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 18, 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., James E. Temple, Dale L. Vollman, Lois T. Williams, Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: None
INVOCATION – Mrs. Pamela Markle provided the invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
Student Representatives’ Report – Erin Cowell and Melissa Janson
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
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
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
B. PMEA News
Dr. Lowery reported that Rick Coulter is included in the latest edition of the Pennsylvania Music Education Association News and Williamsport Area School District students are on the front cover.
C. September 11, 2001
We are proud of the way our students and staff have pulled together during this tragedy.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT CONT’D: – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
The program is getting settled in the former Woodward Township Elementary School Building. The staff and students are excited because this facility offers opportunities that were not available at the DSC.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. During the year, various clubs and organizations work to make the Williamsport Area High School and the community of Williamsport a better place for our students, as well as our citizens.
The students of the Key Club were able to raise and distribute funds to Muscular Dystrophy, Salvation Army, Providence House, Operation Christmas Child, Saint Jude Children’s Hospital, Fire Victims, March of Dimes, American Cancer Society, and Key Club scholarships. A total of approximately $6,000 was raised by the Key Club for these worthwhile causes.
The Key Club was also instrumental in providing Halloween treats to the American Rescue Workers and the Williamsport Hospital Emergency Room. They also provided the manpower for the Crop Walk sponsored by the United Churches of Lycoming County. The organization donated food to the Salvation Army food pantry, as well as distributed holiday food baskets at Christmas time. They gave of their time for the James V. Brown Library book drive, donated books for children to the Williamsport Hospital Emergency Room, and gave of their time to the American Cancer Society Daffodil Sale.
The Key Club has received accolades from the Susquehanna Health Systems, St. Jude Children’s Hospital, and the Salvation Army.
B. Physics Presentation
Doug Yenner, Physics Teacher and students Peter Swift, Eric Dougherty, Thad Temple and Elyann Doebler provided a presentation on the recent field trip to Knoebles.
C. Districts' Improvement Planning Process
D. President Stone reported that a meeting was held with Ted Lyons, Lou Hunsinger and Mike Wiley to discuss the baseball field at the Cochran Elementary School. Another meeting will be held to finalize the issues about the backstop and field.
Committee Reports by Board Members - None
Construction Projects
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to approve the following items related to construction projects:
A. Approve change orders SHS-2 and SHS-3 to the contract with Gooding, Simpson & Mackes, Inc., Roof Contractor - WAHS, increasing the contract by $56,035 as follows:
Original Contract $1,531,060.00
Previous Additions 4,625.00
SHS-2 49,175.00
SHS-3 6,860.00
New Contract Total $1,591,720.00
B. Approve change directive CD H-2 to the contract with W.G. Tomko & Sons, HVAC Contractor - Cochran Project, for additional HVAC work on a time and material basis.
C. Approve change orders P-2 and P-3 to the contract with W.G. Tomko & Sons, Plumbing Contractor - Cochran Project, increasing the contract by $3,795.95 as follows:
Original Contract $529,000.00
Previous Additions 16,923.89
P-2 1,999.35
P-3 1,796.60
New Contract Total $549,719.84
D. Approve change orders G-18 and G-19 to the contract with Lobar, Inc., General Contractor Cochran Project, increasing the contract by $2,508.34 as follows:
Original Contract $4,564,600.00
Previous Additions 65,129.99
Previous Deductions (3,246.02)
G-18 636.39
G-19 1,871.95
New Contract Total $4,628,992.31
E. Approve change order E-2 to the contract with Cipriani Electric, Electrical Contractor - Cochran Project, increasing the contract by $995.00 as follows:
Original Contract $963,700.00
Previous Additions 200.00
E-2 995.00
New Contract Total $964,895.00
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
FINANCE REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Pedersen, to approve the following financial
items:
6.1* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 09/18/01 in the amount of $512,390.56, 09/18/01A in the amount of $3,267.32, 09/18/01B in the amount of $460,20.72, and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 09/18/01, 09/18/01A, and 09/18/01B.
6.2* Authorize the execution of an agreement between the Williamsport Area School District and the Municipal Tax Collection Bureau, Inc. (MTB), releasing MTB from all responsibility for payment of remitted earned income taxes for the years 1994 through 1998, in consideration of payment of $4,372.72 which amounts to 60% of the amount due.
Motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple
Motion carried 9-0.
CURRICULUM REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following curriculum items:
8.1* Approve the Williamsport Area School District to purchase educational services from KidsPeace Hospital at the 2001-2002 homebound rate for actual hours of services.
8.2* Approve a "Letter of Agreement" and a "Qualified Service Organization Agreement" with Valley Prevention Services to provide consultation to Student Assistance Core teams and drug and alcohol assessment services to individuals referred by the WASD Student Assistance Core Teams starting in September 2001 through June 2002.
8.3* Authorize payment of $300 to Shippensburg University for continuation of the WASD Reading Recovery Training Site. Funds are budgeted under Title I.
8.4* Approve Mr. C. Townsend Velkoff to present a workshop on “Solution Focused Brief Counseling” during the morning of September 28, 2001 to the student services staff at a cost of $300. Budgeted in Safe and Drug Free Schools Grant.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.5 Approve participation in a partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Susquehanna Health Systems, East Carolina University and the District to study obesity. The height, weight and gender of third, fourth and fifth grade students at Cochran, Lose, Stevens and Sheridan will be anonymously recorded for the study by a representative from Susquehanna Health systems and the Department of health. The data gathered will be of value to the district.
8.6* Continue the agreement with Bethesda Day Treatment Center for the 2001-2002 school year to provide education services to District students placed at that facility by the Court of Common Pleas. Pending review by Mr. Holland, this agreement is effective through
June 30, 2002.
8.7* Approve Jane Riese and Shelley Bender to present the Olweus Bullying Prevention program to elementary and middle school teachers on Friday, September 28 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Estimated cost $1,150.00, budgeted in Safe and Drug Free Schools Grant.
8.8* Approve Jim McGinty of Protection Planning Inc., to provide Bomb Threat Management Training for school personnel on September 28, 2001 from 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Cost of the training is $700.00, budgeted in Drug Free Schools Grant. String #: 141-2120-0-00-063-11-329.
8.9* Approve payment to Kathy Gorg and James Hockenberry, art teachers at WAHS for up to 2 days each curriculum writing to be completed during non-school hours. Mrs. Gorg and Mr. Hockenberry are working on updating the 9-12 visual art curriculum. Budgeted payment for curriculum work is $80 per day.
8.10* Approve support for Donald J. Fisher, Instrumental Music teacher, to serve as President of the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association (PMEA) District 8 during the 2001-02 school year. Total cost to the district would be for substitutes up to 10 days, four of which would be approved as professional development days (PDC) and additional days with administrative approval. Mr. Fisher previously served two years as First Vice President.
8.11* Approve the revised eighth grade Environmental Topics Curriculum.
8.12* Approve up to two summer curriculum work days for Marc Berry, Technology Education teacher at Roosevelt and Lycoming Valley, budgeted at the rate of $80 per day in string # 101-2260-0-00-105-07 130.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Pedersen, to approve the following personnel items:
9.1 RESIGNATIONS - Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A.
William G. Beck, Director of Maintenance/Plant Operations for the District, for
the purpose of retirement, effective October 27, 2001
. Please revise previously approved retirement date to January 11, 2002.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of William G. Beck from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for his 19½ years of dedicated service to our school system as director of maintenance. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
B. Sandra A. Lockcuff, general food service worker at Jackson Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective October 5, 2002.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Sandra A. Lockcuff from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 27 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.
C. Thomas M. Mnick, full-time security officer at the high school, for the purpose of retirement, effective October 5, 2001.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Thomas M. Mnick from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for his 11½ years of dedicated service to our school system as a security officer. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE - Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Jennifer A. Robertson, full-time mathematics teacher at the high school, for an unpaid medical leave, effective September 19, 2001, through November 16, 2001.
Mrs. Robertson'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.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE CONT'D:
B. Christina A. Williams, full-time guidance counselor at Cochran Elementary School, for an unpaid medical leave, effective October 30, 2001, through November 12, 2001.
Mrs. Williams'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.
C. Christine L. Barnes, computer specialist for the District, for an unpaid maternity leave, effective October 11, 2001, through April 16, 2002.
Mrs. Barnes has waived the use of 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. 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:
Curtin Middle School
Volunteer:
Robert C. Pfirman, Jr., 1190 Park Ave., Apt. #3E, Williamsport
B.
The following student(s) for work in the Business/Tax Office through the
School-To-Work Program at the high school, effective September 19, 2001 (3
hours per day for the balance of the 2001-2002 school year), at the hourly
minimum wage rate with legally mandated benefits only:
Katherine Rishell
2618 Newberry St., Williamsport
C.
Susan L. Green, 590 Hammond Place, Williamsport, as a ½ hour Breakfast
Monitor at Sheridan Elementary School, at the rate of $9.00 per hour,
retroactive to August 27, 2001. This position is in addition to her current
instructional aide position at Sheridan Elementary School.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT'D:
D.
Suzanne J. Boatman, 2015 Yale Ave., Williamsport, as a ¾ hour Breakfast
Monitor at the Curtin Middle School, at the rate of $9.00 per hour, retroactive
to August 27, 2001. This position is in addition to her current cafeteria
position at Curtin Middle School.
E.
Paula R. Myers, 677 Heller Ave., Williamsport, to a ½ hour Breakfast
Monitor at Stevens Elementary School at the rate of $9.00 per hour, effective
August 27, 2001. This position is in addition to her current position at
Stevens Elementary School.
F.
Helen M. Carpenter, 6200 S. Rt. 220 Hwy., Linden, as a ½ hour Breakfast
Monitor at Roosevelt Middle School at the rate of $9.00 per hour, effective
August 27, 2001. This position is in addition to her current position at
Roosevelt Middle School.
G.
Ronald A. Johnson, 747 High St., Williamsport, as a substitute food service
worker, at the salary rate of $6.00 per hour, for the actual number of hours
worked, effective September 6, 2001.
H.
Rose M. O'Donnell, 1109 Hepburn St., Williamsport, as a substitute food service
worker, at the salary rate of $6.00 per hour, for the actual number of hours
worked, effective September 19, 2001.
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:
Elementary
Lisa M. Defonte
327 W. Central Ave., S. Wmspt. (eff. 09/08/01)
Sherry L. Schaefer
2610 Newberry St., Williamsport (eff. 09/07/01)
Tammy M. Schreppel
377 Main St., S. Williamsport
Secondary
Steven R. Loveland
71 Maple Ave., Williamsport
K-12
Kambrea L. Hollenbaugh
1209 Broad St. Apt. B, Montoursville (eff. 09/17/01)
J.
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:
Jay M. Ochs
1633 Scott St., Williamsport
Robert L. Shimp, Jr. 454 Mosteller Rd., Trout Run
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT'D:
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:
Jean T. Slykhuis
1484 Northway Rd., Linden
Cathy A. Snyder 5720 US Route 220 South, Linden
L.
Karen Y. Johnson, 1171 Isabella St., Williamsport, as a substitute food service
worker, at the salary rate of $6.00 per hour, for the actual number of hours
worked, effective September 19, 2001.
M.
Lisa R. Kelchner, 504 Reynolds St., South Williamsport, as a full-time
(185-day) instructional support aide at Curtin Middle School, at an annual wage
of $12,613, prorated, ($9.74 per hour), effective September 19, 2001
(replacing Teresa Morrill, resigned).
N.
Jacqueline J. Morgan, 120 Harvest Moon Park, Linden, as a full-time (185-day)
instructional support aide assigned to a WASD student in an I.U. class at
Jersey Shore High School, at an annual wage of $12,613, prorated, ($9.74 per
hour), effective September 19, 2001 (replacing Suzie Marshall, transferred to
new student aide position).
9.4*
POSITION CHANGES - Approve the following position changes:
A.
Sherry L. Menne, 506 Kinley Rd., Cogan Station, from a substitute food service
worker to a general food service worker (4 hours daily) at Cochran Elementary
School, with a base wage rate of $8.24 per hour, effective September 19, 2001
(replacing Barbara Paucke, resigned).
B.
Kathryn E. Root, 314 Wagner Rd., Jersey Shore, from a substitute food service
worker to a general food service worker (2½ hours daily) at Sheridan
Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $8.24 per hour, effective September
19, 2001 (replacing Karen Benson, transferred to aide position).
C.
Kimberly A. Rowland, 1109 Charles St., Williamsport, from a substitute food
service worker to a general food service worker (3½ hours daily) at
Lycoming Valley Middle School, with a base wage rate of $8.24 per hour,
effective September 19, 2001 (replacing Lisa Salvatori, resigned).
D.
Staci L. Snyder, 3000 Grimesville Rd., Williamsport, from a substitute food
service worker to a general food service worker (2 hours daily) at Round Hills
Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $8.24 per hour, effective September
19, 2001 (replacing Shirley Weaver, resigned).
9.4* POSITION CHANGES CONT’D:
E.
Gary R. Litz, 2412 Fairview Terrace, Williamsport, from a substitute custodian
to a general part-time custodian with initial assignment at Lose Elementary
School (subject to change), 250 days up to 3½ hours per day, with a base
wage rate of $8.49 per hour, effective September 10, 2001 (replacing Roland
Krueger, transferred to Stevens replacing Vick Marshall, resigned).
9.5 OTHER
A.
Authorize Lisa J. McNerney, 541 Market St., Floor 2, Williamsport, to provide
tutoring/interpreter services for Spanish student(s) who will be attending
Jackson Elementary 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 September 17, 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.
B.
Authorize payment to Marie E. Cummings (speech teacher) for additional services
provided up to three (3) hours per week at her hourly rate through October 19,
2001. These services are required until the new speech teacher begins to
provide services.
C.
Authorize the administration to contract with an individual skilled in
translating German to participate in a due process hearing (special education)
on September 24, 2001. Tentatively scheduled for one day only. Individual
interpreter and contract rate yet to be determined.
9.6
AUTHORIZE TO POST/ADVERTISE NEW POSITIONS - Authorize the administration to
post/advertise the following positions:
A.
Title I Extended Day Literacy Program and Homework Club at Stevens Elementary
School, from October 9, 2001, through May 16, 2002, will be held three days per
week for up to one hour per day. The program will require up to four teaching
positions and one aide position. Teachers will be paid $22.44 per hour plus
appropriate benefits for up to four hours per week (up to three hours of
teaching and up to one hour of preparation time). Aides will be paid per their
contract rate for up to three hours per week. Transportation to the nearest
home school will be provided to children needing that service. All funds are
budgeted under Title I.
B.
Title I Extended Day Program at Jackson Elementary School, from October 15,
2001, through May 16, 2002, for up to three hours per week. The program will
require up to two teaching positions; teachers will be paid $22.44 per hour
plus appropriate benefits. All funds are budgeted under Title I.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
10.1
RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Motion made by Mrs. Pedersen, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve released time
for staff members to participate in professional development activities in
accordance with the Professional Development Plan of the Williamsport Area
School District and consider approving training programs. All expenditures
proposed are within local, state and federal budget categories approved as
noted.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Pedersen, to approve the following
student/ community activities:
11.1*
Approve the following student trips:
A.
Eighteen (18) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Model United
Nations Club, accompanied by their two teacher/advisors, to travel to Juniata
College (Huntington, PA) during October 2001 to participate in the Model United
Nations High School Conference. Student members of the Model UN Club who are
in-school or out-of-school suspension will be excluded. District
transportation is requested and will be funded through string
#101-1234-3-00-200-23-519. Two (2) substitutes will be required for one day.
B.
Six (6) Jackson Elementary School students, accompanied by two staff members,
to travel to Hoss’s Steak and Sea House as part of the school improvement
plan. Students receiving all A’s or Stars on their most recent report
card. A monthly drawing determines the students selected from those who
qualified. The trips will take place in December 2001, and January, February,
March, April, and May 2002.
Transportation will be provided by the staff members. There will be no cost to
the District. The students’ lunches will be provided by Hoss’s.
C.
Approximately 48 Williamsport Area High School Key Club members accompanied by
their parents and professional staff for a ratio of 8:1 or better, to travel to
New York City during December 2001. The trip is an incentive for a job well
done. Participating students will have no suspensions, no bus disciplinary
infractions, and fewer than six days of absence (excused or unexcused) by the
date of this field trip.
Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. The trip will be funded
by Key Club funds. A substitute will be required for the day.
11.1*
Approve the following student trips cont'd:
D.
Thirty (30) special education students from Round Hills Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and aides, to travel to the Bloomsburg Fair
during September 2001. The students will have an opportunity to see farm
animals and to visit the education building. Transportation will be provided
by contract carrier. All costs will be paid by the Lock Haven University
Council for Exceptional Children.
E.
Approximately 100 seventh grade students from Curtin Middle School, accompanied
by two teachers per group, to travel to the James V. Brown Library on six
dates during October 2001. The trip will help orient students to the library
and teach them to locate materials. Students that do not already have a
library card will obtain one. There will be no exclusions for this trip.
There will be no cost to the District. The students will walk to and from the
library.
F.
Members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Strolling Strings,
accompanied by their director, to travel to the Pennsylvania College of
Technology during September 2001. The students will be performing at a
ceremony to honor the victims and rescuers of the September 11, 2001, tragedy.
There will be no cost to the District.
11.2 A.
Williamsport Pop Warner Cheerleaders to use the west side of the gymnasium at
Roosevelt Middle School, Monday, Wednesday and Friday beginning on September 5,
through October 12, 2001 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. to hold practices.
Williamsport Pop Warner is requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at
$680.00. Certificate of Insurance on file.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BIDS/CONTRACTS:
12.1*
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to authorize the
purchase of Printed Tax Forms 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, September 11, 2001.
RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
Keystone Data Systems, Inc., Williamsport, PA $10,586.75
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
TAX ITEMS - None
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Zimmerman reported that senior recognition activities are scheduled at the
Sheridan Soccer Field on October 3rd
for the Boys’ Program and October 4th
for the Girls’ Program.
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. Pedersen and carried the
meeting adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
_____________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary