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 15, 2003, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Board of Directors’ Room, District Service Center, 201 West Third Street, Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
Fred Holland, Esq. called the meeting to order with the following members:
PRESENT: Karen V. Harris, Susan A. Mahaffey (arrived at 7:25 p.m.), Jay B. Shultz,
Dale L. Vollman, Lois T. Williams, Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: Pamela Markle, David B. Stone, Jr., and James E. Temple.
Mr. Holland requested nominations for a temporary chair. Mrs. Williams nominated Mr. Zimmerman. Mrs. Harris seconded the nomination.
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Harris to close nominations. The motion carried.
Mr. Zimmerman chaired the meeting.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
Student Representatives’ Report – Stefanie Steele
REPORTS TO THE BOARD
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Budget Presentations:
Sean McCann
Bob Eichensehr
Steve Huddy & Ted Piwowar
Gina MacFalls
Rick Coulter
Elementary Principals
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to have a 15 minute recess beginning at 7:45 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 8:00 p.m.
INVOCATION – Mrs. Susan Mahaffey provided the invocation and read the fourth district belief statement.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT CONT’D:
B. Presentation of Outstanding Students:
Brandon Pardoe, Principal
Gerry Fausnaught, Principal
C. Information Literacy Project—Jeff Swope and Janice Trapp, James V. Brown Library
D. 2003 Winter Sports Summary--Sean McCann, Athletic Director
E. Enrollment Projection: The following enrollment projection for, the ten year period ending
2012-2013, was presented to the Board:
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT
A. Congratulations to Rachel Flipse and David Giordano, both Williamsport Area High School seniors, for being selected from an initial group of 16,100 students whose scores on the PSAT’s qualifying for recognition as National Merit Semifinalists in September 2002. They then became two of 15,000 students nationwide to receive the honor of National Merit Finalist. Recently, both Ms. Flipse and Mr. Giordano became two of the elite 8,000 students nationally who will receive National Merit Scholarships. It is an honor for the high school to have these two students among its ranks.
B. Congratulations to Teresa Bresticker, an eighth grader from Curtin Middle School, for winning a Gold Key in the 2003 Scholastic Art Competition in New York City. Her work will continue further in the competition.
C. Congratulations to Charles E. Peterson, Jr. for recently being granted renewal of the status of a Pennsylvania Registered School Business Administrator (PRSBA) for a period of four years.
D. Congratulations to the Alternative Education Program for another successful Blood Drive in February 2003. Mr. Scott McNeill, along with students Dakota Fisher, Mike McCullom, Justin Nottingham, and Tameika Simpson, for their leadership in this important community activity.
E. Middle School Soccer presentation.
Motion made by Mrs. Mahaffey, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following proposal
for a middle school soccer program:
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT’D:
F. Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mr. Shultz, to authorize a Special Meeting to be held on April 22, 2003, beginning at 5:00 p.m. in the Baskin Gallery. The purpose of the meeting will be to consider a resolution approving the Series of 2003 General Obligation Bonds (GOB) and any other business to come before the Board. These bonds refinance the Series of 1998 GOB.
The motion carried 6-0.
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mr. Vollman reported that the Fitness Center Committee toured the Loyalsock and Montoursville weight rooms. The next meeting is scheduled for April 30, 2003.
Mrs. Williams reminded everyone that the Diversity Festival will be held at Brandon Park on May 9, 2003. She indicated that we are receiving a lot of support from the community and schools.
Mr. Vollman reported on the Lycoming County Planning process. He reported that next week would be a week of visioning with community input meeting being held in different locations each day. The times and locations will be reported in the newspaper.
Construction Projects - None
FINANCE REPORT
Motion made by Mr. Shultz, 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 2003.
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 04/15/03 in the amount of $279,257.03, 04/15/03A in the amount of $175.55, 04/15/03B in the amount of $1,646.48, 04/15/03C in the amount of $1,269.60, 04/15/03D in the amount of $164,591.62 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 04/15/03, 04/15/03A, 04/15/03B, 04/15/03C and 04/15/03D.
6.3* Ratify and approve a charge of 25 cents per copy for photocopies requested by members of the public pursuant to the Open Records Law. This charge has been administratively imposed and is, in the judgment of the Business Administrator and Solicitor, a reasonable charge for providing copies of documents.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY
Motion made by Mrs. Mahaffey, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to approve the following board policies:
7.1 Approve the second reading and adoption of Policy #801, “Public Records.”
7.2 Approve the second reading and adoption of Policy #105.1, “Curriculum Review by Parents and Students.”
7.3 Approve the second reading and adoption of Policy #142, “Migrant Students.”
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
CURRICULUM REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following curriculum items:
8.1* Approve Renaissance Learning to provide up to 10 days of staff development in Accelerated Math and Accelerated Reading to the Williamsport Area School District Elementary staff. The training is being provided on an individual or small group basis and is funded through the EETT Grant.
8.2 Approve submission of an application for a grant from Exxon Mobil Educational Alliance which is represented by our local Turkey Hill Minit Market in the amount of $500.00 to fund one-half of Sheridan's expense for purchasing Premier Student Agenda books for 2003-04. If this grant is obtained, the money previously provided by the PTO would be used for other program and building needs.
8.3 Approve a "Career Exploration Day" opportunity for WASD students in grades 5 through 12 on April 24, 2003. This is a career education activity and coincides with the national "Take Our Daughters to Work Day."
This experience is only recommended for students in grades 5 through 12; however, students in Kindergarten through 4th 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 parent’s signature and identification of 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 24. 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:
8.4* Approve a plan for spending $39,956 PSSA School Performance money that was awarded district-wide for a significant number of economically disadvantaged students moving from below basic to basic in performance on the 2002 PSSA. The money is to be spent to continue to help those students reach proficiency on the PSSA. Half of the money will be spent to support elementary level reading initiatives and half to support middle level reading initiatives. Student books and teacher professional development books will be purchased.
8.5* Approve the Write on Track writing materials for Grade 3 and the Writers Express materials for Grades 4 and 5. These materials are being purchased to support elementary language arts curriculum.
The materials consist of a teacher resource binder and student hardcover handbook. The materials are from the Great Source Company and have been reviewed by teachers at Grades 3, 4, and 5. The cost of the materials for the 4 non-site based schools will be approximately $20,000 to be paid partially out of the FY03 budget and partially out of the FY04 budget.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Mahaffey, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following personnel items:
9.1 RESIGNATIONS - Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Stephen C. Pfirman, resigning from position as assistant football coach at Lycoming Valley Middle School, effective immediately. (Mr. Pfirman will continue as a science teacher at Lycoming Valley.)
B. R. Scott Matthews, resigning from position as lead assistant football coach at Lycoming Valley Middle School, effective immediately. (Mr. Matthews will continue as a health and physical education teacher at Lycoming Valley.)
Mr. Vollman praised Mr. Matthews for his many years of service to the Lycoming Valley football program.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE -None
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF - Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. 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:
Heather J. Fry 51 Shick Rd., Montoursville
Jessica A. Justice 539 Market St., Apt. 2, Williamsport
Sarah F. Perchinski 145 Union Ave., Williamsport
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
B. 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:
Karen M. Chappell 1031 Elizabeth St., Williamsport
Carol A. Roles 2600 Riverside Dr., Duboistown
9.4* POSITION CHANGES - Approve the following position changes:
A.
Revise incorrect position change from the April 1, 2003, agenda - Joseph M.
Donnelly, 23 Oak St., Trout Run, from a substitute custodian to
a regular part-time custodian at the high school, 3rd
shift, weekend and holidays, 250 days up to 4 hours per day, with a base wage
rate of $8.84 per hour
, to a part-time security officer at the high school, third shift, weekend and
holidays or as needed, up to 8 hours per day, with a base wage rate of $9.34
per hour, effective April 2, 2003 (replacing Ron Johnson, resigned).
B. John W. Springman III, 1876 State Route 973 West, Cogan Station, from a regular part-time custodian to a general full-time custodian at the high school, 250 days, 8 hours per day, third shift, with a base wage rate of $23,780, prorated ($11.89 per hour), effective April 14, 2003 (replacing Rob Burke, transferred).
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
10.1 RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Motion made by Mrs. Harris, seconded by Mr. Shultz, approved 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. Mahaffey, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following student/
community activities:
11.1* Approve the following student trips:
A. Forty (40) Williamsport Area High School FBLA members, accompanied by their two advisors and two other staff members, to travel to Six Flags Great Adventure (New Jersey) during May 2003 to participate in FBLA/Business Education 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, experiencing attendance difficulties.
Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. All costs will be paid through FBLA funds. Two substitutes will be required for the day.
B. Twenty (20) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Penn College during May 2003 to participate in Senator Madigan’s political seminar for high school students. 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 (10-1100-122-000-30-850-190-007-0000). A substitute will be required for the day.
C. Approximately 40 Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by 12 high school staff members (including teachers, aides, and secretaries), to travel to Valley Forge/King of Prussia during June 2003. The students will have the opportunity to see Washington’s winter headquarters. 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. Funding will be provided by CASA funds and by a student participation fee (this is a voluntary trip).
D. Approximately 160 seventh grade students from Lycoming Valley Middle School, accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Watkins Glen, NY, during June 2003. The students will have the opportunity to study rock formations and the effects of erosion on the Finger Lakes region. Students eligible to participate must have fewer than two bus suspensions or fewer than two in- or out-of school suspensions. Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. Costs will be provided through the Student Activities Fund, including lunch and snacks. A floating substitute will be required for the day.
E. Eighty (80) fourth grade students from Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the YMCA on fourteen dates during April and May 2003 for health and physical education opportunities. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended or assigned to Saturday School within 60 days prior to the date of the trip. Transportation will be provided by the YMCA. All costs will be paid by the Hepburn-Lycoming PTO.
11.1* Approve the following student trips cont’d:
F. Twenty-eight (28) fifth grade students from Stevens Elementary School, accompanied by their teacher and parent volunteers, to travel to the Sun-Gazette during May 2003 as part of their unit of study on newspapers. Students eligible to participate must be in compliance with field trip disciplinary requirements. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Stevens PTA.
G. Eighty-eight (88) kindergarten students from Jackson Elementary School, accompanied by available staff and parent volunteers, to travel to Lane’s End Farm (Jersey Shore) during May 2003. The trip is designed to complement the student’s study on farms. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended within 30 days prior to the trip. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Jackson PTO.
H. Eighteen (18) life skills and autistic support students, accompanied by their teacher, two student teachers, seven aides, and two WillServe students, to travel to Perkins Family Restaurant during May 2003. The students will have an opportunity to practice the skills they have learned about healthy breakfast choices and will be able to practice their manners and money skills. After eating, they will tour the Williamsport Transit Center to learn more about busses. 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. Expenses will be paid from the Life Skills Support Community Awareness Budget.
I. Ten (10) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by two adult chaperones, to travel to Altoona during April 2003 to perform at the State Odyssey of the Mind 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. The students will be transported by the chaperones. All costs will be paid from Drama Club funds.
J. Approximately 168 seventh grade students from Roosevelt Middle School, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Penn’s Cave during June 2003. The students will have an opportunity to learn about rock formations and the wild animals from our area. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Roosevelt PTO.
K. Sixty-five (65) fifth grade students from Round Hills Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and parent chaperones, to travel during May 2003. They will have the opportunity to visit the Gettysburg National Military Park and the National Civil Ware Museum in Harrisburg. Students eligible to participate must not have been suspended from school or assigned to Saturday School for disciplinary reasons within 30 school days prior to the trip. This trip replaces a previously approved trip to Washington, DC, on the same date. 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:
L. Fifty (50) second grade students from Round Hills Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and parent chaperones, to travel to Woodward Cave during May 2003. The students will have the opportunity to tour one of the largest caverns in Pennsylvania and learn about rock formations. Students eligible to participate must not have been suspended from school or assigned to Saturday School for disciplinary reasons within 30 school days prior to the trip. District transportation is requested. All cots will be paid by the Round Hills PTO.
M. A maximum of 50 Williamsport Area High School seniors, accompanied by one chaperone for every 10 students, to visit Lycoming College during May 2003 to attend the Lycoming County Job Fair. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended from school more than five days; will have no bus disciplinary records; 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). There will be other cost to the District.
N. Approximately 10 emotional support students from the Williamsport Area High School accompanied by their teachers and an aide, to travel to Rock Run and Pleasant Stream on two dates during April and May 2003. The students will be helping the Fish and Game Commission with stocking the streams. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended from school more than five days; will have no bus disciplinary records; will be passing all major courses ; and are not, in the judgment of their house principal, experiencing attendance difficulties. District transportation is requested. There will be no other cost to the District.
O. Eighteen (18) members of Curtin Middle School’s Jazz Band, accompanied by their director, to travel to Brandon Park during April 2003 to perform at an Arbor Day ceremony. Students must be in compliance with the school’s field trip disciplinary requirements to participate. There will be no cost to the District. The students will walk to and from the event.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
Motion made by Mrs. Harris, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to approve the following bids/contracts items:
12.1* Approve the agreement with the Williamsport YMCA’s Child Care Program for continued use of the facilities at Cochran Elementary School, Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, Jackson Elementary School and Round Hills Elementary School during the 2003-04 school year, for before and after school child care.
12.2*
Authorize an agreement with Susquehanna Health Systems to provide the services
of two Certified Athletic Trainers at the cost of $21.00 per hour. The period
of this agreement shall be from August 15, 2003 through June 15, 2006 and is
part of our services in lieu of taxes agreement.
BIDS/CONTRACTS CONT’D:
12.3* Authorize a contract with Echo Sounds in the amount of $439.50 to provide disc jockey services at the Williamsport Area High School prom.
12.4* Authorize a lease purchase agreement with Phillips Supply House for the purchase of a RISO CR-1610 duplicator under PA State Contract #3610-04. This duplicator is for the Roosevelt Middle School. The purchase price is $4,578.05 and the lease is for $99.80 per month.
12.5* Authorize a service contract with Otis Elevator for the elevator at Cochran Elementary School for the period of May 1, 2003 through April 30, 2004 at a cost of $100 per month.
12.6* Approve the Agreement with the Bethesda Day treatment Center, Inc. for continued services during the 2003-2004 school year. The agreement contains the requirements defined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth Grant.
12.7* Authorize the District's Participation in the Cooperative Purchasing Program of the Pennsylvania Education Joint Purchasing Council for the procurement of custodial supplies to replenish warehouse stock:
RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
Airwick Professional Products, Harrisburg, PA $476.00
Calico Industries, Annapolis Junction, MD 2,544.00
Dauphin Electric, Lewisburg, PA 2,756.28
Friedman Electric, Bloomsburg, PA 264.00
Interboro Packaging Corp., Montgomery, NY 7,588.00
L.J.C Distributors, Scranton, PA 486.00
Master Chemical Products Inc., Wilkes-Barre, PA 3,285.74
Main Pool & Chemical Co. Inc., Avoca, PA 2,984.00
Sunshine Lighting, Brooklyn, NY 549.00
United Restaurant Equipment, Harrisburg, PA 104.40
W.W. Grainger, Harrisburg, PA 1,641.60
XPEDX, Camp Hill, PA 18,531.44
TOTAL RECOMMENDED AWARDS $41,210.46
12.8* Approve an agreement with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Lycoming County, Inc., to provide mentor services to the District’s elementary schools. The total amount is not to exceed $3,800 and is budgeted in the PA Safe Schools Initiative Grant (10-2120-329-360-00-000-000-009-0003).
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
TAX ITEMS - None
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mrs. Harris and others indicated that the “Grease” Production was wonderful!
Mr. Zimmerman reported that the District Honors Orchestra Concert was terrific! He praised our orchestra staff and also indicated that our students were well behaved.
Mrs. Harris reported that both ball teams are doing well.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC – None
Mr. Zimmerman 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. Vollman, seconded by Mr. Shultz and carried, the meeting adjourned at
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary