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Between the years of 1999-2002, I attended School Board meetings and chronicled the antics of the Slippery Rock School Board on the pages of the “Unofficial Slippery Rock School District Homepage”. A first of its kind, the homepage provided a space for School Board Updates as well as a space for commentary on the Slippery Rock message board (kind of a proto-blog). Community involvement remains a hallmark of my efforts with change and accountability as the primary agenda. The following link will take you to the Unofficial Slippery Rock School District Homepage archives, which chronicle the school board updates and message board posts from the years 1999 though 2002. |
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Welcome to the Unofficial Slippery Rock School District HomePage and Blog
Rumor Mill PollPage Site Search Diary Of Dysfunction Rate Your District's Teachers and Administrators. We are a community who cares about our children's education, but sometimes it feels like no one's listening. If you have concerns, gripes or complaints and feel uncomfortable taking them to the administration or school board -post them on the message board -anonymously if you want. If you are reading it, you can bet they are too! PS: I hope you find the blog articles interesting -please feel free to make a comment. -Robert Pratt |
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| Contact Me This page is not associated with the Slippery Rock Area School District, its employees or Board of All statements, views and opinions, except those on the Message Board, are those of Robert Pratt and no one else. Nothing on this website is guaranteed to be correct, complete, or up to date. |
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| Saturday, July 21, 2007 Why does the SRASD have to be so lame? Once again, the SRASD has no presence on the web. Apparently Edline is their only site. And the search spiders can't find it on Edline. My site comes up first when searching Goggle for Slippery Rock Area School District. That's OK. My site, www.slipperyrockonline.com, will continue to serve as the premier site for district information as it has since 1998. www.slipperyrockonline.com has received triple the visitors since the district took down their website. Posted at 07:01 pm by RPratt Make a comment Thursday, May 24, 2007 Nogay appointed New Superintendent According to last Sundays Vindicator, Kathy Nogay has been hired as SRASD's new superintendent at a salary of $106,000 a yr. for 3yrs. Posted at 09:23 am by RPratt Comment (1) Permalink Thursday, April 19, 2007 Update: Bill Adams running for Seneca Valley School Board Our Bill Adams, William E. Adams Sr., isn't running for the Seneca Valley School Board, his son, Bill Adams Jr. is. Bill Adams Jr. is not cross-filed and is being challenged by one other candidate, Sally Hanley. See: http://www.grassrootspa.com/blog/archives/13779 post #5 Check out these sites to see what "our" Bill Adams has been up to since he left the school board. http://catholicfundamentalism.com/ Gosh. I sure do like that new rosary. http://www.grassrootspa.com Scroll toward the middle of the page, on the right, there is a box that states: Top Commentators billadams(1374) Busy boy, new rosary, new books, new site, and 1374 posts to grassrootspa! Posted at 10:12 am by RPratt Make a comment Permalink Thursday, April 05, 2007 Bill Adams Running for School Board? BREAKING NEWS! I just heard that there is a candidate in the Seneca Valley school board election named Bill Adams. Hmmmm. I sure hope for their sake that he isn't our "Bill Adams" and that he isn't running unopposed if it is our Bill! With all the new school construction planned down there his presence will cause a mess! Seneca Valley voters should just say NO to Bill Adams! Yikes! Great rumor.... Posted at 12:32 pm by RPratt Make a comment Permalink Thursday, March 29, 2007 Candidate Mark Mraz’s (MM) Rebuttal to the Platform of Daniel Opalewski (D0)Candidate for School Board (DO) I believe my background as a licensed professional engineer would be an asset when it comes to helping define the more complex math and science courses, reviewing text books, CAD programs, laboratory equipment etc. (MM) That is real nice, but board members don’t pick textbooks, lab equipment, or write a course of study, teachers do. Board members approve or disapprove. This could create a union issue) (DO) I have more than 30 years of experience in drafting, design, and engineering. As a practicing engineer I work closely with people at meetings to solve problems, reach common goals, balance budgets, review documents and procure equipment. (MM) I have 35 year of experience in education and as a teacher, nothing an engineer would do is remotely connected to the process of schooling. (DO) My number one goal is to provide a high quality education for all students. (MM) I believe that is everyone’s goal, I agree. (DO) personally believe