Comments on: Close and Markilinski Square Off as ASD Changes Solicitors

By: rudytuesday

rudytuesday — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 13:31:46 +0000

Elderman/Solak

I find it curious after watching the video of this meeting that MJM had two resolutions typed up and ready to go. YOU had a prepared statement typed up, ready to go. I don’t believe that the room that you had the Executive Session containted a printer or a typewriter. Also this meeting lasted no more than 10 minutes. THIS leads me to believe that you and your five other cohorts had met and discussed these items, which I do believe is a violation of the Sunshine Act. Can you explain this to us?

Also, why is it that everyone BUT Close seemed to know how much the fees are? Again, sounds like six were in the know ahead of time.

PUBLIC, view the videos for yourself and form your own opinion. http://www.youtube.com/HERCasd There are two parts, watch them both.

By: DANBOY

DANBOY — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 11:54:36 +0000

Thank you Elderman for clearing that up. I feel so much better. BYE BYE

By: elderman

elderman — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 06:43:28 +0000

I do not understand all the fuss about the ASD board replacing the district’s solicitor. ASD board president , Ms. Rose Stitt informed everyone that the new solicitor firm’s fees are the same as the firm being replaced. Board member Dr. Solak cited the skills and experience of the new firm of Dodara, Matta, and Cambest . Apparently, at least 6 members of the board have more confidence in the new firm and it is their right and indeed their responsibility to hire the best firm available. As to why this was done now, I suspect it may have something to do with the lawsuit brought by Attorney Chase McClister on behalf of David A. Reefer, James A. Seaman, Mary C. Seaman, Scott Starr, and Dan E. Goldinger. The court is scheduled to hear the case on April 6, 2010, but it appears to have already triggered an unforeseen consequence in the replacement of the solicitor. In my opinion, anyone who has a problem with the boards’ actions should thank the plaintiffs and Attorney McClister.

By: Jen16226

Jen16226 — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 14:37:15 +0000

Surs,

You are absolutely correct about the cyber schools. And the sad part is, ASD has one, but the position for admin. of this (Rick Burns) will be terminated at the end of the school year.

And again…..you are absolutely correct in your comments about textbooks and curriculum. That is what has me upset about Dr. Solak. He is an educator. Why had he not been advocating for this above everyone else? Why hve there not been changes? Why has he not offered insight how to get the AYP’s up? Why is he not spearheading a committee to do all of these things I mentioned?
And these are questions, among others, that the board will NOT respond to.

By: surs

surs — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 04:50:19 +0000

To Jan and Jen 16226:

Thanks for your comments.

Some land owners are willing to donate lands for a charitable cause.

On another note, parents and foster parents
and guardians may want to consider Pennsylvania charter,cyber,home,and private schools–now that public education is under the umbrella of No Child Left Behind.

In the meantime, perusal of textbooks and curriculum materials is necessary.

Also, tonight’s evening news highlighted that the government is considering a national curriculum for math and English–meaning it would supersede the state’s curriculum.

Lastly, there is the Wellness program.
It is outlined on the ASD website.

Good-bye for now.

By: scott_starr

scott_starr — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:34:39 +0000

School Directors are “supposed” to look at the district as a whole and do what is best for everyone.
It is in the voluntary code of ethics for School Boards.

By: Jan

Jan — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:32:12 +0000

To surs: While I like the fact that you are thinking about what may be educationally sound for students, there is a bit of a problem with your comments. First of all, do you know someone who would donate their land to the school district? With the economy as it is, I doubt that someone would want to give away land- unless there was something in it for themselves. Another issue is re-locating students from Avonmore, etc. to AR- would they take them? At this moment in time, any type of consolidation is out of the question. If you listen to your school board they only see “community schools” as the only option, so any type of progression towards consolidating schools is a moot point. If one dares to approach the subject of this- God only knows what the board would do next- possibly re-open Dayton and any other school that has been closed. 422 is a thru way for most areas that you mentioned, but again, where would the money come from to do this? We can’t even afford to renovate the schools we have,much less build a new school. Perhaps in the far away future, this could be a possibility, but you would need a progressive minded- fiscally responsible board to see that happen. As per WSHS- it needs to stay as is. It’s working for these students and shouldn’t be part of the equation. Your point is well taken though and I for one, appreciate your comment.

By: johnnymydear

johnnymydear — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 13:24:19 +0000

Is this the way the voting public of Armstrong County School District want to be represented? If so, it’s very sad. The super six need to stop worrying about their personal agendas and worry about the district and the tax payers as a whole!!!! Are you truly proud of your decisions? Is your particlular voting region happy with what you are doing? I guess ignorance is bliss!

By: Jen16226

Jen16226 — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:41:12 +0000

Surs,

While your thoughts are good ones, there are problems to them.

First, our district’s geographics would not allow for us to have 1 high school. Armstrong North and Armstrong South? Yes….that could fly.

Secondly, in this economy, do you really feel that companies would be willing to donate services that would take months to complete when they could try to earn money with their equipment and time? No…..unfortunately. The same with land being donated.
It would truly be a wonderful thing, but economics dictate that is not viable.

Our district can not afford to spend millions of dollars right now…..although it looks like we are about to in order to renovate EHS.
The big question should be, where are they going to come up with the cash to pay the teachers pension fund.

Answer would be nice as to a fiscal plan, but the board is not answering those questions.