Still Comparing Apples to Oranges?

While Blogger tries to fix their problems, I found this article about Upper St. Clair's budget gap.  http://upperstclair.patch.com/articles/upper-st-clair-school-district-narrows-budget-gap Dale Ostergaard brought up these same issues at the April 25 meeting.  James Fraasch had warned us. In the article, Upper St. Clair said they don't have much latitude.  We do.  We have been given a second chance.  That is how many see it here in Mt. Lebanon.  If the School Board candidates are out campaigning, as they should be, they should know that already.

On Lebo Citizens The Facts, this entry is posted. 

On May 6, 2010, Mt. Lebanon School Board Director Elaine Cappucci and high school renovation architect, Thomas Celli, made a joint presentation on “21st Century School Design Promoting Entrepreneurial Education” at the Pennsylvania School Board Association School Design and Construction Conference in Lancaster, PA.

http://www.psba.org/workshops/school-construction-conference/learning-journal-online/21st-Century-School-Design-Entrepreneurial-Education.pdf

Note: “The presentation was not one that was approved or even reviewed by the Board.” 

                                                               -School Board Director James Fraasch, Blog Lebo

Unfortunately, the presentation has been removed from the PSBA website.  Mrs. Cappucci has been quoted as saying that she will not revisit Building C.  I hope that has changed. Maybe that could be "Plan B" as is written on her campaign website. http://voteccl.com/news If Plan B doesn't work, try Plan C[AC].

Update: A reader shared a copy of the presentation: 21st Century
Update 8:46 am Slide 2 shows the Taj Mahal.  How appropriate.  Slide 10 shows Blogger.  Interesting timing since Blogger went down yesterday and this morning.

The Way Forward

The following letter, written by resident Steve Diaz, was sent to the School Board Directors on Apr 28, 2011 8:34 am.  It is being reprinted with Mr. Diaz' permission.

Members of the School Board:  In the midst of the din and disappointment over the bids received on "the new high school", it was a pleasure to see the board finally upset with its advisors, particularly Architect Celli, over the failure to accurately comprehend the likely range of project bids.  Most significant, to me, was the board president's cry that Mr. Celli's undisclosed list of 75 candidate reductions "should have been presented to the board a year ago."  Indeed they should.  But many suggestions from the CAC and others on such points were received by a stone ear, as the board was not really interested in such cuts.  One example arises in the LEEDS certification matter. This is a policy value of high significance in the community in Mt. Lebanon, one that was an essential element of the advocacy for the project (see your own brochure, written, printed and mailed to us at our own expense).  Now, Mr. Remely says that LEEDS certification is an easy take away--really?  The underlying issue with the effort to reform the bloated proposal that went out for bids (a rebuild, not a "renovation" project, if we are honest with ourselves) is that the credibility of the board is directly in issue. You seem to have lost your soul by suddenly now demanding answers to questions that you failed to address when the community, including a petition signed by 4,000 voters, asked you to do so. Question the LEEDS standards and the true returns for the cost?  That was deemed unreasonable and unacceptable by the board back during the Act 34 public hearings.  What else might be cut? The third gym? Mr. Remely went shouting after a Municipal Planning meeting that it was a mandatory element of the project to satisfy community demands.  The extra over-sized addition to the new pool?  Notwithstanding substantially decreasing student population trends, that has also been ridiculed as an absurd and miserly approach--the pool was even defended at the risk of not telling the truth when, contrary to published board policy, our superintendent told the Municipal Commission that parking was not in issue because the facility would definitely not be open to the public. Not tear down the newest building on campus?  This was also openly mocked when suggested to the board by the public on many occasions.  Given such items, what do you expect to see on Mr. Celli's obscure list of "75" reductions that might, at this time, have become acceptable (remember, you told the public that the project was as tight as it could be, with no fluff--again, see your own minutes, tapes of meetings, and your boastful brochure)?

The result of such behavior, your own unprompted but closely observed conduct and words, is that you seem to have slight regard for facts, and no actual plan or value other than spending as much money as you can without obtaining review from the voters. With such a decision process, no wonder you find yourselves confused and in disarray.  But on you push.  As Mr. Rothschild has insightfully observed, you cannot push on without completely re-scoping and re-conceiving the nature and the purpose of a "renovation."  It is time to show a modicum of humility and admit that the process has been badly mismanaged for a long time.  Admit that you have not listened to the people.  Admit that you may not be the right decision makers. Has it occurred to any of you who were so invested in the absolute correctness of the proposal that at this juncture you have had your turn at the wheel and perhaps it is time for you to voluntarily step down and allow new leadership to clean up and lead us forward?  Has it been worth all the damage and rift in this community you have caused by your intransigence, disrespect for public opinion and single-minded refusal to compromise, only to come to this juncture?  

It seems to me that a public apology is due from all of you to Mr. Fraasch for the manner in which you treated him.  It seems to me that a clear sign of new-found respect for the petition of 4,000 of your neighbors and constituents is also in order.  It also seems to me that any self-respecting board member with a sense of shame should be willing, publicly and voluntarily, to accept personal responsibility for what you and your policies have done.  Don't look to blame others, chosen by you in the first instance, for your own failures in formulating and achieving successful public policy.  Show true leadership and some measure of maturity---you have not succeeded, don't keep doing that which has not worked for any of us.  

Respectfully.  Steve Diaz

They push...and push...and push

In today's paper, Matt Santoni from the Trib, writes:

Board member Dan Remely recommended further changes to the project as it moves forward, like relaxing the district's pursuit of "green" certification for the building, or fighting the municipality's decision to designate the building as a "high-rise" based on its height from the proposed new entrance on Horsman Drive.
Mt. Lebanon Fire Chief Nicholas Sohyda said the designation has been part of the fire code since 1970, when it was amended to say that any building higher than 50 feet would be considered a high-rise.
The code for such buildings includes requirements like smoke-evacuation systems, pressurized stairwells, communications systems, water pumps for the sprinkler system and a small "fire command" room with alarm panels and connections to the intercom system.
Municipal Commission President Dan Miller, himself a volunteer firefighter, said any conversation about relaxing the building's fire code standards was "a non-starter."
"I've pulled a dead child from a fire. ... I'm sure as hell not going to let them skimp on public safety just to save a million bucks," Miller said. "I tried to save them money on the inspection fees, but I'm not going to let them skimp on that."

As I recall, Dan Remely said that the "high rise" designation cost the District a million dollars. If we eliminate the million dollar bridge, aren't we back to even?  Oh wait, that's right.  The bridge is there to keep the kids safe when crossing Horsman Drive.  Here's an idea. Eliminate the bridge and when hiring a crossing guard for the student parking at the church, hire a second crossing guard for Horsman.  I wonder what the ROI would be for that decision.

http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_734251.html

Are deduct alternates a bad idea?

From Construction Administration for Architects by Greg Winkler, Gary C. Chiumento
Chapter 4, page 104
http://tinyurl.com/3dsorud

According to this article, architects should not resort to this when bids come back too high.

Now is the time

As the School Board Directors stated, now is the time to step back, review, and reduce or delete some of our desires.  (Comments from Dan Remely and Dale Ostergaard from Part 2 of 4.25.11 meeting) How big will that second bond be?  The world has drastically changed since 2008.  What are we really able to afford?  Energy savings or a Leed Certificate?
John Taormina, construction manager from P.J. Dick, was asked to compare the Upper St. Clair renovation cost differential to our project.  He said that it would be comparing apples to oranges.  We offer programs that are not offered at USC.  For instance, we have two theaters, they don't. We have several gymnasiums which USC does not have.  We offer dance class.  USC does not.  As a member of the CAC whispered to me last night, maybe that is why USC is always number one in education.
It was mentioned that our project was allowed to grow from a bush into a tree and now we have to cut off limbs.  Do you think it had anything to do with the special interest groups exclaiming that we can get so much more for only $18 a month more?  The VOICE website is on the SOS signs and clearly promotes this way of thinking, to this day.  Last night, the Commission passed the sign ordinance revision for the SOS signs, in the name of freedom of speech.  This group mislead the School Board.  They mislead the community.  They were also silent at last night's meeting.
For a moment in time last night, the entire community agreed that the project needs to be scaled back.

Eblast that arrived in my mailbox

Dear Family, Friends and Neighbors,

I have it on good authority that in view of this week’s newspaper reports, now is a more critical time than ever to encourage residents to do the following:

1. Contact the Mt. Lebanon School Board requesting that they either put the project up for a community vote or go back to the drawing board and develop a plan according to the original bond issue - and not one dollar more.

If you would like to reach the solicitor and all board members via a single email address, please address your email to schoolboard@mtlsd.net.

Mrs. Josephine Posti (2013)
President
jposti@mtlsd.net

Mr. Dale Ostergaard (2013)
Vice-President
dostergaard@mtlsd.net

Mrs. Mary Birks (2013)
mbirks@mtlsd.net

Mrs. Elaine Cappucci (2011)
ecappucci@mtlsd.net

Mr. Edward Kubit (2011)
ekubit@mtlsd.net

Mr. Lawrence Lebowitz (2011)
llebowitz@mtlsd.net

Mr. Daniel Remely (2013)
dremely@mtlsd.net

Mrs. Susan Rose (2011)
srose@mtlsd.net

Ms. Faith Ann Stipanovich (2011)
fstipanovich@mtlsd.net

2. Contact the Commissioners and ask them to put pressure on the school board to put the project up for a community vote or go back to the drawing board and develop a plan according to the original bond issue - and not one dollar more. 

Raja Ward 1 Commissioner raja@mtlebanon.org

Matt Kluck Ward 2 Commissioner mkluck@mtlebanon.org

Joe DeIuliis Ward 3 Commissioner jdeiuliis@mtlebanon.org

Dave Brumfield Ward 4 Commissioner dbrumfield@mtlebanon.org

Dan Miller Ward 5 Commissioner dmiller@mtlebanon.org

3. People should also be encouraged to post on blogs to this effect.

http://bloglebo.blogspot.com/

 http://www.lebocitizens.blogspot.com/

Letting our elected officials know your position/opinion and keeping this in the public eye is very important right now.  Please consider going to the school board and commissioner meeting, and speak up. 

The next meetings are:

April 25, 2011

Mt. Lebanon Commission Discussion Session 6:30 p.m., Commission Chambers, Mt. Lebanon Municipal Building

Mt. Lebanon Adjourned Commission Meeting 8 p.m., Commission Chambers, Mt. Lebanon Municipal Building

Reconvened Mt. Lebanon School Board Regular Meeting, 7:30 p.m., Mt. Lebanon High School Library 

John Allison's Parting Gift for Mt. Lebanon

A blog reader took the June 8, 2009 School Board Meeting podcast that I posted in a previous thread and cropped out the portion of John Allison's 9:42 minute address to the School Board and community.  (Thanks goes out to the person who sent this to me.)
I do hope the current School Board takes 9:42 minutes out of their holiday weekend and listens to Mr. Allison's words.  Here is the link. John Allison's Address.

Actually, it is my hope that everyone who reads this blog, takes the time to listen to this.  If the School Board listened almost two years ago, we wouldn't be in the mess we are in now. 

Thank you, John Allison for your sage advice.  Maybe they will listen this time.

Update 4.23.11 I have gotten a couple of emails saying that their computer won't allow them to download John Allison's address.   His message can also be heard in June 8 2009 Meeting Part 2 or email me at EGillen476@aol.com and I will email you the clip.

Timely letter to the editor

Just as our federal and state governments are making cuts to needed medical and educational programs, our local school boards have to make budget cuts also. The only problem is that they complain about those cuts but haven't learned a lesson themselves.
Cutting math, science, language and music programs seem to be less important than athletics. Where are their priorities? The percentage of students who will be able to make a living in the sports world is so miniscule that to preserve high school athletics in a tight budget crisis is inexcusable in these times of belt tightening. If some sort of athletic activity (football, basketball, baseball) is thought to be so important, then let those who participate raise the funds needed. These are activities that are extra curricular with the accent on extra.
The majority of students benefit from classes that prepare them for real life not the dreams of becoming a superstar in the world of sports, where the percentage of becoming a professional is lower than the percentage of finding today's honest politician. It's a sad day for our communities and school districts when academics have to take a back seat to appease those who can't make the right choice when it is right in front of them.
Remember, these are the future leaders who will be making choices for you when you are in need of elder care. They'll probably toss you a football and tell you to go out and exercise. Oh, by the way, you want fries with that.
LOU WEBER
West Mifflin

http://blogs.sites.post-gazette.com/index.php/opinion/open-letters/26788-school-boards-are-making-the-wrong-cuts

The Way We Are

The following letter, written by resident Steve Diaz, was sent to the School Board Directors on Apr 21, 2011 9:49 am.  It is being reprinted with Mr. Diaz' permission.


Members of the School Board:  It is now clear that after years of bobbing and weaving, the efforts of the Mt. Lebanon School Board to avoid a vote of the people on the appropriate scope and purpose of renovations to the High School have come to naught.  There is no reason for us to be at this juncture, but here we are, so, "quo vadis"?

One response could be to continue to plot and plan to avoid engaging the entire community in the decision process in a meaningful way.  That approach has so far produced nothing more than unreasonably deferred maintenance (including roofs allowed to go to leaking causing interior damage, neglect of desirable upgrades such as new seats for the auditorium or wiring upgrades, or the relatively modest alterations required to come into full compliance with the Americans With Disabilities Act).  You could choose to avoid facing the fact that your methods have sometimes reflected more enthusiasm for your own views than respect for facts---such as when you allowed and then remained silent after representations were made by our superintendent to the town commission that the proposed swimming pool would not be open to the public (when that came into issue because of parking requirements) even though your official and published policy is that the pool is to be open to the public; or, when 4,000 voters petitioned you to reconsider the economics of what you are doing, and you ignored this historic public outcry; or, when you gamed the open hearing process by never evaluating, responding to, or even tabulating the Act 34 submissions that were supposed to be your guide as to public sentiment on the project; etc., etc.  It is for you to choose if you will continue a most undesirable polarizing policy that has created a public rift that threatens the social fabric of our community for years to come.

Another response would be to take responsibility for not heeding other voices or considering seriously enough whether your aspirations might exceed the fiscal reach of this community.  A small, "maybe we could have been more careful and listened a little harder" would go a long way to restoring your credibility and effectiveness as a public, purportedly "representative", body.  This is an opportunity to circle back and bring the community together, rather than to feed on the division which has largely been occasioned by the stone wall tactics you have employed in recent years.  You sit in the chairs of privilege, it is up to you to initiate reconciliation or to choose another policy. Everyone wants the best education for the children of Mt. Lebanon, most support our outstanding athletic and creative and performing arts programs.  Nonetheless, creating a false crisis by negligently allowing our assets to waste for want of maintenance and routine upgrading shows disrespect for those very educational and enrichment programs that have been entrusted to your stewardship -- it does not bootstrap you into overblown expenditures no one can afford (not raising taxes just before the election does not fool anyone into thinking that the coming increases are not as "unacceptable" as the bids you have just received on your project).

Therefore, as a citizen and taxpayer, and father of students in the high school, I call upon you to live within our means, to do your public duty by addressing the legitimate maintenance, wiring, ADA and related issues, and use the already borrowed funds to care for our common school property.  Stop wasting time and money chasing dreams that are unlikely to lead to success for anyone.  Mistakes have been made, please do not compound them by papering them over or denying that change is urgently needed in the management of our school affairs.  I urge you to usher in a new age of cooperation and communication with your constituents, starting with an admission of past shortcomings and a rededication to our common goal of superior education in this community.  It is time for you to take another look at the path you have followed toward your goal and, with the benefit of hindsight, make a mid-course correction that will reflect thoughtful policy making and dedicated stewardship of the public trust.  It is Easter-time: a small mea culpa is in order.  The bids you have received create the perfect opportunity to engage in a cy pres exercise of realism and open mindedness.  I hope you will take the high road forward--should you choose to do so, many of us in opposition may, to your surprise, join you on that path.

Respectfully,

Steve Diaz

What went wrong?

"I was very upset to hear about this, and I'm working diligently with others to correct the situation," said board member Dan Remely on Wednesday. "We're meeting with administrators this afternoon to see what we can change or what might have went wrong. ... Was it the wrong directions, wrong instructions, or wrong (specifications)?"

What went wrong?  I could say so much, but I will ask you folks to answer that.  Maybe the School Board will listen to us this time.

Read more: Mt. Lebanon High School renovation project bids top estimate by $15M - Pittsburgh Tribune-Review http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_733207.html#ixzz1K9yXhs8y

Update 10:47 AM At the June 8, 2009 School Board Discussion Meeting Part 1 and Part 2, there was a discussion about Add Alternates.  It was pointed out that $11 million in athletic improvements was suggested, $7 million went towards green technology, $1 million was added for budget oversights, but not one dollar was added for academic issues.  Before the Add Alternates, we were at the $110 million mark.  Listen to John Allison say that we cannot afford this after Sue Rose had asked for his input.

Groundbreaking Ceremony Postponed

From the Mt. Lebanon School District website:

The High School groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for April 28, 2011 is postponed while the Board deliberates on the outcome of the bids for the High School project.  http://www.mtlsd.org/district/

I hope the School Board considers rescheduling the reconvened meeting that conflicts with the Commission meeting on April 25, 2011.  The Commission will be holding a public hearing to amend the Mt. Lebanon Code regarding signs, such as the Save Our School signs.  Bill No. 6-11 http://www.mtlebanon.org/archives/30/APPROVED%20Supplemental%20agenda%2004-12-11.pdf

Update 5:57 PM The Post Gazette now says that the bids came in $15.3 million or 16.5% over cost estimates. More numbers have been released.  Read them here: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11110/1140565-100.stm

Celebrate Fiscal Responsibility Day

Here is an idea for the School Board, for what it's worth.  Change the April 28, 2011 Groundbreaking Ceremony to "Celebrate Fiscal Responsibility Day."  Show the community that we are all in this together.  We're not fear mongers, hijackers, anti kids, obstructionists, anti sports, or naysayers as we have been called in the past year.  We want what is best for the community too.  Let this be a wake up call and turn this into an opportunity to unite the community.  Come up with a good plan and let's get the high school renovated at a cost that is more in line with our economic situation. We can't say that we didn't see this coming.  I still have the link to the August 9, 2010 presentation on lebocitizens.com.  http://www.mtlsd.org/highschoolrenovation/stuff/presentationarchitectaug2010.pdf  This would be a good start.

No $75 Million Plan, and No $113.3 Million Plan Either

There is no additional $18 a month.  It would be much more.  Sounds like a referendum is in order.
http://www.pittsburghpostgazette.com/pg/11110/1140565-100.stm#ixzz1K3aSJNBk

Update 8:30 AM 
Additional links: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/news/pittsburgh/s_733105.html
                        VOICE flyer handed out at Foster School 5-4-10
                        Letter from Dirk Taylor
                        Writer defends former engineer
                        DAD Team promise
                        Lebo Citizens Keeping a Tally

Student Parking License Agreement

At Monday's School Board meeting, the Board approved the Parking License Agreement with Mt. Lebanon United Lutheran Church in substantially the form presented, subject to final approval by Dr. Steinhauer and the Solicitor. In this agreement, Mt. Lebanon United Lutheran Church will provide 127 parking spaces for $1500 per year.  The School District must remove the snow from the lot, including Sundays.  In addition, the School District will hire a crossing guard for the students.  The School District will repave and restripe the lot at the end of the construction project. 

Is this something the Municipality needs to be approving, as well?  The District gets its salt and fuel from the Municipality stockpile off Cedar Blvd. Crossing guards report to the Police Department, which I think, the Municipality funds 50%.

Update 10:09 PM  It has been confirmed by Manager Steve Feller that crossing guards are funded 50% by the Municipality.  He also said that there is no requirement of guards to cross high school students or adults, only elementary and middle school students.

Any volunteers?

Another 4:30 p.m. Policy Committee Meeting has been scheduled for May 3, 2011.  Are there any volunteers who would be willing to record the meeting?  I can provide the recorder.  The last 4:30 meeting meant someone had to leave work early to record it.  Why does the School District schedule meetings at this time?

Sign...Sign...Everywhere a Sign

I just came back from a short spin around the block and replaced two of three yard signs that were taken.  I replaced the only sign (at that time) on Vermont.  The only sign that I had on Whitmore was replaced, as well.  One more sign was missing on my street, but everyone on the street knows that I am running for Commissioner.  I have been instructed to report any stolen signs to the police.  If you are displaying my sign (thank you!!!) and your sign is damaged or stolen, please report it to the police.  Please let me know, while you are at it.  Funny how other signs can stay up for months at a time, but some of mine don't even last a week. 

I have to thank the very talented graphic designer who designed my sign.  It is none other than my son, Joe.  Yea!  My tuition dollars at work!!!!  Thanks, Joey!

Easter Egg Hunt Postponed

I received a Lebo Alert announcing that the Mt. Lebanon Recreation Department Annual Egg Hunt has been postponed until Sunday, April 17 at 1 PM. The hunt will be held on the basketball courts in the main park.

Mellon Middle School Wins Penguins' Contest

Mellon Middle School won the "Students for Stanley" contest that the Penguins hosted.  Elementary, middle, and high school students were invited to submit a 4'x6' banner representing their schools.  You can see Mellon's winning banner displayed tonight at the game or at the link below.


http://penguins.nhl.com/club/news.htm?id=559672

Sesame Street - we need you!!!

Or at least the School District (Board) does.

In today's Pittsburgh Business Times daily update:

PNC debuts $12M financial education program for preschoolers

Sesame Workshop, through a continuing partnership with PNC, created a bilingual multimedia outreach initiative, which establishes the foundation for the program instruction to children ages 3-5.
“By expanding our efforts with Sesame, we can help young children better understand that everything has value and show parents how to turn everyday moments into financial learning experiences for their kids,” PNC Chairman and CEO James Rohr said in a prepared statement.

Read more: http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/news/2011/04/13/pnc-debuts-12-m-financial-education.html?s=print

Inspection fees - the rest of the story

The Municipal Solicitor stated at last night's Commission Discussion Session, that the Municipality cannot treat the School District any differently than any other entity.  Joe Berkley, from the Inspection Office, broke down all the fees for the Commissioners, based on what the School District submitted.  The initial application was one page. By recalculating, based on more details as to how the School District was going to do the project and subtracting what was not applicable in that large number given by the School District, another $170,000 was lopped off the fee.  The Municipality will waive reinspection fees, since the inspectors will already be there.  They are not treating the School District any differently than any other large project.  Reinspection fees are charged when the inspectors have to return to the project for that reason only. 
Matt Kluck brought it to the Commission's attention that the inspection fees were restructured in anticipation of the high school project in 2008 for 2009.  The Municipality already gave the School District consideration in any discounting in 2008 for 2009.

What are we paying lobbyists?

According to the Commonwealth Foundation, Mt. Lebanon School District paid $346,609 to lobbyist groups in 2009-10.  $323,611 went to the PSEA. Upper St. Clair paid $164,217 to lobyyist groups with $128,944 going to the PSEA. 

The Commonwealth Foundation (CommonwealthFoundation.org) is an independent, non-profit public policy research and educational institute based in Harrisburg, PA.

Read more: http://www.commonwealthfoundation.org/research/detail/millions-funneled-to-lobbyists-by-public-schools

End of Discussion Sessions as We Know Them

Tonight was the last Discussion Session to be held in the Caucus Room.  End of an era.  From now on, the Commission Discussion Sessions will be televised in the Commission Chambers, just as the regular and adjourned Commission meetings have been televised since the spring of 2009. Thanks goes out to Dan Miller, Raja, Dave Brumfield, and Matt Kluck for voting this through.  Joe DeIuliis pointed out that he was against the televised meetings on October 13, 2008, and he voted against broadcasting the Discussion Meetings tonight, as well. We know where Joe stands on transparency.  We know where I do too.

You can hear the vote about televising the discussion meetings here approximately fifty minutes into the meeting.

High School Bid Opening Today

The Bid Opening was supposed to take place at 1:30 today.  Anyone hear anything? 

Nothing to "shrug" at

Ralph R. Reiland, an associate professor of economics at Robert Morris University, has an article in today's Trib about the movie, "Atlas Shrugged, " which is opening on Friday, Tax Day.

"Atlas Shrugged," Ayn Rand's legendary novel, was published in 1957. Instead of focusing on victimized workers and greedy owners, the story turns the tables and shows what happens to the world when the innovators and producers go on strike, when the capitalists and owners turn out the lights and disappear.

Read more: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/pittsburghtrib/opinion/columnists/reiland/s_731405.html 

Just a heads up

I updated Lebocitizens.com tonight.  Sorry, I got a little behind in meeting dates.  More meeting conflicts.  The School Board has scheduled a Reconvened Meeting on April 25, 2011, which happens to be the Monday Adjourned Commission Meeting.  I am still confused as to how a reconvened meeting can be scheduled.

This will happen again next month, with the School Board meeting on the same night as the Commissioners on May 23, 2011.

Haven't there been conflicts every month now since the Commissioners moved their regular monthly meetings to Tuesdays trying to avoid conflicting meetings?

Trying to think positively, the School District has given us a bit more notice for the next Community Forum.  The Community Budget Forum will be held May 2, 2011 at 7:30 p.m., High School Library.

Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon

I am really enjoying getting out and talking with people.  There is a real sense of community here.  Our kids have grown up together.  I have gone to school with some of you.  It is like playing Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon.  We're all connected somehow.  Very cool.  However, there are many angry people living in Mt. Lebanon.  They tell me that they will be moving within the year or two.  They can't afford to live here anymore. Even though they realize that I am running for Commissioner in Ward 3, and not School Board Director, they have to vent. They know me well enough that I am still the same person that they knew way back when. They also realize that I tried to represent them by presenting their signatures to a Board set on pushing their own agenda.  Thank you for reading my blog, Folks.  I appreciate your support and kind words.  We truly are a community and I will do everything I can to keep it that way.

