SHV Update - Change in Action

[State High Vision]

STATE HIGH VISION

Monday UPDATE

May 12, 2008

 

 

As we watch the Centre Daily Times skewer the SCASD board for the alleged “civil war” over the concession stand, we have to set the record straight.  It is important that people understand that print newspapers are in financial trouble. All over the country, major newspapers are in the RED and are looking for ways to increase profits. Controversy sells newspapers.   The CDT’s editorial attempt to fan the flames of the SCASD board controversy that has helped to keep them in business over the last 2 years is not only sad, it is a disservice to our community.

 

What REALLY happened at last week’s board meeting:  The issue of the concession stand was on the agenda at the board meeting last week and members of the board – both old and new – discussed the issue rationally and without rancor.  Questions were raised about cost, the concerns about design and location raised in the Citizen Advisory Committee, and a healthy discussion about alternative building options ensued.   The CAC for Athletics weighed in with unqualified support for the project.  The board eventually directed Ed Poprik, Director of Physical Plant to evaluate “pre-engineered” buildings.  These buildings are constructed with equal or superior materials that include preinstalled plumbing, electrical and hardware.  They are often less expensive, more durable and require less installation time.  This 2-week delay in no way jeopardizes the bids and may provide a tremendous cost savings. The board seemed to be looking for a fair solution that would allow the wishes of the “anonymous” donor to be recognized without taking district money unnecessarily.  It is exactly this kind of fiscal responsibility and rational decision making that we demanded when we cast our votes in the November election.

 

Although members of the public raised pointed questions about the irregularities in the decision making process that brought this concession stand decision to the board while circumventing policy and asked about possible sanctions against administration for not following those policies -  none of the board members even raised their voices.  That hardly seems like a “civil war.”  

 

Why didn’t the CDT report the facts?   Sadly - facts are boring and don’t sell newspapers. 

 

While we believe that it the job of the District Public Relations office to stop the assault on our school district in the local press, we don’t mind sharing what the “new” board has done in the 5+ months since being elected:

 

·        Opened CAC meetings to the public

·        Made documents available to the public ON THE WEB in advance of the meetings

·        Agreed on the short list of candidates to conduct our next district wide master plan and agreed to public presentations for each of the 5 finalists

·        Asked for change in meeting minutes to more accurately reflect the content of the discussion.

·        Tentatively approved the budget for next year – public hearing and comment period are pending.

·        Begun a discussion of “high performance” schools … buildings that are healthier for kids and staff and save money by reducing energy costs

·        Examined staffing needs and approved additional positions (NOTE:  The CDT reported this as “30 new positions” which is somewhat in error.  According to reporting procedure, a full time assistant Lacrosse coach (at $1500 per year, for after school hours, for one season) is counted as a FULL TIME position just as a Special Ed teacher is considered FULL TIME (at $50,000 per year). 

·        Approved an Academic Support Program to help students who are least likely to graduate

·        Completed the process for replacing Mr. Grimes position on the board (a 2 month distraction).

 

People who watch the meetings and understand the process of orientation know that our board is making progress … with difficulty, for sure, but progress nonetheless.  In most companies new employees are given a 6-month probationary period (at 40 hours a week) to acclimate before they’re evaluated.  The CDT cries foul after only 5 months of volunteer-elected officials (many of whom are employed full-time in other occupations) meeting every 2 weeks!   

 

When new groups of people come together, it should be expected that they move through the stages of getting to know each other, conflict and relationship building, until they can be really productive.  

 

Don’t support this disservice to our community.  Attend the meetings in person or watch them on CNET.  Talk to school board members.  Ask questions.  If we wanted to read tabloid fodder, we can pick it up in the check out line at the grocery store. 

 

We voted for change in the SCASD and change takes time.  “Change” means more than changing the names and the faces on the board, it means changing the ways the culture of the SCASD and way it does business.  Why isn’t our community newspaper supporting that change?

 

SCASD BOARD WORK SESSION TONIGHT -  7:30 at 131 W. Nittany Ave.  The public is invited to attend to hear the results of the demographic “growth” study  which examined school district enrollment, etc.