PUBLIC BOARD MEETING MINUTES (WORK SESSION)
NESHAMINY BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
March 11, 2003

The Neshaminy Board of School Directors met in public session on March 11, 2003 in the Board Room of 
Maple Point Middle School.The following persons were in attendance:

Prior to the Work Session an Executive Session was held.

School Board Candidates present at the meeting were Mr. Jason Bowman, Mrs. Irene Boyle, Mrs. Susan Cummings and Mr. Stan Tokarski.

l.      Call to Order

Mrs. Bostwick called the meeting to order at 7:15 p.m.

2.        Pledge of Allegiance

Mrs. Bostwick requested those in attendance join in the salute to the flag.

3.        Announcements

Mrs. Bostwick announced that after public comment Mr. Paradise would make a presentation regarding the Neshaminy School District Tentative Facilities Financial Plan A.  Also, Item 5a, Referendum, would be discussed after Item 6, Items for Approval, and would be limited to one-half hour discussion.

4.        Public Comment

Mrs. Bostwick noted that public comment would be limited to two minutes per speaker.

Ms. Arianne Rayner, Langhorne, PA, addressed the Board as follows:

“As a Junior at Neshaminy High School I see the need for a new high school on a daily basis.  This new school should be made to last with considerations for future needs.  I feel very strongly that the plans for the school should include a pool.  This modern facility could be used to support the expanding swim program at the high school level, as well as the physical education curriculum and community activities.  As you can see I am a proud member of the girls swim team, so naturally my teammates and I take a special interest in the fate of the pool and all we have worked so hard to build.  The present pool facilities are inadequate and poorly maintained, not fit to support the swim program.  A major problem we battle as a team is to find transportation to and from practices at Poquessing and Neshaminy Middle School.  This and other problems could be easily solved if there were a pool at the new high school.  It is unfortunate that in a couple of years Neshaminy will be the only school in the region without a pool at the high school in their district.  This pool could also be a major money maker for the district.  If the facilities are large enough it could be used to host large swim meets such as league championships, District I championships and USS Swim meets.  Valuable swim lessons could be taught to students in gym classes.  Swimming as well as other water skills such as lifeguarding are valuable tools that a person could use their whole life.  Depriving students of these skills could be dangerous to their health and safety.  Young children in the Neshaminy Aquatics program, competitive swimmers and older community members alike can benefit from having this pool.  Swimming is a lifelong skill that will keep you happy and healthy.  Finally, I ask you if you propose this new facility, we want it to last fifty years or more.  Where do you see the swim program and the health and recreation of the Neshaminy community in fifty years?”

Ms. Jessica Saloky, Feasterville, PA, representing Neshaminy’s core program which develops athletes specifically swimmers of all ages within the Neshaminy School District, stated:

“We have been involved in Neshaminy swimming since fourth grade and will be entering our freshman year in 2003.  As athletes we have grown throughout this program and now feel ready to enter high school swimming.  Currently, the plans for a new high school do not include swimming facilities.  We are naturally concerned and would like to emphasis why we would like this committee to reconsider building a new pool.  A new modern swimming pool will allow us to become the best swimmers that we can be, training out of high school like other schools in our division.  With this new pool we could extend our current program to include a greater number of student athletes.  We could also host meets, which could bring in revenue for the school community and district.  As swimmers we would like our sport represented at our high school like all other school activities.  I have played many other sports, but I know swimming is a sport I will enjoy forever.  Our senior year is 2007 which would be the opening of the new pool, and with this the opportunity to continue the strong tradition of Neshaminy swimming.  This new pool will give us and future swimmers the exciting and lasting memories of Neshaminy.”

Mr. Bob Feather, Levittown, PA, emphasized that his goal is not to close the middle school pools, but the emphasis is to include a swimming program at the new high school with a new pool.  Mr. Feather advised that they are part of the community and they want to be involved.  The taxpayers are ultimately funding the building of new facility.  Mr. Feather noted that other schools in the region, North Penn, Pennsbury, Central Bucks, Bensalem, Council Rock, etc. are high schools with pools and put emphasis on a swimming program.  Mr. Feather suggested to the Board that swimming is made part of the curriculum.  Mr. Feather felt that he could get a consensus that square dancing, rock climbing, etc. are not necessities.  Swimming is a lifelong sport that can be used by everyone.  Mr. Feather noted that the pool could be used to teach water safety to young children, as well as adults. 

Mrs. Donna Tull, Levittown, PA, thanked Mrs. Butville for coming to speak to the students at Everitt.  Mrs. Tull reiterated that Mrs. Kelly has become a big part of Everitt’s pride and everyone is hopeful that she can continue at Everitt.

Mr. Kevin Yeingst advised that after reading the article in the Bucks County Courier Times it seems very slanted against the new school.  Mr. Yeingst noted that the figures reported puts fear into the public, however there is no mention in the article regarding what the costs would be to repair the high school.  Mr. Yeingst hoped that the figures for repair would also be presented to the public since the article was very slanted.

Ms. Maureen Coleman, Feasterville, PA, advised that she is Neshaminy’s sole diver, and the district does not have a diving board.  Ms. Coleman informed the board that she needed to attend a private aquatic club and pay a membership in order to practice diving for Neshaminy’s swim team.  Ms. Coleman was only able to practice approximately 2-3 hours per week, including diving lessons, which she also funded herself.  Other area school districts are providing 15 hours of diving practice to their students.  Ms. Coleman suggested that with a new pool it might be possible for Neshaminy to encourage other students to participate in diving.  Ms. Coleman noted that there are other students in Neshaminy who would like to participate, however, they cannot afford to pay for their own lessons and memberships.  It was noted that Ms. Coleman made it to Districts for Neshaminy even though she had to pay for her own lessons and travel to other areas for practice.

Ms. Ashley McNulty, Hulmeville, PA, student representative, provided an up-date on the student’s opinion regarding a new high school.  The students primarily have three viewpoints:  support the new facility, against the new facility or don’t care.  Two underlying desires are that the students do not want to see the auditorium or gymnasium eliminated, and there is a great desire for a swimming pool.

Mr. Brian Suter, girl’s swim team coach at Neshaminy, advised that with the help of Dan Gallagher, the aquatics director, they have developed an age group program for community residents of Neshaminy.  Mr. Suter pointed out that there are many parents, students and teachers in support of the swimming program.  Mr. Suter advised that swimming provides pool safety for all levels of students.  Mr. Suter reported that documentation from the United States census has disclosed that 80% of all drownings between the age of one and fourteen occur at home pools.  Mr. Suter advised that if the district is teaching students for the future, swimming should be included in that curriculum and they should be provided with the tools for pool
safety.   Mr. Suter urged that the 9^th grade curriculum of swimming be continued at the high school, and Mr. Suter would hate to see that lost in our district.

Mr. Tom Gallagher, Levittown, PA, once again spoke regarding the proposed new high school and the binding referendum.  Mr. Gallagher noted that the legal opinion on this form of referendum has changed and it only affects the true question and not all business as the Board previously thought.  Mr. Gallagher reminded the Board that even though interest rates and enrollments are down, however the economy is also down.  Mr. Gallagher noted that just because interest rates are down it does not mean it is a good time to move forward in this economy.  Mr. Gallagher advised that Mr. Stack has suggested that a middle school would be closed to help pay for the bond issue and decrease costs, however Mr. Gallagher does not see any concrete evidence of a plan to do this.  Mr. Gallagher further advised the Board that a good portion of the tax base did not receive the mailing on these informational sessions.  Mr. Gallagher stated that most of the 19056 zip codes were missed in some way and that is a large portion of the district.  Mr. Gallagher reminded the Board that a large portion of the residents are senior citizens living on fixed incomes and with state mandated tax increases for the pension fund it is just not feasible to continuously ask them to pay more taxes.  Mr. Gallagher urged the Board not to discount the intelligence of the voters in this district.

Ms. Drioli inquired whether the members of the swimming group present would still be interested in a new high school if a pool was not included in the plan.

5.        Presentation – Neshaminy School District Tentative Facilities Financial Plan A

Mr. Paradise provided Board members with a handout concerning facilities financial plan.  Mr. Paradise stressed to Board members that this is one possible plan, and hence, the word “tentative.”  Mr. Paradise explained to members that following this tentative plan capital improvement bonds would be issued in 2003-2004, construction would take place in 2004-2006, the high school would open for grades 10-12 in 2006-2007 and grade 9 would be added in 2007-2008.  Mr. Paradise further advised that this plan would call for the closure of a middle school in 2006-2007 and the rental of the middle school in 2007-2008. 

Mr. Soifer questioned where would the ninth grade students be accommodated if a middle school were closed.  Mr. Wilson stated that the Administration is confident that the students can be accommodated in the other three middle schools.

Dr. Spitz advised that the middle school enrollment is decreasing significantly wherein the district could house for this one year 2006-2007, grades 6-9 in the other three middle schools.  The enrollment decline will be taking place exactly in that time period.

Mr. Marotto advised that if Neshaminy Middle is closed in the year 2006 the rest of the middle schools in the district would be at approximately 77% capacity.  The students could be accommodated in the three remaining middle schools, but obviously redistricting would occur.  Mr. Marotto advised that the advantage that the Board has with the 9^th grade regardless of when the Board decides to move the 9^th grade students to the high school, there will be more than enough room in the middle schools. 

Ms. Drioli suggested that whatever middle school is closed students will no longer be placed at the middle school so that by the time of closure it would not be a issue.  Other board members commented that busing could be an issue.

Mr. Paradise continued by explaining to Board members by the year 2008-2009 the former Eisenhower School would be sold and the Facilities and Engineering Department would be relocated to the high school property, and also in the year 2007-2008 the District Purchasing & Receiving Department which is presently located at Neshaminy Middle would be relocated. 

Mr. Paradise advised that if capital improvement bonds are issued, based on the amount of $l00M, debt repayment would not occur until the year 2004-2005.  Mr. Paradise advised that there are many ways to incur debt.  For example, a 20, 25, or 30 year mortgage, and the district could have a level debt service paying the same amount every month, or a wrap around debt service payment which would be “wrapped” around the existing debt of the district. 

Mr. Paradise noted that there could be a potential $2M savings with the closure of a middle school.  Also, there is the possibility of $lM in revenue which would be received from renting the middle school facility.

Mr. Soifer was concerned about the monies needed to make the middle school facility rentable.  Mr. Soifer felt that it may take years before a positive revenue would be seen, in fact a deficit would occur initially.  Mr. Paradise noted that many factors depend on the tenant, which is obtained for the facility.

Mr. Paradise advised that the average assessment in the district is 6,600, and in the year 2004-2005 an increase of 9.5 mills, which equates to $63.00 would occur.  In year 2005-2006 an additional 9.5 mills which provides a cumulative increase of $l26.00 and in the year 2006-2007 there would be a decrease in millage of l.5 due to the closure of the middle school and in the year 2007-2008 with the rental income the district would show a reduction of 5.5 mills which would bring the average tax increase to $8l.00.  Mr. Paradise stated that would remain the consistent increase for the next 2l years.

Mr. Paradise advised that these figures do take into consideration state reimbursements.

Dr. Spitz noted that the average increase in the Council Rock School District for the new high school, which was built, was an average of $360.00 per household.

Mr. Paradise made it very clear that this is by no means the only tax increase which the district will need to incur in the upcoming years.  Mr. Paradise advised that this is the tax increase that would be applicable to the $l00M bond for the high school facility. Other needs and other issues still exist.

Ms. Drioli requested a chart to depict what renovation costs would be to the high school facility.  Ms. Drioli noted that there will be a tax increase whether a new school is built or whether renovations occur.

Mr. Stack noted that when referring to the $l00M issue, $85M for the high school, $5M for capitalized costs and $l0M could be used for other purposes and fund the capital expenditures.  Mr. Paradise noted that it will deal with the repayment of the swing loan. 

Mr. Stack felt the community was done a disservice with the headlines in this morning’s paper, and Mr. Stack feels a correction is in order. 

6.        Items for Approval

a)       Overnight Trips

i)                    Neshaminy Middle School to Baltimore, Maryland for Music Competition and Awards Banquet – May 3-4, 2003

ii)                   Lower Southampton Elementary School to Sea World, Orlando, Florida Environmental Excellence Award 2003 – May 6-8, 2003

iii)                 Neshaminy High School Technology Student Association competition to Seven Springs Resort, Champion, PA, April 9 – 12, 2003

There was board consensus for the students to attend.

b)       Proposed School Calendar for 2003-2004

Mr. Wilson noted that the calendar is very similar to this year’s calendar.  School will still be closed a week during Easter.  The calendar reflects 187 student days and 188.5 teacher days.  

Mr. Wilson noted that for this school year minutes will be added to the school day to make up the snow days.  Seniors will be graduating on June 11, 2003 and elementary schools will be closing on time.  Mr. Wilson noted that if a problem should occur seniors could be asked to practice for graduation on Saturday.  Mr. Wilson announced that the Easter week vacation will remain in effect.

c)     IU#22 Programs and Services/Instructional Materials Budget for 2003-2004

Mr. Wilson announced that this item will be placed on the public meeting agenda on March 25, 2003 for approval.

d)       Summer School Programs 2003

Dr. Boccuti advised that the summer school program provides a Secondary Summer School  (for students in Grades 6-12) and a Summer Fine Arts Program, which consists of art, dance, instrumental music and summer stock.  These programs are designed to be completely self sufficient and are at no cost to the school district.  

e)       Amendment to Articles of Agreement to Bucks County Technical School to provide that the name of the Joint Board shall be the Bucks County Technical High School Joint Board

Mr. Wilson advised that a consensus is necessary to have the words “high school” added to the name. 

There was board consensus for the Bucks County Technical School change of name to the Bucks County Technical High School Joint Board.

Mrs. Butville inquired regarding the amendment suggested by Neshaminy regarding the Technical School Treasurer position.  Mr. Wilson noted a meeting was scheduled for Monday.

f)     Bid/s Budget Transfers

Mr. Paradise advised that there are no bids.

Budget Transfer Report No. 03-5 (Working Copy) will be presented for approval at the March 25th Public Meeting.

Mrs. Bostwick called for a recess of the meeting at 8:15 p.m.

Mrs. Bostwick reconvened the meeting at 8:30 p.m.

7.        Item for Discussion

a)       Referendum

Mr. Stack questioned:

·          How will a referendum help the district solve the problem at the high school?

·          Should other issues also be brought to a referendum vote.

·          If the referendum is rejected for $l00M debt, would that then say that we have the approval of the community to go ahead and spend $40M (do nothing approach).

Mr. Stack noted that the Board is elected by the community to make decisions, to collect information and it is clear that we are exhausting all avenues to get that information and build that into the decision process.

Mrs. Butville commented that the purpose of the referendum is to get public input as to what to do about a situation.  Mrs. Butville noted that on a referendum you will not receive much public input.  The Board will be much better served by going to the public, giving them the information, collecting their information, exchanging ideas and then understand what the public really wants.  Discussions with the public at the informational meetings which will better serve the Board.

Ms. Drioli noted that the last bond issue in the amount of $20M was not called to a referendum.  Ms. Drioli stated that she is not sure she is against the referendum, however, she is against the motive of some of the individuals calling for the referendum.

Mrs. Bostwick noted that we have not heard the same call for referendum if the district was going to renovate.  The referendum seems to pertain only if a new building is constructed, which in fact, will take less time, cost less money, etc. than some of the other options suggested.  Mrs. Bostwick mentioned that only l5% of the population may vote on the referendum and that 15% of the population would be deciding the future of the district.

Mr. Eccles stated that he does not have a problem building a new high school.  Mr. Eccles believes that something needs to be done.  Mr. Eccles questioned how many people have been attending the informational meetings and the response was 30-35 individuals.  Mr. Eccles would love to see more people attend.  Mr. Eccles noted that he wrote a letter to the Editor and some individuals were not very happy, however, he received many phone calls thanking him for standing up.  Mr. Eccles stated that he would like to see a new high school, a new pool, a new football stadium, however he can afford this.  Mr. Eccles does have a concern for the people of the community who cannot afford same.  Mr. Eccles noted that the reason for the referendum is that we live in a democratic society.  Mr. Eccles feels that sooner or later in the state of Pennsylvania there will be relief.  Mr. Eccles also believes that referendums will become a fact of life.  Mr. Eccles feels the voters need to have a greater say in what the board does.  Mr. Eccles reiterated to the Board to let the people decide.  Mr. Eccles believes that the community is educated, and given the facts they would choose to build a new school.  Mr. Eccles still feels a referendum is the way to go.

Dr. Spitz commented that Mr. Eccles’ remarks were a great campaign speech.  Mr. Eccles responded that if politics are pulled into the discussion he would leave and what he said was not intended to be a campaign speech.  Ms. Drioli was concerned about the article Mr. Eccles wrote.  Mr. Eccles stated that he is allowed and entitled to have his own opinion.  Mrs. Butville asked that Mr. Eccles remain at the meeting and continue as an elected board member.  Mr. Schoenstadt commented that Mr. Eccles makes a valid contribution and he is the conscience of the different perspective and things are not accomplished in this matter.

Mr. Eccles left the meeting at 8:45 p.m.

Mr. Schoenstadt stated that this type of animosity and dissention is not healthy.

Mr. Wilson stated that this is a board meeting and individuals in the audience who bellow out comments will need to leave.

Dr. Spitz responded that he believes Mr. Eccles is sincere about his beliefs and he is certainly entitled to his opinion.  Dr. Spitz noted that in the past he has been a valued board member.  Dr. Spitz stated that unfortunately his concern is that the same group of people attend the meetings and make a point of singling out Mr. Eccles for praise, and make a point as a vendetta in his opinion to trashing the rest of the board members.  Dr. Spitz commented that eight of the nine board members are trashed on a regular basis by the people who support Mr. Eccles.  Dr. Spitz does not blame Mr. Eccles for that, however, for Mr. Eccles to make a statement about his beliefs, which he is certainly entitled to do, and then to simply walk out as he has done in the past does not help anyone.  Dr. Spitz would like for Mr. Eccles to contribute to the board in a positive way and the method chosen to express his views and then leave when someone asks him a question about his views is not helpful to anyone.  Dr. Spitz is concerned about the constant trashing of eight of the nine members of this board by the same group of people who attend most of our meetings.

Mr. Soifer commented that if people want to attend board meetings and voice their opinions they have every right to do so and it does not matter, because this is what a democracy is for.  Mr. Soifer would like to see the board members exert enough self-control to let people express their opinions without turning around and issuing their own speech after the fact.  The board needs to have discussion and that is the only way things will get accomplished.

Ms. Drioli has a difficult time with the article written to the editor.  Ms. Drioli respected Mr. Eccles opinion until things began appearing in print.  Ms. Drioli feels Mr. Eccles does make a contribution to this board.

Mr. Stack inquired what percentage of the voting population is necessary to have a proper representation of the viewpoint of the community at large.  Mr. Stack is aware that it is not 10% or 15% of the voters you will get in the primary.  The opportunity will not be available until a national election or presidential election to get a true feedback from the community.

Mrs. Bostwick suggested that this issue be brought to the Finance Committee because there are so many questions concerning what question will be asked, how will it be phrased, and the dollar amount on the question.  Mrs. Bostwick suggested that the Finance Committee along with Mr. Paradise and the Administration can work on these questions.

8        Superintendent’s Report

Mr. Wilson discussed the calendar situation earlier in the meeting.

9.     Committee Reports

a.     Board Policies

No meeting was held.  Mr. Marotto is continuing to look at all the policies.  Mrs. Butville announced that the letter to Arlen Spector did not help since the funding was cut.

b.      Educational Development

Dr. Spitz advised that a meeting is scheduled for March 18, 2003.

c.              Facilities/Finance Committee

Mr. Soifer will arrange to schedule a meeting during the month of March.  Mr. Soifer noted that the handout from Mr. Paradise will be reviewed and Mr. Minotti will provide further information.  Discussion ensued regarding the scope and nature of the facilities/finance meeting along with the parameters in which the finance committee will operate.  Mr. Soifer is concerned that assumptions are being made that certain facilities will be used to accommodate students, however, is any thought being given to the fact that the facility in five years from now may not be in a condition to accommodate those students.

Mr. Schoenstadt suggested that the information from the Executive committee meetings should be reviewed since it is very clear and explicit.  Mr. Soifer’s concern is that there are preconceived ideas. 

Mr. Soifer will contact all board members with the date of the meeting.

d.              Intermediate Unit Board

Ms. Drioli noted that all board members must complete the ballots for the Election of Members to the Bucks County Schools Intermediate Unit Board of Directors.

e.     Educational Foundation

Dr. Spitz reported that a meeting was held on March 10^th and discussion ensued regarding what should be done with the current assets, which are currently earning l% in a savings account.  A tentative decision was made to move same into a higher yielding investment.  Ideas are still being researched for a fall fundraiser.

f.     Technical School Board

Mrs. Butville reported that the Tech School will be presenting the play “Once Upon This Island” which is a coffee theater.  Summer exploratory program has been set for 6-8^th graders to get a feel for the tech school which takes place on July 14^th through 31^st .  The VICA club students received 29 medals from competition.  The DECA club participated in state competition with 20 students.  

Dr. Spitz advised that the Tech School Budget Committee had their first meeting last week.

g. Technology

Mr. Stack advised that a meeting is scheduled for March 26^th regarding the elementary school labs.

10.     Future Topics

11.   Agenda Development for the March 25, 2003 Public Meeting

12.        Correspondence

No correspondence was received.

13.   Other Board Business

Mr. Schoenstadt advised that a new organization called “What About the Kids” exists.  A local nonpartisan group has formed a committee in order to identify candidates for school board, and then to support those candidates with the primary focus being to further the interests of the children of the Neshaminy School District and their education.  This committee will be contacting all the school board candidates in order to get a position statement and to give them the seven goals and objectives of the organization.  The committee has asked existing school board members and school superintendents throughout the county to participate and join the organization.  Mr. Schoenstadt advised that you can join online at HTTP://www.whataboutthekids.org.  The organization was heavily responsible for the election of Ed Rendell and many of the legislatures.  The local Neshaminy group will be contacting all of the candidates.  Mr. Schoenstadt stated that 363 school districts currently participate.  Their agenda is to find school board candidates who are not politicians, and who are not pushing political agendas.

Mr. Schoenstadt encouraged every board member to sign up.  The focus is on the students and education and placing the students first.  The seven point agenda includes safety, environment, security, curriculum, etc.

Mrs. Butville announced that the PSBA legislative lobby day is April 29, 2003.

Dr. Spitz announced that the Education Foundation would like to look into the possibility of having a company (such as Harris) do work tracking down alumni and getting addresses and phone numbers.  Further details will be provided in the future.  Mrs. Butville thought that the district was going to receive permission from each graduate to obtain the information and contact them.  Mr. Wilson noted that under FERPA it cannot be done.

Dr. Spitz noted that several surrounding school districts have found a way to accomplish same.

Mr. Stack would like to see that the next Work Session agenda include an item for discussion regarding the Budget.  Mr. Stack noted that there will be a meeting in Doylestown on March 31^st and state representatives will be present.  Mr. Stack noted that the majority of people he has spoken with are interested and concerned in tax reform and the ways schools are funded in Pennsylvania.  Mr. Stack urged as many board members as possible to attend the legislative meeting.

14.     Adjournment of Meeting

Mr. Stack moved the meeting be adjourned and Mr. Soifer seconded the motion.  The Board voted to adjourn the meeting with seven ayes.  Mrs. Bostwick adjourned the meeting at 9:25 p.m.

Respectfully submitted,

Anita E. Walls
Board Secretary

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