Bill, you are correct about some of your facts, wrong about others and misleading with a few more.

According to the district’s latest Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, the 320 teachers employed by the Great Valley School District earn an average salary of $63,819. 77% of those teachers hold a masters degree or higher and they average 10.5 years of service. These last two make GVSD’s teachers some of the most qualified in Chester County and across the state.

As I’m sure you are aware, GVSD consistently ranks among the top 10 or 15 school district (of more than 500) in the state. There is a clear correlation between the quality and experience of a district’s teachers and its academic results.

The $18,000/student analysis is quite misleading. That figure has more to do with the size of the district than it does the district’s finances. GVSD is one of the smallest districts in the county. Every district has one superintendent, one business manager, etc. no matter its size. More importantly, GVSD currently has the third lowest millage rate (behind TESD and WCASD) in the county.

I think we all agree the teachers (and the rest of the employees of the district) have a very generous benefits package. If you take the time to speak with some teachers, you will quickly learn they understand that fact. Health insurance and pension benefits (the PSERS contribution made by the district) make up the vast majority of their benefits.

I am sure you are aware that the current teachers’ contract expires June 30, 2014. The teachers will pick up responsibility for a much more significant portion of their health benefits in the new contract. Remember, the contract extension approved by the board last year (a 9-0 vote BTW) save the district $1.75 million.

Everyone also pretty much agrees that the Bacon Hill land purchase was a bad idea, but building up the reserve funds it not. BTW, those reserve funds are somewhat restricted. Of the $26.6 million in reserves, $9.5 is restricted to capital projects. Of the $17 million in the general fund, a significant balance of that fund helps to assure the district’s great bond rating and keeps its cost of financing low.

The other important reason to continue building the reserve fund is the coming increases to the required PSRES contribution. That contribution has climbed to more than 12% of salaries this year and will continue to climb to at least 24% over the next five years. Please remember that this situation is a creation of the legislature, Governor Ridge and Governor Rendell, not the teachers or the district. Both the teachers and the district have made all of their required contributions. Reserving funds now to help make the required PSERS contributions in the future will help alleviate some harsh cuts to vital programming. (Hopefully, the governor and legislature get some real PSERS reform done in the coming years.)

As far as your comments about the board go, Great Valley voters elected a taxpayer-centric board in 2009 lead by Bruce Chambers. That group immediately set about trying to destroy much of what is great about GVSD. The community reacted in 2011 by electing more balanced and reasonable board members and Mr. Chambers was bounced from the board presidency. When he couldn’t get his own way anymore, Mr. Chambers broke his promise to the voters who elected him and quit.

While the current board is far from ideal, it has enough education-friendly but fiscally balanced members to keep the board “objective” and the district headed in the right direction.

And finally Bill, you fail to realize the most important stakeholders served by any school board. Any school board is about much more than serving the taxpayers, teachers or itself – it’s about serving the district’s students.

Bill,
Have you looked at other townships lately? GVSD at least had a buffer fund to hedge of the PSERS. At let's face it, it's not GVSD driving up the cost, we have a great school district, and that costs money. The politicians at the state level let PSERS go underfunded for way too long, and now we're paying the piper. Look at Ridley, Springfield or Media school district tax increases in the past 6 years up to 6 & 8% in one year....And as Abraham mentioned above, it's not about the taxpayers, it's about the students. I agree the board has not done the best job at finding opportunities, but let's look at the real driver of the increase - the pension fund. It's a statewide issue affecting many districts. Also, would you prefer a Wage tax like the one being proposed in Tredryffrin?

Abraham/Rich,
Odds are good you are school board members, trying to justify your positions.

Bill,

Let’s take your 10 “facts” one by one:

1. According to the district’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CARF) the number of teachers in 320.5 as of 6/30/12. This could be a matter of Full Time Equivalencies versus actual number of individuals (some teachers are part time?) or a change in the number of teachers since 6/30/12.

2. Not quite sure where you’re getting the $80,000 number, but the average teacher salary of $63,819 in the CARF is appears on page 2 of the document - http://www.gvsd.org/cms/lib02/PA01001045/Centricity/Domain/16/CAFR%202011-2012.pdf

3. Your $18,000 figure is correct. My point is that relatively small size of GVSD (about 4,000 students) drives this number up significantly when you compare the calculation to larger districts like TESD, WCASD and Downingtown. For example, the superintendent’s salary costs GVSD about $52.5 per student. The superintendent in WCASD makes a little more, but his salary is divided by 11,000 students make the cost about $22.75 per student. The list of similar examples is very long.

4. Exactly my point. If you don’t like it, move to a cheaper house or neighborhood.

5. Agreed and I addressed the upcoming contract in my previous comments. A Kaiser Family Foundation study from late last year found the average employer-based health insurance costs for a family of four at slightly less than $16,000 on a national average with the employee paying about 27% of the total - http://ehbs.kff.org/pdf/2012/8346.pdf

6. Bill, you are wrong. There are state laws that require school districts to maintain a minimal level of reserves. Good business practices related to bond financing dictate that a district should hold significantly more than the required minimum –
http://paindependent.com/2011/06/schools-hold-more-than-3-billion-in-reserve-funds/

7. The PSERS issue is the most important issue any PA school district will face in the coming years. Again, the board is being very smart to build its reserve in an effort to preserve as many vital programs as possible in the face of the continuing PSERS crisis. I wouldn’t count on any help from the legislature or the governor. Go to slide #5 here - http://www.gvsd.org/cms/lib02/PA01001045/Centricity/Domain/16/Budget%20Presentation%202.11.2013v1.pdf

8. …and I behold that Mr. Chambers and his group were attempting to destroy the GVSD as we know it.

Furthermore, if Mr. Chambers had a heart attack and ill parents why did he write in his resignation letter,“Due to the dysfunctional nature of our school board and the resultant stress that is affecting my health, I can no longer serve on the board.”? - http://www.dailylocal.com/article/20120618/NEWS01/120619564/chambers-pins-his-departure-on-dysfunctional-school-board

Face it, Mr. Chambers took his ball and went home when he couldn’t get his way.

9. State law limits the manner in which reserve funds can be invested. It all has to due with risk.

10. Agreed – See my response to #5

Bill, the community of GVSD stakeholders (parents, students, taxpayers, etc.) has responded to stop the attempted implementation of many of the destructive ideas brought forth by the Chambers lead faction of the board. Eventually, the community rejected their ideas completely by electing more reasonable board members.

To Abraham,
I take umbrage with you over your uninformed, unfair, and grossly insulting comments re: Mr. Bruce Chambers.

I have attended the GVSD Board Meetings since the year 2000, missing perhaps at the most two or three meetings. I became totally involved when I became aware the District, under Dr. Rita Jones, was taking private property, using "Eminent Domain", from owners, completely unwilling to give up their home. The actions of Dr. Jones and the Administration inflicted unbearable, devastating suffering on the property owners. Ultimately, the Community banded together and with much public outcry, TV coverage, etc. Dr. Jones and that Board backed off! During the Administration of Dr. Jones and those School Boards, the District spent millions of dollars buying Real Estate that was,and is, totally unnecessary! I could cite many unwise examples of decisions made in the past years by the former Superintendent and school boards. One of the most fair, intelligent, and business-wise persons elected to our School Board was Bruce Chambers.
Audrey Van Loan

Keep the bureaucrats PR Director, etc. Hurt the kids, jack taxes, force the teachers to get concessions. PR Director @ more than $125K in cost stays but cut, cut, cut, tax, tax, tax. My kids had a great experience at General Wayne Don't ruin it for others. Do everything but cut the Administration bureaucrats! Nuts!

Abraham, please pass along to the rest of the union that we are wise to you. Bill is right on the money. We waste too much money and get too little for it. The old song and dance about saving money hurting our children is nonsense. Gold-plated contracts and stupid (or worse) land deals do not help students achieve anything.

As to your comments about Mr. Chambers, they are classless. Apparently you did not like him as a board member but like to pick at him when he resigned (one would think that would make you and the other union leaders happy). Resigning was his right for whatever reason. It is still a free country.

Bill, keep up the good work. Your neighbors appreciate it. Abraham, pass it along to the other union leaders --the taxpayers have had enough.

Steve

I Respectfully suggest that we do not need to debate prior School Board members who served. Bruce Chambers served honorably. Otherwise,the debate could promptly get into spending and tax votes of others; Pettis, Carr, Tang, Daga, etc
Debating and holding accountable the current board is fair game

Audrey, Bill, Steve, Thought Ah the old Great Valley Stakeholders are out in force today defending their hero Mr. Chambers. I'll say it again, the GV community rejected Mr. Chambers' ideology and elected a more reasonable board in the very next election. Bruce lost his power and control and claimed the board was "dysfunctional." It was only dysfunctional in his eyes because he could control it.

Audrey, Reasonable, Thought, we probably agree on more issues than we disagree. The boards of the Dr. Jones era did lose much control. Rita ran the board in many ways. It was not the way a board should operate. The Bacton Hill purchase was a terrible mistake as was the early bird contract of several years ago. And yes, many of us have been saying for years that the district's administration is "top heavy." A number of reductions have been made but more is needed. The PR position is one remaining example to consider.

The bottom line is the board elected in 2009 tried to go way too far to the other side. That group of Mr. Chambers, the late Mrs. Cummings, Mr. Foret, Dr. Kozick and for a while Mr. Daga would have caused tremendous damage to the district if left to their own will.

Daga has been tracking Democrat for quite a while and should be supported by my party and perhaps may be by me, although I remain critical of his bureaucracy building and conflict.The revenue from his needed tax increases should have been spent in the classrooms not on PR Directors. To be fair, Andy should be commended for his green energy company's leadership in following President Obama's mandate to rid America of dependence on fossil fuels. Andy has a lot of positives for Democrats like me but I still have concerns.

Steve, Bill raised the issue of board performance in his original post. I responded and others chimed in by defending Mr. Chambers. It's called debate. It's neither unhealthy nor a fixation. It's part of what makes America great. I encourage more of the same. Yes, that first amendment can be a tricky thing

Montana, do you really think I'm Ellen Behrle? I'm insulted.

You are a shill whomever you are. Knock off the baloney.

The taxpayers could have received a far greater "savings" last year IF the board had gone to negotiations and changed the benefit package to one commensurate with what the overwhelming majority of taxpayers currently have. The BCBS Personal Choice plan could have been replaced with an HMO with a deductible at a cost savings in the hundreds of dollars per month per participant range. That would have yielded far more than the $1.75 million. To say nothing of other possible cuts and trimmings in the benefit package you admit is "generous". So your premise is flawed.

With all due respect to the comments above:
1. Regarding history and character of people who have served, service is done. To admonish, disrespect, or smear their decisions or actions will not bring about change now.
2. Likewise, hindsight being 20/20, the history of PSERS and decisions made over a decade ago by state politicians is also a moot point. What we must accept and acknowledge now is the domino effect that will be in play for all public school districts in Pennsylvania for years to come.
3. Data and facts can be argued ad-nauseum depending on individual sources, and despite their supposed ‘objectivity’, can be misleading and/or misinterpreted.
4. Despite political, religious, taxpayer, persuasion and/or differences, we must remember that at the core of this entire issue is our future—our children.
As a GVSD alumnus, a former educator, and as a fervent supporter of public school education, I implore you to consider the following.

Unless one has served on a school board, in education (either classroom, administratively, or even as a cafeteria aide,) or has had direct input on educational reform at a governmental or federal level, it is merely an ‘outsider perspective’ looking in the fishbowl. No one on the outside of that bowl can possibly assume or imagine all the complexities that are involved in all factors of our educational mandates, fiscal difficulties, or appropriations.
What we all know is this: at the core of what matters are kids. Is GVSD perfect? No. But it is better than most. If you don’t believe me, go talk to teachers in Philadelphia, Delaware County, or even our neighbors just north of where we are. Talk to members of their school board. Talk to their administrators.
No, talk to the kids of those districts and you’ll hear the truth. “We don’t have a library in our school. We don’t have computers. My classroom doesn’t have enough books. We don’t have music class or art anymore. We don’t have a field to run on. There are 35 kids in my classes.”
“We don’t have, we don’t have, we don’t have.”

Well, in GVSD-“we have.” And our kids will tell you we have. And we should be grateful we have. To have, quite simply, costs something. We are fortunate to live in an area where we can afford ‘better’ than most. And, if we can’t recognize what we have, how long before we hear our own children/students saying statements like those listed above??
Let’s agree that what we have is better than most and in the future, be prepared to stand unified and ready to support those directly involved in architecting the teaching of our children. Let’s all be thankful for what we have. Otherwise, we’ll have not.

Kristen,Re:

Unless one has served on a school board, in education (either classroom, administratively, or even as a cafeteria aide,) or has had direct input on educational reform at a governmental or federal level, it is merely an ‘outsider perspective’ looking in the fishbowl.

I agree We should have teachers, administrators, union members and really smart people like you on the school board because the people who are paying for it are all shiftless morons who hate education and hate children. Your arrogance is amusing.

Dear, I smell a Rat,
Clearly I am at a loss. I'm sorry you feel that those 'paying for it are shiftless morons who hate education and children.' Not so. As Mark Twain attempted to do in his own time: I merely hold a mirror up to society, community, humanity. If the reflection you see is something you don't like, change it. If you like what you see, don't.
I merely carry the mirror--perhaps more out of ignorance than arrogance.
This is why I battled with posting. The bitterness, the virtriolic commentary, the mudslinging.
My focus, throughout, is humankind. Period.
Speak kind words, you'll hear kind echoes.
Be real. Be purposeful. Be truthful.

Kristen, while you and I probably agree on most of the issues, your statement regrading "outsider perspective" is very short-sighted. Remember, when you hold the "mirror," you get to select the angle. There are many in the GV community who never served in one of the roles you listed, but who have been very actively involved in the district through our kids' education, volunteerism and attendance at school board meetings. We possess a great deal of knowledge about the workings of GVSD.

Kristen et all,
Let's stick with the old voices of those with ethics and integrity which was lacking in the 17 year tyrannical reign of the previous Super.
There was such a person in the 70's in the name of Milton Friedman with his manifesto of 'FREE TO CHOSE'. Sadly his efforts were largely curtailed shortly after when Carter was elected and let the fox in the hen house when he rewarded the teacher's union with their own federal department. The teamsters were just as deserving but their rank and file lacked the finesse of the teachers. Most of whom did a very good job but were oblivious to the extent of the treachery their union had in mind. Today we can only surmise what the science of education could have achieved under Milton's tutelage along with the synergies of technology over the past 40 years. To have some idea and tutor yourself with the way a noble laureate would have solved the crisis of education in America, search "FREE TO CHOOSE, Milton Friedman" where you can freely view his PBS TV series of the 80's and updated 90's. HTTP://www.freetochoose.TV/ .
Guaranteed that you will enhance your character with Milton's ethics and integrity so as to more appreciate the similar traits of Bruce Chambers who freely served the taxpayers of the GVSD in his herculean effort to expose the previous 17 years of malfeasants in order to protect the taxpayer purse, largely unbeknownst to them. The free market's don't produce mediocrity and are the most cost effective.

Abraham - Because I do not understand why you do not fully identify yourself, a few questions for you. Have you or a relative served in the past on the GVSB? Do you currently have a relative or close friend on the GVSB? Are you or a relative currently a Democratic committee person? Have you or a relative ever served in that capacity? As Shakespeare wrote “Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive”. And the epitome of that is hiding your true identity. What is the full name that appears on your voter registration card? on your driver’s license? Inquiring minds want to know exactly who you are.

Bill, you sure do like Shakespeare. I'm impressed. You can ask all the questions you like but there are no policies on this site that require me to answer. I choose to keep my identity to myself because I know what Bruce Chambers and his GV "Stakeholders" are capable of doing to one's reputation. Steve, Audrey, Barbara, Kelly and the rest of the group have no problem spreading lies and rumors about those who speak the truth about the Stakeholders' anti-education right wing tea party ways.

Kristen et al - Re your No. 1 of 2/28, the point of history and why we are in the current mess is revealed in the following Santayana quote: “Those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it”. What we have is a Board who thinks higher taxes is always the answer - often driven by special interests; the underlying premise of which is “we can afford it”. But if money were the only answer the schools in Phila. and Chester would be at the top - and happily we do not resemble either. The Act 1 without exceptions allowance of 1.7% is sufficient at this time.

What we do NOT have is a Board open to dialogue or disagreement. I asked several budget questions at a recent meeting only to be told imperiously, “We do not have to respond to your questions - just read your statement”. If an elected governing body declines to answer questions from a taxpayer, one may reasonably infer: a) it does not desire dialogue; b) it cannot tolerate disagreement; or c) it has taken a position which is weak or indefensible.

What we DO have is the practice on important votes of packing the audience with those representing special interests which has the tendency to intimidate the Board to side with the special interests over the taxpayers.

I removed a few ad hominem comments. Please keep it civil and focused on issues and arguments. Thanks for the lively discussion.

With all due respect Mr. Rapp your last comment says, "we do have the practice on important votes of packing the audience with those representing special interests".... Is that your view of the taxpaying parents of Great Valley? Is that how you view the students who attend a meeting out of concern for the classes and programs that are proposed for possible cuts, and have the ability to stand before a crowded room and before the school board intelligently speaking about the values of those classes and programs.

Mr. Rapp, these people are not "special interests" as you have defined them. Parents of the Great Valley School District are taxpayers. They are Stakeholders who not only pay taxes, but for the first time in this districts history are paying out of pocket a great deal of money that is only bound to increase for their children to be able to have access to important extra curricular programs. On top of that they are continuing to volunteer and purchase all of the things the students sell to raise funds to support those programs.

Mr. Rapp, what we do have is many wide awake taxpayers who are very concerned about making sure that the Great Valley School District continues to be one of the best school districts in the state of Pennsylvania and they Mr. Rapp are participating in the democratic process.

Do you know what one of the first questions anyone asks their realtor or looks up on-line? "What are the schools like?" When I was growing up in Malvern, it was the sticks. I was sent to private school because the school district was not great. Over the years it improved by leaps and bounds as more people looked to settle in the area. It is now a top school district. People WANT to live there and send their kids to school there. That makes your property values higher and also justifies that tax. People complain about school taxes, conveniently forgetting that the school district is where the children in the area are shaped. The better the school district, the better the outcome for the child. Look at what Philly is doing to their schools. Do you think that is a good idea? Philly is going to be left with no teachers, empty buildings and will STILL be paying salaries to poor administrators (who jack up that average pay by the way). Teachers, the ones in the classrooms every day, teaching your kids, deserve better salaries than are given to them. It is sickening to me that people commenting here are anti-teacher/school yet want their kids coming out of the school ready to compete for college entrance and jobs. Treat the teachers and the schools with respect and you will have good results. Beat them down and treat them like dirt and your kids will not get a good education. See how that works?

Spot on Scargosun! However, I would suggest that the majority of the negative posters are that segment of the G.V. community whose children benefited educationally by attending G.V. schools with high quality teachers and now that their children have graduated have conveniently forgotten what others that came before them did for their families. I was in attendance of a school board meeting when a woman actually got up during public speaking and said, "I'm tired of paying for somebody else's kids education."

While I agree with many in this community on the combination of previous actions regarding a property purchase and an early bird contract being poor decisions, it is all now water under the bridge. To improve those two situations G.V. needs to have the property on the market and actually negotiate a better contract for our teachers in an effort to achieve a better balance.

Unfortunately, as others have pointed out, our last two Governors and the State Legislature have created this situation, by gambling with what was to be their share of the contributions towards PESER'S. Thanks to deregulation and oversight most of that money, if not all, was lost in the massive downfalls of the market. The result was the same for all people who put their money in the markets. Neither the teachers or the community are at fault for this financial mess, because both groups responsibly made their portion of the contributions. The public needs to stop bashing the teachers.

Public "taxpayer" money is extracted from the citizenry by the police power of the state.

Ttax money ought to be treated with the same fear and awe once associated with holy temple sacrifices.

GVSD would be the priestly class, whose temple "duties" conveniently align with somewhat baser and absolutely personal motives.

You pay teachers lousy salaries, you get lousy teachers. It's as simple as that. If you want lower taxes, move to a school district with lower taxes and mediocre schools. But then your real estate values won't appreciate like they will in a district with quality schools. That's why you can buy the same house in other districts as GVSD and pay half the price. You get what you pay for.

GVSD also underfunds pension payments, which is only kicking the can down the road. Those are obligations that must be met, and continuing to underfund it only means a larger tax increase down the road.

I am not a teacher nor do I have any relatives who are teachers. I just appreciate good teachers. I'm happy to pay for quality educators and am happy with the attractive appreciation in real estate values having lived in GVSD.

I am a parent of kids who go to school. We are very happy with the teachers and we love the quality of the school. I am a taxpayer and happy to pay for high quality teachers. Go Great Valley teachers, you rock. Hope the teachers can influence some of the School Board decisions, since they know what our kids will need in todays world to compete. I trust the experts and see the results every day when my kids come home from school.
Sam

Here's a thought, how about you all change your Patch profile to use your real name. We love Great Valley.

@bill rapp, you are promoting a personal and false belief about the teachers of GVSD when (you) say, "their interest is to benefit themselves." Not only is it a false ideology, but it is a promotion of hate and distrust of our professional educators.

The GVSD is a highly sought after location for families that are moving to Chester Çounty and those who understand the big picture know that there is a massive reason to vote for the 1.7% exception, and that is to make sure the GVSD is not destroyed in the ability to maintain the high quality academics and programs that are required for our communities students that are going on to higher education and vocations.

Of course when it comes to negotiating a contract, like anyone who negotiates a contract be it in the private sector in a one to one negotiation or done by representatives in collective bargaining, those involved on both sides of the table are promoting both their needs and wants. However, your comment about GVSD teachers who are extremely invested in the communities students is wrong.

I will also challenge your comments about those serving on the board. You are making the assumption that because they vote for something you don't like that they have a "cozy" (again a chosen word to insight distrust) relationship. Board members are not dictators. They serve (all) taxpayers and those who have most at steak are families with children attending GVSD.

Earnest - me thinks you dost protest too much. Of course the teachers and their union want to benefit themselves AND you say as much in your 3rd paragraph.

You also implied your acknowledgement of being "cozy" in an earlier comment re purchase of land and a sweetheart early bird contract - for which I thank you.

And you are also correct that the "Board members are not dictators". In fact for the past decade they have been dictated to by Rita Jones and the 2 unions; and thus are the dictatees. THAT IS THE PROBLEM!! It is also my guess that the majority of the District's population DOES NOT currently have anyone in the school system. Those with someone in the system might have the most "steak" but there are probably more stakeholders/taxpayers who deserve more consideration by the Board than they receive. And by the way, if you (as others have espoused) want to force folks to exit GVSD, wait till you see how far property values fall. We already spend $18,000.00 per student - 3rd highest in the county.

AND Earnest - Because I do not understand why you do not fully identify yourself, a few questions for you. Have you or a relative served in the past on the GVSB? Do you currently have a relative or close friend on the GVSB? Are you or a relative currently a Democratic committee person? Have you or a relative ever served in that capacity? As Shakespeare wrote “Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive”. And the epitome of that is hiding your true identity. What is the full name that appears on your voter registration card? on your driver’s license? Inquiring minds want to know exactly who you are.

Rita Jones is back through Pat Gillespie her ardent supporter
Read it here http://articles.philly.com/2007-09-19/news/25222363_1_board-meetings-school-board-board-president
And Ellen Behrle supported and lobbied for the early bird contract

Earnest - please reply to the above series of questions - if you are man or woman to do so.

@bill rapp, The answer to your first four questions is no, no, no, and no. As for providing you with the details of my personal information... there is a reason it is called personal information. If it's an issue for you it will just have to continue to be so.

Oh, and by the way, the seats of the school board are to be held by non-partisan community members, so I really don't understand what your concern about political affiliation has to do with anything. Correct me if I'm wrong, but haven't the majority of the school boards of GV been registered GOPer's before cross filing?

Earnest - I can neither confirm nor deny your assertion as to GOPers on the Board. I learned long ago that one cannot tell a book by its cover. I have also learned that things/merchandise and human beings are often mislabeled. Thus, I am not as much swayed by labels and what one says as I am by one's actions and deeds.

After the 2012 election I did receive a circular from the Democratic Party which said "With our strong showing at the polls we elected four of our endorsed candidates to membership on the GVSB".