Aug 28, 2002 By Jenny Susa 5 min read

WASHINGTON TWP. – The members of the Belle Vernon Area School Board had different feelings about the work done on the school’s new parking lot, which they discussed at the meeting Monday. While most agreed that the parking lot was a benefit to the school and the students, some debate started about whether the storm water management system was what it should be, and if the architect was authorized to obtain the help of consultants.

Director Harve Anderson questioned whether the architect’s contract gave the latitude to have such consultants without conferring with the board.

“I have a problem with any licensed professional getting the board into any obligation without the board’s approval,” said Anderson, adding that consultant fees would be charged without the consent of the board.

He believed that the architect should not have gotten a consultant before the board had taken a separate vote on the issue.

“It’s not competitive and it’s not healthy. Now we have no way of knowing if another contractor would have done this for $1,500 instead of $4,500,” said Anderson.

The board carried a motion to pay the bill anyway, and Superintendent Dr. Charles Chandler said they believe the architect was authorized to hire a consultant.

“We did not take a separate vote on it,” said Chandler. It was not a hidden cost, but Dr. Anderson feels we should have taken a separate vote, and that probably would have been the best way to do it.”

Addressing the parking lot’s storm water management system, Anderson said a neighbor of the high school property expressed concern that “the architect and consulting firm did not get the design quite right,” as there was water draining onto the neighbor’s property. Anderson said it had to be redone, which he thought was the reason for additional costs.

President of the board Aaron Bialon said that the reason for the changes that were made was not that the design was substandard, but only that the neighbor did have some drainage onto his property.

“The township would not approve something that was inferior,” said Bialon. “There was no necessity for us to disturb that project. It was just something that we took upon ourselves to help the neighbor, which is why there was increased cost.”

In other matters, the board discussed middle school orientation, and student handbook formats for all the schools.

Anderson said he believed there might be a lack of understanding between administration and faculty. He wondered if two student handbook structures will be used uniformly at all the schools or just one.

“That depends on how restrictive we want to be,” said Chandler. “I am not sure we’re ready to have a finished product at this time.”

“The reason I ask this question is because I received the handbook for all the schools,” said Anderson. “They are all very impressive, but some are six pages and some are 30. They all have good material, but some better than others. Shouldn’t there be some structure in which a minimum of items are consistent from building to building?”

“That is certainly an option,” said Chandler. “We have always allowed the schools to maintain their individual flavors.”

Chandler said he does not want to reach the point where schools can’t make certain decisions individually.

“Some schools might want to talk about one item for six pages, and others more extensively based on their needs,” said Chandler. “That being said, we could have a minimum for consistencies.”

Director Douglas Pepper gave his thoughts on the issue as well.

“I appreciate Anderson’s concern, but I also agree with Dr. Chandler about fostering individuality,” said Pepper. “I would hate to lose that creativity of employees. I like all five buildings having their own flavor, and I think they should have the freedom to do so with Dr. Chandler’s direction.”

Anderson said he did not mean to imply that creativity be limited in any way, only that some consistencies would be helpful.

“If you got the understanding that I thought limitations should be placed on principals’ individuality, that is the farthest thing from my mind,” said Anderson. “I don’t ever want to limit the creativity of any of our employees, but I do think there should be a consistency between schools.”

Director Dale Patterson said he is concerned with middle school students, but also emphasized the importance of students in other grades.

“We should be just as concerned with a strategic plan because graduation requirements are changing,” said Patterson. “Sixth grade is extremely important, but what about the adjustment to ninth grade? I am also concerned with kindergarten students. How many didn’t want to stay today? I think Superintendent Chandler should direct administration and we should discuss all programs.”

Patterson mentioned the “No Child Left Behind” Federal program that President Bush has implemented, saying that it would have great ramifications for school districts. School boards should be aware of its requirements.

Director Deborah Puglia said the board is going to schedule an academic policy and curriculum meeting, the results of which may be presented at the regular September meeting.