain because we have to provide services for these children."
It seems that someone at the school was concerned about a student and wanted to do what was best for the child. How rotten and underhanded of them! How could they suspect that a parent might not instinctively know what was best for their child? Could it be they met some of the oblivious parents, sometime,somewhere?
A lot of you seem to judge board members by looking in a mirror and describing what you see there. They are not necessarily like you.
9:25am post -Interesting spin!
Maybe I am confused. Was the evaluation to force the child into the special education program or was it to try to determine if the school was legally aloud to keep the child out?
I do not know the situation. I thought the parents were pursuing some services from the school, and school officials did not deem the child eligible.
I would still question to what point the school should be medeling in a families personal matters. However, if it was the school being proactive in qualifying the child for special education, that makes a big difference in the debate that went on in previous posts.
Please provide details to help me get a balanced picture of the matter.
The current school board maintains the philosophy of their predecessors.
They are unwilling or unable to manage the budget in a fiscally responsible manner. The decisions on spending educational dollars mirror the board majorities of the past.
There has not been a wish list project that has not been given the rubber stamp of approval.
Only recently, they wrestled with budget decisions. This is not because of a change in philosophy, but rather because the threat of a referendum on their votes.
Board members are usually recruited from groups of individuals that are deemed “team players”. They normally are advocates of the liberal view of governance.
Hopefully,with new faces, there may some opportunity for change. If not, then a tightened referendum and more educational controls will be imposed on the district from the state and federal levels.
True leaders prepare for change, politicians do not.
Great blog, Al.
You know, back in the good old days, there was a saying:
"Wishing won't do it. Saving will."
Does our school board feel it's necessary to save first, then spend? It sure doesn't look like it.
...You know, back in the good old days, there was a saying:...
They are the days that Al just described as the same as the current time. Al's quote was "The current school board maintains the philosophy of their predecessors."
"...Wishing won't do it. Saving will."
As for this quote - I wish the board would have spent a little bit over the years to maintain the run down high school. What a disaster. It is a shame they have been saving those large fund balances, and not keeping up the eye soar HS. You know it is bad when the lockers get ripped out and all they do to fix it is put plywood up and ask a student(s)to paint cute murals.
They actually took the lockers out and replaced new lockers throughout the building....they don't need as many lockers because the middle school isn't there anymore...That's why they are painting murals (which by the way look very nice -- and probably didn't cost too much either -- that should make someone happy)
2:00
Wishing won't do it, saving will.
I see that phrase just got brushed away. The point is that everything we want and think we NEED, does not have to be acquired the instant we realize we just can't live without it.
Planning.
Look into it.
As for upkeep and preventitive maintainence:
Another famous quote....
...a stitch in time, saves nine!
Looks like everyone has forgotten how to repair and/or do the maintainence, BEFORE we're looking at extremely costly replacements.
EYE SORE HIGH SCHOOL, LOOK AT THE MIDDLE AND ELEM. SCHOOLS. WE HAVE WATER LEAKING EVERYWHERE AND YES THE BIG M. THAT IS RIGHT MOLD. CHILDREN IN THE ELEM. SCHOOL HAVE MANY ALLERGIES AND I WONDER WHY?
THERE IS WATER COMING IN DOORS, WE HAVE WATER LEAKING UP IN THE 2ND GRADE TEACHER LUNCHROOM. THE LISTS GO ON. THIS DISTRICT DOES NOT MAINTAIN ANYTHING THEY HAVE.
Well, when you build things in a flood plain, you usually get water problems. The high school was built in the early 60's, and guess what, it still functions; and it didn't cost nearly what the two leaky buildings cost (in today's dollars).
The powers that be like to let things go into disrepair and then justify tearing them down and building something new and grandiose. Can you say taj mahal of track/athletic center?
To 3:13 PM
We spent more than "a little bit" on maintaining the high school building over the years and if it's "run down" it's because parents don't teach their kids to respect other people's (the taxpayer's) property. It hasn't been that many years ago that we completely renovated the high school building, including the gym, auditorium and roof at a cost of a couple million dollars. Not exactly chump change.
Dear R.S.:
Who did the roof because it still leaks?
No offense RS, but your comment regarding parents teaching their kids respect, etc. is just plain and simply a lame excuse.
For 15 years the aux. gym in the HS has had the HVAC leaking. Now the floor is way beyond repair. You can walk up to the floor, and pick pieces up that are no longer attached. I also got on the basketball band wagon this year and went to a game. I see that the bleachers, which are way out of safety code have not been replaced. Theres a liability looking to happen. That is a known problem for well over ten years. My father no longer goes to games just because of his fear of the bleachers. The boys lockerroom and the bathroom are a disgrace. Not from vandals, but from the lack of maintenance.
To push blame away from the administration and the board(s) is not a fair response.
As for the mold in the ES and MS. I agree with the earlier posting that if you build in a swamp, you are going to have problems. However, may be we can sue the contractor. OOPS, already tried that route. Outcome doesn't look promising.
To: 7:31 AM
Thanks for those comments. If what you say is true (and I have no reason to think they aren't) then someone is guilty of gross negligence. Of course since accountibility is a foreign concept in the OVSD nothing will be done until someone gets hurt. Even then the first response will be to circle the wagons and point fingers.
Unfortunately RS, I do agree with you on that point. It is gross negligence, as well as disturbing. And to my dismay, I do believe that the admin and board will first circle the wagons and point fingers.
I am a partial black helicopter conspiracy thinker. I believe that there are efforts by some individuals to move towards a new HS, and the neglect is partially on purpose.
Shame on a board that would knowingly allow a high school in a nice, country setting, turn into a run-down, outdated building. There are schools in every city that are far older than Oley High School, and through upkeep and occassional upgrades, they are still safe and presentable.
Also, shame on the parents that DO allow their children to be destructive. The mold is cast very early in life, and often does not change. Yet, if you went to their house and trashed it, you'd be a criminal. Go figure.
As a volunteer with Career Awareness, I have been in nearly every Berks County school, and many public and parochial schools in Montgomery and Schuylkill County.
Reading High is one of the oldest buildings in the system. Guess what. It is still clean, usable and the lockers are in good shape. If Reading High at its age is still maintained and usable, why on earth can't our board make sure our high school lasts awhile longer.
I also believe things are left to deteriorate so the board can then argue that it's so expensive to renovate that we might as well build new. This is very wasteful thinking and has cost the taxpayers far more than it ever had to.
More broad paint brush comments...
...Also, shame on the parents that DO allow their children to be destructive. The mold is cast very early in life, and often does not change. Yet, if you went to their house and trashed it, you'd be a criminal. Go figure...
Shame on the grand parents who failed to instill a strong moral foundation into their children, who are now parents.
The funny part is that the majority of kids in Oley have multiple generations living in Oley.
What's up doc?
The Oley concerned Citizens are right about everything. I heard that the board is trying to destroye the school by letting kid's do what ever they want to do. like banging lockers and throwing trash on the floor. We have tto stop this board from runing the school by using these conspirasies!!!! The OCC is right. You are wrong!!! We know the facts!!!
Did you lern to spel at oley?
Oh, yeah, and 9:02 was really an OCC person. You must think we're really naive.
9:20
If you're anticipating a career in comedy, go back to the drawing board. Or, don't quit your day job.
A serious reply could be:
The OCC does not know everything and does not have all the answers. The OCC does, however, acknowledge the fact that there are many problems...here and now. Like another blogger noted, we can't change what occurred in the past, but we certainly can realize that we need changes to be made, now. We don't expect perfection, and we don't expect some miracle cure. We do, however, expect to be taken seriously when we see problems that anyone could see, and then see absolutely nothing being done to correct these problems.
