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, May 1, 2001, 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., Dale L. Vollman, Lois T. Williams, Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: James E. Temple.
INVOCATION – Mr. Charles E. Peterson, Jr. provided the invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
Student Representatives’ Report – Martin Wade
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
School District personnel to collaborate with the Old Lycoming Township Police Department to apply for a S.R.O. (School Resource Officer) grant for the 2001-02 school year.
Williamsport Bureau of Police to apply for a S.R.O. (School Resource Officer) grant for the 2001-02 school year.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
D. Calendar of Events:
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT CONT'D: – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
D. Calendar of Events cont'd:
E. Mr. Holland reported that June 6, 2001 is the date established to meet with Commonwealth Court Judges in Philadelphia concerning the Woodward Township Secession. The State Board of Education is still dealing with procedural issues and will hold a meeting in Harrisburg on May 9th.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
Mitchell, Jennifer Youmans, and Steve Huddy
B. School to Work Program—Jerry Berfield, Stephanie Weikel, Gina MacFalls, and Steve Huddy
C. DocuShare Program—Presentation by Eric Gee
D. Dr. Deborah Grove has been honored and our District with her. Debbie, recognized as an expert in her field, is quoted on the book jacket of Pathways to Independence: Reading, Writing and Learning in Grades 3-8 by Jo Worthy, Karen Broaddus, and Gay Ivey. Debbie wrote the following:
“Challenging many current instructional practices, the authors clearly demonstrate that middle-level literacy instruction transcends content areas and is the responsibility of all teachers…Teachers will find the book to be a valuable study group tool. Together, they can explore the text, reflect on their own reading, and discover numerous methods to enhance student engagement and literacy development.”—Deborah E. Grove, Ph.D., Supervisor, Williamsport Area School District, Williamsport, PA
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT'D: – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
D. Dr. Deborah Grove has been honored cont'd:
The book will be released in time for the International Reading Association Conference the first week of May 2001. It will be one of the featured books for the publisher at the conference.
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mrs. Markle reported that the Region 12 legislative dinner will be held on May 30, 2001 beginning at 6:45 p.m. She encouraged other board members to attend.
Mr. Zimmerman reported that the Gifted Education Committee met on April 25, 2001. He is pleased that three students will be attending the Governor's School.
Mr. Zimmerman also reported that the Employment Steering Committee met on April 19th . They reviewed the recent court ruling about the State College Harassment Policy. Our policy appears to be good but we will continue to review. The committee also continues to monitor the number of failed absences.
Construction Projects
A. Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Pedersen, to authorize the execution of a contract with Tremco, Inc. and Weatherproofing Technologies, Inc. to replace and repair the roof of the west wing of the Lose Elementary School. This contract will be under the terms and conditions of the multi-state bid conducted by the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit. The cost will be computed on a per unit basis and is estimated to be $128,000.
AND the execution of this contract is contingent on approval by the Pennsylvania Department of Education form PDE 3074 (a)
AND authorize our bond council to prepare and advertise a resolution to amend the 1999 bond resolution to permit the bond proceeds to be used for this project.
Motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
FINANCE REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following financial items with the exception of item 6.3:
6.1 Approve the following financial reports:
A. Payroll Report:
General Fund – Unrestricted $2,441,454.16
General Fund – Restricted (Federal) 146,514.74
General Fund – Restricted (State) 8,616.45
Interscholastic Athletics Fund 31,996.66
Food Service Fund 65,480.79
Data Processing Fund 7,963.84
Maintenance Fund 32,352.36
Williamsport City & School District
Mercantile & Business Privilege Tax Office 2,924.49
Municipal & School Income Tax Office 26,287.66
Student Activities 2,049.99 TOTAL $2,765,641.14
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 05/01/01 in the amount of $1,388,430.00, 05/01/01A in the amount of $ 222,881.07, 05/01/01B in the amount of $31,596.05 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 05/01/01, 05/01/01A, and 05/01/01B.
6.4* Approve the following Scholarship Fund
A. Class of 1996 Award
An award to a member of the Senior Class who has demonstrated unique service to the school and has not received any other award.
Motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
6.3* Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Pedersen, to adopt the following resolution relative to a proposed budget for the 2001-2002 fiscal year:
RESOLVED: That in accordance with the School Laws of Pennsylvania, 1949 as amended, Section 687, the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District announces a proposed general fund budget in the amount of funds which will be required by the Williamsport Area School District for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2001, and
RESOLVED FURTHER: That a meeting of the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District is scheduled to be held at 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 5, 2001, for the purpose of adopting the general fund budget and such other general business as may be brought before the Board, and
6.3* A dopt the following resolution relative to a proposed budget for the 2001-2002 fiscal year:
RESOLVED FURTHER: That the Secretary be and is hereby authorized and directed to provide for special notice in a local newspaper that the proposed budget will be available on or before May 4, 2001 and thereafter for inspection at the Office of the Board Secretary of the Williamsport Area School District, 201 West Third Street, Williamsport, Pennsylvania for all who may be interested:
The following is a summary of the proposed General Fund Budget for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2001:
ESTIMATED BEGINNING FUND BALANCE
AVAILABLE FOR APPROPRIATION 06/30/01 $ 7,319,000
ESTIMATED REVENUE (Restricted & Unrestricted) 55,018,900
TOTAL ESTIMATED FUND BALANCES AND REVENUES
AVAILABLE FOR APPROPRIATION 62,337,900
ESTIMATED EXPENDITURES AND OTHER
FINANCING USES (Restricted & Unrestricted) 57,255,307
ENDING UNRESERVED FUND BALANCE 06/30/02 5,082,593
TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS AND ENDING FUND BALANCE 62,337,900
Although the Tax levy will not be made until the budget is adopted on June 5, 2001, the proposed budget anticipates the following taxes:
01/02
Real Property (16.35 mills 00/01) 16.35
Act 511 Taxes
Earned Income 1½ %
Real Estate Transfer ½ of 1%
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple
7.1 Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to approve at the first reading Policy #309, 409, 509, “Exposure Control Plan (for Bloodborne Pathogens),” which will replace the former “Communicable Diseases and Immunization” policy.
The motion carried 8-0.
CURRICULUM REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Pedersen, to approve the following curriculum items:
Kay Fisher Sharon Freed
Michelle Hinkal Jean Hormell
Deb Lax Bev Schmidt
The approximate cost for the work will be $840 and is budgeted in string number
101-2260-0-00-105-07-130.
8.3* Approve Vera Cornish (Cornish & Associates) to conduct a diversity training session on May 11, 2001, for the alternative school students and for a select group of high school students in the morning. In the afternoon, she will present an assembly program to all ninth and tenth grade students. The total cost is $1,500 and will be paid through a grant from the Williamsport-Lycoming Foundation.
8.4* Approve Evelyn and Ken Hayden to present an assembly program on May 11, 2001, on Native American history at Curtin and Roosevelt Middle Schools. In the evening, they will conduct a program on “Totem Rhythm Healing” at Brandon Park. The total cost will be $450 and will be paid through a grant from the Williamsport-Lycoming Foundation.
8.5* Approve Chief Jake Swamp, Chief of the Wolf Clan of the Mohawk Nation, to provide an assembly program at Lycoming Valley Middle School on May 11, 2001, on the topic of Native American history. In the evening, he will perform a tree planting ceremony at Brandon Park. The total cost of $1,000 will be paid through a grant from the Williamsport-Lycoming Foundation.
8.6* Approve The Cherry Flats Ridge Pluckers to perform at Brandon Park for the Cultural Diversity Celebration on May 11, 2001. The total cost will be $175, and is paid for through a grant from the Williamsport-Lycoming Foundation.
8.7* Approve payment of $575 to Brandon Park for usage and a security deposit on May 11, 2001. The total cost will be paid through a grant from the Williamsport-Lycoming Foundation.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT'D:
8.8 Approve a donation of $50 to the Lycoming County Civil Defense for services provided during the Cultural Diversity Celebration. The total cost will be paid through a grant from the Williamsport-Lycoming Foundation.
8.9* Approve the rental of three portable toilets from A-1 Portable toilets at an estimated cost of $175. The cost will be paid through a grant from the Williamsport-Lycoming Foundation.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to approve the following personnel items:
9.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Betty L. Hamm, full-time administrative support at Round Hills Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the end of the day on June 29, 2001.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Betty L. Hamm from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 23 years of dedicated service to our school system as an aide and administrative support. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
B. Lori A. Nelson, full-time classroom music teacher at Curtin Middle School and the high school, due to personal reasons, effective June 9, 2001.
C. Greg N. Winters, part-time weekend/holiday security (third shift) at the high school, for personal reasons, effective April 6, 2001.
D. Gregory E. Lehr, full-time fifth grade teacher at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2000-2001 school year.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Gregory E. Lehr from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for his 11 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Debra A. Nardi, full-time English, Social Studies, and Reading teacher at Lycoming Valley Middle School, for a sabbatical leave effective for the first semester of the 2001-2002 school year (tentative dates of August 23, 2001, through January 25, 2002), for the purpose of study.
Mrs. Nardi has been a teacher in the District since January 2, 1974, and has not taken a previous sabbatical.
B. Patti M. Bock, general food service worker Jackson Elementary School, unpaid leave for the purpose of her wedding vacation, effective May 8, 2001, through May 11, 2001.
C. Albert F. Hills, custodian at Sheridan Elementary School, for an extension of his unpaid medical leave, effective through July 24, 2001, with doctor's approval to return to work at that time.
Mr. Hills is not eligible for leave under the Family Medical Leave Act at this time.
D. Joan A. Schramm, full-time Title I Reading Specialist at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, for an unpaid medical leave, effective April 23, 2001, through April 27, 2001.
Ms. Schramm’s leave of absence is taken 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.
E. Donna E. Robertson, general food service worker at Lycoming Valley Middle School, unpaid leave for the purpose of travel, effective April 26, 2001, through
May 14, 2001.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Joanne J. Henderson, 522 Rural Ave., Williamsport, as a full-time (185-day) instructional aide at Curtin Middle School, at an annual wage of $12,147, prorated, ($9.38 per hour), effective on or before May 16, 2001 (replacing Cynthia Landis, transferred to a new aide position in the same classroom on February 26, 2001).
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT'D:
B. Ilene K. Butler, 96 Aderhold Lane, Williamsport, as a part-time (up to 185 days, prorated; up to 4½ hours per day) instructional support aide at Lose Elementary School, effective May 14, 2001, with a base wage rate of $8.63 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 William Walker, transferred to full-time).
C. The following coaches at the respective schools for the 2000-01 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
Track & Field
Boys Coach Matthew L. Johnson $1,522
D. Ann M. Huynh, 805 Diamond St., Williamsport, as an after school Preschool Readiness teacher at the Lose Elementary School, at the rate of $21.89 per hour plus appropriate benefits for up to 16 hours, funded through the Read to Succeed Grant (replacing Becky D. Donnell, withdrew from this program).
E. Susan G. Smith, 59 Susquehanna Dr., Jersey Shore, as a substitute food service worker, at the salary rate of $5.75 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective May 2, 2001.
F. Ronald A. Johnson, 747 High St., Williamsport, as a substitute custodian/event staff, with a base wage rate of $7.00 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective April 17, 2001.
G. Dale K. Diermyer, 606 Northway Rd. Ext., Linden, as a substitute custodian/event staff, with a base wage rate of $7.00 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective May 2, 2001.
H. Kimberly L. Womeldorf, 1517 Alvin 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 2000-2001 school year.
I. 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:
K-12
Thomas M. Copenhaver 2520 Tombs Run Rd., Jersey Shore (eff. 4/26/01)
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT'D:
J. The following coaches at the respective schools for the 2001-02 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 School
Boys Soccer
Head Coach Richard J. Poole $3,250
K. Louis A. Cupiccia, 1075 St. Davids Rd., 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, effective April 30, 2001, and only for the actual number of hours assigned and worked during the 2000-2001 school year.
9.4* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position changes:
A. Mary D. Masden, 15 Florence Dr., Cogan Station, from a substitute food service worker to a general food service worker (2 hours daily) at Curtin Middle School, with a base wage rate of $7.88 per hour, effective May 2, 2001 (replacing Mary Bohartz, transferred).
B. Thomas E. Fink, 251 Anna Rd., Williamsport, from a substitute custodian to a general part-time custodian at the high school, 250 days up to 4 hours per day, with a base wage rate of $8.13 per hour, effective April 17, 2001 (replacing Carol Ann Shannon, resigned).
C. Debra L. Weston, from a temporary Instructional Support Aide/LPN for students participating in the PWAT program through Hope Enterprises to a full-time Instructional Support Aide/LPN at Roosevelt Middle School, at an annual rate of $13,248 ($10.23 per hour), prorated, effective May 2, 2001 (replacing Sharon Corter, transferred).
9.5 WORK CALENDARS FOR 2001-2002
Approve work schedules calendars for administrative and support staff employees for fiscal year 2001-2002 as listed below:
Category Column Days Hours
12-month Custodial/Maintenance/Warehouse/
Printer/Automotive Maintenance A 250 8
12-month Administrators*, Confidential Admin. Support* B 245 7 ½*
9.5 WORK CALENDARS FOR 2001-2002
Approve work schedules calendars cont'd:
Category Column Days Hours
12-month Technicians, Admin. Support B 245 7 ½
11-month Selected Admin. Support Staff C 225 7
11-month Selected Administrators* D 220 7 ½*
10-month Department Heads* E 205 7*
10-month Elem. Admin. Admin. Support E 205 7
Selected Psychologists F 200 7 ½
Teacher Schedule G 188 7
Instructional Aides/Administrative Support H 185 7
Students/Bus Drivers/Food Service/Security Officers I 180 ---
*Reflects advertised office hours. These employee schedules are not limited to office hours.
9.6 OTHER
Approve Patricia Day (1252 Tinsman Ave., Williamsport), Kristin Rager (1930 Round Top Rd., Montoursville), and Wendy Ripley (1799 Kehrer Hill Rd., Montoursville), currently providing services as psychology student interns through Bucknell University, to continue to provide these services May 16 through August 17, 2001, on a volunteer basis (as necessary).
9.7 MEMORIAL RESOLUTION – Jana R. Satifka
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 Jana R. Satifka who for 16 years was a dedicated teacher for the School District,
WHEREAS, the Board recognizes with respect and appreciation the devotion and time she gave to her colleagues, students, parents, and family, and the consideration she always showed them,
WHEREAS, the tragic loss of Jana 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 her family in their bereavement, with the comforting knowledge that her life was well spent for the good of the students and teachers she guided and for her fellow man
9.7 MEMORIAL RESOLUTION CONT'D – Jana R. Satifka
FURTHER RESOLVED: that the members of this School Board direct that this resolution be spread upon the official minutes of this body and that a copy be presented to Mrs. Satifka’s family.
9.8 CONTRACTS
A. Rebekah Rowe, R.D. 2, Box 215-B, Lewisburg, qualified interpreter of American Sign Language (ASL) and Pidgin Sign English (PSE) to provide day-to-day substitute interpreter services (as needed) to eligible students at the rate of $30.00 per hour for hours worked, effective May 2, 2001, through July 30, 2001.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
10.1 RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, 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.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
11.1* Motion made by Mrs. Pedersen, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following student trips:
11.1* Approve the following student trips cont'd:
District transportation is requested (101-1243-1-00-200-23-519).
Transportation will be contracted. All costs will be paid from fundraiser monies.
11.1* Approve the following student trips cont'd:
K. Seventy (70) first grade students from Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Hepburn Park during May 2001. The students will study and read about plants and trees.
District transportation is requested and will be paid by the Hepburn-Lycoming PTO.
L. Approximately 104 second grade students from Jackson Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers, aides, and parent volunteers, to travel to the Lycoming County Landfill and the Hiawatha. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Jackson School Association.
M. Retroactive Approval: Approximately 9 Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their advisor, to travel to the Northumberland Kiwanis Community Center on April 27, 2001, to participate in Key Club officer training.
The school van will be utilized for transportation. The only cost to the District will be one substitute for one day.
N. Fifteen (15) life skills support students from Lycoming Valley Middle School, accompanied by their teacher and three aides, to travel to the Williamsport Area High School during June 2001. The students will be visiting the WAHS life skills support classrooms as part of an orientation program. District transportation is requested, but there will be no cost involved. Existing bus runs to and from the high school will be utilized.
O. Approximately 45 Williamsport Area High School food service students, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Watsontown during May 2001 to dine at the Watson Inn. The students will also have the opportunity to meet with the chef and manager. District transportation is requested (101-1390-3-26-226-33-519). One substitute will be required for the day.
P. Eighty (80) Williamsport Area High School members, accompanied by their two directors and four other adult chaperones, to travel to Hershey Park during May 2001. The trip is a reward for their excellent performances. District transportation is requested. Since the trip is optional, all costs will be paid by the students.
Q. Two (2) eighth grade students from Curtin Middle School, accompanied by their teacher and aides, to travel to the Williamsport Area High School during May 2001 to become familiar with the school. Mr. Dewar will transport the students in his personal vehicle. The only cost will be a substitute teacher for the day.
R. Nine alternative education program students, accompanied by Mr. Rathjen, to participate in several fish stocking trips in cooperation with the PA Fish and Boat Commission. The students will be transported in a school van. There will be no cost to the District.
11.1* Approve the following student trips cont'd:
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following bids/contracts items:
12.1 Authorize the purchase of Horticulture Equipment in accordance with our specifications and the recommended awards. All recommended awards are based on the lowest bid price meeting specifications.
A schedule of items to be awarded has been provided in lieu of a complete tabulation. Due to the extensive number of items and participating vendors on supply bids, it is impractical to provide a complete tabulation. A complete tabulation is available in the Business Office for viewing by any interested parties.
All bids were received by 1:30 p.m. opened publicly in the District Service
Center at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 13, 2001.
RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
Best Line Leasing, Pennsdale, PA $15,681.00
Dotterer Equipment Inc., Mill Hall, PA 719.00
SRC Refrigeration, Sterling Heights, MI 9,716.00
TOTAL RECOMMENDED AWARD $26,116.00
12.2 Approve a five-year agreement between Susquehanna Health System and the Williamsport Area School District.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
TAX ITEMS
13.1 Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Pedersen, to approving the following
tax summaries:
The motion carried 8-0.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
President Stone reported that the Board and Executive Administration attended a very successful strategic planning retreat at State College.
Mrs. Harris also indicated that the retreat was very informative and successful and that she was very impressed with the new District reference book.
Mr. Vollman recommended additional evaluation of the $150,000 requested increase in the ETAC budget. He also suggested additional evaluation of high school staffing due to the shift of students from regular education classes to vocational classes.
Mrs. Harris stated that the baseball and softball teams were both in tournaments over the weekend and they represented the District well.
Mrs. Williams indicated that the District orchestra concert was wonderful.
Mr. Zimmerman requested that the board members who advocate for the middle schools attend the Lycoming Valley Middle School's improvement plan meeting.
Mrs. Williams requested that everyone attend Diversity Day and she thanked Mrs. Holland for her efforts in securing a $7,000 grant from the Foundation.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC - None
President Stone announced that an executive session was held prior to tonight’s meeting to discuss terms and conditions of employment for one or more District employees and to receive confidential legal advice from an attorney.
Upon motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Harris and carried the meeting adjourned at 10:47 p.m.
______________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary