THE ISSUES and CHALLENGES

By John "Bart" Bartholomeo

There are a number of challenges to be addressed in order to provide the best educational opportunities in the District.

SAT scores - Looking back over the past nine (9) years, the scores have been steadily declining from a high in 2001 of 1078 (combined) to 1054 (combined) (2009- best available data).

 PSSA Scores- Have been increasing which would indicate a problem due to the decrease in the SAT scores.

DEBT SERVICE - Currently consumes over 10% of the entire school District budget. The budgeted  amount for the current school year (2010-2011) is $8.8 million. Projections for the out year budgets will exceed $8 million per year projecting out to the 2020-2021 budget. This assumes no further debt is incurred for future improvements which can not be realistically presumed. Some bonds have been refinanced which is wise to get a better rate but only "pushes the rock " down the road for someone else to deal with at a later time.

SALARY / BENEFITS:  This is the "elephant in the room" that few want to tackle.  However, it NEEDS to be addressed. The cost of employee salaries and benefits have increased substantially every year.  During the recent economic downturn and tentative recovery the contract (years 2009-2011) awarded wage increases of 2.55%, 2.95% and 2.99% respectively, while the cost of living index was declining or remained at zero. The current contracts are due to be re-negotiated in the near future and this will require smart fiscal management to meet the needs of all stakeholders and fit within the financial constraints of the District.

ENVIRONMENT:  Teachers are in the classroom to teach. They should enjoy professional respect and their work must be supported with an environment free of disruption in order to perform their duties effectively. Teachers are not hired to babysit children or discipline them.  Children should also be provided an environment free of distractions so they can concentrate on learning.  Bullying of anyone by anyone cannot be tolerated, but it is counter productive transferring victims of bullying to another school or district.  This is not a solution; it stigmatizes the victim and rewards the bully. The solution is to hold the bully and their parents accountable for their actions. This could be one of the biggest challenges but one that must be addressed if the District and the students are to flourish.