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, September 2, 2003, beginning at 8:00 p.m. in the Board of Directors’ Room, District Service Center, 201 West Third Street, Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
The President, David B. Stone, Jr., called the meeting to order with the following members:
PRESENT: Karen V. Harris, Susan A. Mahaffey, Pamela J. Markle, Jay B. Shultz,
David B. Stone, Jr., James E. Temple, Dale L. Vollman, Lois T. Williams,
Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: None.
INVOCATION – Mrs. Pamela Markle provided the invocation and read the third district belief statement.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the minutes from the regular meetings of August 5 and 19, 2003, that reading of the minutes be omitted and the minutes be approved as presented.
The motion carried 9-0.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Calendar of Events:
September 8
Community Relations Committee Meeting -- 4::00 p.m.
September 11
ETAC/ATAC Meeting -- 6:30 p.m.
September 16
WASD School Board Meeting -- 8:00 p.m.
September 22
Alternative Education Oversight Committee Meeting -- 4:00 pm
September 25
Inservice Day for Hepburn-Lycoming, Round Hills, Sheridan and Stevens
Elementary Schools
September 26 Inservice Day for All Schools
October 7
WASD School Board Meeting -- 8:00 p.m.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. On display in the Baskin Gallery during September is “Art From the Fair: Award Winning Art from the Lycoming County Fair.”
B. Congratulations to Jeanna Winnie, a Williamsport Area High School 2003 graduate, for being identified and pictured by the Bureau of Career and Technical Education as one of the “Best of the Best” in her field. Ms. Winnie was enrolled in the horticulture program under the instruction of Nicole Carman.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
C. Congratulations to Jeremy Hurwitz (son of Mrs. Janet Hurwitz, the Reverend Ken Weiss, and
Mr. Melvin Hurwitz) and Cong “Carl” Ma (son of Mr. and Mrs. Wancang Ma) for being among approximately 16,000 students nationally to qualify for Semifinalist status in the National Merit Scholarship Competition. Their selection index scores on the qualifying test place them in the top half of the top 1 percent of 72,780 students in 882 high schools in Pennsylvania.
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mr. Zimmerman reported that the Lycoming County Long Range Planning Committees continue to meet to finalize the plan. The next meetings are scheduled for September 11 and 17.
Construction Projects - None
FINANCE REPORT
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Mahaffey, to approve the following financial items:
6.1 Approve the following financial reports:
A. Payroll Report:
General Fund – Unrestricted $2,401,858.14
General Fund – Restricted 286,772.64
Athletics and Extra Curricular 6,942.48
Food Service Fund 13,916.70
Data Processing Fund 6,925.36
Maintenance Fund 34,188.83
Mercantile & Privilege 122.76
Earned Income Tax 30,483.32
Student Activities 0.00
TOTAL $2,781,210.23
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 09/02/03 in the amount of $396,531.49, 09/02/03A in the amount of $256,000.62, 09/02/03B in the amount of $22,650.66, 09/02/03C in the amount of $2,155.00, 09/02/03D in the amount of $180,868.13, 09/02/03E in the amount of $930.13, 09/02/03F in the amount of $97.92 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 09/02/03, 09/02/03A, 09/02/03B, 09/02/03C, 09/02/03D, 09/02/03E and 09/02/03F.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple
7.1 Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to propose an exception to Policy #239, “Foreign Exchange Students” allowing an exchange student sponsored by the recognized exchange program of Rotary International who has graduated from her home high school to attend the Williamsport Area High School during the 2003-04 school year. This exception would be undertaken to afford this student the cultural advantage of experiencing American life.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
CURRICULUM REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following curriculum items:
8.1* Approve the participation of middle school science teachers in professional development focused on the use of Vernier science software and equipment. The training will be provided by Apple Computer, Inc. Initial training for 14 middle school science teachers would occur on September 22. One follow up day at each school (September 23, 24, 25) would allow for the Apple consultant to work with teachers and students in their respective school labs. The approximate total of $8,150 includes the consultant fee, $6500, as well as other training expenses including substitutes and are budgeted under Title II D
8.2 Approve the following titles for use in high school English Department courses:
-all titles in the "PermaBound Main Catalogue, Year 2003-2004, Books and Materials PreK – 12"
-specifically for Grade 9:
Apparitions
Beyond Belief
Crime and Punishment
Eccentrics
Tiger’s Child
-specifically for Grade 10:
Lovely Bones
-specifically for Grade 12:
Count Zero
Granted
House of the Scorpion
Mona Lisa Overdrive
Neuromancer
-specifically for Drama:
Dealing With Life’s Dilemmas: Exploring Values Through English and Drama
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.3* Approve Mrs. Kay Creveling, retired Title I Reading Specialist, to provide up to fifteen days of professional development (one day during the summer and other days throughout the school year) for Mrs. Stephanie Wolfanger, new Title I Reading Specialist at Curtin Middle School. Professional development will target orientation to the hardware and software in the Title I computer lab and orientation to the Title I materials and procedures specific to Curtin Middle School. Mrs. Creveling will be paid at the rate of $140 per day, not to exceed $2,100. All funds are budgeted under Title I grant funds. (This agenda item represents an adjustment of agenda item 8.11 on August 5, 2003.)
