Still Winter

This month is an excellent time to review our district’s snow delay/cancellation policy as outlined on the district’s home page under the link Guidelines for School Delays/Closings.  To date, we have had four delays, one early dismissal and two cancellations (see below).  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. 

                                    2014               2015               2016               2017

Delays                        7                      6                      2                      4

Early Dismissals     1                      6                      1                      1

Cancellations           6                      3                      1                      2

At this point, the final day of school is May 31, 2017.  We are using Holy Thursday, April 13, as one of our make-up days.  Because vacation plans can be affected by these additional days, we will be prompt to post snow make-up dates as they become necessary. As ever, while this winter has been comparatively benevolent, we will assume nothing about what is to come.

The Governor has delivered his yearly budget address.  As in the past, Basic Education Funding will receive an increase ($100 million dollars) and Special Education monies will increase by $20 million dollars.  While this sounds like a great boon to education, our district would receive, above what we received last year, just $48,000 for our Basic Ed Funding and $16,000 for special education expenses.  I acknowledge that any funding to support Pennsylvania’s 1,763,000 public education students is better than it had been in recent history; yet, I must also say that this is a pittance in comparison to the rising costs in healthcare, special education, pension payments, and day-to-day increasing costs. We can be thankful that the Governor does not plan to increase any personal taxes this year; instead he is looking to eliminate wasteful spending, consolidate services, and close programs. This is a gamble on his part, making assumptions that these cost savings will reduce the state’s crippling $2 billion dollar budget deficit.  Although the House and Senate-led GOP like the plan to hold the line on tax increases, they have expressed reservations about some of the Governor’s proposals.  Hopefully, a budget that is fair and equitable is passed before the end of June—that in itself will be an improvement over past practices.

Kudos to the hard work and subsequent successes of all our athletes and those involved in extracurricular activities. Both boys’ and girls’ basketball teams will be in District 6 playoff games during the week of February 20. Good luck to our wrestlers as they compete in D6 this weekend in Altoona.  Congratulations also go to our chorus and concert students who have fared well in regional competition.  Go get ‘em, Red Devils!

As usual, I like to end my blog with some sports talk. With football out of the news and off the screen, I can only wait for the free agency set to begin. In the meantime, my focus turns to the Pens. Their recent resurgence gives hope to a successful stand through the playoffs; on February 16, Sid the Kid reached a milestone 1000 points on home ice.  Unfortunately, the Caps look stronger than ever.

Sorry.  My mind inexorably strays back to football. Although the season seems to be a long way off, the April draft is not so far away. With Big Ben hedging on his return to the field next year (although I think he will), the Steelers need to start scouting for an heir apparent.  While he does have 3 years left on his contract, there’s no guarantee he will be there for all of those years.  Cross your fingers that the black and gold management team drafts well this year. 

Enjoy what is left of Old Man Winter’s visit to Cambria County!

Dr. D.