Brian Kline
correspondent
Last Thursday evening at the district's public school board meeting, point by point, Quakertown Community School District Superintendent, Dr. Lisa Andrejko, refuted statements written by Richland Township Supervisor Rick Orloff in the latest edition of the Township Times - the township's quarterly newsletter.
Entitled "The QCSD Tipping Point," Orloff contends property taxes have increased by "over 70% in ten years ... with virtually no appreciable growth in the student population."
Fearing that Orloff was spreading misinformation to area residents, Andrejko used her allotted time at the School Board meeting to set the record straight. "[The article] was obviously an opinion, disguised as fact," said Andrejko. Never mentioning Orloff by name, Andjreko proceeded to dissect Orloff's article countering his claims about property taxes and SAT scores, among other uncomplimentary remarks.
Andrejko pointed out that since 1990, Richland Township accounted for 72% of the new houses built in the Quakertown Community School District. Although student enrollment has increased, Andrejko assured residents they were getting the best value for their tax dollars. She said school district taxes increased by 186% over the past 20 years, compared to taxes rising by 1800% in Richland over the same time span.
Andrejko said SAT scores are "well above the state average" and added that math scores have "gone up every year."
School Board members shared Andrejko's concern about the article. Director Nancy Tirjan called the piece "sad" and expressed frustration that it was financed with tax dollars.
"We need to look at a retraction. It has potential to decrease property values" said Andrejko.
Director Kathy Mosley suggested the Board consult with an attorney. "It is our duty and responsibility to correct misinformation."
Director Zane Stauffer expressed concerns over legal fees and suggested the Board firstncontact Richland Township and ask for a retraction. Director Linda Martin added that the retraction should appear prominently in the next edition of the Township Times.
The Board took no formal action and tabled the matter until its December 7th meeting.
Brian Kline is a local freelance writer. He can be reached at bkline@upperbucksfreepress.com.
