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, November 16, 1999, 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, Richard C. Hostrander, Pamela J. Markle,
David B. Stone, Jr., Gary L. Weber, Lois T. Williams, Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: Karen V. Harris, James E. Temple.
INVOCATION – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr. provided the invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
President Stone announced 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 at 7:32 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 8:01 p.m.
Student Representatives' Report - Alissa Lockcuff and Ashley Null
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT—Jackie Thomas (Acting Superintendent)
A. A report about the Round Hills fourth grade trip to Wildwood Cemetery will be presented by students Amy Lusk, Jacob Fagnano, and Misty Roan from Mrs. Radocaj’s class; and students Tessa Shifflet, Laura Ault, and Courtney Fisher from Mrs. Green’s class. Students will explain how they found the answer to the question, “Who lives longer—men or women?” and show the mathematics skills they used in the process.
B. Elementary Class Size Report
C. Dates to Remember
D. Mrs. Thomas congratulated the Marching Millionaires on their third place award at the
Tournament of Bands Atlantic Coast Championship.
BOARD PRESIDENT'S REPORT--Mr. David B. Stone Jr.
A. The Williamsport Area School District Board of Directors would like to express its appreciation of the following Board Members who will complete their term of office this month:
Richard C. Hostrander (Member 1991 to 1999)
Dick has provided dedicated services in all matters presented to the Board of Directors. He has been especially helpful in areas involving building construction/renovation, utility services and coordination of activities and services provided by the Pennsylvania School Boards Association.
Gary L. Weber (Member 1991 to 1999)
Gary has provided dedicated services in all matters presented to the Board of Directors. He has been especially helpful in areas involving legal interpretations, Board policy and labor relations.
The Board of Directors recognizes the services that both members gave to maintain the excellent educational services provided by the Williamsport Area School District.
FINANCE REPORT
6.1* Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 11/16/99 in the amount of $568,714.8, 11/16/99A in the amount of $2,898.35, 11/16/99B in the amount of $198,999.06, and 11/16/99C in the amount of $130.00 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 11/16/99, 11/16/99A, 11/16/99B and 11/16/99C.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY - Gary L. Weber, Esq.
7.1 Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve at the second reading the following amendment to Policy #406 Professional Employees, Substitute Teachers is recommended for approval by the Board of Directors:
Substitute teachers who provide daily substitute services to the District in classification I, II, and III as stated in Policy #406 (adopted 8/17/99) will be eligible for a bonus payment of $300.00 following completion of the 30th, 60th, 90th, 120th, and 150th day of substitute service in any of the three classifications. Daily substitutes would be eligible for a total bonus for the year of up to $1,500 (for 150 days substitute service to the District). Substitute days do not have to be provided in consecutive days to be eligible for bonus payments.
7.1 Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve at the second reading the following amendment to Policy #406 Professional Employees, Substitute Teachers is recommended for approval by the Board of Directors cont’d:
This amended policy will be effective August 30, 1999, through June 9, 2000, and is effective for the 1999-2000 school year only. This policy will be reviewed at the end of the 1999-2000 school year to determine eligibility for future consideration.
Substitutes hired in long-term substitute positions on step of the salary schedule are not eligible for daily substitute bonus payments for days served in the long-term substitute position.
The motion carried 7-0.
CURRICULUM REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Zimmerman to approve the following curriculum items: (Note: Mrs. Markle abstained from voting on item 8.1)
8.1 Approve the administration of the “Search Institute Profiles of Student Life: Attitudes and Behaviors” survey to all sixth through twelfth grade students. This is a collaborative project with the Susquehanna Health System, Tressler Services, and Lock Haven University. Susquehanna Health System’s Community Health Improvement Department will coordinate the project. Tressler Services and Drug and Safe Schools money will fund the project. The survey will be administered by trained monitors from Lock Haven University under the supervision of the Community Health Improvement Department.
8.2* Retroactively approve Mrs. Tammy Daneker, Valley Prevention Services, Inc., to present an afternoon inservice program entitled “Current Drug Use Trends Among Adolescents” to the Williamsport Area High School faculty on Thursday, October 14, 1999.
The cost of $100 is budgeted in string number 101-2270-3-326-330-65-323.
8.3* Approve Virginia R. Hillyer, Reading Recovery Teacher Leader, from Conewago Valley School District, to provide a series of four workshops to teachers in Grades K-3 at the Cochran Elementary School. The four workshops, scheduled for September 27, November 24, February (date to be identified), and March 6, focus on early literacy initiatives including guided reading, running records, and literacy centers.
The cost of the four workshops is $4,000. Funded is provided through the Read to Succeed Grant.
8.4* Approve a Safe School Grant in the amount of $79,200 for the 1999-2000 school year. The budgeted moneys are for the District’s communications system, an elementary mentorship program, peer mediation, related classroom materials, and staff development.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following personnel items:
9.1 RESIGNATIONS - None
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Karen L. Benson, general food service worker at the high school cafeteria, leave of absence without pay, effective November 8, 1999, to December 8, 1999.
Ms. Benson = s leave is for the purpose of caring for the medical needs of a family member 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. Susan E. McGehean, 826 Second Ave., Williamsport, as a temporary professional employee, effective date to be determined pending release from current employer), to teach special education (learning support) with initial assignment at the high school, at a salary rate of Level 1, Step 1, bachelor's, $35,125, prorated. Ms. McGehean holds a bachelor's degree from Lock Haven University and is certified in Mentally and/or Physically Handicapped (replaces Kathy Otzel, transferred to Vocational Education Learning Facilitator).
B. Linda L. McManus, 2420 Riverside Drive, Duboistown, as a full-time (185-day) instructional support aide at the high school, at an annual wage of $9,583, prorated ($7.40 per hour or contract rate) plus benefits, effective November 17, 1999 (replacing Kim Matthews, transferred).
C. Daniel Whitaker, 1871 Hazel Drive, Williamsport, as a full-time (185-day) instructional support aide at Curtin Middle School, at an annual wage of $9,583, prorated ($7.40 per hour or contract rate) plus benefits, effective November 17, 1999 (replacing Stephanie Wolfanger, transferred to teaching position).
instructional support aide at Curtin Middle School, at an annual wage of $9,583, prorated ($7.40 per hour or contract rate) plus benefits, effective date to be determined pending release from current employer (new position for new student).
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
E. Lisa M. Dowell, R.D. 2, Box 351, Cogan Station, as a full-time (185-day) instructional support aide at Curtin Middle School, at an annual wage of $9,583, prorated ($7.40 per hour or contract rate) plus benefits, effective November 17, 1999 (replacing Kim Shadle, resigned). NO ACTION TAKEN
F. Sakinah A. Jabbar, 669 Center St., Williamsport, as a full-time (185-day) instructional support aide at Jackson Elementary School, at an annual wage of $9,583, prorated ($7.40 per hour or contract rate) plus benefits, effective date to be determined pending release from current employer (replacing Karen Stine, resigned).
G. The following person to the position indicated 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:
POSITION TEACHER STIPEND
CHORAL
Middle Schools
Director (1/4 year only) Susan E. Border $ 232
(Replacing Maria B. Weaver)
H. Robert A. McQuillen, 35 Hillview Ave., Williamsport, as a food van driver (2 1/4 hour) with a base wage rate of $8.00 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective November 10, 1999 (replacing Dan Walz, resigned from position).
I. Jason E. Fuller, 42 Cardinal Drive East, Lock Haven, as a paid intern in the Tax Office, effective December 13, 1999, for the duration of 240 hours, at the rate of $8.00 per hour (no benefits).
Cochran Elementary
Debra H. Goff 1015 Beechnut Pky., Williamsport
Barbara J. Rizzo R.R. 2, Box 420, Cogan Station
Jacqueline K. Thompson 1706 Oak Ridge Place, Williamsport
Jackson Elementary
Ami L. Desmond R.R. 1, Box 764, Cogan Station
Amy L. Lampman 2040 Reed St., Williamsport
Shared } Elissa K. Conner 550 W. Main St., Lock Haven
Position} Catherine E. Gibson 1221 Lose Ave., Williamsport
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
Lose Elementary
Elaine M. Eck 404 W. Creek Rd., Cogan Station
Dennis C. Logan 1120 Locust St., Montoursville
Sheridan Elementary
Nancy E. McCarty 2221 Wheatland Ave., Williamsport
Stevens Elementary
Tammi M. Dunkleberger 1727 2 Memorial Ave., Williamsport
Georgia A. Grove 30 Harvest Moon Park, Linden
November 30, 1999, 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:
Cochran Elementary
Nancy D. Hiscock 66 Pheasant Lane, Cogan Station
Judith F. Schaal 1508 Packer St., Williamsport
Lynne E. Piotrowski 1362 Northway Rd., Williamsport
Jackson Elementary
Gloria Z. Greevy 1401 Walnut St., Williamsport
Lose Elementary
Barbara J. Adair 26 S. Fairview St., Apt. 1, Lock Haven
Sheridan Elementary
Shirley K. Bittenbender 1625 Richards Ave., Williamsport
Linda P. Woodling 235 Myers Rd., Allenwood
Stevens Elementary
Joanne L. DeLand 600 Dunkard Church Rd., Cogan Station
L. Richard L. Retorick as a substitute custodian/event staff, with a base wage rate of $6.90 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective November 10, 1999.
M. The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $5.60 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective November 17, 1999:
Linda L. Bubb 1221 Dunkleberger Rd., Williamsport
Karen L. Reed 1547 Memorial Ave., Williamsport
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
N. The following as 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:
Timothy G. Kincaid P.O. Box 970, Penns Creek
Andrea P. Pulizzi 101 Parkwood St., Williamsport
Daniel A. Smith 1422 Bloomingrove Rd., Williamsport
O. 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
Dawn M. Johnson (eff. 11/10/99) 712 Ontario Ave., Renovo
Catherine J. Lowe 150 Mill St., Trout Run
Kimberly A. Springman 814 W. Southern Ave., S. Williamsport
Stephani M. Fetterman 929 Tucker St., Williamsport
P. 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:
Bonnie E. Guinter 571 Old Rt. 15, Cogan Station
Q. Kristin L. Jansson, 1049 Rural Ave., Williamsport, as a long-term substitute teacher, effective November 30, 1999, 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, pending receipt of certification in Mentally and/or Physically Handicapped from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (replacing Jana Satifka, on medical leave).
R. 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:
Williamsport Area High School
Boys Soccer
Assistant Coach: Michael Bennett ** $ 844
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
R. The following coaches at the respective schools for the 1999-2000 school:
Williamsport Area High School
Boys' Basketball
Head Coach: James Michael Bailey $6,186
Varsity Assistant: Kirk C. Felix $3,093
Varsity Assistant: Matthew L. Johnson ** $3,093
Ninth Grade Coaches: Lateef Ford $2,128
VACANT ---
Girls' Basketball
Head Coach: Henry R. Miller $6,186
Varsity Assistant: --Michael B. Lundy, Jr. $1,547
Varsity Assistant: --Linda L. Radocaj $1,547
(-- Splitting the one assistant position)
Wresting
Head Coach: Joseph R. Eaton $6,186
Varsity Assistants: John F. Eck $3,093
Michael G. Wehler $2,660
Ninth Grade Coaches: Ben H. Laurenson $2,474
Anthony M. Lorson $2,165
Lead Assistant Coaches: Stephen M. Radocaj $2,165
Don Mazzante $2,165
Boys' & Girls' Swimming
Co-Head Coaches: William D. Keiser $1,860
Dr. Steven C. Koehn $1,860
Varsity Assistant: Lisa Eliott $ 931
Varsity Assistant (Diving): Jeffrey P. Beattie $1,083
Curtin Middle School
Boys' Basketball
Lead Assistant Coach: James E. Wilkerson $2,165
Assistant Coach: Scott Diggs $1,447
Lycoming Valley Middle School
Boys' Basketball
Lead Assistant Coach: Eugene F. Ramin $2,165
Assistant Coach: Ronald E. Diemer, Sr. $1,856
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
R. The following coaches at the respective schools for the 1999-2000 school cont’d:
Roosevelt Middle School
Boys' Basketball
Lead Assistant Coach: Richard A. Twine $2,165
Assistant Coach: John S. Powell $1,856
** Signifies Booster Club Funded Position (Recoverable Account)
9.4* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position changes:
A.
Gail C. Greninger, 246 Red Rock Rd., Cogan Station, from Instructional Aide
(Hearing Support) to Instructional Support Aide (Chapter 15/Reading) at Round
Hills Elementary School (185-day) at the annual rate of $12,821, prorated,
effective November 8, 1999 (replacing Terri Handwerk, transferred).
Support - WAHS AV/Auditorium Technician (205-day, 7
2
hours per day) at the annual rate of $17,681, prorated ($11.50 per hour),
effect
ive November 17, 1999 (new position included in budget). Mr. Barrows will
provide assistance as a school bus driver during a transition period.
November 22, 1999 (replacing Eric Anderson, transferred).
E.
George W. Fullmer, 21 Huffman St., Williamsport, from a general part-time
custodian at Curtin Middle School to a general full-time custodian at the high
school (250 days, 8 hours per day) with a base wage rate of $19,900, prorated,
effective November 17, 1999 (replacing Bernard Rockwell, transferred).
9.5 POSITION ADJUSTMENT
A.
Shelly L. McKernan, 214 West New Rd., Linden, administrative support - Special
Education Department at the DSC, from 7 hours per day to 7
2
hours per day for 225 days (annual wage from $15,120 to $16,200 - $9.60 per h
our) to adjust for additional requirements related to speech therapy
recordkeeping.
9.6 OTHER
A.
Authorize the Title I Project to provide bus transportation for the Title I
Extended Day Program. The Williamsport School District Transportation
Department will provide bus transportation to the nearest home school for the
elementary children needing that transportation. Funds are budgeted under
Title I.
The Williamsport City Bus Service will provide transportation for the Roosevelt
students who attend the Title I Extended Day Program and need the
transportation. The cost will be $0.35 per child per day. Funds are budgeted
under Title I.
B.
Authorize Renee Y. Barbee, 424 Rural Ave., Williamsport, half-time Lightspan
Technology Aide, to participate in one half day of Lightspan training on
November 23, 1999, at Stevens Elementary School. Mrs. Barbee will be paid at
the rate of $8.05 per hour plus appropriate benefits for up to three hours of
time. All funds are budgeted under Title I.
9.7 AGREEMENTS/CONTRACTED SERVICES
A.
Maureen A. Hill, 37 Avon Ave., Bloomsburg, qualified interpreter of American
Sign Language (ASL) and Pidgin Sign English (PSE) to provide services and
assistance to the District=
s non-degreed interpreter-aides and eligible students a
t the rate of $22.00 per hour (not to exceed twelve (12) hours in any given
week nor six (6) hours in any given day) plus travel time, for the 1999-2000
school year, effective November 15, 1999.
B.
Also approve contracted services with Maureen A. Hill to provide substitute
services as a sign language interpreter at $22.00 per hour plus travel time, as
needed during the 1999-2000 school year.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
10.1
RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, 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 7-0.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
11.1
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Zimmerman, to approve the following
student trips:
A.
Fifty-four (54) students in first through third grade from Woodward Township
Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Grand
Candlelight Theatre (Milton) on Friday, March 31, 2000. The students will see
a performance of “Through the Storybook.” District transportation
is requested. All costs will be paid by the Woodward School Association.
B.
One (1) multi-handicapped student, accompanied by teacher, LPN, and parent, to
travel to Woodland View Stables (Jersey Shore) on Monday, November 22, 1999.
The trip will be an opportunity for sensory stimulation and integration (as
part of the student’s IEP). There will be no cost to the District. The
student will be transported in the family vehicle and there will be no charge
for at the stables.
C.
Twenty-five (25) fifth grade students from Stevens Elementary School,
accompanied by their teacher and aide, to travel to Roseview Manor on Tuesday,
November 23, 1999. The students will be participating in “Colonial
Day” activities with the residents. There will be no cost to the
District. The students will walk.
D.
Fifty-four (54) third grade students from Round Hills Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers, aide, and parent volunteers, to take a trip on
Friday, June 2, 2000. The students will visit the Lycoming County Landfill,
have a picnic at the West Milton State Park, see a performance at the Grand
Calendlight Theatre (Milton), and tour Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Round
Hills PTO.
E.
Sixteen (16) Williamsport Area High School band students, accompanied by their
director, to travel to the Muncy Junior/Senior High School on December 2 and 3,
1999, to participate in the Senior High Lycoming County Band Festival.
Meredith Nelson – Flute I
Tanja Maiolo – Alto Sax II
Ernest Freas – Bassoon I
Heather Heiny – Bari Sax
Meghan Cominskie – Clarinet I
Tim Bair – Coronet II
Faith Welch – Clarinet II
Karen Barrett – Coronet III
Erica Confair – Clarinet III
Amanda Belles – French Horn II
Terra Barclay – Clarinet III
Jon Burket – Trombone I
Jennifer Wykoff – Bass Clarinet
Jon Foster – Trombone II
Michael Bross – Alto Sax I
Jason June – Tuba
Cost to the District would be $160 (101-3211-3-26-160-23-813) for student
registration fees and approximately $100 (101-3211-3-26-160-23-581) for student
transportation. A substitute will not be required.
11.1
Approve the following student trips cont’d:
There will be no cost to the District. The students will walk.
December 6, 1999, to perform at the Rotary Club luncheon. District
transportation is requested (101-100-3-26-160-23-519).
K.
Eighteen (18) sixth grade students from Roosevelt Middle School, accompanied by
two staff members, to travel to the Lycoming County SPCA on a date to be
announced. The trip is a culminating activity for a community service TEEP.
District transportation is requested and will be paid by the Roosevelt PTO.
The motion carried 7-0.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
12.1*
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to authorize to use the
transportation services of STEP, Inc. on an as needed basis, at a fare of $9.00
each way.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
TAX ITEMS
The motion carried 7-0.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS - None
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC - None
Upon motion made by Mr. Weber, seconded by Mrs. Markle and carried the meeting
adjourned at 9:02 p.m.
______________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary