Until recently, I thought that last year’s winter was rough.
At this time, one year ago, our district had several snow delays and
cancellations. To date this year,
we have had seven delays, one early dismissal and six cancellations; our final
day of school is now scheduled for June 6 (subject to change, of course). You are justified in thinking that this
situation wreaks havoc on your family’s schedule; on the school level, I’m sure
you can sympathize with what this winter has done to our district’s extracurricular
activities, attempts at consistent instruction and testing preparation. Additionally, after so many unexpected
closures, central administrators truly dread the inevitable—and necessary—discussions
about whether to send buses out on time, announce a delay or advance to yet
another cancellation.
Our district’s snow delay/cancellation policy is outlined on
the district’s home page under the link Guidelines
for School Delays/Closings. With several weeks of winter left, we
are certainly above average in the number of cold/snow/ice/delays and cancellations
this year! I imagine that superintendents are rather unpopular when this
happens (can I please blame the groundhog?) and I know 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.
Allow me to move on to another of my regularly scheduled “discussions”
about the Governor’s proposed budget for next year. As I have previously stated at this time of year, “…let me
begin by stating this is not meant to be a complaint session. The governor’s proposed 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. To a modest degree the governor’s
budget is putting money into public education but, without a funding formula,
many rural and/or small districts do not get a fair share. Rest assured that, as legislators
attach to the budget their own ideas about what is good for public education,
the governor’s proposed budget will undergo significant modifications before it
is finalized.
February 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 among children across the state. Academically,
our district’s SPP (School Performance Profile) is among the top districts in
Cambria and surrounding counties. 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.
I’m excited and proud to announce that our Board of
Directors recognizes the need to invest in the future of its students and has
approved the new position of Curriculum Director. We will also soon pilot a
Google Chrome Book initiative among selected staff at the high school. The
ability to meet the evolving needs of our students, in the midst of
economically challenging times, is the result of the Board’s careful fiscal
planning. I sincerely hope you will spread the word about Red Devil successes
in the classroom and in extracurricular events. As a community we should show
appreciation and pride for the accomplishments of our students and staff. Please share the successes your child
has experienced, either currently or as an alumnus.
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, enjoy the Olympics, and let’s all
remember that good ol’ Punxsutawney Phil is the true culprit behind the current
Snow Fest.
Of course, many of you now know that I can’t write my 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 – February 20 – there are 62
days until the NFL draft on April 24. Choose wisely, Steelers….
Dr. D.
