Every school in the Octorara Area Scool District received a Keystone award for making "adequate yearly progress" two years in a row based on PSSA results, according to a page one Brian Wallace story in the Dec. 29 Lancaster Intelligencer Journal/New Era:
articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/329936
Pick up today's paper and see how Octorara compares to other Lancaster County school districts.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
Octorara preliminary budget ready - for cuts
The Octorara Area School District will present to the community in January a preliminary $47,829,317 budget which is up $1.8 million, or nearly 4 percent, over this year’s spending plan.
Business Manager Dan Carsley said the numbers are preliminary, and there is a great deal of information to be gathered both before and after Jan. 17, the evening the school board is scheduled to approve the preliminary budget.
“The revenues are what they are,“ said Superintendent Tom Newcome. “The only way we can balance it is through expenses,” Newcome said, adding he will make recommendations for cuts during the next few months.
One factor certain to play a part in 2011 budget deliberations is teacher salaries. The school board’s contract with the Octorara Area Education Association ends in June, and formal salary negotiations are scheduled to begin in January.
Carsley said other factors which have negatively impacted revenues are: higher health care costs and contributions to PSERs, a decline in local real estate revenue and federal stimulus funds, and increasing costs to cover charter school tuition.
“You know that (budget) is not going to fly,” said board member Sam Ganow at the Dec. 13 meeting.
Board president Lisa Bowman said January‘s vote will be “the beginning of a very long process.” The school board must adopt a final budget in June.
If adopted as is, which officials say is unlikely, Lancaster County taxpayers would see an 8 percent millage increase, to 30.38 mills. Chester County taxpayers would have a 6.66 percent mill increase to 37.46mills.
On the revenue side, the preliminary proposed budget calls for: $34,517,013 in local revenue;$11,166,058 in state revenue; and $1,141,000 in federal revenue.
As for expenses, the district anticipates spending $18,747,180 for regular instruction; $7,108,916 for special education; $1,642,324 for vocational education; $755,954 for other instruction; $17,722 for community/junior college tuition; $1,22,207 for student support services; $1,059,236 for instructional support services; $2,524,480 for administrative support services; $454,981 for pupil health services; $541,056 for business operations; $3,235,926 for maintenance operations; $2,776,052 for student transportation; $805,901 for central support services; and $16,342 for other support services.
Also, $600 for student activities, $61,631 for community services; $6,213,418 for debt service; $295,600 in fund transfers; and $349,791 in budgetary reserve to balance the $47,829,317 budget.
Bowman also said John Lawrence, who will soon be sworn in as state representative in the 13th legislative district, is interested in continuing Rep. Tom Houghton’s work on the Octorara Regional Planning Commission, which is working to bring more business revenue into the school district.
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Business Manager Dan Carsley said the numbers are preliminary, and there is a great deal of information to be gathered both before and after Jan. 17, the evening the school board is scheduled to approve the preliminary budget.
“The revenues are what they are,“ said Superintendent Tom Newcome. “The only way we can balance it is through expenses,” Newcome said, adding he will make recommendations for cuts during the next few months.
One factor certain to play a part in 2011 budget deliberations is teacher salaries. The school board’s contract with the Octorara Area Education Association ends in June, and formal salary negotiations are scheduled to begin in January.
Carsley said other factors which have negatively impacted revenues are: higher health care costs and contributions to PSERs, a decline in local real estate revenue and federal stimulus funds, and increasing costs to cover charter school tuition.
“You know that (budget) is not going to fly,” said board member Sam Ganow at the Dec. 13 meeting.
Board president Lisa Bowman said January‘s vote will be “the beginning of a very long process.” The school board must adopt a final budget in June.
If adopted as is, which officials say is unlikely, Lancaster County taxpayers would see an 8 percent millage increase, to 30.38 mills. Chester County taxpayers would have a 6.66 percent mill increase to 37.46mills.
On the revenue side, the preliminary proposed budget calls for: $34,517,013 in local revenue;$11,166,058 in state revenue; and $1,141,000 in federal revenue.
As for expenses, the district anticipates spending $18,747,180 for regular instruction; $7,108,916 for special education; $1,642,324 for vocational education; $755,954 for other instruction; $17,722 for community/junior college tuition; $1,22,207 for student support services; $1,059,236 for instructional support services; $2,524,480 for administrative support services; $454,981 for pupil health services; $541,056 for business operations; $3,235,926 for maintenance operations; $2,776,052 for student transportation; $805,901 for central support services; and $16,342 for other support services.
Also, $600 for student activities, $61,631 for community services; $6,213,418 for debt service; $295,600 in fund transfers; and $349,791 in budgetary reserve to balance the $47,829,317 budget.
Bowman also said John Lawrence, who will soon be sworn in as state representative in the 13th legislative district, is interested in continuing Rep. Tom Houghton’s work on the Octorara Regional Planning Commission, which is working to bring more business revenue into the school district.
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More changes due for Christiana's library
Moore’s Memorial Library in Christiana is beginning 2011 debt-free and ready for two major renovations to its new historic home at 9 W. Slokom Ave., thanks to the sale of the old building and $156,000 in grants.
According to Jack Assetto, chairman of the library’s capital campaign, the former Bridge Street library, also a historic property, was sold to Christiana Real Properties LLC for $104,000. The sale allowed the board to pay its debt and own the new library free and clear.
“We are really pleased with that,” said Walt Crellin, library board treasurer. “In the past two weeks we’ve also gotten two more grants, one to build an elevator down to the ground floor, and another matching grant to renovate the basement.”
This second phase of the library’s $1.9 million renovation will create space in the downstairs area for a café, meeting room and used bookstore, with the elevator providing access to those with handicaps.
Crellin said a $121,000 matching state grant will cover the cost of the downstairs project, and the $35,000 grant will complete the elevator. Crellin said unlike the Keystone grant, which required bidding the project and paying the prevailing wage, the matching grant allows the library board to do the construction with some local craftsmen offering volunteer labor.
Architect Mark Myers, who designed and led the transformation of the historic stone former bank building into a community library, will again lead the project. Construction will begin this spring.
Crellin said the library board of directors is kicking off the new year with a revitalized Friends of the Library group, who plan several fundraisers, including a golf tournament, plant sale and chicken barbecues. Used book sales are an ongoing fundraiser.
Use of the library is up 40 percent, according to Crellin. The library’s board of directors recently adopted a $93,300 2011 budget, which is up $2,600 over the 2010 plan. Crellin said this is due to increased utility and insurance costs associated with the new building. Otherwise, there has been no increase in operating expenses. Crellin said the library anticipates an $8,000 shortfall in revenue, and the board is also not sure what ongoing changes within the county library system will bring.
According to Bud Rettew, library board president, the board has faith volunteers will overcome the shortfall.
“If we are successful, we may not have to reduce services beyond what has already been done,” Rettew said. “For example, we are closed on Mondays.”
The library’s Web site is www.christianalibrary.org.
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According to Jack Assetto, chairman of the library’s capital campaign, the former Bridge Street library, also a historic property, was sold to Christiana Real Properties LLC for $104,000. The sale allowed the board to pay its debt and own the new library free and clear.
“We are really pleased with that,” said Walt Crellin, library board treasurer. “In the past two weeks we’ve also gotten two more grants, one to build an elevator down to the ground floor, and another matching grant to renovate the basement.”
This second phase of the library’s $1.9 million renovation will create space in the downstairs area for a café, meeting room and used bookstore, with the elevator providing access to those with handicaps.
Crellin said a $121,000 matching state grant will cover the cost of the downstairs project, and the $35,000 grant will complete the elevator. Crellin said unlike the Keystone grant, which required bidding the project and paying the prevailing wage, the matching grant allows the library board to do the construction with some local craftsmen offering volunteer labor.
Architect Mark Myers, who designed and led the transformation of the historic stone former bank building into a community library, will again lead the project. Construction will begin this spring.
Crellin said the library board of directors is kicking off the new year with a revitalized Friends of the Library group, who plan several fundraisers, including a golf tournament, plant sale and chicken barbecues. Used book sales are an ongoing fundraiser.
Use of the library is up 40 percent, according to Crellin. The library’s board of directors recently adopted a $93,300 2011 budget, which is up $2,600 over the 2010 plan. Crellin said this is due to increased utility and insurance costs associated with the new building. Otherwise, there has been no increase in operating expenses. Crellin said the library anticipates an $8,000 shortfall in revenue, and the board is also not sure what ongoing changes within the county library system will bring.
According to Bud Rettew, library board president, the board has faith volunteers will overcome the shortfall.
“If we are successful, we may not have to reduce services beyond what has already been done,” Rettew said. “For example, we are closed on Mondays.”
The library’s Web site is www.christianalibrary.org.
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Monday, December 27, 2010
Local poverty exceeds national rate
Poverty is rising in Lancaster County, according to a Dec. 19 Sunday News feature story by Paula Wolf.
Seven school districts within the county - including Octorara - have student poverty rates in the double digits, according to the news story. With 3,883 students, 16 percent of Octorara students ages 5-17 live in poverty, according to 2009 figures from the Census Bureau. This is higher than the national poverty rate of 14.3 percent.
You may read the story, which compares poverty rates in 17 school districts, at articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/326078
Seven school districts within the county - including Octorara - have student poverty rates in the double digits, according to the news story. With 3,883 students, 16 percent of Octorara students ages 5-17 live in poverty, according to 2009 figures from the Census Bureau. This is higher than the national poverty rate of 14.3 percent.
You may read the story, which compares poverty rates in 17 school districts, at articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/326078
Octorara School Board reorganizes
The Octorara Area School Board has reorganized and unanimously returned Lisa Bowman, a Region 2 representative, to the presidency, and Region 3 representative Nelson Stoltzfus to his seat as vice president.
Bowman, however, will face reelection in 2011, as will Region 1 board members Shawna Johnson and Brian Norris, and Region 3 representative John Malone. Board members Sam Ganow and John McCartney from Region 2 will face reelection in 2013, as will Robert Hume and Stoltzfus in Region 3.
In personnel matters Dec. 13 the school board hired five long-term substitutes: Kimberly Miller, teaching eighth grade communication arts; Bridget Marowski, teaching high school Spanish; Jean Coldiron, for seventh grade special education; Jennifer Bower, a speech and language therapist for elementary and intermediate school students; and Jan D’Angelo as a long-term substitute reading specialist.
The school board also approved high school students’ request to form a Student Health Council to promote good eating and health habits among students.
The school board will next meet for a work session at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 10 in the middle school multipurpose room.
Bowman, however, will face reelection in 2011, as will Region 1 board members Shawna Johnson and Brian Norris, and Region 3 representative John Malone. Board members Sam Ganow and John McCartney from Region 2 will face reelection in 2013, as will Robert Hume and Stoltzfus in Region 3.
In personnel matters Dec. 13 the school board hired five long-term substitutes: Kimberly Miller, teaching eighth grade communication arts; Bridget Marowski, teaching high school Spanish; Jean Coldiron, for seventh grade special education; Jennifer Bower, a speech and language therapist for elementary and intermediate school students; and Jan D’Angelo as a long-term substitute reading specialist.
The school board also approved high school students’ request to form a Student Health Council to promote good eating and health habits among students.
The school board will next meet for a work session at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 10 in the middle school multipurpose room.
Sadsbury adopts 2011 budget
There is a large line item missing from Sadsbury Township’s 2011 budget, which supervisors unanimously adopted Dec. 7.
Supervisors last year included $1,980,000 for a building project in their $2,767,368 2010 budget, hoping to get grant funding and do the project without any cost to taxpayers. Funding has not yet come through, and with their eyes on the current economy, supervisors opted not to include the line item in their 2011 budget.
“The building committee is still meeting, and still applying for money, and still going forward with plans,” said Supervisor Linda Swift. “We want to be shovel ready. We did plan the budget without figuring on a building.”
The 2011 budget of $632,107 is therefore quite a bit lower than the $2,767,368 budget passed for 2010. There will also be no tax increase for 2011, with the mill rate remaining at .8.
On the revenue side, the township will begin the year with $152,412 in cash and anticipates: $408,975 from real estate, transfer and earned income taxes; $17,200 in licenses and permits; $5,500 in fines and forfeits; $510 in interest; $33,600 in intergovernmental revenues; $2,410 in hearing fees; $10,300 for public safety permits; and $1,200 in refunds for total revenues of $632,107.
As for expenses, the township will spend: $44,705 in employment taxes; $137,595 for general government; $50,845 for public safety; $5,250 for public works/sanitation; $262,176 for highways and streets; $7,250 as a donation to Moore’s Memorial Library in Christiana; $105,486 for employee benefits and withholding; $18,500 for insurance; and $300 in other expenses for a total of $632,107.
As for liquid fuels, the township will begin the year with $121,175 in cash and anticipates an additional $136,100 in revenue, for total revenue of $257,275. The township has budgeted that amount for maintenance, construction and rebuilding of roads as needed during 2011.
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Supervisors last year included $1,980,000 for a building project in their $2,767,368 2010 budget, hoping to get grant funding and do the project without any cost to taxpayers. Funding has not yet come through, and with their eyes on the current economy, supervisors opted not to include the line item in their 2011 budget.
“The building committee is still meeting, and still applying for money, and still going forward with plans,” said Supervisor Linda Swift. “We want to be shovel ready. We did plan the budget without figuring on a building.”
The 2011 budget of $632,107 is therefore quite a bit lower than the $2,767,368 budget passed for 2010. There will also be no tax increase for 2011, with the mill rate remaining at .8.
On the revenue side, the township will begin the year with $152,412 in cash and anticipates: $408,975 from real estate, transfer and earned income taxes; $17,200 in licenses and permits; $5,500 in fines and forfeits; $510 in interest; $33,600 in intergovernmental revenues; $2,410 in hearing fees; $10,300 for public safety permits; and $1,200 in refunds for total revenues of $632,107.
As for expenses, the township will spend: $44,705 in employment taxes; $137,595 for general government; $50,845 for public safety; $5,250 for public works/sanitation; $262,176 for highways and streets; $7,250 as a donation to Moore’s Memorial Library in Christiana; $105,486 for employee benefits and withholding; $18,500 for insurance; and $300 in other expenses for a total of $632,107.
As for liquid fuels, the township will begin the year with $121,175 in cash and anticipates an additional $136,100 in revenue, for total revenue of $257,275. The township has budgeted that amount for maintenance, construction and rebuilding of roads as needed during 2011.
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Quarryville continues curfew
A curfew for young people under 18 will continue in Quarryville Borough in 2011.
Council unanimously readopted its curfew ordinance Dec. 6, meaning young people should be off the streets and indoors from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from midnight to 6 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
“There are many violations,” said Mayor Joy Kemper. “It’s worthwhile having.”
In other business council unanimously adopted the 2011 budget approved in November. However, the $6,644,000 is $14,000 less than anticipated because grant funds for a police department gator for patrolling trail areas was received and spent as part of the 2010 budget.
Taxes, at 4.75 mills, will remain the same, and there will be no increase in water and sewer rates for 2011.
The borough’s major project for 2011 is improving and reconstructing Fourth Street from State to Hess streets at an estimated cost of $1,525,000. Grant money and reimbursements, however, should take the cost down to $1,200,000, according to Borough Manager Al Drayovitch Jr.
Also, borough council said Dec. 6 they plan to meet in early January take a good look at their inventory of borough land and properties and develop a plan for their future use.
Finally, council: waived police officer contributions to their pension fund for 2009, 2010 and 2011; approved a $231,191 escrow reduction for Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community due to work completed; approved three sewer service agreements for Quarry Ridge; approved fire/police control for the Martin Appliance midnight sale; and held an executive session for personnel issues.
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Council unanimously readopted its curfew ordinance Dec. 6, meaning young people should be off the streets and indoors from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Sunday through Thursday, and from midnight to 6 a.m. Fridays and Saturdays.
“There are many violations,” said Mayor Joy Kemper. “It’s worthwhile having.”
In other business council unanimously adopted the 2011 budget approved in November. However, the $6,644,000 is $14,000 less than anticipated because grant funds for a police department gator for patrolling trail areas was received and spent as part of the 2010 budget.
Taxes, at 4.75 mills, will remain the same, and there will be no increase in water and sewer rates for 2011.
The borough’s major project for 2011 is improving and reconstructing Fourth Street from State to Hess streets at an estimated cost of $1,525,000. Grant money and reimbursements, however, should take the cost down to $1,200,000, according to Borough Manager Al Drayovitch Jr.
Also, borough council said Dec. 6 they plan to meet in early January take a good look at their inventory of borough land and properties and develop a plan for their future use.
Finally, council: waived police officer contributions to their pension fund for 2009, 2010 and 2011; approved a $231,191 escrow reduction for Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community due to work completed; approved three sewer service agreements for Quarry Ridge; approved fire/police control for the Martin Appliance midnight sale; and held an executive session for personnel issues.
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