CCIU Budget Likely to Pass, Despite GVSD Board Vote

The Chester County Intermediate Unit's $42,032 budget for core services was unanimously approved by the Great Valley School Board Monday night. However, a second vote on the IU's much larger occupational education budget didn't go over so well.

That $971,695 proposal was rejected by a vote of 4-3, with two members absent.

"I view the IU as an extention of this district. It performs an essential function," said Andrew Daga, who serves as the Great Valley member of the CCIU board.

Daga explained that there were reasons for the CCIU budget to have increased by 1.4 percent, but GV board president Bruce Chambers said he couldn't support such an increase when the districts themselves are all cutting spending.

Board member Ted Leisenring said his decision to vote "no" was sealed by the fact that CCIU executive director Joseph O'Brien didn't forgo a pay increase, as the Great Valley superintendant did.

"It's not about the money; it's about leadership," Leisenring said.

Gene Kozik and Kevin McTear also cast votes against. Voting for the budget were Daga, Scott Oswald and David Barratt, who set aside his reservations because he felt the CCIU hadn't received enough guidance from the district this year. Board members Susanne Carr and Philip Foret were absent.

After the vote, district business director Charles Linderman said he was pretty sure that a majority of districts in Chester County had already approved the budget, meaning it will pass regardless of the Great Valley vote.

The CCIU does not have the authority to tax; it charges the districts it serves for the number of students who attend. According to its website:

CCIU's major services include: special education and compensatory education programs; career, technical and customized education; mentor training and staff development; technology initiatives; consortia for school business operations; and curriculum services.

During public comments, Willistown resident and school board candidate Jennifer Armstrong asked if the district would suffer any negative impact, having voted against a budget that passed anyway. Superintendent Alan Lonoconus said that would not be the case.