Pennsylvania Department of Education recently decided that Keystone Exams will be delayed as a requirement for graduation until the 2018/2019 school year. Coupled with that decision is the state’s plan to link other tests of student performance to judge the quality of Pennsylvania’s educators, administrators, and school directors. What’s wrong with this picture?
Susquehanna Community School District Superintendent Bronson Stone sounded off in an email to Secretary of Education Rivera that the problem this presents is two-fold. First, it separates students (test-takers) from the consequences of their test-taking. Whatever testing criteria are used, it leaves each student in the position of little to no-stake in the result, since it will have no impact on a student’s graduation. It will certainly be obvious to many, if not all students that they could simply “fill in the bubbles” randomly, and their academic future would not be affected
To emphasize that point Mr. Stone continued, “under state testing regulations a proctor of one of these state tests isn’t even allowed to tell a student who is doing this [randomly filling in the bubbles] to ‘try your best’ or to ‘take the test seriously,’ because the only thing a test administrator can do is make sure students are completing the right section. A teacher or administrator could face sanctions and the possible loss of a job if he or she were to make a request to a student to write more than one single sentence for a test question--TDA-- that required at least a few paragraphs to answer correctly. Without dangling some tangible incentives for 10 to18 year-olds to perform their best, why on earth would they [the test-takers] want to extend the mental effort required by these rigorous state exams?”
Conversely, while students have no stake, the stakes have never been higher for educators, administrators, and school directors. Teacher performance evaluations are, at least in part, tied to student test-taking performance. Administrators and school directors base decisions on curricula, teaching resources, textbooks, and untold other educational decisions, in whole or part, on quantifiable and objective results, namely tests. Misleading test results will, at the minimum, lead to misjudgments of teacher effectiveness and misallocation of limited educational (tax dollar) resources
Superintendent Stone’s “blast” was just one of the many highlights at SCSD’s work session and regular monthly meeting for February 2016. School Board President Steven Stanford presided over the regular monthly meeting at the High School Cafeteria on Wednesday, February 17, 2016. School Directors present were Lori Canfield, Amanda Cook, Evelyn Cottrell, Ashley Depew, Jamie Koziol, and Martha Stanford. Directors Carol Jackson and Clay Weaver were absent. Others present included High School Principal Carmella Bullick, Business Manager Gary Kiernan, Facilities Manager Kevin Price, and Union President Kathleen Hinkley. Also present, an audience of approximately 25, all instructional staff save for the press.
During both the work session and the regular meeting, Superintendent Stone ably provided an overview of the Governor’s 2016/2017 Budget. Here’s what Governor Wolf has proposed:
- A $33.3 billion plan that increases both basic and special education, and focuses on accountability for schools and charter school reform measures;
- A plan to generate revenues needed to pay for spending increases through a package that increases the personal income tax rate from 3.07% to 3.4%, expands the sales tax base, and enacts a severance tax of 6.5% with an impact fee credit;
- A planned $200 million increase for the basic education subsidy above the “assumed” $377 million increase in 2015-16;
- A planned $50 million increase for special education, in addition to the “assumed” $50 million increase in 2015-16; and
- An adjustment to charter school reimbursements to better reflect costs of educating students with special needs.
With all of that said, neither Superintendent Stone nor Business Manager Gary Kiernan are taking any of the state’s 2016/2017 budget too seriously at this point. When, and if, the state government agrees to a 2015 budget a ray of light might shine on the ‘16/’17 budget
For the District’s own ‘16/’17 budget, salary and benefit remain bottom-line known unknowns at this time since the union has been working without a contract since June 30, 2015. The next meeting for contract negotiations with the union is set for February 23. Union President Kathleen Hinkley noted that elections for union officers will be held in April, and all four of the current officers will be replaced at that election
What is known is that the burn from PSERS (pension costs) continues to rise incrementally and substantially each year while the state defers reforms to the system. Superintendent Stone explained that as late as the 2008/2009 school year, the District’s pension costs were a mere $87,000. District pension costs rose to $403,000 for the 2014/2015 school year, and are already projected to cost the District $565,318 for ‘16/’17, even if all salaries remained the same as they were on June 30, 2015. That 565K figure is the net cost to the District AFTER state reimbursement, and it accounts for a rise in the PSERS rate to 30.03%
Other finance-related matters arose when Facilities Manager Kevin Price presented the Board with a preliminary list of campus upgrades that are needed in the near-term. Mr. Price will present the Board with more detailed information at the March meeting, but those upgrades, in his estimation, amounted to over $32,000. And those upgrades did not include the estimated $12,000 cost for a new boiler at the high school or a $40,000 cost for a new dish washer at the elementary school. A further facilities issue for discussion or decision is the elementary school’s roof. Recoat or replacement are the alternatives, and the low-end cost is likely in the ballpark of $550,000. A complete roof tear-off and replacement could run in the neighborhood of $1.25 million
Among the motions passed by the School Board at their February meeting were these:
- Granting permission for the Business Office to solicit bids for general, maintenance, technology, education, sports and computer supplies for the 2016/17 school year.
- Granting permission for Superintendent Stone to file federal and state program applications for the 2016/17 school year.
- Exonerating District Tax Collectors from the collection of unpaid school taxes for the year 2015.
- Approved Walsworth Yearbooks contract for the 2016/17 school year at a cost of $3,700.
- Approving the proposal with Brian T. Kelly, CPA and Associates, LLC, for a five-year contract to provide audit services at a cost of $21,000 per year.
- Approving a wide array of club, community, and extra-curricular activities, as well as civic uses of district facilities, to include SCDA’s (Susquehanna Community Development Association) use of the elementary gymnasium for an Easter Egg Hunt on March 19
Other announcements of general interest were made by Principal Bullick and Union President Hinkley. Principal Bullick noted that a new category of student competition would begin in March, “Most Engaged Student (of the month).” Also a new Journalism Club has organized at the high school, with Mrs. Lisa Carpenter as its Club Advisor. Mrs. Hinkley announced that four teachers would be interviewing three students as part of the process for selection of the Clair O’Neill scholarship for this year
At 7:30 p.m. District business concluded and Mr. Kiernan served up a fine selection of crispy chocolate chip cookies to all who could afford the calories
The District’s next meeting is scheduled for the third Wednesday in March at the high school cafeteria. The District’s work session, open to the public also, is on the third Tuesday of March at the elementary school’s administrative office.
Susquehanna Community School District Board Directors took the following personnel actions during their regular meeting on Wednesday, February 17, 2016.
Approved extending medical leave for Sarah Krause an additional four weeks from February 29 to March 29, 2016.
Approved a leave of absence for Elizabeth Matis from February 26 to March 11, 2016.
Approved hiring the following personnel to the position of Track Helper for 2015-2016 school year: Sean Mangan, Susan Crawford, Kristi Rossi, Travis Pregnar, Matt Misiura, Michael Lloyd, and Kim Garrison.
Approved hiring the following personnel for the 2015-2016 school year: Robin Glidden - Jr. High Softball Assistant Coach, Brandan Glover - Jr. High Baseball Assistant Coach, Lawrence Tompkins - Track Announcer, and Deirdre Hobart - Jr. Class Advisor.
Approved hiring the following personnel for the 2016-2017 school year: Jeff Baldwin - Varsity Boys Volleyball Coach, and Kim Garrison - Boys Volleyball Clock.
Approved hiring Shannon Crawford for the P/T position of Financial Assistant.
Accepted Richard Emmons’s resignation from Varsity Baseball Scorer.
Obstacles serve a purpose: they give us a chance to find out how badly we want something.
DEEDS
C J Gosselin to C J Gosselin (Trust) in, Silver Lake Township, for $1.00
Mary Ann Tranovich to Richard & Many Ann Shipsky, in Lenox Township, for $1.00.
Santo Zuzolo (By Sheriff A/K/A) Santo R. Zuzolo (By Sheriff) to Larry Floyd Garrett Cassidy & Elizabeth Laura Cassidy, in Herrick Township, for $209,815.02.
Timothy W. Allen to PA Commonwealth of Dept. of Transportation, in Herrick Township, for $1.00.
Stanley Henry & Darlene Biniewicz to PA Commonwealth of Dept. of Transportation, in Gibson Township, for $1.00.
George Lehoczki (By Sheriff Estate A/K/A) George Lehoczky (By Sheriff Estate) to Wilmington Savings Fund Society (DBA) & Christiana Trust, in Susquehanna, for $1,411.63.
Kenneth E. Houman & Tara L. Hurt to Thomas J. Longo, in Forest City, for $41,238.00.
Evelyn Kurosky (Estate AKA) Evelyn E. Kurosky (Estate) to Joyce M. & Joseph M. Graney, in Bridgewater Township, for $1.00.
James M. Olivo Sr. & Joann Olivo to Robert D. & Penny A. Conrad, in Susquehanna, for $64,000.00.
Bradford P. & Gregory S. Harris to Harris Brothers PA Property Trust, in Apolacon Township, for $1.00.
Paul L Burkhart Jr. (Estate) to Scott A. & Mandy Lynn Weida, in Lenox Township, for $281,060.00.
Beverly J. Grow (Estate AKA), Beverly Jean (Estate AKA) & Beverly Grow (Estate) to Thomas & Shelley Krishak, in Springville Township, for $1.00.
Mary Frances Wendling to Mary Frances & Ronald Wendling, in New Milford Township, for $1.00.
Todd B. Baker & Megan Pitko Baker to Earl M. & Jacqueline B. Baker, in Oakland Borough, for $1.00.
Fannie Mae (AKA) Federal National Mortgage Association to John & Hellen Sershen, in Rush Township, for $27,000.00.
Bonnie L. & Eugene Corey to Elizabeth A. Bryson, in Forest City, for $83,925.00.
Justin Burgess to Ken Sodon, in Liberty Township, for $1.00.
Alyce L. Pratt to Alyce L. & Davide E. Pratt, in Hallstead Borough, for $1.00.
Monica Pisaneschi Pifcho (AKA) Monica I Pifcho & Clarence Pifcho (AKA) Clarence Pifcho Jr. to Clarence Pifcho, in Rush Township, for $1.00.
Monica Pisaneschi Pifcho (A/K/A) Monica I Pifcho & Clarence Pifcho (A/K/A) Clarence Pifcho, Jr. to Monica Pisaneschi Pifcho, in Rush Township, for $1.00.
Jane W. Chamberlain to Charles E. & Elizabeth Chamberlin, in Great Bend Township, for $1.00.
Robert E. & Cheryl Stewart to Anne E. Bonczek, in Auburn Township, for $10.00.
Paul S. & Michele M. Kovach to Paul S. & Michele Kovach, in Liberty Township, for $1.00.
Mario Fasullo to Trinity Bay Energy LP & Cascade Acquistion Partners LP, in Springville Township, for $10.00.
John Guida (Estate) to Brian P. Guida, Christopher J. Guida & Melissa Guida Hady, in Brooklyn Township, for $1.00.
Gallatin Natural Resources LLC to MAP2015-OK, in Auburn Township, for $10.00.
James E. & Elaine B. Miller, to Matthew A. Miller, in Bridgewater Township, for $1.00
James E. & Elaine B. Miller to Matthew A. Miller, in Bridgewater Township, for $1.00.
Albert J. Secor Jr., Amanda J. Secor (NBM) & Amanda J. Marvin to Albert J. Secor Jr., & Audra R. Secor-Choplosky (AKA) Audra R. Secor Choplosky, in New Milford Borough, for $1.00.
Eward P. & Deborah A. Ucci to Nikolas Decker, in Great Bend Township, for $95,000.00.
Cheryl Ann & Joseph Decker Jr. to Lenox Pie LLC, in Lenox Township, for $1.00.
Philip J. Pass Jr. & Laura A. Pass to Gregory & Kimberly A. Congdon, in Herrick Township, for $65,000.00.
BB Land Holdings LLC to Patrick Edward LeBlanck , in Thompson Borough, for $1.00.
Catherine Ghent (AKA) Catherine Smith & Clifford Smith to Catherine Smith, in Harford Township, for $1.00.
Samuel C. Little to Samuel C. Little (Trust), in Franklin Township, for $1.00.
Jason Gedamoske to US Bank For America Homeowner (Trustee) & American Homeowner Preservation Trust Series 20148, in Forest City, for $10.00.
Waldo M. Woods to Edward L. Rose Conservancy, Bridgewater Township, for $0.00.
John R. & Catherine M. Shaskas to Gallatin Natural Resoures LLC, in Jessup Township, for $10.00.
Peter D. & Nancy J. VanHoesen to Pieter D. & Nancy J. VanHoesen, in Rush Township, for $1.00.
Kirby B. Hoke to Gregory J. Tuffner, in Oakland Township, for $61,000.00.
Nancy L. Newhart to Alice M. & Raymond C. Davis, in Rush Township, for $155,000.00.
Lynn H. & Barbara A. Abbott to Robert William King Jr. & Jerylin Abbot King, in New Milford Borough, for $1.00.
Cheryl Laskowski (AKA) Cheryl Laskowski-Layden to Megan Hampton & Aubrey Schwart, in Herrick Township, for $100.00.
Ann A. & Michael S. Lombardo to Ann S. Lombardo, in Brooklyn Township, for $1.00.
Donald & Tracy Carey to Andrew Anderson & Lynn Ann Racht, in Thompson Borough, for $1.00.
Kenneth Rivenburg Jr. & Marcella C. Rivenburg to Wayne D. & Christina M. Johnson, in Harford Township, for $372,000.00.
Thomas J. & Karen E. Yednock to Taylor J. Harrison & Kaitlin H. Bobrovcan, in Herrick Township, for $127.500.00.
BENCH WARRANTS
The Susquehanna County Domestic Relations Section has outstanding bench warrants for the following individuals as of 10:00 a.m. on February 19, 2016
Tonya S. Birchard, Edwin Blaisure, Allan A. Bucksbee, Michael J. Burger, Brian N. Carter, James Donahue III, Christopher M. Dudock, David J. Fischer, Morgan A. Garcia, Jonathan L. Hollister, Lyle J. Hugaboom, Richard E. Kalinowski, Christopher M. Kuiper, Todd J. Layton, Charlie J. Legere, Peggy J. Mills, Timothy Murray, Brian T. Phillips, Desiree L. Shifler, Jason L. Shores, Marcus E. Spickerman, Joseph W. Sutton, Christopher D. Taylor, Jarred Tennant, James E. Turcotte, Robert C. Walter II, Roger D. Williams,
Please contact the Domestic Relations Section at 570-278-4600 ext. 4050 with any information on the location of these individuals.
Harassment/Disorderly Conduct: On February 12th at 12:44 am troopers responded to a harassment report at a location in Ararat Township. The victim reported that the accused became angry during an argument and shoved him into a wall while striking him with his hand. The accused then took the victim's vehicle and started spinning its tires outside in the yard. The accused was cited for assault Harassment and Disorderly Conduct through District Court 34-3-02.
Harassment: On February 11th a juvenile female is accused of pulling the hair of another juvenile female, causing her to fall to the ground. The accused then punched the victim. The incident occurred at Blue Ridge High School in New Milford. Charges were filed at District Court 34-3-02.
Crash: On February 8th at 3:18 pm Victoria Lee-Ngai of Manhasset Hil, Ny was traveling northbound on Interstate 81 in New Milford township when she lost control of her vehicle after swerving for no reported reason. The vehicle began a counter-clockwise rotation and exited the travel lanes, to the west, into a grassy median. While traveling in the median, it began a series of rolling maneuvers toward the passenger's side, coming to a final rest off of the roadway, overturned on its roof. The driver suffered minor injuries, in the form of complain of neck and back pain, and was transported via Montrose Ambulance Company to Wilson Memorial Hospital for medical treatment. A seat belt was in use. The vehicle was towed from the scene by Vogel's towing.
Theft: The state police are investigating a report of a theft of prescription pills from a Hallstead Borough location. The incident apparently occurred on February 8th; anyone with information is asked to please contact the police.
Act 64: On February 5th at 11 am marijuana and paraphernalia were found on Montrose Area High School property, belonging to a 15 year old juvenile. Charges were filed.
Hit and Run: On February 5th at 5:01 pm William Giaimo of Scranton was traveling on Interstate 81 northbound in Lenox Township when, while his vehicle was in the right lane changing lanes, it side swiped a vehicle driver by Destiny Warfle of Montrose, and continued traveling north without stopping. Neither driver was injured; seat belts were apparently used in both vehicles.
Hit and Run: On February 5th at 5:01 pm William Giaimo of Scranton, Pa was exiting the interstate via the exit ramp to Sr 8003 in Lenox Township when, while traveling too fast, his vehicle traveled off the left side of the ramp and through the grass area, continued across Sr 106, and crashed into the guard rail. The driver then tried leaving the scene and the vehicle broken down in the right lane of Sr 106.
Harassment: The police were investigating (as of the time or report) an incident of harassment that occurred at the Springville Township building on February 5th, between two known males.
Crash: On February 2nd at 6:30 pm Scot Campbell of Factoryville was traveling north on Sr 0029 at the same time as Alan Zosh of Montrose was traveling south. Campbell's vehicle made a left hand turn onto Sr 3004, in front of Zosh's vehicle, causing both units to impact. Neither driver was injured; both were utilizing seat belts.
Crash: On February 1st at 5:15 pm an unnamed driver was traveling north on Sr 167 in Bridgewater Township, in the right lane. The driver struck a deer that ran into the roadway with its front end, causing functional damage. At the scene the driver observed damage tot he vehicle and evidence consistent with a deer strike. At the scene, at approximately 8:30 am, the trooper interviewed the driver. The driver related that he was on his way to work and that several deer ran into the roadway in front of him. He related that he tried to avoid the deer, but was unable to and struck one of them. The driver was not cited for any traffic violations.
Access Device Fraud: Between January 31st and February 1st someone used the credit card of a Nicholson man without permission, for Macey's online. Shipment of the items was stopped and credit was issued to the victim. Anyone with information is asked to please contact the police at 570-465-3154.
Anyone having information regarding any of these incidents is asked to please contact the police at (570) 465-3154.
