16 The Dallas Post Dallas, PA Wednesday, May 20, 1998 Dallas (continued from page 1) $372,729 (2.5-3.5 percent) for personnel salaries and the removal of 82 million from the fund bal- ance for renovation to Dallas El- ementary “These are the areas we have very little control over. If we wanted to go in and: look and recap the budget, it wouldn't make a difference unless we want to cut into school programs. We areata stage right now where we are out- distancing our revenues and now we have to make up for it,” said Gil Griffiths, superintendent, explain- ing the need for a tax increase. Melone said the district has historically, “enjoyed two to three percent more revenue than the budget says.” Assuming it will happen again, Melone already took a three percent tolerance into ac- count because there is a possibil- ity of spending more than the district has. “We.are playing our best trump card forward if there is to be a millage increase. We think our revenue figures are realistic,” said Melone. The district used $3.5 million of its $5.3 million fund balance last year to cover school renova- tions, some salaries, benefits and maintenance. Because of the in- creases in insurance and sala- ries, the district does not antici- pate any surplus, said Griffiths. “The fund balance won't be building up again,” said Karen Kyle, board member. “We were able to not have a tax increase for seven years because our recurring debt was paid off by recurring funds,” said Griffiths. The 1997-1998 budget was $20.9 million, which included the one-time allowance of $2 million for renovations to Dallas Elemen- tary. Griffiths said that $2 million was put into a separate building fund this year, making last year’s budget $18.9 million. “We are at a stage ~ right now where are outdistancing our revenues and now we have to make up fort.” ___ Dr.GilGriffiths Superintendent of Schools \N a <4 < A Tow, ’ - c © Walk (continued from page 1) ently, communications lines were crossed and only one neigh- bor joined the board on their walk. Board members John Litz, Ernie Ashbridge, Karen Kyle and Frank Natitus were joined by su- perintendent Gil Griffths, Mark Kraynak, superintendent of build- ings and grounds and Sterling Lamoreaux, a Westminister Drive resident. The board will walk the ground again on Wed. May 20 at 6 p.m. Kraynak pointed out different encroachments, many of which have been taken care of by prop- erty owners. * The property will be walked again Wed., May 20 at 6 p.m. POST PHOTO/KYLIE SHAFFERKOETTER This is approximately 30 ft. of William Strausser’s fence and perennial garden that go over onto Dallas School District property. The Straussers have told district officials they'll remove the fence if the district asks them to do so. Public negotiations nixed for Lake-Lehman teachers' contract Basketball coach, assistants not reappointed By KYLIE SHAFFERKOETTER Post Staff LEHMAN - Lake-Lehman School Board members were in- formed May 12 that teacher nego- ‘tiations will not be held in public. The board voted in April to hold negotiations in public, but Atty. Bruce Campbell said no party can be forced to bargain in public and that the teachers’ union would file charges if the board insisted . they do so. “Idon’t know of any agreements made in public. In my opinion it is not a good idea, it antagonizes the other side. Neither party has the right to insist thatthe meeting is in public,” said Campbell, who was retained by the district to negotiate the contracts at $135 per hour. Liz Sichler of Lehman asked the board how negotiations were : going. “Certain members of the board said they would keep us updated and they haven't been doing that,” she said. Dr. William Price, superintendent, said there has been no progress with nego- tiations. Campbell said the Lake-Leh- man parties have held 15 bar- gaining meetings with no fruition. Sichler emphasized the point that she was disappointed that “certain” board members who promised to keep the community. posted on the negotiations were not doing so. Lois Kopcha, board president, responded to Sichler, “You're just jealous because I beat you (for the position on the board).” In other business, Rodger Bearde, boys basketball head coach, and his four assistants were not reappointed for the 1998- 1999 school year. Ed Kern, board member, said he voted against the coaches because they only had two wins last year and that Bearde makes too much money. ~ Bearde would have earned $5,729 for the year. Pat McCue, entering his second year as head coach at Dallas, is paid $4,540. Currently the district provides insurance for all sports. Kopcha asked if it would be possible if the district only covered football. The board will discuss her proposal more at its next meeting June 2 at 7:30 p.m. at the Lehman-Jack- son multi-purpose room. A: Only in The Dallas Post va * - Ey v Pl Re Uh OR A 8. NY AO Na, We are a factory outlet handling a complete line of paper for all occasions. » Current & obsolete ensembles (Cups, plates, table covers, napkins) * Misprinted napkins by the pound (Cocktail, luncheon, dinner) + Misprinted plates by the box & bag (7",9" & 10/4") * Misprinted table cover by the bag * Bulk hot/cold cups | We have: Crepe Paper Streamers, Balloons, Helium Balloons, Toys & Games, Wedding Accessories, Skirting, Cutlery, Party Toys, Candles, Pifatas, Invitations, Bridal Invitations, Styrofoam Products, Printed Wedding Invitations & Much More! Save Up To 50% Off Regular Retail Prices Everyday! CASReed Formerly located in the Gateway Shopping Center, Edwardsville Our NEW LOCATION is the Dallas Shopping Center * 674-9591 - Hours: 9:00 a.m.-9:00 p.m. Monday through Friday Saturday 9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Sunday 10:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. A * so SAY 20% Noa 7 Q: Where do you find the most Back Mountain news? Ca’ a's 4 RE-OPENING SATURDAY, MAY 23rd We've Moved To Dallas! Visit us at our new location! Es We're bigger & better and have the same low prices! Re se ese sk am LS Cn.’ NN Lake-Lehman (continued from page 1) Discussions about class sizes in the elementary grades and re- medial education in grades 4-6 took up much of the meeting. “We struggled desperately with class size last year,” Whipple said. “A lot of parents are having a fit right now (over large classes).” Kopcha agreed that some classes are too large. “You can’t cut education,” she said. “This is what we're here for.” When Will- iams asked where budget cuts should be made, Kopcha sug- gested athletics and activities, building and grounds, and non- teaching personnel. : The budget calls for five addi- tional teachers, although a smaller number may be needed once next * year’s enrollments are determined. Dr. William Price, superintendent of schools, said he” will go over staffing with principals near the end of this term, and have a final figure by June 1. Price also suggested that an “itinerant” science teacher for grades 4-6 could provide better science instruction while freeing up classroom teachers to offer remedial reading to their students. He said the state provides fund- ing for remedial education in grades 1-3, butnotin older grades. One major cost increase is for Blue Cross/Blue Shield insur- ance, which is scheduled to go up by more than 14 percent. Price said the district is planning to join a consortium of school districts in order to negotiate for lower rates, but it would be at least one year before the group was formed. for solicitor ; ot an a ad fe ae fo a \ ih! A a 2.7% / LZ Discount given when this is presented to the cashier! Offer valid 5/23/98 to 7/31/98. No other discounts apply. The tentative spending plan also includes a new alarm /secu- rity system for all buildings ex- cept the middle school. The sys- tem would have a central locking control for doors, and an inter- com connecting visitors to the office so they could be cleared for entry. The middle school is not included because the office in that building looks onto the entrance door. “We have a tremendous num- ber of parents. coming into the elementary schools,” Price said, noting that there have been two incidents in recent months when the schools had to be closed be- cause of potential risks from out- side. The tax rate in Luzerne County would rise to 231 mills under the plan; in Noxen, Wyoming County, the rate would increase to 43 mills. Allardyce questioned the need for teachers, and asked where else the budget could be reduced so that no tax increase is neces- sary. That would require a reduc- tion of about $300,000, since each mill of taxation accounts for about $32,000 in revenue. He again brought up the long-distance phone bill, which cost $700-$800 last month for 1,800 calls. Kathleen Williams, business manager, pressed to have’ the budget adopted Monday, so a fi- nal plan can be hammered out by mid-June. She said last year’s last-minute passage delayed mail- ing of tax bills until July 17, but if a budget was completed on time the bills could be mailed July 1. “Financially, we have to look cmb 0 > Q, SD TEE EE I ES DE EE Se Seg SRE Ep / Oo 4 {po BY C Ch od C FJ C
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