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, October 5, 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, Karen V. Harris, Richard C. Hostrander, Pamela J. Markle,
David B. Stone, Jr., James E. Temple, Gary L. Weber, Lois T. Williams,
Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: None
INVOCATION – Mrs. Lois Williams provided the invocation.
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 8:02 p.m.
Mr. Temple excused himself from the meeting.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to
approve the Regular Meetings of August 17, 1999 and September 7, 1999 and the Special Meeting of September 14, 1999, that the reading of the minutes be omitted and that the minutes be approved as presented.
The motion carried 8-0.
Student Representatives' Report - Alissa Lockcuff and Ashley Null
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT—Jackie Thomas (Acting Superintendent)
A. The College Board Advanced Placement Results
BOARD PRESIDENT'S REPORT--Mr. David B. Stone Jr.
Public Financial Management concerning the possible effects on a bond issue if Act 50 is adopted.
Motion made by Mr. Weber, seconded Mrs. Markle, to Consider authorizing the Tax Reform
Committee to do a 30 minute live broadcast with Susquehanna Communications on
October 27 from 7:30 – 8:00 p.m. The broadcast will be recorded and replayed on October 31 from 7:30 – 8:00 p.m. and November 1 from 1:00 – 1:30 p.m. The program will be advertised on The Weather Channel. The total cost of this broad cast will be $500.00.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
B. Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the adjudication of the quasi-judicial hearing held earlier this evening.
The motion carried 7-1.
C. Vocational Education Construction Bid Results.
October 7,1999; December 7, 1999; February 10, 2000 and April 13, 2000.
5.13 Negotiations Team - Mr. Weber reported that negotiations were held for 6 ½ hours on October 4. Dr. Caldwell continues to be helpful. Negotiations continue.
FINANCE REPORT
6.1 Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following financial reports:
A. Treasurer's Report for the month of July 1999 cont’d:
General Fund - Unrestricted $2,275,079.35
General Fund - Restricted (Federal) 111,735.99
General Fund - Restricted (State) 7,577.22
Interscholastic Athletics Fund 20,416.79
Food Service Fund 34,505.83
Data Processing Fund 7,247.64
Maintenance Fund 29,803.51
Williamsport City & School District
Mercantile & Business Privilege Tax Office 4,221.08
Municipal & School Income Tax Office 14,881.67
Student Activities 0.00
TOTAL $2,505,469.08
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 10/05/99 in the amount of $566,635.56, 10/05/99A in the amount of $25,230.36, 10/05/99B in the amount of $421,413.43, 10/05/99C in the amount of $295.18 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 10/05/99, 10/05/99A, 10/05/99B and 10/05/99C.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY - Gary L. Weber, Esq. - None
CURRICULUM REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following curriculum items except item 8.5:
8.1* Approve Dr. David Williams of The Calculator Workshop to present a full-day inservice on February 21, 2000, to the middle school mathematics staff. Half of the day would be devoted to a game developed by Dr. Williams called C ALCI and the other half day to improving geometry instruction at the middle school level. The cost would be $750 plus expenses, budgeted in Title II professional development (140-2270-0-00-071-11-323).
8.2* Approve participation by the District = s four secondary schools in the Central Pennsylvania Scholastic Writing Awards program. Students in grades 7-12 participate annually in this program. Cost of $190 is budgeted as follows:
101-1100-220-080-19-813 $40.00
101-1100-222-080-19-813 $40.00
101-1100-224-080-19-813 $40.00
101-1100-326-080-19-813 $70.00
8.3* Approve application to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for a Link-to-Learn grant for $70,500. The District will be required to match $14,100 for technology professional development.
8.4* Approve training for all library personnel in using the Winnebago System on October 15, 1999, to be presented by a Winnebago representative. Cost to the District will be $1,000 budgeted in the Link-to-Learn grant.
Mr. Thomas, Mr. Morgan and Mr. Ritter reviewed the Fencing Club proposal and answered questions.
The motion carried 7-1 with Mr. Hostrander voting no.
8.6 Approval to establish a National Art Honor Society (NAHS) affiliate organization and club at the Williamsport Area High School. The purposes of the NAHS are to: (1) insure and recognize students who have shown outstanding ability in art; (2) foster excellence and dedicated spirit to the pursuit of art; (3) further creative abilities and talents of members and mentor fellow art students in their pursuit of excellence; (4) aid members in working toward attainment of their highest potential; (5) bring attention to art in the school and community; and (6) increase an awareness of art in relation to other areas of the schools total curriculum. The NAHS club would meet during activity periods once a month. Anticipated membership is 20 to 30 students. Students would be eligible for membership if they are taking at least one semester of art and have a grade average of 80 or better in all subjects. Advisors must be members of the National Art Education Association and are WASD employees: Thomas Kelchner, Beth Smith, and Tammy Quigley. This application was filed by Thomas Kelchner.
8.7 Approve READ-SKATE -CALCULATE, an innovative family program at Jackson Elementary School that will involve the A whole person. @ It will be held the third Tuesday of each month from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the gymnasium at Jackson. During the hour time period students and their families will rotate between activity centers for reading, skating, and calculating (playing math games). Skates would be the responsibility of those participating. Teacher plant to volunteer to support the program. There would be no cost to the District.
8.8 Approve Dr. John Martin, Mathematics Professor, to conduct a math workshop geared toward Higher Order Thinking Skills and The Use of Concrete Manipulatives . Additionally, Dr. Martin has agreed to conduct an evening workshop for parents. This workshop is designed to reinforce the concepts taught in the teacher workshop. All workshops address subject areas found within the Jackson School Improvement Plan. The parent workshop (evening of November 23), teacher workshop (November 24), travel expenses, and lodging total approximately $700.00. These expenses will be covered by the Jackson Site Budget (101-2270-1-06-330-45-323).
8.9 Approve the following titles for the Round Hills Elementary School Library:
Title Author
Basketball Bert Rosenthal
Big Green Pocket Candice Ransom
William and the Good Old Days Eloise Greenfield
Monarchs Kathryn Lasky
King = s Suits Dr. Seuss
Never Grab a Deer by the Ear Colleen Bare
Say Woof! The Day of a Country... Gail Gibbons
Space Colonies Isaac Asminov
8.10 Approve book titles for Title I instruction. A copy of the list of titles is available upon request.
8.11* Authorize expenditures for vocational education under the Williamsport Area School District Local Perkins Plan in the amount of $152,071. This amount represents the 1999-2000 Perkins allocation for the School District. The Williamsport Area School District plan is authorized under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1998. These funds must be utilized as outlined in the local plan according to Pennsylvania Department of Education Regulations.
8.12* Approve two additional Act 80 inservice days for Sheridan Elementary School on February 18, 2000, and May 15, 2000.
8.13* Approve a reading curriculum inservice workshop by Chris Cherrington on May 12, 2000, to the combined faculty of Round Hills and Woodward Township Elementary Schools.
The approximate cost of $900 includes a $700 honorarium and is budgeted in string
#101-2270-0-00-330-17-323.
8.14* Approve a curriculum inservice workshop by Dr. Starkey of Bloomsburg University on January 17, 2000, to the combined faculty of Round Hills and Woodward Township Elementary Schools. The approximate cost of $900 includes a $700 honorarium and is budgeted in string #101-2270-0-00-330-17-323.
8.15* Approve participation in the Central Pennsylvania Scholastic Art Awards Program. Students in grades 7-12 from Curtin, Lycoming Valley, and Roosevelt Middle Schools and the Williamsport Area High School participate annually. The cost of $200.00 is budgeted in 101-3219-0-00-045-15-813.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following items related to personnel:
9.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
B. Chad F. Greevy IV, resigning as Head Boys and Girls Swimming and Diving Coach at the high school, due to personal reasons, effective with the 1999-2000 school year.
Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Mary Ruth Barner, 4228 Elimsport Rd., Montgomery, mathematics teacher at the high school, for a sabbatical leave effective October 6, 1999, for the remainder of the first semester of the 1999-2000 school year (tentative ending date January 21, 2000), for the purpose of health restoration.
Mrs. Barner has been a teacher in the District since August 30, 1982, and has not taken a previous sabbatical.
B. Karen L. Benson, 2461 Lycoming Creek Rd., Williamsport, general food service worker, leave of absence without pay, effective October 4, 1999 through October 15, 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:
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
B. The following persons to the positions indicated at the respective schools for the 1999-2000 school year, at the stipends established 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
Billtown Banner Editorial Advisor Martha B. Huddy $2,474
Cherry & White Editorial Advisor Lawrence F. Bassett $2,474
Class of 2000 Advisor Thomas H. Bauman $ 619
Class of 2001 Advisor Bernard J. Meyer $ 619
Class of 2002 Advisor Steven R. Wiser $ 582
Future Business Leader Advisor Lisa J. Meyer $ 619
Future Homemakers of America
Advisor Vacant ---
LaMemoire Editorial Advisor Michael A. Murafka $2,128
National Honor Society Advisor Janine W. Randall $ 532
Publications Business Advisor LeAnn M. Henry $3,093
Speech Club Advisors Marie E. Fox $ 654
Susan C. Andresen $ 232
Student Government Association
Advisor Jennifer C. Yeager $1,237
Student Voice Advisor Susan C. Andresen $ 928
Middle School AV Coordinators:
Curtin Peggy A. Bross $ 619
Lycoming Valley Suzanne L. Straka $ 582
Roosevelt Ronald E. Sahm $ 532
Middle School Student Council Advisors
Curtin Tiffani A. Ault $ 482 Lycoming Valley James E. Donnell $ 619
Roosevelt Jennifer J. Griswold $ 194
Roosevelt Sheri A. Ruffing $ 194
Roosevelt Michelle L. Walker $ 194
Elementary School Patrol Advisors
Cochran John A. Mapes $ 433
Hepburn-Lycoming John W. Guild $ 433
Jackson Susan L. Suehr $ 433
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
B. The following persons to the positions indicated at the respective schools for the 1999-2000 school year cont’d:
Elementary School Patrol Advisors
Lose Julie A. Campbell * $ 181
Barbara Jandrisavitz * $ 188
Round Hills Mary Ann Vance $ 407
Sheridan Sharon D. Deckard $ 407
Stevens Kathy L. LaLota $ 372
Woodward Township None
* prorated
C. The following students for work in the Business/Tax Office through the School-To-Work Program at the high school, effective October 6, 1999, (3 hours per day for the balance of the 1999-2000 school year), at the hourly minimum wage rate with legally mandated benefits only:
Erin M. Bair 25 Veterans Lane, Trout Run
Erica L. Bowen 1656 Taylor Place, Williamsport
Program for employment in the Food Service Department and subject to assignment by Lloyd B. Forcey, Job Training Coordinator, at the hourly rate of $3.75 per hour for the actual number of hours worked, retroactive to August 30, 1999.
E. 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:
Robin A. Rader-Edkin 1938 Frey Ave., Williamsport
Nancy L. Bohartz 624 Sixth Ave., Williamsport
F. Robin A. Rader-Edkin, 1938 Frey 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 October 6, 1999.
G. Mary T. Confer, 173 Nicely Lane, Williamsport, as a substitute school bus driver (non-bargaining unit personnel), with a base wage rate of $8.00 per hour (driving rate) or $4.80 per hour (waiting rate), effective October 6, 1999.
9.4 POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position change:
A. The transfer of Lori J. Luke, 14 Ridge St., Williamsport, Administrative Support (Confidential Secretary) in Human Resources from full-time to half-time Administrative Support (Confidential Secretary, 245 days) in Human Resources at a salary of $10,817, prorated, plus applicable benefits (social security, retirement, worker= s compensation, and 6 sick days). No other benefits are applicable. This transfer from full-time to half-time is a voluntary request by Mrs. Luke and is recommended by the Director of Human Resources.
The transfer of Therese A. Handwerk, 1854 Motters L ane, Williamsport, from full-time Instructional Support Aide (185 days) at Round Hills Elementary School to half-time Administrative Support (Confidential Secretary, prorated 245 days) in Human Resources at a salary of $10,817, prorated, plus applicable benefits (social security, retirement, worker = s compensation and 6 sick days). No other benefits are applicable. This transfer from full-time (185 days) to half-time is a voluntary request by Mrs. Handwerk and is recommended by the Director of Human Resources.
These positions will be covered under the Confidential Secretaries Agreement and Compensation Plan. The change in this position will result in an estimated annual savings of $4,500.
B. Christine R. Wagner, 501 Belmont Ave., Williamsport, from an Instructional Support Teacher (IST) at Curtin Middle School to a Guidance Counselor at Curtin and Roosevelt Middle Schools, effective October 4, 1999, at a salary rate of Level 4, Step 11, master= s, $52,304. Ms. Wagner has requested this transfer (replacing Carol Pursell, who transferred to Lycoming Valley Middle School to replace Lyn Hostetler, resigned).
C. Mary J. Miller, 1926 Sweeley Ave., Williamsport, from a general food service worker (3 hours daily) at the high school to a general food service worker (4 2 hours daily) at the high school, at the rate of $6.40 per hour, effective October 6, 1999 (replacing Deanna Whitford, transferred).
D. Michael A. Laudenslager, 2117 Boyd St., Williamsport, from a substitute food service worker to a general food service worker (4 2 hours daily) at the high school, at the wage rate of $6.40 per hour, effective October 6, 1999 (replacing Billie Neiswonger, resigned).
E. Bobbie L. Tubbs, 835 2 Diamond St., Williamsport, from a substitute food service worker to a general food service worker (32 hours daily) at Sheridan Elementary School, at the wage rate of $6.40 per hour, effective October 6, 1999 (replacing Tammy Summers, resigned).
9.4 POSITION CHANGES CONT’D:
F. Dawn M. Staggert, 347 Old Rt. 15, Cogan Station, from a substitute food service worker to a general food service worker (4 hours daily) at the high school, at the wage rate of $6.40 per hour, effective October 12, 1999 (replacing Virginia Bartron, transferred).
G. Stephanie J. Wolfanger, 592 Shadle Rd., Jersey Shore, from an Instructional Classroom Aide at Curtin Middle School to an Instructional Support Teacher (IST) at Curtin Middle School, effective October 4, 1999, at a salary rate of Level 1, Step 1, bachelor= s, $34,925, prorated (replacing Christine Wagner, transferred).
9.5 AGREEMENTS/CONTRACTED SERVICES
A. David A. Tatro, 1419 Allegheny St., Apt. 3, Jersey Shore, 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 at the rate of $17.00 per hour (not to exceed twelve (12) hours in any given week nor six (6) hours in any given day), for the 1999-2000 school year, effective October 18, 1999.
C. Authorize student employment positions in building clean-up through STEP, Inc., Lincoln Street, P.O. Box 3568, Williamsport, effective October 6, 1999, through December 31, 1999. All wages and benefits paid through STEP, Inc. (up to three hours per day).
This program will not violate any bargaining unit provisions. (Names will be presented when eligible students are assigned.)
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. Harris, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following student/community activities:
11.1* Approve the following student trips:
A. Eighty (80) third grade students from Stevens Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers to travel to Lock Haven University on Friday, November 12, 1999. The students will be having a hands-on science day. Di strict transportation is requested and will be billed to the Stevens PTA.
B. Four autistic support students from Cochran Elementary School, accompanied by their teacher and aide, to travel to Styer = s Farm on Friday, October 22, 1999. The students will have the opportunity to select a pumpkin and visit farm animals. The trip will be funded by the Cochran School Association. The students will be transported in the aide = s van.
C. Fifty-three (53) first grade students from Round Hills Elementary School, accompanied by their teacher, aide, and parent volunteers, to travel to Wegman = s and Styer = s Pumpkin Patch on Wednesday, October 20, 1999. District transportation is re quested. All costs will be paid by the Round Hills PTO.
D. Six (6) members of the Williamsport Area High School = s FBLA chapter, accompanied by their advisor, to travel to State College on Sunday, October 31, and Monday, November 1, 1999, to participate in the FBLA State Leadership Workshop. The students will be transported in the advisor = s van. A substitute will be required for one day. All other costs will be paid by FBLA.
E. Five (5) members of the Williamsport Area High School = s SADD chapter, accompanied by their advisor, to travel to Reading on Wednesday, November 10, 1999 for a SADD conference. The students will be transported by the advisor. A substitute will be required for one day. All other costs will be paid by SADD.
F. Forty-six (46) fourth grade students from Sheridan Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to the Lycoming Mall on Friday, October 22, 1999, to view the White House Replica. District transportation is requested. The trip will be funded by the Sheridan PTO.
G. Eleven (11) food service students from the Williamspor t Area High School, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to DiSalvo = s Pasta on Monday, November 15, 1999, for hands-on experience and learning. District transportation is requested (101-1390-3-26-226-33-519). Lunch will be funded through a fund raiser.
11.1* Approve the following student trips cont’d:
H. Fifty-nine (59) first, second, and third grade students from Woodward Township Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and student teacher) to travel to A A @ Patch Orchard (Middleburg) on Friday, October 29, 1999. The students will learn about photosynthesis, pollination, honey making, apple harvesting, and the handling of the fruit. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Woodward Township School Association.
I. Six (6) students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to the Pennsylvania College of Technology on Friday, October 15, 1999. The students will be racing against other high schools in a Mousetrap Racer competition. The students will be transported by their teacher. There will be no other costs. A substitute is not required because October 15 is an inservice day.
J. Sixty (60) Williamsport Area High School Wind Ensemble members, accompanied by their director, to travel to the Genetti Hotel on Friday, October 15, 1999, to give a public performance. District transportation is requested (101-3211-3-26-160-23-581.
L. Forty (40) members of the Round Hills Elementary School Fifth Grade Chorus, accompanied by their director and a teacher, to travel to the Pine Street United Methodist C hurch on Tuesday, December 7, 1999, for a public performance. District transportation is requested and will be funded by the Round Hills PTO.
M. Six (6) members of the Williamsport Area High School = s FBLA chapter, accompanied by their advisor, to travel to the Central Pennsylvania Business School (Summerdale, PA) on Monday, December 13, 1999, to participate in FBLA Day. The students will be transported in the advisor = s van. The only cost to the District will be the cost of a substitute for one day.
N. Two (2) multi-handicapped support students from Cochran Elementary School, accompanied by their teacher and aide, to travel to Styer = s Pumpkin Patch on Friday, October 22, 1999. The students will be learning about the growth cycle of pumpkins, taking a h ayride, and selecting a pumpkin. The students will be transported by their aide. The cost of the pumpkins will be paid by the teacher or the Cochran School Association.
11.1* Approve the following student trips cont’d:
P. Sixty-five (65) fourth grade students from Cochran Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Wegman = s on October 13 and 18, 1999 (the students will be divided into two groups). There will be no cost to the District. The students will be walking to Wegman = s.
11.2* Authorize Johnny Gonsalves of South Williamsport to provide music for an after school social to be held at Lycoming Valley Middle School from 3:30 until 5:30 p.m. on Thursday, November 11, 1999. Mr. Gonsalves = fee of $200 will come from the student activity account (string number 808-3215-2-22-175-84-340.
11.3 Approve the following request for facility use:
A. Williamsport Pop Warner Cheerleaders to use the gymnasium at Roosevelt Middle School on September 27, 28, 29, 30, 1999 and October 1, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, 1999, from
6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. to hold cheerleading practice for an upcoming competition.
The Pop Warner Cheerleaders are requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at
$400.00. Certificate of Insurance on file.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
12.1* Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to authorize the purchase of a telephone and voice mail system for the Curtin Middle School from Team Telecom, Inc. at a total cost of $9,697.00. Four bids were received and Team Telecom provided the lowest quote. Funds are budgeted in the Capital Reserve Account.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
TAX ITEMS
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following tax items:
The motion carried 8-0.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Zimmerman announced that the Senior Girl Soccer Players would be recognized at the Sheridan Field following the game on October 6, 1999.
Mr. Zimmerman also reported that the Strolling Strings did a great job during their performance at the Easton School.
Mr. Holland stated that he is the proud parent of a member of the Strolling Strings and he agreed that the performance was excellent!
Mrs. Harris stated that the middle school girls’ softball teams are doing well and she reminded everyone that Friday is homecoming at the football game.
Mrs. Harris also announced that the Cochran Playground dedication would be held on October 9th at 1:00 p.m.
Mrs. Markle stated that Lois and she visited the Alternative Education Program and were impressed with the debate preparations.
Mr. Fausnaught stated that the debate was taped and Board members could view it at their convenience. He also announced that the Alternative Education program is sponsoring another blood mobile.
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 to follow the meeting.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC - None
Upon motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Zimmerman and carried the meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
______________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary