From 2009-2012, Maureen Grosheider’s record as Board President was one of consecutive tax increases, higher spending, and larger class sizes. Despite a looming pension crisis, the District lacked a long-term financial plan and failed to establish a reserve fund to defray future pension costs.
In 2009, Grosheider told the Board that the pension spike predicted for future years was so egregious “the answer lies with the Legislature, not the school districts.” While other districts were putting money away, Grosheider did nothing. June 24, 2009 School Board Minutes
With no financial plan in place, Grosheider led the Board to raise taxes in 2010, 2011, and 2012.
In June 2012, the District’s Business Director told the Board that “Fox Chapel has raised their millage each year…and put that money into reserve to help offset the pension costs.” After 3 years of tax increases, North Allegheny had no pension reserve fund.
Grosheider told the Board “Hindsight is 20/20 on things like this.” June 27, 2012 School Board Minutes
As a result of the District’s financial troubles, NA operated 13 elementary sections above class size guidelines that year. Some elementary classes operated with over 30 students.
In November 2012, the situation worsened and the District recommended closing an elementary school. November 28, 2012 School Board Minutes
Despite community outcry around erroneous projections, Grosheider refused to form a community task force. Later, it was discovered that Board Policy #4215 requires a Citizen’s Advisory Committee and that the Board was not compliant with this policy under Grosheider’s leadership.
In August 2013, after wasting an entire year of Administrative resources on the proposal to close an elementary school, Grosheider said the Board would not proceed with the recommendation—noting an increase in elementary enrollment. August 28, 2013 School Board Minutes
In December 2013, newly elected school board members took office and new Board Leadership was appointed. December 4, 2013 School Board Minutes
Under the direction of new Board Leadership, a Budget and Finance Committee was formed, an Elementary Class Size Policy was implemented, and the Citizen’s Advisory Committee was re-instated.
The new Board has also taken steps to prioritize expenditures, grow alternative revenue and establish a long-term financial plan—while Grosheider has undermined these efforts. During the 2014-15 school year, Grosheider approved more expenditures than any other member of the NA Board—including the new technology plan—but voted against the budget to fund the very expenditures she approved. July 2014-June 2015 School Board Minutes
On Nov 3rd, vote for the team of candidates committed to Moving NA Forward—BLACKBURN, DISQUE, FILIAGGI, FINLEY, MAHLER, McCLURE, and MEYER!
save NA schools 