Resident urges restoration of community education funding and praises Science Olympiad; two students recognized

During public participation at the Jan. 14 meeting of the North Pocono School District Board of Education, resident Jahan Tabatabai spoke in favor of restoring funding for community education programs and urged the board to sustain character education (PBIS) at the high school level.

Tabatabai said community members who use community education programs would be willing to contribute to a community education fund “in lieu of our real estate taxes” to help offset costs. He requested an update on whether the board had discussed restoring funding since his November appearance and emphasized the value of Science Olympiad, urging that programmatic funding not be cut following recent competition success.

The board also held a student recognition segment. Mr. Collins introduced senior Connor Simonson, who has taken a heavy AP course load and serves as vice president of the Science Olympiad team and as a member of several academic and music ensembles. The board also recognized Jacob Matichka for his 13 AP courses, AP Scholar with distinction honors, athletics and theater leadership, and state-level science competition awards.

Tabatabai’s assertions about funding were not acted on at the meeting; no motion or board vote to restore community education funding was recorded. The public comment and student recognition items were recorded as part of the regular agenda. The board proceeded to routine personnel, policy and finance votes later in the meeting.

What was said (selected) - Jahan Tabatabai: "...the funding be restored...I would even throw it out there...we would gladly...donate to a community education fund." (public comment) - Connor Simonson: thanked the board and community for recognition.

What’s next Public commenters may request that administration follow up on the budget line items for community education; the board did not take immediate action during the Jan. 14 meeting.