PUBLIC
BOARD MEETING MINUTES (PUBLIC MEETING)
NESHAMINY BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
June 26, 2003
The
Neshaminy Board of School Directors met in public session on June 26,
2003, at Pearl Buck Elementary School Auditorium.
The following persons were in attendance:
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BOARD MEMBERS:
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ADMINISTRATORS:
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Mrs.
June R. Bostwick, President
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Mrs.
Yvonne V. Butville
Ms. Carol A. Drioli*
Mr. Steven E. Schoenstadt |
Dr.
Raymond J. Boccuti
Mr. Harry P. Jones
Mr. Richard S. Marotto |
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Mr.
Michael A. Soifer
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Mr.
Joseph V. Paradise
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Dr.
William H. Spitz
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Mr.
Edward T. Stack
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BOARD MEMBERS NOT PRESENT:
Mr. Richard M. Eccles |
OTHERS: Approximately
75 persons from the public, staff and press
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Mrs.
Kimberly A. Jowett
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SECRETARY:
Mrs. Anita E. Walls
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SOLICITOR: Thomas E. Profy, III, Esquire |
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*arrived
at meeting 8:10 p.m. |
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Call to Order
Mrs. Bostwick called the meeting to
order at 8:00 p.m.
Pledge of Allegiance
Mrs.
Bostwick requested those in attendance join in the salute to the flag.
Announcements
Dr. Boccuti reported with great
sadness that Karen Jasper, teacher who was deeply respected at Ferderbar
Elementary School and a past president of the Neshaminy Federation of
Teachers, lost her battle with cancer.
Dr. Boccuti noted that Karen had touched many lives over her
outstanding career. She will be missed by many students, parents, staff and
community members. She was a
model of enthusiasm, confidence, leadership and professionalism and our
condolences are extended to her family and friends at this difficult time.
Dr. Boccuti asked everyone in the audience to stand for a moment of
silence.
Public Comment
Mr. Michael
Gaul, Hamlet Road, advised that he was not in attendance as his capacity
of Middletown Supervisor, but as a grandparent who has children in
Neshaminy schools, a taxpayer and someone who involves himself in
politics. Mr. Gaul advised
that the election has told the board to stop and have a referendum.
Mr. Gaul feels that the public perception is that the board is
being arrogant and ignoring the wishes of the voters.
Mr. Gaul is concerned about the survey and the amount sent to each
household. Mr. Gaul feels
that people do not vote in many cases because people who are involved in
�politics� ignore the results of the voters.
Mr. Gaul feels that the project is being rushed without the
knowledge of what type of funding will be received by districts from the
state. Mr. Gaul stated that
this board will get the bonds issued, architectural plans will be done,
but you will not get the high school built, and the new board will stop
same. Mr. Gaul feels if the
intent is to steer away from political contributions to a bond underwriter
and architect then he feels the board is headed in the right direction,
however, but if you the board really want a high school built the board
did not really sell this plan, and it needs to be taken back to the public
in the form of a referendum. Mr.
Gaul has tried to get the vote out, but situations like this defeat Mr.
Gaul, because when people do not come out to vote it is not because they
are happy with the situation.
Mrs. Doris
Rielly, Feasterville, PA, reiterated that this is a community made up of
people of all ages. Senior
citizens cannot afford to have their taxes raised so high that they need
to move. Mrs. Reilly sees no
reason for a survey. Why spend $30,000 - $50,000 for something that people have
already let the board know what they want.
Mr. Gil
Howland, Langhorne, PA, was aware that it was a budget night and things
should be prioritized. Mr.
Howland noted that he has taken a look at the budget document titled
General Operating and Capital Improvement Budgets 2003-2004 and Mr.
Howland stated that for weeks he has heard nothing other then the school
is falling apart. Mr. Howland
noted that Facilities Improvement Service .9%.
Mr. Howland questioned if that was for maintenance.
Mr. Howland feels that more money needs to be spent on maintenance.
Teachers are receiving too many benefits. Mr. Howland�s social security benefit increased this year
by $6.00.
Mr. Rich
Webb, Levittown, PA, addressed the survey the board is considering.
Mr. Webb understands that the board wishes to conduct a survey by
mailing a questionnaire to all the Neshaminy residents and taxpayers at a
cost of about $30,000 - $60,000. With
the results of the survey the board will use to justify floating a bond to
either repair or build a school, depending on the results. Mr. Webb reviewed Act 34 and requires by law a referendum or
public survey. The purpose of
Act 34 is to get consent of the electors to incur debt.
Mr. Webb stated that Websters dictionary and Mr. Webb believes the
law describes electors as one qualified to vote in an election.
If that is true, how can the survey sent to every home or taxpayer
satisfy the electoral requirement. How
do you know that only qualified electors will fill out the survey?
How do you know that there will be no duplications or political
influences? Mr. Webb is sure
that is why the law requires a referendum or public meeting.
There is no control with a survey.
Only a referendum can secure that qualified electors are given
consent to the board to incur debt as stated in Act 34. The voting booths are open to everyone that is registered in
the district. The booths are
private, and no one is intimidated. There
is complete control and honesty will not be questioned. A referendum will cost the taxpayers nothing and will save
the taxpayers $30,000 - $60,000 which is the cost of the survey. Mr. Webb stated that voting is as American as it gets.
Mr. Webb asked the board to rethink this issue, and let the people
decide at the polls. Mr. Webb
noted that if the board does not, it will be argued that the results
whether for the school or whether for rebuilding will be tainted, and that
will be the public perception.
Mr. Alden
Thorpe, Levittown, PA, stated that he is very proud of Ms. Drioli because
she stood up for what is right. Mr.
Thorpe noted that the public has spoken.
Mr. Thorpe feels that if the board spends $30,000 - $60,000 for the
survey the board is not representing the taxpayer.
Mr. Thorpe wants the board to wait and place a referendum on the
ballot. Mr. Thorpe feels that the survey being done in the middle of
the summer will have a poor response, 2%-3%, and the wording of the survey
will determine how the votes will come in.
Mr. Mark
Geist, Oakford, PA, is a cleaner a Maple Point.
Mr. Geist has a problem with the survey because he feels that the
survey will not be accurate because people can obtain surveys from their
friends and families, fill out all those surveys, and you have one person
voting four or five times.
Mr. Howard
Lindner, Langhorne, PA noted that the board has lost the trust of the
people. Mr. Lindner noted
that at the last meetings he has heard Mr. Schoenstadt and Mrs. Butville
state that we were elected to represent the people.
That was fine, but at the last primary election the people voted
and they do not want them representing the public anymore.
Mr. Lindner noted that Mr. Stack was appointed.
Mr. Lindner suggested that Mrs. Butville, Mr. Schoenstadt and Mr.
Stack resign and appoint the people who are going to take office in
December, and they will have the vote and public support.
Mr. Lindner noted that he walked the district four times and
knocked on almost every door, and Mr. Lindner stated that it is 80% to 20%
that do not want a new school.
Mrs. Kostar,
Langhorne, PA, spoke regarding Governor Rendell’s plan for a new
Pennsylvania and Mrs. Kostar is asking the school board to slow the
process down. Mrs. Kostar read the following excerpt from the newspaper:
“Governor Rendell has pledged to raise the state’s share of
funding for public education to more then 50%.
Now he wants to ease another burden on local taxpayers.
Bank rolling school construction costs.
Rendell proposed the week of June 14th that the state
play a larger roll in helping school districts pay for millions of dollars
in construction costs for new schools, additions and renovations.
He made a pitch at a news conference where the Pennsylvania School
Board’s Association endorsed the governor’s education initiative
details in a plan for a new Pennsylvania.
Under the plan Rendell would provide more state money to pay for
early childhood education and reduce class sizes.
We understand that this plan may create the need for more school
construction in the districts, that is why we intend to generate more
state money for construction funding.”
Mrs. Kostar feels that if the board approves everything now, the
district will loose the additional money that could be approved by this
state’s budget. Mrs. Kostar
noted that the amounts of 12%-20% has been quoted at prior meetings.
If it is approved that the state is going to approve more funding,
this school district could loose the additional money that could go for
renovations or new schools. Mrs.
Kostar is asking the board to slow the process the down.
Do not go through with the survey, which is a waste of money of the
taxpayers, which could be used for AE teachers, music program, which is
being cut, etc. Mrs. Kostar
would like the board to have the referendum that the voter’s approved
for. Mrs. Kostar has been
waiting since graduation and questioned Mr. Stack regarding the following
statement: “School is like
a lollipop, it sucks until its over.”
Mrs. Kostar noted that she went to high school and it was important
and she enjoyed every minute of it.
Mr. Joe
Robb, Langhorne, PA, advised that he agrees with a Courier Times article
which ran today by Dr. Henry Pearlberg.
Dr. Pearlberg spoke with Mr. Robb personally at Mr. Nelson’s
retirement dinner about this article.
He is a gentleman that has helped this district immensely.
Dr. Pearlberg hired myself and Dr. Boccuti.
He is a person who would stand up for things and not let the
political agendas influence him. Unfortunately,
there is a large political agenda within this district.
Mr. Robb stated that all of the board members know the right thing
to do. That is what will save
this community millions of dollars in the next 3, 4, 5 years just in
maintenance and upkeep of that building. Mr. Robb compared the high school to an old car.
Mr. Robb feels that a referendum is not necessary and neither is a
survey, because all of the board members have been voted onto this board
and are still in office until November.
Mr. Robb feels it is time to make the decision and not let the
political agenda, 30-40 people that come to every meeting, sway this
board. Mr. Robb noted that
there is a silent majority who is afraid to speak, and they do not like to
tangle with Mr. Lindner and his group.
Mr. Robb stated that what Mr. Lindner did this evening is a
disgrace to this community. Mr.
Lindner does not need to chastise people who are trying to do things for
this community. The senior citizens in this community are not represented
by the senior citizens that are here.
Mrs. Perla
Malik, Langhorne, PA concerned about the intention to cut funds for the AE
program. Mrs. Malik is an
immigrant coming to this country trying to offer her children better
opportunities. Mrs. Malik has
a difficult time understanding why instead of enhancing the programs and
bettering the students, the district is cutting funds to bring them down
and not give the opportunity to the AE students.
Mrs. Malik stated that at the first PAGE meeting she attended she
found that some schools only have 3-4 gifted students which could be due
to the school having a part-time teacher who does not have the time.
Mrs. Malik asked the board to reconsider the decision and give the
students a better opportunity.
Mr. Charles
Duke, Elm Avenue, brought 130 signatures in support of the AE program. Mr. Duke’s daughter attends Oliver Heckman and has been
apart of the AE program since 2nd grade.
Mr. Duke noted that when the special needs of students are
considered the focus is put on the disadvantaged.
Mr. Duke noted that it is just as important to look for
opportunities to find ways to enhance and support those children who are
gifted. To often it is
forgotten that these students will be the future leaders and bright stars
of the community. The
opportunity needs to be taken to invest in their future.
The program provides a great challenge to the students who in other
classes would be bored. Mr.
Duke advised that Heckman is very blessed to have Shelly Rosen who
provides great guidance, is a mentor to the students, and a great role
model. The students are a
team, calling each other for advice, becoming leaders in their own right.
Mr. Duke noted that the AE program is much more than challenging
bright students, it develops bright stars.
In conclusion, Mr. Duke feels that the money he spent to get his
daughter privately tested in 2nd grade was the best money ever
spent. Mr. Duke asked the
board to reconsider and accept the signatures in support of the program.
Mr. Paul
Schneider, Langhorne, PA, noted that over the past year the board has
spent a great deal of taxpayer money on mailings, videos, meetings, all of
which have carried the message that this district needs a new high school.
Now that it has failed, by an overwhelming majority, probably a
greater voter turnout than elected anyone on this board, there is an
inclination to spend more money on a survey.
It will be flawed. Mr.
Schneider is not in favor of increased taxes, more efficient operations
are a possibility. Mr.
Schneider would like to see the money go to the enrichment program and not
to surveys for what people have already said they do not need.
Mr. Tom
Gallagher, Levittown, PA, read in the paper about 40 concerned citizens
spoke out against the cell tower issue.
Obviously, that is less then 20% of the residents of that area.
Using some of this Board’s logic that must mean that 80% of that
area is in favor of the cell tower. Mr.
Gallagher questioned when will the construction begin of the cell tower,
or will a survey be sent on that issue.
This district has already spent $1.5M on this high school project
and now wants to spend another $50,000 on a survey.
Three mailings have cost $30,000 each.
Mr. Gallagher noted that a motion is already prepared for an Act 34
meeting to be held on August 26th.
Mr. Gallagher questioned what about the results of the survey.
Mr. Gallagher noted that the only answer to this issue is put it on
the ballot and let everyone vote on it, make it a referendum and listen to
the people.
Mr. Bill
Linenberg, advised that he is 85 with 11 grandchildren.
Mr. Linenberg stated that he plays pool and it is not the stick,
but the man behind the stick, it is not the school, but the teacher. Mr. Linenberg stated that the proper teachers are needed.
Mr. Linenberg also quoted information from the Rendell letter.
Mr. Linenberg does not believe that the district needs a new high
school. Mr. Linenberg
questioned how many people will need to sell their homes because they
cannot afford same. Mr.
Linenberg stated to renovate the schools and provide better maintenance.
Mr. Brian
Lillie, Langhorne, PA, stated that he is a 54 year resident of Lower Bucks
and a 26 year resident of Neshaminy School District.
Mr. Lillie commented that he has heard many comments this evening
that the primary election is a mandate to tell the board not to proceed.
Mr. Lillie stated that when he went to school he learned that
primaries were private functions held for the privilege of the political
parties, not everyone was out to vote, nor are they allowed to vote across
party lines. Mr. Lillie was
personally not allowed to vote because he is registered independent.
Primaries are not an election, nor will they ever be an election.
Mr. Lillie stated that there is no need for a referendum; everyone
knows what the right thing to do is.
Mr. Lillie stated that there was no referendum for the new township
building, which was a major expenditure in the township; no referendum for
the senior citizen building planned to be built.
Referendums are not needed to proceed with required capital
expenditures. Mr. Lillie
noted that the school board does not set taxes.
Tax policies are dictated by the county commissioners and the state
representatives. The fact
that property taxes are used to fund the schools is an issue that needs to
be taken up with our state representatives, not with the school board.
The outcry that we hear from a few people is just that, a few
people. Everyone has the
expectation that this board will do the right thing.
People understand that a new building needs to occur.
More than one-half of this township are new buildings.
Mr. Lillie noted that the state wants districts to build new
buildings by providing financial incentives to build new buildings at a
higher percentage than renovations. The
state understands the value of a new building.
Mr. Lillie stated that it has been two years, it is time to move on
a hold of the Act 34 hearing. Provide
a school that is safe and provide for the future in a healthy, safe
environment. Mr. Lillie
stressed that the new school is the cheapest way to proceed over the next
thirty years.
Mr. Leo
Farrell, Langhorne, PA, moved into Flowers Mill about one and half years
ago and he paid $200,000 plus for his home.
Mr. Farrell is concerned about his tax bill.
Many people paid $300,000 plus for their homes and they are paying
higher taxes. Mr. Farrell
noted that Flowers Mill has over 650 homes and there are no children
attending Neshaminy schools. Mr.
Farrell noted that the district has “the goose that has laid the golden
egg.”
Mr. Solis
Basen, Langhorne, PA, noted that many of the people in favor of a new
school will not have children in the system by the time it is built, but
will have the thirty year noose around their neck.
Regarding the senior citizens, granted some of the seniors can
afford the tax increase, but Mr. Basen feels that a majority of them
cannot.
Mr. Mel
Gindin, Langhorne, PA, noted that it is really nice to hear good things
that are happening in the classrooms and good things about the teachers.
Mr. Gindin is glad to see people fighting for the programs.
Mr. Gindin is tired of hearing about teacher bashing.
Mr. Gindin stated that if anyone can read, thank a teacher.
Mr. Gindin has heard the term “long term” and Mr. Gindin
believes that there is supposed to be a reassessment of properties every
couple years. Langhorne has
not been reassessed in over thirty years.
The county is in violation of the law.
Mr. Gindin believes that the Court will force this county to
reassess. The impact will be
simple. For those who bought
houses 10, 15, 20 years ago, and paid $50,000 they are now selling at
$250,000. When that house is
reassessed at the current rates your taxes will go from $2,500 to
$6,000-$7,000 a year and that is guaranteed.
The school board is asking for $100M for a new building.
Students will be in the building thirty months.
The public will pay for that for 25 years, plus your assessment,
plus whatever contract costs for the district entail.
Mr. Gindin is thinking long term and hopefully the community thinks
long term because the assessment situation is a major political issue.
The courts will step in and force this county to reassess.
Mr. Gindin is not worried about reassessment.
His home is assessed at the current value.
Mrs. Betsy
Carr, Langhorne, PA, thanked parents who have been involved in the AE
program and in bringing some of the issues to the board’s attention.
Mrs. Carr has been attending board meetings fairly regularly since
the spring and the beginning of the discussions of the proposed cuts to
the AE program. Some nagging
questions have yet to be asked by the board or addressed by the
administration, which are essential to the important decisions that the
board is about to make. Why
have the numbers of students in the AE program plummeted over the past
four to five years, with six of the elementary schools sharing teachers?
Why would the district make the decision to eliminate supports in
the program without uncovering the reasons?
Mrs. Carr challenged the board to find out what goes on in the
schools that have both full and part-time teachers, collect hard numbers
from the administration on those students who have been waiting to be
tested, those identified from standardized testing and await summer
testing and make the commitment to test those students in a consistent,
timely manner. Mrs. Carr
wanted to draw the board’s attention to the packet sent to every board
member from Susan Reardon, a parent in the district, as well as the pink
fact sheet circulated at the board meeting in May.
There are remaining areas of Chapter 16 noncompliance.
In the buildings that do not have full time teachers there appears
to be an inconsistent evaluation and screening of kindergartners and first
graders. There is
considerable evidence to suggest that there are inconsistencies in testing
procedures, mandated parent notification, and variance in cut offs from
testing. The absence of math
enrichment in the middle schools and high school level program.
Mrs. Carr noted that there is a desire for excellence, however, a
reluctance to spur on students who demonstrate a proficiency and to
encourage them to exceed proficiency levels.
Mrs. Carr noted that in Neshaminy proficiency is good enough.
Often top students under achieve when not challenged.
Mrs. Carr respectfully asked the board to delay the cuts and again
allow concerned parents and knowledgeable teachers to be part of the
solution. Mrs. Carr quoted
Carol Ann Tomlinson, a University of Virginia professor and president of
the National Association for Gifted Children, “Ensure that we raise the
ceiling of performance as fervently as we raise the floor.”
Ms. Maggie
Carr, Langhorne, PA, recent graduate of Neshaminy Middle School advised
that the recent cuts to the AE program were shocking to her.
Ms. Carr noted that she was always a little different then other
kids, always separate because she knew about and could do things that
others could not. Maggie
admits it; she was “weird.” Very
few people understood her different style of learning, but AE provided an
opportunity for her to learn and interact with people that were like her.
Around fellow AE students she did not need to worry about fitting
in. The things that she did
in AE were very different than what was done in the standard classroom.
Maggie stated that substances were taken apart to discover there
origins, took apart computers and toaster ovens, traveled to the PA
Renaissance Faire, wrote and published their own books and went into
literary masterpieces such as the Raven and Twelfth Night more in
depth then some honors classes Maggie has taken.
Through AE Maggie has spread her wings and has learned and grew.
Maggie has great memories of her time spent in the AE program.
Maggie is not a taxpayer, but losing half of a teacher would
destroy what makes this program special.
Our President stated to leave no child left behind and that
includes the gifted students.
Ms. Katie
Eissler, Langhorne, PA, recently graduated from Neshaminy Middle School. Katie was in her first AE class in 5th grade.
The entire AE process has taught her much information and material
about life and about herself and her potentials.
It was one of the only classes that she could learn and have fun at
the same time. AE helped her
to experience new things that will help her throughout the rest of her
schooling and life. It
provides a new way of learning that is more interesting and involved.
It is about using your own mind to expand your own horizons.
It is not always about the textbooks, but it is about preparing
Neshaminy students for the future. Katie
feels prepared and confident for the road ahead of her and she owes a
great deal of that to the AE program and the things she has experienced
through it. This program
makes our district a district and our community a community.
Ms. Eissler asked the board to reconsider the cuts in the AE
program.
Ms. Clare
Reardon, Langhorne, PA, is 11 years old and has been in the AE program for
four years. Clare stated that
in second grade they wrote and performed a play, designed the sets and
brought in our own props. In
third grade they wrote and illustrated their own books and read them out
loud. In fourth grade they
studied leaves and trees and in fifth grade they put on the play
“Hamlet” with customs and scripts. Clare continued to explain to the board things that she
encountered with the AE program. Clare
is a perfectionist and takes a long time with her work to make sure it
turns out great. Clare is
very glad that she got into the AE program.
Clare hopes that her three younger siblings get into the AE program
and have the same experiences that she did.
Ms. Cressa
Perloff, Langhorne, PA, finished her sophomore year at George School and
attended Oliver Heckman Elementary School and Neshaminy Middle up until 8th
grade. Ms. Perloff noted that
the AE and AE math programs encourage students to explore thinking in ways
different than the norm, in ways that may be the natural way for those
individuals to think. Ms.
Perloff decided to go to George School because they do encourage this type
of thinking outside the box, and for the academics.
Ms. Perloff is finally in math classes taught at my own level.
Ms. Perloff has not been able to enjoy since elementary school AE
math, since middle school does not provide AE math classes. Ms. Perloff encouraged the board not to cut anything from the
AE programs. If it is not
broken, do not fix it, give it more.
Mrs. Rhonda
Fister, Langhorne, PA, thanked the AE teachers for addressing the needs of
students bored in math. Mrs.
Fister’s son stated “he was on top of the world today, because I was
challenged and we learned something new in math for the first time almost
all year.” Mrs. Sotille could not do that because she already spends one
day at another school. She
could not meet the needs of these very unique children.
There are over 125 students on the waiting list; some of them are
past the sixty days. Most of
the time when you have one gifted child in the family, most of the time
the other children are as well. Mrs.
Fister encourages the board that before you look at these cuts, why do we
have these identification issues and wait lists.
Mrs. Fister noted that a quota had been met in one elementary
school of three students. Mrs.
Fister also supports a new high school.
Superintendent’s Report
Dr. Boccuti reported that
summertime is preparation for the upcoming school year, but also a time
for professional staff development and this year the teachers will be
working in over 100 professional staff development programs.
All of the workshops have been prepared in-house by the lead
teachers. Dr. Boccuti can
assure everyone that in the other school districts in Bucks County quite a
bit of money is spent bringing in outside consultants.
Neshaminy, however, performs all this in-house by the lead
teachers. Dr. Boccuti thanked
all the lead teachers for their hard work.
Dr. Boccuti advised that the summer
fine arts program has begun, consisting of instrumental music, art, and
summer stock. Summer school
has also begun at the high school.
Approval of Minutes
Upon motion
of Mr. Soifer and seconded by Mr. Schoenstadt the Board approved the
minutes of the May 27, 2003 Public Meeting by a vote of seven to zero.
Mr. Eccles and Mrs. Jowett were not present.
Approval of Treasurer’s Report, Bills for Payment,
Investments, and Exonerations of Personal and Per Capita Tax
– Mr. Paradise presented the following for approval:
·
May 31, 2003 Treasurer’s Report, subject to audit
·
Bills for payment Check Register –
May 2003
·
Two Escrow Funds and Four Investment
Funds
·
Budget Transfer Report 03-8 (Working
Copy)
·
Personal and per capita tax
exonerations for May 2003 totaling 99 exonerations
Mr. Soifer
moved the May 2003 Treasurer’s Report be approved, subject to audit, the
May 2003 bills for payment, Budget Transfer Report 03-8 (Working Copy),
and personal and per capita tax exonerations be approved.
Mr. Schoenstadt seconded the motion.
The Board
approved the Treasurer’s Report, subject to audit, bills for payment,
Budget Transfer Report 03-8 (Working Copy) and exonerations of personal
and per capita tax with seven ayes and zero nays.
Mr. Eccles and Mrs. Jowett were not present.
Approval of Bids
Mr. Paradise presented the
following bids for approval:
Bid No. 03-29 Data Center Electrical Upgrade
(Installation)
Bid Amount:
$26,504.00
Installation
of electrical equipment awarded under Bid #03-31.
Bid No. 03-31 Data Center Electrical Upgrade
Bid Amount:
$46,146.00
The bid is
for electrical equipment for District Office Data Center to replace
existing main power equipment and add a back-up power capability.
Mr. Soifer
moved the two bids be approved and Mrs. Butville seconded the motion.
The Board
approved the two bids with seven ayes and zero nays.
Mr. Eccles and Mrs. Jowett were not present.
Certified and Support Personnel Actions
Dr. Boccuti presented the following
for approval:
·
Elections – Certified Personnel
·
Resignations and Leaves of Absence –
Certified Personnel
·
Elections – Support Personnel
·
Resignations and Leaves of Absence –
Support Personnel
·
Sabbatical Leaves
·
Summer School Staff
Dr. Boccuti noted on page H-1 the
appointment of two administrative appointments, Ms. Judith Katz-Brown for
the position of Assistant Principal at Poquessing Middle School and Mr.
John Metz appointed to the Assistant Principal at Maple Point Middle
School.
Mr. Soifer
questioned a federation leave on page H-4 and Dr. Boccuti advised that it
is a leave that has been in place for a few years within the district and
there is no cost to the school district for that leave.
Dr. Boccuti
recommended the approval of the personnel report for certified and support
personnel.
Mr. Stack
seconded the motion.
The Board approved the personnel
actions with seven ayes and zero nays.
Mr. Eccles and Mrs. Jowett were not present.
Motion: Approval of Bucks County Technical High School
2003-2004 Budget
Mrs. Butville presented the following
motion:
WHEREAS, in order to provide technical high school education
for students, six Lower Bucks County School Districts cooperatively
established the Bucks County Technical High School; an
WHEREAS, each participating school district must annually approve
the Technical High School’s annual budget.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Neshaminy Board of School
Directors approves the 2003-2004 Bucks County Technical High School budget
in the amount of $14,636,005 with the Neshaminy School District 2003-2004
net fiscal payment to be $2,018,770.
Dr. Spitz
seconded the motion.
Mr. Soifer questioned whether the
figures could change due to the reopening of negotiations and how can this
board vote on a budget not knowing what the contract will entail.
Dr. Spitz informed that the amount being further negotiated amounts
to approximately $25,000 total and Neshaminy’s share would be
accordingly
Ms. Drioli
stated that this is the budget that was approved and should the
renegotiating change the figures, then we would have the opportunity to
reject same.
Mrs.
Butville noted that at this point there is no contract, however, school
will open. Teachers have a
contract; this contract is for the support staff.
The Board
approved the motion with seven ayes and zero nays.
Mr. Eccles and Mrs. Jowett were not present.
Motion: Tax
and Revenue Anticipation Note
Ms. Drioli presented the following
motion:
Under
the authority of Act 52 of 1978, The Local Government Unit Debt Act
and the Internal Revenue Code, the Neshaminy School District is
permitted to borrow an amount of money up to its cumulative cash flow
deficit. The District’s
2003-2004 cumulative cash flow deficit has been projected to be
$14,163,524. The Business Office has requested quotations from banks and
other financial institutions.
I, therefore, move the following:
TO
CERTIFY the projected cumulative cash flow
deficit at $14,163,524 for the 2003-2004 fiscal year; and
TO
ACCEPT the proposal from Boenning &
Scattergood to borrow the amount of $13,866,000 on July 11, 2003,
maturing on September 15, 2003, at a net interest cost of 1.2% per
annum; and
TO
OBTAIN a written legal opinion from the School
District Solicitor as to the legality and validity of the Note and other
legal matters pertaining to the issuance of the Note pursuant to the
proposal from Boenning & Scattergood; and
TO
AUTHORIZE the officers of the Neshaminy Board of
School Directors and the Business Administrator, subject to the written
legal opinion from the School District Solicitor, to execute the necessary
documents for completion and issuance of the Note.
Mr.
Schoenstadt seconded the motion.
Mr. Soifer
wanted the public to understand that this motion was for a pre-payment of
the Blue Cross/Blue Shield obligations in order for the district to save
approximately $500,000.
The Board
approved the motion with seven ayes and zero nays.
Mr. Eccles and Mrs. Jowett were not present.
Motion: Budgetary
Increase for Federal and Other Programs for 2003-2003
Mr. Soifer
presented the following motion:
WHEREAS,
each year the Neshaminy Board of School Directors, in accordance with
instructions from the Auditor General’s office, must increase its
receipts and expenditures budget by the total amount of other programs;
and
WHEREAS, this amount represents previously approved federal and
other special program receipts and expenditures for the current fiscal
year.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOVLED, that the total 2002-2003 adjusted
budget of all funds with this increase will total $128,916,238.
Corresponding amounts should be added to both the revenue and
expenditure side of the budget as indicated on the attached document.
Mr. Stack
seconded the motion.
Mr.
Paradise noted that this is a standard motion at this time of year at
which time the district goes back and adds all of the optional programs
during the course of the year and it is basically an accounting function
to add them back into the budget.
Dr. Spitz
noted that this reflects almost $2M worth of grants that the district has
obtained from federal and other sources and it does not reflect any sort
of tax increase or expenditure increase.
The Board
approved the motion with seven ayes and zero nays.
Mr. Eccles and Mrs. Jowett were not present.
Motion: Board Policy 519– Surveys of Students; Board
Policy 521 – Health Examinations/Screenings
Mr. Soifer
presented the following motion:
WHEREAS,
new policies are recommended by the
administration to the Board Policies for review; and
WHEREAS,
after review by the Board Policies Committee the District is ready to
recommend:
New Policy 519
- Surveys of Students
New Policy 521 – Health
Examinations/Screenings; and
WHEREAS,
adoption and approval of these policies will meet requirements defined in
the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that said Policies be
approved by the Neshaminy Board of School Directors.
Mrs.
Butville seconded the motion.
The Board
approved the motion with seven ayes and zero nays.
Mr. Eccles and Mrs. Jowett were not present.
Motion: Year-End
Budget Transfers
Dr. Spitz presented the following
motion:
WHEREAS,
Section 687 of the Public School Code of 1949 requires that line item
“…sums appropriated to specific purposes in the budget…” not be
exceeded; and
WHEREAS,
under the school accounting system, line items have been determined to be
major object levels within specific subfunctions; and
WHEREAS,
year-end adjustments by the business office and auditors may cause such
line items to be exceeded.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Neshaminy
Board of School Directors, in accordance with directions from the Auditor
General’s office, authorizes the administration to make those necessary
budget transfers within and between accounts to prevent any possible over
expenditure without exceeding the total budget for 2002-2003.
Mr. Stack
seconded the motion.
The Board
approved the motion with seven ayes and zero nays.
Mr. Eccles and Mrs. Jowett were not present.
Motion: Tax
Year 2004 Assessment Appeals
Mr. Stack presented the following
motion:
WHEREAS,
the Tax Year 2004 Assessment Appeals for the
following properties have been recommended by the School District
Solicitor and George R. Sengpiel, MAI, Appraiser for the School District;
and
WHEREAS,
said appeals must be filed by the School District with the Board of
Assessment Appeals of Bucks County, on or prior to August 1, 2003, as
required by law.
Buck Road Executive Suites, LLC
TMP#21-001-012-067 & 21-001-012-068
1985 Bridgetown Pike
TMP#21-020-035-002
Ches Properties, LLC
`
TMP#22-031-103
Heathergate Complex
TMP#22-040-015
Commercial Net Lease Realty
TMP#22-057-022-002
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Neshaminy
Board of School Directors approve the filing of the above listed five 2004
Tax Year Assessment Appeals with the Board of Assessment Appeals of Bucks
County.
BE
IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Board authorizes
the Business Administrator and Solicitor to file said appeals on or prior
to August 1, 2003, and to take all such other action as required by law.
Dr. Spitz seconded the motion.
The Board
approved the motion with seven ayes and zero nays.
Mr. Eccles and Mrs. Jowett were not present.
Motion: Taxpayer
Survey and Analysis
Dr. Spitz presented the following
motion:
WHEREAS,
the Neshaminy Board of School Directors wishes
to request the opinions of taxpayers concerning the proposed building
plans for the Neshaminy High School; and
WHEREAS,
the Board will as part of this mailing, distribute an explanation of the
options to renovate versus building new; and
WHEREAS,
the Board will further utilize the services of a mailing house to deliver
both the explanation and a survey option response form to each home within
the district.
NOW,
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Neshaminy
Board of School Directors engage the services of Sales Qualifiers, a CKC
Enterprises, Ltd Company, Cleveland, Ohio, to oversee the project,
including set-up, programming for taxpayer responses, tabulation,
reporting and analysis. It is
estimated that the exact cost of this contract will depend on the number
of responses received, but will not exceed $50,000.
Mr. Stack seconded the motion.
Mr. Soifer noted that there is a
third option and that is to do neither and just do the necessary repairs
until the decision can be made which course of action to take and what the
total costs will be regarding all the facilities within this district.
Mr. Soifer noted that until he does not see the full numbers he
cannot support this motion.
Dr. Spitz stated that he is in
favor of the survey because he would like to see what a majority of the
population wants to do. Many
of the people in favor of a referendum have stated that they do not want a
new high school, so in fact, they should not be in favor of a referendum
either. Dr. Spitz can appreciate the opinions that the public does
not want a new high school, however, something needs to be done.
Dr. Spitz noted that the per capita tax rolls will be used to
distribute the survey. Dr.
Spitz noted that if there is a reasonable response that comes back
strongly that people support spending money for renovations, instead of a
new high school, then he will not vote for a new high school.
Ms. Drioli inquired of the
Solicitor whether it was correct that there was a law requiring a
referendum and would a referendum be free to the district.
Mr. Profy stated that there is no
requirement of a referendum. Act
34 requires a hearing if there is not a referendum on the occurrence of
the debt. If you incur the
debt without a referendum then you have the hearing under Act 34.
Mr. Profy noted that if there was a filing fee to get the
referendum question on the ballot it would be a diminimous cost.
Mrs. Butville stated that everyone
on this board has looked at all the information, spent hours on what needs
to be done and everyone on this board has stated that a new high school is
the best way to go. Mrs.
Butville is convinced that it is the best way not just for the students,
but the taxpayers. Renovations
to the present footprint there are still so many inefficiencies that will
exist after the renovations. Mrs.
Butville does not feel that the primary stated specifically what the
public wanted. If this is a
way to get more public involved and get the answer that the public wants
to give us then she is in favor of a survey.
Mrs. Bostwick stated that she is
convinced that the new building is the most effective way to proceed.
Mrs. Bostwick feels that the choices that the district has now will
not be available in 25 years from now.
The district will be paying twice as much for half the school.
Mrs. Bostwick wants that school to be constructed.
The teachers have had input into the design, health and safety
issues have been taken into account and Mrs. Bostwick feels that it is the
best solution for this community in the long run.
Mrs. Bostwick requested a roll call
vote be taken. The Board
approved the motion with five ayes (Mr. Stack, Dr. Spitz, Mr. Schoenstadt,
Mrs. Butville and Mrs. Bostwick) and two nays (Mr. Soifer and Ms. Drioli).
Mr. Eccles and Mrs. Jowett were not present.
Motion:
Act 34 Hearing
Mrs. Butville presented the
following motion:
WHEREAS, the Neshaminy Board of School Directors wishes to move
forward with the building plans for the Neshaminy High School; and
WHEREAS, the Board has
submitted Plancon A & B to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that
the date of Tuesday, August 26, 2003, be set for a formal Act 34 of 1973
Public Hearing on the construction plans for the Neshaminy High School.
Mr. Schoenstadt seconded the
motion.
Dr. Boccuti advised that the date
set is for an Act 34 hearing which is required by the PA Department of
Education to formally present the information to the public so that the
school board can then go ahead and proceed to make a decision on the new
high school. All of the meetings that the district has had up until this
point, the community advisory group, the steering committee, the meetings
at the various schools, etc. have all been extra.
They have not been required by the Department of Education.
The Solicitor confirmed that Dr. Boccuti’s statement is correct.
Dr. Spitz pointed out that the
proposed date for the Act 34 date will be well after the results of the
survey.
Mrs. Bostwick suggested that the
business part of the meeting with a short agenda take place before the Act
34 hearing.
Mr. Soifer raised a concern
regarding the timing of the Act 34 hearing being during the highest
vacation time period. Mr.
Soifer suggested the Act 34 meeting take place in September.
Mrs. Bostwick requested a roll call
vote be taken on the motion scheduling the Act 34 hearing for August 26th. The motion failed with four nays (Mrs. Bostwick, Ms. Drioli,
Mr. Soifer and Dr. Spitz) and three ayes (Mrs. Butville, Mr. Schoenstadt
and Mr. Stack). Mr. Eccles
and Mrs. Jowett were not present.
Mr. Stack made a motion to amend
the motion for the Act 34 Hearing to take place on September 2, 2003.
There was no second to the motion.
Dr. Spitz made a motion to amend
Mr. Stack’s motion to amend the motion for the Act 34 Hearing to take
place on September 9, 2003. Mr.
Stack seconded the motion.
Mrs. Bostwick requested a roll call
vote be taken on the motion scheduling the Act 34 Hearing for September 9,
2003. The Board approved the
motion with six ayes (Mrs. Bostwick, Mrs. Butville, Mr. Schoenstadt, Mr.
Soifer, Dr. Spitz and Mr. Stack) and one nay (Ms. Drioli).
Mr. Eccles and Mrs. Jowett were not present.
Motion:
Adoption of the 2003-2004 Budget
Mr. Schoenstadt presented the
following motion:
WHEREAS, the Neshaminy Board of
School Directors received a working draft of the 2003-2004 budget from the
administration on April 9, 2003. The
Board reviewed the budget and made the budget available to the public on
May 27, 2003; and
WHEREAS, in accordance with the
Pennsylvania School Code, the Board of School Directors must now adopt a
final operating budget for the 2003-2004 fiscal year.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED,
that the Neshaminy Board of School Directors adopt a total operating
budget of all funds in the amount of $140,821,430 including –
·
Carry-over purchase orders of $592,070
·
Federal and other programs in the
amount of $1,637,546; and a
·
Capital projects in the amount of
$5,744,695
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the
capital projects budget will be funded from the remaining proceeds of the
previous general obligation Bond Issue and Note and a proposed general
obligation Bond. The federal
programs budget will be funded by specific federal grants.
In order to fund the general fund budget, the following taxes are
to be levied:
l. Real Estate Tax
500.6 mills
2.
Interim Real Estate Tax
500.6 mills
3. Per Capita Tax –
School Code
$5.00
4.
Per Capita Tax – Act 511
$10.00
5.
Occupational Privilege Tax
$10.00
6.
Business Privilege Tax
1 mill wholesale
1.5 mills retail
$5.00 license fee
7.
Mercantile Tax
1 mill wholesale
1.5 mills retail
$2.00 license fee
8.
Real Estate Transfer Tax
1%
9.
Amusement Tax
10%, as amended by current law
Mrs. Butville seconded the motion.
Dr. Spitz addressed the parents and
students who came out with concerns over the AE program.
Dr. Spitz is a supporter of the program and advised that the board
is not trying to intentionally hurt the identified AE students who are in
the program. Dr. Spitz is
concerned about testing timelines and the procedures used by the district,
the curriculum program and the lack of math enrichment at the middle
school level. Dr. Spitz noted
that these concerns will be addressed in this upcoming school year on the
board through the committee. The
Department of Education will be visiting Neshaminy and providing their
comments. If the district is
out of compliance that will be detailed and the district will be required
to address that situation. A consistent program needs to exist across the district. The
staff cut is purely driven by enrollment figures.
Ms. Drioli is concerned about Lower
Southampton not being represented properly and it causes Ms. Drioli
concern to wonder what some schools have been receiving and the Lower
Southampton schools have not. Ms.
Drioli agrees that the program needs to be looked at.
Mrs. Bostwick received a letter
from a women stating that Reading Olympics is not done in one of the Lower
Southampton Schools. Mrs.
Bostwick would like to look into that situation.
Mrs. Butville is still upset by the
amount of money the state is not providing to the district.
The district would not have this severe problem if the state would
be adequately funding the districts.
Mr. Schoenstadt raised the issue of
special education funding and Mr. Schoenstadt noted that the federal
government and state are requiring unfunded mandates that the school
district must comply.
Mrs. Bostwick requested a roll call
vote on the Adoption of the 2003-2004 Budget.
The Board approved the motion by a vote of seven ayes (Mr. Stack,
Dr. Spitz, Mr. Soifer, Mr. Schoenstadt, Ms. Drioli, Mrs. Butville and Mrs.
Bostwick) and zero nays. Mr.
Eccles and Mrs. Jowett were not present.
Federal Programs
No report.
Other Board Business
Mrs. Bostwick stated that the
community is not for the cell tower.
The district will not be able to gain the benefits of the tower
being on school property. The
company will, however, place the tower in the vicinity and the community
will still have the tower in their neighborhood.
Correspondence
The Board
Secretary advised that there was a thank you note from the Lamar Snyder
family.
Public Comment
Mr.
Fred Thomas, Langhorne, PA, commented that BASCO had provided four
different proposals to look at anywhere from 24 rooms extra for Science
labs or buildings, etc. Any
building that you build Mr. Thomas doubts will have the same square foot
available for education that is currently existing.
Mr. Thomas feels it will be compressed.
Mr. Thomas feels if a new building is constructed in twenty years
you will need to look at the roof, paint the lockers, etc.
Mr. Thomas cannot understand why it was closed down. It was the board’s opportunity to continue.
The BASCO contract was canceled.
Mr. Thomas stated that district will be unfunded.
The $2M in savings to close one will pay for the renovations, which
needs to be done over a period of time.
That would have been more responsible.
Mrs.
Michelle MacKay feels it is a travesty to spend $50,000 to have people
tell you something they already told you at the polls when AE is being
cut. It is ridiculous to
spend that kind of money, you will not get the response.
If the response you are looking for is not gotten, will it be done
again. Mrs. MacKay feels renovations are the way to go.
People will not take the time to complete the survey.
Mrs. MacKay is a concerned, involved citizen who takes the time to
attend meetings.
Mr. Phil Schieber, Langhorne, PA,
stated that public speaking is very difficult and Mr. Schieber feels proud
when he sees the young students come forward and stand before the public. Mr. Schieber complimented all of them as well as the school
system. Mr. Schieber had a
few questions regarding the survey. How
will we assure that the questions on the survey are objective?
Are we going to have an independent person other than the school
board or the administrators of the school district take an independent
review of the compilation, collection and reporting of the results?
Mr. Schieber feels the public has spoken and he is confident that
the board will be overwhelmed by the number of people who come and tell
that they do not want a new high school.
What are the rules of engagement for the Act 34 hearing?
How many hours will be allowed?
How many speakers? How long is the board willing to stay and
listen? Mr. Schieber needs to
know whether to bring 5 people or 500 people.
Mr. Schieber’s community is against the $100M bond issue.
Will written testimony be accepted to be submitted to the board
prior to the hearing and read into the record?
Every bit of this testimony needs to be subject to the review of
the Board of Education. Someone
other than this school board needs to decide whether this community has
responded in a way that tells you we do not want a new high school, we do
not want major renovations at this time and we do not want a $100M bond
issue. We need to slow down
the process. The funding is
going to change. From chaos
comes progress and Mr. Schieber is confident that the district will hear
from Harrisburg in a positive sense.
Mrs. Kathryn Jarvie, Langhorne
Borough, stated with some level of shame that this is her first school
board meeting and she has heard a lot of bashing of the board at sometimes
in very inappropriate ways, especially seeing that there were children
present this evening. However, Mrs. Jarvie needed to add her dissenting voice and
express her disappointment at the entire process. Many individuals came out with passionate requests, which
were not always politely listened to, even though you might not have had
the same opinions, and likewise from the public.
Her disappointment comes when discussing the taxpayer survey and
analysis some board members made their feelings pro-high school very
clear, but did not answer the question about the survey.
Whether the survey is needed to achieve that end was not addressed
by many individuals on the board. Mrs.
Jarvie noted that Dr. Spitz commented “a reasonable response to the
survey was required in your estimation.”
What is considered a reasonable response?
When does this end? When
is some decision made? Mrs.
Jarvie further needed to voice her extreme disappointment on the last vote
on the agenda. The programs
still get shut down without addressing the fundamental issues and points
so well articulated by the parents this evening.
Mrs. Jarvie prays that the results of the survey come to some kind
of closure in one direction or the other, because the unending questioning
is to your detriment and your credibility.
Ms. Jarvie has never attended an AE program, however she does know
the difference between the word “mute” which means the inability to
speak and “moot” which means inconsequential and a board member or two
should note the difference grammatically.
Mr. Tom Fister, Middletown
Township, was extremely disappointed this evening that the board did not
choose to do the right thing regarding the AE program.
Mr. Fister agrees that the program should not be inequitable, but
why take it the wrong way. Obviously,
there should be a full time teacher in every school.
Mr. Fister also finds it unbelievable that the board doesn’t have
the information. Mr. Fister
feels informed and believes the board has seen as much as he has. Mr. Fister does not accept that argument.
For the amount of money needed to fix this AE program is nothing
compared to other budgetary items. Mr.
Fister would put the cell tower on his property and donate the money to
the school district.
Mrs. Joan Thomas, Langhorne, PA, is
confused. Her husband
received a report from the district that BASCO had started renovations in
the l990’s, renovated part of the school, contract was had with them,
they bid on different sizes of classrooms.
Every time BASCO is mentioned the board seems confused.
The report has everything spelled out.
They were going to build additional classrooms and the total amount
of money for renovating the entire school, new roof, new boiler system,
new everything in the entire school plus classrooms for $45M.
No one knows what is being spoken of.
Mrs. Thomas would like to know if the survey would include
information about BASCO. Will
it be a fair survey? What
option will be taken? Will
this be a fair survey with everything considered or is it going to be
slanted? $35,000 a month to
the architects, there goes your AE program.
Mrs. Naomi
Mindlin, Langhorne, PA, has one child in the AE program at Heckman and
another child graduated from the AE program at Heckman.
Mrs. Mindlin has a bachelors degree in psychology but she believes
that if you mail a survey to households you have so little control over
the results that the results are meaningless.
The district is going to pay $50,000 for a survey when we have no
idea who will be filling in the forms.
The same person could fill in one form or three forms sent to a
specific household. Groups could manipulate the results. The district has absolutely no control. The survey will be meaningless.
Mrs. Mindlin noted that because of these cuts her child will be
bored from 5th grade through 7th grade at the middle
school in math, because the math students have not been included in the
numbers for the AE program. Mrs.
Mindlin would have a preferred a vote for excellent education rather then
choosing to downsize to the lowest common denominator.
Has it been factored in the administrative costs of having to
juggle teachers over the summer just to discover by excluding the 5th
graders in the numbers and not including the children who will be tested
over the summer we will discover over the summer that we do in fact need
the full time teacher at Heckman.
Mrs. Helene Kostar, graduate of
Neshaminy High School, will be working with Mr. Paradise because Mrs.
Kostar is dealing with Johnson & Johnson in order to get computers
donated to Neshaminy School District.
Twelve flat screen Dell computers which are approximately one year
old. Mrs. Kostar wanted to let the school board know that she does
do good things for the district. Hopefully,
this can be an ongoing program every year.
It will be a tax write off for Johnson & Johnson.
Mrs. Kostar hopes that the girls’ softball team will be honored
for their success.
Mr. Joe Robb, Langhorne, PA, wished
to clear up any misconceptions about renovations at the high school. The Science department needs 24 classrooms and in order to
meet code in the science classroom we would need to take three of our
current classrooms to make two. The
high school is not like Maple Point or other schools in the area. This building evolved in many stages and grew together.
It has twelve separate units that are not interactive.
The units are connected by hallways.
Mr. Robb notes that there is at least 1200 linear feet of single
loaded non-educational space, another 500-600 feet of non-educational
space (hallway that does not have anything of either side).
Renovations will require new plumbing, electric, through all the
distance creating a larger expense. There
is not a single place in the building to place a second story.
Neshaminy High School will be demolished and rebuilt if you
renovate. If you are going to
demolish and rebuild it should be done in one unified unit.
Board Comment
Mr. Stack
commended Mr. Thomas for his attempt to address solutions.
Mr. Stack commented that Mr. Thomas is referring to a document that
was published in 1999 by BASCO. BASCO
in March, 2002 had updated the figures and Mr. Stack provided Mr. Thomas
with a copy. In looking at
the renovations options from BASCO they start at $51M going up to $60M to
add some additional classrooms and art wing.
Mr. Stack notes that the major renovations will put the district at
the $70M-$80M range. Mr.
Stack further noted that estimates to maintain a renovated building are
$180,000 more a year then a new structure which would be larger.
Mr. Stack commented that these are the facts and the facts need to
get out to the public. These
are the facts and numbers that will be relayed to the community in an
effort to help them make a decision and feedback.
Mr. Stack noted that an independent firm will be handling the
mailing and the tabulation of the information which will come back to the
board. Do we build new or
renovate? With respect to the
renovation option there needs to be further input by the community.
Mr. Stack noted that if the board walks away from this decision now
$2M will have been spent for nothing.
If the direction is pursued at a later time some of those same
costs and expenditures will be incurred by a new architect or the same
architect.
Dr. Boccuti
replied regarding the content and format of the Act 34 Hearing is
completely directed by state law. Twenty
days prior to the hearing there needs to be publicity on every aspect of
the Act 34 Hearing to the public. Prior
to that every aspect needs to be sent to the Department of Education for
review. All of those details
and facts will be given to the public at the appropriate time.
The district will be following the process as directed by the state
Mrs. Butville noted that in the F
and C halls the plumbing was not touched during renovations.
Mrs. Butville noted that when you look at all the information you
receive a better insight. Mrs.
Butville has an aerial view of the building for review.
The money it will take to renovate could be much better spent by
constructing new. Renovations
still leave inefficiencies and in 10-15 years a new building will still be
required.
Ms. Drioli stated that the district
was happy with BASCO, however, BASCO never built a new school building. Their primary work was renovation. BASCO did provide a number for a new school and it was close
to ATS&R. ATS&R was
better qualified should the district decide to go new. Schools are the expertise of ATS&R. No one has brought up the fact that it will cost $40M to
renovate Neshaminy Middle School in the event that we choose to renovate
the high school. Renovations
will not under any circumstances support the ninth grade in the high
school. Common sense suggests
that perhaps our ninth grade belongs in the high school.
Ms. Drioli feels that BASCO is a fine company, however, they have
never built a school. Every
member of this board voted for ATS&R.
Adjournment
Mrs. Bostwick moved the meeting be
adjourned and Mr. Stack seconded the motion.
The Board unanimously approved the motion.
Mrs. Bostwick adjourned the meeting at 10:20 p.m.
Respectively
submitted,
Anita E. Walls
Board Secretary |
