Sunday, March 31, 2013

Why I won't let my son take the PSSA

Why I won't let my son take the PSSA

March 31, 2013 12:10 am

I am an English professor. So you can imagine how my pride was hurt when my 9-year-old son Jacob started bringing home low scores on his practice reading tests for the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment.

My husband and I have been helping Jacob with his test-prep reading homework every weeknight this year, and it has been a grim slog. At times I have found myself getting angry when Jacob has fidgeted, or when he has had trouble focusing. Sometimes I have gotten angry when he simply hasn't been able to answer the questions.

Then one day this March it dawned on me. I am getting angry at my son about a test. A test that I do not like. A "high-stakes" test that will put so much pressure on Jacob that it probably will not reflect his true abilities. I also realized something else: Jacob does not love to read.

After doing some research and talking with other parents, my husband and I decided to "opt out" Jacob from the PSSA tests. We are opting him out because we do not like what high-stakes tests are doing to Jacob, to our family, to his teachers, to his school and, ultimately, to our entire education system.

High-stakes tests like the PSSAs are used to evaluate, close and punish public schools, including my son's school, Pittsburgh Linden, a K-5 magnet school in Point Breeze. Linden's Adequate Yearly Progress score is bound to Linden's PSSA test results. According to the federal No Child Left Behind Act, every public school in the United States must be 100 percent proficient in reading and math (based on test scores) by 2014.

Last year, Linden did not make AYP. In fact, only six Pittsburgh Public Schools did. A neighboring school, Colfax, which is one of the best schools in the East End, has been labeled "low-achieving" and is currently under something called "Corrective Action II." Under this label, a school can be reconstituted, chartered or privatized.

High-stakes tests also warp the educational environment. This March, as Linden is gearing up for the PSSAs, the hallways were stripped bare as per state law. Artwork, motivational slogans, student-made posters, the Women's History display my kids helped to make, my daughter's picture of herself as a "writer" when she grows up, the "dream" statements everyone filled out in January with the large cutout of Martin Luther King -- all of it has come down. During testing season, access to Linden's new iPads -- for which I helped to write the grant that allowed us to acquire them -- will also be curtailed.

The curriculum at Linden is narrowing, too. As testing has ratcheted up, and as Gov. Tom Corbett's billion-dollar cut to Pennsylvania's K-12 education budget have kicked in, schools across the state are dropping programs that are not measured by tests.

Last year at Linden the third-grade band program was cut, dozens of hours of music instruction were cut, our science programming was reduced, and we were slated to lose our art teacher (fortunately we were able to save her). We lost dozens of hours of library instruction, and children are allowed access to the library only once every two weeks. Ironically, the loss of our library hours will hurt the students more when it comes to testing. A recent study found that "[w]ith a full-time librarian, students are more likely to score 'Advanced' and less likely to score 'Below Basic' on reading and writing tests."

Also, there is the stress. Jacob, only a third-grader, has cried, gotten dejected and thrown fits over his test-prep requirements, both at home and at school. Sixth graders in our district will take 23 different tests this year -- up from nine the previous year.

During the tests, students are treated like prisoners, with limited bathroom breaks and constant monitoring. These conditions are especially hard for special-needs children and children with Individual Education Plans.

Teachers are also stressed. My son's third-grade teacher has been working so hard this year that he arrives many days as early as 6 a.m. and stays for hours after school, sometimes as late as 9 p.m. From around the district I am hearing stories about teachers crying in the hall -- devastated by the harm they believe the tests are inflicting.

Let me be clear. I believe in evaluation as a tool -- I use quizzes and other testing techniques in my college classroom. But high-stakes tests, tests used to label schools, teachers and students as failures, are damaging our nation's educational system.

Here in Pittsburgh and across southwestern Pennsylvania, the movement to opt out of standardized testing is taking root. In the Pittsburgh Public Schools there are parents at Colfax, Greenfield, Liberty, Linden, Montessori and Phillips who are opting their children out of the PSSAs. Across the region, some parents in Mt. Lebanon, Somerset County and Westmoreland County are doing so as well. In Mt. Lebanon, a group of parents opted out when their children's school cut back on recess, extended the length of the school day and reduced other school services, such as counseling and nursing -- all to make way for more testing.
The opt-out movement is also swelling nationwide. Earlier this year, teachers in several Seattle high schools refused to administer a high-stakes test called the MAP. In Portland, Ore.; Providence, R.I.; and Denver, Colo., students themselves have been leading the charge against the tests. Just last month in Texas, more than 10,000 parents rallied against an increase in testing and decrease in funding for Texas public schools. Some of these actions are coming under the banner of United Opt Out National (unitedoptout.com).

Next month, while Jacob's classmates are nervously sharpening their pencils and getting hushed by their teachers, Jacob is going to be in the Linden library, reading for pleasure -- a pastime I have encouraged and rewarded since I realized that Jacob isn't keen on reading.

With this act of civil disobedience, our family will contribute to the revolt against the standardized testing that is hurting students, schools and the quality of education. I want my children to learn, but also to love to learn. Don't you?

Kathy M. Newman is an associate professor of English at Carnegie Mellon University (kn4@andrew.cmu.edu).

First Published March 31, 2013 12:00 am
http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/opinion/perspectives/why-i-wont-let-my-son-take-the-pssa-681537/

Martha's Run 2013

— April 13, 2013 —

Memorial Walk and Fun Run at 8:30 am
10K at 9:00 and Children’s Events 10:15 or so

Don’t forget—early registration ends April 5th at midnight.

Online and mail-in registrations continue to be available at standard rates until Wed April 10th. After that time, please register in person on Friday night or Race-Day morning. 
Donations can be mailed or posted online anytime!

If you have already registered, many thanks and train hard, because as our Race Director, Rick, says, “It’s not called Mount Lebanon for nothing.”  If you’re out training on the Lebo streets and you see a fellow Martha’s Runner give a little nod, you both rock.

Children’s races range from a 20 yard Diaper Dash to a 100 yard sprint. Our future Martha’s Runners there, we’re building a love for the run. Run WITH them, if you dare!

Some runners have already scored a hotel deal at the South Hills Crowne Plaza near South Hills Village Mall. Mention Martha’s Run
and book soon to get that deal.

Fleet Feet Sports has been a major sponsor for Martha’s Run for many years. Once again, they are supplying a pre-race stretch in the stadium as well as a new Martha’s Run technical shirt for a reduced (way!) of $15 at the race, at registration and at the awards ceremony. 

In addition, they have provided cool give aways for that awards gig, like FREE BROOKS SHOES! But you must be there when your name is called in order to win.


For more information about the Race and registration, go to www.marthadixon.org
which contains a printable mailable registration form and a link to an online registration.

Questions?  Email: themarthafund@gmail.com

New this year: Martha's Run 2013

Friday, March 29, 2013

Property Tax Windfall Watch 2013

The Allegheny County Controller's office has posted this information Property Tax Windfall Watch 2013 on their website.


Municipality2012 Millage2013 Millage% Change Millage % Change CAV2012 Certified Assessed Value2013 Certified Assessed Value

Mount Lebanon5.43 TBDTBD27%$2,174,705,011$2,765,981,183

A resident wrote to the school board asking why not use the 2013 Certified Assessed Value of $2,765,981,183.

For the Board, Elaine Cappucci sent this response.

The District has not yet begun using the County's 2013 assessments because the total valuation amount is still changing, as stated clearly on the website you linked to: "While the Controller’s Office understands that the 2013 Certified Assessed Value totals will be impacted by the results of pending appeals and other factors, in the interest of transparency we are providing at this time a comparison of millage rates and certified assessed values for each municipality and political sub-division in Allegheny County."
The information on the County website includes appeals and settlements to date, yet within Mt. Lebanon there are still many appeals outstanding and yet to be filed and most commercial appeals have not yet been heard. The county assessment number will likely change and so the District is waiting to set the assessment value, which will allow us at that time to use the most accurate valuation that reflects the appeals. For the Board,
Elaine CappucciPresident, Mt. Lebanon School Boardecappucci@mtlsd.net

I am concerned with this logic since the County website admits that the process could take a year or longer. 

The information below is for education and informational purposes only based on data available through the Allegheny County Office of Property Assessment as of December 13, 2012. All of the values remain approximations because the final Certified Assessed Value cannot be determined until all assessment appeals are finally determined and adjudicated, which may take one year or longer.
With the budget meeting coming up on April 2, the school district website shows that a proposed budget will be approved 13 days later.
"A proposed budget is expected to be approved by the Board at the April 15 meeting with approval of a final budget on May 20, 2013."

Thursday, March 28, 2013

PA House District 42 Campaign Update

As mentioned before, the Libertarian Party has entered the race for State Representative. Examiner.com has an article about George Brown's campaign as the Libertarian Candidate for the PA House District 42.

George Brown is the Libertarian candidate in the upcoming May Special Election to fill a vacant seat in the Pennsylvania state legislature. And to listen to him, there are a number of reasons why this race is special. Not only isn’t there an entrenched incumbent to dislodge from office, but the district includes the boyhood home of the legendary libertarian and former Texas Congressman Ron Paul.

Read more here: PA Libertarian in bid for open State Rep seat

Tuesday, March 26, 2013

This is soooooo cool! UPDATED

The Mt. Lebanon Commission meetings are available for viewing online 24 hours a day!  Here is the link to archived commission meetings. http://mtlebanon.org/index.aspx?NID=2151

Remember how I was suggesting that everyone watch or listen to our magistrate's report on the drug task force?  Here it is. http://mtlebanon.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=2&clip_id=15 On the right hand side, click on the agenda item and it will take you to that portion of the meeting.

Happy days are here!

Update: March 28, 2013 12:35 PM  Municipal video link available here for the pool presentation.  Click on Agenda Item number three.

Mt. Lebanon pool renovations made public The Almanac
Mt. Lebanon Swim Center upgrade may cost $3.3 million Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Lebolife Blogs News

District Magistrate Blaise Larotonda wrote his first piece, early to serve, a story about Mt. Lebanon Sunrise Rotary. I hope he follows up with a post recapping his review from last night's Commission Discussion Session of Mt. Lebanon's drug issue and a summary of the task force efforts. I plan to provide a link to the podcast of his report, something that every parent in Mt. Lebanon should not miss.

