Well, well, well

Thanks to the School District website, I see that January is School Board Recognition Month.

             

School Board Directors sans Scott

January is School Board Recognition month, giving us an opportunity to thank our Board members Elaine Cappucci-President, Lawrence Lebowitz- Vice-President, Mary Birks, William Cooper, Scott Goldman, Edward Kubit, William Moorhead, Daniel Remely, and Michael Riemer, who volunteer so much of their time to provide strong public schools for our community. For more than 175 years, communities in Pennsylvania have had a voice in the operation of their schools through a locally elected board of school directors consisting of individuals from their community. These people are our neighbors, friends, community leaders, and parents– all with one common goal – making sure students are properly educated in preparation for life. 

Our School Board enables us to have local control of our public schools, meaning that decisions on school programs are made by local, elected representatives who understand the community’s unique challenges, values, culture and circumstances. With the advice and counsel of the educational professionals they hire, our school board has a bearing on virtually every aspect of our schools. It’s a huge responsibility and we are thankful to our board members for their dedication, hard work, and commitment to providing the best education possible for our students and a strong school system that benefits our community.

Yep, there they are, all except Scott Goldman. Not even a cardboard cutout of the lone wolf, or is it coyote? Scott Goldman is the only one who says what he feels and votes according to his conscience. For that, he doesn't make the photo, I guess.

This is the group that will be approving a $74,000 trophy case tonight, a number that is listed as the low responsible bid. What it really represents is the ONLY responsible bid. I missed a golden opportunity. I should have subcontracted a cabinet maker and submitted a bid for $70,000 and make a tidy profit.  Boy, did I screw up.

We are thankful for this group of dedicated volunteers who brought us TERC Investigations, Go Zones, $2.6+ million in change orders, student parking fees, activity fees, lucrative salary deals for administrators, and for hitting a new low in rudeness to stakeholders and parents.

Yes, we are thankful. Happy School Board Recognition Month!

All sales are final

And so it begins. We warned you...

From: "Ronald P. Davis, EdD" <noreply@mtlsd.net>

Date: Thu, 6 Jun 2013 08:52:49 -0400

Subject: Pay to Participate Program

June 6, 2013

Dear Parent/Guardian,

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. 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.

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.

In the coming weeks, additional details and direction will be provided by our building principals, athletic director, and/or program leaders. Thank you, in advance, for your attention to this matter.

Sincerely,
Ronald P. Davis, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education

Pay to play

On Monday, the school board approved the 2013-14 budget which includes student fees for sports and extracurricular activities.

The fee schedule for sports includes:

$40 for high school sports
$20 for middle school sports
$5 for intramural sports

Band activities will cost students $40.

Student activity fees are expected to generate $50,000 according to Item #17 on the Budget Reductions Concepts for 2013-14

Students will also pay $25 more to park next year when the parking fee increases to $75 a year.