Before the late sleeping bloggers pounce on this comment and follow up with their over-used statement...."step up to the plate, run for school board...." please bear in mind that many of us actually are working two jobs, trying to run a tight ship on our own property, and doing whatever it takes to keep our financial family matters afloat. Why don't you see us at meetings which start at 7:00 p.m.? Well, we should not have to justify what time we go to bed or leave for a second job, or when we try to spend some quality time with our families. I, for one, am sick of the accusations that pretty much state that those not in attendance....don't care enough to get ourselves to school board meetings. I'm thankful that Al Jacobs has been instrumental in bringing this community to a place and time where EVERYONE can have a voice. I just got home from my "second job," and I can tell you that I'm not thrilled to have to be out of my home overnight, nor is my spouse. But it beats the heck out of selling our home and moving to an apartment. Please, anyone, tell us how we are negligent and/or uncaring adults because we work two jobs to pay all of our bills on time and meet the demands of our school board's spending sprees. At this time, I'm about to get our children ready for school, do household chores, email both sets of grandparents, and attempt to get a few hours of sleep before I head to job number one. I'll leave a note for my spouse to assure them that I've taken care of my half of the duties around the house and remind them of what needs to be done for the children during their "shift." I'm not complaining, as this is our responsibility and both of us want our children to have safe, happy homes. We take care of all the details. We can't be expected to attend meetings for the school board when we're either asleep or picking up children from extracurricular activities. And, we make NO apoligies for this.
Sorry if I've accidentaly mis-spelled anything in this post. I needed to take a moment or two to respond to the last few posts, but have fallen short on time for checking my spelling. Thank you, in advance, for your time.
5:41 am - Sincere and appreciated. I also work two jobs, my wife work and we collectively volunteer with many organizations. And I also am thankful that Al attends most meetings, etc. However, I am also thankful that 9 other people volunteer their time to serve.
I do not agree with many things that are done by the board, and I am equally disappointed with many of the halve truths that are sold as 'facts' on this blog. Just because something is in print or provided by a school or governmental official does not make it a fact. It is only factual if it is complete an in full context. It is something that even the Reading Eagle doesn't seem to take too seriously.
I understand that the current board is less than adequate in discussing the peoples business, however, it is equally incorrect to speculate the other half of the facts, because no one tells them to you.
As for your busy life, most of us with kids in school are in the same boat. We all sympothize with you, because we are just like you. The days when the man can find a job, and support his family is gone. 40 years of greed ruined that aspect of america. We must all deal with it.
Thanks to the blogger at 5:41 a.m. You sound like a very caring and responsible person. Your message is beautifully stated and shared. These are the people, and the elderly on limited incomes, that the board needs to realistically consider whenever they create another huge financial project.
All of the depressing issues aside -- It is a beautiful morning, the first day of Spring. I saw two robins today on the morning walk with our dog.
As my dear departed Dad used to say, "any day you wake up is a good day." And this one is, despite all the wrong in this District and the world.
Blessings to each and every one.
My dear father was born on March 20, 1918. His mother proclaimed that he was born on the first day of Spring. Believe me, nobody ever argued with Nana. So, as beautiful as today was....according to MY Nana, March 21st is the SECOND day of Spring!
So be it!
Hurray for your Nana. She sounds like she was one of the great ones.
March 21 was the first "full" day of Spring. But, officially March 20 is the first day of Spring. My error. Either way, it's a nice time of year.
We need 9 Nana's for the school board. They will whip this school district into shape. There is not arguing with your elders.
Board Meeting 3/20/07 Highlights
Dr. Zackon read a prepared statement that a student penetrated computer security and copied a teacher's computer file.
The file contained the names and birthdays of kindergarten students, as well as IEP information of current and former students.
The incident was reported to the Oley Twp police.
The student admitted to the administration he had installed unauthorized copying software in the system.
After prodding at the March 14,2007 about the legal fees for the Nextel agreement, the board finally revealed that they will be sharing the costs of application with Albright College.
Previously, they were not totally forthcoming about this part of the arrangement with the wireless provider.
1. What else is new with this board. They never tell us anything. We have to push and push them until they finally tell us the truth. Nasty people.
2. Boyertown Times today lists the 5 men running for school board. The 3 new ones better do something good for this district. We need major changes. We know the 2 current board members running have not done what they are supposed to do for the children and the citizens of this district.
3. Boyertown Times today has the township of Oley Supervisors not happy with the school board. Chief White wanted a fire-policeman available at the HS to direct traffic after school lets out at a rate of $3.75 per day and the board said no. Spatz's own words: Being rebuffed by the school district, it's a sore subject. This is a shame. This district should do everything in their power to keep our children SAFE. We are seeing more and more things happening in these schools and having a policeman at the HS would be great. The children would leave instead of hanging around the parking lot. We need secure buildings. The board is not liked by alot of people in this district. Supervisors and citizens alike.
OCC - Thanks for the update. I am glad that the school and its administration acted appropriately in the computer security issue. I am also glad that the board FINALLY came partially clean on the Nextel issue. Now it is time for them to explain their vision regarding the nextel arrangement.
The Boyertown times is a little late in discussing the police departments request for cash to patrol the school at quitting time. On top of that, the apparently didn't report that the police chief pursued all the townships to pay for it also. The truth of the matter is, that if the kids are still racing up Main street after school to get ahead of the buses, as cited as the reason by the police/school, there is VERY easy solutions, that don't cost anything.
1. Close the second entrance/exit during dismissal so kids can't try to beat the buses. 2. dismiss driving students after buses leave, and 3. Have the cops sit there once a week and ISSUE TICKETS.
A simple approach will cure the matter at no additional cost. No extra police are needed, and once a few kids have to pay tickets, the issue is dead.
The police are responsible for the street's of Oley -- whether there is heavy traffic from the Oley Fair, Carnivals and special events. That IS WHAT THEY ARE PAID TO DO.
Why on earth should the School Taxes paid to the District subsidize the police force? Think about it. Isn't it enough the taxpayers from all of the Oley Valley communities already pay for education (which they should), bussing, and psychological programs. Now we're supposed to support the Oley Police Department -- which the taxpayers ALREADY DO pay for. In fact, the school is the largest employer in Oley and the community of Oley alone receives the EIT and Priviledge to Work taxes from the School District. Why then should ALL of the other township taxpayers also pay for Oley's police -- we don't share any income or occupational tax largess. Oley Township needs to support its own police force.
It just never seems to end. As they used to say, it only gets 'worser and worser.'
12:10 Poster -
Well Stated. I find it to be a complete waste of money that Oley has more than four police officers, and, are pursuing a K-9 unit. Whats next a CSI unit or SWAT team.
Heck, the cops have so much time on their hands, that they sit on route 73 everyday harassing people driving - aka - watching for speeders. Protect and Serve!
The 10:42 am blogger was right on. But it is up to the Oley police and the Oley Valley School District to work together for the students safety. Every so often we asked about dogs coming into sniff out the lockers and every other area in the HS and MS and this district seems to think once a year is enough. We need the dogs to come once a quarter and not give the heads up to the kids before they show up. Also we all must take safety very seriously. The person that got into our computer system was only given a 10 day suspension. Whats to say this will not happen again. The kids at the HS are smart so if they can get into our system once they can do it again. We need to send a clear warning with higher consequences for their actions. Enough is enough.
Oh yea, and let's buy them all laptop computers too, to make it more cost efficient to hack into things.
Aren't there criminal issues with hacking into goverenment computers??? Were any civil charges brought against the hackers? That's the problem. They're too soft on crime. But, then, maybe the hacker was the student of one of the illuminati and is held to a lesser standard than the rest of us.
The State Police will bring in dogs -- when they are invited. We already pay for the State Police and Oley Police, and we pay for the County drug taskforce. Now we need to pay for dogs, too. And previously the kids were told the dogs were coming. Duh! Doesn't this sound fishy?
Isn't anybody held responsible for their actions anymore? Apparently not. Only the taxpayers are held responsible to pay for the messes everyone else creates.
...The kids at the HS are smart... That is contrary to most everything put on this blog. As for the dogs sniffing for drugs. The k9 unit is hard to schedule, and I believe that it costs a fair amount. That is why many of the schools do not do it at all anymore.
A ten day suspension is pretty severe. Lets get real - he didn't physically wound anyone. He proved that the schools computer and technology group needs to get better. Maybe he should be forced to perform 100 hours of community service - developing better computer security in lieu of suspension. The fact of the matter is it only costs more $ to suspend. We may have to pay an entire year of additional schooling for holding him back. Making him stay home isn't saving a darn $.
As for working together, the school board and townships just recently had one of its bi-annual joint meetings. I had heard that only half the board showed and two of the township commisioners (Oley and ?) It is not up to the school to work with the police. It is up to the school to work with the township commissioners who dictate to the police.
Please excuse me if I have some of these facts slightly incorrect. If I do, I am sure I will be told.
Your points are well spoken. Thanks for your input.
...And previously the kids were told the dogs were coming. Duh! Doesn't this sound fishy?...
Thats not always the case. Oley had the reputation of being the school that didn't give the heads up. That is why, in the past we had the highest # of incidences. If they changed that policy, I would assume (bad word) that was because it made the district look bad. If we were to have the highest # of incidences per capita because our policies were different, then people would be saying that the school is full of XYZ, and the admin. isn't doing enough. If it is done the same way as the other schools, then onlookers say DUH!
Solution - Don't bring the dogs at all. If the school does that they will be criticized.
Sounds like a no win situation.
Are you serious? We need the dogs to come more than they currently are and the children should not be told at ALL!!! This district hides to many things that the parents have the right to know. We have our children in these schools 7 + hours a day and we need to make sure they are safe. If the dogs come more GREAT! The fact is that this school has drugs right in the buildings and this is not being dealt with. Also the kid that got in our computer system is in the school for the 10 day suspension. Please cut me a break. He needs more than that for what he did. Kids records were looked at. This is not allowed. By law this is a privacy issue.
It wasn't just "kid's" records...it was LITTLE kid's records. I'm glad my children are out of school, but I sure do worry about the ones that are there now.
It is a matter of confidential handling of sensitive records. There are Federal and State Laws about these things, which have been broken. This student should be in the juvenile court system right now. This is NO SMALL ISSUE.
Once again, this admin. and board sweep it under the rug. What has to happen for this crew to realize the gravity of what is happening in the system? They will be lucky if the parents of the affected students don't sue. Maybe they should, to FINALLY get this board and admin's. attention.
I have not read about this student in the papers, how come? What else is the district trying to cover up about this?
A detailed statement was read concerning the situation at the board meeting. If the Reading Eagle didn't send a reporter, how could it have been reported in the paper? Cover Up? You're one of those conspiracists, aren't you?
"There has not been a wish list project that has not been given the rubber stamp of approval."
Al, you're wrong and since you've been attending budget meetings for years, you know that is not THE TRUTH.
"Board members are usually recruited from groups of individuals that are deemed 'team players.' They normally are advocates of the liberal view of governance."
Al, you're wrong. Absoultely and completely wrong!
"... if not, then a tightened referendum and more educational controls will be imposed on the district from the state and federal levels."
Al, this is some real wishful thinking.
THREE WRONGS DON'T MAKE YOU RIGHT!
"Track or Treat" is a new holiday in the Oley Valley. The School Board thinks its a win-win situation. The masks are not fooling the taxpayers.
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