Such sadness

It is with great sadness that I write this month’s blog.  Although December is a happy time of year for kids and their parents, the tragedy in Connecticut has added a heavy feeling of grief to the holiday, particularly among parents and educators.  In the aftermath of such an unspeakable horror, questions like “what”, “how”, and “why” are not easily answered by anyone.   I used this incident as an opportunity to remind all our administrators to review and refresh their individual emergency management plans and to remind staff of standard safety protocol.

Educators across the state and country are now ultrasensitive to any and all types of threats.  Here at Central Cambria, I believe our staff is vigilant in reporting, investigating and following up on any reported threat.  We encourage students to tell an adult anything they may have seen or heard, either in school or on any social media site. 

I join the world when I offer my sincere condolences to the families and relatives of those who were affected by this heinous act.  As President Obama stated in his speech at Newtown, CT:

"God has called them all home. For those of us who remain, let us find the strength to carry on, and make our country worthy of their memory.

"May God bless and keep those we’ve lost in His heavenly place. May He grace those we still have with His holy comfort, and may He bless and watch over this community, and the United States of America."

Experts suggest the following in light of any tragedy:

·      Parents should maintain as many routines as possible; don’t abandon normal school or household rules (e.g., bedtime, chores).

·      Be careful about sharing your own feelings of shock and surprise, especially with younger children; rather, use private times to ”debrief” with other adults.

·      Be prepared to offer support as children may revisit old fears.

·      Don’t feel every question must be answered. This may be an undue burden, and it is alright to say  something like “We are not sure why this  happened , but people are doing everything to be sure it does not happen again.”

Our counselors, administrators and teachers are available to any parent who has a concern about any anxiety their child or children may have over this event.  Please don’t hesitate to contact the school if you feel the need. 

Our goal will continue to be creating and maintaining a safe environment for all students and staff. Enjoy the holidays – Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

Please hug your family and tell them you love them….

Dr. D.

Being thankful...

 As most of the leaves have fallen and temperatures continue to drop, snow flurries, as pretty and sparse as they are right now, remind us that winter is about to descend upon Cambria County. I don’t know if you will agree with me, but I’m always thankful to live and work in an area with such extremes in clime.

At this time of year, we at CCSD have many things for which to be thankful.  We saw many athletes and teams at CCSD excel this year; various clubs and extracurricular activities have been very active.  I’m impressed by the way our students are able to participate and contribute to so many extracurricular activities while managing their classroom assignments and grades.  Speaking of which, I’m excited to see this year’s theatrical performance; every year, these young thespians and their coaches do remarkable work in a short span of time!

As we are in the holiday spirit, with Thanksgiving upon us, I would like to dedicate this blog to the victims of the super storm Sandy, particularly to those on the East Coast.  Many have gone for weeks without heat or power; with the loss of their homes, some will live in shelters for many months to come.  This storm showed how cruel and powerful Mother Nature can be despite the efforts we take to prepare against such destruction.   I have attached some pictures of the trip.

Our District wanted to show its support for the victims of Sandy.   CCSD’s transportation director devised a plan to “Pack a Bus” for the East Coast.  First Student, our transportation provider, immediately offered to assist by providing a bus, and several drivers volunteered to make the trip.  The media publicized the effort and the community, students and staff responded with overwhelming generosity.  Two buses were loaded with almost seven tons of supplies for the Neptune City, NJ area; an area hit very hard by the storm.

Our district coordinated the trip with the Red Cross, who put us in touch with a food bank in that area.  I joined four district employees, High School principal Kim McDermott, Cambria Elementary School principal Luke Lansberry, Transportation Director Becky Klezek, as well as five community members, First Student manager Deb Ley, and 13 First Student volunteer drivers who made the 6.5 hour trip to NJ.  We arrived at the Food Pantry around 12:30 on November 11 and proceeded to unload the packed buses.  

Our buses then went to the local First Student terminal to fuel up (gasoline was also donated by First Student) before going to Bradley Beach, an area badly destroyed by the storm.  It was heartbreaking to see the devastation up close.  I can’t even come close to expressing the depth of appreciation and regard I feel toward all who contributed supplies and made the trip – and of course, none of this would have been possible without the generous support of this trip offered by First Student.

During this season, let’s all take time to give thanks for all the blessings and good fortune we enjoy, and to remember those who have lost their “home for the holidays.” I wish for all staff and students a happy, relaxing, and fulfilling holiday.  Cherish those close to you in the spirit of the season. Share fond memories—and make new ones—with family and friends. (And watch lots of football!)

Until the snow starts,

Dr. D.

"Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn."

"Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn."

-       Elizabeth Lawrence

At this time of year, as I work in my office I am provided with a splendid display of dazzling colors. While they were very vibrant this year, the peak colors of fall have already begun to fade around the mountains surrounding our district. Now I notice the smell of fall as the leaves, layered on the ground, release the inimitable scent that is another indicator of autumn. (Is it obvious that I appreciate everything about this season? The only improvements I can envision are a) a longer season, and b) black and gold leaves raining from the trees. Is this going too far…?

It’s hard to believe that two years ago we were discussing the curriculum and other changes for our new Middle School.  As I make my weekly walks through each building, sometimes sitting in for a lesson, talking to staff, greeting parent volunteers or simply “getting out,” I marvel at the work that has been done by so many, and in a short time, for the benefit of our children and their families. The daily work of our teachers and support staff offer regular reminders of the skill and dedication needed to provide a quality education for our students.  It really is a team effort on the part of so many.

I recently attended a PSBA/PASA statewide conference and heard many other district superintendents’ lament about their districts’ financial instability.  We all know that funding remains a top priority for school districts.  Here at CCSD, we are fortunate to have Board members who have had the foresight and vision to reduce and make cuts, so far without sacrificing educational programs.  Yes, money is tight in our district, but the Board is resolute in its commitment to keep our district fiscally solvent.  I appreciate and commend this fine group of unpaid directors as we navigate these turbulent times. 

Sadly, despite evidence that public education is increasingly effective in meeting the academic and social challenges of our day (at CCSD, for example, PSSA scores remain high, meeting or exceeding Pennsylvania’s AYP rate, our graduation rate is over 95%, and our attendance rate over 96%), this institution is being assaulted on every front.  I sometimes believe that the primary “crisis” in American public education stems from unwarranted criticism by politicians who know and care little about the people and processes they are attacking.  While such groups are far removed from the educational process, there is evidence that some stand to gain financially or politically if the alternatives to public education (charter, private or cyber schools) gain strength. The learning process is long-term and requires consistency of purpose. Now, though, the whim of politicians who come and go determines whether or not this consistency will be maintained. As a result,   education has become a year round “sport” whose rules change after every election.

But everything will be fine: I love sports! I’m not afraid of new rules! With the support of our wonderful staff, families and community, I’m confident that CCSD will continue its winning ways.

On the subject of winning, congratulations go to Max Kirsch for winning the AA District golf title and to the CCSD boys’ golf team for winning the team championship.  Good luck at states!  Congratulations are also in order for Hannah Swope on winning the AA District 6 girls’ single tennis title.  Hannah is a multi-talented 9^th grader, as she is also an excellent cross-country runner for CCSD.  Never resting, our winter sports teams are gearing up for their season just as the fall competitions begin to wind down.

Until next month’s blog, enjoy each day, each season and each Steelers game (if I hadn’t included a plug for football, you might think someone else had written this).

Dr. D

Once gain the leaves begin to turn…

Once gain the leaves begin to turn…

         Yes, the leaves are beginning to turn, much to the pleasure of some and the dismay of others.  For me, it is one of the best seasons of the year (only newcomers to this blog will be surprised by this statement).  In my view, the autonomy of nature is one of its greatest attractions: it can’t be legislated, regulated, or changed by individuals or by the government.  We must simply accept what occurs and adjust our plans according to the season and the weather it brings us.

         Here at Central Cambria, we pride ourselves on being prepared for the weather and the related circumstances that may occur.  Greg Shaffer, our maintenance supervisor, has told me that there are 95 miles of roadway and parking lots—just around our main campus—to be plowed each time Mother Nature “blesses” us with snow.  This Herculean effort is usually completed prior to the start of school.  There are also many sidewalks and walkways that must be cleared before the start of the school day.

Those who walk around or drive through our campus are consistently impressed with how well the grounds and buildings are maintained.  The majority of this work takes place over summer but the upkeep continues around student and community activities in our buildings and on the school grounds. This may explain the fact that many area groups request the use of our facilities; they seem to truly appreciate the effort we put into providing clean and contemporary buildings for our students and for our community. Our schools are the meeting place for Girl Scouts, youth basketball practices, volleyball groups, Basket Bingo for our boosters, and many other community activities. We have continued our partnership with the local YMCA to manage our pool schedule again this school year.

         My point in all of this rambling about our district’s facilities is this: those who live in and around our district, and who do not have children in our schools, reap many benefits from the fine facilities we work hard to maintain.  Equally important, keeping the district in top shape is much less costly than fixing emergencies that come from years of neglect or oversight.

         I commend the men and women who maintain the fields, parking lots, buildings, classrooms, etc. They do this on a daily basis with no regard for recognition, but their dedication allows students, families and community members to enjoy the activities and facilities of their area’s school district.

         Now for the really best part of fall; FOOTBALL!  I am proud to say that my eldest son, Adam, is the commissioner of our family’s fantasy league – Clan D.  I am now 2-0 after this past weekend, and it was Adam whom I beat. (Am I bad parent to gloat about defeating my son? Absolutely not! It’s just another reason to celebrate the season!)

The fall sports are in full swing on all levels, including our district’s sport teams.  I hope we all get out and support our teams, in whatever sport is appealing, as these few months go by quickly. Take time to enjoy the season and the region; perhaps the grounds of CCSD would be the perfect fall walk. Whatever you do this season, I encourage all of you who read my blog to be proud of CCSD and the benefits your public school district has to offer.

Speaking of the speed at which the fall months pass, now may be a good time to tune up your snow blower, take the dust and cobwebs off your shovel and check your salt supply.  If you recall, we had quite an impressive snowstorm over a weekend last October.  It is never too early to prepare.  In the meantime, enjoy the season (and football). 

                                             DR. D

Statement read at School Board meeting on Aug 13 about the locker room issue

On July 10, custodial staff discovered two holes in lockers of the girl’s locker room. A storage room is adjacent to the locker room. The media had initially stated that the room was a custodial closet; the difference between these two spaces is significant in that a storage room is accessed far less frequently than a custodial closet. More importantly, the wall on the other side of the locker room has been blocked from floor to ceiling by heavy boxes and other large supplies.

The person who discovered the holes followed correct procedure by notifying the district’s custodial supervisor. He then informed the high school principal and me of the holes. After which I made the entire Board of Directors aware of the situation.

We began an internal investigation and then contacted Cambria Township police in order for them to determine if there was any possibility of criminal activity.

Inspection of the area showed that the holes did go through to the storage room. Our first reaction was an internal investigation of areas connected to all locker rooms and restrooms. There was no evidence of problems in these places.

The fact that we found no indication that a school-wide problem existed, or even that the holes had been visible from the side of the storage room, I was satisfied that a problem did not exist. I did, of course, direct the custodial crew to cover the holes on the wall of the storage room.

To summarize, the holes have been securely covered, all other lavatories and locker rooms have been thoroughly checked by the district’s head custodian and his staff, and no other holes were found.

My sincere hope is that, having been as open as I can be, without compromising the police investigation, we can return our attention to preparing our schools for the start of another great year at CCSD. Remember, the District’s policy and practice has always been openness and honesty, and the Board feels that it is important to share the facts as we know them, keeping in mind, that there is an ongoing investigation, and that any other information disseminated would compromise the investigation on the part of the School District, and possibly on the part of the Police.

Relative to that investigation, please rest assure that no incidents have surfaced which would indicate that someone has been spying on anyone through the locker room, and at this time, there is no indication of any criminal activity taking place.

Right around the corner...

You know the fall season is coming when…

…the soccer teams are going through their drills

…the marching band is preparing for football games

…the football team has its overnighter

…cross country runners are logging miles

Summer will soon be a memory and school will be in session once again – and we’re ready!!

The JES sewer project is complete and we are now in compliance with township sewer codes. Classrooms and furniture in all the buildings have been thoroughly cleaned and arranged, thanks to Greg Shaffer and his crew of hard workers. The road patching around the main campus has been completed, along with the sealing and relining of several parking lots. InShore has been busy preparing and updating the technology needs of each building. First Student transportation has been working with the District’s transportation coordinator to set bus routes, stops and pick up/drop off times. Of course there are numerous other summer tasks that have been completed; these are just the ones that relate directly to the arrival of students. Suffice it to say that summer is a busy, busy time for all those involved in getting the District ready for the upcoming year.

As you may have noticed, we have installed a gate above CES. The times for open/closing are:

· Open first day of the school week at 6am

· Closed during the day at 9:15am

· Re-opened during the school day at 2pm

· Closed at 11pm on the last day of the school week and reopened at 6am on the morning of the first student day of the next week (this means that the road is closed when students are not in school)

The gate is intended to protect the campus while school is in session and to reduce the amount of traffic on our road system.

Congratulations to all students and staff for making AYP again this year. 11^th grade students will not take the PSSA this year—don’t sigh with relief just yet. These students will instead take the Keystone exams; more on this as testing time draws near.

Finally, what would my blog be without some mention of football at this time of year? I can now look forward to my gridiron fanaticism with great glee. As I had said last year at this time – “for me, the anticipation of the season is in some ways better than the season itself: once it starts I know it will end in a couple months.” But I am nonetheless thankful that it is finally here.

I look forward to another wonderful opening day this year as we begin the 2012-13 school year. I wish each student and staff member a wonderful, productive and safe school year. Let’s hope we have a beautiful fall with vibrant colors and that winter is similar to last year.

DR. D

Oh Summertime....

“Summertime, but is the living easy…?

Yea! it’s summertime; the official start of summer is almost here with the summer solstice occurring June 21. It is what many of us have been waiting for, but from June 21 on, until winter solstice in December, the sun will leave us a few minutes earlier each day. Heavy sigh… As she does every year, my wonderful wife Judy, who is by nature an early-to-bed/early-to-rise person, will make it a point to stay up as late as possible (for her) on June 21.

In my opinion, summertime is not necessarily easy for CCSD’s 12-month employees. A surprising number of activities take place during the summer months to prepare for the new school year. For one thing, prior to the arrival of staff and students, all buildings are organized, repaired, patched, painted and cleaned from top to bottom. Greg Shaffer and his staff work very hard, both inside and out, in the heat of the summer, to get buildings and grounds in top shape for the beginning of the school year. And, while there are no construction projects this summer, we are currently managing the process of replacing old terra cotta sewer lines.

On the administrative level, records are maintained/updated and distributed across grade levels and schools, and between districts. Then, based on population shifts, materials for the coming school year are ordered.
Bus routes are reviewed and adjusted according to the same information.
From my own perspective, one thing that remains constant at all times of the year is the number of meetings I attend.

With all that goes on while students are enjoying some well-deserved summer fun, it’s nice to know that there remains a more casual air among those of us working to ready our facilities for the coming school year. The tempo, while still brisk, is a change of routine that refreshes our spirits.

On the home front, my wife and I are now blessed with three wonderful grandchildren. Our eldest son and his wife, are the proud parents of our first granddaughter. She is (if I do say so myself!) a doll with a beautiful smile and lots of hair. We have many trips and activities planned with our kids and grandkids this summer. Among these is a weeklong stay at the beach. I enjoy the beach about as much as I like needles BUT I love being with my family. They all assure me that I’ll have fun – I’ll let you know in September whether or not they were right.

Strange things can happen during the summer. Who would guess the Pirates were tied for first in their division, briefly, but still sporting a winning record for the middle of June. Or that speedy receiver Mike (60 minutes) Wallace of the Steelers would still be unsigned. OTAs are done for most NFL teams and that means training camp is not that far away. Life is good.

Enjoy what is left of June, and have a safe and happy Fourth of July holiday!

Dr. D.

Time to celebrate

On Monday, April 23, 2012, our school district saw SNOW: windswept squalls and quite a bit of accumulation at such a late date supports the notion that some things cannot be legislated, managed, or controlled by mankind. Human nature compels us to gain power over the events around us. If we can’t control our environment, we like to complain about it (hence our lengthy discussions about the weather). I was sorry about the need to call our first snow day in April, but I was also oddly comforted to see that being “up the mountain” still meant living in extreme and unpredictable conditions.

I believe that everyone should be “fussy” at some point in life. Let me explain: CCSD’s seniors have spent 13 years figuring out what they want for themselves and where they want to go. They’ve taken every possible action to reach their goals. When making important career decisions they should not settle for “whatever” but be fussy and selective as these decisions will surely define who they are and who they will become. (This is a clue as to what I plan to speak about during the graduation ceremony.) Now they are ready to take responsibility for their choices and make their dreams come true. As their families and friends, let’s remind them that they don’t face the bright but uncertain future alone; the people they love will be beside them always.

Choosing a direction is the hardest part. As we make life choices, many variables—some, like the weather, are beyond our control—affect our direction in life. Nevertheless, as we react to various challenges, we are the ultimate controllers of our own destinies. We get the credit (or the blame) for the outcomes of our choices.

Congratulations to all seniors graduating this year, and to parents, relatives, friends, and anyone else who has offered encouragement, patience and a listening ear. As you leave our district, remember to be a “fussy” alumnus in life.

Good luck, seniors!

As we rapidly approach the end of the school year, the teacher in me is compelled to remind students that summer is no time to forget the values, morals and education that have kept them safe and happy throughout their lives. Make smart choices in the friends you hang out with, the social events you attend, and even they ways in which you network on the Internet and social media sites. Please have a safe, enjoyable and relaxing summer.

Finally, I extend my sincere appreciation to all students, staff, parents and Board members for making this an excellent school year for Central Cambria!


Enjoy your summer! Dr. D.

Budget time once again...

Spring has barely sprung and the weather is breaking all kinds of heat records. Following an extremely mild winter, spring appears to have morphed into summer in the span of two weeks. Although the weather is always a topic of conversation during April, those close to public education know it is also the time when many districts are organizing and proposing next year’s budget. This year, such activities are likely to be as unsettled as the weather this time of year.

Mrs. Kaschalk, our business manager, will present our district’s user-friendly budget outline for the public on April 19. Her presentation will show that almost 70% of our district’s budget is a fixed cost with zero “wiggle room.” Each line item was scrutinized to see if a reduction or elimination was warranted, with a list of recommendations presented to the Board. To name a few, this list included fewer teachers being hired to replace those retiring, leading to a small increase in class size, renegotiating out-sourced services contracts, and implementing our own Autistic Support Program.

As you may recall, last year at this time we provided the community, staff, parents and students with a survey to gauge what areas of the district are most important as the budget is developed. The information garnered from this survey helped to keep our district fiscally sound and provided much information about the needs and priorities of our area. The survey helped us identify which items are essential and which can eliminated or modified in the years to come.

Last year I predicted, “This is just the beginning of belt tightening for many districts across the Commonwealth,” and this has certainly proven to be the case. Our district continues to do wonderful things for our students, even with less money. This is commendable, but how long can any district do this? Just as a person on a strict diet can live on fewer calories than he burns for only a finite length of time, districts can function at a monetary deficit for only a limited number of years before sinking into deficit spending. The governor’s proposed budget includes no increase for our district as we continue to pay for unfunded or underfunded mandates. As a result, the cuts made for this year will continue for next year as well.

As the Board and I continue to work on a balanced budget, everyone recognizes how public education is vastly different from what it looked 20 years ago; school districts have shouldered responsibility for much more than the three Rs; it falls to schools to provide instruction and opportunities in the arts, physical wellness, and personal development. So, while we proudly exert our efforts toward the benefit of our students, we have come to realize that nothing in our district is considered safe and untouchable when the budget axe gets sharpened and begins to swing in our direction. We need your help in restoring educational funding to our district.


I urge you to contact the governor and/or local legislators to make your voice heard and let them know that public education is an important investment in our children. As costs continue to go up, and districts look to make ends meet, the lack of funding will undoubtedly have a negative impact on the youth of our society, and on our own well-being and safety.

Now back to my regularly scheduled discussion of sports. The Pens are pretty much history this year, and rightfully so. As much as I am a fan of our Pittsburgh teams, the Penguins on Sunday were sad poster children for “How to Lose a Hockey Game and Your Dignity.” On a more positive note, the NFL schedules have been released, Charlie Batch was resigned for another year, the draft begins April 26, the Blue and White game is this weekend, and voluntary NFL workouts have begun. I can smell the pigskin being tossed about already….

Dr. D.

Has Spring "sprung"?

Wow, a plethora of congratulations are in order for CCSD students. First, the Forensics team had a successful season; coaches and students alike worked hard to prepare and compete. Second, the CES Odyssey of the Mind team placed second in their division on the regional level and are advancing to the state level. Third, wrestlers Ben Rager and Tony Risaliti qualified for states. Ben had a great showing and season at 126 lbs., and was recognized among the Altoona Mirror 2nd team All Stars. Tony placed 4th at states, made the Altoona Mirror 1st team All Stars at 160 lbs, and was named Wrestler of the Year by the Altoona Mirror. Tony now holds the school record for wins (127 – 40) and for pins (83). Fourth, our 4 x 100 freestyle relay team (Newcomer, Chiappini, Brady and Westrick) qualified for states and broke the CCSD 4 x 100-school record. Finally, congratulations go to Kelsie Conrad for qualifying for states and returning with a new school record in the 100 meter backstroke. Whew! We are proud to note that CCSD is home to quite a talented group of young men and women!

The first official day of spring is March 20 but, with the temperatures and sunshine we have had this season, it seems as if spring started in February. I realize that some people do miss the activities that are possible only in the cold and snow, but I have heard very few complaints. Truthfully, the mild weather has been a blessing for our district: we have had very few rescheduled events, we’ve used far less than the usual amount of salt and anti-skid material, and we’ve had to spend vey little in overtime pay for plowing. Of course, we may still get one of the spring snow events, so don’t put that shovel away yet (are you knocking on wood right now, or crossing your fingers?!).

Kudos to all staff involved in the education of our students with special needs. We recently went through an exhaustive PDE audit of the programs and delivery of services for our students with IEPs. Parents, students, teachers, aides, and administrators were interviewed by the team from PDE. I am happy and proud to say that we had an excellent monitoring review. An official document will be sent to our district in a month, but the exit meeting was very encouraging and PDE had almost nothing to cite in terms of non-compliance within our district.

Many of you are now aware of the governor’s proposed budget. Once again, public education and local entities are bearing the burden of financing unfunded mandates:

• There is no real money for full day kindergarten.
• The transportation subsidy is to be cut.
• There is no increase in funding for special education for the fifth year in a row.
• The pension debacle continues to drain district coffers.

Once again, we must do more with less money. I am committed to continuing with full day kindergarten, as I believe it leads to many positive results. At the same time, I am determined to keep our district out of deficit spending. Unfortunately, this may involve some painful cuts and unpopular decisions in the months and years ahead. Be assured that my focus remains the preservation of a quality curriculum for our children. Many thanks to our booster clubs and PTOs for helping with so many fundraisers and monetary perks for our students.

Although this budget dilemma has caused considerable anxiety for educators, parents, and communities, we at Central Cambria are handling it in the best way possible: while some might wait or spend as if the problem might just disappear, we know the wiser course of action is to prepare for next year’s deficit and plan for an uncertain future in ways that maximize opportunities for our students.

I again encourage you to take a few moments to contact your local legislator. Ask for the renewal of Block Grant monies to school districts, and ask lawmakers to rescind the other cuts in the proposed budget. Thank you for supporting Central Cambria and public education.

I promised my older brother Dan that I would mention him in one of my blogs. He, like me, is a devoted Steeler fan. We spend inordinate amounts of time debating the “right” call on defense or offense – mostly to impress each other with our football prowess. He lives in the Downingtown area, home to a prosperous district that has two campuses and is growing steadily. Comparing notes with Dan on the state of education is always interesting. While he is not an educator, two of his children work in public schools. All in all, I am confident that our students are as successful – academically, athletically, and artistically – as those in his area.

Enjoy this unexpectedly mild start to the spring season by attending some of our spring sports. Track is a runaway favorite with my wife, and baseball and softball are in full swing (every pun intended!).

Speaking of sports, it was great to see the Pens win 11 in a row, but I’m still reeling from the abrupt end to their streak. I was staggered to see them lose to the Flyers with only .9 seconds left in overtime – I still can’t believe it. Oh, and hang in there, football fans, there are only 36 (long) days until the NFL draft….

Dr. D

Those budget blues are singing once again....

I have been told that my blogs are very informative and uplifting; this blog is not. It is time for my yearly “grumbling and grousing” over the Governor’s proposed budget for next year. As I stated last year at this time, “…let me begin by stating this is not meant to be a complaint session. The governor’s budget is what it is.” In light of the current economic malaise, most districts in Pennsylvania are facing extremely hard times, with some unable to meet their bills even after extreme budget cuts. The Governor’s budget will do little to help and may put more districts in financial distress; against their own better judgment, districts are forced into deficit spending prior to passing a tentative budget for next year.

Central Cambria administrators have begun to once again scrutinize all areas of the district in an effort to present a balanced budget to the Board in May. Some of these areas include extra-curricular activities, conferences, out-of-district travel, staff realignment, staff reduction through attrition (these two latter items will necessarily result in larger class sizes), activity buses, AmeriCorps workers, technology, building budgets, dual enrollment and maintenance. There are other cost-saving ideas that are being discussed but have not been formally addressed.

Once again the Block Grant money (about $300,000 for our district) has been stricken from the Governor’s budget. This could affect our full-day kindergarten program; however, as I truly believe that full-day kindergarten enhances the academic potential of all students throughout their years in school, maintaining full-day kindergarten remains a top priority for our district. At this point we are planning to maintain full-day kindergarten classes for the 2012-13 school year.

As it currently stands, the Education budget for 2012-2013 proposed by Governor Tom Corbett on February 7 will shift more of the K-12 funding burden to local taxpayers. It will also dramatically cut state funding for higher education.
The proposed K-12 budget would “block grant,” or collapse into a new Student Achievement Education Block Grant, four current line items: basic education subsidy funding ($5.35 billion), pupil transportation ($542.3 million), nonpublic and charter school public transportation ($77.7 million), and $541.56 million of School Employees’ Social Security. This block grant show a modest increase in funding which Mr. Corbett uses to proclaim increased help for public education. However, this combined line block grant line item would provide an increase of only 3/10 of 1% over last year’s figure, or $21.8 million only enough to cover increased social security obligations; it provides no real increase for the basic subsidy to districts. Most other line items under the Governor’s PK-12 education budget were level funded (the same amount as in 2010-11) or received a 5 percent reduction.

I am doing my best to explain this to as many people as possible in order to prevent unwarranted optimism that our governor has mellowed in his attack on public education. With this in mind, please take a few minutes to contact your local legislator to ask - demand! - that Block Grant monies be renewed, and that, for the sake of Pennsylvania’s future, other educational cuts in the proposed budget be reinstated.
Once again, thank you for supporting public education and the efforts of your children’s teachers, support staff and administrators at Central Cambria.

And yes, thankfully, the NFL combines start this week into the weekend. While the Pens continue to play good/bad/ugly, I look forward to the NFL draft the last week in April.

Enjoy what little winter we have left. Dr. D.

Standing Up for Public Education

Last year at this time our district had several snow delays and cancellations. This year (knock on wood) we have had only one delay. Although we still have many weeks of winter left, it does not appear that we are having a typical snow/ice/delay/cancellation year – yet! For those of you not familiar with our delay/cancellation weather procedure, it can be found on the district’s home page, under the link Guidelines for School Delays/Closings. I realize that my decisions about weather-related schedule changes will not please everyone. However, when it comes to our children, student safety is a far greater priority than convenience. As always, my phone, door and email system remain open and available for any concerns, issues or suggestions.

January is the month when our nation celebrates Martin Luther King’s birthday and all the work he did in the area of Civil Rights. January is also School Director’s recognition month. Our district is blessed with very competent, caring and involved school directors. Although this is not a “paid” position, Board members are charged with making many important, sometimes unpopular, decisions. Their tutelage and experience help to guide our district. Each director has the best interest of students, the district and the community at heart. They base their decisions on information, not on emotion. I am proud to work with each of them. At a time when state monies dwindle and public education is under fire from every side, the school board works diligently to maintain a quality education for all of CCSD’s students.

January is also a good time to redouble our efforts to educate those groups that bash public education. They need to recognize the successes among our students and those across the state. Case in point: Pennsylvania has shown eight consecutive years of improvement in student achievement in math and reading. Locally, the achievement scores of Central Cambria students continue to improve, as evidenced by our district consistently achieving Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP), the standard by which the Department of Education measures successful teaching and learning. Success can also be seen in the fact that Cambria elementary school was awarded a $600,000 competitive grant for the i3 initiative (Investing In Innovation), which is an inquiry based science initiative. And we cannot minimize the many triumphs of our district’s fine arts and musical programs as they continue to garner regional and state awards and produce outstanding musicians.

So I encourage you to share the successes your child has experienced, either currently or as an alumnus. Let’s all “Stand Up For Public Education.”

Since we all know how Pennsylvania weather can change, I recommend keeping gas in your snow blower and ATV, and having your shovel at the ready until that first sighting of a robin. Stay safe and warm.

(I can’t write a blog without referencing football – which has now been put back on the shelf as I look forward to next season. FYI: as of this date – January 18 – there are 68 days until the NFL draft on April 26.)

Dr. D.