Spring-Ford Area School Board members expressed surprise Friday upon hearing of a $5 million donation made by GlaxoSmithKline to the city of Philadelphia on Thursday.
"We certainly applaud GlaxoSmithKline's efforts to provide aid to the next generation of business owners in Philadelphia, but we're wondering why our children aren’t being given the same consideration," said School Board President Joseph Ciresi in a statement released to the media this morning.
GlaxoSmithKline and the school district are currently battling over the real estate assessment of the GSK research and development center located within the district. GSK has appealed the assessment, and if their appeal is granted, the district stands to lose approximately $5.5 million in back taxes and $1.9 million annually in real estate revenue.
GSK’s appeal comes at a time when the district is facing numerous other assessment appeals, as well as district budget issues, a potentially significant cut in state funding, and increasing expenses in other areas. These and other factors have combined to form a projected $11.8 million deficit in the district's 2011-12 budget. The district is seeking ways to close the gap before the final budget is due to be adopted in June.
GlaxoSmithKline CEO Andrew Witty announced on March 23rd that his company would be making the donation to benefit Philadelphia youth. No details were announced, but the donation will likely be awarded as grants to non-government agencies.
Witty was quoted in the Daily News as saying, "I don't see it being used to subsidize normal education activity. This is something to go on top of that, to inspire people...One of the things we'll be looking for in terms of people bidding is, inspire us - come up with something that gets us excited, something that really speaks to the next generation of people who are going to be successful, to build businesses and drive the economy forward."
"So that we don't overburden our taxpayers, we are going to have to make some very tough decisions in the next few months about our programs, our class sizes and the allocation of our staff members," said Mr. Ciresi in the district’s statement. "We wish this corporate philosophy of giving back to the community would be embraced by the executives who run the GSK division in our school district."
Nabob
4:08 pm on Saturday, March 26, 2011
GSK if they were smart would leave the Township rather than face continued harassment by this cash strapped God forsaken district. Company trying to run a business is constantly being badgered, hectored, harassed by local school District looking to squeeze corporation for more money. Fact is the employment and wages the company brings to the region are conveniently overlooked while District officials continue non stop efforts to squeeze every last penny out of the company. Power to tax locally particularly by pernicious school districts is a primary disincentive for businesses to do business in Pennsylvania. This is a prime example.
RKM
3:43 pm on Thursday, September 1, 2011
Hi,
I am new to this area with a child recently starting in the schools. From what I hear the SFSD is an up and coming one. However, I have been looking at some of these articles, and even the minutes of the school board meeting prior to summer, and there seems to be an issue with GSK and the school district. The letter by GSK was in the minutes. I also noticed, within this 115pg article. Are most people happy with the school district? Is there too much cost going into it? Are the children benefitting most, or is the money being spent in other areas? Who is benefitting most, in terms of money, from the school district? Are there redundancy areas within each school where saving money can benefit the children directly? Who is managing the money? I've read some other comments on other articles and it seems there is some level of distrust between the taxpaying residents and the school district? How can a resolution be reached with harmony? Also, where is the best place to get the latest facts/figures/scoop on where the money is being spent for the school district? I know a lot of questions, but feedback would be appreciated. Thnx.
pruckels
1:09 pm on Tuesday, April 5, 2011
Nabob, how long have you been a GSK employee?
Glenn Snyder
4:23 pm on Sunday, November 6, 2011
Pukels, have you always been a left-wing-moron?