School Board Vacancy
At the June 15, 2009, School Board meeting, Board President Elizabeth McGarrigle announced the resignation of Board member Ralph Tang. Tang's seat is now vacant and will be filled by appointment. Interested applicants must reside in Great Valley School District Region 1 (which consists of Charlestown Township and East Whiteland Precincts 1, 2, 3, and 4). The successful applicant will fill the unexpired term which ends December 1, 2009. Applicants should send a letter of interest and a resume to Charles E. Linderman, Board Secretary, Great Valley School District, 47 Church Road, Malvern, PA 19355. Deadline for applications is 11:00 A.M. on June 30, 2009. The Great Valley School Board will publicly interview all qualified candidates on Monday, July 13, 2009. For further information or questions call Charles E. Linderman at 610-889-2125, extension 2123.
State of the District
On June 4, 2009, Dr. Jones and other administrators presented the 2008-2009 State of the District report. This annual presentation reviews the year's goals and the District's work to achieve those goals. Missed the presentation? Watch it here.
Soil Testing Results are Favorable
A 2-acre parcel of the land on the District's Bacton Hill Road property was recently soil tested. The tests were ordered to rule out any contamination of the soil that may limit or prevent the use of the land for a potential garden. That garden, if planted, would provide fresh and locally grown vegetables to support the school cafeterias. Results of the soil testing are favorable, with "reported concentrations of all detected constitutes below the PaDEP Act 2 residential medium-specific concentrations for direct contact." In addition, tests concluded that "the potential for adverse health effects resulting from ingestion of produce grown on the property is negligible." See complete letter with findings here. School Board Approves Budget for 2009-2010
At its meeting on June 1, the Great Valley School Board approved a budget for the 2009-2010 school year in the amount of $76,725,000. For the average taxpayer whose home is assessed at $228,900, the 2009-2010 budget is an increase of $69 (a 1.7% millage increase). Information: Consolidating School Districts
The Great Valley School District is aware of Governor Rendell’s proposed idea to consolidate school districts in Pennsylvania, as recently reported in the Philadelphia Inquirer. The Great Valley School Board does not see merit in the information presented to date and will continue to monitor the ideas and proposals that come forward so as to be actively involved in the dialog. The district is also familiar with a report entitled, "Presentation to the Legislative Budget and Finance Committee on the Study of Cost-Effectiveness of Consolidating School Districts," dated June 13, 2007. The community may review that report here. Readers will note that some potential benefits are outlined for districts whose enrollments are under 3,000 students, not 5,000 students as currently proposed by the Governor. To date, there has yet to be specific legislation proposed by the Governor. As more information becomes available, this web site will be updated to include links and additional resources for the community.
Great Valley School Board Meetings Now Available Online
Great Valley School Board meeting broadcasts are now available online. This "on demand" kind of broadcast allows community members to watch meetings at any time from their personal computer. Begin by visiting the list of recent meetings and choosing the meeting you'd like to watch.
Click here for more information and a schedule!
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