The board punts its opportunity for redemption.
Special note: I’d like to remind our readers that the mission of this effort is not only to promote a better pedestrian experience for the town, but better government as well — just as it says in the tagline in the header. As I’ve learned over the past ten years covering Jenkintown, they go hand in hand. And because it is a taxing authority, I also consider the School District a part of that government. If you think otherwise, I am always open to your feedback.
Just when you think that the School Board might finally admit to its failures, it instead puts out the call to friends and family for aid and moral support.
We definitely saw a different tone at last night’s school board business meeting compared to last week, with several members of the community coming to the board’s rescue, heaping praise upon them, again profusely thanking them for their sacrifices and hard work.
Unfortunately, we didn’t get to hear from the teachers in attendance because of a union-imposed gag order. However, while walking into the building, I overheard a few expressing their contempt for superintendent Takacs.
By the start of the meeting, the auditorium was only about a third full, with 100 more watching the live stream. It seems that both sides failed pack the room, but unlike the workshop meeting last week, most of the speakers expressed their support. One who claimed to be a friend of board chair Megan O’Brien did so in tears.
Pounds of Flesh in the Game
Board member Nina Russakoff set the tone, reasserting among other things the oft-made claim that the board has a responsibility to the teachers and the students, but she omitted their responsibility to the taxpayers.
Claiming that many in the room had “skin in the game,” at no point did she thank or even acknowledge those who fund this ongoing tragedy. Every property owner in Jenkintown has skin in this game, Ms. Russakoff. I conservatively estimate that my wife and I have put almost $100,000 worth of skin since we bought our house in 2002. (Meanwhile, residents on Mather read that number and said, “Hold my beer”.)
Whatever the amount, since the hiring of Dr. Takacs, outcomes, reputation, and working conditions have declined.
Board member Nancy Campbell implored the audience to hound Harrisburg for more money, because she claims that’s where the money is.
More accurately, the state funds about 20% of the budget. However, funds dedicated solely to educating students comprise only 7%. The bulk of the remainder go to retirement contributions.
With menacing intensity, she declared, “We raised taxes.”
Finally, after the close of public comment, board member Katie Costandino left little doubt where she stood on the tax issue. With menacing intensity, she declared, “We raised taxes.” She justified a ten-percent tax hike over two years in order to balance the budget and keep the district independent.
It seems supporters of this school board have little empathy for those who struggle under this tax burden. If it culls the herd, so be it. If it drives out people who might otherwise stay put after their youngest graduates, that’s just the cookie crumbling.
No matter that these increases drain and destabilize the community, Ms. Costandino shrugs it off. Can’t make an omelette without breaking eggs, I guess.
Ms. Costandino also said that the only reason why she was still on the board was because Megan O’Brien chaired the meetings. With Ms. O’Brien stepping down, maybe she’ll take that as her cue to exit.
Heat and Kitchens
Sad to say, those who came to speak in support of the school board did so heavy on emotion and light on reality.
None of the supporters addressed the irrationality of retaining a superintendent who gave this board cause for termination during her first term. None of those commenters seem to understand the threat to their children from this incompetence and malfeasance.
The board is just doing the best they can, they say. It’s hard work. It’s thankless, we’re told. People are not being nice to you. What would our children think of this behavior? they ask.
When I hear a board member complain about how hard the job is, I start thinking about heat and kitchens.
When they say “what about the children?” I remember democracy isn’t pretty, but it is still better than the alternative. Let our children see how it works in the real world.
When I hear that we need to be nice, I think that after ten years or more of enduring this shit show, the time for nice is over. It’s time to push back.
Fire Doctor Takacs yesterday. Just rip the bandaid off already.
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