Mt. Lebanon School District has not released the Capital Campaign Financial Report ending 1/31/18. As of 12/31/17, Mt. Lebanon taxpayers have spent $467,275.74 on salaries, healthcare, and fringes on a position that Lebo Citizens have been saying is totally unnecessary since the beginning of the campaign.
The breakdown for the "Director of Advancement" since its inception, is as follows:
Salaries $355,830.65
Healthcare $61,493.20
Fringes $$49,951.89
Nick Meduho had been filing Right To Knows for all the receipts concerning this issue. He had to face many obstacles because the District was not willing to surrender this information without a fight.
He asked for the "reset" presentation when then school board president Mary Birks would reply with, "Nope." I saw Nick later that week and he was still upset over the capital campaign. Nick died ten days after that school board meeting. He died from hypertension. Since he never went to a doctor, his high blood pressure was left untreated. What a senseless death. I will never forget that meeting.
Now I see that Sloane Astorino's name is no longer listed on the Capital Campaign or the MLFE website. Sloane also drew a salary and benefits for heading the MLFE. She vanished without a trace. Nothing is listed on Monday's school board agenda
Mt. Lebanon taxpayers deserve some answers. Come on, School Board Directors, do it for Nick.
Showing posts with label capital campaign director. Show all posts
Showing posts with label capital campaign director. Show all posts
Saturday, February 10, 2018
Thursday, August 13, 2015
Mt. Lebanon School District to ramp up fundraising campaign
Mt. Lebanon School District to ramp up fundraising campaign
Mt. Lebanon School District's fundraising campaign has received $1.1 million in pledges and has about $300,000 in hand, but organizers should do more to spread awareness of the effort and court big donors, a consultant said.
Consultant Margaret “Maggie” Schmidt said the campaign had strong and active volunteer leadership, yet was having trouble instilling a sense of urgency in potential donors with the $109.65 million high school renovation nearly complete.
“The high school renovation project is nearly completed, and there's been no real incident, no critical thing out there making people say, ‘Yes, there's a danger here or a challenge here and we need to make this happen,' ” Schmidt told the school board Monday.
The $6 million fundraising campaign originally was planned in 2012 to offset the second round of bonds issued for the project.
However, it couldn't have been started in time or raised enough to avoid borrowing money.
With bonds funding the renovation, proceeds from the campaign will be split between other capital projects and an endowment fund that will award grants for classes and programs at the schools.
So far, the campaign has secured a total of about $1.1 million in donations and pledges, with most coming from two “pacesetter” donors, Schmidt said.
In fundraising parlance, pacesetters are the early, big-money donors who help a campaign reach as much as half or two-thirds of its goal while fundraisers still are making private, individual appeals to potential donors.
Schmidt's comment was the first time anyone disclosed in a public meeting how much had been pledged and raised since the fundraising effort began in 2013.
Almost half of what's been raised so far will reimburse the cost of starting and running the campaign, though most of those expenses were one-time fees for things like purchasing software, said school board president Lawrence Lebowitz.
“The equipment, if you will, to run the campaign has been purchased and now we're just talking about personnel costs going forward,” he said.
The district will need to hire a new director for the capital campaign because Alyssa Jackson DeLuca resigned this year.
Schmidt has been filling DeLuca's role on an interim basis but said she has other commitments.
DeLuca's salary was about $82,500 a year, and Schmidt is being paid up to $2,000 a month for part-time work.
Schmidt recommended forming a panel to take requests and award grants to district projects and programs using some of the $300,000 the campaign has in cash, and using a planned grand opening ceremony for the high school renovation in the fall to draw parent and alumni attention to the fundraising efforts.
The campaign will broaden its search for additional “pacesetter” donors to bring in more large gifts, will look for donations from foundations or corporations and will do more to spread the word about the district's needs and reasons for the fundraising, Schmidt said.
“One recommendation is to make the campaign more public, which would mean that more people would know about it, more people would know the rationale and why it's important,” she said.
“It's different than going out and starting to mass-mail information to people.”
She also recommended evaluating the campaign in six months to assess whether the $6 million goal is still realistic.
The board will vote Monday on a contract that would allow the campaign to accept donations online or via credit card, using an add-on to the DonorPro software the district already bought.
The district will pay DonorPro a flat fee of $10 per month, plus 20 cents per transaction and 2.89 percent of each donation made via credit card, which Superintendent Timothy Steinhauer said was pretty typical of such contracts with payment processors.
Matthew Santoni is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-380-5625 or msantoni@tribweb.com.
Mt. Lebanon School District's fundraising campaign has received $1.1 million in pledges and has about $300,000 in hand, but organizers should do more to spread awareness of the effort and court big donors, a consultant said.
Consultant Margaret “Maggie” Schmidt said the campaign had strong and active volunteer leadership, yet was having trouble instilling a sense of urgency in potential donors with the $109.65 million high school renovation nearly complete.
“The high school renovation project is nearly completed, and there's been no real incident, no critical thing out there making people say, ‘Yes, there's a danger here or a challenge here and we need to make this happen,' ” Schmidt told the school board Monday.
The $6 million fundraising campaign originally was planned in 2012 to offset the second round of bonds issued for the project.
However, it couldn't have been started in time or raised enough to avoid borrowing money.
With bonds funding the renovation, proceeds from the campaign will be split between other capital projects and an endowment fund that will award grants for classes and programs at the schools.
So far, the campaign has secured a total of about $1.1 million in donations and pledges, with most coming from two “pacesetter” donors, Schmidt said.
In fundraising parlance, pacesetters are the early, big-money donors who help a campaign reach as much as half or two-thirds of its goal while fundraisers still are making private, individual appeals to potential donors.
Schmidt's comment was the first time anyone disclosed in a public meeting how much had been pledged and raised since the fundraising effort began in 2013.
Almost half of what's been raised so far will reimburse the cost of starting and running the campaign, though most of those expenses were one-time fees for things like purchasing software, said school board president Lawrence Lebowitz.
“The equipment, if you will, to run the campaign has been purchased and now we're just talking about personnel costs going forward,” he said.
The district will need to hire a new director for the capital campaign because Alyssa Jackson DeLuca resigned this year.
Schmidt has been filling DeLuca's role on an interim basis but said she has other commitments.
DeLuca's salary was about $82,500 a year, and Schmidt is being paid up to $2,000 a month for part-time work.
Schmidt recommended forming a panel to take requests and award grants to district projects and programs using some of the $300,000 the campaign has in cash, and using a planned grand opening ceremony for the high school renovation in the fall to draw parent and alumni attention to the fundraising efforts.
The campaign will broaden its search for additional “pacesetter” donors to bring in more large gifts, will look for donations from foundations or corporations and will do more to spread the word about the district's needs and reasons for the fundraising, Schmidt said.
“One recommendation is to make the campaign more public, which would mean that more people would know about it, more people would know the rationale and why it's important,” she said.
“It's different than going out and starting to mass-mail information to people.”
She also recommended evaluating the campaign in six months to assess whether the $6 million goal is still realistic.
The board will vote Monday on a contract that would allow the campaign to accept donations online or via credit card, using an add-on to the DonorPro software the district already bought.
The district will pay DonorPro a flat fee of $10 per month, plus 20 cents per transaction and 2.89 percent of each donation made via credit card, which Superintendent Timothy Steinhauer said was pretty typical of such contracts with payment processors.
Matthew Santoni is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. He can be reached at 412-380-5625 or msantoni@tribweb.com.
Saturday, June 13, 2015
DeLuca resigns
The Capital Campaign Director for Mt. Lebanon School District resigned recently. In my August 13, 2013 post Lebo Appoints Capital Campaign Director, Alyssa DeLuca's starting salary was $82,500 plus benefits.
According to Monday's school board meeting agenda, the school board will be approving Margaret M. Schmidt's contract. "This is an extension to the agreement with Margaret M. Schmidt to provide consulting services for the capital campaign at a rate of $62.50 per hour, not to exceed $2,000 per month, up to a maximum of 32 hours per month."
According to Monday's school board meeting agenda, the school board will be approving Margaret M. Schmidt's contract. "This is an extension to the agreement with Margaret M. Schmidt to provide consulting services for the capital campaign at a rate of $62.50 per hour, not to exceed $2,000 per month, up to a maximum of 32 hours per month."
Friday, January 9, 2015
ANOTHER consultant for the capital campaign? UPDATED
School board meeting agenda for Monday, January 12, 2015
John, is it in poor taste to complain about ANOTHER consultant for the capital campaign?
Also on the agenda is the approval of Jan Klein's fake budget. It's a peach this year.
Update January 13, 2015 5:38 PM Higher school taxes likely coming to Mt. Lebanon
John, is it in poor taste to complain about ANOTHER consultant for the capital campaign?
Independent Contractor Agreement – This is an agreement with Margaret M. Schmidt to provide consulting services for the capital campaign at a rate of $62.50 per hour, not to exceed $2,000 per month, up to a maximum of 32 hours per month. The Superintendent recommends approval of this agreement. Of course.What is the number of people working on the capital campaign now, not including Pursuant Ketchum? Are we ever going to get an accounting of the funds?
Also on the agenda is the approval of Jan Klein's fake budget. It's a peach this year.
Preliminary Budget - Act 1 of 2006 requires the Board approve a Preliminary Budget on the State form before February 18, 2015. Since the Board’s February meeting is after that date, we are presenting the budget for approval in January. In order to preserve the Board’s right to apply for exceptions to the Index under Act 1, this budget necessarily exceeds the Index. In April, a Proposed Budget will be presented to the Board for consideration which will not have to have the same millage rate as the one presented for Board consideration this month. By that time, we will know our proposed State funding, preliminary staffing numbers, retirement projections, student 2 course selections and heath care rates. The Preliminary Budget totals $91,880,396 utilizing $750,000 of the fund balance with a millage rate of 23.81 mills, a .66 mill increase. Only a .44 mill increase is allowable under the Act 1 Index. The Superintendent recommends approval of this budget. Of course.Finally, the January change orders are listed for approval.
Change Orders for High School Renovation Project – The change orders for the high school project total $68,519 this month with another $50,800 for insurance claims. The change orders are as follows:
a. GC-109-262 to Nello for $60,909 for door, partition, wall, concrete and masonry work,
b. EL-74-263 to Farfield for $7,610 for piping, lights and safety revisions,
c. IN-09-11 to Farfield for $37,728 for cable repairs, and
d. IN-10-12 to McKamish for $13,072 for HVAC repairs.
The Superintendent recommends approval of these change orders. Of course.
Update January 13, 2015 5:38 PM Higher school taxes likely coming to Mt. Lebanon
Friday, August 23, 2013
What does a MTLSD Capital Campaign Director make?
A Right To Know request was filed for the employment contract for the new Capital Campaign Director position.
A second Right To Know request for her employment record, reveals no work experience with PA Cyber. Different person with the same name.
Ms. DeLuca did not enter into or execute an employment contract. However, she did sign an offer letter dated July 23, 2013. Enclosed please find a copy of that letter. For the reasons set forth above, her home address has been redacted.
Page 1
Page 2It is a sweet deal. No wonder we are where we are financially.
A second Right To Know request for her employment record, reveals no work experience with PA Cyber. Different person with the same name.
Monday, August 19, 2013
It's heeere...
Timmy and company still get their raises every year. Some are lucky enough to get bonuses on top of their raises. We have a capital campaign director who is earning $82,500 and her second day on the job is a holiday. The median expected salary for a typical fundraising coordinator in the US is $60,440.
It is costing students more to park their cars, while administration and staff park for free. Students pay to cross busy Washington and Cochran Roads and walk greater distances through rain and snow. Parents seem to put up with it. Boy, am I glad my kids are done with Mt. Lebanon Schools. It doesn't seem right to me.
Pay to Participate for Athletics and Band Begins this Year
It is costing students more to park their cars, while administration and staff park for free. Students pay to cross busy Washington and Cochran Roads and walk greater distances through rain and snow. Parents seem to put up with it. Boy, am I glad my kids are done with Mt. Lebanon Schools. It doesn't seem right to me.
Pay to Participate for Athletics and Band Begins this Year
The Mt. Lebanon School District is implementing a “pay to participate” program for grades 6-12 beginning in the 2013-2014 school year. There will be a “pay to participate” fee for those involved in middle school and high school athletics, marching band and its auxiliary programs, and high school intramurals. To register your child for these activities, please click on the links below. The links can be found under Fine Arts or Athletics at www.mtlsd.org.
The fee structure is:
• High School Athletics – An annual $40 flat fee allowing a student to participate in each and/or every sports season;
• High School Marching Band & Auxiliary Programs - An annual $40 flat fee allowing a student to participate in the marching band/auxiliary program(s);
• Middle School Athletics - An annual $20 flat fee allowing a student to participate in each and/or every sports season; and
• High School Intramurals - A $5/person/event fee to participate in the high school intramural program.
• High School Marching Band & Auxiliary Programs - An annual $40 flat fee allowing a student to participate in the marching band/auxiliary program(s);
• Middle School Athletics - An annual $20 flat fee allowing a student to participate in each and/or every sports season; and
• High School Intramurals - A $5/person/event fee to participate in the high school intramural program.
Fee payment can be made through an online system, “FamilyID”, with the link soon to be available on the Athletic Department and/or respective middle/high schools’ websites. Please be advised that students will not be eligible for participation until this requirement is met. If a family is experiencing economic hardship and is unable to pay the fee, this can be indicated in the online system for the administration to review. Also, the fee will be capped at $80/family; this cap, however, will not include participating in the high school intramural program.
As a general principle, fees will not be refunded for students who quit a team, program, or activity; minimally attend practices, events, or games; become ineligible for any reason; or issues related to playing time. Should a student be cut from the program prior to participation, have a severe illness, injury, or unexpected family situation arise during participation that makes further participation unlikely, discussion can occur with the respective building administrator asking for consideration of a refund.
Additionally, the online system, “FamilyID”, will permit each student to complete participation forms which will be available online beginning with the 2013-2014 school year, using an electronic signature feature. Physicals, which require a doctor’s signature, will continue to be submitted in paper form.
Tuesday, August 13, 2013
Lebo Appoints Capital Campaign Director UPDATED 3X
Mt. Lebanon School Board Appoints Capital Campaign Director
August 12, 2013
The Mt. Lebanon School Board unanimously approved Alyssa DeLuca as the Director of the Mt. Lebanon School District Capital Campaign and Executive Director of the Mt. Lebanon Foundation for Education (MLFE). Ms. DeLuca will work with the Superintendent, MLFE Board Chair and campaign leadership to raise $6 million in capital and endowment funds. She will serve as the primary staff support for a volunteer campaign committee and the MLFE Board in the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of individual donors. Ms. DeLuca will lead campaign logistics and prospect management activities while establishing a long term development program for the District. She is expected to join the District on August 30.
Ms. DeLuca has been the Director of Development at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History for the past four years. Prior to that, she served as a Senior Communications and Marketing Consultant for Deloitte Services LP and the Director of Development and Communications for Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh. She is a graduate of Duquesne University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies.
“We are very pleased to welcome Alyssa DeLuca to the District as our capital campaign director,” stated Superintendent Timothy Steinhauer. “She has a strong background in development and fundraising and will be a capable, enthusiastic leader for our capital campaign.”
Update August 13, 2013 3:19 PM According to last night's Personnel Report, Ms. Deluca will be paid $82,500 a year and will begin on Friday, August 30 (Labor Day weekend).
Update August 14, 2013 2:11 PM I added the link to the personnel report.
Update August 18, 2013 7:45 PM A Lebo Citizens reader submitted the following article, Stocks can't fix Pittsburgh's pension system fiscal woes, experts warn With Larry Lebowitz inquiring when they can borrow again, the board needs to keep this article in mind. Change it from the city to Mt Lebanon and the story could be the same.
August 12, 2013
 |
| Alyssa DeLuca-New Capital Campaign Director and MLFE Executive Director |
The Mt. Lebanon School Board unanimously approved Alyssa DeLuca as the Director of the Mt. Lebanon School District Capital Campaign and Executive Director of the Mt. Lebanon Foundation for Education (MLFE). Ms. DeLuca will work with the Superintendent, MLFE Board Chair and campaign leadership to raise $6 million in capital and endowment funds. She will serve as the primary staff support for a volunteer campaign committee and the MLFE Board in the identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of individual donors. Ms. DeLuca will lead campaign logistics and prospect management activities while establishing a long term development program for the District. She is expected to join the District on August 30.
Ms. DeLuca has been the Director of Development at the Carnegie Museum of Natural History for the past four years. Prior to that, she served as a Senior Communications and Marketing Consultant for Deloitte Services LP and the Director of Development and Communications for Urban League of Greater Pittsburgh. She is a graduate of Duquesne University with a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies.
“We are very pleased to welcome Alyssa DeLuca to the District as our capital campaign director,” stated Superintendent Timothy Steinhauer. “She has a strong background in development and fundraising and will be a capable, enthusiastic leader for our capital campaign.”
Update August 14, 2013 2:11 PM I added the link to the personnel report.
Update August 18, 2013 7:45 PM A Lebo Citizens reader submitted the following article, Stocks can't fix Pittsburgh's pension system fiscal woes, experts warn With Larry Lebowitz inquiring when they can borrow again, the board needs to keep this article in mind. Change it from the city to Mt Lebanon and the story could be the same.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)