Alt Ed program on the move?

Maintaining an alternative education program at Tawanka has been both educationally successful and expensive. Often the topic of debate, the Alt Ed program comes under scrutiny once again during Monday’s Strategic Action Committee meeting at Lower South Elementary (November 17th, 7pm). In an effort to maintain the Alt Ed program more economically, the Board will discuss potential relocation of the program to the BELC area of the high school.

Public comment at Monday’s meeting is welcome and encouraged.

Renovation on schedule, budget iffy

The high school renovation still appears to be on time - that's the good news. But as the project enters the final stretch, the contingency fund is lower than we would prefer. Some blame has been put upon Middletown Township for the fees it has charged the district, but those fees are to be (or should have been) expected. When money gets tight like this, that's when shortcuts like not paving a gravel road are considered.

Click here to read the Courier Times article on the matter.

The Show will go on

Just when it appeared that the high school renovation might interfere with the annual musical, comes word from Superintendent Paul Kadri of a solution. Thanks to the work of Kadri and his administration, and due to the invaluable assistance of Damien Spahr (construction manager for the NHS project), renovation efforts that impact the area surrounding the Kloos Auditorium will work around the musical. Some work will begin before the annual drama event, and the rest of the work will be completed when the final curtain has come down.

Thank you to everyone who helped proves once again that the Show MUST go on!

And speaking of the Arts . . .

Drama Club students present!

Have you ever thought that your teachers are crazy? Well, for the kids of Bristol, Maine it's a reality. Join the Neshaminy High School Drama Club students as they present Good Morning Miss Vickers.

Performances will take place in the Performing Arts Center on November 13th - 15th at 7:00 pm. and 2:00 pm. on Saturday, November 15th. Tickets are $3 for students and $5 for adults.

IU could rent Tawanka center

If the IU's in, evening activities could be out.
The Neshaminy School District is negotiating a deal with the Bucks County Intermediate Unit No. 22 to rent the Tawanka Learning Center in Lower Southampton for more than $7 per square foot, officials said during a school board meeting Wednesday night.

You can read the rest of this Courier Times article by clicking here.

Where have you gone???

I've been getting lots of emails asking that very question. Obviously you've noticed that it has been nearly a month since I last updated this blog, and some of you are wondering what's wrong. To put your minds at ease, I can assure you that nothing is wrong. As a matter of fact, things couldn't be better.

My employer recently added some more responsibilities to my job including a business unit that tends to travel quite a bit, and so I've been spending more time in airplanes recently. Last month I was in St. Louis, two weeks ago in Germany, next week in South Carolina, and someplace else the week after that. Although I am enjoying the new challenges of my job, it leaves very little free time for other things like this blog.

I'll do what I can to keep this blog current since it's a convenient way for us to stay in touch with each other. I always look forward to hearing from you, and I appreciate your patience while I adapt to these changes in my professional life.

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Renovations hit sour note

"They say the show must go on — but can it? Neshaminy High School families hope so.
Dozens of parents and students filled the Neshaminy school board meeting Tuesday night asking officials to find a way to make sure the Middletown high school's musical happens this winter, despite construction."

You can read the rest of this Courier Times article by clicking here.

Still no agreement in talks

According to this morning's Courier Times . . . While bargaining continues, there is no new update in the Neshaminy teachers' contract talks, which remain centered on health care costs, officials reported this week.

(Louise) Boyd previously said that health care was the only topic that the board was willing to discuss. (Rich) Webb responded that insurance is important because “there is no money in the budget. Without some concessions, there will be no way to fund other changes ... like salary.”

You can read the entire article by clicking here.

If you want to visit the district's contract negotiations website, click here.

Any community questions or comments about negotiations can be directed to Board Member Rich Webb: