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, February 1, 2000, 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, Pamela J. Markle, Kelly R. Pedersen,
David B. Stone, Jr., James E. Temple, Dale L. Vollman, Lois T. Williams,
Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: None
INVOCATION – Fred A. Holland, Esq. provided the invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to
approve the Special Meeting of November 17, 1999, that the reading of the minutes be omitted and
that the minutes be approved as presented.
The motion carried 9-0.
Student Representatives' Report - Ashley Null
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT—Jackie Thomas (Acting Superintendent)
A. Budget Presentation by Eric Gee, Chairperson of Instructional Technology
B. District Web Site Presentation by Eric Gee and Clay Weaver
C. Calendar of Events
D. Mrs. Thomas introduced Dr. Tina Belardi, the new substitute principal at the Lose Elementary School. Mrs. Belardi indicated that she was pleased to be at Williamsport and the Board welcomed her.
BOARD PRESIDENT'S REPORT--Mr. David B. Stone Jr.
A. There will be a presentation about tax reform immediately following the Board Meeting. The purpose of the presentation is to inform the taxpayers and employers of our school district about the implications of Act 50 Tax Reform. Tax Reform was approved by the voters of the Williamsport Area School District at the election held on November 2, 1999. Tax Reform will be implemented in the Williamsport Area School District July 1, 2000. The presentation is presented in cooperation with the Penn State Cooperative Extension Program and Susquehanna Communications. It will be broadcasted live on Susquehanna Communications following the Board Meeting and will be rebroadcast on February 6 beginning at 7:00 p.m., February 7 beginning at 3:00 p.m. and February 10 beginning at 7:30 p.m.
Special Thanks to Ken Sawyer for hosting this evening’s presentation.
There will also be a presentation about the Tax Reform on the Ken Sawyer Show on February 14, 2000 at 10:00 a.m. and a public forum at the Williamsport Area High School Auditorium beginning at 7:30 p.m. on February 16, 2000.
B. Presentation by Carol B. Rosebrough, General Manager of Susquehanna Communications.
Following Ms. Rosebrough’s presentation the Board members discussed various options of using the television time if the contract is renewed. The Board requested a recommendation from the Public Relations Committee. Mrs. Markle stated that the committee would make a recommendation at the next meeting.
C. Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to approve an adjudication from a quasi-judicial proceeding held earlier this evening.
The motion carried 6-3 with Mrs. Markle, Mr. Vollman and Mrs. Williams voting no.
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mrs. Harris reported that the ETAC meeting was cancelled due to snow and will be meeting on
February 17, 2000.
Mrs. Markle reported that the IU meeting was also cancelled due to snow and they will meet in a couple of weeks.
Mrs. Markle also provided a legislative report. She indicated that the House discussed HB 1576 today concerning student responsibility due to expulsion and she will be anxious to see the results of the discussion. The Education Committee will meet this Thursday and will be discussing the shortage of school administrators.
Mrs. Markle reported that the Public Relations Committee will meet next week and will be discussing the Susquehanna Communications Proposal.
Committee Reports by Board Members Cont’d:
Mr. Zimmerman reported that the Standardized Testing Committee was also snowed out and will be meeting on Tuesday, February 15, 2000.
Ms. Canada reported that the Inclusion Committee would be meeting this month.
Mr. Zimmerman stated that the Drug and Alcohol Oversite Committee will meet on February 16, 2000.
Construction Projects
Motion made by Mrs. Pedersen, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to approve the following items related
to construction projects:
A.* Authorize change orders to the contract with Spencer Mechanical, Inc. (plumbing contractor, Roosevelt Project) identified as change orders P-1 and P-2 increasing the contract by $1,651.64 which will adjust the total contract as follows:
Original Contract $240,116.00
P-1 1,247.64
P-2 404.00
Adjusted Total $241,767.64
B.* Authorize an agreement with the Williamsport Municipal Water Authority entitled “Five Service Application for Special Connection” in reference to the Roosevelt Middle School Project.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
C.* Presentation by Randy Hudson from Hayes Large Architects
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following items related to
construction projects:
Approve PlanCon Part F Construction Documents for the Cochran Elementary School Project including the following resolution:
To the best of its knowledge and belief, the Board of School Directors certifies to the following:
1. The Board will not enter into construction contracts until it has received written approval for PlanCon Part F, Construction Documents, from the Department of Education.
Construction Projects Cont’d:
2. The Board of School Directors has obtained, or will obtain, all necessary approvals from local, regional, and state agencies relating to health, safety, design, planning highway access, and freedom from flooding and subsidence, prior to entering into construction contracts.
3. The Board acknowledges that failure to obtain the requisite approvals prior to entering into construction contracts may be sufficient cause for the Department of Education to revoke its approval for this project. If approval is revoked, the project will not be reimbursed by the Commonwealth.
D. Discussion concerning the construction plaque for the Roosevelt Middle School Project.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
FINANCE REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following financial reports:
6.1 Approve the following financial reports:
A. Payroll Report:
General Fund - Unrestricted $2,393,455.11
General Fund - Restricted (Federal) 137,267.81
General Fund - Restricted (State) 7,578.54
Interscholastic Athletics Fund 30,583.69
Food Service Fund 61,130.69
Data Processing Fund 7,885.07
Maintenance Fund 40,443.43
Williamsport City & School District
Mercantile & Business Privilege Tax Office 4,311.09
Municipal & School Income Tax Office 24,269.70
Student Activities 2,033.80
TOTAL $2,708,958.93
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 02/01/00 in the amount of $540,202.48, 02/01/00A in the amount of $197,242.53, 02/01/00B in the amount of $7,229.87, 02/01/00C in the amount of $1,697.96, and 02/01/00D in the amount of $188,122.80 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 02/01/00, 02/01/00A, 02/01/00B 02/01/00C, and 02/01/00D.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple
7.1 Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve revisions to Policy #514, “Substitute Support Staff Positions,” at the first reading.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
CURRICULUM REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following items related to curriculum:
8.1* Approve Timothy Bush, children’s author and illustrator, to present four assemblies for students and one evening workshop for parents at Jackson Elementary School on Thursday, May 11, 2000. Mr. Bush will demonstrate and explain the process of creating a children’s book.
The cost will be approximately $985 ($500 fee plus travel expenses) to be split between Title I (140-3300-1-06-065-18-329) and the Jackson PTO.
8.2* Approve Pam Robbins, Association for Curriculum and Development, to present a workshop on brain research to the Jackson Elementary School staff on Monday, March 20, 2000.
The cost will be approximately $3,200 and is budgeted under Title VI Class Size Reduction.
8.3* Approve Sandra L. Newberry and Kellie Bower-Vogt to supervise an open computer lab for community Internet access at Jackson Elementary School on Thursdays from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. on February 10, 17, and 24; March 2, 9, 16, and 23; April 6, 13, and 27; May 14 and 18, 2000.
The approximate cost of $21.00 per hour per teacher will be paid by a Link-to-Learn Grant (DRAFT flyer enclosed).
8.4* Approve Kimberli Boyd to present two professional development workshops (Responding to Visual Art Through Movement and Reaching the Kinesthetic Learner) on February 21, 2000, at the Williamsport Area High School.
The approximate cost is $1,200 plus expenses budgeted in string #101-1100-3-26-044-17-513. A grant of $600 has been previously accepted from the Kennedy Center to underwrite some of the expenses as part of our partnership with the Kennedy Center’s Performing Arts Centers in Schools Program.
8.5 Approve the attached list of book titles to be purchased from Read to Succeed Grant funds.
8.6 Approve an additional Act 80 inservice day for Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School on March 21, 2000. The staff will participate in the Reading Renaissance II program being held at Cochran Elementary School.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.7* Approve Dr. Chris Cherrington from Bloomsburg University to provide inservice training to the Hepburn Elementary Staff on the topic of Guided Reading on March 20, 2000. The cost of the training is $600 and is funded through the Class Size Reduction Grant.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following items related to personnel with the exception of item 9.3A:
9.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A.
Phyllis H. Wagner, full-time English and social studies teacher at Curtin
Middle School, for the purpose of retirement, effective July 31, 2000
July 30, 2000 (revision to previous board action taken on January 18, 2000).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Phyllis H. Wagner from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 20 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
B. Kristin L. Jansson, long-term substitute special education teacher at the high school, verbal resignation due to other employment, effective January 28, 2000.
C. Bobbie L. Tubbs, general part-time food service worker at Sheridan Elementary School, due to abandonment, effective December 23, 1999.
D. Linda L. Williams, Supervisor of Pupil Transportation for the District, for the purpose of retirement, effective June 29, 2000.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Linda L. Williams from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 28 years of dedicated service to our school system as an administrator and bus driver. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Michele L. Lusk, general food service worker at Woodward Elementary School, leave of absence without pay, effective February 2, 2000, through February 29, 2000, possibly to return sooner.
Ms. Lusk’s leave is for the purpose of caring for the medical needs of a family member. This leave is eligible under the Family Medical Leave Act and is at the discretion of the School Board, upon recommendation of the Superintendent.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve Tina M. Belardi, Ph.D., 209 Milwaukee Ave., Old Forge, to provide temporary (substitute) service in the position of Principal at Lose Elementary School. This service will begin on January 31, 2000, and continue through the remainder of the 1999-2000 school year, June 30, 2000, unless terminated sooner. Dr. Belardi will be compensated at the rate of $295.00 per day for each day assigned and worked plus eligible benefits as provided under the terms of the Act 93 Meet and Discuss Plan for administrators, prorated where necessary, but will not be eligible for merit benefits as provided under the Act 93 Compensation Plan.
Dr. Belardi holds a Bachelor of Arts degree (in Art Education), a Master’s in Mathematics and School Leadership and a Ph.D. in Human Development and Educational Administration from Marywood University. She has 16 years experience in public education as a teacher and assistant principal. She has certification in Art, Mathematics, Elementary and Secondary Principalships, and Superintendent. Dr. Belardi will be replacing Dave Michael who is utilizing sick leave.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
B. Brenda C. Watkins, 2112 West Fourth St., Williamsport, as a long-term substitute teacher, effective January 24, 2000, through the end of the 1999-2000 school term, unless terminated sooner, to teach special education learning support at Sheridan Elementary School, at a salary rate of Level 1, Year 1, Bachelor's, $35,125, prorated. Ms. Watkins holds a bachelor's degree from Clarion University of PA and is certified in Mentally and/or Physically Handicapped (replaces Pam Emery, transferred to administrative position).
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
C. Kathy R. Underkoffler, R.R. #1, Box 383, Loganton, as a long-term substitute teacher, effective January 26, 2000, through the end of the 1999-2000 school term, unless terminated sooner, to teach special education learning support at the high school, at a salary rate of Level 1, Year 1, Bachelor's, $35,125, prorated. Ms. Underkoffler holds a bachelor's degree from Lock Haven University and is certified in Mentally and/or Physically Handicapped (replaces Kristin Jansson, resigned, who was hired as a long-term substitute to replace Jana Satifka on unpaid medical leave for remainder of the school year).
D. The following persons as Preschool Readiness Program Teachers to offer a one-hour preschool readiness program at Lose Elementary School, two days a week, from April 25, 2000, through May 25, 2000, at the rate of $21.36 per hour at 21 hours per individual, funded through the Read to Succeed Grant:
Faith M. Dunkleberger 2204 Rte. 442 Hwy., Munch
Michele L. Bruder 921 Westminster Dr., Apt. D, Williamsport
E. The following persons as After School Literacy Teachers at Lose Elementary School, a one hour program beginning on or about February 3, 2000, and ending approximately March 30, 2000, at the rate of $21.36 per hour at 35 hours per individual, funded through the Read to Succeed Grant:
Dianne M. Masten 1216 Locust St., Williamsport
Gary L. Michaels 1620 Spring Lane, Williamsport
F. The following persons as Saturday Morning Literacy Program Teachers at Lose Elementary School, to offer a ninety-minute early literacy program beginning Saturday, February 5, 2000, and ending on April 1, 2000. The program will run from 10:30 a.m. to noon each Saturday, at the rate of $21.36 per hour at 28 hours per individual, funded through the Read to Succeed Grant:
Michele L. Bruder 921 Westminster Dr., Apt. D, Williamsport
Jeanne E. Reeder 1148 Isabella St., Williamsport
G. The following persons as Home Visitor Program Teachers for Lose Elementary School, at the rate of $21.36 per hour at 42 hours per individual, funded through the Read to Succeed Grant:
Susan C. Crossley 364 Lincoln Ave., Williamsport
Jeanne E. Reeder 1148 Isabella St., Williamsport
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
H. The following persons as Read to Succeed Program Coordinators to coordinate the activities of the Read to Succeed preschool readiness, home visitor, and Saturday morning literacy programs, at the rate of $21.36 per hour at 12 hours per individual, funded through the Read to Succeed Grant:
Susan C. Crossley 364 Lincoln Ave., Williamsport
Jeanne E. Reeder 1148 Isabella St., Williamsport
I. The following as a non-certificated substitute teachers 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:
Christina M. Butler 166 Highland Drive, Hughesville (effective 01/28/00)
J. 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:
K-12
Lori B. Crossley 2904 Quarry Rd., Jersey Shore
Carolyn D. Ludwig 2006 Westside Rd., Jersey Shore (effective 01/25/00)
Elementary
Michael A. Turi 843 Fairfield Church Rd., Montoursville
Secondary
Rebecca L. Bollinger 2001 Memorial Ave., Apt. 36, Williamsport
K. Judith A. Welch, 1460 McGill Hollow Rd., 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 February 2, 2000.
L. Curt Chilson, 1027 Mulberry St., Williamsport, to complete a 240 hour internship (unpaid) with the Williamsport Area School District athletic department, during the remainder of the 1999-2000 school term. Mr. Chilson will be supervised by Athletic Director, Sean McCann.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
10.1 RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, 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
11.1* Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following student trips:
11.1* Student Trips Cont’d:
Violin I Violin II Viola
Amy Dowling Stephanie Reissner Samer Rajjoub
Elyann Doebler Kimberly Hayes Martin Wade
Maureen Holland Cassandra Bertrand Kathryn Dill
Jacqueline Walker Chrissie Tilburg Shawn Fahl
Jason Hurwitz Carl Hofstrom Michelle Hornberger
Karl Fisher Ashley Marchesi Amber Bilbay
Natalie Smith Jessica Novak Joshua Hill
Cello Bass Oboe
Emma Somers Aaron Burget Carol Shellenberger
Jennifer Chestnut Joseph Garczynski
Kiersten Schwanbeck Omar Tuffaha French Horn
Kathryn Somers Mandi Sebring David Elkin
Panri Mehta Amy Schanbacher
Cost to the District would be $2,145 (101-3212-3-26-160-23-813) for student registration; $270 (101-3212-3-26-160-23-519) for student transportation; and $180 (101-3212-3-26-160-23-581) for teacher expenses. Walter Straiton, WAHS orchestra director, will accompany the students. One substitute will be needed for two days.
Soprano Alto
Rochelle Smith Sarah Williams
Sarah Keely
Carol Shellenberger
Bass
Tenor I David Edkin
Karl Fisher Spencer Sweeting
Luke Neidrmeyer Dashon Burton
Cost to the District would be $659 (101-3212-3-26-160-23-813) for student registration fees; $300 (101-3212-3-26-160-23-519) for student transportation; and $350 (101-3212-3-26-160-23-581) for teacher expenses. Either Kent Weaver or Paul McPhail, WAHS choral directors, will accompany the students. One substitute will be needed for two days.
11.1* Student Trips Cont’d:
District transportation is requested (101-1390-3-26-226-33-519).
11.2
Authorize the Community/Adult Vocational Program for the Spring of 2000. The
courses will be
advertised in the Sun-Gazette
on two (2) dates. Registration can occur during regular school hours at the
high school, by mail, or during the evenings in the Commons Area of the
Williamsport Area High School from 5:30-8:30 p.m. on February 9 and 13. Space
for participants in courses is on a first-come, first-served basis. A minimum
of 12 participants must be registered for each course. Deadline for
registration is February 18, with classes beginning the week of February 21.
Following is the registration fee schedule:
WASD Residents Non-Residents
Length of Course (Hours)
Registration Fee Registration Fee
10
$35 $45
15
$40 $55
20
$50 $70
25
$60 $85
30
$70 $95
NOTE: Residents are those individuals residing within the boundaries of the
Williamsport Area School District or employees of the District. All others are
non-residents. Participants who attend 80% of the classes will be issued a
certificate of completion by the Williamsport Area School District.
Participants will be provided an opportunity to evaluate the course during the
last class session. 11.2
Authorize the Community/Adult Vocational Program for the Spring of 2000
Programs that meet the Pennsylvania Department of Education program standards
and requirements are eligible for State reimbursement (instructional hours at
80% of $8.60/hour).
The following teachers who will be offering courses will be paid at the rate of
$21.36 per hour as per the collective bargaining agreement:
Clyde Phillips
Introduction to Computers (3 sessions @ 20 hours each)
Eric Gee
Searching the World Wide Web (10 hours)
Advanced Internet/Web Page Design (10 hours)
Randy Zangara
Introduction to Microsoft Word (20 hours)
Intro to Microsoft Excel & Access (20 hours)
Jennifer Youmans
Keyboarding & Computers (20 hours)
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following
items related to bids/contracts:
A.
Authorize the District to purchase two pick up trucks and one cargo van from
Central Westmoreland Council of Governments Cooperative Purchasing Contracts
for the purpose of replacing district owned maintenance vehicles.
RECOMMENDED AWARD:
DAY FLEET SALES 1600 GOLDEN MILE HIGHWAY
MONROEVILLE, PA 15146
$64,045.00
TABULATION OF QUOTATIONS RECEIVED FOR THE PURCHASE OF SNOW PLOWS, CUTTING EDGES
AND TAIL GATES FOR NEW MAINTENANCE VEHICLES BEING PURCHASED FROM GOVERNMENT
COOPERATIVE PURCHASING CONTRACTS. THIS EQUIPMENT WILL BE USED FOR DISTRICT
WIDE MAINTENANCE. WRITTEN QUOTATIONS WERE RECEIVED BY JANUARY 26, 2000 AT THE
DISTRICT SERVICE CENTER.
VENDOR
QUOTATION
BRADCO SUPPLY COMPANY
$8,649.00
RD 1, BOX 143-1 TOWANDA, PA 18848
R&G SPRING WORKS
$7,300.00
186 LOCUST STREET WILLIAMSPORT, PA 17701
SHIRN’S TRUCK EQUIPMENT SALES & SERVICE
1811 ROOSEVELT AVENUE
$8,869.80
WILLIAMSPORT, PA 17701
We chose to purchase all of the above equipment from Shirn’s Truck
Equipment Sales & Service due to the following reasons:
1.) Bradco submitted a bid for a tailgate that did not meet our
specifications.
purchase.
AUTHORIZED PURCHASE: Purchase Order #26112
RECOMMENDED AWARD:
SHIRN’S TRUCK EQUIPMENT SALES & SERVICE $8,869.80
1811 ROOSEVELT AVENUE
WILLIAMSPORT, PA 17701
SOURCE OF FUNDS:
220-2650-0-00-350-74 760 - Capital Reserve Funds
B.
Approve a user agreement with Pine Street United Methodist Church to rent their
Fellowship Hall on March 9, 2000, for an evening parent drug awareness night.
The program is a collaborative effort between the Williamsport Area School
District, Valley Prevention Services, and the various school parent
organizations.
The $40 fee is budgeted in Safe and Drug Free Schools Grant money.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
TAX ITEMS
13.1
Motion made by Mrs. Harris, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following
tax summaries:
The motion carried 9-0.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
President Stone reported that next Thursday is the annual MathCounts
competition and he is proud of Williamsport’s continued participation and
record.
Mrs. Pedersen reported that Thursday night at 7:00 p.m. is the beginning
orchestra concert at the Cochran Elementary School. She also indicated that
Cochran is having a bake sale at the Lycoming Mall on February 5, 2000.
Mrs. Harris stated that Lycoming Valley Middle School Skiing Club is very happy
to have snow and will be taking advantage of it.
President Stone announced that there was an executive session prior to the
meeting to discuss a pending legal matter.
Solicitor Holland indicated that the pending legal matter is the public
hearings concerning the Woodward Township succession request to be held in
court room one on February 17 and 18, 2000.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC – None
Upon motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Vollman and carried the
meeting adjourned at 9:29 p.m.
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary