This letter was submitted to LebTown. Read our submission policy here.
In regards to Bill Bova’s recent Letter to the Editor standing behind the LCRC-endorsed school board candidates across the county, and his appearance at a Palmyra school board meeting reiterating his full support and thanks for their decisions, we would like to provide the community with a different point of view.
If you’ve read the Lebanon Daily News, The Sun, LebTown, or seen considerable debate on Facebook over the last few months you may be wondering, like we are, what exactly is going on with the Palmyra school board since Jill Martin became President.
From a claim of unidentified nefarious organizations infiltrating the PASD, an attempted book ban, malicious slandering of our Pine Elementary staff, a serious overestimation of our Capital Fund by 90%, hiring a new solicitor, an unknown status of the almost complete $4.3M Administration building, and last but definitely not least the suspension, and ultimately contract non-renewal of the Wrestling Head Coach and assistants, Corey Andrew seems to be at the center of it all and it is beyond time for him to resign.
The Palmyra Community expects their elected leaders to be focused on “What’s next!”, not “Geez, What now?” Simply put, when the board is focused on a distracting “What now?” agenda, it costs time and money.
Taxpayer money. Money that can’t be used to fix our roofs, fix the heat, fix the sewage lines, new classrooms, new teachers, special education services, and yes, multi-sport, multi use athletic facilities that are safe and secure for our athletes and spectators.
Time that should be spent recognizing the staggering amount of good things that happen on a daily basis in this district.
From scholars and athletes to test scores and box scores, the students and teachers in this district, along with the staff that supports them, are absolutely phenomenal at what they do. Day in and day out they are providing a Return on Investment of your tax dollar that is the envy of this region.
The “What now?” agenda takes time away from the media reporting all of the good that happens because the friction and sensationalism generated drives clicks and comments.
The “What Now?” agenda makes Teachers wonder if, like our Pine staff, they’ll be the next ones called out. It makes coaches wonder, like our Wrestling staff, if it will soon be their turn to not be renewed.
The “What Now?” agenda makes contractors wonder if the district will honor the contracts it issues.
The “What Now?” agenda makes people angry, left out, distrustful, and when they finally start asking questions they are ignored.
We are asking that this community no longer accept being ignored, and to attend either the June 11th or June 25th board meeting in the Lingle Elementary Cafeteria at 6 p.m. and simply speak up and ask Corey Andrew for his resignation. Sign up to speak by emailing trish_kain@pasd.us before noon on the Thursday prior to the meeting.
It is time for the Palmyra School Board of Directors to reset and move forward, not back. It is time to remove the personal, ego-driven agenda and fix our many and varied infrastructure, morale, and potential legal problems with a “What Next!” approach and vision.
It is simply time for Corey Andrew to go.
Sincerely,
Palmyra School Board Directors Larry Geib, Christine Fisher, Sue Gilligan, and Dave Laudermilch
