Winter comes and goes… and comes again.

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.