The Regular Meeting of the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District of which all members were duly notified and of which due public notice was given as required by Act 84 of 1986, was held on Tuesday evening, October 16, 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., Dale L. Vollman,
Lois T. Williams, Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: Shirley L. Canada, James E. Temple.
RESIGNED: Kelly R. Pedersen.
INVOCATION – Mr. Thomas A. Zimmerman provided the invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
Student Representatives’ Report –Melissa Janson
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. 2000-01 PSSA Results—Report by Jackie Thomas, Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum
and Instruction.
B. Operation Recognition: High School Diplomas for WWII Veteran
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve awarding Williamsport Area School District diplomas to WWII Veterans who are eligible under the terms and conditions of Section 1611 of the Pennsylvania Public School Code.
The motion carried 6-0.
C. Calendar of Events:
October 17 Site-Based Management Coordinating Council Meeting--4:30 pm
October 18 ETAC/ATAC Meeting--6:30 pm
October 22 Alternative Education Committee Meeting--4:00 pm
October 22 Lose Community Meeting at Cochran--6:30 pm
October 23 Parent Group/Boosters Meeting--6:30 pm
October 25 Curriculum & Instruction Steering Committee Meeting--2:00 pm
October 25 Multicultural Concerns Mentors Training--6:30 pm
November 1 Lose Community Meeting--6:30 pm (in needed)
November 5 Multicultural Concerns Committee Meeting--12:00 pm
November 6 WASD School Board Meeting--8:00 pm
November 18 Cochran Dedication, 1:00 p.m.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. Congratulations to the Williamsport Area High School Marching Millionaires for earning first place in their first competition of the year on September 15, 2001. The Millionaires also took the Best Music, Best Marching and Maneuvering, Best Percussion, and Best Band Front awards.
B. The Board acknowledges with regret a letter of resignation from Mrs. Kelly Pedersen, Board Member, which was received October 10, 2001. The Board commends Mrs. Pedersen for her dedication and commitment to the students and community of the Williamsport Area School District.
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to accept the letter of resignation from Mrs. Kelly Pedersen.
The motion carried 6-0.
C. Districts' Improvement Planning Process
D. The Board recognized the following 2000-01 retirees whom attended a retirement reception prior to this evening’s meeting:
Connie Bailey Dale Bittenbender
Gleonard Byers Lynne Girardi
M. Jane Levengood Marie Miele
Betty Neff Judith Rook
Certificates were also forwarded to retirees who couldn’t attend.
E. President Stone recognized Mr. Sechler, President of the Band Association who invited the Board and Superintendent to watch the band participate in the Atlantic Coast Championship.
F. Congratulations to Mr. Charles Peterson, WASD Business Administrator, for his achievement as a Registered School Business Administrator in the Association of School Business Officials International.
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mr. Vollman reported that the Employment Steering Committee met last week. The main topics of the meeting were the tobacco policy and civility.
Mrs. Harris reported that the Site Based Council recommends approval of agenda item 8.9 concerning the Jackson Elementary School.
Committee Reports by Board Members Cont’d:
Mr. Zimmerman reported that the Gifted Advisory Committee met last Wednesday. The committee extends appreciation to the Board for the new agreement with Lycoming College. The committee received information that the elementary gifted enrollment has increase this year. The committee also extended appreciation to Jerry Owens for his volunteer efforts with Odyssey of the Mind. Mr.
Zimmerman also indicated that the Governor School students will be recognized at the November 6th Board Meeting.
Mrs. Markle reported that the next county Legislative Meeting is scheduled for November 8th. The application process for the Executive Director of the Pennsylvania School Boards Association closed today. The application process of the Executive Director of BLaST is also closed.
Mr. Stone reported that the first meeting of the Choice Evaluation Committee indicated that there is more good than bad with the policy. The committee is working on some suggestions for policy revisions.
Construction Projects - None
FINANCE REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to approve the following financial items with the exception of item 6.3.
6.1 Approve the following financial reports:
A. Treasurer’s Report for the months of July and August 2001.
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 10/16/01 in the amount of $396,288.14, 10/16/01A in the amount of $2,464.03, 10/16/01B in the amount of $163,718.44, 10/16/01C in the amount of $110.00 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 10/16/01, 10/16/01A, 10/16/01B and 10/16/01C.
6.3 Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to approve resolutions regarding the refinancing of the 1996 General Obligation Bonds. (Resolutions distributed at the meeting).
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
6.4 Authorize the creation of a Capital Reserve Fund pursuant to Section 2932 of the Municipal Code, 53 P.S. §1432 for the purpose of facility improvements and authorize the transfer of one million dollars to said fund effective June 30, 2001.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY – None
CURRICULUM REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Harris, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following curriculum items:
8.1 Approve the following book titles for Title I instruction:
Publishers Quality Library Service
Guinness World Records 2002; The Haunting Hour; All That Remains; Guts; Christina Aguilera; Mummies of the Pharaohs; Hurry Freedom; The Visual Dictionary of Baseball; World Almanac For Kids; Hope Was Here; A Year Down Under; Kit’s Wilderness
8.2 Approve a maximum of six hours for curriculum writing for each of the following Saturday School instructors: Gretchen Foye, Robert Gilson, Tatum Heiser, Craig Kaufman, Dianne Masten and Thomas Ronan.
8.3* Approve a presentation of "Explore the World and Read" by Joseph Keppel of Keppel's Magical Reading Programs to the students of the Cochran Elementary School on October 31, 2002. The cost of the program is $350 and is being funded through the Read to Succeed grant.
8.4* Approve a presentation by Sadecky's Puppets to the students of the Cochran Elementary School on April 12, 2002. The cost of the program is $450 and is being funded through the Read to Succeed grant.
8.5* Approve Richard Gallagher to present a workshop on Study Skills and techniques at Sheridan Elementary on October 25, 2001 at 1:30 p.m. The workshop will target grades three through five and parents will be invited to learn how to better help their children organize and study information. The cost is $500, plus mileage and is budgeted under Sheridan Title I Parent Funds.
8.6 Approve the contract with the Oklahoma Scoring Service, Inc. to score the new 2002 GED exam at a cost of $5.00 per exam. The contract will be in effect from January 1, 2002 to December 31, 2002. Budgeted in 101-1690-0-30-090-09-329.
8.7* Approve participation by the district's four secondary schools in the Central Pennsylvania Scholastic Writing Awards program. Students in grades 7-12 participate annually in this program. Approximate cost of $200 is budgeted as follows:
$40.00 in string #101-1100-2-20-080-19-813
$40.00 in string #101-1100-2-22-080-19-813
$40.00 in string #101-1100-2-24-080-19-813
$80.00 in string #101-1100-3-26-080-19-813
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.8 Approve Amy Lampman, grade five at Cochran, and Georgia Grove, grade four at Stevens, to participate in fall field testing of a new intermediate level Developmental Reading Assessment for grades four through six. The District was invited to field test the new commercially produced assessment by the author Joetta Beaver, for eventual publication by Celebration Press.
The field test will require each teacher to assess four students; student results as well as teacher comments, questions and suggestions will be used to develop the final version of the new assessment form. The current version of the Developmental Reading Assessment is being used in our primary classrooms.
8.9 Approve Jackson Elementary School to continue as a Site-Based Elementary School. The school will no longer maintain a pilot project status, but will continue as an approved Site-Based Elementary School. Copies of the evaluations required for this recommendation by Policy #109 are enclosed with the agenda sent to all Board members.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following personnel items with the exception of item 9.4 A & B.
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Mary A. Bohartz, general food service worker at Curtin Middle School, for personal reasons, effective at the end of the day on September 28, 2001.
B. Paula R. Myers, general food service worker and ½ hour breakfast monitor at Stevens Elementary School, for personal reasons, effective at the end of the day on October 11, 2001.
C. Fayellen M. Fountain, general food service worker at the high school, due to abandonment, effective October 1, 2001.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE - Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Glen A. Willits, full-time custodian at the high school, for an unpaid medical leave, effective September 26, 2001, through December 18, 2001.
Mr. Willits' 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. Rebecca G. Lundy, library aide at Round Hills Elementary School, leave of absence without pay, effective October 12, 2001.
Mrs. Lundy's leave is for the purpose of caring for the medical needs of a family member. Additional dates may be necessary if the medical situation does not improve. This leave is eligible under the Family Medical Leave Act and is at the discretion of the School Board, upon recommendation of the Superintendent.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF - Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Lee Ann Vollman, 289 Grimesville Rd., Williamsport, as a part-time (up to 185 days, prorated; up to 4½ hours per day) instructional support aide at Jackson Elementary School, effective October 12, 2001, with a base wage rate of $8.99 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 (new position). (Mr. Vollman abstained from this item).
B. Amanda Livermore, 467 Crescent Hill Rd., Cogan Station, as a student for work in the Business/Tax Office through the School-To-Work Program at the high school, effective October 17, 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.
C. The following as substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $6.00 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective October 17, 2001:
Penny M. Bower 1644 McGill Hollow, Linden
Hsuehmei Chang 179 Old Cement Rd., Lt. B-16, Montoursville
Connie M. Hess 1536 Scott St., Williamsport
Grace A. Hockman 692 Lake Road, Trout Run
Charlotte A. Root 2012 Roosevelt Ave., Williamsport
Monica E. Smith 179 Old Cement Rd., Lt. B-44, Montoursville
D. Polly R. Hill, 109 Broad St., Montgomery, as a substitute school bus driver (non-bargaining unit personnel), with a base wage rate of $10.75 per hour, effective
October 8, 2001.
E. 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
Brandy D. Andrews R.R. #1, Box 95B, Liberty (eff. 10/09/01)
Tracie A. Bowes 450 East Main St., Apt. 5, Lock Haven (eff. 10/17/01)
Sherry L. Goliash 376 School House Rd., Montgomery (eff. 10/17/01)
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
E. The following substitute teachers, subject to assignment by the Superintendent cont’d:
Secondary
Eleanor S. Wyland 93 Ramsey Drive, Jersey Shore (eff. 10/16/01)
K-12
Molly F. Davey 215 James St., Flemington (eff. 10/08/01)
Dana M. Evans Rear 1912 Sweeley Ave., Williamsport (eff. 10/10/01)
F. 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:
Holly L. Tagliaferri 1091 Youngs Rd., Linden
G. The following substitute custodian/event staff, with a base wage rate of $7.25 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective October 30, 2001:
Jason A. Reed 646 Spook Hollow Rd., Linden
David E. Watts 3665 W. Fourth St., Williamsport
H. The following persons as teachers for the Title I Extended Day Literacy Program and Homework Club at Stevens Elementary School, from October 9, 2001, through May 16, 2002. Five individuals will share up to four teaching positions. 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). All funds are budgeted under Title I:
Joanne L. Deland 600 Dunkard Church Rd., Cogan Station
Tammi M. Dunkleberger 1727½ Memorial Ave., Williamsport
Kathy L. LaLota 345 W. Grape St., Lock Haven
Judy A. Nordstrom 54 Lehman Dr., Cogan Station
Rhonda S. Swisher 3356 W. Fourth St., Williamsport
9.4* POSITION CHANGES - Approve the following position changes:
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to table items 9.4 A and B:
A. Robert G. Hitzeman, 65 Clearview Lane, Cogan Station, from Custodial Manager to Supervisor of Maintenance/Facility Operations (245 day) at a salary of $46,000, prorated, effective October 29, 2001. Mr. Hitzeman will be eligible for benefits as provided under the Act 93 Compensation Plan (restructure to replace Bill Beck, retired).
9.4* POSITION CHANGES CONT'D:
B. Jeffrey L. Caputo, R.R. 3, Box 573, South Williamsport, from HVAC Maintenance to Assistant Supervisor of Maintenance/Facility Operations (245 day) at a salary of $39,250, prorated, effective October 29, 2001. Mr. Caputo will be eligible for benefits as provided under the Act 93 Compensation Plan (restructure to replace Bob Hitzeman, transferred).
The motion to table carried by a unanimous roll call.
C. Fred L. Hartman, 70 June St., Linden, from a substitute custodian to a general part-time custodian at Roosevelt Middle School, 250 days up to 3½ hours per day, with a base wage rate of $8.49 per hour, effective October 16, 2001 (replacing Jim Preston, transferred).
9.5 AUTHORIZE TO POST/ADVERTISE NEW POSITIONS
Authorize the administration to post/advertise the following positions:
A. Title I Extended Day Literacy Program at Cochran Elementary School, from October 30, 2001, through May 16, 2002. The program will be held three days per week for up to one hour per day. The program will require up to four teaching positions. 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). Transportation to the nearest home school will be provided to children needing that service. All funds are budgeted under Title I.
9.6 ATTAINMENT OF TENURE STATUS
Acknowledge the attainment of tenure status of the following teachers, who have successfully completed a three-year probationary period as temporary professional employees with a satisfactory sixth rating, and extending professional employee contracts to them:
Earned June 2001: Elissa K. Conner
Kirk C. Felix
Michael A. Haines
Kevin J. Harris
Matthew D. Hartman
Rebecca G. Hutchinson
Jennifer W. Laubscher
Jennifer L. Youmans
9.7 ADJUSTMENTS TO SALARY
A. Approve salary adjustments to the master's level, effective for the 2001-2002 term, as stipulated in the Agreement between the Board of School Directors and the Williamsport Education Association, for those having earned either a Master's Degree or an Equivalency Certificate prior to the beginning of the 2001-2002 school term:
Erica M. Bacon Master’s Degree
Michael A. Cioffi Master’s Degree
Michelle K. Dixon Equivalency Certificate
Rhonda L. Getgen Master’s Degree
Tracey L. Graff Equivalency Certificate
Jennifer J. Griswold Equivalency Certificate
Julie A. Hammond Master’s Degree
Matthew D. Hartman Master’s Degree
Michelle S. McClain Master’s Degree
Mary L. McCormick Master’s Degree
Vera M. Prough Master’s Degree
Angela M. Steele Master’s Degree
Lynette A. Thompson Equivalency Certificate
Maria B. Weaver Master’s Degree
Lisa E. Yingling Master’s Degree
Jennifer L. Youmans Master’s Degree
B. Approve salary adjustments for the following staff members for credits earned beyond the Master's Degree or Equivalency Certificate, prior to the beginning of the 2001-2002 school term:
TOTAL
NEW CREDITS CURRENT NEW
CREDITS TO DATE
SALARY SALARY
Lydia M. Comerford 9 9
$39,812 $40,134
Sally F. Congdon 9 9
$59,228 $59,548
Mary Doersam 9 9
$29,614 $29,774
Elaine M. Eck 9 9
$59,228 $59,548
Carole S. Heckel 9 27 $60,120 $60,441
Wendy L. Kelsey 9 18 $55,522 $55,844
Diane L. Konieczny 9 18 $59,548 $59,870
Wenda K. Lockcuff 9 18 $60,048 $60,370
Marcia L. McCann 9 18 $25,094 $25,255
Dianne M. Masten 9 27 $55,594 $55,915
Susan E. Murphy 9 27 $60,120 $60,441
Rita M. Sikora 9 9 $59,228 $59,548
Faith E. Silvagni 18 18 $59,428 $60,070
Suzanne Straka 9 18 $59,548 $59,870
Gale Weaver 9 9 $59,228 $59,548
Stephanie S. Weikel 9 18 $59,748 $60,070
Jeanne Yaggi 9 27 $60,370 $60,691
9.8 OTHER
A. Authorize the administration to continue to contract with Jennifer Coolidge, 2378 Riverside Drive, South Williamsport, to provide consulting services on special projects to the Business Office at the rate of $30.00 per hour (for hours worked), effective July 1, 2001, through June 30, 2002. Ms. Coolidge holds an MBA from Bloomsburg University (a contract will be prepared and executed).
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
10.1 RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Vollman, 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. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following student/
community activities:
11.1* Approve the following student trips:
A. Twelve (12) life skills support students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by a teacher and aide, to travel to the Williamsport Hospital on Tuesdays and Thursdays beginning in September 2001 and ending in May 2002. The students will be participating in a training program. The students will have no more than five absences of any type, will not have been suspended from school for any reason, and will have no bus disciplinary record. District transportation is requested. The students will be picked up and dropped off at the high school using existing bus runs.
B. Five (5) Williamsport Area High School choir students, accompanied by their teacher, to participate in the ACDA-PA Women’s/Men’s Honor Choirs for two days during November 2001. The students may have no more than three unexcused absences, will be passing all coursework, and will have no bus disciplinary infractions as of the date of the trip. Cost to the District would be $475 (101-3212-3-26-160-23-813) for student registration and accommodation fees, and $160 (101-3212-3-26-160-23-581) for teacher expenses. The teacher will transport the students. One substitute will be needed for one day.
11.1* Approve the following student trips cont'd:
C. Five (5) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s SADD Chapter, accompanied by their advisor, to travel to Reading during November 2001 to attend a conference. The student swill have no more than 5 absences of any type by the date of the trip, will not have been suspended from school for any reason, and will have no bus disciplinary record. The students will be transported by their advisor. All costs will be paid by SADD. A substitute will be required for the day.
D. Seventy (70) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by one chaperone for every 10 students, to travel to Penn College during October 2001 to learn more about vocational careers. Students will have no suspension record, no more than three unexcused absences, will be passing all coursework, and will have no bus disciplinary infractions as of the date of the trip. District transportation is requested (101-1390-3-26-226-33-519). There will be no other expenses.
E. Forty-four (44) members of the Stevens Elementary School fifth grade chorus, accompanied by their teacher and an aide, to travel to Rose View Court during November 2001 to sing patriotic songs for the residents. The students will have no more than three detentions, will not have attended Saturday School, and will have no suspensions in order to participate. There will be no cost to the District. The students will walk both ways.
F. Fourteen (14) gifted education students from Curtin Middle School, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Lycoming College on three dates during October and November 2001 to attend their Concerts at Noon program. There will be no exclusions for these trips. There will be no cost to the District. The concerts are free, and the students will walk.
G. Forty (40) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Strolling Strings, accompanied by their director, to travel to Lose Elementary School during October 2001. They will be performing at assembly for the students who have raised money for the 9/11/01 relief fund. The students will have fewer than 5 absences by the date of the trip, and will not have been suspended this year in order to participate. Transportation will be donated by Bitner Busing. There will be no cost to the District.
H. Twenty-five (25) members of the Roosevelt Middle School’s Helping Hands TEEP, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the YMCA during October 2001, to visit their kindergarten pen pals. Eligible students are those who have returned completed permission slips by the allotted time and have no incidents causing them to be sent to IRC or given in or out of school detention. District transportation is requested and will be billed to the Roosevelt PTO. There will be no other costs.
11.2 Approve the following request for facility use:
A. South Williamsport Police Department to use the auditorium at the Williamsport
Area High School on Tuesday, November 20, 2001 from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. to hold a public information program on school violence. The South Williamsport Police Department is requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $50.00. Certificate of Insurance to be received.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following bids/contracts items:
12.1* Approve the addition of two copiers (Assistant Superintendents' Office and Round Hills Principals' Office) to the lease purchase agreement with Phillips Supply House as per the terms and conditions of the previous bid at a cost of $200.00 per month.
12.2* Approve an agreement with Verizon for the relocation of a telephone pole at the Woodward Township Elementary School.
12.3* Authorize the purchase of Automotive Technology Hand Tools for the Automotive Technology Building located at the Williamsport Area High School in accordance with the specification to the following vendor. All recommended awards are based on the lowest bid price meeting specifications.
Eight requests for bids were mailed to various vendors. However, only
one bid was received by 1:30 pm and opened publicly in the District Service
Center at 2:00 pm, Thursday, October 4, 2001.
Award amount changed by administration to $17,919.12
RECOMMENDED AWARD:
Snap-On Tools
1330 Enterprise Drive
West Chester, PA
$53,628.67 $17,919.12
12.4* Approve an agreement between the Lycoming Clinton MH/MR Program, Lycoming Children and Youth Services and Williamsport Area School District to jointly operate and finance School Based Outreach Services.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
TAX ITEMS - None
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mrs. Markle indicated that there is a lot of smoking at the football games and we should proceed with the tobacco policy.
Mr. Zimmerman provided an update on the fall sports.
Mr. Stone indicated that other districts are having discussion on playground safety and maintenance and that we should evaluate whether or not we want the liability associated with playground ownership.
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 Mrs. Harris, seconded by Mr. Vollman and carried the meeting adjourned at 9:18 p.m.
_____________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary