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.
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271 comments:
«Oldest ‹Older 201 – 271 of 271Dear 9:03:
Each and every year the criteria for scoring on the test, changes, and in fact, schools are given more ways to achieve reaching the desired scoring.
So, in fact, the STATE has in effect, altered the "hihger scores to be achieved" and given the schools more leeway in reaching these "State-mandated goals".
Blogger 10:11 is correct. These tests have changed almost every year for the past 6 years, and each year they add more subjects to test in, so the State basically keeps changing the test so the schools can achieve "their goal scores", which are to meet the "No Child Left Behind" expectations.
The STATE has assumed what is designated as "acceptable learning material", and each state has mandated their own standards, so as 10:11 has already stated,
THE STATE (Department of Education) has deemed what they and only they feel our students should know and be taught,which in turn has MADE THE SCHOOL DISTRICTS TEACH TO THE TEST.
So we now have 50 states teaching to a different test, and each state making more allowances to achieve those goals, and basically this relieves the burden on school districts to teach anything meaningful beyond the scope of what their state deems to be knowledge.
If the State and all those were truly concerned about what our children are TRULY LEARNING, they would not make the "PSSA TEST" available ahead of time to the school districts, and the students would not be given "PSSA worksheets" to PRACTICE ON during the entire school term. Our students are given these ridiculous worksheets and that is all they are taught because the school districts have to "achieve their goals" which pretty much puts an end to learning anything at all in school any more. No school district is urged to go above and beyond what is on these ridiculous tests, and ends up teaching only the material required on these tests.
That is a very sad state of affairs. Our teachers are being told not to teach beyond the scope of these tests, and not to truly pass on the knowledge that they have acquired through their years of teaching and learning themselves, and that fact in itself, through what the STATE says children should know, is SCARY.
If we continue to let this happen, we as a people are being de-individualized for lack of a better term and are then easier to control.
Remember what happened in the past to those whose ruling states who needed to have complete control over their people - I believe this is what the United States has fought against since this country came to be.
The true measure of Oley's success in teaching their students will be clear as can be.....when the students graduate. If they further their education they will clear the muddy waters of past test scores. It will then be:
pass or fail
"..when the students graduate. If they further their education they will clear the muddy waters of past test scores."
Graduate or passed through by grade inflation or convenience..higher education at a higher cost to parents for courses to teach what should have been taught in school.
Al can't even see success when it stares him in the face. It really is hard to admit that Oley is doing okay, isn't it?!?!?!? I know you'd like to think that Oley students are worse off than they are, because that's what you're all about. But sorry Charlie (or Al), our kids are actually thriving! Wait... did I actually just feel the need to apologize for having Oley students who are thriving? What's wrong with this picture?!?!?!
P.S. I have four kids who went through the system. 1 graduated college, 2 in college, 1 in high school. All are doing well and successful! Why? Because they worked hard and took hard classes. They reaped the benefits of an Oley Valley education.
10:20
Did your children have to take any summer courses prior to starting college in the fall?
Al's like those democrats in the US senate who just want the US troops to fail in Iraq just to push forth their own agendas.
Al = Chuck Shumer, Hilary Clinton, et. al
12:19 you are way,way off.
Al goes to the meetings because of his concerns for all of us, including you, which is way toooo nice!
He wants fiscal responsibility and good test scores, what is wrong with that?
You need to come to terms with the fact that our district has a large % of children that are below basic. 25 to 30% in 11th grade is way toooo much.
When do you think they are going to learn?
If they do not get it by 11th grade the school district has failed for the childrens past 10 years of education.
If alot children go off to college, that is great, but do they finish and do they need an extra year because they had to repeat 12th grade HS subjects in their first year of college?
Yes some school districts have an even higher % of children in the below basic category, but that does not mean we should be happy here with our % of below basic.
Take a deep breath before you come attacking the concern citizens again.
Maybe you should be in the schools helping the children with reading and math as a volunteer.
Did you ever think of helping someone????
Go to board meetings and speak the board on what they are doing with our money and the education of our children.
EDUCATION MUST COME FIRST!!!
Our children depend of the adults in this school district to prepare them for the future.
We need to have the children ready for whatever may come their way.
This world is all a big mess.
“our kids are actually thriving! Wait... did I actually just feel the need to apologize for having Oley students who are thriving? What's wrong with this picture?!?!?!”
The problem with the picture is an anonymous poster proclaiming there are no educational problems in the district. Seems to me that a 28% failure rate is more telling than a story from an apologist.
“Al's like those democrats in the US senate who just want the US troops to fail in Iraq just to push forth their own agendas.”
This is a typical liberal post trying to smear their opposition in the manner in which the terrorists use children as fodder.
They will do anything to line their pockets with our tax dollars all the while holding the kids as hostages to their demands.
Well, then, aren't you just a little ray of sunshine!
"Well, then, aren't you just a little ray of sunshine!"
The left does not like the light of day shined on their bankrupt agenda. So much so that they will prevent public participation at meetings or try to shut down a blog. Liberalism is a government of the few living by one set of standards while imposing restrictions on others. Taxes are not a problem , and the test scores are fine, they say, is the work of these purveyors of falsehoods and hate.
Dear 10:20:
Have you disappeared from the blog, or won't you answer the question?
Just wondering.
"Have you disappeared from the blog, or won't you answer the question?"
Don't expect a fabricator and coward to show up and document his fable.
Hey there! 10:20 here. No, I haven't disappeared, and no, my children did not have to take summer classes. They were well ahead of the game, because they took AP classes.
Also, I did not write the post comparing Al to democrats. Someone incorrectly seemed to assume that both posts were written by the same person.
I just wanted to write to tell you that Oley has MANY success stories, my children being just a small, small part. All of the parents I know are satisfied as well. If students want a good education, it is here in Oley for the taking!!
Signed,
Not a coward and not a fabricator!
A Proud Oley Parent!
P.S. I'm surprised to hear that you think any success story must be fabricated. You should meet some of the current high school students and hear the success stories for yourself. There are lots of them, I can assure you. For example, my children who graduated did very well, yet had a number of students ahead of them in rank! They are success stories as well, as are many students who accomplished a great deal regardless of their rank.
"I'm surprised to hear that you think any success story must be fabricated. You should meet some of the current high school students and hear the success stories for yourself."
A 28.5% 11th grade PSSA failure rate is not an educational success story no matter how hard you try to spin it. While it is convenient for you to gloat, there are the parents of those who did not achieve proficiency who feel cheated. So many students being sent into the world unprepared is a despicable. Sorry, but denial and fictitious persons is not evidence of district performance.
Dear 10:44:
Thank you, but we've had one person who continualy writes to STIR THE POT.
He knows his name and so do we.
I'm glad your children did well.
Just imagine if more of our taxpaying dollars were available directly for all childrens' educational possibilities. The money is in this district, however, the district chooses to hide it so they don't have to report it on the Budget (State), and once this money hits those funds it is only available for capital expenditures like buildings, furniture, etc. and other very limited items.
We do have children in this district who would benefit from more tax dollars being spent helping them. We have an overabundance of children with learning disabilities, not always severe, who could use extra help. The children I am speaking about are not all in the "special education" program, they are also in the regular program. Very few teachers in this district will go the extra mile to help these children. They are just passed along from year to year, and then comes graduation. They cannot spell, they cannot read, and yet are graduated by our district to go into an unforgiving world.
Just another thought - imgagine one teacher who really cared and took their responsbility as a teacher to help one or two of these children. Now imagine two, three or four teachers taking this same approach. Now add into the mix the money being available to help these kids. Our concerns must be for all the children, not just the children who do well, and not just the children who have issues, but all the kids.
This also occurs in the extracurricular area. There is a gross lack of teacher participation in this area as well. I happened to attend an event at another school district, a middle school musical.
This musical was directed by one teacher, with many other teachers assisting the cause. This was one of the best shows I have ever seen, and they were 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th graders, and there were about 175 of them participating.
The show was sold out for all performances, and you could not even get a ticket at the door.
The teacher support for the activities at this particular school was phenomenal.
Everyone in Oley wants these extracurricular activities for the children, but at Oley you get minimal teacher participation. We have parents who are coaching the teams, who I commend for their efforts, however, I do have to question some motives for taking these positions and not being qualified for the position.
When I went to Oley, our teachers always participated in these events. The teachers these days take these positions because they get paid extra.
Back in my day, they did it because they enjoyed it and enjoyed the kids. The only reward the teachers looked for then was seeing the children do well and have fun.
What certain people are asking for in this district is fiscal and educational accountability. How can you find fault with that? I can refer you to several articles in the publication District Administrator Daily, a publication for school adminsitrators, where articles appear about the dumbing down of the standardized tests. Even a child was given the test from 2005 and 2007, and finished the test in 2007 much more quickly than they did the test from 2005. You might want to read it, as I found it very interesting. If you are interested in the link, please ask and I will respond.
A proud Oley graduate.
Let's get the facts straight! Over 70% of 11th grade students scores proficient or advanced. That means that under 30% scored in the "basic" or "below basic" range. This means that over 70% ov our students scored well enough to be successful college students. That is a good number considering the demographics of Oley. How many adults living in Oley are college graduates? Do you expect 100% of our students to score high enough to go to college? Is you answer yes, then why didn't all of you go to college? The truth is that some students are more capable than others. End of story. 70% proficiency is a darn good number!!!! It doesn't mean that the 28% failed, it just means that their ability level may not be as high as the rest. I hate to break it to you, but that's life. Look around. Look at your friends, family, and neighbors. Some are smart, some are not. Period. No amount of teaching is ever going to change that. We're still doing really, really well compared to the rest of the county. Bravo!!!!
Sorry that you see the glass as half-full, 11:15, but pointing out that there are success stories is not gloating. You, however are probably one of those people who embraces a conspiracy theory for everything around you, and fails to see the good that we are fortunate enough to have in abundance!
10:10 you are living in LALA land!!!
Your money in the future, that is right your money will be paying for these children when they cannot find a job and need to eat.
The pssa scores are not the only thing you should compare the district too. Look at the drop out rate! Some kids do not even make it to 12th grade.
Now, my children are like yours very smart in the top 5% of their class, but that does not mean I should not care for the other children in this district that are not making the grade.
Instead of nit picking every time we come on here, why not go to the schools and volunteer your time to help the other 28% get above below basic?
We are very glad to hear that your children and mine do well, but alot of that has to do with the home situtation not only the good teaching that is being taught at the HS.
My child really likes alot of the teachers here at Oley.
You need to start very early in a childs education to get them excited to come to school and learn. If you see a child not doing well early and we get the support aides we need to teach them and care about them, we would not have 28% below basic when they reach 11th grade.
Our money must go to educate all the children, not only a few. If the school needs helpers, than they should be asking the community to chip in and help.
"Al = Chuck Shumer, Hilary Clinton, et. al"
I have been called a lot of things, but a liberal Democrat! Now that really hurts :)
It is quite funny how Al who wants fiscal responsibility would be named a liberal from the pro-boarders.
They must of been looking in their own mirror again!!!
They are the ones that like to spend,spend,spend like the liberals.
They like to spend,spend,spend for their own feel good items at a high cost to the taxpayers.
They do not care about the citizens in this district that are having problems feeding their family and paying for their meds and home.
Say and write all you want but the truth and facts will always win!! The OCC have been writing facts for almost 2 years on this blog and not once have the pro-boarders, liberals, and feel gooders come on here with facts that would acknowledge that the OCC is wrong.
We are not wrong as we get the facts right from the board and administration.
Yes, we are the occ. We are never wrong. we are always right. they are always wrong. that's us./
8:09 finally you agree!!!
8:09...Why on earth do you have to do that? At least the OCC is trying. Up until Al put this blog together, Where were people supposed to discuss anything pertaining to the school, the board, the kids??? There is nothing wrong with wanting to know what's going on around here. Attending any or all of the meetings is not the ticket. I've been to some of the meetings, and it was about as interesting as going to court. Or to an oral surgeon. If our town had a regular town meeting, like once a month or something like that, people might come to that, but it's doubtful. Everyone has messed up schedules now a days. That's what is good about this blog, people can read it anytime of the day or night. It fits everyone's schedule. Sorry that some folks are so disturbed when others find fault with the school district. Nobody is perfect, including the OCC. But the OCC is trying to bring SCHOOL BOARD FACTS to the attention of the general public. If it was really great news, I guess the pro-boarders would not even look at this. They obviously do read this, so that should answer at least one question.
"Yes, we are the occ. We are never wrong. we are always right. they are always wrong. that's us./"
It is not a question of OCC being right or wrong it is a question of the left disputing information that comes from the district or the state.
The pro-tax and spenders can't document their claims so they resort to name calling and attacks. That is what makes them wrong and losers.
Alex the parrot died recently. He had a vocabulary of 100 words. That is 100 words more that the school board.
You mean the board is less intelligent than a parrot? You know what they say " Birds of a feather, flock together".
Please enlighten the group:
The hateful and useless speech of:
8:50 AM, September 10, 2007 - states:
'...The pro-tax and spenders can't document their claims so they resort to name calling and attacks. That is what makes them wrong and losers...'
And the hateful and useless speech of both:
9:36 AM, September 11, 2007
10:47 AM, September 11, 2007
respectfully state:
'...Alex the parrot died recently. He had a vocabulary of 100 words. That is 100 words more that the school board...'
'...You mean the board is less intelligent than a parrot? You know what they say " Birds of a feather, flock together"...'
Based on these three consecutive quotes from what appears to be OCC'ers and/or NOT Pro-boarders are obvious contradictions in their proclamations of whom are name callers and mean spirited non-factual statements.
However, I am sure that someone will will try to state that it imitators. And then we will all just continue to laugh.
8:50 AM, September 10, 2007
Well, it's September 11th, again. Set our current issues aside for one day... remember those who lost their lives for no reason what so ever.
God Bless.....
"Based on these three consecutive quotes from what appears to be OCC'ers and/or NOT Pro-boarders are obvious contradictions in their proclamations of whom are name callers and mean spirited non-factual statements."
This is a case of sour grapes. Lefties love to dish it out, but when they get a return salvo,even in humor, they cry foul. Parrots be on the alert, the political correctness police are putting you on their list of things to hate.
It has come to my attention that the political correctness police has put us on a hit list. We find this to be outrageous and will resist any attempts to be used as pawns. Any attempts to violate our space will be met with visits to car hoods, decks, and hanging laundry.
Signed,
Polly
Parrots United For the Betterment of Birds and For the Right to Perch
Great to see the heartfelt comments from everyone regarding September 11th.
Out of sight, out of mind?
Flag sales were tremendous, remember?
Pray for our country.
9:04
Sad state of affairs. Our country is more worried about Ipods, dream vacations, Starbucks, and getting the best plan for their cell phone. Many spare no expense for things they want. While they're at it, perhaps they could spare a few bucks for new glasses. They seem to be missing a lot of the details.
I used to like visiting this site, but I realize that I am not as like minded with the occ as I once thought. You really should think about the way you present yourselves to others. I really think your hurting your cause. You are starting to sound like all you do is complain about anything and everything. I am thankful I live in Oley and that my grandchildren can attend the schools here. No, it is not perfect, but neither are we.
Interesting clue in that last post.
Meeting Highlights: 9/12/07
The issue regarding the Nextel windfall of $1,400,000 and its handling by the district surfaced, again.
The business manager admitted they received the funds in May of 2007. These funds were immediately placed in the Capital Reserve by the administration rather the normal practice of putting revenue into the General Fund.
The disposition of the fund placement should have been decided by the board at a public meeting, not in the business office.
It was not until the June 20,2007 meeting did the board approve such a decision.
If the $1,400,000 had been placed in the General Fund, it would have been part of the 2006-2007 budget deliberations and would have available for property tax relief.
Once funds are put into Capital Reserve, they are prevented from being used to defray operational expenses. The effect of such transfers raises taxes.
The business manager said she "did not remember" the sequence about the money.
When the district and the board engage in shell games with taxpayer funds, it further erodes the lack of trust and confidence in their actions.
"I am thankful I live in Oley and that my grandchildren can attend the schools here. No, it is not perfect, but neither are we."
Hold on to those thoughts as you are forced out of your home by oppressive taxation. You will be mocked and derided for not "tightening your belt" on food, medicine, savings for retirement or college for your grandchildren, etc. by those who want your money for their selfish demands.
....The business manager said she "did not remember" the sequence about the money......
Hey, here's an idea: the next time someone "does not remember" the fine points of where they put $1,400,000, how about if "we" don't remember where we put our check books?
"...by those who want your money for their selfish demands."
You mean the selfish demands of the school board members who make soooo much money for their service, right?!?!?! Get real!
'...These funds were immediately placed in the Capital Reserve by the administration rather the normal practice of putting revenue into the General Fund...'
Normal Practices? You mean the school normally gets $1,400,000 from non-taxpayer property taxes. If that is the case, then I guess it would not qualify as a "windfall".
In business, when we get an unique transaction, we are forced to deal with our accountants to make sure it gets put where it belongs. And if it doesn't, at the end of the year, we are forced to change it by the accountants.
Is the school audited routinnely like businesses, and if so, what do their accountants have to say about the treatment?
If the business agent screwed up, the accountants will be quick to tell them about it.
"You mean the selfish demands of the school board members who make soooo much money for their service, right?!?!?! Get real!"
Power hungry politicians demand high taxes otherwise they can't keep their power...Wake Up !
Ask the school board and administration why it is taking so long for the audit to be completed and reviewed?
What are they trying to doctor?
8:56 p.m. Sept. 13th
"you mean the selfish demands of the school board members who make sooo much money for their service, right?!?!?!....get real!
How's this for real:
....who make sooo much money for their service.....SERVICE?
It could be more like SERVING TIME. When you work with other people's money and allow it to be handled illegally, you might be doing more than serving on the board.
BCP is crowded, but there's always room for more.
"When you work with other people's money and allow it to be handled illegally, you might be doing more than serving on the board.
BCP is crowded, but there's always room for more."
Okay, now the comments are becoming even more laughable!!!
What's so funny about this school district wasting taxpayers money?
I suggest the board put their money in a pool for the taxpayers to spend as they wish.
Exactly how long do you think that scenario would last?
There money is already in the pool along with yours. I think you have quite the distorted perception of school board members. I hope they don't distort their perception of you that much!
"I think you have quite the distorted perception of school board members. I hope they don't distort their perception of you that much!"
What school board are you talking about? Certainly, not OVSD. They make a living distorting.
They don't make a living serving on the school board. That's what I mean about distortions.
10:12...."now the comments are becomming even more laughable???"
You sound like the type of person that gets a kick out of cheating on your own taxes. Just a guess, but probably right on the money. It's always about money.
As for the poor, dear folks that selflessly serve all those dreadful hours on this school board......if the heat's too much, get out of the kitchen. And the pantry. And the petty cash drawer.
"...get out of the kitchen. And the pantry. And the petty cash drawer."
The petty cash drawer??? Sounds like a pretty serious accusation to me!
That was bait, you idiot. Anyone could see that. If you were truly speaking on behalf of the illustrius school board, your first reply would have been to support the board, not get rattled by the petty cash drivel.
Try not to be so obvious!
Oh, and smile, you could be on candid camera!
"They don't make a living serving on the school board. That's what I mean about distortions."
The "make a living" distorting is a metaphor for board politicians hyperbole getting elected to and staying on the board. Some people need to have their hands held to understand the simple subtleties of the English language. We will go slower next time.
A major announcement will be forthcoming concerning the Oley Concerned Citizens. Once all the information is available, it will be posted on the blog.
Hey Al, what's with the teaser?
INQUIRING MINDS WANT TO KNOW!!!
Maybe Al's moving back to Daniel Boone...
Maybe there's going to be a big sale on sandals. Buy one pair, get a pair of winter shoes for free!
Maybe they recruited a new member! That would be big news!
"That was bait, you idiot."
"Some people need to have their hands held to understand the simple subtleties of the English language. We will go slower next time."
Wow! What nice people you are! No wonder your numbers are so great! ;)
Just a thought...
Maybe 3:34 was trying to point out the ludicrous nature of some of your comments. His/her comment certainly did lead you to expose your true colors, though! Nice!
Howdy 9:12
This is a BLOG. Not exactly what you expected? Welcome to Oley.
You're right. "you idiot" is not very nice.
Should have said, "you bozo!"
Maybe the surprise is the feel-good, tax and spenders will be sent a special tax bill for their wish list they forced on the community. Wouldn't that be "Nice".
OCC Blog catches the eye of Tony Phyrillas:
The Pottstown Mercury Reporter, Tony Phyrillas has a very active blog on the net, BlogNetNews.
In the posting "3 New Pennsylvania Bloggers of Note", he comments about our blog.
The group's goal is to bring "Fiscal and Educational Accountability in the Oley Valley School District." Good luck with that...I was impressed by the number of comments (several hundred) left at postings on this site....This group may have struck a nerve with taxpayers..
We are on his "Links of Interest", as well.
As was mentioned before, our readership is expected to exceed last year's figures. With a link to our site from a major blog, these numbers will grow even more.
The ranks of concerned taxpayers continue to swell.
This is great news for OCC, but there is even more to come...
The Pottstown Mercury. That is wonderful news. Were a huge hit now. Soon well be on the Orah show.
Oh dear, 9:31, just think what all those nice readers of the Pottstown Mercury might think of you! Goodness me!
Well, if they're from Pottstown, at least then can read.
'...Well, if they're from Pottstown, at least then can read...'
Hopefully they can read better than you can write. You must have been educated from Oley back in the day!
Perhaps the school district may need to buy a bigger rug - I hear it's a little crowded under there!
The broom probably should be replaced too.
hello 10:00 and 10:06...
You're both in luck:
That typo was probably due to being worn out from working two jobs, gotta pay those taxes, you know!
My full time job is selling carpets. My part time job is selling brooms. Come on over to 5th Street Highway and check out the deals. We've got carpets big enough to cover up everything and brooms strong enough to sweep even the biggest mistakes completely out of sight. Sorry, Berks County's best selling carpet cleaner is currently sold out.
"SNOW JOB" should be back in stock in time for your next disaster!
Correction:
Mr. Tony Phyrillas is the city editor and columnist for the Pottstown Mercury.
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