Board affirms Finan renewal & budget ceiling

SHOHOLA — The Delaware Valley School Board on Jan. 21 unanimously agreed that they want to renew Superintendent Dr. Candis Finan’s contract, which expires this year.. The labor-relations based action was also seen as a vote of faith after the recent insurance settlement stemming from the 2006 molestation conviction of a Shohola Elementary teacher and media criticism of the district’s handling of earlier complaints about teacher, Thomas Matthews. Solicitor Michael Weinstein explained that he felt that “there may have been mismanagement,” but records showed Finan, serving as assistant Superintendent under former Supt. James Melody, had no part in decisions relating to Matthews. An investigation began after Matthews’ discharge in Jan. of 2000. Several parents of children in school during the investigation spoke of the impact investigator’s questions had on their children. “No one feels the pain of this more than I do,” Finan said. She said the incident has made her a tougher personnel interviewer and administrator. The board last week also approved a resolution confirming that Delaware Valley would adhere to the four-percent tax increase limit allowed under PA Taxpayer Relief Law. Had they planned to exceed it, an early budget would have been prepared for review. Finance Committee Chair Jack Fisher has said that spending reductions will be required to balance the 2010-2011 budget.