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, November 19, 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.
ABSENT: James E. Temple, Thomas A. Zimmerman (arrived at 9:28 p.m.)
INVOCATION – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr. provided the invocation and read the fifth district belief statement.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
Student Representatives’ Report – Jamal Barone
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Interpretation of Pennsylvania Alternative System of Assessment (PASA) for Students with Significant Disabilities—Report by Gina MacFalls
B. Student Assistance Program (CARE teams)—Wayne Fausnaught
C. Calendar of Events:
November 21
ETAC/ATAC Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
November 27
District-wide Inservice Day
November 28-29
Holiday – Schools are Closed
December 2
Holiday – Schools are Closed
December 3
WASD School Board Meeting, 8:00 p.m.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. Alternative Education Blood Drive – Mr. McNeill provided statistics about the alternative school’s latest record setting blood drive and thanked everyone who donated. He also invited the Board to the annual Thanksgiving luncheon.
B. Ms. Lydia Comerford introduced and the Board congratulated the following graduates of the 2001 Governor’s Schools of Excellence:
International Studies
The students spoke of their experience and thanked the Board for the opportunity.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT’D:
C. Governor’s Safety Award—Presentation by Justin Smith, SADD President, Wynn Kutz, WAHS Health Teacher and SADD Advisor, and Jeffery Robbins, WAHS Blue House Principal
D. Pennsylvania School Boards Association Public Outreach Campaign— Presentation by Jessica Long, Technology Resource Integrator/Public Relations Representative.
Following Ms. Long’s presentation there was a motion of item11.2 made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris to approve the following resolution regarding the Pennsylvania School Boards Association Public Outreach Campaign:
Williamsport Area School District Board Resolution
WHEREAS, the Pennsylvania School Boards Association has initiated a Public
Outreach Campaign to appropriately recognize the achievements of public schools
throughout the commonwealth, and
WHEREAS, the campaign is designed to recognize the accomplishments of students
and graduates, and the dedicated leadership of teachers, administrators,
support staff and school directors, and
WHEREAS, the Williamsport Area School District is proud of the achievements of
its students, staff and graduates;
THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Williamsport Area School District supports
the statewide Public Outreach Campaign and will conduct its own outreach
efforts locally, designed to:
-Increase public awareness of the value of public schools,
-Instill a sense of pride for all involved in public education, and
-Strengthen the competitive position of public schools in today’s
marketplace of
education alternatives, and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Williamsport Area School District will solicit
support in the campaign of business, civic, community and government
organizations interested in promoting to the wider community the
accomplishments and value of their local public schools.
The motion carried 7-0.
E.
Congratulations to GQ for being given the honor of being invited to perform at
the White House on Monday, December 9, 2002. GQ will give two performances,
the first being in the Great Hall at 9:00 a.m., then in the East Room at 11:00.
This is GQ's fourth year in a row to be invited!
F.
On display in the Baskin Gallery: "The Creative Spirit: A Williamsport
Area School District K-12 Visual Art Department Faculty Exhibition"
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT’D:
G. Woodward Township
President Stone indicated how pleased that the Board and administration are
that the State Board of Education found in our favor and that Woodward Township
will remain in the Williamsport Area School District. He especially thanked
the Woodward Residents for Williamsport (WRFW) for all of their hard work and
support. He also thanked Mr. Holland for his personal passion on this issue.
He indicated that we are excited to move ahead on behalf of the students and we
bear no animosity. Finally he indicated his disappointment in former
Secretary of Education Hickock and the petitioner’s solicitor.
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mr. Zimmerman arrived 9:28 p.m.
Mrs. Harris and President Stone reported that the Fitness/Weight Room Facility
Committee had a meeting on November 18th
. There were approximately twenty people at the meeting. The members viewed a
video of facilities at other districts and toured our weight room. Coaches,
trainers and teachers spoke about our goals and needs. A subcommittee will be
meeting prior to the next meeting of the whole.
Mr. Zimmerman reported that there was a meeting of the Employment Steering
Committee. The main topics on the agenda were a sick bank policy and hiring
strategies for FY04.
Mrs. Markle reported that PSBA had an Executive Board meeting on Friday night.
They are working on a new policy manual.
Mrs. Markle also reported that the IU Board would be meeting tomorrow night and
would be discussing building options.
Mrs. Mahaffey reported that she attended a meeting of the Student Policy
Committee with Mr. Fausnaught. The meeting was productive and interesting.
Mr. Zimmerman reported that there was a meeting at the high school last week to
discuss possible renovations to the Black Box Theatre. He will report on the
progress after future meetings.
Construction Projects - None
FINANCE REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to approve the following
financial items:
6.1*
Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted
marked Order No. 11/19/02 in the amount of $657,075.19, 11/19/02A in the amount
of $161,222.59, 11/19/02B in the amount of $4,003.57,11/19/02C in the amount
of $15,462.27 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be
directed to execute Order Nos. 11/19/02, 11/19/02A, 11/19/02B and 11/19/02C.
FINANCE REPORT CONT’D:
6.2*
Authorize a payment of $660.00 to The Hartman Agency for general liability
insurance for student related organizations for the period of 11/17/02 to
11/17/03.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple
CURRICULUM REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Mahaffey, seconded by Mr. Shultz, to approve the following
curriculum items:
8.1*
Approve expenditures for career and technical education under the Williamsport
Area School District Perkins Local Plan in the amount of $153,729. This amount
represents the 2002-2003 Perkins allocation for the School District. The
Williamsport Area School District has received approval for the application
submitted to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The Williamsport Area
School District plan is authorized under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and
Applied Technology Education Act of 1998. These funds must be utilized as
outlined in the local plan according to Pennsylvania Department of Education
regulations.
8.2*
Approve Mr. Nick Cowles of 263 Brentwood Drive to design and build sets for the
WAHS Drama Club production of "It’s A Wonderful Life" to be
presented December 2002 at WAHS. Payment of no more than $400.00 has been
authorized by Drama Club officers (string #843321532617584).
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, 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.
Lisa E. Yingling, resigning from position as teacher for the Title I Extended
Day Program at Cochran Elementary School, for personal reasons, effective
November 15, 2002 (Mrs. Yingling will continue as fifth grade teacher at
Cochran).
B.
Lori Reitmeyer, resigning from position as ½ hour Breakfast Monitor at
Stevens Elementary School, effective October 23, 2002 (Ms. Reitmeyer will
continue as instructional aide at Stevens).
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Approve the following leaves of absence:
A.
Tonia A. Kuhns, general food service worker at the high school, unpaid leave
for a planned family vacation, effective December 3, 2002, through December 6,
2002.
B.
Michele L. Lusk, general food service worker at Woodward School, unpaid leave
for a planned family vacation, effective February 20, 2003, through February
27, 2003.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A.
Dorothy E. Hilliard, 622 Campbell St., Williamsport, as a full-time Tax
Examiner (245 days, 7½ hours per day) in the Tax Office at the District
Service Center, with a base wage rate of $27,085, prorated ($14.74 per hour),
effective December 3, 2002, plus applicable benefits as provided under the
collective bargaining agreement between WASD and WASP (new position approved by
the Board).
B.
Joseph C. Cato, 610 Third Ave., Williamsport, as a full-time (185 days, 7 hours
per day) instructional support aide at Curtin Middle School, with a base wage
rate of $13,067, prorated ($10.09 per hour), effective November 25, 2002, plus
applicable benefits as provided under the collective bargaining agreement
between WASD and WASP (new position due to student IEP).
C.
Amanda K. Grimes, 81 High St., Trout Run, as a full-time (185 days, 7 hours per
day) instructional support aide at Jackson Elementary School, with a base wage
rate of $13,067, prorated ($10.09 per hour), effective November 25, 2002, plus
applicable benefits as provided under the collective bargaining agreement
between WASD and WASP (replacing Penny Bower, who requested to be transferred
back to her prior food service position at Jackson Elementary School).
D.
Robyn G. Weaver, 2020 Roosevelt Ave., Williamsport, as a ½ hour Breakfast
Monitor at Stevens Elementary Middle School, at the rate of $9.00 per hour,
effective October 31, 2002. This position is in addition to her instructional
aide position at Stevens (replacing Lori Reitmeyer, resigned).
E.
The following substitute food service worker(s), at the salary rate of $6.00
per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective November 20, 2002:
Beverly A. Best
302 Arch St., Williamsport
9.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
F.
The following persons as non-certificated substitute teacher with receipt of an
emergency permit, subject to assignment by the Superintendent of Schools, at
the salary and/or rates as established by Board policy, and only for the actual
number of hours assigned and worked during the 2002-2003 school year:
Ady E. Smith
920 Main St., Apt. 36, S. Williamsport (effective 11/07/02)
Eleonora Shugol
900 Walnut St., Montoursville (effective 11/14/02)
Meredith L. Bigger
603 Broad St., Montoursville
Branin A. Boyd, Jr. R.R. 1 Box 48B, Liberty
Allison C. Cillo
1710 Motters Lane, Williamsport (effective 11/18/02)
Marietta L. Edwards
1324 Hesker Hill Rd., Jersey Shore
Eric C. Frey
2200 Roosevelt Ave., Williamsport (effective 11/18/02)
Carl E. Hall, Jr.
1232 West Third St., Williamsport
Muriel Hykes
121 Florence Drive, Cogan Station (effective 11/18/02)
Jamie M. Spencer
717 Lincoln Ave., Williamsport (effective 11/18/02)
Maureen M. Wade
693 S. Shaffer Hill, Cogan Station (effective 11/18/02)
G.
Charisse R. Ford, 181 Huffman Rd., Linden, as a temporary professional
employee, to teach third grade at Cochran Elementary School, at a salary of
Level 1, Step 1, bachelor's, $36,693, prorated, pending negotiations, plus
eligible benefits as negotiated between the Williamsport Area School District
and the WEA, effective on or about November 25, 2002 (pending release from
current employer). Ms. Ford holds a bachelor's degree from Lock Haven
University and is certified in Elementary (replacing Veronica Hine, resigned).
H.
Constance H. Williams, 725 Sheridan St., Williamsport, as a full-time (185
days, 7 hours per day) instructional support aide at the high school, with a
base wage rate of $13,067 ($10.09 per hour), plus applicable benefits as
provided under the collective bargaining agreement between WASD and WASP,
effective November 25, 2002 (new position approved by the Board).
I.
Faith R. Lovell, 429 Oakland Ave., Williamsport, as a part-time (up to 185
days, prorated; up to 4½ hours per day) instructional support aide at
Cochran Elementary School, effective November 25, 2002, with a base wage rate
of $9.34 per hour, FICA, Worker's Compensation, Retirement (if eligible), and
sick leave (per the Agreement between the Board and the Williamsport Area
Support Personnel) are the only fringe benefits (replacing Marjorie Cramer,
transferred to a full-time position).
J.
Barbara J. Rizzo, R.R. 2, Box 420, Cogan Station, and Amy Lampman Twist, 1164
Russell Ave., Williamsport, to share position as teacher for the Title I
Extended Day Program at Cochran Elementary School for the 2002-2003 school
year, effective November 18, 2002. Teachers will be paid $22.44 per hour or
contract rate plus appropriate benefits for up to a maximum of four hours per
week for the full position. All funds are budgeted under Title I (replacing
Lisa Yingling, resigned).
9.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
K.
Michelle M. English, 517 Stevens St., Apt. 4, Williamsport, instructional
support aide at Cochran Elementary School, to serve as the Bingo for Books
Coordinator at Cochran Elementary School for the 2002-2003 school year. This
is a stipend position paid at the rate of $250 annually, funded through Title I
Parent/Community Services budget (availability of positions and funds to be
reviewed annually).
L.
The following substitute custodian/event staff, with a base wage rate of $7.25
per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective November 20, 2002:
Ralph J. Roy
2765 Daugherty's Run Rd., Linden
Ron W. Solomon
1779 Memorial Ave., Williamsport
M.
Jared D. Lehman, 9702 S. Route 220 Highway, Jersey Shore, as a paid intern in
the Business Office/Tax Office, for an additional duration of up to 480 hours,
at the rate of $8.00 per hour (no benefits; originally approval was effective
June 19, 2002).
N.
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 (all stipends at contracted rates, pending
negotiations):
Williamsport Area High School
Boys & Girls Swimming & Diving
Assistant Coach:
Rachel Bryant $ 887
Girls Basketball
Assistant Coach:
Michael B. Lundy, Jr. $2,102
(replacing Kirk Bower, withdrew)
9.4*
POSITION CHANGES - Approve the following position changes:
A.
Mary L. Anderson, 1412 Pennsylvania Ave., Williamsport, from a general food
service worker at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, to a full-time Sign-In
Monitor/Aide at the high school (185 days, 7 hours per day), with a base wage
rate of $15,462 prorated ($11.94 per hour), plus applicable benefits as
provided under the collective bargaining agreement between WASD and WASP
effective November 25, 2002 (replacing Aimee Maldonado, resigned; expanded to
full-time position).
B.
Robert B. Turner, 180 Riverview Rd., Williamsport, from an instructional
support aide at the high school to an instructional support aide - Life Skills
Support classroom aide (185 days, 7 hours per day) at Lycoming Valley Middle
School, with a base wage rate of rate of $13,067 ($10.09 per hour), plus
applicable benefits as provided under the collective bargaining agreement
between WASD and WASP, effective December 3, 2002. The status of this position
will be reviewed at the end of the 2002-2003 school term.
9.5 CONTRACTS
A.
Pam Easton, 36 W. 881 St., Bloomsburg 17815, qualified interpreter of American
Sign Language (ASL) and Pidgin Sign English (PSE) to provide day-to-day
substitute interpreter services (as needed) to eligible students at the rate of
$25.00 per hour for hours worked, effective November 19, 2002, through June
13, 2003.
9.6 OTHER
A.
Consider approving the following teacher at St. Joseph's Parochial School, 711
W. Edwin St., Williamsport, to serve as a substitute teacher for the Title I
Extended Day Program Services during the 2002-2003 school year, effective
November 11, 2002, through May 22, 2003, at the rate of $22.44 per hour (or
contract rate, pending negotiations) plus applicable benefits, pending
completion of all appropriate paperwork. All funds are budgeted under Title I:
St. Joseph's School:
Angela N. Cheyne 1632 Memorial Ave., Williamsport
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
10.1
RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Motion made by Mrs. Mahaffey, seconded by Mr. Vollman, 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
11.1*
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following
student trips:
A.
Approximately 80 Lycoming Valley Middle School students, accompanied by their
Assistant Principal and teacher volunteers, to travel to Ski Saw Mill on dates
in January and February 2003. Students eligible to participate must be in
compliance with the school field trip disciplinary requirements.
Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. There will be no cost to
the District. Since this is an optional activity, all costs will be paid by
the participating students.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES CONT’D:
11.1*
Approve the following student trips cont’d:
B.
Sixteen (16) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s performing
musical group GQ, accompanied by their director and other adult chaperones, to
travel to Washington, DC, during December 2002. The students will be
performing at the White House and visiting other local sites. Students
eligible to participate will have no more than three unexcused absences, will
be passing all coursework, and will have no bus disciplinary infractions as of
the date of the trip.
Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. Funds will be provided
from choral activities funds (10-1100-519-000-30-850-121-023-0000). A
substitute will be required for one day.
C.
Fifteen (15) Williamsport Area High School FBLA students, accompanied by their
advisors, to travel to Central Penn Business College during December 2002 to
participate in FBLA Day. Students eligible to participate will not have been
suspended from school more than five days; will have no bus disciplinary record
; will be passing all major courses; and are not, in the judgment of their
house principal, having attendance difficulties.
District transportation is requested (80-3210-582-000-00-000-831-084-0000).
Two substitutes will be required for one day.
D.
Thirty-two (32) Stevens Elementary School fifth grade chorus members,
accompanied by their teacher and parents, to travel to St. Luke’s Church
during December 2002 to participate in a World AIDS Day service. Students
eligible to participate must not have been assigned to Saturday School or have
been suspended during the 30 calendar days prior to the trip.
There is no cost to the District. The parents will drive the students to and
from the performance.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
11.2 SEE ITEM 5.2D
BIDS/CONTRACTS
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following
bids/contracts items:
12.1*
Authorize payment to Berks County Intermediate Unit in the amount of $5,000 for
a contract to support IEP Plus--the software used for federal child count and
IDEA reimbursement. This contract also covers technical assistance from BCIU.
BIDS/CONTRACTS CONT’D:
12.2*
Retroactive approval of a contract with The Baxter Group, Inc. and Analytical
Laboratory Services, Inc. to conduct asbestos tile removal, disposal and air
monitoring services at the Round Hills Elementary School the weekend of
November 9th and 10th
at a cost of $14,095. This project was necessitated by a carpet replacement
project and had to be done immediately to make the classroom available for
instruction.
12.3*
Authorize a contract with Nittany Building Specialties, Inc. for carpet
replacement in the District Service Center Business Office at a cost of
$6,931.20. This contract is through a multi-state bid through the Central
Susquehanna Intermediate Unit.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
TAX ITEMS - None
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Zimmerman reported that Coach Lovecchio is meeting with students and
parents of 6th and 7th
graders from all three middle schools interested in the soccer program.
Mr. Zimmerman also reported the annual soccer awards program is Sunday at the
Genetti.
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.
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Williams and carried, the meeting
adjourned at 9:49 p.m.
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary