Markilinski Calls for State Intervention in Lenape Academics
Michael J. Markilinski
Armstrong School District (ASD) Board Member Michael Markilinski has requested the Department of Education to intervene at Lenape Tech and close its academic program.
In a letter dated February 27, 2010 and sent to Harrisburg with copies to the four sending school districts of ASD, Apollo-Ridge, Leechburg, and Freeport, Markilinski charges the school has consistently failed the PSSA test scores for the last seven years.
He further charges that employees and their spouses of Lenape Tech are “involved in this political movement to protect their turf.”
Markilinski alleged that Dr. William Kerr was asked by an ASD school board member to resign from Lenape Tech as its chief school administrator. Kerr allegedly refused.
Markilinski cited a Rhode Island school district that took a drastic step in removing all the teachers and administrators from an underperforming school with the applause of the United States Education Secretary Arne Duncan.
“I am asking you, as Secretary of Education, intervene and close the failing academic program of LVTS,” Markilinski wrote in his letter to Pennsylvania Secretary of Education Dr. Gerald L. Zahorchak. “The Commonwealth has an obvious financial state in this educational facility. The technical programs should not be touched at this time. I am also asking that you remove Dawn Kocher-Taylor as Director of LVTS, and that you remove Dr. William Kerr as Chief School Administrator of LVTS. These are guidelines that are obviously spelled out by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and are attached herein.”
Leah Harris, Deputy Press Secretary for Department of Education speaking on behalf of Secretary Zahorchak, said the letter is being reviewed by the Department of Education’s Bureau of Career Technical Education.
“Any complaints we receive, we follow up with,” Harris said. “A response letter will be sent to Mr. Markilinski.
While the Bureau of Career Technical Education has oversight of technical schools in the Commonwealth, Harris pointed out that so does all four school districts since they have to sign off to send their students there.
“They have chartered the technical center to be in operation,” she said. The school districts have to respond, insuring the students are getting the quality of education required by the Department of Education. We will look into that complaint.”
Harris explained that when students take the PSSA test, the scores are not only attributed to that tech school but also the school district in which the student resides. “There is a clear link of responsibility that go hand in hand. The sending school district has to count them as part of their overall score also.”
“We don’t close down schools,” Harris said. “We have oversight to make sure they are meeting all standards of the law from the State’s perspective. That is what we will look into.”
Harris would not give a specific timeframe for the review process. “That is a fluid method. As we get it, we review it for as long as it takes, then get it back to the individual filing the complaint in as speedy of a fashion as we can.”
Armstrong School District, Lenape Tech | KP NewsDesk March 5, 2010
By asdtaxpayer2, March 5, 2010 @ 2:34 AM
Mike,
The state say’s we suck!
Get a plan and we’ll go from there!
All the best!
By ToddLuke, March 5, 2010 @ 7:45 AM
It amazes me that we want the state to intervene at Lenape based on PSSA scores but not when it comes to following the Lenape Articles of Agreement that states all four districts must agree before any changes can be made and that all for districts will follow the PA School Code of 1949.
Furthermore, I amazes me that if anyone looks at the data from that past 7 years that Mr. Markilinski refers to, they will see that many of these students did not pass their 8th grade PSSA test. Once again we are twisting facts or just not sharing them in an effort to mislead. So much for the “HONESTY IN EDUCATION”.
By rudytuesday, March 5, 2010 @ 8:34 AM
If anyone would like to read this letter in it’s posted at http://www.asd-news.com
By ToddLuke, March 5, 2010 @ 8:56 AM
This article also attempts to compare Lenape with the educational issues in RI. You should also look at the facts in that the local teachers association of RI has done little to work with the Administration or the superintendent to implement any changes to improve student achievement. There is no comparison to that issue and the Lenape Teachers Association. The Lenape teachers are all dedicated to their jobs and to helping students move forward toward a future, whatever that future entails.
Lenape teachers has worked tirelessly to improve those scores and have not grieved any issue or initiative that deals with what is good for students. Lenape has also reached out to all sending schools over the years in an attempt to work together to resolve this issue.
Lenape submitted and received a grant from the Department of Education to form a Regional Accountability Team in an effort to work together for student achievement in the region.
Lenape also submitted a grant several years ago for every 7th grade student in the county to receive an on-line account for Work-Keys, a program to promote career awareness, pretest student reading and math level as well as tutor student toward the career of their choice.
Once again, If you really desire to know what happens at Lenape Tech, I would encourage you to spend some considerable time there in an effort to educate yourself before you make false accusations and compare Lenape to the failing schools of RI.
You may also want to read that the RI teachers association is now willing to work with Administration and the Superintendent to re-negotiate their previous lack of commitment to their students.
By ASDpayer, March 5, 2010 @ 8:57 AM
Again Markilinski shoots from the knee. Students who go to Lenape, in most cases are not college material. But the school offers them training to help them find meaningful and good paying jobs. Not all students excel in academics, and are not candidates for four year college programs. It is not surprising their academic scores are low. This is not to write them off, but to see that some students excel in different areas.
It is pretty clear Markilinski has another agenda.
By Mike Fichthorn, March 5, 2010 @ 9:13 AM
Just when you think he can’t sink any lower…Thankfully this will take away any shred of legitimacy that Markilinski had.
This reminds me of the movie Rainman.. “The PSSA scores prove Lenape is bad..so bad..”
To quote a clueless bully “This is nothing more than a scare tactic”
Thank you Leah Harris for stating the obvious. The PSSA scores are also attributed to the school district in which the student resides.
It should weigh more on the school district since they had ten years of educating a student vs one at Lenape at the time of test taking.
While you’re trying to have everyone else dismissed, you’ve forgotten the most inept and clueless of all. Can you ask yourself to step down?
Also, Rose Stitt. I have lost ANY respect for you. While at an ASD board meeting you sat there and allowed the Canonsburg resident Markilinski to call the Vo-Tech students “misfits”. Pathetic. You should truly be ashamed of yourself.
By scott_starr, March 5, 2010 @ 9:47 AM
@todd luke:
Todd, take a look at my talk on the last board meeting.(www.asd-news.com.
I specifically stated that Lenape “pretests students” and the scores are less than stellar.
I also said that how can you blame Lenape?
What is sad, is in my opinion, ASD could have a great district if not for all the petty bullcrap and misguided animosity, that us unless there is some underlying pathology in the County.
By ToddLuke, March 5, 2010 @ 10:00 AM
@ asdpayer
Do not be so quick to judge Lenape and whether or not students attend college. Lenape awards thousands of dollars in scholarships as well as students receiving apprenticeships in many of the trade unions.
Lenape does a follow-up survey, every two years as required by law, as to whether students are seeking further education, employed in their field or active in the military. You might want to look at that information and not shoot from the knee in referring to them as “not college material”.
By Mike Fichthorn, March 5, 2010 @ 10:06 AM
It’s clear what his agenda is. Instead of rolling up his sleeves and attempting to shovel the 25 or more years of crap his buddy Solak has built up on the ASD board, he attempts to distract everyone from the real problem, the ASD board and attack the ONE sound and thriving school in the county.
It’s all about limos and dance classes..Keep FCHS alive to pad their pockets…True American heroes, Markilinski and Solak..
By ToddLuke, March 5, 2010 @ 10:29 AM
@ Scott Starr
Already saw your report and I am as familiar with the Lenape data as anyone. As I stated, Mr. Markilinski has all this information as do other board members. Fixed minded people must find someone to blame so they feel better about themselves. I prefer to help solve the problems and grow as a region.
By sweetleur, March 5, 2010 @ 11:30 AM
Enjoy your time on the board MM, I don’t think your stay will be a long one.
By Jen16226, March 5, 2010 @ 12:21 PM
Perhaps the PDE can also investigate the board to see if they understand basic economics and also how ethical it is for board members to publicly slam other members, students and the administration.
By union taxpayer, March 5, 2010 @ 12:27 PM
I’m just so relieved to have someone as smart as MJM on the board. He’s just what we need, a self serving, business man that stands to loose money if all the out dated small schools ever get closed. It’s apparent how arrogant he is, acting alone to send this letter. I thought he was supposed to represent others, not his own pocket book.
By Jan, March 5, 2010 @ 6:07 PM
It never ceases to amaze me that some people (MJM) actually thinks that by posting his letter to Zahorchak and then getting a response for Harris at BCTE that he’s managed to do something meaningful and with purpose. I hate to tell you this MJM, you just made yourself look like an ???
If you can’t see the nose in front of your face now regarding PSSA scores, then you never will. So please- give up that nonsense- the people at BCTE just explained it to you. I happen to be employed by a university that works hand in hand with BCTE and they are more than aware of what Lenape does and how well they do their job. You see, the Bureau does a Program Approval of every vocational school in the state and they review just about everything that goes on within the walls of a vo-tech. They scrutinize every little detail and if a school does not meet their high standards of qualifications, that school is put on notice. Lenape was approved MJM- and life goes on. So please, don’t try and ram your “expert opinion” on something that you know NOTHING about. You’ve tried re-directing the real issue of wanting Lenape to become a half day program by spewing endless data about PSSA scores- that didn’t work- it’s never going to work and you may as well start telling the truth about why you really want Lenape to become a half day program– you need some warm bodies to fill a school that you know you can not justify opening without those students. You may be able to pull the wool over some eyes, but you’re messing with the wrong people. I can’t help but go back to your editorial when you spoke of being given another chance at life— ya know, you might want to consider removing yourself from this board, heading to the nearest church and repent your sins. You can twist, turn and switch all the facts you want, but the truth is always there- and only the truth can set you free.
To asdtaxpayer: your statement in regards to the calibar of student who attends Lenape is far from the truth. You see, there are various types of learners, some adjust well to pure academics and others are more kinesthetic when it comes to learning. This does not constitute a below- average learner. There are many students who attend Lenape who go on to further their post-secondary education, be it a univeristy or a post-secondary trade school. The point of a vocational school is to provide training that leads to a certification or skill that will carry a student into the workplace. Regardless of intelligence, some students just have no interest in going on to school and want to work. This does not constitute lack of intelligence.
By Jan, March 6, 2010 @ 8:24 AM
Since Mr. Markilinski deems himself to be an “expert” on vocational education, I’d like him to explain to all the readers what Program Approval is (Chapter 339). He may want to do a little research on this and report back to us with what he found out.
By Mike Fichthorn, March 6, 2010 @ 10:04 AM
Thank you Jan for a very insightful post.
When someone sees the facts over and over, yet ignores them it makes you wonder what his agenda is.
In his fax to BCTE he states that he was told by students at Lenape that they could skate their last 2 years there.
I’ve seen students getting in trouble for drugs at FCHS and others getting arrested time and time again after they graduate from FCHS, spending most of their time in and out of jails. Should we send a fax regarding FCHS? Using Markilinski’s twisted logic, yes.
Just like there are some students who do skate up at Lenape (as they do at all ASD schools also)…there are some students who do use drugs at FCHS. That doesn’t mean you tear down the school because of a few bad students.
We need to find a way to remove this guy from office. You can’t deal with facts and figures. When dealing with a snake like this you have to sink to his level.
By that dee, March 6, 2010 @ 11:05 AM
Mr. M says “…..it is my expert opinion”.
Webster’s Collegiate says “1 obsolete : experienced 2 : having, involving, or displaying special skill or knowledge derived from training or experience”
So please tell us what your expertise is? Since we seem to be discussing education of children here are you an “expert educator”? “expert in curriculum”? “expert administrator? …….
and since Mr. Kerr,you acknowledge, has a doctorate, would that qualify him as an expert also?
By that dee, March 6, 2010 @ 11:09 AM
To Jan: well said and amen!
By that dee, March 6, 2010 @ 11:11 AM
to Jan, again… sound like your “expert opinion” has a strong base. Glad to know that. since “expert” seems to be the key word following $ signs.
By H C, March 6, 2010 @ 12:04 PM
Excellent! It is a great idea for a neutral, non-political, and objective state-level agency to academically examine the school based upon the ranting found in Mr. Markilin$ki’s letter. No further action involving Lenape Tech shall be taken until the non-political examination of the Tech is complete! I am confident that Lenape Tech will pass non-political scrutiny. The results of such an examination will show that Mr. Markilin$ki has no more business being near the field of education than a kid who boils a hotdog suddenly believes he can run a restaurant. The results may indicate a childish, vicious, attack-mentality not rooted in reality or facts. A nonpolitical examination will demonstrate Mr. Markilin$ki’s incompetent, narrow-minded and politically driven agenda. Once the school is exonerated, a person with a shred of decency, integrity or honor would resign the position after giving a public apology. Anyone running for The School Board should have to take a competency exam equivalent to the PSSA. Egomaniacs should not use the School Board to serve as stage to demonstrate that they are glittering jewels of colossal ignorance – it reflects poorly upon the ASD and the residents of Armstrong County.
Mr. Markilin$ki, why don’t you have a meeting for your Manor Township neighbors and constituents to explain your position in this matter? You sit up on a stage well-insulated from the garlic eaters, riff raff and skaters. You can explain your post-secondary education and how it relates to your insights into the field of education. You can explain your business dealings to us as and relate those dealings as to your how academia should be run. Your letter to the Secretary of Education is Priceless since it demonstrates an unhealthy degree of megalomania. After the Department of Education investigates the school for competency, maybe it should investigate your competence and place on the ASD School Board.
By sweetleur, March 6, 2010 @ 3:54 PM
MM is using the age old conservative attack, throw enough stuff out there hoping something will stick and even if it doesn’t it may cause enough confusion to mess things up. What you say doesn’t have to be true, it just has to cause concern or controversy.Also you try and make people think you know what you are talking about when you really don’t. Facts and figures don’t lie, people do.
By ismith36, March 17, 2010 @ 4:49 PM
I would just like to say that I was a student at Lenape Tech who graduated last year. I took the Advertising Digital Technology course and had a 3.75 GPA, and passed all my tests as well as my certification exam. I am now attending Mercyhurst College to study Graphic Design.
Mr. Markilinski you have know idea what kind of education students that attend Lenape Tech receive. The academics are so connected with the trade courses that if you remove the one the other will decline as well. Also I might add that Lenape constantly is pushing students to attend college after High School, and to strive to do their best. I have a few friends that did very well in school, actually one of them won the state math competition and also did extremely well at nationals. There are extremely intelligent people that go to the Tech and for someone to take away the opportunity to receive an amazing academic education as well as a trade, well that is down right cruel. I agree that the Tech has some kids that aren’t the brightest crayons in the box, but they are going to learn a skill so that they can make a contribution to society. I think going to Lenape was the best decision that I have made in my life so far and without the skills and education I recieved at Lenape Tech I would not have gone to college most likely.
I really hope your proud of ruining some kids futures by proposing to take the Tech’s academic program away Mr. Markilinski. Your a fantastic person I must say.
Oh, one more thing.. Your other post about Mr. Pascal was rather humorous. hahaha