The property tax relief package is a “scam” according to one Oley Valley School District board member. He wanted them to pass a resolution to have House Bill 1 repealed.
For most seniors and the low-income households, the bill is not a trick because it will provide relief.
The real savings to all taxpayers is the threat of referendum control placed on future budgets not the redistribution of earned income taxes or the sharing of gambling proceeds.
A school board does not want to test the waters of exposing proposed spending to voters. The potential rejection by the taxpayers is not good politics.
Even with a generous inflation index and with liberal exemptions to the index, the board chafes at the idea of sharing power.
The influence of the referendum is so strong that the Pennsylvania School Board Association has at the top of their 2007 legislative platform the following goal: "Supports legislation that would relieve school districts from the impact of the back-end referendum requirements of Act 1 of Special Session 2006, including efforts to expand the number and scope of exceptions
The Pennsylvania State Education Association will spend considerable time and money to "oppose public referenda on school budgets in any form and by any name"
Board members will privately pretend to side with citizens who will not benefit from the tax relief package. However, the real motivation is to go back to the good old days of carte blanche budgets.
The district plans to have “talks” with various groups in the valley about House Bill 1. Perhaps, an impartial presenter should be the messenger.
Posts
400 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 400 of 400How's this for short and to the point?
Old story or not, ANY professional that puts his/her opinion IN PRINT, and then mails it to a senior citizen, DYING OR NOT, didn't really learn ANYTHING in school, or in life.
There is nothing stale about that theory. It should never come into play by anyone, to anyone. It was, and still is, a disgrace.
If the person in question truly believed that he did nothing wrong by writing that letter, then that person would have dropped the subject by now. You'll notice...they are still carrying the ball. Must be a reason.
END.
"For the past year, the public has been challenging the building of a track ..."
Correction: AJ and CS have been challenging the building of a track, others in the community are glad to see the high school's updates and upgrades being accomplished. Unless the district plans to build a new high school, the community should be glad to see these improvements being made to the 45 year old building.
"The school board's unwillingness to be fiscally responsible is behind the state's action to put controls on district budgets."
Correction: Legislators agreed to Act 1 because they want to be re-elected and used the "property tax reduction" sham to their own benefit. If it was such a good idea, they would have made the increased PIT or EIT a requirement across the state. But no, they didn't want to strap themselves to that grenade.
Because -- "There is a law that will force them to act in a fiscially responsible manner." As previously explained, and ignored by the OCC, when it detonates (in districts approving budgets to the index max. or risk a lower index the following year) the legislators will not be the ones blamed, it will be the school directors.
And O'Pake will eventually be re-elected, fast Eddie will have taken care of his mafia buddies and the Phila. schools at our expense, while not even coming close to 50% funding of public schools in his budget.
Hello 4:20:
I never said I was against the track, so whoever you are, you better watch your tongue.
I even posted on here some blogs ago, that I was not against the track.
I know we need a new track. I was against spending $1.4 million dollars on a new track. There were less expensive options, but for some reason, some of you had tunnel vision!
Is it possible to get that through your thick skull.
Before you quote me on this subject, you had better be sure you know what I said and how I feel.
And if you want to discuss this further, show up at a board meeting and talk to me personally. At least I have the guts to attend and listen and speak.
Cindy Smith
P.S. Incidentally, I would like to see the school district spend just a little money on field trips for the children, so that every child in the district can attend, especially since these days are counted as a day of school for the children and the teachers, and incidentally, if the parents are asked to pay for an entrance fee for these trips, as I have paid for my children for the last three or so years, then this day cannot be counted as a school day, and this is per the PENNSYLVANIA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION.
Another fine example of Oley School District thinking they are above the LAW!
Another fine "isolated" example. I'm pretty sure we're just scratching the surface on that avenue.
Dear "End,"
Did you even read RC's explanation about the letter. I think Cindy Smith should probably refrain from telling people they have "thick sculls" when the collective pot appears to be calling the kettles black!
Hugs,
Just the beginning
*skulls
Anonymous 3:46 PM, April 01, 2007 and 3:48 PM, April 01, 2007.
Just two minutes between posts! Got to do better than than Doc.
I'm not pretending to be two different people. ...and yes, this is post #3 from me.
Doc writes blogs praising himself, what pity. Thick skulls with no brains is more like it. And yes
Cindy Smith is correct. The Doc should be the one refraining from the attacks. There is only so much the people of this district is going to take.
Only the beginning is that a threat or a promise? Hugs my ---.
Cappa has had enough chances to tell us the real facts and has chosen to be an attacker to the messenger.
We know who is telling us the truth and his initials are not RC.
Hugs to you toooooooo!
What do you have your wife writing while you are writing? What a retirement you are having? Have some fun why don't you. Do some traveling. See the sites! Take a break!! Move!
Also you knew that Don had cancer but you still wrote that letter. And for the person that is sick of listening to us talk about this letter, why don't you ask Cappa what he wrote. He is one nasty man. God Bless Don Levan.
I feel sorry Don ever went to your office while you were in practice.
"Unless the district plans to build a new high school, the community should be glad to see these improvements being made to the 45 year old building."
A track is not part of the building unless the plan to put it on top of the high school.
"Don't you remember learning in English 101 that the most effective writing is short and to the point?"
The Doc you should take some of his own medicine.
Looks like Mary Swartz has her crystal ball out and her mind reader aluminum foil hat on again.
You go girl!
It must be another impostor!
MS was away all weekend visiting her sick relative!
Come on people, you can do better than that!
God Bless her Aunt.
Did the relative get sick before or after she got there?
Chust chokin'
I think Mary was back in town by 9:01PM last night.
What did we tell you about putting my wife's name on here. She was out all weekend till after 10pm last night. How dare you talk about her Aunt. Keep her name off this blog.
She has more important things on her mind then you.
AS
Dear 8:43
How about brushing up on your etiquette? You could ask some of the other "lengthy" bloggers how to go about writing hurtful comments about, or to, the elderly, ill, and/or dying.
Oh Mary, we know Andy is an educated man and uses proper grammar. THAN. Nice try.
Some people just have lots of thoughts and lots and lots to say here in blogland on so many topics, and where they feel someone is listening.
Or maybe they feel important since they've been "published."
There's a genius in our midst. Alert the media at once.
Or was that at "vunst"?
shale
pail
pale
snail
fail
rail
hail
bail
bale
kale
gale
jail
mail
male
nail
quail
sale
sail
tail
tale
vail
whale
find the missing rhyme...
Dale and Cappa, think what you want, you always do.
Blogging is done in a hurry, everyone makes mistakes.
Isn't it curious how those who don't like being named can't extend that same courtesy to others. They don't mind naming board members, their friends, their children, members of the community. Hum! There used to be a golden rule around here somewhere.
The missing rhyme, I think it's STALE.
Dale is the missing word. Stale is good!
A previous blogger was all too correct, everyone in the human race is terminal. We don't know the day or hour, but we will all cross over one day. An appropriate note during Holy Week, where do you choose to spend eternity? Got Jesus?
The truth hurts Cappa and that is why you assume I would waste my time writing about you. What are you guilty of? Why do you get so mad? The truth will always win in the end. I knew Don well and he did not deserve any letter with cancer or not. He is a senior and you should have respect for your elders. I am glad I know some real nice seniors in this district. They have become family to me. They are very nice and kind.
MS
Stale is good? What?
The Golden Rule is missing!?
Was it ever here to begin with?
To MS and 401 PM You both seem to suggest that senior citizens are so fragile or stupid that we need to be protected from having our opinions challenged. As a borderline or full fledged senior citizen,depending on your criteria, I take exception to your condescending attitude and your lack of adherence to your own rule. (MS, that wasn't my writing which you gave me credit for, again.)
About 4:20 PM's post: that wasn't mine but I wish I had said it first.
To AL, the following is as good an example of your logic as I could find:
"If the board member admits that the inflation index and exemption give the district more than enough money to operate, then he would have no problems signing the petition to eliminate these exemptions."
Actually the words were yours but I accepted them as close enough to the truth. I would have preferred 'enough' rather than "more than enough" which can be twisted just like you are doing.
Your conclusion still is not warranted and shows the usual inherent contradiction and logical fallacy which you delight in using.
trying to beat another dead and erroneous horse, he wrote:
"He voted on an outrageous teacher contract. It was one of the highest in the county even though Oley is not in the top percentile of earned income."
Claiming it is one of the highest in the county is sort of true, if you mean in the top 40%-70% which puts it right around the middle. Teachers in Oley after 20 years tend to get a little higher than the county average (about 2-3%). For their first 20 years they still get less than most others.
The rest of his reply doesn't warrant any comment. If you choose to accept or believe it, more pity on you.
I'd be willing to bet that for less than a buck, any blogger could pick up the telephone and CALL Al Jacobs and talk with him one on one. Why does that seem as though it would never happen? It's not like we're in an area that would require a pack mule and a bag of trail mix to make the journey to meet up in person, face to face.
That's the way real people solve problems. Face to face.
Just like attending a school board meeting???
Going to a board meeting is like going to small claims court. You do get to talk, but the judge has already made their decision before you ever show up.
Ain't it grand?
According to some school board members and their apologists, nobody is having problems with property taxes.
According to them, excessive taxes are just incidental and have nothing to do with families struggling to keep their homes.
Read some of the comments from fellow Pennsylvanians who signed the petition to Eliminate the Exemptions to the Referendum that have other thoughts about controlling
the voracious spending appetite of school boards.
The list of exemptions tends to negate the intent of the act.
The citizens of this district need to be heard from and listened to on this issue. Frivolous spending is not to be allowed to run rampant.
If taxes keep rising, none of use will be able to afford to retire in Oley School District.
Rep Santoni & Senator O’Pake Keep in mind you said you wished to eliminate property taxes before the Nov 1 election. I suggest you honor your commitment to the people of your district and see to it that you fulfill promises made.
We need a stronger referendum. We the taxpayers must have a say in way or money is being used. Education must come first.
With all the exemptions it allows the school districts to increase way beyond the cost of living percentage with or without just cause and they will do so every year. Please take away this option.
School taxes are nothing more than an outrageous means by which teachers and their administrators can steal money from the Pennsylvania residents. The output from our public education system is a global embarrassment and therefore should be replaced not rewarded.
Help Pennsylvania homeowners!
Stop the madness.
Sign the Petition to Eliminate Exemptions to The Referendum.
http://www.gopetition.com/online/11622.html
Seniors are not stupid Dr.
Don wrote to Dr. Cappa regarding how his wife is going to be able to pay the high taxes when he is gone. Maybe in not those exact words but this is what he said. Dr. Cappa had to know that Don was dying of cancer. This is a small town and everyone knows about everyone. Good or bad that seems to be what is the norm around here in the valley.
Dr. Cappa should stop writing things he knows are not true.
Al has been writing the facts this past year and a half and that is bothering the board.
They want all the controls.
They cannot have that on this blog.
Thanks for the reminder of what people are thinking by listing some quotes from the petition site. However, these folks should have been paying attention when they swallowed the promises and explaination of property tax reform when the politicians first proposed it. Those of us who know better could see that it was all election year baloney. Now you are outraged by what it contains and allows. You're way too late, and on top of that, you probably voted for the bums too.
All of the fuss about Act 1 is akin to buying a new pair of shoes. You can look at them, check the workmanship, but you don't have an idea how they will fit until you try them on.
Act 1 does give relief, but it is also based on income, and yes, don't forget those who rent.
The excuses can go on and on, but I believe we have to start somewhere instead of finding fault with everything that comes down the pike.
Harrisburg will never come up with a solution to the problem that will please everyone.
"This is a small town and everyone knows about everyone. Good or bad that seems to be what is the norm around here in the valley."
9:03 PM, April 02, 2007
That may be the case, but most of what everyone knows is gossip or rumor. The Concerned Citizen Board Hater Bloggers have the corner on both.
Please folks. It's Holy Week. Can we be a little kinder?
Don't forget! No red meat on Friday!
The liberals think public information is gossip and rumor?
No red meat on Friday?
Does Spam count? I think it comes from the other WHITE meat.
- Some Guy in Oley
Great things to do with a few cans of SPAM:
Use them as bookends to accent your desk. You can easily keep your favorite books neatly in place:
How to Win Friends And Influence People
The Island of Dr. Moreau
English Thesaurus
War of the Worlds
The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde
Far From the Maddening Crowd
War and Peace
If you can show me in the Bible where it says not to eat red meat on Fridays, I'll obey. But I am not familiar with that verse, I think it is a man-made rule to make those who follow it feel pious. Look up Pharisees.
I'll go you one better. Look up MY GRANDMOTHER. Anyone lucky enough to have known her, would not be a doubting Thomas. She taught Sunday School in a Methodist church for over 60 years. I learned early in life to obey. Life at our house was so much smoother when we did!Whether is was written in stone, or not, in our family it was a matter of respect to follow that rule. We do to this day, as many others do the same. No big deal, whatever works for your heart and soul. It's more important to be reverent in your thought, word, and deed, than it is to know which verse number, chapter, etc. I admire those who are able to remember all those details. I manage to focus on the basics. They carry me though many ups and downs of life.
By the way, that "rule" was not to eat red meat on "Good Friday." It's been decades since the Catholic Church let people off the hook for eating a burger or a weenie on Friday. Pity for all those folks that went South before the NEW RULES!
It isn't red meat, it is meat. Catholics practice not eating meat, but generally opt to have fish on all Fridays throughout the lenten season, which is the period between Ash Wednesday and Easter Sunday.
The rules, for those who practice the catholic belief have not been fundamentally changed in years.
As for the early comments about granny's rules, if you follow them and not step out of line, things just go smoother. I still follow to a 'T' what my grandmother tells me to do, and I make sure my children listen just as attentively to what their grandparents tell them. It is the grand parents role to teach, the parents role to see that the kids learn, and to discipline.
Bread and wine? Or bred to whine? I bet you were fun to raise, not that the job is done...
Please allow the Christians to participate in their yearly Lenten practices, without criticism. It's one thing to criticize the school board. They are not perfect, and neither are we. It's another thing to throw digs at the meaning of Easter, communion, and the shape of the Pope's hat.
How low can YOU go?
If you have any other Biblical questions, buy one, or dust off the one your grandmother gave you. It could soothe your restless soul.
You know, we're all in this together. Rich or poor. Healthy or ill. Young or old.
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
And...honesty is STILL the best policy.
Tell my 85 year old parents that their opinions or even insults should be ignored because they're just seniors and could die in 3 or 6 or 30 months. 6:01 and MS and Al, your arrogant and condescending attitude would get you blasted (verbally). The idea that everyone knows everything about everyone else may be true for the the town gossips.
8:18:
Your comments are incoherent and nonsensical. Where do you get the idea that Al's and MS comments are arrogant and condescending toward seniors? Examples, please. If you are this cranky at 8:18 you're in for a long day.
Look up GOSSIP in the dictionary.
It says, "See Oley..."
Look it up on Google,
It says, "Did you mean OLEY...."
Can't argue with that!
I love Seniors, have some in my family. I would do anything for them or any other senior anywhere. God Bless you, you need it. To say we do not care is a flat lie, we are the ones that do not want to see the seniors kicked out of their homes due to your reckless spending on non-mandated, non-education feel good items. Have a blessed week. Go to church often. This week there is service at church everyday.
To "1:05 PM, April 04, 2007"
Good one. Wish I would have written it.
The nice part about living in a small town is that when you don't know what you're doing....someone else always does.
I certainly have been intrigued by some of the blogs today, and have gained a deeper understanding of some of the writers.
It has been said that if you don't stand for something, you'll fall for anything.
Rather than substantiate the faith with a reason for holding to a belief, you've abandoned logic and base your faith on what someone else has told you (ex. your grandmother over the Bible).
Because the OCC considers this blind faith as quaint, etc. they just as easily follow Al's reasoning and spin as "gospel." They are good, obedient followers.
What I want to know is: why did some guy in a pointy hat decided that land animals should be spared, but its ok to eat marine life on Fridays? And how does this connect with religious worship?
Stop mocking the Catholic Church.
Just a truth-seeker trying to find some answers to questions I've always kinda wondered about. I guess you don't know either.
to "Truth-seeker"
On the pathway of your life, do you always rely on replies from anonymous bloggers, or is this a first for you?
This blog is about getting a good education for each child in our school district, while attempting to do so at a reasonable price. Yes, that means cutting frills somewhere. Yes, that means we care about SENIORS, too, and don't like to see them struggling financially. Personally, I fail to see how those facts upset the apple cart to this extent.
Although religion did not seem to be part of this subject matter, it often slips into the subject matter. That is because most of us have a religious conviction which has been meaningful in our lives. I might not like your church, you might not like your neighbor's church, and they might not like their friend's church. But, in America, we're sill enjoying the religious freedoms that our ancestors fought to attain and preserve. Some people are still thankful for this. Most people follow the religion that their parents presented to them. Others seek their own choice, looking until they find a church service that feels right for them. Again, this is America, so we're welcome to do so.
This is the holy week, A mixture of the saddest time in history, and a most joyous time.
"HE IS RISEN." Those words have comforted millions and millions of people all over the world.
"SOME GUY IN A POINTY HAT." Sorry, dear, but I predict that your words will not get out of Berks County. But we're praying for you, and your troubled soul.
Happy Easter to all. Enjoy Easter, enjoy Spring, the rebirth of all good things. Take a look outside your door. There are all sorts of "pointy" things arising to greet you, and all of us.
The pope's hat is cool. The elected officials and other want a be civic leaders are jealeous they can't where one and not be made fun of.
I love the Easter season and look forward to lent ending so I can again enjoy what I sacraficed for lent.
You probably wear one, too, to fit your pointy head. Since you seem to be obsessed with showing all of us your ignorance why don't you do a little research yourself to find the answers to you idiotic questions? You really are a sad case.
After reading all the posts of those who oppose the position of fiscal and educational accountability, it appears they base their antagonism primarily on personal opinions rather than facts. That is certainly their prerogative.
Discounting posters who are here to misinform and to distract, it suggests they are making decisions on emotions rather than fact.
They dismiss public information from the district, state and federal sources, and instead they declare the data as baseless.
This, in spite of the fact a lot of that information is used for state reimbursement and tax millage.
They even go as far to suggest school property taxes are not a burden on any homeowners.
This is an understandable reaction from those with financial vested interests, but it defies logic and common sense for those who claim they want a quality education.
There is someone way higher than the OCC, and no it is not Peter Rabbit. Watch what you say about Jesus Christ and the Pope. He is watching you. He will try to forgive you for all of your sins. Do not be a repeat offender. Happy Easter to all. May the pretty flowers that are trying to come up from the ground be a reminder of what this season is all about. New life and Happy tomorrows. God Bless the concerned citizens of this district. May all the Armed Forces be protected and praised this weekend for all they are doing for our freedom and safety. They are the best.
...You probably wear one, too, to fit your pointy head...
Dear heckler - that happened to be my first post on the topic. My hat is a baseball hat. The season has started and the boys and girls are in full swing.
I am absolutely amazed that you would reply, in such an angry manner on the topic of the pope's hat.
I think that you should go to anyone of the three schools and ask the principal's about their anti-bullying programs. To this point I have believed they have been an incredible waste of time, resources and money. The thought that adults think that they can stop children from acting like children is idiotic!
However, maybe you could benefit from it, since it appears you have anger issues. Another class at the middle school which (is a total waste of $$$) is offered as a 'class' which you may benefit from is yoga (a religeous based class - unfortunately not a christian based - because that would be unacceptable - buddhist which is apparently o.k.). Maybe if you ask to take the yoga class, it will help your anger issue.
Please feel free to reply with yet another stupid comment. They are welcomed, and sometimes even appreciated for there comedic value.
News of the day. The governors property tax scheme worked perfectly. It rattled the chains of a whole lot of people, the greedy selfish pro-boarders and the hateful anti-children bloggers alike.
In the end, it was announced earlier that 210 of the 233 public schools that applied for exemptions (Oley included) got their approvals to raise taxes above the index amount.
In other words, the governor got re-elected and did nothing!
The school names have yet to be announced, so we will wait and see where our taxes end up. Lower is better.
source - www.wfmz.com (It is printed therefore must be a fact!)
Mickey says:
A child could figure out the pointed hat theory. I'm but a cartoon mouse, and I've come to this conculusion:
The Pope, and his infamous hat...how much of a mystery could this be? The Pope listens to the troubles of the world. He prays for all of us. He travels the world as a goodwill ambassador. The Pope has always been a person who is able to absorb the problems from all walks of life. War, poverty, sickness, and many other problems.
If you are unable to fathom a reason for an unusual looking hat, here's an illustration:
The Pope's hat is quite large and comes to a point for one specific reason. As he views the problems facing the people he loves so much, he absorbs far greater amounts of information than what would fit in a ball cap. Therefore, the large, pointed hat gives the probems of the world a place to be temporarily stored while our Pope thinks about what could possibly be done to heal the sick, comfort grieving family members for their losses, pray for the safety of the soldiers and an end to war. The love and respect he has for the Lord Jesus Christ could not possibly fit in a dinky little ball cap.
And, if you think his hat is big, you should see his heart!
It's quite sad that anyone needs to comfort themselves by showing such disrespect for the Pope, or any person that has devoted their life to Jesus Chris.
I'll light a candle for you.
I hope you have brighter days!
Love,
Mickey
To 1:13 Oley has a problem trying to justify the tax increase they gave us again this year: They have over $4 million sitting in funds that could of been used for a no tax increase. They should not of asked the state for any extra money. I heard they needed $250,000 to balance the budget. Well people they have it and hide it from the people in this district that pay the bills. The state gov't and local gov't are all snakes. They do not care for the people at all. Harrisburg should of approved Sam's tax relief package. It would of been way better then Rendels deal. His deal only benefits himself and his gambling buddies. Sorry but true. The truth does hurt. Believe it or not.
1:13 says - I agree with you. I believe the track is overkill and that a no tax or almost no tax increase was feasible.
However, I don't necessarily agree that the $ that is in the various fund balances is as high as some contend. It has been debated many times, by primarily two individuals. Neither give a clear, concise or COMPLETE picture, and therefore, until I review the matter for myself (and I will), I will not believe either side.
I was just amazed at the story when I heard it on weeu and verified it on wfmz.
Regarding the article in the Boyertown times.
Imagine that, shifting the tax burden to higher wage earners. What a disgrace.
I also find it interesting that a high school student broke into the school computer. Give them all laptops, then everyone will have a shot at the computer system.
Who is minding the store?
How much is the student activity going to be?
"shifting the tax burden to higher wage earners" - where have you been? Those earning higher wages have always carried a larger tax burden. The problem comes in with the idea of "redistribution of wealth" which = communism. I guess you weren't paying attention in World History or Economics classes.
2:11 PM April 5 says, "I was amazed at the story when I heard it on weeu and verified it on wfmz." I assume that means all the exemption approvals.
What are you so AMAZED at? Fast Eddie used us to get re-elected, now has tossed us aside like a tramp. He got what he wanted, and doesn't care about anyone else, true to form.
Just look at the budget Oley has. It is public record. It will show you the money in the funds. And if for some reason it does not show the funds ask the business manager for all the real budget that they approved back in Feb/March of this year. You will see. We get our information right from the districts records that they show us at meetings or they show us on request. You cannot make this stuff up. It might be hard to believe if you have never met the bunch. Come to a board meeting and listen to the nonsense.
I wonder how many school board members are Catholic.
I guess a minority of them otherwise the cafeteria would be serving kids red meatless days with Spam optional.
- Some carnivore in Oley
He's the Pope.
You're a DOPE.
And not all that funny, actually.
Don't quit your day job.. . . Unless you're a retired teacher. That would explain alot.
Dear Carnivore from Oley,
Why not attend a Board meeting or two? It would be rude to ask a person's religious conviction on the first meeting. Sort of like asking personal questions on a first date. But, if you're comfortable asking questions that are none of your business, at the second meeting, go for it! Our Board is not obligated to answer such questions and would probably have a field day with yours. Don't forget, you'll probably only get 3 minutes to state your facts, and you have to fill out a card before you're granted the "OK" to do so. Maybe this would be one meeting that actually required a member of our Police force to be in the vicinity. You know what I mean?
Although many bloggers are not in complete agreement with how our school board allocates the taxpayer's funds, I doubt you'd get much support from the bloggers, the school board, or really anyone, when the subject turns to religion. This is a public school system.
You only have today and tomorrow to learn the words to:
"CHRIST THE LORD IS RISEN TODAY!!!"
You can Google that phrase and get it in large print, in every language known to man.
Happy Easter!
This blog shows Oley for what it really is. Backward, ill-informed, bigoted and suspicious. Well, one thing for certain, you are going to deserve all you get from this board.
to 7:48 a.m.
You just described my mother-in-law, better than anyone has ever done in the 20 years I've known her. She's an Oley-ite. Wonder if she's read this lately!
Hey 748, if you don't like Oley, why not move? It's not likely any of us would follow you!
"This blog shows Oley for what it really is. Backward, ill-informed, bigoted and suspicious. Well, one thing for certain, you are going to deserve all you get from this board."
Typical hate from a board member or their supporter.
"C" is for Carnivore
"C" is for Colon
It's YOUR colon....See?
Hey 3:06
What???
Yeah, don't quit YOUR day job.
This blog shows Oley for what it really is. Backward, ill-informed, bigoted and suspicious.
7:48 AM, April 06, 2007
Well that describes the OCC board haters pretty well.
Does anybody have a good way to get easter egg dye out of clothing?
Also my fingers are all purple.
I alway get my easter candy at Reppert's on the Monday after Easter. Cheaper and the little kids can just wait an extra day. I tell them the bunny got sick and was a day late.
Did you know that those marshmallow Peeps have zero fat grams. Lots of sugar and carbos but fat free. So eat till your tongue turns yellow.
Happy Easter
Carnivore----colon???
You don't get that? Ha! Even if you're not a vegetarian, mostly everyone knows that today's processed meat just lays in your colon for dangerous amounts of time. Okay, I know, first we're standing at the pulpit, and now we're in med school! That's how it goes in Oley!
By the way, the first time I heard that information, was from a Pastor of a church that does not believe in consuming meat. Although that's not my cup of tea, research proves it's not really a great idea for PEOPLE to eat meat. Well, unless you want to live a short life!
All things in moderation.
Never did hear a good explaination of that red meat/Friday thing. I still don't understand and not to bash anyone, I don't think anyone else does either.
I do know this, "There is ONE mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave Himself a ransom for all men."
(1 Tim. 2:5,6) So I don't find myself praying to other "saints" etc.
Happy Easter!
Budhah, Mohamed, Allah, they are still dead - but Jesus Christ, He is Risen, He is Risen Indeed!!
Kings has a nice selection of Easter flowers.Did you ever buy the frozen shrimp there in the freezer where you can scoop them out. The color dosent usually look to good. Did any of yous ever have a problem with the shrimp or get sick? I was thinking that they might be good enough for my cat since all the cat food in the stores is bad now. Is that problem going to be around for awhile? My cat likes cheese and canned salmon. She also chews on the crust of a pizza. I used to have 4 cats but they have been dying off and it upsets me so when they dye. I got my cats at the animal shelter in Reading. My cousin told me to go there for cats.My cousin got a dog ther and she said how loud the dogs bark in the cages. She said she got a head ache from the barking. She got a good dog there named Chet who she named after her Pop who passed away. The dog likes to fight with her neighbors cats so I never take my cat to her house. I usually dont take my cat anywhere. Have a Happy Easter
????????
8:51 Happy Easter to you. Who are you? God Bless all the people and the animals during this Easter season. Are you all ready for some snow? This week sure does not feel like Spring. Heating bills are going up,up,up.
I just got back from shopping, and the buzz down at Kings is that Al has had it and is moving back to the Daniel Boone school district. There were only two districts that didn't apply for the Act 1 exemptions. One of the checkers thought he might move to Reading, but since he is so revered in DB, they said that's were he's headed.
The girl at the deli said she heard two OCC say the same thing while waiting for their sliced turkey. It must be true since so many people are talking about it.
What will become of the OCC with both LB and AJ moving away?
I guess its up to CS and MS to carry on. Maybe RS will start his own blog. Will the intrigue never cease, stay tuned for "As the Valley Churns."
CS and MS carry on.....verrry funny. "Carrying on" is already their favorite thing to do.
I don't know who is who with the initials. Maybe this blog should have a home page index of what the initials represent.
Helloh 8:51 a.m.
Eye fel soree 4 yer cat. And fer yew. Keep triing two purrsue yer knewfownd luv of riting. Yewz sity guyz nede to hitt the moonshein wonst ina wile, yew git tew wownded up in yer citifeid wayz.
+yew nede to b kindr to al animulz, eeven yer kinfolkz. Eeven if yer wiif startz tew looz herr appeel, b gud tew herr cuz if yew dunt, sumbudy elz shurely wil & quik. An yew fellerz dunt b no strangr to sope & wudder cuz nobuddi likz a schtinkr.
Well, well even on Easter weekend Cappa, Dale and the others fine time to write nasty things on this blog. MS is me, and I do not have to hide anything. If Al is going to do something to fix the mess you put us in, maybe it will be in Harrisburg. He can commute from Pike. A fine gentlemen on WEEU yesterday said and I agree that Al should become the Secreatary of Education for this fine state. Then he could really clean up this mess of public education. He has been great relaying the facts of this district out on this blog. Sorry folks, but Cappa, Dale etc. have not come up with their own facts about this district. Al gets his information from the district. If any of you gave a darn you would research yourself and come up with the same facts as Al does. Happy Easter and my the Lord help the ones that have so much anger towards their fellow man. Yes that is you. Peace and goodwill to all. Let the warm weather come soon and let the sun warm our hearts. God knows some of you need it. I for one are very thankful for my beautiful children, loving husband, great friends near and far and my wonderful family in NJ.
Remember we have funds in this district totally in the amount of over $4 million dollars that could of covered the approx. $250,000 the district needed to balance the budget. We did not need a tax increase yet they zapped us with one anyway. The local and state gov't have failed again. How many years has Heckman been on the board? His record stinks. He does not care for the people when he continues to raise our taxes when money is available. Even a one year break would of been nice. No such luck.
With the way this blog operates, is it any wonder it's going by initials only?
Can't believe how many people have the initials DH.
"MS is me. 3:10"
OK Thanks for clearing that up.
I thought that only I referred to myself as me.
What does it say on your drivers license? Me?
"Eye fel soree 4 yer cat. And fer yew. Keep triing two purrsue yer knewfownd luv of riting. Yewz sity guyz nede to hitt the moonshein wonst ina wile, yew git tew wownded up in yer citifeid wayz.
+yew nede to b kindr to al animulz, eeven yer kinfolkz. Eeven if yer wiif startz tew looz herr appeel, b gud tew herr cuz if yew dunt, sumbudy elz shurely wil & quik. An yew fellerz dunt b no strangr to sope & wudder cuz nobuddi likz a schtinkr.
2:42 PM, April 07, 2007"
Hey 2:42PM great to have another Oley graduate (you)on line. You are not funny.
I always read on this blog how many people OCC claims participate here and you make fun of someone who does. Show some consideration and respect for those who try to participate.
You are the first to tell us when a word is spelled wrong. Do you know the person with the cats? If you do, you should try to help them spell correctly. You caring person you.
Clear as mud, what does it say on your drivers license? Stupid, nasty, cruel. Leave MS alone. I am her friend and I have never seen this much attacking on one person. Her kids agree with her and her convictions. Her husband stands behind her. She is not afraid of anyone. She is a caring person. I am glad I know her. Knock it off DH.
Who, or whom, in their right, or not so right mind, would be convinced that the cat blogger was for real? Suggesting that out of date shrimp should be okay for a cat to eat? Not a good joke, not a funny joke, and not worthy of a reply. The author got tripped up with inconsistent spelling/frammar flubs. Get real, nobody on here would have taken that as anything but insider comedy, pitiful as it was/were/is/am/are.
Since we're on the subject of cats, my cat likes shrimp also. He loves yogurt and kippers with his breakfast. Have you ever noticed that outdoor cats are so much more loving than indoor cats? Maybe some of you fellow bloggers should live outdoors for a few days, come back, and then tell us how good we have it. Oh but wait, the only thing you would think of is how bad our school district is. It's interesting that you complain about our school board members not voicing your opinions yet none of you ever run for the position. I guess all of you are like indoor cats not brave enough to do anything. How interesting.
"Who, or whom, in their right, or not so right mind, would be convinced that the cat blogger was for real? Suggesting that out of date shrimp should be okay for a cat to eat? Not a good joke, not a funny joke, and not worthy of a reply.
5:04 PM, April 07, 2007"
Guess what, you replied.
You couldn't resist. Too bad for you.
Al Jacobs must be away this weekend. Otherwise he would have surely censored several off subject comments by now.
- Some Guy in Oley
I love it when Mary Swartz pretends to be someone else in an attempt to defend herself.
Just too funny.
Keep it up Jersey girl!!!
How about this idea for putting the blog to good use -
Let's all get organized and call American Idol and vote for anyone but Sanjaia (spelling??)
That kid needs to be voted off the island.
Bluff all you want to, pro boarder. You won't hush the crowd that knows the facts.
Oh, and Happy Easter.
Oh, yeah, and did I spell everything okay, teach?
I just hope the student activity is high enough to cover the extra-cirricular expenses.
Another thing that I have noticed-does anyone remember when the Boyertown Times had their little chart showing "public funds" for the track?
The 50% that the district originally agreed to fund has drastically increased.
Another thing that everyone will find really amusing is that when the track is built and in operation, the amount of money stated and budgeted for maintenance will prove to be inadequate.
The board is entering into uncharted waters.
I don't think the track and turf have an infinite lifetime, therefore, monies must be set aside for the eventual repair/replacement of the facility.
Where is this money going to come from?
And last but not least, I would like to thank Ed and the Gang up at Harrisburg for making these last 4 years memorable. I can't wait for the "Final four".
In case no one has noticed, the talks on the new budget are not progressing, simply because some serious decisions have to be made to fund the State programs for the next year.
I see the imposition of an extra 1% sales tax. Unlike other relief proposals, the increased tax will probably not go towards property tax relief.
Sooner or later, if all of Ed's proposal bear fruit, the State will be sending us checks instead of us paying school taxes.
Of course, I believe in Santa Claus and the Easter Bunny.
The life expectancy and upkeep costs for the track were all discussed at meetings, at which you obviously were absent. Is Al keeping information and details from the flock?
(ie. facts and truth)
Sunday, April 8, 2007
"Easter Sunday"
Whatever your belief, today is a great day. For the young and the young at heart. The snow may be attempting to hide the little plastic eggs you've placed around your yard, but they are still there, waiting for your children and grandchildren to find them. Take some pictures of the children and enjoy the moment for years to come. Take a look at their faces and learn from them, as they are our best teachers.
Be thankful for the children we've been given to love and care for, because everyone is not given this blessing. Thank your God for these gifts, and pray that we're doing all that we can to raise these children to be the next generation of American citizens to live in a safe, healthy, happy country. A big part of this will stem from their education. Pray we're doing that part right, too. Pray, and pay attention to the fact that a handful of people in a board room can, will, and do influence your child's future. Pay attention!
Happy Easter
Happy Sunday
Happy anything that makes the readers happy for this one day.
1:22 am, Do you ever sleep? What a life you have! Even if the costs for the maintenance of this track were discussed, the bottom line is we the taxpayers will be paying for this track for years and years. It is not $1.4 million and finished, no it will be a costly project forever. God Bless you now more than ever! You think money grows on trees.
"The life expectancy and upkeep costs for the track were all discussed at meetings, at which you obviously were absent."
The same was said for the Middle School and now we are facing a lawsuit and cost overruns.
"Anonymous said...
1:22 am, Do you ever sleep? What a life you have!
8:47 AM, April 08, 2007"
Now OCC even criticizes people for the time of day they blog.
How shallow are you? Maybe you should find a life outside this blog.
Regarding the upkeep costs. The district has a wonderful track record.
They weren't able to preserve the parking lot surface. Remember the cost to refurbish?
Remember the roof on the administration building?
Shall we discuss the "moisture problems"?
As to the track, the administration has been sold a bill of goods.
There was an article a few months ago concerning artificial turf. According to the author of the article, the only maintenance for the turf is to drag a rake across the surface once in an while and from time to time replenish the rubber pellets or whatever is used for the filler.
I think there is more to it, but ask a question and receive no answer.
If the surface is not properly maintained and requires premature replacement, so what. It is only taxpayer's money.
One must realize that regardless of maintenance, the turf will eventually have to replaced, and the track surface will also have to be refurbished.
Yes, every fifteen years or so.
1:22 AM, maybe I'm a night owl, maybe I'm one of those people that you say works two or three jobs. You seem to think that everyone is just like you, thinks like you, anything that deviates must be wrong or suspicious. Some telling comments. Thanks.
1:24 PM OK did you get any sleep? You are still angry hours later! You need to go to see a Dr. You have some problems you need to deal with. I doubt it very much that you are the poor citizen of the district that needs to work 1,2,3 jobs to pay the taxes, get food, meds and a roof for shelter. You need to deal with your issues and start talking facts about this district. Or better yet, stay off the blog if it upsets you so.
1:24 pm might be a retired Dr. Did anyone think of that? If he is not one, he or she better go and see you. They sure do have issues. :)
Dear 1:24
It's nobody's business what you and your friends were doing after mid-night, is it? Why would you justify that fact by answering the question, anyway? But, it's your life, blog as you wish, when you wish, and why you wish. As long as you can look yourself in the mirror and know you're doing the right thing, who cares when you do it?
Just another effort to cast a diversion, that would be my guess. While your sleep patterns are being discussed, who knows what you're really up to? Again, not anyone else's business.
As you once wrote:
"Rave on, bloggies!"
Your mind is in a fog, rave on the blog! Good going above blog. Are you for real? Do you really understand what this person is saying? They must have some big issues. Maybe you are related to he or she.
I am a poet and I didn't even know it!!!! Happy Easter! Enjoy your day with family and friends. Stay warm.
The issue may be that you're an insomniac. What does it matter anyway?
At 3:10 PM on April 7, MS had some suggestions that include having Al get involved with the DOE and straightening up the whole system.
The problem with that is, Al is a numbers guy - only interested in trying to prove that he is right, and everyone else is wrong. He's probaby never stepped foot in a classroom, art show, science fair, concert, sporting event, spelling bee, or musical in the OVSD. He probably has zero suggestions regrding curriculum or anything remotely connected with class instruction.
He's a numbers guy. School districts are his hobby. Ask anyone in the DBSD, they'll tell you that. (He loved'em there too.)
I'm sorry but what is with all you people bashing the track project???? We NEED a new track at the high school. When I was in track I watched as one of the fastest runners I've ever seen nearly broke his ankle running on the track. It was so bad he was rolling in pain on the track until the trainer got there. Why? Because he stepped on the concrete ring that goes around the track to keep the cinders in. This wouldn't have happened on an all weather track. Plus Oley is the 2nd to last school to upgrade their track. And you keep complaining about the turf! Once again all the schools in Berks are switching to turf. When our girls field hockey team goes to county's or state's they play on a turf field which is much different from a grass field in terms of speed. This upgrade will help the school and the community so much yet you bash it mercilessly.
Fix it, yes. Upgrade it, yes. Even replace it, but to spend 1.4 million dollars on it is obscene. Oh, I forgot, all the other schools did it. Sorry, Informed Student, but you are more brainwashed than informed. How much will your property taxes go up the next three years?
Please call IT the "track and field".
Starting with almighty Al, there have been constant mis-references to the amount promised to be paid by the board, what it was promised for, what is actually being bought, and most of all, WHY.
this site must be serving some kind of purpose, perhaps cutting down on shrink visits?
MS always seems to blame anonymous blogs on 2 people without any reason. 80 years ago when I was in grade school that would have meant she had a crush on one or both of them. Make sure you don't say anything bad about me since I am a senile citizen.
Haven't heard from RS lately. Has he gotten sore from sitting on the fence and polishing up both sides?
12:01 a.m.
You are incorrect that Al is using the incorrect terms. This whole project started out as being for a NEW TRACK. Nothing about an infield was mentioned when the TRACK was proposed to the board.
The price that the board quoted was $350,000 for a new track.
By the next meeting the price was up to $450,000, but stlil no mention of an infield or any other fields to be redone.
The board also committed to paying for 1/2 (one-half) of the price of the TRACK. Again, nothing about the infield or the new turf or the update to the current fields.
One-half (1/2) are the words per the typed minutes of the meeting, which you can review at the school district.
How did we go from a $350,000 TRACK to a $1.4 million dollar grandiose revamping of the entire athletic field complex (excluding the baseball field)? We had better watch out, because the baseball coach will now want to have turf also.
You are incorrect in that you say Al has misreferenced this, because he has not, you have.
Another attempt to place the misreferenced material on Al. There were very few persons at these meetings, and unless you are the track coach, you were not there either.
Perhaps you should get your FACTS straight before presenting them to the public on this blog, something you all charge Mr. Jacobs with.
You can tell all the mistruths you want, but the bottom line is that this now TRACK AND FIELD project is going to cost the taxpayers of this school district BOKU bucks.
I really can't wait to see how may of the community really will use this track. Somehow I fail to see every taxpayer in this district running or walking the track every day.
"How did we go from a $350,000 TRACK to a $1.4 million dollar grandiose revamping of the entire athletic field complex (excluding the baseball field)? We had better watch out, because the baseball coach will now want to have turf also.
12:40 AM, April 09, 2007"
This was obviously written by someone who knows nothing about baseball. Natural grass is the preferred turf for baseball at every level.
MS would not go near the 2 names she mentions with a 10 foot pole. Please she just knows what these men are up to. She even was stopped at a shopping mall parking lot from one of these men and he started complaining about the blog and that he is always reading it. So get with the facts will you. The 2 men she mentions are not to be trusted. One even goes to the courthouse to scare off potential new board members. Yes that is a fact. A family had to move to another district because of him. MS is so happy with her husband she could not even think of someone else. Especially them 2. Gag me! Barf!!
"MS would not go near the 2 names she mentions with a 10 foot pole. One even goes to the courthouse to scare off potential new board members. Yes that is a fact. A family had to move to another district because of him.
4:47 PM, April 09, 2007"
What kind of ridiculous story is that? This person was so scared they left the school district? Did this person report this to local or State police? Report it to Berks Co Elections Bureau or the Berks Co. District Attorney or newspapers? How could anyone know when that person would be going to the court house to file their election papers? Were they stalked 24 hours a day and followed to the court house? What kind of wimp would be intimidated by anyone like that in a public place loaded with police and sheriff's deputies in the courthouse? Where is your proof? I've heard this crazy story before and it gets dumber every time. If it is true, track down this person and get them to file a complaint. Never too late to do that.
Dear 6:29
YOU sound very paranoid.
YOU seem to have more facts listed than were reported by any other blogger.
YOU sound guilty.
YOU need any extra prayers?
YOU got 'em!
Hey court house heckler, you do need prayers, lots of them.
Hey 4:01:
Just like you to skirt the issue!
Perhaps the baseball team would like new sod planted then.
Are you happy now?
SPEND, SPEND, SPEND!
GO, GO, GO! AND THEN SPEND SOME MORE!
The person that went to the courthouse to file his papers was met there by a friend of this boards president. He went to a board meeting and told the board what happened. They did do nothing about it. The quote was you better not run for the board we know who your children are. That was about what was said. It was a long time ago. And I met this nice family at a birthday party my friend in this district had and they told me the whole truth of what happened. This place is cut throat. You do not mess with these kind of people. Do not worry I would not give them the time of day or satisfaction of running on this board and taking anything out on my family. They are my life and if anyone goes near them or my home they will not like the outcome.
Time to sign off and go away from writing. My kids need to graduate and move on from this district and I do not want anything to happen to them.
I agree with the above statement. It can be a very scary district to deal with.
Does anyone have any remote sense of purpose of this blog?
It is a rumor mill. A place for fantasy to run wild and mom's with too much free time to gossip.
4:47
6:49
7:31
8:45
9:24
9:25
9:26
MS, you sure do keep the blog hummin'
You've been a busy girl tonight!
I especially like how you speak of yourself in the third person.
Try to get some sleep.
Instead of zooming in on MS, how about picking on the ones that don't do anything extra for their kids and just expect the school to raise them?
You are wrong. MS did not write all those blogs. Rumor mill all you want. I do not care anymore about what people think. Facts are facts.
Good day. Good-bye.
As a casual blog reader here in Berks, OCC takes the cake. A handful of concerned parents and a ship of fools posing as anonymous bloggers which pick on the concerned parents/tax payers. They must be so-o-o-o-o proud of their literary comments. Keep picking on the parents, that makes so much sense.
Everyone who blogs on here needs to also e-mail, write and phone their legislators and tell them something like this - sample letter -
"The hard working, middle class taxpayers have been screwed again. This lousey piece of legislation called Act I is an insult!! The legislators and governor PROMISED the taxpayers of Pennsylvania 'MEANINGFUL' property tax relief. Of course, the gambling interests got their pound of flesh. And Only the lowest income earners, who probably don't own homes anyway, get relief. Act I has essentially told the middle class (WHO REALLY PAYS YOUR SALARY) to go screw ourselves. Once again! What else is new????
Just tell the truth for once in your lives. Tell us that all you care about is your re-election coffers and those who pay the most into them -- the PSEA, gambling cabals and other special interests. Tell us the truth -- that your primary goal in life is to get re-elected at any cost, no matter that it requires being prostitutes to the special interests if that's what it takes.
Not one of you stinking politicians has even a nodding acquaintance with what it takes to be a STATESMAN. It is the career politicians of your ilk who have ruined the Constitutional Republic this nation was intended to be and has turned it into the weak, bankrupt and meaningless socialist mess that we have today."
AMEN!
...Everyone who blogs on here needs to also e-mail, write and phone their legislators and tell them something like this - sample letter...
Please run for office and stop complaining about those that do. We all agree with you.
I almost think you are a teacher. "Those who can do and those who can't teach"
In other words start doing!
Rumor mill all you want, for as many times as you've blogged about some sort of electioneering pressure on a poor, defenseless sap - nobody cares! It could be a true story, probably not. In any case, its been repeated here over and over, and hasn't picked up any traction.
Exactly what do you hope to accomplish by telling and retelling this tale of woe?
Ask the current board members, or those with their names currently on the ballot if they were intimidated in the process. I think you're full of beans...and their results.
4;47 AND 9:24 ARE TIED FOR THE HONOR OF BEING ...... fill in the blanks.
tomorrow is school board night and I can't wait to see what Al will dig up this time. I bet it will be something he says is BAD. Good thing it won't be true but 4 or 5 kind and wonderful people will believe it anyway because they like to believe bad things about others so they won't feel so bad about themselves. So sad.
It is really funny that the majority of the people in this district agree with the districts facts that are written on this blog by the OCC. It is about 4-5 pro-boarders that do not want to believe the district facts that some of them vote on. That person or persons should not be on the board if they are voting for something they do not believe in. The facts come from this district. I know it is hard for you to come to terms with that. If you do not like the facts, go to a board meeting and ask questions are demand to change them. Remember we are the people that pay the bills. The board works for the taxpayer. The board is suppose to work for the welfare of all the children in a fiscally responsible way.
Also a current board member and a future board member also know the truth about the family that moved out of this district to another due to the courthouse issue. This story now has ended. You do not care how human beings treat another. That is plain to see. I would not like to be a part of your inner circle. You have alot of anger and disbelief. Sorry but facts are the facts. End of story. If you do not like the facts come tonight to the meeting and ask questions. Stop complaining before you know the facts.
FACTS COME FROM THIS DISTRICT. RESEARCH THEM YOURSELF AND YOU WILL COME UP WITH THE SAME CONCLUSION.
The facts come from this district.
The above blog is correct.
To 8:47 & 9:25
BWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!
The truth shall prevail. The truth will overcome your evil, blogger 10:40am. The truth always wins. It might take time even years but it will win. The facts on this district being put on this blog is driving you nuts. Get off the blog if you cannot handle the truth. We would not want you to come down with something!
I say again, BWAHAHAHAHAHA!!
The "good" citizens of Oley want to spend $1,400,000 on a track and not a penny on football. It is a wonder they have electricity in this town.
The Youth League which took years of hard work and sacrifice to create is now having to compete for kids. This is sad.
I don't think the "Good Citizens" of Oley had much of a say as to the new track.
We were told the school would pay 50% of the cost. Suddenly the cost went through the roof.
The only reason for the football veto was simply the board has spent every dime they can get their hands on, and due to "Budget Constraints", they are unable to satisfy the demands of the football crowd.
Decisions have been made in the past to spend,spend, spend.
Personally, if you want your children to play football, I think your choices of a district that has football is limited to 14 in the county. Take your choice, and call the moving van.
to Bwahahahahhaha
Your comedy is weak and old.
Check out new comedy lines on Google. Maybe they can be of help.
By the way, are you wearing "nose glasses" at your computer? You know, the ones that make you look like Groucho Marx! Or, don't you need them?
If you need more OLD comedy, just say:
Don't worry, be happy!
PLEASE WORRY,
WE'RE NOT HAPPY.
that's right
Dear 8:24am,
Since it drives you crazy, let me repeat, BWAHAHAHAHAHAHA!! OOPS, my nose glasses fell off!
MENTAL THATS YOU!!! ABOVE BLOG HAS MAJOR PROBLEMS!!
bwahahaha
yadda yadda
same old, same old.
I suspect that the "nose glasses" are not the only thing that fell off. Have you checked lately?
B2 in todays paper, Heckman telling the newspaper he will not tell them about the Nextel Agreement!!!!!! Secrets!!!! Oh my, the board holding public documents from being told to the public. Hiding is what they do best. When will this ever stop? Maybe the next group of new board members will have the guts to speak up and tell this current board that the public has the right to know. It is called the Sunshine Act.
Board Meeting Highlights 4/11/07
Nextel:
The board president announced that progress has been made on the Nextel leasing agreement. FFC approved the contract and there is a waiting period before the district reveals the details in mid to late May.
The board flaunted state Sunshine and Right to Know Laws in order not to discuss the details with the public. They also incurred extra legal fees and experienced approval delays due to them not following proper filing requirements.
With all this secrecy and expense, the suggested windfall from the deal should be of enough significance to provide measurable property tax relief.
Teacher Course Credit Payments:
The board approved paying a total of $6,922 for four teachers taking courses at Wilkes University.
Due to contract agreement, the district must not only pay for these credits but it will also have the effect of increasing these teachers’s salary.
These perks are in addition to the generous salary and benefits in the teachers contract.
I heard that Dr. Zackon teaches at Wilkes! Is that true? Someone that works at Wilkes mentioned that. Why are the teachers taking classes at Wilkes? We have many institutions, (colleges/universities) locally that they can go to. It might even be cheeper to go to a local college. We the taxpayers have to pay for this. Why not find the best deal for all of us?
When I was a kid we didn't have a track to run on. We had dirt. We didn't have 100 dollar special running shoes. We had just our feet. We didn't have computers in school we had paper pencils and a blaackboard and chalk. We had a one room schoolhouse with about 30 kids. I even took a steam train to school in Kempton. We did not have a telephone in our house. Now every body has cell phones (even me). There was no tv or internet, just radio. Back then things were not easy. Things are very easy now and it is a good time to be alive. I do not want to live in the past and schools should not either. Oley has to spend money on updating buildings and grounds which include a modern track. I have no problem with that.
We can do better holding down the teacher union contracts though.
We're older, not necessarily wiser.
You can't stop progress, this is true. The important thing is to clarify the difference between progress and change. Just because we change things, it does not indicate that the change makes anything better.
It works on my nerves when I read or hear about millions of dollars being spent on sports items. Synthetic tracks are nothing more than keeping up with the Jones's, and a quick way to spend about 8 times what it would have cost to create an AUTHENTIC track, from scratch,,,,,at EACH school. I'm sorry if anyone reading this does not understand where I'm coming from on this point. You know, this could clear things up for the readers:
Can you imagine applying that much money to EDUCATION?
Some said "We have many institutions, (colleges/universities) locally that they can go to. It might even be cheeper to go to a local college."
Not all colleges teach or offer the same courses.
And not all colleges "pay" our Super...
"I heard that Dr. Zackon teaches at Wilkes! Is that true?"
10:44 AM, April 13, 2007
OK 7:03
Unless you can confirm FACTUALLY that Zackon PhD teaches there and gets paid, you are again spreading rumor. Please check your FACTS first.
So what if Zackon teaches a course at Wilkes? Maybe he needs a second job so he can afford to pay his property taxes.
Mr. Jacobs wrote "The board flaunted state Sunshine and Right to Know Laws in order not to discuss the details with the public."
Just "what if" part of this Nextel negotiation, contract or whatever it is, was a non-disclosure agreement between them and the school district? These type of agreements take place in business everyday.
Would it really be worth it to blow the deal to satisfy you versus whatever "windfall" you claim will appear?
I thought you were all for the school district making money?
Nextel and the squad of lawyers involved are big leaguers who can't afford some improper procedure to mess up something that needs FCC approval.
You gotta think "outside the Valley".
If the board were "up front" with the public concerning the nextel thing, there wouldn't be a need for continuing to ask and the constant denial based on excuses.
If you would check postings from the past few months, you would find out what the deal is. Obviously the problem is not a "no disclosure" clause. This should be discussed in public because of the implications.
Is this deal in the best interest of the district?
If someone within the administration would take the time to fully explain why this is happening, the controversy would end. As with everything else, there is more to it than appears.
By the way, thanks to Ed there will not be any slots money for tax relief this year.
Think "outside the blog" too!
It works on my nerves when I read or hear about millions of dollars being spent on sports items.
Can you imagine applying that much money to EDUCATION?
5:29 PM, April 13, 2007
Well where would you apply millions of dollars to education?
More teachers or higher teacher salaries?
I don't think so. There are too many teachers per student now and their benefits and salary are already too high.
How about spend the millions on scholarships so Oley kids can go to private schools?
8:37 AM, April 14, 2007 - said
"Obviously the problem is not a "no disclosure" clause. This should be discussed in public because of the implications."
Did you really write that?
Non-disclosure means you can't discuss it in public.
"Is this deal in the best interest of the district?"
The school directors are elected to make exactly those types of decisions. They do not need OCC approval. Public input is great when possible, but this isn't one of those times. Just like with personnel issues, the public can't be involved for ten thousand reasons.
"If someone within the administration would take the time to fully explain why this is happening, the controversy would end."
I've been to meetings where it was explained as plain as day. You just can't accept that the board would possibly work in the best interest of the school district.
“Just "what if" part of this Nextel negotiation, contract or whatever it is, was a non-disclosure agreement between them and the school district? These type of agreements take place in business everyday.”
This is a classic example of drive-by blogging by someone who does not know the facts.
It is a law that state statues have precedence over contracts. In other words, when any company does business with a governing body, they cannot create a contract that violates state law.
The non-disclosure provision with Nextel violates the Sunshine and Right to Know laws of the state.
There is case law to support this fact.
The Reading Eagle raised this issue in their editorial and they are correct.
“Would it really be worth it to blow the deal to satisfy you versus whatever "windfall" you claim will appear? “
The “windfall” suggestion comes from the board. We will see what they mean when they refer to it as a “good deal” .
If it does not generate enough money to provide property tax relief, then it is nothing more than seed money to start another spending spree.
“I thought you were all for the school district making money?”
I think the board should stick to saving money, for example, not spending $1,400,000 on a track, not incurring $650,000 of cost overruns for the Middle School, not being sued for $1,400,000 for breaking contract terms with a steel contractor, not voting for one of the most expensive teacher contracts in the county, not incurring additional legal fees for improperly filing with the FCC, not incurring more legal fees fighting a lawsuit two judges say is pointless, not giving a superintendent a $13,000 one year pay increase, not bidding out service agreements, not exploring using private contractors for the money cafeteria fund which is losing money every year, etc. etc. etc.
If they tried to manage a business for profits like they manage the district, that business would be out of business in a short period.
“Nextel and the squad of lawyers involved are big leaguers who can't afford some improper procedure to mess up something that needs FCC approval.”
A first year law student knows that you cannot create a contract that violates state laws.
Common sense knows that a contract cannot violate state laws.
Maybe it is the case that private sector lawyers see a gullible, inexperienced, board willing to settle for anything in the name of politics.
“You gotta think "outside the Valley".”
It would be nice if the board members and their uninformed apologists were able to think inside the Valley.
The board made the district the laughing stock of the county with all their fumblings.
The above blog is 100% correct. We are a laughing stock of this county.
Sandals in the winter is funny too. Does your feet ever get cold. Any Dr. would tell you that you could get frost bite from exposed toes and feet. Oh yea, you are at Dr. Oh my!
Mr. Jacobs wrote "The Reading Eagle raised this issue in their editorial and they are correct."
Holy cow! If you think the Eagle is a credible source on ANY issue, especially their editorial page, then you are clearly grasping at thin air to support your position.
Key to your argument regarding Nextel is the supposition that there is a "contract that violates state law."
If anyone has proof that a law has been broken, with the Sunshine Law or in election intimidation, they should seek legal council and file formal charges with the proper authorities. Complaining here does not solve anything, it is merely the perpetuation of rumors and opinion without conclusion.
Legal council, are you going to pay for such service?
Acually Wilkes offers a sattelite at the BCIU and is the same rate as the state system rate...so, it actually does save money..
Anonymous said...
The above blog is 100% correct. We are a laughing stock of this county.
9:38 AM, April 14, 2007
ACTUALLY THIS BLOG IS THE LAUGHING STOCK OF THIS COUNTY!
BWHAHAHA
Key to your argument regarding Nextel is the supposition that there is a "contract that violates state law…If anyone has proof that a law has been broken, with the Sunshine Law”
The board minion either is in denial or dismisses the obvious.
Only when the issue arrives on his doorstep in the form of a tax bill because the board flirts with the law is there a cry for justice.
“Isn’t there a law…Can’t someone do something about this…How did this happen…” are typical of the bellows for the people who treat the school district activism as an absentee landlord would treat a crumbling roof.
Of course, by the time these individuals realize scoundrels are in the Valley as well as in Harrisburg or Washington, the horse is out of the barn and expects to be feed.
Well, Al, it looks like you left them speechless.
Good Morning Boys & Girls!
Don't forget to check in on your neighborhood blog after church today.
When it's quiet in blogland, don't forget to inquire about the hit parade of 2-initial bloggers! Demand to know the reason for their silence!
LB
RS
MS
AJ
CS
You know, you're driving the pro-boarders crazy when you don't write. They can't wait to hear what you have to say, so they can pretend they don't care. Yet they read this blog faithfully and then reply when they can't let it go. If anyone runs a tally sheet, they might find that more hours are spent monitoring this blog than supposedly are spent attending the countless board meetings they attend....out of the goodness of their hearts. Setting their personal lives on the back burner so they can devote hours and hours each week to the school board. Bless their little hearts. If only the entire community could devote as much time for the good of the entire community, as they do.
Hello out there, I cannot hear you. The nothing is wrong with this district people are not writing this weekend. Are they flooded out? Are they floating down Main St. in their canoe? We miss talking to you. Come on tell us some good time facts. We need some cheering up on a rainy day. Tell us something we have been waiting to hear, like a no tax increase for next year. Since we should of got one easily the past 2 years, how about next year? Stay dry!!!
Perhaps we are weary. We're damned if we do share our opinions and damned if we don't.
Been there, done that, tired of it. Go pick on someone else.
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