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, February 18, 2003, 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. James E. Temple provided the invocation and read the first district belief statement.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to approve the minutes from the regular Meeting of November 19, 2002, that the reading of the minutes be omitted and the minutes be approved as presented.
The motion carried 9-0.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Centralized Registration Packet
B. Discussion of SusCom Contract. Following discussion motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Mahaffey, to continue the SusCom contract through March 2003.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
C. Food Service Audit. Dr. Lowery reported that an audit of our food service department has just concluded and the results were excellent. Our menus met or exceeded nutritional requirements and a review of our free and reduced applications yielded very few errors. The only recommendation resulting from the audit was that we develop and institute a policy on our cafeteria cards. Dr. Lowery commended Judy Gooderham, Alesia Rudinski and Kathy Shirey.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. Congratulations to the Williamsport Area High School National Art Honor Society. They completed a mural in the new YWCA Liberty House Shelter. This community service project was designed to fill a complete wall in the living room area of the third floor facility. Several students from the chapter designed the mural and worked afternoons, evenings, and weekends completing the artwork. Mr. Tom Kelchner and Ms. Nayo Brown, provided excellent leadership to this endeavor.
B. Building Maintenance Budget Presentation – Mr. Robert Hitzeman
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT’D: – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
C. “Career Tech: Working on Your Future” is the exhibit in the Board Room in celebration of National Career and Technical Education Week (February 9-15, 2003).
D. February 25th Budget Meeting. President Stone announced that the February 25th meeting has been cancelled.
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mr. Zimmerman reported on the last meeting of the Employment Steering Committee. He stated that Mr. Shultz and Mr. Dugan were also present. The most notable item on the agenda was Mr. Dugan’s review of recommended time lines and practices for hiring for the upcoming year. The committee also discussed an initiative to encourage our students to pursue the teaching profession. The committee felt this is important due to the increasing age of our staff and the “brain drain” problem.
Mrs. Markle reported that she compiled and distributed via e-mail, a detailed report on the most recent legislative conference.
FINANCE REPORT
Motion made by Mr. Shultz, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to approve the following financial items:
6.1 Approve the following financial reports:
A. Treasurer’s Report for the month of September 2002.
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 02/18/03 in the amount of $293,618.42, 02/18/03A in the amount of $2,930.95, 02/18/03B in the amount of $504,893.90 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 02/18/03, 02/18/03A, and 02/18/03B.
6.3* Approve the following Articles of Incorporation for the Williamsport Area School District Education Foundation and authorize the administration and the solicitor to do necessary filings with the Department of State.
6.4* Authorize a transfer of $2,500 to the Williamsport Area School District Education Foundation for start-up costs.
6.5 Approve the attached student activity reports for the 2002 fiscal year and the first six months of the 2003 fiscal year.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to approve the following board policies:
7.1* Approve the first reading of Policy #206.1, “Elementary/Middle School Controlled Choice”
7.2* Approve the first reading of Policy #904.1, “Civility/Orderly Conduct” ;
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
CURRICULUM REPORT - None
PERSONNEL REPORT
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to approve the following personnel items with the exception of the assistant high school softball coaches, item 9.3C.
9.1 RESIGNATIONS - None
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE - Approve the following leaves of absence:
A.
Extend previously approved leave by one additional day for 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 February 28, 2003.
B. Mitchel W. Trice, full-time instructional aide for Alternative Education at Woodward School, for an unpaid medical leave, effective February 12, 2003, through March 25, 2003, possibly to return sooner.
Mr. Trice's leave of absence is taken 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.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF - Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Susan E. Bielski, 1322 Elmira St., Williamsport, as a part-time (up to 180 days, prorated; up to 4½ hours per day) Parent Involvement Coordinator at Cochran Elementary School, effective February 25, 2003, with a base wage rate of $10.34 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. Funded through Title I; position to be determined annually (replacing Jacqueline Thompson, resigned).
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
B. The following persons as substitute teachers for the Title I Extended Day Program at Cochran Elementary School for the 2002-2003 school year, effective October 1, 2002, through May 22, 2003, to be paid $23.16 per hour plus appropriate benefits for a maximum of one hour per day for four days per week. All funds are budgeted under Title I:
Julie A. Hammond 6346 Jacks Hollow Rd., Williamsport
Eileen P. Harley P.O. Box 2344, Williamsport
C. The following coaches at the respective schools for the 2002-03 school year at the rates in accordance with the 2002-2007 agreement by and between the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District and the Williamsport Education Association:
Williamsport Area High School
Baseball
Head Coach:
G. Scott Grove $3,355
Varsity Assistants:
David T. Howe $1,678
Randy J. Zangara $1,678
Curt C. Chilson *** $1,577
David Heller Volunteer
Softball
Head Coach:
Robert G. Loudenslager $3,355
(previously appd. 1/28/03)
Motion made by Mr. Shultz, seconded by Mrs. Mahaffey to approve the following
coaches:
Varsity Assistants:
Steve L. Reed $1,678
Co - Jeff Wagner $ 654
Co - Miranda (Randy) Regan $ 721
Dennis J. Loner Volunteer
Mark Godfrey Volunteer
The motion carried 8-1 with Mrs. Harris voting no.
