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 15, 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, Pamela J. Markle, Kelly R. Pedersen, David B. Stone, Jr.,
James E. Temple, Dale L. Vollman, Lois T. Williams, Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: Karen V. Harris
INVOCATION – Pamela J. Markle provided the invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
Student Representatives' Report - Alissa Lockcuff and Ashley Null
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT—Jackie Thomas (Acting Superintendent)
A. Calendar of Events
B. Curtin Middle School Eighth Grade String Ensemble under the direction of Jeffrey Judd will showcase their program.
C. Presentation by the district’s Drug and Safe Schools and Communities Advisory Board, in collaboration with the Student Assistance Teams, concerning a parent drug education program to be held at Pine Street United Methodist Church’s community room on Thursday,
March 9, 2000 from 7:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
BOARD PRESIDENT'S REPORT--Mr. David B. Stone Jr.
A. Tax Reform
Tax Reform will be implemented in the Williamsport Area School District on July 1, 2000. To educate our citizens about the implications of Tax Reform the Board of School Directors is sponsoring the following educational campaign.
1. There will be a public forum on February 16, 2000 beginning at 7:30 p.m. in
the Baskin Gallery at the District Service Center. (This program was originally scheduled at the WAHS auditorium)
A. Tax Reform Cont’d:
2. There was a presentation on the Ken Sawyer Show on February 14, 2000.
3. A ½ hour live presentation was broadcasted on Susquehanna Communications on February 1, 2000, and replayed on three additional dates.
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mrs. Markle reported that the IU was planning to hire a teacher for a Partial Hospitalization Program.
For the Legislative Report, Mrs. Markle indicated that the House passed an Alternative Education Bill but the Senate did not.
Mr. Zimmerman reported that the Employment Steering Committee met last Thursday and are trying to fill some committee vacancies. The committee is working on an anti-harassment policy. He also stated that the Drug and Alcohol Oversite Committee will meet for the first time this year on February 16, 2000.
President Stone reminded everyone that the Woodward Township hearing would be held on Thursday and Friday and the public is welcome.
Construction Projects
A. Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to authorize change orders to the contract with Spencer Mechanical, Inc. (plumbing contractor, Roosevelt Project) identified as change orders P-3 and P-4 increasing the contract by $6,500 which will adjust the total contract as follows:
Original Contract $240,116.00
Previous Adjustments 1,651.64
P-3 5,933.00
P-4 567.00
Adjusted Total $248,267.64
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
Discussion with Budget Managers
A. Bill Beck – Building Maintenance
5.6 Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following resolution:
RESOLVED: That the Williamsport Area School District, in compliance with Section 920C of the Pennsylvania School Code does hereby advise the Intermediate Unit #17 Board of Directors that it desires to continue its own instructional materials center services separate and apart from such services rendered by the Endless Mountains Audio-Visual Center for other member districts of IU #17 and that it requests the Board of Directors of Intermediate Unit #17 to relieve the Williamsport Area School District of payment for the Endless Mountains Audio-Visual Center Services.
The motion carried 8-0.
FINANCE REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following financial items:
6.1 The following financial reports:
A. Treasurer's Report for the month of December 1999
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 02/15/00 in the amount of $492,112.20, 02/15/00A in the amount of $176,328.64, 02/15/00B in the amount of $7,001.25, 02/15/00C in the amount of $20,899.80 and 02/15/00/D in the amount of $477.30 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 02/15/00, 02/15/00A, 02/15/00B, 02/15/00C and 02/15/00D.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple
7.1 Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Temple to approve revisions to Policy #514, “Substitute Support Staff Positions,” at the second reading.
The motion carried 8-0.
CURRICULUM REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to approve the following curriculum items:
8.1* Sue Mowery, Lancaster, Pennsylvania, to present an inservice on Reader Response on March 24, 2000, for the staff of Sheridan Elementary School.
The cost will be approximately $1,300 ($800 fee plus travel expenses), which is budgeted under Sheridan Title I Staff Development.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.2* Diane Duffin and Emily Cayuso from San Antonio, Texas, as consultants to observe and work with Kindergarten through Grade 3 staff at Sheridan Elementary School on the implementation of literacy centers on March 17, 2000.
The inservice will be presented at a cost of $800.00 per presenter plus expenses for travel and lodging. This staff development is a follow-up to the January 14-15, 2000, workshop and is funded through the Read to Succeed Grant.
8.3* Cindy G. Merrilees, Educational Consultant from Middleburg, Florida, to provide staff development training on Guided Reading Practices to the Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School staff on Friday, May 12, 2000.
The total cost is $2,500 and is funded through Title VI Class Size Reduction funds.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following personnel items:
9.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Kenneth L. Hower, head custodian at Jackson Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective on June 28, 2000.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Kenneth L. Hower from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for his 28 years of dedicated service to our school syst em as a custodian. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
B. Mary J. Miller, general food service worker (4 2 hours daily) at the high school, for personal reasons, effective February 9, 2000 (last day worked).
C. Thomas C. (Tim) Montgomery, resigning position as head football coach only (will remain on staff as a teacher), for personal reasons, effective immediately.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE - Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Candace I. Hauser, regular part-time food service worker at Curtin Middle School cafeteria, leave of absence without pay for personal reasons, effective February 10, 2000, to April 3, 2000.
B. Tracey L. Graff, special education teacher at Roosevelt Middle School, for the purpose of maternity leave, effective February 22, 2000, through April 17, 2000, possibly to return sooner.
Mrs. Graff is presently on sick and/or personal leave and on February 22, 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. Vivian D. Pena, regular part-time school bus driver, leave of absence without pay for medical reasons, effective January 28, 2000, through April 27, 2000, possibly to return sooner.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Frederick N. Callahan, 8332 SR 654 Highway, Williamsport, as Supervisor of Pupil Transportation, at an annual salary of $41,802 (pro-rated for the 1999-2000 school year), effective March 13, 2000. Mr. Callahan will be eligible for benefits as provided under the terms of the Act 93 Meet and Discuss Plan for Administrators, prorated where necessary, but he will not be eligible for merit benefits for the 1999-2000 school year. Mr. Callahan will obtain a Commercial Driver = s License (CDL) and certification as a school bus driver instructor within six months.
Mr. Callahan has more than ten years = experience in pupil transportation, purchasing and warehouse operations with the Jersey Shore School District. He has an associate = s degree in business from Northern Virginia Community College and a bachelor = s degree in business from the University of Maryland . Mr. Callahan will be replacing Linda Williams, who will retire June 29, 2000. Mr. Callahan will work with Mrs. Williams until her retirement.
B. The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $5.60 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective February 16, 2000:
Narcissa Weimer 19 Marydale St., Cogan Station
Frank V. Falco 415 S. Hepburn Alley, Jersey Shore
Connie S. Mills 1976 Maple Grove Circle, Williamsport
Judith A. Smith 32 Harvest Moon Park, Linden
Bonnie L. VanAllen 2220 Fox St., Williamsport
Judith A. Welch 1460 McGill Hollow Rd., Linden
C. The following substitute satellite truck drivers for food service, with a base wage rate of $6.90 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective February 16, 2000:
Frank V. Falco 415 S. Hepburn Alley, Jersey Shore
Roland K. Krueger 666 Cemetery St., Williamsport
Steven H. Roles 2600 Riverside Drive, Duboistown
D. The following 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:
Matthew A. Mapes 2602 West Fourth St., Williamsport
Elizabeth M. Folk 910 Main St., Watsontown
Eleonora Shugol 900 Walnut St., Montoursville
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
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
John T. Kovich 940 Vallamont Dr., Williamsport
Secondary
Megan R. Heaps 3590 Rt. 87 Hwy., Montoursville
F. Amy R. Boatman, 2266 Division Rd., Williamsport, as a substitute administrative support/aide, 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.
G. Suzanne A. Rodin, Lycoming College, Box 1441, Williamsport (permanent address is P.O. Box 208, Stevens, PA), as a paid intern in the Tax Office, effective February 16, 2000, for the duration of 240 hours, at the rate of $8.00 per hour (no benefits).
Industrial Arts from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, at a salary rate of Level 1, Year 1, Bachelor's, $34,925, prorated (replaces Robert VanAllen, on sick leave).
9.4* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position changes:
A. Carol A. DeRemer, 1791 Almost Country Rd., Linden, from regular part-time school bus driver to Paraprofessional Aide at the high school (185-day) at the annual rate of $15,152, prorated ($11.70 per hour), effective March 13, 2000 (replacing Tammy Bailey, resigned).
March 13, 2000 (replacing Gail Greninger, transferred).
February 2, 2000 (replacing Lester Vandermark, retired).
9.5 AUTHORIZE TO APPROVE SUPPLEMENTARY POSITIONS
A.
Approve a Title I Extended Day Tutoring Program at Curtin Middle School. The
program will provide up to five hours of additional literacy instructions each
week (one hour per day, Monday through Friday); the program will run from
February 23, 2000 (or sooner if possible) and through the end of the school
year. Five teaching positions will be required. The staff will be paid 21.36
per hour plus applicable benefits; all funds are budgeted under Title I.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
10.1
RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Williams, 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 8-0.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to approve the following
student/ community items;
11.1*
Approve the following student trips:
11.1*
Approve the following student trips cont’d:
Transportation will be contracted with Susquehanna Trailways. All costs will
be paid by the Orchestra Association. One substitute will be required for one
day.
Meredith Nelson Flute 2
Carol Shellenberger
Oboe 1 Michael Bross
Alto Sax 2
David Edkin
French Horn 1
Cost to the District would be $280 (101-3211-3-26-160-23-813) for student
registration fees; and $350 (101-3211-3-26-160-23-581) for teacher expenses.
No transportation fees will be needed as the teacher will transport. Judith
Shellenberger, WASD Band Director, will accompany the students. One substitute
will be needed for two days.
The following instructor’s name was not included on the original list for
Adult Education Night classes:
Mike Ertel
Creative Writing (20 hours)
A.
Tyrone High School Majorettes/Dr. Thomas Mitchell to use the gymnasium at
Lycoming Valley Middle School on Saturday, January 22, 2000 from 2:00 p.m. to
5:00 p.m. to rehearse choreography for upcoming competitions. Tyrone High
School Majorettes/Dr. Thomas Mitchell is requesting relief of the occupancy fee
of $40.00.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
12.1*
Motion made by Mrs. Pedersen, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to authorize the
purchase of Custodial Supplies to replenish inventoried stock in accordance
with the specifications and recommended awards. All recommended awards are
based on the lowest bid price meeting specifications.
A schedule of items to be awarded by vendor has been provided in lieu of a
complete tabulation. Due to the extensive number of items and participating
vendors on supply bids, it is impracticable to provide a complete tabulation.
A complete tabulation is available in the Business office for viewing by any
interested parties.
All bids were received by 1:30 p.m. and opened publicly in the District Service
Center at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 18, 2000.
RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
ALL-PHASE ELECTRICAL SUPPLY COMPANY, Williamsport, PA $545.28
AFP INDUSTRIES, INC., Miami Springs, FL 396.72
HITE COMPANY, Williamsport, PA
250.90
KRESSLY=
S PAINT & WALLPAPER, South Williamsport, PA 2,578.40
MASTER CHEMICAL PRODUCTS INC., Wilkes-Barre, PA 66.48
NATIONAL CHEMSEARCH, Millville, PA 1,200.10
ROBERTS SUPPLY/UNISOURCE, INC., Binghamton, NY 3,760.25
SOFCO MEAD II INC., Williamsport, PA 844.00
X PEDX INC., Camp Hill, PA
2,419.20 TOTAL RECOMMENDED AWARDS
$12,061.33
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
12.2*
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve an agreement
with Susquehanna Communications for the period of March 1, 2000 through
February 28, 2001 to televise 22 Board Meeting at the cost of $700 per meeting
for a total contract of $15,400.
Roll Call - Yeas: Canada, Markle, Pedersen, Stone, Vollman, Williams.
Nays: Temple, Zimmerman.
The motion carried 6-2.
TAX ITEMS
summaries.
The motion carried 8-0.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Temple encouraged everyone to participate in the Alternative Education
blood drive.
Mrs. Markle stated that the Lycoming Valley 8th
grade trip to the high school was very exciting for the students.
Mr. Zimmerman stated that the Strolling Strings had a fundraiser and they
serenaded at least thirty couples with strollagrams.
President Stone announced executive sessions before and after the meeting to
discuss terms and conditions of employment for one or more District employees
and to receive confidential legal advice from an attorney.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC – None
Upon motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Pedersen and carried the
meeting adjourned at 9:34 p.m.
__________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary