Wednesday, August 31, 2016
By Sean Barron
POLAND
A group of local residents is hoping the Poland Board of Education will be more proactive in addressing what members see as major concerns regarding the schools’ future and direction.
“We want what’s best for the kids,” Phyllis Ricchiuti said before the start of a special informational forum Tuesday evening at Poland Seminary High School on Dobbins Road. “We want to see the tradition of excellence continue in the Poland community.”
Ricchiuti is a member of a group called Concerned Citizens of the Poland Schools, which hosted the meeting attended by nearly 300.
Also addressing citizens’ concerns were Superintendent David Janofa, school board President Richard “Beau” Weaver and board member Dr. Larry Dinopoulos.
Moderating the session was Stephanie V. Hann, a Poland Seminary High graduate.
Ricchiuti, whose four children attended Poland schools, cited what she and other group members contend are key concerns regarding the schools, such as low morale among many teachers and a lack of overall professionalism, along with challenges regarding curriculums, online surveys and facilities.
Also discussed and included in a question-and-answer portion were what many see as problems associated with open enrollment, as well as documentation related to facilities improvements, air- and water-quality testing and Janofa’s annual evaluation.
A few people took issue with the fact that last March, Janofa received a five-year contract, which began Aug. 1, and included a 10 percent raise, while teachers continue to work with no contract.
Nevertheless, during Tuesday’s meeting, Weaver called Janofa’s raise “fair and equitable,” saying he has made many positive changes to the district during his three years as superintendent.
Dinopoulos said he could not comment on teachers’ salaries, citing ongoing negotiations.
Other concerns were focused on upgrades and improvements to district buildings, with some saying they didn’t want to see the demise of structures that have historical significance. Just before last November’s election, school officials had entertained the likelihood that some old buildings would be torn down.
Beforehand, school officials had entered into a partnership with the state to build a new $35 million school for students in kindergarten through eighth grade.
“We want to keep as many kids as possible here,” Janofa said, referring to the recent loss of 51 students from the district because of open enrollment, which has caused the schools to lose money.
A survey showed a “variety of reasons” those students’ parents made such a decision, the superintendent continued, adding he’s proud of the district’s programs and staff.
As for Janofa’s yearly evaluation, Dinopoulos called the original system for such a task “antiquated and outdated” but said it is being updated. He also noted that the superintendent’s job performance was being evaluated during a series of meetings and discussions.
Also, a 37-year teacher in the district said the community highly values a strong educational system and wants to see its teachers treated fairly.
For her part, Ricchiuti, a former school board member, said she wanted the session to be an opportunity for attendees’ voices to be heard and concerns acknowledged and addressed. Also hoped was that citizens and the board can better work together, she added.
“We’re not trying to be confrontational,” Ricchiuti said.