Free Press – December 7, 2006

Thomas Eakins Painting, Barbara Walsh Book, Football Coaches Salaries, Sex Abuse Legislation, Quakertown School Superintendent Search

Dear Friends,

Good morning. There’s a lot to cover today. The Quakertown School Board has asked the community for help in searching for a new superintendent. Former Quakertonian Barbara Walsh has a new book in time for Christmas. The Governor signed a sex abuse bill into law. Although it had nearly 100 percent of the legislators’ approval, it took far too long to complete. Last, big time college football coaches earn more than college presidents.

But let’s start with a cultural item first. One of Philadelphia’s most important art objects may soon be lost to Arkansas and the Wal-Mart family that plans to move it. Thomas Jefferson University is selling its famous painting, the Gross Clinic, by Thomas Eakins. Jefferson’s trustees have given the Philadelphia region 45 days to match the $68 million bid.

Jefferson University deserves permanent shame for its actions. Yes, it has the right to sell the “Gross Clinic” which has hung on its walls since 1878. But in giving the community only 45 days to raise $68 million, Jefferson assumes that Philadelphians don’t care about the famous painting…and don’t have the will to stand up and be counted.

My bet is that there are enough community minded people to raise the $68 million and send a powerful message to Jefferson, simultaneously. Mighty Betsy and I are sending a contribution. You can too. There are three ways to help. On line- museum_of_art@philamuseum.org. Hotline is (215) 684-7762. Or mail a check payable to Fund for Eakins’ Masterpiece, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, P.O. Box 7646, Phila., Pa. 19101.

And I’d encourage the Jefferson trustees to merge their university and hospital with Temple or Penn…or some institution that has better sense.

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Barbara Walsh, a Quakertonian, is a former teacher. She and her husband Mike retired to the high desert of New Mexico where she’s become an author. “On Angel Wings” is a story about a world famous wood carver, whose carving of an angel, destined to the Vatican, suddenly disappears…but mysteriously brings joy to a terminally ill young woman in South Carolina.

Barbara has a website where you can obtain an autographed copy www.bawalsh.com She also told me that you can buy an unsigned copy for $12.99 at the Friendly Book Store in Quakertown. Or you can order one at www.amazoncom

Barbara and Mike discovered Deming, NM when they toured the southwest in their motor home nine years ago. She told me that they have an Akita Shepherd named “Ye.” Barbara amuses the neighbors by calling for her dog…“Here Ye, Here Ye!”

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According to the Associated Press (Nov. 30), “Governor Ed Rendell signed a package of bills intended to toughen penalties for sex offenders who prey on children, including a measure that would make changes recommended by a Philadelphia grand jury that investigated abuse by Roman Catholic priests.” The legislation would extend the statute of limitations, giving victims until their 50^th birthday to file criminal complaints. That’s 20 years longer than current law allows.

Both houses approved the legislation by nearly 100 percent. The legislature was correct in approving the bills. But it wasn’t easy. The Catholic lobby opposed the legislation for obvious reasons. Why did the process take so long? Because the leadership wouldn’t allow the bills to see the light of day.

The way the Pennsylvania legislature operates is outrageous. No legislator is willing to oppose the system where only a few determine what will be permitted for debate and a vote. Term limits would fix this, of course. But what state representative or senator is willing to approve rules which would end his own gravy train?

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The Quakertown school board is looking for a new superintendent. Philip Abramson, the school board president, sent letters to civic groups and individuals asking them to identify the characteristics and qualities that a new superintendent should have. Abramson obviously wants to show the citizens that the school board is inclusive.

This move is unusual because it’s unnecessary.

School boards have very little power. The state board of education sets the curriculum. Through strike threats, teacher union contracts determine annual budgets and tax hikes. The board periodically gets the chance to select its superintendent and decides how the public will be represented on the governing board. Other than taking the heat for raising taxes annually, school boards have very little power.

I’ve answered why the board is making this public appeal. Wouldn’t you think that the board knows exactly what the characteristics of a good superintendent should be? Wouldn’t you think that the board has put out feelers among headhunters already? I’d be astounded if they haven’t.

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Did you read the recent story about what Division 1 A football programs pay their coaches? The average is $950,000 per year! At least 42 of the 119 Division 1 A coaches make more than $1 million. Iowa’s Kirk Ferentz will pocket a guaranteed $4.6 million, according to USA Today (Nov. 16). Football coaches are paid more than most college presidents…speaking about the tail wagging the dog.

I’m reminded of author James Michener’s book “Sports in America,” which he wrote nearly 40 years ago. He opined that big time basketball and football programs were a disservice to college players. Less than 50 percent of athletes fail to graduate within six years (not the old fashioned four years).

Michener suggested that it’s time to pay college players. Clearly big time college sports have little to do with education. It’s about entertaining the alumni and the student body…and, most important, bringing enormous television revenues to their schools. I think Michener was right. What do you think?

Sincerely,

Charles Meredith