Pittsburgh Business Times School Rankings

After studying the PBT School Rankings Pittsburgh Business Times 2011 Guide to Western PA Schools, I am glad to see Dr. Steinhauer take charge with his reorganization plan including the reappointment of Dr. Deborah Allen in a new role as the Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education.  My grandson is in the Upper St. Clair Schools and was pleased to see this:

Featured School
Upper St. Clair High School has ranked at the top of the 11th grade list for six years. But that doesn’t mean it’s willing to rest on its laurels: It’s constantly reviewing and improving curriculum to stay on top of the changing times.

As a Mt. Lebanon taxpayer, I am concerned. On Josephine Posti's Center Court blog, she lists some of the highlights.  Here are some "highlights" that she forgot to mention.

Middle Schools:
Mellon dropped 2 spots for 7th grade
Mellon dropped 6 spots for 6th grade

Elementary Schools:
Fifth grade: Lincoln dropped 1 spot
                  Jefferson dropped 6 spots
                  Markham dropped 3 spots
                  Washington dropped 1 spot
                  Foster dropped 11 spots
                  Hoover dropped 9 spots
Fourth grade: Lincoln dropped 5 spots
                     Markham dropped 23 spots
                     Washington dropped 1 spot
                     Hoover dropped 51 spots
Third grade: Lincoln dropped 18 spots
                   Hoover dropped 16 spots     

On the bright side...

The Commissioners are considering broadcasting the Commission Discussion sessions beginning April 25, 2011.   The Commission began broadcasting its regular and adjourned meetings in the spring of 2009.  I was hoping you would start this since I was the only one recording the discussion sessions for lebocitizens.com. Thank you!!!  Government transparency at its finest.  Municipal agenda for April 12, 2011.

How temporary is temporary?

I am in the process of updating lebocitizens.com with the Commission agenda for Tuesday, and saw that the Commissioners are voting on the rewording of the sign ordinance by deleting the definition of political or election signs and replacing it with "personal opinion" signs and including the new definition to be: "A Temporary Sign which conveys a (i) political message, (ii) religious message, (iii) a personal message, or (iv) message that directs attention to a candidate or candidates for Public office, a political party or a ballot issue." http://mtlebanon.org/DocumentView.aspx?DID=3960 I know the Planning Board thinks this will open up the floodgates and can encourage hate signs.  Planning Board says no to rewording sign ordinance.


Is this how the Municipality is addressing "the potential proliferation of electronic billboards and signage in the region" as written by Deb Smit in her Pop City article?  The irony of this is that there are a few Pop City writers who are fighting FOR proliferation of signage in Mt. Lebanon.  

Martha's Run

A Lebo Alert just came through about tomorrow's Martha's Run. 

Martha's Run is this Saturday, April 9. Please watch for runners and be aware of posted road closures 8-11 am. Limited parking available at the rec. center.

For the course map and more, go to http://www.marthadixon.org/index.htm

Interesting Pittsburgh organization looking for Board of Advisors

I stumbled upon this Pittsburgh organization this morning.  Scenic Pittsburgh They want to ban billboard blight because they believe that electronic billboards:

1. Lower property values
2. Distract drivers
3. Waste energy
4. Destroy our scenic views

For someone who is trying to have a LEED certified high school, why would one want to waste energy and approve an electronic billboard?

Update 11:15 AM There was a Scenic Pittsburgh story written last August by Woodland Drive resident, Deb Smit for Pop City. http://www.popcitymedia.com/innovationnews/blight081110.aspx

The Pennsylvania Resources Council is taking the lead to establish a Pittsburgh affiliate of Scenic America to address the potential proliferation of electronic billboards and signage in the region.

What about the SOS signs?  Just asking.

No Boy Scout OR Girl Scout this time

Tonight was the Capital Projects Review Team Community Forum.  There was no Boy Scout this time.  There were TWO residents in attendance.  One was recording the meeting. Two residents.  That is it. On the other side of the table, there were two staff members, one school board director, and one resident member of the committee.  Six people in total.  The purpose of this meeting was to hear from the community.  The twenty-four and a half minute meeting can be heard here.  Capital Projects Review Team Community Forum

She forgot to mention the $94.3 million borrowed for the high school.

Kaitlynn Riely had this article in this morning's PG.  She wrote about Bethel Park's budget woes, but forgot to mention that they are in the same pickle jar our District wants to jump in.

 

Bethel Park mulls teacher layoffs

Bethel Park School District is considering teacher furloughs and other cuts in the face of a tough budget situation this year, said Matthew Howard, assistant to the superintendent and head of the district's finance team

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11097/1137539-55.stm#ixzz1IqovrczT

Will this be suggested at tonight's revenue generating meeting?

'Sore thumb' billboard in Castle Shannon draws much attention from Mt. Lebanon

Thursday, April 07, 2011

By Kaitlynn Riely, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Robin Rombach/Post-Gazette

The new billboard on Mt. Lebanon Boulevard in Castle Shannon.

If the job of a billboard is to attract attention, then the one installed recently in front of the building at 250 Mt. Lebanon Blvd. is working overtime.

The 180-square-foot billboard was erected in a commercial zone of Castle Shannon sometime in early to mid-March.

Not long after, a blogger in neighboring Mt. Lebanon took notice. Fake Lebo, the anonymous satirist of all things related to Mt. Lebanon, posted a picture of the billboard on a Facebook page and wrote, "If you hate this, 'like' this."

More than 200 people pressed the "like" function on Facebook to signal their dislike of the billboard, and since then, Facebook users have posted comments ranging from the amused to the horrified on Fake Lebo's pages.

"Built to withstand a 9.0 magnitude earthquake ... or an F2 tornado," wrote one person.

"This is a disgrace to our community, it's sooo ugly!" wrote another.

A Photoshopping frenzy followed, with Facebook users suggesting messages for the billboard.

Last week, a real message went up on the actual billboard, for R&R Masonry Restoration, a Bethel Park-based company.

This is the first time the company has done a billboard advertisement, said Tony Reber, the company's owner. He said he was trying out a three-month contract for the advertising space because the billboard is in a good location.

"It is eye-catching," he said.

Many of those whose eyes it is catching are calling Castle Shannon code official Paul Vietmeier, telling him they don't like it and asking how the borough could have allowed the billboard to be constructed.

He said he tells callers there was a process that was followed, many hearings held and it was all advertised to the public.

But he said he also disliked the billboard, and rejected the original plans.

"There's no need for these signs," he said. "It just doesn't fit in our community."

Genesis Outdoor Advertising, a company based in Youngstown, Ohio, approached HFT Holdings, which owns the building at 250 Mt. Lebanon Blvd., more than two years ago, asking to rent space to put up a billboard, said owner Dan Remely.

Mr. Remely agreed to it, and Genesis applied for a permit to erect a billboard at that space, as well as at 325 Mt. Lebanon Blvd., a commercial property owned by Noonan Realty Associates LLC.

Mr. Vietmeier denied both permits, saying billboards were not permitted in Castle Shannon because the borough's zoning ordinances lacked a provision to allow them.

Genesis appealed the denial, seeking either an exception to permit the sign or a determination that the ordinance violated First Amendment rights to free speech.

Hearings were held, and the zoning hearing board issued a decision in favor of Genesis. But the borough took the case to Common Pleas Court, asking the court to reverse the decision.

The court did not, so last month the first billboard went up at 250 Mt. Lebanon Blvd. Another is planned for the 325 Mt. Lebanon property, Mr. Vietmeier said, though he didn't know when it would be constructed.

Genesis originally planned for the billboard to be 360 square feet, but after the hearings, agreed to reduce the size to 198 square feet.

Calls to Tom Cregan, listed on zoning permit documents as the owner of Genesis, were not immediately returned.

A new Castle Shannon ordinance now allows properties to erect the off-premises advertising signs.

According to the H-Squared Properties Inc. website, 12,000 cars pass the property at 250 Mt. Lebanon Blvd. each day.

But the billboard is probably more noticeable to people who enter the parking lot or are business owners in the property, such as John Carbonara. co-owner of restaurant Carbonara's. He saw the sign being constructed one weekend morning when he pulled in at work.

"My first reaction is, 'This sign belongs on an expressway,' " he said.

He said his customers have been commenting negatively about it since it was built and asking why it was approved, and said he had expressed his dissatisfaction with it to Mr. Remely.

"It sticks out like a sore thumb," he said.

Kaitlynn Riely: kriely@post-gazette.com or 412-263-1707.

First published on April 7, 2011 at 5:29 am

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11097/1137473-55.stm#ixzz1IqjrLMla

Questions About the Reorganization

The latest post on Josephine Posti's Center Court blog attempts to answer questions about the reorganization that took place last Friday. In my mind, this has raised more questions.

Q. When will other positions impacted by the reorganization be announced? The Board hasn't approved this reorganization and won't do so until April 18, 2011.  According to the answer in this first question, doesn't it sound like the Board was taken by surprise?  Maybe it is the Board who is asking this question.

Q.Is this announcement a reaction to the District's current or future budget situation? I have a suggestion for significant savings.  Postpone the April 28 Groundbreaking Ceremony and regroup.  Shouldn't this plan be in place before that shovel goes in the ground?  Yes, we are getting a budget with no millage impact, but did they forget what they did to us last year?  Is it coincidental that this is an election year?  This is not the time to be starting a $113.3 million project. 

Q.Will there be staffing changes within the teaching staff? I was at a Audit and Finance Committee meeting when Jan Klein told us that we could save $115,000 for each teacher retirement with no replacement.  From the District website:

Budget Assumptions – The District will closely monitor staff retirements since salaries are the largest single factor in school costs.  Each teacher retirement will save the District about $50,000 if a replacement teacher is required.  If no replacement is required, savings could be an extra $65,000.  Early estimates are for ten teacher retirements.

I can't put my finger on it right now, but we were told that retiring teachers were not going to be replaced.

Q.Why now?
A.  These changes aren't changes that previous superintendents haven't considered. Huh?

From the District website:

And finally, the District is expecting no more revenues from Federal Stimulus Funds and no increase in funding from the State.  This, coupled with sluggish home sales and flat revenues from Earned Income taxes, all point to a challenging budget preparation process.

I applaud Dr. Steinhauer for taking these necessary and long overdue steps to reorganize.  Maybe it is also time to rethink the timing of the high school renovation too.  Please.

Letter from Dr. Steinhauer

A letter was sent out to parents today.  The announcement has been made that all curriculum supervisor positions are being eliminated.  The letter goes on to announce "the reappointment of Dr. Deborah Allen in a new role as the Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education and the appointment of Dr. Ronald Davis as the Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education. We will now have two senior level administrators with a clear focus and mission to improve student performance and achievement at each level." What isn't mentioned is, do these new senior level administrators get pay increases?  Dr. Steinhauer's letter to parents
Also, word on the street is that teacher furloughs are coming too.  Hmmm.  Maybe we weren't fear mongering after all.

In other districts, there is talk of mergers.

Carlynton School District has invited Keystone Oaks, Chartiers Valley and Montour to talk informally about the prospect of merging. Carlynton has 1,460 students, Keystone Oaks about 2,050 students and Montour has nearly 3,000.

So far, Keystone Oaks is leaning toward attending a meeting, Chartiers Valley has said no and Montour hasn't weighed in.

Read more: http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/11095/1137021-298.stm#ixzz1IgzvYARP

Update: April 6, 2011 Dr. Steinhauer's letter has been posted on the School District website.  http://www.mtlsd.org/Superintendent/stuff/Lettertoparents.pdf in the "Stuff" folder. The letter isn't dated, but the document properties show that it was created on 4/5/2011 at 4:28:52 PM.

Update: April 8, 2011  Keystone Oaks has accepted Carlynton's invitation to informal talks about merging districts.

Last time it was called a Town Hall Meeting; this time, a Community Forum

From the School District website:

Capital Projects Review Team Announces Community Forum

This year, a review of District programs and operations is underway. Four teams were formed to look at revenue generating opportunities, staff planning, utility management, and capital projects. The Capital Projects Review team will hold a Community Forum on Thursday, April 7th at 6:30 p.m. in the High School Library. The team will provide an overview of their work over the past few months. The public is invited to attend the meeting and share their suggestions.

Would love to hear from the other three teams.  I understand there are big changes in staffing coming up. I guess they will be announced soon.  If we had only scaled back the project.  Last year at this time, the words, "Fear mongering" were being thrown around quite a bit.  It is all coming true.

Everything you want to know about your zip code

I stumbled across a website that has everything you want to know about your zip code.  Here is the link for 15228.  http://www.city-data.com/zips/15228.html

The mean price of detached houses in 2009 was $304,611.
591 houses are between $175,000 to $199,000.
2402 houses are above $175,000 to $199,000.
2053 houses are below $175,000 to $199,999.
If your first name is Margaret, you tend to live the longest. 
In 2009, there were 168 students in private schools in grades 1-8.
30% of 15228 residents are renters.

To find your zip code, use the link above, but change the zip code.

A letter from a reader

I received an email from a reader and would like to share it with you all.  I wrote back to say that I have the US Debt Clock at the bottom of  http://www.lebocitizens.com/Lebo_Citizens/Tax_Rent_Relief.html, but I was unaware of the PA Debt Clock.  Thank you for sending this to me.

Ms. Gillen:
  As someone running for public office I thought you might be interested in the following resource:
US DEBT CLOCK.ORG (http://www.usdebtclock.org/index.html)
  This web site is non-partisan and gets its information from the various governments it displays (states as well as the Feds). PA is shown here: http://www.usdebtclock.org/state-debt-clocks/state-of-pennsylvania-debt-clock.html
  These are sobering figures, made more so considering the source comes from the US and states' treasury departments. US unfunded liabilities exceeds the national GDP by 8 times. If the US were to tax everybody at 100% there would not be enough money to settle the debt. If the US were to confiscate the total national assets AND tax every taxpayer at 100% there still would not be enough money to pay the bills. Just the US liability per taxpayer exceeds a million dollars per taxpayer.
  Looking at Pennsylvania, the state takes 24% of its GDP, yet still spends more than it takes in revenue. The debt per citizen is $11,051. And while revenue is not quite $97 billion, spending is not quite $122 billion. (Ironically, West Virginia brings in more than it spends by roughly $7 billion.)
  The people who support increased debt loads for ill advised projects such as the MTL High School are living in Oz. When (not if) foreign debt holders call our US obligations, the resulting financial meltdown will be unprecedented in our nation's history. It will not help matters to adduce that all this debt was intended to provide the "greatest good to the greatest number." God save us from the "good people," who vex us consistently at the beck and call of their clear consciences. 

A 3.8% "sales" tax on home sales?

From what I have read, there is no 3.8% sales tax buried in the health-care bill.  What I have been able to find is that there is a 3.8% capital gains tax on some home sales for a limited number of taxpayers.  First, a married couple must make more than $250,000 in adjusted gross income or $200,000 if single. The capital gain on the home sale must also exceed $500,000 if this is a primary home and you are a married couple ($250,000 for singles). It will not take effect until Jan. 1, 2013.

Read more: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/07/15/AR2010071506964.html

I love my new porch roof, part 2.

Looking at the tax information on the Allegheny County Assessment web page, I see that I now have a partially paid tax bill due to my home improvement reassessment.  My new porch roof is costing me $1.64 more in county real estate taxes.  Allegheny County Assessment I think I will mail the payment in this time, instead of taking the T to pay my tax bill, as I did in February.  The fare would cost me almost 3 times my new tax bill.