Courier Times: Teachers should pay for benefits, open up negotiations

Today’s Courier Times editorial touches upon a couple of old favorites – teacher benefits and open contract negotiations. While the editorial may not be breaking any new ground, it’s worth a look.

Here today, gone tomorrow

As reported by the Courier Times, Neshaminy superintendent Paul Kadri’s last day on the job is today, Monday November 17th. He will soon be joining his new school district in Groton, CT.

Assistant Superintendent Lou Muenker will serve as acting superintendent until a search can be conducted to identify Kadri’s replacement.

Saying goodbye to Paul Kadri

It’s been a tumultuous couple of years for Mr. Kadri, but despite the challenges he can say that he left Neshaminy better off than when he arrived. Our PSSA test scores are up, spending is down, and not since Gary Bowman have we seen a superintendent so involved in the day-to-day lives of our children.

This post is devoted to saying goodbye to Paul Kadri, and I invite you to add any kind, parting thoughts you would like to share with him.

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.