CHARTER SCHOOLS ANALYSIS

 

As result of the current political environment in Harrisburg related to vouchers, I believed it is important we have a complete picture of this issue in an effort to increase our understanding of this issue.   As you know, School districts are mandated to send their local cost per pupil expenditure (known as the Average Daily Membership or ADM) to the receiving charter school for any student who leaves the district to attend the charter school.  Historically, districts were provided a state subsidy of 25 – 30% of the initial outlay to defray the loss of the ADM; however, under Governor Corbett’s 2011 – 12 budget, this subsidy was entirely eliminated leaving the local taxpayer to make up the difference. 

Another fundamental issue negatively impacting local school districts is the disparity in accountability between charter schools and their public school district.  Public school districts are held to a much higher level of accountability for state and federal mandates than are charter schools, leaving charter schools far less burdened by substantially lower operating and educational costs. 

 

Finally, charter schools do not perform at the same levels as our public school.  In summary, this data shows that in the great majority of cases, public schools are outperforming charter schools by a significant margin. 

 

Tables 1 and 2:  Difference in Achievement among Public and Charter Schools in Reading and Mathematics

3 - 8 Grade        % Proficient	Public Reading	Charter Reading	DIFF	Public Math	Charter Math	DIFF
Carbon	72.31	65.16	-7.15	75.65	58.50	-17.15
Lehigh	76.58	65.16	-11.42	80.55	58.50	-22.05
Monroe/Pike	78.64	65.16	-13.48	83.02	58.50	-24.52
Northampton	78.29	65.16	-13.12	83.75	58.50	-25.25
11th Grade         % Proficient	Public Reading	Charter Reading	DIFF	Public Math	Charter Math	DIFF
Carbon	65.85	62.67	-3.18	52.25	37.06	-15.19
Lehigh	73.83	62.67	-11.16	63.38	37.06	-26.32
Monroe/Pike	74.08	62.67	-11.41	64.36	37.06	-27.30
Northampton	71.90	62.67	-9.23	63.16	37.06	-26.10

Note. Data based on 2010 – 2011 PSSA results.

 

In conclusion, Charter schools cost local taxpayers money and are now fully funded at the local level; Charter schools are impacted less by mandates from the PDE and the DOE and are held to less accountability and oversight than their public school counter-parts.

 

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

 

We recognized Sharon Spadoni as our Volunteer of the Month for November. Since December 2003, Sharon has been an unpaid volunteer who devoted an extraordinary amount of personal time so that our students receive a quality education.  During her service to the Wilson community, Sharon has chaired the District’s Negotiation Committee, as well as served on the Technology Committee, Finance Committee and Athletic Committee.  In addition, Sharon has served as Board Representative for Colonial Intermediate Unit 20.

 

Sharon has always had the enormous responsibility of being the voice of reason in the development of local policy, hiring staff, and finding the financial support that guarantees a quality education for our students.  On behalf of the District, we wish to express our gratitude to Sharon for her dedication and commitment to working together to provide a better future for our children. 

 

SUPERINTENDENT’S GOAL MONTHLY UPDATE

I was able to observe seven classes during the month of November. I recognize this is well short of my goal of fifteen per month. However, I valued my limited time this past month observing our students and teachers actively engaged in learning. As we enter into the second marking period, please continue to focus on establishing instructional goals that are clear and stated in terms of student learning, rather than student activity. Clear, well-developed goals are essential for success and skilled teachers establish instructional goals that are of high level and accommodate the diversity represented by their students.

 

RECOGNITION

 

Each month we highlight students and staff within the district for their outstanding contributions:

 

Nancy Rath for showing great care and kindness for a student who suffers from eczema and current shoes hurt the student’s feet. Nancy purchased new sneakers for this student because the parents could not afford new shoes.

 

Stephanie Hicks for her leadership in leading the WBES food drive to provide Thanksgiving meals to WBES families in need.

 

Evan Reibsome for taking his own time to speak with students in grade 6 about his military experience. The students and teachers were enriched by this experience.

 

Kari Maskalis for honoring veterans in her video tribute and for her help with the Tricky Tray event.

 

Nicole Fenton, Cindy Tereska, Kristen Altimare, Sarah Croll, Jennifer Puhalla-Williams, Diana Partridge, Val Althouse, Mike Burke and Lisa Bowland for their hard work in planning and organizing the first 6^th grade Tricky Tray! The teamwork and goodwill was evident between parents, students, and teachers. The sense of community established by this evening together will further strengthen the bond between the school and the Wilson community.

 

Steve Diehl and Rich Chiappa for going out of their way to help with the Williams Township Elementary Game Show. They did everything from help with the set-up to carrying equipment and helping pack up the car.

 

Sarah Farrell for taking the time to make positive phone calls home.

 

Bret Comp for volunteering and supervising additional students during the Veteran’s Day assembly.

 

Jason Kruk along with the History Club for putting together a great Veteran’s Day assembly.

 

Steve Campbell for organizing a successful blood drive at the high school.

 

Laurren Kresge and Debbie Joseph for their diligent work in getting all students to complete the 4Sight exam and ensuring that all tests were graded and returned to teachers in a timely manner.

 

Megan Vogel for organizing the Avona food drive which gave students the opportunity to help less fortunate families.

BOARD MEETING UPDATE:

 

Below is a summary of action taken by the Board at the November board meetings.

 

Under Policy

Deletion of policy #5130 - Scheduling School Activities and Events 

 

Under Presentation

Mrs. Steirer and Ryan Spirko – The Warrior Club

 

Under Recognition

Volunteer of the Month – Sharon Spadoni

Wilson Area High School Competition Cheerleaders – Colonial League Champs

 

Under Finance

Change Order

High School and Intermediate School Activity Funds

 

Under Personnel 

Administrative Job Descriptions/Evaluation Instruments

Payroll Secretary – Dolores Camden

Change of Status for Two Coaches

Appointment of Two Coaches

Resignation of the Boys’ Soccer Coach

Several Substitutes

 

Under Curriculum

Homebound Approvals

 

Under Miscellaneous

 

QUOTE OF THE MONTH: 

                                                           

“When you judge others, you do not define them, you define yourself.”

                                         Earl Nightingale – Motivational Author and Speaker