Lenape Keeps Full-Day Program, Adds Half-Day As Option
Leechburg attorney and former mayor/school board director Chuck Pascal’s comments were met with several rounds of applause by the audience at last night’s Lenape Joint Operating Committee meeting. The committee voted to keep Lenape a full-day program, but explore a half-day optional alternative.
by David Croyle
The Lenape Joint Operating Committee (JOC) met last night in front of an audience of several hundred, decided to keep Lenape’s full day program, but explore options to add a half-day program as well.
JOC President Meredith Christy called the half-day session a “hybrid delivery system” where “parents and their student would decide what they wanted for their vo-tech education and not the school board.”
This unanimous vote directed Lenape administrators, along with superintendents, business managers, faculty and “others” (anyone else the administration felt they wanted to include) to discuss and report back to the JOC a plan for enhancing educational opportunities of Lenape while protecting the integrity of the full day program.
It was clear that three of the four school districts favored the full-day program.
“Our position is that under no circumstance do we want to eliminate a full-day program at Lenape. We support the full-day program,” Christy said, who also represents Freeport Area School District. “However, we would like to have the option of a half-day opportunity for those students who prefer to stay at Freeport but attend Lenape for only their vocational training.”
Ms. Terri Smith of Leechburg School District said her board was split. “Last night we had our meeting. We voted, with one absent and one abstaining, three for hybrid, and four for full day,” she reported. “I am for full day and Mr. Knepshield is voting for hybrid.”
“We are a split board,” Leechburg’s Terry Knepshield said. “We are interested in exploring a hybrid option. There was not an official majority for either issue.”
Apollo-Ridge School District reiterated their position made known at last month’s JOC meeting.
“With the information and comments that we have… Apollo-Ridge proposes that students attend Lenape utilizing a full-day program,” Sharon Jaworsky stated to the applause of the audience. “Under this format, we will continue to monitor a plan to support students and have a collaboration between Lenape and Apollo-Ridge School District.”
Administrative Director Dawn Kocher-Taylor explains her plan to facilitate a half-day session at Lenape Tech while JOC President Meredith Christy (left) and Armstrong School District Superintendent William Kerr look at the report she submitted last night.
Administrative Director Dawn Kocher-Taylor explained a report given to the JOC regarding half-day costs.
“What I would view this to look like is not one document as I am presenting to you, but several options for hybrid delivery. What you have here is strictly an estimate. Before you arrive at a cost, you have to arrive at a program. What we attempted to do was look at what a program might look like,” Kocher-Taylor said.
Included in her report was: retaining four academic teachers in English and Math, a blue print reader teacher, instructional aides in technical areas, and maintain operation of cafeteria because of space issues and transportation (she noted that the cafeteria is self-sustaining and is not funded through the general fund).
“We reduce dollar amount for academic areas for supplies, maintain cooperative education, and take homebound and detention back to home school. We would still have a guidance counselor, but may not need a librarian or program development person. We would reduce clerical support, maintain a nurse, and bus operations and facility – transportation is a variable,” she said.
In order to reduce loss of instructional time, Kocher-Taylor suggested students would be transported from home to Lenape for morning classes, then Lenape to home after afternoon classes concluded rather than back to sending schools.
“We believe this framework does not compromise the quality of our technical program. This particular scenario maintains the integrity of technical programs to a high degree.
Kocher-Taylor outlined costs for technology programs specifically, but did not give overall amounts to the public.
“This might not be the scenario you are looking at — slightly higher than what you are paying — but it is a different program than what you are purchasing now. There is a $1.2 million difference… about $2,683 per student difference. This is a half-day only high-quality program. If you look at what you currently pay, it would equate in full-day to a nickel for every dollar in your budget… or about 5% of every dollar.”
Superintendent of Record Dr. William Kerr collaborated Kocher-Taylor’s report.
“We insisted on maintaining work-based experience, internships and apprenticeships. We discussed the Life Skills program. There are eleven kids in the current program. It would not make sense to disrupt their day in a half-day program. It makes sense for those kids to stay here. The cafeteria here is part of the curriculum. We have a list of fourteen items… What about logistical issues? Health and Phys Ed… home school or here? There is complicated bus routing. Transportation costs of $1,828 was unchanged from full to half day because we need more time to study those numbers. We did make cuts. We looked at it from an educational standpoint understanding many variables yet to be explored,” Kerr added.
Armstrong School District Board member Joseph Close was skeptical of the JOC decision to embrace half-day sessions with full-day sessions.
“There is a strong desire to make this institution half day, all driven by costs,” he said. “I utmost would like to see kids have the most advantages. In back of my mind, I don’t want this hybrid program to be a backdoor to half-day. I don’t know how you could put parameters to stop it from happening. If people chose half-day, then it would compromise the current full-day program in the future.”
Lenape currently has 453 full-time students this year.
“If it got down the road and it look like it would undermine it, Freeport would not support it,” Christy said. “What if we maintain 450 students, and then another 300 want half-day… now we have 700 students coming to Lenape. It would show there are more people interested in vo-tech and it would becoming a booming institution. That is the plus side. If we focus on options that Ms. Kocher-Taylor talked about, and we are not going to sacrifice full-day program, then we should be okay for the Administration to work you this study.”
Kathy Vargo
Leechburg Board Vice-President Kathy Vargo, who randomly spoke out from her seat in the audience, made a formal request to allow the discussion of Lenape administration to include faculty and any others they need to have in discussion from sending schools. Christy agreed and said the motion provided for such input.
Jennifer Willyard
Ford City resident Jennifer Willyard asked if the interested persons could send letters or emails requesting to be involved. Kocher-Taylor said it could be accomplished with a local-connect phone call at a time when they would be soliciting for parent/student involvement.
“It could be students, select faculty members, state persons… Their input may be valuable and time saving for us,” Kocher-Taylor remarked.
Route 85 Kittanning resident Byron Bradigan was concerned about the Lenape administration not taking enough time to explore the half-day options.
Byron Bradigan from Route 85 in Kittanning was concerned about the JOC giving ample time in exploring half-day alternatives “to make sure there is no rush to judgment.” Christy said there was no time limit on the motion.
Following approval, Christy was optimistic. “I feel like we accomplished something here tonight and now the Administration can move in a direction to protect the full-day program and offer other opportunities to our students in one form or another.”
When general comments were permitted, Bob Podvorec of Manor Township questioned Armstrong Board Vice-President James Solak’s motives and told of interacting with children, both as a substitute at Lenape and coaching Lenape basketball.
“A lot are not happy with home schools and want to be here. They found themselves a place and they fit in. I talk to kids from other districts who have same opinion. They want to be here and that’s the way it is.
Solak defended his position to Podvorec. “I would not want anyone to hold me responsible for Mr. Markilinski’s comments. I am not in favor of just full-day. Everybody out there supports vocational opportunities for children. Mr. Christy said we could go from 400 to 700. If we exclude one student, that is wrong. At least it should be hybrid like 367 school districts across the state that offer non- full-day only. Only 90 offer full-day only. That is a four to one ratio. If your son or daughter wanted to go only here for vo-tech, you would want them to have that opportunity,” Solak said, stating that he taught at a half-day program for eight years during his teaching tenure.
Former Leechburg mayor and former school board member Chuck Pascal incited the crowd and paused for multiple applause.
“People from last month still in favor of full-time still feel that way. People who wanted half-day, are now for hybrid. I complement the Freeport Board because the discussion was based on decision of what was best for students. It is clear that political climate in this community for the last month has made it impossible to gain half-day program. I agree with Mr. Close… watch out for the Trojan horse! Politics won’t allow it to go to only half day right now. We are attempting to go through the back door by the maneuvering by people on some boards who say they are about hybrid tonight. Negotiating with certain people is like negotiating with Alkida. They will listen and come and still tear your buildings down!
Chuck Pascal from Leechburg accuses Armstrong School District of mixing the issue of Elderton and Lenape Tech.
“The Armstrong Board needs to stop mixing the issue of Elderton and Lenape. None of us [in other districts] care what you do about Elderton. We want you to leave Lenape alone while you play your games with Elderton.
“For Mr. Markilinski to insult students, teachers, and anybody with this school, it has to stop and I hope the Armstrong Board tries to control Mr. Markilinski. Until his tin-foil hat comes off, you won’t be able to do that,” Pascal concluded.
Comments continued with Lenape students and other community residents before adjourning.
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Armstrong School District, Lenape Tech, Local News | David Croyle February 19, 2010
By Jan, February 19, 2010 @ 7:57 AM
Kudos to Mr. Pascal for his speech! I think he hit a nerve when saying that the ASD is masking it’s real agenda in voting to explore a hybrid program at Lenape, while in reality this is a guise to keep Elderton open and have more warm bodies sitting in their classrooms. I have to agree with Mr. Close and the director from Leechburg- this is a means to an end if Lenape becomes a hybrid program. It is a “backdoor” approach to making Lenape a half time program. Don’t be fooled by the fact that this meeting was an accomplishment. There are snakes among the group who will say one thing, but really mean another. If Lenape falls to a hybrid program, it will only be a matter of time before it becomes a half time program. And to Dawn Kocker-Taylor- kudos to you for maintaining a professional stance while all this jibberish was being discussed.
By kwiss4, February 19, 2010 @ 2:20 PM
Could a hybrid program look like this? Allow sophmores to attend Lenape for a half day, that would allow them to make a more informed decision about the direction they want to take their education. If at the end of their sophmore year they want to stay at Lenape they would begin going full day, if they decide it is not what they were looking for they could return to their home school.
By elderman, February 19, 2010 @ 3:11 PM
Request to site administrator: I previously posted on one of the articles on this site that my user name ELDERMAN identity is not Dr. James Solak. Since then I continue to be referred to as Dr. Solak. I have never stated anything that would lead people to reach that conclusion and while I have the highest respect for him, I do not wish Dr. Solak to be blamed should I misspeak on a subject. Therefore I am requesting you, if you can, to confirm that Elderman is NOT DR. James Solak. I ask that you do this without revealing my identity as many of the people I address I have absolutely no wish to communicate with outside these postings. Thank you.
By elderman, February 19, 2010 @ 3:17 PM
I am surprised that Ms. Taylor and Dr. Kerr arrived at such a high cost number for the operation of Lenape as a half day program. Their estimate lowers the cost from a full day program costing $14063.93 per pupil to $11380.67 for the half day program. Apollo Ridge School District did the same study and found the estimated cost of a half day program at Lenape to be $6117.5 per pupil, so according to Ms. Taylor and Dr. Kerr, Apollo Ridge erred by $5263.17. That is a considerable amount! Considering that the Apollo Ridge estimate is in line with the actual costs of the three other vo-tech half day programs cited in Mr. Markilinski’s article, I have to ask; “Why is there so much difference in the two estimates on what it would cost to run Lenape as a half day program?” Could Ms. Taylor and Dr. Kerr have missed some state or federal subsidy that Apollo Ridge used and the other three vo-tech schools are taking advantage of? I think we need more information from them as an assurance that they did not err in their estimate.
Even if the numbers presented by Taylor/Kerr are accurate, then we are faced with an equally perplexing dilemma; Why are Lenape’s cost so much higher than the costs reported from the Indiana Technology Center, Parkway West CTC program, and Westmoreland AVTS; the costs for their half day programs range from $5500 dollars to $5900 dollars. So you have the choice of questioning the numbers presented by Taylor/Kerr as I do, or accepting those numbers to be accurate but that begs an answer as to why a Lenape half day program costs are so out of line with other area vo-tech schools. I suggest that Ms. Taylor and Dr. Kerr review their numbers then supply us with more information to confirm that the numbers are indeed accurate. If that turns out to be the case, then they need to find and eliminate the causes that make our vo-tech school so much more costly than others.
By admin, February 19, 2010 @ 3:51 PM
NOTE FROM ADMIN: From time to time, contributors making comments may feel they know the identity of another person posting comments. Please refrain in the future from calling out an assumed identity. Such is the case with ELDERMAN. We have a strong reason to believe that he is indeed NOT Dr. James Solak. Assuming you know the identity leads others to believe you are correct. In turn, that creates a problem when that person is NOT the assumed person. The real person then is blamed for comments that were never made by him or her. I do appreciate some of you who actually use your name and identify yourself. Others choose to remain anonymous. For those individuals, I urge you to pursue the debate and allow contributors their anonymity. Thank you for participating in the discussion on all the topics contained in our articles. We believe it gives readers a better understanding of viewpoints of our readers and the community at large. If you have any suggestions or concerns, please feel free to email me at admin@kittanningpaper.com.
By Jan, February 19, 2010 @ 4:32 PM
To elderman:
Before you begin to use facts that Mr. Markilinski provides, I’d take it upon myself to get that information for yourself and not rely on someone who will say and do just about anything to gain attention. It is very easy to get the information you want by calling Parkway, ICTC and Westmoreland ( which one- there are 3 AVTS in that area). Your questions are valid, and like you, there will be many who will want this same information. I just know that when it comes to MJM— I would not quote his facts, they are generally wrong and only meant to stir the pot- which is what he thrives on.
By DANBOY, February 19, 2010 @ 5:50 PM
If you were at the JOC meeting last night you would see in person that certain board members only ask questions. They could care less about solutions or to try to help find one. Let us just keep chasing our tail. Oh by the way I am mad at you and I am taking my toys and going home.
By Jen16226, February 19, 2010 @ 9:32 PM
An easy answer for at least one reason why it costs more……walk around that building and look. No offense to other tech schools, but Lenape has it all.
They are up to date and state of the art.
By DANBOY, February 19, 2010 @ 9:42 PM
You wonder how Ms. Kochen-Taylor ( sorry about last time Lenape administrater). and Dr. Kerr got their positions as incompetent as their are. Thank goodness they have kept their focus and are a lot more professional than some School Board Directors that I am no longer aloud to name
By ToddLuke, February 20, 2010 @ 7:44 AM
I am still perplexed as to why people create an anonymous name when they post. If you have the guts to throw your hat in the ring, you should not be afraid of the BULL, unless you are spreading it.
By jfullerton, February 20, 2010 @ 9:54 PM
Well, according to the handouts for the ASD board meeting, it costs more to send a student to ASD then it does to send a student to Lenape. Just think about it!
By concerned citizen, February 21, 2010 @ 7:52 AM
ahhh Hey Danboy.
Are you “aloud” to use spell check? I’m sure the “admimistrater” of this site will have one installed for you.
By DANBOY, February 21, 2010 @ 9:25 AM
DO YOU THINK THAT THE DIFFERENCE IN COST MIGHT BE ALL THE MONEY WE HAVE IN STUDY AFTER STUDY AFTER STUDY.STUDY THAT MR. MYSTERIOUS
By Jen16226, February 21, 2010 @ 4:14 PM
Wow Elderman.
That was a pretty closed minded remark:
I ask that you do this without revealing my identity as many of the people I address I have absolutely no wish to communicate with outside these postings. Thank you
Other than the comments on here, what do you know about the people posting on here? That is what makes our lives enriched…..not everyone will have the same opinion with any given matter, the way they raise their kids, the way they do a job,the religion they practice, the amount of money that they earn or the color of their skin.
That doesn’t mean that people should automatically discount another person just because of a difference of an opinion……unless you do know everyone posting on here of course!
I don’t “think” you and I have ever met, and I will not say it on here, but I feel I do know your identity and that I will, even though we do not agree on the school district, still be glad to see you on Monday night.
By JohnK, February 21, 2010 @ 9:18 PM
Concerned citizen,
Is this a spelling bee? Do we need to start throwing out your many faults?
Shouldn’t you be patching your crumbling school instead of being the spelling police?
By DANBOY, February 21, 2010 @ 9:34 PM
Thank you CC I gess I an not as matture as somme. LOOKS LIKE I MAY HAVE HIT A NERVE.
By elderman, February 22, 2010 @ 1:13 AM
Reply to all: I think I have the answer as to why Lenape’s half day cost was estimated to be almost twice as high as Apollo Ridge calculated and also nearly twice as high as other local vo-tech schools (and it has nothing to do with walking around the building and looking at what they have.) At first, I thought that perhaps Taylor/Kerr did not understand what they were asked to include in their estimate; that they may have thought that in addition to the Lenape half day cost, they were asked to include the remainder of the day’s cost at the home school as well. That would nearly double the Apollo Ridge estimate so that may be what they did. But what I really think happened is simply that when they were doing their final tally, Dr. Kerr entered into his calculator and added what should have been a 4 plus 2 in the leftmost column, but mistakenly punched in 9 plus 2. The 4 plus 2 in the leftmost column would have yielded a half day cost of $6380 which would be in line with the Apollo Ridge estimate and also the half day costs at other local vo-tech schools. But when he mistakenly added 9 plus 2 he got the erroneous $11380 figure. This appears to be an innocent mistake that could happen to anyone. On a small calculator screen a 4 and a 9 look so much alike as to be almost indistinguishable. I urge him to review his calculation and make the necessary corrections.
By Jan, February 22, 2010 @ 7:05 AM
Elderman, your assumptions may be correct. When calculating the cost per student at Lenape for a half day session, they also included the cost per student when they returned to home school- hence the projected cost. So while Parkway, and the other vocational schools came in lower, these numbers only reflected that part of a cost per student, and not the cost for both vocational and sending school costs. I doubt that Lenape’s costs are any higher than most vocational programs.
By elderman, February 22, 2010 @ 3:45 PM
Reply to Jan: The full day costs vs half day costs is indeed an interesting theory and one that I at first considered, as I indicated in my posting. But I discounted that being the case as I think that at least Ms. Taylor is smart enough not to commit such an egregious error and seems competent enough to follow simple directions. No, I am relatively confident that at the end of a grueling work session, Dr. Kerr probably took off his glasses to rest his eyes and committed the math error that I mentioned in my previous posting. Again, the 4 and the 9 look similar on todays small calculator screens and I think that is what happened. And again, it could happen to anyone; I do not advocate crucifying the man for his mistake. But I do think he and Ms Taylor owe it to the ASD taxpayers to clear this up and get the true numbers out there. Hey, simple math errors are a part of life; For example: Can you always balance your checkbook at the end of the month or do you have to get someone do it for you? Come on, be honest, there is no shame in admitting it!