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, August 6, 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 – Mr. Wayne D. Fausnaught provided the invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Calendar of Events:
August 15-16 New Teacher Inservice
August 20 WASD School Board Meeting, 8:00 pm
August 28-29 District-Wide Inservice Day
August 30 Building Meetings Day
September 2 Labor Day Holiday
September 3 First Day of School for Grades K through 9
September 3 WASD School Board meeting 8:00 pm
September 4 All students report to school
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A Report on the After Hours Program--Wayne Fausnaught, Director of Student Services.
B. Congratulations to Williamsport Area High School students for excellent scores received on the spring Advanced Placement Exams. Twenty-nine (29) students (2 sophomores, 8 juniors, and 19 seniors) sat for 44 exams. Of the exams taken, 73% merited scores of 3 or higher, enabling them to earn credit before college for introductory level courses.
The 73% of scores 3 or higher includes the following distinctions:
Of those tests scored 3 or better, 8 (44%) were 5’s; 11 (25%) were 4’ s; and 13 (30%) were
3’s.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT’D:
C. On display in the Baskin Gallery during August and September is “Art From the Fair: Award Winning Art from the Lycoming County Fair.”
D. Appointment of Voting Delegates
Our District may appoint up to three voting delegates to the 2003 Legislative Policy Council. This years’ meeting will be held on Thursday, October 3 rd during the School Leadership Conference 2002.
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to appoint Mrs. Markle,
Mr. Stone and Mrs. Williams to the 2003 Legislative Policy Council.
The motion carried 9-0.
E. Districts' Improvement Planning Process
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mr. Zimmerman stated that the Employment Steering Committee is involved in the hiring process and currently have six vacancies to fill.
Mrs. Markle stated that new officers have been elected to the BLaST board, they are:
Kay Husick of Sayre - President
Michael Wright of Montgomery - Vice President
Bob Larson of Montoursville - Treasurer
FINANCE REPORT
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following financial items:
6.1 Approve the following financial reports:
A. Treasurer’s Report for the month of May 2002
B. Payroll Report:
General Fund – Unrestricted $2,337,503.77
General Fund – Restricted 154,527.29
Athletics and Extra Curricular 6,192.34
Food Service Fund 17,229.37
Data Processing Fund 7,384.97
Maintenance Fund 33,845.65
Mercantile & Privilege 4,183.22
Earned Income Tax 28,255.15
TOTAL 2,589,121.76
FINANCE REPORT CONT’D:
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. Order No. 08/06/02(1) in the amount of $825,308.70, 08/06/02 in the amount of $11,791.97, 08/06/02A in the amount of $57,638.28, 08/06/02B in the amount of $192,717.09, 08/06/02C in the amount of $2,205.87, 08/06/02D in the amount of $3,581.81, 08/06/02E in the amount of $11,479.76 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 08/06/02(1), 08/06/02, 08/06/02A, 08/06/02B, 08/06/02C, 08/06/02D and 08/06/02E.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
6.3* Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to approve the attached resolution rescinding the call for redemption of a portion of the school district’s bonds, series of 1985.
RESCINDING THE CALL FOR REDEMPTION OF A PORTION OF
THE SCHOOL DISTRICT'S BONDS, SERIES OF 1985 SCHEDULED
FOR AUGUST 15, 2002; AND AUTHORIZING NOTICE OF RESCISSION
TO BE GIVEN AND OTHER NECESSARY ACTION TO BE TAKEN
WHEREAS, the School District heretofore issued its General Obligation Bonds, Series of 1985 dated February 14, 1985 (the "First Series Bonds") and its General Obligation Bonds, Second Series of 1985 dated August 15, 1985 (the "Second Series Bonds"); and
WHEREAS, the Second Series Bonds were issued for the purpose, among others, of refunding the First Series Bonds, and in connection with that refunding, the School District established an escrow fund for the First Series Bonds (" Escrow Fund") pursuant to a Pledge and Escrow Agreement dated August 15, 1985 (the "Escrow Agreement") between the School District and J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association, as successor Escrow Agent (" J.P. Morgan”); and
WHEREAS, the Board of School Directors adopted a resolution on June 18, 2002, as amended by resolution adopted July 16, 2002 (collectively the " Resolution") calling a portion of the First Series Bonds for redemption on August 15, 2002 under the circumstances described in the Resolution; and
WHEREAS, the Board of School Directors has determined to rescind the August 15, 2002 redemption of a portion of the First Series Bonds without prejudice to any legal rights which the School District has with respect to the First Series Bonds.
FINANCE REPORT CONT’D:
6.3* Approve the attached resolution rescinding the call for redemption of a portion of the school district’s bonds, series of 1985 cont’d:
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District as follows:
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY – None
CURRICULUM REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Mahaffey, to approve the following curriculum items:
8.1 Approve the 2002-03 Cochran Student/Parent Handbook.
8.2 Approve the following titles for Title I instruction:
Houghton Mifflin
The Surprise Inside; Our School; Up, Down, Round and Round; Breakfast; Carlos; Pumpkins; Firefighters!; The Mockingbird; Summertime; On the Farm; After a Bath ; An Elephant’s Trunk; Teacher’s Pet; When Grandpa Visits; Iguana; The Tiny Dot; Busy Week; Snap; Where Do They Go?; Making a Birdhouse; Oh, John the Rabbit; Wheels All Around; Brothers; Tiny Bird; Here We Go Round the Mulberry Bush; Me; Nobody Like Me; I’m the Captain; One Peaceful Pond; First Day of School; I Can, I Can!; Animals Can; The Farm; Look at the Animals; I See Colors; Things I Like; Shoes; All Kinds of Shoes; Pets; Big and Little; Cars; Snow is Cold; Come Play with Me; Go!; I Like to Ride
8.3* Approve the Williamsport Area High School Life Skills Support classes’ use of Public Transportation to the Williamsport Community Hospital to participate in a volunteer work program. Students would use city bus tokens to access transportation to and from the hospital on Tuesdays and Thursdays September 2002 through June 2003 at a cost of $.50 per ride. The classroom Special Education teacher and instructional aide will accompany the students on all excursions. This activity supports volunteer community work experience goals outlined in the School to Work Programs Curriculum (adopted 6/5/01).
8.4 Approve the following Social Studies Curriculum documents. They have completed the curriculum review process that includes review by the Assistant Superintendent and then opportunities for review by Curriculum and Instruction Council.
-Grade 7 World History Through 1500
-Grade 10 United States Government and Economics
-Grade 11 United States History
-Grade 12 World History Since 1500
8.5 Approve the K-12 Art Curriculum document. It has completed the curriculum review process that includes review by the Assistant Superintendent and then opportunities for review by Curriculum and Instruction Council.
8.6 Approve Theodore R. Piwowar, Director of Career and Technical Education, to submit an application to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for an Innovative Learning and Workforce Development Grant in the amount of $50,000. The purpose of this funding is to:
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.7* Approve the Williamsport Area School District Reading Recovery Training Site to provide Reading Recovery Continuing Contact Services during 2002-03 to:
2 Reading Recovery Teachers -- Sullivan County School District
1 Reading Recovery Teacher -- Galeton School District
4 Reading Recovery Teachers -- Montgomery Area School District
6 Reading Recovery Teachers -- Keystone Central School District
The cost to other districts will be $500 per teacher, plus mileage for visits made by the WASD Teacher Leader. The cost will cover: (a) one site visit by the WASD Reading Recovery Teacher Leader to each of the teachers; and (b) participation by each of the Reading Recovery Teachers in six Continuing Contact sessions to be held at the WASD Reading Recovery Training Site during 2002-03.
8.8* Approve appropriate expenditures for the 2002-2003 PPT (Pregnant and Parenting Teen), ELECT (Education Leading to Employment and Career Training) and ELECT Fatherhood Initiative (EFI) Programs in the approved amounts of each program and in accordance with the plan submitted. The approved amounts are $15,000 for PPT, $136,000 for ELECT, and $40,000 for the EFI and a total grant amount of $191,000. The Williamsport Area School District has received approval for the application submitted to the Bureau of Community and Student Services in the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The plan includes a contract with the Susquehanna Health System’s Family Center for Reproductive Health for the provision of services.
The principal goal of these programs is to assist eligible pregnant and parenting youth to break the cycle of welfare dependence by remaining in school, maintaining regular attendance, obtaining a high school diploma or GED certificate and securing post-graduation employment that will help them become successful parents and self-sufficient adults. In addition to the general self-sufficiency building, the program provides participants with pregnancy prevention information guidance, and services to reduce the incidence of secondary youth pregnancies.
8.9* Approve the submission of an application for a mini-grant from PAESP to impact student learning submitted as a joint venture with the Sheridan School Improvement Team and the Sheridan PTO to increase parent awareness and student achievement related to the State Standards in Science & Ecology in the amount of $1,500.
The money will be used to fund expenses for field trips related to the study of the environment in the greater Susquehanna Valley.
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 with the exception of item 9.3F:
9.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Kimberly C. Reid, full-time Title I Reading Specialist at Jackson Elementary School, for personal reasons, effective July 11, 2002.
B. Michelle L. Coledo, declined position as elementary alternative education teacher for the District, due to other employment, effective July 29, 2002.
C. Cynthia L. Hall, instructional support aide at Curtin Middle School, for other employment, effective August 23, 2002.
D. Stephanie M. Dorko, verbally declined position as Title I Reading Specialist for the District, due to other employment, effective August 5, 2002.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Approve the following leave of absence:
A. Elizabeth A. Good, full-time third grade teacher at Cochran Elementary School, extension of her unpaid medical leave, effective August 28, 2002, through January 1, 2003. Ms. Good is not eligible for leave under the Family Medical Leave Act at this time.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Brandon S. Pardoe, 104 Rt. 973 West, Cogan Station, as Principal of Round Hills Elementary School, effective date to be determined, at a salary of $79,045, prorated, and benefits as provided in the Act 93 Meet and Discuss Compensation Plan. Mr. Pardoe holds a bachelor's degree from Lock Haven University and a master's degree from Bucknell University (replacing Joan Heck, retired).
B. Robert L. Hickey, Jr., 4 Side Bell Terrace, Stroudsburg, as a temporary professional employee, effective August 28, 2002, to teach classroom music at Roosevelt Middle School, at a salary of Level 1, Step 1, bachelor's, $36,693, pending negotiations, and pending receipt of all necessary paperwork. Mr. Hickey holds a bachelor's degree from Penn State University and is certified in Music (replacing Renee Gabel, resigned).
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
C. Robert A. McQuillen, 35 Hillview Ave., Williamsport, to the position of temporary dispatcher, effective August 15, 2002, at the rate of $13.85 per hour for 205 days for the 2002-2003 school year. Mr. McQuillen will be eligible for benefits currently provided under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement. The status of this position will be reviewed at the end of the 2002-2003 school year. The District and the Williamsport Area Support Personnel (WASP) have completed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) outlining the terms of this appointment.
D. Kevin Shawn Turbush, Lycoming College, Box 873, Williamsport, as a paid intern in the Tax Office, effective September 3, 2002, for the duration of 480 hours, at the rate of $8.00 per hour (no benefits).
E. The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $6.00 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective August 7, 2002:
Mary A. Kimble 2011 Roosevelt Ave., Williamsport
Susan R. Morgan 324 Hughes St., Williamsport
F. Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to elect the following coaches at the respective schools for the 2002-2003 school year at the salary rate 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 (pending completion of all appropriate paperwork):
Williamsport Area High School
Football
Head Coach: Stephen M. Radocaj (5) $6,500
Varsity Assistants: William O. Olsen (5) $3,250
Charles L. Ackerman (5) $3,250
Gary L. Brown, Jr. (5) $3,250
Junior Varsity Assistants: William L. Cuebas, Jr. (5) $2,925
Jason F. Adams (3) $2,749
David A. Becker (3) $2,749
Ninth Grade Coaches: Tony C. Birch (5) $2,600
Robert T. Lundy (3) $2,444
Boys Soccer
Head Coach: Richard J. Poole (5) $3,250
Assistant Coach: Andrew K. Zimmerman (3) $1,527
Vacant ***
Girls Soccer
Head Coach: Marc Lovecchio (5) $3,250
Assistant Coach: Stephanie Keim (3) $1,527
Vacant ***
Volunteer: Victor Engel ---
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
F. Elect the following coaches at the respective cont’d:
Williamsport Area High School
Girls Tennis
Head Coach: John F. Dorner (5) $1,950
Assistant (Tentative with
Participation): Eric Frey (1) $ 838
Cross Country (Boys & Girls)
Head Coach: Stuart P. Shebest (3) $2,444
Golf
Head Coach: Michael J. Allegrucci III (5) $1,950
Volunteer: Michael Allegrucci, Jr. ---
Cheerleading
Coach: Lisa Gee (3) $1,833
Coach: Stephanie Wahl (3) $1,833
Curtin Middle School
Football
Lead Assistant: Steven Saratowski (5) $2,275
Assistant: Patrick Vollman (3) $1,833
Volunteer: Benjamin H. Laurenson III ---
Softball
Lead Assistant: Dennis J. Loner (5) $1,138
Lycoming Valley Middle School
Football
Lead Assistant: Richard S. Matthews (5) $2,275
Assistant: John F. Clark (5) $1,950
Assistant: Robert L. Kreger (5) $1,950
Softball
Lead Assistant-Split: Roger A. Harris (5) $ 569
Lead Assistant-Split: Bill Bannon (5) $ 569
Roosevelt Middle School
Football
Lead Assistant: Randall G. Laird (5) $2,275
Assistant: Michael B. Lundy, Jr. (5) $1,950
Volunteer: Thomas D. Croce ---
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
F. Elect the following coaches at the respective cont’d:
Roosevelt Middle School
Softball
Lead Assistant: Steve L. Reed (5) $1,138
The motion carried 6-0-3 with Mrs. Harris, Mr. Vollman and Mr. Zimmerman abstaining.
G. Jacquelyn L. Boyer, 871 Shadle Rd., Jersey Shore, as a long-term substitute teacher, effective August 28, 2002, through the end of the first semester of the 2002-2003 school term (tentative ending date of January 17, 2003), unless terminated sooner, to teach mathematics at the high school, at a salary of Level 1, Step 1, bachelor’s, $36,693, prorated, pending negotiations. Ms. Boyer holds a bachelor’s degree from Lock Haven University and is certified in Mathematics (replacing LeAnn Henry, on sabbatical leave).
H. 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
Melissa A. Love 151 Laurel Run Circle, Williamsport
I. Lynne E. Piotrowski, 1362 Northway Rd., Williamsport, Title I Reading Specialist at Cochran Elementary School, to serve as the Teacher Coordinator for the Title I Extended Year Program for an additional 20 hours (previously approved for up to 60 hours) prior to the beginning of the Extended Year, effective July 15, 2002, at the rate of $22.44 or contract rate per hour plus eligible benefits, funded through Title I.
9.4* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position changes:
A. Michael D. DeSeau, Jr., 4702 Warrensville Rd., Montoursville, from part-time weekend/holiday security (third shift) at the high school to a part-time custodian at Lycoming Valley Middle School, with a base wage rate of $8.84 per hour, effective August 12, 2002 (replacing James Preston, resigned).
9.5 CONTRACTED SERVICES
A. Joan S. Heck, 273 Grimesville Rd., Williamsport, to provide consulting services to the Williamsport Area School District administration at the rate of $322.00 per day, not to exceed a total of $15,000 for the 2002-2003 school year (unless approved by the Board of Directors), effective September 3, 2002, through June 30, 2003. (Contract for Mrs. Heck's services will be prepared and executed.)
9.5 CONTRACTED SERVICES CONT’D:
B. Approve a contract with Lawrence F. Bassett, 716 Walnut St., Williamsport, to provide public address announcer services for the following athletic events: varsity football, junior varsity football, 9th grade football, middle school football, boys' basketball, girls' basketball, and varsity wrestling during the 2002-2003 school year at the rate of $28.00 - $35.00 per event. Mr. Bassett has been the "Voice of the Millionaires" for the past 12 years. A contract for Mr. Bassett's services will be prepared.
C. Contract with Sentry Security, 241 Millers Lane, Williamsport, to provide security services on selected school buses, the WAHS parking lot, and special events as needed throughout the District during the 2002-2003 school term, at the rate of $13.00 per hour.
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
11.1* Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following student trips:
A. Addition to Item 11.1A on the July 16, 2002, Agenda: Transportation is being funded by the District. 10-1490-519-410-00-000-000-018-0002.
B. Transportation is requested for the summer string camp students at the Little League Complex. The students will be bussed from Little League to the Williamsport Area High School to perform their concert. The cost of the three buses will be paid by the Williamsport High School Orchestra Association. There will be no cost to the District.
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* Award a purchase order for one (1) automotive alignment rack and accessories for the Automotive Technology Building located at the Williamsport Area High School in accordance with our specifications to the following vendor. All recommended awards are based upon the lowest bid meeting our specifications. All bids were opened publicly in the District Service Center at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 23, 2002.
VENDOR BID
Automotive Technologies
13609 Dry Ridge Road
Flintstone, MD $31,495.00
Snap-On Tools
1330 Enterprise Drive
West Chester PA $41,775.00
Total Recommended Award:
Automotive Technologies $31,495.00
13609 Dry Ridge Road
Flintstone, MD
SOURCE OF FUNDS:
10-1384-752-000-30-850-270-033-0000 Vocational Education Automotive Equipment
Nine bids were mailed to various vendors. Only two (2) bids were received for this equipment.
12.2* Authorize the execution of the 2002-2003 IDEA Component III Agreement with the BLaST Intermediate Unit #17.
12.3* Authorize the purchase of bakery products from Butter Krust Baking Company.
Butter Krust Baking Company was the only bid received.
RECOMMENDED AWARD:
Butter Krust Baking Company
249 North 11th Street
Sunbury, PA 17801-2450
BIDS/CONTRACTS CONT’D:
12.4* Authorize the purchase of ice cream products to Rakestraws Ice Cream Company, Inc.
Rakestraws Ice Cream are the lowest in school menu items. Ala carte and menu items,
see attached tabulation.
RECOMMENDED AWARD:
Rakestraws Ice Cream Company, Inc.
17 East Coover Street
Mechanicsburg, PA 17055
12.5* Authorize the purchase of milk and milk products to Schneider Valley Farms Dairy.
Schneider Valley Farms Dairy was the only bid submitted.
RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
Schneider Valley Farms Dairy
1860 East Third Street
Williamsport, PA 17701
12.6* Approve a contract funded through Title I for the 2002-03 school year with STEP/Lycoming-
Clinton Head Start in the amount of $111,530 to provide an Early Literacy Kindergarten Extension Program according to the terms of the agreement. The time the eligible students spend in this program (average one-half day per week) will not be included in the district's Weighted Average Daily Membership (WADM) as reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The program will be monitored under the regulations established for Head Start.
12.7* Extend the contract with the Susquehanna Health System for the provision of PPT, ELECT, and EFI services by the Family Center for Reproductive Health.
12.8* Authorize the purchase of large equipment for the Food Service Department. Recommended awards are based on the lowest bid price meeting specifications. Note: Bid Item #1 (holding cabinet) still pending.
RECOMMENDED AWARDS
Singer Equipment Company, Inc. – Reading, PA $ 2,688.00
US Food Service – Pittston, PA 16,904.00
Total Recommended Awards $19,592.00
Source of Funds: Food Service Fund
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
TAX ITEMS
Motion made by Mrs. Harris, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to approve the following tax items:
13.1 Approving the following tax summaries:
13.2 Authorize revisions to the Earned Income Tax Office regulations as summarized below:
Section II – Taxable Compensation of Employees:
Section III – Activities subject to tax on Net Profits:
Section IV – Exclusions from Gross Income:
Section VII – Estimated Tax:
The motion carried 9-0.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Zimmerman questioned the time frame of the most recent LERTA application because it was dated in January of 2002 and the district did not receive it until the end of July.
Mr. Stone also asked the status of the LERTA Ordinance.
Mrs. Markle requested that Mr. Peterson request absentee ballots so our board members that do not attend the Leadership Conference can still vote for the PSBA Board.
Mr. Zimmerman reported that the soccer boosters will be having a yard sale fund raise on August 16th and 17th at 927 First Avenue in Williamsport.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC - None
President Stone announced that an executive session was held prior to this evening’s meetings and another one is to following, 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 Mr. Zimmerman and carried, the meeting adjourned at
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary