East Penn School Board, located in the Emmaus area, had a school board meeting last night. It even posted an agenda on its web page. Isn't that nice?But according to school board member Julian Stolz, it will also be conducting another, four hour, get together this evening at Emmaus High School's cafeteria. After a nice little dinner, the board will set its long-range goals. You won't see this on the school board's web page because you're not welcome. This "retreat" is private, baby. No plebeians allowed.
Whether you call it meeting or retreat, this little soiree is also a violation of the Sunshine Act. A meeting at which school district goals are determined is an establishment of policy. I can think of few things less important to any governing body than the establishment of its long range goals.
You'd think the school board might be just a little interested in what the public considers important, but it apparently is just there to pay taxes.
13 comments:
Just when I thought things in my corner of the Valley were quiet...
This is just plain stupid, what the hell is that board thinking about?
You know Bill White loves these sunshine violations, I hope that in addition to your blog, he does something with it.
The Banker
East penn will undoubetedly point to some short-sighted decisions indicating it is OK for a school board to have a "retreat." But a retreat that establishes long range goals and really sets policy? This is a blatant violation. The public has a right to be involved.
Especially so given what the district faces - major construction projects (a new middle school on Willow Lane and a new High School on Quarry Road just to name two), significant ongoing teacher retirements, and changing demographics are more NY and NJ residents move here.
It HAS to be public. I hope the people of the district get wind of this and put a stop to it. I'll do my best.
The Banker
Julian Stolz e-mailed me the following: "Last night in East Penn we approved $9,845,000 in bond borrowing by an 8-1 vote. Guess who the 1 was?
We approved an 800 student elementary school by a 6-3 vote (Prinzinger, Stolz, and Gannon voting no) at a time when our High School is over capacity and our elementary schools are under capacity by a combined 290 students. This will trigger an additional $15 million in borrowing (debt) added to our current $150 million debt.
That's just some of the things the East Penn School Board accomplished last night."
Is there any evidence that all this construction, three new school building by my count, will improve instruction? Will any child learn any more because of this construction and spending? Contractors and Consultantants, Teacher and Administrators will earn more, will children learn more? The evidence, Sherlock, the evidence?
......
Mark Prinzinger explains his vote on bond issue. Mark explains that the School Board re-financed this amount for a savings of $127,000 in interest to the taxpayers. By voting “yes”, Mark Prinzinger explains, he voted “yes” to saving the tax payers $127,000 of money that is already borrowed and being paid with interest. The refinancing was done to pay the money back at a lower interest rate. With your dealings in real estate I am sure you can understand and appreciate the benefits to the tax payers by refinancing. Mark Prinzinger respectfully disagrees with Julian’s vote.
The above post that says Julian Stolz was not me as you can see by my IP address or by the fact that it was not logged in.
It was not presented as a bond refinancing, it was presented as new borrowing. And the document is listed as a Bond Sale Document.
The retreat has been canceled. Thanks for the help Bernie!
Bernie,
I am not imtimately involved with the EPSD. I do know they face enormous financial and condtruction challenges. INterestingly at a meet the candidates evening in Emmaus during last year's election cycle two of the youngsters running for EPSD director said if elected they would cut taxes. I asked a couple of senior citizens after the event about a group of people facing millions of dollars of expenditures to build and refurbish schools how they could responsibly talk about tax cuts. Both seniors responded the same way. "They're lieing." The board needs to work together across party lines and personal differences to work for the best interests of kids and their families, and not forget the tax payor in the process. Not the place for kids to be decision makers. PS - Bernie, tomorrow night Wednesday the Coplay Town Watch has it's monthly meeting at 7 PM in Coplay Council Chamber. Guest speaker is Impact Project. An interesting group. Stop by. Refreshments are served. Dean can't make it. He's in New York. Talk about priorities !!
Bill,
You are a braver man than me. I don't talk about school boards. The only exception to that rule is the Sunshine Act.
In this case, both the youngsters and more sernior members of the board did the right thing by postponing the meeting.
As far as Coply is concerned, I was banned from the borough after accisdentally knocking over a port-a-potty during the baseball tournament. Unfortunately, it was occupied at the time by Dean, president of Coplay sports.
That's a wonderful tournament you have!
The East Penn School Board did indeed vote on a "Bond Sale Document." The financial advisor and bond counsel (attorney) both stated that the bond proceeds would be used to refund existing bonds that have a higher interest rate. The financial advisor said it would save the district and its taxpayers $175,000 in interest costs.
We've refinanced many bond issues over the last several years (when interest rates are favorable), so those of us who have been on the board for awhile are used to these transactions.
Julian, if you are unsure of the purpose of any action the board is considering, I recommend you ask questions. Our financial advisors (Public Financial Management) are very good at translating financial jargon into plain English when asked. If you're opposed to a motion, it's usually a good idea to express your reasons during the discussion rather than simply voting against the motion. You might be able to persuade others to vote with you, it will cause the administration to make a stronger case for the motion, and it might provide an opportunity to clear up any misunderstandings.
Let's be honest, the VAST majority of the tax payers would not attend any event. The fact that a meeting is planed to be closed is minor. I think the real question that must be asked is why was there planning for a private meeting.
As far as the bond - If the district saves money, isn't this a good thing? Julian, you where thet voice of opposition, may I ask you does this save the district money? If so, why object? If not, why did the others pass this measure? thanks
I love it
I am a student
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