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:
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 117th 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 117th 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 117th Congress. After representing Indiana’s 8th 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 117th 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.
Photo Courtesy: PIAA
PRESS RELEASE: Mechanicsburg, PA – Monday, March 1, 2020
This morning, the Wolf Administration announced revised mitigation restrictions that are effective today statewide.
The revised mitigations restrictions include:
• Revised maximum occupancy limits for INDOOR EVENTS to allow for 15% of maximum occupancy, regardless of venue size. Core public health measures such as face covering (mask-wearing), social distancing, and hand hygiene still must be enforced. The 15% of maximum occupancy is permitted only if attendees and workers are able to comply with the 6-foot physical distancing requirement.
• Revised maximum occupancy limits for OUTDOOR EVENTS to allow for 20% of maximum occupancy, regardless of venue size. Core public health measures such as face covering (mask-wearing), social distancing, and hand hygiene still must be enforced. The 20% of maximum occupancy is permitted only if attendees and workers are able to comply with the 6-foot physical distancing requirement.
PIAA Executive Director, Dr. Robert A. Lombardi, stated, “PIAA is very appreciative of these changes and will attempt to provide as much in-person attendance at PIAA winter sports’ postseason contests as possible while complying with the new restrictions.”
PIAA will review their upcoming winter sports’ post-season events and capacities with site administrators and make all best efforts to accommodate schools’ and their families. These revised restrictions may allow some public sale of tickets based upon occupancy and social distancing restrictions.
The PIAA Board of Directors will discuss these topics and other items at its upcoming Wednesday, March 3, 2021 meeting.
Washington, D.C. — Today, members of the Pennsylvania Republican Congressional Delegation, including Congressmen Fred Keller (PA-12), Dan Meuser (PA-09), Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson (PA-15), Mike Kelly (PA-16), Scott Perry (PA-10), Lloyd Smucker (PA-11), John Joyce (PA-13), and Guy Reschenthaler (PA-14), made the following statement following the Pennsylvania state House announcement of an oversight investigation into the Wolf administration’s handling of nursing homes and long-term care facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic:
“The Pennsylvania Republican Congressional Delegation thanks the members of the General Assembly for taking the necessary steps to investigate the Wolf administration’s disastrous policies relating to our state’s nursing homes and long-term care facilities. Last March, the Pennsylvania Department of Health issued guidance requiring nursing homes to admit COVID-positive patients. Today, more than half of the state’s COVID fatalities have occurred in these facilities. Unfortunately, Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro has repeatedly failed to investigate the policies that put Pennsylvania seniors living in longterm care facilities at risk. Pennsylvanians deserve a full and transparent investigation into what went wrong. Our offices remain committed to ensuring all information is brought to light so that the health and safety of our senior citizens are never again jeopardized by the careless actions of a state executive.”
Background:
• On March 13, 2020, the Center for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued guidance “For Infection Control and Prevention of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Nursing Homes.”
• The March 13 guidance said that “nursing homes should admit any individual that they would normally admit to their facility, including individuals from hospitals where a case of COVID-19 was/is present” only if the nursing home can follow Centers for Disease Control (CDC) quarantining guidance.
• CMS Administrator Seema Verma later said, “[u]nder no circumstances should a hospital discharge a patient to a nursing home that is not prepared to take care of those patient’s needs.”
• Despite these warnings, however, governors of multiple states — including Pennsylvania — issued guidance and executive orders forcing nursing homes to admit people with the virus, thereby encouraging the spread to those vulnerable populations.
The Pennsylvania Republican Congressional Delegation has taken action to hold the Wolf administration accountable for its negligent nursing home policies during the COVID-19 pandemic, including:
February 16, 2021: Sending a letter to Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro asking for a report on guidance issued by the state Department of Health that called for admittance of COVID-19 positive individuals in long-term care facilities.
June 25, 2020: Republicans on the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis and eight members of the Pennsylvania Republican Congressional Delegation sent a letter to Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro requesting a formal review of the impact of Governor Wolf’s March 18, 2020 guidance for nursing homes to readmit COVID-19 positive residents that would be made public. His administration’s initial response can be found here.
The Williamsport Crosscutters are looking for energetic, motivated individuals to fill dozens of part-time seasonal positions at Historic Bowman Field for the 2021 season.
“Historic Bowman Field is a fun place to work and makes for great summer employment for high school and college students, retirees or anyone looking for a fun second job,” said Williamsport Crosscutters Vice-President General Manager Doug Estes.
This year, due to COVID-19 precautions, no applications will be taken in-person. All interested individuals must apply online via the Crosscutters website. To view the list of job categories and access the application, visit crosscutters.com and click on the CLUB INFO tab at the top of the page and then click 2021 JOB APPLICATION. Applicants must be at least 16 years of age.
Available jobs include; stadium ushers, cashiers, food prep workers, food delivery staff, ticketing, game day internships and more. The Crosscutters season consists of 34 home games from May 25 until August 11. Employees work approximately 3-6 hours at each Cutters home game and are not required to be available for all games. Applicants should have an outgoing personality and a willingness to work with the public.
The 2021 Williamsport Crosscutters home opener is scheduled for Tuesday, May 25 at Historic Bowman Field as the Cutters begin play in the new MLB Draft League.
Todd Bartley, TalkWilliamsport.com
News@TalkWilliamsport.com
The following is an opinion editorial addressing the colossal failures during the short tenure of WASD Superintendent, Dr. Timothy Bowers.
The time for Dr. Timothy Bowers to resign as Superintendent of the Williamsport Area School District has long past.
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.
ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY
Nearly one year ago this week March 3, 2020, community member Carlos Saldivia called upon the entire WASD school board and Dr. Bowers to resign.
“Breaking News: Resignations Demanded of WASD Officials based on Myrtle Beach Incident”
In the same meeting, BREAKING NEWS: Community member Carlos Saldivia also asked the WASD School Board for the “WAHS Baseball team program to be immediately suspended indefinitely.”
Have the events of the past year related to the Myrtle Beach incidents gotten any better for the WASD?
Case in point, the facts as they continue to come to light on a nearly daily basis; have indeed exponentially progressed in a negative direction for the WASD.
Just days into May of 2020, Lycoming County District Attorney Ryan Gardner announced a video depicting “criminal sexual misconduct” existed and the case was referred to Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro.
That case referral still remains under investigation.
Curious as a Superintendent of a school district and oversight as noted in the WASD Organizational Chart 008-chart 1; if Dr. Timothy Bowers would be interviewed as part of the Attorney General investigation?
I will revisit Dr. Bowers’ part in the “WASD investigations” as this OP-ED progresses.
REACTION TO CHILDLINE CALL IN MAY 2018
Let us explore just for a moment the chain of custody of a Childline call regarding the Myrtle Beach incident; juxtaposed against the WASD public statement.
The WASD Statement from January 9, 2020 reads in part:
“The Williamsport Area School District does not condone inappropriate and indecent behavior.”
Editor’s note: “Does not is the present tense use of “did not”;
once again no acknowledgment of victims, no looking back.
So is the logical conclusion drawn, the WASD did “condone inappropriate and indecent behavior” since no actual punishments have to date been handed down?
The WASD statement continues:
“The district has fully conducted an investigation of this incident and has transparently cooperated and participated with law enforcement officials.”
You know, a head principal in a really big school district who conducts an investigation should have no issue with answering the questions of the Myrtle Beach Police Department; by not doing so, could that be considered “obstruction of justice” or “hindering an actual criminal investigation” in the jurisdiction a crime occurred?
Instead, one of Dr. Bowers subordinates took it upon himself to ask the Myrtle Beach Police Detective who called; “Can I ask who you tried to speak with?”
Back to the WASD Statement:
“When contacted by Myrtle Beach authorities, the high school principal immediately referred them to the district attorney’s office and the district’s school resource officers, who serve with the Williamsport Bureau of Police.”
You know, the same school resource officers who were part of the investigation in May and June 2018 and were so involved they knew nothing about it until contacted by Myrtle Beach authorities in September of that year.
On this last referenced statement Dr. Bowers and I will agree;
“We urge our students, families and community members to avoid posting statements
to social media that are inaccurate or misleading,
as those statements can be detrimental and potentially harmful to our students.”
Over the course of this matter, the only misinformation that has been regularly provided is from the Williamsport Area School District; the same school district Dr. Bowers you lead along with the school board and are ultimately responsible for.
DETACHMENT FROM REALITY IS THE NORM IN THE WASD
For a board of school directors which had a member living outside the district boundaries for what has been shared with this author for as much as two years; obliviousness only multiplied when they offered Dr. Timothy Bowers a contract extension and unanimously (7-0) approved it.
But wait, WASD board member Adam Welteroth was absent and according to WASD Board Secretary, Wanda Erb Marc Schefsky who was not residing in the district was listed as not being present for the vote on Bowers extension on November 10, 2020.
PRESENT: Lori A. Baer, Patrick A. Dixon, Jennifer Lake, Jane L. Penman, Star Poole,
Barbara D. Reeves, Marc D. Schefsky (arrived 6:22 pm), Nancy Somers.
ABSENT: Adam C. Welteroth
How could an oblivious school board renew a Superintendent who has an open Attorney General investigation into the Myrtle Beach incident still ongoing?
Would it not be prudent to wait to see what the findings are before issuing extensions and pay increases, not to mention the funding shortfall caused by the global pandemic?
The colossal failure of the global pandemic plan is forthcoming as well.
This Superintendent and his school board seem to rush into things that matter to them – regularly.
You know, like the 28 days the board took and Dr. Bowers went along with acknowledging the death of George Floyd; as compared to the more than 19 months to make a statement regarding the Myrtle Beach incident.
In fact at the next WASD school board meeting, just 50 days after the law took effect; the WASD will consider a Board Policy, “Discipline of Student Convicted/Adjudicated of Sexual Assault”.
You know, that is really something on the heels of the report of ALLEGED PERPETRATOR #1 being charged by the same Myrtle Beach Police who your high school head principal asked; “Can I ask who you tried to speak with?”
The statement regarding the Myrtle Beach incident makes no mention of the “victims”.
HISTORY WILL NOT BE KIND TO THE DR. BOWERS ERA AS WASD SUPERINTENDENT
Fear not WASD taxpayers, if history is any indication the law firm of Kline & Specter who represent JOHN DOE #1 will make certain the “victims” of the Myrtle Beach incident will never be disrespected again.
Just ask the Catholic Church and Penn State about their results in civil litigation.
When history reflects on this case; those organizations may well say “hold my beer” to the WASD.
Wait, you know, like Brandon Pardoe (WAHS head principal) at the late March 2018 party at the beach house in South Carolina actually holding a beer in the presence of students he had oversight of.
The photo can also be found in Part XXII.
Brandon Pardoe (WAHS head principal)
at beach house in South Carolina holding a beer (right side of photo)
PARDOE INFORMS DR. BOWERS AND SUSIE NEIDIG OF INVESTIGATION
WAHS Head Principal Brandon Pardoe then informs Superintendent Dr. Timothy Bowers and his secretary Susie Neidig in the evening hours of May 30, 2018 of details about the “investigation.”
Subject: FW: Meeting
Date: Wednesday, May 30, 2018 at 8:22:21 PM Eastern Daylight Time
From: Brandon Pardoe
To: Timothy Bowers
CC: Susan A. Neidig
Priority: High
“We started the investigation with regard to the video taken on the Myrtle Beach trip after speaking with the parent and student today. I can give you more information if we could talk. I contacted the home of (redacted) who is the student that was videoed doing the act to the other student. I requested to meet with them with their son. They appear to be getting an attorney to meet as well. I would imagine that this is something that we would want to reach out to our solicitor about and update to join in a mutual meeting. I do have a recommendation for the interim until we can meet that I would like to run by you.
If we can talk tomorrow that would be great.”
Brandon Pardoe, Ed.D
Head Principal
Williamsport Area High School
2990 West Fourth Street
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone: (redacted by author)
Dr. Bowers, the benefit of the doubt left on May 30, 2018 when Pardoe emailed you and said “I contacted the home of (redacted) who is the student that was videoed doing the act to the other student.”
Let this part of the email sink in:
“student that was videoed doing the act to the other student.”
An act that was so egregious, the Student Handbook which outlines behavior expectations and punishments for failing to adhere to them; was completely ignored.
With you in the know and the top of the pyramid Dr. Bowers, the blame falls on you.
Fact witnesses have relayed any number of stories to me of your participation in a false flag, fake social media news operation you and those in the WASD have engaged in for the past three years attempting to discredit me.
Your attempts have failed.
Your false narrative has absolutely been debunked.
How?
In your own words, the words of WASD employees past and present and those of the school board in the countless communications obtained through the exclusive Right to Know Law requests from this author.
Even more Right to Know Law requests are forthcoming.
You know, the same Brandon Pardoe, Dr. Bowers thanked for updating him on an investigation that began may 30, 2018; 12 days after the initial Childline call was made.
The morning of June 1, 2018 Superintendent Bowers replied to Pardoe:
Date: June 1, 2018 6:42 AM
From: Timothy Bowers
To: Brandon Pardoe
Subject: Baseball
“Ok thanks for the follow-up”
Sent from my iPhone
An iPhone the WASD taxpayers foot the bill for.
The quote above “student that was videoed doing the act to the other student,” is the reason why there could never be a room list provided to me and why most of the records requests had to be denied.
Everybody knew about the “student that was videoed doing the act to the other student”.
The “student that was videoed doing the act to the other student,” everybody knew it was bad.
Just ask the former principal at Cochran Primary School, Cindy T. Schuyler as she said in “A Baseball Story In The Birthplace Of Little League Baseball” – PART XVI who said:
“I was aware of most of this. Some of what is said isn’t correct,
but in my opinion something bad happened in Myrtle Beach.”
PART XVI continues:
COCHRAN PRIMARY PRINCIPAL SCHUYLER HANGS UP
As part of the ongoing review of the phone records obtained from the WASD in the Right to Know Law process, a previously unidentified number was found.
The number belongs to Cindy T. Schuyler, principal at Cochran Primary School.
Schuyler previously referenced in PART V of this series after posting the following to the FSW Facebook page, “I was aware of most of this. Some of what is said isn’t correct, but in my opinion something bad happened in Myrtle Beach.”
Soon after posting it, she deleted the above referenced comment from the aforementioned page.
The WASD school board in November 2019 approved the resignation of Cindy T. Schuyler, principal at Cochran Primary School for the purpose of retirement.
Schuyler has been a WASD administrator for 13 years.
After learning of the incident, as a mandatory reporter why did she never call the Myrtle Beach Police Department?
Schuyler, was reached by phone Saturday evening seeking comment for this story; upon hearing the identifier of Talk Williamsport on the phone, Schuyler promptly hung up.
Schuyler’s resignation and retirement take effect June 30, 2020.
Can she explain the phone call with WAHS Principal Brandon Pardoe that lasted 14 minutes on January 3, 2019?
Back to PART XIX:
Was Pardoe asking the point person for both criminal and non-criminal investigations?
His calendar seems to indicate that:
AGENT WEBER MEETING IN BRANDON PARDOE’S OFFICE
Prior to the meeting on May 30, 2018 the calendar program used by Dr. Pardoe reflects multiple meeting invitations for the following obtained through RTKL requests:
Subject: (Redacted) Mother and Agent Weber Meeting
Location: Brandon’s office
Start: Wed 5/30/18 9:00 AM
End: Wed 5/30/18 10:00 AM
Show Time as: Tentative
Recurrence: (none)
Meeting Status: Accepted
Organizer: Brandon Pardoe
Required Attendees: Roger W. Freed, Sean McCann
Pardoe notes on the invitation,
“I scheduled with Will Weber for this day. Please plan to attend. Thanks, BP”
As a footnote to history, when was Fred Holland brought into the loop on this case?
Pardoe: “I would imagine that this is something that we would want to reach out to our solicitor about and update to join in a mutual meeting.”
In the released WASD Statement it says the WASD Solicitor (Fred Holland) gave Pardoe permission to run the investigation; was that after it had started, or did I miss something?
Back to Part XIX – “The Millionaire Way”
The WASD has yet to provide an e-mail outlining the directive from WASD Solicitor to WAHS Head Principal Brandon Pardoe giving him permission to conduct the investigation.
When Pardoe adds:
“I do have a recommendation for the interim until we can meet that I would like to run by you.”
Is this his Graham Spanier moment from the Jerry Sandusky case?
From the CBS News report, June 30, 2012 “Report: Ex-Penn State head OK’d not reporting Sandusky”:
If Sandusky is cooperative, Curley’s email said, “we would work with him. …. If not, we do not have a choice and will inform the two groups,” according to the report.
Spanier wrote back and agreed with that approach,
calling it “humane and a reasonable way to proceed,” according to the report.
But he also worried about the consequences.
“The only downside for us is if message isn’t `heard’ and acted upon and we then become vulnerable for not having reported it, but that can be assessed down the road,” the email said, according to CNN.
WAS IT NECESSARY FOR NEW COUNSEL SINCE DR. BOWERS SILENCED THE SOLICITOR?
From to Part III:
WASD SILENCSES SOLICITOR FRED HOLLAND
On Tuesday, July 30, 2019 at 10:30 AM Talk Williamsport asked several clarification questions that ended in WASD Solicitor Fred Holland being silenced by his client.
Fred,
I need a clarification on the invoices WASD provided Talk Williamsport from your firm. The pair of invoices provided indicate George Lepley was involved in meetings and phone calls.
Was he employed by WASD or representing someone else?
Thanks for your attention in this matter. Todd
Fred Holland responded at 1:24 PM:
Mr. Lepley was not retained by WASD. Fred
________________________________
At 1:34 PM, Bartley asks, As a follow-up, then why was he in meetings with WASD officials in the midst of multiple investigations?
Fred Holland responds at 1:47 PM
Todd, With all due respect, I cannot answer that question.
The Right to Know Act allows you to obtain documents, which you have done. I cannot discuss with you the things that are in those documents without the approval of my client.
Best regards, Fred
________________________________
Bartley asks at 4:58 PM
Fred, Will your client grant you the ability to discuss with me what is contained in those documents?
The invitation goes unanswered the rest of July 30, 2019.
________________________________
On Wednesday July 31, 2019 at 3:20 PM a follow-up email is sent:
Fred: It would be my understanding that your client has declined the invitation for you to speak with me in regard to the documents provided so far.
Correct?
________________________________
On Wednesday July 31, 2019, Holland responds at 3:32 PM in an e-mail copied to WASD Superintendent Timothy Bowers, WASD Open Records Officer Wanda Erb and WASD Attorney Jeff Rowe:
Todd, My client has not authorized me to speak further with you.
Fred,
Fred A. Holland , Murphy, Butterfield, & Holland, P.C.
________________________________
Returning to Part XIX – “The Millionaire Way” for another Holland, lack of response quote to legitimate questions and bragging about it to WASD assistant superintendent, Susie Bigger and WAHS head principal Brandon Pardoe.
Previously, when pressed on similar issues in this story WASD Solicitor Fred Holland offered the following in an e-mail to those involved in the investigation he approved according to the statement offered by the district.
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…
Little more than three weeks later in September 2018; Brandon Pardoe channeled his inner Fred Holland when the Myrtle Beach Police Department reached out for answers.
Pardoe as previously noted, said “Can I ask who you tried to speak with?”
That’s sure sounds like; “I won’t justify it with a response…”
DR. BOWERS HIRES A NEW LAW FIRM FOR RIGHT TO KNOW RESPONSES
There have been many a rhetorical question posed in this case; one perplexing one is; why after two full years of Right to Know Law requests being denied this author was a new law firm hired at WASD taxpayers expense?
One plausible answer could be a Right to Know Law request focusing on Dr. Timothy Bowers regarding the Myrtle Beach case as well as the “WASD Anti-Racism Board Resolution” – Part V.
The law firm of Kegel, Kelin, Litts, and Lord based in Lancaster, Pennsylvania who have authored such presentations as:
“BIG, BAD BULLIES – HOW TO PROTECT YOUR STUDENTS FROM HARM AND YOUR DISTRICT FROM LIABILITY for KKAL Education Law Breakfast (2017), Howard L. Kelin and Jeffrey D. Litts and
“TIPS FOR EFFECTIVE INVESTIGATIONS,” for Lancaster-Lebanon School Business Officials, Jeffrey D. Litts.
Soon after nearly 130 separate Right to Know Law requests were filed last year as follow-ups to previous denials and requests the law firm of Kegel, Kelin, Litts, and Lord began negotiations with me to release certain requested documents.
Within that release came the actual non-punishment emails and the stunning admission by the WASD of the “Lepley Letter” of May 31, 2018.
A letter that should have been released two years earlier by Wanda Erb, WASD Board Secretary, Business Manager, and Right to Know Law officer.
from Part XIX – “The Millionaire Way”:
The existence of a letter authored by George Lepley was confirmed by this author and was immediately requested through the Right to Know law and through the special counsel hired by the WASD.
Attorney George Lepley was contacted for this story and when confronted with the existence of said letter he stated, “I never wrote a letter, there is no letter.”
When confronted with the content of the letter, he added, “I would never threaten the school district.”
The letter authored by George Lepley obtained through the Right to Know Law, dated May 31, 2018 was not previously provided in the RTKL mediation conducted with the WASD last year and appears as follows:
Brandon Pardoe, Principal
Williamsport Area High School
2990 West Fourth Street
Williamsport, PA 17701
Shawn McCann, Athletic Director
Williamsport Area High School
2990 West Fourth Street
Williamsport, PA 17701
Re: Misconduct Myrtle Beach
Dear Brandon and Shawn:
I have been contacted by (redacted by WASD), parents of ALLEGED PERPETRATOR #1 (editor added) (redacted by WASD) regarding potential criminal charges (the rest of this sentence was redacted by WASD) followed by between 10 and 11 lines which are also redacted by the WASD.
Within the redacted lines, Lepley outlines a plan that if his client ALLEGED PERPETRATOR #1 is treated any differently than any other student in the room during what has been confirmed to be “criminal sexual misconduct” in Myrtle Beach then his firm would seek legal remedies as well as the unmasking of the identity of those students.
The letter concludes, “It is my understanding you wish to have a meeting with ALLEGED PERPETRATOR #1 (editor added) (redacted by WASD) and his parents. Please note, I will be present at that meeting and therefore would kindly appreciate notice of same.
Sincerely, LEPLEY, ENGLEMAN & YAW, LLC George E. Lepley, Jr. Esquire”
The other students in the room at the time of the “criminal sexual misconduct” as characterized by Lycoming County District Attorney Ryan Gardner, included the nephew of Brandon Pardoe.
That fact alone should have led to a recusal by Pardoe from any involvement in the “investigative process.”
The method of delivery and specific date of delivery of the Lepley letter have yet to be confirmed by the WASD.
How did a letter to the WASD from the attorney for ALLEGED PERPETRATOR #1 include the unredacted words “Misconduct Myrtle Beach” and “potential criminal charges”; end up as “indecent and inappropriate behavior” unless adults worked it out amongst themselves?
Is it the same way Penn State administrators try to explain away the behavior of Jerry Sandusky as “horseplay.”
The Lepley letter of May 31, 2018 leads to only one conclusion.
Everyone in a leadership capacity on the trip, knew of the “criminal sexual misconduct” incident while in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
MYRTLE BEACH CASE DEMONSTRATED FAILURE IN THE FACE OF COVID-19 WAS INEVITABLE
How could a Superintendent who recommended Hybrid learning, then switched to full remote, then in-person learning then back again while keeping all the sports teams still playing be offered an extension?
Did I mention, in the presentation I attended that all information related to race was conveniently left out of the class failure rates?
From the story, “Colossal Failure happening in the WASD”, according to data presented, the academic courses that are currently being failed at the high school level this marking period total 2,932 or 32%. At the mid-marking period assessment, the total was 2,968.
Remote learning only students accounted for 1,203 or 54% of the total failure number.
In the middle school, 3,199 academic courses are currently being failed.
According to WASD superintendent Dr. Timothy Bowers, “Williamsport remains one of only two school districts in the Intermediate Unit that is not back to five day per week in-person learning.”
Was that because the numbers were disproportionate to the minority students being left behind and the optics in the aftermath of the “WASD Anti-Racism Board Resolution” would be awful?
Or was it just another example of the systemic racism that WASD board member Jennifer Lake championed would never happen again?
Is that why Jennifer Lake had such a hard time casting a vote to return to in-person learning?
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.
CONCLUSION
If these examples are not enough of the colossal failure; this surely must be; this author was informed you took a personal interest in making sure soon to be former WASD board member used an address that he was not residing in to remain on the board at your request.
It is not lost on me the tardiness of that same board member on the night Dr. Bowers contract was voted on; was this so no questions would be asked for the agreement to be revisited since a non-district resident cast a vote?
Regardless, your record of failure when it comes to protecting and providing a safe and fulsome learning environment is crystal clear.
Prior to your resignation, Dr. Bowers this community demands you begin the process of mitigating the damage caused in the Myrtle Beach case.
The following steps must be taken Tuesday evening at the WASD school board meeting;
The resignation of Fred Holland, WASD solicitor
The resignation of Brandon Pardoe, WAHS head principal
The resignation of Roger Freed, WAHS principal
The resignation of Sean McCann, WAHS athletic director
The resignation of Susie Bigger, WASD assistant superintendent
The resignation of Wanda Erb, WASD business manager
The rescission of the coaching contracts for the entire WAHS baseball coaching staff, pending the outcome of the AG investigation
These moves are only the beginning of the fallout from the inaction in the Myrtle Beach case on your watch.
With that in mind; history calls for your immediate resignation and rescission of the extension agreement set to begin July 1, 2021.
On second thought, stay there, when Attorney General Josh Shapiro makes known the findings of the investigation of the 2018 WAHS baseball team “criminal sexual misconduct” incident for which at least one student has recently been charged in; your answers in front of the national media will be must watch television.
From the major motion picture “Gladiator”, prior to going into battle with the Barbarian Horde; Maximus tells his fellow patriots in the Roman army:
“What we do in life, echoes in eternity.”
You know, Dr. Bowers it rings similar to what you said to WASD board member Jane Penman:
“In my opinion our actions are more impotent (important) than our words.”
Just another great day to be a Millionaire.
