RVSD Budget Voted Down, then Approved in Mixed Message Meeting

NEW BETHLEHEM, Pa. by: John Gerow (RVO) – Another standing room only crowd gathered Monday evening in the high school library to show their support for the Agricultural Science, Business Technology, and Industrial Technology programs. More than 60 residents and students attended the regular meeting of the Redbank Valley School Board in which the $18,483,182 budget for 2018 – 2019 was voted down, but then approved on a second consideration vote. The budget vote reconsideration was only one of several confusing mixed messages sent by the Redbank Valley School Board during June’s meeting. Keith Copenhaver was absent from the meeting and Linda Ferringer joined by phone.

Several FFA students addressed the board, speaking in support of the Agricultural Science and FFA programs at Redbank Valley. Graduate Maggie Rankin told the board that FFA had played an important role in her development as a person and that it provided her with the motivation to become a good student. Student Patty Smith also spoke of the activities that FFA participates and the importance in her student career. Mrs. Kate Kronen, the Ag teacher told the board that there was untapped money available for the Industrial and Agricultural Science programs. She spoke of the potential of $600 – $800 per student enrolled in Ag Sciences that could be available to the district. Mrs. Kronen pointed out that if done properly, Ag Science and Technical Education funding could generate $65,000 in new revenue and that add combined with the $15,000 annual greenhouse sales could add $80,000 to the District annually.

New Bethlehem business person Lisa Goth, who is working on the ad hoc Finance Committee, again asked the board to hold off on making program cuts until the Committee could develop a 5-year plan. She stressed, again, the potential for revenues that have yet to be tapped. Residents Joe Bellfield and Amy Ferringer also addressed the board in support of the vocational programs.

During the work session before the meeting board member Darren Bain said that he was not overly impressed with either of the presentations given at last week’s work session by Armstrong Security and Chief Ryan. He told the meeting that at this point he was wavering in support for implementing an armed security program due to the costs. Several of the board members are planning on going to Armstrong County High School tomorrow (Tuesday) to see how the armed security guards interact with students arriving at school. Members Bill Reddinger and Dee Bell both said that they needed to see the program in place before they would be willing to vote either way.

Mr. Bain also suggested that the Board consider amending the rule that allows a member to participate in meetings by phone or internet only twice in one year. He said that with people working out of the area, and other pressures make attending twice-monthly meetings really hard for some people. Members Dee Bell and Bill Reddinger both argued that people who commit to a school board should be willing to make the meetings. No further action on the topic was considered.

District Maintenance Supervisor John Sayers reported that the renovation work on the track has begun. He told the Board that within two weeks, they should know if there are any significant issues with the base layer under the track. Mr. Sayers also said that the wiring for the new security camera system was completely installed and that the cameras are on order.

The Board voted 4 – 4 on the $18,483,182 budget for the school year 2018 -2019. (Under Robert’s Rules of Order a tie vote means the motion fails.) Board members Darren Bain, Don Nair, Ann Kopnitsky and Linda Ferringer voted against the spending plan. However, following a series of votes to cut class offerings in the Business Education Department, Technology and Engineering Education Department, Agriculture Education and Science Departments and the furlough of 2 professional employees, Dr. Nair moved that the budget motion be reconsidered. On the second vote, Dr. Nair changed his vote to “yes” and the Board adopted the $18.4 million spending plan. Each of the votes to reduce class offerings and the furloughs were passed on votes of 6- 2 with Darren Bain and Ann Kopnitsky voting against the cuts.

Following the vote to cut classes in the Vocational Education departments, the Board proceeded to vote in favor of adding additional days of pay for 2 guidance counselors, the athletic director, Dean of Students, and one school nurse. These additional pay days total 40 and are intended to cover “additional work required”. Each of these items passed on 7 – 1 votes with Darren Bain being the only “No” vote. The board members also voted unanimously in favor of having the Superintendent advertise for any administrative or professional positions that may come open during the summer break. The Board also voted to hire Ashley Anderson as junior high head volleyball coach at a cost to the district of $4,394.64.

In the public comments section at the end of the meeting, Lisa Goth again addressed the Board. She asked why the employees had been furloughed; President Chad Shaffer refused to answer, saying that “this is not a bi-directional portion of the meeting”. Following this rebuff, Mrs. Goth expressed her frustration with the Board for cutting class offerings before the Finance Committee has prepared a comprehensive 5-year plan. She told the board members that they needed to decide if they were going to support the Finance Committee and if not, to just disband it.

Student Representative to the Board, Peyton Kirkpatrick, also asked the reason for the furloughs and again, Dr. Shaffer refused to explain. The student rep told the Board that he was going to finish out his term as the student representative and not serve in the capacity again. Mr. Kirkpatrick explained that he did not think that he was allowed to contribute and that he was not allowed to speak freely. He did say that he hoped to return as a duly elected board member in the near future.

For more information, please see this week’s Leader – Vindicator newspaper.