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, March 5, 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, Pamela J. Markle, Jay B. Shultz, David B. Stone, Jr.,
James E. Temple, Dale L. Vollman, Lois T. Williams, Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: Susan A. Mahaffey
INVOCATION – Mr. James Temple provided the invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to
approve the minutes of the Regular Meetings of January 8 and 22, 2002 and the Special Meeting of
January 29, 2002, 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 and Melissa Janson
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Presentation of Outstanding Students
B. Calendar of Events:
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT CONT’D: – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
B. Calendar of Events Cont’d:
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. Congratulations to the Williamsport Area School District’s Alternative Education program and Mr. Scott McNeill for their second blood drive of the 2001-02 year held on February 14, 2002. The goal to collect 40 pints was exceeded by 3 pints. The first blood drive of the year exceeded its goal of 40 by 21 pints! The February 14 visit was the sixth straight collection to exceed its goal at the District Service Center.
B. Congratulations to the following Williamsport Area School District students for having their artwork selected for display in the Pennsylvania Arts in Education Annual Exhibition. The art is on exhibit at the Pennsylvania Department of Education in Harrisburg.
Hepburn-Lycoming (Teacher – Sharon Cressinger)
Brooke Shultz Rachel Kempf
Sarah Mynczywor Amanda Brodish
Wayne Whipple Alaina Mosso
Curtin Middle School (Teachers – Ed Jonasen and Craig Kaufman)
Ashley Tressler Matthew Hartsock
William Stiner Gillion Gedroiz
Jeremy Marshall Sara Redka
Julia Williams Roxanne Drabble
Lycoming Valley (Teacher – Nancy Renninger)
Robert Shaefer Kala Stevens
Tammy Gonzalez Roxanne Snell
Roosevelt Middle School (Teacher – Michele Mapstone)
Steve Ryder Cortney Bower
Ryan Clark
Williamsport Area High School (Teachers – Kathy Gorg, James Hockenberry, and Tom Kelchner)
Megan Imrisek Markie Gibson
Megan Page Gabriel Deck
Ashley Beck Kate Chappell
Danielle Stryker Alexa Avlonitis
Dave Baker
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT’D: – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
C. Congratulations to Walt Straiton, Williamsport Area High School orchestra director. Mr. Straiton currently serves as a consultant to Yamaha Corporation of America and will also begin serving as a consultant to Bands of America as Division Head of the Summer Symposium Orchestra, a track for students and directors. Mr. Straiton is recognized by Bands of America as a “teacher whose curriculum includes innovative and exciting ‘alternative orchestra’ opportunities for his students.”
D. Congratulations to the Williamsport Area High School for placing in the top 3% in the country for the number of sophomores and juniors who took advanced placement examinations.
E. Congratulations to the following students for receiving recognition in the 2002 National Merit Scholarship Competition.
Jesse Butterfield Finalist
Ellicott Wood Finalist
Gregory Moses Semifinalist
Those students achieving Finalist status will be considered for a Merit Scholarship Award.
Roll Call – Ayes: Harris, Markle, Shultz, Stone, Vollman, Williams and Zimmerman.
Nays: Temple.
The motion carried 7-1.
G. On display in the Baskin Gallery is the District’s Youth Art Month Exhibit.
H. Jim Winder and Jack Colvin of the West End Babe Ruth Baseball Association did a presentation regarding a partnership with the Williamsport Area School District regarding a baseball field complex to be located near the Williamsport Village House Project in Newberry. A draft agreement for this partnership has been prepared and will be considered on the March 19th agenda.
I. Districts' Improvement Planning Process
J. Eric Gee – Educational Technology Budget Presentation
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mrs. Markle reported that the Diversity Day Committee is working diligently on the preparations for the May 10th Diversity Day Celebration.
Committee Reports by Board Members Cont’d:
Mrs. Markle provided the following calendar of upcoming events:
March 12, 2002 PSBA Lobby Day
March 14, 2002 PSBA County Meeting in Muncy
March 15 and 16, 2002 PSBA Executive Meeting
March 21, 2002 PSBA Workshop of Effective Meetings
April 24, 2002 Region 12 Dinner
Mr. Zimmerman reported that there was a meeting of the Lycoming County Joint Planning Committee held on February 27, 2002. He provided a written summary of the meeting. He indicated that this committee has committed to a two year process with periodical updates and requests for endorsements to be provided to the represented entities. The next meeting will be held on April 18, 2002.
Mrs. Williams reported that the Alternative Education Committee will provide a proposal for an elementary program on March 12, 2002.
Mrs. Markle asked Mr. McQuown, Social Studies Department Head, to address the opt-out rights of parents for programs that contain curriculum that the parents do not want their children subjected to. Mr. McQuown reviewed these procedures.
Construction Projects – None
FINANCE REPORT
6.1 Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following financial items:
A. Treasurer’s Report for the months of December 2001 and January 2002.
B. Payroll Report:
General Fund – Unrestricted $2,536,343.29
General Fund – Restricted (Federal) 167,732.21
General Fund – Restricted (State) 10,627.25
Interscholastic Athletics Fund 35,212.40
Food Service Fund 70,446.39
Data Processing Fund 8,164.74
Maintenance Fund 32,452.42
Williamsport City & School District
Mercantile & Business Privilege Tax Office 4,195.63
Municipal & School Income Tax Office 23,854.28
Student Activities 0.00 TOTAL $2,889,028.61
FINANCE REPORT CONT’D:
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 03/05/02 in the amount of $678,394.23, 03/05/02A in the amount of $264.51, 03/05/02B in the amount of $269,717.79, 03/05/02C in the amount of $1,532.00 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 03/05/02, 03/05/02A, 03/05/02B and 03/05/02C.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY – None
CURRICULUM REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following curriculum items:
8.1 Approve an additional Act 80 Inservice Day for the Williamsport Area School District's Alternative School on March 13, 2002.
8.2* Approve a four-day staff development workshop for intermediate teachers, grades 3-5, for the 2002-2003 school year. The staff development workshop is being provided by Carl Anderson from the Teachers College Reading and Writing Project at Columbia University. The dates of the workshop are October 24 and 25, 2002 and March 24 and 25, 2003. The approximate cost of the program is $10,000 ($8,000 plus expenses). $1,000.00 of the fee will be paid as a "booking fee" from the FY02 staff development budget string number 101-2270-0-00-330-17 323. The remaining $7,000 plus expenses will be paid from the FY 03 staff development budget. (correction of February 5 agenda item # 8.3)
8.3* Approve David Williams from "Calculator Workshops" to provide a mathematics workshop on using calculators in the elementary classroom to the Sheridan Elementary staff on Friday, March 8, 2002. The cost of the workshop is $750 plus expenses and is being funded through Title II.
8.4* Approve APL Associates (Jean Anastasio, David Perry and an associate) to present an Instructional Skills, Level I workshop August 19, 20, 21, 22, and 23, 2002 to 50 WASD teachers. Approximate cost will be $9,500. Funds are budgeted in string #101-2270-0-00-330-17 323.
8.5 Approve curriculum document for Saturday School.
8.6 Approve the English as a Second Language (ESL) Program Guidelines curriculum document.
8.7 Approve the Ninth Grade Civics/Multiculturalism Curriculum document.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.8 Approve the following book titles for Title I instruction:
Townsend Press
The Bluford Series (7 Titles: Lost and Found; A Matter of Trust; Secrets in the Shadows; Someone to Love Me; The Bully; The Gun; Until We Meet Again)
8.9 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.
8.10* Approve training on Final Cut Pro for the dates of March 2, and 9, 2002 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 pm to be held at the Williamsport Area High School for 12 –15 staff members involved with Digital Video Grassroots Project for the district. The training will be facilitated by Bruce Huffman of Accelerated Imagery, a Digital Media Consulting Firm. Mr. Huffman is the Coordinator of Digital Media Production for the Pennsylvania College of Technology.
Approximate cost to the district would be $1,500 for the two days of training from Digital Grassroots Funds, Account # 141 2270 326 044 23 348.
8.11* Approve an agreement with APL Associates to present two full day in-services at Cochran Elementary School on the following tentative dates: September 23, 2002 and December 17, 2002. Approximate costs of the programs, $3,700 will be paid for by FY03 district professional development funds.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to approve the following personnel items:
9.1 RESIGNATIONS - None
A. Glen A. Willits, full-time custodian at the high school, for a leave of absence without pay, effective December 18, 2001, through June 30, 2002, for medical reasons.
Mr. Willits has exhausted all other leaves, including leave 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 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
Volunteer:
David Heller Removed from agenda by
administration
Boys Track & Field
Varsity Assistant:
Ed Bresnick $1,950
Boys and Girls Track & Field
Volunteer:
Anthony B. Farrar Removed from agenda by
administration
B. Biyu Xu, 533B East 4
th
St., Bloomsburg, as a paid intern in the Tax Office, effective March 6, 2002,
for the duration of 480 hours, at the rate of $8.00 per hour (no benefits).
C.
John F. Daugherty, 682 Second Ave., Williamsport, as a substitute school bus
driver (non-bargaining unit personnel), with a base wage rate of $10.75 per
hour, effective February 4, 2002.
D.
The following as substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $6.00
per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective March 6, 2002:
Andrea D. Page
230 West Third St., Williamsport
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
Michaelann M. Totin
1622 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport (eff. 02/25/02)
K-12
Steven T. Moyer
885 W. Fourth St., Apt. 1, Lock Haven (eff. 02/27/02)
9.4*
POSITION CHANGES - Approve the following position changes:
A.
Marjorie L. Cramer, 823 Park Place, Williamsport, from a general food service
worker (2 hours daily) at Lose Elementary 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 March 11, 2002 (replacing
Aimee Maldonado who was successfully elected to the position but later declined
; originally replacing Ilene Butler, transferred to full-time aide position).
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
10.1
RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, 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
student/ community activities:
11.1*
Approve the following student trips:
A.
Approximately 120 fifth grade students from Jackson Elementary School,
accompanied by their principal and parent chaperones, to travel to Washington,
DC, during May 2002. Student participating will not have been assigned to
Saturday School, and will not have been suspended during the 60 days prior to
the trip. Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. The Jackson
PTO will pay all costs.
B.
Change: The Williamsport Area High School FBLA students were approved for a
trip to Eagles Mere during February 2002 to go tobogganing. Due to the fact
that the toboggan run is not running, the students will be visiting Tussey
Mountain during March 2002 instead.
11.1*
Approve the following student trips cont’d:
C.
Two (2) Williamsport Area High School choral students, accepted by competitive
audition, to participate in the PMEA Region 9 Chorus Festival to be held at
Wyoming Seminary during three days in March 2002. Students eligible to
participate will be passing all coursework, will have no more than 3 unexcused
absences, and will have no bus disciplinary infractions as of the date of the
trip. Cost to the District would be $130 (101-3212-3-26-160-23-813) for
student registration fees, and $300 (101-3212-3-26-160-23-581) for teacher
expenses. The students will be transported to the festival by their teacher,
and home by their parents. Either Kent Weaver or Paul McPhail, WAHS Choral
Directors, will accompany the students. One substitute will be needed for two
(2) days.
D.
Approximately 75 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 attend a jazz clinic/workshop
presentation. Students eligible to participate will have no suspension record
and no unexcused absences. District transportation is requested
(101-1100-220[222,224]-160-23-519. There will be no other costs.
E.
Eighteen (18) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Model United
Nations Club, accompanied by their advisors, to travel to Lock Haven University
on two dates in April 2002 to participate in a Model UN simulation. Students
eligible to participate will have no suspension record, have no more than 3
unexcused absences, will be passing all coursework, and have no disciplinary
infractions as of the date of the trip. District transportation is requested
(101-1234-3-00-200-23-519). Two substitutes will be required for two days.
F.
Twelve (12) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Mock Trial
Team, accompanied by their advisors, to travel to the Federal District
Courthouse during March 2002 to participate in a regional mock trial
competition. Students eligible to participate will have no suspension record,
have no more than 3 unexcused absences, will be passing all coursework, and
have no disciplinary infractions as of the date of the trip. The students will
be transported by their advisors and parent volunteers. There will be no cost
to the District.
G.
Approximately 80 Williamsport Area High School choice students, accompanied by
their two directors and four adult chaperones, to travel to Hershey Park during
May 2002 as a reward for their excellent performances. Students eligible to
participate will be passing all coursework, will have no more than 3 unexcused
absences, and will have no bus disciplinary infractions as of the date of the
trip. District transpor-tation is requested (830-3212-3-26-175-84-519). All
other costs will be funded by the students.
11.1*
Approve the following student trips cont’d:
H.
Fifty (50) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Concert Chorale,
accompanied by their director and an accompanist, to travel to Mansfield
University during March 2002 to participate in the Mansfield Choral Festival.
Students permitted to participate in this trip will 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.
Transportation will be provided by contract carrier (830-3212-3-26-175-84-513).
I.
Approximately 4 Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by a
teacher, to travel to Bucknell University during March 15, 2002, to participate
in the Bucknell Math Contest. Participating students 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 the teacher. The only cost to the District will be a substitute
for the morning only.
J.
Forty (40) Williamsport Area High School FBLA members, accompanied by their
advisors and parent chaperones, to travel to Six Flags/Great Adventure in
Jackson, New Jersey, during May 2002 to participate in Business Education/FBLA
Day. The students will take place in FBLA activities during the morning, and
will have an opportunity to ride rides in the afternoon. A college fair will
also be in session. Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. The
entire trip will be funded by FBLA. The only cost to the District will be two
substitutes for the day.
K.
All eighth grade students from Curtin Middle School, accompanied by teacher
chaperones, to travel to the Montour Preserve in Washingtonville. The trip is
a culminating activity for the Environmental Topics class. Participating
students will have no previous or current suspensions, and will not have had
any unexcused absences. District transportation is requested and will be
billed to the Curtin PTO.
L.
Sixty-five (65) fourth grade students from Cochran Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Williamsport Hospital during
March 2002 in connection with their health curriculum on nutrition and family
health. All fourth grade students are eligible to participate with the
exception of those who have been suspended this year or those who have received
a pink slip for a major behavior infraction in February or March 2002. There
will be no cost to the District. The students will walk to and from the
hospital.
M.
A student fan bus to the Williamsport Vs Downingtown basketball game on March 9
th
at Shamokin Dam. The cost of the trip will be $9.00 per student and will be
paid by the students, and authorize similar trips as the Millionaires continue
down the road to the State Championship!
11.2
Approve the following facility use:
A.
Saint John’s School of the Arts to use the auditorium at Curtin Middle
School on
April 23, 24, 25 and 26, 2002 to hold three days of rehearsal and a dance
ensemble Spring performance. St. John’s is requesting relief of the
occupancy fee estimated at $160.00. Certificate of Insurance on file.
B.
Brandon Little League to use the gymnasium at Curtin Middle School on March 14,
2002 from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. to hold tryouts. Brandon Little League is
requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $40.00. Certificate of
Insurance on file.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to approve the following
items related to bids/contracts:
12.1*
Approve a contract with ADT Security Services, Inc. for the purchases and
installation of surveillance and security systems for the District Service
Center. The purchase is being made under the terms and conditions of
Pennsylvania State Contract #6350-03. The total cost is $14,445.00.
12.2*
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. The Williamsport Area School District 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.
12.3*
Award a contract to Blue Bird Bus Sales of Pittsburgh, 1380 Pittsburgh Road,
Valencia, PA to furnish and deliver three (3) New 2003 Type C Conventional
72-Passenger school buses in accordance with their bid and our specifications
at a total price of $199,935.00 with trade-ins and rebate.
12.4*
Approve the annual preventative maintenance contract with York International on
the HT-390 and HT-320 air conditioning units at the Williamsport High School
at an annual fee of $21,468.
12.5*
Authorize an agreement with Advanced Applied Sciences, Inc. of Harrisburg, PA
to perform air quality testing at the Lose Elementary School at a cost not to
exceed $3,900 and authorize consultation services on an as needed basis.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
TAX ITEMS
13.1
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following
tax summaries:
The motion carried 8-0.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mrs. Williams stated that last evenings choral concert was wonderful! It was
nice to see the older students support the younger ones.
Mr. Zimmerman indicated that the Lose Elementary School closing issue was
discussed at the County Planning Meeting. The County is aware that many of the
single family homes that provided students for the Lose School no longer
exist.
Mrs. Markle commented that it was nice to see our community come together to
support our basketball team and that our athletes and students are a class act!
Mrs. Harris stated that the Hazleton students were also well behaved.
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 Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris and carried, the meeting
adjourned at 9:38 p.m.
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary