Eight positions face elimination
A narrow and contentious vote by the Quakertown Community School District Board of Directors last Thursday ended with eight district positions facing elimination after this school year. The vote, ahead of adoption of the district's 2018-2019 budget, will continue efforts presented last spring to close a structural budget deficit of $4.7 million.
Five elementary school teachers, an elementary school guidance counselor, a librarian and a nurse received furlough notices before the 5-4 vote. Representatives of the teacher's union, the Quakertown Community Education Association (QCEA), along with district parents, filled the room Thursday night, using five-minute public comment allotments to voice their concerns to the board.
"At some point you have to realize that these cuts will affect the success of our students, teachers and district as whole," QCEA President Ryan Wieand commented. "People are talking about our district, but for the wrong reasons."
QCEA submitted a list of suggestions to avoid the furloughs. The list proposed the elimination of certain administrative positions, including the new communication director position, and not hiring a fourth assistant vice principal for the high school.
The four directors who voted against the furlough – Keith Micucci, Kaylyn Mitchell, David Ochmanowicz and Jennifer Weed attempted to table the vote until the April 20 meeting, allowing time to consider the validity of the QCEA cost-saving suggestions.
"I think in order to really digest these suggestions, we need more time," Mitchell said.
Directors Dwight Anderson, Jonathan Kern, Steaven Klein, Ronald Jackson and Austin Sedicum voted in favor of the furloughs. Superintendent William Harner noted, however, that the vote does not necessarily mean all eight will be laid off July 1. While all have received furlough notices already, some of the positions could remain next year if other employees retire or resign.
"This gives us flexibility as we go through the process," Harner said.
Assistant Superintendent Nancianne Edwards additionally noted that the five teachers could be eligible for long-term substitute positions with the district if laid off.
Milford Middle School was shuttered last year as part of the effort to close the budget deficit. Tohickon Valley Elementary School will close after this school year with a plan to renovate Neidig Elementary. Mitchell, as chair of the facilities committee, reported that while original estimates for Neidig's renovation were $20 million, the lowest actual bid received was $27 million.
The 2018-2019 budget also imposes a 4.2% increase for taxpayers.
Board President Klein announced at the start of the meeting that the board held an executive session earlier to discuss real estate and personnel issues.