Winter comes and goes… and
comes again.
With temperatures in the 50’s
one day and in the 20’s the next day, winter this year seems to be riding a
roller coaster. To date we have had
three delays and one early dismissal –representative of a fairly benign winter
by Ebensburg standards. As a reminder, and for those unfamiliar with our
procedures, you can find the district’s weather-related delay/cancellation
protocol on the district’s home page under the link Guidelines for School
Delays/Closings. We all know what an inconvenience weather delays and
cancellations can be but, when it comes to our children, safety is a far
greater priority than convenience. As always, my phone, door and email
system remain open/available for any concerns, issues or suggestions.
As is the case each year, senior
staff members face the decision to retire or not to retire. This year, at the January Board meeting, our
high school Principal, Kimberly Ann McDermott, submitted a letter expressing
her intent to retire. Although everyone
can be replaced, the process for Kim’s replacement will be a challenge for
several reasons. Aside from the
remarkable job she has done academically in the HS, she chairs many committees;
Safe Schools, Wellness, graduation, and National Honor Society are just a few
of the committees that have benefited from her participation. In addition to a plethora of other HS
specific duties, Kim is also the Title IX point of contact for the entire
district. Hers is also the pleasant
voice you hear on your phone when the District sends a Skylert call to families.
Kim epitomizes the image of a dedicated Red Devil: Kim has made it her mission
to attend most of the high school’s after-school activities, events, state
meets, etc. On a personal note, after 40 years in education, I have had the
pleasure and opportunity to work with many administrators; Kim is one of the
top administrators with whom I have ever worked. Her calm demeanor and intuitive awareness of
the needs of those in her care have actually added to my own interpersonal
skills. As much as we will miss her, we all wish her a long, happy, healthy
retirement.
Although testing continues to
be mandatory for students in grades 3-8, and is required once at the high
school level, PDE is developing a new standard to measure success on the state
assessments. PDE has developed the
Future Ready PA Index as a measure of success.
It seems that, rather than looking at test scores in isolation, PDE is
focusing on student growth as a better indicator of academic success. Several devices
are being considered as indicators of success: locally selected assessments,
English Language proficiency assessments, attendance records, evidence that a
student is closing the achievement gap, and college and career measures. If approved on the state level, the launch
date for this standard for measuring academic success is Fall of 2018.
January is School Directors’
Recognition Month, a good time to formally say thanks to our school directors.
Our district is blessed with very competent, caring and involved school
directors. Their commitment is doubly impressive when we note that theirs are
not “paid” positions; expecting nothing in return, Board members make many
important and sometimes unpopular decisions. Their experience and
guidance help to lead our district. Directors have the best interest of
students, the district and the community at heart. Their tireless
commitment to the District is noteworthy and very much
appreciated.
With the governor presenting
his budget address February 7, the legislature is considering the passage of a bill
that does away with property taxes.
Don’t high five or chest bump just yet.
The plan is to raise the personal income tax and sales tax on
everything, including items not currently taxed, (from 6% to 7%). The caveat to
this bill is that property taxes can continue to be collected if a District has
debt – and CCSD has debt left remaining from the construction of the middle
school. Only eight of Pennsylvania’s 500
school districts are debt-free. The upshot is that, even as your personal
income tax would go up and the sales tax would increase, you would continue to
pay property taxes. It is for this reason that I feel this is not a good bill
for Pennsylvania.
As I write this blog, the
Steelers are four days away from competing against the Patriots at New England
for the AFC championship on Sunday, January 22.
Coach Tomlin and Big Ben have never beaten the Patriots on their home
field. However, Pittsburgh is 5-0
against teams they play a second time.
Am I superstitious?
Absolutely! Am I hopeful? Always!
Am I nervous? Shaking in my boots! Let’s hope the “Killer “Bs” can do
their magic and beat the Pats.
Until next month, stay warm
and enjoy the time of year.
Dr. D.