The list of volunteer bloggers is growing. Today's article, across the pond was submitted by James Cannon Sr. Mr. Cannon, father of Josephine Posti and James Cannon Jr., is an international marketing consultant.

Architects present ideas for new Swim Center UPDATED

During last night's Commission Discussion Session, Mark Edelmann from EPM Architecture and Wayne Wade from Wade Associates presented initial concept designs for improvements to the swimming pool and bathhouse.

Since the bathhouse is structurally sound, the architects have decided to gut the structure, add family changing rooms and private showers, and making it ADA compliant.  Amenities include a zero entry to the pool and heater. Optional amenities include a climbing wall and new slides.

The Municipal website includes these preliminary schematics to the bath house:

Floor Plans
Elevations
Presentation

The budget is $3.3 million.  Resident Bill Lewis asked for clarification on upkeep costs, but none were available.

Update: March 26, 2013 1:48 PM From the Municipal website:

Goals for the renovation are as follows:
Pool
  • Replace plumbing and gutters.
  • Replace filtration system.
  • Add pool heater.
  • Sand blast and epoxy paint pool.
  • Replace concrete deck/ modify design.
  • Replace deck equipment.
  • Add zero depth beach entry.
  • Perform renovations to meet ADA codes.
Bathhouse
  • Perform renovations to meet ADA codes and add family changing facilities.
  • Perform interior cosmetic and amenity upgrades.
  • Renovate, redesign, and upgrade all HVAC plumbing and electrical systems.
  • Improve the efficiency of the patron admission process, and allow direct entry to the facility without passing through the changing areas.
Additional Alternate Improvements
  • Add splash pad.
  • Add combination flume and speed slide.
  • Add small flume slide.
  • Add poolside climbing wall.
  • Add leisure spray features.
  • Add ADA parking
Although there are no cost estimates for the project yet, the budget is $3.3 million. Work is set to start the day after Labor Day, after the 2013 season ends and conclude before the start of the 2014 sessions so swimmers do not miss any time in the water.
Public comment is welcome to ddonnellan@mtlebanon.org. To keep the project on schedule, the deadline for comments is April 2.  
Podcast from last night's presentation is available here.

Municipal Appointments to Boards and Authorities

At last night's Commission meeting, Dave Brumfield announced the appointments to the Boards and Authorities as posted on the screen.  Unfortunately, it was too small to read.  Dave was kind enough to give me his copy after the meeting.  Here it is.

Municipal Board and Authorities Appointments 032513

Sunday, March 24, 2013

Wait a minute!!

Page 12 of the budget presentation states that one of the Board options (number 3)

If an increase in taxes to the historical average millage increase of .55 mills, budget is $870,000 out of balance.

Yet the School District Budget page states:

The budget currently being developed considers a potential .55 mill increase which is the average increase since Act 1 of 2006 was passed limiting millage increases to an inflationary index. This is a 2% increase in the real estate tax millage rate. In order to provide a budget of this amount, over $600,000 of program reductions are necessary. Proposals to get to a .55 mill increase include some staffing reductions in various areas, taking advantage of retirements when possible. Also being considered are reductions in contracted services, travel reimbursements and supply funding.
Where did they find $270,000? Am I reading this correctly?

Friday, March 22, 2013

First Sports Advisory Board Meeting

The Mt. Lebanon Sports Advisory Board kick off meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 26, 2013 at 7:00 PM at the Municipal Building Room D.

Members include:
John Bendel, Commission liaison
Ed Kubit, School Board liaison
David Donnellan, Recreation Director
Dave Franklin, Parks Advisory Board liaison

Voting members:
  1. Chip Dalesandro - Hoodridge Dr.Football/Baseball Assns. March 31, 2014
  2. Dale Cable - Rocklynn Place Basketball Association           March 31, 2014
  3. Stacey Franklin - Pinetree Road Field Hockey Association March 31, 2014
  4. Dave Klasnick - Martin Avenue Ice Hockey                          March 31, 2014
  5. Walt Henry - N. Meadowcroft  Indoor Tennis                      March 31, 2015
  6. Tim White - Roycroft Avenue  Lacrosse                              March 31, 2015
  7. Dave Franklin - Pinetree Road   Parks Advisory Board* March 31, 2015
  8. Anna Murphy - Craigview Drive Skating Club                      March 31, 2015
  9. Brian Auer - Old Farm Road Soccer Association                March 31, 2016
  10. Scott Foor - Jonquil Place Softball Association                  March 31, 2016
  11. Joy Pajak - Crystal Drive Women's Golf                              March 31, 2016
  12. Christopher Curran - Broadmoor (At-Large)                       March 31, 2016
  13. James Menegazzi - Lavina Avenue (At-Large)                     March 31, 2016
*Non voting member 

Agenda for kick off meeting


I know better than to ask, but here it goes anyway.  Is there anyone, not on this board, that would be willing to record this meeting for me? PLEASE? I would rather get a root canal, than attend this meeting.  Please email me at EGillen476@aol.com, if interested. I will provide the recorder.


To learn more about this board, visit http://www.mtlebanon.org/index.aspx?NID=2150

Thursday, March 21, 2013

True Confession About the School Board Meeting

I have not watched or listened to the entire March 18 school board meeting.  I did catch Harry Funk's article in today's PG. Mt. Lebanon school board rejects idea of school closing Personally, I am getting a little tired of Mr. Cooper. I consider him to be an obstructionist. In the PG article,
"Board member William Cooper gave his opinion about the potential ramifications of closing a school."

Anytime a board member comes up with a cost saving idea, Bill gives his opinion about why it is a bad idea. Hey Bill, why don't you come up with some ideas to balance the budget, besides raising taxes? I know you feel as though a .55 millage increase is like no increase at all, but in reality, it is like a .55 millage increase. What did someone say?  A million dollar increase?

More suggestions made at Monday's meeting included: (as quoted in the PG article)

• Eliminate an elementary librarian's position and have six librarians share duties among the seven schools

• Re-examine the high school's Math Lab, which provides tutorial, remedial and enrichment services for students

• Increase class sizes at the secondary level

• Reduce physical education requirements in high school

• Ask teachers to take fewer in-service or personal leave days

• Cut funding for club sports

Other suggestions involve ways to increase revenue, such as raising student fees for activities and parking.
The best line in Harry's story was the last line.

"We have not gotten a lot of feedback to this point," Mrs. Cappucci said. "I hope that people will start joining the conversation."
I hope the school board will start listening. We have had quite a conversation here.

Tuesday, March 19, 2013

Budget Update March 19, 2013 [UPDATED]

Budget Update March 19, 2013

"At the Board meeting on March 18, 2013, the Board discussed direction for the administration to prepare a proposed budget for the 2013-14 school year. The budget currently being developed considers a potential .55 mill increase which is the average increase since Act 1 of 2006 was passed limiting millage increases to an inflationary index. This is a 2% increase in the real estate tax millage rate. In order to provide a budget of this amount, over $600,000 of program reductions are necessary. Proposals to get to a .55 mill increase include some staffing reductions in various areas, taking advantage of retirements when possible. Also being considered are reductions in contracted services, travel reimbursements and supply funding.

A special meeting of the Board will be held on Tuesday, April 2 at 7:30 pm in the Jefferson Middle School Library to discuss reductions that would be needed to further reduce the millage rate. Note that millage calculations at this time use 2002 assessment levels since there continue to be a large number of outstanding appeals on the new 2013 assessments in the community.

As more reassessment information is known, the millage will be translated into new, lower millage rates so that the total tax dollars for District programs in 2013-14 do not exceed the allowable Index plus exceptions increase limits mandated by law. A proposed budget is expected to be approved by the Board at the April 15 meeting with approval of a final budget on May 20, 2013."

As was sent to me, there is some confusion concerning the meeting notice.
"It does not indicate which assessment numbers the 0.55 mill increase pertains to. It would be beneficial for the District to indicate, in today's U.S. Dollars, the actual amount of the budget the District is proposing, regardless of millage rate or assessment. This would eliminate confusion among the taxpayers regarding the amount of the budget increase. It would also be helpful for the District to include the amount of the grievance, with additional legal fees, as well as all fundraising costs and income in the budget total.

The state is increasing its Basic Education Funding to Mt. Lebanon by 3.4%, see below:
http://www.portal.state.pa.us/portal/server.pt/community/education_budget/8699/basic_education_funding/539259

This is an increase of $189,967 from last year. Why isn't the District passing the savings on to the local taxpayers? Does the 2% millage increase quoted above take this into account?

There are many unanswered questions, and it is impossible for the Public to assist the board with budget decisions while the District keeps important information away from public view."
Finally, from the Commonwealth Foundation, this might explain the PSERS contributions predicament:


 PA State Pension Spending

Update March 20, 2013 2:57 PM  Lebo board hopes fundraising will ease budget woes (Saved in Google Docs)

School Board Moves Forward with Capital Campaign [UPDATED]

School Board Moves Forward with Capital Campaign
March 19, 2013

At the March 18 School Board meeting the Board approved the firm of Pursuant Ketchum to serve as fundraising counsel to the Mt. Lebanon School District to implement the $6 million capital and endowment campaign. Representatives for the firm will begin to draft the campaign plan, calendar, case for support, develop and analyze the campaign prospect database. They will begin the search for an in-house campaign manager who will also be part of the MLFE, and start to recruit the leadership and volunteers for the campaign.

The goal of the campaign is to position the District for the future with an endowment to help sustain the educational, fine arts and athletic programs Mt. Lebanon School District is known for and to provide an opportunity to fund raise for the capital needs of the District.

Update March 20, 2013 2:57 PM  Lebo board hopes fundraising will ease budget woes (Saved in Google Docs)

Sunday, March 17, 2013

The Annual Budget Ritual

The following letter is from Mt. Lebanon resident, Bill Matthews.

Letter to the Editor




The annual budget ritual on Horsman Drive is underway. As the Board and
Administration have done for the last few years, they will likely refuse to acknowledge and address the realities of our Community.

They will grimace ... They will offer up quarters like they are manhole covers ... They will lob grenades at “other” public officials ... They will diss those whom they feel are questioning their nobility.

I will be the first to admit we cannot save our way to prosperity. But spending our way to oblivion is no more of an acceptable proposition. The District’s budgets and forecasts (available on its website) project our “per pupil cost” will have doubled by school year 2017-2018, since 2001-2002.

This increasing encumbrance on the Community is simply not sustainable. The long term trajectories of “per pupil cost” and “earned income revenue” are clearly divergent, with the former far outpacing the latter.

Per pupil costs will have grown 4.59% per year.

Earned income revenue 2.74% per year.

Earned income while growing the least; is hardly the least important metric of our economic wherewithal. Earned income revenue is, in my opinion, a good proxy for the buying power of MTL taxpayers, yet it still does not tell the whole story. It is an average, which means by definition, not all families may have experienced even this modest growth. Many of our residents have no earned income to start. And, many are still recovering from double-digit setbacks in savings and investments.

The Board needs to get serious about cost reduction and stop dreaming about revenue enhancement. We are accountable for our own fortune. Immediately, we should chart a course where the average growth in total expenditures is less than the projected increase in earned income!

Yes, this may sound hard to some … but in the real world … leaders do what cannot be done … all the time.

Thursday, March 14, 2013

So, who is running?

According to the Allegheny County Division of Elections, here is the slate:

For Commission:

    Ward 2 Steve Silverman (D)
                  Jack Doyle (R)

    Ward 4 Dave Brumfield (D)
                  Samantha Scrivner (R)

All School Board Candidates crossfiled. 5 Candidates for 4 seats:

    Mary Birks
    Durwood Hill
    Bill Moorhead
    Dan Remely
    Mike Riemer

Primary is May 21.

Wednesday, March 13, 2013

It starts at the top, Tim

In The Almanac "Mt. Lebanon mulls raising school taxes" (Saved in Google Docs) article:
School superintendent Dr. Tim Steinhauer explained that given a .55 mill tax increase, he believed the district could find the necessary cost savings without significantly impacting student programming. Staff attrition, adjustments to data warehousing and reductions in travel expenses for school board, teachers and administrators would all help close the budget gap.
Pay freezes for Tim Steinhauer and Jan Klein would also help close the budget gap, as their USC counterparts did last year. But nooooo, that will never happen. The board will continue to give them increases. Instead, the board continually bad mouths Governor Corbett, never taking responsibility for the mess we're in. I rolled my eyes when Bill Cooper said that .55 millage increase is like no increase at all. Huh? It would put us over 28 mills, Bill. An increase is still an increase.

Dale Ostergaard and Scott Goldman would like to see a zero millage increase.

The preliminary, a.k.a fake, budget presentation made by Jan Klein and Tim Steinhauer is available here.

Monday, March 11, 2013

mtl Magazine vs. In Mt. Lebanon Magazine

Hands down, In Mt. Lebanon Magazine is better. In the latest, 88 page issue  which costs residents nothing, we learn about:

  • Mt. Lebanon Public Library news and three month calendar, in addition to full color photos of their fundraisers
  • Health news
  • Sports news
  • Teen Center Schedule
  • PA DEP award of $31,500 to Mt. Lebanon
  • Fashion Show hosted by Keynotes of Music for Mt. Lebanon
  • Local Fish Fry Events
  • Pet news
  • Home improvements
  • Restaurant reviews
  • Spotlight on an excellent Orthodox Christian School. (I can speak first hand of this school!)
This magazine is available online at http://www.incommunitymagazines.com/communities/mount-lebanon.

I would like to copy a comment that recently arrived in my pending comments folder. I got the biggest kick out of it.

Anonymous said...
I think you're all nuts! I love Mt. Lebanon Magazine and so does everyone I know (why I'm an advertiser in it). Everyone reads it cover to cover it seems -- at least my clients do! I throw that In community "magazine" thing into the trash before opening it-- it is nothing more than a souped-up Pennysaver (whichever commenter suggested they were comparable must not know how to read). mt.l is a treasure that, as I understand it, is largely run on advertising dollars. the type of resident who mt.l attracts is generally one who is invested in developing a vibrant and connected community. mt.l is something we should be proud of as a community.
March 11, 2013 at 12:45 PM
Why did I get the biggest kick out of it? "Anonymous" advertises in Mt. Lebanon Magazine. Why didn't "Anonymous" take advantage of some free advertising and sign their name? Gee, do you think a mtl staff member wrote that comment? Or was it one of the 21 bloggers needed to run the lebomag blog, which is moderated by a NY Times moderator?   Delete

Sunday, March 10, 2013

Field Maintenance, Capital Campaign, and Budget

Three topics for discussion at tomorrow's school board meeting:
1. Field Maintenance Bid Award – The Board will discuss the field maintenance services that have been provided by the Municipality. The field maintenance services were engaged to improve School District fields since 1999. The District has solicited bids from other companies and the costs will be reviewed.

2. Capital Campaign Counsel – The Board will discuss the engagement of Campaign Counsel for a potential Capital Campaign.

3. 2013-2014 Budget Presentation – Information concerning the preparation of the 2013-14 Budget will be presented to the Board.

Field Maintenance: Glad to see the Municipality is getting out of the School Fields Maintenance business. What does this mean for the YSA? Probably a topic for discussion with the new Sports Advisory Board. Chip Dalesandro, who represents both football and baseball, will say that all was paid up, while the Franklins will be there to confirm it.

Capital Campaign Counsel: I am assuming we are going with Pursuant Ketchum. Capital Campaign Counsel.

2013-2014 Budget: Are we getting fake information concerning the fake preparation for the fake budget?

More change orders totaling $67,225

It's that time of the month.  Not that time of the month. Change orders, which are equally a pain.

Still no running total on the school district website. My grand total amounts to $1,238,943,65

Tomorrow's agenda lists these change orders:


a. GC-31-58 to Nello for $8,419 for 6th floor B Building pitch pockets to fix clearance between roof and ductwork,

b. GC-32-59 to Nello for $6,000 for shotblasting in 6th floor B Building for areas of unforeseen asbestos,

c. EL-14-60 to Farfield for $11,045 to furnish and install emergency transfer electrical cabinets,

d. EL-15-61 to Farfield for $3,038 to provide LED fixtures in lobbies of F Building,

e. PL-05-62 to Vrabel for $4,412 to add ball valves to all trap primers that did not have valves indicated,

f. PL-06-63 to Vrabel for $3,098 to add piping under physics room in G Building not on drawings,

g. PL-07-64 to Vrabel for $2,338 for floor drains, trap primers and piping in the pool storage area,

h. PL-08-65 to Vrabel for $1,167 for air gaps as required,

i. PL-09-66 to Vrabel for $8,264 for roof drains and associated piping in G Building,

j. PL-10-67 to Vrabel for $2,224 for added floor drains in fine arts restrooms,

k. PL-11-68 to Vrabel for $1,757 for waste piping to added toilet room in G Building,

l. PL-12-69 to Vrabel for $10,544 to furnish and install water feeds to boilers and chillers, and

m. ME-04-70 to McKamish for $4,919 for 6th floor B Building changes in patching, ductwork and crawl space demolition.
This month's total is $67,225. We can't even get that from the math wizards.

Saturday, March 9, 2013

Announcement from Dan Miller

I received the following email this morning.

 

Dear Friends and Neighbors-

I am proud to announce that I am running to be our next State Representative from the 42nd House District. Our former Representative Matt Smith has moved on to represent us in the Senate which means that a winner-take-all special election for that seat will now occur on May 21st

These are challenging times, but that is exactly why I am interested in serving you in the State House. I am not interested in going to Harrisburg to talk about the small things or to get embroiled in the typical partisan fights. I want action on the issues that grow and strengthen our middle class. I want real policies that keep jobs and opportunity in Pennsylvania. I think we need to change the way education is currently being funded and prioritized. We need initiatives that recognize our long term needs. Sometimes that means reforming the way our government operates. 

When I served as Commissioner in Mt. Lebanon we changed the way things were done. I fought to minimize public debt for routine expenditures and authored a real balance budget ordinance. We stopped short-sighted, damaging policies that ignored our pension costs and short-changed our infrastructure needs. We knew times were tough, but in passing such key reforms we didn’t act as if it was the end of times. 

Many of the Commission accomplishments that I am most proud of came from conversations with you. It was a WWII veteran that asked me to help him build a Veteran’s Memorial. It was local residents that encouraged me to fully review the necessity of maintaining the Parking Authority. It was a younger person who asked me why we had such a limited recycling program. I altered some ideas, combined others, and didn’t use some at all.  But I actively listened, debated, and worked in a largely bipartisan fashion to improve our community. And we did it all for you to see: televised on our public access channels and promoted on my website where I not only listed every major vote but also explained them. I recognize not every vote or position was or will be universally praised, but I promise you my sincerest effort to get things done and I will not be out-worked.

My wife and I love living in this area. My son attends public school in Mt. Lebanon and I continue to serve as a volunteer firefighter. I will work hard over these next couple of months to be worthy of your vote on May 21st. I invite your participation and urge you to follow my campaign at www.VoteDanMiller.com or at facebook.com/VoteDanMiller.

Best,

Dan

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Why don't we try to keep up with USC on this one? UPDATED 2X

When Upper St. Clair commissioners adopted their 2013 budget of $18.8 million, they reduced their millage to 3.9 mills, due to the Allegheny County Reassessment. They are at it again.  To prevent a windfall, the Upper St. Clair commissioners dropped their millage again to 3.83 mills. 

In addition to lowering their millage, the commissioners adopted an ordinance encouraging homeowners to install solar power systems. There is a 30% federal tax credit available, in addition to state grant money, which is available through the end of 2013. I can't get the commission to work out a group rate for energy use here. The best I got, was a link on our municipal website with help in choosing energy suppliers.

Why would anyone want to move here instead of Upper St. Clair? Is it for the schools? The taxes? Remind me.

USC lowers millage rate again

Update March 6, 2013 12:55 PM Sorry for the cross post. I had to update this thread with Upper St. Clair's Magazine Fund. TOWNSHIP/SCHOOL DISTRICT MAGAZINE FUND USC has one PIO, not two separate offices. Did you see how much the editorial staff is budgeted? $35,000! USC's total magazine operating budget is $191,043. They made $6,157 last year. Our editor in chief's base salary is $96,252.  This does not include any longevity bonus or benefits. In addition, she has a managing editor, a senior editor, an associate editor, a photography editor, a design associate, a production assistant, a clerical assistant, 9 photographers, 15 contributors, 4 people for copy desk, an art director, an advertising manager, and 4 account executives in advertising. That is just on the municipal side! 

Update March 7, 2013 9:28 AM I debated about starting a new post, but since it pertains to the PIO spending our tax dollars, I am adding it as an update. One of Lebolife blogs, is promoting a business, as well as his own blog. three ways to spice up spring That doesn't feel right to me. Somehow I feel that if I submitted an article and added a tag "Read more of Elaine's blog at lebocitizens.blogspot.com," it would not meet Susan Morgan's approval. I want to say something positive about our new "baby blogs," but I am at a loss.

Tuesday, March 5, 2013

Gastgeb's replacement

Mt. Lebanon's Krista Harris will be replacing Councilman Vince Gastgeb for County Council. Allegheny County Council Republicans have selected Ms. Harris to represent Mt. Lebanon, Bethel Park, Upper St. Clair, and Bridgeville until the special election which will be held in November. It is expected that Krista will go on to win the May primary and become the party's candidate to fill the remainder to Mr. Gastgeb's term, which runs through 2016.

Krista Harris made the news when Rich Fitzgerald and her husband, Mark had a verbal altercation after the November 2011 debate for county executive. Raja: Fitz behavior "erratic" When Krista shook Fitzgerald's hand and said, "I'm his wife,"  Fitzgerald, smiling, responded with: "I wouldn't be proud of that."

Republican candidates have until March 12 to submit their nomination petitions with 250 signatures for the May primary.

The Libertarian Party enters the House race

It isn't just between the Democrats and the Republicans anymore.  A third candidate has entered the race for the House seat in the 42nd District. The third largest political party in the United States is running Libertarian and Mt. Lebanon resident, George Brown for State Representative.

According to his website, George For Liberty, George Brown is:
  • Graduate of Slippery Rock State College 1982
  • Mount Lebanon Resident Since 1987
  • Software and Systems Engineer
  • Married 30 Years
  • Three Sons
  • Small Business Owner Since 1995
  • Hunter
  • Fisherman
  • Beekeeper
  • Proud Father of Three Eagle Scouts
Mr. Brown wants to bring some common sense and down to earth ideas to Harrisburg. Based on my unofficial poll for this race, one third of the voters are dissatisfied with the Republican and Democratic choices.  Unfortunately, I cannot change the poll by adding George Brown's name, but I can extend the deadline. Are those 30%, who are voting for neither of the Dan's, fed up with the Republican and Democratic parties? Time will tell on May 21, 2013.

Monday, March 4, 2013

"Lebolife blogs are launched!" UPDATED

The long awaited lebolife blog is up and running. I guess the correct name is "lebolife blogs." The first one is by editor-in-chief Susan Morgans, finding hope out of horror.

According to Facebook, here is how it is going to work:
Lebolife blogs are launched! Editor in Chief Susan Morgans has the first one; we'll publish three more tomorrow and then we'll publish every Tuesday and Thursday. We have a crew of 20 or so friends and neighbors who have lots to share over the coming weeks. Comments are on (but moderated) so feel free to contribute--constructively, of course!
So who is on deck?  Click here for the blogger roll call, which includes their bios and photos.

Congratulations on the new blog(s), Susan and Company.

Update March 6, 2013 12:00 PM Check out Upper St. Clair's magazine budget.
TOWNSHIP/SCHOOL DISTRICT MAGAZINE FUND UPPER ST. CLAIR TODAY MAGAZINE

Sunday, March 3, 2013

The Biggest Fool in Mt. Lebanon Award goes to...

Me. I am a little cranky today. Running this blog and website has become a full time job for me.  I really don't mind that part. I wanted to give back to the community and found my niche. However, I am being taken for a fool.

Public Information is costing residents $814,190 and Information Services is at $381,252. I sat at the four hour commission retreat on February 26, 2013 while mtl Magazine staff posted this on Facebook. mtl Magazine Facebook 02.26.13 Are you frickin' kidding me? Why are we paying these people to write this kind of crap while a resident had to cover the retreat? If I had not been there, the public would have had no idea what transpired. Why couldn't it have been held in the commission chambers?

Now, the plan is to have a new mtl Magazine blog called, lebolife.  On January 18, 2013, Susan Morgans submitted this article, Wanna blog?  On January 30, 2013, it was announced that they are still working on it and that it is on the way. No signs of lebolife anywhere.

mtl magazine is published by the municipality of Mt. Lebanon ten times per year. Staff includes an editor in chief, a managing editor, a senior editor, an associate editor,  and fifteen contributors, one of which likes to write about other cities, her neighbor's business, and former VOICE poster children's family. See page 34.

The latest service being offered to Mt. Lebanon residents will be streaming meetings on mtlebanon.org.  The article, "Meetings on Your Schedule" is on page 9 of this month's mtl Magazine. Mt. Lebanon has contracted with Granicus, a San Francisco based company.  How much is that service going to cost us?  I have been uploading meeting podcasts for three years. Yes, that will take the pressure off of me, but at what cost? Nick Schalles, manager of Mt. Lebanon's Information Technology Office said that the mtlebanon.org website couldn't possibly archive meeting podcasts. How has my little website been able to do it for both the municipality and the school district?

I submitted my thoughts, as much as was permitted, on the mtl readership survey. 

2013 Photography Salon Open House

The Photographic Section of the Academy of Science and Art of Pittsburgh invites you to its 2013 Photography Salon Open House, Sunday, March 10 from 1-4 PM at the Mt. Lebanon Recreation Center in Mt. Lebanon.

Please pass this information along to friends, family and other members of your organization.



For more information: http://www.pghphoto.org/

Saturday, March 2, 2013

Six Mt. Lebanon Overdose Deaths in One Year

KDKA's Mary Robb Jackson reported yesterday that Mt. Lebanon had five heroin overdose deaths and one methadone overdose from March 1, 2012 - March 1, 2013. Mt. Lebanon Officials Fighting Growing Heroin Problem

Kelly Fraasch interview

Commissioner Fraasch, thank you for moving forward as you describe in your blog post, Keep Going Strong!  In spite of resistance you received from two fellow commissioners, you are a true leader.

Keep going strong.


Friday, March 1, 2013

Josephine issues another big check

Thanks to Pennsylvania American Water for a $500 grant that will help Mt. Lebanon Fire Department purchase new cribbing and shoring equipment to help with confined space rescues. Pictured is firefighter Ed Davies with Jo Posti, the water company's public affairs specialist.

On Facebook:

Thanks to Pennsylvania American Water for a $500 grant that will help Mt. Lebanon Fire Department purchase new cribbing and shoring equipment to help with confined space rescues. Pictured is firefighter Ed Davies with Jo Posti, the water company's public affairs specialist.
A couple of things:

  • The check is for $1500, not $500.
  • Another PA American Water Company grant that is biased. Steve Posti is a volunteer for the Fire Department. Not that I have a problem with the Fire Department getting a grant or that Mr. Posti is a volunteer fireman, but...
On January 26, 2013, our Fire Department came to my rescue when a PA American Water meter, improperly installed, burst behind my home with water gushing into my yard. Long story short, PA Am Water will not cover the damage. Their attorney will not return my calls.  Do you think Josephine Posti can write one of those big checks to me so that I can get my yard restored?

Pay As You Throw



I missed Monday's Commission Discussion Session about a program that is being considered by the Commission.  It is called, "Pay As You Throw" (PAYT).  I asked Matt Kluck and Kelly Fraasch about this back in January, after stumbling across this document Recycling Technical Assistance Project #509. I was concerned about another fee being issued.  My question was, "Will we have to pay for garbage pick up?"

Matt replied with:
Elaine,
Only if the municipality decides to increase the frequency of recyclables collection or the state mandates it.
MK

Kelly replied with:
I will say after living in 6 states, we are behind in our collection systems.  Part of our program is very broken and we are paying out the nose for it.  If we can trim back some of these costs, I think it’s worth investigating...Remember we pay per pound for all our garbage. We pay a flat fee for recycling. It could help us to enhance and find incentives for recycling (residential and commercial).
From Lebomag.com
Michele Nestor, president of Nestor Resources, a solid waste consulting and project management company, talked to the commission last night about the feasibility of introducing a pay-as-you-throw (PAYT) trash collection system here.

PAYT programs charge residents for trash collection based on how much trash they generate. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection, 213 municipalities in the state have some kind of PAYT program. The benefits of this kind of system are an increase in recycling, and residents are only charged for the amount of trash they generate.

Some of the challenges are, the need for creating a new billing system to accommodate the change, and residents could perceive it as a new tax. Also, “Disposal is already cheap here,” says Nestor. “About 75 percent of the cost of disposal is fuel and labor, and those trucks are going to roll down the street every day anyway.”

Some other possibilities to promote recycling are a program called Recycle Bank, where people receive grocery coupons and other incentives for decreasing their trash footprint. A drawback, says Nestor, is that there is a cost associated with the program, approximately $15 per household per year, and in one survey, about 50 percent of residents registered, and of those, only about 10 percent used the service on a regular basis. Some communities have had success with a “secret shopper” approach, where a trash-day inspection will reward one or a few residents each week for showing good recycling practices.

“Or, you could just give out bigger bins for recycling,” says Nestor, something that could be done as part of a campaign to educate residents more about the advantages of the single-stream recycling Mt. Lebanon currently employs. Public Works Director Tom Kelley mentioned that his department often received positive feedback following stories in mtl Magazine about various aspects of recycling.

Despite the potential resistance to the program (or anything new), Nestor believes that PAYT is the way of the future.

Commissioners were open to exploring the possibilities of increasing Mt. Lebanon’s recycling output while decreasing its landfill footprint. Both Kelly Fraasch and Kristen Linfante moved here from PAYT communities, and both expressed a desire to see it work here.

Mt. Lebanon and the rest of the communities in the South Hills Council of Governments will be negotiating a new trash and recycling contract this year.

For more information about pay as you throw options, check out the EPA’s website, http://www.epa.gov/epawaste/conserve/tools/payt/index.htm.
Since I missed the meeting, I was hoping to learn more about the PAYT  discussion here.