School Committee Proposes May Referendum
by Jonathan Weaver
The current construction hold-up for district school projects has led one Armstrong School District committee to ask public input at the voting booth this May.
At a meeting of the Building and Grounds Committee Wednesday, board members unanimously voted to have the nine-member school board consider a referendum for the May 17 primary election justifying current renovation projects as opposed to building a new district high school.
Board Vice-President James Solak told approximately 150 people that attended last night's meeting that he not only supports placing the referendum on a ballot for a new consolidated high school, but he promises to abide by its outcome.
According to the document read by District Solicitor Gary Matta at the public meeting, the referendum would be phrased as: “Shall debt in the sum of $120 million for the purpose of financing a new high school for Ford City Jr.-Sr. High School, Kittanning Jr.-Sr. High School and Elderton Jr.-Sr. High School, and a new Elderton K-6, be authorized to be incurred as debt approved by the electors?”
If approved by voters, the scope of the renovation projects could change. Instead of renovating the three high schools, the three high schools would be consolidated into one central high school.
The referendum will be discussed at the open caucus session March 21.
Board Vice-President James Solak said the referendum will be proposed March 21 due to the current construction limbo because of a letter submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education last month from Sen. Don White (R-Indiana) and Rep. Jeff Pyle (R-60 (Armstrong/Indiana) requesting more public input be allowed before bids are opened for the Elderton K-12 additions and alterations.
“We need to bring this process to an end,” Solak said.
Solak was concerned the letter is forcing the school district to lose out on a positive bidding climate.
L.R. Kimball Architect Brian Hayes and Reynolds Construction Manager Walter Tack discuss the bidding climate after the current Elderton K-12 school project was delayed.
However, L.R. Kimball Architect Brian Hayes said bids received earlier this month for a Pittsburgh elementary school came 6.5 percent under budget. Reynolds Construction Management Walter Tack also received an under-budget bid for an Eastern Pennsylvania school this week, which prompted Solak to believe a positive bidding climate is still present.
The centralized high school concept was proposed at the “Armstrong Charrette,” a three-day October 2007 brainstorming session which proposed community solutions to the building concerns.
Session documents indicate the new high school would cost approximately $122.8 million. The new bidding climate will need to be considered to calculate a current cost estimate.
Solak said that he proposed a similar referendum in September 2007 to deliberate on the issue, but it was never introduced.
“I proposed a resolution be placed in May 2008 on whether or not the voters would support or reject new construction,” Solak said. “If they didn’t support new construction, my resolution proposed that in the November election, the voters would get to vote on renovation or not.”
Former and Current School Board Members Rose Stitt, Royce Smeltzer and Solak supported adding the referendum in September 2007, but it was never added to any election ballots because they did not receive a majority of school board votes. The school board instead voted to close Elderton K-12 school.
By law in the Local Government Unit Debt Act, the referendum must be written on a municipal general election ballot.
Solak said he is confident the referendum will make it to the ballot box.
“Because of the feelings expressed by the majority of the board for the last 16 months during this renovation process, I would make the assumption that there would be a board majority to place this resolution on the ballot. Having said that, however, I am prepared for our opponents to debate this issue on Monday night and I feel I can defend myself and justify putting this referendum on the ballot,”
“I not only support placing the referendum on a ballot for a new school, but I will abide by its outcome – I will do what the people vote to do,” Solak said.
The open caucus session will take place at the district administration building, 410 Main Street in Ford City at 7PM.
Last night’s meeting will be rebroadcast today, Friday March 18, at 12:30PM on WTYM AM 1380 radio. It will also be rebroadcast on Family-Life TV at 7:30 PM Friday.
Uncategorized | jweaver March 17, 2011
By brandy_m, March 17, 2011 @ 7:30 AM
Lose out on a positive bidding climate?? Where are they living? Certainly not Pennsylvania. Gov. Corbett is drastically cutting funding to education throughout the state. A major Pittsburgh newspaper reported last week that the Pennsylvania State Educators Association estimates that the ASD is set to lose $4.4 million in funding next year. Almost twice the amount of any other school district in our region!!! (Pine Richland is estimated to lose $2.4 million)
Just last night on Channel 11, the superintendent of the Pittsburgh Public Schools was on talking about the drastic cuts her district is planning to make. They are putting 16 capital projects on hold and only doing what is necessary, roofs, windows, etc. But here we are in the RICH ASD spending, spending, spending…. What exactly are we going to cut out that’s actually benefiting MOST of our children with that $4.4 million less so that the few select can have a private education in a palace? Kindergarten? Reading support? Music? Arts?
“The people” do not want ANY projects done at this time. Maybe 10 or even 5 years ago there was a movement for a consolidated high school, but there isn’t anymore! We cannot afford to do ANYTHING.
Sneaky, sneaky….making us “choose” between a rock and a hard place. And then doing what “The people” want…good thing we’re also starting the process to get new directors, i.e. people with brains, on the May ballot.
By for the children, March 17, 2011 @ 7:30 AM
Seriously, could the question being posed be more inflammatory? Where are the discussions of a centralized high school and the bids to back the $120 mil price tag? If Solak and his cronies were serious about a referendum it should be asking for support of the current renovation plans. That is where all the conversations and the costs have been centered.
As is the norm, Solak is stirring up old feelings and scare tactics so he can say that he is doing what the vocal minority want!! To borrow from one of his own acronyms S.O.S. (Same Old Solak)!! He is jockeying to have this referendum so it can fail and then if he is defeated he can still stir up the ranks by saying the new board isn’t representing the chosen few.
If this ballot comes to fruition it will be time to get out the vote more than ever!! Look into your candidates. Vote with your brains, not your hearts. For once, let’s all do right by the children and the future of our school district.
By tax_poor, March 17, 2011 @ 8:11 AM
With a down economy and budget cuts coming from every direction it makes no sense to spend any money. the way the ballot is proposed will cost taxpayers either way. The ballot should read:
a. would you like to have $120,000,000 debt and one school?
b. would you like to have $80,000,000 debt and 4 schools?
c. would you like to have $0 debt and four schools?
There is nothing wrong with the current schools that could justify this much spending. Focus on education and what goes on inside the classrooms. maintenance can be done on these buildings and still stay within the current budget. A facelift on these buildings or a new building will not help educate the students which is what they really need in order to go off to college and find good jobs outside of this soap opera of a district.
By ASDpayer, March 17, 2011 @ 8:16 AM
More ploys and lies.
First, by law you can’t hold a referendum in a primary. It has to be in November, by law.
Second, we want to vote on the renovations, not a consolidated school.
Third, the choice I would prefer is consolidate Ford City and Kittanning, build a new school on the old Eljer site. Close Elderton and send the kids to West Shamokin.
This is just more tricks by Solak.
By Chris_Choncek, March 17, 2011 @ 9:04 AM
I won’t support a referendum asking voters to choose between renovations or building a new school. The referendum needs to be written in a way that asks the voters whether they want to spend $80M to renovate or NOT to spend the $80M to renovate. No one is talking about building anything in this district at this time. It would be completely fiscally irresponsible in this economic climate to propose any huge expenditures.
Choosing responsible school board members is the true referenda for this district and the voters will have their opportunity to do so in the upcoming election.
By scott_starr, March 17, 2011 @ 9:06 AM
Nice trick Jimmy and Matta, I’ll give you that one.
Too bad you are offering a false choice, you have to re-bid the costs of the new school,otherwise it’s a lie like everything else.
By cherok29, March 17, 2011 @ 9:35 AM
What a novel idea! Asking the taxpayers to vote on what they want! Wow, who would’a thunk…
By Ron Townsend Jr., March 17, 2011 @ 10:11 AM
What about the 3rd option? Not spending $80 million or $120 million. Why is this board so intent on putting us in deep debt? Do they not get it? The state just cut the education budget. Like most levels of government, this board is out of touch with reality. Most of us on here that are against this board’s renovation project are not looking for a new super school either. We want fiscal responsibility, not a scorched earth policy. Think about it, if it wasn’t for Representative Pyle and Senator White stalling the renovations, which I applaud them for, this board would have moved forward on renovations that we would be stuck paying on for the next 30 years. I don’t know what the answer is, not pretending I do but spending the kind of money they propose in these economic times is irresponsible. Put your personal agendas aside and do what is right for the taxpayers and the children of this district. Furthermore, if any board member feels they are in over their head as far as their capabilities to fulfill their duties, do yourself and us all a favor, either resign or do not run for reelection.
By Ron Townsend Jr., March 17, 2011 @ 10:17 AM
Thank you Chris! Just so you know, when I talk about the school board, I know it isn’t all of you that are irresponsible.
By Jen16226, March 17, 2011 @ 11:00 AM
Exactly Chris!
We can NOT afford anything right now. Stop the plans, sit down and re-examine the budget and TRULY make a longterm plan with PSERS in mind, aging taxpayers in mind, unemployed taxpayers in mind and the barely making it taxpayers in mind.
Maybe if bickering could stop and people could TRULY put their heads together in a logical manner, a good solution for ALL could be had.
By ASDpayer, March 17, 2011 @ 11:08 AM
Thank you Chris Choncek. This is why you should be re-elected. The Solak/Matta trick is this: They don’t support the referendum as proposed. How about just closing Elderton and not renovating anything?
By mutchka, March 17, 2011 @ 11:48 AM
Although I am totally against spending any money at this time I want to give the Dr. credit he outsmarted all of us. I always thought he was an empty suit but the only way youre going to beat him at this game is to vote him out of office.
By fatboyonthehill, March 17, 2011 @ 12:38 PM
I like Mr. Townsend’s 3rd. option. However, the way I see it, we are going to get either option #1 or option #2. If I got to choose between the two then I like keeping the high schools within their respective commumities. Therefore I will choose to go forward with the renovation plans.
By Jan, March 17, 2011 @ 1:57 PM
Snealy, sneaky, sneaky! As most of the above stated- to put a referendum on the ballot that reads as it does it to say- you have no choice at all. I say- stick to the issue at had- do you want to see $80M spent on renovations to EHS, FCHS and KHS or should this project be put on hold until the economic climate changes. This is a joke, and it’s an insult to the intelligence of the ASD taxpayers. Give it up folks. You all know that you are being backed into a corner and you see this as a way out? Lordy, lordy- what will be next?
By cherok29, March 17, 2011 @ 2:56 PM
I came across this article dated in 1986 when trying to find info about Big River online (where my mom once worked).
I thought it was interesting- considering a lot of the things they were talking about in the 80′s are still occuring (kids leaving, education, no jobs, etc).
By GetSmart, March 17, 2011 @ 3:33 PM
Jimmy boy comes up with this hair-brained scheme and people wonder why White and Pyle need to get involved. Duh!
Surely some of the other supporters of his on this board are beginning to realize how stupid he is making them look in front of their constituents, and starting to feel resistance and pressure from ASD taxpayers in their districts.
By newvoice, March 17, 2011 @ 4:01 PM
WOW…..Now who’s afraid.The scare tactic to get a new school has backfired.It’s only a bad idea because super school canidates don’t like it….PERIOD
By brandy_m, March 17, 2011 @ 4:33 PM
@fatboy….
And that’s exactly what they want. Rock and hard place. They’re hoping people will vote for their “community schools.” Which is exactly why we need to have option #4 …Incur $0 debt, and have three high schools, KHS, FCHS, and WSHS.
By crom44, March 17, 2011 @ 9:38 PM
It is not sneaky at all, it is asinine! I have not resorted to name-calling before but this time I will tell the truth. James Solak you truly are a worthless piece of trash! Mere arrogance can’t even excuse this petty attempt for a trap. SOLAK…
Supremely
Arrogant
Lacking
Any
Knowledge
You pretentiously voice your concern over spending in a way that would lead to a greater amount of spending? I think you just like to feel power and see your name in the paper.
What an donkey!
Not hiding behind a screen name EVER!!
Daniel P. Lorigan
Worthington
crom44@hotmail.com
By DANBOY, March 17, 2011 @ 11:15 PM
Things I think I think. Although I have been a little preoccupied the last couple of weeks I have been thinking!!
I see quotes from DRAGNET which was on TV from 1967 to 1970. Do I have to say more?????
The Dr Director wants a referendum on his terms.
Repeat after me “SNAKE IN THE GRASS” Make sure that is on the RECORD!!!
Do the other Directors on the Building Committee know what a referendum is????
Scott please consider the debate? All that will be accomplished is free campaign fodder for the Dr Director and advertising revenues for this well written and informative paper!!!
I guess I must be out of the loop but what happened to the significant pension contribution and the Project Labor Agreement (PLA) that was headline news weeks ago????
It is about time for the signs at both ends of Ford City to highlight who has graduated from FC High School. Come on that SHIP HAS SAILED!!!
During the renovation Kittanning Township Elementary will stay open and house 52 children
in kindergarden 57 first graders and 63 second graders. Once again need I say more!!!!
By GetSmart, March 18, 2011 @ 6:40 AM
Could this just be a little diversion by Jimmy to get talk away from the pressing issue, Gov. Corbett’s proposed budget cuts?
We have heard nothing from this group about that.
If not, then Jimmy’s referendum sounds more like something out of Cold War Communist Russia than Armstrong County, USA.
By Jan, March 18, 2011 @ 8:39 AM
This current board majority needs to wake up and smell the roses. The only referendum question that should be put on the ballot in May is the issue that is on the table currently.Apparently they are not listening to their constituents.
Here is how the question should be posed:
Do you support the Armstrong School District Board of Directors plan to renovate 3 Jr/Sr
High Schools at a cost of >$80M? (Yes/No)
Hello- is any one listening. No one wants a consolidated school built. Many don’t want renovations done at this time.It’s called “budget decrease” in all school districts. Read the papers board members- every other school is tabling building projects and finding ways to cut cost to make up the deficit due to education cuts in the State budget.What part of this does this current board majority not get? If this isn’t a telling scenario to the taxpayers of the ASD, I don’t know what is. Jimmy boy is playing games with your intelligence folks. The way the referendum reads is like asking all of you ” Before we hang you- do you want a hood over your face or take it straight on”.
By scott_starr, March 18, 2011 @ 10:28 AM
The county comissioners, or the board of elections, or whomever should be able to properly frame this or any ballot question, or even decide if this is indeed a valid question for the referendum.
Why would we allow a ballot question on something that has not been proposed?
Why would we allow a ballot question on a brainstorming session held 3 years ago?
There is only ONE question at hand in 2011, do we want to spend $85 million to build gymnasiums, cafeterias and vestibules in 2011?
By GetSmart, March 18, 2011 @ 1:37 PM
newvoice, Elderton Parent, Elderberry, help me out here. Since when is a new Elderton K-6 building considered part of high school and/or junior high school?
By swilson, March 18, 2011 @ 1:56 PM
Why is no one mentioning continued operating costs? Wouldn’t it be nice to compare the annual cost of operating 3 high schools as compared to one? How can you place this on the ballot without all the facts? This board’s only goal is to keep all of these schools open for the next 30 years. What happens if our enrollment continues to decline during that time? We’ll be stuck paying for renovations on schools that won’t warrant staying open.
By for the children, March 18, 2011 @ 3:34 PM
As a part of Governor Corbett’s budget cuts in education he asked all Pennsylvania teachers to consider a wage freeze for a year. The head of the PSEA, the larger teachers union in the state, came out in support of the governor’s proposition. Everyone is looking to curtail expenses yet in the ASD we are still debating the proposed renovations being rammed down our collctive throats.
If I were a teacher in the ASD I would not agree to anything in an environment where the existing board is willing throw away $85 million on schools that should be shut down.
I would like to make a proposition to the teachers of the ASD. Offer to agree to the one year wage freeze contingent on the school board agreeing to match it with one year spending freeze of their own.
I would love to see the “Doctor” weasel out of that!!