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, April 3, 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: Shirley L. Canada, Karen V. Harris, Pamela J. Markle, David B. Stone, Jr.,
James E. Temple, Dale L. Vollman, Lois T. Williams, Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: Kelly R. Pedersen.
INVOCATION – Mr. James E. Temple provided the invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
Student Representatives’ Report – None
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
Mr. Izer
Eshelman
Bailey
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr. - None
Committee Reports by Board Members
President Stone reported that the Facilities Committee met on April 2nd . They received interesting input from Jim Etzel and Don Adams.
Mr. Zimmerman indicated that the challenge to the Facilities Committee will be to digest the information provided at the last meeting and prepare for the next meeting. He commended the elementary principals for tackling the subject.
Mrs. Markle stated that the next legislative dinner meeting is scheduled for April 19, 2001 and she encouraged the board to join her to have a dialogue with our Legislators.
Mrs. Markle also reported that the National School Board Convention held in San Diego was very productive. She is preparing a report for the Board.
Mrs. Harris indicated that the Educational Technology and Administrative Technology Advisory Committees met and discussion centered around the middle school wireless project.
President Stone reported that City Council was receptive to the presentation done by Fred Holland, Sue Mahaffey and himself requesting their support on the Woodward Township Succession Issue. We are waiting for their response.
Construction Projects
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following construction items:
Spencer Mechanical, Inc. Plumbing Vocational Project
Turnkey Construction Electrical Vocational Project
Spencer Mechanical, Inc. Plumbing Roosevelt Project
B. Authorize change orders E-16 and E-17 to the contract with Rogers Electric, Inc., Electrical Contractor – Roosevelt Project increasing the contract by $1,730.00 and adjusting the contract total as follows:
Original Contract $650,000.00
Previous Additions 20,054.56
Previous Deductions (3,906.31)
E-16 1,071.00
E-17 659.00
Adjusted Contract Total $667,878.25
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
FINANCE REPORT
Motion moved by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following financial items:
6.1 Approve the following financial reports:
A.
Treasurer’s Report for the month of February 2001
FINANCE REPORT CONT'D:
B. Payroll Report:
General Fund – Unrestricted $2,434,201.31
General Fund – Restricted (Federal) 162,430.53
General Fund – Restricted (State) 8,671.19
Interscholastic Athletics Fund 20,617.67
Food Service Fund 60,114.92
Data Processing Fund 7,909.60
Maintenance Fund 35,397.34
Williamsport City & School District
Mercantile & Business Privilege Tax Office 2,907.12
Municipal & School Income Tax Office 21,989.58
Student Activities 2,970.01 TOTAL $2,757,209.27
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 04/03/01 in the amount of $1,713,933.96 and 04/03/01A in the amount of $221,496.11 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 04/03/01 and 04/03/01A.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple - None
CURRICULUM REPORT
Motion moved by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following curriculum items:
This experience is only recommended for students in grades 5-12; however, students in kindergarten through fourth grade may participate in the experience by completing the “Application for Excused Absence for an Educational Trip.”
This is a voluntary activity that will require pre-registration to include a parent’s signature and identification of the parent/guardian’s place of employment to be visited. Additionally, students participating in this activity with their parent will be required, and given the opportunity, to complete regular academic work covered on April 26. Participating students will also be required to complete a variety of appropriate assignments relevant to their visitation of the parent’s place of employment.
Participating parents are responsible for the transportation and safety of their child to and from their place of employment.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT'D
8.2* Establish tuition and registration fees for the Middle School Summer Session June 18 through July 20, 2001. There will be no classes July 4, 2001. Middle school summer sessions will be held at Curtin Middle School. Two-hour courses are offered to students from grade 6-8 for remedial purposes only from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. daily. Traditionally, only three teachers are needed to staff middle school summer school. It is recommended that the fee structure remain the same as last year.
Non-Resident Fee Resident Fee Adjusted Fee
$175 $125 $75
Courses Offered:
Mathematics 6, 7, and 8
English 6, 7, and 8
The middle school summer session is provided in accordance with Board Policy 3721.10.
8.3* Establish tuition and registration fees for the high school summer sessions June 18 through July 27, 2001, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. daily for one credit courses; and June 18 through July 6, 2001, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. daily for .5 credit courses. These dates will provide a 29-day (1.0 credit) and a 14-day (.5 credit) schedule, with vacation on July 4.
Any secondary student is eligible for make-up in any offered subject, or advanced credit work in Social Studies. Students living outside the Williamsport Area School District will be accepted into the program provided space is available. Strict attendance guidelines will be followed.
Length of Course Non-Resident Fee Resident Fee Adjusted Fee
60 Hours $200 $120 $100
120 Hours $380 $240 $200
Courses Offered:
* 0019 English 9 Basic
* 0003 English 10 Basic
* 0013 English 11 Basic
* 0023 English 12 Basic
1029 Civics
1009 Civics Honors **
1003 American Cultures I
1001 American Cultures I Honors **
1013 American Cultures II
1011 American Cultures II Honors **
1022 Global Economics & Political Living
1020 Global Economics & Political Living Honors **
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT'D
8.3* Establish tuition and registration fees for the high school summer sessions cont'd:
Courses Offered:
* 2019 Core-Plus I
2011 Algebra I
2012 Algebra II
2022 Plane Geometry
3009 General Science
* 9009 Physical Education – Freshman
* 9010 Physical Education – Sophomore
* 9011 Physical Education – Junior/Senior
* These courses are offered for “make-up” only.
8.4* Authorize $400 to be paid to Theresa Kendall, choreographer and dance educator, for conducting a series of interdisciplinary workshops with English, physical education, and music staff members and students. Nine (9) workshops and planning sessions will be held between April 2 and April 28, 2001.
8.5 Approve the following book titles for Title I instruction:
Sundance (in addition to the copied list)
Dear Mr. Henshaw; A Long Way from Chicago; When Zachary Beaver Came to Town
Perma-Bound
26 Fairmount Avenue
Capstone Press
ATV Racing; Off-Road Racing; Pro Stock Car Racing; Snowmobile Racing
AKJ Educational Services
Secrets of the Mummies; Spacebusters: The Race to the Moon; Twisters!; Volcanoes and Other Natural Disasters; Arthur and the Perfect Brother; Locked in the Library; Arthur and the Race to Read
Newbridge
Digging for Dinosaurs; The Web of Life; Animals in Danger; The World of Reptiles; Life in Your Backyard; How Do Animals Sleep; Call of the Wolves; Watching Wales; The Moon; Amazing Crickets; All From an Oak Tree; Going West; Making Choices; Looking at Money; Volunteers; A World of Tools; Follow the River.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mr. Zimmerman, to approve the following personnel items:
9.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Georgette L. Miller, full-time fifth grade teacher at Stevens Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2000-2001 school year.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Georgette L. Miller from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 25½ years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
B. Burns S. Williams, regular part-time school bus driver for the District, for other employment, effective March 1, 2001.
D. Jennie M. Wagner-Guffy, resignation as a teacher for the Title I Extended Day Homework Club at Curtin Middle School only, effective March 30, 2001. Ms. Wagner-Guffy will continue to be employed as a teacher at Curtin Middle School.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Sharon D. Deckard, fifth grade teacher at Sheridan Elementary School, extension of her unpaid medical leave, effective March 13, 2001, through the end of the 2000-2001 school term (tentative date June 8, 2001).
B. Christina L. Caputo, special education teacher at Stevens Elementary School, for the purpose of an unpaid medical leave, effective May 17, 2001, through June 1, 2001, possibly to return sooner.
Mrs. Caputo is presently on sick and/or personal leave and on May 17, 2001, 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.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE CONT'D:
C. Angela M. Meyer, second grade teacher at Jackson Elementary School, for the purpose of an unpaid medical leave, effective May 22, 2001, through June 1, 2001, possibly to return sooner.
Mrs. Meyer is presently on sick and/or personal leave and on May 22, 2001, 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.
D. Deborah D. Antonetti, part-time family and consumer science teacher at the high school, leave of absence without pay, effective March 22, 2001, through March 30, 2001.
Mrs. Antonetti'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.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Jessie Livesey, Lycoming College, Box 1121, Williamsport, as a paid intern in the Tax Office, effective May 7, 2001, for the duration of 240 hours, at the rate of $8.00 per hour (no benefits).
B. 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
Lycoming Valley High School
Track & Field
Assistant Coach
John F. Clark $1,066
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT'D:
C.
The following persons as replacement teachers for the Title I Extended Day
Homework Club at Curtin Middle School, from April 2, 2001, through May 31,
2001. The program is held four days per week for 30 minutes per day of
homework support. The program requires five teaching positions for 30 minutes
per day and one position for 45 minutes per day; teachers will be paid $21.89
plus appropriate benefits. All funds are budgeted under Title I Extended Day
Programs:
Tiffani A. Ault
346 W. Grape St., Apt. 14B, Lock Haven
David C. Fink
2218 Mahaffey Lane, Williamsport
D.
Paul C. Kelly, 2513 Dove St., Williamsport, as a substitute custodian/event
staff, with a base wage rate of $7.00 per hour, for the actual number of hours
worked, effective March 7, 2001.
E.
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:
Charles E. Campbell
P.O. Box 3696, Williamsport
Michael A. Vanemon 1004 Locust St., Jersey Shore
9.4* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position changes:
A.
William Walker, Jr., 21½ Sixth St., Williamsport, from a part-time (185
days, prorated, up to 4½ hours per day) instructional support aide at Lose
Elementary School, to a full-time instructional support aide at Curtin Middle
School, at an annual wage of $12,147, prorated ($9.38 per hour), effective
March 19, 2001 (replacing Gretchen Foye, resigned).
B.
James M. Moyer, 415 Baxter Rd., Montoursville, from substitute school bus
driver to regular part-time school bus driver (bargaining unit employee), at
the salary rate of $12.21 per hour, effective March 1, 2001 (replacing Burns
Williams, resigned).
C.
Mary A. Bohartz, 620 Sixth Ave., Williamsport, from a general food service
worker (2 hours daily) to a general food service worker (3 hours daily) at
Curtin Middle School, with a base wage rate of $7.88 per hour, effective April
4, 2001 (replacing Linda Zegarski, transferred).
D.
Billie Jo Cuozzo, 547 Brannaka Dr., Trout Run, from a substitute food service
worker to a general food service worker (4½ hours daily) at the high
school, with a base wage rate of $7.88 per hour, effective April 4, 2001
(replacing Diana Snyder, transferred).
9.5
AUTHORIZE TO APPROVE SUPPLEMENTARY POSITIONS
Approve the following supplementary positions which are funded through Title I:
A.
Authorize the following anticipated positions for the Title I Extended School
Year Program at Roosevelt Middle School, June 25, 2001, through July 20, 2001,
for up to 4.5 hours per day:
Six (6) teaching positions (will be paid $21.89 per hour plus benefits).
Two (2) instructional aide positions (will be paid per contracted rate plus
applicable benefits).
The teachers will participate in up to three days of staff development prior to
the start of the program. The aides will participate in one day of staff
development prior to the program. All funds are budgeted under Title I.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
10.1
RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Williams, 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. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following
student/ community activities:
11.1*
Approve the following student trips:
11.1*
Approve the following student trips cont’d:
C.
Twenty-seven (27) third grade students from Stevens Elementary School,
accompanied by their teacher, to travel to the Little League Complex in South
Williamsport during June 2001. The students will be meeting the pen pals they
have been corresponding with on a monthly basis. Transportation will be aboard
City Bus. All costs will be funded by the Stevens PTA.
D.
The eighth grade students from Curtin, Lycoming Valley, and Roosevelt Middle
Schools, accompanied by 3-4 teachers for each school, to travel to the Montour
Preserve during May 2001. The trip is a culminating activity for the eighth
grade Environment Topics classes. District transportation is requested and
will be paid by each schools parent organization.
E.
Forty-six (46) first grade students from Sheridan Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to the Scottish
Rite Auditorium in May 2001 to attend a performance of “Pinocchio.”
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Sheridan
PTO.
F.
Forty-six (46) first grade students from Sheridan Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Olive Garden during April 2001.
The trip will be a culminating activity for their Health unit on food.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Sheridan
PTO.
G.
Eighteen (18) members of the Lose Student Council, accompanied by four faculty
members, to travel to the Keister Nursing Home (Rose Street) during April 2001.
The students will be delivering candy baskets and singing for the residents.
The students will walk. There will be no cost to the District.
H.
Sixty-eight (68) first grade students from Jackson Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Clyde
Peeling’s Reptiland during April 2001. The trip will help to foster an
appreciation of reptiles and how they fit within the animal kingdom. District
transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Jackson School
Association.
I.
Forty (40) seniors from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their
teachers/advisors, to travel to Lock Haven University on two days during April
2001 to participate in the Model United Nations Simulation. District
transportation is requested (101-1100-3-26-196-29-519). Two substitutes will
be required for two days.
J.
Approximately 175 sixth grade students from Lycoming Valley Middle School,
accompanied by 8 staff members, to travel to the Lycoming County Resource
Management Facilities (Landfill) during April 2001. The staff at the landfill/
recycling center has planned demonstrations to show the need for safe and
responsible solid waste management. District transportation is requested
(101-1100-2-22-185-27-519). There will be no other cost to the District.
11.1*
Approve the following student trips cont’d:
K.
The following six (6) Williamsport Area High School students, accepted by
competitive audition, to participate in the Pennsylvania Music Educators’
Association All-State Festival to be held at the Hershey Convention Center in
April 2001.
Orchestra
Band Choir
Jason Hurwitz
David Elkin Kacie Weaver
Keirsten Schwanbeck
Brittnee Engle Lucas Carpenter
Cost to the District would be $1,350 (101-3211-3-26-160-23-813;
101-3212-3-26-160-23-813; 101-3214-3-26-160-23-813) for student registration
fees; and $900 (101-3212-3-26-160-23-581; 101-3212-3-26-160-23-581;
101-3214-3-26-160-23-581) for teacher expenses. Transportation will be
provided by the teachers. Three substitutes will be needed for two days.
L.
Approximately 160 sixth grade students from Curtin Middle School, accompanied
by 7 staff members, to travel to the Lycoming County Resource Management
Facilities (Landfill) during April 2001. The staff at the landfill/recycling
center has planned demonstrations to show the need for safe and responsible
solid waste management.
District transportation is requested (101-1100-2-20-185-27-519). There will be
no other cost to the District.
M.
Approximately 140 sixth grade students from Roosevelt Middle School,
accompanied by 8 staff members, to travel to the Lycoming County Resource
Management Facilities (Landfill) during April 2001. The staff at the landfill/
recycling center has planned demonstrations to show the need for safe and
responsible solid waste management. District transportation is requested
(101-1100-2-24-185-27-519). There will be no other cost to the District.
N.
Approximately 95 physics students from the Williamsport Area High School,
accompanied by two physics teachers and several parent volunteers, to travel to
Knoebel’s Grove Amusement Park during May 2001. The trip will provide
the students will the opportunity to explore the “physics” of park
rides (velocity, force, momentum, etc.). District transportation is requested
(101-1100-3-26-185-27-519). Admission will be approximately $1,100 and is
budgeted in string #101-1100-3-26-185-27-813. A picnic lunch will be provided
(101-1100-3-26-185-27-610).
O.
Fifty-one (51) third grade students from Round Hills Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to the Community
Arts Center during May 2001 to attend a theatrical production of “The
Boxcar Children.” The students will also be visiting Lycoming College for
a planetarium show. District transportation is requested. All costs will be
paid by the Round Hills PTO.
11.1*
Approve the following student trips cont’d:
P.
Seventy (70) second grade students from Stevens Elementary School, accompanied
by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Clyde Peelings Reptiland
during June 2001. District transportation is requested. All costs will be
paid by the Stevens PTA.
accompanied by their teachers and aides, to travel to Manor Care Health
Services during April 2001. The trip will give the students the chance to
interact with the elderly and to practice their social skills. District
transportation is requested and will be billed to the Round Hills PTO.
11.2
Approve the following facility use:
May 8 and 17, 2001 from 4:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. to hold girls and boys
basketball tryouts. Keystone State Games is requesting relief of the occupancy
fee estimated at $100.00. Certificate of Insurance to be received.
11.3
Authorize a District school bus to transport individuals and staff from Hope
Enterprises to the State Farm Show Arena in Harrisburg, PA on Saturday, April
7, 2001. All costs will be paid by Hope Enterprises.
11.4
Approve the following names as parent-drivers for our girls' softball team's
trip to South Carolina. The team is leaving on Saturday, April 7th and
returning on Saturday, April 14th.
Dr. & Mrs. Greg Johnson
Mr. & Mrs. Carl Winner
Mr. & Mrs. David Hunter
Mr. James Chestnut
Mr. & Mrs. Michael Frey
Mr. & Mrs. Clayton West
Mr. & Mrs. Timothy Cannon
Mr. & Mrs. Fred Berry
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BIDS/CONTRACTS - None
TAX ITEMS
13.1
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following
tax summaries:
The motion carried 8-0.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Temple reported that the finish coat is being applied to the track and will
be ready for lining soon.
Mrs. Williams stated that the track teams are doing well and the students will
be thrilled when our track is finished.
Mr. Zimmerman extended the Board's sympathy to the Latini Family, the Lisa
Reynolds Family and the Carl Winner Family.
Mrs. Williams stated that South Pacific was wonderful and made her proud to be
a School Director.
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 9:05 p.m.
______________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary