Thursday, November 26, 2009
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Community Pep Rally tonight!!!!
This there will be a "community pep rally" tonight at the Morrisville High School to get everyone pumped up for the 80th anniversary of the Morrisville/Bristol Thanksgiving Day football game. The pep rally starts at 6pm in the gym of the high school. It should be a great time for everyone. Come on out to show your support for the Dawgs!!
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Potpourri for the week of 11/15-11/21
As we sit down to write this morning we hope that the nasty weather is past us and bright days are ahead. This week there is both a Boro council meeting and a School Board Meeting.Below is a recap of the meetings this week. If you are able to attend please do so, and let us know of your observations. Also, on Nov 25 there is a Community Pep Rally at 6 pm in the gym of the IS/HS. That should be a great event as we all get ready for the big game against Bristol on Thanksgiving morning.
We also hit a milestone of sorts here at Morrisville's Future. With your help we have reached over 10,000 hits since last May on this blog. Thank you!
If there are any organizations in the Boro that would like to reach a wider audience or would like to get the word out about a particular event or service they provide, feel free to send us an e-mail and we will be sure to give it a mention.
11/16 - Boro Council Meeting
11/18- School Board Meeting 7 pm LGI
We also hit a milestone of sorts here at Morrisville's Future. With your help we have reached over 10,000 hits since last May on this blog. Thank you!
If there are any organizations in the Boro that would like to reach a wider audience or would like to get the word out about a particular event or service they provide, feel free to send us an e-mail and we will be sure to give it a mention.
11/16 - Boro Council Meeting
11/18- School Board Meeting 7 pm LGI
Friday, November 13, 2009
Rt 1. bridge project complete...
Now it's the Calhoun St. bridges turn for rehab.
from buckslocalnews.com
$102-million Morrisville-Trenton Bridge project complete
By Petra Chesner Schlatter
MORRISVILLE -- About 30 people attended the re-dedication of the Morrisville-Trenton Bridge Thursday. Despite the rain, the event took place in a tent outside the administration offices of the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission in Morrisville Borough.
The $102-million rehabilitation and widening project has many benefits for some Morrisville Borough residents, according to Nancy Sherlock, president of the Morrisville Borough Council.
Residents on Moreau Street will have a “respite,” she said, referring to the effect the noise walls will have on the neighborhood. The long continuous noise wall extends from Pennsylvania Avenue to the river on Route 1.
“It also provides a little relief on borough roads,” Sherlock noted.
George Alexandridis, chief engineer of the bridge project, said this was “the largest project the commission has undertaken.”
“We’ve reduced congestion,” Alexandridis said. Before the project, traffic would back up heading into New Jersey. The addition of a new auxiliary lane has adjusted that.
Project manager Chris Harney said he feels “very excited” about the project’s completion.
“George and I put in a lot of effort on a personal level,” he said. “It was done at the highest level possible.”
Harney noted this bridge is one of 20 other structures that have undergone rehabilitation, including spans connecting Pennsylvania to New Jersey points including Frenchtown, Phillipsburg, Stockton, Lambertville and Trenton.
The Morrisville-Trenton Bridge marks the halfway point in a $1-billion capital improvement program.
Now that the Morrisville toll bridge work is completed, the commission’s next project will include work on the Scudder Falls Bridge. Harney said that project would probably cost more than this one.
Harney estimated the cost would be between $200 million and $250 million.
Another area project will be the Calhoun Street Bridge.
Haney noted that the commission completed a rehabilitation project in 2005 on the famous "Trenton Makes, the World Takes" sign. A new, more stable neon sign was installed. In 1997, major repairs were completed to make the bridge more structurally safe,
Mobilization for the recent toll bridge project began Nov. 27, 2006. The project was conducted in three stages, with the bridge remaining open to traffic throughout the entire duration of construction activities.
Included in the rehabilitation were:
the widening of the bridge to accommodate a north-board auxiliary lane heading into Trenton;
reconstructing the Route 1 pavement on the Pennsylvania and New Jersey entrance;
adding noise walls on the north bound side of Route 1 in Morrisville. The walls were at the request of local residents.
modifying the interchanges on South Pennsylvania Avenue in Morrisville to make it safer for drivers exiting Route 1 onto Pennsylvania Avenue.
The bridge was the first post-World War II modern highway bridge and the first steel multi-girder bridge constructed by the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission. The bridge originally opened to traffic on Dec. 1, 1952. A daily average of 49,900 vehicles travelled across the bridge in 2008.
About the Commission
The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission was formed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey in 1934. It operates seven toll bridges and 13 toll-supported bridges, two of which are pedestrian-only spans.
The Commission’s jurisdiction extends along the Delaware River from the Philadelphia-Bucks County line north to the New Jersey-New York border. The bridges carried more than 140 million cars and trucks in 2008.
For more information about the commission, visit www.drjtbc.org.
from buckslocalnews.com
$102-million Morrisville-Trenton Bridge project complete
By Petra Chesner Schlatter
MORRISVILLE -- About 30 people attended the re-dedication of the Morrisville-Trenton Bridge Thursday. Despite the rain, the event took place in a tent outside the administration offices of the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission in Morrisville Borough.
The $102-million rehabilitation and widening project has many benefits for some Morrisville Borough residents, according to Nancy Sherlock, president of the Morrisville Borough Council.
Residents on Moreau Street will have a “respite,” she said, referring to the effect the noise walls will have on the neighborhood. The long continuous noise wall extends from Pennsylvania Avenue to the river on Route 1.
“It also provides a little relief on borough roads,” Sherlock noted.
George Alexandridis, chief engineer of the bridge project, said this was “the largest project the commission has undertaken.”
“We’ve reduced congestion,” Alexandridis said. Before the project, traffic would back up heading into New Jersey. The addition of a new auxiliary lane has adjusted that.
Project manager Chris Harney said he feels “very excited” about the project’s completion.
“George and I put in a lot of effort on a personal level,” he said. “It was done at the highest level possible.”
Harney noted this bridge is one of 20 other structures that have undergone rehabilitation, including spans connecting Pennsylvania to New Jersey points including Frenchtown, Phillipsburg, Stockton, Lambertville and Trenton.
The Morrisville-Trenton Bridge marks the halfway point in a $1-billion capital improvement program.
Now that the Morrisville toll bridge work is completed, the commission’s next project will include work on the Scudder Falls Bridge. Harney said that project would probably cost more than this one.
Harney estimated the cost would be between $200 million and $250 million.
Another area project will be the Calhoun Street Bridge.
Haney noted that the commission completed a rehabilitation project in 2005 on the famous "Trenton Makes, the World Takes" sign. A new, more stable neon sign was installed. In 1997, major repairs were completed to make the bridge more structurally safe,
Mobilization for the recent toll bridge project began Nov. 27, 2006. The project was conducted in three stages, with the bridge remaining open to traffic throughout the entire duration of construction activities.
Included in the rehabilitation were:
the widening of the bridge to accommodate a north-board auxiliary lane heading into Trenton;
reconstructing the Route 1 pavement on the Pennsylvania and New Jersey entrance;
adding noise walls on the north bound side of Route 1 in Morrisville. The walls were at the request of local residents.
modifying the interchanges on South Pennsylvania Avenue in Morrisville to make it safer for drivers exiting Route 1 onto Pennsylvania Avenue.
The bridge was the first post-World War II modern highway bridge and the first steel multi-girder bridge constructed by the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission. The bridge originally opened to traffic on Dec. 1, 1952. A daily average of 49,900 vehicles travelled across the bridge in 2008.
About the Commission
The Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission was formed by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the State of New Jersey in 1934. It operates seven toll bridges and 13 toll-supported bridges, two of which are pedestrian-only spans.
The Commission’s jurisdiction extends along the Delaware River from the Philadelphia-Bucks County line north to the New Jersey-New York border. The bridges carried more than 140 million cars and trucks in 2008.
For more information about the commission, visit www.drjtbc.org.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Possible board vacancies
For some time now there has been speculation that there may be a few openings/vacancies on the school board. Vacancy #1 would be created when Brenda Worob steps aside due to her illness. Vacancy #2 would be created if Mr. Radosti steps aside, not sure how much traction this has, but it has been speculated it could happen for the better part of the year.
Either one of these openings creates an interesting problem/opportunity for the board. It would be against all things right and just if the recently defeated 4th ward councilman was to slide into either spot. Because of his past he would be a huge liability to the taxpayers and to the school district if he were to be appointed to the board. Other names mentioned for possible openings on the board are Ed Bailey, and Jane Burger.
The board has an opportunity to "mend some fences" if any spots should open up on the board. If they choose another buddy of theirs, like they did when Mr. Buckman was appointed, it sets up a long two years before the next election. Let's hope they make the most out of this opprotunity, and have a fair and open process in selecting possible new board members.
Either one of these openings creates an interesting problem/opportunity for the board. It would be against all things right and just if the recently defeated 4th ward councilman was to slide into either spot. Because of his past he would be a huge liability to the taxpayers and to the school district if he were to be appointed to the board. Other names mentioned for possible openings on the board are Ed Bailey, and Jane Burger.
The board has an opportunity to "mend some fences" if any spots should open up on the board. If they choose another buddy of theirs, like they did when Mr. Buckman was appointed, it sets up a long two years before the next election. Let's hope they make the most out of this opprotunity, and have a fair and open process in selecting possible new board members.
Thursday, November 5, 2009
A message from Morrisville Pride
The Morrisville Pride candidates have left a message that everyone needs to see.
Click here to see the message!
Click here to see the message!
We will go on...we will stay strong
After letting the results of the election sink in for a day, we came to the realization that an impact was made during this election. The Morrisville Pride team ran an ethical and a clean campaign. They presented their case with facts from board meeting minutes, and quotes from the SOT candidates themselves. They could have gone after Brenda's illness, or Jack Buckman's bill's. But they didn't. They stuck to the issues. They did not print up phony newspapers filled with lies, They did not spread lies about a new school. They did not sling mud with anyone. For that they should be proud. Great job to Morrisville Pride and their supporters.
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
The day after...
Shocked is pretty much the only word we can come up with to describe the events of Election Day 09. Morrisville has indeed chosen to stay on track. We will not sit here and make up excuses as to why the results did not go our way. Instead we will continue to stand up for our children and our town. We will continue to document the practices of the SOT individuals in their attempt to dismantle the Morrisville School District.
A glimmer of hope is that Fred Kerner and Rhonda Davis both won seats in the 3rd ward. And Vic Cicero beat out Steve Worob for the 4th ward council seat. Best of luck and congratulations to Fred, Rhonda, and Vic.
As for the others well, it it very difficult for us to give you genuine congratulations at this time. Perhaps this time around you will be more willing to work with the community and focus on education. Our guess is that working with the community, and education are the farthest thing from this boards mind. Thanks for the tiny tax break, and thanks for taking tens of thousands of dollars off of our property values in your attempt to derail Morrisville.
Morrisville Election Results
A glimmer of hope is that Fred Kerner and Rhonda Davis both won seats in the 3rd ward. And Vic Cicero beat out Steve Worob for the 4th ward council seat. Best of luck and congratulations to Fred, Rhonda, and Vic.
As for the others well, it it very difficult for us to give you genuine congratulations at this time. Perhaps this time around you will be more willing to work with the community and focus on education. Our guess is that working with the community, and education are the farthest thing from this boards mind. Thanks for the tiny tax break, and thanks for taking tens of thousands of dollars off of our property values in your attempt to derail Morrisville.
Morrisville Election Results
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
Morrisville's Future begins today!!!VOTE!!!
We will keep it simple for our first post of the day.
Get out there and vote.
Make the change, you have the power today.
Vote with Pride...Vote for Morrisville Pride!!!
Get out there and vote.
Make the change, you have the power today.
Vote with Pride...Vote for Morrisville Pride!!!
Monday, November 2, 2009
Lever Assignments
School Board
Jack Beck 18A
Damon Miller 19A
Jermaine Jenkins 20A
David Stoneburner 21A
Ward 1
Roxy Rookstool 24A
Ward 3
Fred Kerner 24A
Rhonda Davis 23A
Ward 4
Victor Cicero 23A
Tax collector
Marlene Burns 25A
Mayor
Pat Schell 22A
Jack Beck 18A
Damon Miller 19A
Jermaine Jenkins 20A
David Stoneburner 21A
Ward 1
Roxy Rookstool 24A
Ward 3
Fred Kerner 24A
Rhonda Davis 23A
Ward 4
Victor Cicero 23A
Tax collector
Marlene Burns 25A
Mayor
Pat Schell 22A
Morrisville message board
Below is a link to the Morrsiville Message Board run by Todd White. See what Todd has to say regarding the upcoming election
Click here for Todd's message.
Click here for Todd's message.
Sunday, November 1, 2009
Election day is just 2 days away
Election day is now just 2 days away. On November 3. we the people of Morrisville will have the chance to make a change. We have the chance to send a message to the stay on trackers that WE THE PEOPLE of Morrisville do not condone, nor do we appreciate the behavior and politics of the stay on trackers. We can send a message to the rest of the county and state that we are ready to prosper and revitalize this great town. We the people can send a message to the stay on trackers that their time is done in Morrisville politics. They have not served us well(or even at all).
This blog was started after we found out that the Save the Morrisville School Blog was not going to be updated after the May 19 primary. We felt the need to document the actions of the school board majority, and give the community a forum to express their views and opinions regarding our school district and other happenings in the boro. Because the community was being "tuned out" at monthly school board meetings this blog has given and will continue to give the community an opportunity to voice their opinions. We (with the help of others in the community)have been able to document since May the inappropriate actions of the SOT team. If you are still undecided and think that SOT is right for you and Morrisville, go back through the older posts, read the comments. After reading you will see an open and shut case against SOT.
We have strived to provide the citizens of Morrisville with the truth. SOT relies on lies, deceit, misinformation, double standards, cronyism, and bully tactics to get their message out. This is not the way to run a school district or a town. Take a look around you, take a look at the town when your driving to work. What do you see? Do you want to stay on this same track? The answer clearly is NO.
On Nov 3 cast your vote for the future of Morrisville. We need leaders that will act with integrity, and communicate openly with the public.
The Morrisville Pride candidates have run an amazing campaign. Through all the lies that have been thrown at them they have weathered the course and chose not to sling mud back and forth with their opponents. That says alot about these guys. They deserve a chance to bring PRIDE back to Morrisville. They deserve a chance to right the many wrongs that SOT have created.
On Nov 3 do not be intimidated by the stay on trackers and their small band of supporters. You have a right to vote. If the person opening the curtain for you tells you who to vote for, tell him it's wrong and he and his judge of elections will be reported. Any and all info coming from the SOT camp at this point is a desperate attempt to mislead the public and hang on to what power they have left.
Vote with PRIDE on Nov 3. Vote for the future of Morisville!!
BECK
MILLER
JENKINS
STONEBURNER
WARD 1
ROOKSTOOL
WARD 3
DAVIS
KERNER
WARD 4
CICERO
MAYOR
SCHELL
This blog was started after we found out that the Save the Morrisville School Blog was not going to be updated after the May 19 primary. We felt the need to document the actions of the school board majority, and give the community a forum to express their views and opinions regarding our school district and other happenings in the boro. Because the community was being "tuned out" at monthly school board meetings this blog has given and will continue to give the community an opportunity to voice their opinions. We (with the help of others in the community)have been able to document since May the inappropriate actions of the SOT team. If you are still undecided and think that SOT is right for you and Morrisville, go back through the older posts, read the comments. After reading you will see an open and shut case against SOT.
We have strived to provide the citizens of Morrisville with the truth. SOT relies on lies, deceit, misinformation, double standards, cronyism, and bully tactics to get their message out. This is not the way to run a school district or a town. Take a look around you, take a look at the town when your driving to work. What do you see? Do you want to stay on this same track? The answer clearly is NO.
On Nov 3 cast your vote for the future of Morrisville. We need leaders that will act with integrity, and communicate openly with the public.
The Morrisville Pride candidates have run an amazing campaign. Through all the lies that have been thrown at them they have weathered the course and chose not to sling mud back and forth with their opponents. That says alot about these guys. They deserve a chance to bring PRIDE back to Morrisville. They deserve a chance to right the many wrongs that SOT have created.
On Nov 3 do not be intimidated by the stay on trackers and their small band of supporters. You have a right to vote. If the person opening the curtain for you tells you who to vote for, tell him it's wrong and he and his judge of elections will be reported. Any and all info coming from the SOT camp at this point is a desperate attempt to mislead the public and hang on to what power they have left.
Vote with PRIDE on Nov 3. Vote for the future of Morisville!!
BECK
MILLER
JENKINS
STONEBURNER
WARD 1
ROOKSTOOL
WARD 3
DAVIS
KERNER
WARD 4
CICERO
MAYOR
SCHELL
Potpourri for the week of 11/1-11/7
Your place to rant/rave about any topic of your choice. However, we do ask that you keep it clean.
A response to the Pat Pordash guest opinion
Well written Janet! Great job!
From the BCCT:
Move forward: Vote as if our future depends on it
By: GUY PETROZIELLO
Bucks County Courier Times
Regarding the letter, "Accessible and flexible" by Pat Pordash:
The Morrisville Democratic Club is community based and has a proven record of bipartisanship in working toward the betterment of the Morrisville community. The current election is another example of the party's ability to work with all people, not just Democrats.
The Democratic Club learned that Marlene Burns had dropped out of the tax collector's race from a notice she posted in the Courier Times. Even so, voters can still vote for the seat on the Democratic ticket. This seat would then become an appointment position in January 2010 by the newly elected borough council. Pat Pordash is a candidate but is not the only option.
Pordash never contacted the Democratic Party about running for re-election. There was no petition filed with the county to suggest that she intended to run as a Democrat or to run at all. There was no glitch. In the May primary election, Pordash could have been on the Democratic ballot but chose to be a write-in.
In her article, Pordash calls Marlene Burns her "opponent." I find this to be the sad situation: Two people want to hold the same position and all of a sudden one is referring to the other as the opposition. It doesn't have to be this way. Our community will prosper when all people decide to work together as we move forward.
Hopefully, Morrisville can see a future where people break down the walls that separate us, allowing us to truly work side by side instead of building up more walls. During this election, for the first time in many years, the Morrisville community has a chance to mend fences instead of heading off to the lumber store to build more.
Please move forward, not backward. Vote as if the future of Morrisville depends on it, because it does.
Janet Rivella, chairperson
Morrisville Democratic Club
From the BCCT:
Move forward: Vote as if our future depends on it
By: GUY PETROZIELLO
Bucks County Courier Times
Regarding the letter, "Accessible and flexible" by Pat Pordash:
The Morrisville Democratic Club is community based and has a proven record of bipartisanship in working toward the betterment of the Morrisville community. The current election is another example of the party's ability to work with all people, not just Democrats.
The Democratic Club learned that Marlene Burns had dropped out of the tax collector's race from a notice she posted in the Courier Times. Even so, voters can still vote for the seat on the Democratic ticket. This seat would then become an appointment position in January 2010 by the newly elected borough council. Pat Pordash is a candidate but is not the only option.
Pordash never contacted the Democratic Party about running for re-election. There was no petition filed with the county to suggest that she intended to run as a Democrat or to run at all. There was no glitch. In the May primary election, Pordash could have been on the Democratic ballot but chose to be a write-in.
In her article, Pordash calls Marlene Burns her "opponent." I find this to be the sad situation: Two people want to hold the same position and all of a sudden one is referring to the other as the opposition. It doesn't have to be this way. Our community will prosper when all people decide to work together as we move forward.
Hopefully, Morrisville can see a future where people break down the walls that separate us, allowing us to truly work side by side instead of building up more walls. During this election, for the first time in many years, the Morrisville community has a chance to mend fences instead of heading off to the lumber store to build more.
Please move forward, not backward. Vote as if the future of Morrisville depends on it, because it does.
Janet Rivella, chairperson
Morrisville Democratic Club
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Desperation
Apparently Bill Hellmann sent out a pack of lies to voters in Morrisville today. A desparate attempt to deceive voters again. Did anyone receive this SOT propaganda?
Update 11/1:
Morrisville Pride has updated their website with a Special Alert to voters
Click the link to check it out...Voter Alert!!
Update 11/1:
Morrisville Pride has updated their website with a Special Alert to voters
Click the link to check it out...Voter Alert!!
A message from Ron Smith
This was posted as a comment, but it deserves it's own post.
"To all my friends, neighbors, and township residents:
During the last 2 weeks, our mailboxes have been inundated with what can charitably be best described as negative mailers filled with character assassinations, outright lies, falsehoods and distortions. I guess when my opponent is scared of his own reputation and credentials, the only way to proceed is to attack his opponent.
As bad as the libelous negative mailers of my opponent have been, tonight the line of common decency and fair play was crossed. When my wife came home from work, she did what most people did. She went to check the mailbox and was greeted by what appeared to be numerous dead rodents in the mailbox. She was frightened and extremely shaken by this event. Although this may sound like something hilarious to my opponent, the result was an unfortunate terrorizing of my wife Felice. The police have been contacted and a report was taken. In fact, this is the 3rd police report that has been filed for vandalism against my home and my campaign property during the last few weeks, In addition, all of my campaign signs in the rear of my home were stolen this evening.
I am sure that the opposition will deny their involvement, but the tearing down of my big signs, the ongoing theft and destruction of my smaller signs along with the libelous mailers all fits the same pattern of political sabotage. I would hope that we would expect more from an individual who is running for District Judge.
We can all sit back and do nothing or we can send a message on this Tuesday to the Burns campaign. That message is " We are not going to accept such outrageous conduct from the Burns team and we are going to cast our vote for Ron Smith for District Judge". I apologize for this message, but when one threatens innocent family members, such as my wife, the time is here to say enough is enough and we will not tolerate that kind of behavior, let alone politics. Please feel free to send this message to one and all. Thank you. Ron Smith"
"To all my friends, neighbors, and township residents:
During the last 2 weeks, our mailboxes have been inundated with what can charitably be best described as negative mailers filled with character assassinations, outright lies, falsehoods and distortions. I guess when my opponent is scared of his own reputation and credentials, the only way to proceed is to attack his opponent.
As bad as the libelous negative mailers of my opponent have been, tonight the line of common decency and fair play was crossed. When my wife came home from work, she did what most people did. She went to check the mailbox and was greeted by what appeared to be numerous dead rodents in the mailbox. She was frightened and extremely shaken by this event. Although this may sound like something hilarious to my opponent, the result was an unfortunate terrorizing of my wife Felice. The police have been contacted and a report was taken. In fact, this is the 3rd police report that has been filed for vandalism against my home and my campaign property during the last few weeks, In addition, all of my campaign signs in the rear of my home were stolen this evening.
I am sure that the opposition will deny their involvement, but the tearing down of my big signs, the ongoing theft and destruction of my smaller signs along with the libelous mailers all fits the same pattern of political sabotage. I would hope that we would expect more from an individual who is running for District Judge.
We can all sit back and do nothing or we can send a message on this Tuesday to the Burns campaign. That message is " We are not going to accept such outrageous conduct from the Burns team and we are going to cast our vote for Ron Smith for District Judge". I apologize for this message, but when one threatens innocent family members, such as my wife, the time is here to say enough is enough and we will not tolerate that kind of behavior, let alone politics. Please feel free to send this message to one and all. Thank you. Ron Smith"
Crossing the line...yes indeed Stay on Track has crossed the line
We received this email just moments ago and was asked to pass it on for all to read.
Here it is:
Last week, the "Friends of the Morrisville Democrats" folks hand delivered to the residents in the 1st, 3rd and 4th wards a clear bag containing literature from the Democratic candidates. Included in this bag was a golden Democratic sample ballot that lists all the Democrats running for various positions.
I am proud to be a Democrat. I do not begrudge honest, respectful Republicans. Everyone has their own point of view. There is room for every honest, respectful person to work side-by-side, together.
Honesty and respect are the key to all things. Over the past few days the "Stay On Track" folks hand delivered three pieces of literature to the residents, including the Republican sample ballot on GOLD paper. Don't be fooled by this, it is NOT the Democratic sample ballot. More underhanded tactics from people who have campaigned from the beginning on a platform of dishonest behavior. Please be sure to acquire the true golden Democratic sample ballot from the people working at the polls on Tuesday, November 3rd.
All of the Democratic candidates have shown a great ability to work together and will continue to do so as Morrisville progresses. Beginning on November 3rd, we have a real ability to build bridges, not buildings. Please vote straight Democrat on November 3rd.
Here it is:
Last week, the "Friends of the Morrisville Democrats" folks hand delivered to the residents in the 1st, 3rd and 4th wards a clear bag containing literature from the Democratic candidates. Included in this bag was a golden Democratic sample ballot that lists all the Democrats running for various positions.
I am proud to be a Democrat. I do not begrudge honest, respectful Republicans. Everyone has their own point of view. There is room for every honest, respectful person to work side-by-side, together.
Honesty and respect are the key to all things. Over the past few days the "Stay On Track" folks hand delivered three pieces of literature to the residents, including the Republican sample ballot on GOLD paper. Don't be fooled by this, it is NOT the Democratic sample ballot. More underhanded tactics from people who have campaigned from the beginning on a platform of dishonest behavior. Please be sure to acquire the true golden Democratic sample ballot from the people working at the polls on Tuesday, November 3rd.
All of the Democratic candidates have shown a great ability to work together and will continue to do so as Morrisville progresses. Beginning on November 3rd, we have a real ability to build bridges, not buildings. Please vote straight Democrat on November 3rd.
Friday, October 30, 2009
Did you notice?
Did anyone notice that the two pieces supposedly written by Bill Hellmann and Jack Buckman had no supportive comments posted on the BCCT website? There was not one comment from any of their supporters. There was no "way to go Jack", or "Bill your doing a great job". Why not you ask? In our opinion their letters further damaged the stay on trackers credibility, and showed that they are not concerned with students and education at all. It only strengthened the position of the Morrisville Pride candidates.
An open letter to Mr. Buckman
We received this letter from a former student as a response to Mr. Buckman's recent piece in the BCCT. This letter unlike the ones from Mr. Buckman and Mr. Hellmann is full of facts. It is a great summary of how the students and the community feel about what this board has done to the town and district over the past two years.
Mr. Buckman, I went to every school board meeting for almost two years and I heard one of your own colleagues say that "Newspapers are in the business to sell papers." You thanked the BCCT for letting you post your letter. To go with the words of your colleague, I'd say the paper published what you wrote solely because your outlandish comments will prompt more letters and therefore sell more papers. I appreciate the Courier too, but with these comments from you, papers should be flying off the racks.
You stated "But their actions belie their slogan: They are on a mission to undermine what we have accomplished in two years and tarnish the reputation of our school district. To get elected!" Mr. Buckman, Damon Miller is one of the most passionate pro- Morrisville School District men I have ever met. He has joined committees to try to make our district better; he comes to concerts and sporting events because he CARES. Damon Miller and his "noisy band" want people to care again about Morrisville and feel PRIDEFUL when they say "I go to Morrisville." You know what happened when your current majority got elected? My class said "At least we won't get affected by this board." I counted the years and started to feel sorry for the students behind us because I knew that you would hurt their education somehow. This proves that it just happened quicker than I expected.
"To put it simply, they are part of a group that believes great education comes from bricks and mortar. You will recall that two years ago a slate of candidates and their allies on the former school board were on a campaign to build a new school building." Very good, this is a true statement for once. Yes, they wanted a new school because the current ones are FALLING APART! For the last 20 years the budget for maintenance has been too low and important building issues ignored. We need to show that we care about education. Families might actually move in and STAY in Morrisville. Businesses see a rising population and move in to town. Morrisville is back.
"I have heard teachers, parents and administrators and "no breakfast" blamed, but never has anyone said our kids are doing great, or our kids are doing poorly, and it's all because of that "damn old school board." Mr. Buckman, we know you heard the complaints about the “sick” M. R. Reiter building, a building you ignored now during two terms on the board of education. Before the explosion, that school building DID affect the performance of the students. There are a lot of factors that attribute to poor PSSA scores. It's a natural flow of ages and grades and people and there is nothing to change about it. It's neither bad nor good, it simply is. But, I will refer back to "Damon's Group" for a second and refer to Pride. Would you go to work every day and try hard for a boss who doesn't care about you? I didn't think so. But guess what, that is what you are expecting the students to do. We all believe that the school board doesn't care about us. All we hear at MHS is "money, taxes, money," and not "students, students, students." The kids may not be doing well because they feel you don't care: So... why should they?
Let me finish on this last passage: "I know what it takes to be a good school board member. It takes responsibility, common sense, and the ability to listen." Good Mr. Buckman, I agree. So PLEASE start on that and maybe we can get going in the right direction. If you actually felt responsibility, the school would have been maintained right in the first place, OR we wouldn't have only "shiny new windows" as our "renovations." If you had common sense, you would see most of the problems are because of the school board’s disinterest in education and its lack of caring about "Student John" instead of how caring much anonymous Student #123 costs to educate and how that cost can that be lowered.
If you listened, you would know that Damon Miller's "band of noisy politicians" is in this election because they want what is best for the kids and not just their wallets. Pride is something you should probably look up in the dictionary because it is a strong word being used for the purpose of a lot of good. "And we need to be realistic" you say? Here it is Mr. Buckman: Beck, Miller, Jenkins, Stoneburner. Why? Because they genuinely care about the school. And I don't mean the building like your "Stop the School Stay on Track" friends mean...in the bricks and mortar way...but as STUDENTS. Morrisville Pride not only wants there to be a MHS today, but a MHS in the future because they care about Morrisville and they care about the KIDS. They have... what word am I looking for? Oh yes, they have PRIDE in us.
Mr. Buckman, I went to every school board meeting for almost two years and I heard one of your own colleagues say that "Newspapers are in the business to sell papers." You thanked the BCCT for letting you post your letter. To go with the words of your colleague, I'd say the paper published what you wrote solely because your outlandish comments will prompt more letters and therefore sell more papers. I appreciate the Courier too, but with these comments from you, papers should be flying off the racks.
You stated "But their actions belie their slogan: They are on a mission to undermine what we have accomplished in two years and tarnish the reputation of our school district. To get elected!" Mr. Buckman, Damon Miller is one of the most passionate pro- Morrisville School District men I have ever met. He has joined committees to try to make our district better; he comes to concerts and sporting events because he CARES. Damon Miller and his "noisy band" want people to care again about Morrisville and feel PRIDEFUL when they say "I go to Morrisville." You know what happened when your current majority got elected? My class said "At least we won't get affected by this board." I counted the years and started to feel sorry for the students behind us because I knew that you would hurt their education somehow. This proves that it just happened quicker than I expected.
"To put it simply, they are part of a group that believes great education comes from bricks and mortar. You will recall that two years ago a slate of candidates and their allies on the former school board were on a campaign to build a new school building." Very good, this is a true statement for once. Yes, they wanted a new school because the current ones are FALLING APART! For the last 20 years the budget for maintenance has been too low and important building issues ignored. We need to show that we care about education. Families might actually move in and STAY in Morrisville. Businesses see a rising population and move in to town. Morrisville is back.
"I have heard teachers, parents and administrators and "no breakfast" blamed, but never has anyone said our kids are doing great, or our kids are doing poorly, and it's all because of that "damn old school board." Mr. Buckman, we know you heard the complaints about the “sick” M. R. Reiter building, a building you ignored now during two terms on the board of education. Before the explosion, that school building DID affect the performance of the students. There are a lot of factors that attribute to poor PSSA scores. It's a natural flow of ages and grades and people and there is nothing to change about it. It's neither bad nor good, it simply is. But, I will refer back to "Damon's Group" for a second and refer to Pride. Would you go to work every day and try hard for a boss who doesn't care about you? I didn't think so. But guess what, that is what you are expecting the students to do. We all believe that the school board doesn't care about us. All we hear at MHS is "money, taxes, money," and not "students, students, students." The kids may not be doing well because they feel you don't care: So... why should they?
Let me finish on this last passage: "I know what it takes to be a good school board member. It takes responsibility, common sense, and the ability to listen." Good Mr. Buckman, I agree. So PLEASE start on that and maybe we can get going in the right direction. If you actually felt responsibility, the school would have been maintained right in the first place, OR we wouldn't have only "shiny new windows" as our "renovations." If you had common sense, you would see most of the problems are because of the school board’s disinterest in education and its lack of caring about "Student John" instead of how caring much anonymous Student #123 costs to educate and how that cost can that be lowered.
If you listened, you would know that Damon Miller's "band of noisy politicians" is in this election because they want what is best for the kids and not just their wallets. Pride is something you should probably look up in the dictionary because it is a strong word being used for the purpose of a lot of good. "And we need to be realistic" you say? Here it is Mr. Buckman: Beck, Miller, Jenkins, Stoneburner. Why? Because they genuinely care about the school. And I don't mean the building like your "Stop the School Stay on Track" friends mean...in the bricks and mortar way...but as STUDENTS. Morrisville Pride not only wants there to be a MHS today, but a MHS in the future because they care about Morrisville and they care about the KIDS. They have... what word am I looking for? Oh yes, they have PRIDE in us.
Thursday, October 29, 2009
It makes no sense
We find it interesting that the only group talking about a new school is the folks from stay on track. This is a long dead issue and no one from Morrisville Pride has said they want to build a new school. The stay on trackers either aren't listening to anyone, or they are using this as a scare tactic. Most likely its a combination of both.
They also keep claiming that test scores are up. They are NOT up. As a result of aides not being replaced and children being shuffled around and crammed into trailers, test scores are in fact down. Do you hear that Sharon.....test scores are down! They are down under a budget passed by your friends on the board. Please stop they lying and maybe then we can debate the facts. The credibility of the stay on trackers was questionable at best. After the past week or so, it has really taken a further dip.
Both sides...feel free to debate the issues based on the facts you have. Back up your arguments with proof of your claims. The Morrisville Pride guys have been doing this all along.
Get out there and vote on Nov. 3!
They also keep claiming that test scores are up. They are NOT up. As a result of aides not being replaced and children being shuffled around and crammed into trailers, test scores are in fact down. Do you hear that Sharon.....test scores are down! They are down under a budget passed by your friends on the board. Please stop they lying and maybe then we can debate the facts. The credibility of the stay on trackers was questionable at best. After the past week or so, it has really taken a further dip.
Both sides...feel free to debate the issues based on the facts you have. Back up your arguments with proof of your claims. The Morrisville Pride guys have been doing this all along.
Get out there and vote on Nov. 3!
DJ candidates have different plans
From today's BCCT:
DJ candidates have different plans
By: GEORGE MATTAR
Bucks County Courier Times
Sitting District Judge Mike Burns is being challenged by Ron Smith, a Lower Makefield supervisor.
There's only one contested district judge race in Lower Bucks this November, and it's a hard-fought battle taking place in Morrisville, which is one of the busiest courts in Bucks.
The sitting district judge is Mike Burns, 47, who is seeking his second six-year term. In his years on the bench, he has handled more than 50,000 cases, he said.
His opponent, Ron Smith, 58, is a Lower Makefield supervisor and an attorney who works in Philadelphia.
Burns said his court will handle nearly 9,500 cases in 2009, due in part to Lower Makefield's aggressive traffic enforcement. He said most courts in counties as large as Bucks handle about 6,500 cases annually.
Both attended Pennsylvania State University for their undergraduate work. Burns earned a law degree from Widener University and Smith from Villanova University. Both are Lower Makefield residents.
Magisterial district court is the first level of authority in Pennsylvania and is the court where most people experience the judicial system for the first time.
District judges handle all traffic cases and other minor criminal and civil cases involving up to $8,000. District judges also set bail and conduct preliminary hearings in misdemeanor and felony criminal cases to determine if the case should be dismissed or transferred to the Court of Common Pleas for further proceedings. They are state employees and earn about $81,000 annually.
In last May's primary, Burns received 3,005 votes and Smith 2,033. Both were cross-filed and Burns got 1,031 Democratic votes and 1,974 Republican votes. Smith received 1,448 Democratic votes and 585 Republican votes, county voting records show.
Smith said, if elected, he would institute a regular night court schedule.
"In these tough economic times, many people cannot leave work to come in for a traffic ticket or some other case. I believe I should be available at night for the working people," he said. "I want to bring integrity back to the district judge position and put an end to judicial arrogance."
Smith said he is proud of his community service and has two years left on his term as a Lower Makefield supervisor. He has spent 20 years as a soccer coach for Yardley-Makefield Soccer, with seven of those years as president. He and his wife, Felice, raised three children, two sons and a daughter, who are all on their own.
Smith said he is proud he has led the fight against Aria Health bringing a hospital to Lower Makefield and his stand against further cell towers.
Smith also wants to stagger the court's schedule for police officers so they are not sitting around wasting time in court. He said that would save taxpayers in reduced overtime costs.
"It's important they be on the street protecting out citizens, not sitting around waiting for a hearing. That must be addressed," he said.
To do that, he proposes talking to the three police chiefs in the court's district - Yardley, Morrisville and Lower Makefield.
"I will have each officer show up for his or her hearings at certain times. For example, if an officer has four hearings, he or she will come in at 1 p.m., finish all four at once and leave. An officer scheduled for 2 p.m. would come in and do the same. This way we maximize the officer's time on the streets and be responsible to taxpayers by reducing overtime," Smith said.
If elected, he said he would practice law on a limited basis and vows to not represent anyone in Bucks County Court, which he said would be a conflict of interest.
Burns prides himself on what he says is his proven record of being tough on criminals, yet giving juveniles who make first-time mistakes a chance to turn their lives around.
The juveniles are why he has advocated drug courts in Bucks County. He wants first-time offenders to get counseling and help, rather than being dumped in a prison cell with no help.
Burns cites his work on two county-wide domestic violence boards as another reason he advocates intervention, rather than sending people to prison.
When a student is truant from school, he gets the parents to come in and discuss what the underlying problem could be, such as drug and alcohol abuse at home, or even parental abuse.
"Truancy is not about just not going to school. It is an indication there could be other problems at home," he said.
Burns said many kids make first-time mistakes, but with the proper guidance and showing someone cares, "we can work together and succeed."
One of the abuse committees he sits on is called "Intervention Batterers Oversight Committee." This committee's goal is to work with local police and ensure they notify groups like NOVA, so the groups that can help know there is a particular problem in a home," Burns said.
He said the victim's name is confidential and the batterer doesn't know she has contacted anyone. Burns said he also would continue his fight for drug courts, which he says will work.
He also plans to continue advocating more Big Brothers/Big Sisters programs and to suggest flex time for county employees, who would volunteer for the cause.
Burns and his wife, Karen Saraco Burns, have no children. He was named 2007-08 Lion of the Year by the Yardley-Makefield Lions Club. He also said he would be a full-time district judge and not devote much time to his law practice, which he shares with his father.
DJ candidates have different plans
By: GEORGE MATTAR
Bucks County Courier Times
Sitting District Judge Mike Burns is being challenged by Ron Smith, a Lower Makefield supervisor.
There's only one contested district judge race in Lower Bucks this November, and it's a hard-fought battle taking place in Morrisville, which is one of the busiest courts in Bucks.
The sitting district judge is Mike Burns, 47, who is seeking his second six-year term. In his years on the bench, he has handled more than 50,000 cases, he said.
His opponent, Ron Smith, 58, is a Lower Makefield supervisor and an attorney who works in Philadelphia.
Burns said his court will handle nearly 9,500 cases in 2009, due in part to Lower Makefield's aggressive traffic enforcement. He said most courts in counties as large as Bucks handle about 6,500 cases annually.
Both attended Pennsylvania State University for their undergraduate work. Burns earned a law degree from Widener University and Smith from Villanova University. Both are Lower Makefield residents.
Magisterial district court is the first level of authority in Pennsylvania and is the court where most people experience the judicial system for the first time.
District judges handle all traffic cases and other minor criminal and civil cases involving up to $8,000. District judges also set bail and conduct preliminary hearings in misdemeanor and felony criminal cases to determine if the case should be dismissed or transferred to the Court of Common Pleas for further proceedings. They are state employees and earn about $81,000 annually.
In last May's primary, Burns received 3,005 votes and Smith 2,033. Both were cross-filed and Burns got 1,031 Democratic votes and 1,974 Republican votes. Smith received 1,448 Democratic votes and 585 Republican votes, county voting records show.
Smith said, if elected, he would institute a regular night court schedule.
"In these tough economic times, many people cannot leave work to come in for a traffic ticket or some other case. I believe I should be available at night for the working people," he said. "I want to bring integrity back to the district judge position and put an end to judicial arrogance."
Smith said he is proud of his community service and has two years left on his term as a Lower Makefield supervisor. He has spent 20 years as a soccer coach for Yardley-Makefield Soccer, with seven of those years as president. He and his wife, Felice, raised three children, two sons and a daughter, who are all on their own.
Smith said he is proud he has led the fight against Aria Health bringing a hospital to Lower Makefield and his stand against further cell towers.
Smith also wants to stagger the court's schedule for police officers so they are not sitting around wasting time in court. He said that would save taxpayers in reduced overtime costs.
"It's important they be on the street protecting out citizens, not sitting around waiting for a hearing. That must be addressed," he said.
To do that, he proposes talking to the three police chiefs in the court's district - Yardley, Morrisville and Lower Makefield.
"I will have each officer show up for his or her hearings at certain times. For example, if an officer has four hearings, he or she will come in at 1 p.m., finish all four at once and leave. An officer scheduled for 2 p.m. would come in and do the same. This way we maximize the officer's time on the streets and be responsible to taxpayers by reducing overtime," Smith said.
If elected, he said he would practice law on a limited basis and vows to not represent anyone in Bucks County Court, which he said would be a conflict of interest.
Burns prides himself on what he says is his proven record of being tough on criminals, yet giving juveniles who make first-time mistakes a chance to turn their lives around.
The juveniles are why he has advocated drug courts in Bucks County. He wants first-time offenders to get counseling and help, rather than being dumped in a prison cell with no help.
Burns cites his work on two county-wide domestic violence boards as another reason he advocates intervention, rather than sending people to prison.
When a student is truant from school, he gets the parents to come in and discuss what the underlying problem could be, such as drug and alcohol abuse at home, or even parental abuse.
"Truancy is not about just not going to school. It is an indication there could be other problems at home," he said.
Burns said many kids make first-time mistakes, but with the proper guidance and showing someone cares, "we can work together and succeed."
One of the abuse committees he sits on is called "Intervention Batterers Oversight Committee." This committee's goal is to work with local police and ensure they notify groups like NOVA, so the groups that can help know there is a particular problem in a home," Burns said.
He said the victim's name is confidential and the batterer doesn't know she has contacted anyone. Burns said he also would continue his fight for drug courts, which he says will work.
He also plans to continue advocating more Big Brothers/Big Sisters programs and to suggest flex time for county employees, who would volunteer for the cause.
Burns and his wife, Karen Saraco Burns, have no children. He was named 2007-08 Lion of the Year by the Yardley-Makefield Lions Club. He also said he would be a full-time district judge and not devote much time to his law practice, which he shares with his father.
On the wrong track
Nicely said Peter.
From the bcct:
On the wrong track
By: GUY PETROZIELLO
Bucks County Courier Times
In regards to David Stoneburner's Oct. 22 Guest Opinion, I agree with him and think that Morrisville is on the wrong track.
Classroom aides have been sacrificed to save a few bucks and school board President Bill Hellmann keeps talking about huge tax increases, but this board went ahead and hired a public relations person for $25,000.
Test scores are declining. The latest report card on local schools show Morrisville quickly undoing years of steady progress that had some of our scores among the top in the county just a few years ago. We save a few dollars in taxes, but our property values have woefully declined, far below the economic decline of neighboring areas.
We need a school board that won't stay on a track that leads Morrisville toward a train wreck. I support the Morrisville Pride candidates that will find a balance between the community's concerns and education for the children.
Peter Eisengrein
From the bcct:
On the wrong track
By: GUY PETROZIELLO
Bucks County Courier Times
In regards to David Stoneburner's Oct. 22 Guest Opinion, I agree with him and think that Morrisville is on the wrong track.
Classroom aides have been sacrificed to save a few bucks and school board President Bill Hellmann keeps talking about huge tax increases, but this board went ahead and hired a public relations person for $25,000.
Test scores are declining. The latest report card on local schools show Morrisville quickly undoing years of steady progress that had some of our scores among the top in the county just a few years ago. We save a few dollars in taxes, but our property values have woefully declined, far below the economic decline of neighboring areas.
We need a school board that won't stay on a track that leads Morrisville toward a train wreck. I support the Morrisville Pride candidates that will find a balance between the community's concerns and education for the children.
Peter Eisengrein
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Observations from the 10/28 School Board meeting
Place your comments and observations from the 10/28 School Board meeting here.
Question for the masses...
Is it legal, or at the very least unethical for a judge of elections, who also happens to be on the school board to be distributing flyers(on school grounds) for candidates they support? And don't all political flyers have to have the "paid for" notice on them?
What is the big deal about someone not owning a home, and running for school board? Does this make them any less qualified? For some reason the stay on trackers have an issue with people that rent their homes/apartments. These folks do pay their taxes...it's called rent, and the taxes are built into the rent. Many of the stay on trackers have rental properties(funny thing is many of the stay on track signs are on rental properties) they should know this!
We mentioned in a post awhile back about how can Mr. Hellmann say the districts payroll is too high and he wants to put $$ into the buildings, but a back in June the board majority hired Pat Wandling as a "communications director"(political operative), and raised the payroll in a pathetic attempt to make himself and other stay on trackers look like they are doing a good job. Then come Sept. Mr. Hellman was vehemently opposed to the hiring of a teachers aide for the same amount of $25K. Mr Hellmann your credibility is currently zero, along with the rest of your cohorts.
Here is the link:Mr. Hellmann help us understand
It is imperative that everyone that is registered to vote does so on November 3. Morrisville can do better than the position the stay on trackers have left us with. Say no the ways of Mr. Hellman and his cronys that are up for election(Worob,Buckman,Stout,Dewilde), for they are just puppets of Mr. Hellmann. And say yes to a new Morrisville. A Morrisville that has pride, and a Morrisville that is known for the right reasons, and a Morrisville that has a future!
Added 10/29---Could someone confirm or deny if Ron Stout and Marlys Mihok made a rent payment to a landlord within the last month. We are not saying they are not paying their rent, we just would like confirmation if they are renters. If they are renters, using stay on track thinking, Marlys should step down from the board, and Ron Stout should drop out of the race since this renter thing is such a hot button for them. We could care less if you own a home, rent an apartment/house. We know your pay your taxes. And the landlords on the board should know this also. Enough with the double standards guys. It's getting old
What is the big deal about someone not owning a home, and running for school board? Does this make them any less qualified? For some reason the stay on trackers have an issue with people that rent their homes/apartments. These folks do pay their taxes...it's called rent, and the taxes are built into the rent. Many of the stay on trackers have rental properties(funny thing is many of the stay on track signs are on rental properties) they should know this!
We mentioned in a post awhile back about how can Mr. Hellmann say the districts payroll is too high and he wants to put $$ into the buildings, but a back in June the board majority hired Pat Wandling as a "communications director"(political operative), and raised the payroll in a pathetic attempt to make himself and other stay on trackers look like they are doing a good job. Then come Sept. Mr. Hellman was vehemently opposed to the hiring of a teachers aide for the same amount of $25K. Mr Hellmann your credibility is currently zero, along with the rest of your cohorts.
Here is the link:Mr. Hellmann help us understand
It is imperative that everyone that is registered to vote does so on November 3. Morrisville can do better than the position the stay on trackers have left us with. Say no the ways of Mr. Hellman and his cronys that are up for election(Worob,Buckman,Stout,Dewilde), for they are just puppets of Mr. Hellmann. And say yes to a new Morrisville. A Morrisville that has pride, and a Morrisville that is known for the right reasons, and a Morrisville that has a future!
Added 10/29---Could someone confirm or deny if Ron Stout and Marlys Mihok made a rent payment to a landlord within the last month. We are not saying they are not paying their rent, we just would like confirmation if they are renters. If they are renters, using stay on track thinking, Marlys should step down from the board, and Ron Stout should drop out of the race since this renter thing is such a hot button for them. We could care less if you own a home, rent an apartment/house. We know your pay your taxes. And the landlords on the board should know this also. Enough with the double standards guys. It's getting old
School Board Meeting tonight!!!
The monthly meeting for the school board will take place tonight at 7:30pm in the LGI room of the IS/HS. This is the last meeting before the election on Nov 3. Come on out to see what these stay on trackers are all about. You will also get a chance to meet the Morrisville Pride candidates, we are sure they will be there, to answer any questions you may have. Do not expect to have any questions answered by the SOT team.
Anyway, if you want to speak, be sure to sign up before the meeting starts.
Will Brenda Worob be prepared, or even show up?
Will Angry Al be sitting there waiting to put his foot in his mouth again?
Will Bill Hellman fall asleep again?
Will Jack Buckman......do anything?
Will Ron Stout win another phony award?
Will Marlys Mihok continue to make a fool out of herself with her lies and deceit?
The audacity of the board majority and the stay on track slate is frightening!!
Be there to stand up for Morrisville! Don't let them ruin our town and our schools any longer.
Anyway, if you want to speak, be sure to sign up before the meeting starts.
Will Brenda Worob be prepared, or even show up?
Will Angry Al be sitting there waiting to put his foot in his mouth again?
Will Bill Hellman fall asleep again?
Will Jack Buckman......do anything?
Will Ron Stout win another phony award?
Will Marlys Mihok continue to make a fool out of herself with her lies and deceit?
The audacity of the board majority and the stay on track slate is frightening!!
Be there to stand up for Morrisville! Don't let them ruin our town and our schools any longer.
Pride for Morrisville
From the BCCT:
Pride for Morrisville
By: GUY PETROZIELLO
Bucks County Courier Times
I am writing in response to a recent guest opinion sent in by David Stoneburner, a candidate for the Morrisville school board.
It is refreshing to hear from a candidate who is interested in involving the community and looking out for the welfare of the children. I appreciate the openness the Morrisville Pride candidates have shown the public during their long campaign. I believe when elected the Morrisville Pride candidates will bring balance to the school board and will steer the district onto the right track, not stay on the same track.
For many years leaders in Morrisville have been elected into office on name recognition only. When you go to the polls on Nov. 3 remember which candidates will represent you. Remember which candidates will balance your tax dollars and give children the best education possible. Remember which candidates want a better school district, not a new school. Remember to vote with pride. Remember to vote for Jack Beck, Damon Miller, Jermaine Jenkins, and David Stoneburner for the Morrisville School Board.
Jeffrey R. Danbury
Morrisville Borough
Pride for Morrisville
By: GUY PETROZIELLO
Bucks County Courier Times
I am writing in response to a recent guest opinion sent in by David Stoneburner, a candidate for the Morrisville school board.
It is refreshing to hear from a candidate who is interested in involving the community and looking out for the welfare of the children. I appreciate the openness the Morrisville Pride candidates have shown the public during their long campaign. I believe when elected the Morrisville Pride candidates will bring balance to the school board and will steer the district onto the right track, not stay on the same track.
For many years leaders in Morrisville have been elected into office on name recognition only. When you go to the polls on Nov. 3 remember which candidates will represent you. Remember which candidates will balance your tax dollars and give children the best education possible. Remember which candidates want a better school district, not a new school. Remember to vote with pride. Remember to vote for Jack Beck, Damon Miller, Jermaine Jenkins, and David Stoneburner for the Morrisville School Board.
Jeffrey R. Danbury
Morrisville Borough
Mr. Hellmann continues to mislead (in more ways than one)
This piece should be called, "We stopped the school, now we want to stop the school district."
More B.S. from the ignorant one with the gavel. Is this all you have Mr. Hellmann? Your attempt to scare the voters for another election will not work this time. There is only a select few people that actually believe that anyone wants to build a new school...... and they are all of your people. Mr. Hellman also doesn't tell you about a political operative the board majority hired and is using her as a "communications director" at $25k. And what is up with his statement of :
"In my opinion, these pro-new school candidates are incompetent and not ready to take on the responsibilities of school directors. This town cannot afford incompetence on our school board."
Alright Billy, using your logic, is Ron "I'll throw this microphone at you" Stout, a competent choice to represent the people of Morrisville and make decisions for the children? Ron Stout?......really? You guys must have been scraping the bottom of the barrel to pick your slate of candidates.
Stop the lies, deceit, cronyism, Morrisville can do so much better without Stay on track at the helm.
From the BCCT:
We stopped the school: Now, stop the tax-and-spenders
Bucks County Courier Times
As the president of the Morrisville school board, I appreciate the opportunity to respond to recent attacks on the integrity of this board. The main point made in a guest opinion on Oct. 22 by David Stoneburner, a candidate for school board, is our board is "autocratic," and not concerned about the community. On Oct. 26, candidate Damon Miller's guest opinion was equally unbelievable. This is the problem with politics; the truth never gets in the way of an unfounded attack.
The accusations of these politically motivated candidates are untrue. I believe they are in line with the same people who lost the school board election two years ago. Yes, they are back making a mockery of the last election when the people spoke out and "fired" the previous school board and elected our slate.
Our theme two years ago was "Stop the School" and directed at the former board that tried to push through a $30 million (then) K-12 building. The homeowners faced a huge tax increase, as well as the ongoing burden of paying for an unnecessary school in a small district.
We won and we stopped the school plan, paid back the bonds and moved ahead with a $4 million to $7 million repair and renovation plan for the intermediate/high school and Grandview school. We stayed on track with our plan to renovate, instead of demolish! And we decreased taxes two years in a row.
Next up is renovation work at Grandview. We awarded bids for complete window replacement at an approximate cost of $500,000. When completed, two school buildings will be in excellent shape.
Is it patchwork to spend $4 million on a list of items long overdue for repair at the intermediate/ high school? Installed were efficient boilers, new windows with inner glass blinds, air conditioning, ventilators, fire suppression system and more
The fact is Miller, Stoneburner, Jenkins and Beck are supported by the old group that tried to build a $48 million school with only $28 million in the bank! In my opinion, these pro-new school candidates are incompetent and not ready to take on the responsibilities of school directors. This town cannot afford incompetence on our school board. People's homes are at risk and our children's education is at risk.
The mindset of this group of candidates is clearly tax and spend and build. Contrary to their 11th hour statements, we learned from their own comments they are gearing up to propose another elementary school. I estimate an average $2,220 tax increase on every home in this borough for an expensive and unnecessary new building. Make no mistake about it, a new school can be built without taxpayer approval! The taxpayers of Morrisville cannot afford these candidates.
Our students are doing well. The school superintendent has said publicly nothing we have done in our budget efficiency has hurt one academic program. Furthermore, our test scores are improving and a problem of lower proficiency in 11th grade math is being addressed. We also have 80 teachers for approximately 880 students. That is one teacher for every 11 students, PLUS many teacher aides.
Their desperate 11th hour letters serve to diminish the accomplishments we have made - and get them elected. We are supporting four other candidates: Brenda Worob and Jack Buckman, currently on the board, and John DeWilde and Ron Stout, all sensible, smart, caring individuals who have the students and the community at heart. The opponents' scare tactics are not going to change the facts.
Miller claims that the members of our Stay on Track school board slate have no children in the schools. Allow me to say, two members of the Morrisville Pride slate are not even property owners in Morrisville, according to tax records.
Finally, I am a certified public accountant, not a politician. I prefer to run the board with a consensus, like a business. Morrisville has the highest millage rate in the county - our borough does not have the tax base of other communities - and we receive the bulk of taxes from property owners. Bottom line: We want our seniors to stay in their homes and young families able to pay their mortgages.
People speak at the ballot box. All candidates should tell the truth, get elected and then do what they promised to do. I believe we have done that.
More B.S. from the ignorant one with the gavel. Is this all you have Mr. Hellmann? Your attempt to scare the voters for another election will not work this time. There is only a select few people that actually believe that anyone wants to build a new school...... and they are all of your people. Mr. Hellman also doesn't tell you about a political operative the board majority hired and is using her as a "communications director" at $25k. And what is up with his statement of :
"In my opinion, these pro-new school candidates are incompetent and not ready to take on the responsibilities of school directors. This town cannot afford incompetence on our school board."
Alright Billy, using your logic, is Ron "I'll throw this microphone at you" Stout, a competent choice to represent the people of Morrisville and make decisions for the children? Ron Stout?......really? You guys must have been scraping the bottom of the barrel to pick your slate of candidates.
Stop the lies, deceit, cronyism, Morrisville can do so much better without Stay on track at the helm.
From the BCCT:
We stopped the school: Now, stop the tax-and-spenders
Bucks County Courier Times
As the president of the Morrisville school board, I appreciate the opportunity to respond to recent attacks on the integrity of this board. The main point made in a guest opinion on Oct. 22 by David Stoneburner, a candidate for school board, is our board is "autocratic," and not concerned about the community. On Oct. 26, candidate Damon Miller's guest opinion was equally unbelievable. This is the problem with politics; the truth never gets in the way of an unfounded attack.
The accusations of these politically motivated candidates are untrue. I believe they are in line with the same people who lost the school board election two years ago. Yes, they are back making a mockery of the last election when the people spoke out and "fired" the previous school board and elected our slate.
Our theme two years ago was "Stop the School" and directed at the former board that tried to push through a $30 million (then) K-12 building. The homeowners faced a huge tax increase, as well as the ongoing burden of paying for an unnecessary school in a small district.
We won and we stopped the school plan, paid back the bonds and moved ahead with a $4 million to $7 million repair and renovation plan for the intermediate/high school and Grandview school. We stayed on track with our plan to renovate, instead of demolish! And we decreased taxes two years in a row.
Next up is renovation work at Grandview. We awarded bids for complete window replacement at an approximate cost of $500,000. When completed, two school buildings will be in excellent shape.
Is it patchwork to spend $4 million on a list of items long overdue for repair at the intermediate/ high school? Installed were efficient boilers, new windows with inner glass blinds, air conditioning, ventilators, fire suppression system and more
The fact is Miller, Stoneburner, Jenkins and Beck are supported by the old group that tried to build a $48 million school with only $28 million in the bank! In my opinion, these pro-new school candidates are incompetent and not ready to take on the responsibilities of school directors. This town cannot afford incompetence on our school board. People's homes are at risk and our children's education is at risk.
The mindset of this group of candidates is clearly tax and spend and build. Contrary to their 11th hour statements, we learned from their own comments they are gearing up to propose another elementary school. I estimate an average $2,220 tax increase on every home in this borough for an expensive and unnecessary new building. Make no mistake about it, a new school can be built without taxpayer approval! The taxpayers of Morrisville cannot afford these candidates.
Our students are doing well. The school superintendent has said publicly nothing we have done in our budget efficiency has hurt one academic program. Furthermore, our test scores are improving and a problem of lower proficiency in 11th grade math is being addressed. We also have 80 teachers for approximately 880 students. That is one teacher for every 11 students, PLUS many teacher aides.
Their desperate 11th hour letters serve to diminish the accomplishments we have made - and get them elected. We are supporting four other candidates: Brenda Worob and Jack Buckman, currently on the board, and John DeWilde and Ron Stout, all sensible, smart, caring individuals who have the students and the community at heart. The opponents' scare tactics are not going to change the facts.
Miller claims that the members of our Stay on Track school board slate have no children in the schools. Allow me to say, two members of the Morrisville Pride slate are not even property owners in Morrisville, according to tax records.
Finally, I am a certified public accountant, not a politician. I prefer to run the board with a consensus, like a business. Morrisville has the highest millage rate in the county - our borough does not have the tax base of other communities - and we receive the bulk of taxes from property owners. Bottom line: We want our seniors to stay in their homes and young families able to pay their mortgages.
People speak at the ballot box. All candidates should tell the truth, get elected and then do what they promised to do. I believe we have done that.
Buckman...Why must you lie?
Notice anything missing from this piece? He doesn't tell everyone that he is thousands behind on his municipal bills. Hey Jack....take your own advice "Don't listen to the noisy politicians" such as yourself and slate you are running with.
Have at it guy and gals, tell it like it really is!
From the BCCT:
Stay on track: Don't listen to the noisy politicians
Bucks County Courier Times
I am a member of the Morrisville school board and a candidate for re-election with the Stay on Track team. I read this morning a "fantasy" letter from Damon Miller, a candidate with the opposing group.
I want the voters of Morrisville, the same ones who rejected Miller's friends in the election two years ago, to understand that Miller and his noisy band of politicians are parading as concerned citizens with "pride" in their slogan. But their actions belie their slogan: They are on a mission to undermine what we have accomplished in two years and tarnish the reputation of our school district. To get elected!
To put it simply, they are part of a group that believes great education comes from bricks and mortar. You will recall that two years ago a slate of candidates and their allies on the former school board were on a campaign to build a new school building - K through 12th grade - a school that now would cost as much as $48 million. Instead, we have renovated and repaired schools that were neglected for as much as 40 years at a cost of less than $5 million when completed.
Miller is wrong when he said we want to send our students to other school districts and pay tuition - not so! They say we want to merge with Pennsbury. That long-ago option never made it to the table.
Also, our opponents have attempted to connect our PSSA scores (which have been rising for the last four years) with the school board, which is always baffling to most people. In every school district where scores go up and scores go down, the fluctuations are based on numerous factors. I have heard teachers, parents and administrators and "no breakfast" blamed, but never has anyone said our kids are doing great, or our kids are doing poorly, and it's all because of that "damn old school board."
Revenue - finding money - and taxes are issues we deal with in Morrisville. We are dealing with a small school district with fewer than 1,000 students and no real tax base, so we rely on homeowners to pay the bills. We never lose sight of the fact that people today are struggling to keep their jobs, find jobs, pay taxes. Seniors do not want to be forced out of their homes and we keep that in mind. It is important to note that our school board has managed to retain the quality of our educational system and cut taxes twice in two years.
But Miller and friends muddy the waters with last-minute attacks that are devoid of truth. Thankfully, the Courier Times provides us the chance to refute them.
We believe Miller, Stoneburner, Jenkins and Beck have a plan of their own and that is to build a new school. They know what happened with their friends' other school building plan, so it is mostly hinted at. We base this on what they have said publicly and where they level their criticism - the reconfiguring of schools and the plan at Grandview, for sure. Their solution would be a new elementary school, but we insist it is unnecessary and unaffordable and we will fight it.
As a member of the Morrisville school board and a member of the Bucks County Technical School Board, I know what it takes to be a good school board member. It takes responsibility, common sense, and the ability to listen. We must value education and the quality of education we deliver. And we need to be realistic.
I am proud to serve on the current school board and seek another term to continue on the financially responsible path the board set two years ago. We rejected the turmoil and dissension of the past and are committed to serving new and longtime residents, senior citizens who have paid the bills for years, and new families, many of them struggling with job loss and hefty mortgages.
It is very important that the voters know who is telling the truth here. Please look at the facts and the history of the school board now and then. I ask for your vote and votes for school board director Brenda Worob and our running mates John DeWilde and Ron Stout. We all agree to stay on track -with the help of our neighbors and voters.
Have at it guy and gals, tell it like it really is!
From the BCCT:
Stay on track: Don't listen to the noisy politicians
Bucks County Courier Times
I am a member of the Morrisville school board and a candidate for re-election with the Stay on Track team. I read this morning a "fantasy" letter from Damon Miller, a candidate with the opposing group.
I want the voters of Morrisville, the same ones who rejected Miller's friends in the election two years ago, to understand that Miller and his noisy band of politicians are parading as concerned citizens with "pride" in their slogan. But their actions belie their slogan: They are on a mission to undermine what we have accomplished in two years and tarnish the reputation of our school district. To get elected!
To put it simply, they are part of a group that believes great education comes from bricks and mortar. You will recall that two years ago a slate of candidates and their allies on the former school board were on a campaign to build a new school building - K through 12th grade - a school that now would cost as much as $48 million. Instead, we have renovated and repaired schools that were neglected for as much as 40 years at a cost of less than $5 million when completed.
Miller is wrong when he said we want to send our students to other school districts and pay tuition - not so! They say we want to merge with Pennsbury. That long-ago option never made it to the table.
Also, our opponents have attempted to connect our PSSA scores (which have been rising for the last four years) with the school board, which is always baffling to most people. In every school district where scores go up and scores go down, the fluctuations are based on numerous factors. I have heard teachers, parents and administrators and "no breakfast" blamed, but never has anyone said our kids are doing great, or our kids are doing poorly, and it's all because of that "damn old school board."
Revenue - finding money - and taxes are issues we deal with in Morrisville. We are dealing with a small school district with fewer than 1,000 students and no real tax base, so we rely on homeowners to pay the bills. We never lose sight of the fact that people today are struggling to keep their jobs, find jobs, pay taxes. Seniors do not want to be forced out of their homes and we keep that in mind. It is important to note that our school board has managed to retain the quality of our educational system and cut taxes twice in two years.
But Miller and friends muddy the waters with last-minute attacks that are devoid of truth. Thankfully, the Courier Times provides us the chance to refute them.
We believe Miller, Stoneburner, Jenkins and Beck have a plan of their own and that is to build a new school. They know what happened with their friends' other school building plan, so it is mostly hinted at. We base this on what they have said publicly and where they level their criticism - the reconfiguring of schools and the plan at Grandview, for sure. Their solution would be a new elementary school, but we insist it is unnecessary and unaffordable and we will fight it.
As a member of the Morrisville school board and a member of the Bucks County Technical School Board, I know what it takes to be a good school board member. It takes responsibility, common sense, and the ability to listen. We must value education and the quality of education we deliver. And we need to be realistic.
I am proud to serve on the current school board and seek another term to continue on the financially responsible path the board set two years ago. We rejected the turmoil and dissension of the past and are committed to serving new and longtime residents, senior citizens who have paid the bills for years, and new families, many of them struggling with job loss and hefty mortgages.
It is very important that the voters know who is telling the truth here. Please look at the facts and the history of the school board now and then. I ask for your vote and votes for school board director Brenda Worob and our running mates John DeWilde and Ron Stout. We all agree to stay on track -with the help of our neighbors and voters.
Monday, October 26, 2009
Morrisville Pride's New Flyer
Be sure to check out Morrisville Pride's latest flyer.
Morrisville Pride Flyer
Morrisville Pride Flyer
'Stay on Track' slate a looming train wreck
Damon Miller a candidate for the Morrisville School Board has written a piece that appeared in the BCCT today.
From the BCCT:
'Stay on Track' slate a looming train wreck
Bucks County Courier Times
By Damon Miller
As a school board candidate in Morrisville, I feel that it is important that residents of our community understand the issues our district is facing. The current school board majority and our opponents want Morrisville to remain on a "track" that will lead our schools and community into a "train wreck."
Our opponents have claimed that students are receiving a "quality education." Unfortunately, "Stay on Track" candidates do not have children in the district nor do their vocal supporters. How can they claim that students are getting quality education when they have no children in the schools? Test scores are not showing it.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Morrisville's most recent PSSA test scores dropped from the previous year. In my view, that decrease in test scores is the result of budget reductions, including not filling teacher aide vacancies. This also coincides as being the first budget the current board passed. If this is the beginning of the "track" they want Morrisville to stay on, where is education headed for our district? Is this how our opponents plan to provide "quality education?"
Plans to tuition-out high school students, closing our last remaining elementary school, and making the high school a K-8 facility have also been discussed by our opposition. This would affect not only the students but the community as well. Is this how our opponents plan to provide "quality education?"
If high school students are sent to another district, that district could raise their tuition higher than what we currently pay and increase your tax bill. If that agreement is discontinued, then the students will either be sent to another district or come back to Morrisville creating a K-12 facility in a building not designed for it.
Little Bulldogs and Holy Trinity pay a fee to the school district use the A-field, with Little Bulldogs paying more than half of the lighting costs. Would they be able to continue using the field if the school no longer needs it? Their "track" is wrong for Morrisville.
The future of our district and the effects on our community need to be discussed openly but our opponents don't agree. All school board candidates for Morrisville received a letter from the League of Women Voters asking for our interest in holding a forum allowing for the community to ask questions. All of the Morrisville Pride candidates, Jack Beck, Jermaine Jenkins, David Stoneburner, and myself said yes. Our opponents did not respond, even after repeated calls by a League representative.
The current situation of elementary children being taught in the high school and in trailers needs to change. We need long-term solutions, not patches, which allow students to learn in a safe environment. Traffic around both schools is hazardous and needs to change before an accident happens. We need to bring up the test scores again by identifying the issues and not simply throw money at it. We want to work with the administration and fix those problems within our budget constraints. Parents with special needs children should not have to wonder if their child is getting the best services provided. Morrisville students should be able to graduate in their district, and not be tossed aside once they reach ninth grade.
The current board majority has turned their backs on the students, families, and the community of Morrisville. The Morrisville Pride candidates want to build a better school district that everyone in our community will benefit from. As we have walked our district listening to the community, we have heard of the Morrisville that seems to have been lost. Pride and a sense of community were displayed and we want to bring that back. Doesn't Morrisville deserve it?
I encourage you to contact the Morrisville Pride candidates by going to our Web site at www.morrisvillepride.com where all of our information is listed. We will listen to your concerns and answer your questions.
On Nov. 3, I ask you to vote Democrat. Vote for Morrisville Pride candidates Jack Beck, Jermaine Jenkins, Damon Miller, and David Stoneburner for school board and make the changes Morrisville deserves.
From the BCCT:
'Stay on Track' slate a looming train wreck
Bucks County Courier Times
By Damon Miller
As a school board candidate in Morrisville, I feel that it is important that residents of our community understand the issues our district is facing. The current school board majority and our opponents want Morrisville to remain on a "track" that will lead our schools and community into a "train wreck."
Our opponents have claimed that students are receiving a "quality education." Unfortunately, "Stay on Track" candidates do not have children in the district nor do their vocal supporters. How can they claim that students are getting quality education when they have no children in the schools? Test scores are not showing it.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, Morrisville's most recent PSSA test scores dropped from the previous year. In my view, that decrease in test scores is the result of budget reductions, including not filling teacher aide vacancies. This also coincides as being the first budget the current board passed. If this is the beginning of the "track" they want Morrisville to stay on, where is education headed for our district? Is this how our opponents plan to provide "quality education?"
Plans to tuition-out high school students, closing our last remaining elementary school, and making the high school a K-8 facility have also been discussed by our opposition. This would affect not only the students but the community as well. Is this how our opponents plan to provide "quality education?"
If high school students are sent to another district, that district could raise their tuition higher than what we currently pay and increase your tax bill. If that agreement is discontinued, then the students will either be sent to another district or come back to Morrisville creating a K-12 facility in a building not designed for it.
Little Bulldogs and Holy Trinity pay a fee to the school district use the A-field, with Little Bulldogs paying more than half of the lighting costs. Would they be able to continue using the field if the school no longer needs it? Their "track" is wrong for Morrisville.
The future of our district and the effects on our community need to be discussed openly but our opponents don't agree. All school board candidates for Morrisville received a letter from the League of Women Voters asking for our interest in holding a forum allowing for the community to ask questions. All of the Morrisville Pride candidates, Jack Beck, Jermaine Jenkins, David Stoneburner, and myself said yes. Our opponents did not respond, even after repeated calls by a League representative.
The current situation of elementary children being taught in the high school and in trailers needs to change. We need long-term solutions, not patches, which allow students to learn in a safe environment. Traffic around both schools is hazardous and needs to change before an accident happens. We need to bring up the test scores again by identifying the issues and not simply throw money at it. We want to work with the administration and fix those problems within our budget constraints. Parents with special needs children should not have to wonder if their child is getting the best services provided. Morrisville students should be able to graduate in their district, and not be tossed aside once they reach ninth grade.
The current board majority has turned their backs on the students, families, and the community of Morrisville. The Morrisville Pride candidates want to build a better school district that everyone in our community will benefit from. As we have walked our district listening to the community, we have heard of the Morrisville that seems to have been lost. Pride and a sense of community were displayed and we want to bring that back. Doesn't Morrisville deserve it?
I encourage you to contact the Morrisville Pride candidates by going to our Web site at www.morrisvillepride.com where all of our information is listed. We will listen to your concerns and answer your questions.
On Nov. 3, I ask you to vote Democrat. Vote for Morrisville Pride candidates Jack Beck, Jermaine Jenkins, Damon Miller, and David Stoneburner for school board and make the changes Morrisville deserves.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Potpourri for the week of 10/25-11/1
Just 10 more days to the Nov 3. election. Do you know who you are voting for and why? This year it is extremely important to know the issues, and really know who you are voting for and what they stand for.
Friday, October 23, 2009
Playoffs a first for Bulldogs
From the BCCT:
Playoffs a first for Bulldogs
Playoffs a first for Bulldogs
By: STUART LONDON
Bucks County Courier Times
On Thursday at 6 p.m., something will happen at Morrisville that has never occurred before - a playoff soccer game.
The Bulldogs will host a team to be determined in a first round Penn-Jersey League playoff game at Robert Morris Field.
Not only is it Morrisville's first home playoff game but, according to coach Sean Haines, it is the first time the Bulldogs will experience post-season play since the program started in 1988.
"A lot of good things are happening for us," said Haines, who is in his sixth year as coach.
Going into today's final set of Penn-Jersey regular season games, the Bulldogs are in a tie for second place with a 4-2 record and are guaranteed at least fourth place. They have seven wins on the season (a school record) and a win over International Christian would put Morrisville at 8-8 on the season.
Historically, depth has been a problem for the Bulldogs, as the school has only about 100 boys.
Even this year's very successful squad does not have enough players to field a junior varsity team. Since Morrisville does not field its own girls soccer team, girls can play on the boys team, and Haines has five girls on his 18-player roster. Anywhere from one to three girls start, depending on the matchups.
"Obviously, you need talent to be successful but, more than ever, we have players who are committed," Haines said. "We have a small pool of boys and we have football also drawing players."
The Bulldogs do have talent. Senior Brandon Douglass has 18 goals on the season, freshman Reynaldo Bonilla has scored 12 goals and sophomore Leo Hernandez has been solid in the net.
"He has been a starter since he was a freshman and he has made great strides," said Haines of Douglass. "He is also the only one on the team who plays club soccer. In my six years, I've had four players who've played club ball."
The Penn-Jersey League postseason may be just the start for the Bulldogs. Since they have a pretty good record, Haines hopes to also be part of the PIAA District One Class A playoffs.
"We've never gone to districts before," said Haines. "This is all new. I went to Conwell-Egan and the closest we came to the playoffs was a play-in game against Archbishop Wood."
Wood on a roll
Another team looking forward to the playoffs is Archbishop Wood.
The Vikings have rolled through the Blue Division of the Philadelphia Catholic League. In what was a showdown between the two top teams in the division, the Vikings downed Conwell-Egan, 3-0, on Oct. 12.
That was a nail-biter compared to most of Wood's games, as they have made their opponents feel blue.
Going into today's contest with Bishop McDevitt, the Vikings have outscored their opposition 72-1 in 13 league games. The one goal scored against them came in a 9-1 victory over Neumann-Goretti. Their closest games were by 2-0 scores to both Kennedy-Kenrick and Lansdale Catholic.
The playoffs will be a different story, where Wood will have to take on Red Division powers like North Catholic, Father Judge, La Salle and Archbishop Ryan (who they lost to 1-0 in a non-league game).
"You really have to be motivated," Wood senior co-captain Trey Chamberlain said. "It's disappointing to not play a good team every game. We know at the end of the season we are going to have to pick it up."
Games to Watch
Archbishop Wood girls at Lansdale Catholic, Wednesday, 4:30 p.m. The Vikings can clinch the PCL regular season title with a win over the second-place Crusaders.
Pennsbury at Neshaminy, Wednesday, 7 p.m. The Falcons can wrap up another SOL National Conference title with a victory; while the Redskins could use a big win to help make the district playoffs.
Stuart London can be reached at 215-345-3184 or slondon@phillyBurbs.com
Playoffs a first for Bulldogs
Playoffs a first for Bulldogs
By: STUART LONDON
Bucks County Courier Times
On Thursday at 6 p.m., something will happen at Morrisville that has never occurred before - a playoff soccer game.
The Bulldogs will host a team to be determined in a first round Penn-Jersey League playoff game at Robert Morris Field.
Not only is it Morrisville's first home playoff game but, according to coach Sean Haines, it is the first time the Bulldogs will experience post-season play since the program started in 1988.
"A lot of good things are happening for us," said Haines, who is in his sixth year as coach.
Going into today's final set of Penn-Jersey regular season games, the Bulldogs are in a tie for second place with a 4-2 record and are guaranteed at least fourth place. They have seven wins on the season (a school record) and a win over International Christian would put Morrisville at 8-8 on the season.
Historically, depth has been a problem for the Bulldogs, as the school has only about 100 boys.
Even this year's very successful squad does not have enough players to field a junior varsity team. Since Morrisville does not field its own girls soccer team, girls can play on the boys team, and Haines has five girls on his 18-player roster. Anywhere from one to three girls start, depending on the matchups.
"Obviously, you need talent to be successful but, more than ever, we have players who are committed," Haines said. "We have a small pool of boys and we have football also drawing players."
The Bulldogs do have talent. Senior Brandon Douglass has 18 goals on the season, freshman Reynaldo Bonilla has scored 12 goals and sophomore Leo Hernandez has been solid in the net.
"He has been a starter since he was a freshman and he has made great strides," said Haines of Douglass. "He is also the only one on the team who plays club soccer. In my six years, I've had four players who've played club ball."
The Penn-Jersey League postseason may be just the start for the Bulldogs. Since they have a pretty good record, Haines hopes to also be part of the PIAA District One Class A playoffs.
"We've never gone to districts before," said Haines. "This is all new. I went to Conwell-Egan and the closest we came to the playoffs was a play-in game against Archbishop Wood."
Wood on a roll
Another team looking forward to the playoffs is Archbishop Wood.
The Vikings have rolled through the Blue Division of the Philadelphia Catholic League. In what was a showdown between the two top teams in the division, the Vikings downed Conwell-Egan, 3-0, on Oct. 12.
That was a nail-biter compared to most of Wood's games, as they have made their opponents feel blue.
Going into today's contest with Bishop McDevitt, the Vikings have outscored their opposition 72-1 in 13 league games. The one goal scored against them came in a 9-1 victory over Neumann-Goretti. Their closest games were by 2-0 scores to both Kennedy-Kenrick and Lansdale Catholic.
The playoffs will be a different story, where Wood will have to take on Red Division powers like North Catholic, Father Judge, La Salle and Archbishop Ryan (who they lost to 1-0 in a non-league game).
"You really have to be motivated," Wood senior co-captain Trey Chamberlain said. "It's disappointing to not play a good team every game. We know at the end of the season we are going to have to pick it up."
Games to Watch
Archbishop Wood girls at Lansdale Catholic, Wednesday, 4:30 p.m. The Vikings can clinch the PCL regular season title with a win over the second-place Crusaders.
Pennsbury at Neshaminy, Wednesday, 7 p.m. The Falcons can wrap up another SOL National Conference title with a victory; while the Redskins could use a big win to help make the district playoffs.
Stuart London can be reached at 215-345-3184 or slondon@phillyBurbs.com
Douglass, Bulldogs make some history
Nice job Bulldogs!
From the BCCT:
Douglass,Bulldogs make some history
By: STUART LONDON
Bucks County Courier Times
MORRISVILLE - In past years, defenses knew they had to concentrate on stopping Brandon Douglass when they played Morrisville.
This season, the Bulldogs have other offensive weapons in addition to Douglass - yet he is scoring even more.
Douglass, a senior, broke the school record for goals in a season Thursday night by netting a hat trick in Morrisville's 6-0 win over visiting Pine Forge Academy in a Penn-Jersey League boys soccer quarterfinal at Robert Morris Field.
There was team history as well for the Bulldogs - they won their first playoff game in the 31-year history of the program. Morrisville will now host Girard College on Tuesday in a semifinal.
Douglass got the record-breaking goal six minutes into the second half. He came into the game with 22 goals, and needed two to break the school mark of 23 set by Mac Edwards in 2005. He scored 18 minutes into the contest, then missed on a number of shots leading up to that goal.
"It was killing me," said Douglass, who has over 40 goals in his career. "I was working on it. It felt so good to finally make it."
Morrisville used to play exclusively in the Bicentennial Athletic League, which has many strong soccer programs, but recently joined the Penn-Jersey for soccer as well.
"This gives us a chance to play teams more our level," said Douglass. "I remember getting beat by Holy Ghost Prep 11-0. Now, we have a chance."
An infusion of young talent has helped take the pressure off Douglass. The other three goals in the game were scored by a sophomore (Krysten Guilfoyle) and two freshmen (Saul Salas-Valdiviezo and Reynaldo Bonilla).
"We have other offensive weapons, so the expectations for Brandon having to do everything aren't there anymore," Bulldogs coach Sean Haines said. "But the offense still runs through him."
Douglass is appreciative of the help.
"I don't have to do all the work," he said. "I can find open players if there are people on me."
Morrisville has also never had a winning season before and now stand at 9-9 with a non-league game at South Hunterdon (N.J.) today and league and District One playoffs coming up next week.
From the BCCT:
Douglass,Bulldogs make some history
By: STUART LONDON
Bucks County Courier Times
MORRISVILLE - In past years, defenses knew they had to concentrate on stopping Brandon Douglass when they played Morrisville.
This season, the Bulldogs have other offensive weapons in addition to Douglass - yet he is scoring even more.
Douglass, a senior, broke the school record for goals in a season Thursday night by netting a hat trick in Morrisville's 6-0 win over visiting Pine Forge Academy in a Penn-Jersey League boys soccer quarterfinal at Robert Morris Field.
There was team history as well for the Bulldogs - they won their first playoff game in the 31-year history of the program. Morrisville will now host Girard College on Tuesday in a semifinal.
Douglass got the record-breaking goal six minutes into the second half. He came into the game with 22 goals, and needed two to break the school mark of 23 set by Mac Edwards in 2005. He scored 18 minutes into the contest, then missed on a number of shots leading up to that goal.
"It was killing me," said Douglass, who has over 40 goals in his career. "I was working on it. It felt so good to finally make it."
Morrisville used to play exclusively in the Bicentennial Athletic League, which has many strong soccer programs, but recently joined the Penn-Jersey for soccer as well.
"This gives us a chance to play teams more our level," said Douglass. "I remember getting beat by Holy Ghost Prep 11-0. Now, we have a chance."
An infusion of young talent has helped take the pressure off Douglass. The other three goals in the game were scored by a sophomore (Krysten Guilfoyle) and two freshmen (Saul Salas-Valdiviezo and Reynaldo Bonilla).
"We have other offensive weapons, so the expectations for Brandon having to do everything aren't there anymore," Bulldogs coach Sean Haines said. "But the offense still runs through him."
Douglass is appreciative of the help.
"I don't have to do all the work," he said. "I can find open players if there are people on me."
Morrisville has also never had a winning season before and now stand at 9-9 with a non-league game at South Hunterdon (N.J.) today and league and District One playoffs coming up next week.
Haunted house opens tonight
Haunted house opens tonight
By: DANNY ADLER
Bucks County Courier Times
The garages of the Morrisville Ambulance Squad have been transformed into a ghoulish haunted house that opens tonight in the borough.
For the fourth year in a row, the squad has turned its headquarters' six garages into its Halloween Haunted House. Emergency medical technicians, paramedics, squad fundraisers and other community members take part in the ghostly tradition, officials said.
This weekend, the fun runs from 7 to 11 o'clock tonight and Saturday and from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.
The haunted house is also open from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Oct. 30 and 31. The Morrisville Ambulance Squad is located at 139 Washington St. It can be reached at 215-295-6766.
Admission in $4 per person, but a $1 discount will be awarded to thrill-seekers who bring a nonperishable or canned food item for people or pets.
Since there are a number of animal lovers in the area, pet food donations seemed like a good idea, squad supervisor Roxy Rookstool said.
"We have these animals that need a little help, too," she said.
Those donations will be given to Hope for the Animals, a no-kill, nonprofit dog and cat rescue organization in Lower Bucks.
Food donations will be given to Boy Scout troops for distribution, officials said.
By: DANNY ADLER
Bucks County Courier Times
The garages of the Morrisville Ambulance Squad have been transformed into a ghoulish haunted house that opens tonight in the borough.
For the fourth year in a row, the squad has turned its headquarters' six garages into its Halloween Haunted House. Emergency medical technicians, paramedics, squad fundraisers and other community members take part in the ghostly tradition, officials said.
This weekend, the fun runs from 7 to 11 o'clock tonight and Saturday and from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday.
The haunted house is also open from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. Oct. 30 and 31. The Morrisville Ambulance Squad is located at 139 Washington St. It can be reached at 215-295-6766.
Admission in $4 per person, but a $1 discount will be awarded to thrill-seekers who bring a nonperishable or canned food item for people or pets.
Since there are a number of animal lovers in the area, pet food donations seemed like a good idea, squad supervisor Roxy Rookstool said.
"We have these animals that need a little help, too," she said.
Those donations will be given to Hope for the Animals, a no-kill, nonprofit dog and cat rescue organization in Lower Bucks.
Food donations will be given to Boy Scout troops for distribution, officials said.
Money coming but all's not well
Does the ennumerator have anything to do with this?
From the BCCT:
Money coming but all's not well
By: JOAN HELLYER
Bucks County Courier Times
Locally, basic education subsidies from the state range from about $3 million for Morrisville to just under $20 million for Bristol Township.
Now that the budget impasse is over in Harrisburg, it's clear that Lower Bucks County school districts are getting some additional money to cover expenses, primarily from federal stimulus funds.
But the money, earmarked for basic education and special education costs, will only be available through 2010-11.
"Yes, in two years' time it will be a very interesting question as to what happens on (both) of those fronts," said Jack Myers, Bensalem's director of business operations.
Area districts are preparing for the worst.
"We will most likely pick up the funding locally," Neshaminy business administrator Joseph Paradise said. That would mean a potentially sizeable tax increase, officials say.
But at present, local school systems will receive basic education funding increases from the state ranging from 2 percent to 4.25 percent during 2009-10, education officials said.
The funding was in limbo for about three months during the budget impasse. The state caught up with its payments to the districts this week, education department officials said.
With the agreement, basic education subsidy increases range from $59,385 for the Morrisville School District to $796,162 for the Bristol Township School District. Bristol Township receives the greatest percentage increase among local districts because it's considered less wealthy than other school systems, officials said.
Overall, Morrisville, the smallest district in Lower Bucks, will receive more than $3 million from the state to cover expenses in its mainstream classrooms during 2009-10. Bristol Township will receive about $20 million. Other local districts are somewhere in between.
State lawmakers and Gov. Ed Rendell agreed to use almost $655 million in federal stimulus funds to cover basic education costs this school year, said Michael Race, a Pennsylvania Department of Education spokesman.
About $355 million of that amount is being used to match the basic education subsidy paid out last year, because the state did not have enough of its own money to do so in 2009-10, state education officials said.
The remaining $300 million in stimulus funds is being used to increase the state's basic education subsidy to the districts as part of a six-year initiative. The goal is to pump an extra $2.6 billion into public education between now and 2014 to adequately fund all schools, Race said.
Districts also are receiving federal stimulus funds to cover special education costs. The stimulus money is to be split between 2009-10 and 2010-11.
Locally, the stimulus funds for special education range from $265,549 for Morrisville to about $2.5 million for Council Rock.
The extra federal dollars devoted to special education expenses enabled the state to freeze special education subsidies for districts at 2008-09 levels, the PDE spokesman said.
From the BCCT:
Money coming but all's not well
By: JOAN HELLYER
Bucks County Courier Times
Locally, basic education subsidies from the state range from about $3 million for Morrisville to just under $20 million for Bristol Township.
Now that the budget impasse is over in Harrisburg, it's clear that Lower Bucks County school districts are getting some additional money to cover expenses, primarily from federal stimulus funds.
But the money, earmarked for basic education and special education costs, will only be available through 2010-11.
"Yes, in two years' time it will be a very interesting question as to what happens on (both) of those fronts," said Jack Myers, Bensalem's director of business operations.
Area districts are preparing for the worst.
"We will most likely pick up the funding locally," Neshaminy business administrator Joseph Paradise said. That would mean a potentially sizeable tax increase, officials say.
But at present, local school systems will receive basic education funding increases from the state ranging from 2 percent to 4.25 percent during 2009-10, education officials said.
The funding was in limbo for about three months during the budget impasse. The state caught up with its payments to the districts this week, education department officials said.
With the agreement, basic education subsidy increases range from $59,385 for the Morrisville School District to $796,162 for the Bristol Township School District. Bristol Township receives the greatest percentage increase among local districts because it's considered less wealthy than other school systems, officials said.
Overall, Morrisville, the smallest district in Lower Bucks, will receive more than $3 million from the state to cover expenses in its mainstream classrooms during 2009-10. Bristol Township will receive about $20 million. Other local districts are somewhere in between.
State lawmakers and Gov. Ed Rendell agreed to use almost $655 million in federal stimulus funds to cover basic education costs this school year, said Michael Race, a Pennsylvania Department of Education spokesman.
About $355 million of that amount is being used to match the basic education subsidy paid out last year, because the state did not have enough of its own money to do so in 2009-10, state education officials said.
The remaining $300 million in stimulus funds is being used to increase the state's basic education subsidy to the districts as part of a six-year initiative. The goal is to pump an extra $2.6 billion into public education between now and 2014 to adequately fund all schools, Race said.
Districts also are receiving federal stimulus funds to cover special education costs. The stimulus money is to be split between 2009-10 and 2010-11.
Locally, the stimulus funds for special education range from $265,549 for Morrisville to about $2.5 million for Council Rock.
The extra federal dollars devoted to special education expenses enabled the state to freeze special education subsidies for districts at 2008-09 levels, the PDE spokesman said.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Board must balance community needs and district's future
The following is from today's edition of the BCCT. It was written by David Stoneburner ,a candidate for Morrisville School Board.
Board must balance community needs and district's future
Bucks County Courier Times
I am running with pride for the school board in Morrisville. The three individuals I am running with may be of different political parties, but we are of one philosophy. We believe that the Morrisville School District and the community deserve a board that is balanced in its concerns for the community and creative in its ideas and solutions for our future.
I am running for this position because I believe that the community needs and must be involved in the school district's decisions. I believe that the community deserves inclusion in the board's deliberations. I believe the community is a vital part of the creative solutions that can be applied to the important issues that we will face over the next few years. I believe the current board and my opponents are of a mindset that does not, and has not, included the community in their decisions. Morrisville does not want an autocracy on its school board. The board must represent the entire community. Right now, it does not.
The current board has dragged its feet on what to do with the M.R. Reiter School. It has been almost a year since the furnace incident. They say they are still studying the questions. That sounds pretty naive, bordering on incompetent. It also sounds like a group who does not want the public to know any of their decisions.
Typically, current board members do not respond to the public. Morrisville must have an inclusive, creative school board that looks out for education as well as fiscal policy. If our children acted like this, we would not stand for or allow it. Why do we allow any elected politician, in any office, to act this way? It is just wrong.
The board president said in September that he wants to get rid of all classroom aides to save $25,000. In June, without notice, he created a frivolous, unnecessary position. Then, that same night, he hired a friend for up to $25,000 to fill the position. That position is a district PR job in an election year.
Do we want an apathetic board that allows one person to release aides for our youngest students so they can hire a person to benefit them politically?
This school board has severely limited the ability of this administration to provide the quality education of which it is capable. Until this year, the PSSA scores had been trending upwards. This year, the PSSA scores have suffered because of the drastic cost-cutting. I believe that there is a correlation between the decreased number of teacher aides, and increased class sizes, and the lower test scores.
I want the community involved on Election Day - and beyond. We as a community can give many great opportunities to our students. The school board must be the leaders of those experiences. This board, and my opponents, has proven not to be the leaders we need, now. They have shown they lack creative ideas for education, for new opportunities for the students, and forethought for the long-term solutions to the very serious issues we will face in the future.
The community and the students deserve to be treated with pride and respect. The school board needs to be responsible to the entire community, not just the select few with special interests.
We are proud of our ideas. They are on our website at www.morrisvillepride.com and we are willing to talk to anybody about any concerns or ideas they have. We welcome the community - all of the community, because we all have ideas. We all care about our children's future and we all want Morrisville to succeed and prosper.
Board must balance community needs and district's future
Bucks County Courier Times
I am running with pride for the school board in Morrisville. The three individuals I am running with may be of different political parties, but we are of one philosophy. We believe that the Morrisville School District and the community deserve a board that is balanced in its concerns for the community and creative in its ideas and solutions for our future.
I am running for this position because I believe that the community needs and must be involved in the school district's decisions. I believe that the community deserves inclusion in the board's deliberations. I believe the community is a vital part of the creative solutions that can be applied to the important issues that we will face over the next few years. I believe the current board and my opponents are of a mindset that does not, and has not, included the community in their decisions. Morrisville does not want an autocracy on its school board. The board must represent the entire community. Right now, it does not.
The current board has dragged its feet on what to do with the M.R. Reiter School. It has been almost a year since the furnace incident. They say they are still studying the questions. That sounds pretty naive, bordering on incompetent. It also sounds like a group who does not want the public to know any of their decisions.
Typically, current board members do not respond to the public. Morrisville must have an inclusive, creative school board that looks out for education as well as fiscal policy. If our children acted like this, we would not stand for or allow it. Why do we allow any elected politician, in any office, to act this way? It is just wrong.
The board president said in September that he wants to get rid of all classroom aides to save $25,000. In June, without notice, he created a frivolous, unnecessary position. Then, that same night, he hired a friend for up to $25,000 to fill the position. That position is a district PR job in an election year.
Do we want an apathetic board that allows one person to release aides for our youngest students so they can hire a person to benefit them politically?
This school board has severely limited the ability of this administration to provide the quality education of which it is capable. Until this year, the PSSA scores had been trending upwards. This year, the PSSA scores have suffered because of the drastic cost-cutting. I believe that there is a correlation between the decreased number of teacher aides, and increased class sizes, and the lower test scores.
I want the community involved on Election Day - and beyond. We as a community can give many great opportunities to our students. The school board must be the leaders of those experiences. This board, and my opponents, has proven not to be the leaders we need, now. They have shown they lack creative ideas for education, for new opportunities for the students, and forethought for the long-term solutions to the very serious issues we will face in the future.
The community and the students deserve to be treated with pride and respect. The school board needs to be responsible to the entire community, not just the select few with special interests.
We are proud of our ideas. They are on our website at www.morrisvillepride.com and we are willing to talk to anybody about any concerns or ideas they have. We welcome the community - all of the community, because we all have ideas. We all care about our children's future and we all want Morrisville to succeed and prosper.
Board to consider additional crossing guard
Board to consider additional crossing guard
By: JOAN HELLYER
Bucks County Courier Times
The Morrisville school board agreed Wednesday night to consider hiring an extra crossing guard because of ongoing "traffic issues" at Grandview Avenue and West Palmer Street.
Borough police suggested the additional guard, said Superintendent Elizabeth Yonson.
Advertisement The district's governing body will consider the additional position during its Oct. 28 meeting.
If approved, the district and the borough will split the cost, said Yonson.
Borough council still has to approve the new position.
By: JOAN HELLYER
Bucks County Courier Times
The Morrisville school board agreed Wednesday night to consider hiring an extra crossing guard because of ongoing "traffic issues" at Grandview Avenue and West Palmer Street.
Borough police suggested the additional guard, said Superintendent Elizabeth Yonson.
Advertisement The district's governing body will consider the additional position during its Oct. 28 meeting.
If approved, the district and the borough will split the cost, said Yonson.
Borough council still has to approve the new position.
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Observations from the IS/HS open house
Post your observations from tonight's open house at the IS/HS.
Schools take extra precaution against spread of H1N1
Schools take extra precaution against spread of H1N1
By: JOAN HELLYER
Bucks County Courier Times
Students with a fever, glassy eyes, sore throat and runny nose should not be sent to school, officials said.
Higher than normal absentee rates at two Neshaminy elementary schools and the increasing threat of the contagious H1N1 virus have prompted officials to post "preventive" messages on the schools' respective Web pages.
There's no indication that the virus, more commonly known as the swine flu, is responsible for the increased absentee rate at Oliver Heckman and Herbert Hoover elementary schools, Neshaminy Superintendent Louis Muenker said Tuesday.
School nurses and principals have stepped up their attendance tracking efforts as flu season gets under way, he said. Once the two elementary school principals identified the increased absenteeism, they posted identical notices that began:
"Current (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines regarding the H1N1 virus (does) not require actions above and beyond how we would address seasonal flu. If this should change, we will post related information here."
The absences in the two schools are likely a mix of the swine flu, as well as the regular seasonal flu, pneumonia and other ailments, said Joseph Paradise, Neshaminy's business administrator.
The peak for regular season flu is generally in January or later during the winter season, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 24 percent of Heckman's 538 students were absent Tuesday and close to 90, or 14.8 percent, of Hoover's 606 students did not report for class, Paradise said.
Similarly, Pennsbury's Charles Boehm Middle School had a 21 percent absentee rate Tuesday, spokeswoman Ann Langtry said. The absences were due mostly to "normally seasonal colds," she said.
"We are not seeing a lot of students with fevers," Langtry said.
Officials from area districts and schools encouraged parents to keep their children home if they exhibit signs of illness.
"Currently, many Heckman students are presenting with a fever, glassy eyes, sore throat and runny nose. In some cases, the onset of symptoms is sudden, and may occur after the child has arrived for school," Neshaminy officials said in the Heckman Web posting.
Should they have a fever, students should stay home for 24 hours after it has stopped on its own without the use of any fever-reducing medication, health department officials said.
Letters from the two schools also were sent home Tuesday to parents informing them of the higher than normal absentee rate and encouraging them to be "diligent" about their child's health, Muenker said.
It's a different approach from about a year ago when swine flu first surfaced, he said. At that point, if even one case was reported, entire schools were shut down until they could be cleaned.
Now schools are taking steps while cleaning to try to kill as many germs as possible to prevent the potential spread of the virus, based on the advice of county, state and federal health officials, Muenker said.
Neshaminy officials will continue to monitor the absentee rate in all its schools and will discuss the rates with county health department officials to see if any further action should be taken, he said.
Other area schools and school districts also are keeping a close eye on their absentee rates to see if they need to enact any special flu-fighting measures, officials said.
That's why Council Rock School District administrators posted letters on the district's Web site regarding Newtown and Sol Feinstone elementary schools.
Newtown's absentee rate is between 9 percent and 10 percent, said Superintendent Mark Klein. Sol Feinstone saw a spike in one grade level, though Klein did not specify which one.
The letters, which were drafted based on everyone's heightened awareness, ask parents to encourage their children to wash their hands and not to share personal items. Principals Kevin King and John Harlan also said officials are calling families with sick kids to understand their symptoms, and maintenance crews are taking extra steps to clean classrooms with high absentee rates.
School Lane Charter School in Bensalem had an absentee rate of about 10 percent of its 583 students Monday and Tuesday, said Karen Schade, the school's principal and chief executive officer.
One grade, which she did not identify, had a 25 percent absentee rate Monday and a different class had a higher than usual absentee rate on Tuesday. None of the students who have been absent recently have been confirmed to have the H1N1 virus, she said.
But that's not stopping the school off Bristol Pike from taking preventive measures.
"When we have a large number of students out in one room we deep clean the room in the evening. We are paying extra close attention to public areas of contact such as door handles with each evening cleaning," Schade said.
Area school districts, including Bensalem, are trying to prevent the virus from ever becoming a problem by reinforcing good hygiene practices among its students, a district spokeswoman said. Nurses are encouraging students to use "proper hand-washing [techniques] and how to cough into the sleeve," spokeswoman Susan Phy said.
In addition, schools are gearing up to host H1N1 vaccine clinics for students and staff members in the next couple of weeks, Muenker said. Plans for the clinics are being worked out with the county health department, he said.
By: JOAN HELLYER
Bucks County Courier Times
Students with a fever, glassy eyes, sore throat and runny nose should not be sent to school, officials said.
Higher than normal absentee rates at two Neshaminy elementary schools and the increasing threat of the contagious H1N1 virus have prompted officials to post "preventive" messages on the schools' respective Web pages.
There's no indication that the virus, more commonly known as the swine flu, is responsible for the increased absentee rate at Oliver Heckman and Herbert Hoover elementary schools, Neshaminy Superintendent Louis Muenker said Tuesday.
School nurses and principals have stepped up their attendance tracking efforts as flu season gets under way, he said. Once the two elementary school principals identified the increased absenteeism, they posted identical notices that began:
"Current (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) guidelines regarding the H1N1 virus (does) not require actions above and beyond how we would address seasonal flu. If this should change, we will post related information here."
The absences in the two schools are likely a mix of the swine flu, as well as the regular seasonal flu, pneumonia and other ailments, said Joseph Paradise, Neshaminy's business administrator.
The peak for regular season flu is generally in January or later during the winter season, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 24 percent of Heckman's 538 students were absent Tuesday and close to 90, or 14.8 percent, of Hoover's 606 students did not report for class, Paradise said.
Similarly, Pennsbury's Charles Boehm Middle School had a 21 percent absentee rate Tuesday, spokeswoman Ann Langtry said. The absences were due mostly to "normally seasonal colds," she said.
"We are not seeing a lot of students with fevers," Langtry said.
Officials from area districts and schools encouraged parents to keep their children home if they exhibit signs of illness.
"Currently, many Heckman students are presenting with a fever, glassy eyes, sore throat and runny nose. In some cases, the onset of symptoms is sudden, and may occur after the child has arrived for school," Neshaminy officials said in the Heckman Web posting.
Should they have a fever, students should stay home for 24 hours after it has stopped on its own without the use of any fever-reducing medication, health department officials said.
Letters from the two schools also were sent home Tuesday to parents informing them of the higher than normal absentee rate and encouraging them to be "diligent" about their child's health, Muenker said.
It's a different approach from about a year ago when swine flu first surfaced, he said. At that point, if even one case was reported, entire schools were shut down until they could be cleaned.
Now schools are taking steps while cleaning to try to kill as many germs as possible to prevent the potential spread of the virus, based on the advice of county, state and federal health officials, Muenker said.
Neshaminy officials will continue to monitor the absentee rate in all its schools and will discuss the rates with county health department officials to see if any further action should be taken, he said.
Other area schools and school districts also are keeping a close eye on their absentee rates to see if they need to enact any special flu-fighting measures, officials said.
That's why Council Rock School District administrators posted letters on the district's Web site regarding Newtown and Sol Feinstone elementary schools.
Newtown's absentee rate is between 9 percent and 10 percent, said Superintendent Mark Klein. Sol Feinstone saw a spike in one grade level, though Klein did not specify which one.
The letters, which were drafted based on everyone's heightened awareness, ask parents to encourage their children to wash their hands and not to share personal items. Principals Kevin King and John Harlan also said officials are calling families with sick kids to understand their symptoms, and maintenance crews are taking extra steps to clean classrooms with high absentee rates.
School Lane Charter School in Bensalem had an absentee rate of about 10 percent of its 583 students Monday and Tuesday, said Karen Schade, the school's principal and chief executive officer.
One grade, which she did not identify, had a 25 percent absentee rate Monday and a different class had a higher than usual absentee rate on Tuesday. None of the students who have been absent recently have been confirmed to have the H1N1 virus, she said.
But that's not stopping the school off Bristol Pike from taking preventive measures.
"When we have a large number of students out in one room we deep clean the room in the evening. We are paying extra close attention to public areas of contact such as door handles with each evening cleaning," Schade said.
Area school districts, including Bensalem, are trying to prevent the virus from ever becoming a problem by reinforcing good hygiene practices among its students, a district spokeswoman said. Nurses are encouraging students to use "proper hand-washing [techniques] and how to cough into the sleeve," spokeswoman Susan Phy said.
In addition, schools are gearing up to host H1N1 vaccine clinics for students and staff members in the next couple of weeks, Muenker said. Plans for the clinics are being worked out with the county health department, he said.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Happy Birthday to Calhoun St. bridge
Bridge turns 125 years old
By: RACHEL CANELLI
Bucks County Courier Times
The bridge's iron was made by the same company that manufactured the metal for the Washington Monument.
The Calhoun Street Bridge turns 125 years old today, the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission announced Monday.
The 1,274-foot bridge connecting Trenton and Morrisville opened Oct. 20, 1884, with more than 20 horse-drawn vehicles and 175 pedestrians crossing, officials said.
Made from 730 tons of iron and steel, the bridge supported an average of 18,500 vehicular trips per day last year. It's the commission's oldest and longest existing span and has iron manufactured by the same company that provided the metal for the Washington Monument, according to the commission.
The bridge is the second oldest in continuous operation across the Delaware River. The oldest is John Roebling's Lackawaxen Aqueduct, the nation's oldest wire suspension bridge between Minisink Ford, N.Y., and Lackawaxen, Pa., on the river above Port Jervis, N.Y., officials said.
Despite numerous repairs, including a rehabilitation project scheduled for 2010, the structure remains the same, said Frank G. McCartney, executive director of the commission.
"The Calhoun Street Bridge + played a significant role in the history of Trenton, Morrisville, and the surrounding region," McCartney said.
It was first part of the original 3,389-mile-long Lincoln Highway, the country's first transcontinental roadway and first national memorial to President Abraham Lincoln. The highway connected New York City and San Francisco, officials said.
The Calhoun Street Bridge was included in the highway until 1920, when the route changed to a non-toll bridge. It was bought by the Joint Commission for Eliminating Toll Bridges in November 1928 for $250,000, which would have been $3.1 million in 2008, according to the commission.
The bridge's stone masonry piers and abutments date back to the City Bridge, a 1,274-foot wooden bridge that opened in July 1861 and was destroyed in June 1884 by a fire believed to have been caused by a cigar. It was replaced by 83 men in 60 days, officials said.
The bridge is the second river crossing between Trenton and Morrisville. The first was a 1,008-foot covered wooden bridge in January 1806, where the Trenton Makes Bridge is now. It was torn down in 1875, officials said.
By: RACHEL CANELLI
Bucks County Courier Times
The bridge's iron was made by the same company that manufactured the metal for the Washington Monument.
The Calhoun Street Bridge turns 125 years old today, the Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission announced Monday.
The 1,274-foot bridge connecting Trenton and Morrisville opened Oct. 20, 1884, with more than 20 horse-drawn vehicles and 175 pedestrians crossing, officials said.
Made from 730 tons of iron and steel, the bridge supported an average of 18,500 vehicular trips per day last year. It's the commission's oldest and longest existing span and has iron manufactured by the same company that provided the metal for the Washington Monument, according to the commission.
The bridge is the second oldest in continuous operation across the Delaware River. The oldest is John Roebling's Lackawaxen Aqueduct, the nation's oldest wire suspension bridge between Minisink Ford, N.Y., and Lackawaxen, Pa., on the river above Port Jervis, N.Y., officials said.
Despite numerous repairs, including a rehabilitation project scheduled for 2010, the structure remains the same, said Frank G. McCartney, executive director of the commission.
"The Calhoun Street Bridge + played a significant role in the history of Trenton, Morrisville, and the surrounding region," McCartney said.
It was first part of the original 3,389-mile-long Lincoln Highway, the country's first transcontinental roadway and first national memorial to President Abraham Lincoln. The highway connected New York City and San Francisco, officials said.
The Calhoun Street Bridge was included in the highway until 1920, when the route changed to a non-toll bridge. It was bought by the Joint Commission for Eliminating Toll Bridges in November 1928 for $250,000, which would have been $3.1 million in 2008, according to the commission.
The bridge's stone masonry piers and abutments date back to the City Bridge, a 1,274-foot wooden bridge that opened in July 1861 and was destroyed in June 1884 by a fire believed to have been caused by a cigar. It was replaced by 83 men in 60 days, officials said.
The bridge is the second river crossing between Trenton and Morrisville. The first was a 1,008-foot covered wooden bridge in January 1806, where the Trenton Makes Bridge is now. It was torn down in 1875, officials said.
Stay on trackers select Ed Bailey for council
It's official, they did the unthinkable, stay on trackers Worob,Ledger,Burger, and Dreisbach voted to put Ed Bailey on the Boro Council. Luckily this is only till the first Monday in January when the winner of the election will take over. This charade was actually on the local TV channel apparently as a live broadcast. Comcast CH 22. and Verizon CH 38. Rita Ledger made a buffoon out of herself, and when asked if she felt someone was disenfranchised by the selection process, she said yes, even though her "guy" got the spot.
Fom the bcct:
Bailey selected for council
By: DANNY ADLER
Bucks County Courier Times
A Republican council candidate was appointed to Morrisville Council on Monday to fill the unexpired term of Democrat Edward Albertson, who resigned from council last month because he moved out of the borough.
Ed Bailey, who is running against Democrat Rhonda Davis in next month's election, was appointed by council in a 4-3 vote by council members Rita Ledger, Jane Burger, Stephen Worob and Eileen Dreisbach.
Council members Nancy Sherlock, Kathryn Panzitta and David Rivella voted for Morrisville Environmental Advisory Council member Deborah Colgan, who is not running for election this year.
Davis was the third nominee for the seat, but she did not get any votes Monday.
Quickly before an executive session at the end of the meeting, Rivella told the newspaper that he, Sherlock and Panzitta voted for Colgan because she was not running in this year's election, and that Colgan had said she would hold the seat until Nov. 4, then yield to whoever won the race between Bailey and Davis.
Solicitor James Downey told the council that if Colgan had won and stepped down on Nov. 4, officials would have to go through the whole process of filling the vacancy within 30 days again.
Bailey was sworn in and took his seat at the dais after the 4-3 vote. He will fill out Albertson's 3rd Ward council term, which expires at the end of this year.
Albertson was the second councilman to resign from that seat in a year. He was appointed by council to fill the seat of Republican George Bolos, who vacated the post in September 2008 because he also moved out of the borough.
Fom the bcct:
Bailey selected for council
By: DANNY ADLER
Bucks County Courier Times
A Republican council candidate was appointed to Morrisville Council on Monday to fill the unexpired term of Democrat Edward Albertson, who resigned from council last month because he moved out of the borough.
Ed Bailey, who is running against Democrat Rhonda Davis in next month's election, was appointed by council in a 4-3 vote by council members Rita Ledger, Jane Burger, Stephen Worob and Eileen Dreisbach.
Council members Nancy Sherlock, Kathryn Panzitta and David Rivella voted for Morrisville Environmental Advisory Council member Deborah Colgan, who is not running for election this year.
Davis was the third nominee for the seat, but she did not get any votes Monday.
Quickly before an executive session at the end of the meeting, Rivella told the newspaper that he, Sherlock and Panzitta voted for Colgan because she was not running in this year's election, and that Colgan had said she would hold the seat until Nov. 4, then yield to whoever won the race between Bailey and Davis.
Solicitor James Downey told the council that if Colgan had won and stepped down on Nov. 4, officials would have to go through the whole process of filling the vacancy within 30 days again.
Bailey was sworn in and took his seat at the dais after the 4-3 vote. He will fill out Albertson's 3rd Ward council term, which expires at the end of this year.
Albertson was the second councilman to resign from that seat in a year. He was appointed by council to fill the seat of Republican George Bolos, who vacated the post in September 2008 because he also moved out of the borough.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Will of the people...descision on 3rd ward boro council seat tonight
Council to pick new member
By: DANNY ADLER
Bucks County Courier Times
Council is scheduled to appoint a new member at its meeting at 7:30 p.m. tonight in borough hall, 35 Union St.
Morrisville Borough Council will appoint someone to a 3rd Ward council seat for the second time in 13 months.
Councilman Edward Albertson resigned effective Sept. 22 because he moved out of Morrisville and could no longer hold onto his seat, borough officials said.
Albertson, a Democrat, served on the council for one year after he was appointed to take the seat of George Bolos, a Republican councilman who resigned in September 2008 because he moved out of the borough.
Council President Nancy Sherlock said the council has interviewed three candidates to fill the remainder of the seat, which expires at the end of this year, including two candidates in the upcoming November election.
The three candidates are Republican candidate Ed Bailey, Democratic candidate Rhonda Davis and Morrisville Environmental Advisory Council member Deborah Colgan.
The council is scheduled to make an appointment at its meeting tonight. The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. at borough hall, 35 Union St.
By: DANNY ADLER
Bucks County Courier Times
Council is scheduled to appoint a new member at its meeting at 7:30 p.m. tonight in borough hall, 35 Union St.
Morrisville Borough Council will appoint someone to a 3rd Ward council seat for the second time in 13 months.
Councilman Edward Albertson resigned effective Sept. 22 because he moved out of Morrisville and could no longer hold onto his seat, borough officials said.
Albertson, a Democrat, served on the council for one year after he was appointed to take the seat of George Bolos, a Republican councilman who resigned in September 2008 because he moved out of the borough.
Council President Nancy Sherlock said the council has interviewed three candidates to fill the remainder of the seat, which expires at the end of this year, including two candidates in the upcoming November election.
The three candidates are Republican candidate Ed Bailey, Democratic candidate Rhonda Davis and Morrisville Environmental Advisory Council member Deborah Colgan.
The council is scheduled to make an appointment at its meeting tonight. The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. at borough hall, 35 Union St.
Sunday, October 18, 2009
Quotes to think about over the next few weeks
"I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them. "Thomas Jefferson
"Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future." John F. Kennedy
"Neither a wise man nor a brave man lies down on the tracks of history to wait for the train of the future to run over him. "Dwight D. Eisenhower
"We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future." George Bernard Shaw
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."Albert Einstein
"Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose." Lyndon B. Johnson
Folks, we cannot afford the polices of the "old guard" any longer. Morrisville needs new leadership and it needs it now. The ways of the current leadership have failed us as a community. They had their opportunity and have floundered it. Their actions in the board room are despicable and an embarrasment to Morrisville. Vote for new leaders across the board on Nov 3, not the same "old guard" "stay on track" crew.
"Let us not seek the Republican answer or the Democratic answer, but the right answer. Let us not seek to fix the blame for the past. Let us accept our own responsibility for the future." John F. Kennedy
"Neither a wise man nor a brave man lies down on the tracks of history to wait for the train of the future to run over him. "Dwight D. Eisenhower
"We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future." George Bernard Shaw
"Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results."Albert Einstein
"Yesterday is not ours to recover, but tomorrow is ours to win or lose." Lyndon B. Johnson
Folks, we cannot afford the polices of the "old guard" any longer. Morrisville needs new leadership and it needs it now. The ways of the current leadership have failed us as a community. They had their opportunity and have floundered it. Their actions in the board room are despicable and an embarrasment to Morrisville. Vote for new leaders across the board on Nov 3, not the same "old guard" "stay on track" crew.
Why would Morrisville want to stay on the same track??
Avoid the train wreck. Vote against the cronyinsm, back-room deals, secret meetings, conflicts of interest, and the self-serving old guard.
Avoid the train wreck. Vote against the cronyinsm, back-room deals, secret meetings, conflicts of interest, and the self-serving old guard.
No financial pinch for school chiefs
from the bcct:
No financial pinch for school chiefs
By: FREDA R. SAVANA
Bucks County Courier Times
A majority of area school administrators received pay raises this year, with several adding on bonuses as large as $11,386. Others deferred their salary hikes or agreed to a pay freeze.
While school teachers' salaries are widely known - and often bitterly disputed - the money that school administrators earn is seldom as public.
Charged with overseeing multi-million dollar budgets, designing curriculum and structuring far-reaching policies, principals, superintendents, business managers and others who are instrumental in school operations typically make six-figure salaries.
That held true in several Bucks County districts and the comprehensive Bucks County Technical High School in Bristol Township this school year, despite a harsh economic climate of budget cuts, threatened teacher layoffs and curtailed academic programs.
Administrators received, on average, 3 percent to 4 percent pay raises in the majority of the 13 Bucks County districts, including Bensalem, Centennial, Morrisville and Neshaminy. Many of those raises, including those in Neshaminy, reflect the administrators' years of service and level of education, officials said.
Other local districts, including Council Rock, have some administrators receiving pay raises and others remaining at their 2008-09 salary levels.
The Bristol school board has approved a 4 percent increase for Superintendent Broadus Davis, but still has to consider pay hikes for other district administrators.
In Pennsbury, executive administrators agreed to forego a 2009-10 salary increase. "That was our way of helping the district to get through this economic situation," said Pennsbury CEO Paul Long.
Executive administrators, including Long, the district assistant superintendents, business administrator and human resources director, work closely with the school board and have individual professional service contracts, officials said. The board typically decides their salary increases each year.
All other administrators belong to the Pennsbury Administrators and Supervisors Association, an Act 93 Meet and Discuss group. The board's agreement with this association includes prescribed salary increases. The 2009-10 increase is 3 percent.
The salaries of PASA members are phased in during their first five years at Pennsbury, which is why the middle school principal's salary appears inflated, at 8 percent, officials said.
To help ease a difficult financial situation, association members didn't receive their annual $3,000 contributions to health retirement accounts, officials said. It was less complicated than figuring out a salary freeze and both yield about the same value, Long said.
Past practice rules
In other Bucks districts, school boards and administrators kept up with past practices during salary considerations - despite the economic downturn.
For instance, in Quakertown, where budget woes caused months of community unrest and taxes went up $105 for the average homeowner, administrator salaries increased an average of 3 percent.
However, to help control costs, key staff, including the superintendent, agreed to defer the effective date of their pay hikes from Sept. 1 to Dec. 1, according to Nancianne Edwards, Quakertown's director of human resources. That saved the district $4,500, she said.
The five staff members also contributed a combined $2,500 to the district's education fund to buy an interactive white board used in the classroom.
Another set of administrators, whose raises have yet to be calculated this year, also agreed to defer anticipated pay hikes of about 3 percent until the end of 2009.
Not all districts are taking this approach.
In New Hope-Solebury, for example, administrators' salaries are linked to the state's Act 1, which sets the percentage the school district is allowed to increase taxes without seeking voter approval.
This year's rate is 4.1 percent.
The increases are provided for, if administrators meet "all of their job responsibilities and achieved all of their annual administrative goals," New Hope-Solebury Superintendent Ray Boccuti said.
Although the small district struggled through its budget process, eliminating late buses, restructuring classes and chopping new textbooks from the spending plan, most administrators received 4 percent pay hikes.
One, the director of pupil services, got a 3 percent raise.
And, like other administrators in various districts throughout the county, Boccuti also got a $5,000 bonus. School board President Rebecca Malamis justified the bonus, explaining the superintendent did two jobs much of the year, filling in when the director of pupil services unexpectedly resigned.
Not all Bucks districts gave their administrators bonuses, officials said.
Bensalem, Bristol and the comprehensive tech school that serves six districts in Lower Bucks didn't award bonuses to administrators in 2009-10, officials said.
However, the Central Bucks School District, the third largest in the state, added an extra $11,386 to its superintendent's $227,720 salary, in the form of a bonus deposited in his retirement account. His individual contract also guarantees him a 5 percent raise every year.
An annuity, equal to 10 percent of his base salary, and an annual car allowance of $6,000, is also part of his contract. His annuity this year was $22,771.
Central Bucks administrators negotiated a new agreement that reduces their guaranteed 3.5 percent pay raise to 2.5 percent starting in the 2010-11 school year.
An employee who earned the median salary of $99,972 in the 2008-09 school year will earn $103,471 in the 2009-10 school year and $106,058 in the 2010-11 school year.
Stephen Corr, president of the Central Bucks school board, estimated the lower pay raises will save the school district $580,000 in salaries over the length of the contract.
Regarding administrator salaries, Central Bucks Superintendent Robert Laws said it has been his district's philosophy to hire the highest quality people, but fewer of them.
"To me," he explained, "salaries need to be viewed adjusted to the depth, breadth, and scope of the responsibilities.
A building principal earning $120,000 that oversees a building of 400 students is very different than a principal earning the same amount who oversees a building of 800 students."
No financial pinch for school chiefs
By: FREDA R. SAVANA
Bucks County Courier Times
A majority of area school administrators received pay raises this year, with several adding on bonuses as large as $11,386. Others deferred their salary hikes or agreed to a pay freeze.
While school teachers' salaries are widely known - and often bitterly disputed - the money that school administrators earn is seldom as public.
Charged with overseeing multi-million dollar budgets, designing curriculum and structuring far-reaching policies, principals, superintendents, business managers and others who are instrumental in school operations typically make six-figure salaries.
That held true in several Bucks County districts and the comprehensive Bucks County Technical High School in Bristol Township this school year, despite a harsh economic climate of budget cuts, threatened teacher layoffs and curtailed academic programs.
Administrators received, on average, 3 percent to 4 percent pay raises in the majority of the 13 Bucks County districts, including Bensalem, Centennial, Morrisville and Neshaminy. Many of those raises, including those in Neshaminy, reflect the administrators' years of service and level of education, officials said.
Other local districts, including Council Rock, have some administrators receiving pay raises and others remaining at their 2008-09 salary levels.
The Bristol school board has approved a 4 percent increase for Superintendent Broadus Davis, but still has to consider pay hikes for other district administrators.
In Pennsbury, executive administrators agreed to forego a 2009-10 salary increase. "That was our way of helping the district to get through this economic situation," said Pennsbury CEO Paul Long.
Executive administrators, including Long, the district assistant superintendents, business administrator and human resources director, work closely with the school board and have individual professional service contracts, officials said. The board typically decides their salary increases each year.
All other administrators belong to the Pennsbury Administrators and Supervisors Association, an Act 93 Meet and Discuss group. The board's agreement with this association includes prescribed salary increases. The 2009-10 increase is 3 percent.
The salaries of PASA members are phased in during their first five years at Pennsbury, which is why the middle school principal's salary appears inflated, at 8 percent, officials said.
To help ease a difficult financial situation, association members didn't receive their annual $3,000 contributions to health retirement accounts, officials said. It was less complicated than figuring out a salary freeze and both yield about the same value, Long said.
Past practice rules
In other Bucks districts, school boards and administrators kept up with past practices during salary considerations - despite the economic downturn.
For instance, in Quakertown, where budget woes caused months of community unrest and taxes went up $105 for the average homeowner, administrator salaries increased an average of 3 percent.
However, to help control costs, key staff, including the superintendent, agreed to defer the effective date of their pay hikes from Sept. 1 to Dec. 1, according to Nancianne Edwards, Quakertown's director of human resources. That saved the district $4,500, she said.
The five staff members also contributed a combined $2,500 to the district's education fund to buy an interactive white board used in the classroom.
Another set of administrators, whose raises have yet to be calculated this year, also agreed to defer anticipated pay hikes of about 3 percent until the end of 2009.
Not all districts are taking this approach.
In New Hope-Solebury, for example, administrators' salaries are linked to the state's Act 1, which sets the percentage the school district is allowed to increase taxes without seeking voter approval.
This year's rate is 4.1 percent.
The increases are provided for, if administrators meet "all of their job responsibilities and achieved all of their annual administrative goals," New Hope-Solebury Superintendent Ray Boccuti said.
Although the small district struggled through its budget process, eliminating late buses, restructuring classes and chopping new textbooks from the spending plan, most administrators received 4 percent pay hikes.
One, the director of pupil services, got a 3 percent raise.
And, like other administrators in various districts throughout the county, Boccuti also got a $5,000 bonus. School board President Rebecca Malamis justified the bonus, explaining the superintendent did two jobs much of the year, filling in when the director of pupil services unexpectedly resigned.
Not all Bucks districts gave their administrators bonuses, officials said.
Bensalem, Bristol and the comprehensive tech school that serves six districts in Lower Bucks didn't award bonuses to administrators in 2009-10, officials said.
However, the Central Bucks School District, the third largest in the state, added an extra $11,386 to its superintendent's $227,720 salary, in the form of a bonus deposited in his retirement account. His individual contract also guarantees him a 5 percent raise every year.
An annuity, equal to 10 percent of his base salary, and an annual car allowance of $6,000, is also part of his contract. His annuity this year was $22,771.
Central Bucks administrators negotiated a new agreement that reduces their guaranteed 3.5 percent pay raise to 2.5 percent starting in the 2010-11 school year.
An employee who earned the median salary of $99,972 in the 2008-09 school year will earn $103,471 in the 2009-10 school year and $106,058 in the 2010-11 school year.
Stephen Corr, president of the Central Bucks school board, estimated the lower pay raises will save the school district $580,000 in salaries over the length of the contract.
Regarding administrator salaries, Central Bucks Superintendent Robert Laws said it has been his district's philosophy to hire the highest quality people, but fewer of them.
"To me," he explained, "salaries need to be viewed adjusted to the depth, breadth, and scope of the responsibilities.
A building principal earning $120,000 that oversees a building of 400 students is very different than a principal earning the same amount who oversees a building of 800 students."
Saturday, October 17, 2009
Pennsbury School District orders H1N1 vaccine
From buckslocalnews.com
Pennsbury School District orders H1N1 vaccine for every child; shots to be given later this month
Published: Friday, October 16, 2009
By Petra Chesner Schlatter; BucksLocalNews.com
The Pennsbury School District has ordered enough free H1N1 (Swine Flu) vaccine for every child in the district.
As required, enough vaccine has been ordered for private and parochial schools.
That's the word from Sherwood Taylor, director of administrative services, who gave a report to the school board Oct. 15 about plans to immunize students and staff later this month or in the beginning of November. The district has 11,400 students and 1,500 staff members.
Taylor attended a meeting with the Bucks County Health Department, which will send the vaccine and upwards to eight nurses and necessary supplies.
"It's preventative," Taylor said about the importance of the vaccination program. "You can see across the country some of the major institutions - colleges and hospitals -- are having outbreaks.
"Our goal is not to have a major outbreak and not wind up in a position where we have to close a school," he said. "We are going to get an outbreak. You try to minimize the problem as much as possible."
Taylor said, "It's totally voluntary. Permission slips will be sent home." He is waiting for the permission slips, which are specially designed by the health department.
A clinic will be run in each school. Two night clinics will be held in case parents want to be with their child for the shot. One of the night clinics will be held in the northern part of the district and one in the southern part.
"There are going to be some parents who will not want their child to get the vaccine or they want their family physician to give it," Taylor said.
On the cost of vaccinating the students and the staff, Sherwood said, "This is not costing the school district anything," he stressed about the vaccine. "It's paid by the government."
Taylor said the school district has bought hand sanitizer for each teacher's desk, which equates to 780 bottles.
Also purchased were 126 sanitization foam stations. There will be 12 stations in each secondary school and six in each elementary school. Taylor said they have not been received yet. They were due one month ago, but the supplier is saying it will still take another week to deliver them.
Taylor advised the importance of parents teaching their children to wash their hands. He emphasized that people should cough or sneeze into their sleeve and not into their hands.
"It's all spread by direct cough," Taylor noted.
Nurses throughout the school district are posting signs about "the proper etiquette" if someone is going to sneeze or cough. Part of the message is "if you can't wash your hands in the sink, get an alcohol-based towelette or use hand sanitizer."
Regarding symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Protection, notes, “The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.”
Pennsbury School District orders H1N1 vaccine for every child; shots to be given later this month
Published: Friday, October 16, 2009
By Petra Chesner Schlatter; BucksLocalNews.com
The Pennsbury School District has ordered enough free H1N1 (Swine Flu) vaccine for every child in the district.
As required, enough vaccine has been ordered for private and parochial schools.
That's the word from Sherwood Taylor, director of administrative services, who gave a report to the school board Oct. 15 about plans to immunize students and staff later this month or in the beginning of November. The district has 11,400 students and 1,500 staff members.
Taylor attended a meeting with the Bucks County Health Department, which will send the vaccine and upwards to eight nurses and necessary supplies.
"It's preventative," Taylor said about the importance of the vaccination program. "You can see across the country some of the major institutions - colleges and hospitals -- are having outbreaks.
"Our goal is not to have a major outbreak and not wind up in a position where we have to close a school," he said. "We are going to get an outbreak. You try to minimize the problem as much as possible."
Taylor said, "It's totally voluntary. Permission slips will be sent home." He is waiting for the permission slips, which are specially designed by the health department.
A clinic will be run in each school. Two night clinics will be held in case parents want to be with their child for the shot. One of the night clinics will be held in the northern part of the district and one in the southern part.
"There are going to be some parents who will not want their child to get the vaccine or they want their family physician to give it," Taylor said.
On the cost of vaccinating the students and the staff, Sherwood said, "This is not costing the school district anything," he stressed about the vaccine. "It's paid by the government."
Taylor said the school district has bought hand sanitizer for each teacher's desk, which equates to 780 bottles.
Also purchased were 126 sanitization foam stations. There will be 12 stations in each secondary school and six in each elementary school. Taylor said they have not been received yet. They were due one month ago, but the supplier is saying it will still take another week to deliver them.
Taylor advised the importance of parents teaching their children to wash their hands. He emphasized that people should cough or sneeze into their sleeve and not into their hands.
"It's all spread by direct cough," Taylor noted.
Nurses throughout the school district are posting signs about "the proper etiquette" if someone is going to sneeze or cough. Part of the message is "if you can't wash your hands in the sink, get an alcohol-based towelette or use hand sanitizer."
Regarding symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Protection, notes, “The symptoms of swine flu in people are expected to be similar to the symptoms of regular human seasonal influenza and include fever, lethargy, lack of appetite and coughing. Some people with swine flu also have reported runny nose, sore throat, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.”
Friday, October 16, 2009
Caught on tape!!
Thanks to the good citizen that put these 2 gems on you tube . This is something that needs to be done more often. There are 2 versions and we'll post them both. It shows just how unprepared and ignorant they (Stay on Track)really are.
The cast(from L to R)
Dr. Yonson(Superintendent)
Marlys Mihok(School Board Secretary, 4th ward judge of elections)
Al Radosti(School Board Vice President)
Bill Hellmann CPA(School Board Vice President)
Solicitor
Brenda Worob(stay on tracker up for re-election) Yes she is always unprepared for meetings
Gloria Heater
Robin Reithmeyer
Joe Kemp
Jack Buckman(stay on tracker up for re-election, behind THOUSANDS on municipal bills)
Bill Farrell
Here is video #1 the short version:
And here is the long version:
The cast(from L to R)
Dr. Yonson(Superintendent)
Marlys Mihok(School Board Secretary, 4th ward judge of elections)
Al Radosti(School Board Vice President)
Bill Hellmann CPA(School Board Vice President)
Solicitor
Brenda Worob(stay on tracker up for re-election) Yes she is always unprepared for meetings
Gloria Heater
Robin Reithmeyer
Joe Kemp
Jack Buckman(stay on tracker up for re-election, behind THOUSANDS on municipal bills)
Bill Farrell
Here is video #1 the short version:
And here is the long version:
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