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 6, 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, Kelly R. Pedersen,
David B. Stone, Jr., Dale L. Vollman, Lois T. Williams, Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: James E. Temple
INVOCATION – Fred A. Holland, Esq.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: - None
Student Representatives’ Report – Erin Cowell and Martin Wade
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. AP English on the Web—Report by Robert McDonald, Department Chair for English
B. Data on Enrollments
C. Report on Entry Plan Activities
Dr. Lowery distributed and reviewed her Entry Plan. The Board commended her for a job well done.
D. Calendar of Events:
E. On display in the Board Room is a Technology Education Exhibition.
F. Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to authorize President Stone to send a letter to Senators Arlen Specter and Rick Santorum, supporting Thomas A. Marino, Esquire to be appointed as United States Attorney for the Middle District of Pennsylvania.
The motion carried 8-0.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. National Youth Crime Prevention Conference—Jessica Hulslander and Tabitha Mitchell, accompanied by faculty chaperone Ms. Jennifer Youmans, have been elected to participate in the National Youth Crime Prevention Conference to be held in Dallas, Texas, April 7-10, 2001.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT’D: – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
B. Congratulations to Sean McCann on achieving Pennsylvania Registered Athletic Director status.
C. A Midland Digital Weather Hazard Alert Monitor has been donated to the Williamsport Area High School by Mr. Louis Stanzione, representing Project Impact of the Lycoming County Hazard Mitigation Partnership, in conjunction with the Lycoming County Chapter of the American Red Cross.
D. Congratulations to Ted Piwowar. The Williamsport Area School District has received a Vocational-Technical Equipment Grant in the amount of $47,400.
E. Congratulations to WAHS Senior Terri Shadle for being awarded a Silver Key for her Photography Portfolio at the Central Pennsylvania Scholastic Art Competition in Harrisburg on January 27, 2001.
F. The Harrisburg Patriot News Scholastic Writing Awards Program has announced the results of this year’s regional recognition program. Congratulations to the following Williamsport Area School District students who were honored as some of Pennsylvania’s finest student writers:
Gold Keys - Williamsport Area High School
Emily Baldys Anna Douthat
Amy Schanbacher Kathryn Updegraff
Amanda Waltz
Silver Keys – Williamsport Area High School
Cong Ma Noah Olinsky
Emily Baldys Steven Charles
Chrissie Tilburg
Certificates of Merit – Williamsport Area High School
Jeremy Hurwitz Cong Ma
Tia Kinney Stephanie Schaefer
Amy Schanbacher Caitlin Winner
Certificate of Merit – Lycoming Valley Middle School
Amy Bird
These 14 students were awarded 17 awards. The Gold and Silver Key winners will be honored on February 25, 2001, in an awards ceremony in Harrisburg. Entries of the regional Silver and Gold Key winners will be sent on to New York for national level judging this spring. The Williamsport Area School District has participated in Scholastic Writing for over 20 years.
Committee Reports by Board Members
President Stone announced that the Elementary Facilities Committee met and had a good turnout. Bob Fox is chairing the committee. The next meeting is scheduled for February 26, 2001.
Mrs. Harris indicated that she thought that the Facilities Committee had a good meeting and that it will take a couple of meeting to get organized. She was pleased with the large turnout.
Mrs. Markle reported that she attended the Legislative Leadership Conference at Hershey. She provided a written report to the Board. She indicated that there is chaos in many other districts and she was happy to come home.
President Stone reported that the Board did a self-evaluation exercise with PSBA. PSBA commended the Board for the way they are operating.
Construction Projects
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Pedersen, to approve the following construction projects:
A. Approve the execution of Certificates of Substantial Completion for the following contractors:
Silvertip Inc. HVAC Contractor Roosevelt Project
Lobar Inc. General Contractor Roosevelt Project
Robert Feaster Corp. General Contractor Vocational Project
R & J Ertel HVAC Contractor Vocational Project
B. Authorize Roger Wandell, Richard Hutchinson and Merritt Saxe to place and finish a 40’ x 26’ concrete floor in the mechanical room at the Cochran Elementary School at a cost of $890.00.
C. Approve change order G-1 to the contract with Charles Construction Company, extending the contract completion date for the track project to March 24, 2001.
D. Approve change order G-6 to the contract with Lobar, Inc., general contractor – Cochran Project increasing the contract by $3,389.79 and changing the contract total as follows:
Original Contract $4,564,600.00
Previous Additions 38,490.44
Previous Deductions (2,746.02)
G-6 3,389.79
New Contract Total $4,603,734.21
E. Approve a contract with Analytical Laboratory Services, Inc. to provide Asbestos removal consulting and analytical services at the Cochran Elementary School Project.
Construction Projects Cont’d:
F. Approve the execution and submission of PlanCon – I01, I02 and I03, Interim Reporting, in regards to the Vocational Education Project.
G.
Correction to item 5.4D on the January 16, 2001 agenda. Consider approving a
change order to the contract with Beyond Wire Technology increasing the
contract by $1,150.00
$1,500.00 and adjusting the total to $69,000.00.
H. Award a contract to Asbestos Removal Control, Inc. for a project at the Cochran Elementary School at a cost of $9,999.00 pending receipt of all required bonds and insurance.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
FINANCE REPORT
6.1 Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following financial reports:
A.
Treasurer’s Report for the month of November 2000
FINANCE REPORT CONT’D:
B. Payroll Report:
General Fund – Unrestricted $2,447,253.84
General Fund – Restricted (Federal) 138,184.74
General Fund – Restricted (State) 7,205.26
Interscholastic Athletics Fund 32,050.72
Food Service Fund 52,414.44
Data Processing Fund 7,414.63
Maintenance Fund 35,532.38
Williamsport City & School District
Mercantile & Business Privilege Tax Office 4,162.60
Municipal & School Income Tax Office 21,569.13
Student Activities 1,945.00
TOTAL $2,747,732.74
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 02/06/01 in the amount of $2,180,413.34, 02/06/01A in the amount of $100.00, 02/06/01B in the amount of $252,409.18, 02/06/01C in the amount of $58,338.75 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 02/06/01, 02/06/01A, 02/06/01B and 02/06/01C.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple - None
CURRICULUM REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following curriculum items:
8.1* Approve up to 16 staff members to attend Advanced Microsoft Outlook Training at Penn College on February 19, 2001, including at least the following:
Cyndi Aderhold, Angela Fessler, Deb Phillips, Pat Mabie, Connie Dannelley, Darlene Owens, Jim Dougherty, Carmen Spurr, Sharon Duck, Andrea McEntire, Jeannette Bower, Dottie Knopick, Judy Edler, Janet Lovell, Mike Reeder, Lori Luke, and anyone from the current waiting list if a cancellation(s) occurs.
Training will be paid from Link to Learn funds budgeted in 101-2830-0-00-702-31-582.
8.2 Approve a list of book titles for Title I instruction (a copy of the list is available from Jackie Thomas).
8.3 Approve revisions to the high school Student Handbook/Program of Studies (copies of the current Student Handbook will be available at the Board meeting).
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.4* Approve consultants Nancy Aronson and Brenda Reynolds from Organization and Community Change to plan and facilitate an Administrative Retreat for the District. The focus of their work will be “The Organization Workshop.” The focus of the workshop is to deepen understanding of the importance of partnerships in organizational success—to see more clearly the day-to-day dynamics that regularly knock us out of partnership and to develop concrete strategies for creating and maintaining productive partnerships throughout the system. Consultants services include: (1) consultation with leadership to “shape the purpose of the retreat”; (2) working with a representative group to tailor the sessions to meet the specific needs of the District; and (3) design and facilitation of the Administrative Retreat. Tentative dates for the activities are: February 28, March 26, and June 13-14, 2001.
Approximate costs include $7,000 in professional fees for 2 consultants; $500 licensing fee; $2,000 in expenses that include travel, lodging, and food; and 55 booklets at $5 each (“So what is it that really makes this Leadership Workshop so different?” by Barry Oshray of The Organization Workshop by Power and Systems, Inc.). The approximately total costs of $9,775 are budgeted in string #101-2270-0-00-330-17-582/640.
