Letter to the editor: Fiscal responsibility in Norwin

Regarding the letter “ ‘Good stewards’ in Norwin?” (June 23, TribLIVE): Is it expecting too much for your school district to follow the law?

Pennsylvania Act 14, Section 440 of the Pennsylvania School Code of 1949, requires each school district to present a treasurer’s report to the school board at each monthly meeting. The Norwin School District’s treasurer’s report of this past February was finally posted to the agenda this June. And to top that, the July 2022 treasurer’s report wasn’t posted until this past February. That’s seven months! How can a responsible school director make reasonable and responsible decisions and assessments if the correct financial data isn’t available?

Neighboring districts Penn-Trafford and Hempfield Area do not have this problem. Norwin has been mired in financial ambiguity. All analysis and review of the district’s financial matters begins with the treasurer’s report. There has been much criticism levied at certain board members for their stance on money matters. This is the root cause of all problems related. Until the board receives a treasurer’s report every month, I, for one, support them in questioning every transaction. To just rubber-­stamp agenda items without knowing how they fit into the report is irresponsible.

Residents: School board candidates should have their eyes open and focused on important issues related to achieving a true quality education in a cost-effective manner. This requires them insisting that the district provide them the necessary information to make responsible decisions. Keep this in mind for November’s election.

Rich Walczak

North Huntingdon

The writer is District 3 committeeman for the Westmoreland County Republican Committee.