Thursday, June 27, 2013

Morrisville Taxpayers Hit with Average $54 Increase in School Taxes

Morrisville taxpayers hit with average $54 increase in school taxes

Posted: Thursday, June 27, 2013 4:52 pm | Updated: 6:46 pm, Thu Jun 27, 2013.

By GEMA MARIA DUARTE Staff writer

Even after cutting expenses by 2.78 percent, the Morrisville School District needs to increase taxes by 1.7 percent to balance its budget for the 2013-14 school year.Expressing regret, most of the school board approved a budget that will increase taxes by $54 for the average property owner. That means the owner of a property assessed at the borough average of $18,000 will pay about $3,245 in school taxes next year. The millage will be 180.314 mills.

The spending plan calls for a $17.5-million budget for the 2013-14 school year, down from the $18-million budget from the 2012-13 year.
This will be the first increase in five years. During those years, money from the district's savings account was used to balance the budgets. Those withdrawals have left that account with $90,000, down from $3 million.
To balance the budget and have the least educational impact on students, the administration came up with cost-saving ideas that included shuffling positions.
“It really was teamwork, from custodians to the board,” Superintendent Bill Ferrara said.
In one of those cost-cutting measures, Ferrara also will serve as the district’s K-12 principal. Acting secondary principal Donald Harm is retiring, and last year, the elementary principal left the district.
Instead of replacing Harm, the administration is adding a third dean. One of the two existing deans replaced the elementary principal. The dean positions have been filled by Morrisville teachers who have administrative certifications for the job. They continue to receive their pay as teachers, with an additional $5,000 stipend each a year.
Having three deans prevented the furlough of three teachers, Ferrara said, because the last three teachers hired by the district would have been laid off if the deans had returned to their teaching duties.
Other key cost-saving measures include:

Full-day kindergarten is being reduced to a half-day program.
Special education students will be schooled in the district based on their Individualized Education Programs rather than sent to out-of-district programs.
Anthony Gesualdi, supervisor of special education/pupil services, won't return to his $130,000 position. However, the district will use him as a consultant as long as his fees don't exceed $100,000.
The positions of maintenance manager and public relations director are being eliminated.
A professional employee has been furloughed.

Also, the district joined a health care consortium of school districts in Bucks and Montgomery counties recently. Although that's not a saving the district money, it flat-lined the cost, explained Paul DeAngelo, the district business manager.

Tuesday, June 25, 2013

Potluck #81

Whatcha got?

Morrisville Schools Ready to Pass Final Budget

Morrisville schools ready to pass final budget

Posted: Tuesday, June 25, 2013 2:05 pm | Updated: 8:45 pm, Tue Jun 25, 2013.

By GEMA MARIA DUARTE

Staff writer

Posted on June 25, 2013

After five years of no increases in school taxes, Morrisville residents might have to brace themselves for a tax hike next year.On Wednesday, the board will vote on the final budget, and so far, it looks like borough residents will have to budget an average of an additional $54 for school taxes next year.

If the budget passes, the owner of the borough’s average property assessed at $18,000 will pay about $3,245 in school taxes next year. The millage would be 180.314 mills.
“The tax increase which is a 1.7 percent increase in the prior millage rate is $175,763 of additional local revenue to help balance the budget,” Paul DeAngelo, the district’s business manager, said.
The district’s preliminary spending plan calls for $17.5 million for the 2013-14 school year. During the 2012-13 year, the district had an $18-million budget.
Owners of the 2,998 properties in Morrisville that pay taxes haven’t seen an increase in five years. During the 2008-09 school year, the millage was 187.3; each year after that the millage was 177.3. During the 2012-13 school year, the average tax bill was $3,191 at the same average assessed value of $18,000, according to district numbers.
To balance the budget in each of those years, the district took money from its fund balance. Since then, the fund balance has dropped to $478,550 from $3 million.

Corbett, Pa. Lawmakers Are Pressed For School Aid

Corbett, Pa. lawmakers are pressed for school aid

Posted: Tuesday, June 25, 2013 7:00 pm

Associated Press |

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Top GOP lawmakers and fellow Republican Gov. Tom Corbett continued to grapple behind closed doors with stubborn disagreements on his major priorities Tuesday as school employees took center stage, swarming the Capitol to criticize a political regime that they say has been callous toward public schoolchildren.The activity comes in the final days of the state's fiscal year, as lawmakers scramble to wrap up work before leaving Monday for their traditional two-month summer break from Harrisburg.

Hundreds of school employees, children and parents canvassed lawmakers before holding a boisterous rally on the Capitol steps that labor leaders and Democratic lawmakers joined. Many ralliers wore signs that said "missing" above a photograph of a laid-off school employee, including some of the 3,800 who are being laid off in Philadelphia, the state's largest school district.

"The crisis was created for us by these so-called leaders who don't give us the resources we need," laid-off high school English teacher Anissa Weinraub told the crowd.
At Northeast High School in Philadelphia, all the assistant principals, nurses, counselors and secretaries are being laid off, in addition to five social studies teachers, a step that history and government teacher Marcella Weisberg said she sees as part of a wider attack on public schools that is unfairly putting blame on teachers and students.
In a nod to the $360 million business tax cut that Corbett and Republican lawmakers are trying to preserve in the spending plan they are negotiating privately, Democratic Sen. Vincent Hughes of Philadelphia led the crowd in a chant of, "Put the children first, put the corporations last."
Inside the Capitol, Corbett has kept a low profile this week, meeting privately with Republican lawmakers but making little public comment and no public appearances. Republican lawmakers are dealing with entrenched and possibly fatal disagreements over Corbett's top priorities of allowing private retailers to sell wine and liquor, overhauling the state's biggest public employee pension plans and boosting funding for highways, bridges and mass transit agencies.
Top Republican senators suggested that the state will not respond with anywhere near the $120 million that the Philadelphia School District, which has been under state oversight for a decade, is seeking as part of a plan to reverse the layoffs. Many lawmakers would like more money for their school districts, too, they said.
"So that's really the challenge in front of us," Senate Majority Leader Dominic Pileggi, R-Delaware, said. "How do we be fair to everyone?"
Still, Senate Republicans are willing to advance legislation being sought by Philadelphia that would increase the collection of delinquent property tax payments and allow Philadelphia City Council to impose a city cigarette tax, Pileggi said. Those moves would help create more money for public schools.
He also said there is enough time in the next six days to come to an agreement on all three of Corbett's top priorities, as well as a $28 billion-plus spending plan for the fiscal year beginning July 1.
Senate Republicans have been unwilling to support legislation to end the state's control of retail and wholesale control of wine and liquor sales in Pennsylvania, as House Republicans and Corbett have sought.
In turn, House Republicans have protested the size of a $2.5 billion-a-year transportation funding bill passed by the Senate that would raise gas taxes, motorist fees and fines for driving violations, although House Transportation Committee Chairman Dick Hess said he thinks the odds are better than even that a transportation funding bill will make into law in the coming days.
Democratic lawmakers in the minority in both chambers, support the Senate's transportation bill and oppose Republican efforts to shut down the state's wine and liquor business. House and Senate Republicans were narrowing their differences over bills to overhaul the state's big public employee pension systems, which were being opposed by Democrats. But conflicting analyses on the cost of those plans could bog down efforts to pass them in the coming days.

Friday, June 21, 2013

More Class of 2013 Graduation Coverage

Forty-three seniors graduate during 115th commencement in Morrisville, school board president’s daughter among them

Published: Friday, June 21, 2013

By Petra Chesner Schlatter
BucksLocalNews.com

Above, left, Lauren Miller hugs her father, Damon Miller, president of the Morrisville School Board. (photo by Elizabeth Zbinden). At right, Joseph Goodwin was one of 43 seniors to graduate from Morrisville High School. (photo by Petra Chesner Schlatter)

MORRISVILLE – A double rainbow provided the perfect backdrop for parents who were taking pictures of their young loved ones, who had just graduated from Morrisville High School on Friday, June 14.

Rainy weather caused the 115th Commencement to be held in the gym where 43 students graduated.

For the Miller family, the graduation of the Class of 2013 had unique meaning.

Lauren Miller, class secretary, is the daughter of Damon Miller, who just so happens to be the president of the Morrisville School Board. Her mother is Judie Miller.
“It’s a rare opportunity to be able to have that,” the board president said.

He expressed his gratitude. “I thank the school board for allowing me to be president and have this opportunity to be right there on the front lines and congratulate my daughter as she graduated,“ Miller said.

The circumstance was indeed special. Right after the diploma was presented to her, she received a great big and long-lasting hug for the world to see.

Lauren described the experience of graduating as “surreal. It’s just so weird to be graduating from a school where I have been since the fourth-grade.”

She said the bond that the Class of 2013 has is incredible.

“I’ve known everyone for most of my life,” Lauren said of her fellow classmates. “Like many people said tonight, we are family.”

Judie Miller expressed her feelings about her daughter’s graduation: “Unbelievable, bittersweet and absolutely amazing! I am so very, very proud of her.”

The graduate’s younger brother, Ethan, said he “felt pretty happy” for his big sister.

“It’s going to be pretty different at the house now,” said Ethan, who is graduating from sixth grade.

His sister will major in public relations and minor in psychology at York College of Pennsylvania.

For Dionna Berry, the fact that she was graduating did not sink in at first.

“It didn’t really hit me until everyone started giving their speech,” Berry said. “It was kind of like it wasn’t happening and at the same time, it was like, ‘Wow! It’s actually happening!’”

She said that everyone was thinking about how small the school was. “We’re more like a family with everybody being so close,” she said.

Berry wishes everyone luck. “I know we’ll keep in touch since the town is so small,” she said.

In September, Berry will attend Everest technical school in Bensalem where she will learn to be a dental assistant.

Kevin Munoz, salutatorian, told the audience that commencement celebrates “a very significant moment” for the Class of 2013.

See Full Story

“Today our lives change forever,” he said. “We are no longer kids, but adults -- young adults who will venture out into the world without knowing what to expect.”

Munoz said the Class of 2013 is small, but does not “lack ambition.”

“Everyone here wants to succeed,” he said.

Munoz said that while everyone in the class comes from different backgrounds and cultures, the seniors are all family.

“I feel proud to call these people my fellow classmates,” he said. “Most of us have known each other since elementary school. This would not be the case at a bigger school. This is what makes Morrisville special.”

Munoz proceeded to thank his parents in Spanish.

Meanwhile, Matthew Rosenwasser, valedictorian, said four years had passed by in such a short time.

He said the Class of 2013 will not forget all of the people who helped and supported them.

“The teachers and faculty have provided us with the knowledge and skills we need to succeed,” Rosenwasser said.

He thanked parents, family and friends who were there to congratulate them when they succeeded and to console them when they failed.

Rosenwasser thanked the coaches and advisors who taught discipline, sportsmanship and to make the best effort.

He recognized the administration and staff, who “kept the school running smoothly and kept us on the right track for graduation.”

Rosenwasser said the Class of 2013 is thankful for everything and will show their gratitude by making the most of all the opportunities given to them.

“After today, we will move forward into the world to create a better future for the next generation,” he said.

Superintendent Bill Ferrara said the students’ parents and the faculty each made sacrifices to help them reach graduation day.

He encouraged the youths to share their time “to help someone become a better person…When you volunteer your time, you get the gift that will last a lifetime. Become involved in someone else’s life in a positive way and dare to make a difference in their lives.”

Ferrara said the students’ lives depend on the choices they make and what determination they have to make those choices become reality.

He told the Class of 2013 that there will be many obstacles ahead.

“Your decision is quite simple: Are these obstacles or are these permanent barriers? When you get to these forks in the road, the most important decision you can make is the one you believe in. Don’t ever let anyone tell you what path to take. It’s your call. It’s your success. Always believe you are in control of it.”

Sunday, June 16, 2013

Morrisville High School Graduation: 'We are all a family'

Morrisville High School graduation: 'We are all a family'

Bill Fraser / Staff Photographer

Morrisville High School graduation

Morrisville High School graduate Tyrik Chatman (second from right) reacts to classmates as they walk in during the academic procession on Friday evening.

Posted: Sunday, June 16, 2013 12:00 am | Updated: 6:35 am, Sun Jun 16, 2013.

By Anthony DiMattia Correspondent

Posted on June 16, 2013

While the 2013 Morrisville High School graduating class may be headed down different paths, they will always share the common bond as family.“We all come from different backgrounds and cultures, but we are all a family,” salutatorian Kevin Munoz said. “I feel privileged to call these people my fellow classmates.”Munoz, along with half a dozen other seniors, spoke about the tight-knit group’s “ambition” and willingness to succeed despite coming from a smaller district during the school’s 115th commencement ceremony Friday night.
“I can proudly say that every single one of us here knows each other. This would not be the case at a big school,” he said. “This is what makes Morrisville special.”
Seniors Megan Howell, Nicholas Castillo, Juliana Manning, Lauren Miller and valedictorian Matthew Rosenwasser echoed those beliefs while showering their educators with praise.
“We cannot forget all the people that helped and supported us to get to this point,” Rosenwasser said. “I would like to thank all the teachers and faculty who have provided us with the knowledge and skills to succeed.”
Manning, the class treasurer, spoke of the memories her senior class had growing up as “ ‘90s kids” and how they saw the world change in front of their eyes.
“Even if you forget everything that I have said I hope you remember this single point: We did it!”
This year’s crop of students had the distinction of being recognized nationally with a bronze medal from U.S. News and World Report in the spring.
“This class is responsible for a bronze medal which has been earned for its academic performance,” educational adviser Donald Harm said. “This is a tribute to our fine staff, administration, school board, students and parents working together as one to make this happen.”
However, Harm said what has made the class and the tiny district special was the warmth they shared with each other and pride they shared in their community.
“The best thing about Morrisville is that everyone knows each other,” he said. “As a family they fight, they argue, but at the end of the day they are here as one.”
Class President Howell agreed.
“Coming from a small school does not mean you can’t shine as bright as (other schools), or in some cases even brighter,” she said.
Superintendent William Ferrara had one lasting message for the graduating class.
“Keep the spirit of the bulldog in your soul and remember the memories of the time you spent in Morrisville in your hearts.”

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Potluck #80

Thursday, June 6, 2013

Morrisville's 2013 John Fisher Citizen Scholar - Juliana Manning

2013 John Fisher Citizen Scholars

Posted: Sunday, June 2, 2013 5:45 am | Updated: 10:49 pm, Mon Jun 3, 2013.

By Patricia S. Walker Executive Editor

They are the best and brightest, high school graduates who not only excel in the classroom but also in the community. Here are the 2013 John Fisher Citizen Scholars, selected from outstanding seniors throughout the community.

Stephanie Veto / Staff Photographer

Juliana Manning Citizen Scholar

Juliana Manning
Morrisville High School
Class rank: 5
Achievements: Color guard captain; varsity bowling team; drama club; leadership; student government; President’s Physical Fitness Award.
Community service: Volunteers with Solid Rock Youth Center, the First Baptist Church Childcare program; plays violin in her church; sold trees for the VFW; served holiday dinners to the homeless and works with the Boys and Girls clubs.
Counselor's comments: She's an excellent scholar who takes an active role in many school activities and also in her community.