THE LEAGUE OF WOMEN VOTERS

OF RADNOR TOWNSHIP

Education Events, 2011

***** 2011 Radnor LWV Education Consensus Statement *****

This position was achieved after our education study and member consensus meetings. Many thanks to all participants.

League of Women Voters of Radnor Township Education Study
Radnor Schools – Yesterday and Today
Adopted by the Board May 12, 2011

The League of Women Voters of Pennsylvania supports equal access to quality public education. This is achieved by the participation of government and citizens at all levels and by adequate financing based on an equitable and flexible tax system. As part of the adopted program of the League of Women Voters of Radnor, members monitor, study, and take action on issues regarding the local public schools and the school boards.
As a result of an eight-month study and consensus, the League of Women Voters of Radnor Township clearly recognizes that significant transitions have occurred within the District during the past six years. In addition, Radnor, like all public schools, is operating under increasing constraints and mandates established by the State and Federal government. While technology has greatly enhanced the availability of information, meaningful communication and understanding are not always assured. At the same time, the school community
• values and expects competence and collaboration at all levels;
• believes consideration of its unique “Radnor” culture and institutional memory is important to pursue ongoing excellence; and
• desires that the best people be hired through a process with broad-based involvement.
Based on analyzing documents, monitoring school board meetings, interviewing former school personnel, and reviewing public feedback, we believe:
• Efforts need to be made to schedule and conduct public meetings of the Board of School Directors in an open, transparent way that promotes civic and civil discourse;
• Teachers, administrators, parents, and community members need to be actively encouraged to provide input in decision making without regard for consequences; and
• Decisions of the School Board regarding program and staff need to be based on comprehensive study and a clear understanding of the issues and impacts.
In terms of school funding and budget issues, the League of Women Voters of Radnor Township has analyzed the overall funding profile of the District relative to other comparable districts and local effort given the commensurate consumer price indices. We conclude:
• Budgets reflect a shift in the allocation of funding. (By category, it shifted from salaries and benefits to purchased services and interest. By purpose, funds shifted from regular education to special programs and financing.)
• Financial reports and documents need to be accessible to the public in a timely manner (preferably in advance of meetings and significant budget discussions) and in a form that is comprehensive, clearly understood, and easily analyzed to guide decision-making.
Based on an analysis of per pupil spending increases for the fourteen years (from fiscal year 1995-96 to 2008-09) that included significant enrollment increases (30%), budgets of the Radnor Township School District have been in line with inflation trends, and actual expenses show a modest and steady growth.
• The school board must strongly consider that Act 1 annually provides limits and allows latitude in establishing budgets to best meet community constraints, resources, and expectations.