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:
BOARD MEMBERS:
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ADMINISTRATORS:
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Mr.
Edward Stack, President
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Dr.
Gary Bowman
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Mr.
Steven Schoenstadt, Vice President
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Dr.
Raymond Boccuti
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Mrs.
June Bostwick
Mrs. Yvonne Butville
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Mr.
Harry Jones
Mr. Richard Marotto
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Mr.
Harry Dengler, Jr.
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Mr.
Joseph Paradise
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Ms.
Carol Drioli
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Mr.
P. Howard Wilson
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Mr.
Richard Eccles
Dr. Ruth Frank
George Mecleary, Jr., Esq.
SECRETARY:
Mrs. Carol Calvello
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Mr.
Bruce Wyatt
STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES:
Miss
Kelly Schailey
Mr. Michael Taylor
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SOLICITOR:
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Robert
R. Fleck, Esq.
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OTHERS:
Approximately 50 persons from the
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public,
staff and press
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Prior
to the Public Board Meeting, a Public Information/Input Board
Meeting and Executive Session were held.
Call to Order
- Mr. Stack called the meeting to order at 9:15 p.m.
Flag Salute
- Mr. Stack requested that those in attendance join in the
salute to the flag.
Announcement
- Dr. Bowman announced the Schweitzer Elementary School
principal will be absent for the balance of the school year.
Mr. Iampietro will be substituting as the principle at the
Schweitzer Elementary School. Mr.
Iampietro was previously principal at the Lower Southampton
Elementary School and is currently the supervisor for special
education.
Student Report
- Miss Schailey and Mr. Taylor, student representatives,
presented the following report:
·
The junior prom and sophomore dance were a big
success.
·
The choir recently returned from their trip to the
Bahamas and the History Club recently returned from a trip to
Atlanta.
·
On April 29 the March of Dimes Walk will be held at
Core Creek Park. The
students are involved in this event.
·
Recently, there has been a debate about the Neshaminy
mascot being offensive to Native Americans.
·
The girls track team is undefeated.
·
April 24, was modeling day for the senior prom.
The tickets for the senior prom are $150.00 per couple.
The senior prom will be held at the Princeton Hyatt Hotel.
·
The physics trip will be held on May 4.
·
A career and college assembly was held on April 24.
Board Recognition
- Board recognition is scheduled for May.
Public Comment
- There was a three minute time limit per speaker.
Mr. Tull, Levittown, referred to the large number of
community members in attendance at the Board Information/Input
Meeting held prior to the Public Board Meeting and noted from 1991
to 1999, when he served on the Board, there were many nights when no
community members were in attendance.
Tonight’s public turnout is confirmation that the Board has
made a lot of right decisions.
There would not have been such a large public turnout if the
residents did not believe in the District.
He pointed out one bad decision can have ramifications over
time. Bad decisions do
not help solve short term problems or long term problems.
He stated some of the financial decisions the Board must make
can be postponed and some are thrust upon the Board, such as the
amusement tax issue. He suggested the Board continue to seek community input and
utilize the Internet to solicit community input. Perhaps, three choices could be posted on the Internet.
The community members could be asked to select one option
(proposed property tax bill, wage tax bill or school closings and
economics of the impact) either through the Internet or a telephone
call. This will allow
the senior citizens, parents, wage earners and those on fixed
incomes to participate. Mr. Tull explained he was recently at the
Fort Lauderdale airport and one of the planes contained 80 members
of Neshaminy’s concert choir.
He said he was very proud of the behavior of the students.
In the airport the students were singing and talking
Miss
Albanese, Playwickian editor, read the editorial, which
appeared in the April 20, 2001 edition of the Playwickian
titled “Reading, writing, racism”.
The editorial calls for changing the mascot name,
“Redskin,” which it called a racial slur and offensive term for
Native Americans.
Mr.
Uzupis, Playwickian copy editor, stated the term
“Redskin” is shunned by Native Americans and is officially
recognized as a racial slur by Webster’s Dictionary.
However, it is not given the same weight as other racial
slurs for other minorities. He
compared the word “Redskin” to other racial slurs.
Mr.
Meservie, Neshaminy High School senior class officer, explained he
had never given the Redskin issue any thought prior to the recent
discussions at the high school.
The only reason he has heard given for not changing the
mascot name is it would be too expensive.
He felt it would not be right to ignore a racism issue due to
a financial situation. He
felt people need to be educated on the issue.
One suggested name change is Red Hawks, because it has been
said the birds fly over the football field after practice.
He stated the mascot name change is a positive effort that
should be pursued.
Mr.
Dalton, Playwickian editorial editor, stated he represents a
majority of the students when he says a few weeks ago he was not
aware of the mascot issue. The
student body is now becoming aware of the issue.
He noted the mascot represents the Neshaminy High School and
there is a lot of school pride and spirit at the school.
Such a mascot takes away from the true spirit of the school.
He felt the word “Redskin” should no longer be used to
represent Neshaminy High School.
Even if it is embodied in the tradition of the school, there
must be some way to change the name.
Miss
Savage, Playwickian special features editor, explained
members of the editorial staff petitioned in favor of the
termination of the mascot, the Redskin.
The editorial staff members received 188 signatures and found
it astonishing how many students fail to understand the term
“Redskin” connotes racism.
The people need to be informed.
The topic resurfaces every few years and it has not been
resolved. The term
“Redskin” is directly in opposition to communities of Native
Americans worldwide. She
said it can no longer be tolerated and it is time to make a change
on behalf of respect for our community and pride. Native Americans are people, not a mascot.
Miss Savage presented the signed petition to the Board.
Ms.
Drioli read a statement on behalf of a Neshaminy student, which
said, “If you close Herbert Hoover Elementary School, all of the
kids will be split up, and we will never see our friends or teachers
again. Please don’t close Herbert Hoover. Thank you. Matt
Radue”
Mr.
Stack stated he was touched by the students’ sensitivity regarding
the mascot issue. Due
to other issues the Board is involved with, it cannot take action
right now on the mascot issue.
He said he cannot say this is a decision the next Board will
make, because he will not be serving on the Board after December.
He felt it is an issue that will be discussed and some action
will be taken. A process will be needed to involve the alumni and community
members along with the students.
It will be community decision.
Ms.
Drioli suggested if the students feel strongly about the mascot
issue, between now and June they notify the alumni about the issue
and develop an idea for the change.
She indicated she was not opposed to the change.
If the community and alumni are in favor the change, she will
support the change.
Mr.
Schoenstadt said it is great that the students are alert to the
impact of the name “Redskin”.
He pointed out the Redskin name has been used for 50 to 60
years and represents tradition.
He stated before he would vote for changing the name
officially, there needs to be sufficient input from the alumni and
community members who have lived in the Neshaminy community and
enjoyed the reputation that the Redskin name connotes.
He said the current students have recognized the issue, but
they need to get input from those of previous generations who still
exist in the community where the Redskin name has tradition attached
to it.
Dr.
Bowman thanked the Playwickian editorial staff for bringing
the mascot issue to the administration and Board’s attention. In light of current issues, i.e., the budget, school
closings, staffing, etc., Dr. Bowman recommended early next
year a study group or commission be formed representative of
students, alumni and members of the community.
The study group/commission conduct an open discussion of the
issue to determine what course of action should be taken.
It is the only appropriate way to handle the situation.
He advised the Board he has received e-mails throughout the
year from around the country about the Redskin issue.
Since the article appeared in the newspaper, many people have
approached him about the issue.
For every person that has said keep the name, another person
has said you have to change the name.
People are aware of the students’ concern.
Dr. Bowman said next year he will recommend a study group or
commission be formed to do a thorough review of the issue and arrive
at a plan of action.
Superintendent’s Report
- Dr. Bowman reported on April 27, 28 and 29 the Neshaminy
School District is the host school district of the Public Education
Celebration 2001 at the Oxford Valley Mall.
The kick off is Friday, April 27, at 7:00 p.m. Various activities will be taking place including music
groups performing, Caring Kids representatives present, peer
mediation, etc. Bucks
County and Montgomery County school districts will be participating
in the event. He
encouraged everyone to attend the Public Education Celebration 2001.
Treasurer’s Report
- Mr. Paradise presented for approval the March 31, 2001
Treasurer’s Report, subject to audit.
Dr. Frank moved the March 31, 2001 Treasurer’s Report be
approved, subject to audit, and Mr. Schoenstadt seconded the
motion. The Board
unanimously approved the March 31, 2001 Treasurer’s Report,
subject to audit.
Approval of Minutes
- Ms. Drioli moved the minutes of the March 28, 2001 Public
Board Meeting be approved and Mr. Dengler seconded the motion.
The Board unanimously approved the minutes of the March 28,
2001 Public Board Meeting.
Approval of Bills, Budget Transfers and
Exonerations of Personal and Per Capita Tax
- Mr. Paradise presented the following for approval:
·
Bills for payment for March 2001
·
Budget Transfer Report No. 01-06 (working copy), which
includes four transactions and subtransactions
·
Personal and per capita tax exonerations for March
2001 totaling 39 exonerations
Mr.
Eccles moved the March bills for payment, Budget Transfer Report No.
01-06 (working copy) and the March exonerations of personal and per
capita tax be approved and Ms. Drioli seconded the motion.
The Board unanimously approved the motion.
Bids
- Mr. Paradise presented the following bids for approval.
Bid
No. 01-22 - Scrubbing and Refinishing Wood Floors
Amount:
$18,585.00
The
bid is for work to be done on gym floors at Neshaminy High School,
Neshaminy Middle School, Poquessing Middle School, Sandburg Middle
School, Maple Point Middle School, Everitt, Miller and Ferderbar
Elementary Schools. Also,
stage floors at Neshaminy Middle School, Maple Point Middle School,
Samuel Everitt and Walter Miller Elementary Schools.
Bid
No. 01-23- Emergency Generators for Neshaminy High School and Hoover
Elementary School
Amount:
$64,615.00
The
bid is for delivery, including installation, of two emergency
generators for the Neshaminy High School and Hoover Elementary
School.
Bid
No. 02-05 - Medical Supplies
Amount:
$14,386.07
The
bid is for various supplies for school nurses and co-curricular
athletics
Bid
No. 02-07 - Science Supplies
Amount:
$12,567.07
The
bid is for various supplies for the instruction of science curricula
district wide.
Dr.
Frank moved the four bids be approved and Eccles seconded the
motion.
In
response to Mrs. Butville’s question regarding the schools listed
on bid no. 02-05, Mr. Paradise explained it is a budgeting issue in
terms of the allocation of the funds.
The larger items are for level accounts.
The specific items are for specific buildings.
The
Board unanimously approved the four bids.
Certified and Support Personnel Actions
- Dr. Bowman presented the following for approval:
·
Elections - Certified Staff
·
Resignations and Leaves of Absence - Certified Staff
·
Elections and Changes of Classification - Support
Staff
·
Resignations and Leaves of Absence - Support Staff
Dr.
Bowman noted Mr. Shanken, Pearl Buck School principal, is listed on
the report as retiring after 41 years of service.
Dr. Bowman thanked Mr. Shanken for his invaluable and
outstanding service.
The
personnel information appears on pages H-1 through H-5.
Mr.
Schoenstadt moved the certified and support personnel actions be
approved and Mr. Dengler seconded the motion.
The Board unanimously approved the certified and support
personnel actions.
Motion: Pennsylvania Act 169
Ms.
Drioli presented the following motion:
WHEREAS,
Pennsylvania Act 169 of 1998 amends the Local Tax Collection Law;
and
WHEREAS,
Act 169 requires that all tax collectors shall on or before the
tenth day of each month provide to the taxing district a true
verified statement reconciled from the tax duplicates to the amount
of taxes remaining to be collected.
This statement must be in writing on a form approved by the
Department of Community and Economic Development, for all taxes
collected for the school district during the pervious month; and
WHEREAS,
Section 2 of Act 169 provides that if a tax collector does not
provide the statement, including the reconciled reports, within the
prescribed period, the taxing district may impose a late filing fee.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Board of School Directors
imposes a late filing fee of $20.00 per day or portion thereof,
excluding weekends and holidays, for the first six days that a
statement with reconciled reports is overdue, and $10.00 per day or
portion thereof, excluding weekends and holidays, for each day
beyond six days, for a maximum fee payable for a single statement
with reconciled reports of $250.00.
These fees shall become effective for all reports due in June
2001, and for all subsequent reporting by tax collectors in
accordance with Act 169.
Mr.
Dengler seconded the motion.
Ms.
Drioli inquired why the fees will become effective in June rather
than May. Mr. Paradise
explained he selected a date that would allow the District to
provide sufficient notice to the tax collectors.
The fee could become effective May 2001.
Amendment to Pennsylvania Act 169 Motion
Ms.
Drioli presented the following amendment:
I
move the last paragraph of the motion be amended to state the late
filing fees shall become effective for all reports due in May 2001,
and for all subsequent reporting by tax collectors in accordance
with Act 169.
Mr.
Stack seconded the amendment.
Ms.
Drioli stated she did not feel May 2001 is an unreasonable effective
date. She noted the
situation has been going on in Middletown Township for awhile.
The
amendment to the Pennsylvania Act 169 motion failed with three ayes,
Mrs. Bostwick, Mrs. Butville and Ms. Drioli; five nays, Mr. Dengler,
Mr. Eccles, Dr. Frank, Mr. Mecleary, Mr. Schoenstadt; and one
abstention, Mr. Stack.
Mr.
Stack called for a vote on the Pennsylvania Act 169 motion as
originally presented. The
Board unanimously approved the motion.
Motion: Approval of Bucks County Vocational-Technical School
2001-2002 Budget
Mr.
Dengler presented the following motion:
WHEREAS,
in order to provide vocational-technical education for students, six
Lower Bucks County School Districts cooperatively established the
Bucks County Vocational-Technical School; and
WHEREAS,
each participating school district must annually approve the
Vocational-Technical School’s annual budget.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Neshaminy Board of School
Directors approves the 2001-2002 Bucks County Vocational-Technical
School budget in the amount of $11,683,142, with the Neshaminy
School District 2001-2002 net fiscal payment to be $2,715,156.
Mr.
Mecleary seconded the motion.
Mr.
Dengler explained if the Board approves the motion, it still has to
approve the Bucks County Vocational-Technical School 2001-2002
budget at the semi-annual meeting being held on May 10 at the
Vocational-Technical School. The
school will also be dedicated on May 10.
He encouraged all Board members to attend the May 10 meeting.
The
Board unanimously approved the approval of Bucks County
Vocational-Technical School 2001-2002 budget motion.
Motion: Board Policies No. 232, 332, 432 and 532
Mrs.
Butville presented the following motion:
WHEREAS,
in order to keep District Board Policies in compliance with state
laws, updated, current, new and revised policies are recommended by
the administration to the Board Policies Committee for review; and
WHEREAS,
Pennsylvania has enacted Act 128, effective February 18, 2001 and
has expanded the existing prohibition against tobacco use; and
WHEREAS,
Act 128 prohibits all persons, including students, employees and
visitors from using tobacco in any form in school buildings, on
school vehicles and on school property; and
WHEREAS,
the Board of School Directors has chosen to not designate a smoking
area at least 50 feet away from school buildings, stadiums,
bleachers or organized student activities; and
WHEREAS,
after careful review by the Board Policies Committee, the District
is ready to recommend revised Policies No. 232, 332, 432 and 532 -
Restrictions upon Possession, Smoking and Tobacco Use.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Policies No. 232, 332, 432 and 532
be approved by the Board of School Directors. (See attachment I)
Mr.
Schoenstadt seconded the motion.
Mr.
Mecleary stated he objected to the portion of the policies
pertaining to staff members.
Dr.
Bowman explained if the Board approves the motion, smoking areas 50
feet away from school buildings and student activities will not be
designated. If
approved, the District will be following the state law and making no
exceptions. Mr.
Schoenstadt stated a vote in favor of the motion will bring the
District in compliance with the state law.
The current Board Policies in affect pertaining to
restrictions upon possession, smoking and tobacco use are in
conflict with the state law. Approval
of the motion will change the policies from conflict to conformity.
Amendment to Board Policies No. 232, 332,
432 and 532 Motion
Mr.
Mecleary presented the following amendment:
I
move all language dealing with the staff be removed from Board
Policies No. 232, 332, 432 and 532.
Ms.
Drioli seconded the amendment.
Mr.
Stack recommended the motion be tabled and referred back to the
Board Policies Committee for further review.
Mr.
Fleck explained if the amendment is approved and the motion is
amended, it may violate the law that is in effect.
He recommended the motion be tabled until the next Board
Policies Committee Meeting.
Motion to Table
Board Policies No. 232, 332, 432 and 532 Motion
Mr.
Mecleary presented the following motion:
I
move the Board Policies No. 232, 332, 432 and 532 motion be tabled
and the policies be reviewed further by the Board Policies
Committee.
Mrs.
Drioli seconded the motion to table.
The motion to table failed with one aye, Mr. Mecleary; one
nay, Mr. Schoenstadt; and seven abstentions, Mrs. Bostwick, Mrs.
Butville, Mr. Dengler, Mr. Drioli, Mr. Eccles, Dr. Frank and
Mr. Stack.
Mr.
Fleck explained under Act 128, the Board has two options.
It could designate a smoking area 50 feet away from a
building or not designate a smoking area and prohibit smoking on all
school grounds. He
noted Mr. Mecleary presented a motion to amend the original
motion to remove all references to staff
which would allow the staff to smoke.
The way the policies are written, approval of the amendment
would probably allow staff to smoke within the buildings as well as
outside of the buildings. Then the District would be in violation of the most current
law and the prior law as well.
The existing policy was passed a few years ago to come into
compliance with the law regarding no smoking in the buildings.
In February a new Act was passed, which provides two choices:
designate an area at each building/property that will be a
smoking area 50 feet away from all buildings and activities or no
smoking/no designated smoking area.
Mr.
Stack called for a vote on the amendment presented by Mr. Mecleary
to amend the Board Policies No. 232, 332, 432 and 532 motion. The amendment failed with nine nays.
Amendment to Board Policies No. 232, 332,
432 and 532 Motion
Mr.
Mecleary presented the following amendment:
I
move the Board Policies No. 232, 332, 432 and 532 motion be amended
to allow the policies to be amended to permit staff and members of
the public to smoke greater than 50 feet from the buildings.
The smoking area will be designated.
Mrs.
Butville pointed out the amendment cannot just state 50 feet from
the buildings. It must
be a designated area. If
staff or members of the public are standing 50 feet from the
building smoking and the track team comes jogging by, you are then
in violation by state law.
There
was no second for the amendment.
Amendment to Board Policies No. 232, 332,
432 and 532 Motion
Ms.
Drioli presented the following amendment:
I
move the Board Policies No. 232, 332, 432 and 532 motion be amended
as follows:
Whereas,
the Board of School Directors has chosen to designate a smoking area
50 feet away from the school buildings, stadiums, bleachers or
organized student activities for adult personnel.
Mr.
Mecleary seconded the amendment.
The amendment failed with three ayes, Ms. Drioli, Mr. Eccles
and Mr. Mecleary; six nays, Mrs. Bostwick, Mrs. Butville, Mr.
Dengler, Dr. Frank, Mr. Schoenstadt and Mr. Stack.
Mr.
Stack called for a vote on the Board Policies No. 232, 332, 432 and
532 motion as originally presented.
The vote was four
ayes, Mrs. Bostwick, Mrs. Butville, Dr. Frank and Mr. Schoenstadt;
three nays, Ms. Drioli, Mr. Eccles and Mr. Mecleary; and two
abstentions, Mr. Dengler and Mr. Stack.
Mr.
Schoenstadt recommended a motion be presented to withdraw the
current Board Policies that are in conflict with the current state
law. Mr. Fleck
explained such a motion would be out of order because it is not on
the agenda. A motion to amend the agenda must be presented first.
Mr. Stack stated the Board has set the precedent of amending
the agenda at the beginning of the meeting.
Mr. Schoenstadt recommended the Board Policies be referred
back to the Board Policies Committee for further review.
After
further discussion, Mr. Fleck explained four votes carry the policy, because it is not included as an
item in section 508 of the School Code that requires five votes for
approval. Therefore,
the motion was approved with a vote of four ayes, three nays and two
abstentions.
Mr.
Fleck stated it can still be recommended the policies be referred
back to the Board Policies Committee for discussion.
There was not Board consensus to refer the policies back to
the Board Policies Committee for discussion.
Motion: Strategic Plan
Dr.
Frank presented the following motion:
WHEREAS,
the Neshaminy School District is required to submit a Strategic Plan
to the Pennsylvania Department of Education; and
WHEREAS,
a 28 member Strategic Planning Team met on January 3 and 4, 2001 to
develop the framework and the strategies for the Strategic Plan; and
WHEREAS,
three action teams representing 40 members of our school and
community cooperatively developed the proposed action plans; and
WHEREAS,
the Strategic Planning Team met on April 4, 2001 to review the
action plans; and
WHEREAS,
the Neshaminy Board of School Directors reviewed and discussed the
Strategic Plan at the Work Session on April 10, 2001.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Neshaminy Board of School
Directors approve the Neshaminy School District’s Strategic Plan
and authorize the administration to submit the plan to the
Pennsylvania Department of Education.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the implementation of the financial
components will be dependent upon School Board approval of the
annual operating budgets of the Neshaminy School District.
Ms.
Drioli seconded the motion.
Mr.
Stack announced at the May 8 annual recognition reception, the
Strategic Plan participants will be recognized.
The
Board unanimously approved the Strategic Plan motion.
Federal Programs
- Dr. Bowman reported the
District has received $696,139 in entitlement funds and $587,293 in
competitive grant funds for a total of $1,283,432.
Currently, the grant applications are being completed for
next year.
Mrs.
Butville inquired if the grants are building specific or could some
of the grants be transferred to another building.
Dr. Bowman explained most grants are for the District and are
not building specific. The grants are generally program specific
because of the nature of the grant program.
Other Board Business
- Ms. Drioli inquired if
the current Neshaminy High School seniors could begin the mascot
issue review. Dr.
Bowman stated the seniors’ goal was awareness in the school and
community, and they have achieved that quite effectively.
It now becomes an administrative issue.
He asked the Board to be patient and let the issue be dealt
with appropriately. He
felt the students feel comfortable with this approach.
It will be a rather lengthy process.
Correspondence
- Mrs. Calvello reported she has received several letters from
parents stating rather than close a middle school, they would be
supportive of an earned income tax.
Another letter was received urging the Board not to close any
school, and requesting the Board review the educational program and
economize in other ways.
Mr.
Mecleary stated he has received petitions from the Herbert Hoover
School students requesting their school not be closed.
Mr.
Schoenstadt stated Mrs. Hoffman’s Hoover School third grade class
has sent him a number of letters expressing their concern that their
school may be closed and emphasizing the positive aspects of their
school.
Public Comment
- There was a two minute time limit per speaker.
Mr. Faust, Hoover Elementary School parent, explained through
his business he donates books to the school.
The reading grant for the Hoover Elementary School is
building specific. He
asked the Board to leave the Hoover School open and try to find
other alternatives. He
inquired about the elimination of the modular classrooms.
He said he understands the senior citizens’ situation.
A way to help relieve the senior citizens’ tax burden and
keep the schools open needs to be found.
Mr.
Preston, Hoover Elementary School parent, referred to the mascot
issue and Dr. Bowman’s comment that a well thought out and lengthy
process is necessary to review this change.
He questioned why the Board is in such a hurry to close a
school in two months. He
felt the issue of closing schools is much more important than
changing mascots. Mr.
Preston suggested the Eisenhower building be closed and the
Neshaminy departments currently housed in the Eisenhower building be
moved into the modular classrooms.
This would allow the Board to save money by closing a
facility without disrupting the students.
Mr.
Johnson, Hoover School parent, stated it dismays him that the Board
would consider closing a very good, academic elementary school.
The Herbert Hoover School has a long standing tradition of
offering the best education possible.
This is very evident since two higher level administration
members came from the Herbert Hoover School.
The Hoover School was three points away from being a Blue
Ribbon School. This is
a big drawing card to bring people to a community.
Contrary to those who believe Hoover is not a community
school, it is. It is
comprised of the communities of Hulmeville Borough, Penndel Borough
and areas of Middletown Township that are adjacent to these
boroughs. He noted
closing the Hoover School will not save the District $2,000,000.
There is a passion among Herbert Hoover alumni to have their
children attend the Hoover School as they once did.
He explained his family moved to the area so their children
could attend the Hoover School.
The building is very well maintained and shows the pride
taken in the school. Teachers
are often seen maintaining flower beds and doing other activities on
their own time. He felt
it would be very damaging to the children to close such a fine
school. Many
friendships will be broken and many students will find it hard to
break into another environment.
He requested the Board not target the Hoover School for
closure and destroy the community pride in the school.
Board Comment
- Mr. Eccles stated an opportunity for more community input was
discussed at the April 10 Board Meeting.
The Neshaminy School Board will be represented on a radio
program. The program
will air as a segment of “Speak
Your Piece” on WBCB
1490 AM. The members of
the public will be able to call in with questions and concerns and
receive answers. Hopefully,
it will be a month-to-month program.
The first program will air on May 9 from noon to 1:00 p.m.
The program will be broadcast from Styer Orchards.
Dr. Bowman, Mr. Mecleary and Mr. Eccles will be answering the
callers’ questions.
Mr.
Stack stated he was supportive of the radio program. He requested at the May 1 Work Session the Board discuss the
procedures for the program, content, etc.
Mr. Eccles stated he will not be able to attend the May 1
Work Session because he will be out of town on business.
Mr.
Stack noted a number of Board members have been receiving and
responding to e-mail. The
Board wants to hear from the public and listen to their comments. He
pointed out the District will be losing 1,000 students and has
already lost 700 students at the elementary level.
The Board must be concerned about this issue.
Mr.
Stack expressed concern about House Bill 866, which will be
presented for a vote on April 26.
He urged everyone to contact their state representatives and
express their opposition to House Bill 866.
If the amusement tax is abolished, the District will lose
revenue in excess of $700,000. Mr. Stack noted Public Input and Work Session meetings are
scheduled for May 1 at 7 p.m. (location to be announced) and May 8
at 8:00 p.m. at the Maple Point Middle School.
Dr.
Frank moved the meeting be adjourned and Ms. Drioli seconded the
motion. The Board voted
unanimously to adjourn the meeting.
Mr. Stack adjourned the meeting at 10:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Carol
A. Calvello
Board Secretary
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