Pottstown School District

POTTSTOWN The Pottstown School Board voted 5-4 Thursday night to seek bids for replacing windows at Edgewood and Rupert elementary schools following a meeting at which every member of the public who spoke opposed the move in some form or another.

Voting in favor of the motion were Thomas Hylton, Nat White, School Board President Rick Huss, Vice President Dennis Wausnock and Valerie Harris.

Before the vote, which did not happen until nearly 11 p.m., board members Polly Weand, Robert Hartman Jr., Julia Wilson and Michele Pargeon, were joined by several speakers from an audience of roughly 20 that included Pottstown Borough Council members Jody Rhoads and Joe Kirkland, questioning several aspects of the proposal.

School board Treasurer Judyth Zahora questioned where the money for the project would come from.

"As treasurer, I violently oppose spending without knowing where the money is coming from. It is fiscally irresponsible," she said.

She later added that "Rupert is not historic, it's just old. And sometimes old is just old. Windows are the least of that building's worries," she said.

Zahora, the previous board's president who lost her bid for re-election in November, said with a likely shortfall in state funding in 2011, it may become necessary to close an elementary school, and Rupert is the most likely candidate; therefore, investing in new windows for the building may well turn out to be a waste of money.

Rita Paez, who heads the Hispanic advocacy group CCLU, told the board, "Money should be spent on education, not on windows. That money should be spent to help Latino children who need more help on learning the language."

Resident Stephanie Carmody cited the July Honeywell energy efficiency study, noting it called for new, energy efficient windows at Edgewood and the administration building, but not at Rupert.

"The report does not suggest that replacing the windows at Rupert will assist us in energy conservation or in realizing any financial savings in actual energy costs paid by the district," she said.

Quoting from one of Hylton's previously published advertisements on The Mercury's editorial page, Carmody said, "What has risen (in the Pottstown School District) is debt."

She said, "We need to determine what is necessary and what is a luxury. Edgewood is necessary, Rupert is a luxury."

Former school board member Philip Thees noted that the district is currently carrying $38 million in debt for the high school and middle school renovation projects, which will not be not paid off until 2028.

"The truth is, this is definitely not in the best interest of the taxpayers of this community," Thees said.

"Will new windows help a child learn? No, they will not," said Pottstown NAACP Chapter President Newstell Marable.

Hartman attempted to stall the voting by motioning for the item to be tabled, which means it would not be considered until next month, arguing that the motion had not followed the proper process through the committee of the whole.

Hylton replied that time is an issue and that the matter was throughly discussed at the most recent committee of the whole meeting, as well as at the Neighborhood Schools Committee meeting which was attended by every school board member but Hartman and Wilson.

"Every week we wait is a week we lose of the summer," Hylton said of the desire to have the windows installed over the summer, when class time would not be disturbed.

Hartman's motion to table the vote failed by a 6-3 margin, with Wilson joining the majority in pushing for a vote Thursday night.

"There's already been so much discussion on this, I think everybody knows how they want to vote," Wilson said.

But the motion on which they were voting became an issue, an issue which was raised by Hylton, who acknowledged at the beginning of the meeting that the motion on the agenda was worded differently than the one approved by the Neighborhood Schools Committee, which he chairs, at its Jan. 13 meeting. Among the differences was a sentence which read "At Rupert, windows are to be designed for the historic masonry openings."

Hylton said the change is "an amplification" of the motion passed by the committee and noted that "since my two fellow committee members have not raised any objection, I believe they are comfortable with it."

Pargeon focused on the discrepancy, noting that Rupert has "84 historic windows," and arguing the project had the potential "to be an exponentially huge amount of money for a school with only 280 students, one of our lowest enrollments."

She characterized the project's Rupert component as being "absolutely preposterous."

Hylton has argued that the windows for Rupert would simply be "putting in the same, high quality windows that were installed in Franklin, Lincoln and Barth" in the 1990s.

Hartman said "the idea" of replacing windows in both buildings "is not bad if we want to keep the building, but if we close a building, Rupert will be the first one we close."

Hylton said, "There is no way to close Rupert without adding on to another school."

Citing the history of haphazard renovations over the years in the district and what he said is the absence of an overall long-term plan, Hartman said to Huss, "I implore you Rick, as a longtime board member, vote this down tonight, for right now."

Harris told the board the vote is only to get proposals from architects "so we can get more accurate numbers. There is an opportunity now to get zero or 1.5 percent financing, which would save money. This is just a vote to get proposals; it does not mean we will go ahead at full speed."

Wilson, who noted she is the parent of a child at Rupert, said while she thought the project might be nice for the school, but she did not think the district's taxpayers can afford it.

"The middle school and the high school, those are both great buildings, and it seems like all these years it is the education of the youngest children that gets pushed under the rug," Wilson said.

"It would be nice to do something for the elementary schools and the teachers there, to show we care. Wnfortunately, I don't see where we have the money," Wilson said.

Weand, who said she sees the positives in saving money on energy costs, said she nevertheless is opposed because of the cost. She, too, cited the Honeywell report and the absence of the any mention of the need for new windows at Rupert from its pages, saying while she appreciates historic restoration and antiques, "we must accept that it is not always financially responsible to go with that."

Weand said she was particularly upset to hear Hylton confirm that he had spoken "informally" to five architects about the project; although, he noted he had consulted with board solicitor Stephen Kalis about what information was legally permissible to impart.

Weand said Hylton's action is unfair to any other architects who would, as a result, have less time to prepare a proposal.

Proposals on the window replacements are due Feb. 2.

"Now I find out you have some friends lined up again," she said in reference to the December architect's review of the five elementary schools. "Mr. Hylton, this is not good."

Comments

The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the views of pottsmerc.com or The Mercury.

dNile wrote on Jan 23, 2010 1:08 PM:

" Going green is a good thing...isn't it. I don't have all the details, but it just seems to me that some of the opposition is based on the fact that Tom Hylton is on planet Earth. Obviously, if he got voted in he has supporters, but you wouldn't know that if you read the comments posted on this site. He also seems to have ideas...I love that word, idea. I love the way it sounds, and I love the way a good idea can shape the future. I know I have replaced all the windows in my home because it was the right thing to do. It wasn't cheap, but I got a nice tax deduction, and all the experts say I should be saving money on my heating and cooling. Am I? I don't know. With the price of everything going up, it's hard to tell anymore.

Anyway, we know by Jody's previous public outbursts that he is not a fan of Mr. Hylton. I'm on the fence, but it just frustrates me to no end that the people that always throw around phrases like "personal agenda," are the ones with the personal agendas. Another one, "good ole boys network." Not old, but ole. How do the people who like to use this phrase know that they are not actually referring to themselves? What constitutes membership in the good ole boys network anyway? The only thing I have heard about the Good ole boys is that somehow they are lining their pockets and looking out for their friends. Well sign me up then! I don't know a whole lot of people who don't belong to that club. Some are just in denial. "

bikerowen wrote on Jan 23, 2010 1:53 PM:

" What is the Pottstown school district's plan? Are there going to be 5, K-5 buildings? If so, then make a budget, secure funding and renovate them (or repair them - whatever the correct word of art happens to be) - the windows would be as good a place as any to start.

Does the school district realize that "economic development", a persistent buzz word we hear, will almost necessarily require tax concessions for new businesses being courted to locate in Pottstown. These tax concessions will require school board approval to reduce tax, the lion's share being school taxes, for any proposed deal for business - they may want to consider that for any budget deliberations.

I think if the school district could have a "white paper" just one or 2 sheets, 8 1/2 by 11, or link something to their website, which could demonstrate a clear concise needs list for moving forward which would include the district configuration (how many buildings) and a punch list of improvements for each building (so a priority list can be created) and strategies for raising the money via grants, no interest loans, state funding or whatever, and also show strategies for cutting costs.

Just bullet points - nothing elaborate - just let us know you've got a hold of the issues and you have the aptitude to outline them for the community clearly and concisely.
Am I the only person the think the geothermal heat proposal came out of left field?
Time to take my medication - I'm rambling a little.... :-) "

RodneyR wrote on Jan 23, 2010 2:21 PM:

" As usual dnile you make good points. Lets turn the tables a little. Let say for instance someone like Polly Weand suggest this window idea. I think it would have been accepted and described as innovative and thinking beyond the current election cycle. But Mr. Hylton suggested it and all ninny patrols comes out to oppose it. I was at the meeting and it was embarrassing to see elected official be so transparent as to their "personal agendas".

I don't know Hylton that well but it seems like he is a guy that is always thinking 4 steps ahead. I believe, he believes he is doing the right thing here by presenting and moving this window / energy savings initiative forward. Wow, a leader that actually leads.

Hylton somehow has the ability to drive weak mined people crazy. The weaker you are the more deranged he makes you, simply by the sound of his voice. All I would say is consider the sources of the constant criticism. Thanks Mr. Hylton for your service ! "

madderakka wrote on Jan 23, 2010 2:35 PM:

" It is ridiculous and irresponsible to look at replacing windows when they haven't answered the bigger question of renovations/additions for the schools.

Hylton seems extremely sneaky. Every article and school board meeting mentions him discussing projects with his friends and then guess who is awarded the contract. That's exactly what happened when the architect came from across the state to look at the schools. Why on earth couldn't we have had a local person do it? Then we wouldn't have had to reimburse Hylton's friends travel costs. "

matchbox wrote on Jan 23, 2010 4:09 PM:

" I am glad to see Borough Council officials have the time to get involved in school board matters. I guess they solved all the Borough problems.

There seems to be a lack of leadership from our elected officials with a few exception and Hylton is one of them. At least he is doing something while others just complain and blame everyone else for their inaction. Did council ever decide where they are going to sit? I watched that on PCTV and what an embarrassment. Yes the Ship is sinking but we are concerned where we sit during the meetings!

What do the other School Board members purpose to cut long term cost? Hmmm haven't heard much. All we see is "negative energy". Can't wait until Weand actually submits a real suggestion instead of attacking those who do. Dile and Rodney you make some good observations. "

gargoyle wrote on Jan 23, 2010 7:21 PM:

" I am not for or against Mr. Hylton or his ideas. I dont see anything wrong with geothermal windows. My only concern is what is the whole plan for the district. Maybe bringing in some consultants to see what direction they need to take as far as how many schools they should have or developing a comprehensive plan for the direction of the schools. Just seems odd that with all the problems the District faces we begin with the windows. Are they looking to pay for these windows with soley tax money? Or is there grant money involved? And if there is grant money involved are they required to continue occupancy of the buildings after that money is used to renovate or establishes it as a historical building? Windows is not the issue, windows are a diversion from the real issue. Do we want five elementary schools or five? If we want five and can afford five then windows are great. If we want to go to three or one central school then windows are not a good investment and we could devote 10 million dollars some where more appropriate. "

monkeybizness wrote on Jan 24, 2010 12:25 AM:

" Sure, going green is good but you can do that without going to the extreme. Everything doesn't have to be 'top-of-the-line' to make an impact on savings, you know?

Owen...I agree, a plan would be much more reassuring and potentially give people reasons to agree or disagree with what happens or is planned to happen. I think there might be a plan, but it's only in someone's head, and to put it down might lead to controversy (just a guess tho'?).

Rodney...to say that there's a ninny patrol implies the presence of a ninny. No matter who suggested replacing the windows at Rupert by reading the Honeywell info. it would still seem like a bad idea. It just so happens to come from a person with a known desire to put Rupert on the Historical register. It makes some people nervous about how much money he wants to spend on this bldg. and, potentially, not on education.

To call Hylton a leader gives me the willies. He appears, to me, like a person focused on one thing and that is not good for the future of our educational system. Gee, I must be weak-minded, according to you, BUT I'll consider the source, too!

I think by avoiding the straight-forward approach to have the SB say exactly what the intentions are regarding the schools someone gets free reign and then once the town (and taxpayers) are 'pot-committed' the choice becomes obvious and, then, necessary.

MY oh my!! The vote is in so now we'll just have to wait for the next round of info. Waiting just like evryone else for the next chapter in this story. "

monkeybizness wrote on Jan 24, 2010 10:39 AM:

" Sure, going green is good but you can do that without going to the extreme. Everything doesn't have to be 'top-of-the-line' to make an impact on savings, you know?

Owen...I agree, a plan would be much more reassuring and potentially give people reasons to agree or disagree with what happens or is planned to happen. I think there might be a plan but to put it down on paper might lead to controversy (just a guess tho'?).

Rodney...to say that there's a ninny patrol implies the presence of a ninny. No matter who suggested replacing the windows at Rupert by reading the Honeywell info. it would still seem like a bad idea. These windows do their job. Are you the type of person to replace your car with a newer model or keep your old one until it becomes 'that' car needing more in repairs than it is worth? This idea to replace Rupert's windows just so happens to come from a person with a known desire to put Rupert on the Historical register. This makes some people nervous about just how much money he is going to recommend to spend on this bldg. and, potentially, not on education.

To call Hylton a leader gives me the willies. He appears, to me, like a person focused on one thing and that is not good for the future of our educational system. Gee, I must be weak-minded, according to you, BUT I'll consider the source, too!

I think by avoiding the straight-forward approach to have the SB say exactly what the intentions are regarding the schools someone gets free reign and then once the town (and taxpayers) are 'pot-committed' the choice becomes obvious to keep this school (when it is the first candidate for closure in the event of a budgetary shortage) and, then, necessary.

MY oh my!! The vote is in so now we'll just have to wait for the next round of info. Waiting just like everyone else for the next chapter in this story.

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