May 10, 2009 5 min read

Editor’s note: This is the second story in a three-part series examining the positions of candidates for the Connellsville Area School Board as expressed to the Herald-Standard Editorial Board. The candidates are running in this month’s primary election.The four available Connellsville Area School Board positions have drawn 10 candidates in the May 19 primary election. Incumbents Karen Blocker, Jeffrey Harvey, Dr. Sam Martin and Ed Zadylak are seeking to retain their seats and are being challenged by Dr. P.J. Carte, Tom Dolde, Jace Keller, Mary Jo Kinnick, Dr. Paul Means and Gary Wandel. All candidates will appear on the Republican and Democratic ballots.

The 10 met recently with the Herald-Standard Editorial Board to share their views concerning several issues facing the district, including school closures, taxes, nepotism and the consolidation of districts as being proposed by a local legislator for county school districts and at the state level by Gov. Ed Rendell for the current 501 school districts.

A majority of the current board is set to close three elementary buildings and realign grades at its June meeting to offset declining enrollment and increased operational costs.

The incumbents have publicly stated that if the plan were in place, the district would have the financial resources to begin renovating the remaining buildings without further burdening the taxpayers.

Opponents to the plan have countered that closing the buildings would only result in a minimal savings and that incumbents are using “scare tactics” to garner public support.

Savings from the closures range from $700,000 to $3 million, depending upon how the figures were calculated by those in support of shuttering buildings.

The numbers include savings tied to staffing, maintenance, utilities, bussing and renovations, according to current board members.

Blocker, Harvey, Martin, Zadylak and Kinnick stated that they do support the downsizing of the district, while Carte, Dolde, Keller, Means and Wandel have said that the board should take more time to make changes.

Wandel, a former district teacher, said that the district business manager has revealed that only $154,100 would be cut from the operations’ budget should the elementary facilities be closed.

“That’s less than one-fifth of one-percent of the budget,” he said. “To close three schools and do a complete school realignment and you’re going to save (the minimal amount) to me is not enough of a savings to make that kind of change.”

Wandel added that he would not support a tax increase.

“I already pay too much in taxes,” he said.

Carte, a former hospital administrator, said the district should look at a program now implemented at various school districts and municipalities to recoup property tax liens.

The XSPAND program, said Carte, works with local taxing authorities to convert the liens into revenue, which would aid the district.

“One of the school districts collected nearly $750,000 within the first few months of the project,” he said. “This would allow us to get properties back on the tax books.”

Dolde, a former district teacher and coach who voted for a 33-percent property tax increase during his previous term on the board, said that he would only consider the option if no others were available to the board.

“I’d really, really have to be convinced that it was absolutely necessary,” he said.

Keller, a local businessman, agreed with Dolde that the consideration of a property tax increase would only take place if vital to the district operation.

“Like others, I pay too much in taxes now,” he said. “I’d like to have the opportunity to look over the finances and spending.

“I am a person that truly believes that you should use what you have and make it work.”

Means, a local physician, said that a delay in the planned consolidation would not translate into a tax increase for residents.

“The closure of three schools would only result in a $154,000 savings, not the $3 million savings as disclosed by the current board members,” he said. “That’s using scare tactics.”

Zadylak, who is seeking a second term on the board, said that a stringent budget needs to be implemented and along with the closure of schools, staff layoffs and employee attrition, the taxpayer would see a property tax decrease of two-percent over a four year period.

“We need to put more money in the physical plant,” he said. “For three years the board has held fast on no tax increase and if re-elected I will not vote for additional taxes.”

Harvey, who has served two terms and is the board vice president, said that the board has taken measures to extend the current debt to facilitate renovation work at the Connellsville Area Career and Technical Center to deter any tax increase.

The district will also make application for a competitive $15 million Qualified Zone Academy Bond (QZAB), an interest free loan that can be used for school renovations, he added.

“We were in line for the QZAB last year and I feel certain that the district will be a recipient this year,” said Harvey. “The loan, debt restructuring and the closure of schools will allow the district flexibility as it begins the renovation process for the remaining buildings.”

Blocker, now serving a second term, said that $42 million of the district’s $64 million budget is tied to employee salaries and benefits, leaving little for educational programs, building operations and other necessities.

The closure of buildings is the only choice to reduce expenditures, she said.

“I have never voted to raise taxes,” she said. “The current economy is not conducive to a tax increase.

“(Closing schools) is our only option.”

Martin and Kinnick agreed that a property tax increase would not be a consideration by them.

“The majority of this board, as it sits now, can guarantee there will be no tax increase,” said Martin.

Kinnick, a local businesswoman is seeking her first term in office. Martin was appointed last year to fill the unexpired term of board member Loretta Lint.