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, March 21, 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 – Thomas A. Zimmerman provided the invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
Student Representatives' Report - Alissa Lockcuff and Ashley Null
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT—Jackie Thomas (Acting Superintendent)
A. Tonight you will see an excerpt from the Curtin Middle School Chamber Choir’s production of the musical “The Wizard of Oz.” Mallory Scoppa is starring as “Dorothy,” Chris Ecker as the “ Scarecrow,” Chris Hess as the “Tinman,” and Mitchell Marcello as the “Cowardly Lion.” These students are all in eighth grade at Curtin.
B. Recognition of Outstanding Students
(1) Brent N. Renninger, Fifth Grade at Round Hills Elementary School, Presented by Principal Joan Heck
(2) Ryan C. Feather, Third Grade at Woodward Township Elementary School, Presented by Principal Joan Heck
(3) Kathryn R. Updegraff, Eighth Grade at Roosevelt Middle School, Presented by Principal Geralyn Fausnaught
C. Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to approve the proposed 2000-01 I.U. #17 Operations Budget.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
D. Submit ballots for the election of I.U. #17 Directors.
E. Calendar of Events: March is Youth Arts Month
Elementary Schools
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT CONT’D—Jackie Thomas (Acting Superintendent)
E. Calendar of Events Cont’d: March is Youth Arts Month
Work Technical Assistance Team Visit
Week
BOARD PRESIDENT'S REPORT--Mr. David B. Stone Jr.
A. Motion made by Mr. Stone, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to appoint Fred A. Holland, Esq., as the District’s Solicitor for the 2000-2001 fiscal year and establish his compensation to include a retainer of $18,550 (unchanged for many years) and an hourly rate for extraordinary services of $85 (unchanged since 1997-98).
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
B. Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Pedersen, to approve an adjudication from a quasi-judicial proceeding held earlier this evening.
The motion carried 8-1 with Mrs. Pedersen voting no.
Committee Reports by Board Members
President Stone indicated that the District received 26 applications for the Superintendent position. The screening committee is reviewing the applications and the process is moving forward.
Mrs. Markle stated that the Public Relations Committee met on March 20, 2000. The committee is interested in developing a new tri-fold for area realtors. She also reported that a presentation on the District’s Vocational Education Programs would follow this evening’s board meeting.
Mrs. Markle also reported that she attended the Legislative Conference in Hershey. She spoke about HB2106 on special education funding and the fact that the house leaders refuse to bring the bill to the floor.
Mrs. Williams reported that the Alternative Education Committee continues to meet and the committee is very enthusiastic. They are looking at opportunities for expelled students and K-12 alternative education.
Committee Reports by Board Members cont’d:
Mr. Zimmerman indicated that the Gifted Committee met on March 1st . They continue to identify issue and the continuation of programs at certain schools.
Construction Projects
A. Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris to authorize a change order to the contract with Rogers Electric, Inc. (electrical contractor, Roosevelt Project) identified as change order E-4. This change order does not change the contract amount.
The motion carried 9-0
B. Vocational Education Project – Additional information on sewer line change order.
FINANCE REPORT
6.1* Motion made by Mrs. Pedersen, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 03/17/00 in the amount of $12,654.46, and 03/17/00A in the amount of $168,388.91, and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 03/17/00 and 03/17/00A.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple - None
CURRICULUM REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following curriculum items:
8.1* Approve Virginia Hillyer, Conewago Valley School District (Pennsylvania), to present an inservice on initial grouping for guided reading on February 21, 2000, to the Kindergarten Teachers of the Williamsport Area School District.
The cost is approximately $650, plus travel expenses. Cost of the staff development is budgeted under the elementary language arts budget.
8.2* Approve an application for a $400,000 Title III Technology Literacy Challenge Fund federal grant as part of a BLaST I.U. #17 consortium. The purpose of the grant is to acquire distance learning equipment and to cooperate within the consortium to offer distance learning opportunities to students, teachers, and the community. Our District’s share of the grant will be $21,053 to purchase equipment. There will be 19 school districts plus the I.U. participating in the grant.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.3* Approve an application for a $315,000 Title III Technology Literacy Challenge Fund federal grant as part of a five-district consortium that includes Sullivan County, Montgomery Area, East Lycoming, Muncy, and Williamsport Area school districts. The purpose of the grant is to develop and implement password protected interactive internet software to report and monitor individual student progress in meeting standards. Data on this web site will be valuable to teachers, parents/guardians, and students. Our District’s share of the grant will be $63,000.
8.4 Authorize Dr. Kathy Pagana to present a workshop on Time Management for Parents and Children to parents of Stevens Elementary School students on Wednesday, May 10, 2000. The cost of the workshop will be $100. All funds are provided under Title I.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PERSONNEL REPORT
9.1 MEMORIAL RESOLUTION - Robert C. Van Allen, Jr.
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to adopt the following memorial resolution:
WHEREAS, the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District observes with profound sorrow the untimely passing from this life of Robert C. Van Allen, Jr., who for 17 years was a dedicated teacher for the School District,
WHEREAS, the Board recognizes with respect and appreciation the devotion and time he gave to his colleagues, students, parents, and family, and the consideration he always showed them,
WHEREAS, the tragic loss of Bob will be deeply felt by many for a long time; now, there be it
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District tenders its deepest sympathy to his family in their bereavement, with the comforting knowledge that his life was well spent for the good of the students and teachers he guided and for his fellow man
FURTHER RESOLVED: that the members of this School Board direct that this resolution be sp read upon the official minutes of this body and that a copy be presented to
Mr. VanAllen = s family.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Pedersen, to approve the following personnel items:
9.2 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Robert T. Price, full-time custodian at the high school, for the purpose of retirement, effective May 27, 2000.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Robert T. Price from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for his 262 years of dedicated service to our school system as a custodian. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
9.3 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Kenneth J. Myers, Spanish teacher/Foreign Language Coordinator at the high school, for a military leave effective March 29, 2000, through April 14, 2000, active duty for training, as provided for in the School Code and in Section 5159 (14) (b) of the School Board Policy Manual. School law allows a maximum of 15 paid military days per year.
9.4* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Tia J. Magargle, 1220 High St., Williamsport, as a part-time (245 days, up to 4 2 hours per day) Administrative Support I for the Business Office/Tax Office, effective March 22, 2000, with a base wage rate of $8.18 per hour. FICA, Worker's Compensation, Retirement (if eligible), and eligible leave (per the Agreement between the Board and the Williamsport Area Support Personnel) are the only fringe benefits (replacing Lynell Whitnack, transferred to full-time position).
B. The following substitute custodian/event staff, with a base wage rate of $6.90 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective March 16, 2000:
Clyde L. Myers 301 Adams St., Williamsport
Wayne John Wilk, Jr. 801 Tucker St., Williamsport
C. The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $5.60 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective March 22, 2000:
Kathryn J. White 1220 Dewey Ave., Apt. 1, Williamsport
9.4* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
D. Vanessa L. Beach, 421 Rural Ave., 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.
E. The following persons as substitute school bus drivers (non-bargaining unit personnel), with a base wage rate of $10.00 per hour, effective March 22, 2000:
Lee E. Derr 564 Grove Rd., Cogan Station
David L. Walk 210 Staver St., Jersey Shore
F. Jamie M. Spencer, 609 Brandon Ave., 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. 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:
Curtin Middle School
Girls' Basketball
Assistant Coach: Jamie M. Spencer $1,856
Roosevelt Middle School
Track & Field
Girls' Coach: Ronald E. Sahm $1,485
H. John C. Stout, R.R. 2, 19 Hemlock Road, Williamsport, paraprofessional at the high school, to coordinate the processing of student-athletic physical paperwork (attended all pre-season meetings, explained the process to the student-athletes, collected all forms, and organized the process for the school nurses), to be paid a stipend of $150.00 (budgeted in string number 290-3259-0-00-095-13 130).
9.5* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position changes:
A. Vicki Lee Bower, 911 Menne Alley, Williamsport, from school bus aide to instructional support aide at the high school (185-day) at the annual rate of $12,044, prorated ($9.30 per hour), effective April 3, 2000 (replacing Shirley Schuler, transferred).
9.5* POSITION CHANGES CONT’D:
B.
Susan K. North, 1996 Misner Rd., Williamsport, from a substitute food service
worker to a general food service worker (2 hours daily) at Sheridan Elementary
School, with a base wage rate of $7.53 per hour, effective March 22, 2000
(replacing Suzie Marshall, transferred).
C.
Harry S. Baird, 1842 Sweeley Ave., Williamsport, from substitute school bus
driver to regular part-time school bus driver (bargaining unit employee), at
the salary rate of $11.86 per hour, effective March 28, 2000 (replacing Steve
Chamberlain, resigned).
D.
Karen L. Haywood, 829 Elmira St., Williamsport, from a substitute custodian to
a general part-time custodian at the warehouse complex, 250 days up to 3 hours
per day, second shift, with a base wage rate of $7.78 per hour, effective March
21, 2000 (replacing Sherman Hamm, resigned).
E.
Roland K. Krueger, 666 Cemetery St.
, Williamsport, from a substitute custodian to a general part-time custodian at
Lose Elementary School, 250 days up to 3
2
hours per day, second shift, with a base wage rate of $7.78 per hour,
effective March 21, 2000 (replacing John Springman III, transferred).
F.
Douglas J. Bell, 4688 W. Fourth St., Williamsport, from a substitute custodian
to a general part-time custodian at Round Hills Elementary School, 250 days up
to 2 hours per day, second shift, with a base wage rate of $7.78 per hour,
effective March 21, 2000 (replacing Joe Minnella, verbally resigned; last day
worked was 9/26/99).
G.
John A. Westbrook, 1519 Rt. 184 Hwy., Trout Run, from a substitute custodian to
a part-time security at the high school, weekends and holidays, 8 hours, as
needed, with a base wage rate of $8.28 per hour, effective March 21, 2000
(replacing Sherman Hamm, transferred).
H.
Brian C. Baird, 2829 W. Fourth St., Williamsport, from a substitute custodian
to a part-time security at the high school, weekends and holidays, 8 hours, as
needed, with a base wage rate of $8.28 per hour, effective March 21, 2000.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
10.1
RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Pedersen, 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 by a unanimous roll call.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
11.1*
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following
student trips:
District transportation is requested. The trip will be funded by the Sheridan
PTO.
April 7, 2000, to perform for the students. District transportation is
requested (101-1100-3-26-160-23-519).
April 11, 2000, to perform. District transportation is requested
(101-1100-3-26-160-23-519).
11.1*
Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:
The students will be transported by City Bus. All costs will be paid by the
Round Hills PTO.
K.
Sixteen (16) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Percussion
ensemble, accompanied by their director, to travel to Lock Haven University on
Thursday, March 23, 2000. The students will be attending a master
class/concert on contemporary percussion techniques. District transportation is
requested (101-1100-3-26-160-23-519). The registration fee of $175.00 is
budgeted in string #101-3211-3-26-160-23-813. A substitute will be required
for one day.
L.
Approximately 570 eighth grade students from Curtin, Lycoming Valley, and
Roosevelt Middle School, accompanied by three or four teachers from each
school, to travel to the Montour Preserve. The trip is a culminating activity
for their Environmental Topics class. Lycoming Valley will travel on May 2 and
3; Roosevelt, May 4 and 5; and Curtin, May 8 and 9. District transportation
is requested. All costs will be funded by each school’s PTO/PTA.
M.
Sixty-two (62) fourth grade students from Cochran Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Red Lobster and Ron’s
Saltwater Heaven on Tuesday, April 18, 2000. The trip will be a culminating
activity on their combined reading and science unit on oceans. District
transportation is requested and will be funded by Title I.
N.
Sixty (60) fourth grade students from Round Hills Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and 10 parent volunteers, to travel on Friday,
April 28, 2000. In the morning, the students will visit the Recycling Center
at White Deer; in the afternoon, they will be visiting the Williamsport Water
Filtration Plant in Mosquito Valley. The purpose of the trip is to further
develop the students’ awareness of local environmental issues. District
transportation is requested and will be paid by the Round Hills PTO. There are
no other costs associated with the trip.
11.1*
Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:
O.
Seven (7) eighth grade students from Curtin Middle School, accompanied by their
teacher, to travel to Washington, DC, on Thursday, April 13, 2000, to visit
the Holocaust Museum. The students will be attending with other District
students who are also making this trip. A substitute will be required for the
day.
P.
Twenty-two (22) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Millionaire
Singers, accompanied by their directors, to travel to the Williamsport
Hospital on Tuesday, April 11, 2000, to perform. District transportation is
requested (101-1100-3-26-160-23-519).
Q.
Twelve (12) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s GQ musical
group, accompanied by their director, to travel to Lose Elementary School on
Friday,
April 7, 2000, to perform for the students. District transportation is
requested (101-1100-3-26-160-23-519).
R.
Thirty (30) sixth grade students from Curtin Middle School, accompanied by
their teachers, to travel to Lycoming College on Thursday, March 23, 2000. The
students will have the opportunity to view a folk art display. There will be
no cost to the District. The students will walk to the college.
S.
For Retroactive Authorization: 42 Williamsport Area School District
students’ participation in the March 4, 2000, regional competition for
Odyssey of the Mind. The competition was held at Berwick Area School District.
The students were transported by parents. Registration fees of $1,080 have
been paid from string #’s 101-1243-1-00-200-23-813,
101-1243-2-00-200-23-813, 101-1243-3-00-200-23-813. Ryder truck rental for
transporting props and scenery costs was $208.73 and gas reimbursement for the
Ryder truck of $40.25 from string #101-1243-3-00-200-23-519. Parents have paid
the cost of materials for the creation of the scenery, props, and all other
problem-solving materials.
T.
A maximum of 45 Williamsport Area High School eleventh and twelfth grade
students, accompanied by two guidance counselors, to travel to Mansfield
University on Thursday, March 31, 2000. These minority students will be
attending a minority student program at the university. There will be no cost
to the District. Transportation and meals will be provided by Mansfield
University.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
12.1*
Motion made by Mr. Temple, seconded by Mr. Zimmerman, to authorize the American
Inspection Agency, Inc. of Sinking Springs, PA, to provide an electrical
inspection of the Williamsport Area High School swimming pool at a cost of
$195.00. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources requires all
public swimming pools to have an electrical inspection every three years.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
The fee of $3,995, plus the additional CPC software and adaptive equipment, is
budgeted in string #140-1224-1-00-134-11-750.
The motion to table carried 9-0.
TAX ITEMS
summaries.
The motion carried 9-0.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
President Stone extended congratulations to Lycoming Valley’s Math Counts
team. They came in fourth out of more than 400 teams. He also commended the
basketball team for a great year. Their conduct was good and they represented
us well.
Mr. Zimmerman also congratulated the basketball team indicating they had a
tough road to repeat and did a great job.
Mrs. Williams thanked the local residents who hosted regional orchestra
students last weekend. She also thanked Mrs. Holland for pulling it all
together.
Mrs. Williams also reminded everyone of the K-12 choral concert at the high
school on Monday.
Mr. Zimmerman stated that 135 musicians from District 4 and 5 participated in
Saturday’s concert. The students enjoyed the Community Arts Center.
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
9:08 p.m.
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary