Budget Hearing #2 - May 13, 2002
Minutes
BETHLEHEM AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
BUDGET HEARING #2
MAY 13, 2002
BUDGET HEARING #2
The second 2002-2003 budget hearing of the Board of School Directors of the
Bethlehem Area School District was held on Monday, May 13, 2002, beginning at
6:06 p.m., in the Auditorium of East Hills Middle School, 2005 Chester Road,
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania.
MEMBERS PRESENT
Members present: Directors Amato, Craig, Gallagher, Haytmanek, Heske, Koch,
Leeson, Venanzi, and Williams - 9.
OTHERS PRESENT
Others present: Thomas J. Doluisio, Superintendent of Schools; Stanley J.
Majewski, Jr., Board Secretary; administrators; members of the press and other
interested citizens and staff members.
Director Amato stated that at the last budget hearing various scenarios and
questions were discussed which the administration was going to respond to at this
meeting.
Mr. Doluisio and others responded to board questions from April 25.
ADMINISTRATION'S RESPONSE TO BOARD QUESTIONS
At the April 25 meeting, Director Heske questioned charter school lawsuits and
the status of any lawsuits with respect to the Lehigh Valley Regional Charter
School. Mr. Majewski responded that Mr. Tucker, solicitor, had done some
research. Mr. Tucker indicated that there was no complaint filed from either
party against the other. The charter school has no complaint filed against
Mosaica and Mosaica does not have any complaint filed against the charter school.
Category 1 Reductions
Mr. Doluisio stated that Director Heske also asked about the athletic budget and
the three additionally budgeted items that could be reduced. That has been
incorporated as part of the reduction scenario in the amount of $33,378.
Mr. Doluisio stated that Director Craig submitted a series of questions on
specific pages of the budget.
Mr. Doluisio explained that Directors Heske and Craig came to the same point in
suggesting that building allocations of instructional monies on page 19 item 610
be considered for a one percent reduction, a total of $14,174. The
administration has agreed that it can make this reduction.
Director Craig questioned item 610 - Supplies - General - 2001-2002 - $800,283,
proposed budget - $839,698, a difference of $38,652 on page 19. Mr. Doluisio
explained that there is not an increase in that item other than the increase in
number of students. The per pupil allocation was flat-lined. He explained that
the administration incorporated Director Craig's suggestion of having account 610
reduced, looked at the entire building allocation amount, and stated it could
support Director Heske's suggestion of one percent. If you would take out all
the additional monies to reflect additional students next year, it would be too
deep of a reduction. Therefore, the administration's recommendation is a
reduction of one percent of that entire budget.
Director Amato questioned budget item 100 - building allocations. One percent
was taken off of $1,400,000.
Mr. Doluisio referred to Director Craig's request to reduce accounts payable on
page 22 and attempt to cut $10,000. He explained that Mr. Majewski has inspected
that program budget. The administration is proposing a $4,000 cut.
Mr. Doluisio continued on page 30, curriculum enrichment for elementary, which is
mostly field trips. Director Craig asked for a reduction. It can be reduced
by $1,500 because between the first hearing and now the district has been
contacted by Lehigh County which has some monies through their tourism bureau
that will be granted to schools located in Lehigh County. Five schools are in
Lehigh County.
Mr. Doluisio stated that Director Craig asked the administration to look into
cutting any money from the data processing department on page 33. Most of those
expenses are contracted services. The administration would not want to propose
any cuts to that budget.
Mr. Doluisio stated that Director Craig asked about the human resource office
possibly being reduced by $5,000 to $6,000. The administration is proposing a
$5,000 reduction out of the advertising budget. Possibly, there may not be a job
fair next year. The majority of that money is newspaper advertising.
Mr. Doluisio stated that Director Craig asked about reduction to student
activities - secondary on page 79 on line items 580 and 610. The administration
would not propose reducing 580, which reflects student travel. The 610 line item
has a new $6,000 item added which Nitschmann Middle School has been experimenting
with. The item is African drums. It has been proposed that African drums be
incorporated into the instrumental music program at the other three middle
schools. The administration feels that can be held off for another year.
Mr. Doluisio continued, stating that Director Craig asked if technical services
on page 83 could be cut by $20,000. The administration is proposing a reduction
of $10,000 to come out of the summer cleaning program.
Mr. Doluisio stated that Director Craig asked about cutting anything out of the
transportation budget on page 85. The administration is reticent to do that
because the areas required to be cut would be repair parts.
Mr. Doluisio stated the last item Director Craig suggested the administration
consider for reduction was the maintenance department - contracted services on
page 56. Upon inspection of that, the administration is not recommending any
cut. The specific area showing increase concerns the additional engineering
support in light of the fact that a cabinet position is being reduced.
Director Amato questioned the interest shown on line item 830. Mr. Majewski
stated it is the interest and principle on the 10-year loan for work done by
Johnson Controls. Director Amato stated he was of the impression this program
would pay for itself. Mr. Majewski stated that the program does pay for itself.
However, we had financed one-half of the cost. When reviewed at the end of the
year, we need to save sufficient amount of money in energy costs in order to pay
for our expenses, so the reductions would be in the area of energy use. The
district is still required to make this payment of principle and interest.
Mr. Doluisio stated that Director Koch requested that our attorney research the
Bethlehem Steel Company situation of the $900,000 of tax revenue lost by virtue
of the bankruptcy. Mr. Majewski stated it is his understanding that the district
would have the same rights under this bankruptcy as any other. If individual
properties were sold, they would have to make good on any of the primary liens
such as taxes before the sale could be completed. The bankruptcy judge would
have to approve allowance for that. It is the district's hope that it would be
considered. It is also the legal expert's concern, from both the Steel side and
the district, that it is likely that the district will be able to recoup some or
all of the delinquent taxes.
Mr. Doluisio stated that Director Koch asked for a listing showing the impact of
cutting $1,000,000 from the budget. The administration will do that with a
handout after responding to the rest of the board's questions.
Mr. Doluisio stated that Director Amato asked if the academy could be operated
with only eight teachers. Mr. Doluisio stated the program could not operate as
defined by the proposal without the total complement of 13 teachers, five being
part of the general fund. The second part of Director Amato's question on the
academy was if there are any programs not paying their way that could be cut.
Mr. Doluisio stated the most recent program that did not have the benefit hoped
for was the David Project. The program was tried for two years and then
eliminated. Upon further discussion at the cabinet level, no programs were
determined to not be benefiting children.
Mr. Doluisio stated that Director Amato asked about savings of teachers because
of charter school. Mr. Doluisio stated he talked to Mr. Hackett this afternoon
about a listing of students which he will be forwarding so that Mrs. Kostem and
her staff can analyze the impact of these students. Mr. Hackett will be present
at the May 20 meeting at six o'clock for a hearing with our board. Saucon Valley
is not going to participate. Mr. Doluisio is hoping to be able to provide a
report on any impact by next Monday, before the board preliminarily votes on the
budget. Based on the quick discussion of this afternoon, it seems that there may
be about 113 students enrolled currently that reside in the Bethlehem Area School
District. About 80% of those are currently students enrolled or kindergarten
students that will be enrolled in our district. We will lose about 90 students.
Of these, Mr. Hackett said 35 were enrolled in kindergarten. If we lose 35
students out of our proposed next September kindergarten enrollment, if they came
from a specific area, there is a possibility to yield a savings. About 55 or 56
of the 90 would be grades one through six. In over 15 schools, over four or five
grade levels, that is very spotty.
Director Koch asked if some of the draw to kindergarten is because the charter
school would be offering full-day kindergarten and how that could be a savings
because we would be required to pay for those children going a full day rather
than a half day. Mr. Doluisio stated his understanding is that the district is
required to pay a fixed amount per student. Mr. Majewski stated if the student
is half-time we will pay one-half that fixed amount. Mr. Doluisio stated it has
been calculated that 200 students would go to that school; at $6,000 a student,
$1,200,000 is budgeted. Mrs. Kostem confirmed that if the kindergarten students
were enrolled with the district for a half day, the equivalent would be $3,000.
If we send them to a full-day program at the charter school, we pay $6,000.
Director Leeson asked, since kindergarten is not a mandatory grade in
Pennsylvania, if we are required to pay for kindergarten under the charter
school. Mr. Majewski stated that, to date, the district has been required to
pay. Director Leeson asked if it is correct that a child at the age of six is
required to be in school in Pennsylvania and if we need to pay for children under
the age of six. Mrs. Kostem stated that a child must be in school by the age of
eight.
Director Heske stated, based on Mr. Doluisio's conversation with Mr. Hackett,
instead of having 200 it appears they may be lucky to have 100. Mr. Doluisio
stated, according to Mr. Hackett this afternoon, 126 students are registered out
of the 200 he is hoping to register. About 90% of the 126 are living in the
Bethlehem Area School District. About 80% of those are or will be Bethlehem Area
School District students. Director Heske stated it appears the 200 number might
be able to be lowered.
Mr. Doluisio stated that Director Leeson asked that conferences be examined. The
administration has a proposal which is in the chart.
Mr. Doluisio stated that Director Heske requested a one percent cut on page 117,
building allocation. That has already been discussed.
Mr. Doluisio stated that Director Williams mentioned that if conferences were
cut, all conferences should be considered. The administration has done that.
Mr. Doluisio explained that the chart is organized into three reduction
categories. Category one cuts are supported by the administration to have very little, if any, negative impact to students.
¥ Building allocations, business office - $4,000
¥ Conferences - $3,000
¥ Curriculum enrichment - $1,500 ¥ Human resource advertising - $5,000
¥ Interscholastic athletics: coaching clinics, 12 middle school coaches,
two 0-3 clerks increasing from 10 to 12 months - $33,378
¥ Student activities - secondary - $6,000
¥ Technical services - $10,000.
The total of category one is $74,052 or .03 of a mill.
Category 2 Reductions
Mr. Doluisio discussed reduction category two, responding to Director Leeson's
request to analyze all conferences which were budgeted for a total cost of
$165,760. He stated that the two conferences Director Craig had asked about
which are business office - technical services in category one had $3,000 and the
building allocations also had $3,000. In reduction category one, the
administration already agreed to the elimination of $6,000 in conferences. He
stated the administration, in its priority, is trying to protect reduction
category two and really trying to protect reduction category three. He stated
the administration took a 25% cut in all conferences except that a 50% cut is
proposed for ICT (Information and Communication Technologies). The total of the
25% cuts with the exception of the one 50% cut in category two is $27,060. The
administration's rationale is that an even cut throughout all of the programs was
desired.
Mr. Doluisio stated that in the category of interscholastic athletics at East
Hills Middle School, duplicate teams were budgeted for $16,893. The
administration has placed that in category two with the rationale that students
at East Hills are not getting the same opportunities to participate in
interscholastic sports currently because of the number of students. The
situation has existed for a couple of years and can be lived with for one more
year. It provides an inequity which the administration was trying to correct.
However, it has been listed as a possible cut in category two.
Concerning the instructional materials reserve - elementary textbooks, Mr.
Doluisio stated that textbooks were zeroed out for next year, new acquisitions.
The amounts budgeted for next year were $92,523 - elementary, $200,000 -
secondary, and $9,000 - special education, a total of over $300,000. That would
mean a one-year moratorium on the purchase of textbooks in the district from
central office. Principals do have some money in their own budgets for
replacement editions. This is placed in category two because the administration
does not recommend it. Director Venanzi asked if that would affect curriculum.
Mr. Doluisio stated it would affect the five-year plan on textbook acquisition
and replacement of new textbooks. It might stall some curriculum implementation;
the books are integral to this. Mr. Doluisio stated that in dire circumstances,
the administration would suggest the possibility of a one-year moratorium.
Director Leeson asked if the district gets federal or state money for textbooks.
Mr. Doluisio stated the district receives the ESBE money, no state money
specifically for textbooks.
Mr. Doluisio spoke on interscholastic athletics. Out-of-state athletic events -
$600 and 25% of the nonstudent conferences (for the athletic directors to attend
an annual conference) - $290, for a reduction of $890 are the reductions
recommended.
Mr. Doluisio stated that, under the same rationale as textbooks, a one-year
moratorium of Freedom High School band uniforms would cause Freedom High School
to use their present band uniforms for another year. That would yield a savings
of $62,000. It is in category two because the administration is not recommending
it, but it is a lesser priority than category three.
Category 3 Reductions
Mr. Doluisio stated the only way he believes $1,000,000 in reductions can be
achieved, after taking all of category one and all of category two for a total of
about half a million, is to pick and choose from category three specific programs
or staff to support the specific programs. There are seven academic support
teachers at the elementary level for a total of $280,000. Academic support
teachers assist the classroom teacher in devising strategies to assist students
in terms of increasing achievement. They are a big help to principals and within
team meetings and to the elementary teachers they assist. The district also has
academic standards support teachers. One is proposed for increased
administrative support at East Hills. Also, a .3 academic standards support
teacher is proposed at Freedom and also at Liberty. The total is 1.6 additional
teachers - $64,000. They are integral to the academic standards project and to
alleviate some of the concern at East Hills Middle School.
Mr. Doluisio continued regarding category three, speaking of the in-school
suspension program, CA/MP - $274,148. Through a grant initiative acquired by
Mrs. Cintr—n and Mr. Perfetti, the district is funding and next year hopes to
fund the director of CA/MP with nongeneral fund monies .
Mr. Doluisio stated that student conferences including PJAS, DECA, VICA, and
others are at $70,000 listed in category three. The administration is trying to
protect student services and programs as much as possible. Student conferences
is another aspect of the conference budget.
Mr. Doluisio stated that the district has reading recovery teachers at a cost of
$380,000. This is a very important program to the district.
Mr. Doluisio stated that the proposed new Regional Academic Academy is budgeted
at $401,470.
Mr. Doluisio stated $80,000 is budgeted for teacher staffing. Two elementary
math specialists are helping with the higher levels of math and higher student
expectations in mathematics. These are two positions at $40,000 each.
Mr. Doluisio stated that the welcome classrooms at Donegan and Fountain Hill are
listed for a reduction of one of four teachers. That would also affect one of
the programs, either at Fountain Hill or Donegan, depending on how that cut
occurs.
Mr. Doluisio stated that S.P.A.R.K, the preschool program, is budgeted for
$417,162.
Mr. Doluisio stated that the administration is not recommending any cuts in
category three. Any of these programs that may be jeopardized would need to be
discussed in depth. The list of programs totals $2,006,780.
Mr. Doluisio stated the district learned after the budget was publicized that
there will not be funding for the two high school resource officers, one through
a grant from Bethlehem Township and one through a grant from the city of
Bethlehem police department. Those grants have come to an end. If the district
is to continue the resource officer at each high school, which he strongly
suggests, $80,000 must be added to the budget to secure these positions.
QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS FROM THE BOARD
Director Amato questioned the $80,000 for the two resource officers, stating that
the original budget had called for a 3.51 mill increase. Then, upon receipt of
updated retirement data, the increase was reduced to 2.87 mills. Now, the
increase is back up to 2.91 mills because of this additional $80,000. Mr.
Doluisio stated that is correct, unless category one reductions are taken which
would almost neutralize the effect of the addition.
Director Koch stated that reduction category one looks fine. In category two,
she commented that eleminating high school band uniforms would cause a domino
effect. If band uniforms aren't allowed this year, next year when it is another
school's turn, everybody is a year behind. She cannot support that cut. She
stated that the interscholastic activities is such a small amount, she does not
see why that has to be reduced. She agrees to the conference and interscholastic
athletics duplicate East Hills teams.
Director Koch stated that the amount for materials and textbooks is about
$300,000. She asked if we are locked into those amounts or if it can be reduced
by a percentage. Mr. Doluisio stated anything cut from there will defer the
purchase of new materials a year or so. Director Amato inquired about the age of
these textbooks. Mr. Doluisio stated some are to be replaced because of age and
some because of new program initiatives. Mr. Perfetti stated that from the
secondary account, showing $200,000, the original amounts submitted to his office
were $340,000. This was sent back to the buildings and was cut to $200,000.
That $200,000 falls into about six different departments. Dr. Nelson stated that
elementary expenditures for this year in that account were about $150,000.
Social studies books have been ignored because priorities have been mathematics
and language arts. A new elementary spelling program and additional units for
mathematics are needed. Dr. Nelson explained that this is not only textbooks,
but any instructional materials that drive our systems. All those would need to
be reviewed.
Director Amato questioned Mr. Doluisio's statement that each building principal
has a dollar amount in their budget for textbooks and supplies. Mr. Doluisio
stated that some of the allocation is for lost books. No new program acquisition
money is in principals' budgets and no total replacement of a series. Central
office budgeting has always supported the major acquisition of textbooks. Mr.
Perfetti explained that one of the requests is to replace the high school biology
textbooks at a total cost of $65,000. An amount like that could not be found in
a building budget. Dr. Nelson added that the new position that is providing an
additional prep period for the elementary teachers will require materials for
those teachers. That will come out of the account, centrally.
Director Craig asked if all funds for the current year are expended or if
anything proposed can be purchased with funds for this year. Mr. Doluisio
replied that there are not left over funds available for purchases. Director
Craig stated he is not in favor of cutting textbooks.
Director Leeson stated that, when looking at the three reduction categories, she
is a little distressed to see how many of the cuts are in academic areas. She
asked if a hard-enough look was taken at nonacademic areas. She does not think
those areas having such a great academic impact on the students are areas in
which we should be looking at cuts. Mr. Doluisio explained why there aren't
other programs on the list in lieu of these. When looking at other programs,
mostly people are involved, for example, cleaning of schools and things like
that, or in transportation which needs buses and drivers. In data processing we
need the services of three or four people. It is tough to cut those programs.
Mr. Doluisio stated his concern is that if we take a bite out of each of those
programs, we weaken them all. He would rather see, although he does not propose
it, that if we have to, we just cut a program. To weaken these noninstructional
programs would reduce services to all students. The administration looked at
these special programs existing above and beyond the basic instructional program
asking if they are necessary and the cabinet believes these are. It is further
asked if the district must have AST teachers, with a response of no. We don't
have to have an Academic Standards Academy, although he is very passionate about
this program. A question asked is, "Is it the best thing in our current thinking
for our children," with an answer of yes. That has been the rationale, rather
than weaken a lot of things. Director Leeson stated she does not want to cut any
of it, but also doesn't want to send an almost three mill increase to the
taxpayer. She wondered why extracurricular activities aren't more the scenario
being reduced. She feels this is when we prioritize and say we are in the
business of academics. They are hard things to cut. They are fun. Mr. Doluisio
stated that extracurricular activities are not only fun and very rewarding for
students, they are integral to the fabric of this community. The extracurricular
activities are less important than English. However, the community supports
extracurricular activities through its interest in athletics, our music program,
and other endeavors.
Director Amato stated he agreed with Director Leeson in not wanting to send a
three mill increase to the taxpayers. He also agrees with Mr. Doluisio that all
of these programs are essential to the needs of our students. He stated maybe we
should cut one of them because only one or two taxpayers are present to show any
concern. Make a point to the community that the board is interested in holding
the educational process to the present levels, but also is very concerned about
constantly raising the taxpayers' obligation to meet this. It is a shame that
there is no public input.
Director Amato stated he is not in favor of cutting textbooks if they are needed
as a new series to teach one of our courses. As Mr. Doluisio mentioned, that
will affect the students. We need the materials, resources, and textbooks that
are most current in order to be able to teach that subject. If we can get by
with not having to spend that money and the textbooks are just a year older but
are good textbooks that can teach the material to the students, then it should be
cut. If a new set of textbooks is needed to teach the course, then we need to
keep it in the budget.
Director Craig reminisced that about 10 or 12 years ago there was a problem at
budget time. The solution was going to be that gymnastics would be cut. At
Liberty and Freedom combined, perhaps ten students participated in gymnastics.
The reaction was as though the board had suggested to cut English out of the
curriculum at the next meeting. The auditorium was full at the next meeting.
When you start cutting existing programs, Director Amato is right; there will be
response. In categories one and two, there are five or six items that are
extracurricular. Only two or three concern curriculum.
Director Amato stated he wants to know what textbooks are absolutely essential
out of the $301,000 budgeted. Mr. Doluisio will respond at the Monday, May 20,
meeting.
Director Koch stated she can understand need for new science books because
science changes every year. Social studies classes do not have to be as textbook
driven. Mr. Perfetti stated that at the high school level there is a request for
approximately $20,000 because the economics course, which was very theoretical in
the past, has been rewritten. It has been combined with some very functional
concepts that are very practical. Teachers are now searching for a textbook that
does both of these things, or double textbooks - one for theory and one for
practical applications. Government and economics is what the high schools are
examining right now.
Director Venanzi stated she would hate for category three reductions to be taken.
Although it would provide a large reduction, it represents some things requiring
paying later. She is happy that the board is not only looking at the dollar
amount, but is looking at what will impact programs and students. She supports
Director Amato's request about the textbooks.
Director Venanzi stated agreement with Director Williams and the rest of the
board concerning reductions in category three. We have all seen what these
programs have done for the district. She agrees with the reductions in category
one. In category two, she does not want to take one percent out of building
allocations per pupil. One percent does not sound like a lot of money, but it is
per child for a whole class. Switching of conferences from column two to column
one would be fine.
Director Heske stated he appreciates Director Venanzi's opinion on the one
percent, but this is a difficult thing. Last year and previous years we did not
spend all that money. No one likes proposing a three mill tax hike. If you do
not want to cut anything, the implications are that it will be 2.9 mills. That
is the way it is.
Director Haytmanek expressed concern in reduction category two, professional
conferences, asking if this means that 25% less teachers would take courses or
would be required to pay for courses. Mrs. Kostem stated that this item does not
pay for courses. Courses are under the teacher staffing line item where the
district pays for teachers to go back to college for further credits.
Conferences are primarily an individual choosing to go, for example, to an
International Reading Association conference. This reduction means that 25% less
in all categories of employees would attend conferences.
Mr. Doluisio reviewed requests for the meeting on Monday, May 20:
¥ Director Leeson would like to know, relative to charter schools, if the
district must pay for kindergarten since it is not required in public
schools.
¥ Director Amato has asked that the $300,000 for textbooks be
delineated.
The board agreed that it will not consider reductions in category three.
Director Venanzi asked in category two, since the only item asked about was
textbooks, if the board is in favor of keeping the band uniforms,
interscholastics, and conferences.
Director Amato summarized what he believes the board is considering as far as the
proposal of the administration.
¥ $80,000 must be added for the two resource officers at the high schools.
¥ No one is in favor of any program cuts in category three.
¥ It appears the board is in favor of reductions proposed in category one.
This would make a wash between the addition and category one.
Director Craig stated he is not sure he is in favor of including category two
with category one. One item would be the band uniforms.
Director Venanzi commented that she is not in favor of cutting the building
allocations.
Director Williams stated she liked Director Venanzi's suggestion of taking the
25% conference travel reduction for one year and keeping the building
allocation. Director Amato responded that the building allocations will stay
in.
¥ Director Amato asked if anyone is in favor of moving the first reduction of
category two into category one. The board supported this.
¥ The East Hills Middle School duplicate teams will remain in the budget.
Director Amato commented that his question concerning how much textbook money is
necessary for upgrading will be answered on May 20. Therefore, no decision can
be made on textbooks at this time.
Director Amato stated that everyone wanted to keep the $890 and $62,000 in the
budget. Director Craig stated that, at this point, he would want to know how bad
the uniforms are at Freedom High School. If the uniforms are in bad shape, he is
not in favor of taking it out of the budget.
Mr. Doluisio commented that he did not confer with cabinet nor prioritize
anything within a category, but presented items alphabetically. He stated that
in looking at category two, knowing how many students the textbooks affect and
the core of the academic and other programs, his opinion is that everything else
in that category would be subordinated to the textbooks. He would cut the
interscholastic athletics at East Hills Middle School before cutting textbooks.
He would also cut band uniforms and extend it for a year before cutting
textbooks. He would like not to cut anything out of category two. Next week
when information is given about the textbooks, discussion is needed on
maintaining a priority to our instructional programs. To do that, teachers and
materials must be protected. He stated that if the choice was his, he would
protect textbooks in category two before anything else.
