The Neshaminy Board of School Directors met in public session on May 8, 2001 at the Maple Point Middle School.  
The following persons were in attendance:

Call to Order - Mr. Stack called the meeting to order at 8:05 p.m.

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

Announcement - Mr. Stack announced Mrs. Bostwick was absent from the meeting due to illness.  He stated the Board would listen to public input and there would be no Board comment at the meeting.

Public Comment - There was a two minute time limit per speaker.  Ms. Faust, Hoover School PTO President, thanked the Board for listening to the community members� comments and coming to a decision that educationally means something to the Hoover School students, staff and community members.  She stated throughout the District, residents feel the Neshaminy schools are superior to the other schools in the surrounding area.  She urged the Board to continue to listen throughout the whole decision making process.  Ms. Faust stated the first priority should be the educational value for the children.  Keep in mind the well educated children of today will be the leaders of tomorrow.

Ms. Carr, Langhorne, explained she is a guidance counselor in a neighboring school district.  She stated developmentally the center of the middle school student�s life is not home and family.  It is the school.  The school is not bricks and mortar.  It is the student�s step toward independence and a sense of safety.  Parents and educators want students to reach for independence with that sense of safety.  As a community and nation, we have spent the last two years involved with school safety issues.  It seems inconceivable to consider compromising the middle school sense of safety and well being.  From literature and experience as parents, it is known that a student who feels safe is most able to learn.  Adolescence can be an isolating time.  Moving students out of a well defined school community at this critical middle school age will heighten the feeling of isolation and disorientation for all students involved.  Middle school is where many future behaviors and attitudes are forever formed.  Can a millage be put on that?

Ms. Carr referred to Philip Weinstein�s, consulting psychologist for the District, comments that young adolescents have a difficult time with social change.  Groups and friendships are most important to the middle school children and often these groups are exclusive to �outsiders�.  It would be most difficult for a middle school child to be uprooted from his or her school.  Neshaminy Middle School students would be perceived as the �outsiders�.  Ms. Carr said for the sake of the development of our young adolescents do not close or change the composition of any of the middle schools in the School District.  Our students� developmental needs must be paramount.

Ms. Pennypacker, Neshaminy Federation of Teachers Vice President, asked as the Board examines a timeline to change the status quo for the fall of 2002, it hold the hearings during the school year when community members are present, and not in the summer when people are traveling or are on vacation.  She urged the Board to listen to its constituents and staff throughout the entire ordeal. She cautioned the Board to not allow itself to be accused of going back on its promise and making decisions without the presence of the community.  Well attended meetings will allow for the dialogue, information sharing and public input necessary for the Board to make the most educationally sound decisions on the most crucial matters.

Ms. Pavonarius, Levittown, explained she and her family moved to the area six years ago.  One of the main reasons for moving to the area was having a school within walking distance of their home, the Schweitzer School.  Since starting to attend the Schweitzer School this year, there have been amazing changes and growth in her son.  She expressed concern this may be lost if a decision is made to close the Schweitzer School.  She urged the Board to review every possible option, including closing all modulars, closing the Eisenhower building and redistricting before closing any schools.

Ms. Berue, Langhorne, advised the Board she has analyzed the modular information listed on the District’s web page.  She provided the following information regarding modular usage:

                Buck School - $19,000 Per Use                  Everitt School - $21,000 Per Use

                4 Regular Classrooms                                           1 Regular Classroom

                1 Academically Enriched Classrooms

                1 Instrumental Music Classroom

                Heckman School - $19,000 Per Use  Lower Southampton School - $21,000 Per Use

                1 Specials                                                 1 Academically Enriched Classroom

                1 Instrumental Music Classroom                 1 Storage

                2 Storage

                1 PTO Store

                1 After School Child Care Program

                Ferderbar School - $21,000 Per Use                Sandburg School - $19,500 Per Use

                1 Academically Enriched Classroom                2 Regular Classrooms

                1 Title I Classroom                                             2 Academically Enriched Classrooms

Ms. Berue requested the Board examine closer the cost and continued use of the modular classrooms.  She felt if the Board and community worked hard enough, they could arrive at a reasonable solution.

Ms. Lohff, Neshaminy employee and resident, explained her son, who is in college, had attended the Neshaminy Middle School, and it was his best school experience of all the schools he attended.  She would like her daughter, who is currently a fourth grader, to have the same experience as her son.  She explained she feels very frustrated after the Board Meetings, because she does not have any answers to her questions.  At some point, she would like the community members to be able to ask questions and receive answers from the Board members.  She said is there an offer on the table from the Council Rock School District for the Neshaminy Middle School?  If the District becomes a landlord, will tax money be used to maintain the building?  Have the Board members made up their minds on the school closing issue?  She said there are so many things in life that can be taken away from us.  The only thing no one can take away is our education.  Don’t lessen the children’s educational experience and not make it the best experience Neshaminy children can have.

Mr. Schieber, Langhorne, presented to the Board a petition with over 200 signatures of Middletown Township residents.  He noted the signatures were not obtained through a door-to-door solicitation, but the signatures were obtained at the Villages of Flowers Mill clubhouse.  The petition states the following:

We, the undersigned residents of Middletown Township, support the Neshaminy School Board members in their efforts to reduce the costs of operating the system.  We urge the Board to decide the schools to be closed in the most expeditious manner.  We further urge you to petition the Pennsylvania Department of Education to allow implementation of the selected closings in September 2001.

Mr. Schieber pointed out senior citizens do not have the same earning potential as the younger generations.  Most are on fixed incomes.  Some senior citizens are paying school taxes in the $3,000 to $6,000 range.  Sometimes this is being done on an income of less than $20,000.  Some seniors who only have social security to rely on could be spending more than 30 percent of their modest income on school taxes alone.  It does not take long before it affects their standard of living.  Decisions between health care costs, diets and modest entertainment, such as movies, are compromised.  He noted today there was a letter to the editor in the Courier Times written by a person who has to borrow money to pay property taxes.  It will not take long before the only other option would be to sell the property and move to a less expensive community. 

Mr. Schieber pointed out some members of the community want more time to study and debate the issues before the decisions are made.  At a past meeting, it was stated the issue has been under study for at least a year.  It did not take long to negotiate a long term teachers contract.  Why does this issue, which could save the community a $1,000,000 a year, require more time for study and discussion?  He stated he has spoken to many non-senior citizens and they are of the same mind about controlling spending for the schools.  More often than not, they admit the taxes are too high and spending is out of control.  Close the schools in the other neighborhoods, not mine, seems to be the cry.  He said watch what you wish for, because you might get it.  The next generation will come after your property.

Ms. Hyjorick, Highland Park, stated the District is providing the children with programs that are the best.  We are doing something right.  Why change it?  There must be a better way to resolve the issue.  We are educating our children today and investing in the future. 

Ms. Hyjorick criticized Mr. Stack for stating at the May 1 Board Meeting that he was not necessarily committed to housing the Intermediate Unit classes.  She said the Board has an obligation to all of the District’s students.  There must be a viable solution.  Moving the children around will not work.  It will upset the children and force them to adapt.  The District has fantastic programs.  However, if the teachers trained to teach the programs are transferred to another area and/or age level, it will not work.  It will be money wasted.  She urged the Board to find a solution that will benefit everyone, including the senior citizens.

Ms. McGuckin, Langhorne, urged the Board to make the choice that causes the least amount of disruption possible.  She requested the Board vote in August on the school closing issue.  She explained the last couple of months have been difficult and time consuming.  She said if the Board votes in August, we will have the entire year not to contemplate on how to save all the schools, but concentrate on making the best possible transition easier.

Ms. Goldstein, Langhorne, explained her two adult children graduated from Neshaminy.  Her children attended three Neshaminy elementary schools and her oldest child attended two high schools.  Her children went on to college to further their education.  Switching schools did not harm her children, because she and her husband supported their children and emphasized the positive aspects of the changes.  Because the parents were positive, the students were positive.  She urged the parents to think of all the students who have been transferred to different schools over the years and have not been damaged by the changes.  The teachers are good teachers and will continue to teach, but possibly at a different school than their current school. She said you are not married to a building.  You are married to an educational system. 

Mr. Truchil, Langhorne Borough, stressed the importance of keeping all middle schools in the District open.  He stated there is evidence indicating that middle school children are at a critical age.  Educational literature suggests the greatest behavioral problems for schools are in the middle schools.  The problems that children may have later in life begin at the middle school age.  It would behoove the Board to keep all middle schools open.  Packing middle school children into three schools and dramatically decreasing the opportunities of students to participate in school plays, athletic teams, musical groups, student government and other extra-curricular activities would only contribute to a recipe for problems.  Creating more alienated middle school students in crowded buildings with proportionately fewer extra-curricular activities would only contribute to the problem. 

Mr. Truchil distributed to the Board members a letter from Kenneth Barnes, Langhorne Borough Chief of Police (attachment I), that addresses his serious concerns about closing a middle school.   Mr. Truchil stated given the national media attention to alienated youths in schools, where one stands on this issue becomes critical.  He said what does the Board consider to be the millage equivalent to having a more positive environment in its cost saving ventures?  He noted educators, psychologists, police, and the Courier Times editorial staff have said the middle school program should not be changed.  He stated he has not heard any substantive educational rationale from anyone that legitimates closing any middle school in Neshaminy while keeping its commitment to the education and social development of our children.  

Ms. Finson, Levittown, explained she attended Neshaminy Schools.  Her elementary school, the Eisenhower School, was closed.  She attended Maple Point High School, which was closed and later reopened as a middle school.  If the Neshaminy Middle School is closed, the Board will be closing her third District alma mater.  She pointed out everyone living in the District, including the senior citizens, are a part of the community.  What the senior citizens need is what everyone needs as a community.  She said when the senior citizens went to school, someone paid and supported them.  If a school is closed, she will explain the situation to her children in the most positive way and support and help them through the transition.  However, she will fight to keep all of the schools open. 

Mr. Schneider, Langhorne, explained an acquaintance of his, who is not a senior citizen, is an asset to the community and has two children attending Neshaminy schools.  If his taxes increase another $500 over the next few years, he will have to move.  He said if this man and  his family have to move from their house, in the District, which one of you will be able to say you were acting in their best interest? 

Ms. Henry, Langhorne, explained she selected the Neshaminy School District over the Council Rock School District because of the quality of the education and the cost.  Her daughter is a seventh grader at Neshaminy Middle School.  She is a John Hopkins Scholar and is extremely bright.  Her daughter has said if the Neshaminy Middle School is closed when she is to go into eighth grade, she will go to Villa (private school).  She is concerned she will lose ninth grade making the transition to another middle school and lose tenth grade making the transition to the high school. Ms. Henry explained her mother, who is deceased, had happily paid Neshaminy School District taxes when she was a senior citizen and was happy to see children getting a good education that her children could not get in a public school system.  Ms. Henry said if Neshaminy Middle School is closed, she will be forced to move her daughter into an exclusive environment (private school).  She urged the Board to find another way to resolve the issue other than opening and closing schools.  She said where is the District’s long term planning?  Eight years is not long term planning.

Mr. Cohen, Schweitzer School teacher, stated the School Board has a legacy to consider.  Each school that is being threatened with closure has its own individual strengths that are an integral part of Neshaminy and will lessen the District’s ability to educate its children.  He noted the parents are a unified group opposed to closing any school.  The Board members are elected to represent the regions encompassing the schools.  He felt the consensus seems to be that the majority of the Board’s constituents do not want the Board to close any school.  If the Board members representing each region vote to close a school in their region, they are not representing the people who elected them.  Mr. Cohen stated fiscal responsibility is an important issue, but not as important as ethical and educational responsibility.  He referred to option one of the Educational Impact Report (realign attendance boundaries to eliminate building closures, while decreasing class size, removing modulars and balancing building usage levels) and urged the Board to cut expenses where there is no educational impact.  He said the Board’s constituents have indicated the tax increase, $1.92 to $3.84 per week, necessary to keep the schools open is pocket change that the constituents are willing to spend to keep the schools open.  He urged the Board to not ignore the consensus of the constituents.

Ms. Sanginitti, Our Lady of Grace Home and School President, stated she sends her children to Catholic School and pays taxes to the District.  She said she does not want to see the residents’ schools closed.  She wants accountability for the tax dollars spent.  She pointed out the District will be receiving taxes from the new Villages of Flowers Mill housing development and none of the residents living in the development will be sending children to the District’s schools.  Where is the money going?  Where are the tax dollars being wasted?  If a school is closed, how will it affect busing?  There is a problem with busing now.  The District currently does not have enough drivers.  She suggested some of the programs that are a waste of tax dollars be eliminated and the Board stop increasing the taxes.

Mr. O’Connor, Langhorne, felt two critical issues were missing from the facility and enrollment information packet dated May 1, which are as follows:

Class Size - Particularly in grades K to 5.  Every study and article related to class size suggests average class size should range between 15 and 18 students. 

All Day Kindergarten - Members of the Board have said to him one reason public schools lose enrollment to the charter schools is they tend to offer all day kindergarten. 

Mr. O’Connor felt the time for both of these initiatives has come and encouraged the Board to consider reduced class size and all day kindergarten as they examine the issue of a possible school closing.  He expressed concern that too many people are not viewing  this issue with the best interest of the entire community in mind.  As a taxpayer, he would hate to see his taxes go up.  As a father of four Neshaminy students, he would hate to see a school closed and have one of his children forced to switch to another school unexpectedly.  Increased taxes are needed to meet the needs of the schools.  With some building improvement issues ever lingering, especially at the high school, the school tax will probably increase each year.  He stated he moved his family to the area 15 years ago because of the Neshaminy School District.  He recognized value then and he is not about to turn his back on the community when more money is needed now. 

Mr. O’Connor said as far as saving schools, the best anyone can do as a parent to educate their children is prepare them for change.  He explained while he understands why parents want their children to remain in the same school as they are in now, he does not comprehend why it is automatically assumed any change will necessarily be a bad one.  We are teaching our children to fight change at a time in our history when the most successful and happy people in life are the ones that anticipate change, not the ones that fear it.  Mr. O’Connor extended a vote of confidence and thanks to the Board.  He noted many in the public have criticized the Board for considering a school closure.  He said I may not agree with what the Board wants to do, but believe the Board must ask all the right questions before it can ever arrive at the correct answer.

Ms. Beck, Neshaminy Middle School PTO Vice President, pointed out a form is available at the Middletown Township building for property tax assistance for senior citizens.  Since 1977 rebates totaling more than $1,000,000 have been paid by the School District with over 200 senior citizens participating last year.  At the same location, a Pennsylvania property tax or rent rebate form is available.  She said she does sympathize with the situation of individuals on a fixed income.  However, any community with a good school system, will require the residents to pay higher taxes. 

Ms. Beck referred to comments made earlier in the meeting regarding children previously having gone through school changes and succeeding.  She said unfortunately, today is a very changed society.  We are not living the way we did ten years ago.  Violence is climbing in society and we do not want that to happen in Neshaminy. 

Ms. Martinez, Langhorne, stated at a previous Board Meeting one of the Board members questioned why more residents were not attending the meetings.  She said she had never previously attended a Board Meeting because she never felt strongly about any School District issues.  She stated she is very upset that the Board is considering closing any of the Neshaminy schools and does not understand why the Board is considering closing the Neshaminy Middle School.  She felt the Board members have already made up their minds about the issue.  She said is there more the community members should know about that it has not been made aware of?  Has the Board streamlined the budget?  Are the capacity facts accurate?   The parents have the power of the students, teachers and principals behind them.  She suggested the School Board and parents, students, teachers and principals join forces and put pressure on the state legislators to obtain the needed funding, and invite the legislators to the Board Meetings.  She urged the Board, parents, students, teachers and principals to put all their energy into obtaining the necessary funding from the legislators and keep all of the schools open. 

Board Comment - After a brief discussion, there was Board consensus to allow Board comment.  Each Board member was limited to two minutes.  Mr. Eccles explained the last few Sundays he has spent time in school yards meeting with parents and children.  It has been an eye opening experience.  He stated we presently have a community in crisis.  The crisis center is our local community schools, our children and their individual educational experiences.  I have heard from many people who have voiced their concerns over the situation.  Many folks have severe tax issues facing them.  Folks on fixed incomes face the dilemma of choosing between paying for health insurance or losing their homes.  Many people have stated that they would not mind a tax increase to keep our neighborhood schools open.  Some folks find peace in knowing that their children attend a safe, educationally challenging, neighborhood school.  One thing is for sure, we are a community.  We are a strong, vocal community.  A community that stands behind a cause, stands up when something they believe in is in jeopardy or someone needs our help.  We have shown through the years that our neighborhoods, our communities, help one another when needed.  We need strong schools.  Schools that challenge our children every day of the week.  We need schools that support our community educationally, culturally and athletically.  We need the best.  We need the best and brightest educators and I know we have them.  We do not have to settle for anything less.  Our children are our future.  We know that. 

Mr. Eccles explained he is submitting an alternative proposal.  He stated maybe Neshaminy can find a way to become a model to other communities who are faced with the same issues.  What is more important our children’s education or a balanced budget?  We are at a crossroad.  Which way do we turn?  Do we ask the community to pay higher taxes to support our schools, the education of our children, our future, our community’s future?  Can we help our senior citizens with some tax relief?  Can we ask our educators, administrators and support staff to help in this very noble cause?  Think for a moment.  Let your mind envision the best, the brightest.  After all, we are Neshaminy.  Mr. Eccles presented the following alternate proposal to school closings:

·         Every school should remain open.

·         Reduce class size more than contractual obligations.

·         Increase learning and test scores with more teacher interaction.

·         Small class sizes with more educational opportunities.

·         Become a model in the state and country.

·         Remove modular units

·         Get realistic bids on moving modular units or have volunteers remove them.

·         Freeze senior citizens’ taxes or raise income levels from the state to show a smaller increase with the help of our legislators.

·         Allow senior citizens to make monthly or quarterly payments on taxes with no penalties. 

·         A 10 percent reduction in pay and benefits from all Neshaminy employees.

·         A 10 percent reduction in all non-educational activities and general belt tightening in the annual budget.

·         Open an alternative school for our children. 

·         Provide a better educational experience and save the taxpayers money.

Mr. Schoenstadt congratulated Mr. Eccles on his proposal.  He said it is innovative and creative.  However, it is grossly impractical.  It does not take into consideration the fact that the Board negotiated  contracts with all of the employees.  There would have to be an extended negotiation and probably unsuccessful negotiations.  If the class size is reduced by an average of three additional students, the Board will triple the amount of money it will have to go back to the taxpayers for to pay for the class size reduction.  He stated if the proposal were practical, he would be able to support some of the features of it.  The fact is that the Board has a responsibility, charged to the Board by the state legislators, to be fiscally responsible.  To realize that the community loves their schools is wonderful.  I love all of the schools.  If the Board could keep all of the schools open, reduce class size by an additional three students, freeze the senior citizens’ taxes at the current level and never have to raise them again that would be wonderful.  It would also be illegal. 

Mr. Schoenstadt said he understands the concerns of the parents of the students.  The Board is holding the hearings to try and identify all of the alternatives available and reach a decision.  The Board is reviewing all the options including closing the modular units, which will cost approximately $500,000.  He indicated he would like to see the option of having volunteers remove the modular units at no cost.  It does not save the District money.  It just keeps the District from having to lay out money.  Most of the options presented by Mr. Eccles are not practical and not legally practical.

Mr. Dengler explained he recently met with the legislators and senators in Harrisburg and was told not to look to the state for money.  State revenues are down the first quarter $53,000,000.  The state’s $200,000,000 surplus is shrinking away fast.  Due to the turndown in the economy, the sales tax is much less than they anticipated.  Additional money will not be available from Harrisburg.

Ms. Drioli said one of the reasons the children are receiving such a good education is because they have good parenting.  She said you are a group of fine parents who are fighting for your children.  When this is all said and done, I hope the community members direct their attention to Harrisburg.  She suggested the community members ask their legislators to freeze the taxes on senior citizens’ property.  This is something only those in Harrisburg can do.  This would address the needs of the mature adults who have been living in the District for the last 30 to 40 years.  She said she is not suggesting the senior citizens not pay taxes, but that their taxes be frozen at some point after they retire.  A large group needs to go to Harrisburg and lobby for the change.

Ms. Drioli explained she is the residents’ elected representative.  Even though she may not agree with it, she will vote on the issue the way she feels the residents would like her to vote.  She pointed out the District is built out and there is no land available for development to generate more income.  If one of the schools is closed and later reopened, there would be a renovation cost associated with the reopening of the school, because the schools being considered for closure are in need of renovations.  She emphasized the fact that the Board members have not made up their minds on the issue.

Mrs. Butville explained in the negotiated contract, lower class size was one of the items approved.  There will be fewer students per class at the elementary level.  If a school is closed, there will not be larger classes.  Mrs. Butville stated she has not made up her mind on the issue.  She pointed out if the Board were to approve just redistricting, there would not be any more students to fill the empty spaces and  students would still be transferred to different schools, different environments.  The children redistricted would have to face the same issues students would have had to face if a school were closed.  She explained there is a $16,000 income limit on the senior citizen tax rebate.  She advised the public a Board Meeting will be held following the Public Input Meeting and the Board will be receiving more information.

Mr. Mecleary stated it is his understanding that for every teacher that retires and is not replaced, there is a savings to the District of approximately $50,000.  If 22 teachers retire and do not have to be replaced because of declining enrollment, it would amount to $1,000,000.  As the student population declines, not replacing the retiring teachers will allow the District to continue to save money without closing schools. 

Dr. Frank stated she is still opposed to closing schools and changing programs. 

Mr. Stack referred to a question raised earlier in the meeting, and explained a letter has been received from the Council Rock School District’s Superintendent, Dr. Kirby, in which he expressed interest in potentially being able to lease a middle school facility in the Neshaminy School District.

Mr. Stack announced a Public Board Meeting will be held on May 22 and public comment will be solicited at the meeting.

Mr. Schoenstadt moved the meeting be adjourned and Mrs. Butville seconded the motion.  The Board approved the motion with eight ayes.  Mr. Stack adjourned the meeting at 9:15 p.m.  A Public Board Meeting was held following the Public Input Meeting.

Respectfully submitted,

Carol A. Calvello
Board Secretary

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