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, March 20, 2001, 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, Pamela J. Markle, David B. Stone, Jr., James E. Temple,
Dale L. Vollman, Lois T. Williams, Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: Shirley L. Canada, Kelly R. Pedersen.
INVOCATION – Mr. Thomas A. Zimmerman provided the invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the Regular Meetings of February 6, and 20 and March 6, 2001, and the Special Meetings of February 13 and 27, 2001, that the reading of the minutes be omitted and the minutes be approved as presented.
The motion carried 7-0.
Student Representatives’ Report – Erin Cowell
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Outstanding Students:
B. Elementary and Secondary Class Size Data—First Semester 2000-01
C. School Safety – Dr. Lowery reviewed a letter on school safety that she is sending to all District parents.
D. Calendar of Events:
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. Congratulations to Kristin L. Smith and Jennifer Booth, students in the Adult Education Program. They received the highest score on the GED test for 1999 and 2000, respectively.
B. Congratulations to Brian Coulter and Jeremy Hurwitz for their outstanding achievement in the American Mathematics Competition. Their scores qualify them to participate in the upcoming American Invitational Mathematics Examination on March 27, 2001.
C. Lycoming Valley Middle School has been selected as a host school for a Japanese intern for five months beginning in late August 2001. The intern assigned is Mr. Yoshiteru Ogata. Mr. Ogata has a background in the restaurant business and has participated in an international exchange activity in Australia.
A host family is still being sought. Host families are compensated by the intern and are responsible for arranging daily transportation to and from school. The school district will provide a school lunch on a daily basis. All other costs are the responsibility of the intern. If you are interested in serving as a host for Mr. Ogata, please contact Bob Eichensehr at 494-1700.
D. Everyone is invited to see the Williamsport Area High School auditorium transformed into a South Seas island for performances of “South Pacific,” which will be presented on March 30 and 31, 2001, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
E. Congratulations to the following students for having their work displayed in Harrisburg at the annual Arts in Education Month Exhibition. Their work will be on display through the end of March 2001. Visitors to the exhibit will be greeted by works of art by two Williamsport Area High School students.
Hepburn-Lycoming WAHS Roosevelt
Jonathon Phillips Terri Shadle Jasmin Tilloson
Ryan Saiers Andy Corll Shakeema Harris
Courtney Montgomery Daniel Goldfinger Brandy Schira
Stephanie Rolley Sarah McCormick Donald Brown
Caitlin Winner Melissa Kinney
Jackson Jasslynn Hannan Adam Vlcek
Tempest Barnes Erica Mayer
Miracle Collins Jackson (cont.) James Ross
Brennen Meyer Jared Mahaffey Amber Prince
Carissa Smith Derek Gair Shydia Robinson
Vanessa Cleveland Sarah Miller Emma Thompson
Thomas Dixon Emily Ludwikowski
F. Congratulations to the Williamsport Area High School Strolling Strings for being invited to perform at The Governor’s Community Partnership for Safe Children on March 1, 2001.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT’D: – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
G. The Williamsport Area School District has been awarded a PA Digital Grassroots Grant in the amount of $20,000. 220 proposals were received totaling $4 million in requests, while only $3 million was available to allocate.
H.* Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris to approve the closure of the Woodward Township Elementary School effective June 30, 2001.
Roll Call - Yeas: Markle, Zimmerman, Williams, Harris and Stone.
Nays: Temple, Vollman
The motion carried 5-2
I. Ballots for the 2001 election of Directors to BLaST IU #17 will be distributed at the board meeting. Please sign the ballot and return it to the Board Secretary.
J.* Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve expenses for a Board Retreat to begin training for Strategic Planning. The retreat will be at the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel on April 27-28, 2001, and will include 15 people. Approximate costs include 15 sleeping rooms @ $101 ($1,515); meeting room and dinner on April 27 @ $60/person ($900); meeting room on April 28 with refreshments, breakfast, and lunch @ $36/person ($540). The approximate total cost is $3,000.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
K.* Motion made by Mr. Temple, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to table Don Owen, Esq., Associate Executive Director for Board Development Programs at the Pennsylvania School Boards Association to help facilitate the Board Retreat April 27-28, 2001 at an approximate cost of $1,500, plus expenses.
The motion to table carried 7-0.
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mrs. Williams reported that the Community Relations Committee met on March 19 and they plan to coordinate their effort with the building representatives at each facility.
Mr. Holland reported that he attended a meeting of representatives of the State Board of Education. They worked on procedural issues and the main issue of discussion was whether or not to proceed with hearings prior to our District's appeals being resolved.
Construction Projects - None
FINANCE REPORT
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, 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 January 2001
FINANCE REPORT CONT'D:
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 03/20/01 in the amount of $516,106.47, 03/20/01A in the amount of $4,086.74, 03/20/01B in the amount of $171,300.83 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 03/20/01, 03/20/01A, and 03/20/01B.
6.3* Approve the 2001-2002 Intermediate Unit 17 General Operations Budget in the amount of $910,430.00.
6.4 Acknowledge receipt of the June 30, 2000 audit from Rogers, Huber & Associates.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple - None
CURRICULUM REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following curriculum items:
8.1* Authorize Sally Lima, a professor from Lock Haven University, to provide inservice training to the staff of the Curtin Middle School on the morning of May 4, 2001. Ms. Lima’s presentation will focus on math strategies applicable in all curricular areas. The cost will be $250 for the presentation (101-2270-0-00-330-17-323).
8.2 Approve a $50 Barnes and Noble gift certificate for Dr. Tracey Hall, former professor of special education at Penn State University as honorarium for providing materials for an inservice for approximately 60 secondary teachers. The February 19, 2001, inservice was about “Curriculum Based Measurement for Written Assessment.” Teachers brought student writing samples to the inservice and completed an assessment of their own students’ work.
8.3* Approve the Metamorphosis Performing Company to present the “Sense of Touch” program to the second grades of the Williamsport Area School District. The approximate cost of the program is $330 per performance for 7 performances for a total approximate cost of $2,310 and is being funded through the elementary curriculum budget and site-based budgets.
8.4* Approve the Bloomsburg Theatre Ensemble to present “Y1K: The World in the Year 1000” at seven elementary schools. The cost is $350 each (total $2,450) to be paid from Drug Free Schools grant (141-2120-0-00-063-11-329).
8.5 Approve Julie Snyder and Stephanie Weikel to conduct the PASA (State assessment) to a special needs student after school sometime in late March. The cost would be $21.79 per hour for approximately two hours per teacher. This will paid out of string #101-1241-06-200-07-121 and IDEA funds.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT'D:
8.6* Adopt the Mission Centered Leadership model for Strategic Planning and contracting with Bill Opdenhoff, Director of Strategic Planning for Mission Centered Leadership, Inc., to facilitate the District’s Strategic Planning process through September 2002. The $15,000 cost would be split with $5,000 paid out of the FY01 budget, and $10,000 paid out of the FY02 budget.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following personnel item with the exception of item 9.3A.
9.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Carol Ann Shannon, general part-time custodian at the high school, for other employment, effective at the end of the workday on March 23, 2001.
Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Linda M. Shimp, instructional support aide at Round Hills Elementary School, leave of absence without pay, effective March 20, 2001, through March 30, 2001.
Ms. Shimp’s leave is for the purpose of caring for the medical needs of a family member. Additional dates may be necessary if the medical situation does not improve. This leave is eligible under the Family Medical Leave Act and is at the discretion of the School Board, upon recommendation of the Superintendent.
B. Jacqueline K. Thompson, part-time Parent Involvement Coordinator at Cochran Elementary School, unpaid leave for educational purposes, effective the first semester of the 2001-2002 school year (tentative dates of August 23, 2001, through January 25, 2002).
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. WITHDRAWN BY ADMINISTRATION The following coaches at the respective schools for the 2000-01 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:
Williamsport Area High School
Boys Track & Field
Varsity Assistant:
Stephen M. Radocaj $1,903
Volunteers:
Mark Godfrey, 430 Charlten St., S.Williamsport
Clayton West, 529 Depot St., Williamsport
C.
Crystal T. Maddy, 920 Park Ave., Williamsport, part-time instructional support
aide/Lightspan Technology Aide at Stevens Elementary School, as an aide for the
Title I Extended Day Homework Club, three hours per week (one hour per day,
three days per week) through May 17, 2001, per contract rate plus appropriate
benefits. All funds are budgeted under Title I Extended Day Programs.
D.
Betty A. Nicholas, P.O. Box 58, Linden, Title I instructional support aide at
Jackson Elementary School, to offer a parent workshop, Book Bingo, for up to
five hours at the contract rate plus applicable benefits for preparation and
facilitation of the Book Bingo. All funds are covered under Jackson Title I
Parent budget.
E.
Deborah E. Briel, 582 Bruce Rd., Cogan Station, library aide at Sheridan
Elementary School, to offer training activities for Family Read In (March 1,
2001) and Books and Bingo (April 26, 2001), for up to five hours each day at
the contract rate plus applicable benefits. All funds are covered under Title
I budget.
F.
James C. Kusiak, 801 Woodland Ave., Williamsport, as a non-certificated
substitute teacher with receipt of emergency certification, subject to
assignment by the Superintendent of Schools, at the salary and/or daily rates
as established by Board policy, effective March 16, 2001, and only for the
actual number of hours assigned and worked during the 2000-2001 school year.
9.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
G.
Robert E. Williams, 1225 McGill Hollow Rd., Linden, as a substitute school bus
driver (non-bargaining unit personnel), with a base wage rate of $10.50 per
hour, effective April 30, 2001.
9.4* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position changes:
A.
David L. Hamilton, 100 Fisher Rd., Cogan Station, from a substitute custodian
to a general part-time custodian at the high school, 250 days up to 4 hours per
day, with a base wage rate of $8.13 per hour, effective March 6, 2001
(replacing Steve Roles, transferred to Lycoming Valley).
9.6
AUTHORIZE TO APPROVE SUPPLEMENTARY POSITIONS
Approve the following supplementary positions which are funded through Title I:
A.
Authorize the following anticipated teaching positions for the Title I Extended
School Year Program, July 16, 2001, through August 10, 2001:
Cochran - 6 teachers
Lose - 6 teachers
Hepburn-Lycoming - 3 teachers Sheridan - 5 teachers
Jackson - 8 teachers
Stevens - 8 teachers
Curtin - 5 teachers
Teachers will be paid $21.89 per hour plus benefits for 3.5 hours per day, five
days per week, during the four weeks of the Extended Year Program.
B.
Authorize the following positions of teaching/building coordinator positions
for the Title I Extended School Year Program, July 16, 2001, through August 10,
2001:
Cochran - 1 position
Sheridan - 1 position
Jackson - 1 position
Stevens - 1 position
Lose - 1 position
These individuals will be paid $21.89 per hour plus benefits for up to 4.5
hours per day for five days per week for the four weeks of the Extended Year
Program.
C.
Authorize two Librarian positions for the Title I Extended School Year Program
(one for Elementary Program, one for Curtin Middle School). The Librarians
will work 3.5 hours per day for the four week Extended Year Program (and up to
two days, six hours per day prior to the start of the program) and will be
paid at the rate of $21.89 per hour plus benefits.
9.6
AUTHORIZE TO APPROVE SUPPLEMENTARY POSITIONS CONT’D:
D.
Authorize the following Instructional Aide positions for the Title I Extended
School Year Program:
Cochran - 4 aides Lose - 3 aides
Hepburn-Lycoming - 2 aides
Sheridan - 3 aides
Jackson - 4 aides
Stevens - 4 aides
Curtin – 2 aides
The aides will be paid per contracted rate plus applicable benefits for 3.5
hours per day five days per week, effective July 16, 2001, through
August 10, 2001.
E.
Authorize the following Library Aide positions for the Title I Extended School
Year Program:
Jackson - 1 library aide
Sheridan - 1 library aide
Lose - 1 library aide
Stevens - 1 library aide
The library aides will be paid per contracted rate plus applicable benefits for
3.5 hours per day five days per week, effective July 16, 2001, through
August 10, 2001.
F.
Authorize a School Nurse to be “on call” for the Title I Extended
School Year Program, July 16, 2001, through August 10, 2001. The nurse would
be paid at the rate of $21.89 per hour plus benefits for the actual time that
the nurse was needed to help with the Title I Extended Year Program.
Elementary Extended Year Teachers – 2 days at $80 per day
Curtin Middle School Teachers – 3 days at $80 per day
Elementary Classroom and Library Aides – 1 day per contract rate plus
benefits
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
10.1
RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Zimmerman 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 7-0.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following
student/community activities:
11.1*
Approve the following student trips:
11.2*
Authorize a community member (individual not yet known) to attend the PenSPRA
symposium with Lois Williams on March 20, 2001. Approximate expenses will be
$280 and will be funded through the public relations budget.
11.3
Approve the following facility use:
school on Sunday, April 8, 2001 from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. to hold
self-defense
training for Wildlife Conservation Officers. PA Game Commission is requesting
relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $25.00. Certificate of Insurance
waived.
B.
Pennsylvania Governors School for the Arts (PGSA) to use the auditorium,
cafeteria and several music rooms at the Williamsport Area High School on
Saturday, March 24, 2001, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. to hold Spring
auditions. PGSA is requesting relief from the occupancy fee estimated to be
$150.00. Certificate of Insurance waived.
11.3
Approve the following facility use cont’d:
C.
Saint John’s School of the Arts to use the auditorium at Curtin Middle
School on
May 1, 2, 3 and 4, 2001 from 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. to hold three days of
rehearsal and a dance ensemble Spring performance. St. John’s is
requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $160.00. Certificate of
Insurance on file.
D.
PA Department of Agriculture to use the Board Room at the District Service
Center on Wednesday, April 4, 2001 from 8:30 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. to update
school food service personnel on changes to distributor contracts. PA
Department of Agriculture is requesting relief of the occupancy fee of $40.00.
Certificate of Insurance waived.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to approve the following
bid/contract items:
12.1
Authorize the administration to advertise for bids to purchase camera and
related equipment (timer, photo cutter, laminator, etc.) to produce student
identification cards (to use for cafeteria point of sales service) and employee
identification cards.
Camera and equipment to be purchased with Food Service Funds.
12.2*
Authorize the purchase of Vocational Education Equipment and Storage Furniture
in accordance with our specifications and the recommended awards. All
recommended awards are based on the lowest bid price meeting specifications.
A schedule of items to be awarded has been provided in lieu of a complete
tabulation. Due to
the extensive number of items and participating vendors
on supply bids, it is impractical to provide a complete tabulation. A
complete tabulation is available in the Business Office for viewing by any
interested parties.
All bids were received by 1:30 p.m. opened publicly in the District
Service
Center at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 13, 2001.
RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
Midwest Technology Products, Sioux City, IA $3,567.20
Paxton Patterson, Chicago, IL
4,552.50
Satco, St. Paul, MN 20,272.93
TOTAL RECOMMENDED AWARD
$28,392.63
BIDS/CONTRACTS CONT’D:
12.3*
Authorize the purchase of Welding Equipment and Supplies in accordance with our
specifications and the recommended awards. All
recommended awards are based on the lowest bid price meeting specifications.
A schedule of items to be awarded has been provided in lieu of a complete
tabulation. Due to the extensive number of items and participating vendors
on supply bids, it is impractical to provide a complete tabulation. A
complete tabulation is available in the Business Office for viewing by any
interested parties.
All bids were received by 1:30 p.m. opened publicly in the District
Service Center at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, February 13, 2001.
RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
Airgas, Allentown, PA
$12,841.82
Brodhead Garrett, Mansfield, OH 81.44
BOC Gases, Lebanon, NJ
7,981.11
Faxon Lumber Company, Williamsport, PA 2,339.43
TOTAL RECOMMENDED AWARDS $23,243.80
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
TAX ITEMS
13.1
Motion made by Mrs. Harris, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to approve the following
tax summaries:
The motion carried 7-0.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Zimmerman congratulated our Boy's Basketball Team and fans for a great
season.
Mrs. Markle and Mrs. Williams echoed Mr. Zimmerman and thanked the community
for their support.
Dr. Lowery asked Mr. Temple how the presentation on Standards went at the
California Convention. He said it went well and supported the fact that
Pennsylvania is on the cutting edge.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC - None
President Stone announced that an executive session was held prior to
tonight’s meeting and there will be another immediately following to
discuss terms and conditions of employment for one or more District employees
and to receive confidential legal advice from an attorney.
Upon motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Vollman and carried the
meeting adjourned at 9:31 p.m.
______________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary