At the June 20 , 2007 meeting superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Zackon announced that the district concluded a leasing agreement with Nextel.
Nextel agrees to lease for a period of thirty years, EBS channels owned by the district for certain compensation.
Nextel will pay a one-time nonrefundable upfront payment of $1,400,000. In addition, they will pay a yearly leasing fee as follows: Years 1-5, $50,000, Years 6-10, $75,000, Years 11-15, $100,000, Years 16-20, $125,000, Years 21-30 $200,000.
If taxpayers think they will see any benefit from this deal, they will be sorely disappointed.
The district manager immediately put the $1,400,000 into the Capital Reserve Fund. The normal practice is any money coming into the district goes to the General Fund. It is then transferred out of the General Fund into the Capital Reserve Fund only with board approval at a public meeting. Once the funds are put into Capital Reserve, its use is limited to capital expenditures and not operating expenses.
This maneuver also prevents any public review and comment.
The $1,400,000 added to the other $5,500,000 of surplus funds sitting in the district coffers. Yet the board voted to increase taxes for the ninth consecutive year, anyway.
The board President indicated the entire upfront payment would be used on the track. The district will not be using the windfall for any computers, desks, books, etc., but rather for a synthetic athletic field.
They also declare tax dollars then will not be used for the athletic facility. Though the assertion is technically correct, any finances coming into the district do belong to the taxpayers and the use or misuse of them will eventually affect taxes, directly or indirectly.
As far as the future yearly lease payments to the district, the community can only wonder where the board’s whims and fancies will spend the funds. If recent history is any indication, it may not be for education.
Once the announcement was made by the superintendent, a board member launched into a verbal assault on the public and the press. Ms. Bieber took great offense to the community asking questions about the agreement. The Reading Eagle thought they violated the Sunshine Law by not revealing the details to the public once the paperwork was signed September 26, 2006.
Following the standard public relations strategy, messengers will be sent into the community trumpeting the contract. But the sad truth is that the rightful beneficiaries of the lease may ultimately feel cheated.
Posts
327 comments:
1 – 200 of 327 Newer› Newest»I am thankful that the $1.4million will pay for the track. It makes me wonder, though, why a tax increase is necessary this year. Would one year of breathing space been too much to ask?
As usual, the board views the money that belongs to the public who support the school system, as their mad money.
Once again, an elitist attitude reigns -- the taxpayers are scolded for concern over THEIR money, secrecy surrounded this entire issue, and then those who give of their time and concern are treated like naughty children.
At the end of the day, these board folks just don't get it.
They are like someone who receives a windfall, and buys a new Rolls Royce instead of paying off debt. There is a "not so nice" term for that kind of spending.
The board members are all sitting on their brains!!! BB is all wrong and for her to tell the people that got her into this position that she is offended that they care what their tax dollars are going for and the concerns they have for all the citizens of this district. Education for her must come second, third or fourth! She has one child as a senior and one out of the district and she has the nerve to complain about the OCC. Get a life BB. I cannot believe I ever thought you would do something good being on the board. Remember what you said to your so called friends years back. I know I am correct and the board might of received the money for the track, but the taxpayers will be paying for the lights, stadium, security guard for night sports events and for the poor people on the streets right next to the track. We continue to have lawsuits brought against this district and you smile because you think you won a fighting match. It is way more than that, but I guess you cannot get that through your brain.
you would do better to attend a meeting yourself and see what actually happens and what is reallly said instead of relying on a totally biased and unreliable second hand report. "Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear."
When I was in the service being in an "elite" unit was considered an honor and privilege. Only the total losers scoffed at ("made fun of") the idea of being one of the elite.
I didn't write this comment, but it definitely worth repeating, so here it is again...
"OCC you twisted and misinterpreted but never answered the question.same old story. What did you think about the board's money for the track announcement? Let me guess: they should have used the money to lower taxes because WE THE PEOPLE of Oley (at least 10 of us) don't want a track and field.Are you going to apologize for calling them liars for saying they wouldn't use tax money for the track? Or do you figure Nextel $ came from the taxpayers so it's sort of tax money anyway?"
I heard the news last night, and said to a neighbor (and fellow blog reader for entertainment purposes), "Those OCC people will complain somehow about this wonderful news." Surely, I was right! Well, too bad, folks! It is what it is. You can complain all you want, but it is not going to change. Basically you have two choices. You can either continue to see the world through your gray colored glasses, or you can go outside, enjoy the sunshine, and thank God for being alive. I'm pretty sure you'll choose the first option.
"secrecy surrounded this entire issue, and then those who give of their time and concern are treated like naughty children."
The reason for the secrecy was explained and "those who give of their time and concern" are the board members who are routinely assaulted by those who do nothing.
You should go to Al's house, or meet him at a safe place if he's afraid to have someone like you over, and listen to his recording of the question and answer period. Make sure you hear it all, not just an edited version. See what you think of his and CS's performances versus the boards'. You could probably do the same at the admin building if you want to waste someone's time who the taxpayers are paying to work.
Twisted that is you, not the OCC. They get the facts from the board and district and then they say the OCC is wrong!!! Come on and go see a shrink! You are wacked! New board members yo are just the same as the old!! Time will come when you are all replaced with people that care for all of the citizens and children. We will be paying for the up keep of this track, lights, stadium, lawsuits etc. You think the OCC is terrible for wanting fiscal responsibility from this district, well tooooo bad on you!!! Time will tell like it always has that the OCC is correct. Do not worry, we will prevail. You do not know what the truth is if it hit you in the face.
Shame on you Kubitz and Burns. You have fallen into the spell of Heckman and Zackon and the rest of the board. You have no business attacking Al and Cindy. They have been going to meetings for years, do research on this district to get to the truth and you have the ----s to attack them. Go somewhere will you.
Sorry if the above is not true, but you 2 are the only ones at the board meetings recently would know to make the nasty comments that were posted on this blog this morning regarding Al and his recording of the meetings. I would ask anyone to call him and you would get the whole version not edited. He has nothing to hide. He only wants the truth which this board skips around with all the time. Even the Nextel agreement has something else going on that we most likely will find out later on. And if it doesn't, wow that would be a first. Call Al and he would be happy for you to hear the recordings.
You do not want to know the truth. You like to hide behind the smoke and mirrors of this board and district. You think you are in OZ but you are not.
"Come on and go see a shrink! You are wacked!
well tooooo bad on you!!!
Do not worry, we will prevail."
Speaking of a shrink.... A shrink would have a field day analyzing that which lies beneath the personality of the person making the above comments! ;)
Who the heck are Kubitz and Burns? I made one of the comments, and I am not one of them. The news made its way around the neighborhood because my friends and I are supporters of the track, and we were glad to see that its costs are covered. Apparently, though, Kubitz and Burns sound like they might actually be rational people, if they disagree with the anger spewing crew known as the OCC!!
Peace Out!
Neighbors celebrating, oh please!! The money will not only be coming from Nextel for this track.
The OCC gets the numbers of dollars in the surplus funds from the treasury report. Why not ask the Business Manager yourself for a copy?
Why be satisfied with failure?
The person making the nasty comments about the OCC does not know anything about this district and what is going on with our money, test scores, drop out rates etc.
Do some research yourself before you make comments. You do not know what you are talking about.
What neighborhood is so excited?
We never said we did not think the district needed a new track, but why did we need the most expensive version?
They could of used some of the money from Nextel for a no-tax increase and maybe "EDUCATION". Do you know that word and what it really means? I do not think so.
Peace out, nice saying!!!!!
Your on something!!! What do you think we are in the 60's? Education in Oley was great back then. What happened? You happened!!!!
It's quite interesting that the so-called mystery blogger who signs themselves as:
;
Only seems to contribute to this blog in the summer time, during Christmas holiday time, Easter time......! Interesting how the closet smiley blogger is most often available to blog when the teachers are OFF.
Check it out!
2:30 you must have a complex? What I wrote sounds just like you!
2:33 I guess you did not vote in May. Kubitz and Burns who you know but act like you don't ran for board in May.
You should use your rights of America and vote.
2:30 I guess you are not a supporter of education and fiscal responsibility! You again are twisted up like the board in what you are writing. Remember there are approx. 2100 other students that might not be interested in the track but are interested in getting a fair education. Now remember do not forget them!!!!!
That is 2:33 not 2:30. 2:30 has enough problems coming to terms with his or her own condition.
Sad for sure 2:33 needs to get counciling.
Hey 2:30 and 2:33 are the same people it seems. They write alot like each other.
I like that old saying about not believing all you hear and checking it out yourself especially in regard to reports from OCC. I've been to meetings where what actually was said, and what he reported,sound like reports of totally different events.Everyone sees things through their own biases: blindly accepting what ANYONE says is foolish.Sometimes you actually have to check and then think for yourself.
Reality of Life class that is now required for 9th graders should be required for the board and admin. as well.
The class teaches the children about money management and living within your means.
Sounds like the district big guys and girls need to take this class.
The children probably know more than the adults.
"Even the Nextel agreement has something else going on that we most likely will find out later on.
Call Al and he would be happy for you to hear the recordings.
1:21 PM, June 21, 2007"
What would that something be? Feel free to use your imagination for 'facts' as well as accusations. Maybe they're putting money in one of the secret slush funds that Al refers to- except that the funds all have names and are reported on every month.
When you offered Al's recording for our use,you forgot to leave a phone number. Did you also forget to check with Al? I hope he reports on the number of takers he has to your invitation. My guess is 0, since you all seem satisfied getting your "facts" and opinions wrapped together neatly with no mental effort on your part.
I have been at meetings and witness the board and what they say is exactly what the OCC reports. My health has prevented me from going this past year. I get very upset of the lies that this board dishes out to the public on an ongoing basis. Ask BB. She is the one years ago that convinced me to go to a meeting and see what the board is up to. In her words she said she could not believe the nasty way that the board treats the public who might have a question or concern. Now she is one of them. Thanks BB for getting me involved in the first place. I most likely have lost years of my life dealing with these people and the unkindness they show to the people that pay the bills and to the children that are in their school district. God is watching all of them and the truth will always come out in the long run. Thank you dear Lord for my family that cares 100% about me and have begged me not to go to the meetings as it does not do any good listening to lies after lies.
Have a nice day!!! Remember someone with the most highest power is watching all of you board members and administrators.
Al has recorder the board and has written what they say. If you do not believe him ask him if you can listen to the recording yourself.
3:40 your playing mind games again. Ask Al yourself for the recordings of these meetings. His # is in the phonebook. Or ask him on this blog to get in touch with you and he will more than happy return your call.
If there is anything that could be considered lies or anything similar to a lie, Al could and would very easily post the excerpts from the meetings on the blog. I am sure that if he is able to establish and maintain this blog, periodically update it, etc., that he will have the capabilities to upload part of a recordings for all to listen. I believe he previously provided video clips. I believe it would be in bad taste to bother him or anyone else, for that fact, at their home without a personal invite.
As for the higher power watching over the board and admin, unless you are speaking of the Dept. of Ed.; you must be referring to the same man that is watching over all us, including those individuals who have less than favorable opinions of the board and admin., and express those opinions freely and openly.
To disagree and not share opinions is fine. However, to lack in civility is wrong. Whether the board does it or the bloggers do it, it is still wrong!
And remember, bloggers don't let other bloggers drink and blog!
Thanks for the advice!
Al wrote at 4 in the morning today exactly what happened at the board meeting. If you want to hear the voices of this board, We can see if that can be arranged and put on this blog. Then what??? Will you still say we do not know what we are talking about? Why not ask for the treasury report and ask the board for the minutes of the meeting? They do have a secretary recording the meeting. Oh I wonder if she edits the recording's? That would be a no-no.
Head On, Head On..
"Apply directly to the forehead"
Anything to help the board is sincerely appreciated.
Heckman on...Heckman on...
apply directly to your checkbook...
ZACK-ON....ZACK-ON
APPLY DIRECTLY TO YOUR....
Where can I sign up for the FREE wireless card and free service from Nextel????????????????????
Stupidity wins last night!!! Thats right I am talking about you board members.
You have not come up for now 1 1/2 years any documentation saying the OCC is wrong and liars because our facts come straight from the district.
Your problem and yes it is your problem is that you do not like that we are putting the facts on this blog for all to see.
Al records not videos the meetings. He does not have the equipment to put the recordings on this blog but you can contact him and he will let you listen word for word the meetings. And you can also contact Janet the secretary for the board who also records the meetings. And she also writes the meeting minutes and they can be found on the schools web site. Now we do not know what she actually does with all the recordings. She shrinks the meetings into 1 page of information. Not all of the meeting has been put on paper. She is supposed to have all of the meeting available to the public.
"Only seems to contribute to this blog in the summer time, during Christmas holiday time, Easter time......! Interesting how the closet smiley blogger is most often available to blog when the teachers are OFF."
Oh how silly! I am the blogger who signs as ;) or :) and I am not a teacher!! Please do "check it out" and you will see that I contribute year round, including summer! :) ..nice try though!
"Will you still say we do not know what we are talking about?"
Put your money where your mouth is...show us the so-called lies from all these "evil snakes."
Is ignorance really bliss? Please tell us, wondering minds would like to know.
You said evil snakes. And yes they are liars. I cannot put my money where my mouth is because Zackon and Heckman took it. HAHA. Anyway, they do not know what they are talking about and the facts have been presented on this blog many, many times but you keep ignoring them. You just keep attacking the messenger. At the end of the day the OCC can sleep knowing they have done nothing wrong,have put all the facts on this blog that are given to them from this district.
Go attack the district for their handling of a $26+ million budget. I would like you to say we do not need anything for the education of the children and that it is great to tax people out of their homes. Come on tell us!!! 4 members of the Kutztown board at least can sleep knowing they tried to stop a tax increase. I praise them for having guts. You have none.
Good night, sleep tight do not let the bed monsters bite you.
To the Oley Valley School Board
Dear Board Members,
At the June 20 ,2007 meeting, Ralph Richard gave the board members a packet of information from the Budget and Finance Committee.
In the packet was the 2007-2008 Big Ticket List. These are a list of items for future expenditures.
Since there is nearly $7,000,000 of surplus money sitting in district funds, it is incumbant the citizens have the right to know how their tax dollars will be allocated.
Local governance can only strenthened with transparency.
You can post the list on the blog saving mailing and advertising costs for everyone to review and comment.
Thank you in advance for your co-operation.
Albert H. Jacobs
Oley Concerned Citizens
Yes we want to see the list.
The public has the right to know!!
How did you know that we are questioning the strawberries and ice cream being purchased with our tax money? I thought you did not read the blog, Mr. Heckman. I hope you had a good time!!
You should sit on Main St. giving out treats to all the people that pay for your daughters salary and to this district for all the thrills that are non-educational.
Your funny Mr. Heckman, why didn't you advertise the treat that was given out at the board meeting? Some children and parents do not get treats like that, they would of came running to see a smile of their childs face eating ice cream and strawberries.
Be sure to read the Reading Eagle today. The board are the heros, Al sounds like a loon, "three or four jobs," really Al?
Millions of dollars spent on a track, is the money going to just fall out of the sky? Yes, it did, quite literally, and in one lump sum.
B2 in todays paper, BB you should really mature!!! Go away and bring your board buddies with you.
Zackon you are funny saying the track is not being paid for by the public's money. OK then, why didn't you give the public a tax break if you have all of this money coming in and in surplus funds. Cannot answer that now can you???
Now since the taxpayers are not paying for the track, is the track now going to be under lock and key????? Will it have fencing around it????
I bet JB knew what was going on with this Nextel deal!!
I thought is was top secret???
Sure glad I live in the Oley Valley School District and not the other 11 in the county paying much higher millage rates. Some people never even see that there's anything in the glass, let alone half full.
7:41 your another funny one.
I guess you like below basic for our school, that is what half of the juniors received on the pssa scores. Of course they graduated and now have to face the real world not prepared.
We should have even lower millage than we do and the money should be going towards education, tutoring, and most of all concern and care for all the children not just a handful.
The children should not have to pay $150.00 for tutoring per course during the summer when they should of been tutored after school and during the school year. What did these kids do all year?
I hope you are happy with children not ready to hit the real world. I am not and this district should be ashamed that with only 2100 children give and take a few, we are below basic on anything. Shame, shame.
PS: This district does not like to compare themselves to other schools, only when it benefits them.
The other school districts try not to bring Oley up it is such a circus and very laughable.
Have a great day, Cappa,snake or whoever you are called today.
7:37,7:38 Al sounds like a loon? Come on can you not think of anything else to say? You are really stupid Cappa or :). Al is talking about alot of people in Oley that do work multiple jobs. Do you ever talk to anyone? I bet people rather throw rocks at you than here you speak. The BS that comes out of your mouth is just gagging. Al you are a very caring, conerned person and I am glad you are standing up for the little guy. Time to call Harrisburg and tell them of the big monies that came in from Nextel. They should not be sending the money they normally send if we have all this extra funds sitting around.
What is on the big ticket list?
Funny, you will not answer that!!!
Just checked in here today to see how the Oley Concerned bloggers reacted to the Nextel deal. Just as expected. Doom and gloom and the evil snake people board is making us all work 4 jobs.
I think the Nextel deal is great and well done. Could you people maybe just once give the board credit where due? Of course not. You all fester in your hatred.
I expect the Reading Eagle to write an apology to the board in their Editorial section. They will, a day after hell freezes over.
9:18 and other pro-boarders, why if we are so insignificant the OCC, do you feel the need to keep coming on this blog and defending yourselves? The Nextel deal could of went for a no-tax increase and a track, but no you needed the best of the best. You could not compromise for the middle of the road great track that would of cost alot less than $1.6 million and rising. Only the best for the track what about the best education for all the children?????? Cannot answer that either can you????
We want a top of the line education for our children just like the top of the line track!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That is right, education does not come first in an educational institution called the OVSD. Why should we think it should??? Only because it is a $26 million business which Heckman calls it. We need a good final product. You get fired if you do not produce. You all should be fired.
Why should the Reading Eagle say they are sorry? They have nothing to be sorry about??? When you are wrong board, which is all the time I do not see you saying you are sorry for being wrong!!! The Sunshine Law was violated. The people of this district have the right to see what this board is doing. There should of been no secret about this Nextel deal. All the boards families knew what was going on.
Great job Al, in the paper this morning and on this blog.
"Go away and bring your board buddies with you."
...take your board buddies with you would be the correct grammar!
"You are really stupid..."
If you only knew! :) ;)
Love,
Smiley
or
The Doc
or
A Teacher
or
Dale
...or, I may just be YOUR neighbor! If you only knew ;)
who really cares :). You are just has weird as the rest of them.
I am scared!!! Oh no!! Are you the one that steals from the neighbors yards??? I hope not for your sake.
You have to live with your lies and nasty behavior neighbor or whoever you are!!!
The truth will prevail, it always does.
sorry 8:54 and 9:00 but you are wrong again- it was some other relatively normal person but not me. Do you really think you should call anyone else "stupid"?
A commentator recently wrote, about a different blog site: "the smart stuff is being drowned out by a fierce, bullying, almost witless tone of intolerance. ..Anyone who doesn't move in lockstep with the most extreme voices is savaged and rediculed...with an odious and distainful tone". Does this sound familiar?
Bye, bye all!
We're off to Maine this weekend with all of our stuff to our new home. We are so happy that a lovely lady psychiatrist and her father purchased our home. Her income will be able to keep up with the school's wild spending, and she is bringing no children into the District, yet.
Sorry OV School Board, CANNOT thank you for the memories -- which more closely resemble nightmares. But, we do thank you for forcing us into a decision that has resulted in a great blessing and retirement for both of us. You meant it for bad, God used it for good.
Thanks OCC. You're the best.
Blessings to all -- even those who have hated me. I hope you can someday find happiness apart from bullying others and recklessly spending other people's money to the detriment of their childrens' education.
8:46 PM, June 21, 2007 said
"You have not come up for now 1 1/2 years any documentation saying the OCC is wrong and liars because our facts come straight from the district."
OCC, alias Al, does get a lot of information from the district but numerous people have pointed out many times in the last 1 1/2 years how he picks and chooses which data to use and misinterprets that which he chooses.It's the interpretation that is usually "twisted" although he does mess up the raw facts often enough. For example, his insistance, despite repeated attempts by the business manager to correct him, that the board was spending $741,000 extra when it was, in FACT, putting it in reserve as savings.When he gets an idea it seems almost impossible to change it no matter how often the actual facts are presented to him. He reminds me of a relative with early Alzheimer's disease, or just a stubborn ____man.
Bye LB ! As the self-described former "school board member people love to hate", you'll be missed....like a migraine. I know this isn't nice, and I apologize for sinking to their level, but turnabout is fair play, and some higher power made me do it- maybe the same one that enabled her to leave town.
LB you are wonderful and I and many other will miss you. God Bless and I will be in touch. Maine might be the place to go for my family as well. The school district will think they won with you leaving, but it is a true loss to this community. The one who cares the most which is you, will be rewarded when you meet our most highest Savior, The Lord Jesus Christ. Best wishes to you and your husband. I will miss you. Your Friend from NJ who has moved into hostile territory.
Just looking at you gives anyone a headache and stomach ache. You will not be rewarded at all for your dirty deeds Mr. or Mrs. 12:31pm. Remember the Lord Savior has plans and you are not in them.
Memory loss is what the 9 members on this board have experienced and are passing to the next 3 new members. You talk to each other before the meetings to discuss what each person will say. I have heard this myself from board members. You need to get medicated and start remembering your lies, so the next time we meet, you can say you never said that and that we do not know what we are talking about. Good Day and Hello :). Do you want to meet in the neighborhood and discuss the facts face to face. I have nothing to be ashamed or worried about as nothing that I ever wrote was not accurate.
What ever happened to the big ticket list request. Funny how you ignore the request for public information to be given to the public.
"For example, his insistance, despite repeated attempts by the business manager to correct him, that the board was spending $741,000 extra when it was, in FACT, putting it in reserve as savings"
This probably comes from our old friend Mr. Cappa. He should take time to read the agenda given him at meetings and listen to the business manager more closely.
The $741,000 is the designated fund balance in the General Fund.
Its origin is the $741,000 of revenue the district claimed they were not aware of in the 2005-2006 budget.
How can a business office not be aware of $741,000!
How can the board whose job is oversight not be aware of $741,000!
The money could have been used for a no tax increase budget, but the board hustles revenue into the Capital Reserve Fund so that it could not be used for property tax relief.
Mr. Cappa voted for this transfer, all well as the other board members.
When is the board going to reveal the Big Ticket List?
The taxpayers have the right to know how their money will be spent.
With the violent and hateful remarks of 12:31 is it any wonder that it does not set an example for violence in schools. This person should be ashamed of their remarks.
What is going on with the big ticket list? We have are waiting.
"Just looking at you gives anyone a headache and stomach ache. You will not be rewarded at all for your dirty deeds Mr. or Mrs. 12:31pm. Remember the Lord Savior has plans and you are not in them."
Wow! Your Lord and my Lord must be two different people, because my Lord accepts us for the imperfect humans that are are. Your Lord apparently "accepts" people based on your personal recommendations - otherwise you certainly wouldn't have the authority or knowledge to know who is or isn't "in his plans."
...so glad not to know you! :)
"With the violent and hateful remarks of 12:31 is it any wonder that it does not set an example for violence in schools. This person should be ashamed of their remarks."
As I read the above blog, I looked back over the previos blogs with uneasy anticipation, thinking that someone had threatened violence. When I read the blog that this writer was referring to, I just had to shake my head.
"Bye LB ! As the self-described former "school board member people love to hate", you'll be missed....like a migraine. I know this isn't nice, and I apologize for sinking to their level, but turnabout is fair play, and some higher power made me do it- maybe the same one that enabled her to leave town." (this was the 12:31 blog)
This is violence? Saying that someone will be missed like a migrane is violence?!?! Well, I must say that your statement was very interesting, considering that you provided a lovely example of exactly the kind of "twisting of the truth" that Al and a few other OCCers engage in!
By the way, I've recently discovered that Smiley :) not just me, but rather three of us! (maybe more for all I know). Adds an interesting "twist," especially considering who one of the "Smiley" writers happens to be! heehee
3:38 you are the one twisted. Your comments about Linda do not show any children a good example of being a responsible adult and mature at that. Remember we have Oley students including mine that read this blog and they cannot believe what you say about people Mr. or Mrs. Smiles.
I thought you were my neighbor. Now you say you are glad you do not know me.
Get with the program.
And yes Jesus is very forgiving that is why he is our Lord and Savior and died for our salvation. He does see all if you believe in him like I do. And I know nothing I have said I would ever be ashamed of. I am glad that Al started this blog site and the facts that he has presented for us to see.
We are still waiting for the big ticket list. How come you keep attacking us but will not give us a list that is the public right to see?
Can you explain yourself.
Have a great weekend and try to hug someone, you need it. You have alot of anger and saddness in your life to keep attacking people who care about the public in this district. God Bless you and remember to go and ask God for forgiveness.
Well, there you have it. I made the comment about the truth being twisted, but I DID NOT make the comment about Linda. That was someone else. I am also not the person who said I was someone's neighbor. You respond to the collective group of bloggers as if it is one person. I can tell you that there are definitely more than one of us.
As for anger and sadness.... I am very happy!!! :) See! ;)
P.S. You might want to Google the term "projecting," then give some thought to what you learn about it.
.... psychological projection... try Wikepedia
Glad you are happy and WE told you all for the past 1 1/2 years that there are more than a handful of people reading and writing on this blog.
The King (aka Dr. Z) is sitting on his front porch in his Oley T-shirt waiting for driveby adulation.
Please make sure you acknowledge him and present appropriate expected gifts and praise!
Three cheers for the King!
Praise be to the King!
Go KING Go!
When is the parade?
How can there be a parade?
With all the evening practices under the lights, we won't be able to have a marching band, because those who were in both will no longer be able to participate in band and sports!
How Sad.
Who is going to pay for the security guard who you will need to guard the new track?????
Will keys be mailed to all taxpayers - since most of us working stiffs will be working two jobs, the only opportunity we'll have to use the track will be 2:00 or 3:00 a.m.
How much do security guards make a year?
Maybe Zackon's stepson can be the new guard, big and mighty!!!!!
Are you imbibing tonight???
Hail to the King!
Hail to the King!
Hail to the King!
I heard the board will be gathering tomorrow to ride through the streets of the district to collect all your gold and fortunes!
"Glad you are happy and WE told you all for the past 1 1/2 years that there are more than a handful of people reading and writing on this blog."
Yes, you are very correct! ...just very wrong when you think they all agree with you!
No need for a security guard. Some districts provide key cards for any citizens that come in and sign up for one. Hopefully that's what they'll do.
Yo 8:16, that came from the pro-bloggers, not the OCC - just shows your ignorance.
Three cheers for the King!
First of all, 8:39, you don't know me. Therefore, you have no idea whether or not I am ignorant. I do understand, though, that that sort of language is your "style." Secondly, this post
("Glad you are happy and WE told you all for the past 1 1/2 years that there are more than a handful of people reading and writing on this blog.")
does not indicate whether or not the person is pro OCC. Be careful, your angry personality is showing! :)
Re. "some higher power made me do it- maybe the same one that enabled her to leave town."
Perhaps he mis-wrote. He must be referring to a "lower" power. The Lord and Savior that I worship would never condone the words that credited Him for something so evily spoken.
We need to all pray for Dr. Cappa. He seems to have a God sized hole in His heart -- and only Jesus can fill it. Lord have mercy on us all.
Three cheers for the King!
HAIL TO THE KING!
PLEASE LOWER THE TAX RATE SO WE CAN LIVE!
Why can't the school board cut the taxpayers a break this year?
It seems as the more money they can get their hands on, the MORE THEY WANT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This school board is a prime example of government OUT OF CONTROL!
HOW MUCH MORE CAN THEY POSSIBLY NEED?
yadda, yadda, yadda!
Good Night Doc. You always give yourself away!
Board members,
Re-read:
The Emporer's New Clothes
Then, revue it's content.
OCC bloggers,
Thank you for already reading The Emporer's New Clothes, and remembering the lessons taught by this story. Please continue to "call them as you SEE them". The message of the OCC is a clear as can be.
Weren't the anti-taxpayers saying this blog is dead? The liberals are wrong again. They hate the truth.
The board should take drug tests because they must be on something to do spend the way they do.
Drugs and terrible money management is a bad combination especially when this board is running a $26+ million budget. You can tell from all the blogs from the past 2 days what board member is on something!!!! It is very clear.
God Bless the children that died in that terrible car crash last week.
Please do something right as a parent and tell your teenage children to buckle up and slow down.
I hope our staff at Oley do not drive past the speed limits and I hope they buckle up.
Even if you live near your place of employment or not you should always buckle.
You set the wrong example to our children if you do not follow the laws.
That is all the laws!!!!
Is the King going to be on his porch today?? I like to visit and have a talk about how WE want a top of the line education here in Oley just like the top of the line track. And why we are at it, lets make the theatre productions the top of the line like Kutztown does when they put on a show. It is like night and day.
My children are interested in the arts and they want a top of the line production.
Are you going to give us all the items necessary for a great show???
You need to spend some money on all the materials you need to put on a show!!
Headsets, crops, costumes, black and white pictures of the cast displayed on an easel in the lobby of the auditorium, Have the lobby decorated to go with the theme of the show.
That is all that Kutztown does and more.
We want the best. We deserve the best just like the track kids.
If they get the best, the actors, singers, band and orchestra want the best.
Hail to the King!
Right on 6:36. The message is clear as can be.
If it weren't, you wouldn't be seeing all the blogs trying to blast the OCC.
If the OCC were no threat to the board and administration, they would not even be acknowledging the OCC comments.
CLEAR AS CAN BE!
And what really aggravates them is the fact that they really do not know who is posting. They just assume it is Al and Cindy, but they truly do not know.
9:50 AM, June 23, 2007 said
"If the OCC were no threat to the board and administration, they would not even be acknowledging the OCC comments.
CLEAR AS CAN BE!
Please explain how the OCC is a threat to the board or administration. I'd really like to know.
And what really aggravates them is the fact that they really do not know who is posting. They just assume it is Al and Cindy, but they truly do not know.
9:50 AM, June 23, 2007
false about the assumption that it is all Al or Cindy.
true about the secret identities- there are several below basic candidates who are also emotionally unstable to choose from.
OCC said: "He should take time to read the agenda given him at meetings and listen to the business manager more closely.
The $741,000 is the designated fund balance in the General Fund."
Glad to see you finally got it, Al, and are no longer erroneously claiming it is spent money and that the budget needs to be reopened to account for it. Or did you forget you said that very thing many times. This is another example of your taking someone's statement, then misinterpreting it as saying something different, and then attacking your own misinterpretation.In this case it's even slightly worse: you take your own mistake, attribute it to someone else and then refute it.
Cappa you sure do show your twisted true colors!!
Oh, lets see. We say the facts day in and day out and you continue to twist them like it is not the truth.
Then you say Al finally agrees with his own mistakes.
You are funny Al has not made any mistakes. He just writes facts to the public of what is happening in this district regarding our money.
You are the one that keeps moving money around like it is yours.
Well Cappa the money is ours.
Stop spinning like the liberals do.
You need to get off the board so we can have some kind words from the other districts given to us.
Right now they think with you on the board we are running a circus.
Actually if you read the Manual of Accounts, the budget is supposed to be reopened.
It's just that the Oley school board and administrators think they don't have to abide by the state laws.
They only do this because they assume that no one is going to take them to court over this.
Perhaps they assume wrong!
Hope all are driving with VALID driver's licenses.
This latest blog was started two days ago. There's over 100 postings in two days...wow, that sure looks like a dead blog to us!
Hail to the King!
All gold and fortunes to the King!
Hail to the King!
Pennies too!
I have seen some Oley administrators driving pretty quick down Main St. and one was not wearing a seat belt......
Not good at all.
Who pays for the speeding tickets if one of our administrators gets one during the school day???
Do they get paid using our tax dollars?
A great question above blog. They get lunches, gift cards, savings bonds with our tax dollars, why not speeding tickets.
Oh boy!!!
They don't need us to pay the tickets directly. That's too easy. Why not check out the crooked police department? Remember when one was fired for going up to Redner's too often? Was that officer ever hired back, or did they hire 3 or 4 to replace him?
What other school district but OLEY would not give the taxpayers a badly needed break?
ONLY THE OLEY VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT WOULD HOARD EVERY ABSOLUTE CENT AND NOT GIVE THE TAXPAYERS PROPERTY TAX RELIEF.
Perhaps the STATE MANDATED THIS?
How can this school district possibly be SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO GREEDY, as to not give the taxpayers a BREAK?
9:50 AM, June 23, 2007 said
"If the OCC were no threat to the board and administration, they would not even be acknowledging the OCC comments.
CLEAR AS CAN BE!"
Please explain how the OCC is a threat to the board or administration. I'd really like to know.
They're not a threat, but if they are so insignificant and incorrect, why waste all your time bashing them and what they say -
UNLESS
There is some TRUTH to what they say.
Hail to the king!
Hail to king Zackon!
Hail to the king!
How we were going to pay for the track if the Nextel deal fell through?
TAXES - TAXES - TAXES!
Where does the money come from that goes into the capital reserve fund, excluding the $1.4 million from Nextel?
TAXES - TAXES - TAXES!
So far this fiscal year approximately $3 million was put into capital reserve fund.
They're not a threat, but if they are so insignificant and incorrect, why waste all your time bashing them and what they say -
UNLESS There is some TRUTH to what they say. 9:31 PM, June 23, 2007
Who spends all their time bashing the anti-board, anti-school bloggers?
Most of the bashing attempts seem to be by OCC and followers against the board, or am I miscounting.
Most anti-blogger comments seem to be replies to blogger's attempts at bashing or to factual mistakes or interpretations of facts.
Can you not think of another reason to respond to the continuous spreading of untruths? How about that lies are more in need of a response than the truth? If no one responds, than a constantly repeated lie can more easily be accepted as the truth.
Obviously the hard core bloggers are not going to have their minds changed, but casual dabblers on the site should have a choice of info to evaluate so they can reach the appropriate conclusions for themselves.
Any more loaded questions? How about, do the board members still beat their wives?
mystereeeee blogggggah.... said...
This latest blog was started two days ago. There's over 100 postings in two days...wow, that sure looks like a dead blog to us!
2:16 PM, June 23, 2007 "
Whoever said the blog is dead? You keep answering a statement that nobody made.It's as though you think the continued commenting on the blog has a value other than as an emotional outlet for .....what?
Blog on Cappa.
Blogging on a Saturday night!
Everyone knows you just can't keep quiet, Doc.
I don't think "dead blog" means no entries. ...more likely it means ineffective, without a purpose! ;)
I think some of us (no, I am not Cappa) like to respond to you purely for entertainment purposes. By the way, not one of you answered my question posted yesterday. Is ignorance really bliss? ...just curious. ;)
To the last two blogs -
Yadda, yadda, yadda.
Adday, adday, adday...
There you have it, a blissfully ignorant response to the smiley, yadda blogger.
Smile for a good reason...
God loves you!
We live in a decent area of town!
We (the OCC bloggers) care enough about the young couples and the elderly...to try to prevent their loss of housing.
God bless!
That is right we are the ones that care, YES THE OCC CARES!!! and you do not like that!!!
No, we non-OCCers don't like people who care... How silly!
You're right. YOU'RE Silly!
Silly?
Silly is thinking that a financial crisis can't happen to YOU. It can happen to anyone, no matter how well you've planned, scrimped, and saved. It only takes one thing to happen, which is out of your control, and the whole ballgame changes.
I agree with OCC bloggers, pray for all good, caring parents to provide the best for their children..the best as they can provide. And pray that our country holds it's act together, because we've certainly got NO guarantees. Ask anyone who thought they WERE getting a retirement check.
6:56 AM said
"We (the OCC bloggers) care enough about the young couples and the elderly...to try to prevent their loss of housing."
How are you doing that?
For that matter what are you doing about anything?
Is it just blowing off steam to the apparently small group who agrees with you? Or are you really trying to accomplish something?
I would appreciate an attempt at an answer.
The above question is not only for the quoted blogger but for the rest of you, including Mr OCC, too.
There seems to be a long list of questions being asked of bloggers that they never even try to answer, except by pointless put downs. Don't any of you have a clue as to why you do the things you do?
Dear Skeptic-blogger,
Unless you're brand new here, many bloggers have mentioned things they are doing to help elderly neighbors, young couples, etc. And, when it's mentioned as such, we're criticized for patting ourselves on our backs for being sooooooooooo good to our fellow man.
Exactly what information are you seeking? Would you like a list of the people receiving help, and the exact names and addresses of those stepping up to that plate to help them? Please tell me that's not your intention. That information is confidential, and frankly, none of your business.
The main part of that subject is that people DO get into tight spots, and they need help. If, for once, they could face a year with no tax increases, it surely would be a ray of sunshine.
Do you have a particular problem with helping others and keeping the embarrassing facts to yourself?
This blog was created to make taxpayers that can't/won't make it to meetings, aware of how their taxes got to where they are, and what could possibly be done to get the free spending school board back to basics. Again, I ask, do you have a problem with that?
If so, feel free to state your actual complaints right here, on our community blog. You have more than 3 minutes to state your concerns. You don't have to spend a nickel on gas to get to a place where you can ask questions. You don't even have to get dressed up, since we can't SEE you! How much better does it get?
Welcome to America! This is where we still have the right to freedom of speech!!!
Blog your heart out. There are more people reading and contributing that you may think.
Oh! And try to have a nice day. If you are experiencing any financial difficulties, you may express your concerns right here. If you're living high off the hog, may you enjoy your particular lifestyle as long as the man upstairs sees fit.
Those who attempt to attack and belittle taxpayers by word or by deed are engaging in censorship. The First Amendment gives all people the right to express their opinions. The leftist big spenders would like nothing better than to silence the citizens.
The RED, RED ROBIN keeps
blog, blog, bloggin' along....
Those leftists don't have anything strong enough to silence my statements or point of view.
Nice try anyway!
Keep on bloggin'............
If the board squanders $1,600,000 on a track, what else have they been doing?
Why not ask the pillars of the community? Bet they're just bursting at the seams! It's so tough to keep big news to yourself!
Pillar?
That's something tall and narrow, correct?
Maybe not all that tall, but surely narrow.
"None so deaf as those that will not hear"
The Oley Valley School Board is out of touch with struggling homeowners. They do not care.
Yes, and narrow minded.
So much to say, so little time...
1. Kudos to the OVSB for forging the deal with Sprint/Nextel. An opportunity like that rarely, if ever, comes along and when it does you have to jump on it.
2. While some raised the issue of Sunshine Law violations during the negotiation period, now that the whole story is out I don't believe there was any violation. Since the focus of the negotiations were Educational Broad Bands licensed by the district, and was fixed property of the district, it would fall under "real estate" or "real property" and thus fall under the exemptions to the Sunshine Act. I do, however, fault the board for not explaining to the public why these negotiations fell under the exemption.
3. I'm sure the board had many discussions on how to allocate this 1.4 million dollar windfall but, in my opinion, it was short sighted to put the entire amount into Capital Reserve to be spent on paying for the track and field project. Would it not have been wiser to leave out the eqivalent of .9 mil ($500,000?) to avoid a tax increase this year? There was still $500,000 available in the CRF to enable the board to pay for the track in full. What a public relations coup they would have pulled had they done that. It was a golden opportunity squandered.
4. I sincerely hope that future money flowing in from this deal will be directed toward education initiatives. I realize that the people who want the football program in Oley will see these extra funds as a means to attain their objective but educational needs must be addressed first. I believe that it is only a matter of time until we have a football program and I have no problem with that if it does not divert money from educational requirements and does not adversely effect the taxpayers. The board needs to be as creative when paying for a football program as they were in sealing the deal with Sprint/Nextel.
OK, that's my opinion on the current issues so you can flame away at me if you feel the need...
RS in his new role as elder statesman, in his comments # 2 and 3, missed the explanations given several times at board meetings as to why his suggestions weren't feasible. His #4 would not be acceptabe to the bloggers who consider any expense for other than BASIC education to be a waste of tax mpney.
Why don't you guys quit milking the ways you bash RS? Outside of LB, I don't recall any other former board members giving any support or input to this blog. If I'm wrong, please feel free to drag me into the center of town and administer a public whipping. The willow branches have a particularly splendid sting this time of year. Like the tail of the scorpion.....
Dear Ollie, you said "This blog was created to make taxpayers that can't/won't make it to meetings, aware of how their taxes got to where they are, and what could possibly be done to get the free spending school board back to basics."
At least you made a try to legitimize the site but you could have left out all the rest of the window dressing and put downs (maybe including the "free spending" description with which most of the citizens of Oley seem to disagree.)
I think a more accurate mission statement would be that the blog was established to attack and criticize the board by presenting a very negative view of everything and anything they do. Much of this is done by taking facts out of context, exaggerating, not really listening to and then dismissing any explanation as part of a vast conspiracy and cover up.
You must be new to the blog if you haven't noticed that the vast majority of comments are name calling and attempts at insults.
Yes, you can take more than 3 minutes to express your opinion here, but it's not the same as having a real discussion/ exchange of ideas, which you can have at any of the board committee meetings with no restriction on the time. Of course, in that setting someone can see you, and even worse, point out that you just might be wrong.
and so on and so forth, for ever and ever.
9:03PM:
"elder statesman" because I try to bring some rational thought to this blog and avoid name-calling and insults? That's a helluva sad commentary.
The suggestion given in comment # 2 WAS feasible. All Heckman had to do was say "the negotiations are concerning real estate matters and, therefore, we cannot discuss them in public" Why was that so difficult?
#3 was also feasible, the board just chose not to do it. They can use any rationale they want but don't insult me by saying it couldn't be done.
As to #4, I frankly don't care who my opinions are "acceptable" to. I don't give opinions to please one group or another (that's obvious by the reaction to my comments).
9:34...interesting how you've skimmed right past the core of that Ollie comment:
To us, it looked like Ollie was pointing out that on this blog, time and time again, people have pointed out that many young families and elderly singles/couples, get into tight spots and it's either very hard or impossible to get out of these situations. Taxes are not the only reason, but for people on fixed or low to moderate incomes, constantly rising school taxes are making it very hard for some folks to make ends meet. In whole or in part, you can't ignore the fact that taxes are rising at an alarming rate, and wages are not.
We're with Ollie. Be mindful of the situations that others find themselves in, we could be next. And, YOU could be, too. Nobody gets a guarantee that's 100%, not even union members. When the well's dry, your union may run out of buckets, rope, and excuses.
LONG LIVE FREEDOM OF SPEECH!
It is true that there is a whole lot of slander on this blog. There's a whole lot of credible input, also. Weed past the junk and absorb the meat.
Oley taxpayers are not happy. Unless they're on the big fat payroll.
Invitation to attend meetings?
Wow, do they pass out protective eyewear, helmets and vests? Never went to one, but from the sounds of things, going there is about the same as heading to Iraq. They don't want us there, either.
How does an educational broadband channel fall under the guise of real estate? It certainly is not real estate or something affixed to real estate. It is a license granted by the FCC.
All the board had to do was explain that we were in negotiations with Nextel, instead of trying to hide the entire situation.
According to what I read of the Sunshine Law, they did indeed violate the law when they entered into a nondisclosure agreement with Nextel without even broaching the subject at a meeting.
Please remember Mr. Swisher that the board had an executive session that they came back from and voted on to initiate this deal.
Per the usual course the board takes, I was at the meeting and not once was it mentioned that there would be a possible vote after the executive session.
The public was not notifed that there would be a possible vote, and that violates the Sunshine Law because it was not discussed before the public.
The board was just hoping that no one would find out, which we did, and they were questioned and they used the BROAD TERMS - NEGOTIATIONS - at the time they were negotiating for the teacher's contract.
They misrepresented what they were doing - AS USUAL.
For once in all the misguided screwups that this school board has put the public through, just one time it would be nice if they would institute the smallest possibility of the TRUTH!
I personally am tired of all the LIES - and you know for a fact that this is what the current school board is known for.
They have no regard for the TRUTH.
Everything is swept under the rug.
There are no problems in this little valley of ours according to the school board.
You tell that to parents who have issues that are not addressed on a daily basis in this school district.
You explain to them, Mr. Swisher, why this school administration and school board find it so difficult to go to bat for the parent or the taxpayer? Just once in their miserable existence.
All is not well in this school district, and admitting that fact is not a terrible tragedy. You cannot fix things until you admit that there are problems.
If that is the stance that the Oley school board and administration take on everything, then we truly do live in a pathetic little Stepford town.
It's very sad that you buy into this, Mr. Swisher.
No one expects the school board and administration to be perfect and not make mistakes - but we certainly should expect that the truth be told.
TRUTH - a word that is not in the vocabulary of our school board and administration.
Belated congratulations to the Oley School Board for acquiring the gigantic windfall from the Nextel deal!
Our heartfelt tidings are being lavishly bestowed upon each and every brilliant mind.
We have but one question. The next time the combined efforts of the current (or newly elected) board produce such a hefty sum of money, could you please consider this idea:
USE THE FUNDS TO PAY OFF SOMETHING WE ALREADY HAVE. CONSIDER IT A GIFT TO THE TAXPAYERS. CONSIDER IT.
Board President Heckman said at the meeting that they should consider how to use future leasing fees from Nextel.
As one of the choices, he alluded to maintaining the track and he uses the word "legacy".
Pouring all the monies into an athletic facility is a gross mismanagement of tax dollars.
Education takes a back seat. And as a result of this pre-election pandering, the community will pick up the tab, again.
The board still refuses to release the list of future "Big Ticket List" spending.
to RS
reg #2 what is the diff between your statement and Mr Heckman's explanation that it was a contract negotiation? There still could be no real details until the end of the process.
reg # 3 Mrs Gotwals explained at the last meeting and other times why, especially because of Act 1, it is dangerous to utilize reserve funds for current expenses. Despite that, in order to keep frrom raising taxes even more, some of the cap reserve funds were utilized again for tech, etc.
....."Mrs. Gotwals explained at the last meeting and other times why, especially because of Act 1, it is dangerous to utilize reserve funds for current expenses...."
What is Mrs. Gotwals exact area of expertise? Correct me if I'm wrong, but is she not a vet for dogs and cats? Which part of that sort of education pertains to how an entire community's tax dollars (or Nextel windfall) should best be spent? A "vet" is a highly respected profession. So is a "business manager." Next time my cat needs shots, shall I call my accountant?
to10:43 PM, June 25, 2007
Do you know all about the Nextel Agreement now? Do you know why it was not public knowledge until finalized? If not, you missed the meeting because it was publicly explained. Ask someone in the audience or if they don't understand, ask a board member. You can catch me at the IGA or at home if you need to discuss this. Please call first to set up a time.
There was no "nondisclosure" agreement with Nextel. They wanted one but were told early in the negotiations that we are subject to the Sunshine statutes which require us to reveal all but "proprietary" info. and there was none of that in the final agreement.
RC:IGA do you mean Kings????? What department is your unofficial school board meeting going to be in so you can tell us another version of why the board broke the law?
And by the way, when are going to post the big ticket list as you promised?
Gotwals, you cannot even get your child the proper education at our school district but you feel the need to have a hand in the education of my children. We need a better guiding light!!!
November cannot come soon enough!!!!
A big meeting at Kings?
And where will this meeting of the minds take place? Will it be closer to the FRUITS, or the NUTS?
In addition,
Many of you are still asking about Big Ticket Items as if they are big Secret items. It is my impression that copies of the final approved list were available at the meeting when they were added to the budget and the final budget was approved. You can probably get a copy at the admin bldg.
In summary, the total was $160,395. The biggest items were 24,000 for an elementary comp lab; 20,800 for HS laptops upgrade; 24,000 for a HS laptop cart; 24,000 for a MS wireless cart; 15,000 for 5 classrooms of student desks in the HS; 11,295 for carpet replacement in the admin bldg. Other items included microscopes, music instruments and stands, chairs, 3 fans and a kiln.
Any horrifying items?
Smelly produce said...
A big meeting at Kings?
And where will this meeting of the minds take place? Will it be closer to the FRUITS, or the NUTS?
4:17 PM, June 26, 2007
If you're coming, we'd better make it the bathroom.
rc said
“In summary, the total was $160,395. The biggest items were 24,000 for an elementary comp lab; 20,800 for HS laptops upgrade; 24,000 for a HS laptop cart; 24,000 for a MS wireless cart; 15,000 for 5 classrooms of student desks in the HS; 11,295 for carpet replacement in the admin bldg. Other items included microscopes, music instruments and stands, chairs, 3 fans and a kiln.”
These items could have been easily funded from the $1,400,000 upfront money from Nextel. Yet, the board votes to pour it all into a track.
rc said
”There was no "nondisclosure" agreement with Nextel. They wanted one but were told early in the negotiations that we are subject to the Sunshine statutes which require us to reveal all but "proprietary" info. and there was none of that in the final agreement.”
The board President Robert Heckman, representing the board signed a contract with Nextel on September 20, 2006 that had Confidentiality and Non-Disclosure clause.
This agreement was made available to the public June 20, 2007. Board members also have a copy of this lease.
Like always RC puts his foot in his mouth!!! Are you sleeping during the meetings RC????? You do not seem to understand what is really happening with this district!!!
Dr. Z is not running the zoo that good. Does he know that a fellow board member is reveiling information that he might not want the public to know about?????
Who opened the cage??
The question RC asked...
..."Any horrifying items?"
Of course not. Horrifying is learning, bit by bit, that the Board only reveals tidbits of information WHEN THEY HAVE TO.
The implication of the blog to which I was responding, was that we were trying to keep the whole deal secret with a nondisclosure agreement. I don't know why we would do that but I'm sure you do. Our position was that any confidentiality agreement could only relate to "proprietary" details of which there turned out to be none. Once again, Nextel was made aware from the beginning that the existence and details, including the lease amounts, were to be made known to the public when and if the final agreement was reached and that we did not agree that these were proprietary details. This seems to be the important consideration.
To: Still Trying...
Since I wasn't at those meetings and if what you relate that Heckman said about being "contract negotiations" then I would say there is no difference between his comments and mine.
Sure, there might have been violations of the Sunshine Act but no one came forward to file a formal complaint so the matter is ended and it's time to move on. Can someone explain to me how dwelling on it ad nauseum is going to change anything?
While I respect Dr. Gotwals I disagree with her assessment that none of this money could be used on current expenses. The 1.4 million was not reserve funds until it was placed into the Capital Reserve Account. As I stated before, part of that could have and should have been used to balance the budget with the remaining money going toward the track if that's what the board chose to do. Well, this too is a moot point because the decision was made and the money is where the board wants it to be. People can blog, whine, and name-call all they want but nothing is going to change. The majority of the citzens and taxpayers in this district believe the board did a great thing and that whatever they do with the money is OK with them.
A runaway train will eventually derail...
Derail cannot come soon enough!!!! Half the train is already off the track!!! I do not mean the track that is being built next to the HS either.
Cappa, you are now back pedaling from your original statement that you did not vote for the confidently in this contract. And now your asking us to believe your claim about proprietary information.
You and the board continue to contradict yourselves to a point that no one can trust you and the board.
A request for the big ticket items was refused.
You should get your act together or get off the board, you do not know what you are talking about.
Sneaky deals cannot be good for the district in the long run. You should of been up front with the public from the get go.
You continue to not be trusted by this kind of behavior.
Your facial expressions and your sly remarks are not good for this district either.
Our image in this county has been ruined forever.
Just ask other districts what they think about you people and they will laugh.
Very sad and a big disgrace.
TIME FOR REAL CHANGE IN THIS DISTRICT.
HEY, SO MANY PEOPLE ARE UP IN ARMS ABOUT PROPERTY TAX IN THIS STATE, THE ISSUE OF REFORM IS BACK IN TALKS IN HARRISBURG.
I THOUGHT WE DID NOT MATTER TO YOU AND THE STATE???
IF IT WAS NOT FOR THE CONCERNED CITIZENS OF THIS STATE NO TALKING WOULD BE GOING ON IN HARRISBURG.
MAYBE NOW SOME TRUE TAX REFORM THAT WILL HELP ALL THE CITIZENS WILL FINALLY HAPPEN.
I DO NOT HOLD MY BREATH, I AM JUST GLAD FOR EVERY NEW DAY I HAVE AND PRAY SOME DAY SOMETHING GOOD WILL HAPPEN FOR ALL THE CITIZENS IN THIS STATE.
IT CANNOT GET ANY WORSE!!
Dear RS:
That's exactly what the school board counts on.
The fact that this school board has violated the Sunshine Law many times, is in itself a disgrace.
We don't have to get over it. We are footing the bill for the school boards extravagance.
I guess it's okay with you that the administration spends the taxpayers money on many frivilous items such as school employee luncheons, and is it okay that the administration runs personal accounts through the school books.
Dr. Zackon said this was past business practice.
What kind of accounting allows for a school to run personal accounts through the school books.
It is not okay. Even the look of impropriety should not be happening.
How can we as taxpayers be sure that there are not other personal items being run through the school district books?
How about the $900 bill from Sam's Club being coded on a check run for a summer federal program that we do not even participate in.
Is that okay. What was really bought with that $900.
Perhaps you should take a few days and go through these check runs yourself and see what you find. I think you might be surprised - but maybe not.
Hope this did not happen while you were on the board! If it did, SHAME ON YOU!
Doc - do you know your full name?
I'm one of those people who reads this blog from time to time, then questions myself about why I do it.
Reading some of your blogs truly makes me sad. I really hope some of you can become happy and learn to let go of your anger. Your angry posts aren't hurting anyone but yourself. Do you see changes on the board? No. Is the board going to change in November? No. In the meantime, though, you are destroying yourselves bit by bit with your anger.
Yes, you can lash back at me for bringing this to light, and that's ok. It won't bother me. Just please consider what I said for the sake of yourself.
Never say never. Our board will have to change, eventually. Probably later, than sooner, but it will have to change. Angry posts, or not, the facts remain clear. Our children are being ripped off, and that makes us angry. Our senior citizens are not even given so much as a "thank you" for their lifetime of GIVING. Last, but not least, our family budgets are supposed to swing wide to the direction of what our 9 member board decides upon.
Change? Yes, it's coming.
Dear 12:32:
When is any of this going to bother you - when you are displaced from your home?
What's sad is that the population of Oley are going to wake up too late - and guess what - you don't get to complain then - you'll just have to pack your bags and leave.
The Oley school board does not have the right to tramp on the fine people of this valley. What you really don't understand is that they don't care. They just want the money. Eventually money runs out.
I am happy for you in some respect, you obviously have an unlimited supply of the golden bucks that this school board and administration feeds on.
Have a great day!
The Scriptures say, "what has a man who gains the world but has lost his immortal soul?"
What has a person who has put the little people out of their homes?
What has a person who considers the taxpayers funds his own to foolishly throw around and cares not for a rainy day? (whether collected or paid into the school sytem)
The board implies that the Nextel funds are theirs to do with as they please because they negotiated the most recent deal. HOWEVER, the original costs to access what Nextel is now buying were originally paid by the taxpayers. This was, is, and will continue to be the taxpayers money.
Yet, this brood of vipers and self-annointed benevolent dictators can't see beyond their own egos and self-esteem.
These folks are a lost cause. They are stuck in some endless drone loop that is incapable of digesting and comprehending any way of thinking beyond their own propaganda. God help them and all of us who are under their control.
"A request for the big ticket items was refused.
You should get your act together or get off the board, you do not know what you are talking about.
7:42 PM, June 26, 2007"
Who made the request at the meeting when the big ticket list was finalized and added to the budget? You? I think not. A request was made some time ago for the original proposed list which had not been reviewed and reduced. It could have been distributed but there was no requirement to do so.
If YOU had info that was requested by someone who you knew was going to deliberatelly misinterpret it (such as by claiming it was already in the budget as OCC did); and you didn't really have to provide it yet, would you wait? If it's hard for you to imagine having such info, ask someone who might -presumably not a fellow blogger.
10;23 SAID
"HOWEVER, the original costs to access what Nextel is now buying were originally paid by the taxpayers."
Another know it all who makes it up as he goes along. What was the original cost?
You'd better to stick to what you're good at like parading and chanting "Hail to the king" with the other 9 year olds.
What about my cat's shots? Do I call my accountant? I didn't get an answer about that.
Kitty.......
How about just pretending you don't need the shots, or any medical attention. Please remember that the taxes come first in Oley.
NOT YOUR VET VISIT
NOT YOUR DOCTOR VISITS
NOT YOUR DECENT CAR
NOT UPKEEP OF YOUR HOUSE
NOT EXTRAS FOR YOUR CHILDREN
NO, NO, NO!
SET ASIDE YOUR TAX DOLLARS FIRST, AND MAKE HIS HIGHNESS AND HIS 9 COURT JESTERS SMILE ALL THE WAY TO THE BANK.
9 PM said, among other nonsense, "The fact that this school board has violated the Sunshine Law many times, is in itself a disgrace."
When were any of those times? Try naming 2, and you can even include the Nextel negotiations which would be wrong. I'm sure that wouldn't bother you.
Also stated, as if it was true, was: "is it okay that the administration runs personal accounts through the school books."
What actually happened was that a legitimate school business expense was paid by the school and then reimbursed by Dr Z and the other administrators. Their generosity is turned into a fault.
to 9:00 PM
If there's any shame going around it should be carried by you for your outbursts and potty mouth.
Someone other than the OCC are mad and do not know what they are talking about and make things up and THEY go along. There is nothing wrong with the 9pm post. It is accurate and we will continue to watch the handling of our money. Education must come first.
And no Z is not a King he just thinks he is.
Cappa go on another vacation and this time stay away.
Hail to the King!!!!
Dear 1:47 aka as the Doc:
Dr. Zackon did not say this was a legitimate business expense. He stated that it was the business practice to handle these situations this way.
This was a personal expense, and should not have been put through the school books.
Administrators at other school districts take up a personal collection and it is not run through the school books.
Plain and simple. The taxpayers fund this district, this district does not earn money like a business.
Why are you trying to cover up if you did nothing wrong?
If there was anything wrong with the way Dr. Zackon handled these expenses it would be flagged by the auditors. Oh, that's right, the auditors are in on the scam too, aren't they?
looks like the questions asked by 1:10, 1:25 and 1:47 still haven't been answered. As usual, when phoney claims are exposed the bloggers are strangely silent. What's the matter, 1:27, does your cat have your tongue? If he does he's probably choking on it-cat's have better taste.
1:47 to 6;28 YOU SAID
"Why are you trying to cover up if you did nothing wrong?
6:28 PM, June 27, 2007 "
Am I being accused of doing something too? Why shouldn't I or anyone, try to defend someone who's being falsely accused by people who know nothing but what they hear in a rumor mill?
I accuse you of bearing false witness against your neighbor.
this is horrible- the bloggers are being outnumbered on their own site. They're going to have to go back to the bars or the back fences to gossip. Everyone else should stay off the site for awhile and let them regroup, recharge and rebile-up.
Post a Comment