COURTESY OF THE FLOOR TO VISITORS
The following persons addressed the Board of School Directors:
1. Chris Spenner of Bethlehem, father of a first grader in Spring Garden and a
three-year-old, stated this is the first school board meeting he has
attended. He is getting settled in the community. He stated he will pay any
taxes to help his child to go into the best school that he can go to. He
does not know much about the new Regional Academy. He stated he would like
to know, socially, why students failing at the fourth and fifth grade level
are doing so. He asked if the money being put into the school is not
sufficient so that when they reach this level they must go to this extra
school. He does not expect the school to do everything for the children.
Parents have to take the time and make sure their children are not failing
when they get to the fourth and fifth grade level. He doesn't think it is
the school's fault if they are not. He is not proposing that the Regional
Academy be cut, but is asking where the accountability is. If that doesn't
serve those students, then where do they go? He will make sure his children
will not be in that situation.
Mr. Doluisio stated the question of why some students are not achieving at the
level needed is a question every school district superintendent is pondering
in this country. It has to do with socio-economic deprivation, a 60% divorce
rate in this country, dysfunctionality within the family, changing priorities
within the family, the fact that schools are being asked to do more than ever
before - not only educate the child, but provide for nutrition, health, and
welfare in a more complete way than ever before. He does not think the
problem is money. It is deeper than that. He believes the problem is more
sociological, more within the family unit. There are some language barriers.
The schools are always the place people turn to and say, "Correct this." It
has to do with the fact that people are moving away from the church.
Mr. Doluisio explained that the district tests its children, just like every
school district in the commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The PSSA is a barometer
the state has chosen to judge all school districts against. The quality of
the school district is determined by one test at grade five, one test at
grade eight, and one test at grade eleven. We believe in the accountability
of the testing and also are using other barometers. We have students, even
though all these special programs are in our district, who still are not at
the level of achievement they need to be. The major reason is a high rate of
transiency. He believes if a child comes in at four years old and stays with
the district, that child will be fine because we have a seamless system of
interventions and state-of-the-art programs. We also have high mobility and
high transiency. We are having difficulty coping with that. The Academic
Academy is an attempt to address that and other issues. It is a year of
additional schooling, a year to have students focus on achievement in the
academic areas, and to, hopefully, save a child's life in terms of their
future. It is not required by law. Mr. Doluisio thinks it is required
morally and ethically by educators to do as much as they can to get a child
to standards. We ought never give up on them.
Mr. Spenner expressed the importance of making sure there is proper money for
those students at the middle to upper end of the spectrum. They are the ones
that will have a huge impact on society.
Mr. Doluisio stated that he believes our district does a lot for the lower end
child in terms of academic achievement, but we also do a lot for the
achiever, the high-end achiever, and everybody in between. Public schools
are here to educate all children. The neat thing about the Bethlehem Area
School District is that this community supports its public schools.
2. Bonnie Boylan of Bethlehem has three children attending public schools.
She stated that, while no one wants to see taxes go up, she wanted to express
her support for the BASD administrators. She thinks they have the best
interests of the students at heart and have strived hard to keep expenses
down. Many of this year's costs are outside their control. In looking at
the proposed budget, the only potential item she saw for cuts was to relook
at conferences for nonteachers showing a total of $179,000 and maybe keeping
the interscholastic athletics program at last year's budget amount which
could save $90,000. She believes it was increased last year. In all, she
supports keeping the academic standards Bethlehem has established and
maintaining current class sizes and programs even if it does mean a 2.9 mill
increase.
Mr. Doluisio reviewed the conferences which are budgeted for $165,000 for Ms.
Boylan. Of that, $70,000 are student activities. Subtracting that $70,000
shows the adult conference expenditure cost. Student conferences include
Pennsylvania Academy of Science, History Day Competition, DECA (Distributive
Education Programs), Future Business Leaders of America programs, a variety
of experiences, mostly on the secondary level. On the elementary level,
students visit the Allentown Art Museum and Historic Bethlehem. Director
Amato thanked the board members for their time, effort, and input into the
budget for 2002-2003 and the administration for looking into the board's
questions and coming back with answers and alternatives in holding down the
increase.
ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 7:33 p.m.
Attest,
Stanley J. Majewski, Jr.
Board Secretary
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