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, September 4, 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: Karen V. Harris, Pamela J. Markle, David B. Stone, Jr.,
James E. Temple, Dale L. Vollman, Lois T. Williams, Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: Shirley L. Canada, Kelly R. Pedersen
INVOCATION – Fred A. Holland, Esq. provided the invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
Student Representatives’ Report – Erin Cowell and Melissa Janson
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Calendar of Events:
September 7 Lose Building-Based Inservice (Pending Approval)
September 10 Multicultural Concerns Committee meeting
September 11 WASD Board District Improvement Plan Session, 5:00 pm
September 11 Sheridan Elementary School Open House, 7:00 pm
September 13 Employment Steering Committee Meeting, 4:30 pm
September 13 Jackson Elementary School Open House, 7:00 pm
September 18 WASD School Board Meeting, 8:00 pm
September 19 Site-Based Management Coordinating Council Meeting, 4:30 pm
September 19 Round Hills Elementary School Open House, 7:00 pm
September 20 ETAC/ATAC Meeting, 6:30 pm
September 20 Cochran Elementary School Open House, 7:00 pm
September 20 Roosevelt Middle School Open House, 7:00 pm
September 24 Cochran Building-Based Inservice (Pending Approval)
September 24 Alternative Education Committee Meeting, 4:00 pm
September 25 WASD Board District Improvement Plan Session, 5:00 pm
September 27 Curriculum & Instruction Steering Committee Meeting, 2:00 pm
September 27 Multicultural Concerns Mentors Reception, 6:30 pm
September 28 District-Wide Inservice
October 2 WASD Board District Improvement Plan Session 5:00 pm
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following three items related to cyber/charter schools:
A. Authorize the Williamsport Area School District to send correspondence to the cyber charter schools who have enrolled Williamsport Area School District students informing them that we will not make any tuition payments as a result of the enrollment of our students AND
B. Authorize the Williamsport Area School District to send correspondence to the parents of Williamsport Area School District students enrolled in cyber charter schools informing them that the District will not be making any tuition payments as a result of the enrollment of children in cyber charter schools.
C. Approve the resolution of the Williamsport Area School District opposing the payment of state subsidy funds to cyber-charter schools.
WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT
BOARD OF SCHOOL DIRECTORS
RESOLUTION
A RESOLUTION OF THE WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT OPPOSING THE PAYMENT OF
STATE SUBSIDY FUNDS TO CYBER-CHARTER SCHOOLS
WHEREAS
, The Board of Directors of the Williamsport Area School District are empowered
and directed to establish, equip, furnish, and maintain schools within the
District; and
WHEREAS
, charter schools are authorized by Act 22 of 1997, to provide pupils and
community members the right to establish and maintain schools that operate
independently from the existing school district structure; and
WHEREAS
, cyber schools, with no physical location, offer the delivery of their entire
curriculum via electronic communications, resulting in financial loss to school
districts, including the Williamsport Area School District; and
WHEREAS
, cyber charter school tuition may be directly withheld from the District’
;s state subsidies, resulting in decreased funds for operation of the District;
and
WHEREAS
, it is the Williamsport Area School District’s position that the state
legislature did not intend for said schools to be included within Act 22 of
1997.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT'D – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A RESOLUTION OF THE WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT OPPOSING THE PAYMENT OF
STATE SUBSIDY FUNDS TO CYBER-CHARTER SCHOOLS CONT'D:
NOW THEREFORE
, be it resolved by the Williamsport Area School District that the Board of
School Directors issue this Resolution in opposition to the inclusion of cyber
schools operating within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as charter schools
and, thereby affecting state subsidies for school districts within the
Commonwealth.
RESOLVED, this 4th
day of September 2001.
__________________________________
David B. Stone Jr.
Board President
Williamsport Area School District
Board of School Directors
Motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mr. Vollman to TABLE
items D, E and F.
D.
Consider approving the WASD Athletic Coaches Evaluation Process.
E.
Consider approving the WASD Assistant Athletic Coaches Evaluation Process.
F.
Consider approving the Rules and Regulations Governing Participation in
Williamsport Area School District Athletics.
Motion to table passed 7-0.
G.
On display in the DSC gallery during September is "Art from the Fair."
;
H.
Congratulations to the Williamsport Area High School . They have been honored
by the Pennsylvania School Press Association:
(1)
The Billtown Banner, the school newspaper, earned a first place award for the
paper as a whole, and student writers for the paper earned a host of other
First Place and Keystone awards for their individual writing efforts.
(2)
The Cherry and White, the WAHS literary magazine, earned Keystone status as a
publication, while the student writers earned a host of individual Keystone and
First Place awards.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT'D – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
H.
Congratulations to the Williamsport Area High School . They have been honored
by the Pennsylvania School Press Association cont'd:
(3)
The school radio program, The Student Voice at WRAK, earned a Keystone rating.
These awards indicate that our publications, judged statewide, are among the
very best in the Commonwealth. Thanks to advisors Susan Andresen, Martha
Huddy, and Larry Bassett.
I.
Districts' Improvement Planning Process
J.
President Stone indicated that we had received a telephone call concerning the
possible historical significance of the Cochran Elementary School baseball
field and backstop. He stated that we would be having a meeting to discuss
these concerns.
K.
Woodward - The hearing on August 23 and 24th
resulted in Judge Brown ruling that the Williamsport Area School District is
not required to file a permit to use the former Woodward Township Elementary
School for alternative education.
Committee Reports by Board Members -
None
5.4 Construction Projects
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to approve the following
construction project items with the exception of item D:
A.
Approve change order H-1 to the contract with W.G. Tomko, HVAC Contractor,
Cochran Project decreasing the contract by $2,003.00 as follows:
Original Contract
$1,194,750.00 H-1
(2,003.00)
New Total
$1,192,747.00
B.
Authorize change order P-1 to the contract with W.G. Tomko & Sons, plumbing
contract, Cochran Project, increasing the contract by $16,923.89 as follows:
Original Contract
$529,000.00 P-1
16,923.89
New Total
$545,923.89
Construction Projects Cont'd:
C.
Authorize change orders G-10 through G-17 to the contract with Lobar, Inc.,
general contractor Cochran Project, increasing the contract by $18,835.37 as
follows:
Original Contract
$4,564,600.00
Previous Additions 45,794.62
Previous Deductions
(2,746.02) G-10
2,250.81
G-11 2,085.44
G-12 2,085.44
G-13 811.42
G-14 5,435.42
G-15 266.84
G-16
(500.00)
G-17 6,400.00
New Total
$4,626,483.97
D.
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to authorize change
directives CD G-10 and CD G-11 to the contract with Lobar, Inc., general
contract, Cochran Project. These change directives will require the
elimination of the terrazzo and addition of porcelain tile on the ground floor
of the school. This will result in a net contract decrease of $15,608 but is
subject to negotiation/arbitration.
The motion carried 7-1 with Mr. Temple voting no.
E.
Authorize change directive CD H-1 to the contract with W.G. Tomko & Sons,
HVAC contractor Cochran Project, increasing the contract by a cost not to
exceed $2,145.94.
F.
Authorize Roger A. Wandell, Construction of Sweet Valley, PA to install a
concrete slab in the chiller enclosure at the Cochran Elementary School at a
cost of $2,425.00.
Motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
FINANCE REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following
financial items:
6.1*
Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted
marked Order No. 09/04/01 in the amount of $656,577.74, 09/04/01A in the amount
of $1,107.04, 09/04/01B in the amount of $185,091.00, and that the officers of
the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 09/04/01,
09/04/01A, and 09/04/01B.
FINANCE REPORT CONT'D:
6.2*
Approve the response and corrective action plan for the State Audit for the
fiscal years ended June 30, 1997 and June 30, 1998.
Finding No. 1
– Pupil Membership Errors Resulted in Subsidy Underpayments of $232,085
Description:
The district’s pupil membership reports, submitted to the Department of
Education (DE) for the 1997-98 and 1996-97 school years, were inaccurate. The
errors were caused by district personnel’s failure to report
district-operated vocational education students on resident membership reports.
Concurrence or Disagreement:
The Board and Administration concurs with the finding and recommendations.
Correction Action:
The district has informed the Director of Student Services and his staff of
this error and the correct method of reporting vocational membership. The
District has increased efforts to provide professional development to pupil
personnel staff. Two staff members are attending the annual child accounting
conference.
Corrective Action Timetable:
Complete
Monitoring:
The Director of Student Services is responsible for monitoring pupil membership
reporting.
Finding No. 2 –
Vocational Education Membership Discrepancies
Description:
A review of district-operated vocational education membership data for the
school years of audit disclosed district personnel understated membership in
reports submitted to DE for the 1996-97 school year resulting in a vocational
education subsidy (VES) underpayment of $10,034. However, further review of
membership records disclosed that the district might not have fulfilled DE’
;s requirements for VES eligibility for either school year audited.
Concurrence or Disagreement:
The Board and Administration concurs with the finding and recommendations for
the understatement of vocational membership. The Board and Administration also
concurs with the recommendations for meeting DE’s vocational education
requirements. The Board and Administration does not agree that a forfeiture of
subsidy is appropriate. This finding is prevalent across districts in
Pennsylvania, which indicates a lack of clear guidance and communication by DE
on changes in their guidelines.
6.2*
Approve the response and corrective action plan for the State Audit for the
fiscal years ended
June 30, 1997 and June 30, 1998 cont'd:
Correction Action:
The district has informed the Director of Student Services and his staff of
this error and the correct method of reporting vocational membership. The
Director of Career Education has implemented all DE requirements for vocational
students.
Corrective Action Timetable:
Complete
Monitoring:
The Director of Student Services is responsible for monitoring child accounting
and the Director of Career Education is responsible for monitoring DE
vocational requirement compliance.
Finding No. 3 –
Errors in Reporting Average Daily Membership for Health Services
Reimbursement Resulted in Underpayments of $9,610.
Description:
A review of the district’s health services reimbursement application, as
submitted to the Department of Health (DH), revealed inaccurate reporting of
average daily membership resulting in underpayment of $9,610.
Concurrence or Disagreement:
The Board and Administration concurs with the finding and recommendations.
This finding resulted from the membership error in finding #1.
Correction Action:
Same as finding #1
Corrective Action Timetable:
Complete
Monitoring:
Same as finding #1
Finding No. 4 –
Errors in Reporting Pupil Transportation Data Resulted in a Reimbursement
Overpayment of $3,822.
Description:
A review of district transportation records for the 1996-97 and 1997-98 school
years disclosed incorrect data was submitted to (DE) for the 1997-98 school
year only. The errors resulted in a $3,822 transportation reimbursement
overpayment payable in 1998-99.
6.2*
Approve the response and corrective action plan for the State Audit for the
fiscal years ended June 30, 1997 and June 30, 1998 cont'd:
Concurrence or Disagreement:
The Board and Administration concurs with the finding and recommendations.
Correction Action:
The District has purchased student transportation software from the Central
Susquehanna Intermediate Unit.
Corrective Action Timetable:
The new software will be used to compute reports for DE for the fiscal year
ended June 30, 2002. Monitoring:
The Student Transportation Director will be responsible for monitoring the
accuracy of transportation reports.
_________________________________________
Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D. Superintendent
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
6.3*
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to amend the current Local
Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) ordinance to offer a three year
abatement of 100%, 75% and 50% respectively, effective September 4, 2001. All
other terms and conditions will remain unchanged.
A RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR LOCAL ECONOMIC REVITALIZATION TAX ASSISTANCE;
DEFINITIONS; EXEMPTIONS FROM TAXATION, NOTICES TO TAXPAYERS; PROCEDURES FOR
OBTAINING EXEMPTION; TERMINATION; RULES AND REGULATIONS; SEVERABILITY EFFECTIVE
DATE
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS OF THE WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL
DISTRICT:
SECTION 1 DEFINITIONS
As used in this ordinance, the following words and phrases shall have the
meaning set forth below:
(a)
“Deteriorated property (commercial)” means any industrial, commercial
or other business related property owned by an individual, association or
corporation, and located in an area defined as an Enterprise Zone, as provided
by resolution of the City Council of the City of Williamsport, or any such
property which has been the subject of an order by a government agency
requiring the unit to be vacated, condemned or demolished by reason of
noncompliance with laws, ordinances or regulations.
6.3*
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to amend the current Local
Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) ordinance cont'd:
(1)
Deteriorated property (commercial) does not include the residential uses listed
in Section 1333.05(a)(1) through (a)(4) and (a)(6) (Table of Use Regulations)
of the Codified Ordinances of the City of Williamsport.
(2)
Deteriorated property (commercial) does not include the residential use portion
of a building used for both residential and non-residential purposes.
(3)
Any property excluded in whole or in part from eligibility pursuant to
subsections (a)(1) or (a)(2) is eligible for an exemption if the applicant’
;s building plans are required to be approved by the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry and such approval is obtained and
the applicant is subject to either the business privilege tax or the
mercantile license tax for the property.
(b)
“Improvement” means repair, construction or reconstruction including
alterations and additions having the effect of rehabilitating a deteriorated
property so that it becomes habitable or attains higher standards of safety,
health, economic use or amenity or is brought into compliance with laws,
ordinances or regulations governing such standards. Ordinary upkeep and
maintenance shall not be deemed an improvement.
(c)
“Local taxing authority” means the City of Williamsport, the
Williamsport Area School District, the County of Lycoming or any other
governmental entity having the authority to levy real property taxes within the
City of Williamsport.
SECTION 2 EXEMPT AMOUNT
(a)
The amount to be exempted shall be limited to that portion of the additional
assessment attributable to the actual cost of improvements to a property
defined as a “deteriorated property” under Section 1, and for which
an exemption has been requested.
(b)
The exemption shall be limited to that improvement for which an exemption has
been requested in the manner set forth below and for which a separate
assessment has been requested and made by the Lycoming County Board of
Assessment Appeals. No tax exemption shall be granted if the property as
completed does not comply with the minimum standards of the Housing and
Building Codes of the City of Williamsport.
6.3*
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to amend the current Local
Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) ordinance cont'd:
(c)
In any case after the effective date of this section, where deteriorated
property (commercial) is damaged, destroyed or demolished by any cause or for
any reason, and the assessed valuation of the property affected has been
reduced as a result of such damage, destruction or demolition, the exemption
from real property taxation authorized by this ordinance shall be limited to
that portion of new assessment attributable to the actual cost of improvements
that is in excess of the original assessment that existed prior to damage,
destruction or demolition of the property.
SECTION 3 EXEMPTION SCHEDULE
(a)
The Schedule of real estate taxes to be exempted shall be in accordance with
the below portion of improvements to be exempted each year:
Length
Portion (%)
First Year
100%
Second Year 75%
Third Year
50%
(b)
The exemption for taxes granted under this ordinance shall be upon the property
and shall not terminate upon the sale or exchange of the property.
SECTION 4 RETAINED EXEMPTION
The passage of this article shall not serve to effect in any way the ten year,
five year or three year exemption schedule as such schedule applies to those
properties approved for inclusion under the Property Tax Abatement Industrial
and Commercial ordinances enacted prior to September 5, 2001. With respect to
properties included in this program prior to September 5, 2001, the appropriate
ten year, five year or three year schedule shall apply.
(a) Ten Year Schedule
(Adopted 1980)
Length (Year)
Portion (%)
First
100
Second 90
Third
80
Fourth 70
Fifth
60
Sixth 50
Seventh
40
Eighth 30
Ninth
20
Tenth 10
After the tenth year the exemption shall terminate.
6.3*
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to amend the current Local
Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) ordinance cont'd:
(b) Five Year Schedule
(Adopted 1984)
Length (Year)
Portion (%)
First
100
Second 100
Third
100
Fourth 50
Fifth
50
After the fifth year the exemption shall terminate.
(c) Three Year Schedule
(Adopted 1987 and 1990)
Length (Year)
Portion (%)
First
100
Second 100
Third
100
After the third year the exemption shall terminate.
(d) Three Year Schedule
(Adopted 1994)
Length (Year) Portion (%)
First
100
Second 75
Third
50
After the third year the exemption shall terminate.
(e) Three Year Schedule
(Adopted 1998)
Length (Year)
Portion (%)
First
100
Second 50
Third
50
After the third year the exemption shall terminate.
6.3*
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to amend the current Local
Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) ordinance cont'd:
(f) Five Year Schedule
(Adopted 1999)
Length (Year)
Portion (%)
First 100%
Second 100%
Third 100%
Fourth 100%
Fifth 100%
After the fifth year the exemption shall terminate.
SECTION 5 NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS
(a)
There shall be placed on the form application for building, zoning and
alteration permits or by separate document the following:
NOTICE TO TAXPAYERS
Under the provisions of City Ordinance No. ___ you may be entitled to a
property tax exemption on your contemplated alteration or new construction. An
application for exemption may be secured from the Bureau of Code Enforcement
and must be filed with the City at the time a building or alteration permit is
secured. You may also apply for pre-approval prior to the issuance of a
building permit.
(b) (1)
At the time such permit is secured for which an exemption is requested, the
taxpayer shall apply to the City of Williamsport’s Bureau of Code
Enforcement or any successor agency thereto for the exemption provided for in
this article. The taxpayer shall be permitted to apply for the exemption
provided in this article up to a period of thirty days from the date the
building alteration permit is secured.
(2)
The taxpayer shall also have the right to apply for an exemption prior to the
issuance of a building permit. Any such pre-approval shall be limited to the
building permit issued pursuant to said application provided this ordinance has
not been amended, repealed or terminated during the period between
pre-approval and issuance of the building permit.
6.3*
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to amend the current Local
Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) ordinance cont'd:
(c)
Request for the exemption shall be in writing certified in full as prescribed
by the City setting forth the following information:
(1)
The date the alteration permit was issued for such improvements.
(2)
The location of the property to be improved.
(3)
The nature of the property to be improved.
(4)
The type or improvements.
(5) The summary of the plan of the improvement.
(6)
The cost of the improvement.
(7)
Whether property has been condemned by any governmental body for noncompliance
to laws or ordinance. (8)
That the property has been inspected and verified by the City’s Bureau of
Code Enforcement.
(9) Any or all such additional information the City may require.
(d)
A copy of the request for exemption shall be forwarded to the Director of
Finance, City Treasurer, Secretary/Business Manager of the Williamsport Area
School District and Lycoming County Commissioners, who shall have ten days to
review the request for exemption and to provide objections in writing to the
request to the Directors of Economic and Community Development.
(e)
The Director of Economic and Community Development, after ten days and within
thirty days of receipt of the request for exemption, shall make a determination
in writing of whether the taxpayer is eligible in whole or in part for an
exemption.
(f)
Any party, the taxpayer or any entity to whom notice of the request for
exemption was sent, may appeal the determination of eligibility to the LERTA
Appeal Board.
SECTION 6 PROCEDURE FOR OBTAINING EXEMPTION
(a)
In addition to the entities notified in Section 5(a) and (d), a copy of the
request for exemption shall be forwarded to the Lycoming County Board of
Assessment by the City.
(b)
Within thirty days of completion of the improvement, the taxpayer shall notify
the City and the Lycoming County Board of Assessment in order that the Board
may assess the improvements separately for the purpose of calculating the
amount of assessment eligible for tax exemption in accordance with the limits
established in this article.
6.3*
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to amend the current Local
Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) ordinance cont'd:
(c)
The Board shall notify the City, County, Williamsport Area School District and
the taxpayer of the reassessment and amounts of the assessment eligible for
exemption. The Treasurer is authorized to make refunds, if applicable, thirty
days after the Board has notified the Treasurer of its separate assessment upon
which an exemption is granted and no appeals have been timely filed.
(d)
Any party, taxpayer or any entity to whom notice of the request for exemption
was sent may appeal the reassessment amount eligible for the exemption to the
LERTA Appeal Board.
SECTION 7 TERMINATION
Unless otherwise repealed by the Board of School Directors, this resolution
shall terminate on December 31, 2004. No later than October 1, 2002 and
annually thereafter the Mayor shall submit a written report to Council which
shall inform the City Council as to how this ordinance has been administered,
the effects of this ordinance on the community and include any suggestions or
recommendations for this ordinance’s reenactment, modification or repeal.
Nothing contained herein shall act to prohibit the Board from enacting a
similar ordinance after December 31, 2004. Any property tax exemptions granted
under the provisions of this ordinance shall be permitted to continue
according to the exemption schedule found in Section 3 even if this ordinance
expires or is repealed.
SECTION 8 RULES AND REGULATIONS
The Director of the Department of Community and Economic Development is hereby
authorized and empowered to prepare, promulgate and enforce rules and
regulations made pursuant to the provisions of this ordinance, unless modified,
revoked or repealed by the Board. A copy of said Rules and Regulations shall
be filed with City Council, the School District and County Commissioners as
least 20 days prior to their becoming effective.
SECTION 9 SEVERABILITY
The provisions of this ordinance are severable and if any of its sections,
clauses or sentences shall be held illegal, invalid or unconstitutional, such
provisions shall not affect or impair any of the remaining sections clauses or
sentences. It is hereby declared to be the intent of Council that this
ordinance would have been adopted if such illegal, invalid or unconstitutional
section, clause or sentence had not been included herein.
This Resolution is contingent upon the City of Williamsport and the County of
Lycoming passing similar ordinances, which has been accomplished.
6.3*
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to amend the current Local
Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) ordinance cont'd:
SECTION 10 APPEAL PROCEDURE
(a)
Any party may appeal the determination issued pursuant to Section 5 or Section
6 within the thirty days of the date of such determination to the LERTA Appeal
Board.
(b)
The Board shall consist of the three members of the Tax Review Committee which
is comprised of one member of Council, one member of the Board of School
Directors of Williamsport Area School District and one member of the Board of
Commissioners of Lycoming County.
(c)
All appeals to the Board shall be filed with the Director of Economic and
Community Development.
(d)
The Director shall notify the members of the Board; the City Treasurer,
Director of Finance, Secretary/Business Manager of the Williamsport Area School
District, Lycoming County Commissioners and the taxpayer (if it is not the
appealing party) of the pending appeal.
(e)
The Director of Economic and Community Development shall notify all parties of
the date, time and place of the appeal hearing.
SECTION 11 EFFECTIVE DATE
This ordinance shall become effective September 5, 2001 and remain in effect
thereafter, unless repealed, until December 31, 2004.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following
board policies:
7.1*
Approve at second reading revisions to Policy #312, “Evaluation of
Administrative Employees,” and the addition of the revised Administrative
Management Objectives Evaluation Process forms. These revisions reflect a
cooperative process between WASA representatives and the Superintendent.
7.2*
Approve at first reading revisions to Board Policy #406, “Substitute
Teachers.”
Motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
CURRICULUM REPORT
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following
curriculum items:
8.1*
Approve the Metamorphosis Performing Company to present the "Under
Construction" program to the third grades of the Williamsport Area School
District on September 25, 26, and 27. The cost of the program is $450 per
performance for 7 performances for a total cost of $3150 and is being funded
through the elementary curriculum budget and site-based budgets.
8.2*
Authorize the Diana Day Training Center to present “Vision Management:
Brain-Smart Methods that Teach Students to Manage Themselves” to the Lose
staff and faculty on September 7, 2001. The cost is approximately $2100 ($1100
for the training and $1000 for expenses); funds are budgeted under Title I,
Lose ($1100) and string # 101-2270-0-00-330-17 323 ($1000).
8.3*
Approve Dr. Robert B. Cormany, Certified American School Counselor Association
Facilitator, to present a full-day workshop about "National Standards for
School Counseling Programs" during the October 15, 2001 inservice. The
$500 honorarium plus travel expenses (total not to exceed $1,000) is budgeted
in string #101-2270-0-00-330-17 323.
8.4*
Approve Diane Konieczny for up to 2 days of language arts curriculum
development work completed this summer. Compensation will be at $80 per day
and will be funded through school district curriculum development funds.
8.5*
Approve expenditures for career and technical education under the Williamsport
Area School District Perkins Local Plan in the amount of $145,926. This
amount represents the 2001-2002 Perkins allocation for the School District.
The Williamsport Area School District has received approval for the application
submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. 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.
8.6*
Approve the Williamsport Area School District to purchase educational services
from The Meadows, Philhaven and Bethesda at the 2001-2002 homebound rates for
actual hours of services.
8.7*
Approve payment to Genesis House, Inc. to provide services for alternative
education students at the rate of $30.00 per student for group counseling
services and $52.00 per student for emotional support and D&A individual
therapy for the 2001-2002 school year. Budgeted in the Alternative School
Grant for Disruptive Students. String # 101-1442-3-38-040-09-329
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT'D:
8.8
Approve the Williamsport Area School District to submit the Reading Recovery
Teacher Leader Registry Application. This application must be filed annually
to maintain the Reading Recovery Teacher Leader status through our Reading
Recovery Training Site. With this agreement, the WASD agrees to: “support
the Teacher Leader by providing resources for teacher leader participation in
all required professional
development opportunities and for site visits
and
site fees from the university (Shippensburg University) training center.”
All costs for these activities are funded through Title I/Reading Recovery.
8.9
Approve the administration of certain tests and the collection of information
for the 2001-02 school year.
This Board action gives representational consent in accordance with Board
Policy #4750.
The attached testing chart indicates the information which is to be gathered or
the tests to be administered, the grade level or subject area of the students
effected, an indication of when the information or test is likely to be
gathered/administered, and the purpose for which the information will be used.
Representational consent by the Board enables the district to gather the
approved data as needed.
8.10*
Approve the following additional Act 80 Inservice Days
Cochran Elementary School – September 24, 2001; October 12, 2001; November
21, 2001; December 21, 2001; May 10, 2002
Jackson Elementary School – October 12, 2001; November 21, 2001; December
21, 2001; May 10, 2002; May 13, 2002
Hepburn – Lycoming School - October 12, 2001; November 21, 2001; April
25, 2002;
May 10, 2002; May 16, 2002; May 17, 2002
Lose Elementary School – September 7, 2001; October 12, 2001; November 21,
2001; May 10, 2002
Round Hills Elementary School – October 12, 2001; November 21, 2001; May
10, 2002
Sheridan Elementary School – October 12, 2001; November 21, 2001; March 8,
2002; May 10, 2002
Stevens Elementary School – September 27, 2001; October 12, 2001; November
21, 2001; March 8, 2002; May 10, 2002
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT'D:
8.10*
Approve the following additional Act 80 Inservice Days cont'd:
Curtin Middle School – October 12, 2001; November 21, 2001; May 10, 2002
Lycoming Valley Middle School – October 12, 2001; November 21, 2001; May
10, 2002
Roosevelt Middle School – September 27, 2001; October 12, 2001; November
21, 2001; March 8, 2002; May 10, 2002
Williamsport Area High School – October 12, 2001; May 10, 2002
Alternative Education – October 12, 2001; November 21, 2001; May 10, 2002
8.11
Approve Teresa Moore and Carol Cassidy to provide one day of IST training to
new IST teachers at $80 per day. Training occurred on August 22, 2001. This
will be paid out of the appropriate budget.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
8.12 Motion to TABLE
made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Harris, the "Detention
Policy" for Lycoming Valley Middle School.
The motion to table carried 7-0.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following
personnel items:
9.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes
indicated:
A.
Joyce M. Derr, general food service worker at Jackson Elementary School, for
the purpose of retirement, effective January 5, 2002.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School
District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Joyce M. Derr from
service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere
appreciation for her 20½ years of dedicated service to our school system
as a food service worker. It further expresses the hope that her years of
retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
B.
Elissa K. Conner, full-time fifth grade teacher at Jackson Elementary School,
for other employment, effective August 2, 2001.
9.1 RESIGNATIONS CONT'D:
C.
Lisa M. Salvatori, general food service worker at Lycoming Valley Middle
School, for personal reasons, effective August 20, 2001.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Approve the following leaves of absence:
B.
Albert F. Hills, custodian at Sheridan Elementary School, for an extension of
his unpaid medical leave, effective through October 12, 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.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A.
Patrice E. Walters, 82 Bloomingrove Road Annex, Williamsport, as a full-time
(185-day) health room technician/aide at the high school and Jackson Elementary
School, at an annual wage of $14,232 ($10.99 per hour), effective August 23,
2001 (replacing Mary Farley, resigned).
B.
Robert A. McQuillen, 35 Hillview Ave., Williamsport, to the position of
temporary dispatcher, effective August 30, 2001, at the rate of $13.50 per hour
for 205 days (prorated) for the 2001-2002 school year. Mr. McQuillen will be
eligible for benefits currently provided under the terms of the collective
bargaining agreement. The District and the Williamsport Area Support Personnel
(WASP) have completed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining the terms
of this appointment.
C.
The following as Coordinating Teachers at a stipend of $2,500 for each position
for the 2001-2002 school year:
William F. Rathjen, Jr.
Alternative Education Department
Alix Lang
Foreign Language Department
Diane M. Breon Library Department
Carol W. Porter
Sheridan Elementary School
D.
Any student enrolled at the Williamsport Area High School Designed Education
Program for employment in the Food Service Department and subject to assignment
by Jerry Berfield, Job Training Coordinator, at the hourly rate of $4.00 per
hour for the actual number of hours worked, retroactive to August 27, 2001.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT'D:
E.
The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $6.00 per
hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective August 27, 2001:
Kathryn E. Root
314 Wagner Rd., Jersey Shore
Peggy A. Welch 2254 West Third St., Williamsport
Wendy A. Armes
1761 Memorial Ave., Williamsport
Betty L. Cramer
1836 West Southern Ave., S. Williamsport
Donna M. Fox
109 Grimesville Rd., Williamsport
Stephanna R. Hockenbury
627 Cemetery St., Williamsport
Elizabeth R. Howell 200 Cottage Ave., Williamsport
Janice Johnson
2002 Kenwood Ave., Williamsport
Tonia K. Kuhns
868 First St., Williamsport
Jennifer R. McCarty 312 Federal Ave., Williamsport
Maria C. Mekhil
8 Fairview Ave., Williamsport
Candace J. Mitcheltree 2353 Linn St., Williamsport
Estella R. Phillips
1545 Louisa St., Williamsport
Donna K. Potrzebowski 914 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport
Shelly M. Tressler
1538½ Memorial Ave., Williamsport
Sharan L. White
31 Harvest Moon Park, Linden
Angela D. Wright 844 West Third St., Williamsport
G.
The entire District teaching staff, substitute teachers, and BLaST teachers
assigned to our buildings as homebound instructors for the 2000-2001 school
year, subject to assignment by the Superintendent of Schools, as the needs of
the service require, at the rate of $22.98 per hour for the actual number of
hours employed.
H.
The following homebound teacher(s), subject to assignment by the Superintendent
of Schools, at the salary and/or daily rates as established by the collective
bargaining agreement, and only for the actual number of hours assigned and
worked:
Thomas W. Ronan, Jr.
1007 Franklin St., Williamsport
I.
The following persons as non-certificated substitute teachers with receipt of
an emergency permit, 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 2001-2002 school year:
Gretchen P. Carpenter
441 Elm St., Montoursville (effective 08/29/01)
Robert W. Matz
47 Cliffride Dr., Williamsport (effective 09/05/01)
Jane E. Rishel
59 Linden Acres Lane, Linden (effective 08/30/01)
Vaughn N. Turner
218 S. Market St., Muncy (effective 09/05/01)
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT'D:
J.
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
Sherry E. Oakley
R.R. 1, Box 235, Liberty
Melissa A. Resek 329 W. Grape St., Lock Haven
Secondary
Jacquelyn L. Boyer
871 Shadle Rd., Jersey Shore
Kerianne Malfatti 505 North Hall, Lock Haven
Robert C. Niklaus
1616 Elmira St., Williamsport
Thomas W. Ronan, Jr. 1007 Franklin St., Williamsport
Gary L. Spotts
2286 West Valley Rd., Loganton
James M. Yeager 15 E. Water St., 2nd
Floor, Lock Haven
K-12
Jack E. Keeler
271 Market St., Mifflinburg (effective 08/29/01)
Henry R. Miller II
925 Franklin St., Williamsport
Patty A. Neff 1104 Walnut St., Williamsport
K.
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:
Lisa M. Gee
2141 Webb St., Williamsport
Elizabeth R. Howell
200 Cottage Ave., Williamsport
Roberta E. Liebersohn 706 Arch St., Williamsport
Jennifer R. McCarty
312 Federal Ave., Williamsport
Maria C. Mekhil
8 Fairview Ave., Williamsport
Staci L. Snyder
3000 Grimesville Rd., Williamsport
Jennifer L. West
P.O. Box 19, Trout Run
L.
Angelic N. Parrett, R.R. 2, Box 811, Lock Haven, as Network Coordinator/Web
Developer at an annual wage of $27,599 ($15.02 per hour), prorated, plus
eligible benefits as provided under the terms of the collective bargaining
agreement between the Williamsport Area School District and the Williamsport
Area Support Personnel, effective on or about September 20, 2001.
Ms. Parrett has an associate degree from South Hills School of Business and
Technology and Microsoft Certification in Windows NT. She is currently
employed by the Central Intermediate Unit #10 West Branch Technology Center as
Technical Coordinator.
9.4 OTHER
A.
Authorize Eleonora Shugol, 900 Walnut St., Montoursville, to provide tutoring/
interpreter services for Russian students who will be attending the
Williamsport Area School District during the 2001-2002 school year or preparing
schedule of services for students at other nearby schools, at the rate of
$195.18 per day (according to Category III of the Substitute Teacher School
Policy), effective September 5, 2001, pending receipt of an emergency permit
from the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and the submission of all
appropriate paperwork. (August 27, 2001, through September 4, 2001, Ms. Shugol
will be paid the rate of $13.08 per hour.) No after school tutoring is
scheduled at this time. The administration will review the status of these
services at the end of the first semester.
B.
Authorize Hong Liu, 158 Ridgeway Drive, Lewisburg, to provide tutoring/
interpreter services for Chinese student(s) who will be attending the
Williamsport Area High School during the 2001-2002 school year at the rate of
$195.18 per day (according to Category III of the Substitute Teacher School
Policy), effective August 30, 2001, pending receipt of an emergency permit from
the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) and the submission of all
appropriate paperwork.
No after school tutoring is scheduled at this time. The administration will
review the status of these services at the end of the first semester.
C.
Authorize Yu-Chai Sakers, R.R. 1, Box 189-A, Roaring Branch, PA 17765, to
provide tutoring/interpreter services for Chinese student(s) who will be
attending the Roosevelt Middle School during the 2001-2002 school year at the
rate of $15.00 per hour (no benefits except social security, retirement, and
worker's comp. as required), not to exceed seven (7) hours per day, effective
August 30, 2001, pending submission of all appropriate paperwork. No after
school interpreting is scheduled at this time. The administration will review
the status of these services at the end of the first semester.
9.5
AUTHORIZE TO POST/ADVERTISE NEW POSITIONS
Authorize the administration to post/advertise the following positions:
A.
Title I Extended Day Homework Club at Sheridan Elementary School, from
September 19, 2001, through May 31, 2002. The program will require an a
teacher for 1.5 hours per week and an aide for 2.25 hours per week. All funds
are budgeted under Title I Extended Day Programs.
B.
Title I Extended Day Homework Club at Curtin Middle School, from September 19,
2001, through May 31, 2002. The program will provide four days per week of
homework support. The program will require three teaching positions for 30
minutes per day and three teaching positions for 45 minutes per day; teachers
will be paid $22.44 per hour plus appropriate benefits. All funds are budgeted
under Title I Extended Day Programs.
9.5
AUTHORIZE TO POST/ADVERTISE NEW POSITIONS CONT'D:
Authorize the administration to post/advertise the following positions:
C.
Title I Extended Day teaching positions at Roosevelt Middle School. The
program will function for 45 minutes per day for 108 days to provide homework
support and literacy instruction to students. The program will require six
teaching positions; teachers will be paid $22.44 per hour plus appropriate
benefits. All funds are budgeted under Title I Extended Day Programs.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
Mrs. Markle left the meeting at 9:10 p.m.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
10.1
RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, 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 6-0.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Motion made by Mr. Temple, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to approve the following
student/ community activities:
11.1
Approve the following request for facility use:
A.
Susquehanna Council of Boy Scouts of America to use the multi-purpose room,
cafeteria and/or foyer at all of the district’s elementary schools (with
the exception of Woodward) on Thursday, September 20, 2001, from 6:30 p.m.
until 8:30 p.m. to hold school night for scouting. The Boy Scouts are
requesting relief of the occupancy fee of $175.00. Certificate of Insurance
on file. Susquehanna Council of Boy Scouts of America would also like to
request that whenever a school building is used for regular meetings throughout
the year those fees also be waived.
B.
Williamsport Pop Warner Cheerleaders to use the gymnasium at Stevens Elementary
School on September 4, 10, 17 & 24; October 1, 8, 16, 22 & 29, 2001
from 5:45 p.m. until 6:15 p.m. to hold practices. Williamsport Pop Warner is
requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $250.00. Certificate of
Insurance to be received.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
11.1
Approve the following request for facility use cont'd:
C.
Lycoming County Chapter of Pennsylvania State Retirees to use the Board Room on
Monday, October 15, 2001, from 6:15 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. to hold a
pre-retirement seminar. LCCPSR is requesting relief of the occupancy fee of
$40.00. Certificate of Insurance waived.
11.2
Authorize the Community/Adult Vocational Program for Fall 2001. The courses
will be advertised in the Sun-Gazette
on two (2) dates. Registration can occur during regular school hours at the
high school; by mail; or during the evenings in the Commons Area of WAHS from
5:30-8:00 p.m. on September 5 and September 6. Space for participants in
courses is on a first-come, first-served basis. A minimum of 12 participants
must be registered for each course. Deadline for registration is September 7
with classes beginning the week of September 10. Following is the registration
fee schedule:
Length of
WASD Residents Non-Residents
Course (Hours)
Registration Fee Registration Fee
10
$35 $45
20 $50
$70
30
$70 $100
NOTE: Residents are those individuals residing within the boundaries of the
WASD or employees of the WASD. All others are non-residents. Participants who
attend 80% of the classes will be issued a certificate of completion by the
Williamsport Area School District. Participants will be provided an opportunity
to evaluate the course during the last class session.
Programs that meet the Pennsylvania Department of Education program standards
and requirements are eligible for State reimbursement (instructional hours at
80% of $8.60/hour).
The following teachers who will be offering courses will be paid at the rate of
$21.89 per hour as per the collective bargaining agreement:
Clyde Phillips
Introduction to Computers (2 sessions @ 20 hours)
Randy Zangara
Intro to Microsoft Excel (20 hours)
Brendan Hoover Floral Design
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following
bids/contract items:
12.1*
Approve the agreement with the YMCA Child Care Services, Inc. for student
supervision assistance of the Morning Magic Breakfast Program for the 2001-02
school year at a maximum cost of $8,100.00 (5 hours per day at 180 days at
$9.00 per hour). The YMCA will not be paid on days when breakfast is not
served.
12.2*
Authorize an additional lease for an AR-407 Sharp Copier from Phillips Supply
House for Curtin Middle School for an additional $275.00 per month, under the
terms and conditions of their July 10, 2001 bid.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
TAX ITEMS
13.1
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mr. Zimmerman, to approve the following
tax summaries:
The motion carried 6-0.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
President Stone reported that a committee was being organized to re-evaluate
the choice process.
Mrs. Harris indicated that the Booster Club did a nice job decorating the
pavement on the access road to the high school.
Mr. Temple said that the second year of the 7th
grade transition program was going well.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC - None
President Stone announced that an executive session was held prior to
tonight’s meeting and another will be held immediately following this
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. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Williams and carried the
meeting adjourned at 9:25 p.m.
_____________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary