The executive director of the Pennsylvania School Board Association, Mr. Thomas Gentzel, presented the association’s blueprint for tax reform to state lawmakers.
The association proclaims high taxes are the “symptom” of improper financing rather than the spending decisions of school boards.
Packaged in “A Blueprint for Comprehensive Local Tax Reform” the PSBA outlines a three-step process in maintaining and strengthening school board control.
The first and probably most important demand is they want to have the authority to tax more than real estate. They do not define just what additional menu of items they want to tax, but rest assured their ravenous spending appetite requires a myriad of choices. Overall, taxes will go way up not down for anyone.
Next, they want more money from the state. This is an old complaint. Every year at budget time, the boards blame the state for not sending more money. Harrisburg becomes a convenient whipping boy to cover for local financial ineptitude. The school board’s complaint of being strapped for cash, conflicts with the millions they stash in off-budget funds for pet projects.
Finally, the PSBA wants the state to reduce the costs of the district. This is an ironic request. The state does not mandate high teacher pay and benefits, grandiose buildings or extravagant non-educational spending. Only the local boards make those decisions.
The possible savings generated from the state eliminating mandates or building requirements will only end up in some hastily conceived fund to be wasted by the board.
As part of the strategy, the PSBA held meetings to deal with the referendum. A superintendent from another district gave a presentation at a meeting of invited school board members. The public was not invited.
“Referendum, Its Here, It’s New and It’s Exciting” is a playbook describing carefully tested and crafted tactics on how to sell excessive spending to the community. Identify the groups and market to them with all the resources of the district is the thrust of the political campaign.
The Pennsylvania School Board Association’s agenda can be described in one sentence. They want more authority to tax, more money from the state, less controls over spending and no accountability. This is not tax reform, but rather a power grab by school boards under siege.
They will achieve their greedy purpose unless citizens contact their representatives and demand the taxpayers' voice be heard.
Posts
271 comments:
1 – 200 of 271 Newer› Newest»I thought everyone was to work together to find a fair solution to school taxes, not to benefit at the expense of others. Shame on the PSBA and their members.
Interesting meeting to be held on August 29th at 10:00 a.m. in the Oley Fairgrounds building directly across from the School Administration building.
The Finance Committee of the House of Representatives will be holding a meeeting to discuss House Bill 1600.
BEWARE of this. This is a new bill being pushed and sponsored by our legislators to take our mind off Act 1 and try to push even more taxation on the taxpayers. This bill is also being pushed by the school districts, so that they can have more money to spend, as they are upset that the taxpayers have a say in the bill that was passed last year.
This bill does not address SCHOOL SPENDING in any way, shape or form.
They want to institute another personal income tax and, I believe, additional sales tax.
This is a public meeting, although I am not sure if the public is allowed to speak. However, Dr. Zackon and Mr. Heckman were invited to speak.
This meeting could turn out to be a very important step in the further taxation in an already overtaxed state.
If you are interested in your future - please make every effort to attend.
They are having these type of meetings all over the state of PA, and it is now that the taxpayer must voice their opinions and listen to what our local representatives have to say on this very important matter.
Again, August 29th at 10:00 a.m. Oley Fairgrounds.
This message has been put out by other taxpayer groups in the area.
I don't think that Dr. Zackon and Mr. Heckman should be allowed to speak on behalf of this area. Their only concern is that they continue to have a someone else's money to use at THEIR discretion.
I guess Nextel money wasn't enough. That nice $1.5 million dollars was spent in the bat of an eyelash.
The buildings at the fairgrounds are best suited for displaying shoo-fly pies and quilts.
To learn about pure garbage, check out the official waste removal services of our fine area. They know how to get rid of crap.
No wonder people do not have confidence in government. School boards or legislators, they are all out for themselves.
Yes, it's all about those ridiculously big salaries! I forget, how much does the school board get paid again?
"I forget, how much does the school board get paid again?"
Not really sure, but you might ask the board member who voted for his wife's pay and benefit increase. Or how about a another board member's daughter being hired by the district. Just wonder how much nepotism cost$ the taxpayers these days.
"Yes, it's all about those ridiculously big salaries!"
You mean big egos. What does it cost to feed the self esteem of a board member? Check your tax bills for the last 6 years.
"How much do they get paid? Do you mean under the table?"
Are you now accusing the school board members of collecting money under the table? BIG accusation! Be careful!
3:41 who said anything about the board members getting paid under the table?? Putting words in other peoples mouths is a NO,NO!!
They do get some nice dinners, lunches etc. on the taxpayers and they do hire their family members to work in this school district which is also not supposed to happen.
You better watch out what you are saying, not us!!!
And yes they have been giving us a higher tax bill for the past many years. Since 2000 by taxes have gone up over $2000. They have money in different funds and they continue to increase us. So yes they are getting money from the taxpayers. And they get great joy of zapping the taxpayers every year. They even celebrate the ending of the budget process by having icecream/strawberries at the end of the meeting in June of each year. What's to celebrate? Hurting the citizens again and again and again.
I see the aging on their faces year after year and each wrinkle is from the lies and the hiding of district information and funds so that we the citizens do not know what is going on.
The fair is coming up! Hey Cappa are you going to put your sign up again in front of your house??????
GET YOUR HANDS ON A TOYOTA
YOU'LL NEVER LET GO
GIMME A.. "T"
GIMME AN "O"
GIMME A.. "Y'
GIMME AN "O"
GIMME A.. "T"
GIMME AN "A"
WHAT DOES THAT SPELL?
UNSTABLE BOARD MEMBER?
Trust
Oley!!!
Your
Overboard
Tax
Authority
What did the BIG Z
say to the little z?
Knock-Knock----
YOU'RE HIRED!
If you bought an AMERICAN CAR, this would not be necessary!
In the PSBA's eagerness to protect their turf, they forgot their most important mission, a plan to improve the educational results of the students.
Their purpose is to prepare young men and women to take their place in society and to thrive.
Unfortunately, the leadership on school boards is lacking and their priorities are politically motivated.
No board member can claim they are for education and then vote to spend millions on non-educational extravagances.
The students and taxpayers deserve far better.
Yes they do Al! You are right!
"3:41 who said anything about the board members getting paid under the table?? Putting words in other peoples mouths is a NO,NO!!"
"How much do they get paid? Do you mean under the table?"
Right here are the words that were cut and pasted right here from this blog. That entry apparently has been deleted. Very interesting! It looks like someone realized the implications and removed it. At least that's smart.
Yes, Al. You are so right. We should get rid of all activities. Cut the sports, the music, the art, the field trips. Why don't we even cut lunch? They can survive without lunch. Imagine all the money we waste on food. School is for academic education alone.
1:21 a.m. ....Is there a reason that you can't sleep? Anyone can see your posting is lacking something very important:
You have no common sense. That's often traided in for more important things, like foreign cars and designer sandals.
Your ego, however, is in tip-top shape. What a lucky circle of friends you must have. Lucky, lucky, lucky.
