A little more than a year ago, Octorara Area School District Superintendent Tom Newcome had conversations with Ed Elvin III of Cochranville, then 18, and the entire Octorara School Board.
Elvin, who had dropped out of high school in the eleventh grade, told Newcome he wanted to keep his promise to his mom, who had passed away, to graduate.
Newcome took Elvin’s promise, and his own promise to board members to trim the 2009-10 budget, and joined them with a program. On Monday, June 28, Newcome handed Elvin his high school diploma and the school district more than $150,000 in savings.
Elvin, Trey Burkholder, DJ Camoirano and Heather Frank were the first to graduate from Octorara’s alternative education program at a small ceremony with more warm hugs and quiet conversation than pomp and circumstance.
“Through hard work and perseverence you navigated your path to graduation,” said program director Brian Dikun. “You each endured.”
When Newcome told the school board he calculated the school district could save more than $150,000 by running its own alternative education program, the school board embraced that line item cut. Dikun, with the help of teacher Ashley Brennan, high school counselor Sandy Federici and two instructional assistants, set up a twilight classroom in the middle school computer lab last September and welcomed students to alternative ed.
Many of the students, like Elvin, a carpenter, worked during the day and then attended classes from 3 to 6 p.m. Academic courses were taught online through Brandywine Virtual Academy, with staff providing what Newcome called “the human touch.“
According to Dikun, the program began with 14 students but two were lost to the court system. The program, which is now the district’s choice for alternative education rather than paying tuition to programs run by intermediate units, will continue in September.
Newcome said it’s district policy to ask students and their families to stop and think before going the alternative route, and staff is directed to help younger students get their behavior under control so they can, ideally, finish high school via the traditional route.
Burkholder, of Christiana, said he was not doing well in high school and at first he felt backed into a corner when he was offered the alternative, but the program was a good choice for him.
“You could work at your own pace one-on-one or with teachers too,” Burkholder said.
“They helped me out a lot,” said Elvin, who also credited his girlfriend for her support. “I definitely would recommend it to anyone who has trouble with behavior.”
“Oh, I’m definitely grateful they had this for free,“ said Camoirano, of Parkesburg.
“Students are in this program for many different reasons,” said Dikun. “If was a very successful year, for a first year.”
Following the ceremony the school board met and gave final approval, by an 8-1 vote, to a $46,026,385 2010-11 budget. Bob Hume, calling the budget “totally unfair,” was the dissenting vote.
The spending plan, up an overall 4.5 percent over 2009-10, will increase taxes to 28.13 mills (up 1.63 percent) in Lancaster County, and to 35.12 mills (up 8.97 percent) in Chester County.
In order to come to an agreement, the school board cut $1 million in other line items including the $105,000 middle school sports program (now to be privately funded by booster organizations), the positions of 10 retiring teachers, one guidance counselor, five clerical/support positions, and one administrative position.
Also, rather than cutting the program, four administrators (Newcome, Nancy Bishop, Scott Rohrer and Dan Carsley) made a $12,000 donation to the district to operate the Student Assistance and Heroes programs, since the state cut funding to the programs.
“It’s discouraging me to make tremendous cuts and still have this increase,” said board member Brian Norris.
“I don’t believe there’s the political will to change the system,” said Newcome, adding the long-range health of the community depends on bringing business sales and property tax income into the community.
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Octorara cuts budget with retirement incentives
Community boosters said June 14 they will preserve and pay for a middle school athletic program for about 229 Octorara Area School District athletes, but missing from the campus this September will be nine teaching positions the district is leaving vacant in order to trim $1.1 million from a tight 2010-11 budget.
The school board accepted with regret the retirement resignations of nine teaching staff who will not be replaced. The district is also reducing clerical staff, one administrative position by combining the positions of accounting supervisor and human resources coordinator, and two staff resigning to have children will not be replaced. The changes, made following a mid-meeting executive session for personnel issues, brought next year’s spending plan down to $46,026,385.
The school board approved a memorandum of understanding with its teachers union offering an early retirement incentive to staff resigning by June 1, and the outgoing retirees will receive $10,000 per year for three years, toward their health care costs.
The budget, up 4.55 percent from the current plan, faces its final vote at 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 28. The millage rate will be 35.12 mills in Chester County and 28.31 mills in Lancaster County.
“We have made significant cuts which are going to affect the education of the students,” said Lisa Bowman, school board president.
When asked by a citizen how the district will continue with its math improvement program while cutting one secondary math teacher, Superintendent Tom Newcome said the district will move forward, albeit “with one less person working on the plan.”
Retiring are science teacher Nancy Beaton, fifth grade teacher Judy Benne, eighth grade English teacher Carol Bronson, high school social studies teacher Neil Chippendale, reading specialist Aleta Connell, eighth grade science teacher Anthony DiSipio, high school math teacher Terry Johnson, fourth grade teacher Vicky Mundy, and middle school guidance counselor Judy Turzi.
As for athletics, Athletic Director Jim Weagley thanked community sports boosters for their hard work and said boosters agreed to float the middle school athletic program, a $105,000 program cut from the budget, through fundraisers and activity fees.
Weagley said the program is also shifting its focus to place training and skill development first, and competition second. He warned tight boosters budgets may still mean making cuts from the teams, and seventh and eighth grade teams will be combined. Weagley said the volunteer-run program will be in compliance with Title IX regulations. Most sports will move forward with intramurals plus a small competitive schedule.
“The idea of cuts is giving me serious heartbreak,” said board member Sam Ganow.
Weagley also presented an idea from gym teacher Tom Hurley, who also runs Tom Hurley Fitness Performance, which could potentially bring the district $10,000 in revenue. Hurley has offered to contract to open the high school Fitness Center early morning, after school and evenings, plus weekends, oversee certified trainers and promote Fitness Center memberships.
Alan Brown of Atglen said the board should charge Hurley a rental fee and “let him charge whatever he wants.”
Ganow, however, questioned whether the arrangement would be “policy” and if the board would be on legal standing with such an arrangement. The matter will come up for a vote June 28.
Finally, the board unanimously approved spending $207,500 to make repairs to the middle school roof this summer. The job will go to Weatherproofing Technologies, Inc. And, Kim McCully was hired as the new human resource coordinator/accounting supervisor at a $70,000 salary.
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The school board accepted with regret the retirement resignations of nine teaching staff who will not be replaced. The district is also reducing clerical staff, one administrative position by combining the positions of accounting supervisor and human resources coordinator, and two staff resigning to have children will not be replaced. The changes, made following a mid-meeting executive session for personnel issues, brought next year’s spending plan down to $46,026,385.
The school board approved a memorandum of understanding with its teachers union offering an early retirement incentive to staff resigning by June 1, and the outgoing retirees will receive $10,000 per year for three years, toward their health care costs.
The budget, up 4.55 percent from the current plan, faces its final vote at 7:30 p.m. Monday, June 28. The millage rate will be 35.12 mills in Chester County and 28.31 mills in Lancaster County.
“We have made significant cuts which are going to affect the education of the students,” said Lisa Bowman, school board president.
When asked by a citizen how the district will continue with its math improvement program while cutting one secondary math teacher, Superintendent Tom Newcome said the district will move forward, albeit “with one less person working on the plan.”
Retiring are science teacher Nancy Beaton, fifth grade teacher Judy Benne, eighth grade English teacher Carol Bronson, high school social studies teacher Neil Chippendale, reading specialist Aleta Connell, eighth grade science teacher Anthony DiSipio, high school math teacher Terry Johnson, fourth grade teacher Vicky Mundy, and middle school guidance counselor Judy Turzi.
As for athletics, Athletic Director Jim Weagley thanked community sports boosters for their hard work and said boosters agreed to float the middle school athletic program, a $105,000 program cut from the budget, through fundraisers and activity fees.
Weagley said the program is also shifting its focus to place training and skill development first, and competition second. He warned tight boosters budgets may still mean making cuts from the teams, and seventh and eighth grade teams will be combined. Weagley said the volunteer-run program will be in compliance with Title IX regulations. Most sports will move forward with intramurals plus a small competitive schedule.
“The idea of cuts is giving me serious heartbreak,” said board member Sam Ganow.
Weagley also presented an idea from gym teacher Tom Hurley, who also runs Tom Hurley Fitness Performance, which could potentially bring the district $10,000 in revenue. Hurley has offered to contract to open the high school Fitness Center early morning, after school and evenings, plus weekends, oversee certified trainers and promote Fitness Center memberships.
Alan Brown of Atglen said the board should charge Hurley a rental fee and “let him charge whatever he wants.”
Ganow, however, questioned whether the arrangement would be “policy” and if the board would be on legal standing with such an arrangement. The matter will come up for a vote June 28.
Finally, the board unanimously approved spending $207,500 to make repairs to the middle school roof this summer. The job will go to Weatherproofing Technologies, Inc. And, Kim McCully was hired as the new human resource coordinator/accounting supervisor at a $70,000 salary.
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Families cope with recession and zoning
The recession economy and job losses - which are causing some citizens to look for creative ways to generate income for their families - are also bringing zoning problems before municipal officials.
Sadsbury Township supervisors June 1 told craftsman Jeffrey Williams they have to look at their zoning ordinance with legal rather than creative eyes.
Williams, a reproduction furniture maker who has a home and shop at the corner of White Oak Road and Route 372, said he recently lost his job and would like to independently make reproduction furniture at home to support his family.
Supervisor Eugene Lammey, a neighbor of Williams, said he would like to support Williams’ efforts, but Williams would like to use about 750 feet of workshop building on his property, and the limit under current zoning is 500 square feet.
Supervisor Linda Swift said variances are a “hard sell” in Sadsbury Township. The board suggested he instead apply to the zoning hearing board for a home occupation, which would be permitted provided he keep the work area to 500 square feet.
In other business supervisors said they will look into borrowing traffic counting equipment to do an in-house traffic study on Jackson Road, rather than spend $1,200 to $1,500 for an outside traffic study. Swift said residents are very concerned about speeding on the road, where the current speed limit is 55 mph.
Supervisors also agreed to proceed with LED signal installation for the light at Route 41 and Pine Creek Drive, even though some cities are finding there are questions about whether these comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Swift suggested the township may install updated equipment if compliance becomes an issue in all municipalities.
Finally, residents who are planning a party or picnic should contact the township office prior to the event if there will be parking issues. Parking along the following streets is prohibited in all weather: Carolyn Drive (south side), North and South Christiana Avenue, Diana Lane (west side), Mary Drive, Meadowview Drive, Parker Drive, Pleasant View Road, Ridge Lane, North and South Sadsbury Court, Saddler Drive, and within 25 feet of the center point of the intersection of Carolyn Drive and Diana Lane, in all directions.
Sadsbury Township may be reached at 593-6796 between and 8 and 3:30 Monday through Friday.
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Sadsbury Township supervisors June 1 told craftsman Jeffrey Williams they have to look at their zoning ordinance with legal rather than creative eyes.
Williams, a reproduction furniture maker who has a home and shop at the corner of White Oak Road and Route 372, said he recently lost his job and would like to independently make reproduction furniture at home to support his family.
Supervisor Eugene Lammey, a neighbor of Williams, said he would like to support Williams’ efforts, but Williams would like to use about 750 feet of workshop building on his property, and the limit under current zoning is 500 square feet.
Supervisor Linda Swift said variances are a “hard sell” in Sadsbury Township. The board suggested he instead apply to the zoning hearing board for a home occupation, which would be permitted provided he keep the work area to 500 square feet.
In other business supervisors said they will look into borrowing traffic counting equipment to do an in-house traffic study on Jackson Road, rather than spend $1,200 to $1,500 for an outside traffic study. Swift said residents are very concerned about speeding on the road, where the current speed limit is 55 mph.
Supervisors also agreed to proceed with LED signal installation for the light at Route 41 and Pine Creek Drive, even though some cities are finding there are questions about whether these comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Swift suggested the township may install updated equipment if compliance becomes an issue in all municipalities.
Finally, residents who are planning a party or picnic should contact the township office prior to the event if there will be parking issues. Parking along the following streets is prohibited in all weather: Carolyn Drive (south side), North and South Christiana Avenue, Diana Lane (west side), Mary Drive, Meadowview Drive, Parker Drive, Pleasant View Road, Ridge Lane, North and South Sadsbury Court, Saddler Drive, and within 25 feet of the center point of the intersection of Carolyn Drive and Diana Lane, in all directions.
Sadsbury Township may be reached at 593-6796 between and 8 and 3:30 Monday through Friday.
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Be aware - controversial weapon now in local use
Quarryville Borough Police want the community to know they are now armed with tasers.
The stun guns are “a deterrent, number one, and officers just need a little more protection from drunk and unruly criminals,” said Mayor Joy Kemper, who is also chairman of the borough’s police committee.
Tasers, which can deliver a low-amperage bad shock from 20 feet, caused controversy in May when a police officer tasered a Philadelphia Phillies fan who ran onto the ball field.
“People don’t want to get shocked,” said Kemper, who said at a borough council meeting June 7 she wanted to inform the community of the availability of the new weapon but also that they will only be used “as a last resort thing.
“We usually only have one officer on duty and backup is pretty far,” Kemper said.
Police Chief Ken Work said his officers have been trained and certified in taser use. The department also polices New Providence Township, and Eden Township is also considering hiring services from the Quarryville police. Kemper said it is feasible the department could, in the future, become a regional force.
During their meeting council members directed Borough Manager Al Drayovitch to review records and contracts with the Arro Group of engineers and consultants to see why the speed on all streets was not reduced to 25 mph as the borough directed. They also want to know why the firm is recommending that an infiltration basin in the Quarry Ridge development be filled in.
In other street concerns council President Robert Landis Jr. asked members to review their list of streets for future improvements. Landis said Seiple Avenue, for example, “looks like a war zone.”
Drayovitch said work on Fourth Street is proceeding, and all businesses on the road have chosen to install radius curbing.
He said he has also received citizen complaints about trucks making deliveries to Sam’s Pizza, which are to be made at the side door rather than from Church Street. The matter will appear on next month’s council meeting agenda.
Work recommended council amend its parking ordinance prior to painting yellow curbing and declaring no parking due to site visibility on areas of South Hess Street. Council, however, tabled the issue.
Finally, council held an executive session for a personnel, a real estate and a legal issue.
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The stun guns are “a deterrent, number one, and officers just need a little more protection from drunk and unruly criminals,” said Mayor Joy Kemper, who is also chairman of the borough’s police committee.
Tasers, which can deliver a low-amperage bad shock from 20 feet, caused controversy in May when a police officer tasered a Philadelphia Phillies fan who ran onto the ball field.
“People don’t want to get shocked,” said Kemper, who said at a borough council meeting June 7 she wanted to inform the community of the availability of the new weapon but also that they will only be used “as a last resort thing.
“We usually only have one officer on duty and backup is pretty far,” Kemper said.
Police Chief Ken Work said his officers have been trained and certified in taser use. The department also polices New Providence Township, and Eden Township is also considering hiring services from the Quarryville police. Kemper said it is feasible the department could, in the future, become a regional force.
During their meeting council members directed Borough Manager Al Drayovitch to review records and contracts with the Arro Group of engineers and consultants to see why the speed on all streets was not reduced to 25 mph as the borough directed. They also want to know why the firm is recommending that an infiltration basin in the Quarry Ridge development be filled in.
In other street concerns council President Robert Landis Jr. asked members to review their list of streets for future improvements. Landis said Seiple Avenue, for example, “looks like a war zone.”
Drayovitch said work on Fourth Street is proceeding, and all businesses on the road have chosen to install radius curbing.
He said he has also received citizen complaints about trucks making deliveries to Sam’s Pizza, which are to be made at the side door rather than from Church Street. The matter will appear on next month’s council meeting agenda.
Work recommended council amend its parking ordinance prior to painting yellow curbing and declaring no parking due to site visibility on areas of South Hess Street. Council, however, tabled the issue.
Finally, council held an executive session for a personnel, a real estate and a legal issue.
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