Board Meeting Tonight at 7:00 - The board will meet tonight to approve next year's budget.

Ok now we are getting somewhere. Using citizens on committees to study different issues and reporting to the board is an excellent ideal. It has been used to a limit extent in the past and their use should be increased. Even if the committee couldn't agree on a resolution they could offer their conflicting opinions much like the Supreme Court. Unlike board members unelected citizens could interact more with the facility. Just too bad the board can't round up committee members like the courts select jurors. There could be a sign up sheets posted at the schools along with a web based method.

Right after the problems with the gifted program were being ignored by the board an agenda item was submitted to have a citizen group make recommendation for the program. The administration finally let the board vote on it after the issue had been settled and it was rejected out of hand 9 - 0. With a board more interested in education and less interested in their and the administration power modifications of this proposal could be used to involve more parents and citizens in all different aspects of their schools.

Open Discussions

After attending board meetings over the years it has become apparent that the members are only receiving very filtered information. Why can't the board have special executive sessions for informational purposes only with department heads or any teacher so inclined without members of the administration in attendance? They do have union representation for major issues but why should possible grievances and just plain old aggravations be allowed to fester into possible major confrontational issues. For example the current scheduling fiasco, unless a board member had a child in the high school they probably wouldn't realize the extent that teachers schedule was constantly being disruptive by students being pulled out for lab courses. If science teachers hadn't appeared before the board they wouldn't have realized how dramatically the administration solution was cutting into lab time.If facility members felt they had an opportunity to sit down and chat with board members maybe a better resolution could have been found earlier instead of the experimental 10 day cycle that was forced upon the board.

Most good managers manage best by just wandering around talking with the troops. With board members volunteering their time and energy this tactic is not really possible. It is way past time that the board members get out from behind the tables and discover issues other then the ones deemed worthy of the administration. Any methods that this could be accomplished would be appreciated. Open Discussions

June 23rd Special Board Meeting: The experimental 10 day cycle for the high school was approved by the board. Mr. Gilly promised a full study of scheduling options would be presented to the board before January 2004. The board had little options in approving the schedule changes, since all the high school students were assigned classes before the board was fully aware that major changes had taken place. Great system first we make major overhauls then we study the ramifications. But everyone is all excited about the changes.

On an 8 – 3 vote with Cherrie, Mawbry and Sacks opposing Earth-Space Science was moved down to 8th grade and General Science compromising Chemistry, Physics and Environmental sciences was moved up to 9th grade. It was pointed out to the board that a course in earth and space sciences are just specific cases of chemistry and physics and now with the flip-flop they will not have the background needed to truly understand the subject. The immanent science instructor Mr. Gilly assured everyone that this would not be a problem and the science teachers were all a twitter about the changes. One thing about the facility at Brandywine it doesn’t seem to take much to get them all excited. He assured everyone that he had previously taught the subject to even second graders and they had no problems with the subject matter One thing was not clear did Mr. Wizard teach earth and space science before or after it was found that the Earth revolves around the Sun and Newton came out with his controversial theories about gravity. Mr. Cherrie brought up the small detail that the board had not really discussed the issue. Mr. Chase seemed to think that the issue was cut and dry and really no more discussion was needed.


Mr. Cherrie also asked questions about what science courses were available for students that did not want to go the college prep route of biology – chemistry – physics. He was assured that courses were available and vague promises of new courses in areas like environmental sciences would soon be available if the switch between earth and general science was approved. How a student can possibly understand the intricacy of environmental science without a background in chemistry and biology was not discussed. Without some background in at least those two fields environmental science is nothing but a warm and fuzzy, rock and roll, feel good course for everyone involved.

Mr. Sacks inquired why the Education-Co Curriculum committee wasn’t informed of these changes and why every meeting since November has been cancelled. Mr. Gilly said they were cancelled to interview candidates for all the teaching positions. He went on to explain very patiently that issues were brought to the boards’ attention at other times. All issues it seems except for ones that involve changes to the curriculum. Translated this means all issues that Mr. Gilly wanted the board to know about or there were no way to circumvent board approval.

Mr. Sacks inquired why the monthly electric bill was $13,000 for the new school about the same as the current high school, Rockland, D.T., Longswamp combined and was it expected to be that high in the future. This bill was for the April 15th meter reading. Several theories were proposed such as trying to heat and cool the building while construction was taking place. It was then pointed out that the building is oil/gas heated and the A/C has not been running with all the cool weather (The unseasonable conditions have not allowed the A/C to be fully tested yet under normal weather conditions). The Sup’t then tried the theory that it was all the lights since the new building has a lot more due to changes in building codes. Mr. Sacks then asked why are all the lights on if the building is sparsely populated at this time. [Fill in Babble Here]. It is possible that the bill was some type of adjustment over the previous months and due to the operation of construction equipment but for energy efficient building it doesn’t look good at this time.

This report on the board activity may seem to only include of Mr. Cherrie and Sacks questioning of the administration. This is because only those two members ever ask questions or challenge the proposed administration agenda items.

Dr. Martin gave a presentation on the new text books that are to be used in the upcoming year. If any parent is interested they will be available for viewing for the next 30 days. You can contact Dr. Martin at 610-682-5113 for further information.

Concerned Parents would like to voice appreciation for the job that Mr. Fisher is doing in pulling together the budget for the upcoming year. Not only does he have to estimate numbers for the new school but also has to take in consideration the politics in Harrisburg. With the Governor fighting with the Legislature, the proposed drastic modifications to school financing are changing on a daily basis. Under state law the budget will be approved next Monday. This will probably be weeks before Harrisburg gets its own house in order.

Oley Has Had Enough "One way or another, Oley Valley School District residents will have a chance in November to vote on reforming the district's property-tax structure.
A 198-signature petition submitted to the Berks County Board of Elections guarantees that a Homestead Act referendum will be placed on the Nov. 4 ballot.

The Homestead Act, also known as Act 50, would shift some of the school-tax burden away from residential property owners by raising the earned-income tax.

If adopted, it also would require voter approval for property-tax increases above 2.5 percent, or the rate of inflation."

Teacher Overpaid or Underpaid? Meghan Keane on Teacher Pay on National Review Online Article also has links to studies on teachers pay. The author concludes that good teachers are underpaid, bad teachers are overpaid.

Schedule Changes The big stumbling block with making everyone happy is what to schedule for certain periods when the students have lab. The example given was Chemistry M-F in second period. Third Period on Wed would be a lab. Currently the student has to miss a day in say Spanish. This is not fair to the teacher who now has to plan around students being absent at least one day and to the students taking labs. This is compounded with many students taking more then one lab class. The proposed solutions given would be to schedule study halls for the off days or a more expensive solution would be to here additional teachers to teach elective classes meeting 2, 3 or 4 days a week. The administration once again reminded us that we are a poor district and probably couldn't afford the latter option as is offered by rich districts. Funny how they always poor mouth when it comes to education but have no problem with pay raises but that is a whole other topic.

One solution not mentioned but needs to be looked at is using web based self-paced course. With the low cost of basic laptops and free operating software like Linux the students could be assigned one at a fractional cost of hiring teachers. A laptop with all the bells and whistles is not needed and companies are paying people to get rid of older models. The benefit for the students would be they could pursue courses that interest them and not have to take a course because it is the only one offered at that time. There are some problems with the current state of web based education but the students taking the lab courses are usually junior and seniors and they are some of the more motivated students. With wireless technology the school could be turned into a "Hot Spot" cheaply and easily The students could pursue their lessons anywhere, anytime so no special classroom would have to be assigned.

Too bad there is no more room at Mt. Rushmore. Maybe we could raise taxes just a little bit more and have a nice bust carved over at Bear Creek.

Tonights Board Meeting: Mr. Hayes and Mr. Themenos gave a presentation on how the scheduling problems arrived at their current situation from giving extra credit for advanced courses through the start and end of outcome based education. Mr. Gilly asked the board to consider allowing his staff to work on a complete overhaul of the entire schedule. However for next year they want to keep the class schedules in its latest form but go to a ten day cycle. For lab courses such as chemistry instead of losing 36 hours of class time they will now only lose 18. Mr. Gilly reports that the teachers are all happy and excited about the new schedule. The ones that need help organizing for the extra time will receive it. Until they do his suggestion to teachers would be to start on your regular Day 1 class, give the students a break for water and when they come back start in on Day 2. Mr. Sacks asked if the board could hear some cons as well as the pros to the new schedule as the board members received some memo from members of the facility. Mr. Gilly said he couldn't bully anyone into coming forward. As for his critics Mr. Gilly said they didn't bother him and they should read The Arena by Teddy Roosevelt. As a community service here it is:

"The Arena"

"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement; and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."
-- Teddy Roosevelt

Budget Meeting Tonight Open forum for citizens comments on the 2003-04 Budget. The Board Meeting room at 7:00 PM

Tax Reform Meeting Tonight: The Concerned Citizens of Maxatawny Township (CCMT) is sponsoring an open forum on Gov. Rendell's School Tax Reform Tuesday, June 10 at 7:00 PM, Maxatawny Elem. School (The one out near Arby's and Burger King)

A contribution to multiculturalism.

Young Gilly Makes A Career Decision

With apologies to Scott Adams who is such a great guy that he would never ever think about suing someone for copyright infringements. I know it is wrong but I couldn't resist it was just too perfect. For a daily dose of Dilbert click Here

Brandywine Continues Shakedown In Tax-Appeal Case The board has stated that the tax base in the district needs to be increased. Their solution seems to be make this district tax rate the highest in the area and force business owners to spend even more money fighting lawsuits. Do we really want to be known as an area that forces businesses to go to court with appeal after appeal? The case has already been rejected by the county assessment board and rejected by the court.

It would appear from the article that John Stout the Brandywine solicitor is also the attorney for all three appealing districts. All the school districts were approached with this offer, why were only the ones represented by Mr. Stout in favor of this proposal? . If the board prevails the residents of Mountain Village should be prepared for a hefty increase in fees. Corporations may be the ones sued but people always end up paying taxes not corporations.
"Attorneys for property owners argue ... these tax appeals which are a reverse of the normal process are important because any property owner could be targeted for an assessment increase if the districts succeed",

Right now they are only harassing the owners of a trailer park, if they succeed what is to keep them from selectively coming after other businesses. The board might even want to start taxing web sites that doesn't always have similar views. If you were starting a business wouldn't tax rates and a reputation for selectively suing businesses be a large factor on your location decision?

Congratulations to the 2003 Brandywine Graduates but remember to Wear Sunscreen

Topton teen overcomes biggest obstacle
"Zach Smith smiles on life. It hasn’t always smiled on him. The Topton teen lost his right hand and part of his right arm to cancer. But he’s teaching himself to write with his left hand, he’s switching positions to continue playing soccer and he’s back on his skateboard. And he’s inspiring those around him." Today's featured article in the Reading Eagle. A link would have been provided but the article is only in the dead tree version. .

The June Abbot and Costello "Who's On First" Board meeting: A very interesting board meeting last night. Chemistry teacher Mr. Babb and the head of the science department Dr. Slick attended to voice their concern over how the new modified block scheduling would reduce chemistry lessons by 180 periods or 7 weeks. They were also upset because they had not been consulted on these changes. Mr. Babb also voiced his unease on the agenda item to switch Earth and Space Science to grade 8 and a general science course comprising Chemistry, Physics and Environmental Science to grade 9. His was of the opinion that the science teachers should be aware of the change before reading about it on the board's agenda. Upon hearing their concerns board member Mr. Hosterman advised High School principal Mr. Hayes that the new modified block schedule would not be implemented until it was discussed and had the board's approval. Mr. Hayes agreed and mentioned that it would involve bringing back over 600 high school students to have their schedule revised. It then became very apparent that no one really knew what was going on. In order to further confound the problem Mr. Gilly went into to one of his patented shuffle monologues throwing dates out at random about who knew what when. It finally concluded with a vote to table the course switch until it can be further evaluated with only Sonya Hughes and Geoffrey Chase once again standing by their man Gilly.

It appears that the modified block schedule will stand without the full board's knowledge or approval because the students have already been assigned schedules for next year. In retrospect the best part of the whole evening was Mr. Sacks inquiring at the very beginning of the meeting on why the Education/Co-Curricular Committee hadn't met since this fall. . Mr. Gilly mumbled something about they had to interview teachers during that time period and there wasn't anything to do. Well just maybe they could have discussed major changes to the scheduling and courses.

The Concerned Citizen group would like to thank Mr. Babb and Dr. Slick for attending the board meeting and bringing these important issues to everyone's attention. Hopefully something can now be done to ensure the vital science curriculum will not be harmed.