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, September 3, 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., Dale L. Vollman, Lois T. Williams, Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: James E. Temple.
INVOCATION – Mrs. Pamela Markle provided the invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Introduction of New Administrative Staff Members
B. Community Newsletter
C. Student Rights and Responsibilities Handbook
D. Calendar of Events:
September 4 All students report to school
September 9 Community Relations Committee Meeting, 4:00 p.m.
September 11 Student Hearing, 6:00 p.m.
September 17 WASD School Board Meeting, 8:00 p.m.
September 23 Inservice Day for Cochran Elementary School
September 23 Alternative Education Oversight Committee Meeting, 4:00 p.m.
September 26 C&I Steering Committee Meeting, 2:00 p.m.
September 26 ETAC/ATAC Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
September 27 Inservice Day for Stevens Elementary School & Roosevelt Middle School
October 1 WASD School Board Meeting, 8:00 p.m.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. Presentation of Charles Lose Portraits—Mrs. Kim Shultz, former Lose PTO President
B. Congratulations to the Williamsport Area High School’s literary magazine, The Cherry and White, for receiving a first place rating in the Pennsylvania School Press Association’s 2001-02 evaluation. The magazine is now eligible for the Pennsylvania School Press Association’s All State Award, which is presented to the top 10% of school media products. These awards are presented in November at the PSPA convention in Harrisburg.
C. On display in the Baskin Gallery during September is “Art From the Fair: Award Winning Art from the Lycoming County Fair.”
D. Dialogue Regarding Action Plans
E. Districts' Improvement Planning Process
F. Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve an agreement by and between the Williamsport Area School District and the Williamsport Education Association, effective July 1, 2002, through June 30, 2007. This agreement satisfies all terms and conditions of employment with the exception of salaries, which the parties have agreed to submit to binding arbitration.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
G. Woodward Township
Mr. Holland reported that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court agreed not to hear the case. The committee of the State Board of Education announced that they will release the recommendation they are making to the full Board on September 18, 2002. Fred will be attending the meeting and will report back to the Board. The full State Board of Education will act on the recommendation in approximately two months.
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mrs. Markle reported that the Intermediate Unit Board met on August 21st . The noteworthy agenda item was the unanimous approval of Fred Holland as the IU’s solicitor.
Construction Projects - None
FINANCE REPORT
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Jay Shultz, to approve the following financial items:
6.1 Approve the following financial reports:
A. Payroll Report:
General Fund – Unrestricted $2,328,818.08
General Fund – Restricted 221,458.94
Athletics and Extra Curricular 6,439.18
Food Service Fund 24,997.12
Data Processing Fund 8,462.37
Maintenance Fund 33,314.67
Mercantile & Privilege 4,044.63
Earned Income Tax 25,429.59
TOTAL 2,652,964.58
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 09/03/02 in the amount of $440,351.68, 09/03/02A in the amount of $65,490.61, 09/03/02B in the amount of $2,812.15, 09/03/02C in the amount of $185,864.88, 09/03/02D in the amount of $101.85 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 09/03/02, 09/03/02A, 09/03/02B, 09/03/02C and 09/03/02D.
6.3* Adopt a resolution authorizing the submission of a mandate waiver application requesting relief from the requirements of the Pennsylvania School Code, Sections 24 PS 7-751 (a) and (b) 24 PS 7-752 and PDE-3074. Specifically we are requesting relief from the bidding requirements of construction projects exceeding $10,000, the $5,000 threshold for doing projects by our own personnel and the requirement of using competent workmen. The purpose of this waiver application is to provide the opportunity for our career and technical education students to construct a weight training room inside the Williamsport Area High School.
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 following titles for
Social Studies – 2002-03
Crime and Punishment – Deitch
You Decide: Applying the Bill of Rights – Smith
Current Issues – Close Up
Perspectus – Close Up
The American Economy – Close Up
Social Studies Steps – Interact
8.1
Approve the following titles for
Social Studies – 2002-03 Cont’d:
Business Politics Ethics – Stock
Dictionary of World History – Purvis
Legends, Lies, and Myths of World History – Shenkman
New Republic to the civil War – O’Relly
U.S. History Book – Shedlock
World History to 1015 – Center for Learning
Focus on U.S. History – Walch
European History Exam Notes – Social Studies School Service
Nystrom World Atlas – Nystrom Company
Greeks – Pearson
Vikings – Martel
Christianity – Watson
Middle Ages – Howarth
Renaissance Times – Morley
The Art of the Renaissance – Corrain
War, Peach and All That Jazz – Hakim
The Weirdo – Taylor
Oil Spills! Perils of Petroleum – Duden and Walker
Who Really Killed Cock Robin – George
The Talking Earth – George
Great Stories of the American Revolution – Garrison
The American Revolutionaries – Meltzer
Quick Reference World Atlas – Rand McNally
Atlas of US History – Hammond
Life During the Civil War – Schaffer
The World Almanac & Book of Facts
State and Local Government with teachers text – Dushkin
One Night Stands with American History – Shenkman
Oh Say Can You See – US Maps & Book Co.
American Economy – Close Up
Trade is Everybody’s Business – Close Up
Break Up of the Soviet Union – Close Up
American’s Growing Debt – Close Up
The United Nations at Work – Close Up
105th Congress Directory – Close Up
Cartoon Magazine – Cartoon News
Who’s Running the Nation – Gay
Abortion, Violence, and Extremism – McCuen
Foreign Intervention & global Security – McCuen
Biological Terrorism and Weapons of Mass Destruction – McCuen
Atlas of the 20th Century – Atlas of Twentieth Century – Poster Ed.
Main Idea Study Guide – Scott Foresman
Geo Themes – Nystrom
Desk Atlas – Nystrom
Atlas of American History – Rand McNally Harm De Bliji’s Geography
Book – Harm De Bliji
8.1
Approve the following titles for
Social Studies – 2002-03 Cont’d:
Teaching Geography Through Literature – Walch
Earth at Risk Series – Schlessinger
Junior Scholastic
Weekly Reader
Current Events Magazine
Teen Newsweek
US News and World Report
Newsweek
New York times Up Front Countries and Concepts – Roskin
Lessons from the Top: The Search for America’s Best Business Leaders –
; Heff and others
The New Pioneers: The Man and Women Who are Transforming the Workplace and
Marketplace – Petzinger
American West Classroom Library – National Geographic School Publishing
Understanding Pennsylvania Civics – Penns Valley Publishers
The Lorax – Learning Links Inc.
Global Alert – Learning Links Inc.
Before the Mayflower – A History of Black America – Learning Links
Inc.
The World and I Magazine Key Decisions - Teacher’s Discovery
We The People – Center for Civic Education
History Alive
Don’t Know Much About History – Avon Books
8.2 Approve the students in the Individualized Education Program to participate in both paid and non-paid employment opportunities within the Williamsport Area School District during the 2002-2003 school year. These students will be placed in job settings by the Williamsport Area High School's Special Needs School to Work Coordinator.
8.3* Approve Rick Peoples, Reeders, PA to present two motivational assemblies/parent workshops entitled, "When Words Come Alive" on October 29, 2002. Mr. Peoples is a reading motivational speaker, poet and songwriter. The costs are $600 plus expenses (approximately $100) and are budgeted under Sheridan's Title I Parent Budget.
8.4* Approve C. Lynn William's, 316 Union Avenue, Williamsport to present a parent/child workshop on making books on January 23, 2003. The costs are $150 plus expenses (approximately $75) and are budgeted under Sheridan's Title I Parent Budget.
8.6 Approve the Marching Millionaires 2002 Fall Schedule.
8.7* Approve A.P.L. Associates, Baldwinsville, NY, to provide follow-up training to the Cochran Elementary staff on December 17, 2002. The cost of the training will be $1,700. plus travel expenses and is budgeted under Title I.
8.8* Approve payment of $300 to Shippensburg University for continuation of the WASD Reading Recovery Training Site. Funds are budgeted under Title I.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following personnel items:
9.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Armanda A. Dority, full-time instructional support aide at Lycoming Valley Middle School, for personal reasons, effective August 23, 2002.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Jennifer W. Laubscher, special education teacher at Lycoming Valley Middle School, for the purpose of maternity leave, effective August 28, 2002, through the end of the first semester (tentative return date of January 21, 2003).
Mrs. Laubscher is currently utilizing sick and/or personal days and on September 19, 2002, will make use of leave available 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, until December 12, 2002, at which time she will be on unpaid maternity leave.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Bruce C. Sacavage, 1900 Walters Rd., Montoursville, as a temporary professional employee, effective August 28, 2002, to teach elementary alternative education at Woodward Twp. School, at a salary of Level 1, Step 1, bachelor's, $36,693, pending negotiations. Mr. Sacavage holds a bachelor's degree from Eastern Oregon University and is certified in Elementary (new position approved by the Board).
B. Heather M. Zimmerman, 230 Beach Glen Rd., Apt. 4, Benton 17814, 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 Business Education at the high school, at a salary of Level 1, Step 1, master's, $39,812, prorated, pending negotiations. Ms. Zimmerman holds a bachelor's degree from Mansfield University and a master's degree from Bloomsburg University and is certified in Accounting, Marketing, and Office Technologies (replacing Doris Lynn Getz, on unpaid child rearing leave).
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
C. Susan L. Green, 590 Hammond Place, Williamsport, as a ½ hour Breakfast Monitor at Sheridan Elementary School, at the rate of $9.00 per hour, effective September 3, 2002.
D. The following substitute teachers, subject to assignment by the Superintendent of Schools, at the salary and/or daily rates as established by Board policy, and only for the actual number of hours assigned and worked:
Elementary
Jamie D. Harris 2738 Grimesville Rd., Williamsport
Danyelle R. Nedrow 616 Seventh Ave., Williamsport
Sue E. Paulhamus 1628 West 4th St., Williamsport (effective 09/03/02)
Secondary
James W. Fisher 1911 Elmhurst Ave., Jersey Shore
Abbie L. Newcomer 350 Northway Rd. Ext., Williamsport
Jennifer C. Yeager 1627 Blair St., Williamsport
K-12
James R. Jamison 165 Beaver St. #4, Cogan Station
E. 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:
Sherry D. Bateman 1234 Park Ave., Williamsport
Amanda K. Grimes 81 High St., Trout Run
Shannon L. Hartranft 900 Lockcuff Rd., Williamsport
Brenda L. Rabert 1015 Garden St., Williamsport
Robin A. Bower 84 Dome Lane, Linden
Mary A. Kimble 2011 Roosevelt Ave., Williamsport
F. Alison L. Bower, 1937 Grimesville Rd., Williamsport, as a full-time (185 days, 7 hours per day) instructional support aide (Computer Lab Aide) for the District, with a base wage rate of $14,167 ($10.94 per hour), effective September 4, 2002 (new position approved by the Board)
G. Larry J. Steinruck, 1401 High St., Williamsport, as a full-time (185 days, 7 hours per day) instructional support aide (Computer Lab Aide) for the District, with a base wage rate of $14,167 ($10.94 per hour), effective September 4, 2002 (new position approved by the Board)
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
H. The following persons to the positions indicated for the 2002-2003 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 (all stipends at contracted rates, pending negotiations):
WAHS Position Teacher Stipend
Color Guard Assistant Robert L. Hickey, Jr. $ 894
9.4* POSITION CHANGES - None
9.5 SALARY ADJUSTMENT
A. Judith I. Stauffer, 500 Highland Terrace, Williamsport, previously hired as a professional employee, effective at the start of the 2002-2003 school term, as a Title I Reading Specialist at Jackson Elementary School, at a salary of Level 1, Step 1, master's + 9 credits, $40,134, to be adjusted to a salary rate of Level 1, Step 1, master's + 18 credits, $40,455, pending negotiations.
9.6 OTHER
A. Authorize Yi Zhou, 953 W. Aaron Drive, State College, to provide interpreter services for Chinese student(s) who will be attending Roosevelt Middle School and the high school during the 2002-2003 school year at the rate of $15.00 per hour, (no benefits) not to exceed seven (7) hours per day, effective August 30, 2002, pending submission of all appropriate paperwork. No after school interpreting is scheduled at this time.
Yi Zhou will also be eligible to receive 15¢ per mile for travel to and from this position for the 2002-2003 school year.
B. Approve volunteer efforts of residents of Transitional Living Center (TLC) for Women, 390 Maynard St., Williamsport, to conduct litter cleanup services at Sheridan and Stevens Elementary Schools and playgrounds for the 2002-2003 school term. Kirk Felix will be the WASD representative and Monica M. Kitchen will represent TLC. TLC provides its own liability insurance.
C. Authorize Liping Zhang, 150 Ridgeway Drive, Lewisburg, to provide interpreter services for Chinese student(s) who will be attending Cochran Elementary School during the 2002-2003 school year at the rate of $15.00 per hour, (no benefits) for a minimum of four (4) hours per day not to exceed seven (7) hours per day, effective August 30, 2002, pending submission of all appropriate paperwork. No after school interpreting is scheduled at this time.
Liping Zhang will also be eligible to receive 15¢ per mile for travel to and from this position for the 2002-2003 school year.
9.6 OTHER CONT’D:
D. Authorize Yoroslava S. Gohrs, 4773 Lycoming Mall Drive, Montoursville, to provide interpreter services for Russian student(s) who will be attending the high school during the 2002-2003 school year at the rate of $15.00 per hour, (no benefits) not to exceed seven (7) hours per day, effective August 30, 2002, pending submission of all appropriate paperwork. No after school interpreting is scheduled at this time.
E. Authorize Julia K. Hamilton, 2229 State Route 442, Muncy, to provide interpreter services for Russian student(s) who will be attending Round Hills Elementary School during the 2002-2003 school year at the rate of $15.00 per hour, (no benefits) not to exceed seven (7) hours per day, effective August 30, 2002, pending submission of all appropriate paperwork. No after school interpreting is scheduled at this time.
F. Authorize Eleonora Shugol, 900 Walnut St., Montoursville, to provide interpreter services for Russian student(s) who will be attending Lycoming Valley Middle School during the 2002-2003 school year at the rate of $15.00 per hour, (no benefits) not to exceed seven (7) hours per day, effective August 30, 2002, pending submission of all appropriate paperwork. No after school interpreting is scheduled at this time.
9.7 AUTHORIZE TO POST/ADVERTISE NEW POSITIONS
Authorize the administration to post/advertise the following positions:
A. Title I Extended Day Programs at Cochran and Jackson Elementary Schools, from September 30, 2002, through May 23, 2003. The programs will be held four days per week for up to one hour per day. The programs will require up to five teaching positions (positions may be shared). Teachers will be paid $22.44 (or contract rate) per hour plus appropriate benefits. Student bus transportation, where necessary, will be provided. All funds are budgeted under Title I.
B. The following stipend positions for Stevens Elementary School (all funds are budgeted under Title I):
Kindergarten Volunteer Coordinator at $400 per year
AR Coordinators (two positions) at $200 each per year
C. The following stipend positions for Sheridan Elementary School (all funds are budgeted under Title I):
Family Read-In Coordinator at $100 per year
Book Bingo Coordinator at $100 per year
Bookmaking Coordinator at $100 per year
All positions are considered Parent Involvement and will require a high school degree (minimum); familiarity with the Sheridan staff, students, parents and community; availability to work beyond the school day; excellent organizational skills and time management skills; ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing.
The motion for personnel items carried by a unanimous roll call.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
10.1 RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, 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 8-0.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following student/
community activities:
11.1* Approve the following student trips:
A. Fifty-five (55) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Key Club, accompanied by their advisor and other adult chaperones, to travel to New York City during December 2002. The trip is an incentive for the quality work the group has done. Students eligible to participate must be in good academic standing, have no suspensions, and have fewer than five (5) missed days of school. Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. There will be no cost to the District—the trip is entirely Key Club funded.
11.2 Approve the following request for facility use:
A. Lycoming County Chapter of Pennsylvania State Retirees to use the Board Room on Monday, October 7, 2002, from 6:15 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. to hold a pre-retirement seminar. LCCPASR is requesting relief of the occupancy fee of $40.00. Certificate of
Insurance waived.
B. PA Game Commission to use the mat room at the high school, (exact dates and times to be coordinated with Mr. Huddy) estimated usage four times this school year, to hold self-defense training for Wildlife Conservation Officers. PA Game Commission is requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $60.00. Certificate of Insurance waived.
11.3* Authorize the Williamsport Area High School’s baseball and softball teams to participate in tournament play during April 2003. The baseball team is requesting per-mission to participate in a tournament in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina from April 14-19, 2003. They have been invited back to defend their championship title. The softball tournament would take place in Summerville, South Carolina from April 14-16, 2003. The students will miss four (4) instructional days since the tournaments do not coincide with our spring break this year. Mr. Huddy has given his permission for the teams to participate, and the days will be treated in a manner similar to a planned family vacation.
The only cost to the District will be the cost of substitutes for Coaches Grove and Zangara. All other costs will be paid by the booster clubs and the individual student athletes.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to approve the following bid/contract items:
12.1* Agreement with N2H2, Inc (a corporation located in Seattle, Washington) to provide Internet content filtering service (BESS Proxy) from September 1, 2002 through August 31, 2003. The cost of the service at $6,906 is budgeted in string #10-1100-810-341-00-000-000-031-0000.
12.2* Authorize the purchase and installation of security monitoring equipment for the District Service Center from ADT Security Services, Inc. at a cost of $14,820.45. The equipment is priced per government contract and the installation is based on prevailing wage. This motion replaces the agenda item approved on March 5, 2002.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
TAX ITEMS
13.1 Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to approve the following tax summaries:
summaries cont’d:
The motion carried 8-0.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Zimmerman requested an update on the status of vacancies. Mr. Dugan reported that the professional vacancies are all filled at this time and that we are still working on a few non-professional vacancies.
Mrs. Markle wished Mr. Shultz a happy birthday.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC - None
President Stone announced that an executive session was held prior to this evening’s meetings, and another is to following this meeting, to discuss terms and conditions of employment for one or more District employees and to receive legal advice from an attorney.
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Markle and carried, the meeting adjourned at
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary