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, January 22, 2002, beginning at
8:30 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, 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
INVOCATION – Mrs. Karen Harris provided the invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
Student Representatives’ Report – Erin Cowell and Melissa Janson
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. School Director Recognition – Dr. Lowery read the following want ad for the position of school director.
This evening I would like to take a moment to read to you an imaginary ad that I developed for the classified section of the Sun-Gazette , it goes like this:
Wanted: Local resident who is willing to spend 11 to 30 hours per month in meetings to engage in policy making, goal setting and financial decision making.
Interested applicants must be energetic, enthusiastic, open minded, knowledgeable about many complex educational and social issues and on call 24 hours per day. The weak of heart and character need not apply.
Sound exciting? Well that describes our school board directors who through their dedicated responsible endeavors serve as an example of the tradition of volunteerism that is a hallmark of American society.
This evening some administrators and students are here to honor the contributions and dedication of the Williamsport Area School District School Directors.
A famous British statesman Lord Halifax once stated, that “Service is the rent we pay for our room on earth.” If that is the case all of you should certainly live rent-free.
Again, thank you for being a champion for public education and the difference a quality public education can make for children.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT CONT’D: – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
Dr. Lowery then recognized Dr. Grove who thanked the board on behalf of the students, faculty, administration and community. She then announced the students who presented and the names of the books they presented to be dedicated to the district’s libraries on behalf of our board members.
B. Class Size Reports
C. Calendar of Events:
D. Dr. Lowery thanked Mr. Fausnaught for his efforts in school safety and provided him an opportunity to make comments about the evacuation drill held on January 21, 2002.
Mr. Fausnaught reviewed the exercise which was held at Roosevelt Middle School. He indicated that we are very fortunate to have the cooperation and collaboration of the Williamsport Police Department and the Lycoming County Emergency Management System.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. Congratulations to the administration, staff and student of the Career and Technical Education Team. They have been notified by PDE’s Bureau of Career and Technical Education that the WAHS team is one of three schools selected to do a presentation on Tuesday, February 12, immediately following opening ceremonies for the Career and Technical Education Week activities at the Capitol Rotunda. Permission for our team to participate was approved by the school board during its January 8 meeting. Carol Watson and Sharon Stout will accompany Lauren Hofstrom and Lindsay Paulhamus, two seniors, to the activities.
B. Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to appoint Bruce D. Campbell, Esq., and his law firm, Campbell, Durrant & Beatty, P.C., of Pittsburgh, PA as labor negotiators and special labor counsel with respect to all District collective bargaining agreements and other labor or employee relations matters as requested by the Board’s committee for labor negotiations and by the administration. Mr. Campbell will be compensated at the rate of $175 per hour, effective January 9, 2002.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
C. Districts' Improvement Planning Process
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT’D: – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
D. Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Mahaffey, to file a Petition For Allowance of Appeal with the Pennsylvania Supreme Court to seek further review of the decision of the Commonwealth Court rendered on January 10, 2002 with respect to the Woodward Township Independent School District case.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
In reference to item 5.2D the following citizens spoke to the Board in support of filing the appeal and their desire to remain in the Williamsport Area School District: Donna Miller,
Dale Wagner, Lindy Burkholder and Keith Aunkst.
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mrs. Harris reported that the ETAC Committee is working on budget items for FY 2003. She said that Mrs. Mahaffey also attended the meeting. Mrs. Mahaffey said that the committee appears to be very active and that she was impressed with the DocuShare Program.
Mr. Zimmerman reported that the last meeting of the Employment Steering Committee centered around the exit interview process. The committee reviewed recent exit interview data and that when criticisms were given they appeared to be constructive. Mr. Zimmerman also indicated that the committee’s community members are very involved and valuable to the committee.
Mrs. Markle gave the following reports:
Public Relations Committee: The committee was excited to meet Jessica Long, Technology Resource Integrator/Public Relations. The committee feels that Jessica is the thread that will bind the committee’s ideas together. The committee reviewed their goals and ideas with Jessica.
BLaST Intermediate Unit: Tom Shivetts was awarded a contract for executive director and Ivan Dinges is back substituting as the director of student services.
PSBA: There was an executive board meeting on January 11th and 12 th . Tim Allwein was appointed to the position of assistant executive director replacing Tom Gentzel who was promoted to executive director. There are now 87 school memberships of the cyber school suit.
Construction Projects
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following items related to construction projects:
A. Approve the submission of PlanCon Part K for the General Obligation Bonds, Series of 2001 to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
Construction Projects Cont’d:
B. Approve change order P-5 to the contract with W.G. Tomko, plumbing contractor, Cochran
Project, increasing the contract by $2,215 as follows:
Original Contract $529,000.00
Previous Additions 21,935.55
P-5 2,215.00
New Contract Total $553,150.55
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
FINANCE REPORT
6.1* Motion made by Mrs. Mahaffey, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 01/22/02 in the amount of $1,329,445.08, 01/22/02A in the amount of $3,514.66, 01/22/02B in the amount of $193,532.03 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 01/22/02, 01/22/02A and 01/22/02B.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
6.2* Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mr. Zimmerman, to approve the following Scholarship/Award Funds:
Robert C. VanAllen was an industrial arts and technology teacher in the Williamsport Area School District for seventeen (17) years prior to his death in 2000.
Dr. Antonetti was a loving, devoted husband and father. He was a well respected family physician who gave countless hours as a volunteer in our community.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple
7.1 Motion made by Mr. Temple, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve changes to Policy #109: Site Based Management at the second reading.
The motion carried 9-0.
CURRICULUM REPORT
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following curriculum items:
8.1 Approve Globe Fearon Fastback book titles for Title I instruction:
8.2 Approve the following book titles for Title I instruction:
Harper Collins:
Chicken Soup with Rice; Father Bear Comes Home; Frog and Toad Are Friends; Frog and Toad Together; Goodnight Moon; Kiss for Little Bear; Mouse Soup; Mouse Tales; Owl at Home
Scholastic:
City Mouse/Country Mouse; Henny Penny; If You Give a Mouse a Cookie; Rabbit’s Party
Steck-Vaughn:
Ant and Dove; Ants and Grasshopper; Big Seed/Meg’s Egg; Dragon Hunt; Fox and the Stork; Gingerbread Boy; Goldilocks Comes Back; Help Me; Let’s Play Ball; Greedy Dog; Little Elephant; What a Mess; Mouse’s House; The Race is On; Mr. Rabbit and the Moon; Lion; My Cat’s Surprise; Oak Trees and Fur Trees; Rainy Days; Lots of Caps; Who Will Help; Dragon Hunt
Kaeden Corp.:
Dressed Up Sammy; Sammy at the Farm; Sammy’s Moving; Gifts for Dad
Pacific Learning:
The Biggest Cake in the World; Did You Say Free; Nick’s Glasses; Our Teacher Miss Pool; Sam’s Mask; T-Shirts; Where Are My Socks; Where is Miss Pool
The motion carried 9-0.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to approve the following personnel items:
9.1 RESIGNATIONS - Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Deanna V. Whitford, general food service worker at the high school, for personal reasons, effective January 11, 2002.
A. Dena D. Mesaris, full-time Alternative Education teacher for the District, for a sabbatical leave effective January 28, 2002, through the end of the second semester, possibly to return sooner, for the purpose of health restoration. (Mrs. Mesaris may withdraw this request if continuing medical tests are negative, provided such notification of withdrawal of the request is provided to the District on or before January 28, 2002.)
Mrs. Mesaris has been a teacher in the District since September 2, 1986, and has been on sabbatical leave since November 14, 2001.
B. Erica M. Bacon, full-time special education teacher at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, for an unpaid medical leave, effective February 26, 2002, through April 5, 2002.
Mrs. Bacon is currently utilizing sick and/or personal days and will begin her unpaid leave of absence on February 26, 2002, which will be 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. Fred Hartman, regular part-time custodian at Roosevelt Middle School, unpaid leave for a planned family vacation, effective January 31, 2002, through February 24, 2002.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF - Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Nicole R. Carman, R.R. 1, Box 41, Troy, as a temporary professional employee, effective January 28, 2002, to teach horticulture at the high school, at a salary rate of Level 1, Step 1, bachelor's, $36,693, prorated. Ms. Carman holds a bachelor's degree from Penn State University and is certified in Agriculture and General Science (replacing Brendan Hoover, resigned).
B. Betsy G. Yost, 1347 Rose Valley Rd., Cogan Station, as a half-time professional employee, effective January 21, 2002, to teach special education (learning support) at the high school, at a salary rate of Level 1, Step 1, bachelor’ ;s, $36,893, prorated to ½ time. Ms. Yost holds a bachelor’s degree from Lock Haven University and is certified in Mentally and/or Physically Handicapped (replacing Cheryl Keener, retired).
C. Kerri L. Sokolowski, 1095 Cherry St., Montoursville, extension as a long-term substitute teacher, effective January 28, 2002, through the end of the second semester of the 2001-2002 school term (tentative date June 7, 2002), unless terminated sooner, to teach sixth grade at Lycoming Valley Middle School, at a salary rate of Level 1, Year 1, bachelor's, $36,693, prorated. Ms. Sokolowski holds a bachelor's degree from Gannon University (replacing Debra Nardi, on medical leave).
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
D. Catherine J. Lowe, 150 Mill St., Trout Run, as a long-term substitute teacher, effective January 22, 2002, through the end of the second semester of the 2001-2002 school term (tentative ending date of June 7, 2002), unless terminated sooner, to teach third grade at Cochran Elementary School, at a salary rate of Level 1, Step 1, bachelor’s, $36,693, prorated. Ms. Lowe holds a bachelor’s degree from Lock Haven University and is certified in Elementary (replacing James Laurrell, retired).
E. Kara L. Felix, 331 Brandon Ave., Williamsport, as a long-term substitute teacher, effective January 24, 2002, through the end of the second semester of the 2001-2002 school term (tentative ending date of June 7, 2002), unless terminated sooner, to teach fifth grade at Stevens Elementary School, at a salary rate of Level 1, Step 1, bachelor’s, $36,693, prorated. Ms. Felix holds a bachelor’s degree from Juniata College and is certified in Elementary and Early Childhood (replacing Gabe Campana, on sabbatical leave).
F. Elaine W. Baney, 25 North Hanna St., Lock Haven, as a long-term substitute teacher, effective January 24, 2002, through the end of the second semester of the 2001-2002 school term (tentative ending date of June 7, 2002), unless terminated sooner, to teach art education at Roosevelt and Lycoming Valley Middle Schools, at a salary rate of Level 1, Step 1, bachelor's, $36,693, prorated. Ms. Baney holds a bachelor's degree from Lock Haven University and is certified in Art (replacing Valerie Foucart Vincenti, on sabbatical leave).
G. Ronald E. Sahm, 431 Percy St., South Williamsport, as a substitute teacher for the Title I Extended Day Program for Roosevelt Middle School, to be paid at the rate of $22.44 per hour plus appropriate benefits. All funds are budgeted under Title I.
H. Michelle L. Bitner, Box 4, Blanchard, as a substitute teacher for the Title I Extended Day Homework Club at Lose Elementary School, from December 3, 2001, through May 24, 2002, to be paid $22.44 per hour plus appropriate benefits. All funds are budgeted under Title I.
I. Rhonda Fields, 750 W. Edwin St., Apt. 2J, Williamsport, as a student for work in the Business/Tax Office through the School-To-Work Program at the high school, effective January 23, 2002 (3 hours per day for the balance of the 2001-2002 school year), at the hourly minimum wage rate with legally mandated benefits only.
J. The following as substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $6.00 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective dates as indicated:
Neyonka L. Lewis 1734 Randall Cr., Williamsport (eff. 01/23/02)
Michele M. Peterson 726 Poplar St., Williamsport (eff. 01/23/02)
Deanna V. Whitford 821 Prospect Ave., Williamsport (eff. 01/14/02)
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
K. 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
Paula I. DeCarlo 164 West Fourth St., Williamsport
Ann M. Doyle 301 S. Main St., Muncy (eff. 01/09/02)
Robin L. Fisher 217½ Thompson St., Jersey Shore (eff. 01/15/02)
Secondary
Jason T. Casher 20 S. Main St., Apt. 7, Montgomery (eff. 01/15/02)
Daniel S. Jury 2313 Fairview Terrace, Williamsport (eff. 01/09/02)
Mark A. Marinucci 321 Union Ave., Williamsport
Naomi M. Nyman 1125 West Fourth St., Flemington
K-12
Robin L. Fisher 217½ Thompson St., Jersey Shore (eff. 01/15/02)
Edwin C. Wetzel 512 Pine St., Apt. #10, Williamsport (eff. 01/15/02)
L. Lori J. Hoyt, 942 Mahaffey Hollow Rd., Linden, as a substitute health room technician, subject to assignment by the Superintendent of Schools, at the hourly rates as established by Board policy, effective January 15, 2002, and only for the actual number of hours assigned and worked.
9.4* POSITION CHANGES - Approve the following position changes:
A. Dean I. Fink, R.R. 3, Box 228, Jersey Shore, from a general full-time custodian at the high school, to a general full-time custodian at Lycoming Valley Middle School, 250 days up to 8 hours per day, with a base wage rate of $24,640 ($12.32 per hour), effective February 4, 2002 (replacing Robert Neylon, retired).
B. Aimee Maldonado, P.O. Box 2163, Williamsport, from a part-time sign-in monitor at the high school to a part-time instructional support aide (185 day, up to 4½ hours per day) at Lose Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $8.99 per hour, effective January 28, 2002 (replacing Ilene Butler, transferred to full-time aide position).
C. Kimberly A. Whittington, 639 5 th Ave., Williamsport, from a substitute food service worker to a general food service worker (2 hours daily) at the high school, with a base wage rate of $8.24 per hour, effective January 23, 2002 (replacing Hope Street, transferred).
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
10.1 RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, 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. Harris, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following items related to
student/community activities:
11.1* Approve the following student trips:
A. Four (4) autistic support students from Cochran Elementary School, accompanied by their teacher and aides, to travel to the Lycoming Mall during February 2002. The students will be visiting Boardwalk Boulevard to make pizza (the pizza and game tokens for each student will be donated by Boardwalk Boulevard). The students will also be given money the school association to spend at the Dollar Store to practice their money and counting skills. There will be no exclusions. The students will be transported in an aide’s van. There will be no cost to the District.
B. Forty (40) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Key Club, accompanied by staff and parent chaperones for a 1:8 or better ratio, to travel to Eagles Mere during February 2001 to go tobogganing. Students eligible to attend will have no suspension record, 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. All costs will be paid by the Key Club.
C. Ten (10) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s SADD Chapter, accompanied by their advisor, to travel to Lycoming College during February 2002 to attend a conference. Students eligible to attend this trip will have no suspension record, 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 field trip attendance.
The students will be transported to and from Lycoming College by their parents. SADD will pay the cost of conference registration. One substitute will be required for the day.
11.1* Approving the following student trips cont’d:
D. Sixty-five (65) fourth grade students from Cochran Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Williamsport Home during February 2002 to meet their journal buddies. Students eligible for this trip may not have been suspended as of the date of the trip or have received a pink slip for a major offense during the month of February. There will be no cost to the District. The students will walk to and from the Williamsport Home.
E. Eight (8) automotive technology students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Penn College during February 2002 to participate in an automotive technology competition written exam. If they students score high enough, they will be invited to a hands-on competition later this year. Students eligible to attend will have no more than 2 suspensions, will have no more than 6 unexcused absences, and will be passing all coursework. There will be a $60 registration fee charged to string #101-1390-3-26-226-33-519. The students will transport themselves.
F. Four or five (4-5) Williamsport Area High School students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by teacher Arnie Betts, to travel to the Genetti for one date during January, February, March, April, and May 2002 to participate in activities at Kiwanis Club meetings. Students eligible to attend will have no suspension record, 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.
There will be no cost for the trip. The students will be transported by school van or by Mr. Betts. A substitute will be required for one period on the five different dates.
G. Five (5) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Bloomsburg University during January 2002 to participate in a forum to discourage smoking. Students eligible to attend will have no suspension record, 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. The students will be transported by their teacher. The only cost to the District will be a substitute for the day.
H. Sixty-five (65) fourth grade students from Cochran Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Ashland Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine & Museum during May 2002. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended or have received a pink slip for a major infraction in May. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Cochran School Association.
I. Eight (8) members of the Lycoming Valley Middle School MathCounts team, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to the Little League Complex in South Williamsport during February 2002 to participate in the annual regional MathCounts competition. There will be no exclusions. The students will be transported by the teacher and a parent volunteer. The only cost to the District will be a substitute for the day.
11.1* Approving the following student trips cont’d:
J. All eighth grade students from Curtin, Lycoming Valley, and Roosevelt Middle Schools, accompanied by all eighth grade teachers, to travel to the Williamsport Area High School. The students will be taking a tour prior to course scheduling for 2002-03. No students will be excluded unless they are on suspension or have not received parental permission. District transportation is requested and will be billed to 101-1390-3-26-226-33-519.
K. Approximately 84 gifted education families from Stevens, Round Hills, Cochran, Sheridan, Jackson, and Hepburn-Lycoming, with each child being accompanied by at least one family member, to travel to Baltimore during April 2002 to visit the Inner Harbor area. There will be no exclusions for this trip. There will be no cost to the District. The trip will be funded by the participating families. Transportation will be provided by contract carrier.
11.2 Approve the school bus routes and stops for the 2001-2002 school year. Bus routes and stops are on file in the transportation office.
11.3 Approve the following request for facility use:
School on Sundays, beginning January 6, 2002 through March 31, 2002 from
2:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. to hold softball practice. Silver Bullets are requesting relief
from the occupancy fee estimated at $480.00. Silver Bullets are aware they must pay labor fees associated with this practice. Certificate of Insurance on file.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following bid/contract items:
12.1* Approve a contract with ADT Security Services, Inc. for the purchase and installation of additional surveillance and security systems for the Williamsport Area High School, Curtin Middle School, and the Alternative Education School. This purchase is being made under the terms and conditions of Pennsylvania State Contract #6350-03. The total cost is $28,636 of which the food service fund will pay $17,115 and the balance of $11,521 will be paid with Safe Schools Initiative Grant.
12.2* Approve an agreement with Edward Lyon, Jr. regarding the Cochran baseball field and play area.
BIDS/CONTRACTS CONT’D:
12.3* Authorize the District’s participation in the cooperative purchasing program of the Pennsylvania Education Joint Purchasing Council for the procurement of Xerographic Paper to replenish warehouse stock.
RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
RIS Paper Company, Mechanicsburg, PA $3,524.00
Savin Corporation, Uniontown, PA 39,798.00
TOTAL RECOMMENDED AWARDS $43,322.00
12.4* Authorize the District’s participation in the cooperative purchasing program of the Pennsylvania Education Joint Purchasing Council for the procurement of general supplies to replenish warehouse stock.
RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
Kurtz Bros., Clearfield, PA $528.00
Phillips Supply Company, Plymouth, PA 246.90
Pyramid School Products 9,213.28
Quill Corporation, Palatine, IL 1,615.00
Staples Business Advantage, Vestal, NY 276.90
TOTAL RECOMMENDED AWARDS $11,880.08
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
TAX ITEMS - None
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mrs. Mahaffey announced that Roosevelt is having a Math Munchers Program on February 9th . She also reported that Mr. Vollman and she attended the talent show at Jackson Elementary and it was very enjoyable.
Mr. Vollman added that Mrs. Mahaffey’s sons were two of the talented participants.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC – None
President Stone announced that an executive session was held prior to tonight’s meeting to discuss terms and conditions of employment for one or more District employees and to receive confidential legal advice from an attorney.
Upon motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mr. Zimmerman and carried the meeting adjourned at 9:39 p.m.
_____________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary