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, December 7, 1999, following the reorganizational meeting.
The President, David B. Stone, Jr., called the meeting to order at 8:22 p.m. with the following members:
PRESENT: Shirley L. Canada, Karen V. Harris, Pamela J. Markle, Kelly Pedersen,
David B. Stone, Jr., James E. Temple, Dale L. Vollman, Lois T. Williams,
Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: NONE
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
4.1 Student Representatives' Report - Ashley Null
5.1 SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT--Jackie Thomas (Acting Superintendent)
A. Dates to Remember:
B. Congratulations! GQ will be performing at the White House. Happy Holidays from GQ.
A. Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded, by Mr. Zimmerman to cancel the December 14, 1999, Board meeting.
The motion carried 9-0.
B. Mr. Peterson, provided an update on the Curtin Middle School gymnasium floor.
C. President Stone spoke about our accomplishments over the past year and the goals and challenges of the coming year. Mr. Zimmerman spoke of other accomplishments of the past year.
FINANCE REPORT
6.1 Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following financial items:
A. Treasurer's Report for the month of August 1999
B. Payroll Report:
General Fund - Unrestricted $2,266,902.51
General Fund - Restricted (Federal) 130,989.36
General Fund - Restricted (State) 8,272.46
Interscholastic Athletics Fund 30,005.99
Food Service Fund 54,868.98
Data Processing Fund 6,096.36
Maintenance Fund 30,361.70
Williamsport City & School District
Mercantile & Business Privilege Tax Office 3,074.52
Municipal & School Income Tax Office 13,648.32
Student Activities 1,608.20
TOTAL $2,545,828.40
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 12/07/99 in the amount of $360,088.44, 12/07/99A in the amount of $431,542.06, 12/07/99B in the amount of $202,781.89, and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 12/07/99, 12/07/99A, and 12/07/99B.
January 4, 2000.
6.4* Approve the following Graduation Award
An award to a senior excelling in business and planning to enter the business field, given by the National Association of Purchasing Management.
6.5* Authorize a contract with the Pennsylvania Local Government Investment Trust/Public Financial Management, Inc. for management investment services for the proceeds of the Series of 1999 bond issue.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY - None
CURRICULUM REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following curriculum items:
8.1* Approve Dr. Edward Jacobs, Impact Therapy Associates, West Virginia University, to present a 6-hour inservice workshop on Monday, February 21, 2000, for al school counselors and school psychologists about a practical counseling approach, Impact Therapy, for counselors with a limited amount of time with students.
The approximate cost of $1,900 will be paid with Drug Free and Safe Schools grant money.
8.2 Approve the Wright Group 2000 Catalog Pre K-6 Seeing the Reader in Every Child book list (available upon request), and the following listing of book titles for Title I instruction:
Dancing on the Edge The Dark Side of Nowhere
Dean Duffy Face to Face
Flight 116 is Down Hard Ball
Holes Life in the Fat Lane
The Man Without a Face The Planet of Junior Brown
Seeing Earth from Space Slam
Tracker My Life in Dog Years
When the Legends Die The View from Saturday
A Long Way from Chicago
8.3* Approve two Reading Renaissance I seminars for the second, third, fourth, and fifth grade elementary teachers on February 21, 2000. The approximate combined cost of the seminars is $6,800, plus presenters’ expenses. Money for the two seminars is provided through the Class Size Reduction Grant.
8.4* Approve a two-day Reading Renaissance II seminar for the second, third, fourth, and fifth grade teachers from the Cochran and Stevens Elementary Schools on March 20 and 21, 2000. The approximate cost of the two-day training is $11,900, plus presenters’ expenses. Money for the seminar is provided through the Read to Succeed Grant.
8.5* Approve a contract with the Sheraton Inn Williamsport (Radisson Hotel) for an awards recognition breakfast on May 24, 1999, to honor 30 high school Special Education students involved in the Community Volunteer Work Program. Parents, classroom teachers, three classroom aides, district administrators, and community dignitaries will also participate in the event. Approximate costs of $840.00 is budgeted in string #101-1241-3-26-200-04-326.
Students will travel from the high school to the Sheraton Hotel, to a ride on the Hiawatha Paddlewheel Boat, and back to the high school on the Billtown Trolley. The City of Williamsport will provide all of the transportation at no cost to the District.
8.6* Approve a strategic academic partnership with Penn College’s Workforce Development application to Link-to-Learn for the proposed North Central Pennsylvania E-Commerce Center. The District’s commitment includes the following: (1) creation of a pilot Electronic Commerce Club at WAHS; (2) access to computers and Internet connections for the Electronic Commerce Club; (3) provision for an Electronic Commerce Club advisor; (4) support Electronic Commerce Summer Camps by providing information to students and faculty and possibly hosting them in a WASD computer lab; (5) permit job shadowing in local Information Technology businesses; (6) invite Information Technology speakers to appropriate WAHS classes; and (7) advise the North Central Pennsylvania E-Commerce Center in the creation of “web based staff development resource” for Electronic Commerce Club advisors.
8.7* Authorize Kimberly Matthews to prepare during non-school time for a maximum of two days at her hourly wage rate to lead/support technology workshops on October 15, 1999, inservice. Wages will be paid out of string #101-1390-3-26-125-07-190.
8.8* NO ACTION TAKEN - Authorize Tom Mitchell to prepare during non-school time for a maximum of two days at $70.00 per day to lead/support technology workshops on October 15, 1999, inservice. Wages will be paid out of string #101-2260-0-00-105-07-130.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following personnel items:
9.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
effective November 29, 1999.
B. Josenna J. Horn, substitute food service worker, for personal reasons, effective December 6, 1999.
C. Joan C. March, substitute food service worker, for personal reasons, effective December 17, 1999.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Approve the following leaves of absence:
March 1, 2000, possibly to return sooner.
Mrs. Galanti's leave is for the purpose of caring for the medical needs of a family member and is at the discretion of the School Board, upon recommendation of the Superintendent.
B. Patrice M. Newton, second grade teacher at Jackson Elementary School, unpaid leave for the purpose of maternity leave, effective January 5, 2000, through March 31, 2000.
Mrs. Newton is presently on sick leave and on January 5, 2000, will make use of leave available under the Family Medical Leave Act, which entitles the employee to health insurance for a maximum of 12 weeks, but is without pay or any other benefits.
C. Lisa K. Taylor, interpreter at the high school, unpaid leave for the purpose of maternity leave, effective January 11, 2000, through January 21, 2000.
Mrs. Taylor is presently on sick leave and on January 11, 2000, will make use of leave available under the Family Medical Leave Act, which entitles the employee to health insurance for a maximum of 12 weeks, but is without pay or any other benefits.
D. Marcia L. McCann, 33 Overhill Rd., Williamsport, special education teacher at Curtin Middle School, extension of her of unpaid maternity leave, effective January 24, 2000, through the end of the 1999-2000 school term.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Julie A. Entz, 1314 Cottage Ave., Williamsport, as a full-time (185-day, 7 hours per day) computer lab aide at (middle school level), at an annual wage of $9,583, prorated ($7.40 per hour or contract rate) plus benefits, effective December 6, 1999 (replacing Christine Barnes, transferred).
B. Armanda A. Dority, P.O. Box 2073, Williamsport, as a full-time (185-day) instructional support aide at Curtin Middle School, at an annual wage of $9,583, prorated ($7.40 per hour or contract rate) plus benefits, effective December 8, (replacing Kim Shadle, resigned).
C. Lori J. Hoyt, 942 Mahaffey Hollow Rd., Linden, as a part-time (185-day, up to 4 hours per day) instructional support aide at Round Hills Elementary School, at an annual wage of $8.05 per hour or contract rate, plus applicable benefits (FICA, Worker's Compensation, Retirement, if eligible, and sick leave per the Agreement between the Board and the Williamsport Area Support Personnel), effective December 6, 1999 (new position due to new student IEP).
D. The following teachers to teach the Title I Extended Day Program, effective for the days indicated below. The teachers will be paid for four hours per week (teach three days, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, one hour per day and have one hour of preparation time per week) at the rate of $21.36 per hour plus appropriate benefits. All funds are budgeted under Title I:
Jackson Elementary (November 30, 1999 - May 18, 2000)
Marcia A. McRae 935 Moore Ave., Williamsport
Sheridan Elementary (November 30, 1999 - January 21, 2000)
Rhonda L. Getgen 2850 Bottle Run Rd., Williamsport
E. The following persons to the positions indicated for the Williamsport Area High School Drama Productions on November 19 and 20, 1999 (budgeted in
101-3215-0-00-175-07 130):
Director/Producer Marie E. Fox $727.00
Director/Producer John C. Weaver $727.00
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
F. Jason A. Reed, P.O. Box 73, Linden, as a substitute satellite truck driver, with a base wage rate of $6.90 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective December 2, 1999.
G. The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $5.60 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective December 8, 1999:
Ruth A. Wollett 513 Glenwood Ave., Williamsport
Mindy L. Camp 627 ½ Lloyd St., Williamsport
Donna M. Engel 11 Ridge St., Williamsport
H. The following substitute custodian/event staff, with a base wage rate of $6.90 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective December 7, 1999:
Karen L. Haywood 829 Elmira St., Williamsport
Roland K. Krueger 666 Cemetery St., Williamsport
Harry S. Baird 2829 W. Fourth St., Williamsport
(Pending receipt of necessary clearances and additional paperwork)
I. Jacqueline K. Thompson, 1706 Oak Ridge Place, Williamsport, as a non-certificated substitute teacher with receipt of emergency certification, 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 during the 1999-2000 school year, effective November 23, 1999.
J. The following homebound teacher(s), subject to assignment by the Superintendent of Schools, at the salary and/or daily rates as established by the collective bargaining agreement, and only for the actual number of hours assigned and worked:
Denise M. Tobin 183 Reade Drive, Cogan Station
K. 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
Ann M. Huynh 1913 Blair St., Williamsport
Mark A. Pennella RR 4, Box 4137A, Dushore
Secondary
John G. Mapstone (eff. 12/1/99) 205 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport
Jennifer R. Schultz 201 Yetter Rd., Pennsdale
K-12
Elizabeth M. Jenson 479 Cedarwood Dr., Montoursville
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
L. 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:
Susan M. Spega 114 Clark Hill Rd., Linden
M. The following coaches at the respective schools for the 1999-2000 school year at the rates in accordance with the 1997-2002 Agreement by and between the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District and the Williamsport Education Association:
Williamsport Area High School
Boys' Basketball
Ninth Grade Coaches:
Lateef Ford should be Lateef J. Monroe $2,128
Ryan Ritt $1,929
Cheerleading
Coach for Wrestling
Season: Kelly Morgret $ 724
N. Burnell Simmons, 659 Campbell St., Apt. 5, Williamsport, as a part-time (one day per week - Monday; up to 4 2 hours per day) instructional support aide for the Alternativ e Education Department at the DSC, effective December 13, 1999, with a base wage rate of $7.40 per hour or contract rate (new position funded through Alternative Education grants).
9.4 POSITION CHANGES - The following position changes:
December 8, 1999 (replacing Jim Lute, resigned).
December 8, 1999 (replacing Tammy Summers, resigned).
to a gener al food service worker (2 hours daily) at Curtin Middle School, with a base wage rate of $6.40 per hour, effective December 8, 1999 (replacing Myra Teasley, resigned).
9.5 SALARY ADJUSTMENT
A. Adjust salary for Barbara J. Rizzo, teacher at Cochran Elementary School, from Bachelor= s Step 6 ($39,710) to Bachelor = s Step 7 ($44,495), effective with the 1999-2000 school term, as per the Memorandum of Understanding between the Williamsport Area School District and the Williamsport Education Association.
9.6 AGREEMENTS/CONTRACTED SERVICES
A. Michael A. Gilson, 2100 West Southern Ave., South Williamsport, qualified interpreter of American Sign Language (ASL) and Pidgin Sign English (PSE) to provide services and assistance to the District = s non-degreed interpreter-aides and eligible stude nts at the rate of $20.00 per hour (not to exceed twelve (12) hours in any given week nor six (6) hours in any given day), effective December 7, 1999 through December 23, 1999.
B. Also approve contracted services with Michael A. Gilson, 2100 West Southern Ave., South Williamsport, to provide substitute services as a sign language interpreter at $20.00 per hour, as needed effective December 7, 1999, through December 23, 1999.
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 9-0.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following student/community
activities:
11.1* The following student trips:
A. Twelve (12) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Les Chanteuses musical group, accompanied by their director and parent volunteers, to travel to Harrisburg on Sunday, December 12, 1999. The students will be performing at Governor Ridge’s Open House. They will also have an opportunity to tour the mansion. There will be no cost to the District. Parents will transport the students.
11.1* The following student trips cont’d:
Soprano I Alto I Tenor I Bass I
Rochelle Smith Sarah Williams Karl Fisher David Elkin
Sarah Keely Christian Cease Spencer Sweeting
Soprano II Alto II Tenor II Bass II
Carol Shellenberger Karyn Tressler Luke Neidrmeyer James Rogers
Briana Meacham Matt Keiser Dashon Burton
Cost to the District would be $1,008 (10-13212-3-26-160-23-813) for student registration fees; $200 (101-3212-3-26-160-23-519) for student transportation; and $350 (101-3212-3-26-160-23-581) for teacher expenses.
11.1* The following student trips cont’d:
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid through Jackson site-based funds.
11.1* The following student trips cont’d:
U. Twenty-six (26) Stevens Elementary School students, accompanied by their teacher, aide, and parent volunteers, to travel to Roseview Center on Thursday, December 23, 1999. The students will present holiday cards to the residents and will entertain them with seasonal songs, poems, and stories. There will be no cost to the District. The students will walk to Roseview and back.
V. Sixty (60) Cochran Elementary School fourth grade students, accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to the Lycoming County Historical Museum on Wednesday, December 15, 1999. There will be no cost to the District. The students will walk to and from the museum.
11.2* Approve Edie Ferguson, karaoke disc jockey, to provide two (2) hours of service at Lycoming Valley Middle School on Thursday, December 23, 1999, from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Remuneration for services is $200.00 and is to be funded from the Student Activity Account string #808-3215-2-22-175-84-340.
11.3 Approve the following breakfast and lunch prices for the 1999-2000 school year:
Elementary Schools
Breakfast Lunch
.70 Student Paid 1.20 Student Paid
.30 Student Reduced .40 Student Reduced
1.35 Adult 2.60 Adult
.35 Milk .35 Milk
Secondary Schools
Breakfast Lunch
.80 Student Paid 1.50 Student Paid
.30 Student Reduced .40 Student Reduced
1.35 Adult 2.60 Adult
.35 Milk .35 Milk
11.4 Authorize the donation of an unneeded nursing bed to the YMCA.
on an as needed basis between now and June 30, 2000. The Kiwanis Club is requesting relief of the occupancy fee of $15.00 per use. Certificate of Insurance to be received.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Zimmerman, to approve the following bids/contracts:
12.1* Authorize the District’s participation in the cooperative purchasing program of the Pennsylvania Education Joint Purchasing Council for the procurement of general and computer supplies to replenish warehouse stock:
RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
Brodart Company, McElhatten, PA $ 298.00
Kurtz Bros., Clearfield, PA 850.20
Matrix Data, Cleveland, OH 504.00
Phillips Supply Company, Plymouth, PA 606.42
Pyramid School Products, Tampa, FL 7,882.34
Quill Corporation, Lincolnshire, IL 1,167.00
Scott Electric, Greensburg, PA 2,256.00
Staples Business Advantage, Philadelphia, PA 2,189.90
The Tree House, Inc., Newton Center, MA 1,240.00
Total Recommended Awards $16,993.86
12.2* Authorize the District’s participation in the cooperative purchasing program of the Pennsylvania Joint Purchasing Council for the procurement of Xerographic paper to replenish warehouse stock:
RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
RIS Paper Company Inc., Mechanicsburg, PA $ 383.25
Unisource Corporation, Philadelphia, PA 41,000.00
Total Recommended Awards $41,383.25
12.3* Authorize an agreement with Aegina Leasing, Inc. 5048 US Highway 15, Montgomery, PA to lease a 28' storage trailer at a cost of $80.00 per month. The trailer is needed at the Roosevelt Middle School during the renovation project.
12.4* Authorize change order # G-02 with DeGol Brothers Carpet with deductions of $8,867 and additions of $2,460 for a contract deduction of $6.407.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
TAX ITEM
Motion made by Mrs. Harris, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to approve the following tax items:
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Temple reported that he spoke on behalf of the Board at the Vocational Education Project ground breaking and that the ceremony was very nice.
Mr. Zimmerman reported that the annual soccer banquet was held last Sunday. Named first team all conference was Carl Hofstrom. Second team honors went to Samer Rajjoub. Honorable mention honors were presented to Kathryn Dill and Jordan Staib.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC – None
Upon motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, and carried the meeting adjourned at
9:11 p.m.
____________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary