A Proposal to Study the Impact on Erie County School Districts Of the Potential Elimination of High School Education In the Erie City School District
I. PURPOSE
The purpose of this proposal is to define the study’s objective and the scope of services to be provided by the Pennsylvania Economy League, Central PA, LLC, to the Erie County Partner Districts, and the terms and conditions under which they would be provided.
II. ERIE COUNTY PARTNER DISTRICTS
1. Corry Area School District 2. Fairview School District 3. Fort LeBoeuf School District I 4. General McLane School District 5. Girard School District 6. Harborcreek School District 7. Iroquois School District 8. Millcreek School District 9. Northeast School District 10. Northwestern School District 11. Union City School District 12. Wattsburg Area School District
III. OBJECTIVE
The objective of the proposed study is to provide participating school districts in Erie County with a study that would research the impacts of potential closing of Erie City High Schools and the subsequent relocation of those City students to neighboring school districts.
IV. SCOPE OF SERVICESExhibit
In order to accomplish the objective of the study, PEL proposes that the study encompass two parts: 1. For the first part, PEL would take a “white paper” approach (within the limitations of the preliminary data available, especially from the City district) that outlines the specific impacts on the Erie City School District, the other participating Erie County Partner Districts and the students of all districts, including and preliminary estimation of the financial impact. The “white paper” would examine questions regarding policy issues that could be answered directly from an understanding of school operations, financing, and authorization under the School Code. The “white paper” would also raise those issues that could not be directly answered absent a more detailed examination and interpretation such as the estimated financial impact as proposed and as forecast, the “grey” areas of the School Code, and the practical aspects related to existing facilities (condition and capacity) and educational opportunity (curriculum and graduation requirements).
2. The second phase of the study would be undertaken in the event that the threat of the high school closings becomes a reality for the 2017-18 school year. This phase would include a more comprehensive (subject to the available data) and detailed examination of the factors identified in the “white paper.” This study phase would provide information and insight sufficient to inform the debate and decision process both locally and in Harrisburg.
V. FINAL REPORT
The final report presented to the participating Board of School Directors will include PEL’s findings and conclusions with appropriate graphic and tabular Ipresentation. PEL will provide the participating districts with five copies of its written report upon completion of the study, as well as an Adobe PDF document on CDROM. Additional bound report copies will be provided at a charge of $15 per district to cover production and shipment costs. PEL is not including any public meetings or travel expenses in this proposal.
VI. DATA TO BE FURNISHED TO PEL
All information, data, reports, records, and other documents necessary for carrying out the above items of work are to be furnished to PEL without charge by the districts and/or their agent(s). If essential information cannot be provided to PEL by the districts within 30 days of the project initiation date, the timetable may have to be altered accordingly. Similarly, failure of the district or its agents to provide all data requested may preclude PEL from completing all phases of this project as proposed. Any charges to PEL by third parties for services or materials deemed necessary for the successful completion of this examination will be passed through to the partner school districts—provided PEL receives the prior written approval of the partner districts.
VII. COOPERATIONExhibit OF BOARD, STAFF, AND/OR AGENT(S)
It is understood that the successful completion of the study in the time period proposed herein will require the full cooperation of the Erie County Partner Districts, staff, and/or agent(s), and others whose data and judgments are needed, and that such cooperation will be provided to PEL.
VIII. TIME OF PERFORMANCE
PEL is prepared to begin this study on February 6, 2017 or upon approval after that date. The delivery of phase one would be within the first 90 to 120 days after approval;
Pennsylvania Economy League, Central PA Division 2
completion of phase two study would require an additional 90 to 120 days. Any inordinate delay in authorizing PEL to proceed with this project may jeopardize our ability to complete it within the time frame outlined, as would any delay caused by failure to receive necessary data in a timely manner or by any other circumstances that are beyond our control.
IX. COMPENSATION
Charges for the first phase will total $10,000; charges for the second phase will total $21,000. In the event PEL is charged by a third party for data needed to successfully complete its assignment such costs would be passed on to the partner districts as indicated in Section V of this proposal. Payments to PEL for services rendered will be made upon submission of statements at appropriate intervals in the course of the study.
PHASE I
1. Corry Area School Distict $833.33 2. Fairview School District $833.33 I 3. Fort LeBoeuf School District $833.37 4. General McLane School District $833.33 5. Girard School District $833.33 6. Harborcreek School District $833.33 7. Iroquois School District $833.33 8. Millcreek School District $833.33 9. Northeast School District $833.33 10. Northwestern School District $833.33 11. Union City School District $833.33 12. Wattsburg Area School District $833.33
PHASE II
1. Corry Area School District $1,750.00 2. Fairview School District $1,750.00 3. Fort LeBoeuf School District $1,750.00 4. General McLane School District $1,750.00 5. GirardExhibit School District $1,750.00 6. Harborcreek School District $1,750.00 7. Iroquois School District $1,750.00 8. Millcreek School District $1,750.00 9. Northeast School District $1,750.00 10. Northwestern School District $1,750.00 11. Union City School District $1,750.00 12. Wattsburg Area School District $1,750.00
X. THE ORGANIZATION AND ITS STAFF
Pennsylvania Economy League, Central PA Division 3
The Pennsylvania Economy League has been in the business of assisting state and local government officials and the general public in Pennsylvania since 1936. PEL is an independent nonprofit corporation, organized to achieve more effective and economical state and local government in Pennsylvania. To accomplish its purpose, PEL conducts research and analyses and provides technical assistance involving government programs, organization, management, and financing, and makes the results available to both public officials and citizens to aid them in arriving at informed and intelligent public policy decisions.
PEL staff members, Gerald E. Cross, David Davare, PhD, Matthew Domines, Patricia Moorhead, Lynne Shedlock will be primarily involved in the project. Other Central Division staff will be utilized as required.
XI. WITHDRAWAL OF PROPOSAL
PEL reserves the right to withdraw this proposal if it is not favorably acted upon by the district within 60 days. An Erie County Partner District may terminate PEL’s engagement at any time for its convenience and be responsible only forI that portion of the fee incurred prior to the date of termination.
XII. MODIFICATIONS
This agreement can be modified only with the written approval of both parties.
Erie County Partner District: ______
Signature: ______
Title: ______Exhibit Date: ______
Pennsylvania Economy League, Central PA Division 4