DV parents' curriculum worries continue

Build or fix: Board offers rough figures for elementary school replacement or repairsWESTFALL — The controversial curriculum will get another look, but “What about the kids there this year?” Parent Cathryn Sachs asked on Feb. 18. While she was pleased that the school board will consider concerns voiced over the past four months, “lots of people feel questions are still unanswered... We need answers,” she said. Sachs’ questions were in regard to the TERC Investigations Math program and the College Springboard Language Arts programs, which were introduced at Delaware Valley schools this fall. Parent Scott Hawthorne displayed documentation from the 2008 Math Panel, which he said panned the TERC program. “We feel there is ‘covering’ of the decision,” to acquire it and “It’s upsetting that you’re figuring this year is a wash,” Hawthorne said. Board member Pam Lutfy said the TERC program helps kids who need a language base. “We’ve heard from parents whose children have never liked math and are doing well now,” she said. Administrator Gina Vives said traditional math and TERC need to be taught together and the district decided that before the current controversy began. “It was not a reactive response,” she said. “Give us chance. Give our teachers a chance,” said Superintendent Dr. Candis Finan. In other business, the board’s facilities committee chair John Wroblewski introduced “rough” figures for the replacement or renovation of the Delaware Valley Elementary School. The numbers ranged from $7.64 million for minor renovations to $26.77 million for a new school on a newly acquired campus. Wroblewski said the apparent prudence in spending less is not valid since continuing maintenance issues at the district’s oldest building will be an ongoing drain of funds. “This is going to be very controversial,” Wroblewski predicted, noting that board members Bob Goldsack and Diane French don’t believe the topic should even be raised in the current economy. On the other hand, new construction and borrowing in this economy will likely cost less. Wroblewski and Finance Chair Jack Fisher agreed that borrowing and extending the repayment period, much like a home equity loan, would reduce the district’s debt service in the coming budget. Fisher said the refinancing would drop the the district debt service now at $5.7 million, by $1.5 million as the board tries to close a $1.8 million shortfall, predicted in the new budget. Fisher said the bulk of that money must come from personnel contracts, which he said have yet to be addressed. Without contract givebacks, the district might need to reduce several dozen staff members.