Op/Ed: Keep child predators out of Pa.’s classrooms
Backs federal legislation to enforce background checks, sharing of data across states
By Thomas P. Hogan, Chester County District Attorney
Thomas P. HoganLast year, news broke that the Coatesville Area School District had hired multiple convicted felons and entrusted the safety and care of children to such criminals. For example, Victor Ford’s convictions for multiple state and federal felonies did...
Is Wolf angling to make a deal with GOP legislators?
With his base secured, a deal on liquor privatization, pensions could be in play
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Depending on who is reading the tea leaves, Gov. Tom Wolf is either drawing a line in the sand — and guaranteeing four years of abject gridlock, or he’s securing the base with the idea that he’s going to have to make deals in the coming weeks and months that won’t be popular with...
CASD report prompts new series of questions
Putting the report out a good step, but answers needed
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
On Monday afternoon, the Coatesville Area School District released the investigative report compiled by Conrad O’Brien and submitted to the board and administration in April of 2014. it details gross mismanagement, bullying, conspiracy, probable obstruction of justice and more — much as the Grand Jury report...
Op/Ed: A tale of two high schools
Growing gap between urban, suburban schools is unconscionable
By Sen. Andrew E. Dinniman, State Senator, 19th District
Sen. Andrew E. Dinniman
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
It’s almost like Charles Dickens was describing public education in Pennsylvania.
Today, the disparity between the academic services, technology and basic resources available to students in inner city...
Op/Ed: Why UCFSD is not redistricting
By Vic Dupuis, President, Unionville-Chadds Ford School District Board of Directors
Victor Dupuis
The Unionville ChaddsFord school board has decided not to change boundary lines for our elementary schools. Since there has been a great deal of discussion about it among our parents and some misinformation in the media, we are writing to clarify the reasons for our decision.
More than a year ago, the...
What would MLK think of Knecht’s comments?
Discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation is never right
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
As we approach the weekend of celebration of the life of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we will undoubtedly hear the inspiring quotes of his famous 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech.
Even now, more than five decades later, the word resonate — I get a little chill every...
Letter: UCF should redistrict K-5 schools now
To The Editor:
I cannot understand why our district is not going to reconfigure the four K-5 schools in our district. Was the consultant hired just to support the wishes of the Administration and School Board? Did the consultant have access to minutes and letters when the district was determining how to handle its K to 5 students?
After many meetings discussions, and letters our district residents...
Op/Ed: 2015 offer many opportunities for Chester County
By Terence Farrell, Chair, Chester County Board of Commissioners
Terence Farrell
The citizens of Chester County have a myriad of opportunities as we begin 2015 and close out a successful 2014.
As the newly elected chair of the Chester County Commissioners, I’m looking forward to making sure we meet the goals we’ve set in our strategic plan that will enhance our already excellent quality of life...
Chester County’s Mike Piazza belongs in the Hall
Lunkhead sportswriters may keep him out, but we know the truth
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
Chester County’s Mike Piazza belongs in baseball’s Hall of Fame. The game never saw a better hitting catcher.
More than likely, sometime Tuesday morning, we’re going to see that Chester County’s own Mike Piazza, hands down the best hitting catcher in baseball, just missed getting elected...
New Years’ resolutions — for others
A few ‘helpful’ suggestions for a better 2015
By Mike McGann, Editor, The Times
With another year slipping away – and 2014 seems to have gone by in a blur — it is time to take a bit of time to make those New Year’s resolutions.
Now, obviously, I could make mine, but they’d take up more than just one column to complete and they’d be boring like needing to play golf more often (and...
