Education

GRCCI supports initiatives that will develop the pool of skilled workers. Education standards that focus on accountability are key as is a focus on math, science, engineering, and secondary education. Business-Education partnership development is essential.

News

Mar 10, 2010 In brief (The Tribune-Democrat) Lawrence, north of Patton, said Cambria County Coroner Dennis Kwiatkowski. Tirpak was pronounced dead at the scene at 5:20 p.m., he said. An autopsy is scheduled for today at Memorial Medical Center. Tirpak was alone in the house.    more...  
Mar 10, 2010 WQED 'stands ready to help' maintain public programming (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) Acklin believes the loss of NPR would be a major blow to the Pittsburgh market. "NPR is the news and information brand in public radio, bar none. Acklin said. One-third of WQED's listeners switch channels, Arbitron ratings show. Acklin said. A classical/NPR and local news hybrid could be...    more...  
Mar 10, 2010 Pension spike spurs senior initiative (The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review) When seniors get a tax bill that's $500-$1,000 more, they're going to be in for a shock. Ed Rendell agree soaring pension bills need attention now. Rendell's first calls for action several years ago went almost entirely unheeded. Last year, House Republican leaders lobbied unsuccessfully to...    more...  
Mar 10, 2010 Hempfield impasse heads to fact-finding (The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review) Employees said it would cost $430 a month to provide health care for themselves and their families. Bus drivers earn hourly wages between $14.33 and $17.46. A second vote is held to confirm the initial vote. If either side changes its position, the report then can be made public. The rejection...    more...  
Mar 9, 2010 LHS students land video visit with senator (Lebanon Daily News) Casey Jr. will pay a visit to Lebanon High School this week -- sort of. Via video conferencing, Casey will spend a half hour around lunchtime on Thursday speaking with about two dozen juniors and seniors who are part of a leadership team created to improve student test performance,...    more...  
Mar 9, 2010 York County tech school settles budget, teacher contract (The York Dispatch) The estimated $3.3 million cost isn't a part of the budget. The new contract covers July 2010 to June 2013. The 100-plus teachers at the vocational school will be getting lower annual raises than they do now, Fitz said. The award is given to the Phi Delta Kappa member who shows promise in...    more...  
Mar 9, 2010 Ambridge Area to vote on charter school (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) It would be housed in the former Mount Gallitzin Catholic school, offering classes for 4-year-old kindergarten to fourth grade. Dr. Mineard said the building is a problem, with safety concerns and issues over common space shared with the Sisters of St. John, who use parts of the same building as...    more...  
Mar 9, 2010 Local employers talk with students about job prospects (Standard-Speaker) Hazleton Area High School students heard what seven local employers have to offer -- and what they require of -- prospective employees at a career program at the high school on Monday morning. Gino Molino, the Hazleton Area School District school-to-work liaison, brought in the employers to talk...    more...  
Mar 9, 2010 Schooling parents (Philadelphia Daily News) Only about 12 parents regularly attend the meetings in the school of more than 400 students. Students whose parents are involved tend to excel, he said. Still, he understands the challenge of getting parents to participate. But they didn't have a say," said Yoyo, a new teacher who works at...    more...  
Mar 9, 2010 Work progresses at new Wyalusing elementary building (The Daily Review (Towanda, Pa.)) Darrow said the district could either delay the beginning of the school term until the building is ready, or the students could continue to be taught at the four existing elementary schools.    more...  
Mar 9, 2010 Hempfield Area seniors' Europe trip salvaged (Tribune-Review) Last day for teachers will be June 15. Three makeup days were built into the schedule.    more...  
Mar 9, 2010 Effective teachers plan gets rolling in Pittsburgh school district (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) Part of that is the idea that efficient teachers create better learning environments. I don't think there can be one measure, but whatever we come up with can't be something we do to teachers. It has to be done with teachers," said Mr.    more...  
Mar 9, 2010 Philip D. Selim, 62, educator (The Philadelphia Inquirer) Selim became a Eagle Scout while in high school in Fairfield, Conn. Selim substituted at Radnor Middle School for his daughter, Lauren Raines, when she was on maternity leave. Selim was past chairman of the board of the Lower Merion Scholarship Fund.    more...  
Mar 9, 2010 St. Athanasius school in West View to close at year's end (The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review) Athanasius enrolled 79 students this year, down from 150 in 2003-04. Athanasius, submitted a letter to the diocese in January. St. More than 17,000 students attend Catholic elementary schools, Stubna said. Julie Walko, who has two children who attend St.    more...  
Mar 8, 2010 The waiting game of the college bound (The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review) Now comes what is probably the most stressful phase of the college application process -- waiting to hear back. He is director of college counseling at Shady Side Academy. "I think students and families get swept up in rankings and the status of the school. Princeton and Yale's acceptance rates...    more...  
Mar 8, 2010 An economic boom from homes? (The Patriot-News) ... Eisenberg said his study model assumes strong correlation between the new homes' value and the degree homes offset local costs. For example, a new home valued at $300,000 still contributes more, but the spread between benefit and cost is less than that of a new home valued at $406,000, which...    more...  
Mar 8, 2010 Watch school no longer nonproft (Intelligencer Journal/ Lancaster New Era) Lititz Watch Technicum has a new corporate structure but the same mission. The school, which Rolex established in 2001, was created as a nonprofit foundation that got all of its funding from the luxury watchmaker. But recently, the nonprofit status was dissolved and the school is now part of...    more...  
Mar 8, 2010 Legacy doesn't concern Rendell (The Morning Call) Health care: We've doubled the amount of seniors in our PACE and PACENET program. I think what we should do with merit-based pay is what I've recommended: Base pay should remain the same or base pay should be negotiated. But many of our high school students don't achieve proficiency on those...    more...  
Mar 8, 2010 Federal funding cuts taking toll on drug, alcohol prevention programs at Hazleton Area (Standard-Speaker) ...funding shortages brought the Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) program to a close in Hazleton Area schools a year ago, the district has again partnered with Hazleton police in offering a similar initiative known as Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT). Funding cuts have also...    more...  
Mar 8, 2010 Roosevelt Elementary in Allentown rolls out welcome mat for visit from Rendell (The Morning Call) Nice to meet you and welcome to Roosevelt." Betty Tyler and her husband, Robert, are not sure if Rendell heard the little voice.    more...  
Mar 8, 2010 Hearing on reserve center site to be last (Reading Eagle) Kenhorst Boulevard facility when that is complete. Berks County originally was interested in using the facility but backed off. The city then took over the complex planning process, hiring the Stroudsburg-based Swiger Consulting group to oversee it. After three public hearings and several...    more...  
Mar 8, 2010 Schools discuss strategy to tackle 'pension crisis' (The Tribune-Democrat) Cambria School district. "Had we not had the recent economic crisis, we would not be having the retirement funding crisis now," she said. Unlike the ability of private employers to replace guaranteed pension benefits with less certain plans, the state's pension plans are funded by taxpayers,...    more...  
Mar 8, 2010 Medical outreach planned (The Tribune-Democrat) David Carlson, chief medical officer. The outreach will address weight management, cancer, osteoporosis, nutrition, cardiovascular disease, sleep disorders and smoking cessation. People who have less resources have worse health.    more...  
Mar 8, 2010 Countdown begins for 2010 census (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) ...shortage of applicants from disadvantaged areas of Pittsburgh and elsewhere has been surprising considering the high unemployment rate in those same places. As much as census and local government officials want to guard against an undercount of the population -- the bureau estimates the...    more...  
Mar 8, 2010 Students can be taught to enjoy nutritious school meals, Food is Elementary proponents believe (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) Traill's lessons are part of the Food is Elementary curriculum, a set of lesson plans created by Antonia Demas. To become a certified food educator, like Ms. Demas. During the weekend training, Ms.    more...  
Mar 8, 2010 Vann Elementary in Hill District again topic of closure talks (The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review) The Hill District Education Council, a community group led by former city councilman Sala Udin and the Rev.    more...  
Mar 8, 2010 Law that takes effect in july aimed at controlling textbook costs (The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review) Pennsylvania lawmakers passed no legislation. "We hear a lot from the average student about the cost of books.    more...  
Mar 7, 2010 The Next Page: Midsize cities, big ideas (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) Streets, public transit, bikeways and connected green space weave the city together. Compared with other cities of its size, Pittsburgh has the highest percentage of daily transit use to its employment centers. Pittsburgh is a world leader in sustainable development.    more...  
Mar 7, 2010 Much of Valley off information highway (The Daily Item) They are essentially filling the waiting queues at the phone companies." Phone companies are required by law to provide service to up to 20 communities at any given time. Baker said each phone company has its own petition form -- one per person. It's unprofitable." Service Electric general...    more...  
Mar 7, 2010 New academic medical center would change NEPA health care (The Times-Tribune (Scranton, Pa.)) And that is what has to change," he said. Wide impact There are 130 academic medical centers across the United States. In 2008, AAMC-member hospitals and medical schools in Pennsylvania had a total economic impact of $42 billion in the state. Academic medical centers in Pennsylvania include...    more...  
Mar 7, 2010 Hazleton Area budget deficit increases $2M (Standard-Speaker) Local revenue accounts for about $2.1 million of the estimated $5,421,559 special education budget. It would give Hazleton Area the ninth-largest increase in basic education funds in Pennsylvania. Credits can be increased if the business agrees to provide the same amount for two consecutive years.    more...  
Mar 7, 2010 Perfect pension storm swirls (The Citizens' Voice) Districts will go from contributing less than 5 percent of total employee salary costs this year to almost 30 percent in three years. During the last 25 years, 20 percent of funding has come from school employers and 15 percent from employees. Instead, those districts are applying for exemptions...    more...  
Mar 7, 2010 Danza says class act isn't just for show (The Philadelphia Inquirer) Danza was having a bad day. The laptop acted up. Northeast's squad took second place, and students were crushed. Danza, who often shows up at after-school events to support Northeast students, had attended. But on Danza's Facebook page, one did: "I attend northeast high school.    more...  
Mar 7, 2010 The Philadelphia Inquirer Kevin Riordan column: Kevin Riordan (The Philadelphia Inquirer) And less help will be coming for the 1,400-student district, if, as expected, state funding takes another hit next week when Gov.    more...  
Mar 7, 2010 Thanks and farewells for flower show's Pepper (The Philadelphia Inquirer) I'll be a gofer," Pepper says. "Who knows what this will lead to?" The journey's the thing for this gal. In flower show terms, that means her favorite time is setup week, when the show is being put together. Pepper's many friends will have fun figuring that one out.    more...  
Mar 7, 2010 Nature's Air Show (The Morning Call) They're the "long distance marathoners" of waterfowl. Tundra swans also have a small yellow spot in front of each eye and their bills, and the fronts of their faces are black.    more...  
Mar 7, 2010 Schuylkill Haven forms community drug coalition (Republican and Herald) Weiser, a Schuylkill Haven junior council member, will be representing the borough on the coalition. Weiser also serves as the editor of the school newspaper.    more...  
Mar 2, 2010 CTC touts video games to teach math, science (The Tribune-Democrat) ...teach math, science and technology is taking root in Johnstown. A business executive who also serves on the state Board of Education is taking the lead in ways to bring cutting-edge gaming technology to the classroom. Ed Sheehan, Concurrent Technologies Corp. president, recently hosted...    more...  
Mar 2, 2010 From the ugliness at S. Phila. High, a hero emerges (The Philadelphia Inquirer) Lawson can be seen intervening by putting out her arms to protect the Asian students and yelling at the African American students to back down. If he needed someone to visit a student's home at 10 p.m., she went. She had helped, and that's what mattered.    more...  
Mar 1, 2010 Connellsville career, technical center undergoes renovations (The Daily Courier) They built a housing for the table saw accessories and built the table for the radial arm saw. We used to share one with the welding program. Deberah Kula and a representative from state Rep.    more...  
Mar 1, 2010 Happy birthday, Dr. Seuss (The Citizens' Voice) Seuss and the National Education Association's Read Across America Day. Cafeterias are serving up "Green Eggs and Ham," "Hop on Pop"-corn chicken and other Dr. The winner gets half a day off of work, with McGovern filling in as his/her substitute.    more...  
Mar 1, 2010 News in brief for Monday, March 1, 2010 (The Evening Sun) Paul's Lutheran Church in Hanover. KPETS is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping people through the use of the human-animal connection. Parents should call as soon as possible to schedule an appointment at the elementary school in their attendance area. All appointments must be...    more...  
Mar 1, 2010 It was 'like a devil's den': Pa. student's life started in Russian orphanage. (The Philadelphia Inquirer) They note that Russian Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin has stated he would like to see all abandoned Russian children placed with families, not institutionalized. He left such an impression on them that when they got back to their home parish -- the Russian Orthodox Church of St. But as a...    more...  
Mar 1, 2010 Reading into choice of careers (The Times Leader) He earned his master's degree in English from Villanova University in 2001, and his Ph.D. in English from Lehigh University in 2008. I love reading because, for me, it stimulates the imagination and it is such a pleasant escape from 'real life.' " Iain graduated from Wyoming Seminary in 2007.    more...  
Mar 1, 2010 BRIEF (Public Opinion) County Career and Technology Center recently was awarded for its proficiency in standardized tests. The center, along with several other schools, were awarded a certificate of achievement by Lee Burket, Director of the Bureau of Career and Technical Education at the Pennsylvania Department of...    more...  
Mar 1, 2010 It was 'like a devil's den' (The Philadelphia Inquirer) They note that Russian Prime Minister Vladimir V. Putin has stated he would like to see all abandoned Russian children placed with families, not institutionalized. He left such an impression on them that when they got back to their home parish -- the Russian Orthodox Church of St. But as a...    more...  
Mar 1, 2010 Tuition assistance suspension irks military spouses (The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review) ... The program -- called Military Spouse Career Advancement Accounts, or MyCAA -- offered up to $6,000 for military spouses to pay for college tuition or cover costs associated with professional licenses and certificates. But heavy response prompted the Department of Defense to abruptly suspend...    more...  
Feb 28, 2010 Alle-Kiski Valley school districts urged to join forces for buying power (The Valley News-Dispatch) They were concerned," Holodnak said. Holodnak said the intermediate units are recommending OnDemand Energy Solutions, based in Moon in the West Hills of Pittsburgh, to be the electrical consultant. Electricity prices in the futures market are at five year lows. We're trying to capitalize on...    more...  
Feb 28, 2010 Will new Catholic school affect existing schools' enrollment? (Beaver County Times) Kilian Catholic Church and elementary school. The Rev. Kilian's elementary school is a sign of what could be. The school opened for preschool through fourth grade in 2008.    more...  
Feb 28, 2010 Textbooks, tuition up in schools budget (Standard-Speaker) Ryba said district employees work to repair as many damaged desks as possible, but that schools generally budget for about 10 new desks per year.    more...  
Feb 28, 2010 Will layoffs heal Hanover Hospital? (The Evening Sun) They also are more likely to be hospitalized for preventable conditions, are less likely to manage chronic care and are less likely to seek preventative care, the report states. It also cut hours and salaries -- Kyriacou's alone was cut by 10 percent, he said.    more...  
Feb 28, 2010 BIG SPENDERS (Centre Daily Times) Did it accomplish its goal? Tracking the stimulus The stimulus is unlike any previous federal spending program. Recipients report that money has created a total of 85 jobs. The federal recovery site tracks dollars by where the money is spent, or place of performance, rather than who or what...    more...  
Feb 28, 2010 Public gives school-budget options an F (The Morning Call) ...cuts will increase class sizes in Bangor next year, the most unpopular of all the outcomes, according to the poll. The negative response is probably the result of years of educators' emphasis on the importance of small class sizes, Borick said. Respondent Lynn Geary of Pittsburgh, who put her...    more...  
Feb 28, 2010 U.S. 30, Pa. 16 tops in crashes in Franklin County (Public Opinion) Alcohol-related fatalities dropped from 531 in 2008 to 442 last year.    more...  
Feb 28, 2010 Republican Congressional candidate hopefuls discuss conservatism (Republican and Herald) First said the department is "a huge waste of money and time," and favors privatizing education. Argall said education should be the primary role of state government. They got a Democratic super-majority in the Senate," Argall said. "But they didn't ask for trillion-dollar giveaways. Griffith...    more...  
Feb 28, 2010 Rule change could rock shareholder vote (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) If they didn't get instructions, brokers could vote them as they pleased. If enough investors didn't give voting instructions, activist investors such as pension or hedge funds could organize enough other shareholders to determine the outcome of an election. Mr. Morris says that would make it...    more...  
Feb 28, 2010 Marcellus shale could be a book or bane for land owners (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) That would be Oklahoma City-based Chesapeake Energy (NYSE:CHK) , with 1.6 million acres. The competition for natural gas in the shale is a competition for land. Partin said, and he pushed for $5,000 per acre with a 20 percent royalty. "But my neighbors were very eager to sign for that amount.    more...  
Feb 28, 2010 Flower Show ticket is passport to world (The Philadelphia Inquirer) It's a hit. "It's very different. In her honor, friends -- calling themselves Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club -- created a tribute garden behind the New Zealand exhibit. And those calla lilies that look like they're melting?    more...  
Feb 28, 2010 A push for better workforce training (The Philadelphia Inquirer) Last month, it opened the STEM Center, 105,000 square feet of science, engineering, and math laboratories and classrooms.    more...  
Feb 28, 2010 eMentoring lets students get career advice from working adults (The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review) These are 10th-, 11th- and 12th-graders, so they've never been out in the work world before.    more...  
Feb 28, 2010 Greensburg killing prompts review of mental health services (The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review) The can was discovered Feb. 11 in a snow-covered parking lot at Greensburg Salem Middle School, two blocks from the apartment where she was killed. She talked to everybody," Patterson said. Patterson said case managers don't always keep track of their clients. There is too little time for...    more...  
Feb 28, 2010 Experts (The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review) For instance, Butler Memorial Hospital is constructing a seven-story, 210,000-square-foot addition in Butler that should open in July. The sector created 1,000 jobs in the past two years, the second-most of any sector. The sector shed 7,200 jobs, or 5.2 percent, he said. But other signs of...    more...  
Feb 27, 2010 Laurel Highlands School Board OKs cyber school (The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review) In addition, two half school days for students that would have been Act 80 Days for teachers, will now be full school days for students.    more...  
Feb 27, 2010 G'burg teachers reject reopening contract (The Evening Sun) Teachers are to receive a contracted 3.5-percent salary increase in 2010-11. Administrators and non-union staff are budgeted to receive a 3.5 percent increase as well. Biggins said on Friday that as far as she knows, teachers were the only employees asked to renegotiate their increase.    more...  
Feb 27, 2010 Parents informed of new student reports in Saint Clair Area (Republican and Herald) SAINT CLAIR -- Parents used to be able to tell if their child was a good student by an "A" on a report card. Today, school districts are using several different forms of evaluation. Saint Clair Area Superintendent Kendy Hinkel held an informational session for interested parents Wednesday to...    more...  
Feb 27, 2010 Auxiliary bishop McDowell a 'giant' in his faith (The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review) Lawrence O'Toole Elementary School in Garfield, Central Catholic High School in Oakland and earned his bachelor's and master's degrees from St. Duquesne University awarded him an honorary doctorate of literature in 1962. He was ordained a priest in November 1945 and served as associate pastor at...    more...  
