Jan. 27, 2010
By Patrick E. Litowitz
New Castle News
A state environmental agency will examine the air quality of a New Castle parochial school during the next six months
Early indications are the air is more than fair at St. Vitus School, which is located near three South Side scrap processing facilities.
St. Vitus is a Catholic-based learning center for students in kindergarten through eighth grade. Principal James Dailey contacted the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection in response to a 2008 USA Today report.
The national publication used a model to rank the air quality of schools nationwide. St. Vitus was rated among the worst in terms of exposure to chemical and cancer-causing toxins.
Dailey questioned the findings, and the DEP obtained and tested samples to address the newspaper’s assertions.
“There is no cancer or anything involved,” Dailey said. “(The air) is fine for our kids.”
The DEP tested the air at the South Jefferson Street school from Oct. 23, 2009, through Nov. 11, 2009. The cancer risk levels were found to be within the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s acceptable range.
However, average concentrations of manganese measured just below an EPA “health benchmark.” Earlier this month, the DEP inspected Ferro Tech, New Castle Recycling, and PSC Metals to locate the source.
“We just want to make sure we have a full understanding of what is being emitted,” said Freda Tarbell, DEP spokeswoman. “We want to let folks know what we discovered is not an ... immediate jeopardy to anyone’s health.”
A Ferro Tech representative declined to comment on the DEP’s findings. Attempts to reach New Castle Recycling and PSC Metals officials for comments were unsuccessful.
Manganese, which is noncancerous, is a chemical used in the steel and iron industries. High levels of manganese can affect the nervous system, the DEP report said. In addition to testing for manganese, the state said it will monitor for smaller-sized particles and hexavalent chromium, an industrial chemical compound.
The DEP said it also will inspect other industries throughout the New Castle area in an effort to reduce exposure. The agency will contact St. Vitus and the city school district if issues arise.
“We haven’t had any notifications from the DEP that there are any problems with the schools,” said Paul Fulena, New Castle’s building and grounds director.
The hazards facing St. Vitus students are minimal. Based on DEP guidelines, to be at risk a person weighing 154 pounds would have to breathe approximately 5,200 gallons of affected air daily during a 70-year period.
“It’s so minute. The amounts were below the threshold,” Dailey said. “We have bright kids. They won’t be here in school for 70 years.”
***
(To see the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection’s report on air testing in New Castle, visit www.dep.state.pa.us/dep/deputate/airwaste/aq/default.htm)
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Appeals court sides with district
November 30, 2009
Patrick E. Litowitz
New Castle News
A federal appeals court rejected a New Castle man’s effort to have his civil rights complaint reinstated.
The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers western Pennsylvania, announced its decision Monday regarding Daniel Cook’s suit against the New Castle Area School District. Superintendent George Gabriel and school board President Fred Mozzocio were named in the action, in addition to building and grounds director Paul Fulena.
Patrick E. Litowitz
New Castle News
A federal appeals court rejected a New Castle man’s effort to have his civil rights complaint reinstated.
The 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, which covers western Pennsylvania, announced its decision Monday regarding Daniel Cook’s suit against the New Castle Area School District. Superintendent George Gabriel and school board President Fred Mozzocio were named in the action, in addition to building and grounds director Paul Fulena.
“I’m disappointed, and Dan is disappointed,” said attorney Jonathan Solomon, who represents the Duquesne Street resident.
In his original suit, Cook alleged the district “eliminated his janitorial position, deliberately treated him unfairly at his new maintenance position and suppressed his speech because of his political support for certain local candidates in violation of his civil rights.”
The centerpiece of the dispute involved an Election Day discussion, which took place Nov. 6, 2007, between Cook and school cafeteria employee Jackie Trott. The pair discussed the district school board race.
Mozzocio learned of the conversation and reportedly called Andrew Gangliero, an assistant principal. Gangliero told Cook that Mozzocio wanted him to stop talking about the election or Mozzocio would come to the school and the situation might “get ugly.”
U.S. District Judge Gary L. Lancaster ruled on Dec. 16, 2008, that a legal dispute did not exist. The Pittsburgh-based judge issued a summary judgment supporting the district.
“In determining whether the dispute is genuine, the court’s function is not to weigh the evidence or to determine the truth of the matter, but only to determine whether the evidence of record is such that a reasonable jury could return a verdict,” Lancaster wrote.
Solomon and attorney John W. Smart, who represented the district, appeared before a three-judge panel on Oct. 28.
The appellate court agreed with Lancaster regarding the majority of his decision. The sides differed on the free speech argument.
Lancaster wrote that Cook’s talk with Trott was not a protected activity. He said the district’s ability to maintain a functional workplace outweighed Cook’s political discussion.
The appeals court countered that Cook’s conversation was protected under the Constitution. The question to resolve was — did Mozzocio’s action adversely affect Cook’s free speech?
“Mozzocio’s response to the cafeteria conversation was at most a verbal reprimand,” the court wrote in its opinion.
Verbal reprimands, the court noted, are not viewed as adversely affecting free speech.
Solomon said Cook and his co-workers feared casual conversation could result in a reprimand.
“That was a very big reason for us to take this appeal,” he said. “That scared the (heck) out of the other employees and members of the union.
“We’re not saying the employees have a right to campaign on company time.”
Cook has a state case pending against the district. The protection of free speech is also addressed under the state constitution.
Solomon looks for that matter to be resolved out of court.
“We ought to be able to come up with some accommodation with the district,” he said.
Attempts to reach Gabriel for comment were unsuccessful.
District solicitor Charles Sapienza said he had not reviewed the appeal court’s opinion and could not comment.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
Audit: District bests budget projections
Jan. 21, 2010
By PATRICK E. LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
Lower operating costs turned a deficit into a positive outcome for the New Castle Area School District.
Philip Weiner and Co., a city accounting firm, presented its audit of the district’s finances for the 2008-2009 school year. Weiner representatives Robert Izzo and John Ruhle discussed the report with school board members last week.
The district anticipated a $245,000 deficit when the board approved a $39.2 million budget. At
school year’s end, a fund balance of $1.2 million was in place.
“Expenses all were reduced with the exception of one item,” Izzo said. “Some of the income items went up.”
The district saw an increase of approximately $371,000 in revenue from its local, state and federal funding sources. It recorded $300,000 worth of reductions in operation and maintenance services, while salaries and benefits came in $500,000 lower.
The pre-kindergarten program exceeded its $669,000 allocation by $28,000.
The district’s overall general fund balance is at $7.6 million.
“The total assets of the school district are in a positive situation.” Ruhle said.
The audit noted New Castle became eligible in February 2009 for $2.4 million in federal stimulus funds. Over a two-year period, the money will be used for the elementary reading program, maintaining professional staff development, updating technology in the primary centers and extending the school year for special needs students.
Regarding long-term debt, New Castle had six bond issues as of June 30, 2009. The bonds total $38.6 million with an additional $29 million in interest payments. The district has budgeted approximately $2.7 million annually for those obligations.
Athletics cost $560,000 to operate. Admissions and other revenue sources provided $80,000. The district’s general fund brought the account to a zero balance with a transfer of $480,000.
“These are student-subsidized extracurricular activities,” Izzo said. “That’s the price all school districts pay to run these programs.”
The auditors reviewed three federally funded programs: the cafeteria, Reading First and a Title II program.
“We had to see that the instructors (in Reading First) were properly certified and then we checked the operating expenses,” Ruhle said. “We found them to be in order.”
By PATRICK E. LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
Lower operating costs turned a deficit into a positive outcome for the New Castle Area School District.
Philip Weiner and Co., a city accounting firm, presented its audit of the district’s finances for the 2008-2009 school year. Weiner representatives Robert Izzo and John Ruhle discussed the report with school board members last week.
The district anticipated a $245,000 deficit when the board approved a $39.2 million budget. At
school year’s end, a fund balance of $1.2 million was in place.
“Expenses all were reduced with the exception of one item,” Izzo said. “Some of the income items went up.”
The district saw an increase of approximately $371,000 in revenue from its local, state and federal funding sources. It recorded $300,000 worth of reductions in operation and maintenance services, while salaries and benefits came in $500,000 lower.
The pre-kindergarten program exceeded its $669,000 allocation by $28,000.
The district’s overall general fund balance is at $7.6 million.
“The total assets of the school district are in a positive situation.” Ruhle said.
The audit noted New Castle became eligible in February 2009 for $2.4 million in federal stimulus funds. Over a two-year period, the money will be used for the elementary reading program, maintaining professional staff development, updating technology in the primary centers and extending the school year for special needs students.
Regarding long-term debt, New Castle had six bond issues as of June 30, 2009. The bonds total $38.6 million with an additional $29 million in interest payments. The district has budgeted approximately $2.7 million annually for those obligations.
Athletics cost $560,000 to operate. Admissions and other revenue sources provided $80,000. The district’s general fund brought the account to a zero balance with a transfer of $480,000.
“These are student-subsidized extracurricular activities,” Izzo said. “That’s the price all school districts pay to run these programs.”
The auditors reviewed three federally funded programs: the cafeteria, Reading First and a Title II program.
“We had to see that the instructors (in Reading First) were properly certified and then we checked the operating expenses,” Ruhle said. “We found them to be in order.”
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Economics: Plan bolsters college, county
Jan. 19, 2010
By PATRICK E. LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
Dr. Richard H. Dorman has featured Lawrence County in his lesson plan — an effort linking education and economics.
“I have a strong interest in economic development, which I think you can not separate from the education of its population,” the Westminster College president said. “Only through education are we going to be uplifted as a region.”
The college’s strategy is outlined in “Advantage: Westminster,” developed through the work of approximately 80 people within the campus community. Designed to guide Westminster through 2020, the plan evolved over a year’s time.
“(It) identifies the things we ought to be doing to keep us strong and growing as an institution,” Dorman said.
While student- and campus-focused, the strategic plan’s four goals are expected to generate results extending beyond the institution’s New Wilmington base. The initiatives range from stressing the value of the student-teacher relationship to keeping private education affordable.
“This area has a vested interest in the success of this institution,” Dorman said. “We would be even a weaker area if we did not have the college here.”
Linda D. Nitch supported Dorman’s assessment. She is the executive director of the Lawrence County Economic Development Corp.
Last year, the college directed $96 million into the economy, with $32 million spent locally. Westminster is also among the top private employers countywide. The college uses more than 400 full- and part-time workers. Those numbers do not include students working on campus.
“It is a real asset to have a liberal arts college here in our county — as a resource and the dollars they provide.” Nitch said.
Westminster moved slowly in rolling out its initiatives. Worldwide financial uncertainty was to blame.
“It impacted how aggressive we could be going forward,” Dorman said. “We tended to take our foot off the accelerator a little bit so that we could ascertain what we could do … to adjust to this new reality.”
However, the college avoided the actions taken by other institutions, organizations and businesses. Last year, Westminster escaped budget cuts and layoffs.
“During that time our focus was making sure we kept the ship steady, and we succeeded in doing that,” Dorman said. “We actually had surpluses. We were actually able to give out raises at a time that was not being done by most organizations.”
Westminster graduates are the barometer of the college’s success. Dorman said the college’s goal is to provide students with a broad-based education that can be applied to a number of settings.
“If you’re educated very narrowly to a specific thing, your ability to transfer your knowledge to different realms is compromised,” Dorman said. “With a liberal arts education, you are able to make that adjustment.
“We try to educate for change.”
•••
LOOKING AHEAD
Westminster’s Way
“Advantage: Westminster” is a strategic plan that will guide Westminster College through 2020. It outlines four goals focusing on student and campus needs. In addressing those areas, Lawrence County also benefits, according to college President Dr. Richard H. Dorman. The initiatives are as follows.
•Reaffirm the relationship between the teacher and the student in undergraduate education.
•Elevate the call for academic rigor in response to a growing market for degrees focused on vocationalism.
•Reinforce the college’s commitment to keep a private education affordable.
•Recognize the need to maintain a learning environment that meets students’ needs without adding to their financial burden.
By PATRICK E. LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
Dr. Richard H. Dorman has featured Lawrence County in his lesson plan — an effort linking education and economics.
“I have a strong interest in economic development, which I think you can not separate from the education of its population,” the Westminster College president said. “Only through education are we going to be uplifted as a region.”
The college’s strategy is outlined in “Advantage: Westminster,” developed through the work of approximately 80 people within the campus community. Designed to guide Westminster through 2020, the plan evolved over a year’s time.
“(It) identifies the things we ought to be doing to keep us strong and growing as an institution,” Dorman said.
While student- and campus-focused, the strategic plan’s four goals are expected to generate results extending beyond the institution’s New Wilmington base. The initiatives range from stressing the value of the student-teacher relationship to keeping private education affordable.
“This area has a vested interest in the success of this institution,” Dorman said. “We would be even a weaker area if we did not have the college here.”
Linda D. Nitch supported Dorman’s assessment. She is the executive director of the Lawrence County Economic Development Corp.
Last year, the college directed $96 million into the economy, with $32 million spent locally. Westminster is also among the top private employers countywide. The college uses more than 400 full- and part-time workers. Those numbers do not include students working on campus.
“It is a real asset to have a liberal arts college here in our county — as a resource and the dollars they provide.” Nitch said.
Westminster moved slowly in rolling out its initiatives. Worldwide financial uncertainty was to blame.
“It impacted how aggressive we could be going forward,” Dorman said. “We tended to take our foot off the accelerator a little bit so that we could ascertain what we could do … to adjust to this new reality.”
However, the college avoided the actions taken by other institutions, organizations and businesses. Last year, Westminster escaped budget cuts and layoffs.
“During that time our focus was making sure we kept the ship steady, and we succeeded in doing that,” Dorman said. “We actually had surpluses. We were actually able to give out raises at a time that was not being done by most organizations.”
Westminster graduates are the barometer of the college’s success. Dorman said the college’s goal is to provide students with a broad-based education that can be applied to a number of settings.
“If you’re educated very narrowly to a specific thing, your ability to transfer your knowledge to different realms is compromised,” Dorman said. “With a liberal arts education, you are able to make that adjustment.
“We try to educate for change.”
•••
LOOKING AHEAD
Westminster’s Way
“Advantage: Westminster” is a strategic plan that will guide Westminster College through 2020. It outlines four goals focusing on student and campus needs. In addressing those areas, Lawrence County also benefits, according to college President Dr. Richard H. Dorman. The initiatives are as follows.
•Reaffirm the relationship between the teacher and the student in undergraduate education.
•Elevate the call for academic rigor in response to a growing market for degrees focused on vocationalism.
•Reinforce the college’s commitment to keep a private education affordable.
•Recognize the need to maintain a learning environment that meets students’ needs without adding to their financial burden.
Source: Westminster College
Monday, January 11, 2010
Scores prompt district changes
Jan. 11, 2010
By PATRICK E. LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
Curriculum course corrections are in place to help New Castle students fare better overall and on college admission tests.
Among Lawrence County’s eight school systems, the district has consistently placed last in SAT scoring. The Pennsylvania Department of Education first tracked SAT performance in 2001.
The SAT covers math, English and writing. Each section is worth a maximum of 800 points. The state’s last report, released in 2009, showed New Castle averaged 1,324. In comparison, the Ellwood City Area School District scored an average 1,494 — the county’s top showing.
Results can create inaccurate impressions, such the perception that schools with better scores have better students.
“That couldn’t be further from the truth,” said Dave Schordock, executive director of the Princeton Review, Pittsburgh/Cleveland. The Princeton Review offers test preparation services.
The SAT is one exam universities and colleges use as part of the admissions process. Another is the ACT. The results play a role in determining where students are accepted and what financial awards they will receive.
“I put a lot of stake in the SAT exams,” said Terence P. Meehan, who oversees curriculum and instruction as administrative assistant to Superintendent George Gabriel.
“I think you can judge a lot from that score, and I saw a very serious red flag (from previous results).”
Since Meehan’s arrival three years ago, the school district revamped its math and English programs. Math received attention first.
“The overall consensus was, it wasn’t working,” Meehan said. “To hear that echoed by the teachers, it was time to move on.”
Integrated math was the primary culprit.
“It’s a little bit of this and a little bit of that, and to me, a whole lot of nothing,” Meehan said of the integrated math concept. “There wasn’t any depth there.”
Students are offered a full year of geometry and two years of algebra. Electives are offered in statistics, calculus and trigonometry.
An additional layer of English instruction bolstered that program. The district introduced an accelerated level to its regular and honors designations.
“The kid that was in the middle — a B, C student — felt like they were wasting their time (in regular English),” Meehan said. “(Then), they were going into an honors program. Hence it was watering it down.”
The district offers optional English classes, such as public speaking, expository composition and research.
“The sophomores are going to see the most benefit since they’ve been around, but you’re also going to see improvement with our juniors.”
An SAT course was launched in the fall to assist college-bound sophomores in honors and accelerated classes. The SAT is normally taken in a student’s junior year. Working with the Princeton Review, the district established a class during school hours. There is no cost to the student to attend.
Traditionally, the Princeton Review offers after-school and weekend sessions with prices ranging from $500 to $1,200 per student. Business manager Joseph Ambrosini said the district paid approximately $20,000 for the course, with the funding coming through the federal government.
In the summer, the company trained two senior high teachers.
“It’s very progressive,” Schordock said of New Castle’s effort. “It’s their teachers teaching the program.
“They have the pulse of the students. I can’t think of a better way to deliver this type of education.”
Schordock said the nearest school district to employ this approach is in Fort Wayne, Ind.
“We have students in New Castle who are talented, but we weren’t providing them any room for growth,” Meehan said. “Now, we are.”
By PATRICK E. LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
Curriculum course corrections are in place to help New Castle students fare better overall and on college admission tests.
Among Lawrence County’s eight school systems, the district has consistently placed last in SAT scoring. The Pennsylvania Department of Education first tracked SAT performance in 2001.
The SAT covers math, English and writing. Each section is worth a maximum of 800 points. The state’s last report, released in 2009, showed New Castle averaged 1,324. In comparison, the Ellwood City Area School District scored an average 1,494 — the county’s top showing.
Results can create inaccurate impressions, such the perception that schools with better scores have better students.
“That couldn’t be further from the truth,” said Dave Schordock, executive director of the Princeton Review, Pittsburgh/Cleveland. The Princeton Review offers test preparation services.
The SAT is one exam universities and colleges use as part of the admissions process. Another is the ACT. The results play a role in determining where students are accepted and what financial awards they will receive.
“I put a lot of stake in the SAT exams,” said Terence P. Meehan, who oversees curriculum and instruction as administrative assistant to Superintendent George Gabriel.
“I think you can judge a lot from that score, and I saw a very serious red flag (from previous results).”
Since Meehan’s arrival three years ago, the school district revamped its math and English programs. Math received attention first.
“The overall consensus was, it wasn’t working,” Meehan said. “To hear that echoed by the teachers, it was time to move on.”
Integrated math was the primary culprit.
“It’s a little bit of this and a little bit of that, and to me, a whole lot of nothing,” Meehan said of the integrated math concept. “There wasn’t any depth there.”
Students are offered a full year of geometry and two years of algebra. Electives are offered in statistics, calculus and trigonometry.
An additional layer of English instruction bolstered that program. The district introduced an accelerated level to its regular and honors designations.
“The kid that was in the middle — a B, C student — felt like they were wasting their time (in regular English),” Meehan said. “(Then), they were going into an honors program. Hence it was watering it down.”
The district offers optional English classes, such as public speaking, expository composition and research.
“The sophomores are going to see the most benefit since they’ve been around, but you’re also going to see improvement with our juniors.”
An SAT course was launched in the fall to assist college-bound sophomores in honors and accelerated classes. The SAT is normally taken in a student’s junior year. Working with the Princeton Review, the district established a class during school hours. There is no cost to the student to attend.
Traditionally, the Princeton Review offers after-school and weekend sessions with prices ranging from $500 to $1,200 per student. Business manager Joseph Ambrosini said the district paid approximately $20,000 for the course, with the funding coming through the federal government.
In the summer, the company trained two senior high teachers.
“It’s very progressive,” Schordock said of New Castle’s effort. “It’s their teachers teaching the program.
“They have the pulse of the students. I can’t think of a better way to deliver this type of education.”
Schordock said the nearest school district to employ this approach is in Fort Wayne, Ind.
“We have students in New Castle who are talented, but we weren’t providing them any room for growth,” Meehan said. “Now, we are.”
District to help with crossing guard pay
Jan. 6, 2010
By PATRICK E. LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
Crossing guards may have to pass a few tests in order to oversee the safety of New Castle students.
Starting this month, the school district will split the guards’ salaries with the city. School board member Fred Mozzocio said he wants the guards drug tested and to receive clearances, which allow them to interact with the students.
Business manager Joseph Ambrosini said he and Superintendent George Gabriel will meet with Mayor Anthony G. Mastrangelo to discuss the proposal.
“I’m sure they’ll be able to work with us on that,” Ambrosini said.
Three years after being declared financially distressed, the city directed the district to contribute half of the total costs. The school system will contribute approximately $30,500 toward the 11 crossing guards’ annual pay.
The guards serve under the city’s police department as outlined in the Third Class City Code. The code says the city and school district determine a ratio by which the guards are compensated. Previously, the city absorbed the costs with no contributions from the school district.
When first approached by the city, Ambrosini attempted to negotiate a lower amount. City officials would not accept less than 50 percent, Ambrosini said. Under the city code, when neither side can agree to a ratio, the costs are divided evenly.
Mozzocio pushed for the additional conditions in last month’s regular school board meeting.
“I don’t think we want them to be our employees, but we don’t want somebody who is not drug tested crossing our kids,” he said.
Police Chief Thomas Sansone said a “quick background check” is performed.
“They are not drug tested, and they do not have clearances,” Sansone said. “We haven’t had to hire but one or two substitutes for quite a while.
“The regulars have stayed there.”
Last month, the school board passed an agreement with the city contingent on addressing the testing and clearance issues.
Regardless of the school district’s stance, the city can reject its proposal. The city code allows for the guards’ hiring and salaries to be transferred to the school district.
“At this point, I don’t think they want to do that,” Sansone said.
By PATRICK E. LITOWITZ
plitowitz@ncnewsonline.com
Crossing guards may have to pass a few tests in order to oversee the safety of New Castle students.
Starting this month, the school district will split the guards’ salaries with the city. School board member Fred Mozzocio said he wants the guards drug tested and to receive clearances, which allow them to interact with the students.
Business manager Joseph Ambrosini said he and Superintendent George Gabriel will meet with Mayor Anthony G. Mastrangelo to discuss the proposal.
“I’m sure they’ll be able to work with us on that,” Ambrosini said.
Three years after being declared financially distressed, the city directed the district to contribute half of the total costs. The school system will contribute approximately $30,500 toward the 11 crossing guards’ annual pay.
The guards serve under the city’s police department as outlined in the Third Class City Code. The code says the city and school district determine a ratio by which the guards are compensated. Previously, the city absorbed the costs with no contributions from the school district.
When first approached by the city, Ambrosini attempted to negotiate a lower amount. City officials would not accept less than 50 percent, Ambrosini said. Under the city code, when neither side can agree to a ratio, the costs are divided evenly.
Mozzocio pushed for the additional conditions in last month’s regular school board meeting.
“I don’t think we want them to be our employees, but we don’t want somebody who is not drug tested crossing our kids,” he said.
Police Chief Thomas Sansone said a “quick background check” is performed.
“They are not drug tested, and they do not have clearances,” Sansone said. “We haven’t had to hire but one or two substitutes for quite a while.
“The regulars have stayed there.”
Last month, the school board passed an agreement with the city contingent on addressing the testing and clearance issues.
Regardless of the school district’s stance, the city can reject its proposal. The city code allows for the guards’ hiring and salaries to be transferred to the school district.
“At this point, I don’t think they want to do that,” Sansone said.
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