Boys Tennis
Head Coach:
Michael Hoban $2,013
Girls Track
Head Coach:
Marguerite W. Anderson-Royal $4,025
Varsity Assistants:
Ed Bresnick $2,013
VACANT ---
9.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
C.
The following coaches at the respective schools for the 2002-03 school year
cont’d:
Williamsport Area High School
Boys Track & Field
Head Coach:
Samuel E. Belle $4,025
Robert S. Kraynak $2,013
William O. Olsen $2,013
Roosevelt Middle School
Girls Basketball
MS Lead Assistant:
Michael B. Lundy, Jr. $2,348
MS Assistant
Tim M. Tyson $2,013
Crissy M. Walker Volunteer Roosevelt Middle School
Track & Field
Boys Coach
Randall G. Laird $1,610
Girls Coach
Jennifer C. Redmon $1,610
Curtin Middle School
Girls Basketball
MS Lead Assistant
Katherine Ulrich $2,207
MS Assistant
Dana Kinney $1,730
Track & Field
Boys Coach
VACANT ---
Girls Coach
VACANT ---
Lycoming Valley Middle School
Girls Basketball
MS Lead Assistant
Linda L. Radocaj $2,348
MS Assistant
Teri H. Heinbach $1,892
Track & Field
Boys Coach
R. Scott Matthews $1,610
Girls Coach
James E. Donnell $1,610
Assistant Coach
John F. Clark $1,208
(necessary because of number of participants)
*** Booster Club Funded Positions
9.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
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:
Emily A. Alston
2388 Mill Lane, Williamsport
Michael L. Manning
1706 Rte. 654 Hwy., S. Williamsport
Sara A. Aungst
1022 Baldwin St., Williamsport
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:
Steven J. Sutherlan
2406 Beautys Run Rd., Cogan Station
9.5 CONTRACTED SERVICES
A.
Approve BLaST I.U. #17, P.O. Box 63, Granville Summit, to provide psychological
services to the Williamsport Area School District at the per diem rate of
$207.00, effective March 1, 2003, through June 30, 2003, not exceeding 50
working days. Funding will be provided through ACCESS funds.
9.6 CONTRACTED SERVICES CORRECTION
A.
Correction to motion previously approved on 02/04/03 to contract with the firm
EBDS, Pennsylvania Public Schools Health Care Trust (PPSHCT), One Gateway
Center, Suite 1250, 420 Fort Duquesne Boulevard, Pittsburgh, PA 15222-1437, to
administer COBRA benefits for eligible employees and dependents of the
Williamsport Area School District for a fee of
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
10.1
RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Motion made by Mrs. Mahaffey, 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
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following
student/ community activities:
11.1*
Approve the following student trips:
A.
Approximately 60 eighth grade students from Roosevelt Middle School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Washington, D.C., during April
2003. The students will have the opportunity to visit the Holocaust Museum and
various memorials. Students eligible to participate will not have received
in- or out-of-school suspension from January 27, 2003, on. Transportation will
be provided by contract carrier. All costs will be paid by the Roosevelt PTO.
One substitute is requested for the day for the students unable to
participate.
B.
Fourteen (14) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their
advisors, to travel to Seven Springs Resort (Champion) for three days during
April 2003 to participate in the state FBLA competition. 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, experiencing attendance
difficulties. Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. All costs
will be paid through FBLA funds. Two substitutes will be required for three
days each.
C.
Fourteen (14) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their
teacher, to travel to Geisinger Medical Center during April 2003. The students
will have the opportunity to tour the facility and see health careers in
action. 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, experiencing attendance difficulties. District transportation is
requested and will be paid by AHEC. The only cost to the District is for a
substitute for one day.
D.
Approximately 10 Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their
teacher, to travel to Penn State University during March 2003. The students
will have the opportunity to explore educational opportunities and careers in
forest resources. 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, experiencing attendance difficulties.
Transportation will be provided by Penn State. There is no cost to the
District.
E.
Eight (8) Jackson Elementary School students, accompanied by their principal
and parents, to travel to an area restaurant during February 2003 as a reward
for their fundraising efforts. Students eligible to participate must not have
been suspended or assigned to Saturday School within 60 days prior to the trip.
The students will be transported in a limousine provided by the fundraising
company. There will be no cost to the District.
11.1*
Approve the following student trips cont’d:
F.
Approximately 10 Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their
teacher, to travel to Lewis Lumber (Picture Rocks) and Keystone Veneers
(Williamsport). 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, experiencing attendance difficulties. Students will provide their
own transportation to Hughesville, and Penn State will provide their
transportation back to Williamsport.
G.
Ten (10) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s SADD chapter,
accompanied by their advisor, to travel to Lycoming College during March 2003
to attend a meeting. 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, experiencing attendance difficulties. Registration will be
paid by SADD. A substitute will be required for the day. Transportation is
not required.
H.
Seventeen (17) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s GQ
performing musical group, accompanied by their teacher and the district music
supervisor, to travel to Providence, Rhode Island, for two days during March
2003 to perform at the MENC Eastern Division Conference. Students eligible to
participate are limited to those in compliance with their school’s field
trip disciplinary requirements. District transportation is not required. All
costs will be paid through fund raising. One substitute will be required for
one day.
I.
Approximately 10 Williamsport Area High School horticulture students,
accompanied by their teacher, to travel to the Penn College Allenwood campus
during March 2003. The event is by special invitation only for seniors
interested in pursing careers in floral design at the college. 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, experiencing attendance
difficulties. District transportation is requested
(10-1390-519-000-30-850-280-033-0000). A substitute will be required for the
day.
J.
Sixty-three (63) fifth grade students from Round Hills Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and approximately 15 parent chaperones, to travel
to Washington, DC, during May 2003. The trip will enhance their unit of study
on national government. Students who have been suspended from school or who
were assigned to Saturday School for disciplinary reasons within 30 school days
prior to the trip will not be eligible to participate. Transportation will be
provided by contract carrier. All costs will be paid by the Round Hills PTO.
11.1*
Approve the following student trips cont’d:
K.
Twenty (20) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Color Guard,
accompanied by two teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Lower Dauphin
High School during February 2003 for a competition. Students eligible to
participate will not have been suspended for 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, experiencing attendance difficulties.
District transportation is requested and will be paid by the WAHS Band
Association.
11.2
Approve the following request for facility use:
A.
Retroactive approval for Old Lycoming Little League to use the gymnasium at
Lycoming Valley Middle School on February 10 and 11, 2003 from 6:00 p.m. until
8:30 p.m. to hold baseball tryouts. Old Lycoming Little League is requesting
relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $80.00. Certificate of Insurance
received.
B.
Retroactive approval for the Special Olympics to use the swimming pool at the
Williamsport High School on Thursdays, beginning February 6 through May 29,
2003 from 7:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. to work on swimming skills. The Special
Olympics is requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $800.00.
Certificate of Insurance received.
C.
PA Game Commission to use the cafeteria at Lycoming Valley Middle School on the
following dates March 29 and 30; May 31 and June 1; and September 13 and 14,
2003 from
8:30 a.m. until 5:30 p.m. to conduct Hunter-Trapper Education Programs. The PA
Game Commission is requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at
$240.00. Certificate of Insurance waived.
D.
Lycoming County Planning Commission to use the auditorium and cafeteria at
Roosevelt Middle School on Tuesday, April 22, 2003 from 3:00 p.m. until 9:30
p.m. to hold a public visioning session for the comprehensive plan. The
Lycoming County Planning Commission is requesting relief of the occupancy fee
estimated at $80.00. Certificate of Insurance waived.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
Motion made by Mrs. Mahaffey, seconded by Mr. Shultz, to approve the following
items related to bids/contracts:
12.1*
Approve renting two tents from Visionfest Ministries, Inc. on May 9, 2003, for
the Cultural Diversity Festival at a cost of $600. Budgeted in Drug and Safe
Schools Grant (10-2120-442-870-00-000-000-009-0003).
BIDS/CONTRACTS CONT’D:
12.2*
Authorize two after-school socials for Lycoming Valley Middle School students
from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. The dates are yet to be determined. The cost for
services is not to exceed $250 per social and is to be funded from the Student
Activity Account (80-3210-599-000-00-000-803-084-0000).
12.3*
Authorize the execution of a three (3) year agreement with CTSI a Commonwealth
Telephone Enterprises Company, for local and long distance telephone service.
This agreement will generate an estimated savings in excess of $50,000 for the
three year period.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
TAX ITEMS - None
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
President Stone reported on the recent MathCounts competition. An
extraordinary student from a neighboring district took first place. However,
Amha Harrison, granddaughter of former board member Janet Harrison, took second
place. Overall Lycoming Valley edged out Curtin but not by much. President
Stone stated that the entire group of students were extraordinary.
President Stone announced that he is running for another term on the board and
asked for everyone’s support.
Mr. Zimmerman reported that he would be attending a meeting of the planning
alliance the following morning.
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 Mr. Shultz, seconded by Mrs. Markle and carried, the meeting
adjourned at 9:20 p.m.
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary
$0.25
$0.50 ($0.25/medical; $0.25/dental)
per employee per month plus applicable 2% COBRA fee, effective April 1, 2003.
Eligible members covered under the PPSHCT already have the $0.25 fee built into
their deposit for medical.
The $0.25 per employee per month fee applies to employees who are not covered
under the PPSHCT program
and $0.25 per employee per month for dental (Estimated cost: $4,500/year)