1630 Sulphur Spring Road
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 4, 2000, beginning at 7:30 p.m. in the Board of Directors’ Room, District Service Center, 201 West Third Street, Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
The Vice President, James E. Temple, called the meeting to order with the following members:
PRESENT: Karen V. Harris, Pamela J. Markle, Kelly R. Pedersen, James E. Temple,
Dale L. Vollman, Lois T. Williams, Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: Shirley L. Canada and David B. Stone, Jr.
INVOCATION – Mrs. Jackie Thomas provided the invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to
approve the Special Meeting of October 12,1999, that the reading of the minutes be omitted and that the minutes be approved as presented.
The motion carried 7-0.
Vice President Temple recognized Ricki Maietta and Shelly Bilby who spoke about the strolling strings incident.
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT—Jackie Thomas (Acting Superintendent)
A. Elementary School Choice Plan for 2000-01 School Year
B. Calendar of Events (January is School Director Recognition Month):
C. Many thanks to Reed Hann Litho Company, High Pines Road, Williamsport, for a generous
donation of paper to the Williamsport Area High School Graphic Arts program. The materials donated included four skids of mostly coated 60# and 80# paper. The value of the donation exceeds $3,000.
BOARD PRESIDENT'S REPORT
A. Roosevelt change order. Mr. Peterson informed the Board the a change order will be required at the Roosevelt Project to provide plumbing for the sinks in the new music room.
B. Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to authorize a payment of $300.00 to The Hartman Agency for general liability Insurance for student related organizations for the period of 11/17/99 to 11/17/00.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
C. Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve an adjudication resulting from a quasi-judicial proceeding held earlier this evening.
The motion carried 6-1 with Mrs. Markle casting the no vote.
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 month of September 1999
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 01/04/00 in the amount of $509,271.42 , 01/04/00A in the amount of $163,985.62, 01/04/00B in the amount of $16,892.48 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 01/04/00, 01/04/00A, and 01/04/00B.
The motion for the financial items carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY – None
CURRICULUM REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Pedersen, to approve the following curriculum items:
8.1* Accept four Read to Succeed Grants in the amount of $110,828. The funds will be used to support stipend positions, professional development, and to purchase books and materials. The funds are divided in the following manner:
Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary $ 9, 500
Jackson Elementary $41,928
Lose Elementary $11,800
Sheridan Elementary $47,600
8.2* Approve Diane Duffin and Emily Cayuso from San Antonio, Texas, as consultants for a staff development workshop on literacy centers at Sheridan Elementary School on Friday evening January 14, 2000, and Saturday, January 15, 2000, at a cost of $800 per presenter plus expenses for travel and lodging. This staff development workshop is funded through the Read to Succeed Grant.
8.3* Approve Steven Herb from Penn State University to work with the Jackson Elementary School on February 18 and May 12, 2000. The focus of his work is developing age-appropriate classroom libraries. The cost of the staff development workshop is approximately $1,000 and is funded through the Read to Succeed Grant.
8.4* Approve a contract with YMCA Child Care Services to provide an extended day Kindergarten for up to 10 identified Read to Succeed kindergarten students at the Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School. The cost of the program will be approximately $5,000. Funding for the program is provided through the Read to Succeed Grant.
8.5* Approve Patricia Snyder and Pam Nolan, Hepburn-Lycoming kindergarten teachers, to provide approximately 125 hours of professional development services on early literacy concepts and practices to the contracted teacher from YMCA Child Care Services. (The contracted teacher is providing the extended day program for identified Read to Succeed kindergarten students at the Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School.) The cost of the staff development services is approximately $3,000 and is funded through the Read to Succeed Grant.
8.6* Adopt the 2000-01 School Calendar
Woodward students in grades 2, 3, and 4 as well as Cochran students in grades 1, 2, 3, and 4 will be given first priority for “open spaces” in the Choice application review during May 2000.
8.8 Authorize appropriate expenditures in the Williamsport Area School District 1999-2000 Teen Parenting Program in the allocated amount of $15,000. The Williamsport Area School District has received approval for the plan submitted to the Center for Schools and Communities in the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The School District will contract with the Family Life Education Program of the Susquehanna Health System to provide services to qualifying individuals in the Williamsport Area School District.
8.9 Approve the following book title for Title I instruction:
Star Spangled Banner, By Dawn’s Early Light (Scholastic)
8.10* Authorize a 16-hour Food Safety and Sanitation Course to be conducted by Faye Carlisle. The course will be offered to the cafeteria employees on the dates listed below. Attendance is voluntary. The cost of the course is $80.00 per person for the course book and test. There is a $250.00 instructor fee for Ms. Carlisle. All costs will be paid through string number 510-3150-0-00-485-78-582.
January 17 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
January 26 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
February 9 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
February 23 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
March 8 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
March 20 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
March 29 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
The motion for curriculum items carried by a unanimous roll call.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Pedersen, 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. George A. Brown, general part-time custodian for the district, for the purpose of retirement, effective August 10, 1999.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of George A. Brown from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for his 19 years of dedicated service to our school system as custodian. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
C. Tammy L. Quigley, art teacher at the high school, for personal reasons, effective January 4, 2000.
D. Celeste J. DeRemer, general food service worker at Lose Elementary School Cafeteria, for personal reasons, effective December 23, 1999.
E. Anna B. Moyer, full-time Title I Reading Specialist at Cochran Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 1999-2000 school year.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Anna B. Moyer from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 25 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.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
The following leaves of absence:
A. Margaret A. Lowmiller, fourth grade teacher at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, for an extension of her sabbatical leave effective January 24, 2000, through the remainder of the 1999-2000 school year, for the purpose of health restoration.
Mrs. Lowmiller has been a teacher in the District since September 8, 1970, and has not taken a previous sabbatical prior to this school year.
B. Sharon D. Deckard, 14 Casey Drive, Williamsport, fifth grade teacher at Sheridan Elementary School, for a sabbatical leave effective January 24, 2000, through the remainder of the 1999-2000 school year, for the purpose of health restoration.
Mrs. Deckard has been a teacher in the District since March 15, 1976, and has not taken a previous sabbatical.
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
through January 31, 2000 (adjustment to previous 12/07/99 board agenda item).
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.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE CONT’D:
D. Sherri K. Buckwalter, second grade teacher at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, for the purpose of maternity leave, effective January 19, 2000, through the end of the 1999-2000 school year.
Mrs. Buckwalter is presently on sick leave and on January 19, 2000, will be on unpaid maternity leave until the end of the school term. Mrs. Buckwalter has waived the use of the Family Medical Leave Act.
E. Diane L. Snyder, 3000 Grimesville Rd., Williamsport, food service worker at the high school cafeteria, unpaid leave for the purpose of travel, effective January 24, 2000, through January 28, 2000 (5 working days).
F. Anne L. Crowell, instructional aide at the high school, unpaid leave for the purpose of maternity leave, effective January 7, 2000, through March 30, 2000.
Mrs. Crowell is presently on sick leave and on January 7, 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.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Billie Jean Nogle, 2323 Riverside Drive, Apt. 2, South 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 learning support (special education) at Curtin Middle School, at a salary rate of Level 1, Year 1, Bachelor's, $35,125, prorated. Ms. Nogle holds a bachelor's degree from Clarion University of Pennsylvania and is certified in mentally and/or physically handicapped (replaces Marcia McCann, extension of maternity leave).
B. Aimee Maldonado, 338 Rural Ave., Williamsport, as a part-time (up to 180 days, prorated; up to 32 hours per day) sign-in monitor at the high school, effective December 13, 1999, with a base wage rate of $6.90 per hour, FICA, Worker's Compensation, Retirement (if eligible), and sic k leave (per the Agreement between the Board and the Williamsport Area Support Personnel) are the only fringe benefits (new position).
C. William H. Kempf, Jr., 175 Hillside Drive, Williamsport, as a part-time (up to 180 days, prorated; up to 3 2 hours per day) sign-in monitor at the high school, effective December 13, 1999, with a base wage rate of $6.90 per hour, FICA, Worker's Compensation, Retirement (if eligible), and sick leave (per the Agreement between the Board and the Williamsport Area Support Personnel) are the only fringe benefits (new position).
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
D. Cindy L. Smith, 836 Funston Ave., Williamsport, as a part-time (up to 180 days, prorated; up to 3 hours per day) hall/cafeteria monitor at the high school, effective January 5, 2000, with a base wage rate of $6.90 per hour, FICA, Worker's Compensation, Retirement (if eligible), and sick leave (per the Agreement between the Board and the Williamsport Area Support Personnel) are the only fringe benefits (replacing Barbara Nowlin, transferred to full-time).
E. Diane L. Konieczny, 2840 Orchard Ave., Montoursville, as a substitute teacher in the Title I Extended Day Program at Lose Elementary School, effective January 5, 2000, through May 18, 2000. The teachers will be paid at the rate of $21.36 per hour plus appropriate benefits. All funds are budgeted under Title I.
F. Tia J. Magargle, 1220 High St., Williamsport, as a paid intern in the Tax Office, effective December 21, 1999, for the duration of 240 hours, at the rate of $8.00 per hour (no benefits).
G. Harry S. Baird, 1842 Sweeley Ave., Williamsport, as a substitute satellite truck driver, at the base wage rate of $6.90 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective December 15, 1999.
H. Deborah Strous Wells, 1895 Doris Ave., Williamsport, as a substitute health room technician, 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.
J. Barbara Downs, 2325 Newberry St., Williamsport, as a paid intern in the Data Processing Office and/or Instructional Media/Audio-Visual Department, effective January 10, 2000, through May 31, 2000, at the rate of $8.00 per hour (no benefits) up to a maximum of 200 hours.
K. Frank V. Falco, 415 South Hepburn Alley, Jersey Shore, as a substitute school bus drivers (non-bargaining unit personnel), with a base wage rate of $8.00 per hour (driving rate) or $4.80 per hour (waiting rate), effective January 5, 2000.
L. Nora D. Cook, 339 Federal Ave., Williamsport, as a substitute food service worker, at the salary rate of $5.60 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective January 5, 2000.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
M. Heather L. MacGill, 614 E. Village Dr., Williamsport, as an elementary substitute teacher, 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, effective January 5, 2000.
N. James P. Preston, Sr., 1246 Park Ave., Williamsport, as a substitute satellite truck driver, at the base wage rate of $6.90 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective January 5, 2000.
9.4 POSITION ADJUSTMENT
A. Reduce the work year for Patricia J. Slingerland (Audio Visual Technician/
Administrative Support) from 205 days (7 hours per day, $16,221) to 185 days (7 hours per day, $13,662), effective January 5, 2000. This request is a mutual recommendation by both the employee and the administration.
9.5 SALARY CORRECTION
A. Christopher P. Anderson, general full-time custodian (from $19,900 to $21,900) prorated, effective September 13, 1999.
B. George W. Fullmer, general full-time custodian (from $19,900 to $21,900) prorated, effective November 17, 1999.
9.6 CONTRACTS
A. Proposed Settlement in collective negotiations as recommended by Bruce D. Campbell, Esq., WASD Labor Negotiator.
Approve the proposed settlement reached by the Williamsport Area School District and the Williamsport Area Support Personnel in bargaining at a meeting of the parties on October 21, 1999, and authorize the Board President and Board Secretary to sign the agreement. (The proposed settlement has been ratified by the WASP membership on December 18, 1999.)
9.7 AUTHORIZE TO APPROVE SUPPLEMENTARY POSITIONS
Approve the following supplementary positions which are funded through the Read to Succeed Grants:
Jackson Elementary Position :
A. Library Aide to staff the Jackson Library during after school/evening hours. The program will run approximately 28 weeks for approximately 3 hours each week (funded through Read to Succeed Grant).
9.7 AUTHORIZE TO APPROVE SUPPLEMENTARY POSITIONS
Approve the following supplementary positions which are funded through the Read to Succeed Grants cont’d:
Lose Elementary Positions:
B. Two Preschool Readiness Program Teachers to offer a one-hour preschool readiness program, two days a week, from April 25, 2000, to May 25, 2000 (funded through Read to Succeed Grant).
C. Two Teachers for Literacy Link Club, an after school program to provide reading and writing experiences in the content areas. The program will run on Tuesday and Thursdays for one hour from January 25, 2000, to March 23, 2000 (funded through Read to Succeed Grant).
D. Two Home Visitor Programs Teachers to assist parents of identified Read to Succeed students with early literacy strategies that they can use with their children. The program will run from January 25, 2000, to May 31, 2000 (funded through Read to Succeed Grant).
E. Two Saturday Morning Literacy Program Teachers to offer a ninety-minute early literacy program for identified Read to Succeed students in kindergarten and first grade. The program will run from January 22, 2000, to April 1, 2000 (funded through Read to Succeed Grant).
F. Read to Succeed Program Coordinator to coordinate the activities of the Read to Succeed preschool readiness, home visitor, and Saturday morning literacy programs (funded through Read to Succeed Grant).
The motion for personnel items 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 for professional development carried 7-0.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following student/
community activities:
11.1* The following student trips:
A. Sixty-five (65) fourth grade students from Cochran Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and grade parents, to travel to Ashland, Pennsylvania, on Wednesday, May 24, 2000. In coordination with their study of Pennsylvania industry, the students will visit the Pioneer Tunnel where they will take a deep mine tour; a steam train ride; and the Museum of Anthracite Mining. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Cochran School Association.
C. Nine (9) Williamsport Area High School band members, accepted by competitive audition, to participate in the Pennsylvania Music Educators’ Association District 8 Band Festival to be held at Danville Area High School on January 19-22, 2000. The students will be accompanied by their director.
Meredith Nelson – Flute 2 Carol Shellenberger – Oboe I
Meghan Cominskie – Clarinet 3 Michael Bross – Alto Sax 2
Richard VanVoorst – Alto Sax 3 David Edkin – French Horn 1
Amanda Belles – French Horn 3 Jason June – Tuba
Aaron Burget – String Bass
Cost to the District would be $684 (101-3211-3-26-160-23-813) for student registration fees; $100 (101-3211-3-26-160-23-519) for student transportation; and $200 (101-3211-3-26-160-23-581) for teacher expenses. One substitute will be needed for two days.
D. Retroactive approval: Twelve (12) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s GQ choral group, accompanied by their directors, to travel to the WMYL/WKSB radio station on Tuesday, December 21, 1999, to sing during a live broadcast. District transportation is requested (101-1100-3-26-160-23-519). No substitutes are required—the classes will be “plugged” for periods 1 and 2.
E. Retroactive approval: Twenty-two (22) fourth grade students from Cochran Elementary School, accompanied by their teacher and a parent volunteers, to travel to the Williamsport Home on Wednesday, December 22, 1999. The students will be visiting their Journal Buddies that they have been writing to this year. There will be no cost to the District. The students will walk to and from the visitation site.
11.1* The following student trips cont’d:
F. Fifty-two (52) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by two teachers and a parent chaperone, to travel to Mount Hope in Cornwall, PA, to attend the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire as part of the Arts & Community Small Learning Community. They will participate in an interactive learning experience entitled “The Roaring Twenties.” Transportation will be provided by a contract carrier. All costs will be paid through string #101-1100-3-26-044-17-519. Two substitutes will be required for one day.
G. Four (4) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to the District Service Center on Tuesday, January 11, 2000. The students will be assisting with the Scholastic Art Show in the Baskin Gallery performing such tasks as computer work, photography work, labeling, and hanging the show. There will be no cost to the District. The students will provide their own transportation to and from the District Service Center.
There will be no cost to the school district. All costs will be paid by the softball booster club and the individual student athletes.
11.3 Authorize Kurtis Caster, Samer Rajjoub, and John Morgan, senior members of the boys’ tennis team, accompanied by coach John Dorner to attend the “ Vandermeer Tennis University” in Hilton Head, South Carolina, from Wednesday, April 19, through Sunday, April 23, 2000. They will participate in an intensive three-day clinic and tournament.
There will be no cost to the District. All costs will be covered by the individual student athletes and their families.
11.4 The following request for facility use:
The motion for student/community activities carried by a unanimous roll call.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following bid/contract items:
12.1* Authorize the purchase of five digital software boards in accordance with our specifications and recommended awards. All recommended awards are based on the lowest bid price meeting specifications.
All bids were received by 1:30 p.m. and opened publicly in the District Service Center at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 14, 1999.
VENDOR AMOUNT
Kunz, Inc.
1630 Sulphur Spring Road
Baltimore, MD
MicroAge Technology Services
757 Springdale Road
Exton, PA $ 8,681.25
Deviations: MicroAge Technology Services bid digital software boards that do not meet our specifications for laminated aluminum boards with a honeycomb core.
RECOMMENDED AWARD:
Kunz, Inc.
1630 Sulphur Spring Road
Baltimore, MD $11,250.00
SOURCE OF FUNDS: 159-1100-2-00-153-31 750 Link To Learn Program
The motion for bid/contract items carried by a unanimous roll call.
TAX ITEMS
13.1 Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to approve the following tax
summaries:
The motion for tax items carried 7-0.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mrs. Markle stated that even though we have had an unfortunate incident with Strolling Strings we still need to commend our students and staff for our tremendous music program.
Mrs. Williams stated that the band sounded great at the Transit Center Opening Ceremonies.
Mrs. Harris said that she enjoyed listening to GQ perform on the radio.
Mr. Zimmerman stated that five members of Les Chanteuse performed at the Transit Center on New Year’s Eve.
Mr. Zimmerman also thanked the parents for bringing issues to the Board and reminded them that the Board doesn’t always respond publicly because of confidentiality.
Upon motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Pedersen and carried the meeting adjourned at 8:45 p.m.
__________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary