PETERS TOWNSHIP
Marijuana found: When a 14-year-old Peters Township High School student walked out of a school restroom at 9:54 a.m. Thursday, a principal and assistant principal detected a strong odor of marijuana, township police said.
A search of the girl's backpack revealed a bag of suspected marijuana and a smoking pipe, police said.
Juvenile allegations will be filed.
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188 comments:
I am really glad they are finally doing something about this. My child said that they have a dozen or so kids that have done drugs in the bathrooms for a couple of years. Other kids have told over the years and nothing is ever done. It is about time. I am regaining a little faith in that HS administration. They are concentrating on seriously important issues that have needed addressed.
Where are some of the parents here? These dumb kids post photos of themselves doing illegal things all over the place. For goodness sake, some parents can name the kids that are doing drugs during school hours!
The kids also think just because they change their social networking name senior year, that the past four years of 'party' photos magically disappear. (I think we have some district employees that do not even know that.) You know, with all the technology being shoved down their throats, you think the kids would learn this young or at least that their parents would watch over them!
I'm hearing that this is at least the second case of a student being caught in about 3 weeks.
I hope they keep the pressure on and send a message that this activity will not be tolerated as well as the element and mentality that goes along with drug activity.
"I'm hearing that this is at least the second case of a student being caught in about 3 weeks."
they have both been in the paper.
They also caught someone that was not printed in the paper. They have tons more to catch! Glad they are finally doing something. It only took a decade.
The PIP meeting said it all. For those that do not know, PIP is the one-on-one meeting that parents and students have with the guidance counselor for post-secondary planning at the high school. My child learned what PTSD is all about. LYING and trying to make it believable and real.
I, myself, learned about the graduation project, as did my child. That was quite valuable. We also learned that a number of juniors that have already completed the project made it up! "Just make it up so you will be done." Nice.
What a great lesson and waste of time for the junior class. Yes; Character counts. Is creative lying one of those 'covey' highly effective things?
What we also learned was that my 11th grader will have a third mentoring meeting this month. What reat progress in three years.
Lie; to make it look like it is working. The PTSD way.
As a parent of an 11th grader, I found the PIP helpful in explaining the graduation project. Now that we know what needs to be done, the expectations and ultimate goal, we can now encourage three years of work into one week at home over the holidays!! Our child was not encouraged to come out and lie but to utilize elaborate creativity. In other words 'of course the project means nothing, you just have to get it done because we said so'.
The meeting did nothing in helping my child make future plans. It was entirely about the graduation project that we were told the school board insists upon.
Frankly I used to support a couple of our board members. Not anymore! They encourage fabrication just to get it done.
Just when I thought I heard it all, the school district is selling corporate sponsorship of rooms within school buildings because they are so hard up for money. That was honestly stated by our own school district administration.
gyntiAnonymous said...
Just when I thought I heard it all, the school district is selling corporate sponsorship of rooms within school buildings because they are so hard up for money. That was honestly stated by our own school district administration.
December 14, 2011 2:00 PM
Are you kidding me? Where is my 9K in school taxes going a year? Where is all the money? Do we have someone stealing or just dumb a**** running our district. Never mind I answered my own question how silly of me.
Is the school board not airing their meetings..I've been waiting to see them on the local station and there is nothing there. Council has their meetings shown all the time...does anyone know why the board appears to be hiding their meetings?
Here are the PA state graduation requirements:
http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/022/chapter4/s4.24.html
http://www.pacode.com/secure/data/022/chapter57/s57.31.html
Any graduation requirement not required by the state is sole responsibility of our school board. They make and vote on the requirements, not administration. I find it interesting how those meeting minutes disappeared so we do not know who implemented those new graduation requirements.
Dear Dec. 14 2011 2:00,
Who is the corporate sponsor of the new 2.5 million dollar field we are paying for?
And that surprises you because?
I heard Nina did not want to air the last meeting with the new members she was afraid there was going to be confrontation....in other words.....people asking questions as to what the heck is going on? Can you believe this?
Why are the school board meeting video's not online? After all, PTSD does have a tech budget that runs in the millions or is that for the computers that never work in the classroom.
I guess your 9K is going for salaries, benefits, retirements, books, computers and ball fields! They eliminated educational elementary field trips and 1/2 of the coaching/sponsor salaries come from pay-to-play. As we have been told by administration, it is about "keeping people, not things." Those people we keep paying will also certainly keep getting raises, bonuses and those benefits while the rest us of take cuts!
many of the kids have been told by district employees to just fake it for the graduation project. yes, the district is going to pimp out any facility, building, room or hallway for corporate sponsorship to make a buck.
The teacher told my child to go to several websites for homework and she is not responsible for any porn that might pop up. My children are also not permitted to give their cell phone numbers to any teacher and we do not have texting. I think it is very wrong to have a facebook page mandated by a teacher.
I also strongly agree with another opinion I saw somewhere on here. The district has shoved technology on the kids to save money and eliminate field trips for elementary kids. I feel the administrators should be forced to do exactly the same; no 'buts' about it. The administration and school board are total jerks in this school district. I sat and listened to the leader of this school district say sports is as equally important as academics, yet they wonder how to become an academically top performing school? Are they serious? I can tell them. Hire someone, and get a school board, that gives a crap about academics that will communicate to parents! It is that easy. What a joke.
Board Goal: Improve Communication
Why not have Board meetings aired this is a step that contradicts the goal
"many of the kids have been told by district employees to just fake it for the graduation project."
my eleventh grader was too. it is nonsense. it is fake busy work to so the administration and school board can say 'see it worked. how wonderful it is'.
**** THIS TAKES THE CAKE ****
I have a junior at PTHS. I was chatting with another parent last night regarding the graduation project and discussing our dismay with students being told to make things up.
ON DECEMBER. 9, 2011--
the guidance department posted detailed information on their web page regarding the graduation project. The information is quite good and will certainly be useful to other students required to do the graduation project.
OVER 50% of that information is BRAND NEW to my junior, who has things DUE THE FIRST WEEK OF JANUARY!!! We have stacks of rubrics that were handed out to my child and alot of the information is BRAND NEW!
DO THEY EVER PLAN ON LETTING ANYONE KNOW THAT THEY HAVE NEW INFORMATION?
That is rehtorical, because I know we are supposed to be checking every web page assosicated with the high school, every day, to see what has been added or changed.
SCHOOL BOARD WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN??!!!
I am certain this would have NEVER, EVER, happened if THEIR OWN CHILDREN HAD TO GO THROUGH THIS!!!
This is the fault of the superintendent. She can't communicate, does things too fast, and doesn't know how to explain what she wants but tells everyone to do it. This one is not on the board.
"This one is not on the board."
it certainly is on the board. the board knows the juniors did not get any consistent information until recently and they did nothing to help the kids or make employees help the kids. it is on the board. they wrote the policy that requires it.
Everything that happens in this school district is the responsibility of the school board, especially if it involves school district policy and procedure. The board obviously does not care about the negative repercussions it has upon the education of students and they obviously agree with district employees telling students to 'make it up'.
The students will get it done, no policy will be violated and the super will get raises and bonuses! Character Counts ya' know!
I have recently heard from some high school seniors that the school district no longer supports students doing fundraisers for charities because they feel students should be doing fundraisers to help the school district. I find it odd that school students said such a thing. Has anyone else heard of such a tall tale? Frankly, it certainly would not surprise me.
I believe what you heard about fundraisers is false. A few have been recently approved by the school board. However, the kids might have been told that verbally by some district employees.
In regards to "....they obviously agree with district employees telling students to 'make it up'. " I have to agree. If they did not agree, they would have done something about it. Oh, thats right, they wouldn't know because they do not ask any questions and parental concerns do not get communicated to them!
nothing surprises me at that high school. drugs, drinking, teachers not teaching. it was never like that when dr hajzus was there. maybe the new girl can't cut it.
Seriously? Go talk to teachers or any staff member who was there with TH. The issues can't even be written there were so many complaints. But he has retired and we need to let him retire in peace. The "new girl" as you call her is doing very well, especially since the superintendent is almost EXACTLY like TH except he was more liked.
As far as drugs, the staff members don't sell them, kids do. You are clueless. There were ALWAYS drugs there and in every high school. Kudos to the HS admin. for catching them!
Anonymous said...
nothing surprises me at that high school. drugs, drinking, teachers not teaching. it was never like that when dr hajzus was there. maybe the new girl can't cut it.
December 20, 2011 3:03 PM
You have GOT to be KIDDING.
Those things have always been there. We're hearing MORE about it now because "the new girl" is doing something about them.
especially since the superintendent is almost EXACTLY like TH except he was more liked.
Give us all a break and get real. You have lost site of what that man did for nearly 20 years. And there is no comparison at all I have, yes I have spoken to high school employees and they rave about the man.
I agree let him retire in peace as he did an excellent job.
I think the blogger who keeps wanting to let Dr. Hajzus retire in peace but still takes their dig is very miss informed. Sure there were complainers but I remember the hearings and hearing about some very terrible things those teachers that were complainers did to students or around students. Of course he was not perfect and of course the new principal isn't either. They both did and are doing just fine. Dr. Hajzus did it for about 15 years and she a few months.
"Of course he was not perfect and of course the new principal isn't either. They both did and are doing just fine."
What are you talking about? English please.
may i also add that the ptsd superintendent has also said that sports and academics are as equally important. it certainly is not what we were lead to believe when we relocated here. the facade this district puts on is pretty good and deceiving. we have learned a lot about the school system and this area since we moved here a couple of years ago.
The coaches stuff doesn't matter. According to Dr Zetty if spending cuts are not made and we do not receive corporate sponsorship our district will be bankrupt in five years. Of course we can not cut any extra curricular activities, the cuts will be made in the classroom.
oh and I bet you have "gifted" kids headed for harvard. nows a good time to move and take your brats with you
whoever run this mess really needs to ask for some form of id even if its a screen name its pretty obvious who some of the cowards are, hey scotty, but the hurtful stuff they write is unbelievable
whats next attacking board members appearance
So who will be responsible to enforce the new state junior license driving laws (act 81) that takes effect next week when the kids drive to school? No more driving to school packed into a car like it is a clown car. Can the school warn the kids in the parking lot or is it up to the police on the street? Can the police sit in the parking lot and nab the kids?
TH was a tyrant, a dictator, a women-hater, and a creep. Anyone who worked under him knew it. He bullied staff, parents, and students all the time. He never changed. He is a disturbed human being, if he can be called human. And I am sure he will "anonymously" post a rebuttal as he has nothing better to do now. Or ever.
"nows a good time to move and take your brats with you"
hahaha...my kids were 'gifted' in ptsd. they are now your 'bratty' neurologist and oncologist. my brats are saving lives, what are your football players doing? that was one of the biggest problems here in ptsd, even the kids that were not 'gifted' were certianly not educationally encouraged at all. my kids had to make the choice here (their own choice), take all the ap courses they could or take one or two tough courses and play varsity sports. they chose the heavy class load and intramural sports. it was right for them, but certainly not for all.
they care about education in usc, where the super won an award....yet our super has to look at a top performing school in philly! sounds like education here in ptsd is continuing its downward spiral.
My child has a ton of homework over the holiday. I am sick of this district saying "well that is what it is like in college". These kids are NOT in college yet nor is mine going to take an online class. I have two children in college and it is not like that at all. College does not have 7 hours a day of school with 9 periods a day. My children took several AP classes. Which were far more difficult to complete here than college courses. They were certainly worth it, but even the difference between the amount of work between academic courses and honors courses is totally ridiculous.
Anonymous said...
whoever run this mess really needs to ask for some form of id even if its a screen name its pretty obvious who some of the cowards are, hey scotty, but the hurtful stuff they write is unbelievable
whats next attacking board members appearance
December 23, 2011 12:26 PM
The only cowards on this blog are the "old" school board directors sticking up for themselves and not signing their names. It is so evident who you are! Try this at next months meeting..... how about finding your speaking voices?
"sounds like education here in ptsd is continuing its downward spiral."
It certainly is. All the the full blessing of the school board.
"how about finding your speaking voices?"
So true. Over the past six months only a small handful have spoken publicly at committee and board meetings regarding specific concerns. However, some of us have consistently written and phoned school district employees and received no response or answers. I know of contributors to this blog that have 'followed the chain of command' and have been ignored by employees and the school board as well.
What good does it do to speak up if nobody listens or does anything? It is a waste of valuable time and breath if concerns fall upon deaf ears. None of these people care about our kids.
Here is an example. A while back a group of us expressed concerns with guidance regarding two specific topics. Six months passed. The topics were never address by any district employees. Therefore, one member of our unorganized group said they would express concerns to some school board members, which they did. Now, that one person has now been labeled as the only one that seems to be having a problem, therefore the issue(s) must not exist. After we saw how this person was ignored, why would we bother to address the same topic, that neither or board, nor the superintendent, obviously is not going to address?
It seems the only way this group of board members, or employees, will listen, is to get parents/students organized and get petitions regarding specific issues, otherwise no issue(s) exist. These people need mobbed, else it does not exist. If you put yourself 'out there' to address topics that other parents are concerned about, you end up being the one ridiculed and the patsy. It is not worth it. The board obviously does not even bother to research or ask questions.
They seem to think it is only a couple of people whose children are struggling. Only the word 'lawsuit' will make them jump and listen. Perhaps that is what is necessary since the education of our children is being negatively impacted.
A vote of no confidence signed by hundreds to remove the superintendent and sent to the papers is a start. But it has to come from the community. The wimpy union is too scared to do anything.
December 27, 2011 9:59 AM
I think as adults most of us could care less how this rude group (for the most part) of school board directors roll their eyes while we speak at meetings or are downright rude to those of us they serve and are once again for the most part smarter than at least 4 of them. The real concern is how our children are then treated in their respective schools where it is possibile they can be/ have been "retailiated" against if their parent/s speak up and voice an opinion. I have never seen a school board/district run like this ever! Are we really trying to be like Philadelphia and China?
Dear School Board,
Next time you hire a superintendent, why not call the last two districts where "SHE WORKED" and talk to some people there. You will find out that the same person with the same issues with the same lack of communication with the same "no people skills" existed before. They are laughing at us because no one checked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
what a great holiday 'vacation' (not). my child has a ton of homework and is finishing reflection papers for the graduation project. according to the papers my child has here, the kids are to do their papers on 'drive h', which is not accessible from home. what the hell is wrong with these people? hope the school board members are having a lovely holiday. i am guessing their kids don't have the project deadline or homework to deal with. they are a bunch of asses. they are out there playing ball on their turfed fields. these people are really nuts. so true, it all falls upon deaf ears.
This school is stupid. Homework over Christmas break then we have to go to school on Easter break? Some 'break'. Jerks.
"The wimpy union is too scared to do anything."
So is the wimpy community (me included until all of my children graduate). You do know, if you would sign such a petition, your kids are screwed? It would be a public list of signatures.
Your children will 'mysteriously' not receive educational communications that everyone else seemed to receive or be unable to get into the class they so desperatley wanted, even though they were the first to sign up. Of course they will say 'that is not true, it is conscidence or human error'. That is just how it works here. It always has. They have subtle ways of shutting people up that involve their kids. You can't speak up until your kids are out of the system here, unless you can afford an attorney.
Your kids would not be screwed! No one is going to do anything or can do anything to your children. That is ridiculous. These teachers are all for the kids and so are the building administrators. Sign the petition.
Yes, I heard of the corporate sponsorship at the elementary level as well.
Good question, why are the school meeting video's not online?.... Ask the school district.
I just read about the new driving law in PA for kids with junior licenses. No more 4 to 7 kids in a car every morning. Won't that be interesting?
Take it from someone with experience, if your kids are in all AP and honors courses, there is no Thanksgiving, 'Holiday' or 'Spring' break in PTSD. Yet the school frowns upon giving those students any positive reenforcement at all. They mentally beat them down, but are really happy to take those standardized test scores!
Believe me, my children felt an engineering major in college was fairly easy after taking quite a few AP classes here. They also said they have received more positive feedback and support from professors in college than they got from most (not all) employees here in PTSD. In AP classes in PTSD the kids are told to figure it out themselves if they have a question. It was NOT like that in college for them at all. (We also found no manditory online classes at the top notch colleges my kids went to.)
PTSD likes to use the line 'well, it is like that in college and we are preparing you for that'. What a load of bull and lies.
It is well worth the effort to take a few AP courses in high school. Heck the one AP teacher, that is also the golf coach, is only there 50% of the time and the kids are left to teach themselves. It makes college a walk in the park.
Communication? It never did happen here and is even getting worse. Yes, you are expected to sit down every night and read the website as to what has changed and the new information posted on the graduation project is quite helpful....A week before they have stuff due!!!... My 11th grader was instructed to fabricate as well. What a 'character building' learning experience.
Where is the school board? They don't care. They get answers right away because they are on the school board. I bet not one of them have ever waited weeks for a reply. They have blinders on.
I agree.....'Jerks'!
hahaha...there is no petition. you have got to be kidding with the statement "These teachers are all for the kids and so are the building administrators" where the hell have every single one of them been the past three years with helping the kids with that project or trying to get a selection of online classes for the kids to take? not one peep out of them, except 'we do not have to have any online classes ready until september 2013' or 'we do not know of any information either to help the kids'. why were they not speaking up and doing a darn thing about it? no one is going to do anything to them "that is ridiculous", right? where are they when a kid shows up at 7:10 am for help because they did not quite understand the homework, but are told to make an appointment for some other morning during the week because the teacher does not come in every day until 7:20? then they are told, 'oh, and by the way, since you could not complete all of the homework, you get an F for that homework'. yeah, great bunch they are. the sad thing is that the furloughs will take out a lot of good teachers!
i am glad to see these new building leaders finally buckle down on the obvious substance abuse. seems they need to do that with a few employees as well. out drinking in pt bars before chaperoning student events is uncalled for.
Dear School Board,
Next time you hire a superintendent, why not call the last two districts where "SHE WORKED" and talk to some people there. You will find out that the same person with the same issues with the same lack of communication with the same "no people skills" existed before. They are laughing at us because no one checked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
December 27, 2011 8:30 PM
We certainly are being made fools of. First Timm the marble man now Czar Nina. No wonder we are looking at Philadelphia....we have a better chance of becoming Philly than becoming China under this lack of leadership. Wake up Peters Township it really is almost to late. The downward spiral continues
in response to:
"They also said they have received more positive feedback and support from professors in college than they got from most (not all) employees here in PTSD. In AP classes in PTSD the kids are told to figure it out themselves if they have a question. It was NOT like that in college for them at all. (We also found no manditory online classes at the top notch colleges my kids went to.)"
ditto. ditto. ditto.
my kids are in, what i consider, an average college. i do not consider it 'top notch'. no online classes for mine either. online classes might be good for continuing education, but not for the typical full time college kids, unless maybe they double major. what this district has masquerading as online classes is down right hilarious and hardly qualifies as what an online course is really like. sounds like the 'education professionals' in ptsd are really out of touch. i do not think the school board has any idea how stupid and idiotic they look agreeing to the nonsense they are being fed.
"These teachers are all for the kids and so are the building administrators"
You're kidding, right? Sarcasm does not translate well in writing.
I am really surprised at the total disregard this school board and administration has for the education of children and educational programs, or lack thereof, within this district. What is even more shocking, is these folks have no clue what families, students or taxpayer concerns are. The fact that they renewed the supers contract with so many educational programs faltering, then they made sports facilities a priority over educational facilities, is just appalling.
This is truly the best example of taxation without representation I have ever seen. The board is to be holding the employees accountable to stakeholders. They are not to be unconditionally supportive. I think it would be worth the expenditure to have these folks attend an online course about the responsibilities and duties of the public school board member. Could I do better, you bet I could!
Earlier this year I was at a meeting at the high school and it was quite obvious that the employees and counselors were very aware of the struggles the students were going through.
Therefore,
-why have they done nothing to help them?
-why do the people at the administration building not know or ignore employee communications?
-why does the school board pretend they do not know? I know they are aware. I have spoken to one of them within the past year!
I think this speaks volumes as to what these people actually think of families and children in this school district.
December 31, 2011 9:46 AM
I agree with you. A teacher told my child in 9th grade, that if class was missed due to a career fair, they were responsible for getting the makeup work from another student; just like any other standard absence. Also tests could not be made up for attending a career fair because other kids might tell my child what was on the test. Please tell me how wonderfully caring that is.
Give credit where credit is due. The graduation project is due this school year. The kids had their first 'mentor' meeting in May, with various grade levels. (These meetings were supposed be happening for the past two years!!!)
The 'mentor' meeting they had this year had the kids with their appropriate grade level to give them help. It is about time!
In December, a week prior to Christmas vacation, the district finally posted a lot of very good information regarding the graduation project on the web page. Although it was posted prior to the January 3rd deadline and it does contain detailed information that should have been done for the past two years; the district appears to be trying. BUT every single employee and board member dropped the ball for the class of 2013 and the kids are the ones making up for the districts lack of information.
After what every single one of these people have permitted to happen to these children, not one of them has my support.
At the beginning of the school year even the new principal said the junior class is struggling. She is the only one that has my support! She is the only ones that really sees what is going on here.
Oh, by the way, the new principal will probably now get beat up by the superintendent for being open and honest. We now have a really nice team at the high school but don't have an effective (and many other minuses there) superintendent. For many years we had an excellent superintendent but lacked what we needed at the high school.
Maybe next time.
But not with this board.
The principal knows the junior class is struggling with the grad project. Many of the teachers do, too. More than a few think the project was poorly planned and implemented. Other than the limited time they are given to "mentor" a group of kids, what are they supposed to be doing? The grad project is something the student is to do ON THEIR OWN TIME. I can't blame the teachers for this debacle. I blame those who made the ridiculous thing up in the first place and then didn't make sure things were in place before hitting "go". They should have added things a step or two at a time until, say, 2015 or so.
We received this today from the school district:
"PTHS sophomores, juniors and seniors are invited to attend Video Conference Career Fairs at the High School. Sign-up sheets will be be made available in the Counseling Office two weeks prior to the date that each career fair will be held.
The video conference career fairs will take place from 9:00-11:00 a.m. in the Peters Township High School auditorium. The dates and career areas are listed below:
Career Fair Schedule
January 12, 2012
STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathetics) Video Conference Career Fair
April 20, 2012
Arts / Humanities Video Conference Career Fair"
I am not sure what Mathetics is, but these really do sound great; two years too late. The career fair papers are due January 3rd for juniors. I am sure my junior would love to miss three AP/honors courses to attend.
I know of several juniors that are taking the 'online graduation project' course next semester.
-Is it true that those students taking that course do not have the January 3rd deadline as other juniors do? None of the 'caring' employees will answer these kids.
-What will those students do in that class after the required April presentation? We were told that they still have to present in April. What a cluster.
All anybody has to do is visit facebook and twitter today to see the kids thanking PTSD for helping them learn "how to lie and b.s." their way through a 6 page paper about something they did 2 years ago. The comments are very consistent and the comments speak volumes; as does the senior class teasing the junior class! If this school district really only thinks one or two kids are struggling, they really are blind! Too bad they can not open their eyes.
Here is the budget summary information. Read it and weep.
http://www.ptsd.k12.pa.us/Downloads/Budget Outlook 12-13 - preliminary2.pdf
It is in writing....
"Overall, the District projects a preliminary 3.6% increase in expenditures for 2012-2013 over the 2011-2012 school year. The areas of increase consist largely of fixed costs such as salaries, which are set by contracts; benefits, including retirement and healthcare; utilities; and special education."
AND
"Last year, while surrounding Districts saw program and staff cuts, we made every effort to preserve the staff and limit the “stuff.” Given the current $1.3 million gap between expenses and revenues in the prelimi- nary budget, cutting supplies alone will not balance the budget. There are difficult decisions ahead, and we will continue to work to be fiscally responsible to our community - this may mean staff furloughs, program reductions, and larger class sizes. We will continue our hold on new curriculum and new technology as well."
Keep boosting those salaries and bonuses; and taking from the kids. What wonderful leadership and character. (sarcasm)
Great. Are we going to play the old game - School Must Start On Time No Matter What?
I think there should have been a delay this morning. My child's bus was very late this morning, the roads were bad and some buses even got stuck. The road department had to salt one out.
Think SAFETY FIRST, please!
I just can not believe this school district. It is pitch dark out when my high schooler goes to the bus. My child was standing in the yard, with snow up to her ankles, when a plow came flying by throwing snow and road debris hitting my child in the eye and chipping a tooth as well. The plow was on the road, but I know if they would have seen her they would have slowed down. Please tell me again how much this district cares about safety. They worry about sprained ankles when playing sports that are OPTIONAL but not the daily well being of students.
IF ZETTY lays off one teacher, she better eliminate the curriculum position in central office. There is no curriculum due to the budget cuts. I checked into what an earlier poster said and for a number of years, the building administrators did the curriculum. Mrs. Sanders at the HS is doing those grades. Give building curriculum to the other building principals and then you have 100,000 saved. You got that teacher union! I don't want anyone to lose their jobs, including this lady, but you know Zetty will take care of those that worship her.
Great. Are we going to play the old game - School Must Start On Time No Matter What?
I think there should have been a delay this morning. My child's bus was very late this morning, the roads were bad and some buses even got stuck. The road department had to salt one out.
Think SAFETY FIRST, please!
January 3, 2012 7:01 AM
Now why would we do that? Upper St. Clair did not have a delay and since we are no longer the leaders just lowly followers of USC, safety only matters when Nina wants to spend money. Then we use the safety word in front of and after every sentence. Right?
OMG, stop the bleeding hearts. Your high schooler would go out in this weather if they wanted to go to the Mall! Fist of all, stand back from the road. You would be the same person complaining when they had to add days on at the end of the year. Instead of watching your kid get hit with debris maybe you should have gotten out and driven them to school like others did. Really, perfect world, when I went to school the schools did not really care what the parents wanted at all. They didn't give them choices. You got up and walked to the bus stop at the top of your hills and went to school. REALLY
The township should have the roads ready in the a.m. not only for school buses, but for those of us who leave early for work. Difference, my job doesn't care about the roads, just that I show up on time for work. Maybe you should contact the township about getting out earlier to get the roads ready for traffic in general. It is not the school district's fault or problem. Quit blaming everything on the district and/or the board. People are right most people are spoiled in Peters Township. It is reallly getting nauseating. Whine, whine, whine. Don't you ever get tired of it. Don't look for the good things that the district and board are doing, just whether we delay school. Childish. By the way where are all you people that wanted the fields done. Funny how you've disappeared!
Dr. Zetty guest speaker at the McMurray Elementary PTA meeting? Seriously? she must really be on the PR trail! The email says she will answer questions? Something totally new there! How can she answer any questions without her three stooges from the board? A good start to your PR budget campaign would be to answer phone calls and emails from many of us that have gone unanswered for months.. some I understand concern some pretty serious issues? Remember seeing those?
"Really, perfect world, when I went to school the schools did not really care what the parents wanted at all."
Guess the world isn't perfect like it was back in your day? I guess nothing in the world has changed in the past 60 years, has it? Like living in the past much? That is what this district touts, PARENTS are moving to PT, because of the good schools and Athletic facilities. So they only care what parents want sometimes, when it suits them??? Now that I think of it, that sounds about right.
This district had only about a dozen people supporting the 2.5 million on new fields. They were friends of the three stooges. We will never see the people that wanted the new field because we all know they are the best friends of the board members that come from 2 or 3 sports.
Are you serious, you walk down to the bus stop with your high schooler to wait for the bus? Good for you, I guess your kid loves that. You probably jump in the car and drive them to school because it is too cold and everyones else does it.
All the accidents and buses being stuck yesterday morning, speak for themselves and yes I blame the school board. They are the ones that voted to keep this superintendent and not hold her accountable for her actions. They certainly held that other guy accountable, but not this one. This board made sports fields a priority over education; and continue to do so. They also dropped the curriculum ball on every single child in the high school, several times, and it is obvious they really do not care.
I agree, this district has some wonderful things going on here, but I fail to see the 'good things' that the board is doing. Besides sports upgrades, which are good for a few families, please enlighten me as to what good this board has done in the past year for all students in the district. I disagree with you. I see it as a taxpayer freedom to express their concerns to people who are supposed to be representing the taxpayers; not whining. The board is ALWAYS claiming to be so concerned with 'safety' when it is convenient to them. So who do you suggest is accountable for delaying school for an hour while the roads are being cleared so you can get to work or getting school buses on the road safely or the school curriculum? If it is not the superintendent or the board, then who? It is not blame, it is accountability. There is none.
Don't look for the good things that the district and board are doing, just whether we delay school. Childish. By the way where are all you people that wanted the fields done. Funny how you've disappeared!
January 3, 2012 8:37 PM
And enlighten us to "what the good things" are please since you seem to be a know it all.
And by the way, the people wanting the fields done are the ones running the board. DAH! Trust me they are still on here posting trying to stick up for themselves. Are you one of them?
when is the mcmurray pta meeting? i want to hear her speak. she probably has her speech down pretty good by now. what is it now the third or forth time? which rooms at mcmurray is she planning to sale for corporate sponsorship so the district will not be bankrupt in four years?
hahaha...yes, i would like enlightened as to what good the school district has done recently. i know, they have 'fixed' special education because they were violating the law but they have trashed the regular curriculum.
based upon someones earlier post on the budget information:
http://www.ptsd.k12.pa.us/Downloads/Budget Outlook 12-13 - preliminary2.pdf
it does say they are not doing new curriculum or updating technology; that means they still are not providing the resources for the students to do the two new graduation requirements. to me it sounds like the kids are on their own. it was made quite clear that the staff we keep will certainly get their raises and benefits. "people over stuff". i am actually starting to like the thoughts of state run schools. why not? the local people elected to represent us are not doing so.
yes, please do tell me of the wonderful things the board has done in the past couple of years. i am out of the loop.
The fields were put in to be completed as one of Peters Supt. goals... I actually feel sorry for the supt. here because she had no say in this goal! She can't pick the board. Spending!
Oh my gosh, don't let her play the victim card. When she sits behind closed doors with Lori, Lynn, and Cindy she does the same thing. She could have said no to the fields. She supported them all the way. She supports them, (especially the 3 that keep visiting her in her office) and she does what they want. No checks and balances here. Come on new board members, do you actually know what is going on behind closed doors!
Hey SG, watch your back.
January 5, 2012 11:55 AM
There is no way our school board would do such a thing. Would that not be a private personnel document or is that a public knowledge document? I would like to see that in writing. That is grounds for impeachment from the school board.
The fields were put in to be completed as one of Peters Supt. goals... I actually feel sorry for the supt. here because she had no say in this goal! She can't pick the board. Spending!
January 5, 2012 11:55 AM
You are kidding right? She (Nina) has a voice and a mouth...how about the word NO? Or is this in the best interest of the school district to be spending money on a field at this point in time? Do the three stooges on the board have that much control over her? You bet they do! They own her and she is the board's puppet now.
Aren't we lucky to have Larry, Moe, and Curly running the district into the ground. It is so humiliating to hear that we are selling corporate sponsorhips for rooms in buildlings, REALLY? Is this what they are doing in Philly since we will be Philly West sooner than we think....unreal how far this district has slipped backward. I remember when we were leaders in education, I remember when taxpayers could actually speak at a school board meeting without being ridiculed or snapped at by rude board members, I remember we used to have pride in the appearance of our buildings and grounds, they were always kept so well. I remember a stronger, caring administration who actually cared about all kids not just their own. Sad, very sad
"I remember when we were leaders in education,..."
me too! now kids are directly being told, by school district employees, to lie so the high school administration does not get caught in a lie again. what great character. our children are being used as political pawns. i am sure the new board members are going to be overwhelmed by taxpayers, students, teachers and parents that the other board members will not listen to. you know the newer board members will end up being treated like dirt by the other board members. i hope the newer board members publicly demand accountability.
Well, the three ladies (I am told) are already out bashing some of the other board members who ARE trying to do what is right for PTSD. Maybe the 3 new board members will support Tom and Sue and something will get done in the best interest of our district. Do I hear another visit coming up from the 3 board members behind closed doors in Zetty's office? Do the other board members know how often they visit? Too bad the other 6 are left out of the loop. I am really disappointed in LC, I thought she could understand what was going on better, but I was wrong. I guess when your goal is to have your child play on new fields you can't see clearly.
When the previous superintendent had almost no support from the teachers and administrators, these board members were leading the charge. Now, the exact same thing is happening, but because she is supporting their fields, they are ignoring the disappointment of the teachers and administrators and the downward spiral of the district.
Seriously? Go talk to teachers or any staff member who was there with TH. The issues can't even be written there were so many complaints.
What have you been smoking? I have talked to teachers and they miss that man dearly. Things got done and the central office could not get away with what they are doing now to our kids. I hate this line go talk to teachers. Maybe you have been talking to the ones whose butts he kicked for not doing their job, flirting with kids and such? I'm tied of it. Let him be he did a job that many could never do.
What is this now, about the ninth change for the graduation project? Oh come on, the kids have been being told to lie since the beginning of the year. This is not new. That project still changes weekly if you have an 11th grader taking the online graduation course the second half of the year. That is all that dumb PIP meeting is about, the graduation project. The school district has turned a simple pass/fail project, that is intended to help kids, into a nightmare for these kids. A few people here do have a really good point, the school board was quite vocal and got involved with the new ball fields, yet they they are not following through at all with any educational or their own policy issues that arise. Why are WE not holding them accountable?
OMG over the past years students who have "earned" the right to speak at Commencement were an elected President of the Senior Class, an elected President of Student Council, a Valedictorian and a Salutatorian. After my children graduated i watched Commencement on TV and enjoyed the speeches. In fact they were usually the rave of the ceremony. With all of the smashing of kids extracurriculuar experiences we now have yet one more slap to their efforts. No longer will these studetns who "earned' the right to speak get that privilege. Now "anyone' can submit a speech and after a selection committee reviews them "anyone" can get that honor. This simply does not make sense. A tradition that dates back to the 70's has just been wiped out. How sad. Yes The Czar is leaving a legacy while wiping out the excellent legacy our high school already has.
I hear the board president Cindy is leaving certain board member/s off emails she is sending. Real nice Cindy do you and your other two stooges really think we are as dumb as you.........think we are? Regardless how you run the district further into the ground at least we have people on the board now who will speak their mind and let the general public know what is really going on, against your advice I am sure. BTW how about that head football coach? Heard he is a real fine example of a "coach", you are going to have to sell more than classrooms to payoff the potential lawsuits he will bring if he is rehired or did that already happen without a board vote? I am sure you don't care you already sold your soul!
Well, the three ladies (I am told) are already out bashing some of the other board members who ARE trying to do what is right for PTSD
****
No surprise there, look at their character they have none
There is a policy that states who speaks at graduation. These changes are made at public meetings, but they do not provide the documentation to the public unless they ask for it. Look out, they are about to change the number of students that get academic recognition as well. The fewer the better. They will recognize the athletic kids every single year, but keep slicing away at recognizing kids that academic challenge themselves for 4 years. This district has gone to hell in a handbag. They have been trying to cut graduation speeches for years because "it takes too long".
If you look at district policy on the school web site, you will see that district policy has been changing, which requires a SCHOOL BOARD vote. What does NOT require a school board vote is the AR's attached to a policy. They are rewritten at the whim of administration and most of them,interestingly enough, have no dates! If you WOULD have been paying attention, many have changed in the past couple of years. People only notice when it personally impacts them. I think a lot of people are certainly going to notice quite a few of them soon!
I live about two miles from that stupid new ball field we paid for. They were apparently 'testing' the lights one night and they are brighter than the high school lights because the field sets up on a hill. It lit the sky up to, at least, two miles away. Yeah, real necessary to have that for education. What idiots.
You are absolutely right. District policy does "mysteriously" change from time to time. The changes are usually subtle, but are very powerful in nature, completely changing the meaning of the policy. I watched it happen myself recently on one particular policy that I had been referring to regularly over the course of a few months. I couldn't prove that it had been changed, however, because I never even thought to make a hard copy of the "original" version. I had never imagined that anyone would dare to "tamper" with policies that are supposed to only be revised by the school board and dated with the revision. I believe it now that I've seen it! The deception in this school district is widespread at all levels, and unfortunately, it includes some teachers. The only way to reverse the downward spiral is for parents to stop hiding and become respectfully and professionally "confrontational" with district administrators on a regular basis. It's just not enough to show up at monthly school board meetings. It's pretty obvious that some of the school board members have no interest at all in helping parents and taxpayers in their struggles with district personnel. Parents need to get vocal on a daily basis with building principals and assistant principals. Parents need to stop being afraid to get vocal directly with the Superintendent herself. She's not royalty...she's just a paid district employee who just happens to think that everyone should bow down to her. Adminstrators should be held accountable just like everyone else in the real world. Parents need to take the time to schedule appointments with administrators, make phone calls, and send e-mails on a regular basis. Parents need to not give up, even when they are being ignored. Parents need to make themselves a "nuisance", if that's what it takes. Only when parents stop being afraid to stand up and reveal their identity will the attitude toward parents begin to change. Why are parents allowing district employees to regularly bully them? They work for us! And, that's exactly what they are...playground bullies. Every time a parent walks away and doesn't speak up, that enables the bullies to become stronger. Parents need to stop worrying about recrimination against their children. That's what attorneys are for! I would dare any adminstrator in this school district to use recrimination against children because they don't like the parents! Parents need to take back the power. We can file educatior misconduct and adminstrator misconduct complaints at the state level. There's no cost involved to do that. Maybe that's what this district needs...some lawsuits! Hopefully, the new school board members can begin to turn this around. Hopefully, the new school board members realize that they work for parents and taxpayers, not for Nina Zetty. Hopefully, the new school board members realize that Nina Zetty works for them, and us, their constituents. It's time for parents to do what they need to do. Stand up, even if you have to do it alone. What example are we as parents setting for our children if we just complain in private and have a defeatist attitude? Each parent can make a HUGE difference. Start "getting in the face" of each and every administrator in this school district each and every time they don't act in the best interest of the children!!!! If every parent in this school district made at least one phone call to at least one adminstrator every week and at least one phone call to Nina Zetty every week, that would be a lot of phone calls!!! They can ignore some parents all of the time, but they can't ignore all parents all of the time!
THE AR's are done so the Superintendent can write what she wants and then do what she wants. She is the superintendent who STARTED all of the Many AR's. In the past, there were a few of them which made it advantageous to not have to constantly change whole policies. No former superintendent used it to be a Control Superintendent. She uses them to do whatever she wants.
I was told that under the last superintendent - if you talk to administrators who was here when Dr. Mackely and Zetty were, - Zetty complained how he treated her - she told people she was upset, she complained about not having input, and she also talked about him a lot to the other administrators and complained to a few school board members. Now the shoe is on the other foot. She doesn't like it that the administrators complain about her, that some voice displeasure to some of the board members so they know what she is actually doing. Isn't it funny how it was okay when she was an assistant but now that she is the superintendent, she doesn't like it. Sue, watch your back. The other 3 are not playing nice. How the board can let 3 board members control things is amazing. The one gentleman needs to step up to the plate and we don't mean Tom M. He does his job.
Nina Zetty is speaking to the McMurray PTA on Tuesday, 1/10???? For real???? That should be a good one! There are lots of really fired up moms running around Peters Township these days. Let's just hope that at least some of the McMurray moms have enough courage to stand up tall and ask some really tough questions. It's not every day that Nina comes out of the protection of her office to meet the parents that pay her considerable salary! I may even have to make some time in my busy schedule to be at McMurray next Tuesday morning! I don't think I would dare to miss it! Go McMurray moms, Go!!!!
"They have been trying to cut graduation speeches for years because "it takes too long".
January 7, 2012 3:54 PM
The only speech taking too long last year was the superintendent's. Rambling on and on with no real point to it. The one year the kids threw their hats up, thinking it was over, and she insisted on speaking. She could have let things end and shortened the ceremony but, no.
I was watching the Coffee House on TV and was shocked. We put thousands of dollars into a sound system for the upper fields and shame on everyone because the performances could not even be heard. Who screens these before they go out? That production should have never been put out to the public and since it has it just shows where the fall in all of this they are even lower than academics.
The Coffee House??? Really??? Come on parents, let's at least TRY to focus our efforts on the serious stuff and just stop complaining about every little thing that comes to mind. How many of you "bloggers" have ever made an appointment with a district administrator to meet him/her in his/her office to express your frustrations, make constructive suggesstions, etc...??? Until we as parents take the time to DEMAND accountability FACE TO FACE with these administrators, including Nina Zetty, NOTHING will change. It's pretty clear that the school board can't fix everything for us. Parents need to do this for themselves!!! I would challenge each and every person who reads this blog to make an appointment THIS WEEK with a building administrator or cental office administrator to discuss your personal concerns. It's a lot harder for parents to be ignored when they present their concerns and issues in-person. And, please remember, administrators (including Zetty) are obligated to make themselves available to taxpayers and parents for meetings. Don't accept the "my schedule is too full" excuse. The customer should always come first!! We all know that's the case in the real world, so why should it be any different in this school district?? How many of you "bloggers" will be at McMurray Elementary on Tuesday morning??? Zetty will be there to answer our questions! If the Coffee House is really that important to you, then go to McMurray Elementary and express your concerns to Zetty IN-PERSON!!! Come on parents....it's time to stop complaining in the shadows!!! I hope to see you all at McMurray on Tuesday morning!!!
We have some great traditions here at Peters. One was how graduation speeches were "earned". To wipe out yet another aspect of our traditions and culture is a mistake. Obviously, anything that has been good or worked is being systematically eliminated, like how graduation projects were handled in the past. NZ finger print is all over everything and then she will leave or get fired. Someone please stop this run away train.
"Until we as parents take the time to DEMAND accountability FACE TO FACE with these administrators,...."
Some of us have 'been there-done that'. It gets extremely discouraging after the first couple of times, pretty much being told "Too bad, your kid must have a problem because we have not heard that from anyone else. If it is such a big problem, why have I not heard about it before?" That is the standard reply. It is a waste of breath and time. I think that is why parents not longer speak up. It does nothing. I think many have just grown weary. It is taxation without representation.
Some of us are barely staying afloat, how are we supposed to hire attorneys? Not all of us are loaded with money. I sure hope there is a big turn out at the McMurray meeting. When is she speaking at the other schools? I know she has been to PV.
Yes, We have some great (and not so great) traditions here at Peters. One was how graduation speeches were not really written by the students. Just ask some of the previous students that spoke. My child's best friend spoke at graduation. Not that I, at all, like the change you are claiming but sometimes it is good to create new traditions or implement some that the students want. The kids still graduate. How does that impact the current education of students? Once again, it impacts three students. Where is the concern regarding the education of the other thousand? I have also heard kids saying that the president of the student body is not earned, it is just a popularity contest; although the kids are saying that is starting to change; which is a tradition worth changing! I have three children that graduated here and not one of them remember the speeches, but they really do remember who the students wanted to speak to represent them, but it was not permitted. I agree, there is no need for the super speak. A short congratulations/good job would suffice.
Some 'traditions' are decades old and times have changed. PT also had hazing traditions as well, should they remain in the name of 'tradition'? Hey the kids got hollered at by the football coach for following tradition of painting the graduation year on the visitors stand.
We have enough wrong with this entire education system here in pt. Kids are being told they will not graduation because of the two newly implemented graduation requirements and we are about to be taken over by the state within the next 5 years and you are concerned with graduation speeches? Really?
Zetty will NEVER leave on her own.
"One was how graduation speeches were "earned"."
You are joking aren't you? I graduated from this God awful school district about five year ago. The people that spoke at my graduation were told, word for word, what to say. Most of the claimed 'tradition' in PTSD was horrid and bullying was widespread and certainly not addressed. I have a little brother that attends public school here. On a positive note, I must say he will get a great education in honors and AP classes in high school. A large number students that graduated in my class, who took only academic classes, needed remedial help in college or dropped out.
It now appears, from the outside looking in, that the educational gap between academic and honors/AP courses is growing. It is my personal opinion that the administration of this school district has done a sincere disservice to parents, students and taxpayers by insisting student take a pseudo-online course. I fail to see the touted benefit. I think such an action hinders those students taking challenging courses.
It appears the superintendent and school board are politically motivated and everything is happy in quid pro quo land. It is quite clearly taxation without representation, one of the reasons for the American Revolution. It is abominable.
concerned with graduation speeches? Really?
January 9, 2012 8:42 AM
Ha ha ha typical someone has their own pet peeve and because it is not the same as yours you have to be critical. I don't support that and I still believe in the way the speeches were given and enjoyed that even though it to may not have been perfect.
"Some of us have been there-done that and have just grown weary..." I wrote the post to which you are responding, stating that we need to demand accountability face-to-face, and yes, I HAVE ALSO GROWN WEARY and I AM ALSO SICK AND TIRED OF BEING TOLD THAT I AM THE ONLY ONE WITH THE PROBLEMS THAT I REPORT! I feel a little beter at least knowing that I am not the only parent being told the same lies. I guess my point was simply that we shouldn't feel defeated and that we need to keep trying. I think that if the numbers of us willing to take the fight directly to the "enemy" would increase, that we might have a better chance of winning at least some of the battles. I'm not sure how we can all band together if we don't know each other and we all operate as individuals. Maybe someone with great organizational and leadership skills would be willing to form a grass roots parents group right here in Peters Township???? Hold an initial meeting at the Rec Center some evening and maybe start to organize all of the frustrated parents into a group??? Is there anyone out there who would be willing to start something like that??? I think that there are enough of us out there who would be very willing to join and lend our support! I myself often feel like its a total waste of time and breath to encourage meaningful change, but I don't know what else to do but to just keep trying as much as I can. My kids are depending on me to do my job as a parent! I guess the point of my initial post was simply to encourage more parents to do even just a little bit more and to be careful not to feel defeated. If we feel defeated, and act defeated, we will be defeated....
My son spoke at his commencement. He wrote his own speech. All of the speakers wrote their own speeches. The speeches were excellent and memorable. Much effort was put forth by these students who had worked hard for this honor.
My son spoke at his graduation. He wrote his own speech. Everyone who spoke that year had written their own speech. They were excellent and memorable.
I have taken complaints and requests directly to board members and spoken to the super face to face on more than one occasion. No results, other than I got to be heard.
I cannot attend the meeting at McMurray, can never attend any PTA meetings, because they are always held in the daytime WHEN I WORK.
The complaint on Coffee House, I am sure, wasn't about Coffee House. It was about the sound system and outdated equipment the high school kids have had to use for decades-literally decades-without updates. Can you imagine some sports or other activities in the school using decades old equipment? This same equipment is used for nearly every activity in the school needing sound, lighting, recording and broadcasting. It needs to be updated. Yesterday.
I have also had the distinct "pleasure" of meeting face to face with Nina Zetty and other building and district administrators on many, many occasions. You're absolutely right...usually nothing meaningful is achieved. They HEAR what you are saying, but they don't LISTEN. On many occasions, I have been made promises that have simply not been kept. On many occasions, they have boldly lied. On MOST occasions, they are evasive, at best. They are generally disrespectful and condescending, as well. For some odd reason, they don't understand that parents pay their salaries. For some odd reason, they don't know that they are supposed to be acting in the best interest of the students, not in the best interest of themselves. I'm beginning to wonder if some of them actually think that this is some kind of joke? Or, could they really just be totally incompetent? The same goes for some school board members. The lack of accountability and character is appalling and shameful. The lies and deception are intolerable. These people won't even respond to respectful e-mail on meaningful issues! They ignore phone calls. So, what are we as parents going to do??? Perhaps, we need to get even tougher? Perhaps, we need to start filing complaints with the PA Dept of Ed? Perhaps, we need to somehow join together as an organized and well-represented group? Does ANYONE in our highly talented and resourceful community have any experience in forming a grass roots type parent organization??? It doesn't have to be a parent. It could be any taxpayer. It could even be a recently graduated disillusioned student of the district! I would encourage ANYONE with the desire and willingness to come forward and do so as soon as possible. I believe that the support from parents would be overwhelming. Dramatic action is required to turn this thing around.
Oh boy that football bubble is about to burst. I wonder if anyone will listen and realize that DZ had a vendetta against the former coach and that she broke all protocol in having the current person hired. Now evidence is surfacing as to just how much went wrong in that program this year and what a poor hire that was. I know no one listens and we are critical about law suits but it is evident that that is the only way anyone gets results. Our leadership keeps on with the same unacceptable behavior with the same unacceptable results.
WOW, you mean she finally "found" the email that was sent to her a couple of months ago about football Coach Rambo? I understand it found it's was to the board members too since the Czar swept it under the rug along with who knows what else. She is such a piece of work and a liar. Was there another closed door meeting to discuss this with the board?Wake up folks....next she will probably say they spoke to people with knowledge of the situation and that their stories did not jive. Don't believe a word she says, I never have and never will. I say it's time the citizens in this community go to the Post Gazette then the state of PA. What is it going to take? One of our children getting seriously injured or to die?
The unacceptable behavior needs to be stopped. Maybe it's time for this district to have some really good lawsuits brought against it. There are potential administrator misconduct cases floating around the district right now. School board misconduct, too. This district is being destroyed from the top down. PTSD won't even be recognizable three years from now if the current superintendent is allowed to continue her employment here. Our kids are paying the price every day, and our property values will eventually suffer, too. Our school district is becoming a joke. Our district can't hold a candle to other rising stars like South Fayette School District. Don't even try to compare us to St. Clair at this point. We are becoming an embarrassment. So what are the payers and taxpayers going to do about it? What is the school board going to do about it? The school board is accountable for administrator performance, and the school board is accountable to taxpayers. What's up school board? How long are you going to let this continue?
Oh boy that football bubble is about to burst.
Let's see....
Assistant coach resigns sending email to "DZ", Board Members, Athletic Director, HS Admin. and, oh yes, former fb coach NM. Makes a person go... hummm? The beat goes on and on and on.
I am curious if any teachers are willing to accept pay freezes to avoid furloughs next year? Too bad it is not like the real world and the district can keep teachers that perform, regardless of tenure.
The same goes for administration. Why do we have a curriculum person when we have a curriculum freeze? Can't we lay that person off? Why is the district budgeting for administrative raises? Is this helpful for the education of students?
I think "people over stuff" applies to the everyday folks that directly impact the student, every. single. day.; not those that sit in offices all day that have absolutely no clue, or completely ignores, what goes on every day.
"WOW, you mean she finally "found" the email that was sent to her a couple of months ago about football Coach Rambo?"
What are you talking about? Sounds like football is complaining again. Are these folks ever happy? Do you folks care at all about the education your child is receiving in public school or is it all about who coaches your child after school in football and what field you play on? Guess What; your child isn't going to play in the NFL?
Don't you have 9 assistant coaches, some of which are volunteers? Who is NM and which coach is 'Rambo'? The thousands of us that are not parents of the 80 football players have no clue what you are talking about. You have to spell it out for us. Every single football coach that has been here for the past twenty years is always complained about in some way. So what is new here? Doesn't football always have some kind of drama for a coach or district employee in some way? That is the only sport we hear constant complaints about. We have ALWAYS had board member(s) that has their fingers in the football program. Isn't that the only reason those folks on the board? They are not 'helping' anyone else!
I would like to know how it is that some of the Peters Township High School banners, that hung in the parking lot, are now decorations in residents homes?
Deception is rampant at the district administration level, includes some building administration, too. They tell so many lies on a daily basis that they can't even keep them straight. Even when you catch them in lies, they still manage to get away with it. There's no question that misconduct cases are floating about the district. I think it's time for some serious accountability. NO ONE should be allowed to destroy a school district with such wonderful, talented students. Our kids aren't getting the education that they deserve. Why did most of us buy houses here in the first place? We thought that the school district was excellent. That is the operative word...WAS. This school district is a joke and an embarrassment. Why are we allowing one woman to destroy everything that we have worked for as parents? Our kids are suffering, and our wallets are going to suffer, too. Our property values are linked to the success or failure of the school district. People aren't going to pay premium prices to live here if our school district stinks. Our kids are counting on each and every one of us to stand up and say "enough is enough". Come on teachers...partner with the parents and fix this situation.
School board members used to care what was actually going on within the schools. I am glad they are starting the new year off right by actually showing up at the schools again! It is about time they get back on track.
Sorry, I do not have a child in the football program. Who is coach Rambo? What kind of letter are you talking about that mysteriously disappeared? I hate to tell you, but that happens ALL the time in PT, not just in football. Things get 'lost' or swept under the rug. That is the status quo here!
Fact: N.Z. and L.E. both called that asst. coach after they received the email after 10pm. What are the super. and a school board member doing calling an assitant coach at 10pm? They convinced him to write a "more positive one" 2 hours later.
Fact: Get ready for fireworks. Someone "lawyer'd up" this afternoon also.
Wait and watch N.Z. and L.E. distance themselves from the football coach when this crumbles.
Sounds familiar CG. Remember the old softball coach? NZ fired her in 09 without consulting with the Ath Dir. She went to the playoffs 4/5 years. Then CG put her new coach in, who they also fired. 3 coaches in 3 years must be the formula for success...that is how it will end up with football.
Why are these two board members involved in athletics so much???
There are so many more important issues out there that need to be addressed other than athletics.
Let's see....
Assistant coach resigns sending email to "DZ", Board Members, Athletic Director, HS Admin. and, oh yes, former fb coach NM. Makes a person go... hummm? The beat goes on and on and on.
January 11, 2012 5:45 PM
Would this be the same assistant coach that met with a school board member her husband and Caoch Rambo at the school board members house last night to discuss personnel issues? HAHA and we as taxpayers and citizens thought personnel matters were only discussed behind closed doors before the school board meetings. Czar you better get your hand picked HR attorney geared up for when all this stuff hits the press and Harrisburg. You had better have a pretty good game plan in order. Trying to make fools out of professionals in the district is not going to work. May work in Brownsville but not here. What is going on in this district should have certain board members impeached and Nina fired posthaste. I think Tuesday's board meeting needs to be televised, you think?
"Don't even try to compare us to St. Clair at this point. We are becoming an embarrassment."
True. It has been for the past year or two, yet the majority of board thinks everything is just peachy and wonderful. They have blinders on and do not care.
"Tuesday's board meeting needs to be televised, you think?"
All regular monthly board meetings are televised, except Decembers. It has been that way for years. Haven't you been watching?
"Remember the old softball coach?"
Yes, I do. My child played for her. She was a good coach and a very nice person; but was smoking at school events and would neglect coaching duties to go have a cigarette. Do you feel a coaches record is more important than inappropriate behaviors around our students at school events? Sports and records. That is it, isn't it. A persons character or behaviors to get a winning record does not matter. Wow.
Fact: N.Z. and L.E. both called that asst. coach after they received the email after 10pm. What are the super. and a school board member doing calling an assitant coach at 10pm? They convinced him to write a "more positive one" 2 hours later.
Yes she did and Lynn Erenberg was stupid enough to send it out under her email address. She needs to go, What business does she have discussing confidential information about personnel with personnel about other personnel? Then she had that person rewrite his letter and she (Lynn) forwarded it in an email to parents. No need to ask if this really happened cannot dispute an email from her,. Is she really that stuipid guess so Lynn must go along with the other two stooges and Czar. You people are a disgrace to our district it is time the taxpayers are seeing your true colors
The board had the opportunity to NOT renew the unkind super. 4 said no and 5 said yes because he didn't want to start again! Oh brother. Let them now deal with the consequences of terrible leadership, the prejudice of people being treated differently in central office, admin not supporting her as she goes on the hunt for who talks about her. Sadly her lack of understanding is not good for our students, n especially the HS. At least we have a strong admin team at the HS. The athletic problems will blow up soon. I wonder who Zetty will tell to take ownership of this now? I actually heard some people talking (parents) saying that the previous super did not hurt the district as much as this one. Because of her management mess and inability to speak with people clearly, the district could be in its darkest decade in 30 years.
How can Zetty lay off one teacher when we have NO curriculum for a central office curriculum person? Let the k-8 admin do it if teachers are getting laid off. No big business manager salary next year! No super raise next year. No Zetty conferences next year!
Look for Zetty to either begin her I am picked on mantra or she will start blaming others for her screw ups. She wants to be like Teflon.
We may have contact with a reporter who we need to promise not to tell the PR lady what will be taking place
Mark and Andrew, get an attorney do not let them turn this story into something it is not. You two speak the truth. I want my children that play sports to be safe and I trust you two over Nina and Lynn, her husband, and the "Coach" anyday. Fight for our kids
All regular monthly board meetings are televised, except Decembers. It has been that way for years. Haven't you been watching?
What happened in December since you know it all please enlighten the rest of us
At least we have a strong admin team at the HS.
I agree
January 13, 2012 8:47 AM
Where is the protocol. The AD then the HS Adm are to be dealing with coaches. The super is a last resort and Board members are a no no as they might have to hear issues when contracts are not renewed. Personnel discussion on the e-mail what next? Super and Board members calling asst coaches at home in the late late evening what next? How about next being some good educational decisions? By the way is this a sign of the types of hires NZ has made.
Why do we have an AD or HS Principal if NZ is calling ALL I repeat ALL the shots. Hard for her to blame anyone else that's the only good thing.
January 13, 2012 8:47 AM
Where is the protocol. The AD then the HS Adm are to be dealing with coaches. The super is a last resort and Board members are a no no as they might have to hear issues when contracts are not renewed. Personnel discussion on the e-mail what next? Super and Board members calling asst coaches at home in the late late evening what next? How about next being some good educational decisions? By the way is this a sign of the types of hires NZ has made.
Why do we have an AD or HS Principal if NZ is calling ALL I repeat ALL the shots. Hard for her to blame anyone else that's the only good thing.
I am so sorry I had to work and missed Bill M one of the new school board members speak at the high school PTA meeting. You go Bill tell it like it is and do not let Nina and Cindy intimidate you!
Just so you know....I would also think you are allowed to address citizens that speak at school board meetings. I know Cindy has been rude to many of them as they stood at the podium. Don't let them pull the wool over your eyes. We need more like you! BTW is Mr. Dumlevy too scared to question the three stooges he aligned himself with. What a mistake he made.
Where is the protocol.
**
There does not seem to be any of that here in PT either. It is lie cheat and threaten until you get caught. I think some folks are finally busted! Have you all seen the emails? What a field day let the games begin!
Why are these two board members involved in athletics so much???
Answer:
The sad truth is that the one board member who cannot distance herself from being the football coach was/still is? head of the education committee on the board When did the education in this district start going downhill? Do the math need I say more?
"What happened in December since you know it all please enlighten the rest of us"
In the past, the December meeting was just a 10 minute reorganizational meeting and it was never televised. That does not mean it should not be. Please excuse me for passing along past information that I was aware of. You people are really rude.
Dear
IS IT true that Cindy talked to some board members to stop talking to administrators? It is NOT ILLEGAL CINDY. They can talk to who they want. You didn't care when you used to talk to administrators about Dr. Timm? Remember? You didn't care when you would talk to secretaries and people at the H.S. about Zetty when you wanted to know information. Remember? Hey board, are you being bullied by her? Are you afraid of her? When are the 5 and now the 6 of you going to speak out in public? What are you afraid of? A number of us know who she would call to discuss Zetty and she was on the board.
Perhaps our administration has threatened a lawsuit against board members that ask questions or want accountability?
My namne is Mark Mortland and I sent an email to Dr. Zetty on 11-30-11 outlining in detail serious problems with the head football coach. I never received any response so I forwarded it to the school board on 1-4-12 and boy did I hear from Dr. Z then. She attacted me. Funny no response until I forward to school board.
She later met with Andrew who substaniated my entire letter with facts,names, dates etc. She later went to the board and said there was no basis for my complaint. An out right liar. How many times has she lied to to the board to get her own way. We are talking about serious potential injuries and she turns her head to get her own way? She is leading our district? Even worse ther are 5 board members rubber stamping things so they can take care of their personal agendas and not do anything for our kids. I know of this liar first hand now and I am calling for her immediate resignation and for board members to step down. I have contacted legal council and will be addressing this.
By the way I do not have a kid in the football program and I am not one of the "80" parents who complain. I watch over the kids at the school as if they were mine. This has just brought to light a bigger problem that affects all of us. We have a superinten. and 5 school board members that have their own agenda and it doesnt matter what is best for "All of our" kids whether they are in sports or not.
Dear School Board,
What I am about to say is not meant to be Mean like, but are some of you that dumb? Zetty is the one who planned the trip to Philadelphia. The administrators did not, no matter what Zetty writes or tells you. This is what took place:
Zetty scheduled the trip to Philly
Zetty TOLD the HS administrators to clear their calendars
Zetty had the plane tickets ordered
Zetty told them them when they were going and decided who was going.
The administrators did NONE of the above. That is the truth. She wants them to say this was their idea, but I bet they are tired of getting bullied and you won't hear them lie to say that. You do want the truth, right?
What she should have done was the following:
-Talk to them in great detail about the pluses and minusus
-Talk to the board about the reasons for going
-Not have a knee jerk reaction
- if consensus was that it was a good idea, plan it - YES plan it
- Not make them go immediately so they didn't have to CLEAR their calendars with important work already planned ahead of time!
-Taken the district vehicle and NOT a plane to save hundreds of dollars
*Let's have our elementary students do a math problem. Calculate the amount of money for round trip air far to Philadelphia and back (don't forget airport parking for each one) for 5 people vs. driving in a district vehicle. Figure in gas and tolls. Guess what the results are? Boy, our kids are smart.
Actually, she SHOULDN'T have gone because she used more district money for something NOT needed at this time due to district money issues. That money could have been used for student materials, teacher supplies, etc.
-Hey PTSD Administrators, the next time you order something and Zetty says no and you say but the money is in the budget and she says That doesn't mean we can use it, say to her, "Remember the Philadelphia plane fare trip, you used that money already in the budget and shouldn't have"
Come on, are some of you that clueless?
Mr. D.H., you once complained at a board meeting about not wanting to approve anything after the fact. Well, Zetty never got school board approval for this beforehand. Are you and the 5 others going to approve this or not?
Peters Township already can predict your answer along with the 5 others. Come on school board, are you ever going to change your ways do the right things for the right reasons?
Dear
IS IT true that Cindy talked to some board members to stop talking to administrators? It is NOT ILLEGAL CINDY. They can talk to who they want. You didn't care when you used to talk to administrators about Dr. Timm? Remember? You didn't care when you would talk to secretaries and people at the H.S. about Zetty when you wanted to know information. Remember? Hey board, are you being bullied by her? Are you afraid of her? When are the 5 and now the 6 of you going to speak out in public? What are you afraid of? A number of us know who she would call to discuss Zetty and she was on the board.
January 13, 2012 11:23 PM
In response to this I think another poster has hit the nail right on the head lie cheat and threaten till they all get caught in their own web of tangled lies they have no idea what lie of a lie they are on. Gotta go Nina and her stooges they have taken this district and its reputation to an all time low. You idiots should be ashamed of yourselves
January 13, 2012 11:23 PM
interesting thought. i know that various building administrators have done complete 180's on some specific student topics this year. i found it quite shocking that they were totally disregarding their previous ideas. i wonder if they are being 'bullied' into falsely expressing things as well?
Dear School Board:
Those of you who sit there silent need to decide if you are going to continue to be part of the problem or be part of the solution. The six of you ARE letting this district be run into the ground.
To the board members and superintendent who are running around the district trying to find out which board members talk to teachers and administrators (listen to how that sounds), which administrators talk to board members and parents (again, think about that), you are worried about the grains of sand while the beach is being buried by the ocean. Here is what you should be concerned with:
*NOT WHO is talking to school board members, not which administrators are talking, why almost all of the information that happens in central office, in the buildings, and with that board is known and a lot of it comes out here. Not hat emails from parents let them be posted here, BUT WHY?
Here are the whys:
- Due to the many mismanaged situations, incorrect decisions, constant mind changing, and degrading interactions with and to the parents, administrators, teachers, and community members
-Many people saying that lies are told.
Comments in the posted e-mail and many others saying they caught the superintendent not being truthful.
Ex. To repeat something that has been said so often that I am tired of it, but, did the board address the superintendent when she told them she and the administrators decided on the 3.7 QPA? I have talked to many administrators and everyone told me the exact same thing: That never happened - she told them what the QPA was - they did not like it and many complained to her - but she still did it. The problem MIGHT NOT be that she did it (even though it was another unwise decision for many reasons that we won't go into here) but that she didn't have the integrity to say it was her idea when the board saw all the problems with it. This is just like her trying to shove off the Phila. trip on the HS administrators.
HELLO? School board members and administrators have talked - either behind closed doors or in front of them since both have existed -and it will continue. Some years there were very few problems because of the excellent leadership, and some years (NOW) it has been a major issue for the results of the discussions due to the "leadership". These discussions are the only way we are finding out what is really going on and how it is taking place.
Some board members and the superintendent and whomever else she has looking into this need to QUIT worrying about who is talking - heck, EVERYONE IS TALKING - and look to WHY. Now, you know why. There is more concern, problems, and anger during this superintendent's reign than we have seen here on our community. Yes, worse than any previous administration.
Board members, Do you stay on the board and not do the right thing, or if it is too difficult have you thought that you should resign? I don't know, but this district now has SEVERE issues and EVERYBODY'S TALKING!
PS: For those few of you who try to rationalize what is written here and in other threads:
-No, it isn't the same few people who write here. Many, many are now involved both writing and discussing and meeting
-No, employees aren't angry because with this superintendent there is accountability. That is the funniest one ever. She micromanages and don't you think there was accountability when our district was at our best with Dr. Jack, Dr. Kirk, and even did well with Dr. Urso?
-No, people don't write here because they are disgruntled employees. Most of the people writing here are angry parents and community members. Look at the posted email as one example.
See you Tuesday Night??
Mr. Mortland,
Thank you. Please do not back down. Hopefully, you have copy of the original email you sent. She will deny receiving it.
Football is not the only aspect in PTSD where our super and SOME board members have lied, covered up, ignored and made underhanded deals that affect our kids and community. The ball field costs and degredation to the community surrounding it, the graduation project, the fight for special education, cuts in support for academic teams, nepotism in hiring unqualified people, covering up personnel issues that should be dealt with, not including all board members on emails, meetings held in secret, changing policies without a vote, removing policies from public websites, not responding to speakers at board meetings...anyone wish to add to this list?
I love this school district, and have faith in, and respect for, the job done by the majority of its teachers and administrators.
The problems PTSD has had of late, all seem to point to the same people.
Do we spend the money needed to oust them, or let the cost of them staying fall on our kids and their education?
Mr. Mortland isn't the only one seeking legal counsel regarding matters in this school district. Kudos to Mr. Mortland for having the courage to post his name. The lies and misconduct can no longer be hidden by the perpetrators at the top. The liars can't keep their stories straight at this point, and it's obvious that they are not that bright. I would predict that others in our community have grown sick and tired of being bullied around and will step forward soon with legal action against the district. This superintendent does not have the integrity necessary to lead our district for the next three years. Parents and taxpayers need to vocally support the newest school board members in their efforts to "clean house". Every single administrator and board member guilty of misconduct should go! If administrators are truly worried about job security, they should quickly distance themselves from Nina Zetty instead of aligning themselves with her. When she is ousted, they will be ousted, too. It's time for a long overdue shake up...please support our newest school board members in getting it done NOW! The newest school board members obviously stepped forward for a reason.
Nina please take Cindy, Lynn and Lori with you too good bye
I do not usually go on this blog, but received a call from my friend telling me I needed to read this. One thing is true, there is a definate hatred, dislike and lack of respect for the school board and the superintendent. Specifically, Cindy G and Lynn E. but what else is new?
What i am sad to see is how David Hvizdos has succumbed to their antics, probably because he can't stand up to his wife, who probably is the one who is really on the board, if you get my drift.
As far as the rest, they are just pawns. You all should be ashamed of yourselves. You were voted into office to support the people not to support NZ and her entourage.
Wake up PT parents..get together, be smart and take action. You have the right to be heard
Kudos to Mr. Mortland talk about hitting the nail on the head. Thank you for exposing all these people for exactly what they are: liars, cheaters, and people who threaten and intimidate. I urge all taxpayers in this district to show up at the meeting on Tuesday and line up and speak your five minutes of time. (I am sure the media has already been alterted to this mess.) After all how much in taxes do you pay a year? Stand up and be heard and experience the eye rolling, whipsering, and downright rude behavior of her royal highness the board president
Cindy and her "ladies" in waiting.
Mr. Mortland I support you and belive YOU, your reputation as a professional in the field of physical therapy in Peters Township as well as a physical therapist the years you spent with the Pittsburgh Penquins far out weighs the phonies we have in Nina Zetty and her 3 stooges. I hope you take this situation to Harrisburg and beyond. I think it is time there is in investigation into exactly what is going on in this district finacially, ethically, and moraly. Some of the "ladies" on the board have gotten way too big for their britches and must be stopped.
I cannot believe how everyone is afraid to stand up for what is right for fear our children will pay the price. How sick is it
that we fear the people we elected?
I have seen the email replies from Dr. Zetty to you...you are correct, she needs to resign immediately. How can her staff or the public find anything further she says credible? Not that we have before, but was hoping for a first.
I have seen the "altered" email resent from Lynn Erenberg under her email discussing football personnel issues, are you kidding me? However, nothing new here either!
I have seen countless emails from parents supporting your work and that of your team Andrew and Kim. Isn't it funny they all seem to substantiate what you have said and then some. So let me see... all of these parents who wrote letters of support about you, and you Andrew and Kim are wrong? and Nina Lynn and Cindy are all more truthful? LMAO
Will we continue to allow this behavior and risk the health of any one child in the district?
Nina's most recent montra pushed everything at us in the name of safety. Nina get your story straight you cannot continue to talk out of both sides of your (fill in the blank)
I do not know how any of you sleep at night. Are you all that sure of yourselves that nothing concerns you except your own agendas even at the risk of someones child?
Mark,
If you are so concerned about the PT kids then maybe you should care about your own kids too. You got fired from the Penguins, you cheated on your lovely wife with a blonde bimbo that works for you and you abandoned your family. So who are we to take advice from a cheater and a liar like you? Sorry, you carry no creditability with us. You are looking for business opportunities from the community and it is not working. Good luck with that. And your friend Bill M. - he can teach you how to sue a school district, he has experience with that from Char Valley.
Mark as your attorney this question
How can Lynn Erenberg as a member of the school board objectvely vote to retain the current head football coach when this "embattled" coach just appointed Rich Erenberg as the football booster club president? Does this not seem like a conflict of interest?
January 13, 2012 2:13 PM
The AD hire is yet another pawn in the game here at PT. He is another hire made by the school board member and her husband.
He is in way over his head. He is so afraid for his job and does
not to make LE and RE upset so
he will say anything and everything they want him to say they brought him here just like they "hired" the head football coach. You need to be at the board meeting Tuesday night spread the word. This is for the safety of our children
Perhaps our administration has threatened a lawsuit against board members that ask questions or want accountability?
January 14, 2012 9:49 AM
Perhaps Harrisburg needs to be contacted so an investigation can be conducted into what the heck is going on here. We have a renegade school board where board members will not even speak to other board members. Let alone the public..no need to wonder why were are treated like dirt at the board meetings. Time to stand up and give it back let's see how they like it?
Emails are being sent leaving certain board members off the distribution list intentionally. Private "board" meetings are being held everywhere and anywhere without everyone on the board being in attendance and/or invited to attend....this is how "they" the slate get everything they want passed. They meet before hand blindside the board members they don't include and rubber stamp everything with no discussion. This is so illegal it is almost criminal. Our school board attorney (not the attorney on the board) needs to get a voice and start earning the money he is being paid by the taxpayers in this district. Parents please get involved before we let these fakes drive our district to bankruptcy and more and more lawsuits...they are both coming get ready
January 15, 2012 10:43 PM
Obviously you are one of the "perfect Peters moms" make sure your house is clean before trashing others? Bet its not
"Our school board attorney needs to get a voice and start earning his money..."
Mr. Jack Cambest is on Nina Zetty's side. What intimidation tactic did she use to put him in her back pocket? Who knows? He should be watched very carefully and with the utmost scrutiny by the school board's newest members and by the community. It seems that perhaps Mr. Jack Cambest gives legal advice that Nina Zetty likes, not legal advice that would serve the best interest of the community, or legal advice that is actually accurate. Mr. Jack Cambest needs to immediately find his voice and start following the letter of the law. If he doesn't immediately start doing what he is being paid by taxpayers to do, he will find himself in a misconduct situation all his own. The corruption and decay in this school district is starting to stink up the whole township. If I was looking to buy a house in the South Hills area, I would be running from Peters Township as fast as I could. Our kids are suffering now, and our real estate values will be next. NO ONE wants to buy a house in a school district that STINKS, unless they get a really good deal on the price! Did anyone contact the local media for tomorrow night's school board meeting? The media loves this type of drama, and I don't think that we can count on The Almanac reporter to properly expose the corruption that is so widespread. WPXI, WTAE and KDKA should be willing to cover the story. It's always news when a "well-respected" school district gets exposed for what it really is...Nothing could please our neighbors/rivals in St. Clair more than seeing Peters go under...
Dear Mr. Mortland,
Please look into a law suit at person that wrote about you here. Though it is a blog, there is a place in which defamation and libel takes place. This person went over the line. Hopefully, through your lawyer, you will be able to get the person who wrote the mean - hateful - words. As far as Zetty and her disrespect toward you, that is who she is. You can't change a rock. When someone has almost no people skills, has a terrible time communicating, and has little credibility with the staff, what you see it what you get. The only support she probably has is the pr lady and maybe the curriculum lady. That is it.
Here is what I don't get, things are terrible here and Cindy and Michelle, and Dave, and Lori and anyone else, when you voiced how things were bad with the previous superintendent, you wanted to change the district for the better. This current state of affairs is worse now than ever! The administrators are in a terrible situation, the teachers are working without central office leadership, and this district is now the laughing stock of the county. Lori and Dave, you two have the intelligence to know better, please start doing the right thing. Do you really not see what she has done? Do you really think people have made all of this up. Come on!
"...anyone wish to add to this list?"
yes i do. online classes that were promised three years ago are just now appearing. it is required for next years graduates. i can not pretend to know what is going on here, but i can say that andrew, that works with kids that get injuries, is such an asset. if it were not for his immediate attention to my child that had an injury, she would have possibly needed surgery. regardless of mr. mortlands personal life, i have been ignored in the same manner by this administration and have no skeletons in my closet; why was my issue ignored by the school board and superintendent?
are you saying the district should base administrative response upon someone's personal life? grow up.
The danger of standing up in public is that ugly people will reach into your life and hammer you trying to deflect your comments with sins of your past. Mark M is a fine person regardless of some past indiscretions and I trust him, believe in him and am tired of anyone who misses the mark--the mark is NZ and those few, very few, who are supporting her. Don't be discouraged as those who attack when NZ is boxed in the corner are probable those very few who support her. Like I said very few. Way to go Mark M.
Irregardless of someones personal antics, there is no excuse for a superintendent not to answer a safety concern or calling people liars. I know of some parents that were also verbally called liars by PTSD administration. All the legitimate documentation in the world did not matter. Administration accused the parents of fabricating documentation that was handed out by district employees! I had the same documentation from school district employees.
The school board obviously thinks this is an acceptable practice and they also seem to think it is fine that children are being told to lie too.
I also do not find it acceptable to bash the families of school board members. That is uncalled for.
"Though it is a blog, there is a place in which defamation and libel takes place."
libel. 1) n. to publish in print (including pictures), writing or broadcast through radio, television or film, an untruth.
As much as I detest this school board, it is wrong to drag their families into school district business. I find it interesting that fowl words against a community member, that is not on the school board, has outraged a couple of you; yet you all feel it is ok to make such statements about school board members. I think it is wrong on all levels.
Could we please focus on making changes for the betterment of this school district; which includes getting rid of this school board and superintendent; for the sake of all stakeholders?
There is no excuse for not responding to emails or phone calls, which is quite common place and wrong in this school district. The school board has listened to complaints publicly and via email. It is VERY obvious, they have CHOSEN to not do anything about it. Therefore, the outcome is obvious, they must go. We can not make them serve the taxpayers no matter how loud we holler. Impeachment perhaps? I do not know.
The kingdom of NZ, LE, CG and all their minions is ready to crumble!
Boy, are they sweating now that they are exposed as the liars and master manipulators that many people in this district have known they are for years and years.
The libelous attack on Mr. Mortland is a perfect example of their desperation to cling to power.
If any group should refrain from making personal attacks it is this one.
The dirty laundry of LE and CG can be its own blog topic, if that's what they want.
Congratulations to Mr. Mortland for putting his name to his post. Of course, we see what it gets him. Had the super properly--and legally--acted on his expressed concerns, he would not have needed to do such and thus expose himself to a personal attack.
We can debate academics vs athletics and the other topics that routinely appear on this blog, but whatever one's position, a coach's callous disregard for a student-athlete's safety and well-being on the playing field is not open to debate. This man is a lawsuit--or perhaps even worse--waiting to happen. Is it worth it just so LE and Mr. LE have a puppet on the sideline--one who actually exchanges text messages with Mr. LE during a game?
It would seem that it's time for the state education department to get involved and bring an end to this 'game.'
Go tonight and make a stand at the board meeting. Line up at the podium and make them sit there and listen to us! These people work for us. There are so many irrate people in the community now they cannot possibly retaliate against all of our kids. At least you can say "I told you so" if they rehire this so called "coach" for football against the advice of an individual with sports injury training and his staff, but more importantly this board will be thumbing their noses at us the taxpayers in the community.
The best part to this sad scenerio is this: those on the board who vote "yes" to rehire Coach Rambo (even with all the poor information and complaints against him from many parents in the community that they all have copies of by now I am sure) will be the ones dragged into the lawsuit against the district when one of our kids gets seriously injured under his direction only the yes voters. How can the board vote to keep him? Are they really that far removed from reality or are they all really that afraid of Nina, Cindy and Lynn, too funny!
As for the rest of how this story will play out let me see...Czar Nina will resgin at the first sign of a lawsuit against someone she rubber stamped and supported even with all the facts... when this happens PTSD will then be left with another huge messy lawsuit to deal with and she will walk away with a nice golden parachute of our hard earned money laughing all the way to Brownsville.
To the press, Harrisburg, and beyond I say who is with me?
One final thought?
Trust me if my son gets hurt playing football under Coach Rambo Nina you are the first in line my attorney is coming after. You had better update your personal liability policy
Dr Mortland should be applauded for his concern of our children. My question is this rather than everyone from the QB club and School Board advising who they support when none of them were there. Lets have exit interviews with all the Asst Coaches that were there and found out the truth!! Bet ya that never happens!
PS. Please dont reference the old softball coach that was let go. Another if you weren't there keep your mouth shut. All she did is smoke on the field, fudge the books, and play all the kids in the booster club board to keep her job. Glad she's gone! By the way thats whats happening in football too huh!!
What else would you expect since HE is the coach's hand-picked booster club president.
All,
Over the last week or so there has been a great deal of misinformation emailed around the community
in an effort to have the Head Football Coaching position opened for the 2012 season. It’s unfortunate
and quite honestly unfair that only one side of the story has been told, so I would ask that you try to
keep an open mind until you hear both sides of the story, which will likely happen within the next few weeks.
As president of the PT Quarterback Club I would like to make it clear that the Quarterback Club fully supports
the PT Football Program including all players and all coaches. Moreover, any emails being sent out by parents
regarding PT Football issues are solely based on the opinions of those individuals and in no way reflects the
position of the PT Quarterback Club.
Should you have further questions please feel free to contact me.
Richard Erenberg
Principal
CC Realty Advisors
701 Technology Drive
Suite 210
Canonsburg, PA 15317
Phone 724-746-3116
Fax 724-746-3153
Cell 724-344-6800
Other side of the story? We will hear it in the next few weeks? Isn't the coach being reinstated TONIGHT? How is hearing another side going to settle things after the fact? What is the other side? State it here.
Do we spend the money needed to oust them, or let the cost of them staying fall on our kids and their education?
January 15, 2012 10:54 AM
After tonight's board meeting, spend the money and oust them! All of them that voted to retain the current head football coach. For all the parents out there that have a son that plays....send them somewhere else, Central, Seton, Bishop or wherever. This head coach they rehired is another lawsuit waiting to happen and is the poorest excuse I have ever seen acting as a "coach". Ask anyone at Upper St. Clair they were so happy he left. More PTSD leftovers... story of our lives here we hire everyone no one else will take and for top dollar. Oust them and spend the money ASAP
School board vote on Coach Piccinini was a huge disappointment. They let us all down once again. The six of them should be ashamed and embarrassed. Total disregard for what's right. Total show of PT politics at it's very best.
i for one, look forward to hearing more information, including the dialogue of what was said to a large group of football students. sadly, i think our school district just put us into more lawsuits. apparently, some vital information was not shared with the school board or they feel that the particular dialogue was appropriate for high school students. i really look forward to hearing that information.
Good luck to the rehired poor excuse of a coach. You will need it with the new WPIAL restructuring that took place last night....now added as opponets:
Woodland Hills
Penn Hills
Plum
Go get'em Rambo best of luck on your first lawsuit. Rich and Lynn you better start getting videos of these teams so you can be effective coaches!
"All of them that voted to retain the current head football coach"
False. Gregg, Merrell and Smith voted 'no'. I think the presence of all the children spoke volumes. So does the vote.
There was presence of children, because they were lied to and were told that the school board wanted to fire the trainer. The Kids were there to show support for the Trainer.
Should you have further questions please feel free to contact me.
Richard Erenberg
Principal
CC Realty Advisors
Since when in the history of our school has a Booster President been permitted to act in this manner? What happened to the chain of command--head coach--AD etc. Oh I forgot those were also persons who you and your wife had a hand in hiring. You should be ashamed of yourself . I forgot there is no shame in you and your wife so long as you get your way.
Should you have further questions please feel free to contact me.
Richard Erenberg
Principal
CC Realty Advisors
Since when in the history of our school has a Booster President been permitted to act in this manner? What happened to the chain of command--head coach--AD etc. Oh I forgot those were also persons who you and your wife had a hand in hiring. You should be ashamed of yourself . I forgot there is no shame in you and your wife so long as you get your way.
How much more can the HS sustain before everyone leaves or simply hides from everyone. What an embarrassment for them to have to constantly be in the press, blog, or involved with all of this chaos. never ever was this bad ever!
DZ just remember everywhere you go there are people in the audience that dislike and maybe even hate you, people laughing at you. You may be extended the courtesies that come with the title but never the respect that comes with the person with the title.
Here is food for thought. The School board with LE hand picks the coach. Then the coach appoint RE (the husband) to be the QB club president, who then endorses the head coach to be retained! Then when you need a by law change to get some fairness which school board member is assigned to oversee it?? Wow shock LE!!! This is unbelievable!
Big investigation huh when were ALL the coaches interviewed or ask what happened that WERE THERE TO SEE IT!! Never happened! Shocker!
Should you have further questions please feel free to contact me.
Richard Erenberg
Principal
CC Realty Advisors
Since when in the history of our school has a Booster President been permitted to act in this manner? What happened to the chain of command--head coach--AD etc. Oh I forgot those were also persons who you and your wife had a hand in hiring. You should be ashamed of yourself . I forgot there is no shame in you and your wife so long as you get your way.
January 18, 2012 1:41 PM
About time people in this community see these two as the back stabbing two faced phonies they truly are. Smile to your face to get what they want (like being head and assistant football coach) then turn the knife in your back the second you turn away. I never met two people more perfectly matched for each other....so tired of hearing "former Pittsburgh Steeler" get over yourselves please ancient history
BTW did you two make the sizeable donation to the baseball program that only Nina is aware of who the money is from? More hush money for the vote? I am willing to take that bet. Keep on
Again from Mark Mortland. Needless to say having 6 board members and a superintendent overlook and dismiss facts about a coach that verbally abused kids and coaches is un believable. Not only that but letters sent to the school board from parents that first hand experienced this coach pushing their kids to play that had concussions is to me un believable. To first hand have coach say there is nothing wrong with that kid. Tape it up. He had a broken wrist. I first hand spoke to this coach and he said these are not concussions. They are headaches.
I personally have never experienced anything like this. People in control of our kids and our educational system control everything fir their own agendas. I guarantee my neighbors I will not stop until this is uncovered.
I stated my name. I stated facts. To be degraded by someone about my personal life. I can assure that personally I have not and have NEVER abandoned my kids!
Just lime I have not abandoned the kids of Peters who are being subjected to a pathological person.
If any one responds to my post have the courage to state your name. After all if you care for our kids you should have no problem stating your name
Again from Mark Mortland. Needless to say having 6 board members and a superintendent overlook and dismiss facts about a coach that verbally abused kids and coaches is un believable. Not only that but letters sent to the school board from parents that first hand experienced this coach pushing their kids to play that had concussions is to me un believable. To first hand have coach say there is nothing wrong with that kid. Tape it up. He had a broken wrist. I first hand spoke to this coach and he said these are not concussions. They are headaches.
I personally have never experienced anything like this. People in control of our kids and our educational system control everything fir their own agendas. I guarantee my neighbors I will not stop until this is uncovered.
I stated my name. I stated facts. To be degraded by someone about my personal life. I can assure that personally I have not and have NEVER abandoned my kids!
Just lime I have not abandoned the kids of Peters who are being subjected to a pathological person.
If any one responds to my post have the courage to state your name. After all if you care for our kids you should have no problem stating your name
"BTW did you two make the sizeable donation to the baseball program that only Nina is aware of who the money is from?"
Don't gifts to schools have to be voted upon? Wait, it needs voted on if it is over a certain amount. Anyone can make numerous small donations without a public trace.
WAIT?? Politics in PT basebell too? No, couldn't be. What a joke that is too!
In response to you Mr. Mortland (I am a supporter of yours)there is only one name in the entire township that comes to mind that would attack someones personal life after she pretended to be your friend all these years. Hint #1 she is on the board #2 she has dark hair #3 she rolls her eyes while taxpayers are making comments Need more hints? OK... #4 it is only about her kids
Don't gifts to schools have to be voted upon? Wait, it needs voted on if it is over a certain amount. Anyone can make numerous small donations without a public trace.
January 18, 2012 10:28 PM
Maybe they do need voted upon, recorded, made public or whatever, but do you really think PTSD really follows the rules or laws? Question the donation I bet another lie will come your way!
Is it worth it just so LE and Mr. LE have a puppet on the sideline--one who actually exchanges text messages with Mr. LE during a game?
That's because the real head coach and assistant coach are Mr. & Mrs. LE don't you get it? This has nothing to do with their kids it's about them. These two have been coach and assistant coach since rec league. Time to grow up kiddies you are playing in the public arena now and people finally have your MO
Do things need voted on? Come on, Zetty and most of the board members only vote on something when it is an advantage to them. Wasn't Zetty supposed to submit the Philly trip before they left to get voted on? She didn't, and then when she did (after the fact), she left out the cost of going to and from the airport in Philly and the cost of parking for the administrators. That is just the most recent example. They don't follow policy - by the way - Zetty can be removed from her job for violating Policy. Did you call Harrisburg?
Check this out - Zetty played the victim card at the administration meeting yesterday. She showed the TV news broadcast of the coaching situation when the TV was there. People are FINALLY getting it. Keep up the questions and phone calls to board members, even the ones who are clueless. Look for more information to come out on what has been going on.
Is it true that Zetty changed the job description of the Curriculum lady to keep her? This, after she told parents at the McMurray PTA Meeting AND administrators that she is looking at eliminating phys. ed. teachers. She said this in public. This is why she has no idea on how to talk to people, work with people, or interact with people. How would you like to have someone say in a public meeting that they were trying to get rid of your job? It is hard to believe that someone is this dumb on what not to say, but she is. The weak teacher union will keep supporting her, or ask her a nice question at their private meetings. She'll give an answer and it will be accepted. Bring back Paul H., he wouldn't be taking this from Zetty.
This, after she told parents at the McMurray PTA Meeting AND administrators that she is looking at eliminating phys. ed. teachers.
How would you like to get wind of your postion being eliminated via the PTA meeting? Real professional and real confidential. Nina better not lay off anyone. Take a paycut you overpaid dictator
PS Keep the posts coming I love how all of a sudden you can see the obvious posts from board members trying to cover their tracks!
After reading through several of the threads on this blog, it strikes me that several real issues facing this district have been overlooked. While the football coaching issue seems to have sparked so much public comment, there are not many posters who seem concerned about important issues/changes at the high school unrelated to sports.
Sports play a part in our student's development and the concern from football parents appears real. However, other issues such as the drugs found on students, the changes to the graduation speakers, the desire of some board members to honor less students with academic awards, the graduation project problems, the lack of on-line courses to fulfill the graduation requirements, the looming elimination of courses and teachers, the dismantling of elementary language courses, the lack of basic supplies at our schools, the unnecessary expenditures, our low standardized test scores and the inevitable rise on our taxes, are also issues that our community should be sparked about.
Unfortunately, it does not seem like our community gets "fired up" about non-sports related problems. This is evident in the minimal comments/postings about those issues. It really is a shame.
The fact the board would not table the vote of a lowly head football coach "in the name of safety" Nina's favorite word to try to squeeze money out of the taxpayers for her own spending agenda, should infuriate all citizens in this community. The fact a trip to Philly was approved and paid for after Nina and her crew were already there. We need to stop this board from crapping all over the taxpayers in this district.
Just to keep things accurate, Zetty's crew as you call them went to Philly because SHE TOLD THEM TO CLEAR THEIR CALENDAR AND THEY HAD TO GO. If Zetty were gone tomorrow, there would NOT BE ONE tear and probably a few celebrations. There is not one administrator who looks at her as a leader - she is their boss - but not a leader. They only do what she tells them because they have to - she does NOT have buy in from them.
Cindy you might as well stop calling your friends and trying to explain yourself to them.....see true friends do not throw their friends under the bus like you did. It's too late to do damage control after the vote. Would it really have hurt to table the vote for a month? Would Lynn have really been that mad at you? Of course she would have. As it has been said before you sold your soul to the devil (ie Lynn) so you get what you get.
I agree about the statements on the union
It's time to change your representative to someone who supports the teachers not NZ
Paul homer did a good job of checks & balances
The current guy, not so much
Again, whether it's a policy infringement or violation of the FT contract, zetty has her pawns in place
Wake up PT teachers & parents.
Use your smarts and volume of people to beat her!!!
Cindy,
What has happened to you? Maybe we didn't know you in the past, but I think we did. You Were highly thought of and were looked at as someone who cared about all of the kids and the whole district. If you don't think you changed, I really feel sorry for you, because you don't know yourself at all. Look at what you overlook, what you let the superintendent get away with. Do you think there is a reason that you have met with her behind closed doors - gone out in your vehicle to speak with her - really - think about it. Remember elementary - middle school - how kind and proud you were of this district? Now look at it. Cindy, please, we all have tough times. You have to go back to who you are, make the superintendent accountable - look at everything that she has done and that the board has done. People can change and get back to who they are. If you don't do it soon I am afraid you will never return to the person we knew. It this seat on the school board really worth selling your soul? I am not trying to be mean - just honest. There is still time...
If you know Cindy, she isn't the problem. She is willing to listen whether you agree with her or not. It starts with Lynn and Nina-they have to go and then at least it will be a little bit more balanced.
Sorry to disagree, but YES, CINDY is A BIG problem. One of the main problems. She is rude to people, cuts them off, does NOT listen, and rubber stamps Everything the superintendent does. I can give you example after example - heck, take the most recent trip to Philly - she should have never voted yes - after the fact - for a knee jerk reaction - they flew instead of drove- I could go on and on with that AND many other examples. Maybe you are Cindy or a friend of Cindy, I don't know, but SHE IS definitely one of the biggest problems.
Anonymous said...
If you know Cindy, she isn't the problem. She is willing to listen whether you agree with her or not. It starts with Lynn and Nina-they have to go and then at least it will be a little bit more balanced.
January 22, 2012 12:34 PM
She may have you fooled but not the rest of us....please spare me/us the bull (fill in the blank)
Mark,
If you are so concerned about the PT kids then maybe you should care about your own kids too. You got fired from the Penguins, you cheated on your lovely wife with a blonde bimbo that works for you and you abandoned your family. So who are we to take advice from a cheater and a liar like you? Sorry, you carry no creditability with us. You are looking for business opportunities from the community and it is not working. Good luck with that. And your friend Bill M. - he can teach you how to sue a school district, he has experience with that from Char Valley.
January 15, 2012 10:43 PM
To poster Anonymous, January 15, 2012, 10:43 p.m @
http://www.blogger.com/comment.g?ID=9071530993756028699&postID=6511291340705120860:
Be advised that a writ of summons and notice of intent to serve a subpoena duces tecum for the purpose of identifying the author of the above-referenced post has been initiated in the Court of Common Pleas of Washington County, Pennsylvania at Docket No. 2012-478.
If you wish to defend against such subpoena, you must take action within thirty (30) days after this notice personally or by attorney filing in writing with the Court your defenses or objections to a subpoena, which is the subject of an Order of the Court dated February 2, 2102.
If you desire to contact an attorney, you may want to call or visit the offices listed below.
You are warned that if you fail to do so the subpoena may proceed.
Lawyer Referral Service
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(724) 225-6710
OR
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