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.

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.

It’s beginning to look a lot like….

It’s beginning to look a lot like….

…Spring?? The fall weather has been so mild—almost spring-like—that our recently finished multi-purpose field is already sporting a great showing of young grass.  This encourages us to believe that we will be able to use this field in the fall of 2017.   While last year was one of the mildest winters on record for our area with negligible snow, we all know that the weather can change quickly and unpredictably in Pennsylvania.  Let’s enjoy these days while we can, keeping shovels and plows out of sight for a while longer. 

Even as the weather makes it easy to ignore the inevitable, I want to reiterate that the usual protocol applies: if we have not called a delay/cancellation by 5:30 AM, it is too late to get the word out and schools will open at the usual time. Speaking from my own perspective, making the right call can be most stressful for PA superintendents. As I continue to emphasize to parents, staff, Board members and, most importantly to students, the safety and welfare of all are paramount; decisions are always based on safety.

November is a time when most people gear up for the Big Holiday.  In education, November is also the month in which we celebrate American Education Week (November 14-18).  All buildings held a variety of activities to celebrate the week, inviting parents and community members to experience showcased artwork, their children’s classrooms, and other salutes to our educational process. American Education week is a great opportunity to bring in the community and see what our district is about.

Speaking of successes, our Scholastic Quiz team placed second overall during this week’s competition.  Our high school play, Thoroughly Modern Millie, which began on November 17 and runs thru November 20, is another great production through which the community can see the amazing talents of CCSD students.   Sports-wise, winter sports are now in full swing as our swim teams, basketball teams and wrestlers begin their season.  One of our senior wrestlers, Max Murin, recently signed his national letter of intent for the Iowa Hawkeyes wrestling program.  Max’s high school record is 115-5.  Aside from his athletic prowess, he is a good student and all around great person.

Our Student Information System now includes our cafeteria in Skyward; it appears to be working well.  At CCSD, we constantly look for better and more improved ways to keep the lines of communication open to our stakeholders.  Using Skyward to check on grades, attendance, global calls, transportation, special education, nursing services and now cafeteria accounts, allows parents to maintain real time information about their child/ren.

Okay, as I write this, I am being treated to a lovely snow squall. Maybe it is beginning to look a lot like Christmas. With this in mind, let’s take time to give thanks for—and share our blessings and good fortune. I wish for all staff and students a happy, relaxing, and fulfilling holiday.  Cherish those close to you in the spirit of the season, and be the person that makes you proud. Share fond memories—and make new ones—with family and friends. (And watch lots of football!)

Until the snow starts in earnest,

Dr. D.