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, December 4, 2001, following the reorganizational meeting.
The President, David B. Stone, Jr., called the meeting to order at 8:22 p.m. with the following members:
PRESENT: Karen V. Harris, Susan A. Mahaffey, Pamela J. Markle, Jay B. Shultz,
David B. Stone, Jr., James E. Temple, Dale L. Vollman, Lois T. Williams,
Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
Student Representatives’ Report – Erin Cowell and Melissa Janson
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Literacy Collaborative Proposal—Presented by Dr. Debbie Grove, Rusty Franzen, Bob Izer, Don Adams, and Kathy Eshelman.
B. Calendar of Events:
December 13 Employment Steering Committee Meeting--4:30 p.m.
December 17 Strategic Plan Facilitator Training--1:00 p.m.
December 17 Alternative Education Committee Meeting--4:00 p.m.
December 24 - Holiday Break
January 1
January 8 Strategic Plan Orientation - WAHS--2:45 p.m. & 4:15 p.m.
January 8 WASD School Board Meeting--7:30 p.m.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. The Board of School Directors expresses its sincere appreciation to Roger Wandell for his dedicated service during the past 2 years as the Owner's Representative. Mr. Wandell was the owner's representative for the Roosevelt, Vocational and Cochran Construction Projects.
B. Congratulations to the Williamsport Area High School’s Interact Club for being recognized by the Lycoming County United Way. The club, advised by teacher Rita Sikora, raised $1,500 in donations to the September 11 Fund.
C. Districts' Improvement Planning Process
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT’D: – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
D. Congratulations to Pamela Markle, School Director, for her appointment to the Pennsylvania School Boards Association Executive Board.
E. President Stone reviewed milestones of 2001 and issues for 2002 as follows:
Milestones for the past year:
Had a very successful year with our new Superintendent Pat Lowery.
Began the Strategic Planning Process with the Board playing the central role.
Appointed Elementary Principal for Lose – Paul Daniels.
Appointed new special education director.
Completed construction of Cochran Elementary School and got it off to a successful start.
High school auditorium and vocational addition are beginning to show success.
Continued cooperation with other districts and business community in developing
standards.
School improvement plans. Completed our fourth year of this program, which will be a major part of the district improvement plan.
District climate. Relationships have improved, but still there is work to be done.
Issues for Coming Year:
Implementing District Improvement Plan.
Woodward Township secession.
Lose School possible closing.
Negotiating a fair contract with the WEA.
Continuing to look at appropriate discipline models and alternative education.
Finding more ways to work with other districts and community groups.
Getting our community to understand what a fine district we have and to give it their support.
Integrate two new board members so the smooth functioning of board continues.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT’D: – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mrs. Markle reported that the BLaST Intermediate Unit had extended an offer to an individual and there were looking forward to announcing the new executive director. She also indicated that Thomas J. Gentzel was selected as the executive director of PSBA.
Mrs. Harris reported that the Athletic Advisory Committee continues to work on refining the process of getting all sports using the same methods and procedures.
Construction Projects
A. Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to authorize change order E-6 to the contract with Cipriani Electric, electrical contractor, Cochran Project, increasing the contract by $1,070.60 as follows:
Original Contract $963,700.00
Previous Additions 5,890.24
E-6 1,070.60
Adjusted Contract Total $970,660.84
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
FINANCE REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Harris, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to approve the following financial items:
6.1 The following financial reports:
A. Payroll Report:
General Fund – Unrestricted $3,772,759.13
General Fund – Restricted (Federal) 251,353.22
General Fund – Restricted (State) 16,652.99
Interscholastic Athletics Fund 41,289.80
Food Service Fund 102,904.36
Data Processing Fund 10,114.65
6.1 The following financial reports cont’d:
A. Payroll Report Cont’d:
Maintenance Fund 49,208.53
Williamsport City & School District
Mercantile & Business Privilege Tax Office 4,979.96
Municipal & School Income Tax Office 38,253.34
Student Activities 4,175.20 TOTAL $4,291,691.18
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 12/04/01 in the amount of $1,158,206.02, 12/04/01A in the amount of $89,148.27, 12/04/01B in the amount of $59,407.10 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 12/04/01, 12/04/01A and 12/04/01B.
6.3 Approve the 2002-2003 Budget Development Calendar.
approval to occur on January 8, 2002.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple
CURRICULUM REPORT
8.1 Motion made by Mr. Temple, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to approve the French I curriculum document. It has completed the pre-approval process that includes review by Curriculum and Instruction Steering Committee, review by the Assistant Superintendent, opportunity for input by Curriculum and Instruction Council.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Harris, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following personnel items:
9.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Cheryl A. Keener, half-time special education teacher at the high school, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the conclusion of the first semester of the
2001-2002 school year (tentative date of January 25, 2002).
9.1 RESIGNATIONS CONT’D:
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Cheryl A. Keener from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 17½ years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
B. Brendan M. Hoover, Horticulture teacher at the high school, for personal reasons, effective November 9, 2001.
C. Anne K. McCrea, verbal resignation as assistant girls and boys swimming coach, effective for the 2001-2002 season.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Gabriel J. Campana, 836 Rural Ave., Williamsport, full-time fifth grade teacher at Stevens Elementary School, for a sabbatical leave effective for the second semester of the 2001-2002 school year (tentative dates of January 28, 2002, through June 7, 2002), for the purpose of study.
Mr. Campana has been a teacher in the District since August 30, 1988, and had taken a prior sabbatical during the second semester of the 1998-1999 school year.
B. Brenda D. Taylor, full-time special education teacher at the high school, for an unpaid medical leave, effective January 10, 2002, through February 8, 2002, possibly to return sooner.
Mrs. Taylor’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.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. The following as substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $6.00 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective December 5, 2001:
Nanette F. Agnone 2138 Roosevelt Ave., Williamsport
Carol E. Segraves 198 Sunny Side Rd., Williamsport
Kimberly A. Whittington 639 Fifth Ave., Williamsport
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
B. The following as a substitute school bus driver (non-bargaining unit personnel), with a base wage rate of $10.75 per hour, effective November 19, 2001:
Terrence E. Clark 826 Second Ave., Williamsport
Anthony F. Eiswert 207 Hughes St., Williamsport
C. 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:
Timothy G. Kincaid P.O. Box 970, Penns Creek (effective 11/28/01)
Michael L. McLaughlin 309 Susquehanna Ave., Lock Haven (eff. 11/21/01)
D. 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
Diane Boyle 1546 Harvey Rd., Williamsport
K-12
Jennifer M. Larson 430 Weldon St., Montoursville
E. 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:
Dorothy E. Thomas 637 Walnut St., Williamsport
F. Revise the following coaching positions for the 2001-2002 school year, at the stipends established 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 (originally board approved on the 11/06/01 Board Agenda Addendum):
Williamsport Area High School
Boys & Girls Swimming & Diving
Head Coach:
Assistant Coach: Amy Lingg $2,600
$1,300 Assistant Coach: Head Coach:
William D. Keiser $1,300 $2,600
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
G. Jessica J. Long, 204 West Peale Avenue, Mill Hall, PA as Technology Resource Integrator/Public Relations at a salary of $35,000 (prorated) plus eligible benefits as provided under the Act 93 Compensation Plan, effective January 2, 2002. Ms. Long will be eligible to transfer up to 90 sick days accumulated at a public school entity in Pennsylvania. Ms Long has served as Project Facilitator/Trainer/Teacher at CIU #10, West Branch Technology Center and currently holds a similar position at Tuscarora I.U. #11. She also served as Liaison to Lock Haven University's Continuing Education Program. Ms. Long holds a bachelors degree from Lock Haven University in English Education. This is a new position provided in the 2001-2002 budget.
9.4 OTHER
A. Authorize the Board President and Board Secretary to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Williamsport Education Association (WEA) adjusting (one time only) provisions of Article 30 (Retirement Benefit) and Appendix C – Insurance for those bargaining unit members who submit a written irrevocable resignation (to be effective no later than June 21, 2002) to the Director of Human Resources on or before March 1, 2002. All other provisions of the agreement shall be applied as written.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
10.1 RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Mahaffey, 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. Mahaffey, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to approve the following student/
community activities:
11.1* Approve the following student trips:
A. Approximately 24 members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Millionaire Singers, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Pittsburgh during February 2002 to perform at the 12th Annual Heinz Chapel Chamber Choir Festival. Students eligible to participate will have no more than 3 unexcused absences, will be passing all coursework, and will have no bus disciplinary infractions as of the date of the trip.
Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. All funding will be provided through the student choral activity fund.
B. Sixty-five (65) fourth grade students from Cochran Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Lycoming County Historical Museum during November 2001. All students may participate with the exception of those having three or more disciplinary infractions. There will be no cost to the District.
C. Thirty-five (35) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Strolling Strings, accompanied by their director, to travel to St. Anthony’s Center during December 2001 to perform. Students eligible to participate will have no more than 3 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 (101-1100-3-26-160-23-519).
D. Fifteen (15) members of the Roosevelt Middle School’s Select String Ensemble, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to local nursing homes during December 2001 to perform. The students will visit Valley View, Manor Care North, Manor Care South, Sycamore Manor, and the Williamsport Home. These students have attended all rehearsals for the performance and have not received any suspensions from school. District transportation is requested (101-1100-2-24-160-23-519).
E. Nine (9) Williamsport Area High School students, accepted by competitive audition, to participate in the Pennsylvania Music Educators’ Association District 8 Chorus Festival to be held at the Lewisburg Area High School during February 2002.
Soprano Alto Tenor
Rebecca Albert Rachel Druckenmiller Joshua Beadle
Anna Douthat Jessica Owens Christopher Ecker
Briana Meacham Kacie Weaver
Mallory Scoppa
Cost to the District would be $600 (101-3212-3-26-160-23-813) for student registration fees; $75 (101-3212-3-26-160-23-519) for student transportation; and $125 (101-3212-3-26-160-23-581) for teacher expenses. Either Kent Weaver or Paul McPhail, WAHS Choral Directors, will accompany the students. One substitute will be needed for two days.
11.1* Approve the following student trips cont’d:
F. Thirty-five (35) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Strolling Strings, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to the Genetti Hotel during December 2001 to perform at a Kiwanis Club Luncheon. Students eligible to participate will have no more than 3 unexcused absences, will be passing all course work, and will have no bus disciplinary infractions as of the date of the trip. District transportation is requested (101-1100-3-26-160-23-519).
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to approve the following items related to bids/contracts:
12.1* Approve a contract to place a student with High Pointe, a program located in
Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. The residential cost will be borne by MH/MR through Medical Assistance. WASD is responsible for the education cost. The contracted education cost will be $25,500 annually and will be paid out of the special education budget.
12.2*
Authorize the purchase of Horticulture Supplies and Equipment in accordance
with our specifications and the following recommended awards. All recommended
awards are based upon 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. and opened publicly in the District
Service Center at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 23, 2001.
RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
Carolina Biological, Burlington, NC $1,832.20
Davidson-Uphoff, Forest Park, IL 1,877.00
Flowers Inc. Balloons, Bogart, GA
43.30
Gempler’s Inc., Belleville, WI 455.93
Penn State Seed Co., Dallas, PA 7,086.19
Sheerlund Products, Reading, PA
902.15
TOTAL RECOMMENDED AWARD $12,196.77
12.
BIDS/CONTRACTS CONT'D:
12.3*
Authorize the purchase of Vocational Education Equipment and Storage Furniture
in accordance with our specifications and the following recommended awards.
All recommended awards are based upon 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. and opened publicly in the District
Service Center at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 23, 2001.
RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
Brodhead Garrett, Mansfield, OH $2,290.43
C&H Distributors Inc., Milwaukee, WI 1,746.86
Metco Supply Co., Leechburg, PA 866.90
Midwest Shop Supplies, Sioux City, IA 2,209.00
Paxton/Patterson Corp., Chicago, IL
9,803.80
TOTAL RECOMMENDED AWARDS $16,916.99
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
TAX ITEMS
13.1
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following
tax summaries:
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Motion made by Mr. Temple, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to televise the 2001 high
school holiday music concert in lieu of the July 16, 2002 board meeting.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC
Dr. Claude Williams said that he enjoyed watching the Board work together and
thanked them for their service to the community.
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 Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Vollman and carried the
meeting adjourned at 9:35 p.m.
_____________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary