The Octorara Area School Board tweaked the district personnel roster Aug. 15 in anticipation of the new school year.
Although there is no new contract with the district’s teachers union, the board signed two memorandums of understanding with its teachers union, and is approving regular salary step increases for teachers.
One memorandum outlines a flex schedule for high school counselors and instructional support team members, whose services are needed during the summer, and gives them equal time off during the school year. The other memorandum allows for shift changes for secondary and elementary staff who are covering program needs outside of their routine assignments.
The school board hired: Katherine Smith as a junior/senior high school math teacher at a $46,914 salary; Michelle Maser, Tammy Anthony and Joan Miller as a Title 1 reading assistants; and a group of as-needed substitute teachers and substitute support staff.
Resignations were accepted from: alternative education assistant Cori Brittingham; computer technicial Terrance Cusick; and classroom assistants Judy Miller and Wanda Fisher.
Two teachers, Erika Lunch and Sally Welk, were granted unpaid family medical leave from the spring of 2012 through the end of the school year in June, 2012.
The board also approved a contract with Signal 88 Security for traffic security along Highland Road during peak bus times mornings and afternoons Monday through Friday. Signal 88 will be paid $34.88 per hour, at a cost not to exceed $20,000 during the school year. The company is a venture for Peter Mango, a retired police officer and former school board member.
Superintendent Tom Newcome said the contracted rate is lower than those of local police departments and was one of his cost-saving recommendations to the board.
Newcome also reported a group of parents contacted him about running a soccer program with seventh and eighth grade boys and girls. He said the community members plan to help fund the team and offer one combined team for boys, and one combined team for girls.
Finally, Newcome said music teachers recently ran a very successful two-week summer band camp for students in grades 5-8 which culminated in a well-attended concert.
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Michalowski to oversee Octorara special education
Kathryn Michalowski will be stepping in to oversee the needs of 429 special education students in the Octorara Area School District on Sept. 1.
Look for a smooth transition and a continued commitment to service, according to Michalowski, an Octorara resident.
“First and foremost, my priority is to maintain the excellent level of service that Mr. DiObilda has given to students, families and the community over the past 38 years,” Michalowski said of Richard DiObilda, her retiring co-worker.
“As an educator, I am interested in ensuring that our students, parents and educational community understand the special education process and how it can best support student learning.”
A former teacher and district administrator, Michalowski began working for the Octorara district in 2004. She said she was so impressed with the district she moved herself and her two children to Octorara. Her children, a son and a daughter, are sophomores at Octorara Area Junior/Senior High School.
“My daughter is quite involved in sports, is interested in foreign affairs, and would like to serve her country,” said Michalowski. “My son loves to read and has his sights set on physics or astrophysics.”
Michalowski has a varied educational background. She earned her bachelor’s degree in German and secondary education and music from Towson State University. She also holds a master’s degree in English from the University of Florida. Michalowski completed post-graduate studies in English literature, and German and Scandinavian language and literature at the University of Munich.
She has principal and superintendent certifications, and has completed doctoral level course work in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University.
Look for a smooth transition and a continued commitment to service, according to Michalowski, an Octorara resident.
“First and foremost, my priority is to maintain the excellent level of service that Mr. DiObilda has given to students, families and the community over the past 38 years,” Michalowski said of Richard DiObilda, her retiring co-worker.
“As an educator, I am interested in ensuring that our students, parents and educational community understand the special education process and how it can best support student learning.”
A former teacher and district administrator, Michalowski began working for the Octorara district in 2004. She said she was so impressed with the district she moved herself and her two children to Octorara. Her children, a son and a daughter, are sophomores at Octorara Area Junior/Senior High School.
“My daughter is quite involved in sports, is interested in foreign affairs, and would like to serve her country,” said Michalowski. “My son loves to read and has his sights set on physics or astrophysics.”
Michalowski has a varied educational background. She earned her bachelor’s degree in German and secondary education and music from Towson State University. She also holds a master’s degree in English from the University of Florida. Michalowski completed post-graduate studies in English literature, and German and Scandinavian language and literature at the University of Munich.
She has principal and superintendent certifications, and has completed doctoral level course work in educational leadership from Nova Southeastern University.
Tuesday, August 02, 2011
Districts weigh sports, costs
The Octorara Area School District is not the only district struggling with how to fund sports. A three-part series in the Intelligencer Journal/Lancaster New Era highlights this issue among Lancaster County Schools.
To read this go to Lancasteronline.com and read "Districts weigh sports,costs" from July 26; "Pay-to-play gaining momentum" from July 27; and "Are high school sports still relevant?" from July 28.
To read this go to Lancasteronline.com and read "Districts weigh sports,costs" from July 26; "Pay-to-play gaining momentum" from July 27; and "Are high school sports still relevant?" from July 28.
Monday, July 25, 2011
Emergency tax for Octorara region?
Municipalities throughout Lancaster County are struggling with how to fund emergency services. The Sunday News story, “Sounding the Alarm,” highlights local issues surrounding fire company mergers and proposed fire taxes.
http://lancasteronline.com/section/local/tag_fire%20tax_1-fire%20tax.html
In the Octorara region, the Christiana Ambulance Association has also sounded a financial warning bell.
Representatives from the Christiana Ambulance Association, which handled more than 1,000 calls in southeastern Lancaster County last year, are asking that local municipalities consider imposing a tax to fund the emergency medical service.
Hank Oleyniczak, Jack Mariano and Herb Hogg told Sadsbury Township supervisors July 5 rising costs, sinking donations, and a lack of volunteer EMT drivers are leading the board to think the association could run out of money in four or five years.
“We’d like to still be here to serve,” said Hogg. “If we close there will be an ambulance, but I have no idea where it’s coming from. We cover a huge area. Less people are supporting the ambulance all the time, which isn’t entirely fair.“
The association has 20 full and part-time paid employees, and a loyal core of six active volunteers which keep an ambulance available 24 hours, seven days a week. The association’s ambulance was the first on the scene at the Nickel Mine school shooting and maintains a visible presence along the busy Route 41 corridor.
Not having more volunteers is a budget buster, according to Oleyniczak.
“The EMT course is 200 hours,“ said Oleyniczak. “It’s hard to get a volunteer to put in 200 hours of training and work for free.”
Mariano said the service, along with other organizations, has lost volunteers and he would like to encourage young people to volunteer and use the service as a stepping stone to a good job.
“The me generation has come of age and isn’t interested in helping out the community,” agreed Supervisor Eugene Lammey.
Oleyniczak said the association receives no government funding and local state representatives said none would be forthcoming. The association receives money for ambulance runs, and from membership donations. However, memberships have dropped from 1,408 in 2008 to the current figure of 1,235.
According to Hogg, the association placed a new ambulance in use three weeks ago since the old one had 180,000 miles, and the community supported this with $42,000 in donations during last year‘s ambulance drive. The association has a building which it owns free and clear at 55 Pine Creek Drive, and shares space with the Lancaster EMS.
“Our ambulance association has up to now held its own, and we have a very strong board” Hogg said.
Mariano also told supervisors the association appreciates the help it receives from the township road crew in keeping its driveway plowed during snow storms.
Supervisors made no commitment about imposing an EMS tax.
“This gives us some time to look at it and come up with some help,” said Lammey.
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http://lancasteronline.com/section/local/tag_fire%20tax_1-fire%20tax.html
In the Octorara region, the Christiana Ambulance Association has also sounded a financial warning bell.
Representatives from the Christiana Ambulance Association, which handled more than 1,000 calls in southeastern Lancaster County last year, are asking that local municipalities consider imposing a tax to fund the emergency medical service.
Hank Oleyniczak, Jack Mariano and Herb Hogg told Sadsbury Township supervisors July 5 rising costs, sinking donations, and a lack of volunteer EMT drivers are leading the board to think the association could run out of money in four or five years.
“We’d like to still be here to serve,” said Hogg. “If we close there will be an ambulance, but I have no idea where it’s coming from. We cover a huge area. Less people are supporting the ambulance all the time, which isn’t entirely fair.“
The association has 20 full and part-time paid employees, and a loyal core of six active volunteers which keep an ambulance available 24 hours, seven days a week. The association’s ambulance was the first on the scene at the Nickel Mine school shooting and maintains a visible presence along the busy Route 41 corridor.
Not having more volunteers is a budget buster, according to Oleyniczak.
“The EMT course is 200 hours,“ said Oleyniczak. “It’s hard to get a volunteer to put in 200 hours of training and work for free.”
Mariano said the service, along with other organizations, has lost volunteers and he would like to encourage young people to volunteer and use the service as a stepping stone to a good job.
“The me generation has come of age and isn’t interested in helping out the community,” agreed Supervisor Eugene Lammey.
Oleyniczak said the association receives no government funding and local state representatives said none would be forthcoming. The association receives money for ambulance runs, and from membership donations. However, memberships have dropped from 1,408 in 2008 to the current figure of 1,235.
According to Hogg, the association placed a new ambulance in use three weeks ago since the old one had 180,000 miles, and the community supported this with $42,000 in donations during last year‘s ambulance drive. The association has a building which it owns free and clear at 55 Pine Creek Drive, and shares space with the Lancaster EMS.
“Our ambulance association has up to now held its own, and we have a very strong board” Hogg said.
Mariano also told supervisors the association appreciates the help it receives from the township road crew in keeping its driveway plowed during snow storms.
Supervisors made no commitment about imposing an EMS tax.
“This gives us some time to look at it and come up with some help,” said Lammey.
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School employees made $9 million in cuts
Octorara Area School District administrators and support staff made $81,000 in concessions to help trim the school district’s 2011-12 budget, according to a story in the July 25 Intelligencer Journal/New Era. Read it at:
http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/426945_Districts-here-lead-way-in-tough-times.html
The story compares salary cost-cutting measures made throughout Lancaster County School Districts. County-wide, school employees cut expenses by $9 million.
In Octorara, the cuts (beyond the $81,000 figure) also included eliminating the jobs of the evening custodial staff. This contract went to ServiceMaster. The athletic director director was also furloughed, but has begun a job as an independent athletic trainer and may earn up to $30,000 annually in services performed for district athletic teams.
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http://lancasteronline.com/article/local/426945_Districts-here-lead-way-in-tough-times.html
The story compares salary cost-cutting measures made throughout Lancaster County School Districts. County-wide, school employees cut expenses by $9 million.
In Octorara, the cuts (beyond the $81,000 figure) also included eliminating the jobs of the evening custodial staff. This contract went to ServiceMaster. The athletic director director was also furloughed, but has begun a job as an independent athletic trainer and may earn up to $30,000 annually in services performed for district athletic teams.
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Thursday, July 21, 2011
Octorara won't test 'Clean and Green'
The Octorara Area School District will not be testing the constitutionality of Act 319, better known as “Clean and Green,” according to Superintendent Thomas Newcome.
Newcome told the school board July 11 he received a legal opinion from Clarence Kegel of Kegel, Kelin, Almy and Grimm LLP, which seemingly upholds the state’s authority to give tax preference to farms.
School board members urged Newcome to get a legal opinion about the possibility of challenging the act’s constitutionality following a recent public comment from Thomas Seth of Sadsbury Township, who said his research indicated school boards should be reimbursed if some properties receive a tax break.
According to Octorara administrators, the district “loses” $5.4 million annually in revenue to properties enrolled in Act 319, which receive a tax break for their role in agriculture. But instead of returning the revenue lost to open space to the school district, the state requires that the school board balance its budget by either raising taxes, closing programs, or passing the burden on to other property owners in the school district.
Legislation such as House Bill 339 which could require the state to reimburse school districts for Clean and Green revenue, have received very little state-wide interest, according to state Rep. Bryan Cutler and state Rep. John Lawrence, who have addressed the school board on the issue during the past year.
Other Lancaster and Chester County school districts are also impacted by Clean and Green, including Pequea Valley, Solanco, Lampeter-Strasburg, Elanco, and Coatesville.
A suit to force the issue appeared to be a glimmer of hope during a year of uncomfortable budget cuts which included teacher furloughs, combining schools into a junior-senior high school, cutting the athletic director’s position, and outsourcing the evening custodial work.
Kegel believes Pennsylvania's constitution provides the legislature with the authority to give tax preference to farms, and does not require state reimbursement for the loss of revenue. Kegel cites Section 2(b)(i) in his opinion.
He also noted that Section 2(b)(ii) of the constitution does authorize the legislature to give tax preference based on age, disability or poverty. Under this clause, the state must reimburse local school districts for this tax loss. This has been done through the Senior Citizens Rebate and Assistance Act, which the state funds by lottery revenues.
“Mr. Seth was close, but he was looking at the wrong part of the statute as the constitution is written,” Newcome said.
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Newcome told the school board July 11 he received a legal opinion from Clarence Kegel of Kegel, Kelin, Almy and Grimm LLP, which seemingly upholds the state’s authority to give tax preference to farms.
School board members urged Newcome to get a legal opinion about the possibility of challenging the act’s constitutionality following a recent public comment from Thomas Seth of Sadsbury Township, who said his research indicated school boards should be reimbursed if some properties receive a tax break.
According to Octorara administrators, the district “loses” $5.4 million annually in revenue to properties enrolled in Act 319, which receive a tax break for their role in agriculture. But instead of returning the revenue lost to open space to the school district, the state requires that the school board balance its budget by either raising taxes, closing programs, or passing the burden on to other property owners in the school district.
Legislation such as House Bill 339 which could require the state to reimburse school districts for Clean and Green revenue, have received very little state-wide interest, according to state Rep. Bryan Cutler and state Rep. John Lawrence, who have addressed the school board on the issue during the past year.
Other Lancaster and Chester County school districts are also impacted by Clean and Green, including Pequea Valley, Solanco, Lampeter-Strasburg, Elanco, and Coatesville.
A suit to force the issue appeared to be a glimmer of hope during a year of uncomfortable budget cuts which included teacher furloughs, combining schools into a junior-senior high school, cutting the athletic director’s position, and outsourcing the evening custodial work.
Kegel believes Pennsylvania's constitution provides the legislature with the authority to give tax preference to farms, and does not require state reimbursement for the loss of revenue. Kegel cites Section 2(b)(i) in his opinion.
He also noted that Section 2(b)(ii) of the constitution does authorize the legislature to give tax preference based on age, disability or poverty. Under this clause, the state must reimburse local school districts for this tax loss. This has been done through the Senior Citizens Rebate and Assistance Act, which the state funds by lottery revenues.
“Mr. Seth was close, but he was looking at the wrong part of the statute as the constitution is written,” Newcome said.
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Octorara board, Lions offer relief
Just weeks after signing a $45.8 million budget into action, Octorara Area School District board members and administrators on July 11 penned their names and good wishes into squares of a quilt which will soon be placed in a home in Joplin, Mo.
“A community that’s struggling in many ways here still wants to reach out,” said board President Lisa Bowman of the handmade quilt, a symbol of caring which traveled to Joplin on last week with the Christiana Lions Club.
Jim Groff of Christiana, president of the club, and Shawna Johnson, school board member and Lion, told board members the club is sponsoring a relief trip to Joplin, which was devastated by a 6-mile tornado on May 22.
According to FEMA, $14 million in government assistance is in place to rebuild the community, which lost more than 120 people, and more than 20 volunteer community organizations and agencies are there doing relief work.
Groff said he wwould bring the quilt, which was donated by the newly opened Quilt Ledger shop in Christiana, and a trailer with two skid loads of survivor kits and food from the Chester County Food Bank.
Lions volunteers began to put their plans into action less than a week ago. One call led to another, with Christiana’s historic quilt shop donating a pastel work of beauty, warmth and art, and the food bank contributing practical sustenance.
The Lions said they have raised about $4,000 to contribute to community needs. Citizens, like the board members and administrators, have also been paying $5 each to sign quilt squares. In Joplin Groff was to join the Lancaster Lions volunteers.
“There are a lot of things happening behind the scenes,“ Groff said. “It’s about us people making it happen.“
Groff, a stone mason, is no stranger to cross-country adventures. He has in past decades organized fund-raising trips of the Christiana Clampetts in classic jalopies.
In another slight change of pace from months of budget crunching, Superintendent Tom Newcome asked the school board to consider a new Octorara tradition, a fall harvest or apple festival which would include rides, food and other attractions.
“The idea would be to create a tradition on campus and a revenue stream,” said Newcome.
“I hope we can have an apple festival, make some money, and divide it up with programs that have been hit very hard here,” said board member Bob Hume.
The superintendent received favorable comments from other board members and is proceeding with plans for the fall event.
Newcome also reported a YMCA group known as Stride donated an azalea and plaque which have been placed at the district office in memory of Cpl. Brandon Hardy, an Octorara graduate who was killed in 2006 during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The sixth annual motorcycle ride honoring Hardy was held July 16.
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“A community that’s struggling in many ways here still wants to reach out,” said board President Lisa Bowman of the handmade quilt, a symbol of caring which traveled to Joplin on last week with the Christiana Lions Club.
Jim Groff of Christiana, president of the club, and Shawna Johnson, school board member and Lion, told board members the club is sponsoring a relief trip to Joplin, which was devastated by a 6-mile tornado on May 22.
According to FEMA, $14 million in government assistance is in place to rebuild the community, which lost more than 120 people, and more than 20 volunteer community organizations and agencies are there doing relief work.
Groff said he wwould bring the quilt, which was donated by the newly opened Quilt Ledger shop in Christiana, and a trailer with two skid loads of survivor kits and food from the Chester County Food Bank.
Lions volunteers began to put their plans into action less than a week ago. One call led to another, with Christiana’s historic quilt shop donating a pastel work of beauty, warmth and art, and the food bank contributing practical sustenance.
The Lions said they have raised about $4,000 to contribute to community needs. Citizens, like the board members and administrators, have also been paying $5 each to sign quilt squares. In Joplin Groff was to join the Lancaster Lions volunteers.
“There are a lot of things happening behind the scenes,“ Groff said. “It’s about us people making it happen.“
Groff, a stone mason, is no stranger to cross-country adventures. He has in past decades organized fund-raising trips of the Christiana Clampetts in classic jalopies.
In another slight change of pace from months of budget crunching, Superintendent Tom Newcome asked the school board to consider a new Octorara tradition, a fall harvest or apple festival which would include rides, food and other attractions.
“The idea would be to create a tradition on campus and a revenue stream,” said Newcome.
“I hope we can have an apple festival, make some money, and divide it up with programs that have been hit very hard here,” said board member Bob Hume.
The superintendent received favorable comments from other board members and is proceeding with plans for the fall event.
Newcome also reported a YMCA group known as Stride donated an azalea and plaque which have been placed at the district office in memory of Cpl. Brandon Hardy, an Octorara graduate who was killed in 2006 during Operation Iraqi Freedom.
The sixth annual motorcycle ride honoring Hardy was held July 16.
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Band parents, musicians show support
About 25 Octorara Area School District parents and junior high school students, carrying signs such as “Jazz Band Rox” in support of the district’s music program, held a show of support in front of the school board Monday.
The community members were organized by band parent Jamie Maurer who said she was concerned about possible music department staffing changes and said she wanted for parents to be part of the conversation about the music program.
Superintendent Tom Newcome assured the parents there was no reason for alarm, and that while the school district has had to reduce its teaching staff by an overall 12 percent due to budget cuts, the music staff has lost only about one-third of a position.
Newcome said it was “unfortunate” that emails warning about a potential reduction in music instruction and concerts and encouraging children to demonstrate at the board meeting circulated throughout the Octorara band community without solid facts. Two parents asked questions, and none of the students spoke during public comment.
“It’s a non-issue that had not been fully vetted at the appropriate levels,” Newcome said. “It’s amazing how fast things go down the path.”
During the meeting Newcome explained administrators are currently working on the fall instructional schedule. He also displayed the schedule of a teacher who had apparently emailed band parents about his scheduling concerns to show how administrators have allowed for instruction time.
“We’re planning to offer almost the exact same experience as we have in the past,” Newcome said. “I do not see any significant change. Fine tuning the schedule is part of what we do in the summer.”
Middle school Principal Elena Wilson said band is being scheduled as a class which should enhance music instruction. She said scheduling and curriculum updates are being posted on the school Web site as they are finalized.
Board President Lisa Bowman told parents it was great to see the passion and care parents have for their children and district programs.
In other business, the school board approved a contract with Sports Care LLC, for up to 1,000 hours of athletic training services at $30 per hour during the 2011-12 school year. The company is a new venture for Jim Weagley, an athletic trainer who was furloughed as district athletic director during spring budget cuts. Newcome said it is standard for the district to have an athletic trainer available, and Weagley’s experience will be an advantage to the school district.
In personnel matters the school board hired Ryne Anthony as a seventh and eighth grade science teacher at a $46,914 salary; accepted with regret the resignation of Wanda Lapp as middle school student council advisor and seventh and eighth grade variety show director; and accepted with regret the resignations of John Cummings as varsity girls softball coach, and Steve Landis as assistant coach to the girls team.
-30-
The community members were organized by band parent Jamie Maurer who said she was concerned about possible music department staffing changes and said she wanted for parents to be part of the conversation about the music program.
Superintendent Tom Newcome assured the parents there was no reason for alarm, and that while the school district has had to reduce its teaching staff by an overall 12 percent due to budget cuts, the music staff has lost only about one-third of a position.
Newcome said it was “unfortunate” that emails warning about a potential reduction in music instruction and concerts and encouraging children to demonstrate at the board meeting circulated throughout the Octorara band community without solid facts. Two parents asked questions, and none of the students spoke during public comment.
“It’s a non-issue that had not been fully vetted at the appropriate levels,” Newcome said. “It’s amazing how fast things go down the path.”
During the meeting Newcome explained administrators are currently working on the fall instructional schedule. He also displayed the schedule of a teacher who had apparently emailed band parents about his scheduling concerns to show how administrators have allowed for instruction time.
“We’re planning to offer almost the exact same experience as we have in the past,” Newcome said. “I do not see any significant change. Fine tuning the schedule is part of what we do in the summer.”
Middle school Principal Elena Wilson said band is being scheduled as a class which should enhance music instruction. She said scheduling and curriculum updates are being posted on the school Web site as they are finalized.
Board President Lisa Bowman told parents it was great to see the passion and care parents have for their children and district programs.
In other business, the school board approved a contract with Sports Care LLC, for up to 1,000 hours of athletic training services at $30 per hour during the 2011-12 school year. The company is a new venture for Jim Weagley, an athletic trainer who was furloughed as district athletic director during spring budget cuts. Newcome said it is standard for the district to have an athletic trainer available, and Weagley’s experience will be an advantage to the school district.
In personnel matters the school board hired Ryne Anthony as a seventh and eighth grade science teacher at a $46,914 salary; accepted with regret the resignation of Wanda Lapp as middle school student council advisor and seventh and eighth grade variety show director; and accepted with regret the resignations of John Cummings as varsity girls softball coach, and Steve Landis as assistant coach to the girls team.
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Sunday, July 17, 2011
In Octorara, a week of caring
What do Octorara Area School Board members and district administrators have in common with a Christiana man who once played Jed Clampett in a jalopie journey? Read that story and a story about an attorney’s opinion on the constitutionality of Pennsylvania’s Act 319 or “Clean and Green” in this week’s Intell/New Era.
See how Octorara’s budget stacks up against other Lancaster County school district budgets in the story “Schools hold down taxes” www.lancasteronline.com/article/local/419345_Schoold-hold-down-taxes.html.
See the July 17 Sunday News for photos of Saturday’s sixth annual Cpl. Brandon Hardy Memorial Ride. More than 400 people, including about 260 motorcycles, turned out for the 107-mile ride honoring the Marine and Octorara graduate, who was killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
This rural community may not be challenging the state's constitution, but its members are reaching out to help and honor others.
See how Octorara’s budget stacks up against other Lancaster County school district budgets in the story “Schools hold down taxes” www.lancasteronline.com/article/local/419345_Schoold-hold-down-taxes.html.
See the July 17 Sunday News for photos of Saturday’s sixth annual Cpl. Brandon Hardy Memorial Ride. More than 400 people, including about 260 motorcycles, turned out for the 107-mile ride honoring the Marine and Octorara graduate, who was killed in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
This rural community may not be challenging the state's constitution, but its members are reaching out to help and honor others.
Monday, June 27, 2011
Octorara passes new spending plan
PLEASE SEE THE JUNE 29 INTELLIGENCER JOURNAL/NEW ERA FOR OCTORARA NEWS.
A 2010-11 budget which one school board member said should make citizens “rise up” in anger was passed June 20 by the Octorara Area School Board.
Challenging finances may also cause administrators and board members to test employee contractual issues and the state’s legal system, according to comments made during the June 13 work session.
Sadsbury Township resident Thomas Seth, who was an unsuccessful school board candidate in the May primary, told the school board June 13 that Act 319 or “Clean and Green,” which provides lower property taxes for registered agricultural properties, is actually allegedly unconstitutional.
Seth said according to Article 6, Section 2b of the state Constitution, school districts should be reimbursed if properties receive preferential tax treatment.
“It’s time our school board and state representatives ask where’s our money for 319” Seth said in a thundering voice, asking that the school board file a lawsuit against the state and make it live up to the state Constitution.
Board member Sam Ganow told the small crowd he thought it would be “worth it” to explore the possibility of a suit.
“Throw it out to all the solicitors who are applying for a job,” Ganow said. “Whoever takes it on gets a job.”
Ganow was referring to another agenda item, the resignation of long-time district solicitor Winifred Sebastian.
Superintendent Tom Newcome said in her resignation Sebastian cited a conflict of interest with her duties as solicitor for West Fallowfield Township. Sebastian did not return a reporter’s call for comment.
Newcome said after the work session if a lawsuit over Clean and Green had merit, it probably would have been previously pursued.
“However, I will be getting a legal opinion,” Newcome said.
According to board member Bob Hume, who urged citizens to rise up and call their legislators, 12 to 15 percent of individual property tax bills have to make up for lost Clean and Green revenue and Octorara, with many properties getting preferential assessments, is especially hard hit. House Bill 1960, which would call for the state to restore lost revenue to the district, is getting little notice, according to Ganow.
Newcome told board members he also will be seeking a legal opinion about whether staff who have previously been furloughed due to budget cuts should be hired as new employees, or whether they may be rehired at the same step and level of pay.
In a time of disappearing state and federal revenue and increasing costs, the district this spring furloughed 11 teachers, the athletic director, eliminated one librarian, furloughed the evening custodial staff and outsourced the evening work contract, combined the middle and high schools into the Octorara Junior-Senior High School, reorganized administrators, cut building budgets, and cut the sports budgets.
As Newcome receives notice of retirements, the board is offering to rehire previously furloughed staff.
During the work session Newcome and Business Manager Dan Carsley added further budget cuts: $29,000 in Act 93 givebacks, $12,000 from cutting support staff salary increases, cutting $14,000 in custodial maintenance, and cutting $29,000 in custodial support.
The board gave final approval to a $45,757,576 budget on June 20. The budget, while $269,000 less than the current spending plan, will cost taxpayers in Chester County 35.28 mills (up .16 mills or .46 percent). It will cost Lancaster County taxpayers 28.37 mills, up .24 mills or .85 percent.
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A 2010-11 budget which one school board member said should make citizens “rise up” in anger was passed June 20 by the Octorara Area School Board.
Challenging finances may also cause administrators and board members to test employee contractual issues and the state’s legal system, according to comments made during the June 13 work session.
Sadsbury Township resident Thomas Seth, who was an unsuccessful school board candidate in the May primary, told the school board June 13 that Act 319 or “Clean and Green,” which provides lower property taxes for registered agricultural properties, is actually allegedly unconstitutional.
Seth said according to Article 6, Section 2b of the state Constitution, school districts should be reimbursed if properties receive preferential tax treatment.
“It’s time our school board and state representatives ask where’s our money for 319” Seth said in a thundering voice, asking that the school board file a lawsuit against the state and make it live up to the state Constitution.
Board member Sam Ganow told the small crowd he thought it would be “worth it” to explore the possibility of a suit.
“Throw it out to all the solicitors who are applying for a job,” Ganow said. “Whoever takes it on gets a job.”
Ganow was referring to another agenda item, the resignation of long-time district solicitor Winifred Sebastian.
Superintendent Tom Newcome said in her resignation Sebastian cited a conflict of interest with her duties as solicitor for West Fallowfield Township. Sebastian did not return a reporter’s call for comment.
Newcome said after the work session if a lawsuit over Clean and Green had merit, it probably would have been previously pursued.
“However, I will be getting a legal opinion,” Newcome said.
According to board member Bob Hume, who urged citizens to rise up and call their legislators, 12 to 15 percent of individual property tax bills have to make up for lost Clean and Green revenue and Octorara, with many properties getting preferential assessments, is especially hard hit. House Bill 1960, which would call for the state to restore lost revenue to the district, is getting little notice, according to Ganow.
Newcome told board members he also will be seeking a legal opinion about whether staff who have previously been furloughed due to budget cuts should be hired as new employees, or whether they may be rehired at the same step and level of pay.
In a time of disappearing state and federal revenue and increasing costs, the district this spring furloughed 11 teachers, the athletic director, eliminated one librarian, furloughed the evening custodial staff and outsourced the evening work contract, combined the middle and high schools into the Octorara Junior-Senior High School, reorganized administrators, cut building budgets, and cut the sports budgets.
As Newcome receives notice of retirements, the board is offering to rehire previously furloughed staff.
During the work session Newcome and Business Manager Dan Carsley added further budget cuts: $29,000 in Act 93 givebacks, $12,000 from cutting support staff salary increases, cutting $14,000 in custodial maintenance, and cutting $29,000 in custodial support.
The board gave final approval to a $45,757,576 budget on June 20. The budget, while $269,000 less than the current spending plan, will cost taxpayers in Chester County 35.28 mills (up .16 mills or .46 percent). It will cost Lancaster County taxpayers 28.37 mills, up .24 mills or .85 percent.
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Sunday, June 12, 2011
Congratulations, Octorara graduates
If you missed the list of 2011 Octorara graduates, see www.lancasteronline for the June 8 story, "Octorara will hold commencement Friday."
And for a June 11 story about the June 10 ceremony celebrating the 55th graduating class, see "Octorara grads met with applause, air horns," also at www.lancasteronline.
And for a June 11 story about the June 10 ceremony celebrating the 55th graduating class, see "Octorara grads met with applause, air horns," also at www.lancasteronline.
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Octorara furloughs more staff
The Octorara Area School Board May 16, telling the community they were managing district finances in a businesslike manner and with a “new reality,“ furloughed 18 evening custodians, a middle school math teacher, and outsourced speech and occupational therapy services to a lower bidder to again trim the 2011-12 budget.
The board also passed (by a 7-2 vote) a proposed final spending plan of $45,878,532, although Superintendent Tom Newcome said the numbers will likely move again before the final June 30 vote. Still up in the air is the cost for professional staff salaries and benefits as the OAEA negotiates a new contract with the school board, and state revenue figures.
At this point the proposed budget, which calls for using $1.2 million of the district’s fund balance, will cost Lancaster County taxpayers 28.55 mills. This is up .42 mills, or 1.49 percent over the present level. Chester County taxpayers will pay 35.49 mills, up .37 mills or 1.05 percent.
Newcome said furloughing the evening custodial staff and outsourcing this work to Servicemaster will save the district $200,000 annually. All furloughed custodians will receive nine days severance pay, cash for unused vacation and personal days, and three 15-year employees will receive $2,500 checks for their service. He said Servicemaster agreed to interview district employees for jobs.
The superintendent recommended that the board consider hiring from the outgoing staff two evening custodians to handle event set-up and tear-down, snow removal, heating and cooling system maintenance and mail at salaries not to exceed $45,000 each.
As for occupational and speech therapy, Newcome said the Chester County Intermediate Unit allowed the district to opt out of its services and contract for any needed services with Austill’s at various lower hourly rates.
Public comment was lively on the evening before the primary.
Jerry McArdle of Sadsbury Township said the district has spent $63 million to buy land and in building and renovation projects in the last decade, but enrollment is the same as it was during the 1970s, at 2,591 students.
“We have a new school across the street that’s half empty,” he said, challenging the school board to solve the “problems created by previous school boards and by not raising our taxes.”
Newcome said no buildings are “half empty” and previous school boards looked at seven different scenarios before beginning building projects.
“At some point people will be glad we got 2006 bid prices rather than 2016 prices,” Newcome said.
“It’s very easy to look back and make comments,” said board member John Malone. “We were being told growth and when the growth occurs this school district will be ready for it.”
Board member Brian Norris said if the district had not renovated the high school, it likely would have been condemned.
“In 1976 instruction was delivered much differently,“ said Newcome. “It’s not that simple a math problem,” he said.
One factor no board could have anticipated was the growth in cyber schools and the mandate that districts pay student tuition to these. Newcome said about 170 Octorara students are now attending cyber or charter schools.
“We are looking outside the box and approaching the school district like it’s a business,” said board president Lisa Bowman.
Board member Bob Hume reminded residents 12 to 15 percent of individual tax bills have to make up for lost Clean and Green revenue.
“It’s not right of the legislature to take money from one group and transfer it to another group,” Hume said. “We don’t even have enough land to develop to make up that money. It is affecting our pupils and I don’t know why our residents aren’t raising cain about that,” he said.
Finally, the school board: again named John Malone board treasurer; hired Katherine Smith as a long-term substitute middle school math teacher; hired Cori Brittingham as a long-term substitute fifth grade teacher; accepted with regret the retirement resignation of Doris Talley, who has taught since 1977; and approved a new high school club, the Cartoon Club.
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The board also passed (by a 7-2 vote) a proposed final spending plan of $45,878,532, although Superintendent Tom Newcome said the numbers will likely move again before the final June 30 vote. Still up in the air is the cost for professional staff salaries and benefits as the OAEA negotiates a new contract with the school board, and state revenue figures.
At this point the proposed budget, which calls for using $1.2 million of the district’s fund balance, will cost Lancaster County taxpayers 28.55 mills. This is up .42 mills, or 1.49 percent over the present level. Chester County taxpayers will pay 35.49 mills, up .37 mills or 1.05 percent.
Newcome said furloughing the evening custodial staff and outsourcing this work to Servicemaster will save the district $200,000 annually. All furloughed custodians will receive nine days severance pay, cash for unused vacation and personal days, and three 15-year employees will receive $2,500 checks for their service. He said Servicemaster agreed to interview district employees for jobs.
The superintendent recommended that the board consider hiring from the outgoing staff two evening custodians to handle event set-up and tear-down, snow removal, heating and cooling system maintenance and mail at salaries not to exceed $45,000 each.
As for occupational and speech therapy, Newcome said the Chester County Intermediate Unit allowed the district to opt out of its services and contract for any needed services with Austill’s at various lower hourly rates.
Public comment was lively on the evening before the primary.
Jerry McArdle of Sadsbury Township said the district has spent $63 million to buy land and in building and renovation projects in the last decade, but enrollment is the same as it was during the 1970s, at 2,591 students.
“We have a new school across the street that’s half empty,” he said, challenging the school board to solve the “problems created by previous school boards and by not raising our taxes.”
Newcome said no buildings are “half empty” and previous school boards looked at seven different scenarios before beginning building projects.
“At some point people will be glad we got 2006 bid prices rather than 2016 prices,” Newcome said.
“It’s very easy to look back and make comments,” said board member John Malone. “We were being told growth and when the growth occurs this school district will be ready for it.”
Board member Brian Norris said if the district had not renovated the high school, it likely would have been condemned.
“In 1976 instruction was delivered much differently,“ said Newcome. “It’s not that simple a math problem,” he said.
One factor no board could have anticipated was the growth in cyber schools and the mandate that districts pay student tuition to these. Newcome said about 170 Octorara students are now attending cyber or charter schools.
“We are looking outside the box and approaching the school district like it’s a business,” said board president Lisa Bowman.
Board member Bob Hume reminded residents 12 to 15 percent of individual tax bills have to make up for lost Clean and Green revenue.
“It’s not right of the legislature to take money from one group and transfer it to another group,” Hume said. “We don’t even have enough land to develop to make up that money. It is affecting our pupils and I don’t know why our residents aren’t raising cain about that,” he said.
Finally, the school board: again named John Malone board treasurer; hired Katherine Smith as a long-term substitute middle school math teacher; hired Cori Brittingham as a long-term substitute fifth grade teacher; accepted with regret the retirement resignation of Doris Talley, who has taught since 1977; and approved a new high school club, the Cartoon Club.
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Monday, May 23, 2011
Voters pick two new faces for Octorara School Board
Campaigning up to the May primary was quiet in the Octorara Area School District, with some candidates making homemade yard signs and only one challenger candidate, Republican Thomas Seth Jr., speaking publicly at school board meetings.
According to results provided by election bureaus in both Lancaster and Chester counties, and the candidates themselves, there will be two new faces -- Sherri Melton and Leon Lapp Jr. -- on the school board after the November election. Here is a comprehensive look at what the voters said.
Region 1
In Region 1, which includes Atglen Borough, Christiana Borough, Parkesburg North, and West Sadsbury Township, three seats were up for election. Incumbents Brian Norris and Shawna Johnson received both Democratic and Repulican votes in all municipalities, as did newcomer Sheri Melton.
Incumbent Linda Bicking did not campaign but said she was willing to be written in as a candidate.
“As there was a third candidate on the ballot, I’m sure any write in wouldn’t have made it,” she said in an email after the election. “If there hadn’t been a third candidate, then I was willing to be written in.”
Official results from both Lancaster and Chester counties show in Atglen Norris received 62 Republican votes and 17 Democratic votes; Johnson won 45 Republican votes, and Melton won 59 Republican votes and 17 Democratic votes.
In Christiana Norris received 26 Republican votes, Johnson 27 Republican votes, and Melton 26 Republican votes. Norris received 8 Democratic votes and Melton 9 Democratic votes. There were no write-in candidates in either Christiana or Atglen.
In Parkesburg North, Norris received 15 Republican votes, Johnson 14 Republican votes, and Melton 28 Republican votes. Democrats cast 18 votes each for Norris and Melton, and there were two write-in candidates.
West Sadsbury Republicans cast 51 votes for Norris, 37 votes for Johnson and 36 votes for Melton. Democrats in that municipality gave eight votes to Norris, 10 to Melton and cast three write-in votes.
It appears that unless another candidate wages a write-in campaign prior to the November election, Norris and Johnson will again take their Region 1 seats, alongside Region 1 newcomer Sheri Melton.
Region 2
Primary results in this region, which includes Sadsbury Township in Lancaster County and West Fallowfield Township in Chester County, show incumbent school board President Lisa Bowman won her race against challenger Thomas Seth Jr.
In Sadsbury Township, Lancaster County, Seth received 64 Republican votes to Bowman’s 33. Bowman, who had cross-filed, also received 33 Democratic votes. In West Fallowfield Township in Chester County, Bowman received 61 Republican votes to Seth’s 28, and Bowman received 27 Democratic votes.
Votes in both municipalities are counted together, so Bowman’s name will be the only name on the ballot in November. Seth said he plans to continue to attend school board meetings and speak out, but does not plan to wage a write-in campaign for this seat.
Region 3
Region 3 includes Highland and Londonderry townships and Parkesburg South. The incumbent is John Malone and although he may have received some write-in votes, Malone has said in an email he has served eight years and is not running again.
In Highland candidate Leon Lapp received 40 votes, and 75 Republican votes in Londonderry. There were 13 Democratic write-in candidates in Highland, and three Democratic write-in candidates in Londonderry. Lapp received 54 Republican votes in Parkesburg South, and there were seven write-in candidates there. Lapp’s name will be the only name on the ballot.
Finishing Eight years
"I have loved being on the board - except at budget time,” said outgoing board member Bicking. “It is such a struggle.
“The group I’ve worked with over the last eight years have had only the kids as their agenda, along with keeping the millage as low as they could.”
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According to results provided by election bureaus in both Lancaster and Chester counties, and the candidates themselves, there will be two new faces -- Sherri Melton and Leon Lapp Jr. -- on the school board after the November election. Here is a comprehensive look at what the voters said.
Region 1
In Region 1, which includes Atglen Borough, Christiana Borough, Parkesburg North, and West Sadsbury Township, three seats were up for election. Incumbents Brian Norris and Shawna Johnson received both Democratic and Repulican votes in all municipalities, as did newcomer Sheri Melton.
Incumbent Linda Bicking did not campaign but said she was willing to be written in as a candidate.
“As there was a third candidate on the ballot, I’m sure any write in wouldn’t have made it,” she said in an email after the election. “If there hadn’t been a third candidate, then I was willing to be written in.”
Official results from both Lancaster and Chester counties show in Atglen Norris received 62 Republican votes and 17 Democratic votes; Johnson won 45 Republican votes, and Melton won 59 Republican votes and 17 Democratic votes.
In Christiana Norris received 26 Republican votes, Johnson 27 Republican votes, and Melton 26 Republican votes. Norris received 8 Democratic votes and Melton 9 Democratic votes. There were no write-in candidates in either Christiana or Atglen.
In Parkesburg North, Norris received 15 Republican votes, Johnson 14 Republican votes, and Melton 28 Republican votes. Democrats cast 18 votes each for Norris and Melton, and there were two write-in candidates.
West Sadsbury Republicans cast 51 votes for Norris, 37 votes for Johnson and 36 votes for Melton. Democrats in that municipality gave eight votes to Norris, 10 to Melton and cast three write-in votes.
It appears that unless another candidate wages a write-in campaign prior to the November election, Norris and Johnson will again take their Region 1 seats, alongside Region 1 newcomer Sheri Melton.
Region 2
Primary results in this region, which includes Sadsbury Township in Lancaster County and West Fallowfield Township in Chester County, show incumbent school board President Lisa Bowman won her race against challenger Thomas Seth Jr.
In Sadsbury Township, Lancaster County, Seth received 64 Republican votes to Bowman’s 33. Bowman, who had cross-filed, also received 33 Democratic votes. In West Fallowfield Township in Chester County, Bowman received 61 Republican votes to Seth’s 28, and Bowman received 27 Democratic votes.
Votes in both municipalities are counted together, so Bowman’s name will be the only name on the ballot in November. Seth said he plans to continue to attend school board meetings and speak out, but does not plan to wage a write-in campaign for this seat.
Region 3
Region 3 includes Highland and Londonderry townships and Parkesburg South. The incumbent is John Malone and although he may have received some write-in votes, Malone has said in an email he has served eight years and is not running again.
In Highland candidate Leon Lapp received 40 votes, and 75 Republican votes in Londonderry. There were 13 Democratic write-in candidates in Highland, and three Democratic write-in candidates in Londonderry. Lapp received 54 Republican votes in Parkesburg South, and there were seven write-in candidates there. Lapp’s name will be the only name on the ballot.
Finishing Eight years
"I have loved being on the board - except at budget time,” said outgoing board member Bicking. “It is such a struggle.
“The group I’ve worked with over the last eight years have had only the kids as their agenda, along with keeping the millage as low as they could.”
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Thursday, April 14, 2011
Business proposal may bring jobs, tax revenue to Octorara
A $25 million corporate campus which could create 250 to 300 jobs and bring hundreds of thousands of dollars to the cash-strapped Octorara Area School District is currently under planning consideration in Sadsbury Township.
Bill MacCauley of John Rock, Inc., who purchased the historic 115-acre Brown farm in Sadsbury Township last year, told Sadsbury Township supervisors April 5 he is in negotiations with a prospective buyer and asked that the matter be considered by supervisors and the township’s planning commission.
Although MacCauley is keeping the identity of the buyer confidential during sensitive real estate negotiations, he told supervisors the buyer is interested in creating a corporate campus for one wholesale business with loading docks and office, packaging and storage space.
MacCauley explained the buyer has in mind a corporate space similar to the business park in Chester County which houses businesses including Keystone Helicopter, CDTI and his own John Rock, Inc.
He said the proposed campus could occupy between 40 and 70 acres of the Brown tract, which is just north of the Dutchway Farm Market and J.B. Zimmerman Hardware on Route 41. Access to the new site would be through that existing Sadsbury Business Park, and would therefore not require a new road or traffic light, MacCauley said.
During the meeting supervisors noted the proposed development is in the township’s mixed use zoning, which allows manufacturing, packaging, storage and commercial businesses along with residences.
“We are looking for your feedback,” MacCauley told supervisors, noting the prospective buyer is also looking at other properties.
“It sounds good to me,” said Supervisor Greg Esh.
“I’m with Greg; I’m very interested,” said Supervisor Eugene Lammey. “We’ve been looking for something like this for a while. That is our urban growth area in the township.”
Township Zoning Officer Bill Beers said he thought the light industrial warehouse and office space would be a good mix, and township planners will need to agree the proposal meets the township’s definition of mixed use zoning.
“This is what we need here,” MacCauley said following the meeting. “It will bring in tax revenue and good jobs.”
“When you are writing an ordinance you are writing in a cloud, and then someone drives a truck through it,” MacCauley said. “Too many of the townships zone it wrong. We need little corporate parks.”
David Blank, a planning commission member, invited MacCauley to present his plans to the township planning commission on April 13.
In other business supervisors signed a letter for the Heritage Group confirming that since PennDOT took a portion of the group’s property, lots one and two of the subdivision are not buildable; signed plans for the Zook subdivision on Mount Vernon Road; and agreed they would prefer a 10-year franchise with Comcast, rather than a 20-year agreement.
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Bill MacCauley of John Rock, Inc., who purchased the historic 115-acre Brown farm in Sadsbury Township last year, told Sadsbury Township supervisors April 5 he is in negotiations with a prospective buyer and asked that the matter be considered by supervisors and the township’s planning commission.
Although MacCauley is keeping the identity of the buyer confidential during sensitive real estate negotiations, he told supervisors the buyer is interested in creating a corporate campus for one wholesale business with loading docks and office, packaging and storage space.
MacCauley explained the buyer has in mind a corporate space similar to the business park in Chester County which houses businesses including Keystone Helicopter, CDTI and his own John Rock, Inc.
He said the proposed campus could occupy between 40 and 70 acres of the Brown tract, which is just north of the Dutchway Farm Market and J.B. Zimmerman Hardware on Route 41. Access to the new site would be through that existing Sadsbury Business Park, and would therefore not require a new road or traffic light, MacCauley said.
During the meeting supervisors noted the proposed development is in the township’s mixed use zoning, which allows manufacturing, packaging, storage and commercial businesses along with residences.
“We are looking for your feedback,” MacCauley told supervisors, noting the prospective buyer is also looking at other properties.
“It sounds good to me,” said Supervisor Greg Esh.
“I’m with Greg; I’m very interested,” said Supervisor Eugene Lammey. “We’ve been looking for something like this for a while. That is our urban growth area in the township.”
Township Zoning Officer Bill Beers said he thought the light industrial warehouse and office space would be a good mix, and township planners will need to agree the proposal meets the township’s definition of mixed use zoning.
“This is what we need here,” MacCauley said following the meeting. “It will bring in tax revenue and good jobs.”
“When you are writing an ordinance you are writing in a cloud, and then someone drives a truck through it,” MacCauley said. “Too many of the townships zone it wrong. We need little corporate parks.”
David Blank, a planning commission member, invited MacCauley to present his plans to the township planning commission on April 13.
In other business supervisors signed a letter for the Heritage Group confirming that since PennDOT took a portion of the group’s property, lots one and two of the subdivision are not buildable; signed plans for the Zook subdivision on Mount Vernon Road; and agreed they would prefer a 10-year franchise with Comcast, rather than a 20-year agreement.
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District may cut teaching, sports staff
The Octorara Area School District is considering placing seven teaching staff on furlough and enacting major cost-saving educational and administrative changes to reel in its budget in light of recent state and federal funding cuts.
“I have a great deal of difficulty reading this,“ school board President Lisa Bowman said with emotion during an April 11 work session as she read the names of the staff to be cut.
The list includes Jim Weagley, director of athletics and school and community activities, and six other full and part-time teachers. Also, four retiring staff including a high school Spanish teacher, elementary teacher, high school librarian and elementary reading specialist will not be replaced if on April 18 the school board gives Superintendent Tom Newcome a favorable response to his proposed cuts.
“We’re losing some good people through furlough and the retirement process,” Newcome said. “It’s a very challenging agenda item but we must keep moving if we’re going to make our budget work,” he said, noting reorganizing staff means the changes will have the least impact on students.
Newcome is also recommending that the district reorganize the high school and middle school, which are next to each other, into one operating center to be named Octorara Junior-Senior High School.
Since the two schools, including the recently renovated high school, have full facilities, the change will not mean that seventh graders will be eating lunch with eleventh graders. It does mean, however, administrators will be reorganized and taking on more duties and that the former team teaching model used at the middle school will be replaced.
Newcome is asking for board approval on April 18 so he can proceed with getting Pennsylvania Department of Education approval for the maneuver. Newcome said sharing teachers between buildings without team teaching enables some furloughs because students gain teaching periods.
For middle school students this will also mean seventh grade students will gain a Reading period; the middle school Unified Arts program will be expanded; Band and Music will become scheduled classes; and IHT (individual help time) will be eliminated.
In addition to the seven furloughs, Newcome is proposing that since one high school librarian is retiring, that the district create two library positions -- one for grades K-6 and one for grades 7-12. Each school building would be staffed with a half-day library assistant.
Middle school Principal Elena Wilson said her Communication Arts teachers are prepared to work with students on library research skills.
Newcome said other furloughs, resignations and retirements may be forthcoming.
The superintendent said he also reviewed the district kindergarten program and is recommending that the district keep two sections of full-day, every day kindergarten; create six sections of full-day, alternate day kindergarten; and keep one section of half-day Monday through Friday morning kindergarten, with parents providing transportaion at mid-day.
“This allows parents to know they have some options,” Newcome said, adding that the program will be finalized after spring kindergarten registration.
Newcome said the district is also moving toward offering its own technical education classes in order to save money. He said the district is already offering Agriculture Mechanization, Agriculture Productions Operations and Job Seeking/Changing Skills. Newcome said the district is waiting state approval for the following technical education classes: Business Marketing, Woodworking Technology and Cabinet Making; Commercial and Graphic Arts; Drafting Technology, and Commercial and Advertising Arts.
In response to parent concerns, he said students already enrolled in other culinary programs will be allowed to attend, but the district is moving toward offering its own culinary arts, early childhood education and accounting programs and wants to make it board policy to keep Octorara students in programs offered on campus.
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“I have a great deal of difficulty reading this,“ school board President Lisa Bowman said with emotion during an April 11 work session as she read the names of the staff to be cut.
The list includes Jim Weagley, director of athletics and school and community activities, and six other full and part-time teachers. Also, four retiring staff including a high school Spanish teacher, elementary teacher, high school librarian and elementary reading specialist will not be replaced if on April 18 the school board gives Superintendent Tom Newcome a favorable response to his proposed cuts.
“We’re losing some good people through furlough and the retirement process,” Newcome said. “It’s a very challenging agenda item but we must keep moving if we’re going to make our budget work,” he said, noting reorganizing staff means the changes will have the least impact on students.
Newcome is also recommending that the district reorganize the high school and middle school, which are next to each other, into one operating center to be named Octorara Junior-Senior High School.
Since the two schools, including the recently renovated high school, have full facilities, the change will not mean that seventh graders will be eating lunch with eleventh graders. It does mean, however, administrators will be reorganized and taking on more duties and that the former team teaching model used at the middle school will be replaced.
Newcome is asking for board approval on April 18 so he can proceed with getting Pennsylvania Department of Education approval for the maneuver. Newcome said sharing teachers between buildings without team teaching enables some furloughs because students gain teaching periods.
For middle school students this will also mean seventh grade students will gain a Reading period; the middle school Unified Arts program will be expanded; Band and Music will become scheduled classes; and IHT (individual help time) will be eliminated.
In addition to the seven furloughs, Newcome is proposing that since one high school librarian is retiring, that the district create two library positions -- one for grades K-6 and one for grades 7-12. Each school building would be staffed with a half-day library assistant.
Middle school Principal Elena Wilson said her Communication Arts teachers are prepared to work with students on library research skills.
Newcome said other furloughs, resignations and retirements may be forthcoming.
The superintendent said he also reviewed the district kindergarten program and is recommending that the district keep two sections of full-day, every day kindergarten; create six sections of full-day, alternate day kindergarten; and keep one section of half-day Monday through Friday morning kindergarten, with parents providing transportaion at mid-day.
“This allows parents to know they have some options,” Newcome said, adding that the program will be finalized after spring kindergarten registration.
Newcome said the district is also moving toward offering its own technical education classes in order to save money. He said the district is already offering Agriculture Mechanization, Agriculture Productions Operations and Job Seeking/Changing Skills. Newcome said the district is waiting state approval for the following technical education classes: Business Marketing, Woodworking Technology and Cabinet Making; Commercial and Graphic Arts; Drafting Technology, and Commercial and Advertising Arts.
In response to parent concerns, he said students already enrolled in other culinary programs will be allowed to attend, but the district is moving toward offering its own culinary arts, early childhood education and accounting programs and wants to make it board policy to keep Octorara students in programs offered on campus.
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Saturday, April 02, 2011
Octorara is in the news
Are you reading your newspaper?
Are you, as Octorara School Board member Bob Hume recently suggested, "making some noise?"
Here's what you might have missed this week:
Go to www.lancasteronline.com to read a March 31, 2011 Brian Wallace story, "Schools get OK to hike taxes." and
an April 1, 2011 story also by Wallace, "School data all at your fingertips. State Web site gathers information"
Are you, as Octorara School Board member Bob Hume recently suggested, "making some noise?"
Here's what you might have missed this week:
Go to www.lancasteronline.com to read a March 31, 2011 Brian Wallace story, "Schools get OK to hike taxes." and
an April 1, 2011 story also by Wallace, "School data all at your fingertips. State Web site gathers information"
Legislature fumbles in struggling school district
Pressures from decreasing state revenue and Act 319, a 1974 law which gives preferential assessments to agricultural land and shifts the tax burden to other properties, is driving taxpayers in the Octorara Area School District to a breaking point, school board members told the community during their March 14 meeting.
“It appears to me our legislators are out to break us and they’re doing a damn good job,” said board member Bob Hume. “We need the people in the Octorara area to make some noise.”
Discouraged that legislative proposals to as Hume puts it, “even the playing field” for all taxpayers are sitting in committee, board members asked Business Manager Dan Carsley to explain the impact Act 319 has on the district.
According to Carsley, 226 out of the 1,407 taxable parcels in the Lancaster County portion of the district are in Act 319, also known as Clean and Green. In Chester County, 812 out of 5,463 taxable parcels are in Clean and Green. These properties are assessed at a lower rate.
This preferential assessment shifts $1.6 million in Lancaster County property values to other taxpayers, and $3.8 million in Chester County to other taxpayers.
In bottom line figures, Carsley said, each property owner in Lancaster County pays an average of $1,387 per year more because of Act 319. In Chester County, property owners not in Clean and Green pay an additional $825 more annually.
Carsley said the district is doing all it can to save money through initiatives such as joint purchasing and electric choice. However, state funding cuts, rising health care and retirement costs and charter school enrollment cause the district millage rates to be among the highest in the region.
Beginning in 2006 property owners who signed up for Act 1 have had about $270 annually trimmed from their property tax bills from state gambling revenue. However, Carsley said property tax bills have also risen by an average of $97 annually over the past five years in Lancaster County, and by $135 annually over the same time period in Chester County.
“It’s the system based on property taxes,“ said Superintendent Tom Newcome.
The superintendent is holding a series of town meetings this spring to discuss school funding and also how potential budget cuts may affect educational programming. The next parent meeting is set for 7 p.m. April 21 in the middle school multipurpose room, and the next town hall meeting will be at 7 p.m. April 26 in the same location.
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“It appears to me our legislators are out to break us and they’re doing a damn good job,” said board member Bob Hume. “We need the people in the Octorara area to make some noise.”
Discouraged that legislative proposals to as Hume puts it, “even the playing field” for all taxpayers are sitting in committee, board members asked Business Manager Dan Carsley to explain the impact Act 319 has on the district.
According to Carsley, 226 out of the 1,407 taxable parcels in the Lancaster County portion of the district are in Act 319, also known as Clean and Green. In Chester County, 812 out of 5,463 taxable parcels are in Clean and Green. These properties are assessed at a lower rate.
This preferential assessment shifts $1.6 million in Lancaster County property values to other taxpayers, and $3.8 million in Chester County to other taxpayers.
In bottom line figures, Carsley said, each property owner in Lancaster County pays an average of $1,387 per year more because of Act 319. In Chester County, property owners not in Clean and Green pay an additional $825 more annually.
Carsley said the district is doing all it can to save money through initiatives such as joint purchasing and electric choice. However, state funding cuts, rising health care and retirement costs and charter school enrollment cause the district millage rates to be among the highest in the region.
Beginning in 2006 property owners who signed up for Act 1 have had about $270 annually trimmed from their property tax bills from state gambling revenue. However, Carsley said property tax bills have also risen by an average of $97 annually over the past five years in Lancaster County, and by $135 annually over the same time period in Chester County.
“It’s the system based on property taxes,“ said Superintendent Tom Newcome.
The superintendent is holding a series of town meetings this spring to discuss school funding and also how potential budget cuts may affect educational programming. The next parent meeting is set for 7 p.m. April 21 in the middle school multipurpose room, and the next town hall meeting will be at 7 p.m. April 26 in the same location.
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Octorara innovators make learning leaps
Octorara Area School District teachers are expanding opportunities for students despite the shrinking state funding which is putting a strain on the district budget, Assistant Superintendent Nancy Bishop told the school board and approximately 50 community members in March.
Three ongoing initiatives are helping students and their families find their places in the world, Bishop said.
Fourth grade students are corresponding with education students at West Chester University to hone their writing and personal skills. Students from third grade through high school have been working on NASA and integrative math and science projects which culminated in grant-funded Geodome lessons for both students and their families.
Third, teachers in nearly every Octorara classroom are now using Promethean Boards, technologically interactive “chalk” boards, to enhance lessons. The district will receive nearly $15,000 in free Promethean equipment for piloting the product.
Parent Jennifer Zumiak of Londonderry Township also told the school board 10 Octorara teachers had been nominated for Citadel Heart of Learning awards from Citadel Bank. Zumiak said the teachers named finalists will each receive $500 checks to spend on classroom supplies and initiatives.
The Octorara teachers nominated were Holly Conte, Beth Davis, Cindy Eshleman, Kathleen Heller, Jeb King, Krista Lease, Mark Peticca, Andrew Reynolds, Jennifer Watson and Kristen Wimer.
“Our teachers are discouraged with (budget) cuts and the amount of work they have to do,” Zumiak said. “Our teachers are awesome. I want to keep good teachers in this district.”
The school board is currently working on trimming $1.5 million from its 2011-12 $47,829,317 budget which is up $1.8 million, or nearly 4 percent, over this year’s spending plan. The board is inviting the community to special budget meetings.
Administrators and school board members indicated the budget is still very much a work in progress.
In response to a question from Parkesburg resident Anita Grimes, Superintendent Tom Newcome said the district is not considering offering retirement incentives this year. Newcome said 10 teachers took advantage of an early retirement buyout last year, but this is not being offered this year.
Newcome said he is, however, crunching numbers regarding full-day kindergarten to see if this would make fiscal sense by keeping students (who might otherwise be lost to charter schools) in the district.
West Sadsbury resident Kathy Blank said she is concerned about possible teacher layoffs and the affect these would have on her children’s education.
“Can there be a pay freeze instead of laying off teachers?” Blank asked.
“How can we help?” asked community member Tammy Awad of West Sadsbury. “Can we brainstorm and fund raise?”
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Three ongoing initiatives are helping students and their families find their places in the world, Bishop said.
Fourth grade students are corresponding with education students at West Chester University to hone their writing and personal skills. Students from third grade through high school have been working on NASA and integrative math and science projects which culminated in grant-funded Geodome lessons for both students and their families.
Third, teachers in nearly every Octorara classroom are now using Promethean Boards, technologically interactive “chalk” boards, to enhance lessons. The district will receive nearly $15,000 in free Promethean equipment for piloting the product.
Parent Jennifer Zumiak of Londonderry Township also told the school board 10 Octorara teachers had been nominated for Citadel Heart of Learning awards from Citadel Bank. Zumiak said the teachers named finalists will each receive $500 checks to spend on classroom supplies and initiatives.
The Octorara teachers nominated were Holly Conte, Beth Davis, Cindy Eshleman, Kathleen Heller, Jeb King, Krista Lease, Mark Peticca, Andrew Reynolds, Jennifer Watson and Kristen Wimer.
“Our teachers are discouraged with (budget) cuts and the amount of work they have to do,” Zumiak said. “Our teachers are awesome. I want to keep good teachers in this district.”
The school board is currently working on trimming $1.5 million from its 2011-12 $47,829,317 budget which is up $1.8 million, or nearly 4 percent, over this year’s spending plan. The board is inviting the community to special budget meetings.
Administrators and school board members indicated the budget is still very much a work in progress.
In response to a question from Parkesburg resident Anita Grimes, Superintendent Tom Newcome said the district is not considering offering retirement incentives this year. Newcome said 10 teachers took advantage of an early retirement buyout last year, but this is not being offered this year.
Newcome said he is, however, crunching numbers regarding full-day kindergarten to see if this would make fiscal sense by keeping students (who might otherwise be lost to charter schools) in the district.
West Sadsbury resident Kathy Blank said she is concerned about possible teacher layoffs and the affect these would have on her children’s education.
“Can there be a pay freeze instead of laying off teachers?” Blank asked.
“How can we help?” asked community member Tammy Awad of West Sadsbury. “Can we brainstorm and fund raise?”
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Sadsbury plans spring road work
Sadsbury Township supervisors met for a road tour March 12 and opted to solve several ongoing road problems.
Supervisors plan to redo Buck Hill Road from Ella Lane to the township line; patch the bridge at Creek and Steelville Mill roads; and find a solution to bamboo plantings along Creek Road, which overlap the road during ice and snow storms.
Roadmaster Jeff Nickel says the bamboo blocks the road, and plows can’t go through the hanging plantings because they could damage the plows. The matter is on the agenda for the township’s April 5 meeting.
During the March 1 meeting the township road crew received thanks from resident Mark Leatherman for snow cleanup and pothole repair along Carolyn Drive.
Supervisors also appointed Timothy Manley as an alternate member on the township’s zoning hearing board, for a three-year term.
In a separate matter, supervisors referred to their attorney a problem with Barbara Zook who resides across from the township building on White Oak Road. Supervisor Linda Swift explained there has been Canadian thistle on the property, which is considered by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to be a noxious weed. The township has an ordinance calling for removal of such weeds, which spreads to neighboring fields.
Swift said Zook was brought before District Justice Isaac Stoltzfus, but has not paid her fine. Supervisors asked attorney Frank Mincarelli to write Zook a letter about the overdue fine and to remind her about removal of the noxious weed.
Finally, supervisors approved: allowing Samuel L. Stoltzfus to run a concrete-enclosed line from his manure pit under an Amtrak line; looking into renting a street sweeper and sharing the cost with another municipality; and power-washing the township building prior to its use on election day.
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Supervisors plan to redo Buck Hill Road from Ella Lane to the township line; patch the bridge at Creek and Steelville Mill roads; and find a solution to bamboo plantings along Creek Road, which overlap the road during ice and snow storms.
Roadmaster Jeff Nickel says the bamboo blocks the road, and plows can’t go through the hanging plantings because they could damage the plows. The matter is on the agenda for the township’s April 5 meeting.
During the March 1 meeting the township road crew received thanks from resident Mark Leatherman for snow cleanup and pothole repair along Carolyn Drive.
Supervisors also appointed Timothy Manley as an alternate member on the township’s zoning hearing board, for a three-year term.
In a separate matter, supervisors referred to their attorney a problem with Barbara Zook who resides across from the township building on White Oak Road. Supervisor Linda Swift explained there has been Canadian thistle on the property, which is considered by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to be a noxious weed. The township has an ordinance calling for removal of such weeds, which spreads to neighboring fields.
Swift said Zook was brought before District Justice Isaac Stoltzfus, but has not paid her fine. Supervisors asked attorney Frank Mincarelli to write Zook a letter about the overdue fine and to remind her about removal of the noxious weed.
Finally, supervisors approved: allowing Samuel L. Stoltzfus to run a concrete-enclosed line from his manure pit under an Amtrak line; looking into renting a street sweeper and sharing the cost with another municipality; and power-washing the township building prior to its use on election day.
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Fourth Street work begins in Quarryville
Construction on a project Quarryville residents have anticipated for a year - the Fourth Street improvement project - was set to begin March 28, Quarryville Borough Council said during their March 7 meeting.
Council approved giving the bid to Flyway Excavating of Lititz, the low bidder at $1,378,700. Council members said the firm did a good job on last year’s Fifth Street project, and that Flyway representatives will soon be meeting with businesses and residents along Fourth Street to coordinate a traffic management plan.
By a 7-1 vote, with Durwin Parks the lone dissenter, council approved borrowing $1.9 million from PNC Bank for the project. The 16-year fixed loan at an interest rate of 4.47 percent, with no option to prepay, will cost the borough $174,000 a year.
In addition, since the bank requires an annual outside professional audit, the loan will cost the borough about $12,000 to $14,000 annually, or about $210,000 in additional auditing costs. Council members said they would file paperwork with the Pennsylvania Council on Economic Development and enact an ordinance directing the project at their April 4 meeting, with the loan to be officially signed in late April.
Attorney Paul Lundeen with Rodes and Sinon LLP said the issue was big enough for a bond issue, but recent negative publicity surrounding the bond market has encouraged municipalities to go for bank loans instead.
Police Chief Ken Work reminded council a street survey had been done about speed reductions and parking along borough streets, but no action has been taken. Council asked the street committee to put the matter on its agenda and make recommendations for council’s April meeting.
Work said the police department handled four crashes, two thefts, one DUI, two arrest warrants, and one burglary, among other calls and investigations during February.
Council also held an executive session for personnel matters.
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Council approved giving the bid to Flyway Excavating of Lititz, the low bidder at $1,378,700. Council members said the firm did a good job on last year’s Fifth Street project, and that Flyway representatives will soon be meeting with businesses and residents along Fourth Street to coordinate a traffic management plan.
By a 7-1 vote, with Durwin Parks the lone dissenter, council approved borrowing $1.9 million from PNC Bank for the project. The 16-year fixed loan at an interest rate of 4.47 percent, with no option to prepay, will cost the borough $174,000 a year.
In addition, since the bank requires an annual outside professional audit, the loan will cost the borough about $12,000 to $14,000 annually, or about $210,000 in additional auditing costs. Council members said they would file paperwork with the Pennsylvania Council on Economic Development and enact an ordinance directing the project at their April 4 meeting, with the loan to be officially signed in late April.
Attorney Paul Lundeen with Rodes and Sinon LLP said the issue was big enough for a bond issue, but recent negative publicity surrounding the bond market has encouraged municipalities to go for bank loans instead.
Police Chief Ken Work reminded council a street survey had been done about speed reductions and parking along borough streets, but no action has been taken. Council asked the street committee to put the matter on its agenda and make recommendations for council’s April meeting.
Work said the police department handled four crashes, two thefts, one DUI, two arrest warrants, and one burglary, among other calls and investigations during February.
Council also held an executive session for personnel matters.
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Friday, March 04, 2011
Students pilot online driving course
About 75 Octorara Area High School students currently enrolled in the Delaware-based SmartDrive program should be safer drivers after completing the online safe driving course, high school Principal Scott Rohrer told the school board Feb. 21.
“We want to address the issue of accidents with this age group,“ said Rohrer, adding that he may ask the school board to consider making the SmartDrive course part of the high school’s required curriculum.
Teachers, administrators and the Student Council drummed up enrollment in the six-hour online course, which students must complete between November and March. Students who complete the defensive driving course may also be eligible for discounts with their family’s auto insurance provider, said Rohrer.
School board member Bob Hume brought the course, with a Web page at www.smartdrivede.org, to the attention of the school board last fall.
Board member Nelson Stoltzfus of the district’s Facilities Committee said the high school renovation is progressing despite contractor changes. Stoltzfus said the gym should be finished by June 1, and the auditorium by August.
In personnel issues the school board accepted with regret the retirement resignation of high school Spanish teacher Judy Curiel, who has taught in the district since 1986. The board hired Bridget Marowski as a long-term subsitute Spanish teacher at a pro-rated $46,914 salary.
The school board also terminated an employee who was not named; hired Tammy Anthony as a long-term substitute third grade teacher; approved Matt Walton as a volunteer with the girls basketball program; and approved the removal of tax leins on three mobile home parcels in Chester County since the homes were removed or demolished. The leins totaled $4,901.
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“We want to address the issue of accidents with this age group,“ said Rohrer, adding that he may ask the school board to consider making the SmartDrive course part of the high school’s required curriculum.
Teachers, administrators and the Student Council drummed up enrollment in the six-hour online course, which students must complete between November and March. Students who complete the defensive driving course may also be eligible for discounts with their family’s auto insurance provider, said Rohrer.
School board member Bob Hume brought the course, with a Web page at www.smartdrivede.org, to the attention of the school board last fall.
Board member Nelson Stoltzfus of the district’s Facilities Committee said the high school renovation is progressing despite contractor changes. Stoltzfus said the gym should be finished by June 1, and the auditorium by August.
In personnel issues the school board accepted with regret the retirement resignation of high school Spanish teacher Judy Curiel, who has taught in the district since 1986. The board hired Bridget Marowski as a long-term subsitute Spanish teacher at a pro-rated $46,914 salary.
The school board also terminated an employee who was not named; hired Tammy Anthony as a long-term substitute third grade teacher; approved Matt Walton as a volunteer with the girls basketball program; and approved the removal of tax leins on three mobile home parcels in Chester County since the homes were removed or demolished. The leins totaled $4,901.
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Quarryville Borough to sell six acres
With an eye toward creating a master plan for the borough’s assets, Quarryville Borough Council held a special meeting Feb. 22 and reached consensus on selling its Reed's Spring property, which is six acres on Sunset Drive.
“I’d like to see it liquidated and the money put away as we plan for the future,” said council President Robert Landis Jr.
The property, which council believes could provide a buyer with two or three building lots, is outside borough limits and council members said it would not be of use to the borough. Council directed borough manager Al Drayovitch to look into the procedure for accepting bids and selling the property.
The Reed's Spring parcel is one of several parcels which council either purchased or accepted through donation over the years.
The Herr Spring property was donated to the borough about 50 years ago by Robert Herr and has been considered a possible borough water source. Council members said they are unsure whether the water is suitable to used for public drinking, and it is time to do a drill test to check the water quality and flow.
Drayovitch said the borough purchases a million gallons each month from Pennsylvania American Water Company, a contract which costs the borough $75,000 annually. He said this represents about 15 percent of the borough’s annual water usage.
While council said it is unlikely they would ever replace that contracted amount with their own water sources, members said they would like to have additional flow capacity for times of drought.
Council asked Drayovitch to get a cost estimate for a water test at Herr Springs.
Council members, however, had several ideas for the home and two acres of land along Fourth and Saint Catherine streets which council purchased about two years ago. The home, which recently needed basic roof and other repairs, is now being used for storage, and Landis said it costs less to heat the house than it did to heat the previous storage space.
Council members considered either demolishing the house or renting it out, but the consensus was repairs to get it ready for the rental market would be too high.
Landis said council really purchased the parcel for the land.
“We do not have enough storage or facilities for what we do,“ said Landis. “My opinion is the land is too valuable to let it go. The southern end has talked about having a regional police force,” he said, indicating the property would be the ideal location.
Council members also said they plan to look into the cost of having a service go through, pare down and transfer to disc many borough records, to cut down on storage space.
Quarryville Borough Council next meets at 7 p.m. Monday, March 7.
“I’d like to see it liquidated and the money put away as we plan for the future,” said council President Robert Landis Jr.
The property, which council believes could provide a buyer with two or three building lots, is outside borough limits and council members said it would not be of use to the borough. Council directed borough manager Al Drayovitch to look into the procedure for accepting bids and selling the property.
The Reed's Spring parcel is one of several parcels which council either purchased or accepted through donation over the years.
The Herr Spring property was donated to the borough about 50 years ago by Robert Herr and has been considered a possible borough water source. Council members said they are unsure whether the water is suitable to used for public drinking, and it is time to do a drill test to check the water quality and flow.
Drayovitch said the borough purchases a million gallons each month from Pennsylvania American Water Company, a contract which costs the borough $75,000 annually. He said this represents about 15 percent of the borough’s annual water usage.
While council said it is unlikely they would ever replace that contracted amount with their own water sources, members said they would like to have additional flow capacity for times of drought.
Council asked Drayovitch to get a cost estimate for a water test at Herr Springs.
Council members, however, had several ideas for the home and two acres of land along Fourth and Saint Catherine streets which council purchased about two years ago. The home, which recently needed basic roof and other repairs, is now being used for storage, and Landis said it costs less to heat the house than it did to heat the previous storage space.
Council members considered either demolishing the house or renting it out, but the consensus was repairs to get it ready for the rental market would be too high.
Landis said council really purchased the parcel for the land.
“We do not have enough storage or facilities for what we do,“ said Landis. “My opinion is the land is too valuable to let it go. The southern end has talked about having a regional police force,” he said, indicating the property would be the ideal location.
Council members also said they plan to look into the cost of having a service go through, pare down and transfer to disc many borough records, to cut down on storage space.
Quarryville Borough Council next meets at 7 p.m. Monday, March 7.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Octorara urges legislative action
It may be wishful thinking in another tight budget year, but Octorara Area School Board members are asking citizens to contact their state legislators to encourage legislation which could restore to Octorara $5.4 million annually in revenue which is lost because of properties protected by Clean and Green.
“It’s an issue it doesn’t appear the rest of the state is willing to advocate for,” school board President Lisa Bowman lamented Feb. 21.
“We’d like to have things other school districts have,” said board member Bob Hume, who has testified at state legislative hearings on the impact Clean and Green has had on the rural district.
Business Manager Dan Carsley said the tax break given to farms in Clean and Green isn’t actually “lost,” but shifted to other property owners in the district He said Clean and Green costs each Octorara homeowner not in the program in Lancaster County $800 annually, and the cost is $1,400 annually to those in Chester County.
Octorara is not alone, and according to state Rep. Bryan Cutler, a financial impact study was conducted and he has been hoping to see some positive movement from either House Bill 1960 or 1788.
According to Bowman, state Rep. John Lawrence in Chester County will address the school board this spring about his support of this legislation and other initiatives to bring more business revenue into the school district. Former state Rep. Tom Houghton had been working with the district on both Clean and Green and growth efforts of the Octorara Regional Planning Commission.
Hume said House Bill 1960 is a “good way to even the playing field and bring in a lot of development.” Hume said if HB 1960 were passed, money lost from Clean and Green would come out of the state general fund, rather than from the pockets of local property owners.
“It’s not right to transfer the burden from one group to another,” Hume said. “We can’t afford it.”
The school board recently gave preliminary approval to a 2011-12 $47,829,317 budget which is up $1.8 million, nearly 4 percent, over the current spending plan.
Superintendent Tom Newcome has suggested a menu of $1.5 million in potential cuts which the board said they intend to tackle during their March 14 meeting.
The school board is also negotiating a new contract with its teachers union, overseeing major renovations to the high school, and cheering on the high school basketball team, which will be in district playoffs in Oxford during the last weekend of February.
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“It’s an issue it doesn’t appear the rest of the state is willing to advocate for,” school board President Lisa Bowman lamented Feb. 21.
“We’d like to have things other school districts have,” said board member Bob Hume, who has testified at state legislative hearings on the impact Clean and Green has had on the rural district.
Business Manager Dan Carsley said the tax break given to farms in Clean and Green isn’t actually “lost,” but shifted to other property owners in the district He said Clean and Green costs each Octorara homeowner not in the program in Lancaster County $800 annually, and the cost is $1,400 annually to those in Chester County.
Octorara is not alone, and according to state Rep. Bryan Cutler, a financial impact study was conducted and he has been hoping to see some positive movement from either House Bill 1960 or 1788.
According to Bowman, state Rep. John Lawrence in Chester County will address the school board this spring about his support of this legislation and other initiatives to bring more business revenue into the school district. Former state Rep. Tom Houghton had been working with the district on both Clean and Green and growth efforts of the Octorara Regional Planning Commission.
Hume said House Bill 1960 is a “good way to even the playing field and bring in a lot of development.” Hume said if HB 1960 were passed, money lost from Clean and Green would come out of the state general fund, rather than from the pockets of local property owners.
“It’s not right to transfer the burden from one group to another,” Hume said. “We can’t afford it.”
The school board recently gave preliminary approval to a 2011-12 $47,829,317 budget which is up $1.8 million, nearly 4 percent, over the current spending plan.
Superintendent Tom Newcome has suggested a menu of $1.5 million in potential cuts which the board said they intend to tackle during their March 14 meeting.
The school board is also negotiating a new contract with its teachers union, overseeing major renovations to the high school, and cheering on the high school basketball team, which will be in district playoffs in Oxford during the last weekend of February.
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Monday, January 31, 2011
Octorara reschedules budget meeting
The Octorara School District budget meeting which was postponed due to bad weather has been rescheduled for 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 10, in the middle school multipurpose room, according to school board secretary Jill Hardy.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Community to get budget details Jan. 26
The Octorara Area School Board will give a special community presentation on the school district's 2011-12 budget at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 26, in the middle school multipurpose room.
By a 7-2 vote, the school board on Jan. 17 passed a preliminary 2011-12 $47,829,317 budget which is up $1.8 million, or nearly 4 percent, over the current spending plan.
The school district is seeking approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Education for an exception to pass a tax increase which is 1.8 percent above the Act 1 index.
However, Superintendent Tom Newcome presented to the crowd on the snowy evening a seven-point menu with $1.5 million in potential cuts.
“These reductions are beyond freezing (salaries),” Newcome told residents who had suggested the district freeze salaries and offer reduced health care benefits to employees. “There are very few things on this page that come without some pain.”
School board members John McCartney Jr. and Robert Hume cast the dissenting votes.
Newcome is recommending: a 10 percent reduction in administrative salary and benefits to save $250,000; a 4 percent reduction in professional teaching staff to save $750,000; a 3.5 percent reduction in support staff costs to save $50,000; and a 3.5 percent reduction in instructional assistant and aide costs to save $40,000.
It is not yet clear whether the board, which is negotiating a new teachers contract, would achieve this reduction through retirements, position or salary cuts.
Also on the list of recommendations are: outsourcing evening custodial staff to save $200,000; reducing costs for career and vocational education by $100,000 by offering some accredited vocational classes at Octorara; and encouraging at least six students to return to Octorara to take cyber classes for a $21,000 savings.
Newcome said the district currently has 33 students in cyber charter schools at a cost of about $8,000 per student. According to Newcome, the district has lost some students to brick and mortar charter schools since Octorara does not offer a full-day kindergarten. Since four new kindergarten teachers would cost the district $240,000, the board has in the past rejected full-day kindergarten. The superintendent said the district plans to contact parents to encourage them to return their students.
Also, Newcome is proposing to reduce the $353,000 athletic budget by an additional $50,000; and cutting building budgets by $70,000. The menu totals $1,531,000.
School board president Lisa Bowman told residents district revenue from real estate taxes and federal, state and local sources is declining.
“If we do nothing, we are in the red,” Bowman said. “It’s cut spending and cut spending deep. That is the story.”
As if one budget at a time is not enough, Business Manager Dan Carsley showed residents a budget planning model which allows multi-year budgeting for the next three to four years.
Parkesburg resident Joe Riley told the board Octorara is “a very good school district but these increases look high to me. People are on strict budgets.”
Board members told residents the budget must be trimmed and adopted by the end of June. If the budget is approved as presented Jan. 17 -- which board members say is unlikely -- Lancaster County residents would see an 8 percent mill increase, to 30.38 mills. Chester County residents would receive a 6.66 percent mill increase, to 37.46 mills.
The Intelligencer Journal is reporting in a page one story on Jan. 25 the Eastern Lancaster County School District will lay off 15 teachers to help fill a $1.3 million 2011-12 budget gap: articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/342145.
Also on Jan. 17, Dr. David Rutledge of the high school counseling department and high school principal Scott Rohrer updated the community on the high school Pathways curriculum program. High school students may take a group of Harrisburg Area Community College courses right on campus taught by Octorara faculty for a modest cost.
Rutledge said students are also in actual co-op work experiences at local companies including Dutchland, Inc. in Christiana. He said while 100 students are currently enrolled at the Technical College High School, the newly renovated high school and caliber of Octorara’s staff will soon allow the district to offer many of these programs on campus, and save outside tuition costs.
“There have been drastic changes at the high school and a very positive spirit,“ said Rohrer, commenting on the renovations. “Our students want more positive and deserve to see more positive.“
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By a 7-2 vote, the school board on Jan. 17 passed a preliminary 2011-12 $47,829,317 budget which is up $1.8 million, or nearly 4 percent, over the current spending plan.
The school district is seeking approval from the Pennsylvania Department of Education for an exception to pass a tax increase which is 1.8 percent above the Act 1 index.
However, Superintendent Tom Newcome presented to the crowd on the snowy evening a seven-point menu with $1.5 million in potential cuts.
“These reductions are beyond freezing (salaries),” Newcome told residents who had suggested the district freeze salaries and offer reduced health care benefits to employees. “There are very few things on this page that come without some pain.”
School board members John McCartney Jr. and Robert Hume cast the dissenting votes.
Newcome is recommending: a 10 percent reduction in administrative salary and benefits to save $250,000; a 4 percent reduction in professional teaching staff to save $750,000; a 3.5 percent reduction in support staff costs to save $50,000; and a 3.5 percent reduction in instructional assistant and aide costs to save $40,000.
It is not yet clear whether the board, which is negotiating a new teachers contract, would achieve this reduction through retirements, position or salary cuts.
Also on the list of recommendations are: outsourcing evening custodial staff to save $200,000; reducing costs for career and vocational education by $100,000 by offering some accredited vocational classes at Octorara; and encouraging at least six students to return to Octorara to take cyber classes for a $21,000 savings.
Newcome said the district currently has 33 students in cyber charter schools at a cost of about $8,000 per student. According to Newcome, the district has lost some students to brick and mortar charter schools since Octorara does not offer a full-day kindergarten. Since four new kindergarten teachers would cost the district $240,000, the board has in the past rejected full-day kindergarten. The superintendent said the district plans to contact parents to encourage them to return their students.
Also, Newcome is proposing to reduce the $353,000 athletic budget by an additional $50,000; and cutting building budgets by $70,000. The menu totals $1,531,000.
School board president Lisa Bowman told residents district revenue from real estate taxes and federal, state and local sources is declining.
“If we do nothing, we are in the red,” Bowman said. “It’s cut spending and cut spending deep. That is the story.”
As if one budget at a time is not enough, Business Manager Dan Carsley showed residents a budget planning model which allows multi-year budgeting for the next three to four years.
Parkesburg resident Joe Riley told the board Octorara is “a very good school district but these increases look high to me. People are on strict budgets.”
Board members told residents the budget must be trimmed and adopted by the end of June. If the budget is approved as presented Jan. 17 -- which board members say is unlikely -- Lancaster County residents would see an 8 percent mill increase, to 30.38 mills. Chester County residents would receive a 6.66 percent mill increase, to 37.46 mills.
The Intelligencer Journal is reporting in a page one story on Jan. 25 the Eastern Lancaster County School District will lay off 15 teachers to help fill a $1.3 million 2011-12 budget gap: articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/342145.
Also on Jan. 17, Dr. David Rutledge of the high school counseling department and high school principal Scott Rohrer updated the community on the high school Pathways curriculum program. High school students may take a group of Harrisburg Area Community College courses right on campus taught by Octorara faculty for a modest cost.
Rutledge said students are also in actual co-op work experiences at local companies including Dutchland, Inc. in Christiana. He said while 100 students are currently enrolled at the Technical College High School, the newly renovated high school and caliber of Octorara’s staff will soon allow the district to offer many of these programs on campus, and save outside tuition costs.
“There have been drastic changes at the high school and a very positive spirit,“ said Rohrer, commenting on the renovations. “Our students want more positive and deserve to see more positive.“
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Monday, January 17, 2011
Cyber tuition challenges district budgets
Costs of cyber school tuition are growing in all Lancaster County school districts, according to a Jan. 16 Sunday News story by Gil Smart: articles.Lancaster online.com/local/4/338235
While the story did not include Octorara School District figures, numbers from business manager Dan Carsley show the district budgeted $417,000 for charter school payments in 2010-11; $392,665 in 2009-10; and $285,610 in 2008-09. Carsley says increasing charter school tuition costs are one factor negatively impacting district revenues.
School board member Sam Ganow suggested during a recent board meeting that Octorara administrators call cyber school parents to ascertain why students switched, and what could be done to keep the students, and the revenue, in the district budget.
Smart’s story states one school district, Solanco, began their own cyber school to save costs.
Two years ago Octorara Superintendent Tom Newcome, in a move to trim the budget while still providing services, began a twilight alternative education program which saved the school district at least $150,000 in tuition formerly paid to outside special education programs. Octorara graduated its first four students last June.
While the story did not include Octorara School District figures, numbers from business manager Dan Carsley show the district budgeted $417,000 for charter school payments in 2010-11; $392,665 in 2009-10; and $285,610 in 2008-09. Carsley says increasing charter school tuition costs are one factor negatively impacting district revenues.
School board member Sam Ganow suggested during a recent board meeting that Octorara administrators call cyber school parents to ascertain why students switched, and what could be done to keep the students, and the revenue, in the district budget.
Smart’s story states one school district, Solanco, began their own cyber school to save costs.
Two years ago Octorara Superintendent Tom Newcome, in a move to trim the budget while still providing services, began a twilight alternative education program which saved the school district at least $150,000 in tuition formerly paid to outside special education programs. Octorara graduated its first four students last June.
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Public servants are targets, says Octorara board member
Octorara Area School Board member John J. McCartney Jr., wearing a bright yellow T-shirt, walked into Monday’s school board meeting and quietly sat down.
No one aimed a gun at the bulls-eye target on the Sadsbury Township resident’s chest. There were a few knowing smiles and nods as school board members prepared to pray and then say the Pledge of Allegiance.
McCartney - concerned about Saturday’s fatal shooting at a civic event held by Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, and an incident with a gun at a school meeting Dec. 14 in Panama City, Fl. - had made his point.
“There is no way to guarantee safety,” McCartney, a registered nurse, said after the meeting. “It (Tucson or Panama City) could be here.”
Last month McCartney wrote to fellow board members and administrators asking them to consider having a police presence, a guard, bullet-proof glass or body armor available for school board meetings. McCartney said board members asked him not to speak publicly about his concerns.
“Now this has really been brought to national attention because of last weekend’s debacle in Arizona,” McCartney said. “One of the reasons for that (shooting) may be political in nature.”
“Many people are despondent because they have lost their jobs and homes,” McCartney said. “This could happen again at a school board meeting or political gathering. Anyone who is in the public service is a target.”
McCartney said Octorara Superintendent Tom Newcome has asked a state police officer to address board members next month about personal safety.
McCartney said his statement was not at all meant as a joke. “Far from it,” he said.
The school board next meets at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 17 in the middle school multipurpose room to discuss a tax increase and budget for the 2011-12 school year, and high school curriculum. The board is negotiating a new contract with its teachers union.
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No one aimed a gun at the bulls-eye target on the Sadsbury Township resident’s chest. There were a few knowing smiles and nods as school board members prepared to pray and then say the Pledge of Allegiance.
McCartney - concerned about Saturday’s fatal shooting at a civic event held by Arizona Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, and an incident with a gun at a school meeting Dec. 14 in Panama City, Fl. - had made his point.
“There is no way to guarantee safety,” McCartney, a registered nurse, said after the meeting. “It (Tucson or Panama City) could be here.”
Last month McCartney wrote to fellow board members and administrators asking them to consider having a police presence, a guard, bullet-proof glass or body armor available for school board meetings. McCartney said board members asked him not to speak publicly about his concerns.
“Now this has really been brought to national attention because of last weekend’s debacle in Arizona,” McCartney said. “One of the reasons for that (shooting) may be political in nature.”
“Many people are despondent because they have lost their jobs and homes,” McCartney said. “This could happen again at a school board meeting or political gathering. Anyone who is in the public service is a target.”
McCartney said Octorara Superintendent Tom Newcome has asked a state police officer to address board members next month about personal safety.
McCartney said his statement was not at all meant as a joke. “Far from it,” he said.
The school board next meets at 7:30 p.m. Monday, Jan. 17 in the middle school multipurpose room to discuss a tax increase and budget for the 2011-12 school year, and high school curriculum. The board is negotiating a new contract with its teachers union.
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Quarryville debates gas service expansion
UGI may be running gas line service into the Quarryville Presbyterian Retirement Community, which is undergoing a major expansion, but residents should not expect the utility company to be expanding gas service into other parts of the borough, council members said during their Jan. 3 meeting.
“I don’t think they’re interested in bringing it (gas service) down the street,” said council member John Riddell, adding that PennDOT would require the company to do a major renovation of South Church Street if they dug up the street to install gas service.
Joe Swope, spokesman for UGI, contacted after the meeting, said the company already does provide gas service to QPRC. He said the firm is evaluating projects and providing service to other parts of Quarryville, beyond expanding service to QPRC, would be "quite an expensive venture.
"We wouldn't do it unless there are large customers who could serve as anchors," Swope said. "There is nothing imminent."
Council members said they were surprised by the appearance of UGI construction vehicles at QPRC, since gas service was not in the plans which were presented to council and the borough’s planning commission.
“They did leave that out,“ said council President Robert Landis Jr., of QPRC officials and planners. “I don’t know why they weren’t up front with us,” said Landis, adding that he did not oppose UGI running service to the borough.
Borough manager Al Drayovitch Jr. said UGI had an existing line on South Church Street and he believed the extension was an economic development decision.
Council member Mike Sullenberger said it would have shown more respect to the borough if the developers had shown the gas line project in their plans.
Council members also expressed concerns about new Uniform Commercial Code regulations which require sprinkler systems to be installed in buildings given permits after Jan. 1, 2011.
“Do we have enough water pressure?” asked Sullenberger of the borough’s water supply.
“These are the kinds of questions that come up,” said Drayovitch. “We’re not even sure what level of pressure we have to provide.”
Drayovitch said the borough needs to gather more information, and consider issues such as whether to require new dwellings to have just one water connection with a sprinkler system, or one water connection for the regular water supply and another for a sprinkler system.
In a separate matter, Major Joy Kemper asked why a new roof was put on the house the borough owns next to the borough building, when council had recently decided to look at whether to keep or sell borough properties.
Drayovitch said the roof had leaked and needed to be repaired immediately, at a cost of $5,500.
Finally, council appointed: John Chase to the vacancy board for a one-year-term ending Dec. 31, 2011; William Mankin to a five-year term on the borough authority from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31,2015; Craig Ausel and William Koch to four-year terms on the planning commission, from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2014; Jim Hassinger to a 6-year term on the Civil Service Commission, from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2016; Barbara Hastings to the zoning hearing board from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2013; Brett Curtis and Marc Hargraves to three-year terms as alternates on the zoning hearing board, from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2013; and Mark Deimler and Solanco Engineering Associates as the borough’s zoning officer effective Jan. 17.
“I don’t think they’re interested in bringing it (gas service) down the street,” said council member John Riddell, adding that PennDOT would require the company to do a major renovation of South Church Street if they dug up the street to install gas service.
Joe Swope, spokesman for UGI, contacted after the meeting, said the company already does provide gas service to QPRC. He said the firm is evaluating projects and providing service to other parts of Quarryville, beyond expanding service to QPRC, would be "quite an expensive venture.
"We wouldn't do it unless there are large customers who could serve as anchors," Swope said. "There is nothing imminent."
Council members said they were surprised by the appearance of UGI construction vehicles at QPRC, since gas service was not in the plans which were presented to council and the borough’s planning commission.
“They did leave that out,“ said council President Robert Landis Jr., of QPRC officials and planners. “I don’t know why they weren’t up front with us,” said Landis, adding that he did not oppose UGI running service to the borough.
Borough manager Al Drayovitch Jr. said UGI had an existing line on South Church Street and he believed the extension was an economic development decision.
Council member Mike Sullenberger said it would have shown more respect to the borough if the developers had shown the gas line project in their plans.
Council members also expressed concerns about new Uniform Commercial Code regulations which require sprinkler systems to be installed in buildings given permits after Jan. 1, 2011.
“Do we have enough water pressure?” asked Sullenberger of the borough’s water supply.
“These are the kinds of questions that come up,” said Drayovitch. “We’re not even sure what level of pressure we have to provide.”
Drayovitch said the borough needs to gather more information, and consider issues such as whether to require new dwellings to have just one water connection with a sprinkler system, or one water connection for the regular water supply and another for a sprinkler system.
In a separate matter, Major Joy Kemper asked why a new roof was put on the house the borough owns next to the borough building, when council had recently decided to look at whether to keep or sell borough properties.
Drayovitch said the roof had leaked and needed to be repaired immediately, at a cost of $5,500.
Finally, council appointed: John Chase to the vacancy board for a one-year-term ending Dec. 31, 2011; William Mankin to a five-year term on the borough authority from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31,2015; Craig Ausel and William Koch to four-year terms on the planning commission, from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2014; Jim Hassinger to a 6-year term on the Civil Service Commission, from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2016; Barbara Hastings to the zoning hearing board from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2013; Brett Curtis and Marc Hargraves to three-year terms as alternates on the zoning hearing board, from Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2013; and Mark Deimler and Solanco Engineering Associates as the borough’s zoning officer effective Jan. 17.
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Reviewing a decade of Octorara teacher contract negotiations
While Octorara figures were not included in the Jan. 6, 2011 Brian Wallace story, “Teachers salaries rise here even as schools face deficits,” district residents will find this story of interest:
Articles.Lancaster online.com/local/4/333652
Wallace reports the most recent school contracts (he has previously reported Octorara is now negotiating) give teachers an average 3.6 percent pay increase and that other professions are receiving much smaller raises. The story reviews salary increases in 10 Lancaster County districts and the impact these will have on those taxpayers.
For those interested in a thumbnail sketch of the last decade of Octorara teachers contract negotiations, here are facts and figures from my news archives:
In November of 2002, the district’s (then) 193 teachers received a four-year contract which increased salaries by 14.1 percent over four years, while saving the school district about $580,000 per year (eight-tenths of a mill) in health care costs. The district switched from traditional Blue Cross to Personal Choice.
The contract increased the starting salary for new teachers to $33,250, a figure which rose to $39,500 in the fourth contract year. John Lee, the business manager at that time, said the new contract would “give the school district the ability to attract good, new teachers.”
Octorara Area Education Association president Donna Edwards characterized the contract as “fair,” but said the teachers were “treated unfairly during the process.”
Teachers threatened to strike in September and October of 2002 but continued negotiations. The contract also included a retirement severance bonus and new supplemental contract positions for teachers.
Many school bells later, in September of 2005, the school board and OAEA gave quiet, overwhelming approval to an early-bird collective bargaining agreement which increased teacher salaries by 3.18 percent for five years. The new contract ran from July 1, 2006, and ends on June 30.
The union and school board said the contract would cost taxpayers 2.72 percent per year ($411,146) in new money for the term of the contract. However, an increase in employee contributions to health care premiums cut that figure, leaving the total cost to district taxpayers at $352,533. That figure did not reflect the incremental step increases already built into the district’s compensation package for teachers, which average 1.32 percent annually.
In 2005 the median salary for an Octorara teacher was $59,187. There have been two early bird contracts for Octorara in 10 years, although a strike was narrowly averted in 2002. The union went out on a four-week strike during the 1994-95 school year over a controversy involving salaries and benefits, along with key issues surrounding academic freedom and parental rights.
-30-
Articles.Lancaster online.com/local/4/333652
Wallace reports the most recent school contracts (he has previously reported Octorara is now negotiating) give teachers an average 3.6 percent pay increase and that other professions are receiving much smaller raises. The story reviews salary increases in 10 Lancaster County districts and the impact these will have on those taxpayers.
For those interested in a thumbnail sketch of the last decade of Octorara teachers contract negotiations, here are facts and figures from my news archives:
In November of 2002, the district’s (then) 193 teachers received a four-year contract which increased salaries by 14.1 percent over four years, while saving the school district about $580,000 per year (eight-tenths of a mill) in health care costs. The district switched from traditional Blue Cross to Personal Choice.
The contract increased the starting salary for new teachers to $33,250, a figure which rose to $39,500 in the fourth contract year. John Lee, the business manager at that time, said the new contract would “give the school district the ability to attract good, new teachers.”
Octorara Area Education Association president Donna Edwards characterized the contract as “fair,” but said the teachers were “treated unfairly during the process.”
Teachers threatened to strike in September and October of 2002 but continued negotiations. The contract also included a retirement severance bonus and new supplemental contract positions for teachers.
Many school bells later, in September of 2005, the school board and OAEA gave quiet, overwhelming approval to an early-bird collective bargaining agreement which increased teacher salaries by 3.18 percent for five years. The new contract ran from July 1, 2006, and ends on June 30.
The union and school board said the contract would cost taxpayers 2.72 percent per year ($411,146) in new money for the term of the contract. However, an increase in employee contributions to health care premiums cut that figure, leaving the total cost to district taxpayers at $352,533. That figure did not reflect the incremental step increases already built into the district’s compensation package for teachers, which average 1.32 percent annually.
In 2005 the median salary for an Octorara teacher was $59,187. There have been two early bird contracts for Octorara in 10 years, although a strike was narrowly averted in 2002. The union went out on a four-week strike during the 1994-95 school year over a controversy involving salaries and benefits, along with key issues surrounding academic freedom and parental rights.
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