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1. Call to Order
Mr.
Schoenstadt called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
Pledge
of Allegiance
Mr.
Schoenstadt requested that those in attendance join in the salute to the
flag.
Mr. Schoenstadt presented Harry
Dengler with the following award:
“Harry M. Dengler, Jr. is hereby recognized for his
outstanding service
and dedication to the children of the Neshaminy
School District.”
Mr.
Schoenstadt advised that Mr. Dengler was a school board member from
1991-2002 and the award
was presented to Mr. Dengler by the Superintendent of Schools and
Board of School Directors.
3. Announcement
No
announcements.
Mr.
Stack inquired whether the Board would agree to an additional item for
discussion this evening regarding “Board Communications”.
There was Board consensus for such discussion, and it was added as
Agenda Item 6(e).
4. Public
Comment
Mr.
Schoenstadt advised that there would be a time limit of two minutes per
speaker.
Mr.
Solis Basen, Langhorne, resident of Village of Flowers Mill, advised that
he had three subjects he wished to speak about:
request of taxpayers to have board meetings televised; new high
school construction; and the county is suggesting building a new
courthouse. Mr. Basen is not against education, however, this will have a
great impact on the taxpayers.
Mr.
Basen advised that he was representing several of the residents of Flowers
Mill.
Ms.
Laurie Green, Levittown, wanted to bring to the Board’s attention that
for several years the district has not permitted walkers to go home during
lunchtime for safety reasons. Ms. Green does not have a problem with this; however, the
fact that crossing guards are still paid to be at their posts throughout
the entire lunch period is a concern.
Tax dollars continue to be used to pay the crossing guards for at
least two hours. Ms. Green
was not sure of the number of crossing guards throughout the district,
however, after calculating the figures she felt taxpayer’s money was
being wasted.
Mr.
Marvin Dickler, Langhorne, resident of Village of Flowers Mill, advised
that he was aware that a committee had been formed to look into the
feasibility of whether there should be a new high school.
Mr. Dickler further advised that the committee was given three
options: do nothing, new
construction or renovation. Mr.
Dickler felt other options have been overlooked, mainly the Maple Point
facility, which was originally built as a high school.
Times are difficult. Mr.
Dickler expressed to the Board that the voters should be given the
opportunity to voice their opinion, rather then a decision of that
magnitude being made by members of the Board.
Mr.
Sy Goldstein, Langhorne, resident of Village of Flowers Mill, advised that
an issue as important and expensive as a new high school needs to have
more public discussion, and there should be a public referendum.
Mr.
Jack Shaw, Langhorne, resident of Village of Flowers Mill, twenty-five
year resident of Neshaminy School District.
Mr. Shaw’s children graduated from Neshaminy High School.
Mr. Shaw expressed that an expenditure of that amount of money
needs input from the taxpayers and that would best be served by having a
referendum.
Mr.
Harvey Brightman, Langhorne, resident of Village of Flowers Mill, moved
into the area approximately two years ago from Massachusetts and is amazed
at the tax rate. Mr.
Brightman advised that in Massachusetts the school board recommended that
the town vote on a similar issue. Mr.
Brightman advised that it was a democratic situation, not just a few
people made the decision.
Mr.
Jay Hambro, Langhorne, resident of Village of Flowers Mill, suggested that
the agenda for the meetings be put onto the television a number of days or
weeks prior to the meeting in order that residents could have some idea
whether they wished to attend.
Mr.
Phil Schieber, Langhorne, resident of Village of Flowers Mill, advised
that his neighbors are telling him that the high school issue needs to be
brought to a vote before all of the taxpayers of Neshaminy School
District. Mr. Schieber
respectfully requested that this be put on the very next agenda for
referendum that is available. Mr.
Schieber was aware that it would not be this year.
Mr.
Charles Lauble is a resident of Neshaminy and has children in the
district. Mr. Lauble
graduated from Neshaminy in l959. The
first person in his family to graduate from the district was in 1934, and
Mr. Lauble advised that his family has a long history in the school
district and most are still residents of the district.
Mr. Lauble expressed that he does not want a new high school.
Mr. Lauble stated that the high school was good enough for him and
will be good enough for his children.
Mr. Lauble advised that the school has not deteriorated that much
since the time he attended. Mr. Lauble empathizes deeply with the other residents
regarding taxes. Mr. Lauble
stated that the problem is not taxes; the problem is spending too much
money. A cap needs to be put
on what the schools are spending. Mr.
Lauble advised that he received a great education at Neshaminy and he
wants the same for his children. Mr.
Lauble did not feel that his children were getting the best education for
the amount of money that is being spent.
Neshaminy should be an asset to the community.
Mr. Lauble asked that taxes be kept down by reducing spending.
Mr.
Murray Greenberg, Langhorne, resident of Village of Flowers Mill, advised
that a new high school would place a burden on many senior citizens due to
the stock market. At this
particular time Mr. Greenberg does not want the school project to proceed
for economic sake.
Mr.
Owen Logan, Langhorne, resident of Village of Flowers Mill, encouraged the
referendum since he would not like to see his taxes go any higher.
Mr. Logan expected a certain tax when he became a resident of
Neshaminy and his taxes are currently 50% higher.
Mr. Logan is formerly from the state of Michigan and Mr. Logan
stated that the governor increased the sales tax by 2% and Mr. Logan’s
taxes were decreased.
Mr.
Schoenstadt advised since many of the public were leaving at this point of
the meeting he wanted to share with them an editorial that was printed in
the August 21st Courier Times regarding taxes and the way to
solve the tax problem. Mr.
Schoenstadt had written a guest opinion, which identified the real cause
of tax increases in this community and most communities throughout the
state. Mr. Schoenstadt
advised that the State has failed in its responsibility to adequately fund
education. School districts
must turn to real estate taxes. Bucks
County does not have a rolling reassessment.
Other counties reassess based on market values, which in turn
provides additional money for school districts.
Even though the residents of Flowers Mill would benefit from a
countywide reassessment 98% of the citizens of Bucks County would not
benefit from a reassessment. Mr.
Schoenstadt advised that another way to solve the problems would be for
the State to fully fund special education.
Neshaminy spends $14M a year on special education and receives less
then $4M combined from the State and Federal government to fund the
mandates that are required by the State and Federal government.
Mr.
Schoenstadt advised residents that they need to get their legislators to
get full funding for special education.
Another method would be raising income taxes.
People who have earnings pay income tax and that would not burden
the seniors. Mr. Schoenstadt advised that seniors represent thirty percent
of the taxpayers of Neshaminy. The
State has reduced the amount that they contribute to the education of the
students from 57% to 17%.
Mr.
Schieber advised that the residents of Flowers Mill will be in touch with
their elected officials. Mr. Schoenstadt requested Mr. Schieber to advise
the Board of any meetings that they could possibly attend in order to
help.
Items
for Discussion
Possible
change in board motions.
Mr.
Wilson recommended to the Board that when numerous motions are read at a
Public Board meeting, and since consensus was obtained at the Board Work
Session, a vote be taken for all the motions simultaneously.
Mr. Wilson advised that all motions are still made available to the
public and board members. Mr.
Wilson further advised that if any motion were contentious then that
motion would be voted on individually.
A roll call vote would still be taken for various motions.
Many other districts in Bucks County are doing it this way to
provide efficiency during board meeting.
Discussion
ensued amongst Board members regarding what would occur if discussion were
necessary on a specific motion. Dr.
Spitz expressed concerned that members of the public would not be aware of
the motions from the Work Session. Dr.
Spitz often requests additional explanation, specifically for the benefit
of the public.
Ms.
Drioli stated that at this particular time our Public Board meetings are
not as lengthy as the Work Session because many items are worked through
at the committee level. Ms.
Drioli is concerned that the public would not look favorably on a change
of this nature.
Mr.
Stack advised that the motions should be fully published and made
available to the public.
Items
for Approval
Overnight
Trips
Dual
Meet at Philipsburg High School, Philipsburg, PA – Neshaminy High School
December 6 & 7, 2002
Manheim
Wrestling Tournament, Lancaster, PA – Neshaminy High School
December 27 & 28, 2002
Debate
Tournament – States, Susquehanna University, Selinsgrove, PA
Neshaminy High School – March 20 & 21, 2003
History
Club to Washington, Annapolis, Baltimore – Neshaminy High School,
May 17-19, 2003.
There
was Board consensus for the trips.
American
Education Week – November 10-16, 2002
Mr.
Wilson stated that American Education Week would take place on November
10-16, 2002.
