When is a Lancaster “Press announcement” not a press announcement? Answer: When neither the Lancaster Newspapers nor NewsLanc receive a copy.

Faculty, contributors and supporters have reacted with horror at the e-mail sent by its Board of Directors to PAM faculty and staff last Thursday, May 28, which stated:  “[The Academy] is reviewing its remaining summer programs” scheduled to take place after the Vivace’ session.

Also, “the Academy has retained Sylvia L. Strobel, of Lancaster, to assist in a thorough review of Academy program activities and facility usage, and to guide the Academy through any necessary restructuring, including seeking greater community involvement in the use of the Academy’s state-of-the-art facilities on North Prince Street.”

The so called “Press Announcement” explains: “Academy Board President, Paul W. Ware, noting that the current recession has substantially impacted the ability of the Academy to raise money in support of its programs, said that the Board of Trustees has determined to scale back Academy program activities consistent with its economic resources.”

Paul W.Ware is the Chair and CEO of the Academy, the major decision maker throughout the development of the almost $30 million signature building, and the guarantor of about $10 million of the Academy’s outstanding debt.

Ware seems to be in a rather conflicted situation: As Chair and CEO of a public foundation, he is obliged to represent the best interests of the Academy. Yet Ware is highly motivated to raise funds to release him from his bank guarantee.

There has been talk that Franklin & Marshall College, on which board Ware also serves, may be interested in annexing PAM.

What concerns faculty, staff and those who have funded over $15 million to PAM (apart from what WARE and the Lancaster Newspapers have guaranteed) is this level secrecy. Why the scare tactics? Why shut down if there is a plan in hand with F&M to solve the financial problems?

And if there is no ‘rescue’ in the wind, then why not discuss PAM’s problems openly rather than through subterfuge, such as a “Press Announcement” that is kept from the press?

Is this an attempt to scare away faculty so that the Board can say it wasn’t their fault if the school had to be closed?

NewsLanc will continue to follow this story.

Below is what the message including the so called “Press Announcement” that went to about 50 persons this past Thursday:

The following press announcement was released this afternoon. If you have any questions, please contact Sylvia at the number or e-mail noted below, or visit her at the Academy where she is working. All staff or faculty of the Pennsylvania Academy of Music should refer any and all calls regarding the consultancy and/or this release to Sylvia. Thank you.

Pennsylvania Academy of Music

42 North Prince Street

Lancaster, Pennsylvania 17603

For Immediate Release

May 28, 2009

Citing the unprecedented drop in charitable giving caused by the recession, Pennsylvania Academy of Music has announced that following the completion of its highly acclaimed Vivace program which attracts musicians from around the world, scheduled for June 13 through June 27, it is reviewing its remaining summer programs. Academy Board President, Paul W. Ware, noting that the current recession has substantially impacted the ability of the Academy to raise money in support of its programs, said that the Board of Trustees has determined to scale back Academy program activities consistent with its economic resources.  ”The current business model of the Academy will not work in this economy,” Mr. Ware said, “and if we are to remain a viable contributor to the cultural life of the community, we need to adjust our model in these perilous economic times.”

The Board of Trustees of the Academy has retained Sylvia L. Strobel, of Lancaster, to assist in a thorough review of Academy program activities and facility usage, and to guide the Academy through any necessary restructuring, including seeking greater community involvement in the use of the Academy’s state-of-the-art facilities on North Prince Street. Ms. Strobel holds a law degree from William Mitchell College of Law, and an MBA from University of Minnesota-Carlson School of Management. She is a partner in Lehmann Strobel, P.L.C., of Minneapolis, MN and Lancaster, PA, business and legal consultant to the arts, entertainment, cultural and media communities. Most recently, she served as the President and General Manager of Pennsylvania Public Television Network, where she completed a reorganization and statewide strategic plan for the Network.

For further information contact: Sylvia L. Strobel at Pennsylvania Academy of Music, 42 North Prince Street, Lancaster, PA 17603 (717) 471-8937 or by e-mail at Sylvia@lehmannstrobel.com.