that the school board should maintain the traditional summer vacation. No modified calendar, the school board can explore something else. It costs a lot to run an air conditioning system during the summer, also children need a bit of freedom during the summertime. During the summer break contractors are brought in to make repairs to the infrastructure at a lower rate. (MM) I believe that school should start after Labor Day and end 180 days later with traditional breaks and summers. I believe contractors charge more for work in the summer not less because that is their busy season. It costs to have buildings idle too. Summer school should be for those students who need extra help. (DO) Numerous articles have been made that about the physics of branching neurons in the brain. To have a robust memory impervious to minor environmental anomalies (or future stroke) it is necessary to renewal the mind from time to time. One of the best ways to do this is to reinforce the memory by a concentrated review at the end of each summer break. The student is usually taught by a new instructor in a slightly different way so the original memory circuits are reinvigorated and entirely new pathways are created, this is what gives the student mental robustness. (MM) This is interesting. Please cite the articles and researchers (DO) In our culture it is actually advantageous to take the summer off, work on the farm, do summer jobs, go scouting, enjoy a family camping trip etc. Do not experiment with our children. (MM) I agree don’t experiment with the children (DO) Keep school taxes low avoid increases in the millage rate (MM) I agree, but sound monetary and fiscal policy are both necessary in this area (DO) provide a high quality education effectively within budget by careful planning and obtaining grant monies when available. (MM) We must all stick to a budget. I hate to burst your bubble, but where do grant monies come from FEDERAL AND STATE TAXES. A grant brings the money back to the community but it is not free. (DO) Start after Labor Day, allow the family to have its last outing together. What is the hurry to rush back during the hottest part of the year? (MM) I agree start I believe that school should start after Labor Day and end 180 days later with traditional breaks and summers (DO) Improve SAT scores, our district average is 1487 this needs to be raised at least 200 points to help the students obtain scholarships and be admitted to many universities. (MM) Great Idea, how are you going to do this, It would require a curricular change and be very expensive (DO) Concentrate on Math, Science, History, and English and tech Ed courses (MM) Schools have curriculum guides I believe those state that this is being done. (DO) to improve the necessary marketable skills that business are looking for (MM) We are trying to create good moral citizens, not robot like workers. Business models do not work in schools, why should they, our businesses fail to compete on global markets because of this mentality (DO) in addition this will help raise average scores on the SAT (MM) There is no empirical evidence to suggest this will occur (DO) Special needs students at both ends should not be forgotten; sometimes the gifted children are ignored because their grades are above average so people believe they don't require attention. Better management of this area can help to prevent boredom by having worthwhile projects available that would enhance student's skills. (MM) Not better management just less of it, schools are top heavy in administration micro-management is not the answer. Let the teachers enrich the students they are the professionals. More management is not needed) (DO) Maintain our athletic programs, the students need the exercise, and group sports are very desirable for improving teamwork, student health, and competitive abilities. (MM) I agree sports and extra-curricular activities such as band, clubs and field trips are important to all students and should be maintained. (DO) Consider what other states do to save transportation and heating fuel costs. Other states have a 170-day school year; they stay slightly longer each day so it is equivalent to our system of 181 days. If fuel prices keep going up drastically this should be considered as a viable alternative to raising tax rates. Note this may require a change in state law. (MM) Being an engineer, like Jimmy Carter and Herbert Hoover, you would not understand that the school age child’s attention span after long hours at school are significantly lost. A longer school day would cause major classroom management problems. 7 and ½ hours is long enough for them. After all you should not experiment with the children) (DO) I believe that the school board needs to properly address the residents concerns and do this in a friendly and responsive manner. (MM) I agree, electoral responsibility important) Posted at 01:30 pm by RPratt Make a comment Permalink Monday, March 26, 2007 Platform Statements- Region 3- 2007 Candidate Platform Statements- Region 3 Slippery Rock Borough, West Liberty, Worth Township, Brady Township Platform of Mark Mraz Candidate for School Director in Region 3 Slippery Area School District- 2007 I believe that participatory democracy is the foundation of the Republic. Therefore, as a school director I have a responsibility the citizens who voted for me. Having been a teacher for 29 years in St. Mary's, Pennsylvania, I know where the waste is in the schools and there is plenty of it. I will work to keep taxes stable by eliminating waste and needless expenditures. Specific Planks in Platform 1) Before I make a decision I will consider my electoral responsibility to the public. 2) Promote from within, if possible, schools train administrators, coaches, etc at district expense and then hire outside the district. This is a waste of money training people who will never be considered for the position. Within reason, let the people already trained, be the heads of sports teams, departments and schools. 3) Make administrators and teachers accountable for the schools by developing some type of site-based management for day-to-day operations of the buildings. 4) Develop an open door policy so that the people can discuss their needs with the school directors without administrative filter. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Platform of Daniel Opalewski Candidate for School Director in Region 3 Slippery Area School District- 2007 I believe my background as a licensed professional engineer would be an asset when it comes to helping define the more complex math and science courses, reviewing text books, CAD programs, laboratory equipment etc. I have more than 30 years of experience in drafting, design, and engineering. As a practicing engineer I work closely with people at meetings to solve problems, reach common goals, balance budgets, review documents and procure equipment. My number one goal is to provide a high quality education for all students. I personally believe that the school board should maintain the traditional summer vacation. No modified calendar, the school board can explore something else. It costs a lot to run an air conditioning system during the summer, also children need a bit of freedom during the summertime. During the summer break contractors are brought in to make repairs to the infrastructure at a lower rate. Numerous articles have been made that about the physics of branching neurons in the brain. To have a robust memory impervious to minor environmental anomalies (or future stroke) it is necessary to renewal the mind from time to time. One of the best ways to do this is to reinforce the memory by a concentrated review at the end of each summer break. The student is usually taught by a new instructor in a slightly different way so the original memory circuits are reinvigorated and entirely new pathways are created, this is what gives the student mental robustness. In our culture it is actually advantageous to take the summer off, work on the farm, do summer jobs, go scouting, enjoy a family camping trip etc. Do not experiment with our children. Keep school taxes low avoid increases in the millage rate; provide a high quality education effectively within budget by careful planning and obtaining grant monies when available. Start after Labor Day, allow the family to have its last outing together. What is the hurry to rush back during the hottest part of the year? Improve SAT scores, our district average is 1487 this needs to be raised at least 200 points to help the students obtain scholarships and be admitted to many universities. Concentrate on Math, Science, History, and English and tech Ed courses to improve the necessary marketable skills that business are looking for, in addition this will help raise average scores on the SAT. Special needs students at both ends should not be forgotten; sometimes the gifted children are ignored because their grades are above average so people believe they don't require attention. Better management of this area can help to prevent boredom by having worthwhile projects available that would enhance student's skills. Maintain our athletic programs, the students need the exercise, and group sports are very desirable for improving teamwork, student health, and competitive abilities. Consider what other states do to save transportation and heating fuel costs. Other states have a 170-day school year; they stay slightly longer each day so it is equivalent to our system of 181 days. If fuel prices keep going up drastically this should be considered as a viable alternative to raising tax rates. Note this may require a change in state law. I believe that the school board needs to properly address the residents concerns and do this in a friendly and responsive manner. Posted at 12:14 pm by RPratt Comment (1) Permalink Wednesday, March 21, 2007 Let the Race Begin! Bonando out, Orloski out! Region 1 - Two seats open Harrisville, Mercer Township, Slippery Rock Township Region 1 - Cross filed: Kathleen Strickland David Hutner Denny Thompson Region 1 - Republican: Mark White Michael Staudacher Region 2 - Portersville, Prospect, Franklin Township, Muddy Creek Region 2 No candidates Write in anyone? Bill? Region 3 - Slippery Rock Borough, West Liberty, Worth Township, Brady Township Region 3 - Cross filed: Daniel Opalewski Mark Mraz Posted at 11:02 am by RPratt Make a comment Permalink Tuesday, March 20, 2007 I swear, somehow, our school board members don't know they are politicians. A sitting SRASD school board member, Michael Scheer-representing Slippery Rock Borough and a Lutheran Minister, publicly responded (using their REAL name (and title!)) to one of my blog entries concerning school uniforms! Oh. My. And he gave me a good dressing down (dressing down-get it?) in the process! The following is my reply to his Message Board post dated March 20, 2007 Dear Mr. Scheer, I'm sorry that you felt I took "liberties with your opinions regarding who I am and what I am all about, considering you have never met me…" There are many elected public officials whom I have never met, but once they enter the public arena, they are just that -PUBLIC officials. Politicians represent themselves in many different ways – through their comments, through the press, through their public record, and even in the blogosphere. Politicians put themselves out there to the world, not just to the people who know them and converse with them. I'm sorry that you were "ignorant" about the previous debate regarding school uniforms. I can't speak for the silence of Mr. Youngman, Mr. Thompson, Mr. Beil or Mr. King, but I can speak to your ignorance. This website documented the earlier debate (and we both know you have visited my site before your name was ever mention in it's pages). Research abounds about school uniforms. Newspaper articles and websites are replete with anecdotal stories about uniforms. While you may have not formed an opinion about uniforms (although you were quoted as having color preferences…), there is no reason you should not have done your homework before bringing the issue up to the Board. If you were not willing to research the issue, then perhaps you should have asked the concerned citizens to speak publicly to the Board. Knowing about an issue is not the same as making up your mind. Research, reading, and discussion form the foundation for making a decision. I don't think that Martin Luther just went to the Pope, complained about the selling of indulgences and the abuses he saw in the Catholic church and said, Well, I don't have an opinion about that. I just wanted to bring it up for debate. No, he didn't just ask. He learned about the subjects that he spoke and wrote about first and then took action. I find it curious that your "congregation has no bearing on how I vote or act as a board member". You choose to use the title "Reverend" in your post and that's how you're named on the list of Board members. What bearing does your profession have as a school director? If the title of "Reverend" doesn't factor in to your decision, why use the title in that context? M.Ed. might be relevant, but I don't think that religion and politics are a good mix (Separation of church and state, you know). According to the PA School Board Association, "To carry out this mandate, the General Assembly created school districts and school boards. It conferred broad legal powers to the local boards, making them autonomous in many of their operations. Therefore, the school board is a political subdivision of the state for the purpose of convenient administration of the schools. " All school board members are elected, public officials. If, as a Board member, you don't represent those in your congregation, or those who elected you, then who do you represent? But back to the issue of school uniforms. Are dress code issues "diminishing the educational process and wasting tax payer dollars"? Are dress code issues causing substantial disruptions among students (or is it just an issue for teachers and/or administrators)? Are dress code issues causing safety problems? If not, then it is a moral issue. If parents and children are aware of the policies and choose not to comply, then change the dress code to reflect the morals (and socio-economic status) of the community. The solution is not to give up parental authority to the state. Parents feed and clothe their children and they should be free to make choices, despite offending the sensibilities of those who want to control every breath a child citizen takes. As far as "name calling", "personal attacks" and "subtle innuendo" – political commentary isn't always easy to hear or read. Political commentary is not always constructive and positive. This site doesn't engage in personal attacks on teachers or children. It's a forum for citizens to hold their elected officials accountable – a key part of democracy. The "tenor" of the site may prevent you from continuing in a dialogue about political issues, but will it keep you from reading? With over 80,000 hits in the past 8 years, not to mention the 1000's of posts from 100's of people, I think it strikes a chord with many in the district, and throughout the world. My site is indeed a place where people are free to speak their minds (with one click of a key I could have easily have deleted your post!) Oh, one more thing. I never compared you to a Nazi (although they did seem to favor Martin Luther's attitudes about Jews). I simply meant that Nazis, Mormons, Heaven's Gate members, and the Amish all wear identifiable "uniforms". There is a difference though. All of those people have a choice about identifying with those groups. Schooling, however, is compulsory. Rev. Scheer's post: Mr. Pratt, You certainly take a lot of liberties with your opinions regarding who I am and what I am all about, considering you have never met me nor have you ever had a conversation with me. I wonder if you would even know me if you saw me on the street? One thing I will give you credit for is hunting down the sermon that was preached at my ordination. Although I should note that this sermon was not written or preached by me, but was, in fact, the responsibility of the person appointed for my ordination. You can question him yourself if you desire to know the intentions of what he was preaching. I believe you have his church's contact info. I will also say that you are right on one thing; I am ignorant to the previous debate held in this community on uniforms for our schools in the year 2000. This should not be surprising to anyone however, as my family and I only moved to the Slippery Rock area in 2002. Neither board members nor administrators who were here at that time have made me aware of this. So, everything else you said aside, I thank you for the information. Believe it or not, that is exactly WHY I asked the question, because I would like to know all I can about this issue BEFORE I make up my mind. Unlike your characterization, Martin Luther struggled for years before he nailed the 95 theses on the door and began the protestant reformation. Serious issues do require thoughtful and meaningful discourse and debate. Despite what you think, I will form an opinion on this matter for myself. My congregation has no bearing on how I vote or act as a board member, nor does your opinion of me as a person. (I mean think about it, if I were simply going to waffle on an issue because of how my congregation might react, why would I even bring it up? Especially something that obviously was going to bring out differing and extreme opinions.) One thing that has become quite clear from the feedback I have been receiving is that our teachers and administrators, especially in the Middle and High schools, are spending way too much time dealing with dress code issues, diminishing the education process and wasting tax payer dollars. These are issues which should never even occur, as every child and their parents are made aware of the policies regarding dress. Unfortunately, many parents and children aren't doing their share to follow the rules. As well, from what I am hearing the current policies are not enforced to the same degree by all the teachers, so kids and parents are being given mixed signals as to what is appropriate and what is not. Part of my point in raising the issue is to find out if our current policy is too subjective and therefore, not easy to enforce. If not for these problems (and yes, the now more than 10 REAL people who have actually talked to me) the topic of uniforms would never have been brought up in the first place. It appears as if you are an advocate of free speech, but only if you like the question or the topic of conversation. Otherwise, you seem to just resort to name calling, personal attacks, and subtle innuendo (e.g. your reference to the Nazi's – give me a break!). That is unfortunate, as this web site could be a real tool for constructive and positive dialog within our community, a forum that could produce truly fruitful results for the education of our children and for improving communication between the board and the people. I may be a "simple pastor" but I question the wisdom of using such tactics. I certainly will not continue to dialog in a realm that holds such a tenor. Despite what you think you know about me, I was a high school math and physics teacher for six years, I have a Mater's degree in Education, I have served on this school board for almost three years now, and I have two children in the district and a third who will enter next year. I believe that I have earned the right to ask the question of uniforms without either my intentions or my integrity being questioned, especially by someone who has not bothered to talk with me personally. Thank you again for the information. Rev. Michael Scheer Posted at 05:25 pm by RPratt Comment (1) Permalink Wednesday, March 14, 2007 Simple Minded People May Wear Uniforms! No, he isn't a Nazi, a Mormon, a Heavens Gate member, hell, he isn't even Amish. Yet, according to the Butler Eagle, School Board President the Rev. Michael Scheer wants to start a "discussion" concerning our students wearing uniforms. Unlike his church founder, Martin Luther, he seems not to have much of an opinion. The Right Reverend was quoted in the Butler Eagle as saying "…I'm not endorsing it, and I'm not against it". For being a minister in a church that began the Protestant Revolution, his noncommittal stance is less then convincing. He is also ignorant of the school uniform debate in our district. We had this debate 7 years ago at great expense to the taxpayer for administrator and legal research. But, like they say, history repeats itself. And in this case we will pay again. Back in 2000 I ran a poll asking about this issue. The majority of my simple minded voters wanted uniforms. Go figure. Note that the last discussion was perpetuated by our moralistic HS principal- Harry "get that cleavage out of my face" Biel. This current "discussion" was provoked as a result of dress code violations. The same dress code that resulted from the 2000 discussions of school uniforms! Simple minds suck and so do their policies. Unfortunately for our students, some of those simple minded people, including Lutheran Ministers, wear uniforms! The following is from two 2000 "Diary of Dysfunction" entries: Get that Cleavage out of my Face! According to Mr. Beil, HS Principal, he is "shocked" with the way many female students are dressing. According to Beil, females are showing a lot more cleavage, wearing pajamas to school, bras are being publicly displayed, and backless shirts are being worn. He stated that he is seeing more then he wants to see. What does he recommend to end this unseemly situation? Well, he and the Executive Student Council recommended the implementation of school uniforms! Yep, to avoid having their sensibilities offended, they think uniforms would bring about a more moral atmosphere (I guess parents' morals need some improvement, too, if they let their children go to school dressed like that.) Beil presented the board with changes to the HS Handbook, that included many outlawed items of clothing and also included a rule that requires females to wear bras. He said that the teachers would function as the "police officers" to enforce the new rules. When Mr. King saw the list, he got very animated, and informed Beil and the board that he would have to do a legal review before these suggestions could go into the handbook. Duh! (makes me wonder if King is the only reason our district is even still afloat) Now, don't get me wrong, I dislike seeing cleavage on females as much as the next guy, but do we really need to put our HS students in uniforms to avoid seeing it? Anyway, Adams jumped at the chance to make a motion for Beil to look into the uniform issue, Watson jumped even faster to second the motion, and the resulting vote was unanimous. Our board is now investigating implementing a uniform policy. This decision was made more easily because the HS students seem to think uniforms are a good idea too. Now I want ya'll to remember this. Our district is considering uniforms to put a stop to unseemly female attire, not for safety reasons. This is important because safety (gang clothing etc.) is the usual reason districts implement uniforms, not to police the wearing of morally acceptable garments. As this issue progresses and goes through legal review, I suspect the reasons for uniforms will change from moral reasons to safety ones. Of course, most of ya'll reading this are probably in favor of uniforms. It never ceases to amaze me how quick parents are in turning over their parental rights and obligations to the state. For those of you who may wonder how far the government can go in telling you how your children can dress, click here for the ACLU's interpretation of the law. What do you think? Do you favor uniforms? Click here to let your opinion be heard! And On August 8, 2000 IN THE LET'S NOT STOP WITH THE STAFF-WE WANT TOTAL CONTROL DEPARTMENT..... After a lengthy diatribe by Bill Adams about the Constitution, free speech and how our fathers fought for, died for and bled for these things, our board passed a portion of the new district-wide proposed dress code. Adams was concerned that the new dress code, as written, was in violation of our students' rights to free expression. Adams was also concerned that there would be problems with interpretation of the new code of dress. And I agree. Board member Christmann suggested that, in "partial response to what Bill's saying", the board should consider uniforms. What is wrong with Christmann? Let's see here. Adams is concerned with the right of the student to freely express themselves and Christmann wants to take away all self expression by putting our students in uniforms. Wonder if Christmann wants uniforms for teachers, too? I think that when a government mandates uniforms, it is an attempt to do away with individual freedom. Just take a look at any child who attends school in Cuba or China. Not much individual freedom there, but they sure are well behaved. Anyway, they did vote for a portion of the new dress code. Any attire or grooming disruptive to the instructional process which includes but not limited to: Sheer see-through clothing Bare midriffs/backs Shorts or skirts must reach below the fingertips when the arms are fully extended at one's sides Shorts must be designed as walking shorts or culottes Swimsuits, cutoffs, gym shorts, and shorts with frayed or slit bottoms are not acceptable Apparel that reveals or exposes the midriff, lower back, chest, sides of the body and/or undergarments Painted faces Bare feet or rubber thongs Hats, headgear, or bandannas Chains Ripped or torn clothing Droopy pants/ low riders Sleepwear PA School Code regarding school uniforms § 12.11. Hair and dress. (a) The governing board may establish dress codes or require that students wear school uniforms. Policies may apply to individual school buildings or to all school buildings. (b) Students have the right to govern the length or style of their hair, including facial hair. Any limitation of this right must include evidence that length or style of hair causes disruption of the educational process or constitutes a health or safety hazard. When length or style of the hair presents a health or safety hazard, some types of covering shall be used. (c) Students may be required to wear certain types of clothing while participating in physical education classes, shops, extracurricular activities or other situations when special attire may be required to insure the health or safety of the student. (d) Students have the responsibility to keep themselves, their clothes and their hair clean. School officials may impose limitations on student participation in the regular instructional program when there is evidence that the lack of cleanliness constitutes a health hazard. Authority The provisions of this § 12.11 amended under section 2603-B of the Public School Code of 1949 (24 P. S. § 26-2603-B). Source The provisions of this § 12.11 amended February 17, 1984, effective February 18, 1984, 14 Pa.B. 520; amended December 2, 2005, effective December 3, 2005, 35 Pa.B. 6510, 6658. Immediately preceding text appears at serial page (288181). Posted at 06:57 pm by RPratt Make a comment Permalink Thursday, March 08, 2007 Butler Eagle Story concerning Autum Bennet Here is a more "Fair and Balanced" story from the Butler Eagle concerning Autum Bennet. The Herald story I posted the other day sucked. I only reprinted it because it was the first I had heard of the court decision and no one from the family had informed me or posted these developments that apparently occurred last week. I "found" the Herald article in one of my email news alerts- that particular alert was set to send me any news stories concerning ""joseph raykie" ( the MS principal)! Hmmm. Now haven't I heard that Rakie has family ties to the Herald? Maybe that is the reason the Herald article seem biased. The Herald didn't even mention that all the criminal charges had been dropped against Autum. Screw Rakie. Screw the school district. Screw the board. Congratulations Autum! Court won't take expulsion case Action followed SR bomb threat -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By Kris Miller Eagle Staff Writer SLIPPERY ROCK — The State Supreme Court last week refused to hear the case of a Slippery Rock Middle School student who was expelled by Slippery Rock School District. The refusal allows the State Superior Court decision to stand. That decision backed the school board's expulsion last year of Autum Bennett for writing a bomb threat. Bennett, who was 12 at the time, claims she found a note in the middle school bathroom Jan. 12, 2006. The school board expelled her for writing the note. A court battled ensued, including an order from Butler County Courts which allowed Bennett to return to school but an appeal from the school board stopped her. That appeal is what the State Superior Court ruled on which upheld the board's expulsion. The school district then set conditions for the girl to return to school. She met those and has since returned to school and all criminal charges against her were withdrawn, according to her father Jason Bennett. Jason Bennett said Tuesday the family was thankful the county district attorney's office found there was no reason to pursue the case against his daughter. Now his daughter just wants to put the incident behind her, he said. Posted at 07:28 pm by RPratt Make a comment Permalink Next Page |
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Are you frustrated asking: "Why can't I find the "real" Slippery Rock School District's Website"? Because they don't want you to have access to information that most school districts provide the public. After all- information is power and who knows what might happen if the public was informed! |