- The Board approved the Class of 2013's Diplomas and signed the ceremonial first set of diplomas (which were the two student representatives) last night. This means that graduation--and summer--is right around the corner. It's been a year that I've been out of Methacton, and I miss it more than I thought I would. Well, mostly because I only had to worry about not doing homework and seeing how long I could go before my parents asked about my report card, but still.
- The Bond Resolution was passed last night, basically completing what was started about two months ago. The District currently has a AA2 Bond Rating, which is good for loans, but it was mentioned that Methacton is "teetering" towards having that drop. That isn't good.
- Methacton is adopting a "paperless" payment system, ergo, using a Visa system of paying vendors, and compensating teachers and administrators via direct deposit. From what I heard, this will streamline payment for the District, saving money in the process, and will help move everything quicker. Welcome to the 21st Century everybody!
- Aramark's food service contract was renewed for one year, starting on July 1st. When I was in Methacton, Aramark just took over, and saying that they didn't put their "best foot forward" is putting it lightly. It was bad. But according to those in the know, Aramark has improved themselves (especially at Arcola) and is helping to revamp the food service area. This District is set to get a profit from this food service contract at $32,330, so there is some good. I guess I need to try the district's food again to see if Aramark's best foot is now forward.
- The Board awarded a bid to replace the bleachers and a divider at the High School, and install bleachers at Arcola, at the tune to $74,270. The total cost for the bleachers is around $121,000, and with the bid cost factored in, actually comes below the projected cost for this project. It's good that the Board is replacing an antiquated item (I mean, those bleachers at MHS are pretty old), but I don't know if now is really the time. But who knows if it'll be any better a year from now.
- Methacton is going to be paying Architerra for "additional services" specified in their contract, not exceeding $7,000, with the board adding the language "pending our right to appeal", at the urging of Jim Phillips. There was no mention on what Architerra did, but from what I know, it pertained to the turf field project that I love so much.
- Remember the Planetarium discussion the Board had last week? Well, someone got a freakin' clue (read: it was Dr. Miller) and had Mr. Ted Williams give the presentation himself. If you get a chance to watch the meeting, specifically watch his presentation. Mr. Williams is good at animating himself and getting everyone in the room excited over space, and seeing someone so passionate over what he does, it was a shoe-in. The Board removed the Planetarium Project from the table and awarded the bid to Spitz for $250,050, which will be broken up over seven years at $35,715. After which, Methacton will own the system (the seven years is a "lease") and Spitz projects the system to physically last "from 25 to 30 years".
I just wanted to take this space to congratulate Mr. Williams and Methacton as a whole. It's no secret that I was in support of this project; for something that can last up to 30 years, $250,050 isn't a bad cost. The Planetarium is a very awesome part of MSD, and as much as students bag on Mr. Williams (I know I was one of them), he is excellent at his job. The current system now seems to be held together with duct tape and a couple of prayers, and if Mr. Williams can devote more time to teaching and not making sure wires don't spark during a presentation, I think the Planetarium experience will improve ten-fold. The Planetarium is slated to be installed by October, according to Mr. Williams, so I can't wait to get to see it. Remember, Methacton does have community programs going on all year (the recent events just ended), so check Methacton's website for info when it gets installed.
- The Board passed the preliminary final budget--with a tax increase of 2.09%, with Dr. Miller being quoted "I don't think we're done yet". Within one weeks time, Mr. Whiteleather and Dr. Miller cut the proposed tax hike from 2.95% to 2.09%, with "no program reductions at this point", which shows that the board is working to the 1.7% raise. I, for one, applaud this kind of work--work we haven't been graced with for years. Granted, I still want to see zero percent, and I'm sure a lot of taxpayers do too, but it may come at the cost of "programs". Regardless, now is the time for a zero percent. The district can't afford to play fast and loose with the budget, and the taxpayers can only take so much abuse. Methacton hasn't had a zero percent tax increase since 1980 (note: from 1980 on it's been about 1% tax increase, and the numbers for years prior were never made available to me), and the time is now. I can't really stress this enough, and I'm one person. Please, if you want to see the 1.7% increase, or even the zero percent, go to the next two school board meetings and speak up. The budget is due on June 30th, and then everything will be set into stone.
- If you had any doubts if Dr. Miller was an "Acting Superintendent", the Board appointed the Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) as a consultant in the ongoing Superintendent Search, at the tune of $12,200 (that was an error in the agenda).
- Last but not least, the Board passed two resolutions, #13-04 and #13-05, last night. Resolution #13-04 is about PSERS reform, and how Methacton is urging for it from the state. While the Co-President of the MEA will disagree, I believe that there should be pension reform. Looking at the numbers in the budget, it's becoming too costly for the school districts in the state to manage. It costs the district $2,000,000 now, and it will only go up, with revenues staying pat. It doesn't take a rocket scientist to see that this is unsustainable, and if it was anything else, I would be clamoring for change. I don't want the state to "find other avenues of increasing revenue" to help fund this expensive joke. Simply put, the State needs to fix the mess it started.
Resolution #13-05 is on the topic of Charter/Cyber Charter School Funding Reform. The state ended the reimbursement to school districts for charter school costs, and now public school tax money is funding charter schools, who don't have to adhere to public school board guidelines. On top of which, public schools are funding PSERS for teachers in charter schools. Don't get me wrong, I fully support charter schools and cyber charter schools, but the funding formula for said schools isn't working for the public school system.
- Outside of board actions, Methacton honored it's 29 retirees this year with a plaque. Some of the names I recognize, like Mrs. Handler, whom I had as my Kindergarten teacher. Congratulations to all of those who retired!
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