The Neshaminy Board of School Directors met in public session on April 24, 2001 at the Carl Sandburg Middle School.  The following persons were in attendance:

Call to Order - Mr. Stack called the meeting to order at 6:35 p.m.

Pledge of Allegiance - Mr. Stack requested those in attendance join in the salute to the flag.

Board Comment - Mr. Stack presented the following opening statement:

A year ago it was recognized Neshaminy needs to close a school due to declining enrollment.  There are 700 fewer elementary students today than back in 1994 when Neshaminy went to a six to nine grade configuration.  By the year 2008, it is projected Neshaminy’s enrollment will decline by another 1,000 students with 532 of that total coming from the middle school level.

The Board of School Directors has the responsibility to ensure a quality educational program that is operating efficiently.  With the exception of Neshaminy High School, Neshaminy Middle School and Samuel Everitt Elementary School, the remaining schools are operating at less than 80 percent capacity.  The Maple Point Middle School is operating at a capacity of only 57 percent.  We simply cannot afford to run the schools inefficiently.  It is also equally important that the Board maintain Neshaminy’s excellent educational program.

In September 2000, an Enrollment and Facilities Committee was established to provide the Board of School Directors with a set of viable options to consider in evaluating the usage of our schools.  This committee consisted of three Board members representing each of the regions of the District and a representative from each of the school buildings’ PTO’s.  Over the course of five long meetings, an extensive amount of information was made available to the committee and the School Board including enrollment projections from the Pennsylvania Economy League, Pennsylvania Department of Education and the District’s own estimates.  Existing attendance boundaries and census grids, building capacities with and without modulars and estimated improvement and renovation costs for each District school were received.

After formulating a list of its functions, the committee settled on ten options for the Board to consider, which were presented at the January Work Session.  During the same Work Session, the Board directed the administration to prepare a detailed cost analysis and educational impact report.  In the February Work Session, the Board recommended that further details be provided on the three options being considered today.  This includes the following:

·         Closing Neshaminy Middle School

·         Closing Herbert Hoover Elementary School

·         Closing Schweitzer and Tawanka Elementary Schools

The Board requested other details including sample scenarios, the affect of each option on the remaining schools’ educational and curricular programs and impact on the community.  At the March Work Session, the discussions revolved around the adoption of a six year teacher contract that included reducing elementary class size up to five students.  This was one of the options adopted by the Enrollment and Facilities Committee.  During the same meeting, the administration was requested to devise recommended selection criteria and a timeline for closing a school.

At the April Work Session, the administration presented a timeline which recommended that it would be best to schedule public information hearings in the April and May time frame with a Board decision and announcement by the end of May.  This will help avoid undue disruption in the schools and prolonged, unnecessary concern throughout the community.  This is the timeline the Board is currently operating under that was further exacerbated when the Board learned the District is facing a significant tax increase once again.

It is my belief that there ought to be additional preparations necessary in order to close a middle school this September.  However, given the extensive analysis and preparations that have already taken place, the administration assured the Board if it decides to close a middle school, it could be done this year.  The Board Building Utilization Committee Meeting was then scheduled for April 18.  At the Board Building Utilization Committee Meeting, the facilities associated with the three options previously outlined were then announced.  During the course of the committee meeting, a fourth option was raised.  This option keeps the existing sixth through ninth grade configuration, closes Schweitzer Elementary School and Neshaminy Middle School while expanding Sandburg Middle School to use the space available at the Schweitzer School.  This objective was considered since it can provide for an optimal capacity distribution of around 80 percent at all of the remaining school facilities with the exception of Neshaminy High School. 

We need to be assured that the facilities operate at a maximum, optimal efficiency so that in addition to providing badly needed tax relief there will also be funding to support other projects of great interest to the Board and this community.  Such projects may include long overdue facility renovations, further technology acquisitions, a possible full-day kindergarten and operating our own alternative school.

Irrespective of whatever action the Board takes, we can seek to achieve a balance in the capacity at our facilities.  This will affect other areas of this community.  In order to minimize the impact of any action, please understand the Board feels whatever option is pursued, it should be sustainable for a period of at least five to seven years.

School closings are a very difficult and personal issue.  The Board regrets deeply any concern this discussion may have caused.  The Board is committed to involving the community directly as it is doing now in seeking your suggestions for how the Board might best utilize the District’s facilities.  Two additional Board Information/Community Input Meetings will be held and a Board Work Session in which the community’s feedback will be solicited.  The meetings will take place as follows:

·         May 1, 2001 at 7:00 p.m. - Location to be announced

·         May 8, 2001 at 8:00 p.m. - District Offices located at the Maple Point School

Ms. Drioli explained she attended a meeting at Neshaminy Middle School on April 23, and those in attendance were poised, kind and passionate about the issue.  They provided facts and did not belittle any other District schools.  They did not suggest the Neshaminy Middle School be kept open at the expense of another school, but suggested all the middle schools work together to keep all four middle schools open.  She said after attending the meeting, she realized more than ever why the Neshaminy Middle School is a Blue Ribbon School.  She noted she did not agree with everything that was said at the Neshaminy Middle School Meeting, but some very good points were made which she will carefully consider.  She said some of the best ideas come from the community.  She requested the community members speak to the Board clearly, factually and not put down another school or group of people, because every child and school in the District has worth and merit.

Mrs. Drioli stated another group of people who must be considered is the senior citizens.  Senior citizens who have paid their taxes for 30 years are being choked out of their homes.  The senior citizens have paid their taxes unrelentlessly in an effort to keep students in a good school district.

Mrs. Butville stated she has received many e-mails, which included phrases such as “I love my school,” “I have the greatest teacher,” etc.  She said each school is wonderful and each student loves their school.  With the decision that must be made, probably some students will not be at their school next year.  The Board’s decision will be difficult.  She explained the Board has been studying and discussing the enrollment and facilities issue for the entire year and has thought of many different scenarios.  Hopefully, the community members will provide the Board with more ideas.  Mrs. Butville noted the following were two of the many suggestions reviewed by the Board:

Move Ninth Graders to the High School - In order to accomplish this, the construction of an additional 25 to 30 classrooms would be needed at Neshaminy High School.

Earned Income Tax - Due to the large number of District residents working in Philadelphia and New York City, the earned income tax would not make up the funds the District would lose in real estate tax.  Therefore, this is not a viable option.  Hopefully the legislators will develop legislation that is workable for the District.

Mrs. Butville noted if a school is closed, the class sizes will remain the same and will actually decrease at the elementary level.  The problem is the District has empty classrooms that need to be filled.  She indicated she would like to see the issue resolved so everyone can settle back down as a community and the students do not have to be disturbed for the rest of their educational lives in Neshaminy.  She would like to make sure any changes last ten years.

Mrs. Butville noted there have been comments about utilizing the Schweitzer School as an alternative school.  She explained the students being referenced are those students currently enrolled in the Intermediate Unit Program located at the school.

Dr. Frank noted she has been a Board member for eight years.  She said what is presented tonight as facts are not really factual.  She said I resent being spoken for by one person when I’m not with the group that made that decision.  I will not go along with anything that is done in haste.

Mr. Eccles explained on April 22 he had an opportunity to spend some time with parents, and it was a tremendous opportunity.  He felt when the Board needs to make decisions such as facility usage, it needs community input.  He said one of his goals is to hear from the community members.  Without the community members’ input, feelings and passion for their schools, there is no way for the Board to truly make a good decision.  He said the Board needs to slow the process down to make sure the Board understands what the community wants.  The Board needs community involvement.  He noted there are Board Meetings when only five to ten people are in attendance and then the Board has meetings when it fills auditoriums.  There have been a couple of full capacity meetings over the last year, i.e., Maple Point facility and Music Program issues. 

Mr. Eccles stated he never wants to hurt the integrity of the educational process in Neshaminy.  He pointed out the fact that the Board has a fiscal responsibility, and the District has been experiencing declining enrollment.  It is the Superintendent and teacher union’s recommendation that the schools operate at no more than 80 percent capacity.  He indicated he is in favor of the recommendation, because he favors lower class size.  He pointed out decisions need to be made because it is not fair to other groups to have some schools operating at a lower capacity level.  Everyone wants the children to have the best opportunities.  The Board is trying to make sure it has the input to make that decision.  Mr. Eccles applauded everyone for attending the meeting and encouraged them to attend future meetings.

Mr. Mecleary said he does not think the building utilization decision can be made within the budget process.  It is too much, too fast.  He indicated at this time, he cannot support the school closing report.

Mr. Schoenstadt stated one of the important issues from his perspective, as a senior citizen, is that 28 percent of the tax paying community has an interest in using the tax dollars in the most efficient possible way.  None of the senior citizens want to take anything away from the programs that exist within the District.  To run the schools one-third empty, is inefficient and a waste of taxpayers’ dollars.  At the present time, the state has failed in its responsibility to fund education properly.  The federal government has failed in its attempts to improve education in this country.  Neshaminy has a very limited number of tax dollars.  It is not a community that can expand and gain additional revenue by building houses.  There is no available land.  The income is flat.  He said all of the community members’ concerns and desires will be listened to.  The alternative to not making any changes is to raise taxes 20, 30, 40 mills.  A tax increase of  $200 will be very difficult for residents on a fixed income.  Mr. Schoenstadt said it is a difficult decision for all the Board members, and applauded the courage of all the Board members.  He pointed out when the Board makes decisions, they are not made arbitrarily or capriciously.  The Board is seriously trying to obtain the community members’ input to help the Board make a decision.

Dr. Bowman stated everyone is at the meeting because they love the Neshaminy School District and kids.  He explained he joined the District in 1975, the year the Maple Point facility was opened as a high school.  In 1976 two elementary schools were closed, Hoover and Eisenhower Elementary Schools.  That was a very difficult time for everyone.  In 1983 the Maple Point High School was closed and remained closed for approximately eight years.  During the time the Maple Point facility was closed, the Hoover Elementary School was reopened.  In the early 1990s, the Maple Point facility was reopened as a middle school.

Dr. Bowman noted the Neshaminy School District has been through a lot of change in the last 26 years.  However, the one common thing that remains is the value of education, students and staff. Neshaminy knows what quality education is all about, because the Neshaminy School District has quality education.  He stated everyone needs to pull together in this very difficult time and work as a team.  The administration will continue to strive to provide the School Board with appropriate, accurate information so when they go through the decision-making process they have good data and a clear understanding of the various options, as well as the recommendation of the administration.  Dr. Bowman said the Neshaminy School District is a quality school district.  We will get through this, come together and continue to be one of the best school districts in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. 

Announcement - Mr. Stack announced Mr. Dengler was not present at the meeting, because he was in Harrisburg trying to obtain additional funding for the School District.

Public Comment - There was a two minute time limit per speaker.  Dr. Daggett, Neshaminy Middle School Principal, stated the middle school concept is a proven winner.  The best minds in education have identified the middle school concept as essential when working with the emerging adolescent.  Middle school is not just a name.  It is a program. The Neshaminy School District has a legitimate middle school program, but it cannot be maintained if any of the middle schools are closed.  By closing the Neshaminy Middle School, the enrollment of  the Maple Point Middle School would increase to 1,073 to 1,653 students.  Proportionate increases would occur in the other buildings.  If sixth grade is moved back into the elementary schools, the District would no longer have a middle school program.  Dr. Daggett felt the affect of changing the District’s middle schools may not be felt immediately, but test scores would drop, incidents of violent behavior increase and people will wonder what is going on.  What has changed?  The answer to that question would be that the middle school concept has changed.  Neshaminy’s educational leader, Dr. Bowman, has recommended no changes to the Neshaminy School District’s Middle School Program.  He said certainly the Board members want to do what is best for the Neshaminy community and he was sure the Board members really do all care.  He urged the Board members to be careful not to disregard Dr. Bowman’s recommendations and the advice of the best educational minds in the country.  He said do not eliminate the middle schools.  Do not close Neshaminy Middle.  Do not remove the heart from our District.

Mr. Cohen, Schweitzer School teacher, stated some school boards are only interested in facts, numbers and bottom lines.  He felt the Neshaminy School Board was different.  It was humanistic and looked beyond whatever issues may be presented on paper to really investigate a situation before rendering an opinion that will affect hundreds of young lives.  He questioned how many Board members have personally seen the Schweitzer School at work.  He noted it is a strong community school educating its students well, and it has the highest reading and math PSSA scores of any elementary school in the District.  He pointed out it is such a strong school because it has a dedicated staff, parental support and small class sizes.  This is the bottom line.  The District’s facility and enrollment data projects the Schweitzer School’s building usage rate at 63 percent.  However, almost every classroom in the building is in use.  The Schweitzer family includes students in three resource rooms, two life skill classes and three Intermediate Unit classes.  The Schweitzer family is proud of the way that the special needs students are an integral  part of the school and accepted by the regular education students.  He indicated he was opposed to altering the Schweitzer special needs students learning atmosphere and turning the Schweitzer School into an alternative school. 

Mr. Cohen referred to option no. 1 listed in the Enrollment and Facilities Committee Educational Impact Report, which is as follows:  Realign attendance boundaries to eliminate building closures, while decreasing class size, removing modulars and balancing building usage levels.  He recommended the Board implement option no. 1.  The advantages of option no. 1 out number the disadvantages 15 to 10.  He pointed out options no. 2 and 3 involve closing one or two elementary schools while keeping four middle schools open.  This option includes four advantages and 18 disadvantages.  In the other options, disadvantages far outnumber the advantages.  He urged the Board to stop and think and make the right choice.

Ms. Fisher, Tawanka School teacher and Neshaminy resident, read letters the students in her third grade class wrote about a possible school closure.  Some of the comments included in the letters she read are as follows:  “Our school is very good and friendly.”  “Please do not close our school, Tawanka.  Our school is special because our school name, Tawanka, means willingness to achieve.”  “We are not very happy with you people.  We are helpful and generous and we are also determined.  Our principal and teachers are very nice to the kids in Tawanka.” 

Ms. Faust, Hoover School PTO President, stated over the last five years the PTO has raised in excess of $420,000.  These monies have benefited the students 100 percent.  Each year the PTO funds the class trips for students in grades one through five.  Additionally, annually each teacher and support staff personnel is presented with $50.00 to $100.00 for use to benefit their classrooms. The allotment totals $3,500.  Each year the PTO provides grades K through five assembly programs, which range from a Beethoven program to visits by award winning authors.  This year the PTO will have sponsored 12 assemblies.

Ms. Faust advised the Board over the last three years, the PTO has been responsible for the placement of calculators throughout each grade.  The long-range project of providing new maps and globes throughout the building is slated to be completed this year.  Over the last several years, the PTO has presented to the Art Department a pottery kiln, ventilation system, clay slab tables, clay extruder and computer, which is a total expenditure of $5,700.  The PTO also provides all of the big rolls of paper used on a daily basis throughout the school at a cost of at least $800.00 per year.

Ms. Faust pointed out over the last three years, the book fairs have resulted in a profit of $28,523.15.  These funds are used for free books, bonus points for catalog shopping (carts, cameras, VCR’s, etc) and 35 percent of the profit is a cash profit available for use for any library needs.  She outlined some of the other purchases the PTO has made for the school, which includes $6,100.00 in AV allotments, an electronic card catalog and six complete computers systems for the library totaling $10,000.  The PTO has also purchased a Richo machine and laminator for the school.  Ms. Faust stated financially the Herbert Hoover Elementary School depends less on the District than any other Neshaminy school.  She urged the Board to consider this fact when making the building utilization decision.

Mr. Knowles, Neshaminy Federation of Teachers President, felt the Board will find the community members in attendance are proponents of their schools and not opponents of someone else’s school, because the people here are a class act.  He explained it is his understanding that the School Board’s concern is building capacity.  He stated the District is not utilizing the buildings to their best advantage.  There are 18 modular units in use at the elementary level, which is equivalent to the size of a medium size elementary school.  He suggested rather than closing a school, the modular classrooms be eliminated, which would address the capacity issue.  This would avoid the disruption of closing a school and the redistricting would be minimal. 

Mr. Knowles noted this is not an easy decision for the Board members to make.  He pointed out last year there was a proposal to cut positions ranging from itinerant music teachers to lead teachers.  When crunch time came, the Board supported not making those cuts.  This year for the first time in 26 years, the Board actually looked at, with the Federation, reducing elementary class size and took a positive educational step.  The Board members have been and continue to be people of goodwill.  The Board members serve a lot of interests.  He urged the Board members when making their decision to consider the students and programs as the top priority.

Mr. Peters, Lower Southampton, thanked Mr. Eccles for taking the time Wednesday to listen to the residents.  He stated the middle schools are important.  He urged the Board to keep the middle schools together and keep grade six in the middle schools.  He said in order to keep sixth grade in the middle schools, the Board needs to keep the Neshaminy Middle School open.  Neshaminy Middle School is the gem middle school in the District.  Mr. Peters urged everyone to contact their state representatives about the lack of state funding and Neshaminy’s situation due to the lack of state funding.

Ms. Door, Langhorne, expressed concern about the closing of any school. She noted the disruption of students’ current learning process can affect their education experience.  She noted how vulnerable the environment is for students in large schools.  She stated the School Board holds the students’ future well being in their hands.  She urged the Board to take into consideration the consequence of altering the students’ environment, the community members’ viewpoints and the current experiences parents need to deal with in today’s society.  She said the Neshaminy Middle School and Tawanka Elementary School are superior educational facilities which are fostered by the small-knit community feeling.  She urged the Board to not close either school. 

Mr. O’Brien, Levittown, explained he is a high school teacher in an outstanding New Jersey school district, and has the option to have his children attend that school district.  His children attend Neshaminy schools.   He indicated he was opposed to the Schweitzer School being used as an alternative school, which can sometimes include a volatile population.  He expressed concern an alternative school located at the Schweitzer School may cause problems at the Sandburg facility.  Mr. O’Brien said regardless of the Board’s best intentions, the children have already been taught a lesson.  The dollar is more important than they are.  He said no school should be closed.

Ms. Cortsen, Hoover Elementary School teacher, stated the Herbert Hoover attendance area has been through many changes with the many openings and closings of various schools.  Since reopening in 1986 the Hoover Elementary School has been through multiple administrative changes.  The Hoover School has become a stepping-stone for many individuals in the Neshaminy School District.  Both principals and former assistant principals from the Hoover School have successfully moved into cabinet positions and principal positions within the District. 

Ms. Cortsen noted the Hoover School is a very large building physically.  The last time it closed it had multiple tenants.  The number of tenants required to fill the building might create a less than desirable situation when they attempt to coexist.  The Hoover School is completely handicap accessible unlike some other schools.  There is a ramp located at every exit and handicapped parking available.

Ms. Cortsen stated the Hoover School staff has worked as a team to achieve many goals.  Like other schools in the District, the Hoover School has applied for the prestigious Blue Ribbon Award.  Due to the high number of applicants, the elementary award is more difficult to obtain.  The Hoover School was just three points away from being awarded the Blue Ribbon.  The school’s student assistance program achieved the most prestigious award, which was presented to them by the President of the United States of  America, for exemplary policies, programs and practices as a safe and drug-free school.  She said we know we all will come through this because we are Neshaminy.

Ms. Pennypacker, Neshaminy Federation of Teachers Vice President, teacher and Langhorne resident, said keeping sixth graders in the middle school impacts positively educationally, socially and emotionally.  Moving sixth graders to the elementary level impacts negatively educationally, socially and emotionally.  Sixth graders are a combination of hormones, moods and attitudes.  As the oldest students in the building, they have a tendency to act out and are more difficult to engage and teach.  As the youngest students in the building, they are easier to engage and teach. 

Ms. Pennypacker said we are not running a business nor developing a product.  We are developing and preparing the future and the leaders of that future.  The decisions made must be educationally sound.  It cannot be economically convenient nor politically expedient.  She urged the Board to not close a school at this time and not put the sixth graders back in the elementary schools. 

Mr. Truchil, Langhorne, related a conversation he had with Mr. O’Brien, who is in charge of the Middle School Blue Ribbon panel for the Department of Education, Washington, D.C.  The Blue Ribbon certification goes with the school and not the District.  If the Neshaminy Middle School were closed, any  District use of of Blue Ribbon certification would be fraudulent.  The Department of Education representative never heard of any District closing a Blue Ribbon School, especially after only recently receiving this high honor.  Neshaminy could very well be the first school district in the country to close a Blue Ribbon School. 

Mr. Truchil noted the Neshaminy Middle School Music Program has received accolades from outside judicators as being the best Middle School Music Program in the country.  Mr. Truchil said he was disturbed by how fast the Board is moving on the issue, especially since it is against the advice of Dr. Bowman, an educator with a national reputation.  Closing any middle school will negatively impact the educational offerings to students in all middle schools and the unique developmental needs of middle school children.  The consequences of the decisions are serious.  The process seems too rushed to weigh all the options fairly and seriously and plan anything close to a full-proof transition.  He asked the Board to take a careful, deliberate approach.  While financial considerations should play an important role, the Board should not want to maximize any short-term financial gain over less rewarding, but still cost saving options, if it adversely affects the quality of the students’ education and social development.

Mr. Dengler arrived at the meeting at 7:30 p.m.

Ms. Seibel, Tawanka Elementary School Home and School Association President, explained she participated on the Facilities and Enrollment Committee.   She stated the Tawanka School is a wonderful school which has a close sense of community, team spirit, pride and a feeling of family.  It is a great learning environment.  She urged the Board to review the issue from both fiscal and educational points of view.  She questioned if a tax increase of approximately $56.00 is worth a rushed decision.  She felt the recommendation of the Superintendent should weigh heavily on the Board’s decision.  She questioned if the Board can make a sound and lasting decision in such a short time and implement the decision in eight weeks. 

Ms. Norton, Levittown, stated as a community and close knit family, the Schweitzer School community would like the Board to leave the Schweitzer School open.  She explained a very high percentage of Highland Park students walk to the Schweitzer Elementary School.  This does not constitute the use of transportation, which does not place another burden on the overly taxed Transportation Department.  She pointed out the Schweitzer School and its grounds are used after school for various activities such as Neshaminy Adult Education classes, girl scouts, brownies, basketball, baseball, summer camp, etc.  The Neshaminy Kids After School Program also uses the school’s facilities.  If the school is closed and rented out, the community will lose the use of the grounds as a community playground. 

Ms. Norton stated taking the Schweitzer School out of the community, takes away the interactions of the fast growing Carl Sandburg Middle School.  Sandburg students come to the Schweitzer School to help teachers with special projects and events.  This helps the older children mature and assume more responsibilities.  It allows for a good rapport between the middle school students and their former teachers.  Ms. Norton pointed out approximately 10 percent of the current Schweitzer School students’ parents had attended the Schweitzer School.  At least 14 former Schweitzer students are now Neshaminy teachers.  

Ms. Norton said in reviewing the Board Meeting minutes on Neshaminy’s Web site, she feels most of  the Board’s constituents do not support closing schools.  She believes the Neshaminy community is willing to pay a modest increase in taxes to leave the schools open.  She urged the Board to eliminate the modular classrooms and leave the schools open. 

Ms. Norton stated the Schweitzer School establishes for community children a safe, nurturing and exciting learning atmosphere for the children in a fast growing world.  She questioned why the Board wants to disrupt the lives of the students and close schools.  She felt the answer is money. 

Ms. Kelly, Hoover Elementary School teacher and Neshaminy resident, explained the Hoover School earned the Comprehensive Winner award for drug-free schools from the Pennsylvania Department of Education.  The Hoover School NEST members developed the elementary model of student assistance programs used for district, county, state and national programs.  The Hoover School works to meet the needs of all of its students.  One-hundred percent of the Hoover School’s pre-first students have always been accommodated at the Hoover School without being bused to neighboring schools.  Due to the diverse mix of socio-economics in the Hoover community, the school receives federally funded Title I support that services 44 students.  The students stand to lose these services, and the District may lose some Title I funding.  The Hoover School houses a Bucks County Intermediate Unit Autistic Support Program, which provides income to the District.  Many of the students have become involved by participating in reverse inclusion with these students.  The District may lose this income, and the Hoover students will lose this worthwhile experience.  The Hoover School students participate in a Read to Succeed Program titled “100 Book Challenge.”  The four-year grant program provides a total of $90,000, which includes books and intensive teacher and parent training.  Since this is the second year of the program, $40,000 in grant funds will be lost if the Hoover School is closed.  The program cannot be moved to another school.

Ms. Kelly advised the Board the Hoover School boasts an enthusiastic music program.  One-hundred percent of the fourth graders participate in chorus, 99.9 percent of the fifth graders participate in chorus, 60 students play hand bells, 76 student are in the school orchestra and 98 students are in the school band.

Ms. Kelly stated the Hoover School community knows this is a very difficult decision and appreciates the Board’s time and attention to this very critical matter.  Hopefully, the information provided will help the Board when making this very critical decision.

Mr. Hancock, Neshaminy teacher and resident, explained his experience working at the middle school level.  He felt sending the sixth grade students back to the elementary schools would be a disastrous mistake.  Sixth grade students who are entering their adolescent years have very little in common with the five to eight year olds they are sharing a building with.  The assembly programs designed for the majority audience tend to be too immature for sixth graders.  The level of maturity between the two groups is vast.  By sixth grade some of the students will have seen some of the assemblies six times.  Assemblies designed for younger students tend to bore sixth graders, and bored sixth graders tend to act out causing discipline problems.  He said having taught in both structures, he noticed the sharp drop in discipline problems when the sixth graders were in a more appropriate setting. Recess is inappropriate for sixth graders.  They no longer want to play the games they previously participated in.  As the students developed new recess strategies, many problems arose as the students attempted to define new roles in the pecking order.  There were more fights. 

Mr. Hancock stated returning sixth graders to an elementary school is not the right thing to do.  Middle school offers the students more of what they require.  Research tells us that adolescents need programs that allow them to “explore specialized interests, aptitudes and abilities as a basis for decisions regarding educational opportunities and future vocational decisions.”  Middle school offers the chance for the students to participate in clubs and intramural sports.  They would not be able to do that at an elementary school.  The middle school offers a rigorous academic challenge focused on concise curriculum.  The students would not necessarily receive this at an elementary school, especially if there are no models for the students to follow.

Ms. Dalton, Neshaminy Middle School PTO President, explained she served on the Facilities and Enrollment Committee.  She stated the situation is not only about the state of the Neshaminy Middle School, but the entire middle school system as this District knows it.  The Neshaminy Middle School received the National Blue Ribbon award because it is a middle school at its best.  We have the great fortune to have all the pieces in the right places.  To think that you can just toss the pieces into the air, have them land where they may and everything will be fine is unrealistic.  Dismantling the Neshaminy Middle School and the middle school system to enable a neighboring school district to duplicate our success is unfair.  It is a disservice to the students, their families, staff and the community that the Neshaminy Middle School serves.  She urged the Board to investigate the issue further if it has the slightest doubt about its decision.  She said the District has worked a long time to make it the best educational environment for all of the children.  People choose to live in the Neshaminy School District and not move out of the District.  To take a giant step into the past would be a huge mistake.  She noted everyone understands the need for fiscal responsibility.  However, it cannot come at the cost of the future.  She requested the Board accept Dr. Bowman’s recommendation and keep the middle school system as it is, and not destroy the middle school system in Neshaminy, particularly the Neshaminy Middle School.  She said it works.  If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. 

Ms. Lynch, Oakford, said we, as a community, constantly strive to help our children move forward in their education.  She indicated she was opposed to the Tawanka School, the school her son attends, being closed.  She explained her son has learning disabilities and two of his teachers have helped her and her husband mold their son into a good student who is active in various school activities.  She indicated she was also opposed to the Hoover Elementary School being closed. 

Ms. Lynch felt a decision must be made that is best for the students and entire District and not an individual school.  She urged the Board to look at the District as a whole, consider all students, cost of renovating schools versus taxpayers’ pockets versus what the children need.  Consider the cost of eliminating the modular classrooms versus redistricting some of the elementary schools.  Consider the teachers’ opinions and, most of all, always consider the community as a whole.

Ms. Sweeney, Levittown, stated she supports continuing the tradition of educational excellence that is the Schweitzer Elementary School.  The students at the Schweitzer Elementary School have the highest PSSA scores of any elementary school in the District.  The students are excelling at reading and math, two of the most important academic skills.  The students are doing so well due to the many parts that make up the whole that is the Schweitzer Elementary School.  The school is a community school with a high percentage of walkers, active, caring and involved parents, teachers and staff, small class sizes and many support services.  Many of the families are multi-generation Schweitzer School families.  Some of the families moved back to the area so their children could attend a community school with the academic record of the Schweitzer School and grow up in a safe, clean neighborhood.  The parents want their children to enjoy the same educational experience and opportunities that many of the parents were provided with.  Our children deserve nothing less and the parents pay for nothing less. 

Ms. Sweeney explained she was opposed to using the Schweitzer School as an alternative school.  She said the idea of placing at-risk secondary students in the middle of a community and the same building as the middle school students is irresponsible.  She felt an alternative school needs to be placed in a free standing facility where it will not corrupt and threaten the safety of the children and community.  The residents understand the District is under financial strain and changes need to be made to make the District more financially secure.  The residents of Highland Park and the surrounding community will not be the sacrificial lambs for the entire District.  She urged the Board to take into consideration the safety and educational experiences of the children and not just the financial bottom line when making a decision.