Feb 27, 2010 Eileen Kearney, 58, principal of Havertown Catholic school (The Philadelphia Inquirer) Kearney had more than 30 years of experience as a Catholic school educator when she became the first lay principal of Annunciation in 2007. Francis de Sales School in Lenni; sixth grade at St. Alice School in Upper Darby; and fourth, sixth, and seventh grades at St.    more...  
Feb 27, 2010 Croyle Township woman takes up trapping tradition (The Tribune-Democrat) ...trapping laws. "It is upsetting when the public criticizes legal trapping because so many people are misinformed," she said. "Regulated trapping is endorsed and used by many state and federal wildlife agencies worldwide as a tool to manage wildlife species." She is having a successful...    more...  
Feb 27, 2010 Erie school, county, business leaders hear community college update (Erie Times-News) ...said Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership President Jim Dible. "There are jobs that go unfilled in Erie County because employers are not able to find the skilled work force that they need," Dible said. The Erie Regional Chamber and Growth Partnership launched Rethink Erie after...    more...  
Feb 27, 2010 Open house slated at Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center (The Daily Courier) I think it will be something very nice to show the community, with the renovation, updates to our technology with our new equipment. It's put us head and shoulders above other programs here in the county." Jaynes said the CACTC has not been renovated since the 1970s.    more...  
Feb 26, 2010 Ag Secretary returns to roots in G'burg (The Evening Sun) ...of Gettysburg High School's chapter of FFA, formerly known as Future Farmers of America. But on Thursday, he was taking over for teachers Bill Tindall and Shawn Abma, leading an agriculture class in celebration of National Teach Ag Day and National FFA Week. "What better place to do it than...    more...  
Feb 26, 2010 Indiana Area to prioritize school reconfiguration options (The Blairsville Dispatch) Andrews noted that the board could wait more than 90 days to take the vote. Deborah Clawson gave a report to the board on her recent attendance at a conference in Colonial Heights, Va., on students transitioning to ninth grade at a high school.    more...  
Feb 26, 2010 Indiana County broadband impact uncertain (The Blairsville Dispatch) PennREN project. "Should it not be their intent to deliver service, I would be very disappointed then that Indiana County and Armstrong County's proposal was rejected," Ruddock said, "because we feel we had a way to deliver that service." Ruddock said the counties have the option of submitting...    more...  
Feb 26, 2010 Christie proposes cut in unemployment benefits (The Philadelphia Inquirer) ...[unemployment insurance] fund." New Jersey AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech said businesses had received four unemployment tax cuts since 1998, worth billions of dollars. Recently, he said, the state, under Gov. Jon S. Corzine, diverted $300 million from the general fund to the...    more...  
Feb 26, 2010 Christie proposes cuts to N.J. unemployment benefits (The Philadelphia Inquirer) ...fund." But New Jersey AFL-CIO President Charles Wowkanech said businesses have received four unemployment tax cuts since 1998, worth billions of dollars. Recently, he said, the state, under Gov. Corzine, diverted $300 million from the general fund to the unemployment insurance fund to...    more...  
Feb 26, 2010 Eachus (Standard-Speaker) I've never seen trouble like that in my time in office." Eachus said the state was faced with a $3.2 billion budget shortfall.    more...  
Feb 26, 2010 School board OKs buying furniture for Citadel (Reading Eagle) She said there was a lower bid that was disregarded because the administration felt the furniture was of poor quality. She said she would have liked an opportunity to review the products. The school board also agreed to spend more than $9.4 million in federal stimulus money.    more...  
Feb 26, 2010 BRIEF (Erie Times-News) Erie School Board will approve or deny a charter for the proposed Erie R.I.S.E. Leadership Academy on Wednesday. School directors will vote on the charter request during a special meeting at the Washington Education Center, 148 W. 21st St., at 6 p.m. Charter school organizer Greg Myers had...    more...  
Feb 26, 2010 Erie School District looks at sponsoring community college (Erie Times-News) That idea and the idea of a community college might meet," Horton said. There is room for the proposed community college at Central Career and Technical School, Barker said.    more...  
Feb 26, 2010 Pottsville Charter school considers appeal (Republican and Herald) David Argall, R-29, had publicly endorsed the charter school group. Can charter schools sometimes bring an added perspective to public education? I interned at a charter school in Souderton.    more...  
Feb 26, 2010 Eileen Kearney, 58, principal of Havertown Catholic school (The Philadelphia Inquirer) Kearney had more than 30 years of experience as a Catholic school educator when she became the first lay principal of Annunciation in 2007. Francis de Sales School in Lenni; sixth grade at St. Alice School in Upper Darby; and fourth, sixth, and seventh grades at St.    more...  
Feb 26, 2010 Unemployed worry about loss of extended benefits (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) Price noted that federal figures show there are currently more than six unemployed workers for every job opening. Mrs. Chichester of McDonald wasn't actually an employee of Bayer. That federal extension allows for up to 99 total weeks of unemployment. Mrs.    more...  
Feb 26, 2010 Lower Merion School District proposes 4.39% tax hike (The Philadelphia Inquirer) The preliminary $201.5 million proposal for next year calls for a 4.39 percent tax hike. If that passes in June, the tax on a house assessed at the district median of $258,440 would rise $243. Harriton High opened in the fall; Lower Merion is scheduled to open this fall. Another expense during...    more...  
Feb 26, 2010 N.J. grapples with soaring pension-fund deficits (The Philadelphia Inquirer) The Senate approved the changes Monday, and the Assembly introduced a similar package yesterday. Gov. Jon S. Corzine put roughly $100 million into the system in fiscal year 2009, according to actuaries, compared with the $2.3 billion the state owed. Lawmakers said the changes are a long-term fix...    more...  
Feb 26, 2010 Pottsville Area gives charter school proposal thumbs down (Republican and Herald) James T. Gallagher read aloud the board's reasons why the proposal by the Gillingham Charter School Collaborative, led by the Rev. Three parents spoke publicly in favor of the school. Statements included in the application by parents living within the boundaries of the Pottsville Area School...    more...  
Feb 26, 2010 Contradictions in L. Merion Web-cam case (The Philadelphia Inquirer) ...monitored a student via a laptop Web cam," said Matsko, her voice occasionally swelling and quavering, "nor have I ever authorized the monitoring of a student via a laptop Web cam, either at school or in the home. And I never would." Robbins, a Harriton sophomore, stood surrounded by his...    more...  
Feb 26, 2010 Phila. schools chief vows action against violence (The Philadelphia Inquirer) Students also will attend Tuesday, May 18, primary election day, which had been designated as a day for teaching training only.    more...  
Feb 25, 2010 Colleges' leaders address the cost (The Patriot-News) He said there is room for negotiation and urged students and families to deal "aggressively" with colleges. "Not everybody pays the same for an airplane seat. Not everybody pays the same for a seat in a classroom," he said. Stephen MacDonald, president of Lebanon Valley College, noted that his...    more...  
Feb 25, 2010 Central Valley School District to offer more course options (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) It could include mini-courses on topics such as foreign cuisine, American Sign Language, specialized arts, specialized sports and just about anything else teachers want to offer. Mr. Mendicino said that out of necessity, band and choir will be part of the midday block.    more...  
Feb 25, 2010 Analysts say Pennsylvania casinos need more amenities (The Patriot-News) Gaming Control Board that will include a public hearing near the casino. Then the casino must hire and train up to 350 table game operators and other employees. It is here where a casino's plunge into table gambling can falter, said Rich Carretta, a senior associate with Spectrum Gaming Group....    more...  
Feb 25, 2010 Students reap job skills - and a paycheck - through LIU program (The Citizens' Voice) Kowalczyk, of Wilkes-Barre, wants to attend Luzerne County Community College and become a dental hygienist. Bruce Goeringer, Bruce Knick, Ken Malkemes and Jack Shema were absent. Schumacher was appointed to the Wyoming Valley West School Board in December. Solicitor Michael Butera said the two...    more...  
Feb 25, 2010 State yet to OK policy (Standard-Speaker) We are called to oppose what also gives the impression of an effort to discourage anyone from moving into the Hazleton Area School District.    more...  
Feb 25, 2010 Eastern Pa. charter school also moving into former religious building (Beaver County Times) Ambridge Area School Board is considering a similar request from Baden Academy Charter School officials, who intend to lease the Mount Gallitzin Academy building in Baden from the Sisters of St. Joseph. Mount Gallitzin was a Catholic school that closed after the 2008-09 school year. Pennsylvania...    more...  
Feb 25, 2010 West Mifflin Area educator promoted to assistant superintendent (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) Castagna came to the West Mifflin Area district in June 2007 as assistant middle school principal. He then moved to Baldwin High School, where he served as assistant high school principal until June 2007. Dr. Castagna will now be charged with improving test scores throughout the district.    more...  
Feb 25, 2010 Local media leader Froke remembered (Centre Daily Times) Feb. 25, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Marlowe Froke, who was instrumental in the start of Pennsylvania cable broadcasting and public television, died Tuesday. He was 82. A College Township resident, Froke began working at Penn State in 1959 as an associate...    more...  
Feb 25, 2010 Listen Live! creates new local music scene (The Morning Call) Music, the Lehigh Valley's newest venue. On each second Saturday for the past four months, a nonprofit organization has turned the center into a non-alcoholic, non-smoking listening room. And on Saturday, it takes another giant step -- presenting a concert by Delta blues singer Rory Block....    more...  
Feb 25, 2010 Black History Month program teaches leadership to Erie students: Black students told how to lead (Erie Times-News) Vincent High School on Wednesday. They worked with select students from each of Erie's four public high schools to help them become better leaders. The Erie School District's first African-American Leadership Conference brought black academic, church, business, nonprofit and government leaders...    more...  
Feb 25, 2010 BRIEF: Newsmaker (The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review) Szokoly is working on his doctorate in school leadership from the University of Pittsburgh. Noteworthy: Szokoly was appointed assistant principal at Mt.    more...  
Feb 25, 2010 Penn Hills School District looks to improve its sartorial image (The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review) ...to the dress codes for students, teachers and other staff would be next, Carroll said. The student dress code only prohibits clothes that "materially interfere with school work, create disorder, or disrupt the educational program." Teachers are required to be "physically clean, neat,...    more...  
Feb 25, 2010 Mt. Lebanon residents divided on school renovation (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) Kaitlynn Riely Feb. 25, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- Mt.    more...  
Feb 25, 2010 NAACP disappointed by Pittsburgh schools course option (The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review) Then the district aligned its social studies courses to state standards, requiring students to take civics, American history and world history to graduate, said Linda Lane, deputy superintendent.    more...  
Feb 24, 2010 Unsealed records (The Philadelphia Inquirer) Board of Education, pupils cannot be assigned to schools based on their race. Redistricting was needed, the district said, because, in replacing the township's outdated high schools, it had to rebalance the student populations. In one e-mail exchange between Superintendent Christopher W....    more...  
Feb 24, 2010 City school board delays donation to child care center (York Daily Record) Howard asked the school board for money after a $15,000 Pregnant and Parenting Teen state grant was eliminated this year from the state budget. Both sides agree that there isn't a contract.    more...  
Feb 24, 2010 Small mercury spill from broken heater forces West Shore school closure (York Daily Record) After-school activities were also canceled. Crews were called in to test the rest of the Fairview Township school and clean up the room, Argot said. Newer ones don't contain it. Compact fluorescent lights are becoming more common, and they contain mercury, according to the U.S. Department of...    more...  
Feb 24, 2010 The Philadelphia Inquirer Karen Heller column: Karen Heller: L. Merion paying a price for free laptops (The Philadelphia Inquirer) Wait until Lower Merion residents understand the ultimate cost they're going to pay for these "free" computers. District officials have admitted to triggering the spyware 42 times this academic year. He works for Ballard Spahr L.L.P., where, in 2007, a partner billed the commonwealth $531 an...    more...  
Feb 24, 2010 The Philadelphia Inquirer Monica Yant Kinney column: Monica Yant Kinney: Time to cool L. Merion's digital drama (The Philadelphia Inquirer) But in the court of public opinion, will it even matter? ------ Reach me at myant@phillynews.com or 215-854-4670.    more...  
Feb 24, 2010 Report released on racial violence at S. Phila. High (The Philadelphia Inquirer) The African American woman, who teaches pregnant students, heard a disturbance in the hallway outside the lunch room. This made it impossible for them to identify their attackers later, the report said. Other suggestions included: improving communications among staff, installing an anonymous tip...    more...  
Feb 24, 2010 Wyoming Area moves forward with autism class (The Citizens' Voice) ...classes two years ago and plans to begin an autism class next fall. Police reports requested Louis and Marylouise Degnan, of Wyoming County, want the monthly police report to not only list the number of calls, or incidents, but also the type. While respecting the students' privacy, they want...    more...  
Feb 24, 2010 Professor works to transform drug-control policy (The Philadelphia Inquirer) What kind of treatment are you going to ask for? Like most states, Delaware paid independent centers a flat fee to provide outpatient substance-abuse treatment. When asking patients what medications they are taking, for example, doctors and nurses should include alcohol.    more...  
Feb 24, 2010 Last of 3 finalists for school superintendent will be in Erie tonight: Superintendent hopeful defends Schenectady record (Erie Times-News) Schools in Montana. He is one of six finalists invited to meet the public during an open house at Billings Senior High School on Sunday. Ely said that he prefers the Erie job. "Erie is a great opportunity. I would take this over the other. I've been looking at that as another option," Ely said....    more...  
Feb 24, 2010 Millcreek mulls Curtis' bid for unemployment benefits (Erie Times-News) Supervisor Brian McGrath was absent from the meeting. "It's a personnel issue. Referring to another former Millcreek supervisor, he said, "Jess Jiuliante collected unemployment 14 years ago after he lost.    more...  
Feb 24, 2010 'Flat' funding concerns Pitt, PSU officials (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) Pitt will also get $7.5 million in stimulus funds in each year. Rendell's budget proposal would keep Pitt at $168 million next year. Mr. Penn State will have to trim 54 jobs from its agriculture extension service if the governor's "flat funding" proposal is adopted, Mr.    more...  
Feb 24, 2010 EDITORIAL: Real dollars (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) ...and dams, improve housing or help businesses. All told, the dollars in Pennsylvania have translated into 12,000 jobs so far. Allegheny County had its own benefits: $105 million for transportation, $26 million for energy projects, $115 million for school districts, $15 million for water and...    more...  
Feb 24, 2010 The Philadelphia Inquirer Karen Heller column: Karen Heller (The Philadelphia Inquirer) Why did the district hand out MacBooks like so many No. 2 pencils? Wait until Lower Merion residents understand the ultimate cost they're going to pay for these "free" computers. District officials have admitted to triggering the spyware 42 times this academic year. Residents of the district...    more...  
Feb 24, 2010 The Philadelphia Inquirer Monica Yant Kinney column: Monica Yant Kinney (The Philadelphia Inquirer) But in the court of public opinion, will it even matter? Reach me at myant@phillynews.com or 215-854-4670.    more...  
Feb 24, 2010 Asian group hits report on school fights (Philadelphia Daily News) In some cases, he said, they were misidentified or randomly attacked. After the attacks, dozens of students boycotted school for eight days to protest the district's response.    more...  
Feb 24, 2010 In L. Merion, webcams, lawsuits not on agenda (Philadelphia Daily News) I really think the district did not have horrible intentions. They made a couple of mistakes and that's OK.    more...  
Feb 24, 2010 Hempfield seniors' post-graduation European travel plans up in air (The Pittsburgh Tribune-Review) He's not missing graduation." The conflict affects 19 seniors. Students are scheduled to leave June 8 and 9 for Spain, Germany and France. There' s no way my son is going to miss graduation.    more...  
Feb 23, 2010 State System, state-related colleges seek more money (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) Pitt will get $7.5 million in stimulus funds in each year. Mr. The size of tuition bills for the 2010-11 school year will be based in large part on the size of each school's state allocation.    more...  
Feb 23, 2010 Deer Lakes may have to push back graduation (The Valley News-Dispatch) Casello said June 11 -- graduation day -- is another possible makeup day, although school directors didn't formally decide to hold classes that day. Casello said the district will seek a waiver from the state for one of the missed days. He said Curtisville Primary Center and Deer Lakes High...    more...  
Feb 23, 2010 Kittanning residents sue to stop reopening of Elderton (The Leader-Times) ...of Elderton High School and to hold the six school directors who voted to reopen the school financially responsible for all costs associated with the reopening of the school. Kittanning attorney Chase McClister filed the lawsuit in the Armstrong County Court of Common Pleas on behalf of David...    more...  
Feb 23, 2010 The Philadelphia Inquirer Annette John-Hall column: Annette John-Hall (The Philadelphia Inquirer) A former train attendant for Amtrak, Tucker, a single father of two, had been laid off since 2007. The Wynnefield native guesses he must have put in at least 80 resumes with no bites. Until he saw a flier at Careerlink for solar jobs.    more...  
Feb 23, 2010 Docents help tell The Hershey Story (Lebanon Daily News) What the students learn in the class is different than what the (general) public learns." Docents do not need any training prior to volunteering at the museum, Trosko said. As they walk around the museum with student groups, docents often are asked questions by tourists. Docents who want to...    more...  
Feb 23, 2010 Sen. Williams formally enters race for governor (The Philadelphia Inquirer) Amy Worden Feb. 23, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- HARRISBURG -- State Sen.    more...  
Feb 23, 2010 Mt. Lebanon hears school renovation supporters, critics (Pittsburgh Post-Gazette) Kaitlynn Riely Feb. 23, 2010 (McClatchy-Tribune Regional News delivered by Newstex) -- The Mt.    more...  
Feb 23, 2010 Turnpike being asked for help (The Times Leader) Route 115 because they are the drivers who are speeding. Carl DeFebo, spokesperson for the turnpike commission, said it is working closely with township residents, state police and PennDOT on Route 115. DeFebo said there have been preliminary talks about getting the message out to motorists...    more...  
Feb 23, 2010 More languages for shrinking world (Reading Eagle) Martin Handler, Brandywine Heights superintendent. "They learn structure.    more...  
Feb 23, 2010 News Briefs (Erie Times-News) Molly Hatchet to headline Roar on the Shore The Southern rock band Molly Hatchet, which scored its biggest hit with "Flirtin' with Disaster," will headline this summer's Roar on the Shore bike rally in Erie. The event, which organizers expect to draw 50,000, will be July 15 to 17. Molly...    more...  
Feb 23, 2010 Conservation group scores legislators on environmental votes (Erie Times-News) Bob Casey, of Scranton, had a perfect history of supporting policies that conservationists said safeguard the environment. Others, like Rep.    more...  
Feb 23, 2010 Helping at-risk children succeed (York Daily Record) ...worker intervened and helped Deitrick find childcare and encouraged her to earn a diploma. Today, Deitrick, 16, is a high school sophomore and on-track to graduate with her class. She plans to attend college and become a pediatric nurse. On Monday, Deitrick was at Northeastern Middle School...    more...  
Feb 23, 2010 Erie school superintendent finalist fields questions on race, minority hiring (Erie Times-News) We can never promise anyone employment, but we make sure they get an interview. They become dropouts in fourth and fifth grade when schools fail to connect with them.    more...  
Feb 23, 2010 N.J. pension, health changes sail through Senate (The Philadelphia Inquirer) Christie, who has been generally supportive. Assembly Democrats have signaled their intentions to move slower and hear out labor union objections more fully. It's not a quick fix," Buono said.    more...