There
was Board consensus for American Education Week.
c)
Contracted Transportation Services for 2002 -2003
Mr.
Paradise advised that the district is required to provide transportation
to students who do not
attend
Neshaminy School district due to probation placement, etc.
The three contracts total
$117,000.
Mr. Paradise wanted to make Board members aware of the increases
that this
transportation
has seen in the past three years: 2001-
$80,000; 2000- $76,000; 1999- $47,000.
The
district has no control over the number of students or where they come
from. Mr. Paradise
advised
that this is still the most efficient way to provide the transportation.
Mrs.
Butville requested that this issue be put on the public meeting agenda in
order for the public to be aware of the costs involved with this mandatory
service.
Approval
of Bid/s Budget Transfers
Information
distributed prior to meeting. Mr.
Paradise reviewed the following bids:
Bid
No. 03-23 – Boiler and Chiller Replacement at Pearl Buck Elementary
School
Bid
Amount: $454,350.00
Replacement
of complete boiler and chiller at Pearl Buck Elementary School. The bulk of the funds are coming from the swing loan.
Mr.
Stack inquired whether there would be a significant maintenance decrease. Mr. Paradise advised that there would be approximately a
$20,000 annual reduction in energy costs.
Ms. Drioli suggested that the boiler and chiller will be new,
however, the building is still antiquated.
In response to a question raised by Mr. Eccles, Mr. Paradise
advised that Pearl Buck was designed as a totally air conditioned
facility.
Bid
No. 03-24 – HVAC Replacement at Maple Point Middle School
Bid
Amount: $327,800.00
Replacement
of 3 rooftop air conditioning units at Maple Point Middle School.
Ms.
Drioli was concerned about the monies, which have been put into the Maple
Point facility since it was renovated, and now this large amount for air
conditioning. In response to
a question raised by Mrs. Butville, Mr. Minotti advised that the problem
with the air conditioning in the Maple Point auditorium was due to one of
these above units. Mr.
Paradise advised Board members that there are a total of nine (9) more
units remaining, which will need replacement in the future.
Mr. Minotti advised that the district would save approximately
$95,000 per year in energy costs due to the replacement of the units with
a life of twenty years.
Bid
No. 03-25 – Reconditioning Football Equipment
Bid Amount - $35,100.00
Reconditioning
football equipment for all four middle schools and Neshaminy High School
for
School
years 2002/2003, 2003/2004, 2004/2005.
Mr.
Paradise advised Board members that this bid covers various football
equipment and allows the district to have the equipment reconditioned and
painted.
The
three bids and Budget Transfer Report No. 03-l (working copy) will be
presented for approval at the October 22, 2002 Public Meeting.
Board
Communications
Mr.
Stack suggested that the district look at other ways in which we
communicate our meetings, agenda, times of meetings, etc. to the public.
Mr. Stack felt that any information that can be made available more
readily to the community would be advantageous to the Board.
Dr. Costanzo advised that notice of the meetings are presently
located on cable TV and the website sufficiently in advance of all
meetings.
Dr.
Spitz suggested that all public meetings, times, locations, etc. need to
have a link on the website and also create an e-mail list and hot-line
phone number for taxpayers who would like to either receive the
information via e-mail or call. Also,
the agenda should be made available by Monday before the meeting in order
for taxpayers to be aware of the following evenings agenda.
Mr.
Wilson informed Board members that a quality flyer was forwarded to every
household in the community about the high school with the name of the
superintendent and phone number for any taxpayer who had a question.
The mailing went to 27,000 homes and one (l) call was received.
Mr.
Schoenstadt suggested that the Administration look at the practicality and
feasibility of methods identified by the Board, and further determine what
the cost would be to televise the meetings.
Mr.
Eccles advised that televising the meetings live is not necessarily
required; however, taping the meetings would give the public the
opportunity to view the board sessions. Mrs. Butville pointed out that not
every household receives cable TV and other avenues will also be required.
Ms.
Drioli advised that she would not support televising the board meetings
because some Board members may not feel comfortable voicing their opinions
in front of a camera. Ms.
Drioli felt that even though a reporter is present at the meetings,
televising it would inhibit Board members from possibly disagreeing with
one another, hash out problems, being open and honest in their discussion,
etc.
Mrs.
Bostwick advised that some districts only present the verbal/audio portion
of the meeting, which may be less expensive then televising it.
Mrs.
Butville advised Board members that last year the audio portion was
obtained for Speak Your Piece and the high school students worked on this
project. Mrs. Butville further advised that tapes could be available
in the public libraries for residents to view.
It is the Board’s responsibility to make correct information
available to the public.
Mr.
Eccles felt that if the camera was present at meetings Board members would
think before they spoke and members would be more open and honest.
The camera would not be a hindrance.
Mr.
Schoenstadt suggested that the Technology committee research the
following:
Feasibility
Costs (audio vs. video)
Location of meetings
Mobile unit
Dr.
Spitz suggested that a disclaimer be provided that “information found in
local newspapers is not identified as official public notice and is
subject to error.”
Mr.
Paradise advised Board members that e-mail addresses could be obtained,
and a front page link can easily be created for the website.
Providing the agenda is feasible, however, providing all the
motions would be more cumbersome.
Mr.
Schoenstadt stated that on the topic of communication he was concerned
that the newspaper did not even send a reporter to the last two steering
committee meetings.
Mrs.
Butville made the suggestion that after Public Comment there was a time
for Board Response. Mrs.
Butville felt some of the comments could be responded to before the public
leaves the meeting.
Discussion
ensued amongst Board members regarding the feasibility of providing such
board response.
Ms.
Drioli stated that the “Blue Cards” need to be completed in order that
a Board member can obtain a response for them.
Dr. Spitz suggested the
practice of a ten-minute break sometime during the public meeting at
which
time questions from the public could be answered by individual Board
members.
Ms.
Wiercinski advised that from a legal standpoint the Board has the
obligation to have the meetings in public, however, it is your meeting as
a board, nine (9) members discussing the issues.
Under the Right to Know Act and Sunshine Law it is required that a
public comment portion is included. The
intention is not that open dialogue between the public and Board occurs.
The law does not expect the Board to answer every question that is
posed.
Mr.
Schoenstadt suggested that every person who signs the public comment sheet
must then fill in a blue card in order to receive a response.
Also, the taxpayers e-mail address should also be included on the
blue card.
Mr.
Paradise summarized that he would look into the following issues:
Feasibility
/cost of televising meetings (one facility/multiple facilities)
E-mail list
Front page link (re: Board
meeting dates and times) (standard disclaimer should be included)
Mr. Wilson stated that all
notices are now being forwarded to the Courier Times with return receipt
requested
and since those steps have been taken, all information has appeared
correctly and no errors
have occurred.
7.
Superintendent’s Report
Mr.
Wilson advised that Dr. Costanzo and Mr. Paradise have been interviewing
companies to prepare a video presentation regarding the high school, which
will be presented on the cable channel.
Mr. Wilson advised that the high school is not being renovated or
built tomorrow. A process needs to be followed and Act 34 requires at least
two (2) community input meetings. Patience
needs to be had with questions and all questions will eventually be
answered. Mr. Wilson stated
that times change, needs of students change, technology has changed.
Mr. Wilson feels that the public will be satisfied with the process
upon completion.
Mr.
Schoenstadt announced that any Board member interested in attending the 63rd
Annual School Board Conference in San Franciso on April 5-8, 2003, must
notify the Superintendent as soon as possible.
8.
Committee Reports:
Board
Policies Committee
Mrs.
Butville reported that the next meeting is scheduled for Thursday, October
10, 2002, and topics to be discussed will be nepotism, patronage and
integrated pest management.
Educational
Development
Mrs.
Butville reported that the next meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October
15, 2002. Mr. Marotto will be
discussing “No Child Left Behind”.
Mrs.
Butville reported on the PA School Board Association’s, Pride and
Promise Campaign. It
was
developed to increase the public’s awareness of the value of public
schools in today’s
marketplace
of educational alternatives, and in doing so, to increase awareness of the
role of the
local
school board’s education in the process of achieving quality education.
Mrs. Butville
advised
that the concern is that most newspaper coverage is negative.
PSBA was extensively
evaluated
by the NSBA and that PSBA is one of the best state organizations.
Mr. Edward Gobin
of
Bristol Township is the current President.
Workshops were held on assessment, Internet use,
development
of leadership, school construction and the legislative update.
Legislative policy
council
voted on all aspects of school issues.
A vote was taken whether school board members
should
be paid and very few members voted in favor of this, therefore, it was not
moved to the
agenda.
Mrs. Butville advised that the legislators are blaming school
boards for spending to
much
money. They are not taking
responsibility for all the unfunded mandates that have been
forced
upon the districts.
Finance/Facilities
Mr.
Stack advised that the committee is awaiting the recommendation of the
steering committee and executive committee.
The committee will meet on Wednesday, November 6, 2002.
Mr. Stack advised that the committee would evaluate fixed costs,
programs, and activities. Revenue,
such as grants, will also be evaluated.
Mr.
Schoenstadt advised that the twenty-two member steering committee is
looking at the options and they will make a recommendation to the
executive committee. The
executive committee will then make a recommendation to the Board.
Mr.
Eccles stated that community members are concerned regarding tax
increases. Mr. Eccles stated
that he would be a proponent of a referendum, because a decision of this
magnitude and the impact that it will have on the community needs to be
made by a vote. Mr. Eccles
further stated that a decision that will make a difference for the next
40-50 years needs community input.
Mr.
Schoenstadt advised that Board members were elected by the community to
make such decisions. Mr.
Schoenstadt advised that if the recommendation of the committee were to do
nothing then we would just continue to maintain the buildings.
Ms.
Drioli advised that it is the responsibility of the Board to make the
community aware of the condition of various buildings and what projects
need to be considered. Ms.
Drioli stated that this district needs a high school that will address the
needs of the students and recognize the best financially responsible way
to accomplish it. Ms. Drioli
advised that if the correct information is distributed she is not opposed
to a referendum.
Mr.
Schoenstadt advised Board members that at this time it is premature to
have discussion of this nature due to the fact that the steering committee
at this point has not made a recommendation to the executive committee.
Mr.
Wilson advised Board members that the cabinet has begun obtaining figures
regarding contracts, fixed costs, etc. earlier then ever before in order
for decisions to be made.
Intermediate
Unit Board
No
report.
Educational
Foundation
Dr.
Spitz reported that he met with Dr. Costanzo in order to be brought up to
date on foundation issues.
Technical
School Board
Dr.
Spitz reported that several students represented the school at VICA, a
national competition in Kansas City.
Two individuals placed first and also a second and third place
winner resulted. The tech
school consistently has winners at this national competition.
Technology
Mr.
Stack reported that a meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, October 29, 2002
at 7:00 p.m.
Audio/video
recording of board meetings will be discussed.
Mr. Stack advised that the district needs to determine a firm
understanding of what investment exists in technology.
Mr. Stack would like to see the technology integrated into the
curriculum. Student and
teachers need to be working with the software and technology needs to be
integrated into the program. Mr. Stack advised that the elementary school
labs are thirteen years old and part replacement is not feasible.
Possibly the district will need to consider a bond issue to bring
technology needs current.
Future
Topics
Dr.
Spitz inquired about a more formal presentation of the monthly check
register. Further, Dr. Spitz
asked for an update on policies that had been previously approved such as
home-schooled students, cameras on buses, Channel l, etc.
Dr. Spitz advised that an important part of a Board members
position is to reevaluate the policies and an annual status report by the
Administration would be helpful.
Dr.
Spitz inquired whether the directives that the Superintendent has issued
to update job descriptions and formalize the screening process need to be
formulated into policies. (i.e. the Administration must keep job
descriptions updated and follow a formal screening process).
Ms. Wiercinski responded that it would be acceptable.
Ms.
Drioli suggested that the Superintendent should be subject to an
evaluation by the Board on a yearly basis.
Mr.Wilson stated that he would have no problem with such an
evaluation.
Mr.
Schoenstadt advised that Mr. Wilson has initiated an Administrative
review.
Dr.
Spitz inquired regarding the status of Tawanka School.
Ms.
Wiercinski advised that since the Right to Know law has been amended a
discussion must be had at the November Board Policies meeting regarding
the issues.
10.
Agenda Development for the October 22, 2002 Public Meeting
Correspondence
No correspondence.
Other
Board Business
Dr.
Spitz advised that the Neshaminy High School Band participated in a
competition in Boyertown and won the award for Best Overall Band and
several other awards.
Dr.
Spitz moved the meeting be adjourned and Mr. Eccles seconded the motion. The Board approved the motion with eight ayes.
Mr. Schoenstadt adjourned the meeting at 9:15 p.m.
Respectfully
submitted,
Anita E. Walls
Board Secretary |