Does this board read the newspaper?? "Foreclosures surge again in July; up 93% in year", The Reading Eagle and the news on TV have been reporting that homeowners are having trouble making payments are are loosing their homes. PA is ranked 24 in the country. Is there any way this board would see this as a wake up call to give the homeowners a break, even for 1 year and not raise the school taxes? Who will be left to pay the taxes? Why not try to keep the community together? When money is available to pay for the budget the board has no reason to raise the taxes! Maybe the Nextel money in the next few years could pay for the budget increases so the homeowner finally gets a break!!! Do you have it board members in your heart to do this???? Help your fellow neighbor and community!!! STOP THE TAX INCREASES!!!!!
1:19 go to sleep, you do not know what you are talking about. Your seeing things again!!!
Eye exams available at bargain rates this time of year. 1:19...check them out.
OR DO YOU NEED LARGE PRINT?
CHECK THEM OUT!
Yo 1:19:
Nothing has been deleted, and those quotes are from two different blogs.
The second quote being from one of your pro-board buddies asking the question, the first quote from an over-taxed citizen.
And no, if you look back, the comment has not been delted.
You're a moron to the nth!
Dear 1:21:
Just for your information, most of the field trips are paid for by PARENTS, the school sometimes pays for part of the transportation, and that would be the PTO, NOT THE SCHOOL DISTRICT.
The PARENTS, ALSO HAVE TO BUY THEIR CHILDRENS' LUNCH - THE SCHOOL DISTRICT DOES NOT PAY FOR IT.
As far as the activities - if the school is paying, how come I have been asked to donate money for uniforms, etc. I believe parents also contribute to band uniforms, etc., so as far as the school sponsoring these activities, the school district pays as little as they can towards these extracurricular activities.
You are a very uninformed person.
Hey, 1:21
This is the typical reaction of people who refuse to compromise on their greedy demands of feel good over education. Shame....
When State Rep. Kessler brings the Finance Committee of the House of Representatives to the Oley Fairgrounds on August 29th it will be nothing more than a dog and pony show and photo op for Dave Kessler. Kessler, by the way is a staunch supporter of HB1600 the so-called property tax reform bill.
This bill is just a repackaging of previous legislation that was rejected in the past. The bill proposes to exchange a reduction of property taxes for increases in sales and income taxes. Where have we heard that before? The worst thing about the bill is that it contains no provisions to prevent revenue ravenous school boards from turning right around and raising property taxes in years going forward. Consequently, instead of real property tax reform we end up with higher taxes across the board. Mr. Kessler, Dr. Zackon Bob Heckman or anyone else can spin this as real reform and good for the school district. However, while it will surely bring in more revenue for the district, it will do so by picking the already empty pockets of the taxpayers.
The only true reform must contain taxing and spending constraints at both the state and local levels and complete elimination of the property tax.
I agree RS. This is going to be a show alright!!! Not interested in going! I need to keep my food down!! I do not want another headache either!! What do they think we are that stupid? The state gov't, the teachers union AND ESPECIALLY THE SCHOOL BOARD DO NOT CARE AT ALL ABOUT THE CITIZENS OF THIS STATE IF THEY CAN PAY OF NOT!!! THEY DO NOT CARE!!
THIS IS A CUT THROAT STATE AND LOCAL GOV'T!! I NEVER MET SUCH NASTY PEOPLE IN MY LIFE!!!
More comments posted on this most recent blog all since Monday:
1. Their only concern is that they continue to have a someone else's money to use at THEIR discretion.
2. School boards or legislators, they are all out for themselves.
3. You mean big egos. What does it cost to feed the self esteem of a board member? Check your tax bills for the last 6 years.
4. How much do they get paid? Do you mean under the table? (referring to whether or not school board members get paid)
5. (following a blog mocking a board member)...WHAT DOES THAT SPELL? UNSTABLE BOARD MEMBER?
6. You have no common sense. That's often traided in for more important things, like foreign cars and designer sandals.
7. Your ego, however, is in tip-top shape. What a lucky circle of friends you must have. Lucky, lucky, lucky.
8. You're a moron to the nth!
9. You are a very uninformed person.
10. THIS IS A CUT THROAT STATE AND LOCAL GOV'T!! I NEVER MET SUCH NASTY PEOPLE IN MY LIFE!!! (ironic, huh!?!)
More examples of the hate and anger spewed regularly on this site. Class act, folks! Class act!
You are a very sensitive person if those ten examples reflect hate and anger. A couple are over-the-top and uncalled for but most (# 1,2,6,7,9 & 10) are either opinions or observations. How is saying "You are a very uninformed person" spewing hate? Maybe you should go back on earlier blogs and check out some of the things that have been said on here about Al or Mary, or Cindy or Linda B. Then tell us who is a class act.
When everyone can post anonymously then things will be said that no one would say to each other in person or if they identified themselves. We just have to live with that.
Thanks RS and 3:07 you are an act no one would want to follow!
Good Day Cappa or someone else as small minded as you!
:):):):)
hey mista 10 quotes..
This feeling of "hate and anger" is justified by these facts:
Our board is responsible for raising the taxes. The taxes are becomming the straw that breaks the camel's back. Old couples on fixed incomes and young couples are now in the same boat. Only one big difference. Young couples can generally go work additional jobs to make the ends meet. Older couples may not be able to, and frankly they should not have to, or even have to worry about it.
You watch seniors doing without and tell me why you think hate and anger is not justified? I don't care if YOU are able to make ends meet. We're obviously not talking about you. Unless, of course, your luck changes and you end up in the same sinking boat as many others, at which point, the only thing left is prayer. At least in our own homes, they have not taxed that. Yet.
"Good Day Cappa or someone else as small minded as you!"
Yes, folks, here we have it. The class act continues! After reading these blogs, it's no wonder your organization has no clout!
5:18
Good job. Make a comment about cappa and ignore the post about young couples and seniors struggling.
You're still stuck in your mindset that everything is a-okay in Oleyland.
Have another mug of Ovaltine, read the comics in today's paper, and enjoy your sugar coated life. Talk about class!
Money can't buy class. Doesn't matter how much money you've got access to, you can't buy class. You can't buy respect. You can't buy everything.
You can buy votes, though. Do I hear a cash register ringing?
RS....I agree with your comments about anonymous postings. However, there are those that walk among us that have never had a problem saying rude, ignorant, and/or off base things to others IN PUBLIC. When that sort of thing happens, people tend to remember.
That sort of comment is childish and rude, and it still goes on. Many question why the ones in earshot of such insane mutterings don't confront the obviously troubled adult and put him/her in their place. They need not lower themselves to the rude person's level. They can call them aside BEFORE they enter the board room and state the truth: Act your age! If your children acted like that, they'd be grounded. If they acted like that in school, they'd be sent to detention, or worse.
Yes! Here, here!!!
Thats right the board should all have detention. Don't put the rude comments on the OCC. Look at the past 2 years on this blog. The board members and pro-boarders that have written on this blog have not written one factual word on this blog. All they do is come on here and attack the messenger. That must stop. You have said alot of nasty things to the OCC. All we want and all we ever wanted was fiscal responsibility and honesty. You owe that to all the citizens on this district and the children. All the children.
The citizens are not happy!!!
I think that was referring to OCC members, not board members. Look back over the blogs, and it becomes very obvious.
Board Members are 100% rude! You must never go to a meeting. They stop someone talking and asking questions right in the middle of it. Down right RUDE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
The OCC does not have a membership! It is a large number of citizens sick of how the board is spending our money and not being honest to the citizens.
Isn't it strange? The more postings that appear on this blog, the more defensive the pro-boarders get. Almost what you'd call paranoid.
"However, there are those that walk among us that have never had a problem saying rude, ignorant, and/or off base things to others IN PUBLIC. When that sort of thing happens, people tend to remember."
You must mean a board member who was not only rude but cruel in his attack on a citizen dieing of cancer.
Here is another rude and cruel comment from this same board member:
"An elderly gentlemen raising his grandchildren says to the board: How can I keep paying these high taxes when I am on a fixed income raising my grandchildren" The board member says look in your other pocket! Talk about rude and cruel. Yes this way said in front of the public at a board meeting. This is just a few of many rude and cruel words that have come out of this board member. He should be removed. NOW!
There's always the fear factor to contend with. People are afraid of crazy folks. Fear enables.
Fear of the guy with the sandals!! He wears them in the dead of winter!
Is Toyota afraid of him?
Is this the same crazy guy that used to ride a gigantic tricycle through town, cruise on in to the M and M and then go sit in the dumpster behind the Inn at Oley? Or is the town just full of questionable characters?
"The board member says look in your other pocket! Talk about rude and cruel. Yes this way said in front of the public at a board meeting."
What did the other board members say or do when this happened?
Their collective faces went blank. They looked as if nothing was unusual about a fellow board member insulting a senior citizen. Actually, it's not at all unusual. It's a direct insult to the senior citizens every time the board votes on a high priced item that is not necessary or justified. They may as well say, "cough up the extra bucks, Pops, pay up or move out."
so you're saying the whole board is crazy? and youcant trust any of them?
8:20 you got it!! They have spoken like this to many seniors in the past and still do today. It is totally not warranted. It is a true disgrace. Ask the old newspaper reporters that have left going to Oley board meetings. One reporter told me they had her in tears when she ask a question for a story. It was board member MBB and I am glad she is no longer on the board. I have been involved with this board for over 6 years either going to the meetings or getting the minutes from the meetings and nothing changes.
You think a new face would mean new honesty and fiscal responsibility, but then they get sucked in like the rest of them.
Ask Barb what MBB used to do to her when she spoke to the board at meetings before she herself became a board member.
If looks could kill, we all would be dead.
NO JOKE!!!!!
They will never scare me.
GOOD NIGHT, SLEEP TIGHT!!! :):):)
"The board member says look in your other pocket!"
Is this the same board member who took a camera to a meeting to intimidate speakers?
See above posts to justify the fear which gets instilled in everyone that is forced to deal with crazy board member(s).
If this wasn't true, everyone in our little town would feel free to use their real names on blogs. Everyone interested would go to board meetings and speak up when things sound wrong. Go count the empty seats. If you are not discouraged by the lack of time given to asking questions, you're bound to give up when you witness current and past board members unprofessional attitudes which go unaddressed by the front table.
They allow Chief Crazyhorse to babble with no time restriction.
Message to the board:
While setting up our fall wardrobe, we arranged all of our dress pants, corduroys and jeans. We checked our "other pocket" and regret to inform you, the board, that it is empty. Thanks.
In the Thursday edition of the Reading Eagle, there was a list of properties in the Oley School District for tax sale.
Based on the smirks and scoffs of a board member at public meetings, it appears he thinks these distressed homeowners do not exist.
It is a figment of the imagination that families would have problems keeping up with excessive taxation.
He wanted to know the names of these citizens allegedly in trouble.
In black and white, the paper answered his question and those of his like minded supporters.
The rest of the board must share the same callous belief, because what else can explain their wanton disregard for how they spend tax dollars.
How much medication or food would citizens need to cut back in order to meet the whims and fancies of an elitist school board?
The remedy of the Pennsylvania School Board Association is to demand more authority to tax with no controls or accountability.
If this travesty can happen to these families, what makes the indifferent think it cannot happen to them?
"Isn't it strange? The more postings that appear on this blog, the more defensive the pro-boarders get. Almost what you'd call paranoid."
Why would a citizen who disagrees with you, but is not on the board, not a teacher, etc. be paranoid? This is just another example of the kinds of posts that inspire people like me to respond. There is such bizarre thought expressed on here that it is hard not to respond.
Think about it. We disagree with you, and we tell you, therefore we are paranoid! That's just one tiny example of why people comment that your blog is laughable.
I heard about that "check the other pocket" comment too. The version that I heard, though was said differently. I think you took the comment out of context, and forgot to include the rest of what was said that takes away the harshness of the statement.
"In the Thursday edition of the Reading Eagle, there was a list of properties in the Oley School District for tax sale...."
You've got to be kidding me! The list of homes in the Oley School District was lower than most other districts! The lists are the same lists that have appeared for the last 50 years. Check the list. Many of them are businesses. In fact, there were only two listings for Oley Township, and one of them was a business.
So now we have bloggers claiming that ALL of the school board members are crazy. Wow! BIG accusation! ...but VERY enlightening, once again!!! Thanks for the insight!
"The list of homes in the Oley School District was lower than most other districts! The lists are the same lists that have appeared for the last 50 years. Check the list. Many of them are businesses. In fact, there were only two listings for Oley Township, and one of them was a business."
The tax and spenders claim nobody is having any problems paying taxes. Making desperate comparisons to other districts is only a smokescreen.
If the poster was able to read the paper, he would see Alsace, Ruscombmanor, as well Oley had tax sale properties and they are part of the Oley School District.
"Check the list. Many of them are businesses."
The poster should heed his own advice. The vast majority of properties listed in the Oley Valley School District are individuals/couples and not just businesses as he tries to misinform.
“Why would a citizen who disagrees with you, but is not on the board, not a teacher, etc. be paranoid?”
“Citizen” or just a leach who feeds from the system afraid the gravy train will no longer be there to feed from.
“This is just another example of the kinds of posts that inspire people like me to respond.”
You are the reason why many organized and are forcing change in Harrisburg whether you like it or not.
“There is such bizarre thought expressed on here that it is hard not to respond.”
Facts have a way of confusing the left.
“Think about it. We disagree with you, and we tell you, therefore we are paranoid!”
You can disagree all you want, but when are you going to offer some evidence to support your opposition rather than just feel good defenses.
“That's just one tiny example of why people comment that your blog is laughable.”
The only thing that is tiny is the vision of someone in denial of the facts.
Hey 11:56 tell us your name. If you do not care that we know you whats the problem telling us your name?????
Hey 1:38 very true blog from you. Thank you for putting 11:56 in their place.
God Bless the children. Monday starts school.
Why our board should be honest with all facts:
"He who tells a lie is not sensible of how great a task he undertakes; for he must be forced to invent 20 more to maintain that one."
Ribbon cutting on the new track this Monday 8/27, WOW, WOW!!
It would be nice to see a ceremony regarding some high honor from the state of federal gov't called " A BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE"!! Now that would be something to celebrate about.
Not going to happen in my life time!
Well, I don't know, but the last time I checked, I was in the same place I was before. Therefore, I don't think anyone moved me to another place. ;)
Love,
11:56
It's pretty hard to see the sunshine when you're standing under your own cloud.
It was many years ago, that business leaders, lawyers, medical doctors were on school boards. Now it's any 10 cent half wit willing to worship at the altar of government education. School Board members are not paid, but where does the money come from to support Gentzel etc on the PSBA? Hint--School Boards do not pass an offering plate for donations.
Basic or below is OK with our board. Sports come first!
12:18 I would not hope so, but I can see boards paying up so the PSBA will stay of their side and try to get more money for them. Zap the citizens anyway they can.
You know its all about the money and image, not education anymore.
The school districts pay a hefty price to the the PSBA, I believe somewhere in the area of $9,000 to $10,000 a year, and that is only for the membership.
The districts have other things done by the PSBA, such as policy writing, etc., and there are other things that the districts are charged for. I'm sure $9,000 is the lower end of the spectrum when it comes to monies paid to PSBA.
So it would appear that the PSBA is pretty much in bed with the districts in the arena of needing more tax money.
The taxpayers are the cash cow for the PSBA also.
What a very sad state of affairs.
Did anyone else notice that in the newspaper article today called "What's New in Berks Schools" the only school to report something to do with sports was Oley. All the other schools reported news about academic matters,technology changes, personel changes. I guess we can see what Oley priorities are.
It's good that Oley can focus on sports! Think of how much better our children will be able to run from the tax collectors.
I'm thankful to pay taxes. It means I live in a country that provides an education for my children. Would you rather be living in a third world country? Just think, there would be no school taxes!
...Much better than Antietam, 4:26, who had nothing better than the fact that 1/4 of their teachers had to be replaced.
8:54
Would we rather be living in a third world country? The third world countries have been delivered to our doorsteps. The idea here is to pay "fair" taxes. All of us.
Thank you for reminding us that our tax system provides an education to all children, but We're more concerned about a system that provides a complete education. We would like to know that all children graduate with what it takes to succeed in their chosen field. Reading and math skills, in the long run, will take our children further than sneakers and a gym suit.
5:56 right on!!!!
It is the first day of school, so where is the snow?
In my day, we would be walking to school in the snow, uphill both ways.
Looking for snow? Go to the next board meeting. They're adrift!
They should have a ribbon cutting ceremony when the state comes in to take over the school from the incompetents.
On a serious topic:
Why does Oley have a shuttle bus? Wouldn't it be cheaper, easier on traffic, etc., to have a few more buses on the road, and pick up ALL kids K through 12 at one time instead of the stupid set up we currently have, or if that would require too many buses, then to have elementary and middle school kids to ride together to eliminate the current process of shuttling one entire school to another school to pick up the HS students at the end of the day.
Even if the kids in the middle school were part of the few who participated in the aweful Oley Sports Program, or the band, I am sure that the schedule could easily handle the busing issue, eliminating the wasteful shuttling we currently have.
Can someone explain what aspect of this I am not understanding?
Why do you call it an "aweful Oley Sports Program"? Sorry, I don't know the answers to your questions but that comment seemed out of place.
Here is another serious problem: The middle school students have been seen leaving the HS once they get there. I have seen them run off into the fairgrounds. Who is responsible for them??? I thought the school district is responsible for them until they get to their front door at home.
This is a concern that is getting out of hand. Just wait until the fair. These little 11,12,13 and some 14 year olds will be running over to the fair and not going home.
I guess it takes a situtation for this district to do something about this.
The M/S kids should go right home from the M/S. They should not go up to the H/S.
Serious problem indeed!!!
Zackon better wake up to the real issues in this district.
The new track is not going to solve all the big issues that are going on in this district.
The drug dogs better come to the H/S this year and a few times not just once.
There are drugs in this H/S. Anyone that tells me there is not is dead wrong.
RS: I am a believer in youth and scholastic sports. I believe every child should be required to participate in such activities, whether they like it or not. You may or you may not agree. Either way that is your right.
Oley does not have a reputation (excluding girls field hockey) as being a competitive school at sports). I do give credit that this past year was a good year for boys soccer and basketball program, but looking at the school's performance over the past five or ten years leads to justification of my comment.
However, I admit that the comment was off the cuff and should not have been made.
I don't have an answer to the following question, but I ask, how many schools do not have 'cuts' for their varsity sports programs? I bet most have to cut kids at each sport, and at each level. I am not an Oley graduate, but I remember being cut from my junior high baseball program in 7th grade, and earning a spot on the same team in 8th grade. It is my understanding from the kids in my neighborhood that Oley does not have enough kids participate to warrant 'cuts'. If that is the case, then it is evidence that our programs are questionable. And those comments do not just apply to sports, but also include other activities such as the band and the flag twirlers, etc.
Also, may be one of the smaller schools, but that is far from justification for our apparent lack in ability to compete. There are still other small schools that maintain a high level of pride in their programs such as Wyo., Kutztown and B-heights.
1:40 I am glad to see you writing on this blog. You have good concerns. I sometimes write off the cuff, but that is what happens when you are tired of the same old nonsence that goes on in this district and others. B-Heights is the same size as Oley and yes they have a mighty good Volleyball girls team and their Field Hockey beat our girls last year.
Education as I say this over and over again must come first.
Playing on a team is not going to get you out of college once you get in with that big sports scholarship.
'..Playing on a team is not going to get you out of college once you get in with that big sports scholarship..'
It may not get you OUT of college, but it may get you in to college (and not on a scholarship).
You may be surprised, but I was told by a college recruiter that unless you are over the top smart, you are not a first round pick at college if you DO NOT participate in a team activity.
You may be National Honors Society, with well above average SAT's and good graduating class ranking/GPA and still not get first choice of schools without being active in non-academic activitities such as sports or band.
That may not seem logical at first, but it does if you think about it in non-onjective means. If a child does not participate regularly in team oriented activities, they will never appreciate the team structure required in any/every office or factory out there.
If the smartest person in the school fails to be able to work with others, and assume the responsibilities in their particular role, they will be a failure, unfortunately, they will be merely a very smart failure.
To 1:40pm and 2:42pm:
I agree with you 100%. If they did try to make participation mandatory, though, there would be more parents than students wringing their hands, complaining and crowding the school board meeting.
Where is that a problem? Frankly, anything that gets parents to a school board meeting is worth doing. That's the problem. Unless a particular group is riled up, nobody shows up. Rile them up bigtime. Light the candle of a well rounded education that includes PARENTS at MEETINGS.
Is ignorance bliss? Ask a blogger!
Didn't your mother ever tell you that if you didn't have anything worthwhile to say, don't say anything? OK, I will ask you, is ignorance bliss?
Ribbon cutting tonight at the track site. O'Pake ran 1/4 mile. Did Heckman and Zackon run??? Look out for the big news article in Thursday's Boyertown Times. Hip, hip hooray!!!
Will this new track and field help test scores????
I heard that they did not face the crowd when cutting the ribbon. Great picture that will be! The back sides of the board, O'Pake, Zackon and whoever else high and mighty came to cut the ribbon. I hope the newspaper got a clear picture!!
"Ignorance is bliss?"
Hogwash!
The parents can cry all they want, but the only time they get any results is when they show up at meetings. And they know it.
I think the idea was that parents need to get fired up about something. Once your little kiddies get out of the cupcakes and birthday party festivities, it's rare to see the parents come to meetings. Sure they are busier when their children get older, but if they don't like how things are going with their children's education,then they should show up more often. If they don't, then they get what they get.
Was Mike O'Pake running behind the boys on the track, or in front of them? I think he's always been an athletic supporter of sorts, even on the courts in the Reading YMCA.
And some say to get himself known early on in politics he had himself paged at the Reading Phillies. Then sometimes he was sad attending funerals of people he never knew. No doubt there was his famous smile on the Oley track with the boys.
O'Pake has no problem showing up for photo ops and feel-good gatherings. However, time after time he declined our invitations to come to school board meetings to explain why the state wasn't doing anything about property tax reform or why the state kept mandating more and more special ed programs without the funding to implement them. The one or two times he did show up at meetings were to hand out an award to the hockey team and then head for the door as soon as he was finished.
Before he left, though, he made sure we all got a Pennsylvania road map...
If O'Pake's passing out road maps of Pennsyvania, I hope he used a hi-lighter for the easiest way OUT of the state. One of us can test it, then send him.
Will O'Pake be at the Oley fairgrounds tomorrow? Was Rohrer invited to Oley? And most importantly, will YOU be there?
Show up and speak or remain silent!
what time is this meeting at the fairgrounds tomorrow?
I think it's at 7:00 p.m., like the other meetings.
Wrong, it is at 10am. It is at the fairgrounds. Have fun hearing the BS from the higher uppers. I hope the taxpayer groups gives them and ear full.
10:00 am? Well, that certainly is aimed at directing a select crowd of participants, isn't it? I'm sure most concerned employers in our area will be more than happy to let their people go right in the middle of most people's work day.
Bingo!
They don't want anyone to attend.
6:09 thats correct. When a big crowd shows up at board meetings you should see the board expressions. They are not happy and want to know why they are at the meeting. It is our right as a taxpayer and citizens to come and ask questions.
Go citizens Go!!!
Go Oley go, todays paper: Oley only Berks 3 team to have turf for the field hockey girls. Wow!!
Is that great or what!!!
They should have a very productive year and win all the games with that new turf field!!!
Good Luck and enjoy the new field!!!
"Oley only Berks 3 team to have turf for the field hockey girls. Wow!!
Is that great or what!!!"
What it shows is that Oley spends more than the other Berks 3 districts on feel good rather than education.
Hey above blogger my point exactly!!!
It's already past noon, and no comments from the important meeting this morning? Don't tell me it's still in progress!?!?!
We were also told that Oley was the only school in Berks Co that still had a cinder track. It turns out that is not the case. Kutztown and Daniel Boone have cinder tracks, just to name two.
'...We were also told that Oley was the only school in Berks Co that still had a cinder track. It turns out that is not the case. Kutztown and Daniel Boone have cinder tracks, just to name two...'
We were never told that. In previous blogs as well in other public conversation, and in the newspaper it was oftern mentioned that at least three other schools had cinder tracks. And DB, per the reading eagle, is currently considering the installation of a new track.
However, it was stated many times that our old track was the wrong size and that we could not host track meets because of it.
We lost our fight to not spend $1.4 million on the track. It is time we move on and address other issues such as high school renovations. If we don't start now the board will continue to allow our school to fall apart and will be pushing for new one!
Oh! Those poor students at DB and Ktown:(
Forced to suffer the heartbreak of cinder-syndrome. Running on a lowly, old-fashioned track.
Did everyone receive the school pamphlet in the mail today. The last page show a pie chart outlining our budget, per area.
Hi-lights:
41% is for regular instruction while 12% is for special ed.
Administration claims 5%??? For some reasone they don't include maintenance, Instructional Staff Services, Business Services, DEBT services, health services and central support services as administration. That is questionable.
If you were to include those administrative functions in Admin it would equate to: 35%
Compare that to the 1% student actitivies which is all the extracuricular activities such as sports and band.
What an eye opener.
At the meeting today, Dr. Zackon and Mr. Heckman were asked by the panel how much of their budget was spent on salaries and benefits - to the astonishment of the crowd, they muttered that it was 72% of the current budget.
72% of our taxpaying dollars goes to salaries and benefits.
Not much left for education is there?
Dear 12:25:
The important meeting was held, much to your dismay I'm sure - and the house was packed.
I don't think Mr. Kessler was quite prepared for the comments he heard.
The natives are restless, and promises were made to rid ourselves of these senators and legislators should they not produce results.
I don't think I implied anything, especially dismay.
I asked if anyone knew if the important meeting was still in session.
Cheer up, maybe your friends like you better than your readers. Maybe.
72% of our taxpaying dollars goes to salaries and benefits.
Not much left for education is there?
THAT HAS TO BE THE DUMBEST THING SAID HERE IN A WHILE (and there are a lot of dumb things said here).
Don't the teachers do the educating? Hence the salaries....
The books & buildings & computers don't do the teaching on their own.
DUH
The administrators do not do the educating and neither do their lunches, dinners, furniture needs, phone needs, new electronic toy needs, etc.
Hello 8:43
Good to know the teachers are still blogging!
The teachers might do the educating, when they're not absent -
Hope they're here more than they were two years ago!
Absent with the consent of the superintendent - at a "MINOR" cost to the taxpayers.
If I call in sick tomorrow, none of the taxpayers are going to cover my lost wages. How about you?
Hey 8:43:
Why then did Oley feel the need to build two new schools at an exorbitant cost to the taxpayers?
Reading Eagle front page:
Oley Valley all 3 school buildings missed state goals last year.
The tax dollars must go for total education.
$1.6 million track and field will not help you make the state goals each year.
If Oley stays on this TRACK of not making state goals after a certain time the district will be at risk of a state takeover.
If that happens you can kiss your feel good fun loving non-educational items and big salaries and benefits out the door.
Kiss it all goodbye!!!
Now how is the board going to back pedal this article. Oh that is right, the Reading Eagle is wrong again!!! NOT!!!
7:35am
Please re-read the article. The version on the www.readingeagle.com shows:
Oley Valley (3-0)
Which my interpretation is that Oley has 3 school, 0 on the missed target list. Further down is the disappointing part which is merely average PSSA averages in the mid to upper 70's.
The article says that Oley schools all 3 of them missed the state goals for last year. What are you reading? It is on the front page of the newspaper. Also it is worse than what is being reported as the pssa's are gamed.
So if I am wrong reading this article and Oley's 3 buildings are not the ones that did not meet the state goals, why would Reading Eagle even put the school district on the same page as the schools that did not meet the state goals? Sounds fishy to me.
Always remember, this is not what we are our taxes for, to see our schools not making progress. Our children are the future of this country. They must be educated and must succeed.
Again, I am only reading the paper's website. But it stated that 19 schools in Berks county missed the mark.
If you go down through all the schools listed, and add the second listed for each of the school districts, it equals 19. This is where Oley has a Zero.
Therefore, I still interpret the article as stating that Oley made the grade in all 3 of its buildings. However, I may have to buy the paper today to double check if you insist that I am not reading it correctly or that the paper is different than the web version.
You are right, 10:19, all three Oley buildings met the standards.
The standards are low to begin with. AYP is only meeting what is required no more. How about exceeding the AYP for once.
This school district just giggles with excitment when they put the AYP award on the wall.
The school district should strive to go above and beyond AYP.
The middle of the road is no good anymore.
Reading Eagle just confirmed that their article in the paper today is confusing to say the least.
Next time a school does not meet the state goals, those schools and only those schools should be listed.
It would also be nice if the newspaper both of them would proof read before going to print.
Another mess up with the schools sports preview this week in the Reading Eagle.
Wrong last names etc.
Get it right for once!!!
'...The middle of the road is no good anymore...'
I don't think anyone would disagree. You mentioned AYP. Did the paper rank or provide any details that would characterize whether Oley barely met the requirements, were typical, above typical etc.
My review and understanding that to meet the AYP was something like 54%, and Oley was above 70% in both catagories.
However, Wyomissing had higher proficiency scores, and they had 1 of 3 schools not meeting the standards.
Therefore, I can't honestly say that the paper's analysis accomplished much of anything except to point out that Reading Schools are in bad shape.
I see the OCC has their facts messed up once again.....All three Oley Schools MET their AYP.
You people are truly insane!
Bravo Oley! About half the districts met the AYP, and half did not. Oley is in the 1/2 that met the goals!!! It is very clearly stated on the front page of the paper!
Keep on believing that 8:10.
It's going to be a very sad day when you realize the effects of Oley's poorly run school district - right about the time they are foreclosing on your home!
It was a very interesting meeting on Wednesday.
Various taxpayer groups from the area all agreeing that their school boards are spending beyond their limits.
Got news for you non-believers - it's not just Oley.
I guess now you'll say that I'm full of it too.
So 10:22pm, I would love to hear your opinion(s):
Did Oleys representative (Zackon/Heckman) testimony sound good or bad?
Based on what you heard, as concerned citizens, OCCers, pro-boarders, grand parents on 'fixed incomes' and parents, would you recommend to your representative as well as O'Pake to be supportive of HB 1600, or reject it.
I am a S. Rohrer supporter of the sales tax plan, aka, pay as you go. Those who have the $$$ to buy, pay into the system. However, based on what I heard on the record and off the record at the meeting, I believe supporting HB 1600 may be a step in the right direction. It is not perfect, but it is a start. Besides that, it is supported by the Democrats and Rendell may actually sign it.
Please weigh in on your thoughts.
I do not believe that HB 1600 addresses the real issue that confronts our taxpayers.
One can talk and pass all the bills they want, but if we do not start putting some controls on the local school boards, the property tax issue or any tax issue for that matter will never be addressed.
I thought that Act 1 was a step in the right direction. At least it gives the taxpayers a voice with the possibility of a referendum should the districts decide to raise taxes above their index.
However, that scenario will probably never present itself, because most school districts are very good at hiding their money and the state conveniently stepped in to allow for all the exemptions.
Every year at budget time, the only fund that needs to be presented to the Department of Education and the taxpayers is the General Fund.
The local school boards have the authority to move any monies from the General Fund to other funds as they desire, even if they're not needed.
These funds do not need to be reported for budgeting reasons, as once the money is transferred into the Capital Reserve Fund, it can only be used for capital improvement projects, which include buses, building renovations, new buildings, etc.
So every year the school districts cry how poor they are. The only way the money gets into the Capital Reserve fund is through a transfer voted on by school board members. Please remember where this money was initiated. It came into the General Fund through taxpaying revenue and occasoinally other funds, like the money Oley received by Nextel this year for their spectrum leasing agreement. Though state revenues are also in the General Fund, they are only designated for specific purposes, and cannot be used for anything else.
When a school board moves this money out, it depletes the General Fund, thus promoting the premise that the budget cannot be met and taxes need to be raised.
If one looks at the PDE 2028 - the budget that is presented to the State, look at the Cash and Short-Term Investments estimates. These amounts show what extra money the school boards have, but do not have to include to balance their budget.
On Oley's 2028 Final Budget for 2007-2008 under Cash and Short-Term Investments you will see what is in the General Fund and take a good look at the Special Revenue Funds (Capital Reserve Fund).
Oley has 4,218,000 dollars hanging around in this fund. At one point this 4,218,000 was in the General Fund. That is quite a healthy balance to draw from, seeing that Oley only needed approximately $629,000 to balance the budget, but since the $4,218,000 or the figure of what ever last year's amount was was over the 8% allowed for the school district to have in their GF, money had to be moved out or Oley could not raise taxes.
You will also see a Capital Projects fund with $1,100,000 in it, however, this is money that was provided for through the sale of bonds for the Middle School building project, and cannot be used for anyting else until the State signs off on our Middle School.
I believe that the school districts should have to report all funds, and need to have more restrictions on how they can move money within their local school funds, and they should not be allowed to move money from the General Fund when they really have no need for the money in the Capital Reserve fund.
There are also issues with schools using General Fund money for capital expenditures, which then drains our General Fund.
A much more thorough evaluation needs to be taken by auditors, both state auditors, and the local auditors which the school districts are allowed to hire to audit their books.
There are many discrepancies in the day to day running of school districts, which one only finds when they take the time to decpiher every bit of financial information that they can, which is a very tedious process.
In our school district, I am appalled at what our money is spent on.
At the meeting it was brought up several times about the school districts getting together to purchase supplies, etc., but yet in our school district, the teachers are reimbursed right and left for hundreds of dollars, and lesser amounts for school supplies that they go out and buy on their own.
What kind of control is that? How can I as a taxpayer be assured that these purchases are being used for our students? For the most part, I believe they are, however, how can I be absolutely certain this is the case?
They are too many little things that go unchecked in school finance, and believe me, these things add up year after year after year.
I believe the State is at fault for their obvious nonconcern for the oversight of these issues. I get tired of hearing the school districts blame the state for mandated items, which was a heavily used word at the meeting, but I do find fault with the State for their lack of oversight of these small issues, and the school code laws which I consider Gray. If we're going to have laws for these districts to follow, then they must be black and white, and nothing in between. These laws cannot be interpreted on an as-needed basis, and from the dealings that I have had with the Department of Education on some issues which I presented to them, they are a huge part of the problem.
They're in bed with the districts and I am convinced that we need the education system in this state needs to be totally overhauled.
The property tax issue is a problem that has to be dealt with immediately, however, unfortunately I do not see this happening any time soon. There are too many people who benefit from the arrangement in this state, and they are not willing to give up the easy money.
I feel the prognosis for Pennsylvania is a very poor one indeed, as those in charge are forcing the population of our state to poverty, with many possibly having to leave this state.
I always thought of myself as being a part of the Middle Class. I currently believe there is no middle class anymore, and I find myself to be pulled down into the quagmire of poverty.
This truly is a sad, sad situation.
Speaking in another direction, I do understand that the school districts do find themsevlves between a rock and a hard place, but perhaps a good start toward better community relations would just be a little honesty once in a while. I don't expect our district to be perfect, but it sure would be nice if they could be HONEST. The public is no longer the STUPID AND EASILY INTIMIDATED AUDIENCE THAT THEY USED TO BE.
The TRUST OF THE PEOPLE is gone and it will be very difficult to get it back - not just with the school districts, but also with our State government.
To 10:41, I hope I have provided some insight into my feelings on property tax. We need it now, we need it desparately, but we need it thoroughly with all the bases covered.
Have a good evening.
12:04am:
Anyone with the grasp on school finances and issues that you seem to have is doing a disservice to the community by not running for school board. You, and four or five likeminded people could change this district for the better.
12:04 - I thank you for your response. I agree with many of you opinions, however, at this point I respectfully disagree with your lack to support HB 1600. It may not be the solution we are wanting, but it does provide substantial relief, and in my mind, it may lead by example that sales tax is a better funding source.
I also enjoy reading the blog when people like yourself weigh in with thought out comments that make sense, and not reduce yourself to silly name calling.
have a great holiday week-end.
Thank you 6:46.
Unfortunately, I can pretty much guarantee you that I would not be elected in this district, because my perception of our district's problems is not one that the people in the Oley School District believe or want to hear.
We seem to have a low voting base, and those with differing opinions make sure the troops are called in during election time. We know for a fact that persons from teacher's unions, and other like-minded folks start a massive campaign against those with my views, and phone calls start being made along with strong lobbying efforts against anyone who feels the system needs to be changed.
HB 1600 has no spending controls..worthless..end of story.
"HB 1600 has no spending controls..worthless..end of story."
School board...worthless...end of story.
sad but true!!!
HB1600 is not the answer, or even a partial answer to property tax reform. There can be no reform without spending controls and accountabilty at the school board level. The question most asked concerning HB1600 is what will keep locals boards from raising property taxes right back up after initially reducing them and raising income taxes? So far, that question has not been addressed by the legislators or HB1600.
The arguement put forward by some that this bill is "better than nothing" is weak. Why must taxpayers always settle for "better than nothing"? We hear that every year when our property taxes go up. We are told that we should be happy with a .9 mil increase, it could have been 1.5 mils, etc.
Sure, HB1600 is a "start". It's a start toward eventually being burdened with even more taxes than we are paying now.
RS: The state of PA Dept. of Education needs to put spending controls on all the school boards.
They can spend and raise our taxes any year they want and nothing is being done about it.
HB1600 is no good. You are right.
An OCCer made a statement at the Wednesday meeting that the state has to put spending controls on school districts reckless spending.
If they were not in this together and we had honesty coming from the state and local school boards and took the childrens education as the most serious issue in schools we would not be in this situtation.
Education should be everyones main priority.
The children are getting the short end of the stick.
The future is looking very bad.
That meeting was nothing more than a prank and empty promises!!
Nothing will be done until we put into law SR's tax package.
We will never see any slot money!!
This is an over spent state with nothing to show for all the monies that have been wasted.
Wow Heckman and Zackon got their picture in the paper.
Why is Dr. Zackon not at work in his office working for the children of this district instead of this circus of a meeting?
He better start working for the big pay we give him.
yep
The children must come first in the schools. The education, safety and preparing the children for the future must be the #1 priority.
All special interest groups, big salaries, big benefits, etc. must come to an end.
You are all being paid to educate the children.
Non-educational items need to take a back burner.
I like to hear from the new 3 members on their concerns with this district.
Why not have a get to know the 3 new board member meeting.
We have a right to know what they are planning to do for us and the children.
I like to see a meeting soon.
Any takers on this one.
A meeting is what we need to see what our future holds with these 3.
The three new board members meet with the people they represent? That will happen when pigs fly down Main Street. Besides, Heckman would have to be there to tell them what to say.
"Why is Dr. Zackon not at work in his office working for the children of this district instead of this circus of a meeting?"
Why are we paying the more expensive administrator to waste our tax dollars lobbying for his benefit?
They need to stand up for what they believe in. I am sick of Heckman giving the nod to the members if they want to speak at meetings. Then he turns red in the face if a board member God forbid says something he does not want them to say.
It is sad but true he thinks he is King Bob!!.
He has been around this district way toooooo long.
The new members might be thinking along the concerned citizens side, but you wait after a month or sooner on the board they will be voting like the others on everything. YES, yes, yes.
They all get scared or something, looking at Heckman and Zackon and the lawyer at these meetings can be scary!!!
They need to stand up for what they believe in. I am sick of Heckman giving the nod to the members if they want to speak at meetings. Then he turns red in the face if a board member God forbid says something he does not want them to say.
It is sad but true he thinks he is King Bob!!.
He has been around this district way toooooo long.
The new members might be thinking along the concerned citizens side, but you wait after a month or sooner on the board they will be voting like the others on everything. YES, yes, yes.
They all get scared or something, looking at Heckman and Zackon and the lawyer at these meetings can be scary!!!
Double facts!!! Needs to be printed multiple times.
Maybe if they read it enough of times they will believe the truth!!
I doubt it.
Noone ever believes the truth except the OCC. We know the facts and we know the truth. Everyone else in Oley is wrong. They just can't see it because they dont understand it like we do.
10:59 who are you???
10:59 is an imposter who gets on here and pretends they are OCC. They say stupid things just to bring discredit to the OCC.
can't tell you the exact name of the mystery blogger, but it rhymes with zappa.
How can you say that? You all know who I am! What did I say that was wrong? I totally support the OCC! Don't try to turn us against ourselve now!
3:00 who are you again??? We are meeting so many concerned citizens in this district we want to know if you are one that we have met.
So many of my neighbors are concerned citizens and so many in the other townships are concerned and have called and spoke to us we would like to know if you are one of them.
God Bless and write back soon.
Hey 3pm love to discuss your concerns with you over coffee or tea!!!
Who are you again???
The big secret!
Wow! Interesting! You people are amazing! Your numbers must be huge! hahaha
You people? That gives it away, every single time.
Numbers don't matter, truth does. The OCC is probably small in numbers but that doesn't make them wrong. History is full of examples of a small minority eventually being proven right even though they were looked down on as wrong at first. Go ahead and make fun all you want but your taxes will keep going up just like ours and your kids will get the same mediocre education as ours. If that makes you feel good then its you who has a problem not us.
7:38 you wrote that 100%!
Sad but true!!
OCC cares about all the citizens and children!
Transactions - Oley Township
"David R. Kessler to Theodore A. Breckel et. al 464 Covered Bridge Road $545,000
Fredricka S. Heller et. al to David R. Kessler 449 Reiff Road $825,000
Reading Eagle, Sunday, September 2, 2007"
Some people who are not affected by property taxes may have problems understanding homeowners who are having a difficult time paying taxes.
Very interesting, very telling, 9:51.
Very telling, indeed. And here we are, deciding whether to add a few new mums to our quaint garden, or just keep it the same way without spending extra money. Looks like some citizens who are bold enough to speak up for the benefit of our fine area, look out for number one FIRST. Who was that, anyway, DAVID CARTWRIGHT?
"You people? That gives it away, every single time.
6:46 AM, September 03, 2007"
Since I am the one who wrote the "you people" comment, I'm curious as to what I gave away!?!?!
I suppose you'll say that I gave away that I am Cappa or a teacher or on the board, etc.
Sorry to dissapoint!
Glad to see Mr. Kessler buying a new home, now that he's got a salary paid by the taxpayers.
Nobody said it was Cappa, or a teacher.
"You people" is a slur. Who on earth didn't know that? Obviously, it is the ones that say "You people."
That doesn't tell us what it gives away?????????
....that the writer looks down upon you? Is that what you fear? Why don't you ask him (or her)?
I don't "fear" anything. I was raised by good, hard working, Christian parents. I was taught right from wrong. I was taught to respect others, and to pity the ignorant. Oley is truly not a town without pity. I pity the writer(s) that feel compelled to belittle a person because they have trouble keeping up with the tax hikes. That is mostly what this is about. Dramatic tax hikes with no dramatic improvements in our schools.
Feel free to pick apart my posting, but be aware that the only thing that will be accomplished by this is that more prayers will be sent your way. Many more prayers. Up until now, they remain tax free.
Well said 8:36.
"I pity the writer(s) that feel compelled to belittle a person because they have trouble keeping up with the tax hikes"
The feel gooders of Oley at the expense of others make Leona Helmsley look like Mother Teresa.
You're not kidding!
And they make themselves look like what our parents warned us about. Our parents sure were smart!
Yes because we are the occ and we are all nice. They just dont know how to treat us
"Yes because we are the occ and we are all nice. They just dont know how to treat us"
I am a feel gooder and I indulge myself at my neighbor's expense. I do this in the name of the children, but it is really for my own convenience and entertainment, education can wait.
7:07 am:
I commend you for being honest. Now if the rest of the blog participants would be the same, we might actually accomplish something.
Honesty is not the best policy of the feel gooders or their board stooges. What else explains all the secrecy about finances and preventing public comment.
7:07 Glad you're enjoying the freedom that our young men and women are fighting for, OUR RIGHT to BLOG... ETC
Far as I'm concerned, it's ALL about the students, because THEY are OUR FUTURE. God bless them, one and all. We're NOTHING without them.
"We're NOTHING without them"
What a curious thing to say. Perhaps it's THEY who are NOTHING without us. We pay the taxes for their education which allows them the opportunity to go on to a successful life.
Did anyone notice that on the front page of the paper this morning Oley is the fifth best in the county in proficiency on the 11th grade tests? Good news.
Oley 2006 - 2007 PSSA Results - 11th Grade:
Math:
32.3 % did not score proficient.
Reading:
27.3 % did not score proficient.
According to the article in the Reading Eagle today, these students would not score any better in the 12th grade.
These are shocking numbers, yet the board and district make meaningless comparisons to other districts doing just as badly.
The students are being sent into the world unprepared and the taxpayers are being shortchanged.
The school board's answer to this debacle is more power to tax and less accountability!
'...The school board's answer to this debacle is more power to tax and less accountability!...'
I will have to re-read the article, because I missed that quote, and based on the comments here, if it comes from this blog it is factual, not opinion.
Dear "8:58",
It's a pity that anyone would need to explain to you, or anyone, exactly why "WE ARE NOTHING WITHOUTH THEM."
Although we don't know how old you are, we can guarantee you that at some point in your life, you will need the help that this younger generation can give you. Which part of that don't you understand? Nobody makes it alone. If you need any other explanation, check out your elderly neighbors that don't have any relatives nearby.
We live in one of the only countries in the entire world that does not respect their elders 100%. Many of us do, of course, but that's not good enough. When we lower ourselves and settle for "good enough" we're in real trouble.
The way we raise and educate our children "today" will determine exactly how much quality our "tommorow" will hold.
I know where I stand.
Sorry to read that you don't seem to know or care.
If I have misunderstood your comments, I will say I'm sorry, and mean it.
Sadly, I think I know exactly what you meant by your comments this morning.
Good luck as you approach old age. If you need a visual experience, stop in to your local nursing home. Count the cars in the parking lot and then see how many are paid employees and how many are visiting family members. It's heartbreaking.
New zipcode for Main Street, Oley Pa
19606
???
In a further analysis of the figures presented in the Reading Eagle, the performance of Oley is abysmal.
2004-2005 PSSA 11th Grade Results:
Math: 28.5% did not test proficient.
Reading: 16.6% did not test proficient.
Comparing the 2004-2005 figures to the 2006-2007 PSSA 11th Grade results:
Math: 32.3% did not test proficient.
Reading: 27.3% did not test proficient.
Source: Pennsylvania Department of Education.
We are doing worse today than in 2004-2005!!
We poured millions more into improving education, yet we are going in the opposite direction.
The Oley Valley School Board must not take this issue seriously, because they just poured at least $1,600,000 into a new track/field rather than addressing this serious problem.
If the rallying cry for higher taxes is "the children are our future", we have to wonder what this really means.
Has nothing to do with higher taxes, or raising the taxes.
I see that this place is turning pretty good test results into doomsday.....
If the grass is so much greener, move to Wilson.....or better yet..Reading, where only 20% are proficient. Hey, at least your taxes will be lower!
Oh Al, You probably wake up on a beautiful sunny morning and exclaim,"Oh no! The sun is not currently shining in China!"
First of all, any statistician will tell you that you cannot accurately compare the scores that 5th graders achieved one year with the scores that 5th graders achieved another year (or any grade for that matter). That is like comparing apples to oranges. You're comparing two totally different sets of students. The only true way to measure growth is to compare a given class to itself year after year.
Secondly, Oley scored within the top 50% of schools in the county. I don't see that fact mentioned here on the lovely OCC site!
The truth is that our students are achieving on par with the rest of the county and probably ahead of students in most states.
Signed,
Not Cappa, or a board member, or a teacher, etc. ...just another concerned citizen - but one who thinks realistically.
Right on target. Oley's scores are right on par. Too bad the doom and gloomers among us don't see it that way.
What is all the hoopla surrounding these 'scores', or as I refer to them as meaningless scores.
In 20+ years, a historical presentation of these scores will be able to be used for a meaningful analysis.
But to read and evaluate them at this point is a waste of time.
The unfortunate part is that if the school continues to have an iindependent curriculm, and the tests continue to change, no valid benchmarks will exist.
To justify my point, the SAT's made major changes to the test and scoring a few years ago. Any comparison to SAT's when we took them decades ago, would net no useful comparison.
The PSSA's are similar. As long as Oley, as well as every other school, fail to develop a unified curriculm, then comparing scores a the PSSA's will only show which schools teach the test the best, and not necessarily teaches the best!
Those who detest accountability try to make excuses, alibis, and rationalizations for the poor 11th grade PSSA scores, but they cannot change the fact that Oley is doing worse now than in the past.
Millions of local tax dollars wasted on the promise of a better education and the students, parents, and taxpayers are duped into acquiescence by the slick district public relations.
Nothing masks a problem better than a bogus symbol of success, a new track and field.
The strategy is to sell the idea that a local school district knows more about how to educate a child than the experts.
By design, it then becomes nearly impossible to compare and evaluate the performance of 501 Pennsylvania school districts other than by subjective, politically motivated, special interest criteria.
To the chagrin of the status quo crowd,the PSSA standards put an end to this gambit.
A history of taxes going up with little or no improvement in test scores is a reality hard to refute.
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