Lets all rember our brothers and sisters who gave there lives to make this country what it is today. Memorial Day is for those who sacrificed their lives in many battles and wars. Lets raise a glass to honor our veterans.
Happy Memorial Day to all my friends and family and neighbors! See you along the parade route, wave those flags proud, many fought and gave their life and continue to fight now.
Looking forward to seeing you all along the parade route. Let's remember why we have this holiday. Thank you to those who have served, who are serving and who are going to serve. You are heros in my eyes. Happy Memorial Day.
On another less noble topic, the Tech School budget was rejected by the Morrisville School Board by a 2-7 vote last Wednesday. There was some back & forth about whether the Tech School has done enough to reduce costs. I agree the Tech School probably doesn't have quite the same amount of pressure to reduce costs as MSD and other sending districts. However, it was said again that the Tech School budget just goes up year after year. I just want to point out that that's not really true.
The Tech budget dropped by nearly $1 million from 2010-11 to 2011-12, and was lower in 2012-13 than it was 3 years earlier (2009-10).
Back in March (2013), I posted some info about the past several Tech School budgets and enrollment figures. It seems appropriate to repeat it below (enrollment figures updated based on additional research).
Voters pick candidates for school board in Council Rock, Pennsbury, Neshaminy, Morrisville and Bristol Borough
Published: Friday, May 24, 2013
With numerous local school board seats up for grabs, Democratic and Republican voters weighed in on Tuesday with their picks for November.
BRISTOL BOROUGH – In the race for school board, incumbent John D’Angelo, Kelly Cochran and David Chichilitti were the top vote getters, winning positions on both the Republican and Democratic ballots in November. Mark R. Bartuska Sr. won on the Republican ballot while Ralph DiGuiseppe III received the nod of the Democrats, leaving them to battle it out for the fourth open seat on the board come November. Jason Lichter, who was cross-filed on both tickets, and Democrat Joseph T. Adamson failed in their bid for seats on the board.
COUNCIL ROCK - In Council Rock, four school board seats are up for grabs, with only one incumbent, Kyle McKessy, seeking a return to the board. In Region 3, voters from both parties selected Denise Brooks over Edward W. Farling III as their candidate for school board. The seat is currently held by Bernadette Heenan. Brooks won both the Republican and Democrat ballot, leaving her unopposed in November. Brooks will be a member of the next Council Rock School Board. In Region 6, Republican voters chose Mark Byelich as their candidate while Democrats picked Edward Mayer. Both will meet again in November. The winner will take the seat now held by board member Robert Donnelly who decided against another term. In Region 8, voters picked Andy Block over Theodore Caputi and Diana Nolan in a hotly contested Primary race for a seat on the board. Block took nearly 70 percent of the vote on the Democratic ballot. The seat is currently held by Paul Anagnostakos. Block’s win on both ballots means that he will join Brooks as the newest members of the Council Rock School Board. In Region 9, McKessy was looking to beat back a challenge by board watch dog Le Sheppard, and she succeeded by a wide margin, ensuring her a second term as a Council Rock School Director.
MORRISVILLE - Voters in the Morrisville Borough School District picked their candidates for four open seats on the school board from a field of five. Ivan Colon, Joe Gilleo and Jon Perry were the top vote getters on both the Democratic and Republican ballots and will appear on both tickets in November. Ronald Stout won on the Republican ballot while Daniel Dingle received the nod of the Democrats.
NESHAMINY – The race for school board was on the quieter side on Tuesday with only one contested race. Current board vice president Scott Congdon ran unopposed for in Region 1, ensuring his return to the school board. In Region 2, incumbent Mike Morris beat back the challenge by Doug Suessegger, who filed as a Democrat, leaving him as the lone candidate who did not cross-file. Morris took the Democrat and Republican vote, ensuring a seat on the school board, winning the Democrat side by 52.5 percent – 47.5 percent. In Region 3, incumbent Irene Boyle and Ron Rudy ran unopposed for two seats, guaranteeing both a spot on the board.
PENNSBURY - In Region 1, Republican voters picked Susan Simon and incumbent school board member and outspoken union critic Simon Campbell as their candidates for school board in November while Democrats went with the team of Joshua Waldorf and Debra Wachspress. Campbell and Simon took the Republican vote on Tuesday with 29.9 percent and 28.5 percent, respectively, while Waldorf and Wachspress won the Democratic ballot, with respective percentages of 42 and 44.3 percent. The four will face each other again in November for two seats on the nine member Pennsbury School Board.
In Region 3, Republicans selected Casey Lawrence and Skip Tenney as their candidates while Democrats chose the team of Alison Smith and Debra DeBlasio. The four will meet again in November to battle it out for two open seats on the school board, including one held by school board president Allan Weisel, who decided not to seek another term.
Tullytown councilwoman ordered to pay for political signs she took down
Posted: Friday, May 24, 2013 4:30 pm | Updated: 9:16 pm, Fri May 24, 2013.
By Joan Hellyer Staff Writer
The vice president of the Tullytown council has been ordered to pay $155.48 to a former councilman for two of his signs she removed from main roadways in the borough, according to court records.
District Judge Michael J. Burns issued the ruling Thursday in civil court.
Burns ruled that council Vice President May Kucher was liable for a civil judgment of $60 and costs totaling $95.48 related to the suit that George Fox filed against her in March.
The blue with white trim signs encourage Tullytown residents to visit the “information center” website to read about town issues, according to Fox. Kucher is a frequent target of the site.
The suit claimed that Kucher took down 12 signs the morning of Tullytown’s annual picnic Sept. 8. Kucher admitted to taking down two of the signs in her role as the council’s streets department chairwoman.
On Friday, she said she will not abide by the court ruling.
“I didn’t do anything wrong. More than likely we will appeal it, but I am not sure how (the court system) works,” Kucher said.
The council, in a split vote, recently agreed to have the borough cover the legal expenses Kucher is assessed during the court battle. The council’s solicitor, Michael Sellers, represented Kucher at Thursday’s court hearing.
On Friday, Fox said he is glad the judge ruled in his favor. But, he said, the case is not over.
“I want to know where my other 10 signs are,” Fox said. “It’s not over unless I find out where my other signs are.
Fox had asked the court to help him recoup nearly $500 in connection with the loss of his tullytownnews.com signs.
He has already lost his county job in connection with the sign dispute. County officials contend that Fox allegedly abused his post by making and serving a fake subpoena to get surveillance videos that allegedly show Kucher taking the signs.
False. Don't listen to the rumors. Ask questions to those who know. I did. The board won't let that happen no matter what those rumors say or what the admin wants.
The PTO is doing wonderful things for the schoolSo great to see people working together and not pushing volunteers away with attitudes and dissention breath of fresh air
"Rumor has it library is going away. True? False? What gives?"
"False. Don't listen to the rumors. Ask questions to those who know. I did. The board won't let that happen no matter what those rumors say or what the admin wants"
"The Library isn't going , just the Librarian."
None of this is true, I'm assuming the poster of all of this already knows what they are saying is not true. "Rumor has it" because you are starting the rumor. There's always a new avenue to get people worked up. I'm so tired of people starting a whisper down the lane just to see how far it can go & what it can become.
The statement about the board not letting it happen even if the administration wants it, is pretty stupid and is being used as another tool of getting people worked up about council. The library "board" is largely made up of council people which is another reason what was said seems so stupid.
IF council wanted to get rid of the library, which they don't, the board wouldn't be able to do anything about it. There is absolutely no talk at all about getting rid of the library OR getting rid of a librarian. It's being made up on here.
This kind of talk is the way back not the way forward.
Anyone paying any attention knows that council has spent the last few years getting a new roof, new porch & new porch roof, new air & heating systems etc, for the library. I have only ever heard those on council speak of the library with respect. It's one of the few things all of council seems to be on the same page about.
Was anyone else annoyed by Rita Ledger's sign on her car in the parade saying "Morrisville's 1st Woman Mayor"? Every time I see it, I cringe. I don't care if the mayor is male, female, transgendered, white, black, brown, green, or purple. I want an effective and functioning mayor, not a walking advertisement for affirmative action.
Not many people come to the meetings, they may have a bunch of reasons but tt's generally not because they don't care. The cut to 1/2 day K was a painful consequence of the old Hellmaniac board cutting taxes and burning savings to balance budgets.
Nobody came to the Board Meeting when Kindergarten got chopped in half. I'd be surprised if people show up to save the books.
and
Not many people come to the meetings, they may have a bunch of reasons but tt's generally not because they don't care.
I agree with the first poster and disagree with the second. The people don't care, at least not enough of them. Just remember how many showed up when they discussed cutting Friday night football. Their were pitchforks and torches. And let;s not forget the angry masses when people thought there might be a tax increase for a new school. Perhaps I should amend my statement, the people only care when it affects something that matters to their little area of interest. Kindergarten? I don't have a kindergartner, so I don't care! Books? Who reads books in Morrisville? Curriculum? What's that? Class size? How many can we pack in to save a few $$? There are some people who do care about what is really important in education, but I think these folks are in the minority. I point to the apathy a the polls, the no shows at meetings and the election of the rubes we get in positions of power as direct evidence of this. Generally speaking, people are selfish and only look to their immediate interests, in Morrisville, this seems to be taken to the extreme.
Not just Ron, what about Worob? Eileen? Rita? Angry Al? Jack Buckman? Marlys? the list goes on...and Rube is putting it mildly for some of these people.
"So Jon, now that you are joining the SB, what will become of the Bulldog Banter blog.
Will this become a vector to the SB? Will it be abandoned? Will someone else take over the blogmaster role?"
Well, I'm not on the School Board yet, but your questions are good and valid. I don't know. I suppose I could continue this blog in some shape or form, but I'm more than happy to have someone else take it over. Any takers? It's pretty low maintenance. Clear out occasional spam, throw up a new post here and there, throw in a contribution here and there, sit back and watch the magic happen.
"Sometimes I can truly understand a dystopian society that tries to burn all books."
That's the perfect outlook for someone who enjoys being controlled by others and a government that controls its citizens. When the government tells me what to do I just say no by reflex.
"""""Sometimes I can truly understand a dystopian society that tries to burn all books."
That's the perfect outlook for someone who enjoys being controlled by others and a government that controls its citizens. When the government tells me what to do I just say no by reflex.""""
I'm pretty antiauthoritarian. What I was trying to say is the endless bickering, general stupidity, apathy, and selfishness of our society makes me sad and disappointed. It's like many don't deserve the knowledge and beauty that come from books.
I'm hoping it's a mere coincidence that you've found another arrogant egomaniac who also happens to be a CPA. I got to believe there are plenty of humble and reasonable CPAs out there.
"What I was trying to say is the endless bickering, general stupidity, apathy, and selfishness of our society makes me sad and disappointed. It's like many don't deserve the knowledge and beauty that come from books."
That's different then. You're identifying the conflict between the American give me it now instant gratification mentality and the reality that life can be hard and thinking for yourself can be even harder.
Look at the bright side. 2 yrs ago the voters of Morrisville caught on, came out strong and threw out of office some offensive people on the school board. Even after they lowered their taxes. It takes time to sink in and the empire always tries to strike back but rubes and their egomanical manipulators can be defeated.
Star Wars, nothin' but Star Wars, nothin' but Star Wars, all of the time.
The rubes, as they've been called, are like Herpes. They lurk in the nervous system of the town, just waiting for a stressful event to trigger an outbreak.
Anyone read he Police blotter for Morrisville in the BCCT? Our men in blue seem really great at arresting folks for drugs and alcohol. What about the real crime?
This ain't CSI Miami but as far as I can tell for home burglaries essentially nothing is done. No fingerprints, no investigation. Maybe check with a pawnshop or 2, that's about it. Sorry for your loss, you're on your own, deal with it. If you're a burglar, unless you're caught red headed coming out of a house with stolen goods your chances are real good.
But if you hang around plaza blvd or the seven eleven at millpond, and have brown skin, you're basically gonna get busted.
Why do we have a police force, if all they do is hassle petty crap?
Even the Heroin bust at the smoke shop was handled by out of town police.
Perhaps we should harry our first female mayor over this. She wants to be in charge of the cops, even if they won't let her. Is it any wonder why? They all seem incompetent.
I heard that the "BEST" english teacher the High school has is now going to be teaching 3rd graders. I hope that was her choice? I guess she will now prepare our 3rd graders for college and once again the High School students will suffer. Anyone know why this move is happening or is Ferrara shooting darts to see where he will assign the teaching staff?
Ed comm. meetings, aren't televised.Only people who are there hear it. Blog can help get more info out. Its tough dealing in rumors and answers may be complicated but trying is appreciated. The person asking should Email their questions to the entire SB and the admin.
What are the odds they would be answered by the administration? They would say its a personell matter and can't be discussed. They will say there will be some changes but they won't be specific.
I agree, but it can't hurt to ask them anyway. Do it in public session or by e-mail as suggested. Then come back and use this blog to let the rest of us know what happened.
asking about changes to education is ok they may not be able to tell you specifics but they will provide you with an overview of what was done and the need to do it.
Can it be believed with this administration? I don't think so, Bill Ferrara is not a truthful person in my mind. His past speaks for itself. He is the educational leader so I assume he made these decisions because he trusts no one else to make them.
Congratulations to all of the seniors who received awards last night at the high school. It was a wonderful night hearing of the academic and athletic achievements of the Class of 2013. Stories of overcoming health and language obstacles by some throughout their school years made it a truly emotional evening for those in attendance. Hearing of the achievements by the award winners and the respect given to them by the presenters shows how many great students we have in our schools. The evening was capped by a very classy cheese, cracker, and fruit spread.
Many thanks go to Ms. Nemeth for organizing the event and Mr. Donovan for the reception afterwards.
Once again, congratulations to all award winners. You have made Morrisville proud.
Much, much better, Damon. Congratulations to all the award winners.
I did enjoy the Fishbone reference (U-G-L-Y) above, though. I saw them play at the now defunct City Gardens in Trenton, and they blew the doors off the place. Through the magic of the internet, I see that the concert date was May 1, 1987.
The senior awards ceremony truly was a moving and unforgettable evening. The class of 2013 is comprised of many talented and special young people! I'm sure they will have much success in their future! Congrats to all!
Centennial gives $118,575 severance to superintendent
Posted: Saturday, June 8, 2013 5:30 am | Updated: 6:54 am, Sat Jun 8, 2013. By Naomi Hall Staff writer Centennial school district gave Superintendent Jennifer Cressman a $118,575 severance payment to get her to vacate her contract before it expired in 2014, the district has confirmed. In a May 28 board meeting, the school board announced that Cressman and the board had mutually agreed to terminate her employment as superintendent effective June 30. Cressman was hired in 2011 and her contract was set to expire June 2014. She is at the center of a federal discrimination and retaliation lawsuit that a former school principal filed against the district. That case is headed to trial in the federal courthouse in Philadelphia. School officials have declined to say whether the federal case and Cressman’s departure were connected. According to Pennsylvania Public School Code, Cressman was entitled to severance pay that was up to half of her total compensation for the remaining term of her contract. Her salary was listed as $155,000 in 2011-2012, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. She’s been on paid leave since mid-April. District officials declined to explain why Cressman’s contract ended a year early. When her termination was announced, school board President Andrew Pollock read a joint statement from school board members and Cressman. It read in part: "Under the Public School Code, and the terms of Dr. Cressman’s employment contract, the School Board was required to notify Dr. Cressman whether it intended to retain her as Superintendent for an additional term of office at least 150 days before the expiration of her current employment agreement. Consistent with that legal obligation, the School Board notified Dr. Cressman that it did not intend to renew her employment contract. After receiving such notification, and reflection upon it, Dr. Cressman advised the School Board that she would be willing to leave her position earlier than June 30, 2014, as specified in her contract, in order to accelerate the transition to a new administrative leader for the school district. "The School Board and Dr. Cressman have agreed upon a rescission agreement that they both believe serves the School District’s best interests. The School Board appreciates Dr. Cressman’s years of service with the School District as both an educator and an administrator. Dr. Cressman is deeply grateful for the many opportunities the School District has afforded her over her (17) years of service. She wishes the School District well as it continues to endeavor to provide the best possible education for the community’s children." Cressman did not respond to requests for comment. Cressman had served for a year as assistant to former superintendent Thomas Turnbaugh when the board made her the district’s acting superintendent in January 2011 and hired her as superintendent a month later, according to court documents and state records. In her first superintendent’s blog to the community dated February 23, 2011, Cressman acknowledged the superintendent turnover that has occurred in the district. “We have experienced administrative turn-over and have recently restored an administrative team that will bring stability, vision, and forward momentum for the district,” she wrote. In her absence, Joyce Mundy, is serving as substitute superintendent as well as assistant superintendent of elementary and secondary education.
Anonymous above said, "Ed comm. meetings, aren't televised.Only people who are there hear it. Blog can help get more info out. Its tough dealing in rumors and answers may be complicated but trying is appreciated. The person asking should Email their questions to the entire SB and the admin."
As I have mentioned in earlier posts I don't believe this is the forum to answer questions raised regarding issues within the school district. I do believe, however, that one should attend a meeting, email, or find another way to get the answers to your questions. Posting questions on this blog or on Facebook or any other type of social media will not get answers to your questions and concerns. If anything you'll only get what is spread by the rumor mill which is usually by those with no knowledge of the issue.
With that said, and since I also chair the Education Committee, I welcome any questions via email regarding the library and any other items of interest if you are unable to attend the next Education Comm. meeting. The questions will be read at the meeting and I will respond to your email after the meeting. What you wish to do with that response afterwards is up to you.
The Education Comm. meeting will be held at 7:00 in the LGI on this Tuesday 6/11/13. I will take emails up to that time. If you can attend the meeting, I will allow time for open topic discussion.
Damon: Can you let us know why more classrooms are being built in the Library? If we have no Library how do the students get books to read if they can't afford to buy them. Please tell us that the Libray and its books will stay in the High School Building, because all families can't afford to purchase books for their Children.
As I mentioned in my post above, please email me your questions to dmiller@mv.org. I will not be answering questions on this blog. If you wish to post my answer, that's up to you.
Sometimes rumors come about from misinformation, lack of information, or misinterpretations of information, and are not meant to inflame. Other times, they are the product of someone whose motives are not so pure.
I give Damon Miller and the current school board majority high marks for trying 1) to reach out within the community, 2) to answer questions, and 3) not being a primary source of rumors themselves.
Yes they do, and to their credit they are, rather than focusing on making their lives miserable, as Hellmann and Mihok and etc. etc. etc. were wont to do with anyone they didn't hire themselves.
Hey I saw these posts from Aug 2011 when Hellmann was running things and feel they are worth repeating here and now. I think the new board is a vast improvement in this regard. Keep up the good, positive work! We're with you!
Jon said... Am I reading this right, that you feel I and/or others on this blog are more anti-board than pro-student? Please expound upon this. I'm honestly interested in what's behind your statement.
If that's what you're saying, I think you're off base. Personally, yes, I'm anti-board, but BECAUSE they're not pro-student. It's a reaction to that. This board is overwhelmingly pro-themselves, pro-low tax, and pro-their way or the highway. They're anti-listening, anti-compromise, anti-nuanced thought, anti-transparency, and anti-factual information.
I want honest brokers who are going to make decisions based on hard facts and thorough thought, not ideology, and communicate them well to everyone. That ain't sufficiently happening now, in my humble opinion. Sunday, August 14, 2011
Peter said... "I want honest brokers who are going to make decisions based on hard facts and thorough thought, not ideology, and communicate them well to everyone."
Well said, Jon. If we had such a board I would stand 100% behind them, even though I would not expect to agree with them 100% of the time. And if they showed/communicated some of this, then perhaps their decisions would not be harshly criticized. Sometimes hard decisions need to be made and they may not always favor the students -- you can't always get what you want, right -- but to completely and unilaterally reject community input and simply ignore their questions is unacceptable. While there are many out there that were not a fan of "the Sandy Gibson board" at least they took a few moments after every public comment session to respond to the concerns of the people. Monday, August 15, 2011
Yeah, but that was soooooo 2011. Actually, it's pretty timeless. Thanks for thinking something I said was worth repeating. Peter always has good insights too.
The MM people are shoveling a crapload of excrement that Hellmann, Radosti, Mihok, Worob, Worob, Stout and all of their undereducated unthinking idiot followers left behind. The Stay the Course people all SPENT their way out of reasonable budgeting by selling the family inheritance and depleting the reserve fund. THEY SPENT THE DISTRICT INTO NEAR BANKRUPTCY.
No wonder you don't see them anymore. They split the scene when the feces started making physical contact with the electric powered oscillating air current distribution device.
Posted: Wednesday, June 12, 2013 5:00 am | Updated: 7:46 am, Wed Jun 12, 2013.
The Centennial school board and Superintendent Jennifer Cressman have mutually decided to end Cressman’s contract a year before its scheduled June 30, 2014, expiration. In a joint statement, the board and Cressman said they “have agreed upon a rescission agreement that they both believe serves the school district’s best interests.”
The agreement certainly serves Cressman’s best interests: She’ll receive $118,575 in severance. Less obvious is how shelling out three-quarters of the superintendent’s 2011-12 salary to get her to leave early serves the district — unless her job performance was so unsatisfactory the school board believed it had to be rid of her. (She’s been on paid leave since mid-April.)
In fact, the board did tell Cressman she would not be rehired in 2014, as required by the Public School Code and the terms of her contract. Cressman then advised the board she would be willing to leave earlier than June 30 of next year.
Cressman is involved in a federal discrimination and retaliation lawsuit brought by a former school principal against the district. School officials would not say whether the lawsuit and Cressman’s departure are related. Nor would they give any other explanation about why their superintendent, hired in early 2011, is on the way out after little more than two years on the job. Cressman declined comment as well.
The school board could continue to refuse to talk about Cressman’s termination because it is a personnel matter. But we think the district should open up about the buyout and the reason or reasons for it. The decision is costing Centennial over $118,000. There should be some accountability for that money.
For whatever reason, the district has experienced what seems to be an inordinate amount of administrative churn. Cressman herself noted that when she was hired but expressed confidence that with her hiring, stability had been restored.
Now, the district has a substitute superintendent until the school board can hire Cressman’s full-time replacement.
For the sake of education in Centennial, and to avoid the need for expensive severance payouts in the future, we hope the school board can find a superintendent who provides the stability that has been so elusive.
Again, interesting. Here in Morrisville, when Superintendent Dr. Yonson's 1-year early buyout happened in 2010, the amount was not revealed to the public. The BCCT didn't have a single editorial word to say about it.
Centennial SD has about 6,000 students, so it's about 6 times the size of Morrisville SD, which makes it about 6 times easier to absorb a buyout of this magnitude.
Damon said... Anonymous above said, "Ed comm. meetings, aren't televised.Only people who are there hear it. Blog can help get more info out. Its tough dealing in rumors and answers may be complicated but trying is appreciated. The person asking should Email their questions to the entire SB and the admin."
As I have mentioned in earlier posts I don't believe this is the forum to answer questions raised regarding issues within the school district. I do believe, however, that one should attend a meeting, email, or find another way to get the answers to your questions. Posting questions on this blog or on Facebook or any other type of social media will not get answers to your questions and concerns. If anything you'll only get what is spread by the rumor mill which is usually by those with no knowledge of the issue.
With that said, and since I also chair the Education Committee, I welcome any questions via email regarding the library and any other items of interest if you are unable to attend the next Education Comm. meeting. The questions will be read at the meeting and I will respond to your email after the meeting. What you wish to do with that response afterwards is up to you.
The Education Comm. meeting will be held at 7:00 in the LGI on this Tuesday 6/11/13. I will take emails up to that time. If you can attend the meeting, I will allow time for open topic discussion.
111 comments:
Lets all rember our brothers and sisters who gave there lives to make this country what it is today. Memorial Day is for those who sacrificed their lives in many battles and wars. Lets raise a glass to honor our veterans.
Happy Memorial Day to all my friends and family and neighbors! See you along the parade route, wave those flags proud, many fought and gave their life and continue to fight now.
Looking forward to seeing you all along the parade route.
Let's remember why we have this holiday.
Thank you to those who have served, who are serving and who are going to serve.
You are heros in my eyes.
Happy Memorial Day.
Well said, all. I'm sure I'll be there to watch the parade.
On another less noble topic, the Tech School budget was rejected by the Morrisville School Board by a 2-7 vote last Wednesday. There was some back & forth about whether the Tech School has done enough to reduce costs. I agree the Tech School probably doesn't have quite the same amount of pressure to reduce costs as MSD and other sending districts. However, it was said again that the Tech School budget just goes up year after year. I just want to point out that that's not really true.
The Tech budget dropped by nearly $1 million from 2010-11 to 2011-12, and was lower in 2012-13 than it was 3 years earlier (2009-10).
Back in March (2013), I posted some info about the past several Tech School budgets and enrollment figures. It seems appropriate to repeat it below (enrollment figures updated based on additional research).
2009-10 = $22,400,000
2010-11 = $22,513,051
2011-12 = $21,534,573
2012-13 = $22,294,157
Below is some historical Tech School enrollment data:
2004-05 = 1,397
2005-06 = 1,473
2006-07 = 1,480
2007-08 = 1,440
2008-09 = 1,418
2009-10 = 1,355
2010-11 = 1,359
2011-12 = 1,427
2012-13 = ???
A 3/12/2013 BCCT article said enrollment may exceed 1,500 for 2013-14.
Bucks News
Voters pick candidates for school board in Council Rock, Pennsbury, Neshaminy, Morrisville and Bristol Borough
Published: Friday, May 24, 2013
With numerous local school board seats up for grabs, Democratic and Republican voters weighed in on Tuesday with their picks for November.
BRISTOL BOROUGH – In the race for school board, incumbent John D’Angelo, Kelly Cochran and David Chichilitti were the top vote getters, winning positions on both the Republican and Democratic ballots in November. Mark R. Bartuska Sr. won on the Republican ballot while Ralph DiGuiseppe III received the nod of the Democrats, leaving them to battle it out for the fourth open seat on the board come November. Jason Lichter, who was cross-filed on both tickets, and Democrat Joseph T. Adamson failed in their bid for seats on the board.
COUNCIL ROCK - In Council Rock, four school board seats are up for grabs, with only one incumbent, Kyle McKessy, seeking a return to the board. In Region 3, voters from both parties selected Denise Brooks over Edward W. Farling III as their candidate for school board. The seat is currently held by Bernadette Heenan. Brooks won both the Republican and Democrat ballot, leaving her unopposed in November. Brooks will be a member of the next Council Rock School Board. In Region 6, Republican voters chose Mark Byelich as their candidate while Democrats picked Edward Mayer. Both will meet again in November. The winner will take the seat now held by board member Robert Donnelly who decided against another term. In Region 8, voters picked Andy Block over Theodore Caputi and Diana Nolan in a hotly contested Primary race for a seat on the board. Block took nearly 70 percent of the vote on the Democratic ballot. The seat is currently held by Paul Anagnostakos. Block’s win on both ballots means that he will join Brooks as the newest members of the Council Rock School Board. In Region 9, McKessy was looking to beat back a challenge by board watch dog Le Sheppard, and she succeeded by a wide margin, ensuring her a second term as a Council Rock School Director.
MORRISVILLE - Voters in the Morrisville Borough School District picked their candidates for four open seats on the school board from a field of five. Ivan Colon, Joe Gilleo and Jon Perry were the top vote getters on both the Democratic and Republican ballots and will appear on both tickets in November. Ronald Stout won on the Republican ballot while Daniel Dingle received the nod of the Democrats.
NESHAMINY – The race for school board was on the quieter side on Tuesday with only one contested race. Current board vice president Scott Congdon ran unopposed for in Region 1, ensuring his return to the school board. In Region 2, incumbent Mike Morris beat back the challenge by Doug Suessegger, who filed as a Democrat, leaving him as the lone candidate who did not cross-file. Morris took the Democrat and Republican vote, ensuring a seat on the school board, winning the Democrat side by 52.5 percent – 47.5 percent. In Region 3, incumbent Irene Boyle and Ron Rudy ran unopposed for two seats, guaranteeing both a spot on the board.
PENNSBURY - In Region 1, Republican voters picked Susan Simon and incumbent school board member and outspoken union critic Simon Campbell as their candidates for school board in November while Democrats went with the team of Joshua Waldorf and Debra Wachspress. Campbell and Simon took the Republican vote on Tuesday with 29.9 percent and 28.5 percent, respectively, while Waldorf and Wachspress won the Democratic ballot, with respective percentages of 42 and 44.3 percent. The four will face each other again in November for two seats on the nine member Pennsbury School Board.
In Region 3, Republicans selected Casey Lawrence and Skip Tenney as their candidates while Democrats chose the team of Alison Smith and Debra DeBlasio. The four will meet again in November to battle it out for two open seats on the school board, including one held by school board president Allan Weisel, who decided not to seek another term.
Men and women fought and died for this?
Tullytown councilwoman ordered to pay for political signs she took down
Posted: Friday, May 24, 2013 4:30 pm | Updated: 9:16 pm, Fri May 24, 2013.
By Joan Hellyer Staff Writer
The vice president of the Tullytown council has been ordered to pay $155.48 to a former councilman for two of his signs she removed from main roadways in the borough, according to court records.
District Judge Michael J. Burns issued the ruling Thursday in civil court.
Burns ruled that council Vice President May Kucher was liable for a civil judgment of $60 and costs totaling $95.48 related to the suit that George Fox filed against her in March.
The blue with white trim signs encourage Tullytown residents to visit the “information center” website to read about town issues, according to Fox. Kucher is a frequent target of the site.
The suit claimed that Kucher took down 12 signs the morning of Tullytown’s annual picnic Sept. 8. Kucher admitted to taking down two of the signs in her role as the council’s streets department chairwoman.
On Friday, she said she will not abide by the court ruling.
“I didn’t do anything wrong. More than likely we will appeal it, but I am not sure how (the court system) works,” Kucher said.
The council, in a split vote, recently agreed to have the borough cover the legal expenses Kucher is assessed during the court battle. The council’s solicitor, Michael Sellers, represented Kucher at Thursday’s court hearing.
On Friday, Fox said he is glad the judge ruled in his favor. But, he said, the case is not over.
“I want to know where my other 10 signs are,” Fox said. “It’s not over unless I find out where my other signs are.
Fox had asked the court to help him recoup nearly $500 in connection with the loss of his tullytownnews.com signs.
He has already lost his county job in connection with the sign dispute. County officials contend that Fox allegedly abused his post by making and serving a fake subpoena to get surveillance videos that allegedly show Kucher taking the signs.
Great parade yesterday, Thank you Julian Piwonski for pulling it together another year, bigger and better!
Yes, it was really nice. Great weather too.
Rumor has it library is going away. True? False? What gives?
False. Don't listen to the rumors. Ask questions to those who know. I did. The board won't let that happen no matter what those rumors say or what the admin wants.
Maybe you should ask the board and not the blog
So Jon, now that you are joining the SB, what will become of the Bulldog Banter blog.
Will this become a vector to the SB? Will it be abandoned? Will someone else take over the blogmaster role?
The Library isn't going , just the Librarian.
Great job done on Field day yesterday, It was the BEST one ever !!!!!
The PTO is doing wonderful things for the schoolSo great to see people working together and not pushing volunteers away with attitudes and dissention breath of fresh air
We the Library goes can we do a Franheit 451 on the books? If you don't know what that means read the book while there is still a library.
Regarding the library,
Do students really have access to the library any more?
And what's a library without a librarian?
Oh that's right, we're now a cyber school so books are obsolete.
"Rumor has it library is going away. True? False? What gives?"
"False. Don't listen to the rumors. Ask questions to those who know. I did. The board won't let that happen no matter what those rumors say or what the admin wants"
"The Library isn't going , just the Librarian."
None of this is true, I'm assuming the poster of all of this already knows what they are saying is not true. "Rumor has it" because you are starting the rumor. There's always a new avenue to get people worked up. I'm so tired of people starting a whisper down the lane just to see how far it can go & what it can become.
The statement about the board not letting it happen even if the administration wants it, is pretty stupid and is being used as another tool of getting people worked up about council. The library "board" is largely made up of council people which is another reason what was said seems so stupid.
IF council wanted to get rid of the library, which they don't, the board wouldn't be able to do anything about it. There is absolutely no talk at all about getting rid of the library OR getting rid of a librarian. It's being made up on here.
This kind of talk is the way back not the way forward.
Anyone paying any attention knows that council has spent the last few years getting a new roof, new porch & new porch roof, new air & heating systems etc, for the library. I have only ever heard those on council speak of the library with respect. It's one of the few things all of council seems to be on the same page about.
Are we talking about the Morrisville library or the MSD library?
I think the MSD library. Good to know that the Morrisville library is so well respected by those who take care of it. Thank you for the info.
Why don't we just go digital? Read everything online? Then there's less of a need for paper books and a librarian.
The High School Library and Librarian are going away. Little by little its being converted into Classrooms.
Wikipedia becomes Morrisville School District's official library! News at 11.
Was anyone else annoyed by Rita Ledger's sign on her car in the parade saying "Morrisville's 1st Woman Mayor"? Every time I see it, I cringe. I don't care if the mayor is male, female, transgendered, white, black, brown, green, or purple. I want an effective and functioning mayor, not a walking advertisement for affirmative action.
In a word, it's pathetic.
What about the Grandview Library? There is only one librarian for both schools?
Nobody came to the Board Meeting when Kindergarten got chopped in half. I'd be surprised if people show up to save the books.
I thought Ledger's sign was very strange. Almost sad to point out a fact like that.
Not many people come to the meetings, they may have a bunch of reasons but tt's generally not because they don't care. The cut to 1/2 day K was a painful consequence of the old Hellmaniac board cutting taxes and burning savings to balance budgets.
Nobody came to the Board Meeting when Kindergarten got chopped in half. I'd be surprised if people show up to save the books.
and
Not many people come to the meetings, they may have a bunch of reasons but tt's generally not because they don't care.
I agree with the first poster and disagree with the second. The people don't care, at least not enough of them. Just remember how many showed up when they discussed cutting Friday night football. Their were pitchforks and torches. And let;s not forget the angry masses when people thought there might be a tax increase for a new school. Perhaps I should amend my statement, the people only care when it affects something that matters to their little area of interest. Kindergarten? I don't have a kindergartner, so I don't care! Books? Who reads books in Morrisville? Curriculum? What's that? Class size? How many can we pack in to save a few $$? There are some people who do care about what is really important in education, but I think these folks are in the minority. I point to the apathy a the polls, the no shows at meetings and the election of the rubes we get in positions of power as direct evidence of this. Generally speaking, people are selfish and only look to their immediate interests, in Morrisville, this seems to be taken to the extreme.
I generally agree with what you're saying. I think a majority of the schoool board are not rubes though. Ditto the likely new SB members.
Ron Stout however, is a rube and should be defeated in the November election.
Not just Ron, what about Worob? Eileen? Rita? Angry Al? Jack Buckman? Marlys? the list goes on...and Rube is putting it mildly for some of these people.
"So Jon, now that you are joining the SB, what will become of the Bulldog Banter blog.
Will this become a vector to the SB? Will it be abandoned? Will someone else take over the blogmaster role?"
Well, I'm not on the School Board yet, but your questions are good and valid. I don't know. I suppose I could continue this blog in some shape or form, but I'm more than happy to have someone else take it over. Any takers? It's pretty low maintenance. Clear out occasional spam, throw up a new post here and there, throw in a contribution here and there, sit back and watch the magic happen.
nobody will take it over jon that would be too much work for someone to do more than bitch, complain, blame and anonymously at that
Have Pat Wandling do it , she will need a job soon.
Sorry no 25K however.
nobody will take it over jon that would be too much work for someone to do more than bitch, complain, blame and anonymously at that.
Bitchin' Camaro, Bitchin' Camaro!
I ran over my neighbors
Bitchin' Camaro, Bitchin' Camaro!
Now I'm in all the papers
My folks bought me a bitchin' Camaro
With no insurance to match
So if I happen to run you down
Please don't leave a scratch
I ran over some old lady
One night at the county fair
And I didn't get arrested
Because my dad's the mayor
Bitchin' Camaro, Bitchin' Camaro!
Donuts on your lawn
Bitchin' Camaro, Bitchin' Camaro!
Tony Orlando and Dawn
When I drive past the kids
They all spit and cuss
Cause I've got a bitchin' Camaro
And they have to ride the bus
So you'd better get out of my way
When I come through your yard
Cause I've got a bitchin' Camaro
And an Exxon credit card
Bitchin' Camaro, Bitchin' Camaro!
Hey man where ya headed?
Bitchin' Camaro, Bitchin' Camaro!
I'm drunk on unleaded!
"deb said...
nobody will take it over jon that would be too much work for someone to do more than bitch, complain, blame and anonymously at that
Yep, why do it anonymously when you can create a fake name to post. The possibilities are endless.
Sometimes I can truly understand a dystopian society that tries to burn all books.
"Sometimes I can truly understand a dystopian society that tries to burn all books."
That's the perfect outlook for someone who enjoys being controlled by others and a government that controls its citizens. When the government tells me what to do I just say no by reflex.
I guess being a CPA means "I Hate Teachers"
http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/the_intelligencer_news/opinion/guest/mindless-matrix-master-s-degrees-and-master-teachers/article_6dbfc000-3abb-5ca8-899a-b41f1c34fd14.html
"""""Sometimes I can truly understand a dystopian society that tries to burn all books."
That's the perfect outlook for someone who enjoys being controlled by others and a government that controls its citizens. When the government tells me what to do I just say no by reflex.""""
I'm pretty antiauthoritarian. What I was trying to say is the endless bickering, general stupidity, apathy, and selfishness of our society makes me sad and disappointed. It's like many don't deserve the knowledge and beauty that come from books.
I'm hoping it's a mere coincidence that you've found another arrogant egomaniac who also happens to be a CPA. I got to believe there are plenty of humble and reasonable CPAs out there.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IrIjcStHyf8
"What I was trying to say is the endless bickering, general stupidity, apathy, and selfishness of our society makes me sad and disappointed. It's like many don't deserve the knowledge and beauty that come from books."
That's different then. You're identifying the conflict between the American give me it now instant gratification mentality and the reality that life can be hard and thinking for yourself can be even harder.
Look at the bright side. 2 yrs ago the voters of Morrisville caught on, came out strong and threw out of office some offensive people on the school board. Even after they lowered their taxes. It takes time to sink in and the empire always tries to strike back but rubes and their egomanical manipulators can be defeated.
Star Wars, nothin' but Star Wars, nothin' but Star Wars, all of the time.
The rubes, as they've been called, are like Herpes. They lurk in the nervous system of the town, just waiting for a stressful event to trigger an outbreak.
You will have my eternal gratitude if you can find and post Bill Murray on SNL doing that lounge singer version of the Star Wars theme.
Ask and you shall receive.
http://videosift.com/video/Bill-Murray-as-the-lounge-singer-Nick-Winters-from-SNL
Nothing is obscure on the internet!!!
I'm glad I'm not the only one who remembers that bit.
Thinking of old SNL bits, remember Emily Latella? Nevermind!!!
Or Dan Akroyd's "Jane, you ignorant slut!"
Land Shark!!!
The Bass-O-Matic
Shimmer: The Floor Cleaner and Dessert Topping in One
That's good bass!
Ron Stout for School Board
Funniest one yet!
If you are serious about Ron Stout for school board, may I ask why? Lay out your case. Sell me on it.
Dann Dingle - active, engaged, intelligent, reasonable
Ron Stout - None of the above
Ron Stout, barely human? The Missing link? Evidence of neanderthal DNA in Homo Sapiens? You decide.
Wanted: Strong turnout for Dann Dingle in November to institute a term limit on Ron Stout's lame-a$$ 'representation'.
Anyone read he Police blotter for Morrisville in the BCCT? Our men in blue seem really great at arresting folks for drugs and alcohol. What about the real crime?
This ain't CSI Miami but as far as I can tell for home burglaries essentially nothing is done. No fingerprints, no investigation. Maybe check with a pawnshop or 2, that's about it. Sorry for your loss, you're on your own, deal with it. If you're a burglar, unless you're caught red headed coming out of a house with stolen goods your chances are real good.
But if you hang around plaza blvd or the seven eleven at millpond, and have brown skin, you're basically gonna get busted.
Why do we have a police force, if all they do is hassle petty crap?
Even the Heroin bust at the smoke shop was handled by out of town police.
Perhaps we should harry our first female mayor over this. She wants to be in charge of the cops, even if they won't let her. Is it any wonder why? They all seem incompetent.
Harry is our first female mayor? We have bigger problems then.
I heard that the "BEST" english teacher the High school has is now going to be teaching 3rd graders. I hope that was her choice? I guess she will now prepare our 3rd graders for college and once again the High School students will suffer. Anyone know why this move is happening or is Ferrara shooting darts to see where he will assign the teaching staff?
why dont you go to a meeting and ask that question and not a blog? Education committee meeting june 11 7pm LGI
Hopefully I will see you there also?????????
Ed comm. meetings, aren't televised.Only people who are there hear it. Blog can help get more info out. Its tough dealing in rumors and answers may be complicated but trying is appreciated. The person asking should Email their questions to the entire SB and the admin.
What are the odds they would be answered by the administration? They would say its a personell matter and can't be discussed. They will say there will be some changes but they won't be specific.
I agree, but it can't hurt to ask them anyway. Do it in public session or by e-mail as suggested. Then come back and use this blog to let the rest of us know what happened.
asking about changes to education is ok they may not be able to tell you specifics but they will provide you with an overview of what was done and the need to do it.
Can it be believed with this administration? I don't think so, Bill Ferrara is not a truthful person in my mind. His past speaks for itself. He is the educational leader so I assume he made these decisions because he trusts no one else to make them.
That's a problem. How many more years does his contract run?
It's up after the 2013-14 school year. Time to start looking. Time for a little of that healthy competition Hellman CPA loves so much.
Competition? Hellmann & Cronies gave the job to him. Never did a job search. Never looked at other candidates.
I know.
That's why I don't miss him or them.
And no one will miss Bill Ferrara either.
U-G-L-Y
You aint got no alibi!!
You UGLY, I said YOU UGLY!!
Its the sport of kings,
better than diamond rings
................
Football.
Yeah well, the trouble with killing him is it'll go down on your permanent record and follow you around for the rest of your life.
Congratulations to all of the seniors who received awards last night at the high school. It was a wonderful night hearing of the academic and athletic achievements of the Class of 2013. Stories of overcoming health and language obstacles by some throughout their school years made it a truly emotional evening for those in attendance. Hearing of the achievements by the award winners and the respect given to them by the presenters shows how many great students we have in our schools. The evening was capped by a very classy cheese, cracker, and fruit spread.
Many thanks go to Ms. Nemeth for organizing the event and Mr. Donovan for the reception afterwards.
Once again, congratulations to all award winners. You have made Morrisville proud.
Much, much better, Damon. Congratulations to all the award winners.
I did enjoy the Fishbone reference (U-G-L-Y) above, though. I saw them play at the now defunct City Gardens in Trenton, and they blew the doors off the place. Through the magic of the internet, I see that the concert date was May 1, 1987.
Man, am I old.
The senior awards ceremony truly was a moving and unforgettable evening. The class of 2013 is comprised of many talented and special young people! I'm sure they will have much success in their future! Congrats to all!
Centennial gives $118,575 severance to superintendent
Posted: Saturday, June 8, 2013 5:30 am | Updated: 6:54 am, Sat Jun 8, 2013.
By Naomi Hall Staff writer
Centennial school district gave Superintendent Jennifer Cressman a $118,575 severance payment to get her to vacate her contract before it expired in 2014, the district has confirmed.
In a May 28 board meeting, the school board announced that Cressman and the board had mutually agreed to terminate her employment as superintendent effective June 30. Cressman was hired in 2011 and her contract was set to expire June 2014.
She is at the center of a federal discrimination and retaliation lawsuit that a former school principal filed against the district. That case is headed to trial in the federal courthouse in Philadelphia.
School officials have declined to say whether the federal case and Cressman’s departure were connected.
According to Pennsylvania Public School Code, Cressman was entitled to severance pay that was up to half of her total compensation for the remaining term of her contract.
Her salary was listed as $155,000 in 2011-2012, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. She’s been on paid leave since mid-April. District officials declined to explain why Cressman’s contract ended a year early.
When her termination was announced, school board President Andrew Pollock read a joint statement from school board members and Cressman. It read in part:
"Under the Public School Code, and the terms of Dr. Cressman’s employment contract, the School Board was required to notify Dr. Cressman whether it intended to retain her as Superintendent for an additional term of office at least 150 days before the expiration of her current employment agreement. Consistent with that legal obligation, the School Board notified Dr. Cressman that it did not intend to renew her employment contract. After receiving such notification, and reflection upon it, Dr. Cressman advised the School Board that she would be willing to leave her position earlier than June 30, 2014, as specified in her contract, in order to accelerate the transition to a new administrative leader for the school district.
"The School Board and Dr. Cressman have agreed upon a rescission agreement that they both believe serves the School District’s best interests. The School Board appreciates Dr. Cressman’s years of service with the School District as both an educator and an administrator. Dr. Cressman is deeply grateful for the many opportunities the School District has afforded her over her (17) years of service. She wishes the School District well as it continues to endeavor to provide the best possible education for the community’s children."
Cressman did not respond to requests for comment.
Cressman had served for a year as assistant to former superintendent Thomas Turnbaugh when the board made her the district’s acting superintendent in January 2011 and hired her as superintendent a month later, according to court documents and state records.
In her first superintendent’s blog to the community dated February 23, 2011, Cressman acknowledged the superintendent turnover that has occurred in the district.
“We have experienced administrative turn-over and have recently restored an administrative team that will bring stability, vision, and forward momentum for the district,” she wrote.
In her absence, Joyce Mundy, is serving as substitute superintendent as well as assistant superintendent of elementary and secondary education.
Interesting. I wonder how the amount of her severance was able to be public.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wpAj1kn-Cr8
Anonymous above said, "Ed comm. meetings, aren't televised.Only people who are there hear it. Blog can help get more info out. Its tough dealing in rumors and answers may be complicated but trying is appreciated. The person asking should Email their questions to the entire SB and the admin."
As I have mentioned in earlier posts I don't believe this is the forum to answer questions raised regarding issues within the school district. I do believe, however, that one should attend a meeting, email, or find another way to get the answers to your questions. Posting questions on this blog or on Facebook or any other type of social media will not get answers to your questions and concerns. If anything you'll only get what is spread by the rumor mill which is usually by those with no knowledge of the issue.
With that said, and since I also chair the Education Committee, I welcome any questions via email regarding the library and any other items of interest if you are unable to attend the next Education Comm. meeting. The questions will be read at the meeting and I will respond to your email after the meeting. What you wish to do with that response afterwards is up to you.
The Education Comm. meeting will be held at 7:00 in the LGI on this Tuesday 6/11/13. I will take emails up to that time. If you can attend the meeting, I will allow time for open topic discussion.
Forgot to include email address on above post.
dmiller@mv.org
Damon: Will you explain why an amazing resource like Mrs. Deliman is being reassigned?
Damon: Can you let us know why more classrooms are being built in the Library? If we have no Library how do the students get books to read if they can't afford to buy them. Please tell us that the Libray and its books will stay in the High School Building, because all families can't afford to purchase books for their Children.
As I mentioned in my post above, please email me your questions to dmiller@mv.org. I will not be answering questions on this blog. If you wish to post my answer, that's up to you.
education committee meeting tuesday 7pm lgi room take your questions from the blog to the room and get real info geesh people even i can get that
...see, he's already ducking the truth!!! Quick, get your tin-foil headgear!! :-)
Sometimes rumors come about from misinformation, lack of information, or misinterpretations of information, and are not meant to inflame. Other times, they are the product of someone whose motives are not so pure.
I give Damon Miller and the current school board majority high marks for trying 1) to reach out within the community, 2) to answer questions, and 3) not being a primary source of rumors themselves.
They still have to work with the Administration which in my opinion has a poor track record. They are the offsping of Bill Hellman.
Yes they do, and to their credit they are, rather than focusing on making their lives miserable, as Hellmann and Mihok and etc. etc. etc. were wont to do with anyone they didn't hire themselves.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wPCLB-XC4p8
Ewwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww spawn of C.P.A.?
Hey I saw these posts from Aug 2011 when Hellmann was running things and feel they are worth repeating here and now. I think the new board is a vast improvement in this regard. Keep up the good, positive work! We're with you!
Jon said...
Am I reading this right, that you feel I and/or others on this blog are more anti-board than pro-student? Please expound upon this. I'm honestly interested in what's behind your statement.
If that's what you're saying, I think you're off base. Personally, yes, I'm anti-board, but BECAUSE they're not pro-student. It's a reaction to that. This board is overwhelmingly pro-themselves, pro-low tax, and pro-their way or the highway. They're anti-listening, anti-compromise, anti-nuanced thought, anti-transparency, and anti-factual information.
I want honest brokers who are going to make decisions based on hard facts and thorough thought, not ideology, and communicate them well to everyone. That ain't sufficiently happening now, in my humble opinion.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
Peter said...
"I want honest brokers who are going to make decisions based on hard facts and thorough thought, not ideology, and communicate them well to everyone."
Well said, Jon. If we had such a board I would stand 100% behind them, even though I would not expect to agree with them 100% of the time. And if they showed/communicated some of this, then perhaps their decisions would not be harshly criticized. Sometimes hard decisions need to be made and they may not always favor the students -- you can't always get what you want, right -- but to completely and unilaterally reject community input and simply ignore their questions is unacceptable. While there are many out there that were not a fan of "the Sandy Gibson board" at least they took a few moments after every public comment session to respond to the concerns of the people.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Yeah, but that was soooooo 2011. Actually, it's pretty timeless. Thanks for thinking something I said was worth repeating. Peter always has good insights too.
I got nuthin' I just wanted to be comment #100 woo hoo!
101 just a silly milimeter longer.
The MM people are shoveling a crapload of excrement that Hellmann, Radosti, Mihok, Worob, Worob, Stout and all of their undereducated unthinking idiot followers left behind. The Stay the Course people all SPENT their way out of reasonable budgeting by selling the family inheritance and depleting the reserve fund. THEY SPENT THE DISTRICT INTO NEAR BANKRUPTCY.
No wonder you don't see them anymore. They split the scene when the feces started making physical contact with the electric powered oscillating air current distribution device.
They think they were great and left a fanastic legacy. There has to be another reason.
PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:
The first day of school for the upcoming school year (2013-14) is earlier than usual. It's Tuesday, AUGUST 27, 2013.
Expensive buyout
Posted: Wednesday, June 12, 2013 5:00 am | Updated: 7:46 am, Wed Jun 12, 2013.
The Centennial school board and Superintendent Jennifer Cressman have mutually decided to end Cressman’s contract a year before its scheduled June 30, 2014, expiration. In a joint statement, the board and Cressman said they “have agreed upon a rescission agreement that they both believe serves the school district’s best interests.”
The agreement certainly serves Cressman’s best interests: She’ll receive $118,575 in severance. Less obvious is how shelling out three-quarters of the superintendent’s 2011-12 salary to get her to leave early serves the district — unless her job performance was so unsatisfactory the school board believed it had to be rid of her. (She’s been on paid leave since mid-April.)
In fact, the board did tell Cressman she would not be rehired in 2014, as required by the Public School Code and the terms of her contract. Cressman then advised the board she would be willing to leave earlier than June 30 of next year.
Cressman is involved in a federal discrimination and retaliation lawsuit brought by a former school principal against the district. School officials would not say whether the lawsuit and Cressman’s departure are related. Nor would they give any other explanation about why their superintendent, hired in early 2011, is on the way out after little more than two years on the job. Cressman declined comment as well.
The school board could continue to refuse to talk about Cressman’s termination because it is a personnel matter. But we think the district should open up about the buyout and the reason or reasons for it. The decision is costing Centennial over $118,000. There should be some accountability for that money.
For whatever reason, the district has experienced what seems to be an inordinate amount of administrative churn. Cressman herself noted that when she was hired but expressed confidence that with her hiring, stability had been restored.
Now, the district has a substitute superintendent until the school board can hire Cressman’s full-time replacement.
For the sake of education in Centennial, and to avoid the need for expensive severance payouts in the future, we hope the school board can find a superintendent who provides the stability that has been so elusive.
Again, interesting. Here in Morrisville, when Superintendent Dr. Yonson's 1-year early buyout happened in 2010, the amount was not revealed to the public. The BCCT didn't have a single editorial word to say about it.
Centennial SD has about 6,000 students, so it's about 6 times the size of Morrisville SD, which makes it about 6 times easier to absorb a buyout of this magnitude.
Damon said...
Anonymous above said, "Ed comm. meetings, aren't televised.Only people who are there hear it. Blog can help get more info out. Its tough dealing in rumors and answers may be complicated but trying is appreciated. The person asking should Email their questions to the entire SB and the admin."
As I have mentioned in earlier posts I don't believe this is the forum to answer questions raised regarding issues within the school district. I do believe, however, that one should attend a meeting, email, or find another way to get the answers to your questions. Posting questions on this blog or on Facebook or any other type of social media will not get answers to your questions and concerns. If anything you'll only get what is spread by the rumor mill which is usually by those with no knowledge of the issue.
With that said, and since I also chair the Education Committee, I welcome any questions via email regarding the library and any other items of interest if you are unable to attend the next Education Comm. meeting. The questions will be read at the meeting and I will respond to your email after the meeting. What you wish to do with that response afterwards is up to you.
The Education Comm. meeting will be held at 7:00 in the LGI on this Tuesday 6/11/13. I will take emails up to that time. If you can attend the meeting, I will allow time for open topic discussion.
Sorry about the triple posts.
can we get a new potpouri please
No worries - I cut you back to 1.
New Potluck coming up ...
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