8.5* Authorize clinician Dr. Anthony Leach and the performing group “ Pressure” of Penn State University to present a spiritual/gospel festival for the multicultural day at the Williamsport Area High School. The festival will be held on February 22, 2001, from 9:00-2:30 p.m. Dr. Leach will provide a rehearsal with the upperclassman, lunch with the faculty, and a mass rehearsal during 6th period. The program will culminate in an afternoon assembly for the 9th and 10th grade students.
Approximate cost to the District would be $350 for clinician fees to Dr. Leach, and $100 for travel expenses for Pressure (844-3215-3-26-175-84-513).
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Pedersen, 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. Anne M. Davidson, long-term substitute teacher for fifth grade at Sheridan Elementary School, for other employment, effective at the end of the workday on February 2, 2001 (position to be filled by Kimberly Springman, current long-term substitute).
B. Candace I. Hauser, general food service worker at Curtin Middle School, due to personal reasons, effective at the end of the workday on February 2, 2001.
9.1 RESIGNATIONS CONT’D:
C. Rescind resignation from the January 16, 2001 Agenda - Burns S. Williams, regular part-time school bus driver for the District, for other employment, effective January 22, 2001.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Katherine D. Kocher, general food service worker at the high school, unpaid leave for the purpose of travel, effective March 2, 2001, through March 13, 2001.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Robert E. Loudenslager, 2347 Wheatland Ave., Williamsport, as a paid intern in the Tax Office, effective February 7, 2001, for the duration of 240 hours, at the rate of $8.00 per hour (no benefits).
B. Michelle Sholes, 1436 West Fourth St., Williamsport, current high school student to work in the Business/Tax Office through the School-To-Work Program at the high school, effective February 7, 2001 (3 hours per day for the balance of the 2000-2001 school year), at the hourly minimum wage rate with legally mandated benefits only.
C. The following persons to work as substitute teachers in the Adult Education Program at a salary rate of $21.89 per hour for the actual numbers of hours worked during the 2000-2001 program year:
Bruce A. Jones 1101 Locust St., Montoursville
Kathryn S. Poust 86 South Second St., Hughesville
D. The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $5.75 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective February 7, 2001:
Georgianna M. Bower 210 Harvest Moon Park, Linden
Cheryl A. Garrett 85 Grimesville Rd., Williamsport
E. The following persons as non-certificated substitute teachers with receipt of an emergency permit, 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 during the 2000-2001 school year:
Cindy L. Horn 1126 West Rt. 973, Cogan Station (eff. 02/01/01)
Muriel L. Hykes 12 Florence Dr., Cogan Station
Jay M. Ochs 1633 Scott St., Williamsport
Alison L. Schrum 48 Grandview Rd., Williamsport
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
F. 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:
Elementary
Angela Broskey 2810 Heshbon Rd., Williamsport
Sandra M. Hill 4464 Pleasant Valley Rd., Cogan Station (eff. 01/29/01)
Jaclyn R. Smith 324 Fisher St., S. Williamsport (effective 01/31/01)
Karen A. Smith 324 Fisher St., S. Williamsport (effective 01/23/01)
Secondary
Jeremy J. Sennett 508 Grier St., Williamsport
K-12
Angela Broskey 2810 Heshbon Rd., Williamsport
G. 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:
William H. Andrus 617 Cemetery St., Williamsport (eff. 01/25/01)
9.4* POSITION CHANGES - Approve the following position changes:
A. Marjorie L. Cramer, 326 Locust St., Williamsport, from a substitute food service worker to a general food service worker (2 hours daily) at Lose Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $7.88 per hour, effective February 7, 2001 (replacing Margaret Phillips, resigned).
9.5 SALARY ADJUSTMENT
A. James M. Hockenberry, P.O. Box 153, Jersey Shore, previously hired as a temporary professional employee, effective August 24, 2000, to teach art education the high school, at a salary rate of Level 1, Year 1, Bachelor's, $35,798, to be adjusted to a salary rate of Level 1, Year 1, Master’s, $38,841.
9.6 AUTHORIZE TO POST/ADVERTISE NEW POSITIONS
Authorize the administration to post/advertise the following positions:
A. Authorize Stevens Elementary School to expand the Title I Extended Day Homework Club by adding two aide positions. The aides would begin as soon as possible and will work three hours per week (one hour per day, three days per week) through May 17, 2001. They will be paid per contract rate plus appropriate benefits. All funds are budgeted under Title I Extended Day Programs.
9.6 AUTHORIZE TO POST/ADVERTISE NEW POSITIONS CONT’D:
B. Authorize Jackson Elementary School to offer a parent workshop, Book Bingo. This activity will require the hiring of one aide 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.
C. Authorize Sheridan Elementary School to offer training activities for Family Read In (March 1, 2001) and Books and Bingo (April 26, 2001), which will require the hiring of one aide to facilitate these activities. All funds are covered under Title I budget.
9.7 OTHER
A. Approve a presentation by Thomas M. Shivetts, Executive Director, Pennsylvania Association of Elementary/Secondary Principals, on Code of Ethics, Professional Standards, to certificated (PDE certificate) administrators of the Williamsport Area School District on Wednesday, March 7, 2001 (4:00 p.m. – 5:30 p.m.) at the District Service Center for a fee of $500 and travel expenses (101-2390-0-00-430-07 330).
B. Authorize the administration to contract with Jennifer Coolidge, 2378 Riverside Drive, South Williamsport, to provide consulting services on special projects to the Business Office at the rate of $30.00 per hour (for hours worked), effective February 7, 2001, through June 30, 2001. Ms. Coolidge holds an MBA from Bloomsburg University (a contract will be prepared and executed).
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
10.1 RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Pedersen, 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:
Violin Viola Cello
Cassandra Bertrand Amber Bilbay David Giordano
Karl Fisher Martin Wade Pangri Mehta
Sarah Hamm Keirsten Schwanbeck
Jason Hurwitz French Horn
David Elkin
Cost to the District would be $650 (101-3212-3-26-160-23-813) for student registration fees; $350 (101-3214-3-26-160-23-519) for student transportation; and $350 (101-3214-3-26-160-23-581) for teacher expenses. Jim Bertrand and Walt Straiton will accompany the students. Two substitutes will be required for two days.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Jackson PTO.
Soprano II Tenor I Bass I
Briana Meacham Karl Fisher Spencer Sweeting
Ryan Patterson
Alto I Tenor II Bass II
Kacie Weaver Lucas Carpenter David Elkin
Cost to the District would be $462 (101-3212-3-26-160-23-813) for student registration fees; $100 (101-3212-3-26-160-23-519) for student transportation; and $250 (101-3212-3-26-160-23-581) for teacher expenses. Either Kent Weaver or Paul McPhail, WAHS choral directors, will accompany the students. One substitute will be needed for two days.
11.1* Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:
Two of the students from Jackson traveling to Hoss’s for lunch as part of the School Improvement Plan require aides and handicapped transportation. Therefore, it is necessary to add the two aides and request a handicapped van. Transportation will be paid by the Jackson JESA-PTO.
11.2 Approve the following request for facility use:
A. Retroactively approve Scott Leinbach, Little League District 12 Administrator to use the sub gymnasium at the Williamsport Area High School on January 27, 2001 from 7:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. to hold a coaches and managers clinic. District 12 is requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $50.00. Certificate of Insurance received.
11.3 Authorize the Community/Adult Vocational Program for Spring 2001. The courses will be advertised in the Sun-Gazette on two dates. Registration can occur during regular school hours at the high school, by mail, or during the evening in the Commons Area of the high school from 5:30-8:00 p.m. on February 13 and February 15, 2001. Space for participants in courses is on a first-come, first-served basis. A minimum of 12 participants must be registered for each course. The deadline for registration is February 16, with classes beginning the week of February 19. Following is the registration fee schedule:
11.3 Authorize the Community/Adult Vocational Program for Spring 2001 cont’d:
WASD Resident Non-Resident
Length of Course Registration Fee Registration Fee
10 $35 $45
20 $50 $70
30 $70 $100
NOTE: Residents are those individuals residing within the boundaries of the Williamsport Area School District or employees of the District. All others are non-residents. Participants who attend 80% of the classes will be issued a certificate of completion by the Williamsport Area School District. Participants will be provided an opportunity to evaluate the course during the last class session.
Programs that meet the Pennsylvania Department of Education program standards and requirements are eligible for State reimbursement (instructional hours at 80% of $8.60/hour).
The following teachers who will be offering courses will be paid at the rate of $21.89 per hour as per the collective bargaining agreement:
David Becker Introduction to Computers (1 session @ 20 hours)
Eric Gee Searching the World Wide Web (10 hours) OR
Introduction to Computers (1 session @ 20 hours)
Randy Zangara Introduction to Microsoft Word (20 hours)
Introduction to Microsoft Excel (20 hours)
Kathy Gorg Introduction to Metalsmithing (30 hours)
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
12.1* Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Pedersen, to approve an agreement with Susquehanna Communications for the period of March 1, 2001, through February 28, 2002, to televise 22 Board Meetings at the cost of $700 per meeting for a total contract of $15,400.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Pedersen, to approve the following bids/contracts items:
12.2 Approve the attached resolution authorizing participation in the Lancaster-Lebanon IU #13 State Contracts for the purchase of computer equipment, software and supplies.
12.3* Authorize the purchase of General Supplies to replenish inventoried stock in accordance with our specifications and recommended awards. All recommended awards are based on the lowest bid price meeting specifications.
A schedule of items to be awarded by vendor has been provided in lieu of a complete tabulation. Due to the extensive number of items and participating vendors on supply bids, it is impracticable 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. and opened publicly in the District
Service Center at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, December 12, 2000.
RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
Kurtz Bros., Clearfield, PA $13,298.12
Miller Office Supply Co., Williamsport, PA 8,705.00
Phillips Supply Co., Plymouth, PA 1,797.00
Pyramid School Products, Tampa, FL 21,568.32
Quill Office Supplies, Lincolnshire, IL 3,639.81
Standard Stationery Supply, Wheeling, IL 4,846.16
Shipping Room, Turbotville, PA 1,950.00
TOTAL RECOMMENDED AWARDS $55,804.41
12.4* Authorize the purchase of Custodial Supplies to replenish inventoried stock in accordance with our specifications and recommended awards. All recommended awards are based on the lowest bid price meeting specifications.
A schedule of items to be awarded by vendor has been provided in lieu of a complete tabulation. Due to the extensive number of items and participating vendors on supply bids, it is impracticable 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. and opened publicly in the District
Service Center at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, January 3, 2001.
RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
All-Phase Electric Supply, Williamsport, PA $1,902.68
Fuller Brush Products, Scranton, PA 238.80
Kressly’s Paint & Wallpaper, So. Williamsport, PA 7,362.00
Master Chemical Products Inc., Wilkes-Barre, PA 2,048.20
Roberts Supply/Unisource, Binghamton, NY 4,348.24
Susquehanna Paper & Sanitary, Williamsport, PA 302.40
Sofco Inc., Williamsport, PA 1,678.92
W.W. Grainger Inc., Harrisburg, PA 1,020.48
XPEDX Inc., Camp Hill, PA 3,418.32
TOTAL RECOMMENDED AWARDS $22,320.04
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
TAX ITEMS
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following tax items:
13.1 Approve the following tax summaries:
13.2 Approve the attached resolution establishing tax collector compensation, policies and procedures for the period of July 1, 2002 through June 30, 2006.
The motion carried 8-0.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Zimmerman reported that he received an unsigned letter of complaint. He encouraged people to include their name and contact number so the Board can respond.
Mrs. Harris reported that she was at the band, orchestra and chorus concert at the high school prior to the Board meeting. The students were doing great and the acoustics are wonderful. She also reminded everyone of Lycoming Valley’s Spaghetti Dinner this Friday.
Mrs. Williams stated that she also enjoyed the concert. Our students are very diversified running from basketball to the concert.
Mrs. Markle announced that the Alternative Education Program will hold another blood drive at the District Service Center on February 22, 2001 from 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m.
President Stone announced that the MathCounts Competition will be held at the Little League Complex a week from Thursday.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC – None
Upon motion made by Mrs. Pedersen, seconded by Mrs. Harris, and carried the meeting adjourned at 10:09 p.m.
___________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary