Fireworks at Harrisburg School Board meeting

There were two failed motions to add votes to the agenda to oust school board leadership, and a vote that never really settled who will be the district's next solicitor.

[@RH-xs8gz]

The Harrisburg school board is completely incompetent. The State had to take over running the district because the board couldn’t run it properly.

[@Stussmeister]

I remember back when I was in college as an education major (sadly that didn't pan out), myself and a number of other students in the same major went to Harrisburg High School to observe some classes and listen to some presentations by the administration. The school building looked very fancy (and we were informed lots of money had been spent renovating the football field), but we later found out the overall SAT scores were the lowest in the state. Furthermore, I remember the school librarian walking up to me and asking, "Is this what you really want to do?" When I answered yes, she said (and I'm putting her words into PG language) "You're gonna spend your life working your arse off at two jobs, and in the end, it's not gonna amount to shoot."

[@letsmakeadifferince1]

@@Stussmeister sad, I’m hoping to major in education and I hope I don’t have to deal with anything like this

[@Stussmeister]

@@letsmakeadifferince1 Indeed. Best of luck to you in this endeavor :).

[@christinaadams1235]

@@letsmakeadifferince1 well you will

[@aricreepowitz9273]

Lets all discuss the parallel that led to these dysfunctional schools. lets talk what once again changed

[@chrismas5338]

They can't run a meeting, how are they educating your children?

[@jimjones9900]

Well, those are elected community members who oversee financial decisions for the school district. They aren't teachers, these are politicians, and they don't spend time teaching children.

[@chrismas5338]

@@jimjones9900 what is the purpose of a school board? I know, just checking if you know their purpose and why parents attend board meetings.

[@chrismas5338]

@@jimjones9900 your assumption that they just allocate funds and manage budgeting is exposing your limited knowledge and rendering yourself useless in conversation and debate.

[@chrismas5338]

@@jimjones9900 who hires, fires, delegates and supervises the school superintendent? Who chooses curriculums? Who writes the policies and regulations for a school district? NOT THE TEACHERS!

[@jimjones9900]

@@chrismas5338 Curriculum specialists choose curriculums, those are former teachers who have gotten an ed.s in curriculum design and instruction. Policies and regulations come from the state BOE (in most states, including mine), they can be modified, but that requires both the approval of the NEA state Lawyer, and the *SDE lawyer. The Super "allocates funds" based on where the money comes from and where it is legally required to go. Capitol outlay, general fund, etc. etc. etc. All of those decisions are made by the Super, but the school board has the final say (very few times do they ever veto a supers decision). The School board is also in charge of hiring and firing teachers. Again, they take the recommendation of the super or building admin 99.9% of the time, but they are the ones that have to vote to approve all resignations, non-renewals, contract transfers, and new contracts. They make the final decision on all athletic coaches. Here, they generally take the advice of the AD, but it's in their hands to vote and approve. They also negotiated contracts and the terms of said contracts with teachers, generally a small team of teachers who are members of NEA and have gone through the training needed to understand school law and the negotiation process. These negotiations cover a variety of things, but most commonly, they discuss an increase to the base/step, as well as how to handle supplemental pay as the base changes. Some schools have a flat supplemental, others attach it as a percentage of the base. This can change from year to year as well, and most often, this is where school boards can lose good teachers if they aren't willing or able to meet the teachers needs/demands. One recent example of "local control" that is truly local is the handling of the COVID 19 crisis within our schools. While technically the school board made decisions about on campus/hybrid/online instruction, as well as mask usage, they took direction from the county health department and the state health department, sometimes it even came directly from the Governors office (There are a lot of political battles still going on as it pertains to the balance of powers with these decisions). In this case, the school board did have a larger impact on the direct learning methods for our students. None of this was mentioned in your original comment, you suggested that they educate children. You said "how are they educating your children". Education requires face to face instructional time, you had no idea what you were talking about, did a quick google search, read wrong, and came at me with insults. Sorry for the extremely painful burn, but when talking with folks on the internet, you're bound to run into someone that actually does know what they're talking about. You are more than welcome to delete your original post, but if you'd prefer to keep it up for educational purposes, I'm sure there are plenty of folks who would enjoy learning from what I've shared with you. Best of luck with the rest of 2021! Signed: 15 year Super in a metro area district.

[@lindafowler2665]

These meetings are more entertaining than a movie

[@KayJayCrazy]

It depends on what movie you are talking about 😂 there are alot of great movies 😂

[@justsaying2847]

School board members have to be elected. They don't just magically appear. That should tell you something about the mentality of the voters in that district.

[@Youngstown529]

I notice that many members of my school board are made up of senile old people whose kids were in school 35 years ago or housewives with no business experience. All local school boards should be dissolved and replaced by a stateboard of education with complete power.

[@Youngstown529]

@Eric Laino In this case, I am.

[@calebwilliams1288]

@@Youngstown529 Lets not stop there. Not only do we need a bureaucratic, state level all encompassing state board with complete power, we need to further deteriorate the ability of parents and communities to push back against School curriculum. Communism is the wave of the future- fall in line or be silenced. We have the numbers on our side to bring the protest to anyone who dissents, we will silence you.

[@Youngstown529]

@@calebwilliams1288 Parents don't know their asses from a hole in the ground.

[@calebwilliams1288]

@@Youngstown529 We have to find more innovative ways to keep children from the harmful values taught by their parents. I’m thinking mandatory schooling starting at 2....

[@popeye7815]

The boards need to listen and follow what the parents want for their children...Not the other way around!..

[@michaelgrillo5326]

The reality is that like 4 parents ever show up to these meetings.

[@wendyharper8245]

Parents should have the say,their children are at stake.

[@TheMatFratRealityTV]

This meeting proves how incompetent board members so often are. Public schools are terminal.

[@thatguywhocleansaquariums4839]

They aren’t incompetent, they know exactly what they are doing, otherwise they would go fo unimaginative lengths to stay silent and obfuscate.

[@Youngstown529]

@@thatguywhocleansaquariums4839 Oh yes, this unpaid board of education is trying to grab all power over some stupid letter.

[@jetjazzdauntless218]

Parents who send their children to public schools are guilty of child abuse by neglect.

[@n0m4nic]

@@Youngstown529 Its a bit late but I took the time to research it so what the hell. Harrisburg PA's Board of Ed is a paid position, medium of 70k but more frequently exceeding that.

[@myklmusic]

What a bunch of clowns.

[@cmvamerica9011]

Typical dictatorial behavior.

[@ronaldorodriguez6553]

Mr Gonzalez is the best he had just woken up from a long dream at the bar 😂

[@theannouncerdad]

Bill Sarto. We need Sarto (look up his council meetings, that man can handle a meeting). Can I get a second?

[@alishadavis9115]

He's still waiting on a second right nowww

[@justinray2131]

Sarto 2020

[@Deke1]

13 years later he's still waiting on the second

[@jinx7609]

still waiting on a second

[@nobodyshome6562]

I’m still waiting on the second

[@mr.guakacado970]

I thought someone was going to light fireworks in the building.

[@chrisb3976]

Get the same fireworks crew that worked the Great White concert.

[@raysnoderlyjr2950]

Fire the whole bunch and start over. The people can do that, DO IT!

[@charlesfrazier9700]

This would make a hilarious movie. I see incompetence, bribery, illicit affairs, petty ambition, jealousy, etc. as part of the story.

[@chrisb3976]

Especially illicit affairs. alot of unsavoriness going on behind the scenes.

[@fancy39]

I love that parents all over the country are standing up to these idiot school boards!

[@valariewilliams5521]

He needs to admonish the board to be orderly.

[@davidbagley1783]

Aloha

[@davidbagley1783]

Liberalism..the world owes us

[@randychase305]

Absolute power corrupts absolutely. If you don't believe that, look at how people act when they get a minuscule bit of power in some random town.

[@dennisharvey7899]

PLEASE PARENTS,IF POSSIBLE,HOME SCHOOL YOUR KIDS!

[@geoffreybutton6775]

Insanity looks like nobody knows their job

[@alantmac]

6:00 Whoo!

[@janesmith8894]

Embarrassing

[@drderbigny]

That's a huge board...perhaps it's too large? 6 min mark...wow!!! That woman is no joke.

[@nancykelley7735]

Just redo the vote...no brainer

[@Name-oz4lq]

Nancy Kelley or just say “those who said yes raise your hand” done! 🙄

[@Spartanshaq777]

That’s not the point. They know what the real count was. It’s all about control.

[@HybridSpektar]

I love how the same people who voted for these people are the one's complaining. You voted for them! Blame yourselves!

[@ianbuick8946]

I think school board should be run by parents who has children actively in school and has a term of 4 years.

[@fozzywxman]

Read. Robert's. Rules. Of. Order., people. They even make a dummies version for people like this board.

[@pennyreagan7645]

All the communities across America should see these meetings and go to their own board meetings and counsel meetings to inform themselves see what is going on a watching the men and women who represent them. Instead of filters and signs the need to speak with these people and aee how they voted I'd they stayed true to their word etc. We need to pay attention to what's happening in our schools and communities vote out the people who are just there and doing nothing but helping themselves, their families and friends. We have to start a the local level to improve our states and country.

[@ianbuick8946]

These are the parents that care for the children whether they agree with one another or not. If there is one thing that being a parents is sacrifice.

[@RabbiTuviaBolton]

The obvious solution is to pull your children from public schools and do HOME SCHOOLING! I'm sure there are classes available online.

[@reneshay889]

Good grief! I think my cat and dog would be more competent than these people!

[@larrysmith2636]

When those that can have the rest in total control, it will be a perfect world.

[@hanzwind]

That one hillbilly “They can’t count! Huck-huck huck huck!” 🤣

[@chrisb3976]

Because they cant lol.

[@marksacher3866]

2:22 Who is the woman recording the votes? She can't count! The first four votes were yes. LOL

[@chrisb3976]

She was failed by public schools.

[@ljevans5993]

Frankly I’m shocked, there needs to be an investigation !

[@aricreepowitz9273]

And yet another reason to get your kids out of public schools. Its all about the Teachers.

[@lindagonzalez435]

Not about the teachers. Unions are democratic politicians

[@aricreepowitz9273]

@@dottie7297 and for good reason. Teachers are destroyers of children. They cant stick to the essentials. They have to slip inthe pervert and activist crp

[@mikehawk2630]

Kept on skipping through to find when the mortar went off.

[@bartelgrant]

I thought there would be actual fireworks! :(

[@tamozen367]

What a mess!!

[@emerg0n0see]

You have order with justice. No justice no order.

[@ludgatecircus15]

Robert's Rules of Order?????

[@tyronedeasbrailsford951]

Cancel public schools

[@axelsoncarla]

Any watch the carpentersville council meetings? I’m hooked

[@mikesgoodmann9349]

"disperse" a letter? lol

[@justsaying2847]

It means to disseminate or distribute. Have you not heard this word before?

[@neverindoubtjones4789]

Yes, yes, yes, yes ...well, that's unanimous. The nos have it.

[@MeneerHerculePoirot]

There is a whole series of these schoolboard meetings pooping up all over the web. What it boils down to is the parents don't want CRT as part of the curriculum and school boards are dismissing their legitimate objections.

[@Youngstown529]

The School Board has a duty to listen to parents, but not a duty to do everything the parents want.

[@idesofmarchUNIAEA]

Walk a few blocks from here and see the governor was the same ability.

[@PeaceOverHate55]

Remove Her! Stop allowing unprofessional un American anywhere near any public office!

[@Youngstown529]

He did WHAT with a crow?

[@kirbygene]

I thought the motion to add to the agenda the possible removal of the Board President was 5-3 in favor-- ayes always come first. But the Clerk seemed to say it "doesn't carry" I listened several times. Did I not hear it right?

[@david8905]

How many school board members does it take to screw in a light bulb?

[@_rob_.]

Hold on.... I'll hire an overpaid consultant to get to the answer to that because I'm too weak minded to come up with one. Well... and I want someone else to blame, just in case folks don't like the answer. Be back with you on that answer in about a year or so. OH... hey...... Could I borrow $10,000 for the consultant??

[@cmvamerica9011]

Who’s on first?

[@marklohman965]

One answer to the Public Screwal Circus. HOME SCHOOL

[@thomasstorey9043]

These people should not be on anything to do with public school education there is not one component person on the board I think before anyone sits down they should be tested for drugs that is my personal opinion

[@robertcontino3443]

Why didn't someone tell me the circus is in town👹👹👹🤡🤡🤡

[@davidbagley1783]

Kickbacks

[@mudhead31]

Not redeeming, nor ever in agreement nor supportive of anything about Henry Kissinger, he did say one thing I did get a kick out of. Only one. When asked why are the politics of academia so brutal, he answered, “because the stakes are so low”.

[@MrBigtime1986]

Total click bait. I was expecting at least sparklers.

[@dianarockwell6256]

If they are so intent on using Roberts rules of order they need to stop making emotion by saying “I made the motion.”This is incorrect verbiage for Roberts rules. It is I move…

[@Gcool243]

Wow they all hate the board president lol

[@sheilabowers3091]

And these are the people we entrust our kids with holy s*** there goes the neighborhood !!!!

[@dougprobyn5957]

Whooooo

[@raverus2126]

Robert's Rules of Order are hard. Yeah, hard. Wapner's on at 7, yeah. Can't miss Wapner, yeah.

[@ceecee4456]

Omg! Recount maybe? Lol

[@msme6693]

incompetent

[@johnawakening9908]

Jesus Christ! Power trip!

[@annmarie4794]

Why is it all old people. Isn’t this for the school board? Where are the parents?

[@MaterLacrymarum]

What does their age have to do with anything?

[@michaelduggan1890]

This is Leadership ? This is happening all over the country in every town and village . These folks get paid a total of billions a yr. to act like this . People , get it together , don't vote. Boycott City councils and see what happens . Hire one person like a person does if they are on trial. They get to chose trial by jury or judge alone , pick judge alone and only pay one person . The public will feel alot better about where their money is being spent. Defund City council .

[@rhianimal19]

I've never understood why nobody ever goes ballistic at these kind of meetings, rather than attacking a random mall, school, or church?

[@henryofskalitz2228]

They are guarded well and heavily by police and metal detectors and bomb dogs are present and used before entry.

[@donaldmiller1207]

Sound too crappy to follow what was being said...

[@okiedoke6373]

No it's every school board meeting that I see is detective people in charge of our school system how is that how is it that criminals have came to be the teachers of our children

[@earthairfirewater1]

Go for it mam

[@jackfanning7952]

I got seasick from the camera jitters.

[@robertivers9888]

Saturday Night Live sponsored by Looney Tunes

[@thorjustin95]

Understand these are the people you elected to be in charge of your children's education. If you are not happy with what they are doing then make sure you vote for someone in the elections that will meet the standards you have for your children's futures. You can also run yourselves too. Time to actually look at the ballots when you go to vote.

[@madsjensen3676]

here i was hoping someone would light a firework as a joke. to scare the sh*t out of them... guess i misunderstood the title,,, am i the only one?

[@JarranTyler1987]

The Harrisburg school system has been failing it's students for decades. That's why the ones that have the opportunity to transfer to Bishop McDevitt or Central Dauphin schools.

[@rickrowell8465]

Who the HELL is operating the camera! Stay still, you're making people sick!

[@tinaortiz3710]

Remove the school boards, they have no best interest for your children. It should have not even got to this level.

[@jackgross7235]

Break the teachers union

[@johnnycee5179]

Politics as usual

[@mattstah9319]

Lol

[@cuivre2004]

Don't put cretins who can't count on the school board

[@scottdominick2949]

I see 6 reasons why this was a video.

[@johneachus6667]

School board members are against the parents we the parents will remove them. Try to remember who works for who screwool board . Your done.

[@wendypetrulich2825]

You cant understand anything they are saying

[@tedbierbaueriii3492]

Um um um

[@MACCAox]

Ive heard of Kangaroo courts , but Kangaroo school boards thats a new one. Also seemed very Biased.

[@williamsutherland9669]

This is unprofessional, to air this in front of the public

[@fozzywxman]

Discussion probably should have been conducted in an Executive Session with a final vote in open session, but I have no problem with transparency.

[@HauntFreak13]

Nope. I love it. People have a right to know this information

[@jimmywrangles]

@@HauntFreak13 Exactly right.

[@tedbryer2512]

Don't like what they are doing? Pull the kids out and they will get the hint.Also say - how about we don't pay taxes anymore - They will get the hint.