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, February 19, 2002, 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, 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. Pamela Markle provided the invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve
the minutes of the Organizational/Regular Meeting of December 4, 2001, that the reading of the
minutes be omitted and the minutes be approved as presented.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
Student Representatives’ Report – Erin Cowell
President Stone announced that a quasi-judicial hearing was held immediately preceding the Board meeting and that an executive session was required at this time to provide the Board the opportunity to deliberate and receive advice from the solicitor. Executive session began at 8:04 p.m. and the meeting reconvened at 8:40 p.m.
President Stone reconvened the meeting and recognized ReLene Miller who had requested to speak to the Board.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Enrollment Projections 2002-03 through 2011-12
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. Presentation About the Ninth Grade IST Program—Kathy Otzel, IST Teacher
B. Discussion of the Elementary Controlled Choice and Middle School Controlled Choice Policies.
C. Congratulations to Williamsport Area School District students Lauren Hofstrom and
Lindsay Paulhamus for their demonstration of clothing and textiles given to Secretary of Education Zogby in Harrisburg. The demonstration was observed by Senator Madigan, Representative Feese, and Representative Cappelli. Thank you to Mrs. Stout, Dr. Watson, and Mr. Piwowar for their work in helping the students prepare for the demonstration.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT’D: – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
D. Districts' Improvement Planning Process
E. Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the adjudication made in student disciplinary matters resulting from quasi-judicial hearing on student 2001-02-05 held earlier this date.
The motion carried 7-2 with Mr. Vollman and Mrs. Markle voting no.
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mr. Zimmerman reported that the Employment Steering Committee surveyed 16 school districts and will be providing a summary report to the Board. The committee also reviewed projected openings and processes for filling them.
Mrs. Markle provided information on a PSBA survey on the increase in the retirement rate and how it will effect the school districts.
Construction Projects - None
FINANCE REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Harris, seconded by Mr. Vollman to approve the following financial items:
6.1* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 02/19/02 in the amount of $380,242.41, 02/19/02A in the amount of $189,196.76 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 02/19/02 and 02/19/02A.
6.2* Approve the following Scholarship Fund:
Sharon D. Deckard was a graduate of the Williamsport Area High School in 1971 and Lock Haven University in 1975. She was a dedicated elementary teacher in the district for 26 years until her untimely death on May 20, 2001.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple
7.1 Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to approve at the second reading the revised “Tobacco Use Policy (#219, 302, 402, 502).
The motion carried 9-0.
BOARD POLICY CONT’D: – James E. Temple
Motion made by Mr. Temple, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following school controlled
choice policies:
7.2 Approve at the second reading the revised “Elementary School Controlled Choice (#212).”
7.3 Approve at the second reading the revised “Middle School Controlled Choice Policy (#214).”
The motion carried 8-1 with Mr. Vollman voting no.
CURRICULUM REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to approve the following curriculum items:
8.1* Authorize the following CARE Team Representatives at the respective schools for the 2001-02 school year to be paid the stipend rate of $767 each (stipend positions were board approved 5/6/97). Funding is available from the Drug Free Schools grant (142-2120-0-00-063-11-130).
WAHS Lycoming Valley Curtin
Marlene Brown Carol Pursell Kimberly A. Imrisek
P. Nayo Brown Marjorie F. Stopper
Gloria Corson Timothy T. Thompson
John Decker Roosevelt Christine R. Wagner
David Ferry Blanetta Akpakip Jennie Wagner-Guffy
Carole Heckel Randall G. Laird Stephanie Wolfanger
Ann M. Kahler Todd R. Penman Donald W. Wolfinger, Jr.
Paul McPhail Susan B. Ruhl
Kathy Otzel Tamra Springman
Phyllis J. Sieber
Julie K. Wiser
8.2* Approve a payment of $726.15 to Dr. Mary J. Kisner, of CIC Group in Boalsburg, PA, for making presentations at the October 15, 2001 countywide inservice. String #101-2270-0-00-330-17-323.
8.3 Approve WASD to host the Title I Big Cities Math Academy at Cochran Elementary School, March 18--19, 2002. The focus of the Academy is on the National Research Council report on K-8 Mathematics, entitled: "Adding It Up? Helping Children to Learn Mathematics." Participants will be from the Title I Big Cities Consortia; at this time registration has been received from Erie, Hazleton, Scranton, York and Williamsport. The estimated number of participants is 30. Title I Big Cities Consortia will cover the costs of the Academy; there will be no cost to the Williamsport Area School District.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.4* Approve the services of Steven Barbato, Supervisor of Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment in Science and Technology Education with the Lower Merion School District, 301 East Montgomery Avenue, Ardmore, PA 19003. Mr. Barbato will work with the WASD middle school technology education teachers on February 20 to align our curriculum with state academic and content standards. The approximate cost is $800 for his fee, $125 for materials, and mileage expenses (not to exceed $180). This is grant funded under the Innovative Learning and Workforce Development grant (string # 152-2270-3-26-136-11-329).
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following personnel items:
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
School, for the purpose of retirement, effective July 31, 2002.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Louise M. Bergen from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 31 years of dedicated service to our school system as administrative support (secretary). It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
B. Betsy G. Yost, part-time special education teacher at the high school, verbal resignation for personal reasons, effective at the end of the workday on February 1, 2002.
Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Staci L. Snyder, general food service worker at Round Hills Elementary School, unpaid leave for the purpose of her honeymoon, effective September 23, 2002, through October 2, 2002.
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 February 20, 2002:
Tammy L. Parsons 730 Funston Ave., Williamsport
B. The following substitute custodian/event staff, with a base wage rate of $7.25 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective February 19, 2002:
R. Brian Montei 1503 Seely Run Rd., Jersey Shore
C. The following persons as non-certificated substitute teachers with receipt of an emergency permit, effective February 13, 2002, 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:
Kimberlee J. Carey 5082 Rt. 87 Hwy., Williamsport
Curt C. Chilson 945 Campbell St., Williamsport
Allison C. Cillo 1710 Motters Lane, Williamsport
Mitchell P. Gabel 1136 Towncrest Rd., Williamsport
Peter J. Grafius 1591 West Southern Ave., S. Williamsport
Shanna J. McCloskey 47 Willits Rd., Jersey Shore
Scott A. Rogers P.O. Box 430, Salladasburg
Claire Y. Shannon 1223 Packer St., Williamsport
Jennifer J. Weaver 440 Sheridan St., Williamsport
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
Laura A. Harris 46 Spottswood Dr., Milton (effective 02/12/02)
Amy L. McCormick 19 Ridge Rd., Jersey Shore (effective 02/13/02)
Secondary
Chad M. Thatcher 706 Almost Country Rd., Cogan Station (eff. 02/06/02)
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
E. 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:
Williamsport Area High School
Baseball
Head Coach: G. Scott Grove $3,250
Varsity Assistants: David T. Howe $1,625
Randy J. Zangara $1,625
Curt C. Chilson *** $1,397
Softball
Head Coach: Robert G. Loudenslager $3,250
Varsity Assistants: Steve L. Reed $1,625
Dennis J. Loner $1,625
Mark Godfrey Volunteer
Boys Tennis
Head Coach: John F. Dorner $1,950
Girls Track
Head Coach: Marguerite W. Anderson-Royal $3,900
Varsity Assistant: Monique M. Keiser $1,676
Vacant
Boys Track & Field
Head Coach: Samuel E. Belle $3,900
Robert S. Kraynak $1,950
Vacant ---
Roosevelt Middle School
Girls Basketball
MS Lead Assistant: Michael B. Lundy, Jr. $2,275
MS Assistant Tim M. Tyson $1,950
Volunteer Crissy M. Walker ---
Track & Field
Boys Coach Randall G. Laird $1,560
Girls Coach Jennifer C. Redmon $1,466
Curtin Middle School
Girls Basketball
MS Lead Assistant Allen V. Taylor $2,275
MS Assistant Dana Kinney* $1,676
*Pending completion of administrative requirements
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
E. The following coaches at the respective schools for the 2001-02 school year cont’d:
Curtin Middle School
Track & Field
Boys Coach
Matthew L. Johnson $1,560
Girls Coach Vacant
---
Lycoming Valley Middle School
Girls Basketball
MS Lead Assistant
Linda L. Radocaj $2,275
MS Assistant
Nicole Carter
$1,950
Track & Field
Boys Coach
R. Scott Matthews $1,560
Girls Coach
James E. Donnell $1,560
Assistant Coach
John F. Clark TBA
(necessary because of number of participants)
*** Booster Club Funded Positions
F.
Terri A. Gantz, 42 Harvest Moon, Linden, as a substitute administrative
support/aide, 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.
9.4*
POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position changes:
A.
Allen K. Foulkrod, 161 Harvest Moon Park, Linden, from a general part-time
custodian at the high school, to a general full-time custodian at the high
school, 250 days up to 8 hours per day, with a base wage rate of $24,640
($12.32 per hour), prorated, effective February 11, 2002 (replacing Dean Fink,
transferred).
9.5
AUTHORIZE TO APPROVE SUPPLEMENTARY POSITIONS
Approve the following supplementary positions which are funded through Title I:
A.
Authorize the position of Title I Extended Year Teacher Coordinator. The
Teacher Coordinator will work up to 60 hours prior to the Extended Year Program
at the rate of $22.44 per hour (or contract rate) plus appropriate benefits.
All funds are budgeted under Title I.
9.5
AUTHORIZE TO APPROVE SUPPLEMENTARY POSITIONS CONT’D:
B.
Authorize two Title I Extended Year Building Coordinators, one each for Jackson
and Cochran Elementary Schools, for the Title I Extended Year Program, from
July 15, 2002, through August 9, 2002. The coordinators will work up to 4.5
hours per day at the rate of $22.44 per hour (or contract rate) plus
appropriate benefits. All funds are budgeted under Title I.
C.
Authorize the following anticipated teaching positions for the Title I Extended
Elementary Extended Year Program, July 15, 2002, through August 9, 2002:
Cochran - up to 12 teachers
Jackson - up to 12 teachers
Hepburn-Lycoming - up to 3 teachers
Teachers will be paid $22.44 per hour (or contract rate) plus benefits for up
to 3.5 hours per day for the four week Extended Year Program. All funds are
budgeted under Title I.
D.
Authorize two aide positions to work in the school offices (one at Cochran and
one at Jackson) to handle phone calls, office needs and traffic into and out of
the school. This is due to moving the Title I Extended Year Program into two
major centers and the need to continue the security system throughout the
summer. The aides will work July 15, 2002, through August 9, 2002, for up to
four hours per day per contracted rate plus applicable benefits. All funds are
budgeted under Title I.
E.
Authorize the following Instructional Aide positions for the Title I Extended
School Year Program, July 15, 2002, through August 9, 2002.
Cochran - up to 3 positions
Jackson - up to 3 positions
Hepburn-Lycoming - up to 2 positions
The aides will be paid per contracted rate plus applicable benefits for up to
3.5 hours per day. All funds are budgeted under Title I. The aides will cover
the cafeteria and work as classroom aides during the summer program. The
aides will need to meet the criteria established under the Title I: No Child
Left Behind reauthorization.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following
professional development and student/community activities items:
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
10.1
RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
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.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
11.1*
Approve the following student trips:
A.
Seventy (70) fifth grade students from Round Hills Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers, aides, and chaperones, to travel to Harrisburg
during May 2002. The students will have the opportunity to visit the Capitol
Building, the Whitaker Center for the Sciences and Arts, etc. Students who
have been suspended from school or who were assigned to Saturday School for
disciplinary reasons within 30 school days prior to a scheduled field trip will
not be eligible. Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. All
costs will be paid by the Round Hills PTO.
B.
Fourteen (14) Williamsport Area High School FBLA members, accompanied by their
advisors, to travel to Seven Springs Resort (Champion, PA) for three days
during April 2002 to attend the state competition. 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.
The students will be sharing transportation with students from the
Montoursville, Hughesville, and Sullivan County school district. All costs
will be funded through FBLA accounts. Two substitutes will be required for 3
days.
C.
Fifty-four (54) fourth grade students from Lose Elementary School, accompanied
by their teachers and parent chaperons, to travel to the YMCA on dates in April
and May 2002 to take swimming lessons. Students with any suspensions or
Saturday School within 60 calendar days prior to the trip will not be eligible
to participate. Transpor-
tation will be provided by YMCA bus. All costs will be paid by the Lose PTO.
D.
Forty-eight (48) band students from Curtin, Lycoming Valley, and Roosevelt
Middle Schools, accompanied by their directors, to travel to the Williamsport
Area High School during March 2002 to participate in the Lycoming County Honors
Band Festival. There will be no exclusions. There will be no cost to the
District. The students’ parents will transport them to the high school in
the morning and pick them up at the end of the day.
11.1*
Approve the following student trips cont’d:
E.
Seven (7) Roosevelt Middle School students, accompanied by their teacher, to
travel to Lycoming College during March 2002 to participate in Math Activities
Day. There will be no exclusions. The only cost to the District will be a
substitute for one day. The students will be transported by their teacher and
principal.
F.
Three (3) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their teacher,
to travel to Carlisle High School and Strawberry Square (Harrisburg) for three
dates in March 2002 to participate in the Italian Street Painting
Invitational. The students will be working with a professional Italian street
painter to create a work of art for display at the State Capitol. The finished
piece will be permanently displayed at the Williamsport Area High School. The
event is co-sponsored by the House of Representatives, the Pennsylvania Art
Education Association, and the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts. Students
eligible to participate 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 in their teacher’s personal vehicle. All costs will be billed
to string number 101-1100-3-26-045-15-582. A substitute will be required for
two days.
G.
Fourteen (14) Williamsport Area High School orchestra students, accepted by
competitive audition, to participate at the PMEA Region IV-V Orchestra Festival
to be held at Parkland Area High School (Allentown) during March 2002.
Student 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.
Violin
Viola Cello
Cassandra Bertrand
Jessica Owens Jeremy Hurwitz
Elyann Doebler
Martin Wade Pangri Mehta
Margaret Furst
Keirsten Schwanbeck
Sarah Hamm
Bass
Jason Hurwitz Omar Tuffaha
French Horn
Stephanie Reissner David Elkin
Flute
Mary Alice Hartsock
District transportation is requested. Cost to the district would be $1,050
(101-3214-3-26-160-23-813) for student registration fees; $250
(101-3214-3-26-160-23-519) for student transportation; and $300
(101-3214-3-26-160-23-581) for teacher expenses. A high school or middle
school orchestra director will accompany the student. One substitute will be
needed for two days.
H.
Twelve (12) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Les Chanteuses
musical group, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to the Capitol Building
in Harrisburg during March 2002 to perform at the Music in Our Schools Month
ceremony. 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). One
substitute will be required for the day.
11.1*
Approve the following student trips cont’d:
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
12.1*
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve an agreement
with Susquehanna Communications for the period of March 1, 2002, through
February 28, 2003, to televise 22 Board meetings at the cost of $700 per
meeting for a total contract of $15,400.
The motion carried 6-3 with Mrs. Harris, Mrs. Mahaffey and Mr. Temple voting
no.
The motion for agenda sections 10 and 11 carried by a unanimous roll call.
TAX ITEMS - None
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Stone announced that Lycoming Valley, Curtin and Roosevelt placed second,
third and fourth respectively, in the recent MathCounts Competition. He
indicated that Roosevelt is coming on strong.
Mr. Zimmerman commended the Williamsport Area High School staff and students on
their handling of the recent tragedy.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC - None
President Stone announced that an executive session was held prior to this
evening’s meetings to discuss terms and conditions of employment for one
or more District employees and to receive legal advice from an attorney.
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Markle and carried, the meeting
adjourned at 9:49 p.m.
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary