Wissahickon School District Community Input Group-First Meeting Info

Last night I attended the Wissahickon School District Community Input Group's First Meeting.  This group was formed by the School District to obtain community input BEFORE they make a final decision on the closing of the Mattison School in Ambler and other potential school clsoings as well as a proposed facilities improvement for the District that could potentially exceed 100 MILLION DOLLARS.  This money, if approved would be obtained via bond issues and potential real estate tax increases, although tax increases are not necessarily required.  The first meeting was a series of statistical compilation that reflects a declining number of children in our schools.  These are demographic studies and come from various sources.  Sources are independent and within the district.  The studies seem clear, the number of children the District will need to educate till 2020 will decline from about 4650 in 2004 to possibly 3,750 by 2015-2020.  Some might ask, "why spend 100 MILLION or more to provide facilities for children whose numbers are shrinking".  Well, it turns out that based on facilities studies, our existing buildings are not up to 21st century learning standards, contain mold in some areas, and are functionally obsolete today, even though there have been updates over the years.  Of course, requirements change, learning methods change and our children need the best possible learning situation, but.  Questions will inevitably arise, both from the public, the Commttee and the Board.  What facilites actually improve student achievement?  Do we need a natatorium?  Do we need a new theatre?  Do we need a new high school?  If the Board approves a 100 million or more bond issue, will that be enough to get it done?  Will real estate taxes rise, stay the same, or when our present bonds are paid off, would a real estate tax reduction be possible in Wissahickon?  Many more questions will arise and hopefully be answered to your satisfaction.  If you care about local taxes and education, you should start attending the School Board Meetings and other local organizations who meet each month.  

One such organization is the Blue Bell Tea Party Patriots.  Further information on that group follows below.   At our September meeting next Wednesday, September 12, I will give you an update from my own view of the Community Input Group meeting last night at the Wissahickon School Board Committee meeting.  This Committee was established by the School Board to get community input with regard to upcoming proposed school closings, new facilities, and bond issues for those proposed new facilities that may cost the taxpayers upwards of 100 MILLION dollars.  Last night at that meeting, I asked if the bond issue for the money would be submitted to the voters for a referendum or not.  So far, there is no decision on that issue, but, if the bond issue would not cause an increase in our real estate taxes of more than 1.3%, there is no requirement for a vote on the bond issue.  It seems to me that if the Board is going to spend a large amount of money, that in any case the bond issue should be voted upon by the taxpayers.  This issue is a matter of utmost local importance.  Be there and let me know your thoughts so I can express them at the next Input Committee Meeting, which are every 2 weeks.  It happens that I was asked to be on that Committee, as an interested taxpayer and citizen.

The Blue Bell Tea Party Patriots will operate a booth again this year at the Harvest Fest on October 13, 2012 at Whitpain Township.  Stop by and meet some of our members.  We will also be meeting next Wednesday, September 12, 2012 at 7:30 p.m. at the Whitpain Township Meeting Room on Wentz Road.  All members of the public are welcome to attend, to offer opinions and discuss all the ramifications of the potential Facilites Improvements and Bond issue as well as the effect on our taxes.  National and state election issues will also be discussed.

I am wondering, that the Board has already advertised the intended closing of Mattison School in Ambler, but, the Community Input Group has not made any recommendation to the Board.  I guess the Board could decide otherwise, but, it seems a bid odd to me that they are advertising its closing, but, not yet made a decision.  All Ambler residents are welcome to attend the Blue Bell Tea Party meetings.

  Regards, Vic Meitner