The Regular Meeting of the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District of which all members were duly notified and of which due public notice was given as required by Act 84 of 1986, was held on Tuesday evening, May 15, 2001, beginning at 8:00 p.m. in the Board of Directors’ Room, District Service Center, 201 West Third Street, Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
The President, David B. Stone, Jr., called the meeting to order with the following members:
PRESENT: Shirley L. Canada, Karen V. Harris, Kelly R. Pedersen, David B. Stone, Jr.,
James E. Temple, Dale L. Vollman, Lois T. Williams, Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: Pamela J. Markle (arrived 8:20 p.m.)
INVOCATION – Mrs. Kelly R. Pedersen provided the invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
Student Representatives’ Report – Erin Cowell
REPORTS TO THE BOARD
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
Mr. Eichensehr
Mrs. Markle arrived.
B. Foreign Exchange Students—Presentation by Steve Huddy
C. 2000-01 Winter Sport Summary—Presentation by Sean McCann, Athletic Director
D. Currently on the Board Room walls is a display of local Dream-Makers submissions. This
exhibition is made possible by partnerships among WASD, The Scranton Cultural Center, Binney & Smith, Inc., and The John F. Kennedy Center’s Partners in Education Program.
E. Calendar of Events:
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT CONT'D – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
E. Calendar of Events Cont'd:
F. (Following Executive Session held at 9:32) Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the Elementary Principals' recommendations of class size and staffing for the 2001-02 school year. Recommendations include a staffing reduction of .5 (one-half) elementary teacher, changing elementary staffing from 104 to 103.5.
Class sizes in kindergarten and first grade will remain at the 2000-01 levels. This will permit reduction of second grade from 26 to 25, third grade from 27 to 26, fourth grade from 28 to 27 and fifth grade from 29 to 28. To support the class size goals and the integrity of the choice process, consideration will be given to provide transportation accommodations for students.
G. Dr. Lowery commended Mrs. Williams and Mr. Fausnaught for our first ever Cultural Diversity Day. She read the lengthy list of sponsors and volunteers that made the day successful. Mrs. Williams and Mr. Fausnaught also reviewed the activities and participants and thanked everyone that made the day possible.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. Dominic Santalucia, a first grade student at Woodward Elementary School, has been chosen to represent Reading Recovery at the 8th Mid-Atlantic Reading Recovery Conference to be held in November in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Dominic and his family will be asked to speak to the conference participants at the Sunday night banquet. The conference committee will pay all expenses.
B. Districts' Improvement Planning Process
C. Mr. Peterson presented an updated budget report.
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mr. Vollman reported that the Employment Steering Committee met. The committee recommends that an orientation is planned for substitute teachers for the 2001-02 school year. The committee also continued to review the District's Anti-Harassment Policy.
Committee Reports by Board Members Cont'd:
President Stone reported that the Facilities Committee met and will make a recommendation at the next board meeting. He thanked the committee for their hard work.
Construction Projects
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to approve the following construction items:
A. Authorize change order # SHS-1 to the contract with Gooding, Simpson and Mackes, Inc., Roof Contractor, Williamsport Area High School, increasing the contract by $4,625.00 as follows:
Original Contract $1,531,060.00
SHS-1 4,625.00
Adjusted Contract Total $1,535,685.00
B. Authorize the execution of the Certificate of Substantial Completion for Rogers Electric, Inc., Electrical Contractor - Roosevelt Project.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
FINANCE REPORT
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to approve the following finance items:
6.1 Consider approving the following financial reports:
A. Treasurer’s Report for the month of March 2001.
FINANCE REPORT CONT'D:
A. Treasurer’s Report for the month of March 2001 cont'd:
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 05/15/01 in the amount of $1,332,560.53, 05/15/01A in the amount of $105,894.22, 05/15/01B in the amount of $193,999.15 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 05/15/01, 05/15/01A, and 05/15/01B.
6.3* Authorize the following action relative to Fiscal Year 2001-2002:
A. A public official bond in the amount of $500,000 for the following for the faithful performance of duties for the period beginning July 1, 2001 and the premium paid in accordance with Sections 431, 436 and 658 of the Public School Code of 1949, as amended:
1. Charles E. Peterson, Jr., Board Secretary/Business Administrator (as Board Secretary).
B. The Director of Finance/Tax Officer to invest funds temporarily surplus to the needs of the Williamsport Area School District during fiscal year ending June 30, 2002, in accordance with the provisions of the School Laws of Pennsylvania, 1949 as amended, Section 440.1.
C. The Purchasing Agent to purchase material and supplies, contracted services, furniture, equipment, textbooks and other goods and services for which appropriations are made in the budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002, in accordance with the School Laws of Pennsylvania, 1949 as amended, and School Board Policy.
6.3* Authorize the following action relative to Fiscal Year 2001-2002 cont'd:
D. The payment of salaries for instructional and non-instructional employees as these salaries become due and payable on the following dates:
07/13/01 07/27/01 08/10/01
08/24/01 09/07/01 09/21/01
10/05/01 10/19/01 11/02/01
11/16/01 11/30/01 12/14/01
12/28/01 01/11/02 01/25/02
02/08/02 02/22/02 03/08/02
03/22/02 04/05/02 04/19/02
05/03/02 05/17/02 05/31/02
06/14/02 06/28/02
E. The following signatories for all depositories of the funds of the Williamsport Area School District for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002:
David B. Stone, Jr. - Board President
Madeline T. Bird - Director of Finance/Tax Officer
Eva Girio-Vogel - Director of Accounting and Budget
F. The following depositories of the funds of the Williamsport Area School District be authorized for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002:
PNC Bank
Chase Manhattan
First Union of Connecticut – Stamford, CT
Pennsylvania Local Government Investment Trust (PLGIT)
Pennsylvania School District Liquid Asset Funds (PSDLAF)
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple
7.1 Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Pedersen, to approve at the second reading Policy #309, 409, 509, “Exposure Control Plan (for Bloodborne Pathogens),” which will replace the former “Communicable Diseases and Immunization” policy.
The motion carried 9-0.
CURRICULUM REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Pedersen, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following curriculum items:
8.1* Approve CPR recertification for the health services staff. The cost is $15.00 per person for 16 people and will be done through the American Red Cross. The cost is budgeted in string #101-2410-0-00-410-09-329.
8.2 Approve a list of Scholastic titles for Title I instruction (a copy of the list is available).
8.3* Authorize Edie Ferguson, karaoke disc jockey, to provide two (2) hours of service at Lycoming Valley Middle School from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, June 6, 2001. The cost will be $200, which will be paid through the student activities account (808-3215-2-22-175-84-340).
8.4 Authorize the Williamsport Area School District Music Department and the Williamsport Area High School Band Association to conduct a summer band camp for students entering grades 5 through 8 at Jackson Elementary School. The program will run from June 18 through June 22, 2001. Classes will be taught by Judith Shellenberger and Dale Orris, WASD band directors, at a cost of $35 per student.
The cost for the entire program will be covered by tuition fees. The program will be run at no cost to the District, and all financial aspects will be handled by the WAHS Band Association
8.5* Approve a donation of $100.00 to Joseph Foster for security during the Cultural Diversity Celebration. The cost will be paid through a grant from the Williamsport-Lycoming Foundation.
8.6 Approve payment of $50.00 to Steven Tallman for video services for the Cultural Diversity Celebration. The cost will be paid through a grant from the Williamsport-Lycoming Foundation.
8.7* Approve payment of $700.00 to KISS-FM for advertisements and remote broadcast at the Cultural Diversity Celebration. The cost will be paid through a grant from the Williamsport-Lycoming Foundation.
8.8* Approve payment of $500.00 to OLDIEZ 93.3 for advertisements and remote broadcast at the Cultural Diversity Celebration. The cost will be paid through a grant from the Williamsport-Lycoming Foundation.
The curriculum motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Harris, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to approve the following personnel items:
9.1 RESIGNATIONS - Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Tammie M. Walker, resigning from the extra work position of coordinating paperwork for Direct Access for the Special Education Department, effective at the end of the school year (June 30, 2001). Mrs. Walker will continue in her position as administrative support in the Business Office.
B. Vick R. Marshall, regular part-time custodian at Stevens Elementary School, for personal reasons, effective May 8, 2001.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE - Approve the following leaves of absence:
B. Sue H. Duncan, full-time special education teacher at Roosevelt Middle School, leave of absence without pay, effective May 3, 2001, through June 1, 2001, possibly to return sooner.
Ms. Duncan's leave is for the purpose of caring for the medical needs of a family member. Additional dates may be necessary if the medical situation does not improve. This leave is eligible under the Family Medical Leave Act and is at the discretion of the School Board, upon recommendation of the Superintendent.
C. Hope D. Street, general food service worker at the high school, unpaid leave for medical reasons, April 6, 2001, through May 22, 2001, with doctor's approval to return to work at that time.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Charles E. Peterson, Jr. as Board Secretary/Business Administrator of the Williamsport Area School District for a term of four years, effective July 1, 2001.
Section 404 of the Public School Code of 1949, as amended, established
a four-year term of office, for the Board Secretary. Since Board Policy
005 (C, 3) specifies that the Secretary shall also be the Business Administrator of the School District, the term of office of the Business Administrator coincides with that of the position of Secretary.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT'D:
B. Madeline T. Bird as Treasurer of the Williamsport Area School District for a term of one year, effective July 1, 2001.
Section 404 of the Public School Code of 1949, as amended, established a
one-year term of office for the Treasurer. Madeline Bird is the Director of
Finance/Tax Officer, effective July 1, 2001. That position includes the duties of Treasurer.
C. The following persons to the position of Title I Summer School Building Teacher Coordinators, for up to 4½ hours per day effective July 16, 2001, through August 10, 2001, at the rate of $21.36 per hour or contract rate, plus eligible benefits, funded through Title I.
Cochran Elementary School
Nancy D. Hiscock 66 Pheasant Lane, Cogan Station
Lose Elementary School
Susan C. Crossley 364 Lincoln Ave., Williamsport
Stevens Elementary School
Carol Cassidy 22 Tabbs Drive, Williamsport
D. The following persons to teach elementary Title I Extended Year Program, effective July 16, 2001, through August 10, 2001 (up to 3½ hours per day), at the rate established in the agreement by and between the Board of School Directors and the Williamsport Educators Association ($21.36 per hour or contract rate plus eligible benefits: social security, retirement, worker's comp). All costs funded through Title I (authorize the administration to make additional assignments as necessary to be presented to the Board at the next regular meeting):
Cochran Elementary School
Lynn M. Shade 165 Miller Rd., Cogan Station
Judith I. Stauffer 500 Highland Terrace, Williamsport
Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School
Barbara S. Neuhard 366 Eckard Road, Cogan Station
Kimberly A. Springman 803 West Central Ave., S. Williamsport
Jackson Elementary School
Ann M. Huynh 805 Diamond St., Williamsport
Kimberly A. Creveling-Kohler P.O. Box 5144, Williamsport
Heather L. MacGill 614 East Village Drive, Williamsport
Joyce Shrimp* P.O. Box 156, White Deer
Lori A. Beiter 1139 Avalon Parkway, Williamsport
Carol Fischer* 431 Woodland Ave., Williamsport
Kelley B. Kocher 2220 Roosevelt Ave., Williamsport
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT'D:
D. The following persons to teach elementary Title I Extended Year Program cont'd:
Lose Elementary School
Michelle L. Boyles 114 Spring St., Duboistown
Dennis C. Logan 1120 Locust St., Montoursville
Heather L. Marnon 2312 Spring Garden St., Apt. 1, Wmspt.
Sue A. Evans* 3823 Route 14 Hwy., Trout Run
Mary L. Jackson P.O. Box 2052, Williamsport
Sheridan Elementary School
Kelly A. Mathews 812 E. Water St., #38, Lock Haven
Elizabeth M. Moore Box 729, Hwy. 15, Apt. 1, S. Williamsport
Faith M. Dunkleberger 2204 Rt. 442 Hwy., Muncy
Mary W. Fedorko 2000 Round Top Rd., Montoursville
Brenda L. Trimble 1924 Newberry St., Williamsport
Brenda C. Watkins 42 Sechler Dr., Montoursville
Kathryn M. Marcello 1765 Ravine Rd., Williamsport
Stevens Elementary School
Julie A. Best 108 Carpenter St., Muncy
David Bross 1665 Pleasant Hill Rd., Cogan Station Jillian Feinauer 566 Weister Woods Rd., Pennsdale
Kara L. Felix 331 Brandon Ave., Williamsport
Tanya L. Garcia 540 Stewart Rd., Williamsport
Veronica R. Hine 275 Cedarwood Dr., Montoursville
Barbara C. McNerney 918 Second St., Williamsport
Suzanna M. Worth 234 West New Rd., Linden
* Pending receipt of all necessary paperwork for newly hired temporary staff
E. The following substitute teachers, subject to assignment by the Superintendent of Schools, at the salary and/or daily rates as established by Board policy, and only for the actual number of hours assigned and worked:
Elementary
Lisa A. Dutton HCR 80 Box 92A, Lock Haven (eff. 5/14/01)
Shane M. Laudenslager 1144 Towncrest Rd., Williamsport (eff. 5/14/01)
Suzanna M. Worth 234 West New Rd., Linden (eff. 05/07/01)
Lisa A. Zerbe 114 Susquehanna Ave., Lock Haven (eff. 5/14/01)
Secondary
William K. Ewing 21 N. Henderson St., Apt. 1C, Lock Haven
(eff. 5/14/01)
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT'D:
E. The following substitute teachers cont'd:
K-12
Lisa A. Dutton HCR 80 Box 92A, Lock Haven (eff. 5/14/01)
William K. Ewing 21 N. Henderson St., Apt. 1C, Lock Haven
(eff. 5/14/01)
Heather R. Lupold R.R. #1 Box 523, Jersey Shore (eff. 5/14/01)
Dana J. Schenck HCR 75 Box 54, Lock Haven (eff. 5/14/01)
Jennifer E. Simonsen 501 W. Church St., Lock Haven (eff. 5/14/01)
Lucas J. Wesneski 372 Lyons Ave., Williamsport (eff. 5/14/01)
Lisa A. Zerbe 114 Susquehanna Ave., Lock Haven (eff. 5/14/01)
F. The following substitute administrative support/aides, subject to assignment by the Superintendent of Schools, at the hourly rates as established by Board policy, and only for the actual number of hours assigned and worked:
Mary R. Bubb 1408 Pine Woods Rd., Jersey Shore
G. The following nurse practitioners to assist with summer athletic examinations for a total of 56 hours at the salary rate found in the agreement between the Williamsport Education Association and the Williamsport Area School District.
Marlene Brown WAHS 28 hours
Donna Stabler WAHS 28 hours
H. The following school dentists for the 2001-02 school year at a salary rate of $37.80 per hour for an estimated total of 35 hours in the mandated dental program.
Dr. John Czap
Dr. Richard K. Smith
I. Angela D. Wright, 844 West Third St., Williamsport, as a substitute school bus driver (non-bargaining unit personnel), with a base wage rate of $10.50 per hour, effective May 8, 2001.
9.4 WORK CALENDARS FOR 2001-2002
Approve the revised work schedule calendars for administrative and support staff employees for fiscal year 2001-2002 as listed below:
Category Column Days Hours
12-month Custodial/Maintenance/Warehouse/
Printer/Automotive Maintenance A 250 8
12-month Administrators*, Confidential Admin. Support* B 245 7 ½*
12-month Technicians, Admin. Support B 245 7 ½
11-month Selected Admin. Support Staff C 225 7
9.4 WORK CALENDARS FOR 2001-2002
Approve the revised work schedule calendars cont'd:
Category Column Days Hours
11-month Selected Administrators* D 220 7 ½*
10-month Department Heads* E 205 7*
10-month Elem. Admin. Admin. Support E 205 7
Selected Psychologists F 200 7 ½
Teacher Schedule G 188 7
Instructional Aides/Administrative Support H 185 7
Students/Bus Drivers/Food Service/Security Officers I 180 ---
*Reflects advertised office hours. These employee schedules are not limited to office hours.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
9.5 (Following Executive Session held at 9:32) Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to authorize the administration to execute agreements with the Williamsport Education Association (WEA), Williamsport Area Support Personnel (WASP) and Williamsport Administrator and Supervisor Association (WASA), waiving the retirement notification and requirements for individual health care for retirees, as applicable to each respective agreement, to provide the opportunity for eligible employees to take advantage of the recent guidelines established by the Public School Employees Retirement System (PSERS) in response to the recent legislation passed by the state legislature (awaiting the governor's signature) which changes calculations for retirement.
Bargaining units will need to agree that this action will not set a precedent nor will it be binding in future years. This action is being recommended to provide an opportunity for the District to realize savings throughout early retirements.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
10.1 RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Motion made by Mrs. Harris, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve released time for staff members to participate in professional development activities in accordance with the Professional Development Plan of the Williamsport Area School District and consider approving training programs. All expenditures proposed are within local, state and federal budget categories approved as noted.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
11.1* Motion made by Mrs. Pedersen, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following student trips:
A. Approximately 140 sixth grade students from Roosevelt Middle School, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Lycoming County Historical Museum, during May 2001. The trip is a culminating activity on their unit on Lycoming County. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Roosevelt PTO.
B. One (1) Williamsport Area High School student, accompanied by her advisor Lisa Meyer, to travel to Orlando during June and July 2001 to participate in the FBLA national competition. The student will be transported in Ms. Meyer’s personal vehicle. All costs will be funded through string #857-3215-3-26-175-84-582.
C. All first grade students from Cochran/Woodward Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to the Children’s Discovery Workshop at the YMCA to study about Leonardo Da Vinci. The students will also visit Indian Park (Montoursville). District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Cochran School Association.
D. Twenty-three (23) morning and 21 afternoon kindergarten students from Round Hills Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to the Williamsport West Veterinary Hospital and the Williamsport Hospital and Medical Center during May 2001. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Round Hills PTO.
E. Forty-two (42) Curtin Middle School students, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Susquehanna State Park during June 2001 to travel on the Hiawatha.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Curtin PTO.
F. Fifty-five (55) Curtin Middle School students, accompanied by their teachers and aides, to travel to RoseView Manor during June 2001 to meet their pen pals. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Curtin PTO.
11.1* Approve the following student trips cont'd:
Registration will be funded by string #101-1243-3-00-200-23-813; transportation will be funded by string #101-1243-3-00-200-23-519.
11.1* Approve the following student trips cont'd:
District transportation is requested (101-3211-2-20-160-23-519).
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to approve the following bids/contracts:
12.1* Approve an agreement with the YWCA to act as site supervisor for the Summer Food Service Program at Lose Elementary Playground, Memorial Playground, Newberry Park Playground, Shaw Place Playground, Youngs Wood Playground and Brandon Park Playground.
12.2* Approve a contract with BLaST Intermediate Unit #17 for services to be provided to Williamsport Area School District students for the 2001-02 school year.
12.3* Continue the contract with Dr. John Pellegrino to provide all student health services for the 2001-02 school year at a fee of $16,499.
12.4* Authorize the execution of the agreement between the City of Williamsport and the Williamsport Area School District for the use of Bowman Field for the time period of
April 3, 2001 through June 14, 2001.
BIDS/CONTRACTS CONT'D:
12.5* Award a contract for Refinishing the Existing Pool Surface at the Williamsport Area High School in accordance with the specifications to the following contractor. All recommended awards are based upon the lowest bid meeting the specifications.
All bids were received by 1:30 p.m. and open publicly in the District
Service Center at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, May 2, 2001.
CONTRACTOR BID
Claunch Construction Company
1205 East Court Street
Dyersburg, TN $45,954.00
Patterson-Stevens Aquatech Inc.
400 Sawyer Avenue
P.O. Box 117
Tonawanda, NY $57,000.00
Rainbo Resurfacing Inc.
1915 Halsted Street
Chicago, IL $37,140.00
RenoSys Corporation
2825 East 55TH Place
Indianapolis, IN $39,625.00
RECOMMENDED AWARD:
Rainbo Resurfacing Inc.
1915 Halsted Street
Chicago, IL $37,140.00
SOURCE OF FUNDS:
Capital Reserve Fund 220-2620-3-26-350-74 431
12.6* Authorize the purchase of an in-house identification card system (equipment, software, and training) in accordance with specifications and recommended awards. Recommended award is based on the lowest bid price meeting specifications:
All bids were received by 3:00 p.m., Friday, May 4, 2001, and opened at
1:00 p.m., Tuesday, May 8, 2001.
12.6* Authorize the purchase of an in-house identification card system cont'd:
VENDOR BID
Identificard Systems, Inc.
Lancaster, PA $24,510.00
ADT Security Services
Williamsport, PA $47,225.30
RECOMMENDED AWARD*
Identicard Systems, Inc. $24,510.00
*Items to be purchased from Food Service Fund.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
TAX ITEMS - None
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mrs. Harris and Mrs. Markle commended the high school staff and all of the emergency groups that participated in the mock crash. The program was very well done.
Mrs. Williams announced that Sheridan Elementary would be participating in the Relay For Life Program this coming weekend.
President Stone announced that an executive session for was held prior to tonight’s meeting to discuss terms and conditions of employment for one or more District employees and to receive confidential legal advice from an attorney, and that the Board would have another executive session now (9:32 p.m.) and would reconvene following.
The meeting reconvened at 10:26 p.m.
The Board approved agenda items 5.1F and 9.5.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC - None
Upon motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris and carried the meeting adjourned at 10:27 p.m.
______________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary