The following is an opinion editorial authored by Todd Bartley, TalkWilliamsport.com, News@TalkWilliamsport.com.

According to the actions of Williamsport Mayor Derek Slaughter, COVID-19 ended last June.

This event in history happened less than 90 days after he named his hand picked (until he forgot a few names) “Mayor’s COVID-19 Advisory Board”.

TalkWilliamsport.com has confirmed a grand total of three meetings were held by the “Mayor’s COVID-19 Advisory Board”; one last April and a pair of meetings last May.

Was this the “efficiency” part of your platform?

Were you following “the science”?

Governor Wolf continues to keep businesses in differing degrees of COVID-19 related mitigation efforts. However, it seems in the absence of “Mayor’s COVID-19 Advisory Board” meetings; mayor Slaughter has declared the pandemic over.

Is Mayor Slaughter using the same mindset as his former employer and late addition to the “Mayor’s COVID-19 Advisory Board”; Dr. Timothy Bowers, Superintendent of the Williamsport Area School District?

From, “OP-ED: Long past time for Dr. Bowers to resign as WASD Superintendent”

Dr. Bowers has already provided the mechanism for his resignation, IN HIS OWN WORDS.

Bowers supplements his response to Jane Penman:

“In my opinion our actions are more impotent (important) than our words.”

That quote came from the text message records of Dr. Timothy Bowers on Thursday, June 11, 2020, either 6:03 PM or 8:03 PM between WASD school board members Jane Penman and Lori Baer as noted in “The anatomy of the WASD Anti-Racism Board Resolution” – PART I.

An open ended question of what the Mayor knew and when he knew it regarding the 2018 WAHS baseball team trip to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina still lingers.

Just like the neatly timed transfer from teaching at Williamsport Area High School to the Williamsport Area Middle School in the run up to the 2019 Mayoral election.

BACKGROUND

Mayor Slaughter sent the following to local media on April 21, 2020 at 3:49 p.m. – Mayor COVID Advisory Board Press Release

“Mayor’s COVID-19 Advisory Board

Williamsport, PA — In response to the needs of the greater community, I created the Mayor’s COVID-19 Advisory Board. This board of key stakeholders will identify the impact, needs, and a path forward for Williamsport. The board will determine how the City can best respond and assist as we navigate COVID both in the short-term and long-term. Their advice will help guide us, help the City make the necessary changes it may need to make, and help this administration find the extra resources to do the work.

We were going to develop an advisory board to work on strengthening our community and economy even before the pandemic hit us; this crisis has pushed that to the forefront. The public will be invited to participate in broad discussions about how to expand our mercantile, manufacturing and service industry base in the most effective ways while building resiliency.”

This Advisory Board was formed soon after the local newspaper asked the mayor for a statement regarding his first 100 days in office. The lack of questions of this administration from the local paper is a completely different OP-ED for another day.

“All,

The Sun-Gazette asked me for a statement regarding my first 100 days or so in office. That statement is attached. Additionally, there is a press release attached as well. Please contact me with any questions.

Stay well,

Derek”

From the statement provided by Mayor Slaughter to the local media:

“The public will be invited to participate in broad discussions about how to expand our mercantile, manufacturing and service industry base.

Again, there is no one way to do something.

What ultimately matters is being effective and building resilience.”

Does anyone recall being “invited to participate in broad discussions about how to expand our mercantile, manufacturing and service industry base?”

Keep in mind, when Shop-Vac closed, the Mayor saw it on the news.

Does anyone recall Mayor Slaughter actually “doing something” during his tenure?

There was that one time he showed up to a “peaceful protest” downtown with a mask on to tell everyone “I hear you.”

Do you?

Really?

Why the mask in mid-June last year Mayor?

Your “Mayor’s COVID-19 Advisory Board” had already concluded what appears to be their last meeting.

Back for more on the announcement of the “Mayor’s COVID-19 Advisory Board”:

Sent, April 22, 12:44 a.m. – Advisory Board Members Press Release 4.21.20

Mayor’s COVID-19 Advisory Board Members
Derek Slaughter – Mayor
Steve Johnson – UPMC
Davie Jane Gilmour – Penn College
Kent Trachte – Lycoming College
Jason Fink – Chamber
Jennifer Wilson – FCFP
Shannon Rossman – Lycoming County Planning
Dan Manetta – Innovative Manufacturers’ Center (IMC)
Beth Armanda – Small Business/Restaurants
Damon Hagan – City Police Chief & Public Safety Director
Stephanie Young – Director of Community & Economic Development (retired summer 2020)
Joe Pawlak – Budget & Fiscal Officer
Nicholas Grimes – City Treasurer
City Councilman – Adam Yoder

Mayor Slaughter sent an update on April 23, 2020 at 3:15 p.m. – Advisory Board Members Press Release 4.21.20 (1)

“All, 

Please find the updated list. Ron Frick, President of Lycoming County United Way, and Tim Bowers, superintendent of WASD, have been added.

Stay well,

Derek”

How could the mayor have left off his former employer which is keeping a job on hold for him for four years while he serves as Mayor?

Unless of course he leaves office sooner; citing the demands of his growing family.

Were you all aware the Mayor and his wife welcomed there third child recently?

No meetings since last May and a new arrival, do the math.

At least we know now the Mayor was staying busy.

Mayor Slaughter received an email from this author on April 23, 2020 at 3:46 p.m.

To date, the email has gone unanswered by Mayor Slaughter, just like so many previous Right to Know Law requests.

Mayor Slaughter accepted the resignation/retirement of Stephanie Young – Director of Community & Economic Development and “COVID-19 Advisory Board” member last summer.

That apparently left an unfilled seat on the “COVID-19 Advisory Board” this author is still willing to fill.

New Right to Know Law requests are being submitted this week to the City of Williamsport to get to the bottom of the lack of leadership coming from the current administration.

The RTKL requests, seek to clarify the lack of transparency of the recommendations from the “Mayor’s COVID-19 Advisory Board”; if any even exist.

Why did the Mayor stop having COVID-19 Advisory Board meetings when the City of Williamsport and Lycoming County experienced the greatest number of cases during the pandemic?

Was he self-quarantining due to the pending new arrival?

According to a Facebook post this past Thursday by Lycoming County Commissioner Scott Metzger:

With this kind of lack of accountable leadership, you know when candidate Slaughter said “we’re leaving City Hall”, except the administration is staying.

It could be argued candidate Slaughter knew this move was the only plausible solution years ago while serving on City Council.

At this rate, the City of Williamsport will be unable to find its way forward with this current administration.

Just like the leadership at the WASD where Mayor Slaughter use to work; both are more concerned about what is being posted on social media than actually doing the difficult work for the citizens of this city.

When none of them have the political will to face troubling issues facing this community head on; instead sticking their collective heads in the sand praying it will go away.

Knowing real issues will never be addressed by the local paper which is across the street from City Hall.

Mayor Slaughter you claimed to be qualified for this job and 2900 plus people believed it; curious how many would like to cure their ballots. We would ask former Secretary of State Boockvar about it, but she resigned already.

Maybe you should follow her lead out the door, and take WASD Superintendent Dr. Timothy Bowers, WASD School Board Member Jennifer Lake and your internet surfing (on the job) executive assistant Janis Holmes with you; since this town cannot take much more of Getting Slaughtered by your leadership!

Look on the bright side – the taxpayers got a nice tax increase; since you believe COVID-19 ended last June; you can skip the mask wearing and social distancing at the next in-person “Mayor’s COVID-19 Advisory Board” meeting.

This is a developing story on TalkWilliamsport.com.

Just 48 hours prior to the first coronavirus cases being announced in Pennsylvania, Congressman Keller voted on what became the first of many aid responsive measures passed in Congress.

March 5, 2020:

Bill will ensure that governments and health care providers are able to respond to Coronavirus

Washington, D.C. – Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) voted on Wednesday to support the $7.8 billion supplemental funding bill aimed at responding the Coronavirus.

The Coronavirus Emergency Supplemental Bill:

• Sets aside $4 billion to make diagnostic tests more broadly available, support treatments to ease symptoms, invest in vaccine development and procure vaccines when available. This amount also has set-asides for the Food and Drug Administration to protect the integrity of medical products manufactured overseas and identify and prevent potential shortages;
• Provides $2.2 billion for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for a robust response, including: $1 billion for state and local response efforts and $200 million for the CDC’s Infectious Disease Rapid Response Reserve Fund;
• $20 million to administer disaster assistance loans for small businesses impacted by the virus;
• $1.25 billion for the State Department and USAID to protect Americans abroad and prevent the spread of the virus worldwide.

The supplemental appropriations bill comes after preventative and decisive action already taken by President Donald Trump, his administration, and Congress:

• President Trump and his administration took decisive and preventative action to restrict travel and place strict quarantines on those affected with Coronavirus. Those decisions have helped prevent the spread of the disease in the United States.
• President Trump named Vice President Mike Pence as head of the Coronavirus Task Force responsible for leading and coordinating the government response to Coronavirus.
• In June of 2019, Congress also passed—and President Trump signed—the Pandemic and All-Hazards Preparedness and Advancing Innovation Act, which reauthorized our public health preparedness and response programs.
• Over the past four years, funding has increased for the National Institute of Health, Center for Disease Control, and infectious disease response.

On the legislation, Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) made the following statement:

“This supplemental spending bill is an important step to ensuring federal, state, and local authorities—as well as healthcare providers—have the resources they need to respond to the Coronavirus outbreak. Our office remains in contact with federal, state, and local governments and those responsible for keeping us safe and healthy. I am confident that everything is being done with the full weight of authority to respond to the Coronavirus.

“While I encourage people to remain cautious, panic is not warranted. Simple preventative measures like thorough handwashing, limiting unnecessary contact, and remaining home from work or school while sick are simple ways to prevent the spread of Coronavirus or any communicable illness.”

Currently, Congress is in the final approval stages of the latest $1.9 trillion pandemic relief package.

The East Coast Invitational Basketball Tournament is back! ECI Director, Wells Gulledge announced the news on Thursday afternoon.

This is a developing story on TalkWilliamsport.com.

On Wednesday, the PIAA provided member schools with “Return to Competition: Individual Sport Considerations”.

The document can be found here.

It was developed referencing Orders and Guidelines from the Following Resources:
National Federation of State High School Associations
Pennsylvania Department of Education
Pennsylvania Department of Health
Sports Medicine Advisory Committee

This is a developing story on TalkWilliamsport.com.

Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressman Fred Keller (R-PA) released the following statement on his opposition to H.R. 1, another partisan bill more focused on increasing government control than fighting COVID-19 and getting America back on track:

Congressman Keller speaks with the press in the Cannon Rotunda on H.R. 1

“Tonight, Congress voted on yet another hyper-partisan bill which Speaker Pelosi calls the “For the People Act.” This bill can more accurately be called the “For the Politicians Act,” because it is designed to centralize power in Washington, D.C., use public funds—including American tax dollars—for political attack ads, and take away the rights of state legislatures to determine election procedures. This bill follows job-killing Executive Orders, a reckless $1.9 trillion progressive bailout, and legislation attacking religious freedoms, proving that Washington Democrats are more interested in advancing political messaging bills than working in a bipartisan manner on behalf of the American people.”

Background:

H.R. 1 is a sweeping federal rewrite of our election system which:

1. Allows first-ever federal funding of campaigns, creating a 6:1 government match to any small donor contributions of $200 or less in a congressional or presidential campaign – meaning for every $200, the federal government will match $1,200 – and establishing a new voucher pilot program that grants eligible voters a $25 publicly-funded voucher to donate to any campaign of their choosing.

2. Nationalizes elections and centralizes administration in Washington, D.C. by impeding states’ ability to determine their registration and voting practices, as protected under Article 1, Section 4 of the Constitution, mandating ethics standards for the Supreme Court, violating the separation of powers, and forcing a one-size-fits-all redistricting process on all 50 states.

3. Forces states to permanently expand mail-in voting, legalize ballot harvesting, and disregard voter ID laws.

4. Politicizes the Federal Election Commission by altering the current bipartisan makeup of the six-member commission to a partisan five-member commission.

5. Limits free speech and impose vague standards that disadvantage all groups who wish to advocate on behalf of any legislative issue, specifically requiring them to disclose the names of donors who donate above a certain threshold.

6. Weaponizes the IRS by permitting the agency to investigate and consider the political and policy persuasions of organizations before granting tax-exempt status.

LEWISBURG — Evangelical Community Hospital, Geisinger, and the Department of Justice today announced that the three parties have reached an agreement on a proposed final judgment that will allow Geisinger to maintain a minority investment in Evangelical. The judgement resolves the underlying Department of Justice lawsuit filed in August 2020.

“Evangelical can best continue to meet the needs of our community by remaining an independent, community hospital and by using Geisinger’s financial support to strengthen our facilities, technology, and services,” said Kendra Aucker, President and CEO, Evangelical Community Hospital.

Under terms of the agreement, which are pending a public comment period and final court decision in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania later this year, Geisinger would maintain a minority investment in Evangelical.

Geisinger’s investment supports Evangelical’s expansion project known as PRIME, the Patient Room Improvement, Modernization, and Enhancement project, and a renovated intensive care unit.

Today’s agreement paves the way for Evangelical services to continue at tier 1 status in the Geisinger Health Plan, meaning individuals with that coverage do not face higher out-of-pocket costs when seeking their care at Evangelical.

Aucker stressed the agreement confirms Evangelical’s independence.

About Evangelical

Evangelical is a non-profit organization that employs nearly 1,900 individuals and has more than 170 employed and non-employed physicians on staff. The Hospital is licensed to accommodate 132 overnight patients, 12 acute rehab patients and 18 bassinets. The Hospital serves residents throughout the Central Susquehanna Valley, including those living in Snyder, Union, Northumberland, and Lycoming Counties.

Washington, D.C. – A week after reintroducing the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Reform Caucus in the 117^th Congress, Chair Rep. Fred Keller (PA-12), 10 other caucus members, and local prison stakeholders released the following statements on the importance of the caucus and the work ahead to bring needed operational changes to the BOP:

BOP Reform Caucus Chair, Rep. Fred Keller (PA-12):

“I am proud to lead this bipartisan caucus in the 117^th Congress and continue to build on our work to bring needed reforms to the Bureau of Prisons, advocate for the men and women who operate and secure our federal prisons every day, and keep our communities safe. This pandemic has brought to light many failures in the BOP’s operations, including detrimental inmate transfer policies, staffing shortages, and agency retention issues. The various backgrounds and experiences of the members of this caucus will enable us to better tackle these issues on behalf of the American people.”

Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12):

“Now more than ever, it is critical that we work to ensure our correctional officers have the resources and support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively. I look forward to continuing our work to address these concerns and bring about meaningful reforms to the BOP.”

Rep. Larry Bucshon, MD (IN-08):

“I am proud to rejoin the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) Reform Caucus for the 117^th Congress. After representing Indiana’s 8^th Congressional District which houses the Federal Correction Complex, Terre Haute for over a decade, I know the many challenges facing the hardworking Hoosiers that work at these facilities. Some of the challenges include agency-wide reductions in staffing, a lack of transparency and accountability in BOP operations and operating in outdated facilities that make complying with COVID-19 protocols dangerous to staff and prisoners alike. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the BOP Reform Caucus to address these critical challenges and to continue supporting the men and women that help keep us safe.”

Rep. Glenn Grothman (WI-06):

“I have toured the Federal Correctional Institution in Oxford, WI, which is part of the Bureau of Prisons, a few times and many of its employees live in my district. I enjoy speaking with the employees and I often receive feedback on ways the operations can be improved and redundancies that would save employees both time and money if eliminated. These hard-working correctional officers do a great job and know the prison system. If they have an idea on how to improve their workplace, it is my duty as their representative in Washington to follow up on it. I look forward to working with Congressman Keller and the bipartisan Bureau of Prison Reform Caucus to find solutions on how to improve the Bureau of Prisons.”

Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-15):

“I’m proud to be an original member of the Bureau of Prison Reform Caucus to bolster transparency, accountability, and most importantly, the safety of corrections officers and inmates alike. Now more than ever, the work of the Caucus is needed to address the impact COVID-19 has had on our prison systems and how to mitigate these sorts of health crises in the future.”

Rep. Andy Kim (NJ-03):

“This caucus right now is more important than ever as we continue to see the COVID-19 pandemic hit our BOP facility hard. The impact the pandemic has had on the people in our community who serve at these facilities, and the inmates housed there, requires the kind of diligent oversight this caucus provides. I look forward to continuing my work with my bipartisan colleagues to make real changes to the BOP system.”

Rep. Elise Stefanik (NY-21):

“The Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) is a massive government agency that badly needs reform, greater accountability, and more transparency. As the representative of thousands of correctional officers in my district, I am proud to advocate on their behalf and join my fellow colleagues in the Bureau of Prisons Reform Congressional Caucus in providing Congressional oversight over the BOP to do just that.”

Rep. Rodney Davis (IL-13):

“Tens of thousands of corrections officers in the Federal Bureau of Prisons show up to work every day and do their part to make our criminal justice system work and keep our communities safe. Given the large size of the agency and how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected federal correctional facilities, the Bureau is in need of additional Congressional oversight to keep both the employees, their families, and inmates safe. I look forward to working with the bipartisan group of lawmakers in the BOP Reform Caucus to ensure the essential workers in the Bureau have the tools and resources they need to safely do their jobs.”

Rep. Matt Cartwright (PA-08):

“I look forward to continuing our work together on this bipartisan BOP Reform Caucus. As the Appropriations subcommittee chair that funds the federal prison system and as a member of this group, I am committed to improving operations at BOP in order to ensure the health, safety and security of staff and inmates at corrections facilities across the country, including USP Canaan in Northeastern Pennsylvania.”

Rep. Pete Stauber (MN-08):

“As a former law enforcement officer, I know how important it is to ensure our corrections officers have the resources necessary to safely and effectively perform their jobs. That’s why I am proud to serve on the BOP reform caucus in the 117^th Congress and continue fighting for the heroes who work every day in federal prisons across the nation.”

Rep. Randy Weber (TX-14):

“TX-14 is home to the Beaumont Federal Correctional Complex (FCC Beaumont). Through the pandemic, hurricanes, and other extreme weather events that have occurred, the inmates and staff at FCC Beaumont have endured a lot. The Bureau of Prisons (BOP) has needed – and continues to need – to step up to support staff in the wake of these events that have stretched the workforce so thin. These men and women working at FCC Beaumont must be compensated and treated fairly for their work, and the inmates housed at the complex must be ensured their rights under law. I am excited to work with the BOP reform caucus to institute real, meaningful change this Congress.”

Shane Fausey, National President, Council of Prison Locals:

“The reintroduction of the BOP Reform Caucus could not have come at a more defining moment in the history of the Bureau of Prisons.  Whatever events that have led this agency into the staffing crisis we are currently in are secondary to fixing the major issues hindering the success of our agency.  I truly believe with a collaborative effort of the BOP Reform Caucus, the National Council of Prison Locals, and the Bureau of Prisons leadership, ultimately, can result in adequate staffing, proper funding, and sufficient resources to ensure that we continue to protect our communities, properly prepare offenders for reintegration into society, and protect and support our Federal Correctional Law Enforcement professionals.”  

A.E. Kline, Local 148 President, USP Lewisburg:

“On behalf of all the staff at USP Lewisburg, we are very thankful for the BOP Reform Caucus and to finally have much needed oversight of the Federal Bureau of Prisons and their budget. For years now the BOP staff have been asked to constantly do more and more with less and less but the Agency budget always continues to climb year to year. This Reform Caucus could not have come at a better time and it is our sincere hope that it brings a brighter and, most importantly, safer future for all BOP staff.”

Background:

In February, The U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) released its 2021 report entitled, “Opportunities Exist to Better Analyze Staffing Data and Improve Employee Wellness Programs.” The findings from this report showed clear inconsistencies within the BOP’s data collection systems and an inability to use this data to improve agency policies and operations. Specifically, the report outlined flaws with BOP’s staffing methodology, its plan for identifying staffing shortages, and agency retention issues.

The GAO report—paired with the BOP’s negligent inmate transfer policies throughout the pandemic is a clear indication of the need for the BOP Reform Caucus in the new session.

Members of the BOP Reform Caucus include Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-15), Congressman Matt Cartwright (PA-08), Congresswoman Elise Stefanik (NY-21), Congressman Rodney Davis (IL-13), Congressman Andy Kim (NJ-03), Congressman Mike Bost (IL-12), Congressman Pete Stauber (MN-08), Congressman Larry Bucshon (IN-08), Congressman Glenn Grothman (WI-06), and Congressman Randy Weber (TX-14).

Pictured: Standing from left is Patrick Dixon, Barbara Reeves, Marc Schefsky, Star Poole and Adam Welteroth.

Seated from left is President Lori Baer, Vice President Dr. Jane Penman,

Dr. Nancy Story Somers and Jennifer Lake.

Todd Bartley, TalkWilliamsport.com

News@TalkWilliamsport.com

The following is an opinion editorial addressing the colossal failures on display by the WASD school board and Superintendent, Dr. Timothy Bowers.

Tuesday evening would have been a perfect time for the WASD school board and Superintendent, Dr. Timothy Bowers to begin admitting their colossal failure regarding the Myrtle Beach incident.

But as WAHS graduate, member of the 2018 WAHS baseball, who was on the Myrtle Beach trip and is a teacher in the Buffalo (NY) City School system shared in “A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball – PART IX” –

“They’d kill to be a part of a legendary community that sticks together until the end.”

Apparently, Dr. Bowers and the rest of the WASD school board are subscribing to the same mindset.

Since you ALL subscribe to it, you can ALL resign!

MILLIONAIRE BASEBALL PLAYER CODY SHIMP IN HIS OWN WORDS

After not responding to a request for comment prior to the publication of Part VIII of “A Baseball Story”, Talk Williamsport with the interest of the public in mind and in complete transparency provide now former Millionaire player Cody Shimp the opportunity to allow his personal Facebook publicly posted thread from September 7, 2018 to speak for itself.

When Shimp says, “No foolish sports writer” does he mean this author bringing to light as WASD Solicitor Fred Holland and the “WASD Official Statement” is quoted as saying “indecent and inappropriate behavior” as it relates to one of Shimp’s teammates in Myrtle Beach?

When Shimp further offers, “No ignorant parents because their kid wasn’t good enough to play for the program” does he mean athletic ability level dictates whether a player as JOHN DOE #1 experienced, become the victim of “indecent and inappropriate behavior”?

“No ignorant parents”, is Shimp saying the parents of the victims should never bring to light what happened to their children?

Is he also saying no one else should bring it up? “No uneducated people in the community”.

Shimp offers insight into the Millionaire mindset he learned, “I learned that as being a Williamsport Millionaire, your (sic) always under the spotlight. You ever hear of any other stories coming out about other local schools?

No.

That’s because people are jealous of us. They won’t admit it, but they are.

They’d kill to be a part of a legendary community that sticks together until the end.”

If nothing happened in Myrtle Beach in 2018, why would a “legendary community that sticks together until the end” need to stay silent on the matter?

At this writing, the 3-year anniversary of the 2018 Myrtle Beach trip is just 3 weeks away.

FAILING TO ACKNOWLGED THE VERY POLICY – WASD SCHOOL BOARD WAS SET TO VOTE ON

Back to Tuesday evening, the WASD school board president Lori Baer glossed over the “Board Policy” that was set for a first reading.

The “Board Policy”, as noted in “BREAKING NEWS: Is the WASD finally acknowledging Myrtle Beach victims with new policy?”

Talkwilliamsport.com in reviewing the March 2, 2021 WASD school board meeting agenda; came across what could be the first step taken in acknowledging the Myrtle Beach “victims” with a new policy being adopted.

The proposed policy is titled “Discipline of Student Convicted/Adjudicated of Sexual Assault”.

Under section number #6 and labeled “BOARD POLICY” and “Questions may be directed to Dr. Bowers”; the proposed policy reads as follows:

BOARD POLICY
Questions may be directed to Dr. Bowers.

6.1 Consider approving the first reading of new policy 218.3

“Discipline of Student Convicted/Adjudicated of Sexual Assault”

of the Williamsport Area School District Board policy

based on new School Code section 24 P.S. 1318.1, and renumbering of current Board policy on

“Gangs” to 218.4 as a clerical revision to align with PSBA recommended numbering system.

The proposed policy arrives little more than two weeks after the bombshell report published on February 15, 2021 by TalkWilliamsport.com; “BREAKING NEWS: WAHS student criminally charged by South Carolina authorities in 2018 baseball team incident.”

On Tuesday evening, when WASD school board president Lori Baer asked for discussion on the “Board Policy”; WASD Superintendent, Dr. Timothy Bowers inexplicably uttered the following: “nothing really to discuss.”

So nearly, 3 years to the day of “criminal sexual misconduct” occurring in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and as recently as two weeks ago; actual charges were filed in the case, the WASD is still sticking to the narrative of not acknowledging victims.

If New York Governor Andrew Cuomo thinks he has it bad now with all the allegations he is facing, Dr. Bowers, Bair, Shimp and company may tell him; “hold our beers.” 

This is a story, Chris Cuomo if CNN (the Governor’s brother) would actually be allowed to cover!

Let this sink in just for a moment; an entire school board, superintendent, assistant superintendent, board secretary and others sat SILENT.

NO ONE spoke up to even read what was listed on the board agenda as a first reading.

BACKGROUND ON THE BOARD POLICY

The law the commonly referred to as Act 110 of 2020 began as Senate Bill 530 which was signed into law as Act 110 of 2020 on November 3, 2020, creating a new section of the PA School Code 24 P.S. Sec. 13-1318.1.

Act 110 of 2020 was unanimously approved by the PA Senate 50-0 and the PA House 201-0, with a member on leave at the time of the vote.

“Act 110 requires schools to remove any student convicted or adjudicated delinquent of sexual assault against another student enrolled at the same school. The school entity is required to expel, transfer or reassign the offender to another school or educational program.

The school entity must ensure that the convicted/adjudicated student is not educated in the same school building, transported on the same school vehicle, or permitted to participate in the same school-sponsored activities as the student victim.

This law was designed to ensure that students who are the victim of a sexual assault by another student at their school are not re-victimized by seeing their attacker every day at school.”

More from “BREAKING NEWS: Is the WASD finally acknowledging Myrtle Beach victims with new policy?”

“The requirements of the Act go into effect on January 12, 2021.

The law applies to school districts, career and technical schools,

intermediate units, and charter schools.”

The time period between January 12, 2021 and March 2, 2021 is 50 days.

WASD school board member Jennifer Lake, also remained silent. Is she only a “one note” board member?

Why did refuse to take the lead on this “Board Policy” while demanding the “WASD Anti-Racism Board Resolution” had be released to the WASD website as soon as possible?

Was her “woke” broke tonight?

If only former WASD board member Spencer Sweeting was still on the board, maybe he would have spoken up.

Did anyone notice who did note vote or was absent tonight?

WASD board members Jane Penman and Barb Reeves who actually reside in the district.

You ever wonder what some of these “we know better than everyone else” folks would be doing if their child was being referred to as JOHN DOE #1, JOHN DOE #2, JANE DOE#1, JANE DOE #2, JANE DOE #3 and so on?

WHAT IF A WASD LETTER WENT TO SOMEONE CODY SHIMP IS REALTED TO?

From the “OP-ED: Long past time for Dr. Bowers to resign as WASD Superintendent:”

WHAT IF A LETTER EXISITS BANNING SOMEONE FROM CAMPUS WHO HAD NOT BEEN CRIMINALLY CHARGED?

What if a Right to Know Law request produced a letter that exists as well as email exchanges about a “perceived threat” by a family member of baseball team member?

What if that alleged “perceived threat” was answered “immediately” with a letter from WASD Solicitor Fred Holland?

What if the person stating the alleged “perceived threat” was never criminally charged in the matter?

What if the letter banned the person stating the alleged “perceived threat” from WASD property?

In summary, the person stating the alleged “perceived threat”, who was never criminally charged in the matter, received a letter from WASD Solicitor Fred Holland banning them from WASD property.

What would your response be to an adult who had actually been charged with a crime of a sexual nature against a child in the WASD while serving as that students coach?

Would that be an alleged “perceived threat” and garner a letter from WASD Solicitor Fred Holland?

This community already knows your response as well as so many WASD employees who have provided video endorsements.

WASD SCHOOL BOARD FAILS TO ADOPT POLICY TO MAKE EMAIL ADDRESSES PUBLIC

Knowing the behavior of the WASD as I do; Act 84 of 2020 will most likely not be adopted until the June 15, 2021 meeting since school districts have until June 26, 2021 to be in compliance.

Why?

This school board does not want you to communicate with them.

How do I know?

I asked the WASD lots of questions and their solicitor said in an email found in the “OP-ED: Long past time for Dr. Bowers to resign as WASD Superintendent”:

Subject: FW: WASD Questions

Date: Wednesday, September 5, 2018 at 3:52:21 PM Eastern Daylight Time

From: Fred Holland

To: Timothy Bowers, Brandon Pardoe, Susie Bigger

“If he (Bartley) asks again, I won’t justify it with a response…

BACKGROUND ON ACT 84 of 2020

“Compliance Update – Publication of School Director Email Addresses

Under Act 84 of 2020, approved by the Governor on October 29, school districts must publish on their websites an email address for each school director that can be used by students, staff or members of the public to communicate with members of the school board about school district governance matters. The email addresses must be available on an easily-found public area of each district’s website no later than June 26, 2021.

This new mandate adds one more reason for PSBA’s recommendation that school board members use only district-provided email accounts to communicate via email regarding school district matters.

To learn more about recommendations for using email and other electronic community engagement tools, watch “Best Practices in Digital Communications,” one of the many e-learning courses available in the online learning area of the MyPSBA website (requires login).”

http://www.mypsba.org/product/best-practice-in-digital-commmunications/

The WASD school board failed to address the resignation of fellow board member Marc Schefsky in the public portion of the meeting.

TalkWilliamsport.com exclusively reported earlier this week; “BREAKING NEWS: Marc Schefsky resigning from school board after WASD residency questioned.”

This author is preparing a formal referral to Lycoming County District Attorney Ryan Gardner to begin the process of “removal (“ouster”) court action in “Quo Warranto” regarding Marc Schefsky from the WASD school board.

“However, the fact that anyone has been rendered ineligible by any of these offense does not in and of itself remove them from office or empower the school board to remove them or to declare their seat vacant.  The exclusive procedure to assess whether someone is ineligible for the office they hold and to obtain an order of removal (“ouster”) is a court action in “Quo Warranto”, which normally is brought by the local district attorney.”

The SILENCE on this issue from the WASD school board, this administration and this community is deafening!

Look on the bright side, at least you have a shiny new playground to play on that the family of George Floyd can be proud of.

Better yet, when the Horry County Solicitor, the Pennsylvania Attorney General and Kline and Specter finish with you; maybe you can name that playground after JOHN DOE #1, JOHN DOE #2, JANE DOE#1, JANE DOE #2, JANE DOE #3 and so on.

History is not on your side and ALL of you know it.

Do this community the service of resigning; tonight.

Please put those resignations on the WASD website at your earliest convenience.