The Blue Ridge School Board generally meets twice a month, and so they did on this Leap Day, a once-in-4-years event, February 29, for a workshop that was overshadowed by the threat of a teacher strike a month hence.  The labor dispute was probably what attracted the relatively large attendance, rather than the outstanding chicken-vegetable soup provided by Food Service Director Linda Cole-Koloski.

The evening session actually had 4 parts, starting with a presentation by Business Manager Brian Dolan to the Board’s Finance Committee.  What with the turmoil in Harrisburg over a non-existent state budget, the district – in common with school districts across the state – is eyeing its finances with some trepidation.  Mr. Dolan reported Blue Ridge has received barely $2.8 million of the $6.2 million the district is due from the state for the current fiscal year.  So far Blue Ridge is holding its own; unlike some other districts, it has not had to borrow to bridge the shortfall, yet.

On the other hand, a state budget for the fiscal year beginning this coming July is also uncertain.  Blue Ridge is facing a health insurance cost increase of 19.3%; and the Blue Ridge contribution to the teachers’ pension program (PSERS) is scheduled to rise to over 30% of payroll.  New Federal mandates for school lunches have increased costs for the food service, with no additional money to pay for them.

The Blue Ridge Board has already voted not to increase property tax rates beyond the “index” set by the state, 3.3%.  Mr. Dolan said that assessments should bring in nearly $100,000 of new local revenue, but, as Principal of Curriculum and Instruction Matthew Nebzydoski noted, the cumulative effect of flat state subsidies and little or no local tax rate increases over the past several years is squeezing the district’s resources.

Mr. Dolan outlined a series of meetings and workshops devoted to the next budget that will continue through the end of June when it must – unlike the state – be formally adopted for the coming fiscal year.

Once the full Board gathered for its workshop, members first heard a brief presentation by Henry Sallusti of RBC Capital Markets.  Blue Ridge has a collection of bond issues that it is paying interest on, some of them dating back to the 1990’s.  In recent years, with interest rates so low, the Board has refinanced as much as possible in order to cut the debt service burden.  By refinancing some of the bonds now, Mr. Sallusti said that the district could save over $81,500.  At these rates, debt service will decline over the next few years from about $900,000 to just over $400,000 by 2018.  In an unusual move, the Board took up a single business item following the conclusion of the workshop to accept the refinance package so that the proposed rates could be locked in.

Before launching into a review of business that will come before the Board at its next scheduled business meeting a week hence, Board President Chris Lewis recognized Charlotte Sherwood, a parent of 2 children at Blue Ridge.  Ms. Sherwood, in an emotional statement, expressed her gratitude to everyone at Blue Ridge.  She did not clearly take a stand on the contract dispute between the Board and the teachers, but urged a resolution as quickly as possible.

Mr. Lewis addressed the difficulties surrounding the teachers’ contract in a statement he released on social media in recent days.  The Board received notice that unless agreement is reached soon, the teachers are prepared to walk out on March 29.  Naturally, most are concerned about the effect of a strike on the students.

Under the complex provisions of Act 88 of 1992 that shifted some provisions of an old Act 195 into the school code, a strike by public school teachers can occur in 2 phases.  There is to be a “fact-finding” period between the first strike and any second strike that might be called.  A second strike could last up to a full school year.

According to Mr. Lewis, in this case, because of the provisions of the law, should the teachers call a first strike, it would last only 4 days.

Blue Ridge teachers have been working under a contract that expired June 30, 2014.  The major differences between what the teachers are asking and what the Board is offering appear to be in the schedule of salary increases over the 5-year term of the proposed new contract, and the scale of the teachers’ contributions to the Blue Ridge health insurance program.  The teachers also want to be paid a retroactive increase for the period since the old contract expired; the Board so far has offered only a lump-sum payment.  Details of each side’s proposals are available on the Blue Ridge website (http://www.brsd.org).

Mr. Lewis said that, while he would like to have more frequent meetings with the teachers, the three so far scheduled before the announced strike date were all that could be arranged considering the schedules of all the players and their lawyers.  He said that the Board had continually tried to narrow the gaps through the negotiating process.  However, he pointed out that, while he would like to pay each teacher a six-figure salary, the district has narrowly restricted resources and must live within its means.

For next week, the Board will receive an audit report, consider changes to the calendar for the current year to account for the fewer snow days than scheduled, as well as a calendar for next year.  Mr. Lewis offered the customary 2 options for next year: begin before or after Labor Day.  He also wanted to form a committee to help develop a comprehensive plan; such a committee should have the broadest possible representation, including from the wider community.

Mr. Nebzydoski reported on a “suicide awareness panel” with representatives from various organizations at Blue Ridge and elsewhere.  The panel is studying the gaps in the understanding and proactive treatment of mental illness.  He noted that there is not one psychiatrist employed in the county.  He also announced the establishment of a “211” hot line under the county’s emergency management umbrella.  The 211 service will have links to all sorts of social services.  The panel will complete its work with recommendations to the county Commissioners.

Technology Coordinator Mike Stewart reported that his highest priority is maintaining the availability of the district’s digital network.  Since so much now depends on it – including the telephones – the system needs reliable power backup.

The Board’s Activities Committee is still debating the color schemes for athletic uniforms.  It seems that in some sports, a black color has been introduced in contravention of the Board’s consistent demand that all uniforms use only the school colors of red and white.  The girls especially, find the red shorts “unflattering,” and say that they get laughed at.  The Board’s Student Representative Ashlee Derrick said that she wouldn’t even try out for some sports because of the shorts.  Mr. Lewis, for his part, said he had no problem with using black in some cases; Christina Whitney, however, adamantly insisted that only the school colors be permitted, having served the schools well for over 50 years.

Mr. Lewis reported that the retirement of the Assistant Principal offers the Board the opportunity to restructure the position, perhaps merging the high school’s disciplinary officer’s responsibilities with another administrative position.

New Board Member Jessica Wright, Chair of the Transportation Committee, offered a comprehensive review of her committee’s discussions with the bus contractors and consideration of various alternatives for the bus transportation system.  She offered 3 options. 

The first option would keep the system as it emerged this year, when extra runs were contracted out to Pocono Transportation because the contractors could not commit to the extra services.  The extra expense is a burden to the district, but was unavoidable this year as the need became apparent so close to the opening of the schools last Fall.

The third option would choose one company to provide all transportation for the district.  Ms. Wright said that Pocono’s charges would be very high, due largely to startup costs.  Another local operator made an offer but would have to establish another garage for his buses.  In either case, all of the routes would have to be re-evaluated because the starting points would change.

The second option, the one the committee is recommending to the Board, would keep the system much as it is now, but with the contractors committing to the extra runs, perhaps on a rotating basis so that each contractor would get a share of the extra business.  It has the additional advantage that it preserves the relationship between the District and its long-serving bus contractors.

In any case, the committee considered all of the options based on a 5-year contract term, which would give the District better control of planning and budgeting.  Ms. Wright said that her committee met with the 4 current local bus contractors who all seemed to agree on the principal of rotating the extra runs.  The longer-term contract may have been enough of an incentive to get them to commit in this way.  Mr. Dolan pointed out that the details of the contracts have yet to be worked out, considering Board approval of one or another of the options.

Ms. Wright also said that the contractors enthusiastically agreed to a summer training program for all of them and their drivers.

Ms. Whitney, speaking for her Career Development Committee, reported that the Guidance Team had developed a “Graduation Planning Guide and Requirements” document now available on the Middle/High School web site pages.  She thanked Michael Courtright for his leadership in the new Computer Science course, for which he will continue training at Rochester Institute of Technology.  And she reported the possible addition of an advanced placement course in mathematics.

Ms. Whitney also solicited help recruiting businesses to allow students to spend a day observing the world of work in a variety of situations.

The virtually instantaneous business meeting to accept the proposal of RBC Capital Markets to refinance some of the District’s bonds was followed by the consumption of some soup, and then …

The 4th part of the evening was dedicated to some introductory training of the Board itself in the “Roles and Responsibilities of Board Members.”  A representative of the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) gave an hour-long presentation, particularly targeted at the newest members of the Blue Ridge Board.

She started off with the results of some surveys that illustrate the “typical” school board member in Pennsylvania, who is most likely to be a retired or self-employed white male over 45 years of age, politically Republican and an alumnus of the district he has served for less than 10 years.

Most of the presentation would have been more or less self-evident to an interested and engaged Board member, old or new.  Some elements, however, may be less axiomatic.  For example, Board members as individuals have no more “power” in the schools than any other citizen.  A Board’s power in the schools is strictly collective, through the votes of its members in open session.

The Board’s power is expressed broadly in 2 ways: in planning and in evaluating.  The Board’s planning role is in developing the District’s goals and the strategies for achieving them, including employing staff who are focused on those goals.  The Board is also responsible for reviewing staff performance against the goals.  In that light, Pennsylvania legislation new in 2012 requires a School Board to develop a written evaluation of its Superintendent each year.  The Superintendent is often considered the 10th – but non-voting – member of the School Board.

Following Mr. Dolan’s budgeting schedule, the Board’s Finance Committee will begin its consideration of a new budget before the Board’s next business meeting on Monday, March 7, 2016.  Schedules are in yellow on the District calendar on the website.  All public meetings are held in the cafeteria in the Elementary School.  Workshop attendees often enjoy Ms. Cole-Koloski’s soup.  But not always.

United Way of Susquehanna County (UWSC) in partnership with United Way of Lackawanna and Wayne Counties was able to offer free income tax service to Susquehanna County residents on Friday, February 26th. The service was available to those households with income levels of $54,000 of less in 2015 with some clients qualifying for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) of up to $6,242.

Individuals and families who were provided income tax assistance were most grateful for the help. Many senior citizens, military veterans, individuals and families were able to take advantage of this free service. In all, 23 individuals met with volunteer tax preparers and for those qualifying for a refund this represented $23,000 collectively in refunds. UWSC was able to serve more than double the number of residents than last year.

One of the individuals on the receiving end of help offered these words, “I appreciate the assistance the tax volunteers provided as I will be able to use the money I would have spent on preparing my taxes to help pay for day care for my little one.”

For those still needing tax assistance, you can visit the United Way of Susquehanna County website at unitedwayofsusquehannacounty.org and access free income tax services via myfreetaxes.com.

United Way of Susquehanna County has plans to offer this Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program (VITA) again next year.

UWSC extends its deepest gratitude to our tax volunteers, Angela, Dan, Ricky and Frank.

Mayor Scott Smith thanked the New Milford Borough Secretary, Amy Hine, and Chuck Welch for all the work they did for the renovation project at the Borough Building during the monthly meeting held on March 3, 2016.  Mayor Smith said the meeting room looked beautiful with all the pictures, clock and other objects hung up on the walls. With the fresh paint, chair rail and wainscoting the room looks totally different.  Members of the audience also stated that it was beautifully decorated.

Eleanor Lempke said with the plans for six lights to be installed at Midtown Park, a few small trees would need to be removed.  Ms. Lempke stated the tree branches would affect the amount of light that was projected.  She also informed everyone that there are bricks that popped out of the bottom of the gazebo.  Council President Rick Ainey said the bricks are a part of a façade and not the foundation.  He said the job was initially poorly done, and they would have to fix it before they continue with any other upgrades to the gazebo.

DTE Energy phoned Mayor Scott Smith and asked if there were any community projects that they would be able to help them with.  All of the Council members stated there were multiple projects they could use the help with.  President Ainey said it would be best if the Mayor contacted DTE Energy and ask them how involved they wanted to be.

Councilperson Teri Gulick provided a report on the Comprehensive Plan.  She stated the plan has been completed, and there is a great deal of information that needs to be reviewed by the Planning Commission.  The Planning Commission is looking to have a public hearing in April for the public to be able to view the plan.  President Ainey is hoping to adopt the plan sometime this summer if it meets all their expectations.

The Council is still trying to find a company to clean up the bank.  One proposal came in at a cost of ninety - two hundred to ninety - six hundred.  Another company stated that they wouldn’t want the job.  Before Council can move ahead with hiring anyone to do the work, they will need the approval of PennDOT.

Columbia Hose Company submitted a list of events they plan to hold this year in the Borough.  The first event will be the Easter Egg Hunt on March 26th, followed by a Chicken BBQ on May 29th and concluding with the Parade of Lights on October 29th.  All events were approved unanimously of motion by Council members.

There are five Boroughs that are interested in joining forces to try and obtain for their individual Borough Residents royalties from gas companies with wells in their surrounding areas.   President Ainey said he sent out a sample letter to each of the Borough Councils that would be signed, and sent to the Legislatures asking for their assistance.

Councilperson Gulick said the Midtown Festival slated for June 4th from 10-3 has been receiving a good number of requests from vendors interested in obtaining a space.  She said they plan to have a 5K Race, pie contest, food tent, live music, silent auction, duck race, and a chicken BBQ.  The committee will continue working on obtaining and finalizing all the plans.

Attorney General Kathleen G. Kane announced the arrest of four Pennsylvania men charged with possessing child pornography.

These latest arrests were made in recent days following separate investigations in Franklin, Bucks, York and Susquehanna counties.

Including in the Arrests was Bryan Keith Walter, 56, 1987 State Route 2002, Nicholson, Susquehanna County.

Bryan Keith Walter

Walter was arrested following an online investigation where agents sought to identify persons using a file sharing network to obtain child pornography.

During the investigation, a computer was identified making files of child pornography available on the network. The IP address linked to the computer led investigators to Walter’s residence.

Agents with the Office of Attorney General’s Child Predator Section executed a search warrant which resulted in the seizure of a computer. A preliminary review of the computer revealed several files indicative of child pornography.

Walter was charged with 49 counts of possession of child pornography and one count each of distribution of child pornography and criminal use of a communication facility.

He is confined to the Susquehanna County Prison after failing to post $200,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is tentatively scheduled for March 15.

Walter will be prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Rebecca Elo of the Office of Attorney General’s Child Predator Section.

Suspected child predators can be reported to the Office of Attorney General by calling the Child Predator Hotline at 1-800-385-1044. Individuals who suspect an online predator or child sexual abuse can also send an anonymous tip to the office by texting PAKIDS + YOUR TIP to 847411.

It is not unusual for the New Milford Township meeting to last fifteen minutes.  On February 17, however, it lasted around five times that long.  The discrepancy was due to an insurance representative peddling his wares, and the opening of multiple bids.

After the standard accepting of the minutes and treasurer's report, a representative of the Kilmer Group, a private insurance agency, spoke to the supervisor's regarding municipal insurance.  The township's municipal insurance was scheduled to expire in May, he said that he thought his company could offer a better deal.  The company was based out of Wyalusing, and represented, he said, all major companies in the municipal insurance market.  He outlined what he called “compelling reasons” for a switch.  These included a more formalized service plan, and the ability to make approximately 15% of the premium as a commission.  His company also, he related, did specialized service plans for townships, which would include multiple visits a year.  He argued that with his company the township could still have the same insurance, through EMC, but as his company was affiliated with the Keystone Group, they looked bigger to EMC, and were eligible for the premium.  DGK, the township's current provider, didn't qualify for this dividend program due to not being large enough.  The supervisors said that they wanted to talk it over and think about it.  They asked their emergency management coordinator, who had a background in insurance, to help them with the consideration.  The Kilmer representative asked if the supervisors had resistance to change.  They responded that they didn't, if they got a better deal. 

Notification was received regarding a proposed subdivision on Hall Road.  The supervisors had no objections, and decided to send the standard septic letter. 

A significant number of bids were opened.  In the end, the supervisors decided to accept all calcium bids, with SutKote being primary.  They tabled the propane bids, until they could receive clarification on one.  Lindsey Oil was awarded the diesel fuel bid.  All material bides were accepted, with Popple being the primary (as the lowest). 

Mr. Bondurant basically closed the meeting out with his report.  He had attended, he related, a 24 hour intermediate training class for the Incident Command System for expanding incidents.  The next month he was scheduled to take another 16 hour training on the advanced level.  The training was put together by Berks College, and paid for by FEMA.

Sullivan and Susquehanna County residents in the 110th District who are in need of state government-related services are encouraged to visit either of Rep. Tina Pickett’s (R-Bradford/Sullivan/Susquehanna) satellite offices during March for assistance.

In addition to general help navigating the state government bureaucracy, Pickett’s satellite offices will be able to provide free assistance for Property Tax/Rent Rebate forms and will have state tax forms on site as well.

“These office hours are designed to make our services more accessible to the residents of Sullivan and Susquehanna counties, without having to make the trip into Towanda or Sayre,” Pickett said. “My staff can provide the same services at our satellite locations as in our full-time offices. I encourage anyone with questions or needing help to stop by.”

Specifically, her staff will be available on the following dates and locations throughout the month of March:

Sullivan County Courthouse (Commissioners’ Office) – First Wednesday (March 2), from 1:30-3:30 p.m.

Susquehanna County (Heft’s Buy and Sell in Lawton) – Second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, from 10 a.m. to noon.

To help veterans navigate the complexities of government programs and services designed specifically for them, Dan Falls from the American Legion will be meeting with veterans and/or their family members from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday, March 17.

Falls can help veterans and their family members with compensation, pension, death benefits, education and health care, as well as any issues pertaining to benefits. Veterans do not need to be a member of the American Legion to receive these services, and appointments can be made by calling Pickett’s Sayre office at (570) 888-9011.

Pickett’s full-time offices are located at 321 Main St., Towanda, phone (570) 265-3124, and 106 West Packer Ave., Sayre, phone (570) 888-9011. More information is available 24 hours a day on Pickett’s website at www.RepPickett.com or on her Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/RepPickett. Residents can also sign up via her website to receive a weekly email about local and state activities.

The March 2, 2016 Thompson Township monthly meeting hosted a number of residents who came to voice their concerns about the proposed Power Generation Facility slated for a property on Bear Swamp Road.  Ron and Lee Parsons stated they came to this meeting because of the article written in the Transcript about the plant coming to Thompson Township. 

Mr. Parsons informed the Supervisors that he wasn’t quite sure what a Power Generation Facility did, so he did some research, and went to visit the one in Auburn to see what it looked like.  While he was there he took some pictures, which he gave to the Supervisors, and spoke to the neighbors who lived around the plant.

The concerns Mr. Parsons has are the location of the pipe, noise, and air quality issues since his property borders the property where the proposed plant will be built.  The Township Supervisors informed everyone that Matt Tripoli showed up unexpectedly last month with a proposal for Wrighter Energy LLC, to share information about the proposed plant with everyone.  Mr. Tripoli had the proposal, which addressed the plant location, model overview, air quality, noise, lighting, traffic, safety & security, community benefits and project details.   

The Supervisors stated if Mr. Parsons would like to have Mr. Tripoli come back to speak with them next month, they will call and ask him.  They said they would see if a representative from Penelec would also attend to give them more of a perspective what their interest in this plant would be.  Mr. Parsons said he would appreciate it.

JoEllen Greene provided a report from the Planning Commission that they did receive a request for a subdivision, but the requestor canceled that request.

Supervisors Rick Wadman, Alex Komar and Susan Jenkins reviewed proposals from Attorney Francis O’Connor and Attorney Jason Beardsley.  After reviewing their pay rates they decided to appoint Jason Beardsley as the Thompson Township Solicitor. 

A new regulation stating that an elected, or appointed official, or an employee of the Township cannot be on the Planning Commission was currently published.  Supervisor Rick Wadman currently serves on the Thompson Township Planning Commission, and he will need to resign due to this new regulation.  The current Ordinance has the Planning Commission as a five-member commission, so Thompson is now in need of a person to replace Supervisor Wadman.  If you would like more information on this vacant position, please call the Township office.

Supervisor Alex Komar reported on the roadwork for the month, which was filling in the potholes, cindering and plowing the roads.  He said gutters and downspouts were installed in the front of the building, which should help with the rain runoff.  Supervisor Komar stated they would also be installing a door, window and a keypad for the front office for when the Secretary/Treasurer is working alone at night.  He also corrected an item that appeared in the newspaper article reporting the February meeting.  The article stated a different “plow” was attached to the International truck; it should have read a different “spreader” was attached to the truck.  The reporter offered her apologies for the error.

The next meeting will be on Wednesday, April 6th at 7:00 pm, all residents are welcome to attend.

Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company recently donated $5,000 to the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute in support of their 25th Anniversary Celebration. Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company has been a proud supporter of the Northeast Regional Cancer Institute for several years.

Pictured (L-R) are: Karen Saunders, President – Northeast Regional Cancer Institute; Joseph Ferretti, Executive Vice President, Small Business Chief Lending Officer – Peoples Security Bank and Trust; Amanda Marchegiani, Community Relations Coordinator – Northeast Regional Cancer Institute.

This contribution will assist the Cancer Institute with providing services and support to those afflicted with cancer, and also with hosting awareness events throughout the year. Peoples Security Bank and Trust Company congratulates Northeast Regional Cancer Institute for 25 years of caring for the community.

The American Red Cross is recognizing the country’s everyday heroes during Red Cross Month.

“Our community is full of everyday heroes who help others in need,” said Bill Goldsworthy, Executive Director for the American Red Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania. “They are our selfless Red Cross volunteers, blood donors, and financial contributors who bring rescue to people facing life’s emergencies. During Red Cross Month, we thank them for their tremendous support.”

March has been recognized as Red Cross Month for more than 70 years. All of our presidents, including President Barack Obama, have designated March as Red Cross Month to recognize how the American Red Cross helps people across the country and around the world.

The Red Cross depends on local heroes to fulfill its mission. The Red Cross responds to a community disaster every eight minutes, providing shelter, food, emotional support and other necessities to those affected. It provides 24-hour support to members of the military, veterans and their families at home and around the world. It must collect 14,000 units of blood everyday to fulfill the country’s needs. It trains millions of people in first aid, water safety and other lifesaving skills. And it supports the vaccination of children around the globe against measles and rubella.

In 2015, the Northeast PA Chapter of the Red Cross responded to 160 local emergencies, assisted 601 people who suffered a disaster and engaged 482 volunteers.

“It’s easy to become a Red Cross community hero,” said Goldsworthy. “Be ready for an emergency by creating a preparedness plan for your home. Test your smoke alarms and tell your neighbors to do the same. Or sign up to be a Red Cross volunteer, or make a financial donation.”

People can find more information about supporting the Red Cross on redcross.org. The Red Cross is not a government agency and relies on donations of time, money and blood to do its work. An average of 91 cents of every dollar the Red Cross spends is invested in humanitarian services and programs.