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 2, 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, David B. Stone, Jr., Gary L. Weber, Lois T. Williams, Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: Pamela J. Markle, James E. Temple.
INVOCATION – Mr. Thomas A. Zimmerman provided the invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES - Motion made by Mrs. Harris, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to
approve the Regular Meetings of September 21 and October 5, 1999 and the Special Meeting of
September 28, 1999, that the reading of the minutes be omitted and that the minutes be approved as
presented.
The motion carried 7-0.
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 7:33 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 8:02 p.m.
Student Representatives' Report - Ashley Null
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT—Jackie Thomas (Acting Superintendent)
Hannah Renk (Pennsylvania Governor’s School of Arts at Mercyhurst College)
Rochelle Smith (Pennsylvania Governor’s School of Arts at Mercyhurst College)
Kristen Eichensehr (Pennsylvania Governor’s School of International Studies at University of Pittsburgh)
Joshua Hill (Pennsylvania Governor’s School of Teaching at Millersville University)
Melissa Seeley (Pennsylvania Governor’s School of Teaching at Millersville University)
The Board also extended congratulations to the following students who were not able to attend the Board Meeting:
Roy Winstead (Pennsylvania Governor’s School of Arts at Mercyhurst College)
Samer Rajjoub (Pennsylvania Governor’s School of Health Care at University of Pittsburgh)
SUPERINTENDENT'S REPORT CONT’D:—Jackie Thomas (Acting Superintendent)
B. PSBA Honor Roll of School Board Service: Dave Stone (10 years)
C. PSSA School Performance Incentive Grants
District schools qualified for School Performance Incentive Grants again this year. The program awards individual schools that improve on their own past performance in two categories: achievement (PSSA test scores) and effort (attendance). A committee of principal, parents, teachers, and community/business leaders in each school will determine how the money will be spent—at least 50% on improving instructional programs; up to 25% on teacher awards (optional); and up to 25% without restrictions. Each school will be required to submit a final report to the Department of Education that outlines how the money was spent.
Cochran Elementary School $ 6,825.00
Curtin Middle School $12,012.00
Lose Elementary School $14,818.50
Roosevelt Middle School $20,387.00
Round Hills Elementary School $ 5,967.00
Sheridan Elementary School $ 3,192.00
Stevens Elementary School $10,252.00
Total Awards: $73,453.50
D. Dates to Remember:
5.6 Employment Steering Committee - Mr. Zimmerman reported that the October 14 th meeting was devoted to issues related to substitutes and failed absences. The committee recommends approval of agenda item 7.1.
5.10 Planning and Development Committee - Mr. Stone extended an invitation to have interested schools provide detailed reports on their school improvement plans.
FINANCE REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mr. Zimmerman, to approve the following financial items:
6.1 The following financial reports:
A. Payroll Report:
General Fund - Unrestricted $2,279,249.29
General Fund - Restricted (Federal) 114,161.49
General Fund - Restricted (State) 8,477.78
Interscholastic Athletics Fund 33,245.30
Food Service Fund 58,614.31
Data Processing Fund 6,958.76
Maintenance Fund 28,767.77
Williamsport City & School District
Mercantile & Business Privilege Tax Office 3,564.80
Municipal & School Income Tax Office 14,715.09
Student Activities 0.00
TOTAL $2,547,754.59
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 11/02/99 in the amount of $742,180.12, 11/02/99A in the amount of $270,627.17, 11/02/99B in the amount of $226,019.13, and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 11/02/99, 11/02/99A, and 11/02/99B.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY - Gary L. Weber, Esq.
7.1 Motion made by Mr. Weber, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following amendment to Policy #406 Professional Employees, Substitute Teachers at first reading as 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.
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. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following curriculum items:
8.2* Approve APL to provide training at Cochran Elementary School on November 22 and 23, 1999. On November 22, APL will observe and coach teachers in the afternoon and provide
parent volunteer training in the evening. On November 23, teacher inservice will address
homework, discipline and writing/answering open-ended math questions (as practice for the
PSSA and Stanford 9 tests).
The approximate cost of $3,000 includes a $2,480 fee and expenses (budgeted in Title I).
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following personnel items:
9.1 RESIGNATIONS
A. Sherman L. Hamm, part-time custodian for the District, for personal reasons, effective October 18, 1999.
B. Daniel C. Walz, resigning as food service truck driver with November 1, 1999, as his last day of work for the Food Service Department (Mr. Walz will continue as a school bus driver for the District).
C. Lori L. Larka, part-time hall/cafeteria monitor at the high school, for personal reasons, effective November 8, 1999.
D. Christine M. Kriner, part-time food service worker (2 2 hours daily) at Round Hills Elementary School, for personal reasons, effective at the end of the work day on November 22, 1999.
E. Karen S. Kovach, special education (hearing impaired) teacher at Round Hills Elementary School, for personal reasons, effective January 24, 2000.
G. Michael A. Laudenslager, general food service worker at the high school, verbal resignation for personal reasons, effective at the end of the work day on October 29, 1999.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Approve the following leave of absence:
A. Karen E. Anstadt, general food service worker at Stevens Elementary Cafeteria, leave of absence without pay, effective October 25, 1999, to October 28, 1999.
Ms. Anstadt's leave is due to a death in the family 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. The following persons as 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 November 3, 1999:
William A. Mills, Jr. 1976 Maple Grove Circle, Williamsport
B. The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $5.60 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective November 3, 1999:
Armanda A. Dority P.O. Box 2073, Williamsport
Rose M. Nudd 1945 Fry Avenue, Williamsport
Laura L. Pelzer 2910 Kennedy Ct., Williamsport
Lisa M. Salvatori 76 Weller Drive, Williamsport
C. 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
Janalyn E. Horn R.R. 4 Box 543, Jersey Shore
Jonie R. Mumbauer 104 Route 973 West, Cogan Station
Kerri L. Weaver 612 Rose St., Williamsport
K-12
Kimberlee M. Glace 424 Pearson Ave., Williamsport
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
D. 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:
Armanda A. Dority
P.O. Box 2073, Williamsport
Lori L. Larka
3680 Lycoming Creek Rd., Cogan Station
Andrea P. Pulizzi
101 Parkwood St., Williamsport
E.
The following Roosevelt Middle School staff to teach the Title I Extended Day
Literacy Program at the rate of $21.36 plus applicable benefits per hour. The
number of hours per week is up to 20 hours of total time for this group of
teachers:
Judith J. Bower
Jeffrey E. Ohnmeiss Carol K. DeSilva
Terese A. Starr
Teresa E. Miller
Rebecca K. Ward
9.4 ADJUSTMENTS TO SALARY
A.
Approve salary adjustments for the following staff members for credits earned
beyond the Master's Degree or Equivalency Certificate, prior to the beginning
of the 1999-2000 school term:
NEW TOTAL CREDITS NEW CREDITS
TO DATE SALARY
Marguerite Anderson-Royal 9
9 $56,879
9.5 AGREEMENTS/CONTRACTS
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
10.1
RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Harris, 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.
Motion carried 7-0.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following
student/ community activities:
11.1* The following student trips:
A.
Forty (40) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Youth in
Government club, accompanied by their advisors and parent volunteers, to travel
to Harrisburg on April 7-9, 2000, to attend the Model Legislature
Administration Convention.
Transportation will be provided by the YMCA. The cost of the trip will be paid
from monies earned through fund raising. Two substitutes will be needed for
one day.
B.
Forty (40) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Youth in
Government club, accompanied by their advisors and parent volunteers, to travel
to State College on Saturday, February 5, 2000, to attend the Western Mock
Legislature.
Transportation will be provided by the YMCA. The cost of the trip will be
paid from monies earned through fund raising.
C.
Forty (40) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Youth in
Government club, accompanied by their advisors and parent volunteers, to travel
to Hatboro, PA, on Saturday, November 13, 1999, to attend the Eastern Election
Convention at the Hatboro-Horsham High School. Transportation will be
provided by the YMCA. The cost of the trip will be paid from monies earned
through fund raising.
D.
Two (2) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Student Government
Association, accompanied by their advisor, to travel to Allentown on November
11-12, 1999. The students will be attending the State Student Council’s
Conference at William Allen High School. They will receive training in
leadership and interpersonal skills. The students will be transported in their
advisor’s car. The trip will be funded by Student Government Association
Funds. A substitute will be required for ½ day on Thursday and all day
on Friday.
11.1*
The following student trips cont’d:
E.
Fifteen (15) students in grades 6 through 8 from Lycoming Valley Middle School,
accompanied by three professional staff members, to travel to McDonald’s
on Lycoming Creek Road on a date to be determined in November 1999. The trip
is a reward for leadership in a recently completed fund raising project. The
students will be transported by limousine. All costs will be paid from the
Student Activity Account.
F.
Twenty-four (24) fifth grade gifted support students from Cochran,
Hepburn-Lycoming, Stevens, Jackson, and Round Hills Elementary Schools,
accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to the Penn
College Aviation Center and the Planetarium at Lycoming College on Tuesday,
November 16, 1999.
District transportation is requested (101-1243-1-04-200-23-519).
G.
Twenty-four (24) students from the Williamsport Area High School’s
information technology class, accompanied by their instructor, to travel to the
Pennsylvania College of Technology on Thursday, November 18, 1999. The
students will be introduced to local computer/networking information technology
programs.
District transportation is requested (101-1390-3-26-226-33-519).
H.
Forty (40) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Key Club,
accompanied by staff and parent volunteers, to travel to New York City on
Saturday, December 4, 1999. The students will have the opportunity to shop for
the holidays and see a Broadway show. There will be no cost to the District.
I.
Approximately 150 students in grades 6 through 8 from Lycoming Valley Middle
School, accompanied by teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Ski
Sawmill, (Morris) on four dates in January and February. The students will
have the opportunity to learn to ski and learn skiing safety. There will be no
cost to the District.
J.
Twenty (20) accounting students from the Williamsport Area High School,
accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Divine Providence Hospital, a local
CPA office, and TGI Fridays, on Thursday, December 2, 1999. The students will
have the opportunity to see how accountants perform their daily tasks. They
will then have lunch at Friday’s. District transportation is requested
(101-1390-3-26-226-33-519). One substitute will be required for the day.
K.
Between 40 and 80 members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Ski Club,
accompanied by teacher and parent volunteers, to travel to Jack Frost Ski
Resort on Monday, January 17, 2000. There will be no cost to the District.
All costs will be paid by the students.
4:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. to hold their Board of Trustees Meetings. The
Williamsport
Symphony Orchestra is requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at
$240.00.
Certificate of Insurance on file.
June 2000, from 5:15 p.m. until 7:15 p.m. to hold monthly Board Meetings. The
Kiwanis Club is requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $120.00.
Certificate of Insurance on file.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
Motion made by Mrs. Harris, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to approve the following
bid/contract item:
12.1*
Award a contract for Carpeting at Hepburn Lycoming Elementary School in
accordance with the specifications to the following contractor. All
recommended awards are based upon the lowest bid meeting the specifications.
All bids were received by 1:30 p.m. and opened publicly in the District Service
Center at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 26, 1999.
CONTRACTOR
BID AMOUNT
Green’s Carpet Care
315 South Main Street
$13,028.00
Hughesville, PA 17737
Roy Gordon Flooring
7401 Route 118
$13,768.00
Lairdsville, PA 17742
L&N Interior Systems, Inc.
615 East Third Street
$9,961.00
Williamsport, PA 17701
RECOMMENDED AWARD
L&N Interior Systems, Inc.
615 East Third Street
$9,961.00
Williamsport, PA 17701
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
TAX ITEMS
The motion carried 7-0.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mrs. Harris congratulated Wayne Fausnaught on being president elect of the
National Association of School Pupil Personnel.
Mrs. Williams invited everyone to a spaghetti dinner at the Curtin Middle
School on November 3 and indicated that the Strolling Strings would provide
dinner music.
Mr. Zimmerman thanked Gary Weber for his leadership on Tax Reform Education.
He also thanked the Sun-Gazette
and Kathy of WRAK for their Act 50 reports.
Mr. Stone thanked Ms. Canada for her comments about Act 50.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC
Mr. Fausnaught reported that there would be a student forum against violence
held a the Little League Complex.
Upon motion made by Mr. Weber, seconded by Mrs. Harris and carried, the meeting
adjourned at 8:50 p.m.
_______________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary