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, June 4, 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.
ABSENT: Thomas A. Zimmerman.
INVOCATION – Mrs. Lois Williams provided the invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to
approve the minutes of the Regular Meetings of February 5 and 19, 2002 and the Special Meeting of
March 5 and 12, 2002, that the reading of the minutes be omitted and the minutes be approved as
presented.
The motion carried 8-0.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Reaffirmation of Credit Status for Grade Level Placement -- Report by Steve Huddy, Williamsport Area High School Principal
B. Presentation Regarding Music Program -- Rick Coulter, Department Chair for Music and Gifted Education
C. Calendar of Events:
D. Elementary and Secondary Class Size Reports—Second Semester 2001-02
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. On display in the Baskin Gallery during June and July is “WAHS National Art Honor Society Exhibition.”
B. Districts' Improvement Planning Process
C. Baseball Field – President Stone attended the ground breaking ceremony for the new baseball field. The level of cooperation was impressive and the ceremony was very nice.
D. President Stone recognized Mr. Schultz and Mrs. Williams who spoke about the Lose Closing ceremony held last Sunday. They indicated that the event was very nice. Mrs. Williams read the speech that was read by Mr. Alton Richards, Nayo Brown’s son who was one of the numerous alumni that attended the ceremony. Dr. Lowery reported that Mr. Felix and Mrs. Kuzio worked very hard in arranging this event.
Committee Reports by Board Members - None
Construction Projects - None
FINANCE REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following financial items:
6.1 Approve the following financial reports:
A. Payroll Report:
General Fund – Unrestricted $3,851,998.38
General Fund – Restricted (Federal) 254,169.31
General Fund – Restricted (State) 16,213.81
Interscholastic Athletics Fund 45,905.04
Food Service Fund 105,316.90
Data Processing Fund 13,875.22
Maintenance Fund 49,089.19
Williamsport City & School District
Mercantile & Business Privilege Tax Office 5,939.62
Municipal & School Income Tax Office 47,252.83
Student Activities 2,087.60 TOTAL $4,391,847.90
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 06/04/02 in the amount of $ 574,029.61, 06/04/02A in the amount of $ 81,700.91,
06/04/02B in the amount of $492.78, 06/04/02C in the amount of $67,833.69, 06/04/02D in the amount of $150.00 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 06/04/02, 06/04/02A, 06/04/02B, 06/04/02C and 06/04/02D.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
FINANCE REPORT CONT’D:
6.3* Motion made by Mr. Temple, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to adopt the General Fund Budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2003, as summarized below and adopting the following tax levies and resolutions, where appropriate, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2003:
Estimated Beginning Fund Balance $ 7,006,903
Estimated Reserve for Encumbrances 200,000
FY02-03 Unrestricted Revenue 53,099,590
FY02-03 Restricted Revenue 5,279,453
Total Estimated Fund Balance and
Revenue Available for Appropriation $ 65,585,946
FY02-03 Unrestricted Expenditures $ 53,308,332
FY02-03 Restricted Expenditures 5,279,453
Estimated Encumbrances 200,000
Total Estimated Expenditures $ 58,787,785
Estimated June 30, 2003 Fund Balance $ 6,798,161
Estimated June 30, 2003 Fund Balance $ 7,548,161
(If $750,000 reserve is not spent)
Tax levies for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2002:
02/03
Real Property (16.35 mills 01/02) 17.35
Act 511 Taxes
Earned Income* 1½ %
Real Estate Transfer* ½ of 1%
*Real Estate and Earned Income Tax Resolutions attached.
Roll Call - Yeas: Harris, Mahaffey, Shultz, Stone, Jr., Temple, Vollman, Williams.
Nays: Markle.
The motion carried 7-1.
BOARD POLICY – None
Mr. Zimmerman arrived 9:26 p.m.
CURRICULUM REPORT
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following curriculum items:
8.1* Approve stipend for the following CARE Team Representative: Carol DeSilva, Roosevelt for the 2001-02 school year to be paid the stipend rate of $767 (stipend positions were board approved 5/6/97); funding available from Drug Free Schools grant, account number 142-2120-0-00-063-11-130.
8.2* Approve CPR recertification for the health services staff. The cost is $15.00 per person for 16 people and will be done through the American Red Cross. Cost is budgeted in 101-2410-0-00-410-09-329 (FY03).
8.3 Approve the following changes in the 2002-03 District Calendar. Change the first day for teachers from August 27 to August 28, 2002. Change the final teacher/student day from June 12 to June 13, 2003. Change Teacher Record/Graduation day from June 11 to June 12. Add one district-wide inservice day on November 27, 2002. (Copy of proposed revised calendar
attached.)
8.4 Approve June 5, 2002, as the last day of the 2001-02 school year for Lose Elementary School students. The required number of instructional hours for these students will have been met as of this date. Dismissing school a day earlier will allow for the packing and transfer of supplies, materials, and equipment to other schools.
8.5* Approve author Michael Elsohn Ross, El Portal, California, to present assemblies on July 23 and 24, 2002 to the Title I Extended Year elementary students. Costs include a presentation fee of $1,260. (1.5 days @ $840. per day) and travel costs not to exceed $900. Total costs are approximately $2,160 and are budgeted under Title I.
8.6 Approve the following book titles for Title I instruction:
Pearson Learning Group
If You Give a Moose a Muffin; Dear Mr. Blueberry; On Top of Spaghetti; Down By The Bay; Clean Your Room Harvey Moon; Fables From Around The World; My Grandmother’s Patchwork Quilt; My Visit to the Dinosaurs; Peter’s Choice; Putting on a Play; Ugliest Dog; Way Out West Lives a Coyote
Michael Elsohn Ross
The Yosemite Fun Book; Cycles, Cycles, Cycles; What Makes Everything Go; Faces in All Kinds of Places; The World of Small; The Happy Camper Handbook; Sandbox Scientist; Backyard Buddies Series (includes: Rolypolyology; Cricketology; Snailology; Millipedeology; Caterpillarology; Ladybugology; Spiderology; Wormology)
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.7 Approve an increase of the 2002-03 Title I staff by two reading specialists to provide service to students in grades 3 to 5 in our highest poverty schools. These teachers will be expected to work on a flexible schedule (10:00 am to 5:00 pm) to support the Title I Extended Day Program in those two schools.
8.8* Approve the following people for summer curriculum work. Science will be funded through Title II (String # 142-2270-1-00-072) and Math (String # 142-2270-1-00-071). Report card work will be funded through the curriculum development human resources budget. All staff will be paid at the current substitute rate of $85.00 per day.
Primary Report Card (Up to 3 days of work needed for each participant)
Cathy Burger (Hepburn) Debbie Smith (Cochran)
Nancy Hiscock (Cochran) Patrice Newton (Jackson)
Lisa Van Allen (Jackson) Linda Hart (Round Hills)
Karen Kulp (Round Hills) Sue Swisher (Stevens)
Laura Schmack (Stevens) Kim Cassidy (Sheridan)
Linda Desmond (Sheridan) Marcy Garrison (Sheridan)
Intermediate Report Card (Up to 3 days needed for each participant)
Tricia Bower (Hepburn) Tina Rhinehart (Hepburn)
Lisa Swoyer (Hepburn) Barb Rizzo (Cochran)
Amy Lampman (Cochran) Sally Lott (Cochran)
Louise Campana (Jackson) Gloria Greevy (Jackson)
Jim Runnels (Jackson) Therese Molesky (Jackson)
Elaine Eck (Lose) Heather Marnon (Lose)
Sue Krejci (Lose) Trevor Enderle (Round Hills)
Mick Cioffi (Round Hills) Georgia Grove (Stevens)
Paula Neyhart (Stevens) Linda Woodling (Sheridan)
Dawn Gorsline (Sheridan) Julie Bittner (Sheridan)
Science (Up to 4 days needed for each participant)
Marcy Garrison (Grade 1 Sheridan) Laura Hess (Grade 1 Round Hills)
Eylene Love (Grade 2 Round Hills) Cathy Burger (Grade 2 Round Hills)
Paula Neyhart (Grade 3 Stevens) Mary Margaret Jacobs (Grade 3 Stevens)
Mick Cioffi (Grade 3 Round Hills) David Duvall (Grade 3 Jackson)
Barb Neuhard (Grade 3 Hepburn) Linda Radocaj (Grade 4 Round Hills)
Debbie Goff (Grade 4 Cochran) Kay Gibson (Grade 5 Jackson)
Amy Lampman (Grade 5 Cochran) Lisa Yingling (Grade 5 Cochran)
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.8* Approve the following people for summer curriculum work cont’d:
Math (1 Day needed for each participant)
Lynn Shade (Kindergarten Cochran) Mick Cioffi (Grade 3 Round Hills)
Debbie Goff (Grade 4 Cochran) Linda Radocaj (Grade 4 Round Hills)
Kay Gibson (Grade 5 Jackson) Amy Lampman (Grade 5 Cochran)
Gloria Greevy (Grade 5 Jackson) Lisa Yingling (Grade 5 Cochran)
8.9* The following addition and correction to Item 8.8 on the June 4, 2002 Agenda.
Consider approving Donna McCarty and Rhonda Getgen for summer curriculum work in the area of science. Funding will be through Title II (String #142-2270-1-00-071) and will be at the rate of $85 per day.
Under science curriculum development note that Cathy Burger is listed as being from Round Hills. She is a Hepburn teacher.
8.10 Act 48 Recertification Hours for the West Branch School teachers will be entered by the WASD Human Resources office into the PDE Act 48 database.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Mahaffey, to approve the following personnel items:
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A.
Louise M. Bergen, full-time Administrative Support II at Stevens Elementary
School, for the purpose of retirement, effective July 31, 2002.
Please revise to June 28, 2002, per Louise Bergen's request.
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.
9.1 RESIGNATIONS CONT’D:
B. Janice D. Kuzio, full-time Library Aide at Lose Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2001-2002 school year (tentative date of June 7, 2002).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Janice D. Kuzio from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 11 years of dedicated service to our school system as a library aide. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
C. Donald W. Wolfinger, Jr., full-time special education (learning support) teacher at Curtin Middle School, for other employment, effective at the completion of the 2001-2002 school year (tentative date of June 7, 2002).
D. Melanie J. King, full-time special education (emotional support) teacher at Jackson Elementary School, for personal reasons, effective at the completion of the 2001-2002 school year (tentative date of June 7, 2002).
E. Alice A. Pennix, full-time health and physical education teacher at Curtin Middle School, for personal reasons, effective at the completion of the 2001-2002 school year (tentative date of June 7, 2002).
F. Catherine E. Lynch, full-time Health Room Technician at Lose and Sheridan Elementary Schools, for other employment, effective June 30, 2002.
G. Aimee Maldonado, part-time sign-in monitor at the high school, for personal reasons, effective May 30, 2002.
H. Renee Gabel, full-time classroom music teacher at Roosevelt Middle School, for personal reasons, effective August 19, 2002.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Doris L. Getz, full-time business education teacher at the high school, for an unpaid child rearing leave, effective for the 2002-2003 school term.
B. Scott E. Ferguson, Sr., auxiliary custodian for the District, for nine (9) days of military leave on June 24, 2002, through July 5, 2002, in accordance with Section 5159(14)(b) of the School District Policy Manual and Act 174 of 1990. School law allows a maximum of 15 paid military days per year.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Robert C. Niklaus, 1616 Elmira St., Williamsport, as a temporary professional employee, effective at the start of the 2002-2003 school term, to teach social studies at the high school, at a salary of Level 1, Step 1, bachelor's, $36,693, pending negotiations, plus eligible benefits. Mr. Niklaus holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Pennsylvania and is certified in Social Studies (replacing John E. Frick, resigned).
B. The following employees for Summer Food Service Program, effective June 10, 2002, to August 9, 2002, at the salary rates listed below:
# of Hours Rate Per
Employee Position Daily Hour
Barbara L. Rearick General Food Service Worker 3 hours $ 9.24
(replacing Mary L. Anderson, declined position)
C. The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $6.00 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective June 5, 2002:
Gwendolyn Gindraw 808 Cherry 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:
K-12
Michelle L. Coledo 4809 Lycoming Creek Rd., Cogan Station (eff. 06/03/02)
E. Melanie J. King, 636 N. Loyalsock Ave., Montoursville, as a homebound teacher, subject to assignment by the Superintendent of Schools, at the salary and/or daily rates as established by the collective bargaining agreement, and only for the actual number of hours assigned and worked, effective June 10, 2002.
F. Catherine E. Lynch, 205 Young Terrace, Cogan Station, as a substitute health room technician, subject to assignment by the Superintendent of Schools, at the hourly rates established by Board policy, and only for the actual number of hours assigned and worked, effective July 1, 2002.
G. Michele L. Brobst, P.O. Box 554, Warsaw, VA 22572, as a temporary professional employee, effective at the start of the 2002-2003 school term (tentative date of August 28, 2002), to teach health and physical education at Curtin Middle School, at a salary of Level 1, Step 1, bachelor's, $36,693, pending negotiations. Ms. Brobst holds a bachelor's degree from Lock Haven University and is certified in Health & Physical Education (replacing Alice Pennix, resigned).
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
H. Amy R. Hopkins, 7 E. Peale Ave., Mill Hall, as a temporary professional employee, effective at the start of the 2002-2003 school term (tentative date of August 28, 2002), to teach health and physical education at Lycoming Valley and Curtin Middle Schools, at a salary of Level 1, Step 1, bachelor's, $36,693, pending negotiations. Ms. Hopkins holds a bachelor's degree from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania and is certified in Health & Physical Education (replacing Jamie Nelson, retired).
I. Amy C. Neylon, 1404 Hepburn St., Williamsport, as a temporary professional employee, effective at the start of the 2002-2003 school term (tentative date of August 28, 2002), to teach health at Curtin and Roosevelt Middle Schools, at a salary of Level 1, Step 1, bachelor's, $36,693, pending negotiations. Ms. Neylon holds a bachelor's degree from Penn State University and is certified in Health (replacing Darleen Dunkelberger, retired).
J. Kurt W. Harris, 466 Mower Rd., Chambersburg, as a temporary professional employee, effective at the start of the 2002-2003 school term (tentative date of August 28, 2002), to teach health and physical education at Curtin Middle School, at a salary of Level 1, Step 1, bachelor's, $36,693, pending negotiations. Mr. Harris holds a bachelor's degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and is certified in Health & Physical Education (replacing William Charles, retired).
K. Michael A. Cioffi, 1226 Hillsdale Drive, Williamsport, as Teacher Coordinator for the Title I Extended Year Program at Jackson Elementary School, effective July 15, 2002, through August 9, 2002 (up to 4 ½ hours per day), plus participation in up to four days of staff development, at the rate of established in the Agreement by and between the Board of School Directors and the Williamsport Education Association ($22.44 per hour or contract rate plus eligible benefits: social security, retirement worker’s comp). All costs funded through Title I.
L. The following persons to teach elementary Title I Extended Year Program, effective July 15, 2002, through August 9, 2002 (up to 3½ hours per day), at the rate established in the Agreement by and between the Board of School Directors and the Williamsport Education Association ($22.44 per hour or contract rate plus eligible benefits: social security, retirement worker’ ;s comp). All costs funded through Title I (authorize the administration to make additional assignments as necessary to be presented to the Board at the next regular meeting):
Cochran Elementary School
Joyce B. Shrimp P.O. Box 156, White Deer
Kathryn M. Marcello 1765 Ravine Rd., Williamsport
Kelly A. Mathews * 812 E. Water St., #38, Lock Haven
Kelley B. Kocher 2388 Mill Lane, Williamsport
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
L. The following persons to teach elementary Title I Extended Year Program cont’d:
Jackson Elementary School
Suzanna M. Worth 234 West New Road, Linden
Beth Fausnaught * 2205 New Garden Rd., Apt. 2513, Greensboro, NC
* Pending receipt of all necessary paperwork for newly hired temporary staff
M. Authorize the elementary Title I Extended Year Teacher staff to participate in two days of staff development on July 10 and 11, 2002. All funds are budgeted under Title I.
N. The following person to teach middle school summer classes at Roosevelt Middle School, effective June 17, 2002, through July 19, 2002, at the rate established in the Agreement by and between the Board of School Directors and the Williamsport Education Association ($22.44 per hour or contract rate). There will be no summer school classes scheduled on July 4, 2002:
7th & 8 th Grade English
Robert C. Koslap 209 Charles Rd., Muncy
(replacing Candice M. Rayls, declined position)
9.4 WORK CALENDARS FOR 2002-2003
Approve the revised work schedules calendars for administrative and support staff employees for fiscal year 2002-2003 as listed below:
Category Column Days Hours
12-month Custodial/Maintenance/Warehouse/
Printer/Automotive Maintenance A 250 8
12-month Administrators*, Confidential Admin. Support* B 245 7 ½*
12-month Technicians, Admin. Support B 245 7 ½
11-month Selected Admin. Support Staff C 225 7
11-month Selected Administrators* D 220 7 ½*
10-month Department Heads* E 205 7*
10-month Elem. Admin. Admin. Support E 205 7
Selected Psychologists F 200 7 ½
Teacher Schedule G 188 7
Instructional Aides/Administrative Support H 185 7
Students/Bus Drivers/Food Service/Security Officers I 180 ---
*Reflects advertised office hours. These employee schedules are not limited to office hours.
9.5* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position changes:
A. Michael D. DeSeau, Jr., 4702 Warrensville Rd., Montoursville, from a substitute custodian to a part-time weekend/holiday security (third shift) at the high school, with a base wage rate of $8.99 per hour, effective June 5, 2002 (replacing Greg Winters, resigned).
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
10.1 RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Motion made by Mrs. Harris, 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 9-0.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES - None
BIDS/CONTRACTS
12.1* Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to authorize a memorandum of understanding between the Williamsport Area School District and the BLaST Intermediate Unit #17, documenting the terms and conditions of the Regional Wide Area Network Pricing Consortium.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
TAX ITEMS
13.1 Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following tax summaries:
The motion carried 9-0.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Temple reported that he had the opportunity to attend the National Honor Society Induction the baccalaureate program and the track banquet. All three were well organized and enjoyable.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS CONT’D:
Mr. Zimmerman reported that the Drug and Alcohol Oversite Committee met and reviewed the past years’ referrals. There were nine referrals and four of the nine were positive.
President Stone said that Mayor Rafferty thanked the Board for the collaborative efforts in dealing with the Lose building.
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. Vollman, seconded by Mr. Zimmerman and carried, the meeting adjourned at
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary