The Oley School Board’s behavior is getting so humiliating that taxpayers may have to put bags over their heads from embarrassment.
The board’s actions are attracting continued negative coverage in the news media.
“Oley School Board remains in denial”, “Proposed changes block Sunshine Act”, and “Public’s business must remain public” are the glaring editorial headlines describing the board’s blatant defiance of the Sunshine Act.
Preventing the public from seeing a public document or inhibiting participation at meetings casts a dark shadow over the valley.
What does not receive attention in the local media is even more concerning.
The board surrenders to the wage and benefit demands of the teachers union.
Duplicate tax bills are sent to some residents.
The district loses track of $741,000 of revenue and they must hastily patch the 2005-2006 budget.
The board lets a track repair turn into a feeding frenzy of spending on a non-educational expense.
The district still owes a steel contractor for Middle School work. They run up hefty legal bills and lose in court.
They waste the windfall from the Nextel lease agreement on a grandiose athletic facility and ignore education.
They refuse to release the list of Big Ticket Items of future spending.
The eleventh grade PSSA test scores are discouraging.
Finally, the board raises taxes for the ninth consecutive year, while having over $5,500,000 sitting in surplus funds.
At this pace, there will not be enough bags to hide the shame.
Posts
574 comments:
1 – 200 of 574 Newer› Newest»This is a real eye opener. The new board members better do far better or they will be fired.
Al trots out his same old list of half truths and outright lies most of which have been refuted in past blogs. Even his hardcore disciples should be getting tired by now.That excludes those described by the old saying, "you can bring a fool to knowledge but you can't make him learn, or think."
I'd like to see some opinions about this blog from the end of the last site.
Most legal systems distinguish between different types of property, (Immovable property, Estate in land, Real estate, Real property), especially between land and all other forms of property. They also often distinguish between tangible and intangible property as well.
In common law, property is divided into:
real property (immovable property) - interests in land and improvements thereto
personal property - interests in anything other than real property
Personal property in turn is divided into tangible property (such as cars, clothing, animals) and intangible or abstract property (e.g. financial instruments such as stocks and bonds, etc.), which includes intellectual property (patents, copyrights, trademarks).
Which of these 2 categories does bandwidth fall into? Does it matter that it is restricted to a very specific land-based area?
12:21 PM, July 07, 2007
I like this one reported as shamefull by OCC: "Duplicate tax bills are sent to some residents".
Do you think they paid twice?
He also lists "They refuse to release the list of Big Ticket Items of future spending"
I guess Al doesn't read his own blog. These were printed on the last site and it was mentioned that the list was available at the last board meeting and in the admin uilding.... unless Al is complaining about the list for next year which doesn't even exist yet. It would truly be shameful if they didn't release that.
Get a grip. Spread the word that if you don't like how things are going, GO TO EVERY MEETING, AND OPEN YOUR MOUTH.
Doc gets what he wants. He acts creepy, and people stear clear of him. On the board, or off, this will never, ever change.
"Al trots out his same old list of half truths and outright lies most of which have been refuted in past blogs"
Refuted by whom and by what evidence?
Oh, that's right, the uninformed,clueless,gullible, anonymous, dry-by posters.
The board apologists must be sniffing the track, again.
The list Cappa wrote on the past blog site was the LITTLE LIST. We all know that there is a BIG LIST you do not want us to see.
Cappa,go away!!!!! You are scary weird. Why the HELL-O would anyone with half a brain vote for you again?Even though the vote count was low to begin with, one vote is tooooo many. Who are you paying off to stay on this board? When does your daughter start????
to 6:28
Our family's tax bill was mailed to us in duplicate...not once, or twice, but THREE years in a row. We're not nit-picking on this error. We're laughing our butts off at the fact that a position is being filled by employees that apparently don't pay attention to much of anything.
Maybe the dupilcate bills come with a subliminal message:
Aren't you glad you only have to pay them ONCE?
Pathetic!
duplicate tax bills...do you think they paid twice?
No, of course not! But we did. We, the taxpayers, got to pay twice the postage, twice the cost for paper, ink, etc. And, we got to pay somebody twice the amount of time it would have taken a sharp employee to do the job correctly, the first time....you know...like we're all expected to do our jobs.
9:25 you are correct. Very sad that this district keeps on with sloppy bookkeeping, double, triple tax bills to the same house, auditor fines, not reporting the monies correctly, etc. and they still have a job. In the private sector they all would of been fired. Time for change in this district.
PS. I need my key for the track. I and the rest of the citizens want to walk and talk. We are going to join together and walk together on the new track. You did say it was for the community.
Now do not back peddle like you always do.
My whole neighborhood is ready to go get in shape at our new track. What are the hours which are available to taxpayers to pace off a couple of laps?
Do we need to wear paper bags??
The tax and spenders hate the public knowing and talking about their liberal board's bungling. They would do anything to cover up the failures.
Free speech, First Amendment,Sunshine Act, Right to Know...get used to it!
Besides taking over 15 years for the synthetic track to pay for itself, it is an environmental disaster. The carbon emissions created to manufacture plastic, the excessive heat generated from this surface, the topography, surface water, geology and hydrogeology problems makes it no bargain at all.
The Governor and the legislators are patting each other on the back for resolving the state budget impasse.
They did nothing for the crushing burden of taxes on homeowners.
In fact, they did just the opposite. The slot revenue earmarked for property tax reform will be used to help fund a new arena for the Pittsburgh Penguins and expand the Pennsylvania Convention Center in Philadelphia.
Any legislator who voted for this slap in the face should be thrown out of office.
Harrisburg has no intentions of creating new legislation for property tax relief.
Perhaps those legislators would benefit from a few hours at our new track. Bound and gagged, face down, with only the fragrant emmissions of the composit track to clear their cluttered minds. Sounds fair to us.
The list Cappa wrote on the past blog site was the LITTLE LIST. We all know that there is a BIG LIST you do not want us to see.
what are you talking about? As noted twice so far, you can get the WHOLE list at the business office. If there is another BIG list in your imagination, you will have to look in your own head to find it.
PS. I need my key for the track. I and the rest of the citizens want to walk and talk. We are going to join together and walk together on the new track. You did say it was for the community.
Now do not back peddle like you always do.
9:42 PM, July 09, 2007
Another informed imagination at work-or at play- or just wasting time? What key? What lock? Are you sure you won't need a boat to get across the moat and a ladder to climb the walls around the track? And don't forget some treats to feed the moat monster hiding up there between your ears!
"The district loses track of $741,000 of revenue and they must hastily patch the 2005-2006 budget."
Another constantly repeated figment of Al's twisting imagination--also explained several times on this site but ignored since the truth just isn't as exciting as a bad story.
"Another constantly repeated figment of Al's twisting imagination--also explained several times on this site but ignored since the truth just isn't as exciting as a bad story."
Thanks Rob, but your declaration in your letter to the editor not to listen to the public, must also apply to not reading an article on the board losing track of $741,000.
Hello bloggers. Being new to this area I was interested in this blog when I heard about it. Unfortunately, I read this blog after I sunk a ton of money into a fairly nice house in what I thought was a nice looking area. Well, live and learn. Looks aren't everything. A scenic valley does not make a happy valley. Or a healthy valley. Hopefully your town's troubles will work themselves out shortly. When we moved here, there were many homes for sale, many to choose from, and we picked one that we thought would be best for our family. We're learning quickly that if you're not born here, you're not "special" enough for most we've met. We've been transferred from the mid-west. We're trying not to jump to conclusions, but we're really not too impressed.
Are we to understand that some of these posts are being made by a board member? A current board member? I hope we're getting some sort of mixed message, since it's unheard of for a board member to write things such as we've read. Add that to the growing list of dislikes we've got going, and going is just what we'll be doing. No wonder there's so many for sale signs around.
'...We're learning quickly that if you're not born here, you're not "special" enough for most we've met. We've been transferred from the mid-west. We're trying not to jump to conclusions, but we're really not too impressed...'
Don't worry, you are not the first to be met by the Oley 'not-welcome' mat. It has been that way for decades, and I think it is actually getting better.
As for what what you read, don't believe everything you see on this blog, from either side of the story.
Read the blog, read the paper, ATTEND some meetings (school and township) and go to a few activities and you will probably get a better understanding of the area. We, like all other communities, have issues and differences of opinions, on virtually everything. The difference is, nobody in Oley is afraid to share them.
Whether that is healthy or not is for you to decide.
Welcome.
4:22 are you for real. The nasty behavior that we all see when we move here is real. You tell these nice folks to go to a board meeting or go maybe to a youth league game and you will see their house going up for sale faster than ever.
I am glad they see what we all see and have the nerve to write it. It is terrible that this area is so closed minded and does not like outsiders. This is America and anyone can move to this valley. We need more people from other areas moving into this valley. Yes that is right Heckman and your board buddies, the more outsiders the better. People that experience other parts of America and then come here can only help make this a better more welcoming place for all. God Bless the people of America.
Dr. Cappa, I am glad you can no longer take care of anyone in this area. The new families moving in would really be leaving fast had they had you for a new Dr. God help us all!!!
to 3:53, I'll second what 4:22 says. There are now more former ousiders than multigenerational Oleyites in the area but you still have to look for ways to participate in the community in order to fit in.(Churches, youth league,school friends for your kids and their parents for you, etc)
As far as this site, it represents a small segment of the community and the views expressed are usually extreme. As for board participants, there are a couple who respond to the constant complaints and criticism by either answering outrageous charges or occasionally by egging the "nasties" on. If this doesn't fit your idea of a "board member" you may need to accept that they are human too and figure how you would react to the same provocation.
Another factor is that the anti-board bloggers erroneously assign many blogs, which they consider pro board,to school board members because they can't imagine anyone else either defending them or just making sense on this site.
In case you're serious about relating this site or anything in particular in Oley to the few for sale signs that are around, I would point out that very few people in Oley are even aware of this site and there is a nationwide housing slump. Stay away from here and you'll enjoy Oley a lot more.
to 3;58 BELIEVE HALF OF WHAT YOU SEE AND ALMOST NONE OF WHAT YOU HEAR-OR READ.
4;55 why are you blaming the school board for people not liking you? There is a hugh difference between ignoring newcomers and being nasty to them. You sound like YOU get what you give out.
Don't narrow your comments down to Oleyites not welcomming outsiders. We moved here over 15 years ago, thankfully we were able to educate our two children in Catholic school. The Catholic church was filled with very friendly people, invited us to all sorts of functions. What bothered us the most in Oley was our neighbor's children told our children that "blacks" are not allowed to go to Oley schools. "Not allowed."
Number one: we're not black.
Number two: if we were, we'd fight like all Hell to straighten out comments like those which were made several times to our children. We we glad to know that comments like that were never ever heard in the Catholic schools. Shame on the children (6th and 8th graders) that feel it's okay to make comments like that. Shame on the parents who undoubtedly instilled those values, or lack of them, into their children.
5:23 You are full of it. Do we need to kiss --- to have a board member like us? Bull ----. I will never be nice to someone just for them to like me. I was always nice to the board members when I asked 6+ years ago a question or a concern I had and I never got treated so nasty before in my life. They like my kids test scores but God forbid you ask a question or have a concern, look out the eyes start buldging out of the boards faces and they look like they want to kill you. Most likely because the newspaper is at the meetings and they do not want anything negative in the paper. Well they put their own stupid board member out to dry when he writes to the editor. Talk about not knowing the facts and talking out of both sides of his mouth. The OCC gets the facts from the district and if that is tooooo hard to swallow, you know how to open the door and leave. And do not let it hit you on the way out. :)
6:31 that is terrible what the neighbor kids said. I went to school in another state and who really cares that we had 1/2 of my class were black or spanish. They are all nice and I still keep in touch with alot of them. I should send them this way to straighten up this valley of racist, nasty people. The white folks here have nothing nice to say and the people I went to school no matter what color are a heck of alot nicer than some in this valley. They are going to get theres one day. Just look, we have Reading right near us and people in Reading can move into the Valley whenever they want. The people in this area better shut up about different people and try to get along with everyone.
BE AWARE ALL WHO ENTER HERE!! This is a BASH site devoted to the use of the disaffected and insecure who can only achieve a sense of worth by anonymously attacking those whom they see as better and smarter than they. This includes just about everybody but especially those in any position of supposed power, like school board members and dog catchers. Believe what you want, just don’t mistake it as the truth.
....6:42....
....position of supposed power...like school board members and dog catchers......?
Please note that those of lessor power, which is most of us, have little or no way to get the real facts, other than by what is in print. I just returned home from my glorious second job, it's just past 3:30 a.m. Quietly sneaking into my own home, trying not to wake the kids. My children are old enough to know how hard it is to make ends meet, and they hate that their dad has to work two jobs to make it possible to stay here. When a 5th grader offers to sell all his toys and games on Ebay so his dad doesn't have to work all night, that's pretty sad. Board members and pro-board bloggers....I hope you're proud of the FACT that you have greatly contributed to so many family meetings.
GOOD NIGHT.
Readership grows:
Jan 1,2007-Jul 10,2007
Visits - 9,681
Pageviews - 13,612
Jan 1,2006-Jul 10,2006
Visits -3,501
Pageviews-5,866
These numbers do not include people still visiting the old blog.
The site is being read by individuals not only in Berks County but by citizens in other parts of the state.
There is a growing loyal following along with a healthy number of new readers.
The blog is a success. If it maintains this pace, it will easily surpass last year's numbers.
Yes, I agree. It is a very successful source of entertainment! I think others are recognizing that as well.
Why didn't Al mention the PSSA scores from the year before which were the highest in the county....plus the new PSSA scores don't come out until August....Hope you don't have to eat crow. I'm sure the OCC is just hoping the scores are low
10:07 you better not want the PSSA's low or the state will put your lovely school district on a warning. How stupid for you to say that the OCC hopes for low scores. You are the perfect reason we have the problems we have in this district. Stupid!!!! Yes that is you.
With cheating anything is possible. Remember a few years back we had the state calling "Z" telling him to shape up and stop the cheating on the pssa's. The M/S children about 60+ of them were told to come to the front office to move their answers. At no point are the children allowed to change the answers once the test is complete. At no point is the front office to look at the tests. They are to gather them and mail them out. They are not to look at them and have children move answers. Oh yea, we need to forget about that and move on. Sorry that will not happen. If you cheat once you will do it again. Oley's record for the law is terrible. They do not follow the law at all.:)
Laugh all you want, but when the school is taken from the state, who will be laughing then????
10:07 is it ok that 51% of the juniors in 05 did not test above basic. They were all below basic. Oh that is right, let us forget that toooo. Now they have graduated this year and what are they going to do with their lives????? Tell me who in that grade are going to college and or are going to a trade school??? I hope a very high % will be going to higher education and actually will complete 4 years.
hahahahahahaha
The cadre of liberal elitists suffer from a terminal case of ostrichism. It is the denial of such magnitude that hiding their collective heads in the ground is the only refuge from facts. Since the field will be covered with plastic, where can they hide from the truth now?
Well, it looks like the BBI (Board of Bungling Idiots) STRIKES OUT again.
The opinion from the Commonwealth Court on the lawsuit Oley filed against Amthor Steel, has now been thrown out of appellate court.
HOW MUCH MONEY ARE WE GOING TO WASTE ON THIS SCHOOL BOARD'S STUPIDITY?
Once again the Oley school board thinks they can BEAT the law, all the while spending thousands of taxpayer dollars.
Looks like the track may have to ripped out.
WHAT A BUNCH OF LOSERS!
Cappa's letter to the editor in this morning's paper resulted in the Eagle slapping him down once again. His rambling comments only served to make him, and the school board, look even worse. Whining and trying to shift the blame to their solicitor ( he told us it was OK, what were we supposed to do?)is a pathetic and cowardly way to deal with this situation.
Usually when someone is innocent of wrong-doing they don't have to be on the defensive like this board seems to be.
The best thing the board could do right now is just SHUT UP and let it go. Dr. Cappa is not doing the board any favors by rehashing this all over again. Once again they got away with a likely violation of the Sunshine Act (or at least the stretching of it)and since no charges will be forthcoming they would do best to move on.
Go Rob Go, Go Dr. Go., By the time you finish digging your hole you will be in China.
B12,another stupid editioral. Again you are wrong.
The board was bad before the Dr., but this current board takes the cake. Good job making the district look like a bunch of clowns again. You better start reading the laws Dr.
Hey Mr. know it all Dr. what is going on with the steel lawsuit?????
What lawsuit is on the table regarding real estate?
After that then what? The track folks building the track will be in court with you over something you people did. When does this ever end??????
I pray for the people and children in this district. Our "Tops" in this district are recking everthing.
Cappa's letter to the editor is typical of the arrogance and pomposity of the board.
He misses the point of the Sunshine Act. The public has the right of access and it is more important than a school board's "ends justify the means" decisions.
They waste the entire windfall from the Nextel agreement on a track. They lose a suit with Amthor Steel in courts, twice. They think they can obey the state laws at their convenience...and on, and on and on.
All of these actions and more end up at the end of the year in more tax increases.
At some point, even the board apologists will have to realize it is time for change.
If you're having a bad day, don't read the Reading Eagle today.
There's a thin line between sanity and insanity. Today's paper highlights the big eraser.
The board does not listen to taxpayers, judges, or media legal staff. Just who do they think the are?
I don't know... but who do you think you are to have the right to judge another person in the harsh manner in which you so do?
Hello, we have the right, we are the taxpayers that put these bozo's into office. We can say and write the facts and ask for fiscal responsibility and we can ask them to even step down which would be great for all of this district. Cappa is a total sicko that cannot write or speak the truth about what is going on in this district. Someone should silence him not us. We care for all in this district like it or not. We are nice, you are not. :) :) :) :) Happy day to all. Follow the rules and the laws and start being honest with the taxpayers. Keeping secrets gets you into trouble. Now the whole county knows our circus of a district. That is what is so wrong with this district. The board does not know how to run this district. Time has come for major change and if the new 3 members cannot handle speaking the truth and being honest with the taxpayers they will not be happy dealing with us.
The board are a thorn on our side. Be honest for once and maybe we could all get along and work for the children. That is what we all want is the best education for the children. It seems the board keeps putting education on the back burner and the front burners are lawsuits, sports, dinners, gifts, salaries, benefits and not working within the law. When will education come first in this district, when it is tooooooo late?
"We are nice, you are not."
How can you possibly make such a ludicrous statement, when you don't even know me? You've just proven the point that you cast judgement as if it's your job.
I hate to tell you, but it doesn't seem to me as though you bother the board one bit. I think you work yourselves into a tizzy, but unfortunately for you, noone else.
11:11, 11:12, one person again!!!! The board does not care at all about what the public thinks of them. What they do not like is that we write the facts that they do not want anyone to know about. The board are so closed minded, but they are the ones that get into a tizzy when the facts are printed.
Tizzy, nice new word pro-boarder. You should call yourself and the board dizzy. You cannot be of clear mind to think everything is OK around this district. It is far from OK!!!
"Besides taking over 15 years for the synthetic track to pay for itself, it is an environmental disaster. The carbon emissions created to manufacture plastic, the excessive heat generated from this surface, the topography, surface water, geology and hydrogeology problems makes it no bargain at all."
My neighbor tells me they want to put in lights. Lighting a field is very expensive and will consume a great deal of energy. Everyone needs to conserve for the future of our children, especially a school district which teaches our kids.
Found this little article on passopenrecords.org, a Pennsylvania site regarding opening of public records.
I thought I was reading about Oley Valley. Looks like Grove City's school administrators and school board and our administrators and school board took the same Sunshine Law course, and failed.
"Here’s Jason Reeher’s story, in his own words:
I have witnessed firsthand why Pennsylvania needs better Open Records laws. The weaknesses in the Sunshine Law and Right to Know Act practically dare public officials to disregard the public; accountability becomes a burden to be avoided rather than a solemn duty to be upheld. Worst of all, elected officials who are questioned about documents or procedures often become defensive or even belligerent—turning on the citizens they purport to serve.
One evening in October of 2005, I was attending—as I often do—a meeting of the Grove City Area School Board. When the board members failed to convene at 8:15, I, along with other attendees, started to wonder what was going on. The board members and superintendents finally convened about 20 minutes late and the board president initiated the regular meeting without an explanation.
I later found out that the board has been in “executive session,” one of those nebulous meetings where the public is excluded and the business discussed is private. This was not necessarily a problem.
What was problematic about the Grove City School Board’s proceedings that night was the board’s failure to announce the executive session and its purpose, a clear violation of the Sunshine Law. Why had the board been behind closed doors? How could the school district conduct an official meeting and not tell the public they were doing so?
I contacted the school district and let them know that this was unacceptable, citing the Sunshine Law. Rather than taking them to court—which I could have done—I thought it fair to offer a remedy: the board could redo the meeting, announce their mistake, and state the purpose for the executive session. (Recognizing that a judge would likely order a similar remedy had the case gone to court brings up a glaring weakness in the Sunshine Law. I can think of no other law where such a “do-over” suffices; it is akin to getting caught speeding and the police officer tells you if you simply drive back down the street at the legal speed he’ll rip up the ticket…)
What happened next shows why the Keystone State’s Open Records laws badly need to be reformed.
Rather than thanking me—after all, any citizen present that night could have taken the board to Common Pleas Court due to the obvious Sunshine Law violation—the board proceeded to ATTACK ME INSTEAD. At the reconvened meeting, the school superintendent argued that the do-over was simply to “clear up any misconceptions of wrongdoing.” Although the board president offered a mea culpa, saying that she forgot that the executive session is to be announced during the subsequent regular meeting, she said it was a mistake and not unlawful. Finally, the school solicitor addressed me directly. In words that would be printed in the local paper, the district’s lawyer told me that the failure to announce the executive session, in his legal opinion, wasn’t a violation of the Sunshine Law, but rather a “hyper-technical response” by an overzealous citizen, that the school board members “were volunteers” who “worked hard into the night” and didn’t deserve such criticism of their procedures.
In the media firestorm (or what passes for one in this little college town in Mercer County) that followed, I patiently explained my position. There are no degrees of guilt in the Sunshine Law. The school board should be more sensitive to the public, and treat executive sessions with the utmost care, limiting them to absolute necessity and announcing their purpose. Secret meetings, I argued, undermine our democratic system. The least the school district could do was to announce such sessions. Being volunteers didn’t give elected officials a free pass to do whatever they wanted.
In the Grove City School Board case, district officials violated the Sunshine Law because they could—it was the path of least resistance. A stronger Sunshine Law would serve notice that public meetings should be public. A higher Open Records standard in general would also stop tossing concerned citizens to the wind, dictating that we spend our own resources to hire lawyers when a clear violation has taken place. I may have “won” in the Grove City case, but only by taking a lot of personal criticism first. And no one even paid a fine.
As an epilogue, one bright spot: the district did apply one more of my suggested remedies, as two board members and the superintendent subsequently attended a Sunshine Law seminar at my request.
The Grove City Sunshine Law fiasco is a sordid tale, but it is at least simple and straightforward. My next run-in with Pennsylvania’s ineffective Open Records Laws would involve a local police department, a borough manager, a town solicitor, and one very angry district magistrate. One simple Right to Know request eventually produced thousands of words from lawyers, judges, newspaper reporters, and sundry elected officials, not to mention a town scandal that has gone down in local history. And my case never even went to court!
But that, as they say, is a story for another day…
Jason C. Reeher
Grove City, PA"
"Everyone needs to conserve for the future of our children, especially a school district which teaches our kids."
How can a school teach about conservation to children when they plan to waste energy themselves?
Go Jason go! Another great caring concerned citizen in this state. We could use you here in this mess of a district. God Bless and keep up the good work.
I don't think the king has any intent of stopping at lights. Talk of a stadium is in the future.
On the Tarkett website, (the company installing our Taj Mahal track and field) it states that our field is for "football, soccer and field hockey", and that the king is the contact person.
Why do we need a football field if we don't even offer the sport?
Perhaps we will be putting in a bid for the next summer Olympics.
Imagine that, Olympics in the Valley.
The new name of the sports complex: The King and the BBI'S!!! Sounds like an old band or better yet a broken record, like our broken board and administration.
Dear 11:18 PM,
Although I am sure that you would love to imagine that the board is in a tizzy, they seem quite calm, cool, and collected to me. The only people in a tizzy are those of you spouting your hate on this lovely blog.
The board members that I am aware of are living happy lives. I hope you too will do the same someday soon. Taxes, or lack thereof, do not happiness bring!!
Hey 10:50:
Neither does losing your home and not having enough to eat or not being able to purchase your medications.
The administration and employess of this district eat on OUR DOLLAR.
If you want to buy them lunch, pull out your wallet and give them the money, and don't forget to let the whole world know that you did it.
I hope you never find yourself in a bad situation, and please remember, bad luck can happen to anyone!
As for the board being calm, cool and collected - you couldn't be further off base.
If they were calm, cool and collected, they would not have the Doc running his mouth off on this blog. Remember, he's already provided insight into several issues.
HE JUST CAN'T KEEP HIS MOUTH SHUT!
Questions are asked, and the whole board falls right into the hole, EVERY TIME, without even knowing it.
Ask them about court on June 13th. The case was again thrown out of court and guess who will be footing the bill.
GET YOUR WALLET OUT! There is not enough money in the capital projects fund to pay for the lawsuit. Back to arbitration we go.
Dr. Zackon must have expected to lose, because at a meeting about two months ago he was asked about the middle school lawsuit and what was going on, and he said there would be some kind of something in September. Mentioned nothing about June.
That's because Oley filed an appeal and then tried to have the appeal quashed, which was denied by the appellate court. What kind of idiot lawyer tells them to file an appeal and then try to quash it?
Must be a law firm that saw SUCKER written on 10 people's faces.
Well, well, well:
According to the tentative agenda for the board meeting on July 18th, this coming Wednesday, the board will be asking for yet another CHANGE ORDER for the track.
Wonder how much this one is going to cost us?
The project just started and already it looks like there were three(3) change orders, one being initiated before they even started.
And they said on this blog that no taxpayer money would be used! I don't quite know how they came up with that statement.
Also on the agenda, are the purchase of hockey and soccer goals.
HANDS ARE OUT AGAIN! Everyone better get your printing presses ready to go!
ALL ABOARD ON THE RUNAWAY TRAIN!
First stop, breakfast in the cafe on the taxpayers.
Second stop - view the track in all its glory and watch all the back patting.
Third stop - Back to the cafe for lunch, also on the taxpayers. Perhaps purchased from the M&M shop.
Fourth stop - Maybe a run through of the gymnasium which is said to be in horrible condition and probable discussion on how much taxes have to be raised to pay for this project. (Get your printing presses ready again)
Fifth stop - Another visit out to the track for some more change orders and back patting.
Sixth stop - Hopefully those accountable for all Oley's messes being hauled away in cuffs! (Again at the expense of the taxpayers)
In case the Sixth stop doesn't materialize, GO BACK TO GO, RAISE TAXES AND COLLECT YOUR MONEY!
My what a pushy, self-aggrandizing board we have!
You can say what you want about this board but they wouldn't be doing the things they do unless they were being enabled by sycophants like 11:12pm on 7:13 and 10:50pm on 7/14.
Oh I thought we did not know what we are talking about??? B9 in todays paper a man from Exeter feels the same pain we all feel regarding taxes and HE is stating the facts and what should be done about property taxes. YES there are more and more people having trouble paying these taxes, DO YOU GET IT!!!!! Education must come first, fun time projects must come last.
Has the train stopped spending our money???? I do not think so!!! Here they go the track will be over $2 million soon.
The taxpayers in this district need to wise up and step up to the plate. If you don't, this already out-of-control school board will be going into a building frenzy.
Zackon also wants a new administration building, and that's going to happen over my dead body.
There are far too many rooms currently not being used in our other three schools.
To run the school he does not need to have the best looking office or best looking building.
Mark my words, this is in the works, and unless the people in this district let this school board know in no uncertain terms that this cannot happen and the spending has to stop, we'll have five new buildings.
This is not only happening in our district. It is happening in other school districts, and not just people in the agricultural areas, meaning that retirees from decent jobs and half decent retirement incomes are having to leave because the TAXES ARE OUT OF CONTROL. The only reason that taxes are out of control is because the local school boards have way too much power over local finances. You never see any of the school districts try to scale down spending, especially Oley.
Why is controlling spending not in their vocabulary?
Come on DOC, don't let us down!
Open up and spew your stew.
What happened to Doc? Did "Z" shut him up???? He has caused enough trouble in this district.
Writing the full name makes me ill!!!
Trust me, they are quite calm. I think they probably shake their heads in disbelief and even pity quite often though!
If they are calm it's only because they have no conscience. They shake their heads in pity and then go right ahead and raise our taxes, spend huge amounts of money and further burden all of us. Who's to be pitied most?
Thank you Jason C. Reeher for your post.
It just confirms that the scoundrels in government operate from the same play book.
Power is an aphrodisiac for some politicians, even board directors.
Unfortunately, the public pays for the abuse of trust.
Praise to the school board for all their hard work. Thank you for the manner in which you run the district.
I admire your ability to ignore this tiny group of big mouthed angry naysayers who find fault in everything you do.
Thank you again, hard-working school board members! You are truly appreciated!
Sincerely,
The Vast Majority of Oley Citizens
6:07 - Thank you feeder from the trough whose greed forces families from their homes.
Yes, yes:
The vast majority consisting of administrators, and board members, which leaves out about 7/8 of Oley's population.
Hip Hip Hooray!
How about if we discuss some issues.
The school board lovers never discuss issues, because they never go to meetings and don't know what is going on.
All they do is attack people who ask questions that need to be asked, but they never discuss any ISSUES!
Praising the school board is like praising a pilot who lands at the wrong airport.
The board has made us a joke with the other districts and in the court system too. Between the board of bunglers and their dutiful flock, we should call Oley the Valley of Denial.
Perhaps the track can double as a runway for landing planes. That should produce some income for our district. Of course, the school board would find some way to screw it up.
Come on DOC, we're all suffering from ANTICIPATION SYNDROME.
The only cure is your MOUTH spouting off some more defensive misinformation.
Kudos, school board! I agree that you are doing a good job! Ignore those people!
Yadda, yadda, yadda.
Dear 10:14:
Please elaborate.
Thank you.
10:14pm: Yes, they are doing a good job. A good job raising taxes when they don't need to, spending more money than is necessary, hiding facts and figures from the public and fooling people like you into thinking they are doing a good job.
8:11 sad but true!!!! They are not to be trusted.
The people that like this board are brain washed or they have some feel good item, i.e. football that they want the board to approve. They are out for themselves only.
The Phillies take 125 years to lose 10,000 games. The Oley School Board manages to waste tens of thousands of dollars in one year.
You bloggers are the saddest, meanest group of complainers I'm so happy to never have met.
Keep up the good work, school board!
6:14 you are very sad. We tell you the facts and how this board runs this school and you do not like it!! TOOOOOO BAD!!! Get over it and come to a meeting and see for yourself how they treat the public that pays the bills and might have a question or concern for the board. I have been there and done that and it is not a nice place to visit. It can make you physically sick. Ask Barb Bieber what she thought of the board years back when she ask them a question or had a concern? I was there with her and she used to get soooooo upset with the lies and nasty behavior of the board. Now look she got brain washed toooo!!! I wonder what will become of her husband when he takes the seat as a board member? He used to tell me how he could not stand the place and certain people in the administration. Time will tell!! Stop saying stupid things about the OCC because if you do not come to a meeting you have no concept of what the ---- is going on in this district, unless you are a wife or husband of one of the members. Remember they are not supposed to tell you anything that happens behind the closed door executive meetings. I know for a fact that spouses know everything that is going on. Another violation of the law!!! Sweet dreams. :) :)
Board supporter--10:14-- you've certainly come to a strange place to deliver your heartfelt Kudos. It's nice to know you're standing behind the board. I am sure they appreciate the "one in a million" compliments, like yours.
So, tell us then, how long have you been married to a board member?
Favorite movie?
"Married to the Mob"
Okay, I was once told that I was a board member, then I was told that I was Cappa, then I was told that I was a teacher, now I am told that I am a wife or husband of a board member. Do you see how absolutely ridiculous you are? Of course you don't. I am a citizen, and just a citizen. I read your blog and become angry that that people exist like you who try to undermine our district and the people who run it. There are plenty of others just like me. Some of them are your neighbors and friends. They all know how absolutely ridiculous you are. You must be the most narrow-minded, angry citizens of the valley. I certainly hope you don't treat your children in the same manner in which you write on here.
7:53 you are funny! Who are you and why are you not writing your name on the blog?? If you have nothing to hide what is the problem??? So what you like the board, we want fincal accountability and honesty, what is the problem with that. You are the one that is angry and I get along great with my children, can you say the same??? My children have seen first hand what the board is like. I brought them to a meeting, big mistake, but they still did the same nasty faces and yelling at the citizens like they always do. You are pitiful to comment if you do not go to meetings you cannot comment about what we write. We get the facts from the district, like it or not. Why not say the paper is wrong while you are at it. Cappa the great, Z the great, I do not think so.
Hello 7:53...you wonder how I treat my children? Get real. If I didn't care about my children, I would not care how this board did their job. You are wrong on both parts. My children are my life. And they feel the same way about their mom and dad. We're a real, live, caring American FAMILY. WE DO CARE, EVEN ABOUT YOU....and we're all praying for you.
Actually.... I do disagree with the Reading Eagle. You want my name? It is Cindy Mary Jacobs.
Cindy Mary Jacobs? Interesting!
Give my best to
Dr. Zackappawals and company
Did I say Mary Cindy Jacobs? I meant Al Mary Smith
To 8:34 did I say stupid, oh that is you.
Oh my god!
Oley's on another blog, from Harrisburg.
Holy Cow!
Oley's on a second blog in Harrisburg!
I don't know what is wrong with Oley either. These people claim that the school and school board are so horrible, but my children are getting a wonderful education. My son just scored wonderfully in the SATs. His score is high enough to be accepted by any college.
That's just great. First we're the laughing stock of Berks County, now the State, what's next?
Oh that's right, we made world news with roof monkey.
Now the world will understand.
Great to hear about your son's superior SATs. And which campus is he heading towards?
Hamburger University ???
Animal Planet University?
Shock the Monkey University
Search on!
www.my-daddy-is-on-the-school-board-so-I-get-a-pricey-new-track.com
"You bloggers are the saddest, meanest group of complainers I'm so happy to never have met."
This must be from one of the board sheep in the Valley of Denial.
Isn't it interesting how many people reading this blog...don't care how high their taxes rise or how low their children's scores plummet? Truly, that's very interesting....
Of course I care about taxes, but I'm realistic enough to know that I will pay taxes regardless of where I live in PA. Oley's taxes are quite reasonable. I'm not sure where my son will go to college, but I'm sure he'll be successful. Why did so many of you jump on me when I wrote my opinion? I didn't say anything offensive to any of you. I simply agreed with the other writer.
"Of course I care about taxes, but I'm realistic enough to know that I will pay taxes regardless of where I live in PA."
We all know that. It is a question of how much taxes and for what..a track, lawyers, a lawsuit...
"Oley's taxes are quite reasonable."
That is a value judgment. There are many who disagree, especially families who face the prospect of losing their homes.
"I'm not sure where my son will go to college, but I'm sure he'll be successful."
We hope so, but American students are testing lower and lower as compared to foreign students. The Oley School Board's answer is to buy a track for $1,600,000 with educational dollars. Oley's track will not get your son in college or get him a job.
No, Oley's track will certainly not get him into college, but the education that prepared him to score so well on his SATs will.
Heard the board is voting for it's new mascot on Wednesday -
A buffoon, and wisely so.
Oh, did you volunteer?
I heard Daniel Boone School District is doing great these days! No more conflict! Who is the next district to experience this wierdness? I guess it depends on who decides to move, and where.
Oley's taxes are quite reasonable? Compared to what? Oley's got a sprinkling of big, fancy, new homes. Primarily, the housing is 30 to 200 years old. Nothing fancy, nothing special. Our roads are nothing to write home about. There's no rhyme or reason as to zoning. A nice house next to a pig farm. A moderate rancher next to a hut. A 60 year old twin-home next to an overgrown vacant lot. A horse farm or two, then a filthy, dusty quarry. A quaint village on Main Street where the only beautiful thing is THE BUILDINGS. If the new post office is bigger, that doesn't mean it would be better. Those folks ack like you owe them something. As a matter of fact, many establishements have the attitude that they're a whole lot better than their patrons.
I don't have children in school---yet. I'm learning a lot here and what FEW people willing to talk to me in this new neighborhood are certainly not all thrilled with Oley schools. I did notice that the friendliest people are all from somewhere else. Many regret their move here.
Well, coming from a large city to this location has been a real eye opener. Why don't I move back? Haven't ruled it out. I'm ready for the rush of pro Oley bloggers to extend the right hand of fellowship and bring hand trucks to aid in my exit. So predictable.
Thoughts for the day:
Proverbs 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; but fools despise wisdom and instruction.
Proverbs 10:14 Wise men lay up knowledge; but the mouth of the foolish is near destruction.
Proverbs 10:18 He that hideth hatred with lying lips, and he that uttereth a slander, is a fool.
Proverbs 10:21 The lips of the righteous feed many; but fools die for want of wisdom.
11:17 so when are you moving, you are the wierd one?? You are the one that thinks the district is a joke and that they can spend,spend,spend on anything they want. Education must come first.
How come we had a new orchestra teacher, she was hired, she was introduced to the children and now she is gone??? There is a new posting for a orchestra teacher!, What happened???
Also, funny tomorrow night the OM teams will be introduced to the board, but the World Quest team did not get the invite. Wow, my, my, you continue to take your stupid attitude out on the children. The World Quest team are a great group of kids and I hope the advisor took the award home and it is not being displayed in the HS. I guess coming in first in the county and 11th in the nation is not good enough. Toooo little, tooooo late.
...How come we had a new orchestra teacher, she was hired, she was introduced to the children and now she is gone??? There is a new posting for a orchestra teacher!, What happened???...
Is orchestra state mandated? I smell an easy budget cut!
"I heard Daniel Boone School District is doing great these days!"
Boone ‘eye-opener:’ District overspent by $1M
IT'S TIME FOR CHANGE!!!!!
These are some of the headlines from the Boone taxpayer group's website.
Sounds like they are not happy with their board either.
They might move to Oley and make things happier for the tax and spenders of other people's money.
"No, Oley's track will certainly not get him into college, but the education that prepared him to score so well on his SATs will."
Since this is nothing more than an anonymous post, it lacks much merit.
Any student who does well in the SAT or any other test, does so in spite of Oley education rather than because of it.
The fear of the BOARD is the beginning of the end.
Wise guys jack up taxes, while the mouth of the average citizen is gagged by the Board's twisting of the Sunshine Law
THEY that hideth check runs with lying lips are afloat with a SHIP of FOOLS
The lips of an elected group smile at the public, yet their self proclaimed professional wisdom enables them to watch less affluent community members fade away.
"Any student who does well in the SAT or any other test, does so in spite of Oley education rather than because of it."
So you're saying that when the scores are low, Oley is at fault, but when the scores are high, as in this case, the knowledge was just miraculously assimilated? You people need to brush up on the art of debate!
I also know of other students in addition to my son who scored very well! Thank you Oley educators!
11:25..eye alsew no uv udder stewdence hoo skord veree welly. Promissin kareeerz a wate.
SAT Prep class is a help to get a good score. And what is his great score??? He is going to Harvard???? My daughter did great also, but I would say that maybe a few great teachers had a hand in her education, but most of it came from studying and concentrating to do as good as she can on these tests. She wants out of this area!! She wants to go into the medical field you need to study and have caring parents and some great teachers, that yes Oley does have some great ones. They are the ones the admin. do not like as they speak up. Good going teachers!!!
Have a concern or complaint, even as a teacher, look out, the admin. come running to attack. Even teachers are on the black list. I like the caring teachers that speak up!! They have a right to speak up just as we have a right to speak and write the facts. :)
"So you're saying that when the scores are low, Oley is at fault, but when the scores are high, as in this case, the knowledge was just miraculously assimilated? You people need to brush up on the art of debate!"
Actually, saying anyone who has done well on the SAT is not really saying too much because the tests have been "socialized". The independent tests scores are the basis of comparison between how Oley grades the student and how these grades stand up to a statistical universe. If the local grades do not match the universe, then parents who are paying attention should ask questions. As far as assimilated intelligence, most people know that home environment and natural abilities have as much to do with academic success as does anything else. Some board apologists should brush up on their facts before they attempt to debate based on superficial knowledge.
I would like to thank 8:35 for the post about the World Quest team. The World Quest team placed first in Berks, beating schools like Wyomissing and Wilson. After that, they went to Washington DC and placed 11th in the nation! All in their first year competing! For this accomplishment, they have received almost no attention on this or any other forum. In fact, I have been hard pressed to find any positive remarks about Oley students by the OCC. Bloggers on this site constantly write how they "think" our children are failing. However, they fail to mention when teams or clubs such as World Quest, FBLA, FFA or Envirothon win at the county, state and even the national level. I think you should be applauding these students for their accomplishments not putting them down! Despite what people on this blog say Oley does offer students a good education, you just have to take advantage of it. Many students who care about learning are receiving a great education at Oley.
I think it is wonderful that your son scored so well on the SATs! I agree that Oley has some very good teachers,and that his high school education was obviously a good one.
As for the person who stated that the SATs are socialized and that board "apologists" have "superficial knowledge...
The SATs are not any more "socialized" than the PSSAs. Both tests are standardized tests which are normed using a control group of students from across the country. That means that a diverse sample of students is tested from across the country to determine a normed bell curve. Every time a new group of students takes the test, tests scores form a new bell curve. That means that students who score in the top range truly are in the top range. The same goes for the middle and bottom range.
To say that a test is "socialized" is using a term that has no significant meaning. A high score on an SAT test is a high score. Period.
I suggest that you don't argue a point based on "superficial knowledge" unless you truly do know what you're talking about.
P.S. If the SAT is invalid, then the PSSAs must also be invalid. So much for your argument that Oley isn't "cutting it" because they have (what you perceive as) low PSSA scores.
P.S. ....and 7:29, I agree with you wholeheartedly! No, OCCers, we are not the same person, as you will claim.
To the Oley Student...
Well written.
There are multiple groups of like-monded individuals on this blog. There are several that just hate the board members. The are some that have a concern regarding the education that is currently being provided to our children (me included), and then there are some that claim to be pursuing 'fiscal accountability'.
The first group will state that you are exceptions and not the norm.
The second group (the vast majority of us) does recognize your accomplishments and successes and achievements, whether in the world quest, FFA or even field hockey and band.
The third group will state that the school should not wasting money on such activities, and then team up with the first group to bash the school board, the teachers and administrations, the parents who are just horrible parents, and claim that all the kids are rotten.
So, if you have not been properly recognized, then I would like to say congrads. To you and your team members, on your achievements as well as representing the Oley Valley so well.
7:29, 9:28 you are wrong again. I am very glad to be part of the OCC and my daughter was the Secretary General for the World Quest team. So stick it. I am the one who wanted the BOARD AND THE ADMINISTRATION TO SHOW HOW HAPPY THEY ARE FOR THE GREAT SUCCESS OF THIS TEAM UNDER MR. SMALL. THEY WORKED OUTSIDE OF THE SCHOOL HOURS ON THEIR OWN IN MR. SMALLS CLASS. THEY ARE CHILDREN THAT ARE INTERESTED IN ALL WORLD AFFAIRS. THE BOARD AND ADMIN. DID NOT SHOW ANY, I SAY ANYTHING TO THESE FINE YOUNG PEOPLE. SHAME ON THEM NOT THE OCC. MY OCC FRIENDS ACTUALLY CALLED MY DAUGHTER TO SAY WHAT A GREAT JOB THEY DID. YOU DO NOT KNOW WHAT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT. GO YELL AT THE BOARD FOR FALLING INTO THE CRACKS ON THIS ONE. I EVEN TALKED TO THE ASST. SUPER ABOUT THESE FINE YOUNG PEOPLE NOT BIENG ASK TO COME TO A BOARD MEETING TO GET A HAND SHAKE. GOOD GRIEF YOU PEOPLE ARE STUPID. THE OCC CARES A HECK OF ALOT MORE ABOUT THE EDUCATION OF ALL THE CHILDREN.
Someone writes a non-offensive post and you tell him or her to stick it and call him/her stupid!?!?!
You really do have some anger/psychological problems. I hope you get help for that!
10:02 you are sick
Point proven
...or maybe there are two of you...scary indeed!
Non-offensive post that you do not know what you are writing about. You should stay quiet and find out the facts first. I know first hand about World Quest and I know that the school board did not invite the children to a meeting which is very nasty. So what I called you stupid and to stick it, I am not happy when my child and the other children on this team or any other team do not get support from this school district. All children should be treated equal. This is a very nasty school and if you are not one of them, forget it. Sorry if I insulted you. You should yell at the board and leave the OCC alone. We care about all the children.
The children in this district need to be treated equal from the administration and shown how glad and happy they are when the children win or maybe not win but put their hard effort into it. Winning is not everything, but the children need to be acknowledged when they do something good. And the World Quest team did a great job this past year. Next year I will have 2 children on the team.
Good night :) :), see I am happy. Yes I am happy to be home with my great family.
Not a matter of "so what." Your comments are inappropriate.
Now you are really talking silly. Have you ever heard the board talk to the public on this blog or in a meeting? Like you never say anything wrong. Oh please, for all the things that have been said on this blog by the pro-boarders about the OCC, my comments you do not like are little. I said sorry to have insulted you. You should say you are sorry for talking as if the OCC does not care about the children. That is way off from the truth. I for one care 100% for all the children and I go to school as much as possible to help the children. Good night and stay oh so happy!!!
Inappropriate words, are you looking in the mirror at yourself and how you say 100% more nasty things on this blog than anybody. A great caring parent that gets mad might say something that you do not like, but the truth must be told and what you wrote was not the truth.
Thought for the day:
"Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do."
Benjamin Franklin
“If the SAT is invalid, then the PSSAs must also be invalid.”
True, but I know you do not realize the truth of your comment. There will be a study released by the federal government that the states “gamed” the various tests for No Child Left Behind compliance. For your benefit “gamed” also means dumbed down.
“To say that a test is "socialized" is using a term that has no significant meaning. A high score on an SAT test is a high score. Period.”
For an alleged caring parent, you show a shocking lack of concern or knowledge that your son is being cheated. The educrats are selling the idea to the public that education is meeting high standards, and the tests prove it. The problem, of course, is that the tests are flawed.
You can thank the nuts in California for the SAT fiasco when the state bitterly complained about the results due to the various socio-economic groups in the state. This is the same state, which almost let the Oakland, CA district teach Ebonics as a course. Because California purchases so many tests, they have undue influence on changes due to their circumstance with little regard to the rest of the country.
You may face the problem many deceived parents experience, when they get a bill from college for remediation courses on basic educational subjects allegedly taught at the high school level.
“I suggest that you don't argue a point based on "superficial knowledge" unless you truly do know what you're talking about.”
It appears you are spoon fed by some uniformed or misinforming person(s) and you have done no research on the topic. You have not made any factual responses only emotional ones.
Be careful, a little knowledge can be a harmful thing.
Dumbed down tests? I do agree that the tests were changed for social and economic reasons, as well as everything else in our country.
However, the overall state of our society is advancing (whether we like it or not). The bottom line is, the vast majority of great technical and technological advancements in this world is still coming from our great country, by our great people!
The changing of the standardized tests could be characterized by dumbing down, but I would guess that most of us who took the test 20, 30, 40 or 50 years ago would recieve a far lower grade now, after our years of wisdom, than do the current 'dumbed' down kids.
Another point that needs to be made is that the tests primarily evaluate the test takers against one another, not against a grade benchmark. Therefore, if you rank in the 85 percentile, than you did as well as 85% of the rest of the test takers.
It would be interesting to pick 10 or 15 of the bloggers to take the SAT's (who took them years ago), and see if after they took them they did better (years of wisdom and supposedly better schooling) than they did before and how they stack up against the current group of dumbed down kids.
Just imagine the excuses: That was x amount of years ago, We didn't learn that when I was in school, That's new, I didn't even know what some of the questions were asking, We didn't have computer technology when I was in school, MicroBiology???
It would be humorous!
Again, the OCCers are arguing based on little facts or incorrect assumptions. Whether or not a test is "gamed" as you say it, or "dumbed down" does not affect the overall bell curve. Those students who score in the 97th percentile are still scoring higher than 97% of all students taking the test. If an Oley Valley student scores in the 97th percentile, he/she is still at the top of the nation in that particular test.
Have you ever reviewed an SAT or PSSA test? Based on your naive comments, I doubt that you have. To say that they have been "dumbed down" is quite inaccurate. I suggest you take an SAT test just for the learning experience. Anyone can take it at any age. You will be quite surprised at the difficulty level.
Check out the PDE site and look at some of the sample problems on the PSSA tests. 5th graders (for example) are being tested on material that wasn't taught until 7th grade 20 years ago.
Yes, our country has its share of students who do not achieve, but our demographics have certainly changed over the last 20 years. Despite this, our country continues to be a world leader.
You are a perfect example of someone who buys into propogandizing theories that are spoon fed to the uneducated like yourself.
spoon fed is you not us. I have looked over the pssa and sat and act for that matter and how come that 1/2 of the 11th graders last year 05-06 scored below basic in math? Are you saying that it is exceptable for this amount of students to be below basic?
For a small district, we have way to many children not achieving the basic education needed to become successful adults.
The low 11th grade PSSA scores was a common problem throughout the state, not just an Oley problem. It could be that the criteria on the test was higher than normal, or it could be that it is a problem that needs to be remedied. Let's see what this year's scores brings, then it can be debated.
“I do agree that the tests were changed for social and economic reasons, as well as everything else in our country”…then goes on to declare “However, the overall state of our society is advancing ...”
“Changed” is a begrudging admission that the tests are dumbed down. That being the case, then you are contradicting yourself. A society cannot advance unless its standards are raised.
“The changing of the standardized tests could be characterized by dumbing down, but I would guess that most of us who took the test 20, 30, 40 or 50 years ago would recieve a far lower grade now…”
A convenient excuse, but misses the point. It is not what was needed yesterday, but today. Today requires different goals not the goals of the past. A society that stands still will disappear.
“Again, the OCCers are arguing based on little facts or incorrect assumptions. Whether or not a test is "gamed" as you say it, or "dumbed down" does not affect the overall bell curve.”
This shows a poor understanding of statistics. It is also a way of hiding the truth from the public. If you use the wrong sample, you will not get relevant results. Suggesting that a sample of students who take a dumbed down test are equal to a sample of students of take a legitimate test is absurd on it face and benign on any mathematical conclusion.
“You are a perfect example of someone who buys into propogandizing theories that are spoon fed to the uneducated like yourself.”
So far, you still have not provided any factual information, only opinion based on emotion. The specifics regarding the shortfall of education are well known to people who read. Name calling is the last refuge of someone losing a debate.
Name calling is absolutely inappropriate. I, however, did not name call. I made a claim that many who write on here are uneducated and make incorrect assumptions. I believe that you at least fall into the latter category (possibly both).
Facts were provided by me and the other positive thinking bloggers who added to the debate, but of course you always ignore the facts. To claim that the argument is based on emotion is ludicrous. Surprise, surprise.
Gee, I don't think there was a debate to begin with. One usually needs two at least somewhat logical sides to an argument in order to engage in a debat. When you consider that the OCC is on one side.... Well, enough said. ;)
The past few comments are completely off base. :) to you. All the pro-boarders try to do is to say the facts the OCC put on this blog are not true, but they are true, they come from the school district themselves. Look up some facts and tell us we are wrong. Come to a meeting and tell us we are wrong with the way the board treats the public. We have been telling you for over 2 years to show up and ask questions are you refuse to do so. All you care to do is yell at the ones that care about all in this district. That is right, we care, you do not.
I hope the OM teams have fun tonight at the meeting. Congrats to all of them for doing a wonderful job. Congrats to all the other teams in this district that get no notice at all from this administration and board. We know they are great, that is all they need. God Bless all the children and citizens of this district.
I care, you don't.
The OCC is smart, you're dumb.
We know the facts. You do not.
7:15 right on target. Now you are writing the truth! Good job.
Tests are being "normalized", i.e. dumbed down to keep at least the same results as other years. Professional testing companies do this to get return business from the useless public servants certified by PA known as Superintendents. The dumbing down keeps the cash flowing. High standards are not actually instituted but talked around in the hope of bringing up the bottom of the class, because the highly paid Superintendents care for the poor (but not for the poor taxpayer). Students not educated know that the school did something to negatively affect their brain but not sure what and they take it out violently against the school property. Dropouts are increasing from these expensive daycare centers.
George...
Your posts are far more appropriate than those quoting Ben Franklin. Thanks for your time and your input.
Out with Ben
In with George
Yes, George. We agree because we are smart and they are dumb. The occ is smart.
chuckle for the day....
Overhearing school teachers WORKING IN LOCAL BUSINESSES FOR THE SUMMER...(and taking jobs that seniors or school kids could do)because they, too, have to make ends meet. Considering their well known salary and benefits packages, are we to pity them because they're not able to manage on a budget?
With that said, we're supposed to entrust our children's education to those who have yet to learn themselves?
Perhaps those falling into that class should consider picking up their "pocket change" in areas other than their own back yard.
Schwank not seeking third term, todays paper! Heckman should follow in her foot steps and step down from the board. No more than a 2 term limit should apply to this school board. Change is what we need. And I am not saying a few new members here and there, I am saying a clean sweep. This board is known through out the land as being a bunch of clowns.
Thought For The Day:
"We can't solve problems by using the same kind of thinking that was used to create them"
Albert Einstein
“I made a claim that many who write on here are uneducated and make incorrect assumptions.”
An elitist is under the false assumption they are they epicenter of information and knowledge. They become so engrossed with their self-anointed position that they are close-minded to the obvious. It is nice to have an education, but it is no means the guarantee to have all the answers or be a success in life.
“To claim that the argument is based on emotion is ludicrous.”
So far, we have read nothing of fact from you, only a smattering of the third party hearsay mixed with denial. The inability to see and understand the big picture because of prejudice is shortsighted and self-defeating.
8:27...speak for yourself, as you apparently just did. Albert Einstein would be, well, going back to the drawing board.
PRO-BOARD folks:
"....An ignorant person is one who doesn't know what you have just found out...."
Will Rogers
Oh, my dear 8:40... The facts have been presented to you too many times to count by me as well as others. The fact that you are unable (or maybe unwilling) to understand them keeps you from seeing them as what they are... FACTS.
I enjoy a good debate, but it is truly no fun to debate someone who is wearing blinders, or perhaps your blindedness is not by choice. Whatever the reason, you certainly don't make for a good debate.
No, 9:23am, I was quoting Albert Einstein. What can you possibly find offensive in that? I put these quotes on here to try to give people something to think about (thus the title "thought of the day"). I mean no offense and am not targeting either the OCC or the so-called pro-board people. Lighten up a little.
Greetings from above. Your little bloggie is interesting, at times. How sad it is that well-meaning parents have to lock horns with those hired or elected to teach the children. You'd think that if you were chosen or hired to teach, guide, and be a good influence to the future citizens of your small valley, you'd be pulling in one direction.
Remember, when you're pulling in opposite directions, it only takes one person to lose their grip, and the rest of the team ends up in the mud.
"I enjoy a good debate, but it is truly no fun to debate someone who is wearing blinders, or perhaps your blindedness is not by choice. Whatever the reason, you certainly don't make for a good debate."
This sounds like the prattle of someone who has lost the debate and is looking to save face. It is same as the politician who has lost the election yet pronounces a moral victory. False bravado only brings laughter.
Oh my! We're getting sillier and sillier all the time with our assertions! How can I claim to have won the debate when there was not a debate to begin with. I thought I already pointed out that this was certainly not, in my opinion, a good debate....
I do, however, enjoy presenting you with my opinions now and then. Frankly, I don't care if you agree or disagree, or what you think of my opinions. I just like sharing them.
So, my dear friend, your arrogant statements harm noone but yourself. As do mine.
"How can I claim to have won the debate when there was not a debate to begin with."
Back pedaling mixed with false bravado is hardly the "right stuff".
Junior varsity posts brings even more laughter.
Oh, you people are such fun! ;)
So easy to ruffle your feathers! haha I love it!
Dear 11:18 (Doc):
Looks like you have a problem with one of your eyes.
And all this time you said it was us.
Greetings
Remember when this blog started? Something was mentioned about fiscal responsibility for the School Board, and getting the best education for the buck, which would have something to do with caring for and about our children???
Now we have name calling and finger pointing on an hourly basis. What a great example for the kids.
OCC bloggers, don't give up. Sooner or later, the pro-board bloggers could possibly see the truth, at some time.
Pro-Board bloggers, get serious.
Middle of the road bloggers, seek professional help, you've really got problems.
"Oh, you people are such fun!...So easy to ruffle your feathers! haha I love it!"
More "whistling passed the grave" defensive remarks from losing. Round up a gaggle of your leftist buddies and come back for another thumping. It is always nice to have a snack once in awhile. Whoever runs this blog needs to give a literacy test to the sector that thinks bad grades is good policy.
I hope you learn how to leave your anger behind, dearie! ;)
If we had a pleasing school board, there would be no need for a blog.
I see we have a blog.
Hmmmm.
Yeah, it's a shame. But you know what they say. "You can't please everybody." So, I suppose it's a good thing that those who are unpleased spout off on a harmless web site. At least you don't go out and cause physical violence.
Hope the field hockey team has a field to play on.
Talk at the meeting said that the district should prepare for "Plan B",whatever that may be. The other suggestion was that they use the end of the field that has grass.
The grass that was seeded is not growing as fast as planned.
Not a good situation to be in.
Smells like another lawsuit coming.
How many is the district involved in these days?
So are the field hockey parents going to sue the school?
It's not about a pleasing school board -
It's about being ethical, moral and honest, and just plain old doing the right thing.
These are words that are not in our school board's vocabulary.
Yes they are.
This school board and administration cater to specific small groups of people.
That is not supposed to happen.
Dr. Zackon literally looked like a kid who just got all he wanted for Christmas at the meeting where they voted on the track. The superintendent is supposed to remain neutral.
He could have at least kept a straight face - but then again he never can do that. His body language gives him away every time.
He's a human being, not a robot.
2:11...you're correct. Body language is a real tell-all. Do you have any insight on these portrayals of body language and actions displayed at school board meetings:
Speaking to an audience without making any eye contact...?
Clearing of the throat and stammering...?
Whispering amongst board members..?
Turning bright red when faced with any questions..?
Rolling eyes in head..?
Blurting out senseless, meaningless comments in a cocky fashion, closely mimicking one afflicted by Tourettes...?
He's a human being, not a robot.
Yes, Mrs. Zackon, you already said that.
Oh, and he's human, not a robot.
HE'S a human being? Wow, thanks for clearing up that deep, deep mystery. As a taxpayer, I was under the impression that ALL of the board members were human beings. Is this fact being placed under the microscope, too? How about Heckman? Is it the ORIGINAL Heckman, or a clone from the biology department? With all the years they had to work on that one, it could be true.
A very GREEDY humanoid type indeed!
You're welcome
"Blurting out senseless, meaningless comments in a cocky fashion, closely mimicking one afflicted by Tourettes...?"
You mean the emperor and his nine co-conspirators "have no clothes"!?
1:36 don't say that, I just had lunch!! Barf,barf.
It is bad enough we have to look at their faces, that is enough for me. Anything else I could not stand. Gross!!!
Don't worry, dear. I'm sure the feeling is mutual.
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