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 20, 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: Susan A. Mahaffey, Pamela J. Markle, Jay B. Shultz, David B. Stone, Jr.,
James E. Temple, Lois T. Williams, Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: Karen V. Harris, Dale L. Vollman
INVOCATION – Fred A. Holland, Esq. provided the invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Presentation to Board on Strategic Plan:
Strategy #1 : Study and analyze student achievement data developing a K-12 comprehensive student achievement database. Team Facilitator—Jim Dougherty, Curtin Middle School Principal
Strategy #2 : Continue current school improvement plans that support higher student achievement. Team Co-Facilitators—Don Adams, Elementary Curriculum Supervisors; Steve Huddy, Williamsport Area High School Principal
Strategy #3 : Reinforce mathematics and language arts skills in all content areas. Team Facilitator—Gerry Fausnaught, Roosevelt Middle School Principal
Strategy #4 : Motivate students to be responsible for their learning (taking the PSSA tests seriously as one example). Team Facilitator—Rick Coulter, Department Chair for Music & Gifted Education
Strategy #5 : Educate parents and students about standards education (i.e., criteria reference measures and expectations). Team Facilitator—Ted Piwowar, Director of Career and Technical Education
Strategy #6 : Develop mandatory intensive instructional structures for students in need of mathematics and language arts support or remediation. Team Facilitator— Debbie Grove, Title I Supervisor.
Strategy #7 : Review, analyze, and revise, if necessary, student transition between levels resulting in written guidelines. Team Co-Facilitators—Karen Moser, Secondary Special Education Lead Teacher; Bob Eichensehr, Lycoming Valley Middle School Principal
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Presentation to Board on Strategic Plan Cont’d:
Strategy #8 : Develop a multi-year plan to address building maintenance needs. Team Co-Facilitators—Chuck Peterson, Business Administrators; Jim Dugan, Director of Human Resources
Strategy #9 : Develop trust and respect between all school participants and constituencies. Team Co-Facilitators—Kathy Eshelman, Jackson Elementary School Principal; Nayo Brown, Supervisor, Specialized Study Hall (WAHS)
Strategy #10 : Provide a safe, preventative, and cooperative environment for students and staff in the Williamsport Area School District. Team Co-Facilitators— Wayne Fausnaught, Director of Student Services; Roger Campbell, School Psychologist
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. Congratulations to Dr. Carol Watson, Williamsport Area High School Cooperative Education Coordinator, for being selected as the first secondary school teacher in the nation to participate in the national leadership institute sponsored by the National Dissemination Center for Career and Technical Education.
B . Congratulations to Kathy Eshelman, Debbie Grove, Michelle Dixon, Angela Meyer, Lisa Walker, and Lisa Van Allen for their outstanding presentation at the State Title I Reading Conference in Harrisburg on July 18, 2002. The audience commended them for their effort and experience in the area of balanced literacy programs.
C.* Motion made by Mrs. Mahaffey, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to authorize the administration and the solicitor to prepare the necessary documentation to convey the building and grounds of the Charles Lose Elementary School to the City of Williamsport without the payment of any consideration, i.e. at no cost. The City, by letter from Mayor Rafferty dated August 8, 2002, has expressed an interest in the property. The City’s interest is to obtain title to move forward with a redevelopment project that would result in creation of a residential development. A portion of the existing building may be remodeled and converted to residential apartments if possible. Otherwise, the existing building may be demolished by the City if determined to be necessary and appropriate. The use of the site for residential purposes would ultimately result in the property returning, in an improved state, to the tax rolls. Section 707(8) of the School Code authorizes conveyance to the City without consideration if approved by at least 2/3 (6 affirmative votes) of the School Board. Section 305 of the Municipalities Planning Code (53 P.S. § 10305) requires that notification be given to the Lycoming County and City of Williamsport Planning Commissions at least 45 days prior to the conveyance to obtain their input. If this motion is approved, the Planning Commissions will be notified immediately, all necessary paperwork will be processed with the Pennsylvania Department of Education, toward the goal of completing the conveyance as expeditiously as possible.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call 7-0.
Committee Reports by Board Members - None
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the balance of the agenda, including addendums, with the exception of item 9.3 O.
Construction Projects
A. Authorize a change order to the contract with Weatherproofing Technologies, Inc. and subcontracted with Roofers Edge, Inc. in the amount of $3050.00. This change order is for the fabrication and installation of eight galvanized curbs that were discovered to be deteriorated.
FINANCE REPORT
6.1 Approve the following financial reports:
A. Treasurer’s Report for the month of June 2002
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 08/20/02 in the amount of $705,419.95, 08/20/02A in the amount of $828.93, 08/20/02B in the amount of $138,124.25, 08/20/02C in the amount of $27,430.81 and 08/20/02D in the amount of $500.00 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 08/20/02, 08/20/02A, 08/20/02B, 08/20/02C and 08/20/02D.
BOARD POLICY – None
CURRICULUM REPORT
8.1 Approve Michael J. Connolly, Esquire, from the firm of SWEET, STEVENS, TUCKER & KATZ to provide an in-service seminar on legal issues impacting Student Services on August 28, 2002 at the fee of $1500. The Firm specializes on legal issues pertaining to student services and special education issues. $1,000 is budgeted in the Non-PDC consultant account and $500 is budgeted in account number 10-2120-329-870-00-000-000-009-0002.
8.2 Approve the following additional Act 80 Days:
Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School : October 23, 2002; October 24, 2002;
February 18, 2003; April 11, 2003; April 24, 2003
Cochran Elementary School : October 11, 2002
Sheridan Elementary School : September 27, 2002; January 21, 2003
8.3 Approve the Metamorphosis Performing Company to present the "Under Construction" program to the second grades of the Williamsport Area School District. The cost of the program is $460 per performance for 6 performances for an approximate total cost of $2,760 and is being funded through the elementary curriculum budget and site-based budgets.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.4 Approve L'Eau Theque Productions to present the 1-week language arts residency program "Activated Storytellers" for the Cochran Elementary School. The cost of the program is $2,775 and is being funded through the Read to Succeed grant.
8.5 Approve changes in the calendar for Lycoming Valley Middle School, including an additional Act 80 day on Tuesday, February 18, 2002 and dropping a previously approved Act 80 day on Friday May 9, 2003. May 9 will now be a day of student instruction.
8.6 Approve the following book titles for secondary English classes including those titles identified in the PermaBound Main Catalogue, Year 2002-2003, Books and Materials PreK – 12 and the following additional titles:
Grade 6
American Century Thesaurus Fire! Raging Destruction
Grade 6 Studying Reading (Book F) Grammar Works Book D
Grammar Works Book E Oil Spills, the Perils of Petroleum
Poetry for the Young Reader, grades 3-7 Sixth Grade Best Sellers
Spelling 2100 (Level F) Tales of the Civil War
Tornado! The Strongest Winds on Earth Vocabu-Lit Grade 6 (Book F)
Words to Go Grade 6 (Book F)
Grade 8
A Case of Red Herrings Holocaust Study Guide
If They're Laughing. . . Journal Jumpstarts Quick Topics . . .
Literature Teacher's Book of Lists Shakespeare
Reacting to Literature with 19 Writing Activities We Were There: Jewish Liberators ...
Readers Theatre Multi-Cult. Folktales Writer's Express
Writing Teacher's Handbook, Expressive . . . Writing Teacher's Handbook, Narrative. . .
Grade 9
Active vs Passive Voice Asimov's Guide to Shakespeare
Elements of the Short Story Greek Myths 1
Greek Myths 2 Heroes (Critical Reading Series)
Index Card Game for ESL Mastering Spelling, Level F
New Interchange, Intro Level, Student Book A (ESL) Sentence Structure
New Interchange, Intro Level, Student Book B (ESL) The Chortling Bard
Raven and Other Favorite Poems Super Tutor Vocabulary Think English Flash Cards (ESL)
Grade 10
e. e. cummings Emily Dickinson: Voice & Visions
English Punct. 1 English Punct. 2
Wrinkle-Free English Composition Greek Myths 1
Greek Myths 2
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.6 Approve the following book titles for secondary English classes cont’d:
Grade 12
Anatomy of Criticism: Four texts Canticle for Liebowitz
Hamlet: An Authoritative text, ... Man Who Was Shakespeare
Welcome to the Monkey House
Drama
20 Below 505 Digital Sound Effects
57 Original Auditions for Actors Acting and Stage Movement
Acting Games Acting Natural
Audition Monologs for Student Actors Be Yourself
Bravo Carol Burnett Show Comedy Kit A-7
Carol Burnett Show Comedy Kit A-8 Characters in Action
Christmas on Stage Comedy Improvisation
Directing for the Stage Encore: More Winning Monologs. . .
Fifty Professional Scenes. . . Grab Bag of Plays
Introduction to Readers Theatre Legendary Radio Spoofs
Let's Put on a Show More Scenes That Happen
On Stage: Short Plays for Acting Students Outstanding Stage Monologues. . .
Pantomime Performance Exercises. . . Perspectives
Playing Contemporary Scenes Playing Scenes from Classical Lit.
Power Play Readers Theatre for Children
Drama Cont’d:
Readers Theatre Workshop Library Scenes and Monologs from the Best. . . Scenes That Happen Short Comedies for Readers Theatre. . Spontaneous Performance Stagecraft 1
Stagecraft 1 Student Workbook Stories for Children II
The Flip Side The Mastery of Mimodrame
Theatre Arts 1 Student Handbook Theatre Arts 1 Teacher's Course Guide
Theatre Arts 2 Student Handbook Theatre Arts 2 Teacher's Course Guide
Tight Spots Truth in Comedy
Two Minute Monologs Two-Character Plays for Student Actors
Winning Monologs for Young Actors
8.7* Pay for a kindergarten placement for an incoming kindergarten student with severe disabilities at the Children's Development Center. The tuition rate is $25.60 per day @ 205 days per year. Travel is $8.25 per day and occupational and physical therapy are $72.00 per hour. At this time, it is estimated that the student will need an hour per week of each of these therapies. These services will be paid from the appropriate general fund special education account.
8.8* Approve Maureen Johnson, consultant and retired English as Second Language (ESL) teacher in New York State, to provide ESL inservice to ESL staff on Wednesday, August 28, 2002. Costs will be covered in the professional development budget. Costs will include $350 honorarium plus expenses (not to exceed $900.).
PERSONNEL REPORT
9.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Christopher D. Heim, full-time instructional support aide (math) at the high school, for personal reasons, effective August 9, 2002.
B. Theresa J. Scoppa, full-time health room technician/guidance counselor aide at Curtin Middle School, for personal reasons, effective August 26, 2002.
C. Jeffrey T. Vaughn, declined position as long-term substitute teacher for Business Education (Vocation Education) at the high school, due to other employment, effective August 12, 2002.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Karen L. Haywood, part-time custodian at the Complex, unpaid leave due to personal reasons, effective August 19, 2002, through August 23, 2002.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Melissa J. Becker, R.D. 4, Box 249C, Brookville 15825, as a temporary professional employee, effective August 28, 2002, to teach instrumental music at Curtin Middle School, at a salary of Level 1, Step 1, master's + 27 credits, $40,775, pending negotiations. Ms. Becker holds a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Penn State University and is certified in Music (replacing Jeffrey Judd, resigned; reassigned new hire Anna Shellenberger to choral music at the high school replacing Paul McPhail, resigned).
B. Melissa A. Ellis, 820 Park Place, Williamsport, as a temporary professional employee, effective August 28, 2002, to teach special education (emotional support) at Jackson Elementary School, at a salary of Level 1, Step 1, bachelor's, $36,893, pending negotiations. Ms. Ellis holds a bachelor's degree from Bloomsburg University and is certified in Mentally and/or Physically Handicapped (replacing Melanie King, resigned).
C. Tammy L. Snyder, 53 North Second St., Hughesville, as a temporary professional employee, effective August 28, 2002, as a Title I Reading Specialist for the District, at a salary of Level 1, Step 1, bachelor's, $36,693, pending negotiations. Ms. Snyder holds a bachelor's degree from Lock Haven University and is certified in Reading Specialist, Elementary and Early Childhood (replacing Donna Bensinger, resigned).
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
D. Judith I. Stauffer, 500 Highland Terrace, Williamsport, as a professional employee, effective August 28, 2002, as a Title I Reading Specialist for the District, at a salary of Level 1, Step 1, master's + 9 credits, $40,134, pending negotiations. Ms. Stauffer holds a bachelor's degree from Rowan University and a master's degree from Bloomsburg University and is certified in Reading Specialist and Elementary (replacing Kim Reid, resigned).
E. Kati B. Pardoe, 2347 Hillside Ave., Williamsport, as a ½ time temporary professional employee, effective August 28, 2002, to teach Guided Reading at Jackson Elementary School, at a salary of Level 1, Step 1, bachelor's, $36,693, prorated, pending negotiations. Ms. Pardoe holds a bachelor's degree from Millersville University and is certified in Elementary and Early Childhood (new position approved by the Board; funded through Federal Class Size Reduction Grant).
F. Suzanna M. Loudenslager, 293 Dunkleberger Rd., Williamsport, 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 third grade at Cochran Elementary School, at a salary of Level 1, Step 1, bachelor's, $36,693, prorated, pending negotiations. Mrs. Loudenslager holds a bachelor's degree from Lycoming College and is certified in Elementary (replacing Beth Good, on unpaid medical leave).
G. Janice A. Clark, 2410 Fairview Terrace, Williamsport, as a full-time (185 days, 7 hours per day) instructional support aide at Lycoming Valley Middle School, with a base wage rate of $13,067 ($10.09 per hour), effective August 27, 2002; funded through ACCESS (replacing Lori Hoyt, transferred to HRT position).
H. Kenneth T. Harter, 717 Bakers Rd., Trout Run, Maintenance Specialist/Electrician for the District, as a Backup Sewage Treatment Plant Operator, at the annual stipend of $600 ($50 per month) for the 2002-2003 school year.
I. Authorize Lisa J. McNerney, 541 Market St., Floor 2, Williamsport, to serve as an interpreter for an ESL student from Jackson Elementary School from July 29, 2002, through August 16, 2002, for up to 3½ hours per day at the rate of $15.00 per hour. All funds are budgeted under Title I.
J. The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $6.00 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective August 21, 2002:
Tammy L. Summers 42 Rick Lane, Cogan Station
K. The following substitute custodian/event staff, with a base wage rate of $7.25 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective August 20, 2002:
Nicholas M. Cuozzo 542 Brannaka Dr., Trout Run
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
L. The following as a substitute school bus driver (non-bargaining unit personnel), with a base wage rate of $10.75 per hour, effective September 3, 2002:
Christopher D. Heim 80 Manley Lane, Williamsport
M. 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 M. German 1545 Elliott St., Williamsport
Kelli S. Vassallo 434 Oakland Ave., Williamsport
Desiree L. Ulmer 328 Arch St., Montoursville
Ami L. McChesney 111 West Beaver St., Bellefonte
Sandra S. Ritter 21 Overhill Rd., Williamsport
Tammy L. Wolfgang 350 E. Main St., P.O. Box 122, Lock Haven
Secondary
Birgit V. Musheno 511 Vallamont Dr., Williamsport
K-12
Kelli A. McCall 1137 Towncrest Rd., Williamsport
N. The following substitute administrative support/aides, 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:
Louise M. Bergen 834 Route 973E, Cogan Station (effective 08/21/02)
Ruby M. Derr 564 Grove Rd., Cogan Station
Mary L. Miles 2019 New Lawn Ave., Williamsport
Wala S. Tillman 1740 Memorial Ave., Williamsport
O. Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, 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:
Williamsport Area High School
Cross Country (Boys & Girls)
Assistant Coach: Aimee M. Shebest (5) $1,300
The motion carried 6-1 with Mr. Temple voting No.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
aides, and BLaST teachers assigned to our building for service in the intramural program, at the rate of $11.47 per hour for the actual number of hours worked.
9.4* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position changes:
A. Teresa E. Moore, 142 Lehman Drive, Cogan Station, from IST teacher at Cochran Elementary School to full-time Coordinating Teacher at Cochran Elementary School, effective with the 2002-2003 school year at her current salary and benefits as provided under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement between the Williamsport Area School District and the Williamsport Education Association (WEA) and also to authorize additional days (up to a maximum of 17 days) as necessary at her per diem rate. Position will be reviewed at the end of the 2002-2003 school year.
B. Kimberly J. Cillo, 1137 E. Lloyd St., Williamsport, from a full-time instructional support aide to a full-time Administrative Support II (205 day, 7 hours per day) at Cochran and Jackson Elementary Schools, with a base wage rate of $18,282, prorated as necessary ($12.74 per hour), effective August 26, 2002 (new position approved by the Board).
C. Lori J. Hoyt, 942 Mahaffey Hollow Rd., Linden, from a part-time instructional support aide to a full-time health room technician (185 day, 7 hours per day) at Sheridan Elementary School and the high school, with a base wage rate of $14,685 ($11.34 per hour), effective August 27, 2002 (replacing Catherine Lynch, resigned).
D. Lee Ann Vollman, 289 Grimesville Rd., Williamsport, from a part-time instructional support aide to a full-time instructional support aide (185 day, 7 hours per day) at the high school, with a base wage rate of $13,067 ($10.09 per hour), effective August 27, 2002 (new position approved by the Board; funded through ACCESS).
E. Marjorie L. Cramer, 823 Park Place, Williamsport, from a part-time instructional support aide to a full-time instructional support aide (185 day, 7 hours per day) at the Roosevelt Middle School, with a base wage rate of $13,067 ($10.09 per hour), effective August 27, 2002 (new position approved by the Board; funded through ACCESS).
F. Deborah L. Clark, 327 Trout Run Mountain Rd., Trout Run, from a general food service worker (4¾ hours daily) at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, to a full-time Instructional Support Aide (Chapter 15) at Round Hills Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $13,067 ($10.09 per hour), effective August 27, 2002 (replacing Gail Greninger, who transferred to Library Aide at Round Hills replacing Rebecca Lundy, retired).
9.4* POSITION CHANGES CONT’D:
G. Shirley A. Harman, 618 Dunkleberger Rd., Williamsport, from a general food service worker (3 hours daily) at Jackson Elementary School, to an instructional support aide at Round Hills Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $13,067 ($10.09 per hour), effective August 27, 2002 (new position approved by the Board).
9.5 AUTHORIZE TO POST/ADVERTISE NEW POSITIONS
Authorize the administration to post/advertise the following position(s):
A. Authorize the administration to post a full-time Administrative Support I (225 days, 7 hours per day) position to process ACCESS paperwork and procedures (through the Special Education Department) and provide office support for the Alternative Education Program. Position to be funded through ACCESS (70%) and Alternative Education Grants (30%). (Board previously considered half-time position for ACCESS only).
Authorize Michelle Winter, payroll officer, to continue processing ACCESS forms/records and to provide training during the transition period.
B. Accelerated Reader Technology Facilitators at Cochran Elementary School (2 teachers at $300 per position). This will be the same position that Stevens has approved each year (funded through Title I budget).
C. Bingo for Books Coordinator at Cochran Elementary School (1 position at $250 annually). The requirements are High School Degree (preferred) or GED certificate. Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions. Individual must be familiar with the parents, teachers and children at Cochran. Must have access to transportation and be able to run errands within a 15-mile radius (funded through Title I budget).
D. Reading Awards Coordinator at Cochran Elementary School (1 position at $150 per year). The requirements are High School Degree preferred or GED certificate. Ability to understand and follow oral and written directions. Ability to use copy machine and computer. Individual should be familiar with Cochran staff and students (training will be provided) (funded through Title I budget).
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: - None
11.2 Approve the following request for facility use:
A. Hemlock Girl Scout Council to use the multi-purpose room and/or cafeteria at all of the district’s elementary schools and/or middle schools on various dates in September or October, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. to hold an informational meeting on Girl Scouting. The Girl Scout Council is requesting relief of the occupancy fees estimated at $200.00. Certificate of Insurance on file. Hemlock Girl Scout Council would also like to request that whenever a school building is used for regular meetings throughout the year those fees also be waived.
B. Susquehanna Council of Boy Scouts of America to use the gymnasium or alternate area at all of the district’s elementary schools on Thursday, September 19, 2002, (or other available date) from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. to hold school night for scouting. The Boy Scouts are requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $175.00. Certificate of Insurance on file. Susquehanna Council of Boy Scouts of America would also like to request that whenever a school building is used for regular meetings throughout the year those fees also be waived.
C. Pennsylvania Governor’s School for the Arts (PGSA) to use the auditorium,
cafeteria and music rooms at the Williamsport Area High School on Saturday,
March 29, 2003, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to hold auditions. PGSA is requesting relief from the occupancy fee estimated to be $150.00. Certificate of Insurance waived.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
12.1* Approve an agreement with YMCA Child Care Services for child care during Title I Parent Workshops during the 2002-03 school year. All costs will be paid by Title I.
12.2* Authorize Safety-Kleen System, Inc. to dispose of unneeded and unused science chemicals and supplies at an estimated cost of $11,632.00.
TAX ITEMS - None
The motion, to approve the balance of the agenda, including addendums, with the exception of item 9.3 O carried by a unanimous roll call.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Zimmerman reported that the next County Planning Meeting will be held tomorrow evening. He also thanked everyone for their support of the soccer booster’s yard sale.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC – None
President Stone announced that an executive session was held prior to this evening’s meeting, to discuss terms and conditions of employment for one or more District employees and to receive legal advice from an attorney. He also announced that an executive session will be held tomorrow for negotiations.
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Shultz and carried, the meeting adjourned at
9:43 p.m.
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary