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, January 18, 2000, beginning at 7:30 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 – Mrs. Karen Harris provided the invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve
the Regular Meetings of October 19, November 2 and 16, 1999, and the Special Meetings of
November 9, and 30, 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. School Director Recognition Program - Mrs. Thomas recognized Mrs. Eshelman who coordinated the School Director Recognition Program. Mrs. Eshelman read the following report about school director service:
Locally elected public school directors are dedicated, responsible citizens who carry out the truest form of representative government: voluntary public service. Each day through their leadership, school directors ensure that decisions made about public schools serve the needs of their communities— and our children.
Public education is the only public service mandated in the Pennsylvania Constitution, which specifies that schools are to be administered in local units call “districts” and governed by locally elected citizens of those districts operating as a corporate body called school boards. Each of Pennsylvania’s 501 school boards consists of nine members who serve four-year terms, without pay. Though elected locally, school board members are agents of the General Assembly and considered state officials. This arrangement providing for local control of education is a unique strength of our commonwealth.
Being a school director is no easy task, especially in these difficult times. School board members need to be knowledgeable about countless complex social and educational issues, and must carry out federal and state government directives and initiatives. School directors make policy and personnel decisions; hire and negotiate contracts with employees; choose curriculum; and select a superintendent to administer and lead the district.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT CONT’D:
A. School Director Recognition Program Cont’d:
In Pennsylvania, January as been declared “School Director Recognition Month,” providing local communities the opportunity to honor the contributions and dedication of their local school directors who volunteer their time and talent to ensure a public education that makes a difference in the lives of our children.
Because of their personal dedication and commitment to public education, please join us in “celebrating school directors.”
Books were dedicated to the School Directors and will be placed in the school libraries in recognition to the Directors’ service to the Williamsport Area School District. The following is a list of the students who presented the books to the school directors:
Octavia Taylor to Ms. Shirley Canada
Robert Schaefer to Mrs. Karen Harris
Ryan Feather to Mrs. Pamela Markle
Joseph Rackish to Mrs. Kelly Pedersen
Brynne Harris to Mr. David Stone
Matthew Fullerton to Mr. James Temple
James Ertel to Mr. James Temple
Whitney Dudek to Mr. Dale Vollman
Kylie Fagnano to Mrs. Lois Williams
William Stiner to Mr. Thomas Zimmerman
Kate Bryan to Ms. Shirley Canada
Sara VanAllen to Mrs. Karen Harris
Michael Markle to Mrs. Pamela Markle
Jasmine Woodson to Mrs. Kelly Pedersen
Mallory Scoppa to Mr. David Stone
Dustin Crouse to Mr. James Temple
Dashon Burton to Mr. Dale Vollman
Claire Williams to Mrs. Lois Williams
Kristen Eichensehr to Mr. Thomas Zimmerman
B. Calendar of Events
BOARD PRESIDENT'S REPORT--Mr. David B. Stone Jr.
A. Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Zimmerman, to adopt the adjudication in the student discipline matter agreed upon by stipulation of the parties.
The motion carried 9-0.
BOARD PRESIDENT'S REPORT CONT’D:
B. Building and Renovation Projects
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to acknowledge receipt of the following letters from the Pennsylvania Department of Education:
Project Date PlanCon Form
Roosevelt Middle School 12/23/99 G Vocational Technical Facility 12/29/99 G
The motion carried 9-0.
C. Community Education on Tax Reform. – Mr. Peterson introduced Mr. Bill Hosler from the Penn State Cooperative Extension Program. Mr. Hosler invited the Board to partner with the
Extension Program to educate the community on tax reform. Three activities are under consideration:
Susquehanna Communications on February 6th at 7:00 p.m., February 7 th at 3:00 p.m., and February 10th at 7:30 p.m.
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the partnership with the Pennsylvania State Cooperative Extension Program.
The motion carried 9-0.
D. Susquehanna Communications Contract – Mr. Stone informed the Board that the current contract expires at the end of February and that Carol Rosebrough would provide a presentation at the February 1, 2000 Board Meeting. Mrs. Markle indicated that the Public Relations Committee would provide a recommendation.
Committee Reports by Board Members.
Mr. Zimmerman reported that the Employment Steering Committee met on January 13 and is working on an anti-harassment policy.
Mrs. Markle reported that the Public Relations Committee met on January 17 and will be making a recommendation on the television contract.
Mrs. Harris reported that the ETAC Committee will be reviewing the
District’s web site.
FINANCE REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following financial items:
6.1 The following financial reports:
A.
Treasurer's Report for the months of October and November 1999
B. Payroll Report:
General Fund - Unrestricted $3,415,670.01
General Fund - Restricted (Federal) 200,766.15
General Fund - Restricted (State) 13,228.24
Interscholastic Athletics Fund 30,543.42
Food Service Fund 80,163.07
Data Processing Fund 9,776.39
Maintenance Fund 44,031.96
Williamsport City & School District
Mercantile & Business Privilege Tax Office 4,556.41
Municipal & School Income Tax Office 24,864.33
Student Activities 2,459.40
TOTAL $3,826,059.38
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 01/18/00 in the amount of $409,699.41, 01/18/00A in the amount of $175,730.16, 01/18/00B in the amount of $78,867.81, 01/18/00C in the amount of $359,587.82 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 01/18/00, 01/18/00A, 01/18/00B and 01/18/00C.
of the Internal Revenue Service Code. The program will be administered by AFLAC at no charge to the Williamsport Area School District.
The motion for financial items carried by a unanimous roll call.
CURRICULUM REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to approve the following curriculum items:
8.1* Approve APL Associates (Jean Anastasio, David Perry, and an associate) to present an Instructional Skills, Level I workshop August 14-18, 2000, to 50 WASD teachers.
Approximate cost will be $9,500. Funds are budgeted in string #101-2270-0-00-330-17-323.
8.2 Approve the following book titles from Perma-Bound for Title I instruction: The Mighty, The Pinballs, and The Great Gilly Hopkins.
The motion for curriculum items carried by a unanimous roll call.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Pedersen, to approve the following personnel items:
9.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Philip M. Thomas, head principal at the High School, for the purpose of retirement, effective on June 29, 2000.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Philip M. Thomas from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for his 35 years of dedicated service to our school system as a principal and teacher. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
B. Phyllis H. Wagner, full-time English and social studies teacher at Curtin Middle School, for the purpose of retirement, effective July 31, 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.
C. Pearl J. Garret, full-time instructional aide at Curtin Middle School, for other employment, effective January 5, 2000.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
The following leaves of absence:
A. Lisa K. Taylor, interpreter at the high school, extension of her unpaid leave for the purpose of maternity leave, effective February 1, 2000, January through April 3, 2000, possibly to return sooner.
Mrs. Taylor 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.
B. Brenda K. Frazier, part-time school psychologist for the District, unpaid leave of absence for medical reasons, effective January 31, 2000, through March 31, 2000.
Mrs. Frazier is presently on sick leave. She has waived the use of Family Medical Leave at this time.
C. Pamela L. Emery, learning support teacher at Sheridan Elementary School, leave of absence for the second semester of the 1999-2000 school term.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Marilyn B. O = Neill, R.R. #1, Box 319 Z, Selinsgrove, as a professional employee, effective pending release from current employer, as an itinerant hearing impaired teacher, at a salary rate of Level 1, Step 1, master= s, $37,894, prorated. Ms. O = Neill holds a bachelor's degree from Clarion University and a master = s degree from Bloomsburg University and is certified in Hearing Impaired and Speech Correction (replaces Michelle Zaludek, transferred to Round Hills replacing Karen Kovach, resigned).
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
B. Elaine E. Cressman, 301 Chestnut St., Montoursville, extension of position as a long-term substitute teacher, effective January 24, 2000, through the start date of Marilyn O= Neill, unless terminated sooner, to teach the hearing impaired class at Round Hills Elementary, at a salary rate of Level 1, Year 1, Bachelor's, $35,125, prorated. Ms. Cressman holds Emergency Certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education in Hearing Impaired for the 1999-2000 school year (replaces Karen Kovach, resigned, pending start of Marilyn O = Neill).
C. Deborah D. Antonetti, 11 Hemlock Road, Williamsport, extension of position as a long-term substitute teacher, effective January 24, 2000, through the end of the 1999-2000 school term, unless terminated sooner, to teach family and consumer science (4/7 time) at the high school, at a salary rate of Level 1, Year 1, Bachelor's, $34,925, prorated. Ms. Antonetti holds Emergency Certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education in Home Economics for the 1999-2000 school year (replaces Patricia Girio, resigned).
D. Rhonda L. Getgen, 2850 Bottle Run Rd., 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 fourth grade at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, at a salary rate of Level 1, Year 1, Bachelor's, $34,925, prorated. Ms. Getgen holds a bachelor's degree from Lock Haven University and is certified in Elementary (replaces Margaret Lowmiller, on sabbatical leave).
E. Michelle S. McClain, 2694 Bottle Run Rd., 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 fifth grade at Sheridan Elementary School, at a salary rate of Level 1, Year 1, Bachelor's, $34,925, prorated. Ms. McClain holds a bachelor's degree from Juniata College and is certified in Elementary (replaces Sharon Deckard, on sabbatical leave).
F. Kimberly A. Springman, 814 West Southern Ave., South 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 second grade at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, at a salary rate of Level 1, Year 1, Bachelor's, $34,925, prorated. Ms. Springman holds a bachelor's degree from Lock Haven University and is certified in Elementary (replaces Sherri Buckwalter, on maternity leave).
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
G. 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:
Bernadette S. Ulrich 106 East 4th St., Apt. 10, Williamsport
Yvonne A. Guillaume 2406 Steam Valley Rd., Trout Run
Robin R. Holmes 102 New St., Muncy
Amy S. Kerin 19 North Grove St., Apt. 4, Lock Haven
Robert W. Matz 47 Cliffside Drive, Williamsport
Jane E. Rishel 59 Linden Acres Lane, Linden
H. 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:
Secondary
Richard L. Thatcher 706 Almost Country Rd., Cogan Station
I. 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:
Madalyn E. Janson R.D. #3, Box 1716, Milton
J. The following substitute custodian/event staff, with a base wage rate of $6.90 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective January 18, 2000:
Ron LeRoy Wenzel 2060 Whitford Ave., S. Williamsport
Bryan C. Baird 2829 West Fourth St., Williamsport
9.4* POSITION CHANGES
The following position changes:
A. Michele S. Zaludek, 115 Crawley St., Hughesville, from a full-time itinerant hearing impaired teacher to a full-time hearing impaired teacher at Round Hills Elementary School, at a salary rate of Level 3, Step 7, master = s, $47,664, effective pending release of Marilyn O = Neill (replacement) from current employer (replacing Karen Kovach, resigned).
B. Glen A. Willits, 666 Cemetery St., Williamsport, from a general part-time custodian at the high school to a general full-time custodian at the high school (250 days, 8 hours per day) with a base wage rate as per contract, prorated, effective January 17, 2000 (replacing Scott Ferguson, transferred).
9.4* POSITION CHANGES CONT’D:
C. Donna M. Engel, 11 Ridge St., Williamsport, from a substitute food service worker to a general food service worker (4 3/4 hours daily) at Jackson Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $6.40 per hour (or contract rate), effective January 19, 2000, (replacing Sherry Jolin, transferred).
D. Margaret S. Phillips, 363 Phillips Hill Dr., Williamsport, from a substitute food service worker to a general food service worker (2 hours daily) at Lose Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $6.40 per hour (or contract rate), effective January 19, 2000, (replacing Betty Eckard, resigned).
E. Karen L. Reed, 1547 Memorial Ave., Williamsport, from a substitute food service worker to a general food service worker (4 hours daily) at Lose Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $6.40 per hour (or contract rate), effective January 19, 2000, (replacing Celeste DeRemer, resigned).
F. Maria R. Pierce, 101 N. Washington St., Muncy, school psychologist from half-time (2½) days per week, to provide services up to four (4) days per week effective
January 19, 2000, through March 31, 2000, with the District to provide 80% of benefits for February and March, 2000.
G. Transfer of Paul P. Daniels, 151 Mountain View Rd., Lewisburg, from Special Education Coordinator - Elementary level, to full-time Assistant E lementary Principal at Sheridan and Stevens Elementary Schools. This transfer is recommended at the request of and therefore with the consent of Mr. Daniels, who desires to transfer to Assistant Elementary Principal. Mr. Daniels = consent is required because the transfer is considered a A demotion @ pursuant to cases decided under Section 1151 of the School Code. Mr. Daniels = work year will remain the same (205 days per year) and his salary will remain at $62,260 for the 1999-2000 school year. (Mr. Daniels holds valid certification to fill this new position previously approved by the Board of Directors.) Mr. Daniels will provide assistance as necessary during the transition period.
H. Pamela L. Emery, 1215 Market St., Williamsport, on leave from learning support teacher at Sheridan Elementary to Acting Special Education Coordinator - Elementary level for the second semester of the 1999-2000 school year (January 24, 2000, through June 15, 2000), a total of 97 days at the rate of $304.69 per day. Dr. Emery will maintain her current benefit package, but will not be eligible for merit benefits as provided under the Act 93 Compensation Plan.
9.5* CONTRACTS
9.5* CONTR ACTS CONT’D:
B. Approve contract with Bucknell University, Lewisburg, to provide intern and/or post intern school psychology services to the Williamsport Area School District at the rate of $100.00 per day for each day services are provided during the period of January 19 through March 29, 2000. The intern selected will provide appropriate clearances. (This contract will assist in providing psychology services during Brenda Frazier’s absence.)
The personnel items motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to approve the following professional development items:
10.1 Approve Schoolhouse Software, Inc., Roseville, California, to provide A Point of Sale @ Training for school per sonnel, at the Williamsport Area High School (Room G108) on January 17, 2000. (This training will also be given to other districts.) Williamsport personnel attendees and cost included in Professional Development Released Time/Training Programs (10.2).
10.2 Released Time/Training Programs
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 for professional development carried 9-0.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
11.1* Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded b Mrs. Harris, to approve the following student trips:
February 4, 2000), to attend the FBLA Region 7 Annual Spring Conference/
Competition at Bloomsburg University. The only cost to the District will be two substitutes for one day. Transportation will be provided by Susquehanna Transit. All costs, with the exception of substitutes, will be paid by FBLA funds. Revision —There will be an additional 10 students participating in the FBLA trip to Bloomsburg on January 28, 2000, bringing the total to 60 students. Eight of the additional students will be transported in the advisor’s van.
11.1* The following student trips cont’d:
January 27, February 3, February 10, February 17, February 24. The final session on March 2 will take place from 4:00-6:00 p.m. at Jackson Elementary. There will be a minimal cost for materials and will be funded through the Elementary Math budget.
There will be no cost to the District. This is an evening performance and transportation will be provided by parents.
The students will be transported in the high school van. Two trips will be made for each visit--half the students will be dropped off and the van will return for the rest.
The student/community activities motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
12.1* Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Zimmerman, to authorize two (2) contracts with L.C.C.S/Children’s Development Center for the period of January 24, 2000, through August 31, 2000, as follows:
B. Occupational Therapy services not to exceed $60,784.
The bid/contract items motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
TAX ITEMS
summaries:
The tax item motion carried 9-0.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mrs. Williams stated that the monthly enrollment report looked stable.
Mr. Temple indicated that he noticed parking meters had been installed in front of the District Service Center and he felt that our citizens shouldn’t have to pay to park when they are paying their taxes.
Mr. Fausnaught stated that the District requested the City remove several meters on Williams Street for our school bus and he thought the City had moved the meters to Third Street.
Mr. Zimmerman stated that the television viewers are in for a treat since our students art exhibits would be presented following the Board meeting.
Mr. Vollman stated that he attended the football banquet. About 180 people were present and everyone had a nice time.
Mrs. Harris stated that she appreciated the invitation to the District-Wide inservice program.
Mrs. Williams reported that the Sheridan Elementary School presented a wonderful program on literacy. She also indicated that Jackson did a great job on their millennium celebration.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC – None
President Stone announced that an executive session to discuss terms and conditions of employment for one or more District employees and to receive confidential legal advice from an attorney was held prior to this evenings meeting.
Upon motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Zimmerman, and carried the meeting adjourned at 9:08 p.m.
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary