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Latest Posts All Topics
Re: Closing Longswamp
40397 In Response To: 40396 Score 0
It may surprise you to learn that NJ puts bond issues as well as annual school budgets up for a vote every year and somehow they survive - no let me rephrase that, they flourish academically. Some towns vote them in, some vote them down, but it encourages all citzens to have a voice in the community.
They beat our asses academically, in smaller, older school buildings without A/C, swimming pools and the other stupid luxuries that have come to be expected here in PA. Those who say that the general population isn't educated enough to allow for a vote is protecting a protected system. I noticed there wasn't a peep out of a current board member or administration official about voting on MAJOR changes in our school system, after chastising posters about how "difficult" a decision is. That's because they like it exactly the way that it is, no accountability. The last thing that they would want is to put it to a vote.
Been There. on:9/10/2010 7:55:52 PM
Re: Closing Longswamp
40396 In Response To: 40395 Score 0
Microslither Sux on:9/10/2010 7:28:46 PM
Re: Closing Longswamp
40395 In Response To: 40393 Score 0
Me thinks you will have to go to our Superintendents blah blog to get the feedback you are talking about.
Sorry but we peons just don't get it so their it is all rolled up in 1 big nutshell!
We are such a comely folk life is somewhat very simple to us that we just don't understand the spending of money you don't have.
You must do it in the big cities differently?
ShamWoW/... on:9/10/2010 5:52:55 PM
Re: Closing Longswamp
40394 In Response To: 40392 Score 0
Now you know how to lighten up the forum don't you.
Thanks you for that bowl full of Laughs!!!! :)
ShamWoW... on:9/10/2010 5:43:01 PM
Re: Closing Longswamp
40393 In Response To: 40391 Score 0
Valid point - no I wasn't, however I have listened to all sides on this one and would like to get more information.
I'm not sure that I agree with your statement about thinking we aren't spending too much. What I'm trying to say is that all of us within the Brandywine district should take an active role in what goes on. Those who are concerned about tax increases, as well as those who are staunch believers in promoting education to ensure the future of our children. Part of taking an active role is learning about the issues, making up our own minds (once we have all the information) and then acting - whether that is by attending board meetings and providing feedback, or by running for a school board position, or by becoming involved at the state or federal level with our elected representatives.
What I find amazing is to read endless misinformation, rants, emotionally driven comments (with bad language even), etc, most of which is obviously is coming from fully or partially uninformed people.
The board and administration will listen - I've seen it happen! But in the end, they are tasked with making decisions based on ALL the information they have and to the best of their ability. If we are so irritated and upset by the decisions being made WHY do more of us not attend the meetings regularly? And make our feelings known? Rather than go on tirades on this posting board which is essentially fruitless?
When I first discovered this site, I had hoped to find an objective, informative venue where information and valid points of view could be read and those views exchanged and discussed rationally. It is clear that this is not always the case, however, I am hopeful that some of the posters/readers will engage and participate in the process. Democracy comes with a price - participation.
Christine on:9/10/2010 4:55:17 PM
Re: Closing Longswamp
40392 In Response To: 40386 Score 0
I can do you one better get rid of the MS as well. Mr. VanTogel at the last meeting talking about his educational experiences reawaken an old idea.
Take the money lease some double wides hook up the internet and have high tech one room disposable school houses. Best educational model ever designed. The young bright students can learn with the older ones. For the not so sharp older ones daily remediation.
Each unit would be assigned 20+ students from K-8. M Potential teachers would be approved by and paid for by the district but chosen by the parents. District would provide for items like basic electricity but if they something like A/C parents would pay for it. For lunch they may be close enough to go home or an airline type meal could be brought by. Some units could have parents that would take turn bringing in lunch for everyone. Parents would be in charge of keeping up the grounds mowing and snow removal.
After a few years and the neighbor ages move the school to a more central location for the students. Bus the building not the students.
With the internet they all be linked to the central office and parents could log on as well to see how things are going during the day.
There are some details that need to be ironed out and i am sure that it violates a whole bunch of regulations. Also I would prefer some other place try it first.
Robert Lowry on:9/10/2010 4:45:40 PM
Re: Closing Longswamp
40391 In Response To: 40390 Score 1
Yes Christine you have made your point.
Were you around when our wonderful high school was in planing and then built? Well I was and they were sad days for this small community and now we are paying dearly for it. Many people told them not to build it but they did.
Just like now spending is out of control and obviously you don't think so. So people are upset with the powers in charge and rightly so.
As for involvement. Most trust those they put in power like sheep that trust their shepherd. When the shepherd is not doing the job others come a tell him! So if you think this is whining so be it!
ShamWoW... on:9/10/2010 4:31:30 PM
Re: Closing Longswamp
40390 In Response To: 40379 Score -1
A vote is an interesting proposal, however, judging from the quality of most of the postings on this board, I have to wonder if any of these people have a complete and accurate grasp of all of the financial, administrative, political, logistical and technical details surrounding virtually every key issue that require making tough decisions.
Many of those flinging about accusations of self-interest and egocentricity on the part of the board members and administration probably have no concept of the complexities involved in running a system such as a school district. Putting issues critical to the environments and education of the children of this community up for a vote by people who either can't or won't educate themselves on these topics is just frightening.
Interesting also to note is that very few, if any, people actually show up to the various board meetings that are open to the public - unless they have a personal interest in the topic/conclusion. Those who do show up tend to belong to the tax payers association, who do have a specific agenda, as we all know. The name of the board (BrandyWhine) notwithstanding, how many of you guys are willing to take a couple of hours a month and attend the meetings to at least gain a cursory understanding of what it takes to run the schools, ensure the kids are getting educated, provide more and more federally mandated services, and placate the community - all while trying to manage a budget that is not adequate to meet everyone's desires and needs?
I won't even touch the topic of why no one is willing to step up and run for the board. For all the posturing and dramatic phrases I see here, it is clear that many in this community are actually intimidated when it comes to stepping up and functioning as part of the decision-making process.
So while I agree that the community should take an active part in understanding and deciding on the education of their children, I sincerely wish that more of us would take the time to learn about the topics and the challenges before impulsively, and often inappropriately, flinging about half-truths and misunderstood "facts" while hiding behind their computer screens.
Christine on:9/10/2010 4:06:09 PM
Re: Closing Longswamp
40389 In Response To: 40383 Score 0
90 days
Martin Handler on:9/10/2010 12:52:02 PM
Re: Closing Longswamp
40388 In Response To: 40376 Score 3
"By the way, the Directors are unpaid, give hours of their time and receive nothing but criticism."
You left out that they CHOSE to run for the school board opening themselves up to criticism, especially when they put certain people ahead of others. You reap what you sow. Considering the demographics of the board you would think they would have been raised that way but boy are they proving most people wrong. I'm sure many of them weren't raise to stand in line expecting a handout but that is all they have been looking for the last few years.
Anonymous on:9/10/2010 12:30:41 PM
Re: Closing Longswamp
40387 In Response To: 40378 Score 0
There was also nothing in that statement that said what is happening now is wrong either. What is happening now is the exact same thing just a different special interest group getting what they want and to hell with everyone else.
Anonymous on:9/10/2010 12:25:51 PM
Re: Closing Longswamp
40386 In Response To: 40382 Score 1
Why isn't K-8 viable? The current middle school housed 5-12 at one point? It would seem to me that it would only take a small addition to handle the extra grade and we would be down to two buildings we need to maintain. We are going to spend money on an addition anyway so why add that addition to DT and keep three buildings open?
Anonymous on:9/10/2010 12:20:32 PM
Re: Closing Longswamp
40385 In Response To: 40379 Score 1
Thats the way a decision like this should be handled.
Vote on:9/10/2010 12:10:41 PM
Re: Closing Longswamp
40384 In Response To: 40381 Score 0
yea
Anonymous_64017901030218 on:9/10/2010 11:59:43 AM
Re: Closing Longswamp
40383 In Response To: 40381 Score 0
I don't know. That depends on finalization of the plans, approvals by all the agencies involoved, work schedule, bond schedule and a vote after a hearing.
There has to be a public hearing on school closing followed by a 30-90(can't remember off hand how long) day waiting period before a decision can be finalized.
Robert Lowry on:9/10/2010 11:53:08 AM
Re: Closing Longswamp
40382 In Response To: 40374 Score 0
If X no of students suddenly appeared and spread out among the 13 grades (K-12) be little to no extra cost. If X no of unexpected extra kindergartners showed up that would require extra teachers and increase the cost but could lower the overall cost per student all depends on he number of and their age distribution.
K-8 is not viable. Don't have the facilities and not a lot of support. The next best option is what I voted for. Politics is the art of the possible.
Robert Lowry on:9/10/2010 11:43:45 AM
Re: Closing Longswamp
40381 In Response To: 40376 Score 0
Will Dr. Handler or Mr. Lowrey respond.. Will Longswamp be closed next year?
Anonymous_21601620890130 on:9/10/2010 11:30:32 AM
Re: Closing Longswamp
40380 In Response To: 40379 Score 2
A ya or nay vote that sounds fair
Guess that would shut me up for a time. :)
But for some reason I don't think your suggestion will fly with them.
Remember we voted them in already and it would be said they are speaking for the people. But they could prove me wrong. I Hope!
Good try amused2
ShamWoW... on:9/10/2010 11:24:41 AM
Re: Closing Longswamp
40379 In Response To: 40376 Score 4
OK, here is a recommendation: Put it on a ballot for special vote. Lay out the different scenarios and ask the residents to vote on it. Personally, I'd rather have old small neighborhood schools than a one-size fits all warehouse. But that is just me. So put it on a ballot and let's see what the residents say about it.
You listen far to much to the Heffys of the district who are focused on money, money, money. What could be more fair than a referendum where the whole community gets to choose?
Democracy, not demagoguery.
amused2 on:9/10/2010 11:12:53 AM
Re: Closing Longswamp
40378 In Response To: 40375 Score 0
Where did you come up with that rant? There was nothing in that statement that implied that it was ever all right for special interests to prevail.
Anonymous_2090860226025 on:9/10/2010 11:10:48 AM
Re: Closing Longswamp
40377 In Response To: 40376 Score 1
Most residents of a school district would like to trust people we vote into a nonpaying job. At the moment many don't in this school district.
Spending money you think you have doesn't cut it in the real world. But in yours it seems to add up.
Your quote:
"It is easy to criticize and negatively respond to ideas. It is far more difficult to offer constructive suggestions."
Many have given their suggestion at many public meetings and and this forum and you and board members have looked the other way as a whole. So what would you expect them to think of you?
But I must bring you back to this forums name:
[b][u]The BrandyWhine[/u][/b]
ShamWoW... on:9/10/2010 10:50:26 AM
Re: Closing Longswamp
40376 In Response To: 40372 Score 1
It is interesting that you make the politician comparison. I listen to about half a dozen political ads last night. There was not one mention of what the candidate could do to make things better, only how the opponent was so terrible.
Martin Handler on:9/10/2010 10:36:46 AM
Re: Closing Longswamp
40375 In Response To: 40373 Score 0
So it was wrong then but now it is ok for a board to make decisions on what only benefits them? Two wrongs don't make a right. Unless you're a member of the taxpayer group.
Anonymous on:9/10/2010 10:34:25 AM
Re: Closing Longswamp
40374 In Response To: 40371 Score 3
"More students doesn't necessary increase the cost and actually lowers the cost per student because of all the fixed cost involved. Really depends on if they are spread out or if we are invaded by an army of 1st graders."
One sentence you say it doesn't necessarily raise the cost (meaning it might) then in the same sentence you said it lowers it. Then you follow it up with it all depends on the students that come on board. So it might raise costs, oh wait maybe it won't.....sounds like you're talking out of both ends if you ask me.
If your personal feeling is that we should be K-8 in the middle school then you should have voted no for the DT expansion don't you think? Or are you not voting based on how you feel personally because you are voting for what your buddies want you to vote for? You're statement reeks of political double speak at its best. Please explain.
Anonymous on:9/10/2010 10:30:26 AM
Re: Closing Longswamp
40373 In Response To: 40356 Score 0
One would hope that that would be the case. However, in the past, many board members made decisions that were specifically for their children or their own circle of friends. If the moves helped someone else that was fine,but they were going to get theirs for their own first!!
Anonymous_2090860226025 on:9/10/2010 10:18:34 AM