Elaine Cappucci sure is a gutsy woman. Not only did Elaine file, but is running for both seats! Let me back up a minute. As it was explained to me last week, there is a two year term seat which is the remaining portion of Elaine's term. Then there are the usual four year seats that expire at the end of this year. I believe all are running for both seats. Word on the street is that the solicitor is wrong on this, but what do I know? If Elaine wins both seats, or any of school board candidates win both seats, then there will be an appointment or another special election. (It is not clear what will happen.) Even with 111 mostly negative comments in my post, This nonsense has to stop!, Elaine is running in TWO elections.
I received another anonymous letter this morning. Again, I will permit anonymous comments to protect the individual(s) who sent this to me.
March 14, 2017 4:40 PM Another anonymous letter in today's mail. This time, the author claims to be a teacher.
Is this from a District insider ?
ReplyDeleteI believe it is, but that is all I know. I get the feeling it is from more than one person. I did hear that Cappucci was hesitant about filing after what was said here. If Cappucci wins, as well as the others on the Timmy ticket, then it becomes a real possibility that they will waive the nepotism policy.
ReplyDeleteBut if Mary Birks wins both seats, for example, she can appoint Elaine Cappucci. I wouldn't vote for anyone on the Timmy ticket. As a matter of fact, I don't think the Dems endorsed them!
Elaine
Cappucci would need to file two different petitions with signatures if she is running for two different positions wouldn't she?
ReplyDeleteHasn't that deadline line past and if not the signatures for one wouldn't be good for the second.
I hear that she (and most of the other candidates) filed four petitions
ReplyDeletea) 4 year term on Republican ballot
b) 4 year term on Democratic ballot
c) 2 year term on Republican ballot
d) 2 year term on Democratic ballot
Lebo needs a school board that is truly independent of the superintendent. They need morals and they need to be financially prudent with TPM.
ReplyDeleteTax Payers Money.
Here's an idea - don't vote for her. Quit your whining. It's exhausting.
ReplyDelete10:24 PM is a supporter of the Timmy Ticket. This is what you get if they win.
ReplyDeleteElaine
End of the day 10:24 is right. Just looking at one candidate's property management experience both in private business and with the school renovation is enough for this voter to say "enough is enough."
ReplyDeleteDon't renew TimAAAAA's contract. Don't vote for the TimAAAAA Ticket !
ReplyDelete10:24pm, if it's so exhausting, why do you keep reading it? Your peace and quiet is only a mouse click away.
ReplyDelete... unless you have an obscene amount of excess time and energy on your hands, in much the same way as many MTL residents have decided they have obscene amounts of excess cash to piss away on ineffective and expensive "deer management."
- Jason
This is the team that declares the high school project that has a slew of change orders (do they put the project way over budget if included in the bottom line?) is over due for completion, a success.
ReplyDeleteThey also claim poor mouth while approving lavish bonuses and buying expensive air conditioning and another environmental boon-doggie by turfing a PRACTICE FIELD for a million dollars!!!!!!!
If you've got money to burn by all means vote for the Timmy team. You'll get the tax increases you deserve, locally and from Harrisburg.
Harrisburg right now is trying to figure out a way to dig itself out of a huge budget deficit, that includes funding schools AND teachers and administrators pensions.
ReplyDeleteAsk yourself, who has contributed to those deficits.
How about the people at the local level that are building a lavish Taj Mahal high school, approve obscene administrator raises and bonuses, approve $5 million in air conditioning that rises the utility bill and impacts global warming and will turf a friggin' practice field for one million dollars.
And for all this spending have they improved your kids' academic experience or improved special education?
8:43 AM, I found a four second youtube video that you might appreciate. Timmy!
ReplyDeleteThere was a presentation of the preliminary budget at last night's school board meeting.
http://www.mtlsd.org/uploaded/District/Budget/2017-18_Budget/Budget_Presentation_2017.pdf
What a joke! We pay for the ASBO Certificate of Excellence. Jan Klein was to retire years ago with Deb Allen.
When will we come out of the Capital Campaign "Quiet Phase?" It has been YEARS! Look at the Century of Excellence Campaign Cabinet - Do you see any members of the Timmy Ticket?
PSERS rate increase from 30.03% to 32.57% (8.5% increase) – a .28 mill increase - A contributing factor is the administrative raises and bonuses! The USC superintendent and finance director willingly froze their salaries, while Timmy and others get whopping increases and bonuses.
Elaine
Residents should pay close attention to the page showing the historical tax rate increases in your link to the budget presentation, Elaine.
ReplyDeleteDo people see the trend?
And don't be fooled by that negative number in the reassessment Year. Look and see if your school district taxes went down 4%.
Taxpayer, ask yourself how much your personal health insurance premium went up, how much your deductibles and co-pays went up!
While we shrug our shoulders over the proposed school district spending here's what Gov. Wolf is proposing in Harrisburg. Hope the Timmy Team fans can afford it all!
ReplyDelete"• An 11 percent increase to the personal income tax. Changing the current 3.07 percent rate to 3.4 percent would raise an additional $1.4 billion."
"•A 6.5 percent tax on natural gas drillers operating in the Marcellus shale region. Drillers now pay a lower impact fee. A severance tax would raise $217.8 million at current gas prices."
"•A 6 percent sales taxes on basic cable TV, movie theater tickets and digital downloads. The new taxes would raise $414.6 million."
"•A .5 percent tax on fire, property and liability casualty insurance premiums for individuals and businesses. The new tax would raise $100.9 million."
"•A $1 tax on a pack of cigarettes and a 40 percent tax on cigars, tobacco chewers and vaporized e-cigarette smokers, all of which are not taxed now. The taxes would raise $604.1 million."
"•An 8 percent tax on casino slot machine and table gaming winnings and a 3.4 percent tax on Pennsylvania Lottery jackpots. The combined taxes would raise $67.2 million."
"•An 11 percent increase on the banking industry. The so-called bank shares tax would raise $39.2 million."
Remely, Remely?
ReplyDeleteI remember him!
Isn't he the director that said he'd see that the HS project wouldn't exceed $80 million and while pushing for $750,000 LEED certification said engergy consumption aware students could teach their parents how to install energy-efficient light bulbs?
Didn't he approve energy consuming, environment polluting A/C for the elementary buildings and will probably approve a giant heat sink practice field for the kiddies to play on after they leave their cool school!
All of you must not have AC in your homes then, since it's so bad for the earth.
ReplyDeleteLet's not have another debate about air conditioning, please? This is about nepotism and the appearance of collusion. It is about Timmy keeping his supporters on the school board.
ReplyDeleteElaine
This is interesting and the same time disconcerting from the budget report:
ReplyDeleteUnder staffing changes:
Specialist down -15%
Teachers down -1%
Personal Care Assistants up +10%
During the same period:
Student Enrollment up +1.7%
From the current budget trends:
• Earned Income Tax current collections are below projection. (Does this indicate that residents aren't making as much money as the directors think we are?)
• Realty Transfer Tax are trending "near" (is it nearly under or nearly over?) budgeted amounts (hmmm, maybe it's true that the smart people move in to educate their kids then get the hell out so they don't pay for it, artificial turf and deer culling)
🤷🏽♀️ I thought this post was about future education planning, spending/management, taxes and leadership?
ReplyDeleteCappucci's kid is already a district employee and may or may not be a good one, plus it's doubtful a new board would get rid of him.
Unless she has and her running mates have more relatives they're planning to hire nepotism seems to be the least of our worries.
I'm with you 11:07, will you join me in getting the Timmy Team to drop all the global warming, Save the the Earth, and Earth Day nonsense from the curriculum?
ReplyDeleteGetting a full time teaching job in PA is hard. Getting one with Mt. Lebanon is very hard. Getting a full time teaching job in Mt. Lebanon teaching History is next to impossible. Cappucci's son was only 24 and had little experience. Pure Nepotism! Period. Shame on her.
ReplyDeleteUh no, 11:58 AM. It is about Elaine Cappucci running again with Mary Birks, Dan Remely, and Katie Caste. Remely wants to do what he can to keep Timmy happy. That means more money for a superintendent that is already making more than any other super in the region. Seriously, where else can Timmy go and make more money? It is about Mary Birks who rolls her eyes when residents disagree with her during the comments portions of meetings. It is about Elaine Cappucci, who watched the time clock intently, instead of listening to what residents like Bill Matthews had prepared in his presentation. She was very rude to him. It is about Elaine Cappucci being on the board for two or four years while her son is a teacher and assistant football coach. It is about Elaine Cappucci who was president when Timmy got his five year contract renewed EARLY. It was only to be a three year contract, but for some strange reason, they extended to five years. http://www.thealmanac.net/article/20130917/NEWS/130919948#.UkCO6CjvbzI
ReplyDeleteIt is about Elaine Cappucci and Dan Remely keeping renovation skeletons buried for another four years. Remember the high school renovation bonuses they approved a few years ago for five individuals in 2013? Funny how I can't find that in the minutes.
Elaine
I would vote for Ms. Cappucci again. Dr. Steinhauer has been an good administrator, and the students are performing admirably.
ReplyDelete3:36 I don't know what drugs your are currently under the influence of but... Lebo kids are not performing admirably. The SAT test scores are not rising, the kids are not getting into the college of their choice. Timmy has taken a "great" district and made it "ok" His hire of Elaine Cappucci's son is a slap in the face to all that live in LEBO. He was not the most qualified candidate in the pool. Unless you consider his MOTHERS relationship with the man doing the hiring...TIMMY. Get your head out of your ass and make some improvement for the KIDS sake.
ReplyDeleteTo 2:28 SHAME ON TIMMY. I think all applicants for that job should post their credentials. Just put it out their to verify if in fact TIMMY chose the best qualified. JUST SAYING
ReplyDeleteNEPOTISM NEPOTISM NEPOTISM.......
I agree with everything you mention @ 3:22, except you forgot to mention that Cappucci chose to ignore the CAC's recommendations for the high school project.
ReplyDeleteHow much have the change orders and costs overruns gone up too? Plus, I don't think they are included when the district talks about the $109 million project.
If you read 11:58s comment closely they too are worried about things like keeping Timmy happy, excessive bonuses, hidden spending, etc., etc.
To 3:36, go ahead vote for Cappucci again that is your prerogative, but please tell me what Dr. S has done that warranted a bonus and extra vacation time?
The district and especially the kids also performed well under Smartschan, Sable, Wilson and the Super immediately preceding Tim.
The elementary renovation went thru with few problems, certainly no more than have occurred on the high school so tell us what stellar work can we attribute to Tim that warrants such huge rewards?
4:54, what is your source that the kids are not going to the college of their choice? Many kids go to extremely good schools every year.
ReplyDeleteC'mon 4:54, the kids will tell you the Super throws one helluva of a pizza lunch!
ReplyDeleteThat's just not something you'll get out of just any Superintendent.!
4:54 PM,
ReplyDeleteNow the conversation is going to be diverted, thanks to 5:22 PM. It is amazing that everything else you said was ignored. Team Cappucci/Steinhauer just waits for an opportunity to deflect. Don't give them that opportunity.
Please, let's keep this on topic.
Elaine
Don't miss my 4:40 PM update.
ReplyDeleteElaine
I can assure you that the second letter was not written by a teacher... Fearing retribution for speaking out? Do you know how hard it is to fire a teacher? Second, teachers don't normally critize the qualifications of a fellow teacher. They don't call it a "union" for no reason. The commenters on this blog cry out "THINK OF THE KIDS." Meanwhile, they also complain about all the costs of building new schools, teacher raises, AC.. All those things being..... you guessed it..:. For the kids. The teachers appreciate the fact that the current school board actually CARES about teachers.. KEEP HATIN'
ReplyDelete3:36/5:22, if you please convince me why I should vote for Cappucci, Birks, and Remely.
ReplyDeleteI'm all eyes if Elaine will allow it.
While you're at it please list Dr. Steinhauer's list of achievements or initiatives that have raised the bar.
For me Mt. Lebanon has been a highly regarded district for many, many years. I'm at a loss to find while Tim deserved obscene raises and bonuses for doing a job he was hired for. Perhaps you can fill us in.
Cappucci and Remely were warned in Audit & Finance meetings that the high school project and pension burdens would cause the district to exceed the Act 1 limits for raising taxes.
ReplyDeleteThey chose to ignore those warnings because they knew they always had exemption options to exceed those limits.
Any idiot can overspend we don't have to re-elect these two and their pal Mary.
You can assure us, 6:10 PM?
ReplyDeleteElaine
I am curious about something, 6:10 PM. Why are there two different slates of incumbent school board members, if everyone is in agreement? I guess some school board members care more about the teachers, than others.
ReplyDeleteElaine
6:10 every union knows how to take care of people that talk outside of school.
ReplyDeleteDon't talk stupid.
Still waiting for 3:36/5:22's list of achieve for the Timmy Team.
ReplyDeleteThey're such a cheerleader you'd think the list would be easy to compile.
Other slate? Who is on the other slate?
ReplyDelete6:11, who else is there to vote for?
ReplyDeleteI would rather see a smaller board than have the TIMMY ticket with the fix in. Is there anything preventing a smaller board if qualified people with good moral character are not running?
ReplyDeleteHey y'all...nepotism.
ReplyDeleteThis is a news worthy story..NEPOTISM AT ITS FINEST IN LEBO! When will the media run a story....Marty are you out there are you reading this blog.... PLZ run a news story MOTHER GETS 24 YEAR OLD SON JOB AS TEACHER IN LEBO
ReplyDeleteNEWS AT 11
PART 2: MOTHER RUNS FOR SEAT ON SCHOOL BOARD SHE RESIGNED FROM TO GET SON HIS JOB...
Not much has changed in LEBO.
I heard that Aviva Diamond, Mike Riemer, and Stephen Strotmeyer (Cappucci's replacement) are on another slate. Also heard that there is a Republican running, but I haven't gotten his name yet.
ReplyDeleteThe four listed above plus Katie Caste total five. Who needs Birks, Cappucci, or Remely? Sorry Timmy.
Elaine
There is an old saying: "You can't tell the players without a scorecard."
ReplyDeleteFor me, looking at the Base Budget for 2017-18 document the significant rise in the "Historical Tax Rate Increases" from 2012 thru 2016 is alarming. So is the "PSERS Contributions Rise" which contrary to what the current board members would lead you to believe that they play no roll in, is unsustainable.
Every pay increase, every bonus, every turf project, or building enhancement raises one or the other or both.
From 2006 thru 2011 we had SD tax increases of .38, 0, .25, .30, 2.52 HS bond), and 0 respectively.
From 2012 thru 2016 those increases have been .50, -4.52 (reassessment, did you pay less?), .54, .40, .38.
For this year once again the board is going to ask for exemptions so they can exceed the Act 1 limit on a tax increase.
Do voters see the trend? Why should we vote for the Cappucci, Remely, Birks Team? There's no control over spending by this group that I can see. There's been no significant student performance increase 2012-16 over 2006-11 for all the increased spending.
So, before I cast a vote for any of the candidates I'd like to see their scorecards and hear how they will run the district.
It's important because Harrisburg is going to hammer us with new taxes as well.
Just a little thought from the Education world ... in many ways, the problem is the whole notion of The School Board itself, which is an outdated, antiquated structure designed to hold the line on the systemic status quo.
ReplyDeleteKeith David Reeves (2016) writes: "By having a school board you are guaranteeing micromanagement, because rather than looking at the large-scale picture of what is good for the community, in terms of philosophy and values, the school board concerns itself with its solely-tasked, narrowly-constrained, specific responsibilities, and so micromanagement is inevitable. It encourages precisely the kind of meddling, manipulation, and political machination that should be prohibited outright in every corner of education policy craft" (p. 139).
I would extend this argument and say that this is particularly the case in communities like MTL - where the pot of gold at the end of the political machination rainbow is so inflated by excessive taxes and egos. This is why we get so much meddling and manipulation in MTL - it feels so darn good to be important, doesn't it?
- Jason
Dr. M:
ReplyDeleteYou make a salient and interesting point, but I'll see your School Board and raise you the ENTIRE public education system itself! - which is based on a 19th century Prussian model adopted by American education "experts" back in the 1800's. That model concentrates on schools and school systems; but as Dr. Stephen Davies (education director at the Institute of Economic Affairs in London and program officer at the Institute for Humane Studies) points out, education is NOT the same as schooling. Unfortunately, we've been conditioned to think that the public school system is a "public good"; so much so that many people put the "interests" of public schools over the educational interests of their own children. I certainly see that here in Lebo.
So, yes, I agree that the School Board is outdated, and it certainly exists to maintain the "systemic status quo." But it is part of a larger problem that will not be fixed until families have the right to choose the style of "schooling" that delivers the kind of education that best serves the interests of their children, and not the interests of a taxpayer funded, forced bureaucracy.
In the meantime, we are looking at candidates on the Timmy Ticket (collusion? nepotism?), incumbents NOT on the Timmy Ticket, and three new faces.
ReplyDeleteElaine
EG:
ReplyDeleteOf course you're correct, and I apologize for going "off the tracks"; but Dr. M. adduced a good point and I wanted to expand on it.
To the subject at hand; I hope the new candidates will publicize their positions in such a way as to be distinguishable from one another.
Exactly Richard and the point of my comment at 6:15.
ReplyDeleteWe need a scorecard to tell the difference between the players.
Will the League of Women Voters provide a venue that allows us to examine the candidates and their past performances or vision for the future? Hopefully they will.
Name recognition is hardly a reason to vote for someone!
24 hours and still no report with specifics from the Timmy Team cheerleader on why we gave Steinhauer a huge raise and bonus or why we should re-elect Cappucci, Birks or Remely.
ReplyDeleteYou'd think 3:36/5:22 could pull that info together in a flash.
On the nepotism issue. Surely someone in the district administrative offices has a record of how many candidates were interviewed for the position filled by Cappucci.
ReplyDeleteThere should be a log of appointments or copies of rejection letters sent to candidates that were interviewed and rejected wouldn't you think?
This record keeping is good common sense in private industry HR depts. to head off concerns of nepotism.
Apparently, the board has seen fit to keep this year's budget increase under the Act 1 limit according 3/13/17 posting on the district website.
ReplyDeleteIt's still .54 increase which is barely under the Act 1 limit.
I doubt anyone could get those records. I am sure MTLSD would claim personnel issue. However the candidates that did not get the position teaching History are not MTLSD Personnel.!! Perhaps the records can be obtained thru a Right TO KNOW??
ReplyDeleteAre you sure about that, 2:29 PM? Have you tried? Resumes from job applicants have been available through govt. agencies every time we submitted RTKs. If you have time, after contacting the rat lady at the Health Dept., why don't you submit a RTK for those resumes?
ReplyDeleteElaine
Why is a RTK your solution for everything? What, you're going to get a hold of young adults' resumes for a social studies position and then decide if Cappucci was the most qualified? I'm sure the LC readers will be able to do that objectively after reading these comments. Also, you can't submit a RTK for in person interviews, which i'm sure are a big part of applying for a teaching job. Maybe if you all are so interesting in checking out applications, you should just become a superintendent. I'm sure it is an easy job to obtain especially in such a failing school like Mt. Lebo.
ReplyDeleteHere's a perfect example of why we need to get rid of the Timmy Team.
ReplyDeleteIn a recent PG article "Mission for Mt. Lebanon schools: Lower property tax increases" ---- "Mr. Steinhauer said nearly 90 percent of the district’s expenses are tied to mandatory spending, such as teacher salaries and benefits."
Mandatory spending? Six percent raises for him, big bonuses, extra vacation time? Is that really mandatory?
According to Hillary during the past election ""I know a lot of Americans are angry about the economy, and for good cause," Clinton said. — "Americans haven’t had a raise in 15 years." Politifact, February 11, 2017
Further in the "Politifact" article they agree with Clinton's claim by writing "Using this measure, wages are up slightly since 2000. That’s a raise, but it’s a pretty modest one of 2 percent over the past 15 years."
So if the Superintendent and Board are truly looking for ways to lower property tax increases, why don't they lead by example?
So to give Lebo residents a little break on their taxes, we should slash the salaries and benefits of the people providing the most important service in the community?
ReplyDeleteSeriously, 12:28 PM? I wouldn't consider Timmy as someone providing the most important service in the community. Granted, Timmy is a first responder when it comes to pizza lunches, photographing programs of high school plays, bathrooms and shiny water fountains. He also risked his life while wearing a hard hat for photo ops of the high school project, but I would consider police officers, paramedics, and fire fighters as those who provide the most important service in the community. Some would say that Public Works provides the most important service in the community, while others would think it is the Public Information Officer, but Timmy? Ugh, I don't think so.
ReplyDeleteElaine
Apparently 12:28, even Dr. Steinhauer disagrees with you.
ReplyDelete"Mr. Steinhauer said nearly 90 percent of the district’s expenses are tied to mandatory spending, such as teacher salaries and benefits.
While the student population has grown this year by about 1.7 percent, the staff has been reduced by 3 percent."
If these people are "providing the most important service in the community" why did Steinhauer reduce staff by 3%?
It appears you should take your thoughts up with him!
12:28, which would you say provides the "most important service in the community?
ReplyDeleteDr. Steinhauer's raise, his bonus, the extra week of vacation or his private bathroom or this 3% of staffers let go while student enrollment rose 1.7%?
As one of my favorite teachers used to say, "please show your work to prove how you came to your conclusion!"
12:28 PM - "a little break on the taxes"?..."slash salaries and benefits"? Since when is a reduction in the RATE of INCREASE a "break?" Also, define "slash!" It's just like the district baton twirlers to use hyperbole and gross exaggeration to create a straw man in order to knock him down. You must be Remely or a district employee!
ReplyDeletePublis
And while my dander is up, 12:28 PM, if you think the district is "providing the most important service in the community" I'd suggest you think again. Would you prefer to go 90 days without school in session, or 90 days without police or fire protection; or public works; or trash collection - not to mention 90 days without water, electricity or gas? My kids could sail through 90 days without going to school because my kids have access to alternative forms of education, many of which are FREE (think Kahn Academy)! Besides, Mt. Lebanon teachers don't have a problem denying the community "important services" when they strike for higher pay and benefits!!
ReplyDeletePublis
Publis, great perspective!
ReplyDeleteThe municipality and school district could save quite a bit of money without impacting the kids' education by combing the two PIO offices like USC.
Publis, I'm sure your kids will get into a fine academic institution with their Kahn certificate. That's the problem with many commenters, you think our teachers are just expendable. That they can be replaced with extra help websites. Obviously the police and firefighters perform valuable tasks, that's not what was meant in the original comment. In addition, reductions in staff could also mean not hiring a replacement for a teacher who has retired. Mt. Lebanon does not really fire many staff due to budget, they just raise classroom sizes by not hiring a teacher for every single one who leaves. Don't overreact and think that I meant to diss the work of the hard-working, life-saving individuals in the community. Was just trying to highlight how important our teachers and administrators are to the community. They are more than a salary.
ReplyDelete12:28, you need to wake!
ReplyDeleteMillions of people lost jobs, lost pensions, lost healthcare or are paying huge increases in premiums, out-of-pocket and deductibles. These cuts have been felt by doctors, paramedics, fire fighters, nurses, caregivers and in and on.
Why should educators been immune to any reductions or slow downs?
8:11 PM - You built a nice straw man out of my comments, as usual. Try reading what I wrote again, and this time be sure to parse the sentences correctly. And don't worry about my kids - that's my job! They will have absolutely no problem getting into the college of their choice. None.
ReplyDeletePublis
If we vote for the Timmy Ticket, Cappucci, Remely, and Birks will see that Timmy gets another increase, bonus, and another contract extension. Guaranteed! We hear for months how the board is looking at ways to cut the budget, buying less paper, increasing student fees, blah, blah, blah. After the budget is passed in May, then we hear that Timmy gets his obscenely generous increase and merit pay just weeks later. Every damn year. Sorry, 8:11 PM, Timmy is NOT important to the community. We can do without him. He know it. That is why he has Remely running with Democrats, Cappucci running while people are crying "Nepotism!" and Birks saying that they did not seek the Democratic endorsement. It isn't about the kids, is it? What a crew!
ReplyDeleteElaine
8:11 no one is saying that teachers and administrators provide a valuable service, so knock off the spin. A lot of teachers in private and parochial schools do as well and do it for a lot less money, benefits and smaller pensions. So knock off the BS, kids from these private institutions perform just as well or sometimes even better than those going through the public schools.
ReplyDeleteAs far as expendabilty, tell us, when has the district suffered from the retirement of exodus of a superintendent or teacher? The school district survives because parents/taxpayers demand that it does.
The debate here is whether the board is spending more than the community can afford.
8:11 are you seriously going to argue that our Super or teachers aren't expensively?
ReplyDeleteIf we gave Dr. Steinhauer a 3% raise instead of 6% and no bonus and he chose to leave the district would fall apart.
It's not like we're asking the well compensated Super to work for nothing!
If he were to bolt that would pretty much tell us how committed he is to educating our kids.
I'm sure you'll bring up the search cost to find a new Super as a justification for Dr. S's lavish compensation. I'd hope that either one of his Assistant Superintendent are competent enough to step up to fill the position!
Remember it wasn't that long ago we had ONE Super and ONE Assistant and enrollments were much higher.
http://www.bizjournals.com/pittsburgh/stories/2010/05/03/daily48.html
ReplyDelete"Steinhauer expects test scores to start improving right away."
“We anticipate seeing results next year,” he said. “That’s what the district brought me in to do, to improve student achievement.”
This article is from 2010. Did he improve student achievement? Did the change warrant lavish pay increases and bonuses?
Interesting MTLSD info from Allegheny Institute in 2012.
ReplyDeleteBased on the audited financial report available on the District’s website, from 2002 through 2011 enrollment fell from 5,616 to 5,268 (-6%). Over the same period full-time equivalent employee headcount rose 3.5 percent. The categories of supervisory and student services personnel were both up 16 percent while instruction and support/administration are up 2.5 percent and 1.6 percent, respectively.
Astonishingly, the audited data show fringe benefits have jumped from $6.4 million to $13.9 million (114%) during the 2002-11 period, pushing the ratio of fringe benefits to salaries in the District from 20 percent to 34 percent in 2011. If the $1 million grievance settlement is awarded the fringe benefits to salaries ratio will almost certainly rise even further. Total outlays climbed 42 percent over the period, boosting per pupil expenditures by 52 percent. Note that from 2006 to 2011, SAT scores were flat, although still well above state and national averages.
Will the District raise property taxes? Been there and done that. Notwithstanding the County assessment freeze that was touted as a way to curb property tax increases, audited financial data show that after reducing the property tax rate from 20.76 mills to 18.12 in the 2002-03 year, Mt. Lebanon school tax millage rate was raised every fiscal year since except for 2007-08 and 2011-12. For 2011-12 the tax rate is set at 26.63 mills, almost 50 percent higher than the 2002-03 rate. By comparison, the average Allegheny County school district rate for this year is just over 23 mills according to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
All the above is very, very interesting especially in light of Dr. Steinhauer's recent comments about trying to reduce tax increases.
"Mr. Steinhauer said nearly 90 percent of the district’s expenses are tied to mandatory spending, such as teacher salaries and benefits.
While the student population has grown this year by about 1.7 percent, the staff has been reduced by 3 percent."
Perhaps the 3% staff reductions should have been made years ago if the AI's numbers are accurate!
I hope Lebo Citizens readers spread the word about the Timmy ticket. Timmy might want to have an exit strategy.
ReplyDeleteElaine
Brought to you by Cappuci, Birks and Remley! The highest paid superintendent around. Only the city of Pittsburgh pays higher.
ReplyDeleteSteinhauer, who previously served as principal of Upper St. Clair High School and assistant superintendent of the North Allegheny School District, is focused on sifting through the district’s performance data in an effort to see where improvements can be made. The district is gathering MAP — Measure of Academic Progress — data from the students throughout the year in order to gauge how well they are learning long before the PSSA tests are given. With that data in hand, the principals and supervisors are then setting goals to improve achievement.
“All (the schools) have a goal to improve student achievement on the PSSA,” Steinhauer said. “That’s the overall goal, but it gets more specific. We ask them to develop action plans to spell out their map for how they are going to achieve that goal.”
Another goal that Steinhauer has set is to use the Baldrige Education Criteria for Performance Excellence, a national framework that helps to improve efficiency and effectiveness in teaching.
Steinhauer expects test scores to start improving right away. THEY HAVE NOT!!!!!!!!
“We anticipate seeing results next year,” he said. “That’s what the district brought me in to do, to improve student achievement.” EPIC FAIL
So what did Steinhauer do to deserve such generous raises, additional vacation time, and bonus?
ReplyDeleteNothing, 8:14 AM. Did you read his amended contract that the Timmy Ticket approved?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.mtlsd.org/uploaded/District/Contracts/MTL_Supt._Amendments_to_Contract_6.20.16.pdf
His amended contract states that if Timmy meets the performance criteria, he gets a raise of 5.5% this year, a bonus, AND (this year) 3% of his base salary in the form of a tax deferred supplement to an approved retirement plan of Timmy's choice!!!!!!!!!
OMG!!!!!
Elaine
All that was approved the month before Elaine Cappucci resigned because her son was interviewing with Timmy for the teaching/coaching positions.
ReplyDeleteElaine
Anybody remember this post?
ReplyDeleteApparently Dr. S's sentence is --- Gimme money, a whole lotta money!
https://lebocitizens.blogspot.com/2012/09/what-is-his-sentence.html?m=1