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WPCNR CITY HALL CIRCUIT. July 1, 2009 UPDATED, 10:30 A.M. E.D.T.: City Hall will attempt to stage the 4th of July fireworks this evening, at White Plains High School, scheduled to start at 6:30P.M.
This will be Mayor Joseph Delfino’s last year to preside over the annual kickoff of America’s Birthday. Plenty of other politicians are expected to circulate, glad-handing the thousands of persons, estimated at times to reach 10,000 people, who turn out for this event.
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WPCNR THE HOUSING NEWS. By John F. Bailey June 30,2009: WPCNR learned today that once the Winbrook Rivitalization project is completed, it will be managed by the developer or developer(s) for the White Plains Housing Authority through a series of arrangements, according to Commissioner of Planning Susan Habel. Habel explained this, saying the details were yet to be worked out. She was responding to a question if the Housing Authority would manage and run the day-to-day operations, rentals, leasings of the new 1,100-unit public Housing, Affordable Housing, and Market Rate housing multi-use retail complex the zoning for which is up for approval by the Common Council next Tuesday evening.
This morning Gary Warshauer, the architect on the preliminary stage of the project present the first looks ever of how the new street ambience of The New Winbrook would look, (below), and residents were given an overview of how the project would proceed after expected Common Council approval of the Zoning changes, allowing the parking density and retail/mixed use zoning required to continue with the project. A Second presentation will be made this evening at 6:30 P.M at the Housing Authority.
Habel also said the developer would be selected from applicants ( about 30 have responded) by the Housing Authority with White Plains Common Council input, but that Housing Authority (and HUD) would have the final decision, Commissioner of Planning Susan Habel told WPCNR.
Habel told WPCNR last week that the Common Council would have final approval of the details on what construction was to be built, even after the zoning change needed to allow the construction was approved.
Habel, in response to a WPCNR question as to who would control/manage the completed development,said that the White Plains Housing Authority would most likely turn over management of the complex to the developer in a series of agreements yet to be ironed out. The Commissioner also told WPCNR that property owners on the Lexington Avenue side across from Winbrook were behind the zoning change and would possibly be eligible for funding for upgrading their properties. She did not elaborate on what those owners would be expected to do with their properties to complete the neighborhood makeover.
She told the audience of 17 residents, that the city was committed to similar street scaping and upgraded retail on the West Post Road portion, and that White Plains Hospital Center would perhaps be interested in the car dealerships not included in the area covered by the zoning change for medical offices.
She told WPCNR that the city had received $1,000,000 in funding from Senator Hillary Clinton and Senator Schumer that Commissioner of Public Works, Joseph Nicoletti had planned to fund street scape upgrades on both sides of Lexington, but Habel said it was held off when the thought of upgrading all of Winbrook became a possibility. “It didn’t make sense to do the streetscaping that was going to be torn up by backhoes,” she said.
A second presentation of what the White Plains Housing Authority is planning for the revitalization of Winbrook is scheduled this evening at 6:30 P.M. at the Housing Authority at 223 Martin Luther King Boulevard.
The media were not informed of this morning’s presentation which saw Terri Walton, a consultant with the White Plains Housing Authority, Gary Warshauer,the architect consulting on the preliminary Winbrook Revitalization project, and City Commissioner of Planning Susan Habel address the audience.
What was learned was the city and the Housing Authority were going to make extraordinary efforts to seek resident input on the project, and there would be numerous opportunities to furnish input via e-mail, written comments, even taking photographs of the ambiences of Winbrook residents like that they wished included in the new project.
Corner of Quarropas and South Lex, would feathre 3 stories of retail fronting Quarropas, with a setback to the 15 story new residences for Public, affordable housing and market rate housing above.
The Retail “Look” for just a portion of the length of South Lexington. Typical entrance to the residences is at the right. Design, Warshauer emphasized was conceptual at this stage, subject to input from the residents in future months — pending approval of the zoning that makes it all possible.
Next steps to the Winbrook Revival (above), after Zoning Approval were discussed. The project is expected to be funded by the private developer to be selected by the Housing Authority, and received substantial funding from the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and President Obama-injected stimulus money.
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WPCNR STAGE DOOR. From The Music Conservatory. June 27, 2009: The Music Conservatory of Westchester, a non-profit community school of the arts in White Plains, NY, has appointed Rye resident Carol Shiffman as Executive Director effective July 1, 2009. The announcement was made by Board President Nancy Goodman.
The Baton, Please:
Carol Shiffman, New Director, The Music Conservatory of Westchester, White Plains
Shiffman succeeds Dr. Aaron Flagg, who leaves to become the next Dean of The Hartt School at the University of Hartford. Shiffman is nationally recognized for her work in arts administration and music, dance, and arts education. Previously the Dean of SUNY Purchase’s Conservatory of Dance, Shiffman led one of the country’s preeminent arts institutions with world renowned faculty. She strengthened and expanded the school’s range of course offerings, master classes, and special events, and increased student opportunities for performances both on and off campus.
“We are delighted to have Carol as our new Executive Director. Her breadth of expertise in music and education will allow us to continue to develop programming that meets the needs of an ever-broadening and more diverse Westchester County,” said Goodman. “Carol’s vast experience in collaboration will provide new opportunities for the Conservatory to create innovative partnerships in our 80 th anniversary year and beyond.”
Prior to her position at SUNY Purchase, Shiffman was Chair of the Music Department at Cornish College of the Arts in Seattle, WA, where she oversaw a 50 percent growth in enrollment. She served as Executive Director of Centrum, a multi-faceted, multi-disciplinary arts organization in Port Townsend, WA, expanding their series of workshops, concerts, and festivals. Shiffman spent eleven years at the California Arts Council in Sacramento, CA as their Senior Grants Officer. She is also the founder and former Artistic Director of the Momentum Dance Company and Arts Center, a professional modern dance company based in Los Angeles, CA.
“The Music Conservatory of Westchester is a long-standing treasure in the community,” said Shiffman. “I am delighted to bring my expertise and lifelong passion for the arts to this wonderful and important institution.”
Shiffman received a B.A. with high honors in Comparative Literature with a minor in Dance from the University of Rochester. She completed graduate coursework at the University of California in Dance and at UCLA and California State University, Dominguez Hills, in Education, Arts Management, and Film and Television. Shiffman also studied at L’Université de Paris, La Sorbonne.
The Conservatory, which provides music, musical theatre, and music therapy for people of all ages and abilities, celebrates its milestone anniversary in the 2009-2010 academic year. Last year, the organization set a five-year strategic plan in motion, spearheaded by outgoing Executive Director Dr. Flagg. Under Dr. Flagg’s leadership, the Music Therapy Institute has reached record levels of enrollment. New offerings have also been added in composition, voice, Suzuki, hip-hop, rock, and musical theatre.
In honor of the Conservatory’s upcoming anniversary, plans are currently underway for a year-long series of celebrations. The organization is currently seeking former students, faculty, and staff to share their experiences for use in one of the many special publications tied with anniversary festivities.
For more details on 80 th anniversary plans, or to reconnect with Conservatory alumni, please contact offers@musiced.org.
The Music Conservatory of Westchester is located at 216 Central Avenue in White Plains, NY. Registration is always open and financial assistance is available for qualifying students. They can be reached at (914) 761-3900 or by visiting www.musicconservatory.org. Follow the Conservatory on Facebook and Twitter for the latest news and updates.
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WPCNR CENTER STAGE LEFT. Theatrical Rush Review by John F. Bailey. June 25, 2009: There was a buzz and energy at opening night at WBT. Most had never heard of this comedic hoot of a review that debuted Off-Broadway in 1996, and just closed in 2008, outrunning My Fair Lady.
A full house was eager for something happy and amusing and they got a Laugh-in’s worth!
Courtney Holds Court!
Courtney Balan is the Complete Comedienne, mugging, madcapping, accenting, wisecracking, sending up, dialecting, wallflower, babe, single girl, torch singer in I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change. Photos, Courtesy WBT, By John Vecchiola.
When comedienne Courtney Balan makes a match.com video on WBT’s widescreens, talking to a video camera, with her back to her audience, she brings down the house with laughter as she tells all her foibles and faults with mugging and facial expressions that generated steady laughter nonstop.
When Noel Molinelli sings a lament about the bride’s maids dresses in her closet, and ill-fated grooms, the women of Westchester grinned and nodded knowingly, remembering weddings past. When Jonathan Rayson laments about waiting for his wife in Macy’s, the men laugh and laugh, while Ms. Molinelli agonizes in line for a women’s restroom—both men, women nod, laugh and remember.
Understudy Travis Taber, last seen in Oliver! as the Knife Grinder (at that incubator of talent, the White Plains Performing Arts Center) did a masterful job jumping in on Opening Night. He’s at the wheel of the family car! With the ubiquitous Courtney Balan as his wife, and Noel Molinelli, back seat with Jonathan Rayson as his kids. Mr. Taber had to do the 42nd Street Opening Night “Dream Brake” Replacement role thing this evening filling in for Frank Vlastnik. The kid will always remember this night. He wise-cracked and delivered the part as if he created it! What a great job by the kid. Who doesn’t like a little schmaltz on Opening Night? Photos, Courtesy, WBT By Frank Vecchiola
Taber coordinated with perfect comic timing with Ms. Balan to turn four rolling desk chairs into the family car, it’s madcap mirth! (Even Brenda Starr, your reporter’s date for the evening laughed in uncharacteristic glee for the most dignified no-nonsense redhead in journalism – mentioning on the way out that her brothers used to fight in the backseat just like Mr. Rayson and Ms. Molinelli.
Scene after scene of Westchester Broadway Theatre’s revival of the longest running Off-Broadway revue in history, I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change , the laughs just keep on coming, with an updated script for 80s and 90s couples, it reviews the institution of the pitfalls, pratfalls, of dating, courtship, parenthood, aging, shopping, marital sex through the last fifty years, complete with cellphones. Book and Lyrics (and jokes) by Joe DiPietro and Music by Jimmy Roberts have everyone who’s dated, married, divorced, married, divorced over the last half century laughing naturally, remembering fondly, and going out with a smile on their face. Marriage takes a beating, (but is still ticking at the end of the show) because it keeps on coming back as the ensemble sings at the grand finale!
WBT producers Bill Stutler and Bob Funking have assembled a formidably funny, coordinated group of very droll people to carry off this farce of farces where they play 40 characters in a series of rapid-fire costume changes. It is theatre magic that hangs together, perfecto!
The show uses the WBT video screens cleverly to announce each scene,reminiscent of The Pink Panther credits and from the unexpected opening featuring the Flippant Four as angels who sing Catata for a First Date – the audience is laughing non-stop. This show taps into your personal experience with charm, knowing familiarity and good nature – you’ll think the show is about your romantic life.
Courtney Balan (The Bride) is the long tall brassy blonde comic standout mugging like Carol Burnett, manipulating her flawless face like Lucille Ball with perfect exaggeration, and belting like Bette Midler. She has all the best bits and rachets up the laffometer. That’s Travis Taber as the Priest, Mr. Rayson the Groom and Ms. Molinelli, the bridesmaid.
Ms. Balan plays a not-so-pretty girl with Mr. Rayson in A Stud and A Babe sequence that everyone will identify. She connects on the touching ballad “I Will Be Loved Tonight.” I really liked this song,and I bet most of the women did too. Ms. Balan tender and touching just played this song and strummed the heart strings. She reaches the audience’s hearts with the plentive He Called Me, after conducting a cascade of laughs on the phone with her mother about whether her boyfriend had called. Ms. Balan, a graduate of the
Ms. Molinelli stands up to Ms. Balan’s natural comedic flare gamely in the stalking song with Mr. Taber and Mr. Rayson, Single Man Drought which gets both the males in the audience and their ladies laughing knowingly. She has her moment in Act II, singing about love in the upper ages in the very wise and warm song (one of three in the show) I Can Live With That. She also renders an excellent housewife of many years listening deadpan to Mr. Rayson sing the all-to-true, Shouldn’t I Be Less In Love With You?
Mr. Taber and Ms. Molinelli do a classic bit of a man at a tear jerker movie.
Taber wowed the WBT audience with his portrayal of a convict at a traveling dating show—scaring singles into matrimony.
Mr. Rayson and Mr. Taber have the men in the audience laughing at their Why? ‘Cause I’m a Guy? It details all the things women hate about the way men are. The laughs just coming at you. You have to see the show twice to get all the lines.
Christine DiTotta, (left) and Brian Cooper are the subject of a spoof on a law firm that puts a lawyer in bed to assure sexual satisfaction to remind what you are supposed to do as part of the bed contract. Mr. Taber as a fast-talking lawyer from Jacoby and Myers Masters and Johnson guaranteeing satisfaction or you get paid. You have to see it, folks.
A Scene All Will Identify With: Mr. Rayson (left), Ms. Molinelli (2nd from left), Ms. Balan and Brian Cooper toast a breakup with sentiments that are a hoot!
The set is minimalist, one of the sparest productions WBT has ever done, but the material is so funny, the situations so dead, solid, perfect, the Funny Four so perfectly in tune — it does not need a set. The material carries it — no dead spots. It romps!
Two of the six reasons it works is the duo of the talented fingers of John Daniels on the jolly 88s making that Steinway sing, and Sara Molina on violin rip off a jolly good musical bed of moments between men and women we will all remember.
Their artistry segues smoothly from ragtime, cocktail piano, classical, to rock riffs, and even country music. Ms. Molinelli does a wonderful Patsy Cline/Loretta Lynn sendup of country music on Always a Bridesmaid Never a Bride. Mr. Daniels exquisite execution of the keyboard makes this review fly by in a 1 hour first act and a 45 minute second act – where every scene is funny as Hell. The show has more laughs than The Producers.
As composer Jimmy Roberts, quoted in the program notes by Pia Haas, WBT Publicist, says “with the message that dating or married, it’s worth connecting”
The show has played in thousands of places around the world, and inspired 61 marriage proposals on stage among its actors, according to Ms. Haas. It’s a show that obviously connects actors and actresses, it connected with the WBT audience last night.
As the Funny Four sing in the finale, “We keep coming back.”
*********************
You might want to come back, too.
Steve Callaran, the emcee with the elegant stride and the non-stop patter, who opens every show at the WBT, quized the Opening Night audience on how much they thought a ticket to the first WBT show was back on July 9,1974 when WBT first opened.
The audience was surprised to learn it was only $10.95 for dinner and the show, tonight it was $73, and you can get complete box office information on I Love You, You’re Perfect, Now Change at www.broadwaytheatre.com or call 592-8730. Steve mentioned a promotion for limited dates in July where you can purchase a ticket for the $10.95 price with every purchase of a full price ticket. Check it Out as they say on Times Square!
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WPCNR DPW DAILY. By John F. Bailey. June 25,2009: Commissioner of Public Works Joseph Nicoletti, when asked when the Department of Public Works would send out detailed official notice of controversial sweeping changes in garbage, recycling, and autumn leaf pickups (previously made by the city of loose leaves at curbside) last night, told WPCNR the new pickup schedule and attendant regulations would not be implemented until September 1. (The changes were instituted as part of budget-cutting initiatives by the department at the request of the Mayor’s Office.)
Award-winning Commissioner of Public Works Joseph Nicoletti, speaking on DPW Garage repairs and rolling stock purchases last night. Afterwards he shared the schedule for sanitation changes with WPCNR
Nicoletti told WPCNR the regulations which include consolidation of recycling papers and recyclable containers to same days as garbage pickups; requirement that leaves be bagged for pickup by the owner or owners’ landscape companies; removal of backyard garbage pickup, will be issued August 1 to familiarize the public with them and the new schedules implemented September 1.
It was not clear how delaying the implementation of the new regulations designed to “save” money would save money for the first two months of the new fiscal year without implementing them.
During the Common Council Work Session Wednesday evening, Commissioner Nicoletti presented requests for $300,000 of concrete floor replacement on the 1928 South Kensico DPW garage, and $1,040,000 in bonds for replacement of DPW Vehicles,Refusal Collection Trucks, previously included in the 2009-10 budget which begins being spent in one week.
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WPCNR CAMPAIGN 2009. June 25,2009: Suburbanstreet.com reports this morning that Bob Hyland, long time owner of The Sports Page restaurant in White Plains, and National Football League legend with the New York Giants and the Green Bay Packers has agreed to contest Legislator William Ryan for the District 5 seat in White Plains.
Bob Hyland, left, with John Martin, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, March 2007. WPCNR News Archive.
Suburban Street reports Hyland making this statement: “If I am elected to the County Board, I will take my experience that includes 36 years as a successful businessman, 16 years in the financial services industry and 11 years as a professional football player and apply those experiences to county government. My years in the financial services industry have shown me what families and businesses need to do to survive in today’s economy.”
“Our current county government clearly does not understand these issues or they would not be asking to raise taxes and spending. They would not be attempting to raise their own salaries in today’s economy. I know that if I ran my restaurant and insurance practice the way the incumbent has run the county legislature, my businesses would have failed many years ago,” concluded Hyland.
GOP Chairman Doug Colety said, “We are excited to be nominating Bob Hyland for the County Legislator in Scarsdale and White Plains. Bob’s experience in business and the financial services industry will make him an outstanding addition to the County Board and a breath of fresh air after the scandal-plagued Bill Ryan.”
Suburban Street describes Hyland a registered Independence Party Member, born and raised in White Plains and was educated at Archbishop Stepinac High School in White Plains, followed by Boston College. After a successful eleven-year career in the National Football League including winning a Super Bowl under legendary coach Vince Lombardi and five seasons with the New York Giants, Hyland returned to White Plains to raise his family and open a family business. He currently is the owner of the Sports Page Restaurant in White Plains and his own insurance practice.
Hyland will be running on the Republican, Independence and Conservative lines in the November Election. District 5 includes all of Scarsdale and part of White Plains.
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The pool is only open to
The pool operates 11 A.M. to 6:30 P.M. daily. Admission per visit (with
Two paid adult admissions are allowed per
Twilight Swims are in effect after 4 P.M. After 4, the charge per adult is $4; child, $3. Seniors may swim at twilightfor $3 Monday through Friday.
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WPCNR COUNTY CLARION-LEDGER. From Westchester County Department of Recreation and Parks. June 24, 2009: As Little Orphan Annie says, “The sun will come out tomorrow”… just in time for the first full weekend of the summer at Playland in Rye. Now open Tuesday through Sunday through Labor Day, (closed Mondays) Playland is the most exciting park to visit this summer with more than 50 rides and attractions and non-stop entertainment.
The Dragon Coaster, Playland, Circa 1928. Stepping Back Into a Once and Simpler Time. Photo, WPCNR News Archive
Playland features great entertainment daily including the World Famous Wallendas high wire show, Jason Hudy’s “Magic to Do” show, “Believe” musical revue, strolling entertainers and costume character visits at the Street Fair in Kiddyland, plus the giant Robot Man and other strollers throughout the park. Beginning July 1, there are spectacular fireworks on Wednesday and Friday evenings and Saturday, July 4, and Milt Gerver’s Big Band concerts and dances on the boardwalk on Fridays evening beginning July 17.
The Fabulous Ice Casino and Colonnades at Playland.
Playland offers a new low pay-one-price admission, including unlimited-ride Fun Bands for $25 for Westchester residents and $30 for non-residents. Twilight Fun Bands sold after 6 p.m. are discounted by $5. Junior Fun Bands for children under 36 inches are free with an adult Fun Band purchase (two Junior Fun Bands per adult Fun Band). Non-riders pay $3 for
Playland is now open Tuesdays and Thursdays, from noon to 10 p.m., Wednesdays and Fridays from noon to 11 p.m., Saturdays from noon to midnight and Sundays from noon to 10:30 p.m. The park is open until midnight on July 3 and July 4.
Parking is $4 weekdays and $5 weekends and holidays.
Playland can be reached by taking the New England Thruway (I-95) to
For Bee-Line bus routes to Playland, visit www.westchestergov.com/beelinebus.
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WPCNR MAN WATCH. From Bill Ryan and Men’s Forum News Release. June 24, 2009: White Plains’ legislator Bill Ryan told WPCNR Wednesday evening that he was in for a medical checkup about a year ago, mentioned to his doctor that he noticed when walking uphill or stairs he got a little short of breath, and also noticed the same shortness of breath when he was lifting heavy loads.
His doctor did not like the sound of that and ordered some tests. One year ago last night Mr. Ryan underwent emergency bypass surgery based on what the tests revealed. The experience changed Mr. Ryan’s lifestyle and was the inspiration for him to organize the first Men’s Health Forum last night at
Crowd at Legislator Bill Ryan’s inaugural Men’s Health Forum last night at Ridgeway School
Ryan addressed over 40 residents, most of them men, telling his story of his heart problem which he never knew he had:
“One of the biggest risks to men’s health is their reluctance to seek help from their general practitioner or pharmacist or to take part in health improvement programs like weight-loss clinics. That’s why this Men’s Health Forum was so important to me personally,” said Ryan. Ryan advises men to visit their local community health center to develop plans for exercise, weight reduction, healthy eating and discuss other concerns. He also said he would continue Men’s Health Forums later this year. Photos, Except Where Noted, Courtesy, Legislator Ryan’s Office.
“The importance of having screenings done early is that you may prevent more difficulties later,” said Ryan. “Like me – and so many men — they choose not to go to the doctor. In my case, I know that had I not gone to see a doctor early, my condition would’ve have been much worse. Believe me…there’s no doubt that after the surgery, I got the message. However, since the surgery, I’ve tried to take better care of myself by exercising and watching what I eat.”
Bill Ryan Today, Photo, WPCNR.
Ryan told WPCNR that before the surgery, he was fifty pounds overweight, never exercised, did not watch what he ate, did not sleep enough, and maintained a vigorous schedule. Now, he tells WPCNR he walks 4 miles a day, eats a balanced diet and not as much as he used to. He is in so much better shape that in his latest checkup it took him such a long time on a treadmill to get his heart rate up that his doctors were laughing that the test took so long to be conducted.
. “Men take too many risks with their health. Too many men smoke, eat a poor diet and generally live unhealthy lifestyles- — even I did,” said Chairman Ryan. “Poor use of community services by men has a direct impact on their health and wellbeing. The purpose of this Men’s Health Forum was to heighten the awareness of preventable health problems and encourage early detection and treatment of disease among men and boys. Part of being aware is looking at the impact of lifestyle choices on health, such as diet habits, smoking, lack of frequent medical check-ups and alcohol use.”
A capacity crowd attended the men’s health forum, hosted by Westchester County Board Chairman Bill Ryan to mark National Men’s Health Month. The forum was held at the
“The American Heart Association was thrilled to participate in an event that highlights men’s health,” said Taryn J. Branca, Executive Director of the American Heart Association in
The forum, also, provided free prostate cancer, HIV and blood pressure screenings, as well as workshops on preventive care and healthy living. Expert speakers, discussing better healthcare options in men, included Dr. Seth Lerner, Chief of the Urology Section at
Also present were Wendy Ledesma, Senior Clinician for Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic; Doreen Dorion, Marketing Associate from Whole Foods Market and Dr. Asaf Cohen of the Open Door Family Medical Centers. “Men’s reproductive and sexual health care is an important part of the services offered at Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic. We were proud to participate in the Men’s Health Forum,” said Reina Schiffrin, President/CEO, Planned Parenthood Hudson Peconic.
On average, men live sicker and die younger than American women.
Men die at higher rates than women from the top 10 causes of death and they account for over 92% of workplace deaths.
Each year, men make ½ as many physician visits for preventive care.
Over 65% of men are less likely to see themselves as ill or susceptible to disease or injury when, in fact, the opposite is true.
“Open Door was happy to be a part of this important event,” said Lindsay C. Farrell, MBA, FACMPE, President and CEO, Open Door Family Medical Center. “We have been caring for families in
There is an ongoing, increasing and predominantly silent crisis in the health and well-being of American men. Due to a lack of awareness, poor health education, and a paucity of male-specific health programs, men’s health and well-being are deteriorating steadily. “
Anchored by a Congressional health education program which designated June as Men’s Health Month, the honorary commemoration is celebrated across the country with screenings, health fairs, media appearances, and other health education and outreach activities. “A healthy lifestyle, along with early detection means a life with more birthdays,” said Rick Lepkowski, Vice President of the American Cancer Society in
This month gives health care providers, public policy makers and individuals an opportunity to seek work together to increase awareness, provide access to services within the community and to speak frankly on the importance of men taking their health seriously. The response has been overwhelming with hundreds of awareness activities in the
Co-sponsors for the forum included the White Plains YMCA,
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WPCNR QUILL & EYESHADE. By John F. Bailey. June 24, 2009: The teachers’ contract the White Plains City School District approved Monday evening will cost the district $3 Million a year in higher pay for its teaching force, approaching $10,000,000 when automatic step raises for longevity and degree acquisition and the factor of compound growth is considered.
The $10 million is mitigated somewhat by a $600,000 savings negotiated from the teachers union on medical care benefits, the next two years, based on figures provided by the business office, but based on preliminary analysis does not at all compensate for the inexorable, apparently unstoppable growth in teacher payroll. Though straight salary increases were held to 2%, 2% and 2.5%, failure to address the inexorable effect of automatic 3-1/2% increases for length of service and progress towards teaching degrees sets the course for teacher payroll for another three years.
According to Mr. Seiler, the total cost per year in increased salaries to the
One-quarter of the increase in wages according to Seiler’s projection would be covered by a projected best case scenario of $300,000 in savings in health care benefits a year, the next two years, negotiated as part of the contract. This gives the district a net increase in salary minus benefit savings of $3.1 Million ($3.750 Million minus $600,000 in benefits savings.
Mr. Seiler said WPCNR was correct in reporting last week that two/thirds of the 651 teachers would receive total pay increases of 17% (based on the three year increases of 2%, 2% and 2.5% by July 1, 2010, while one third of the teachers are already at the top grade.
Readers should note, though that those teachers at the top end of the scale also get the benefit of the total 6.7% increase (made up of the 2%,2% and 2-1/2% raises each year of the three year contract.
He confirmed WPCNR’s analysis that the 3.5% step raises based on longevity and degrees-earned progress have already been incorporated this year and will be added to the 2% raise across-the-board coming up July 1, swelling the increase to 5.5% on each step level in 08—09 and 2009-10 and 2010-11.
When the automatic 3.5% step raise across all salary levels is added to the mix, the retroactive increase raises salaries in 08-09,09-10, and 2010-11 increase total teacher salaries, when you consider the compounding factor the next two years that approaches $6,000,000 add that to the $3.1 Net salary increase and the total payroll injection to teacher salaries is $9.1 Million, and with year-to-year compounding the total settlement approaches $10 Million.
Seiler said the salary increases are offset by savings in health care givebacks by the union, and would be beneficial to the district moving forward.
“Both sides are equally unhappy with the agreement,” Seiler said. “That’s usually a good sign.”
Seiler said it was difficult to plan how many teachers would switch from one plan to another, but said that the plan half the teachers had, Health Net would have an increase in the Copay from $5 to $20. That would result, Seiler said in Health Benefit savings of 10% to the district, and with the medical premium portion teachers pay increased to 8% and 9%, total savings would be from $100,000 to $175,000.
The teachers, Seiler said had agreed that the school district could abandon the most expensive health care plan, Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield. If they chose to keep the plan they could but would have to agree to pay the cash difference between 92% of the SWSCHP premium and the premium charged for like coverage under the Empire plan.
Retirees from the district would not be required to drop the Empire Plan.
Seiler said the district expected to save from $75,000 to $125,000 on the Empire switch.
Seiler also noted the teachers’ agreement to pay 8% of their medical benefit premium in 2009-10 and 9% in 2010-11 would also contribute to the savings the district would have in premiums if premiums went up in future years.