The Oley Valley School District started a process, which drastically reduces access to school information.
The school board approved a public participation policy inhibiting and preventing community comment at regular school board meetings. They continued their assault on our rights with a new public record request policy that potentially makes school documents too expensive for review.
Apparently, these tactics are not enough because the administration recently refused a public document at a budget meeting. The business manager gave the school board a “big ticket list” for them to consider for the 2007-2008 budget. When asked at the meeting for a copy of this list, the business manager refused the request. The district even denied the document after a written request.
What is on this list the school board does not want the community to see?
Is it another $1,400,000 non-educational pork barrel project? Are they planning another Taj Mahal building even though student enrollment cannot justify such expenditure? Does the administration want a grandiose duplication of our high-speed internet connections? Does the administration want a complete refurbishing of their offices with mahogany desks, Chippendale chairs, and oriental rugs? Does the superintendent want another $13,000 pay increase? Are we facing another $1,000,000 lawsuit? Does the school board want more money for banquets?
We know one item that is not on the list, tax relief.
The preliminary 2007-2008 budget submitted to the state has our millage rising from 22.50 mills to 23.85 mills, a 6% increase. This will be the seventh consecutive increase in school property taxes.
Yet the budget states the district has “Total Cash and Short Term Investments” totaling $4,575,400!
$4,575,400 of excessive taxation dollars sitting in funds and a wish list the board does not want us to see.
You do the math.
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210 comments:
1 – 200 of 210 Newer› Newest»When it comes to wish list items, Oley school board and administration is full of secrets. Yep, they're full of it....
The Sunshine Law attempts to keep things in the "light of day" so taxpayers and citizens can keep an eye on what their governments are doing.
The Boards problem with keeping things from the taxpayers makes one wonder what they have to hide.
As it says in John 3:19: "Everyone who does evil hates the light, and will not come into the light for fear that his deeds will be exposed."
It seems these timeless words, though written centuries ago, were also written for such a time as this.
Timeless quote, indeed!
I heard that the board is going to supply desktop computers and laptops to every student kindergarten through twelfth. That's probably why they won't tell what the money is for.
And a new track and football, pool, new administration building, new HS, let see what else? Salaries, dinners, trips!!
Kindergarten through twelfth grade? I just don't see that happening. There are just too many reasons against doing that, which I think the board knows.
What about laptops for 9th-12th? I see alot of problems up at Kutztown with students and laptops. The parents should purchase the laptops for them for college. We do not need them for HS. Let us get back to the basics.
John and Jennifer Reich and their two small children, and another on the way, lost their home to a fire Monday.
Donations may be made via check payable to Reich Family Fire Victim Fund, dropped off at any National Penn Bank branch or mailed to the National Penn office at 420 Main St., Oley PA 19547.
The feel gooders and the tax and spenders make no secret of their intentions to force an agenda down our throats.
"What about laptops for 9th-12th? I see alot of problems up at Kutztown with students and laptops. The parents should purchase the laptops for them for college. We do not need them for HS. Let us get back to the basics."
The basics changed. We can teach the the kids what we were taught, but that will only lead them to a long lasting career at Kings stocking shelf.
If you want successful children - they must know how, and be willing, to utilize computers in every aspect of their lives and careers.
Get your car fixed, its done primarily w/ computers, go to the dentist, and they are on computers, go to Kings, pay alot, and still get stuck scanning (computer) and bagging yourself.
I can't stand it, but it is a necessary evil - COMPUTERS.
By 9th grade, if they are not completely comfortable in using AND basic programming of computers and software, they don't have a chance.
I don't object to students having laptops although I think kindergarten and the lower elementary grades is a little too soon.
If students are going to have laptops then the parents must have a stake in the purchase of them and not leave it up to the school district to foot the bill. Have you ever seen the condition of school owned/student used musical instruments as opposed to those that are purchased or leased by parents? It's no secret that when the parents put some of their hard earned money into something like instruments or computers they will be more likely to make sure their child takes care of it.
At the very least it should be piloted in the 11th and 12th grade for no less than a full year and if successful, then go to the 10th grade and so on. This is not something that should be put into place in one year or even two. There hasn't been enough planning (at least the public hasn't been informed about the details)) and it would be very expensive.
Investing in technology makes far more sense than spending a large sum of money on a track.
...a long lasting career at King's....stocking "shelf"??
And you think our kids don't NEED to update? They may not NEED laptops....but a refresher course in grammar/spelling/English might not hurt.
The children in Kutztown were arrested for violating their laptops. We do not need any more law/courthouse problems in this school district. We have enough problems. We should use our money on education. We need to get the children back to the basics and teach them so they actually learn something. This play is a joke. Forget about the sports for one minute and think about the whole picture. We have 2,000 children that need education first. Get with the program. Go to some other school for football. Also the track does not need to be the top of the line.
Football
Track
Laptops
VS
Reading
Math
Science
Let's master the real basics, and then worry about the extras. There is NOTHING stopping the parents of each student from acquiring the extras on their own dime, and their own time.
Right on!!!
Hello Cappa, Dale and the other so called pro-boarders, feel gooders what happened to you? Are you getting ready to run again Dr. Cappa? What is up with the big ticket item page that we do not have? Last year it was given out to the public by Mr. Moser and in the past years we always had the information we needed to look at during budget time. What are you hiding? Come on, come clean. We will find out soon anyway so why not tell us now? Hiding our money in big ticket items is not going to work. We all have had enough!
YOU voted in this school board
and all I got was
a lesson in personal budgeting....
What sort of school would brag about this?
FAILURE ACCOMPLISHED
Got Incompetence?
Every previous year during the budget process, when people showed up WHEN THE BUDGET WAS SET, they were chided by the Board for NOT showing up during the earlier budget process.
Now we have a situation where people ARE showing up during the budget process, and are told they cannot participate. Hey, School Board, make up your mind!
This shell game has been exposed for what it is. People want and are entitled to answers. What are you hiding that the people paying the bills cannot be informed as to what's going on.
If the Board and Administration were working for the people, they would be more than willing to share the issues, challenges and reasons for what they do. Your secrecy casts doubts on your motives and everything you do; and that's the last thing you need right now.
Laptop computers can be a useful tool. But sometimes they are used for purposes not intended. For instance, a great number of the kids at Kutztown have used them to post their My Space sites. This has created some significant problems. There are many parents who don't want their kids on MySpace and won't allow on their home computers.
Okay, here's a question. If a minor posts a MySpace, and some sicky finds that minor and that minor comes to harm..... is the school liable?
These are serious issues with ramifications that must be well thought out. Especially because the taxpayers always end up holding the bag.
Above blog and LB right on again!! We need this board and admin. to come clean. We do not need anymore lawsuits in this district. The district has it share of problems and we the taxpayers pay for everything including lawyers and lawsuits!
Speaking of going to court, whatever happened with the issue of the school taking the professional staff members to court to get back the money that the school district reimbursed them for their the continuing education classes that they took, and then left the school district employ. From what I can make out from the check runs and the minutes of the teachers/admnistration who left the district, this amount is about $5,000 + dollars.
According to the teacher contract, these teachers/administrators, are not entitled to keep that money, as they left district employ.
Dr. Zackon stated at a meeting that we were taking this issue to court, which leads me to believe that in the past, when this situation happened, those who left were allowed to keep that money, and the current employees who left know this, and expect the same treatment.
Not following policy Dr. Zackon always comes back to bite you in the you know what, and now on top of this, you have to spend more taxpayer money to get this money back.
What a crying shame that going to court in the Oley School District has become the norm.
Just wondering how the Nextel spectrum leasing agreement is proceeding.
Haven't heard about this for quite a while, actually never, until it was pried from the board's mouth.
We've been in a pending position since December, and now into February.
What is taking so long on this hidden from the public contract that you entered into?
This contract that has already used up $8,000+ taxpayer dollars, and we've seen and heard nothing more about?
Same BS!
Nothing new with this board. They continue to hide things from the public.
I have told many more people about
this blog site from this district and they cannot believe what is going on.
Look out for Wednesday. The big ticket people will be at the board meeting in force, that is what I am hearing anyway.
Gee, where has everyone been?
Football's over, I guess they've moved to basketball.
Too bad the entire lives of some people revolve only around sports!
No one seems to care that the Oley School District will again raise taxes, and stockpile the money for future expensive, non-mandated whims for for re-election and feel-good non-educational items, such as dinners for their own personal feast, morning coffee, donuts, etc.
I see the agenda for the Board meeting on Wednesday has 3 new positions that they will be recruiting for. That is, if any of the Project 720 grant money is left.
If we let the teachers do their job of teaching the children, instead of creating robots, we would not need:
Project 720 High School Tutors
Project 720 Re-engage Dropout Coordinator
Project 720 Career Day Coordinator.
Please tell me that more than this is going toward the education of our children with this grant money.
Soon we will have more staff than we have students!
What will the excuse be then?
Hopefully EVERYONE will remember to be HONEST during the PSSAs the next three days.
Career Day Coordinator? Re-engage Dropout Coordinator (when we have one of the lowest dropout rates in the county)? This is the best they can do with the $46,000 720 grant money? Add more staff? That's really imaginative... How are those positions going to meet the goals and requirements of Project 720? How do these positions improve the education of our students and prepare them for their future? Even the most ardent supporters of the board have to admit that they could find better ways to spend this grant money.
They are voting on these new positions on Wednesday. Come one and all to the circus. They are going to squeeze us into the board room again. Bring plenty of water, it will be very hot and stuffy.
When the grant money runs out we the taxpayers will have to come up with the money to pay for these positions. Actually the grant money is taxpayers dollars to begin with. We have enough admin. to do these new jobs we do not need to hire anymore people. We are going to have more employees then children. Also the children that dropped out already the reason for this is a failed system so why would they want to come back. You did not care about them when they were at the school before. You only care that the drop out numbers are low. It is all about the money. If you have alot of drop outs the state will start questioning. You should of cared about these children before.
The above are good questions that need to be asked at Wednesday's public meeting?
You speak out about issues you do not get a job at the district. Pretty bad. I guess they think I am stupid and do not realize what they are pulling. OK does not matter! I cannot get mad over baby bull! Nothing ever changes in this district.
They play games with people and their jobs all the time. I have spoken to alot of workers at Oley. They are scared to death to speak! Not a nice place at all. I hope the children do not see all the adult administration in their nasty behavior. It is not nice for the children to have to witness this nonsense.
Read This:
Oley stinks!
One would think that the volunteers FOR YEARS at Oley, would be appreciated for the dedicated service, but we can see clearly now...they do not care.
Welcome to Oley
Give til it hurts
then give some more.....
Welcome to Oley?
Not really.
Welcome to Oley.
EXPECT NOTHING, THEN YOU WON'T BE DISAPPOINTED.
Parents dare to speak oh no, but you will take the childrens high test scores! Thats right.
Expect nothing get higher taxes, that is not fair game. Cannot do!
Expect nothing get higher taxes, that is not fair game. Cannot do!
Our grandchildren went to Oley. This was a long time ago. Now our great grandchildren go there. Looks like an entirely different ballgame now. Change is supposed to be for the better.
Project 720 High School Tutors
Project 720 Re-engage Dropout Coordinator
Project 720 Career Day Coordinator.
Do these job descriptions come under the heading of "feather-bedding"?
Maybe.
More likely the heading is "stupidity."
Oh, one more thing. Is this a one-time grant?
How many years does it pay for these empty-headed new jobs, health care, vacations, benefits, salaries and RETIREMENT funds?
I'd bet it's for not more than 3 years -- then we all know who pays again and again and again and again until death.
Those positions might be co-curricular positions which are what coaches, class advisors, yearbook advisor, etc. fall under. I can't see them needing new, full time people to fill those positions. The salaries for co-curricular positions are negotiated between the union and the board at the time those positions are created. I'm sure the board will fill us in on all the details Wednesday evening (sarcasm intended).
Fill us in? Hahaha...Russ, you are tooooooo funny! You're a breath of fresh air. Sadly, you're also correct.
Correct RS and Al are again,again,again.
Go to pedigree.com tonight or tomorrow and PLEASE donate any amount you can. Pedigree will match your pledge. Help them save stray dogs and place them in loving homes.
Nothing to do with OLEY? So what? Have a heart!
Wow what nice person did this district screw now? It seems to me that someone is upset that they did not get a job at our school district but they help out only when called. Well that is going to change.
Did you hear about the poor dog that was not fed in NJ? Some citizens of this district might be having problems putting food on the table for their family. This dog on the other hand was treated very,very badly. I am glad to hear the dog is going to survive.
I know for a fact that this person volunteers, not only going in just when called.
Who is the coward that didn't sign their name to that derogatory Broke Back Mountain reference?
Well, you're not so manly yourself if you're too much of a weasel to identify yourself.
Just because people don't prefer football doesn't make them less of a man. Do you like to hunt, fish, hike, downhill ski, chop wood? If not, In some people's eyes, that would make you a sissy. Are you man enough to honestly express your opinions, whether the majority agree. Of course not, you're anonymous.
Give them all laptops - with wireless media centers - that way they can watch their favorite dirty dancing show while attending a girlie-man soccer game.
An alternate suggestion would be to not give them laptops and instead field, for them, a football team.
chop wood, get real
Who cares if those above named people are gay or straight? That fact would not affect how they have or had spent our tax dollars. Neither would their particular personalities. Like it or not, they were both voted in, as was everyone else. It's 2007, get used to the fact that sexual preferences and great or weird personalities have nothing to do with budgeting tax dollars OR anything else. If they are on the board and can effectively do the job, why would anything else matter? If they are on the board and are totally worthless, that's a different story.
You poor, deluded soul (not to mention being a dope). I live and die for the Eagles and probably know a heckuva lot more about football than you ever will. I would like nothing better than to see football at Oley (why don't you comprehend that? I have said it enough)but all I am asking is HOW ARE THEY GOING TO PAY FOR IT WITHOUT RAISING TAXES?? The board doesn't know or they would have done it already.
Oh, by the way, I guess both Cappa and I are outed now!
Russ do not even bother writing to these idiots!
I hope the school sends the kids home if the snow gets bad, even though it is pssa week, the safety of the children must come first.
"HOW ARE THEY GOING TO PAY FOR IT WITHOUT RAISING TAXES?? "
Easy - Eliminate unneeded stuff - Start with assistant principals, unneeded administration personnel, eliminate any 'elective' subjects that do not have enrollment of 10 kids per year, stop wasting money on silly programs like anti-bullying and senior class projects,just for starts.
Then to really get serious, bring in a consultant (yes that does cost $) that answers to the board, to evaluate all areas of spending, to really determine how much waste is really going on. If need be, pay the consultant a small amount, with a 1 year contigency on savings identified.
If it works, which it would, since the business community has done so many times in the past, patent the process and sell it to all the other schools, recognizing misc. income. (O.K. - I admit, that part is far fetched, but it is fun to think about it like the school is a real business).
Is it wish list time - When the computer people ask for technology upgrades, please ask yourself, and then the administration and the board, how will it be utilized. I am all for investing in technology - but first demonstrate IN DETAIL which courses and what curriculm will utilize the new stuff and how. And then, what is it replacing, reducing which existing costs. In the past it has always been that the cart is in front of the horse - buy it, and then figure out how to use it. Almost like the "field of dreams" - build it and they will come.
Whoever you are you need to get into the Court House and pick up nominating petitions. With ideas like you just stated you need to run for the board.
One of the biggest deficiencies we have with the board is that they have run out of innovative ideas and seem reluctant to try new approaches to education. I don't know if it a result of laziness, a lack of intellectual curiosity, or just a lack of leadership. Whatever it is the bottom line is that we need to elect people this May who have leadership qualities and who do not turn out to be just followers if they get elected.
Wow Oley is doing the right thing today, sending the children home early.
"...Whoever you are you need to get into the Court House and pick up nominating petitions. With ideas like you just stated you need to run for the board..."
I already did. The petitions were made available last week. Today is the first day to collect signatures. If I see you in Oley, I will ask you for your signature.
RS...anyone with a minimal amount of remaining eyesight could clearly see that you are 100% straight. It should not matter, but come on?!?!?!?!?
When will NAMES appear on HERE? We all deserve to know that there's light at the end of the tunnel!!!!!
THE SNOW WILL FALL
THE WIND WILL BLOW
STALE BOARD MEMBERS
OUT THEY GO
BURMA SHAVE!
OUT WITH THE OLD FACES
HAVEN'T GOT A CLUE
BEING THRIFTY
IS NOT TABU
BURMA SHAVE!
A PENNY SAVED
IS A PENNY EARNED
OUR TAX DOLLARS
MAY AS WELL HAVE BEEN BURNED
BURMA SHAVE!
New football cheers
two
four
six
eight
who do we appreciate?
A school board that knows how to budget and cut unnecessary items!
I invite all school board candidates to send their platform to oleytaxpayers@hotmail.com
Please list your name and phone number to confirm identity.
Once the resumes are received, they will be listed on the blog.
An informed voter is a better voter.
For those conspiracists who seem to enjoy getting twisted into a tizzy, now over Project 720, without confirming "the facts":
RS is correct. These are after school programs, not new full-time salaried positions with benefits and retirement costs.
Don't you ever get tired of over-reacting?
And isn't it worth it to provide extra turoring services for those students who need it?
And to help HS dropouts to earn their diploma?
For those so intently focused on "the education of students":
Will anything EVER please you?!
So far, there are 223 school boards that did not raise taxes above the inflation index.
The Oley Valley School District is not on that list.
Yet the 2007-2008 preliminary budget says they have $4,575,400 of money just sitting in funds.
Any board, especially one that is drowning in cash, that raises taxes above the inflation index has only contempt for taxpayers.
More often than not, grant money is a back door tax increase.
The politicians send seed money to start a process the local taxpayer must ultimately fund with higher taxes.
Harrisburg pats itself on the back and the community holds the bag.
Any claims of educational benefit from the Project 720 Grant cannot be taken too seriously if only because the administration and the board think the first priority is to lavish food and praise on themselves at a banquet using these funds.
Only time will tell, if this money creates a better education or just increases the size of a special interest group.
Besides counceling drop-outs, perhaps there could be a support group for idiotic parents that don't give a crap if their son or daughter graduates. Allowing their children's lives to mirror the Dukes of Hazzard is at once pathetic and unforgivable. Wake up folks. In this day and age, the term "drop-out" should be something you've got to look up to find out the meaning.
If your attentions were real the children would not have dropped out in the first place. All you care about are the numbers. You do not want Harrisburg to hold money because of the amount of children dropping out. You should of cared about these children in the first place and then they would still be here "HAPPY". Do not say we are over reacting, we are just watching you and what you are doing with our money. You do not have the childrens interest at heart you only care that the state will not question you and put this district on a warning again. This district is playing more and more games with the people and it will stop believe you me. None of you know what you are doing to be on this board and playing with a $26+ million business "Heckmans words". I hear from the states budget that all the districts in the state are getting more money this year. We should not have any increase with the $4 million sitting here and the extra the state is giving you. Cannot wait to hear your excuses this go around.
Hey Cappa are you back to talk to your fellow citizens? Dale what is up with you? You have been too silent lately!
More nasty things are on the way with this board. We need good honest kind hearted people to run! Cappa, Bieber, Gotwals, Heckman and Maderia say bye-bye. Your time is up. You have done nothing good for this district. Go home!
Hey 4:37, what exactly are "the facts"?
If we were teaching properly in the first instance, we would not need tutors, after school or in school.
How do you fix 6+ years of not learning anything?
How do you fix 7+ years of not learning anything?
How do you fix 8+ years of not learning anything?
How do you fix 9+ years of not learning anything?
How do you fix 10+ years of not learning anything?
How do you fix 11+ years of not learning anything?
Worst of all, how does the school district pass these children along from year to year, saying they cannot hold them back, allow them to graduate, and not know how to READ, WRITE AND DO MATH to function in this world?
WHAT ARE "THE FACTS" ABOUT THIS SITUATION?
Please enlighten us!
You people are a bunch of idiots!
Again I ask, WHAT ARE THE FACTS?
ANY TAKERS ON THIS QUESTION?
Or are we just attacking the messenger again, because you really cannot say anything that proves your point!
SHOW US THE FACTS!
Well, some of you have proven time and time again that you don't know the facts. For instance, my friend is highly involved in the Education Foundation. I know for a FACT that the education foundation paid for the dinner at the Sheraton, not the taxpayers. THAT is a FACT!
...just one example of exactly how factual your "facts" are!
My child is doing very well in Oley Valley. How did he learn to do advanced math if all the teachers are so poor that children are not being educated? I certainly didn't teach him!
Stop that positive talk about teachers in here. We only have the "facts" here. Now, lets rip on the board and admin a but more.
Ding-Dong!
Mr/Ms. Fact Giver:
Are you aware that the Education Foundation is on the check runs from the Oley School District every month?
So much for the Education Foundation paying for the dinner.
And please do not worry yourself, the check runs will be scrutinized very carefully, and I'm sure this arrangement was made after the disrict found out that we knew about the dinner, and had to cover their you know whats.
Besides, if that was the case, I'm sure the Education Foundation would have made this fact known before now.
NICE TRY THOUGH.
Also, I thought the Education Foundation used their money for scholarships, and educational uses, etc. and not for dinners for our illustrious board and administration.
Another tidbit, who donates money to your organization?
Could it be the taxpayers? Once again under a misconception about the use of these funds, as the public probably thinks this money goes to scholarships, etc.
Hard to admit to the facts, isn't it?!? You have the FACTS presented and you still have to try to distort them. The FACT is that the dinner was not paid for in the manner you all presented as FACT. Choose whether or not to donate to the Education Foundation. It's up to you. But don't make statements about who paid for the dinner if you don't really know the facts! As much as we hear that FACTS are presented on here, there is an awful lot of FICTION!
You all scrutinize everything the district does, and it certainly doesn't make any changes. Why does your organization exist, so that you can bash everyone involved in Oley schools? You talk about the board not doing any good, yet what good have you done? Nothing!!!!! If your organization was doing good for the community, you wouldn't be spending your time griping on here. You would be working to make the changes. Obviously no one listens to any of you anymore because your rants are meaningless and often very distorted! Keep up the great work! The changes you've made in the Oley Valley are obviously outstanding! ..riiiight!
Check out the Board of Trustees of the OVCEF:
Board of Trustees
President Gerard G. Johnson
Vice President Henry M. Koch, Jr
Secretary Henry M. Koch, Jr.
Treasurer Kevin D. Howard
Kevin D. Bieber
Tom Kauffman
Margaret Conrad
Gerard G. Johnson
Non-Voting Trustees
Robert A. Heckman
President - Oley Valley School Board
Patricia Rettstadt
Representative – Oley Valley Association
Stacey Yerk
Student Representative
Jeffrey F. Zackon, Ed. D.
Superintendent
Oley Valley School District
WHAT AN INTERESTING MIX OF FOLKS!
The president of the school board;
A teacher in the school district(Oley Valley Association - they left out one word, Oley Valley Education Association - teachers union);
Superintendent of the school distrct
Check out their programs and scholarships:
Computer Classes for Oley residents, staff and alumni.
Teacher Grants
In Service Education
Maintenance of Alumni Database
Senior Project Awards
Scholarship for Seniors
Senior Banquet to recognize outstanding seniors in the district.
No where on this site, do I see dinners for our administrators and board members.
Visit the site.
Hello 11:30:
We have been very effective in getting things noticed by the community, and the fact that the school district had to deal with them is the proof.
Also, the actions of the State with Act 1 backs up the fact that now the school districts will have financial constraints that the school districts will have to follow, and this is what we have been asking for all along - FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY.
Dear 11:27 -
Are you aware that the Education Foundation is on the check runs of the school district every month?
I also wonder if the Education Foundation pays for the office that they have at the school district, or whether or not the school district donates this office.
If so, perhaps the taxpayers would be able to have an office at the school distrct.
Hopefully the school secretaries are not doing any work on school time and getting paid for it by the district for the Education Foundation.
Did I strike a nerve?
Back to 11:27 -
We really are not saying that the board never did anything good, we are just asking for the board to be fiscally accountable for spending our money.
Why is everyone so against fiscal accountability?
No one has ever answered that question, and it has been posted on this blog many, many times.
Why can't the pro-boarders, the feeders answer that question?
Perhaps they do not want the gravy train to end.
Feb 14 - a legit snow day - first in a very long time. I think Oley also needs an ice hockey team - as other Berks county districts have. May as well add it at the same time we add football. Manly sports for RS
The fact is that the Asst. Super told OCC in a telephone converstion that the money for the dinner was being paid for by the grant funds. Also the next day we asked another admin. person and they verified it. They have nerve if they used anyone elses money for the dinner. They have enough of their own to pay the bill. The money that Gerry Johnson gets is for the children for college not for a bunch of hungry stomachs.
Hello everyone pray for Dorrice Lessard a parent of 2 children in our district. She has cancer and needs our prayers.
To 7:26am:
Ice hockey is OK but I'm going to push for lacrosse and rugby. I might also go before the board and lobby for a faculty female mud-wrestling team. Like I said before, this board needs to think outside the box...
The above is what is so good about this blog. We're not just a neighborhood of people that want all the best for our kids. We're real people with real concerns for everyone. God bless Dorrice and her family. Posts will follow as to how anyone can help when needed. God bless us, one and all.
If the "education" foundation used donated money to pay for a dinner, then they are just as wasteful as the district.
USA - 2/14/07
"When Congress reauthorizes President Bush's No Child Left Behind education law in the next year or two, lawmakers almost certainly will add provisions that allow administrators to tie many teachers' jobs to student achievement.
Among recommendations issued Tuesday by the Commission on No Child Left Behind, a blue-ribbon panel assembled by the Aspen Institute, a non-partisan think tank, is a call to assess teachers "by their effectiveness in raising student achievement" rather than just their qualifications. It also proposes using evaluations by principals and fellow teachers. Under the proposal, student achievement would count for no less than half of a teacher's score.
"
Oley Concerned Citizens "Fiscal and Educational Accountability"
It appears those with more expertise in education agree with OCC.
Well, well pro-boarders, board members and anti-OCC, what can you say now? NOTHING!
"Did I strike a nerve?"
11:45 PM
Well you certainly didn't strike any of mine. Why, is that your goal?
"They have nerve if they used anyone elses money for the dinner."
Let me get this straight. Are you saying that you are disappointed to hear that they didn't take the money from the grant? My, my, you people can never be satisfied!
"Well, well pro-boarders, board members and anti-OCC, what can you say now? NOTHING!"
Say to what? I, for one, am anti-bloggers who bash, yet all for teacher accountability. OOpsie! Looks like someone did have something to say! ;)
With very few exceptions, this is one of the most juvenile compilations of "caring statements" that can be found in print.
No, I am not out to strike a nerve. Obviously the people spending our taxpaying money on frivolaties, have no nerves, along with having no brains.
Add to that, NO CONSCIENCE!
Oh please strike a nerve, you are the ones that are unhappy about this blog and that we are putting the facts out here for all to see. Dr. S. told us the grant money was used for the dinner, that is no good, education foundation money used for the dinner, that is no good. The money should of came from your own pockets, not mine. The grant money and the education money is our money, taxpayer money. Using either of these is wrong. You better get it straight on which one was used and at least my child decided not to go and use the taxpayers money for her dinner. She is great and has a conscience, not like you. Go jump in the snow and see you in the spring. You need a long winters nap, your brain is working overtime trying to twist the facts that we put on here. Guess what, it does not work.
"Knock Knock: Concussions From Sports Injuries"
By Rosemarie Scolaro Moser, PhD, ABPN
"The medical community has become enlightened to the seriousness of concussion and to the misunderstanding and myths shared by sports personnel, athletes, medical professionals, and the public regarding concussion identification and treatment. The danger lies in the fact that an alarming number of athletes, coaches, and trainers do not know how to correctly identify concussions and that many physicians are not properly trained in "return to play" decision making.
A brain that has suffered concussion is more vulnerable to repeated hits. Having sustained one concussion increases the risk four to six times of sustaining another concussion. The effects of concussion are cumulative over the span of an athlete's career and, multiple concussions may increase the risk of degenerative brain diseases such as Alzheimer's, cerebral atrophy, and Parkinsonian-like symptomatology.
The statistics are frightening: one in five high school football players sustains a concussion each year.
As the symptoms of concussion can be mild and insidious, often going unnoticed, it is likely that concussion is under-reported and that these statistics underestimate actual frequencies.
In a sports-oriented society that promotes being tough on the field, playing through the injury, and not admitting to brain dysfunction, a Grade 1 or 2 concussion is anything but a "small head bonk."
The denial of concussion in professional athletes is a grim event and in our youth is even more frightening.
This denial begins early in youth sports, is reinforced by society and needs to be re-evaluated.
Football...
Concussions....
Life-long confusion...
Anna Nicole Heckmann?
Where's my jacket?
What time is it?
Have you seen my keys?
Have we met?
Although many citizens are against football because of the obvious cost involved ($$$$) All this attention should not be dumped at the feet of those enthusiastic supporters of football. It's always good to exercise caution in potentially dangerous situations.
This brings up another burning question:
Where is the concern for all the stress which is being placed upon the average family in our area? The stress brought on by these things:
HIGHER TAXES EVERY YEAR
LOWER TEST SCORES
CRAZY WISH LIST ITEMS
IGNORANT BOARD MEMBERS
If anyone doubts what long term effects a concussion or two can have on a person....
Google: Mohammed Ali.
Andre Waters, an ex Philadephia Eagle football player killed himself because of the depression caused by a number of concussions he suffered during his career.
Wondering if anyone from the Oley Valley Community Education Foundation will come forward and make a statement on behalf of the school district regarding the dinner at the Sheraton that they hosted last Tuesday evening.
Perhaps the friend of the highly involved person in the OVCEF would like to identify themself.
Better yet, come to the board meeting tomorrow night and let us meet you.
Or perhaps you will already be there!
Oh you silly people! It was one of your own who asked (ever so arrogantly) if they struck a nerve.
You are stupid. The occ is smart. We have the facts. You dont have the facts. The occ has all the facts. You just wish you were as smart as the occ but your not.
10:02 Why on earth would the person desire to come meet you? Do you think he/she would be intimidated by that comment? Trust me...such would not be the case! I doubt very much that he/she would have any inclination to attend the board meeting for the sole purpose of meeting you. I surely wouldn't!
And just who may you be?
I was not trying to intimidate. Just merely asking that the person who is stating this as fact, show their face.
We don't have a problem attending the meetings and speaking our thoughts.
Why should they?
What are they afraid of?
Perhaps they are afraid of losing their job.
Let's ask the question again.
What is wrong with desiring the school district to be fiscally accountable to the taxpayers?
Still no answer.
In reviewing the fine print of Project 720, there are details that should be of concern to local taxpayers.
Replace large high schools with smaller schools and/or smaller learning communities (SLCs) ranging from 300-600 students.
The district received a grant of $46,000. This will not pay for smaller schools or the redesigning existing buildings.
Only a substantial increase in school property taxes will accomplish that task.
Bolster the counselor role so that it becomes an integral part of the school's academic program.
This objective certainly sounds like the district will be adding permanent personnel not part time employees. Our enrollment does not justify an increase in staff.
We have teachers, teacher’s aides, substitutes,floaters, and guidance counselors.
Now they want even more “counselors” to do what the existing staff should be doing in the first place.
There is no accountability to the program. If a district does not meet standards, nothing happens.
The entire process has the stench of the Master Learning charade sold as the savior to education not too long ago.
Mastery Learning was nothing more than the educrats dusting off a failed program in New York and repackaging it for Pennsylvania.
Politicians loved it because it made them appear to care about education.
The teacher's union and the administrators loved it because it added more people and raised salaries.
Districts spent millions of tax dollars implementing ML, only to have it fail because it did not work.
Now we have a glossy new experiment marketed by the same culprits.
Project 720 is nothing more than a Trojan horse full of tax increases disguised as improvements.
This actually is a valid question.
It would be nice to see someone step up to the plate and provide an answer.
Any news on Nextel agreement?
Can't wait to see the preliminary budget tomorrow evening.
Kind of a time crunch, isn't it?
I'm sure Harrisburg will let you slide again for not submitting your reports on time.
I guess the snow really is a good excuse.
Have all your other reports been sent in a timely manner, as now there are fines that will be assessed?
Just in case you didn't know that.
"...If anyone doubts what long term effects a concussion or two can have on a person....
Google: Mohammed Ali..."
Just one more reason, in a very long list of reasons, which starts with boring, to eliminate soccer!!!!
Oley the only school with a 2 hour delay today, did someone have to twist Zackons hand to change it to closed. I am sure he is not happy at this point. Is the meeting still on tonight? PSSA's can wait. Childrens safety is more important.
"Just one more reason, in a very long list of reasons, which starts with boring, to eliminate soccer!!!!"
Typical remark from a "parent" who cares more about his ego than his children.
Typical remark from a "parent" who cares more about his ego than his children.
...Her ego not his ego and grand children not children
All of that shoveling at the school! Was most of it snow?
Heard football is a thing of the past.
Dr. C. and Dr. S. not at the board meeting last night, whats up? Did they not want to answer questions? Did Dr. C. not want to vote on something? He lives on Main St. and can walk to the meeting. Dr. S. lives far away.
Who is Dr. S.?
I believe that would be me. I'm Dr. Suess. I don't like football, but I bet I'd love the hat you're wearing!
Oh me! Oh my! What a lot of funny things go by.....
Dr. S. is the Asst. Super
Referendum Nixes Football
At the Combined Meeting, February 15 2007, the current school board informed the football alliance, they would not be supporting their program.
The primary reason was financial. Football would cost too much money to the point it would force the district to submit their budget to referendum almost on a yearly basis.
The board and the football representatives did not want to face the prospect of rejection by the community.
Otherwise, the district would need to make substantial cuts in either education or extra-curricula activities.
The other reason cited were “bullying” tactics of the alliance. More than one school board member expressed displeasure at being threatened if they did not vote for football.
Any major non-state mandated program added to a budget, which does not have a referendum exemption feature, will face an uphill battle for approval.
The threat of a voter approval now requires all boards to prioritize their expenditures.
To make this control even more effective, the voter should contact their state representative and request they adopt an amendment to drop the ten exemptions to the referendum.
The justification of spending grant money on Project 720 caused some irritation for the superintendent and the board.
The educators are advertising Project 720 as a program to improve education. When questions arose trying to identify those improvements, board president Robert Heckman at the urging of board member Kerry Madeira, declared the inquiries as “ill relevant”. The board would not answer any more questions on the agenda topic.
There is the opinion that Project 720 is nothing more than another expensive educational experiment designed to add staff and raise salaries.
Bullying - what a laugh.
Leadership is missing!
The board members are all puppets to the big guy. We have over $4 million in funds available for football, track, education etc. The board is still raising our taxes again for the how many years? So many years in a row it makes peoples stomach turn. This board needs to be replaced this year. The football people need to run and really know were all the money that we give this school actually goes. The storming out of the meeting last month by the football people did not help the matter. Once you anger the board that is it. I have spoken to the board of issues and they have gotten so angry that know the minute they see me they give me evil looks and point their finger at me if I dare to ask anything. They do not want the public to know what they are spending our money on. The football people should argue that we have over $4 million that could be used for alot of things. The board picks and chooses what they want to do with that money and the heck with all of us including the children.
Look on the bright side, Oley can still say it has at least one manly sport - Girls Field Hockey!
Aren't those sticks weapons - against school policy.
PS: Please no stupid comments about ego's or whether I worry about my children's academics. They are on the honor roll.
Mine toooo are on honor roll but I still worry and want the board to be held responsible for what they are screwing up in this district.
"ill relevant"
???
I agree with 11:19. They say they do things for the children but I would argue different. Education must come first even before football and the track. With all the money sitting at our school district we should be able to give the children what they need/want. Even if you would try football out for a year or two. The football people say they have money to start the program for the first year. I tell you if you upset the board which is easy to do they never do forget. I hope the football people will continue the youth program.
With or without football we need the board replaced. Now is the time for serious changes.
Well, it looks like the board made their first intelligent decision.
tell the truth, Al!
"Well, it looks like the board made their first intelligent decision."
What was that, to raise the tax to the max and apply for an exemption to raise it more?
At least the millage will be high enough to support football next year!!!
I'm waiting to see the OCC change their stance on the football program now that the board disagrees with it....
OCC for FOOTBALL!!!
Please everyone attend the next board meeting, to hear yet another board blunder.
What happened to three strikes, YOU'RE OUT!
When are you ever going to get it RIGHT????????????
We were not against football, we just said that we were not going to pay for it, and we should not have to pay for it.
You have been told time and time again, that had this school district been fiscally responsible for the past 9 or so years, we probably would have had the money to pay for this program.
Don't get angry with us.
Ask the school board why they spent the taxpayers' money on frivolaties, such as dinners for the administration, the best of the best furniture for Zackon's office, and the multitude of ridiculous things that some of the staff just had to have.
That is where the money went. That is why this district cannot afford to have football. It has nothing to do with the OCC and everything to do with mismanagement of this school district.
If you do not believe it, go up and look at the books for yourself.
The school board have the taxpayers embroiled in a $1.4 million dollar lawsuit.
I guess you want to blame that on the OCC too.
Most of you people just don't get it or don't care.
If that's the case, why don't you just SHUT UP?
Asking for fiscal accountability is not a crime, but misuse of taxpayers money is.
Oh, and I forgot the $1.4 million dollar track, that some leprechaun in the woods behind the school is going to loan us.
Ooh, "Why don't you just shut up," says she (or he). Now we're getting reeeealllly classy! ;)
Good point from the football fan! The board opposses it, so the occ must now be for it. Looks like the hardline occ people are between a rock and a hard place. Either the board made a wise decision (couldn't possibly admit that one, could you?!?) or you think that Oley Valley should have a football program (and that would make you a pro-football occ - wow! imagine that!). I think it would kill some of you to admit to either of those statements, yet one of them must be the correct position.
Yeah, especially from some of you who like to brag that you have all the "facts."
Let's see.....
-The board is going to take properties by eminent domain...
-The taxpayers payed for the dinner at the Sheraton...
Gee, what other "facts" are you going to claim to know?!?!?!
Hello 11:17 - I admitted that the board finally made an intelligent decision.
Do you know how to read?
Cindy Smith
P.S. You can hound us on all you want, but we are not afraid to make statements and we are not afraid to put our name to them, as are you cowards.
It really irritates you that you cannot goad us, doesn't it.
By the way, the taxpayers did pay for the dinner, any whay you place it on the table, friend.
By the way, we don't brag that we have all the facts, but we certainly do have some.
Please excuse the typo in my entry.
Should have been way instead of way.
CS
Way instead of whay.
CS
The Board did make the correct decision about the Football Program. As someone else has already pointed out: had it not been for all of the wasted millions, a new progam "for the students" would be possible. It is also disappointing for all of the people who've worked so hard to field this new program. But, realistically, somethings gotta give. Strong academics and living within our means should be our first priority before adding any new sports programs.
My disappointment with the board is their apparent reasoning for refusing the program. And it isn't that they want to be more responsible with the tax payers money because it is the right thing to do. Their refusal of the football program is because "the state won't let them increase our taxes beyond our ability to pay" for any new programs.
Sadly, nobody really wins here. Our schools academic achievement is far below what it ought to be based on what we're spending. Yet most people don't seem to care as long as they get all the frills they want "at any cost." This is a disservice to the children, and has divided the community once again.
Laugh all you want about the "olden" days, but we used to have exceptional academic achievement and winning sports teams at a cost that everyone could afford.
How true that is.
I was part of the FIRST Berks County Field Hockey Championship back in 1973, which Oley WON, and am very proud of that fact.
In fact, that year I believe all our sports teams did exceedingly well.
SOCCER
HOCKEY
BASKETBALL
WRESTLING
TRACK
CROSS COUNTRY
BASEBALL
SOFTBALL
BAND
ORCHESTRA
SCHOOL MUSICALS
And guess what, we enjoyed school, pulled a few pranks, and THE TEACHERS WERE INVOLVED TO A VERY GREAT DEGREE!
And I also think the teachers had FUN.
We did not have administrators that had to have the best wood furniture available, employees and staff actually WORKED, and the students were actually taught.
"It really irritates you that you cannot goad us, doesn't it."
Not at all, dearie. I think I'm doing a pretty good job of it! heehee
So it looks like that is your only reason to be on here - to make trouble, not offer any solutions, as you accuse us of.
Really you're not goading, as we were on this blog first, and it obviously is our bloging that irritates you folks.
That's the last you'll hear about the goading subject from me, sorry to disappoint you.
And I will continue to write about the issue of the school district spending the taxpayers' money with reckless abandon.
Have a great day.
CS
"Dearie"?? I haven't heard that one since the Wicked Witch of the West said it to Dorothy. Oh well...
As to the question of whether the OCC will now be pro-football, my first answer would be that people who identify with the OCC are individuals that can decide for themselves whether they support football or not. The OCC is not a formal organization. They do not pay dues, have membership cards, officers or hold meetings. Hopefully the day will come when they do have those things but it hasn't happened yet.
The people who support the OCC do not take marching orders from anyone but, instead, march to their own drummer. I am not responsible for how anyone else thinks, acts or who they support and they are not going to influence me, either.
At this point we do not know the names of the people running for school board so I, personally, can't say who I will support. I will say, however, that I will vote for the five BEST candidates. If some of those happen to be current board members then I will vote for them. If some of them are pro-football people I will vote for them. First and formost, thouigh, I will support the candidates that are the most pro- education and pro-taxpayer. I will not support someone just because they are not currently on the board. Electing a non-incumbent doesn't guarantee anything.
I hope all of us attend the "candidate forums" and put each and every candidate on the hot seat so, hopefully, we can elect a board that will reflect the goals and desires of all of us: improved education and fiscal restraint.
OCCFA
Oley Conerned Citizens Football Alliance!
...I hope all of us attend the "candidate forums" and put each and every candidate on the hot seat so, hopefully, we can elect a board that will reflect the goals and desires of all of us: improved education and fiscal restraint...
What forum. There has not been a forum in several election cycles to the best of my knowledge.
There was one four years ago sponsered by the Oley Business Association but none in the last cycle. I hope some organization conducts one but I won't hold my breath.
Remember that you don't have to vote for five candidates. If only one or two appeal to you then just bullet-vote for those. Not only are you voting for your favorite but you are denying a vote to the other candidates by not voting for them. It's like giving your candidate an extra vote.
disappearing inkkkkkkkk?
Yes what ever happen to those comments earlier today? They happened to be the truth! We only want the people to know what is going on in this district and who is running the show.
It is high time we all start getting serious on what the heck is going on in this district. Wake up people and smell the coffee. Start coming to the meetings and asking questions. Your childrens education should be a high priority. Your tax dollars are being wasted on non-educational items including dinners etc.
Why is everyone around here so afraid to speak up and to ask questions? If it weren't for this blog, nobody would feel comfortable asking any questions at all. Thank goodness we have this comfort zone for asking questions. I don't see one anywhere else around town.
They are not afraid - they just don't care.
"That's the last you'll hear about the goading subject from me, sorry to disappoint you."
Don't worry....no disappointment here! ;)
...They're not afraid...they just don't care....???
I think it's more than apathy. Parents know that many things can and have been taken out on their children, just because the parents had the "gall" to speak up.
Silence is NOT golden. The day that all the citizens zip their lips is the day our military is waking up and fighting for our freedoms every day...for NOTHING.
Speak your mind on here, and anywhere else it's appropriate.
Most in the military don't think they are fighting for nothing...it's just the liberal media that thinks we are fighting for nothing, and the American public just nods in lockstep with them....LONG LIVE FOX NEWS!
Let the veterans tell you the truth. Our Military doesn't get sent anywhere for kicks.
The Liberal media is not and will not put words in my mouth.
Never was and never will be a liberal. They have 1/2 a brain like our liberal school board that spends out money on everything non-educational and puts our children at risk of failing.
our not out and not all our money goes to non-educational items but alot of it does.
Not all of the school board members are liberal. Gotwals isn't. Neither is Beiber or Madiera.
Not true to the above statement,
There have only been a handful of no votes over the last three years.
Doesn't sound too conservative to me.
If these folks call themselves "conservatives," they need to WALK the TALK. Talk is cheap, their votes are costing us a fortune.
The 2007-2008 budget will have the seventh consecutive millage increase.
The district has $4,500,000 sitting in off-budget funds that could be used for a no-tax increase 2007-2008 budget.
In the last two years, the board could have passed no-tax increase budgets as well.
The board hides a "big ticket list" from the public.
Yet, the business manager accuses the state for not sending enough money!
For what??
...If these folks call themselves "conservatives," they need to WALK the TALK. Talk is cheap, their votes are costing us a fortune...
Let us not try to paint with the proverbial broad brush. I don't care if someone is called or calls themselves a liberal or a conservative, a democrat or a republican. All the labels are worthless.
What is needed is real debate in the public. For the most part, watching the votes, I don't believe anyone really knows the details that are being voted on (public or board).
When questions are asked, they are asked with an obvious unfriendly agenda in mind, and it is also obvious that the best interest of the students are not at the heart of the questions. This in turn makes the board balk at the questions and/or questioner, and act like children themselves, and the end result is that nobody is happy, we taxpayer's are getting an adequate (at best) education for our children and grand children, and we are over taxed for the service rendered.
Time to be adults, drop the agenda, and pursue true reform. Education accountability first and foremost! If the school is properly held accountable for the educational requirements, the fiscal concerns will be easier to identify and correct. Constant badgering the board about this fund balance and that fund balance isn't working, has not been working and will not work. Showingg that this teacher stinks, and that class does not belong and should be eliminated is where both educational and fiscal responsibility will be found.
Like at every level of government, when something is added, something should be eliminated! That is only logical because the school day is not getting any longer, so no one is working any harder (students or employees).
For Lent I will be giving up this blog site. I will continue to read it and I am sure I will agree with the OCC, but the time has come that I step back and take care of my own needs. This has caused me great physical pain of what this board does to our citizens and children. Changes from the top on down is needed asap.God Bless the OCC for starting this site for all to see what is going on in this district.
“Education accountability first and foremost! If the school is properly held accountable for the educational requirements, the fiscal concerns will be easier to identify and correct.”
If the board does not want to be fiscally accountable voluntarily, the idea that the board will be educationally accountable voluntarily does not understand the problem.
The proof of this is that the state and federal governments instituted fiscal and educational controls to force educators to be responsible.
If the board would be so amenable to "true reform", why are they hiding the “big ticket list” from the public?
“Constant badgering the board about this fund balance and that fund balance isn't working, has not been working and will not work.”
Requiring the board to be forthright about finances may be “badgering” to some but it is considered accountability to others. Requiring a governing body to be honest is not a bad thing.
Very few people in the community are aware of the millions sitting in off-budget funds, and this is for a reason.
The administration and the board do not want to talk about other substantial funds during their “show” deliberations. They claim the Fund Balance, Capital Reserve Fund, and the Capital Project Funds are not part of the “operational budget”, therefore it will not be addressed.
If that were the case, then they need to explain why they can transfer these funds to the General Fund for operational needs.
The truth of the matter is that these funds have a considerable influence on the total expenditures the district makes during the year and ultimately, millage increases.
Because the district refuses to reveal the “big ticket list”, it is suspected the off-budget funds are nothing more than a taxpayer financed slush fund for incumbents to spend on wish-list items to be re-elected.
The board blames the state for their budgeting problems, but the truth of the matter is that they have more than enough money to meet legitimate educational needs.
“Time to be adults, drop the agenda, and pursue true reform”
Were it not for people demanding accountability, we would not have the federal and state requirements of today.
Cheer leading does not get the job done. Those in charge of the money and power have a vested interest to maintain the status quo and to prevent change.
There is still a lot of room for the board to waste money in spite of these legislated controls.
Local participation should address this area. Presenting the community with the financial information the district sends to the state is part of the process.
"OCC (AL) - What is more important - The kids education, which will lead to their success and ability to obtain a viable job, allowing them to contribute to society and help sustain our community/country, or the current fiscal irresponsibility that our school board (as well as every other governmental agency all the way up through the SSA and VA).
This question needs to be answered by selecting 1 or the other. Trying to parse the issue, and reframe issue to satisfy your agenda is equally unfair to the community as are the actions of the school board.
What is the OCC's position on the current curriculm as well as the suggested changes to the curriculm. Will they be benificial to the overall education of the children, or will the not adequately educate the children in the future. I am sure that the OCC has reviewed the academic impact on the changes, sinces it stands for: fiscal and EDUCATIONAL accountability.
Needless to say, I do not agree with you 11:19am response, and do not believe that you are as concerned with the education as much as your are concerned w/ saving yourself a buck. I would love to reduce taxes, but not at the expensive of the future of the country.
1. Advocate that we re-institute a draft - for males only.
2. Advocate that we deploy and remain for the duration, as we did in WW11 and Korea. Do not repeat the annual deployment "temporary war" errors of Vietnam.
3. Advocate high school football for Oley.
4. Advocate indoor ice hockey for Oley.
Either agree with me and vote for a conservative ticket, as real men do, or continue to vote for the politically correct Heckman/Cappa brigade of girlie men, spend- thrift, self serving megalomaniacs.
To: 12:01pm
I don't believe you have to select one or the other (kids' education or fiscal responsibility). Both goals can be achieved if the right approach is taken. The problem is one of degrees. That is, some people want no additional money spent on new programs while others want some money spent but not too much and yet others are willing to go along with "the sky's the limit" approach where no amount of money is enough as long as it's "for the children" The job and responsibilty of the board and administration is to run the district in a practical, responsible manner. That means being open with everyone and forthcoming on both long range and short range plans.
"What is the OCC's position on the current curriculum..."
What part are you referring to? The curriculum, as you know, consists of all the courses currently offered from Kindergarten through 12th grade.
As to changes in the curriculum, the district makes changes every year in various areas of curriculum. These changes are usually done after study and internal debate. Usually, though, the changes do not require a large expenditure of funds.
the only
concern I ever had with major changes in curriculum, such as the time they introduced a new reading program in the elementary school, was that they pilot the program and phase it in (which we did).
As I said previously, the OCC isn't made up of people who look to Al Jacobs before they decide what to think or say. The OCC, as such, does not have any positions other than fiscal responsibility and quality education. Each person who identifies themselves with the OCC has their own idea how those should be attained. Even those on here that deride the OCC have ideas about how we can meet those goals. So, in effect, you too are an Oley Concerned Citizen.
...1. Advocate that we re-institute a draft - for males only.
I agree, but only take those OVER the age of 65.
2. Advocate that we deploy and remain for the duration, as we did in WW11 and Korea. Do not repeat the annual deployment "temporary war" errors of Vietnam.
Too expensive. We need to hold our military officials FISCALLY responsible, and support the troops (just the way the OCC advocates the needs of the school).
3. Advocate high school football for Oley.
Since most kids don't start school at the age of 5 anymore, we can't because based on silly suggestions of a draft, most of the 12th grade will be in the armed forces.
4. Advocate indoor ice hockey for Oley.
Sounds great! Please volunteer to write the request the referendum exclusion.
Thank god Wednesday is ASH Wendsay. I like an earlier post of giving up the blog during lent. I believe I will follow suit with them.
God bless, and I will blog with you after Easter.
'So, in effect, you too are an Oley Concerned Citizen.'
RS: You could not be more correct! I am extremely concerned with the operations of the school. I believe that the academic performance of the school are horible. This concerns me a great deal since I have children. I recieved an adequate (best adjective that I can write) education from schoo 20+ years ago, and I truly believe that the children today are recieving less of an education than I did. Therefore, I do believe that fiscal considerations are important, but before those considerations are at the forefront of the boards thought process, substantial thought, idea's and concerns need to be expressed and explained to the board to be properly addressed.
I unfortunately, don't see much concern for the quality of education being expressed in this blog.
However, RS, your response is greatly appreciated, because it does not invoke emotion, but is based in logic.
Let's all get in line behind the beat of AL's drum....
What Russ says is correct. OCC has no dogma that everyone must follow. They have the freedom to express their views without time or participation restrictions. You will not find this freedom of expression at a board meeting.
“"OCC (AL) - What is more important - The kids education, which will lead to their success and ability to obtain a viable job, allowing them to contribute to society and help sustain our community/country, or the current fiscal irresponsibility that our school board (as well as every other governmental agency all the way up through the SSA and VA).”
“The kids education” is too broad a statement. You will have to be more precise in your definition.
Some take advantage of this rallying cry to increase salaries and benefits, to be elected to office, or to impose non-educational wish list spending on the community.
“Trying to parse the issue, and reframe issue to satisfy your agenda is equally unfair to the community as are the actions of the school board.”
I think when we hear your definition of education, we will have a clearer understanding of your position, as well.
“What is the OCC's position on the current curriculm as well as the suggested changes to the curriculm.”
Previously, the educrats marketed various slick programs under the guise of improving education. The only improvements were salaries, benefits, and a larger special interest group.
The most recent charade appears to be Project 720. There is no accountability for this program. Accountability meaning, goals are met in a certain period. If the standards are not reached, then a new person who can accomplish the task is hired and replaces the person who does not do the job.
When I asked questions about Project 720 at a board meeting, I was told they were not relevant and they refused to answer any further inquiries. Mind you, the new enterprise was on the agenda and we are spending $46,000 of grant money on it.
The state requires all students to be “proficient” by 2014. Unlike in the past, the district could just coast knowing there would be no penalties for failure.
The education system is loaded with degreed individuals, bachelor degrees, masters’ degrees and PhD degrees.
If these highly paid “experts” cannot figure out how to reach “proficiency”, which is not a perfect score, but just a proficient grade, then to we need to find new people.
The board will not implement any remedy from a citizen that infers fiscal or educational inadequacy on the system’s part. You would be accused of micro-managing and having an agenda.
Those with the real expertise know all of this, and that is the major reason why controls and goals were forced on school districts.
Accountability with teeth is my recommendation for improving the curriculum for students. This is the state’s mandate, as well.
Nothing motivates people who ride the gravy train to make a better effort than to know there will be stops along the way for them if they do not produce.
“Needless to say, I do not agree with you 11:19am response, and do not believe that you are as concerned with the education as much as your are concerned w/ saving yourself a buck.”
You seem to forget we are talking about how the district spends money and how much they have in off-budget funds, millions.
You talk about improving education, but you have no comments about wasteful spending.
Wasteful spending does affect the quality of “education”.
How would you spend $1,400,000 “bucks”, on a track or on books?
Draft for males only...and only over age 65? We will win that war in no time flat. Because..."most" adults which are age 65+ were raised by TWO PARENTS. They were given guidelines to function within, and believe me, WE DID and WE DO. We were taught true discipline, and we turned out to be "kids" our families could be proud of all the time. We were educated in schools that concentrated in basic education. We played basketball, baseball, and YES..football. Back then, we didn't think of law suits, we were thinking of things like WINNING the GAME. We played our hearts out in every available sport. We knew the years we spent in school were the best our community had to offer and we didn't take it for granted. If we didn't have GREAT report cards, we didn't even think of going out for sports. If we brought home bad grades, it only happened once. Usually in 7th grade...you know...when kids realize they are smarter than the rest of the world. The phase usually passes sometime during a boiling hot summer school math class.
So, if you're wishing to draft only guys that are 65 and older...don't say you weren't warned about the outcome. We're not wimps. We're not afraid to fight for our country. We already know the drill. Most of us never got a decent "Thank You" for the years we spent serving our country, yet we'd do it again in a heartbeat.
God bless our soldiers all over the world. God bless all the students that are planning a military career. You already stand out in the crowd, and we are proud of you.
Water, water everywhere
except for Oley...
Why can't they at least get
the water problems solved?
Is the water problem a school matter or is it Township/Water Authority Issue.
The school web site a 'water main' break. Therefore it should affect more than just the schools!
Question directed (primarily) towards LB and RS:
As teachers that teach specific topic (MS and HS) retire, is it automatic that the school hires replacement.
The jist of my question surrounds new technologies. I have friends that home school. Their education is based on a subscription to web casted classrooms. They are 'live' wand interactive with the teachers via IM (instant messenger).
As the school loses some of its specialty teachers, would it ever become a viable alternative to have the class taught remotely, or is the a fundamently educational issue that would not allow such an idea. The pesimist in me says it would get shot down by a union contract, but I don't know that.
I was wondering if the school would ever consider it as a pilot project upon a resignation before running out and hiring new.
Again this would have to be a specialty/subject teacher, not a 'all subject' teach like at the elementary school.
Please comment on the idea and/or the pitfalls.
....the pesimist in me says it would get shot down by a union contract....
Frankly speaking....Wake up and smell the espresso. SHOT is your key word. Look no further.
It is always the case that when a teacher retires a new one is hired to replace them. Normally they are hired right out of college so the district realizes a savings of 25 to 30 thousand a year in salary per retiree. I wish they could do like private industry does and go out and recruit the best available person. For instance, if a math teacher retires, the district should be able to go out in the market and recruit a superior math teacher from another school and pay them accordingly. Sure, it would cost more but you would be getting a highly qualified math teacher which would improve the overall math program in the school. This method of hiring would certainly be better for the students and their education.
The district tried distance learning several years ago and it didn't seem to work real well. I don't know if they still have any distance learning courses but, even if they did have remote courses, the union requires a certified teacher to be present in the room. There would be no savings there...
...The district tried distance learning several years ago and it didn't seem to work real well. I don't know if they still have any distance learning courses but, even if they did have remote courses, the union requires a certified teacher to be present in the room. There would be no savings there...
What is a certified teacher. Several ladies in the district have taken the BCIU class which certifies them as 'substitute' teachers. Would they count, especially if the curriculm made these classes half year classes, not full year classes.
Or does certified teacher mean a card carrying member of the teachers union.
A teacher can be "certified" and not be a member of the union. I may be wrong but I think the BCIU certification for substitutes is a temporary certification. I can't answer the question as to whether they would be allowed to proctor a distance learning class. Things change so much all the time and I haven't been involved in school business for over three years (it seems even longer than that).
As to Distance Learning, it is a very good concept and used by a lot of smaller Private Schools, that do not have enough enrollment to justify a full-time teacher. However, scheduling is a nightmare for relatively larger public schools -- because "live" distance learning classes are at a specific time and every school needs to schedule accordingly. This often impossible because of conflicting school calendars and block scheduling vs. traditional scheduling, etc.
My real problem with the way curriculum is established these days is that it's goal is NOT in the interest of teaching necessary basics and then building upon them as a foundation in subsequent years. Instead, the system welcomes young, inexperienced teachers, because seasoned professionals cannot stomach teaching to the [pssa] test and calling it "education." In fact, there was a huge push to have older teachers retire just at the time that PA drastically changed traditional education to outcome based education (mastery learning). Many fine teachers who've retired have personally told me, even without the attractive retirement incentives, they could not have, in good conscience, used the new teaching methods (note, they did not refer to it as "education").
There is also a serious problem with the way teachers create "their lesson plans," which often replace formal curriculum and/or text books. The PA School Code requires the School Board to approve ALL curriculum before it is used in the classroom. When this was pointed out to the board when I served in the mid-90's, it was regarded as a non-issue. I was regarded as an idiot for caring that we were violating the Pa School Code by allowing un-approved lesson plans in place of approved curriculum.
The system of education in use today is flawed. Instead of teaching students "how" to think, it teaches them "what" to think. So, the results will never get better, nomatter how much we spend or desire to improve things, although the system requires more and more teachers to pre-test, re-test and test, facilitate and remediate every student to meet the standard expected outcome. Students taking the pssa who think outside of the box and do not complete subjective writing segments to the accepted outcome will get lousey test scores. Which doesn't mean they aren't smart, it often means that they're not dumb sheep. Give me the former education methods anyday.
Please search the web for references to Mastery Learning and Outcome Based Eduction. See what the experts have to say.
Hello. Does anyone out there in blogland realize the strength and power of the teacher's union?
Yes, of course we know how powerful the NEA and PSEA are -- the most powerful unions in the world. That's why we will never get back to good education. The new method of teaching requires many, many more union members, and the NEA was instrumental in manipulating the politicians to institute this latest fad in education -- at the children's eternal ruin.
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