Wednesday, March 2, 2011

They are doing it again.

I just got this Lebo Alert:

This is an important notice from LeboALERT.

Share ideas about new revenue sources for the schools at a town hall meeting, Tues., March 8, at 7 p.m. in the high school library. Or e-mail tsteinhauer@mtlsdnet

Another conflict.  Again. The Commission is meeting on Tuesday, March 8.  The Commissioners moved their conflicting Monday meetings to Tuesdays to accomodate the residents who would like to attend School Board meetings as well as Commission meetings.  The School District scheduled their reconvened meeting to coincide with the Commission meeting on February 28.  I am seeing a pattern. 

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

Is the Municipality now the agent for School District *alert* announcements....and according to what criteria does this meeting qualify for *alert* status ? Has the District just thought of this subject matter and the pressing need with a 1-week notice ? Plan ahead ?

Just a thought.

Bill Lewis

Jack Mulliken said...

"Share ideas for new revenue sources"

While many comedic idea are at the tip of my tongue, the fact is that there are no new "revenue sources." The Commonwealth is broke. The Federal Government is broke. Are they expecting someone to have a $10M bake sale?

You know the next announcement will be "well, we had no viable ideas so we have no other alternative but to raise taxes."

I guess that "$18/month * (or less)" is going to to become "(or more)," huh "VOICE of Mt Lebanon?"

Jack Mulliken

Anonymous said...

Bill, why would it upset you that our community uses this valuable email system to notify people about a school district meeting?

Of all the things to worry about, is using the municipal email database to notify residents about a meeting really something that should get our temperature up? Aren't we trying to encourage participation?

Dave Franklin

Anonymous said...

Hi Elaine,

This will be anonomous, but I am hoping you can check the valitdity of this story. My child came home from middle school yesterday talking about the Student vs. Facility Basketball game that will be taking place. All the students have to write a persuasive argument for the charity they feel should get the money raised at this event. At an assembly yesterday, Jo Posti came to ask them to consider giving the money to the high school project. They could get a flag pole dedicated in their honor if they chose the High School Project as their favorite charity. Is it just me or is this TACKY TACKY TACKY!

Lebo Citizens said...

I know the previous comment was submitted anonymously, but I am putting it out there to see if other parents can verify this story.
Elaine

Anonymous said...

Why is it tacky to ask kids to want to give to their school? Was it tacky last month when each school conducted a fundraising drive to help build the municipality's veteran's memorial. Is it tacky for tennis and paddle players to contribute to the resurfacing of their courts? Was it tacky for parents to contribute money to have bricks or other name plates installed as part of the elementary school projects? Is it tacky for alumni to contribute?

I can't confirm the story, but I don't think anyone is asking them to pay the electrical bill or buy new windows. I'd like to know why Anonymous thinks it is tacky for anyone to want to erect a flag pole or a park bench or whatever as part of the new school. Personally, I think it would be something that the kids can take pride in for many years to come.

Anonymous said...

The purpose of the assignment was to teach the children about selecting and giving to a worthy charity, i.e. American Cancer Society, Make A Wish, etc. The goal, to teach the children that there are those in NEED and this is a way to help them. The President of the School Board shows up to persuade the children to take from those in need and give to WHO?, themselves. WHY?, for the building of a High School. The position of School Board President carries a level of authority that could influence the children's decision. I have no problem with the School Board looking for additional funding to help build the school,. This assignment and event has a history of giving to worthy charities. I have a huge problem with the School Board interfering in that assignment and taking away from it’s the true lesson.

Lebo Citizens said...

I am not going to make this a habit and publish anonymous comments, but in this particular case, I do see the delicacy of the situation. As long as it is kept at a respectable level, I will honor your anonymity, Middle School Parent.
Elaine Gillen

Anonymous said...

I'll refrain from commenting on your refusal to attach your name to your "huge problem" but instead suggest that you let the kids decide. They're smarter than you think. In the end, I think they'll pick a traditional charity for the proceeds.

However, I still don't see the tackiness in allowing kids to add/contribute something unique and special to the project. Then again, I tend to see the glass half full.

Dave Franklin

Anonymous said...

Elaine,

I appreciate your understanding. I doubt I will weigh in further. I do not want to compromise the integrity of your blog.

Thank you!

Anonymous said...

Dave, to my knowledge the examples you cite do not receive tax dollars (mandatory), but rely on voluntary contributions from those interested in the project, memorial or whatever.
Joe Wertheim

Jack Mulliken said...

Well, I can see the parallels. Some of use see the new school which we do not have money to pay for as a giant cancer that's going to have a long-term negative effect.

See, I can see the glass half full.

Anonymous said...

"Jo Posti came to ask them to consider giving the money to the high school project." If this is indeed true, MTLSD has stooped to an unimaginable low.

What's next PTA moms standing outside Galleria entrances ringing bells next to red kettles at Xmas.

Jack Mulliken nailed the irony so well, $10M bake sales and now the board is preying on school children to hustle money like this compares to donating to find a cure for childhood leukemia or breast cancer.

A question, how much has the superintendent, staffers and teachers chipped in to this worthy charity?

How about that small profit that MTL magazine made on the high school insert-- maybe they should donate it to the project they've so blatantly supported. After all-- IT"S FOR THE KIDS, RIGHT!?

Giffen Good

Anonymous said...

I think Mrs. Posti did a good thing when she went to the children and asked them to contribute to the high school project. The students will invest in their own education and the education of future ML students.

Perhaps students can be encouraged to give back to their school annually after they graduate.

Parents and alumni and residents should be encouraged to do this too.This isn't tacky; it makes good sense, especially with a tight State budget likely to give less to ML

Congratulations, Mrs. Posti; that is a great idea!

John Ewing