Ms. Flanly, Hoover Elementary School librarian, explained the Hoover School was the first school in the District to have a network OPAC (on line public access catalog) installed.  This is a major step for libraries.  The only other District school that has this system presently working is the Lower Southampton Elementary School.  With the PTO’s support, the Hoover Elementary School has been able to build the largest collection of books in the District, which totals 19,498 books.  No other school in the District has more books than the Hoover Elementary School.  The school has 30 books per student, which qualifies the school for an exemplary rating as defined in the Pennsylvania Guidelines for School Information Programs.  When a school has 25 books per student or 14,000 books, an exemplary rating is received.  The Lower Southampton Elementary School is the only other District school that qualifies for the exemplary rating.  The Hoover Elementary School receives the lowest dollars per student in the library budget.  The minimum state guideline is $8.04 per student and the Hoover School only receives $7.04 per student.

Ms. Sporny, Ferderbar Elementary School guidance counselor and Neshaminy resident, stated for the last ten years Neshaminy has been groomed to be a Blue Ribbon School, especially at the middle school level.  Thousand of hours have been spent training the staff and millions of dollars spent to work towards the standard of excellence in promoting the middle school philosophy.  It has been effective and worthwhile.  She said are we ready to throw away ten years of time and millions of dollars to make a hasty decision just to save a few dollars?  She pointed out in New Jersey there is a state law that a school closing decision for the following September must be made by April 1.  Is the law in place because they have learned from experience that a successful transition can only be made when adequate planning, time and preparation are utilized?  She urged the Board to look at Neshaminy’s history and learn from past mistakes.  She felt it was imperative that the Board members hear the concerns of the entire Neshaminy family and allow adequate time to give all of the children the best educational environment possible.

Ms. Sporny explained as a Neshaminy guidance counselor, she works with children in guiding them from making impulsive, quick-handed decisions into getting them to make well thought out, well planned, responsible decisions.  Students are taught to consider many angles and strategies that will lead to long term success.  She urged the School Board to model this for the children. 

Mr. Sobel, Neshaminy Middle School student, stated he was speaking on behalf of all the Neshaminy Middle School students.  Mr. Sobel explained the students were shocked to find out their school was being considered for closure.  He presented a petition with 1,025 signatures.  The petition reads as follows:

We hereby object to the closing of the nationally recognized Blue Ribbon School, Neshaminy Middle School, because of its excellence of academics, dominant extra activities/programs, inclusion classes, music and sports programs, facilities and because of the wonderful staff and students who are comfortable with the way they are! 

We hope that almost the entire Neshaminy Middle School staff, students, community and parents’ signatures prove to everyone we are comfortable in our nationally recognized school.  We hope the signatures on this petition will convince everyone to reconsider closing the doors to the Neshaminy Middle School students.  A school being awarded something this great should continue to excel, not be shut down.

Mr. Harris, Neshaminy Middle School student, stated he has heard that one of the reasons given for wanting to close the Neshaminy Middle School is money.  He said is money really more important than providing the students with a proper education?  There are rumors of selling the school to the Council Rock School District or Saint Mary Hospital as a way to gain money.  This says Neshaminy is more concerned about money than providing students with a proper education.  He expressed concern if the Neshaminy Middle School students are transferred to the other middle schools, the middle schools will be overcrowded.  He felt overcrowded classrooms will affect the students’ learning.

Ms. Caballer, Tawanka School parent, expressed concern about an alternative school being placed in the Schweitzer School.  She explained her son has special needs and has been greatly helped by the school’s staff and programs.  She said if the school is closed, what services will be provided to her son? 

Mr. Horowitz, Levittown, explained he bought his home in Highland Park because an elementary school and middle school are located in the neighborhood.  He expressed concern about an alternative school being located at the Schweitzer facility. 

Ms. Shaffer, Maple Point Middle School teacher, stated in her opinion it would be a mistake to move the sixth graders back into the elementary schools.  There would be a negative impact on the sixth grade students who are moving into their teenage years and being in the same building with five year olds.  By moving the sixth graders back to the elementary schools, the title of middle school will be taken away.  When the student population is shifted into the three remaining middle schools, it will cause the elimination of  the instructional opportunity period and team meetings, which create the flexibility and planning time necessary to team teach.  Teaming and middle school, two things the Neshaminy School District has worked hard to create for the betterment of education, will be lost.  She pointed out a lot of time and effort has been spent developing the middle school program and team teaching.  The middle school concept and teaming offers a lot to the teachers.  It allows for opportunities to discuss learning opportunities that both challenge and help students, conference in regard to student needs and help develop ideas to help students at risk.  Because the staff can sit down together, there is team work and a middle school concept.  She pointed out there has been a significant increase in the number of middle schools in the United States.  Currently, there are three middle schools to every one junior high school.  She noted the Council Rock School District is looking toward the middle school concept.  Middle schools have brought family to the School District.  She said please keep our family intact. 

Ms. Delaney, Neshaminy teacher and resident, stated the Herbert Hoover School is proud to be participants of a beautification program.  Initially, it was a beautification program, and is now a cross curricular science program that involves all grades.  Two Neshaminy Education Foundation grants have been received and a National Gardening Association grant was received to support the program. 

Ms. Delaney advised the Board ten years ago, the Hoover School brought recognition to the School District by forming the model for the student assistance program for the elementary level.  The model was then used for other Neshaminy schools and other schools in the county and state.  The school received a prestigious award for this program.  She explained the Hoover School staff has received special training and voluntarily offer support groups to children in the school.  Approximately 90 students per year receive these services.  The support groups help the children deal with conflict resolution, self-esteem and specific life skills issues.  Ms. Delaney urged the Board to take its time, make the facility usage decision wisely and allow the staff to support the children in the best way it can, as well as use their educational expertise.

Ms. Beck, Neshaminy Middle School President Elect, expressed concern about the message being sent to the staff, administrators, parents and students.  She stated everyone has been taught to strive for excellence, and the Neshaminy Middle School reached it.  The Neshaminy Middle School is one of the three percent of schools recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School.  She questioned why the Board wants to close down this great honor, the Blue Ribbon Neshaminy Middle School. 

Ms. Norton, Highland Park, stated the Schweitzer and Sandburg School community is a concerned community.  She stated key development is needed for every child. Every child wants to believe in him/herself as a successful person. Every child wants to be liked, respected and have freedom to move about.  She expressed concern if the Schweitzer School were closed, the children will lose some of these feelings as a result of alienation from their school, loss of self-esteem and sense of belonging to the community as a result of the School Board’s hunger for money.  She said Neshaminy’s Web site states, Neshaminy - making education first!  She felt since the Board wants to close schools, education does not seem to be on the Board’s mind.

Ms. Norton pointed out the community is in attendance because it does not want its schools closed.  She said before Thursday no one was aware of the situation, which is why no one was attending the Board Meetings.  She felt if the community were more aware of the situation, there may not be as much opposition to it.  She said the community is here to support the children and teachers.  As a community, we have gotten our children where they are today with the help of  the Schweitzer School teachers, support staff and the fine structures provided by the teachers.  She indicated she was opposed to the closing of the Schweitzer School.

Ms. Pulcinella, Tawanka School instructional assistant and Neshaminy resident, stated every school in the District is tops.  She recommended the Board eliminate the modular classrooms before making any decisions about closing schools.  She stated she understands the senior citizens concerns, but everyone needs to support the schools.  She said people live in the Neshaminy School District for the schools. 

Mr. Schieber, Langhorne, stated he is a senior citizen.  The senior citizens support the School Board’s efforts to cut back school and educational expenses.  The senior citizens realize they are responsible for paying some of the educational costs.  He noted people may not realize the amount of money the senior citizens are already paying and particularly in relation to those on fixed incomes.  He related how a senior citizen, who is a World War II veteran and has lived in his home for many years, may lose his home because of increasing taxes.  He said some senior citizens are faced with making choices such as a good diet, buying prescription drugs or paying school tax increases.  He urged the Board to not delay a decision on school closings.  Closing a school will result in a savings of $1,000,000 a year.  He noted the Board did not delay the decision on the new teacher contract. 

Mr. Heffelfinger, Langhorne, stressed the importance of children attending one school during their elementary school years and middle school years.  He felt one of the most important things that can be given to a child is routine and  stability.  It is important for the children to have some type of comfort level in their surrounds.  He expressed concern that any hasty decision made by the Board could negatively affect the children.  He explained his son is registered to attend kindergarten at the Hoover School, which several of his cousins attend.  The Hoover School has a wonderful staff and support system.  He said the Hoover School is an outstanding facility worth keeping.  The overriding aspect of the facility issue is about saving money.  He urged the Board not to lose focus of it’s mission, which is to use its fiduciary duty and position to provide for the children and not the budget.  The decision should not be made before every aspect of every option is considered.  If the Board fails to make every effort to serve and protect the children under their jurisdiction and makes a hasty and under informed decision, all of the Board members will have failed in their duty.  He implored the Board to consider all of the children in Neshaminy when reaching a decision on the facility issue. 

Announcements - Mr. Stack announced the House Tourism and Recreation Development Committee will be making a decision with regard to abolishing the amusement tax over a four year period on May 3.  If the amusement tax is abolished, the District will lose revenue in excess of $700,000.  He urged the community members to contact State Representative Wright to make their concerns known about the loss of this revenue.

Mr. Stack announced two additional meetings will be held for the public to provide input regarding the facility issue. A meeting will be held on May 1, Tuesday, at 7 p.m.  The location of the meeting is to be announced.  Another meeting will be held on May 8, Tuesday, at 8 p.m. at the Maple Point Middle School.

Mr. Stack announced following the Public Information/Input Meeting, an Executive Session will be held to discuss personnel and legal issues.

Dr. Bowman encouraged the community members to attend the May 1 and May 8 meetings.  The minutes of the meeting will be available on the District’s Web page.  The community members will be kept informed of what is happening through the Web page.  He thanked the community members for attending the meeting, expressing their concerns and presenting themselves in such a dignified manner.

Mr. Stack adjourned the meeting at 8:20 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol A. Calvello
Board Secretary

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