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Not sustainable

After reading the letter from Dr. David Keller, referring to the Williamsport Area School District that appeared in the Aug 14 Sun Gazette, I would like to reflect upon it.

I believe that I am qualified to do so having served on the district school board for eight years four as board president.

But first let me state that I was privileged to serve with such a conscientious group of individuals who cared about the students, staff, and the taxpayers. It is also worth noting that most of the teachers and administrators were dedicated educators.

During those eight years the board not only slowed, then stopped the year-to-year tax increases, but actually lowered them. To be expected this did not sit well with the teachers union and the board was accused of being anti-educational. As a result, the district and the union hired the Pennsylvania Economy League to conduct a study to evaluate the educational condition as compared to past performance. After the study was completed PEL presented their findings at a public board meeting. To the chagrin of the union the study revealed the educational aspect had improved and in some subject areas significantly.

This was achieved by re-allocating resources toward students and less from programs designed to enhance the professional staffs finances. This included but was not limited to such areas as Lead-Teachers; Department Chairs; Supplementary Contracts; Professional Development; Step Increases; Stipends etc. While some of these were contractual, others were not and overall were not sustainable.

Since then two things have happened student enrollment has decreased and taxes have increased. Once again, not sustainable.

Marlin D. Lilley Jr.

Cogan Station

Submitted by Virtual Newsroom

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