Posted on 9/28/2012 11:13 AM By Eugene Sciulli
As National Director for Questeq and Vice President for the West Allegheny School District School Board, I was invited to an education hearing co-chaired by Senator Jim Brewster held earlier in the year. I was moved by the passion that each participant displayed regarding education and the need for equality in funding. Shortly after the hearing I requested a follow-up meeting with Senator Brewster to further discuss these issues.
Recently, Chairman Ron Main and I sat down and spoke with Senator Brewster and State Representative Bill Kortz. In a separate meeting, I also spoke with my local representative Mark Mustio. One of the topics discussed was the disparity of funding between public education and charter schools. Each agreed that we must work together to close the gap to ensure all children in the Commonwealth receive an equal education. Also discussed was Questeq’s expertise providing cost savings to districts throughout Pennsylvania. In addition, I shared how we help meet districts daily technology needs as well as helping them stay ahead of the massive changes happening in K12 education.
The elected officials requested that Questeq provide them with case studies that illustrate the savings districts that we manage have realized. They were also interested in seeing how we have helped increase the amount educational technology tools provided to the students in those districts.
I am truly appreciative of not only meeting these gentlemen but more importantly, the passion that we all share to ensure that each district and its students receive the best education. I thank them for the time they spent with me and look forward to continuing our discussion on how we can make a difference for the children and their school districts in Pennsylvania.
Posted on 7/23/2012 12:02 PM By Eugene Sciulli
Mrs. Volakis, a teacher at West Allegheny, was recently honored for the innovative use of technology in her business and computer technology classes. Her efforts will be showcased on July 31, 2012 when she and other teachers visit the Microsoft Partners in Learning 2012 U.S. Forum in Redmond, Washington.
As a parent and Board Member in the West Allegheny School District, I am so proud of the recognition Mrs. Volakis has received. She has always created exciting ways to teach students how to employ technology so that it's useful to them no matter what career interests them. In my current position I see daily how technology is becoming a vital learning tool for teachers and students. It is great to see someone in our district who stays in front of trends.
Read more about Mrs. Volakis and her classroom by visiting: http://www.post-gazette.com/stories/local/neighborhoods-west/a-newsmaker-you-should-know-west-allegheny-teacher-honored-for-use-of-classroom-technology-643516/.
Posted on 6/27/2012 7:30 AM By Eugene Sciulli
As Vice President of the West Allegheny School District Board, I was personally invited to attend an important hearing regarding the Pennsylvania Public Education Fund. Several School Board Presidents and other educational experts participated in the hearing held by Senator James Brewster and chairperson Senator Lisa Boscola on June 14th, 2012 in Monroeville, PA.
As a board member I knew many districts across the Commonwealth were suffering because of cuts to education. I thought it was important to share some of the data obtained from the participating Senators.
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For a 2nd consecutive year, school districts are again forced to consider cuts to instructional programs.
- Nearly 50% of school districts said that financial distress is anticipated within 3 years if state and local funding does not improve.
- Districts anticipate using three times more fund balance in 2012-13 as was used for the current year. About one-in-five districts have diminished their excess funds by 50% or more within the last two years.
- Class sizes will increase in about 60% of districts surveyed.
- Students in 58% of districts will face reduced instruction in art, music and physical education, and will have fewer elective and advanced placement course offerings.
To download the full report visit:
http://www.pasbo.org/PressReleaseReportSurvey_FINAL.pdf.
As a parent I was pleased to see some of our elected officials challenging Harrisburg. We share the same passion for ensuring that all students of the Commonwealth receive a robust education that will allow them to compete globally. However this will only happen if Harrisburg realizes that funding needs to change. I feel charter schools can no longer have an unfair advantage over public education. Unions must also participate in correcting some of this problem. We all need to work in unison because it is the children who always suffer the greatest due to cuts in education funding.
I appreciate Senator Boscola for chairing this meeting, Senator Brewster for inviting me and all other invitees who participated. I hope to personally contact the Senators to discuss ways that I can get involved, both personally and professionally, to institute change to education funding.
Posted on 4/26/2012 10:00 AM By Eugene Sciulli
By taking 5 minutes to prioritize your district's technology it will allow us to assist you to better understand your technology spend, processes and and savings, while the cost of running a district continues to escalate.
Questeq has been the educated choice for 30 years, providing innovative technology solutions and savings to districts of all sizes. As a partner, you will see that our depth and knowledge is unrivaled in K-12. We understand that the challenge of running a district has never been greater. That is why we take great pride in helping you to evaluate your technology initiatives to continue to inspire and educate children.
Please view the video below to hear how this No-Cost Technology Priorities Assessment can benefit your school district.
Then complete the assessment by clicking the button below.
