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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:

ADMINISTRATORS:

Mr. Edward Stack, President

Dr. Gary Bowman

Mr. Steven Schoenstadt, Vice President

Dr. Raymond Boccuti

Mrs. June Bostwick
Mrs. Yvonne Butville

Mr. Harry Jones
Mr. Richard Marotto

Mr. Harry Dengler, Jr.

Mr. Joseph Paradise

Ms. Carol Drioli

Mr. P. Howard Wilson

Mr. Richard Eccles
Dr. Ruth Frank
George Mecleary, Jr., Esq.

SECRETARY:  Mrs. Carol Calvello

Mr. Bruce Wyatt

STUDENT REPRESENTATIVES
:

Miss Kelly Schailey
Mr. Michael Taylor

 

SOLICITOR:

 

Robert R. Fleck, Esq.

 

OTHERS:  Approximately 50 persons from the

 

public, staff and press

 

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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