8.4 Approve Dr. Frank Marburger, Mathematics Specialist from the Pennsylvania Department of Education, to provide in-service training for middle school math teachers on October 10, 2003. Dr. Marburger's training will focus on analysis of PSSA math results as well as training in appropriate instructional strategies. Dr. Marburger's presentation is provided at not cost to the district.
8.5* Approve Reginald Fatherly, Assistant Principal at Roosevelt Middle School, to participate in Leadership Lycoming. Tuition cost is $1,150.00 and is budgeted in string #10-1100-819-000-00-000-000-017-0000
8.6* Approve the Metamorphosis Performing Company to present the "Under Construction" program to the third grades of the Williamsport Area School District on September 17, 18, and 19. The approximate cost of the program is $2,760 ($460 per school) and is paid for through the elementary curriculum budget and the Jackson and Hepburn site-based budgets.
8.7* Approve payment of $400 to Shippensburg University for continuation of the WASD Reading Recovery Training Site. Funds are budgeted under Title I.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, 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. Stephanie S. Weikel, full-time special education teacher (Assistive Technology Coordinator) for the District, for other employment, effective date to be determined.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Gloria J. Jennings, general food service worker at Roosevelt Middle School, unpaid leave for a planned vacation, effective September 15, 2003, through September 19, 2003.
B. Maryalice Crist, instructional support aide at Roosevelt Middle School, for an unpaid medical leave, effective August 26, 2003, through November 17, 2003, possibly to return sooner.
Ms. Crist's leave of absence is taken under the Family Medical Leave Act, which entitles the employee to health insurance for a maximum of 12 weeks, but is without pay or any other benefits.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Anne M. Lesher, 318 Linvic Drive, Muncy, as a professional employee, effective pending release from current employer, as a Title I Reading Specialist at Cochran Elementary School, at a salary rate of Step 8, master's, $51,000, prorated. Ms. Lesher holds a bachelor's degree from Millersville University and a master's degree from Bloomsburg University and is certified in Reading Specialist, Elementary, and Mentally and/or Physically Handicapped (new position approved by the Board).
B. Lori A. Beiter, 1139 Avalon Parkway, Williamsport, as a ½ time temporary professional employee, effective August 25, 2003, to teach Guided Reading at Cochran Elementary Middle School, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor's, $37,500, prorated. Mrs. Beiter holds a bachelor's degree from Lock Haven University and is certified in Early Childhood (replacing Denay Gair, transferred to fifth grade at Hepburn-Lycoming). Mrs. Beiter was a participant in the Induction Program activities scheduled before the start of the 2003-2004 school term.
C. Candace R. Scheurer, 163 First St., Linden, as a part-time (up to 180 days, up to 3 hours per day) Hall/Cafeteria Monitor at the high school, effective August 27, 2003, with a base wage rate of $8.84 per hour or contract rate, FICA, Worker's Compensation, Retirement (if eligible), and sick leave (per the Agreement between the Board and the Williamsport Area Support Personnel) are the only fringe benefits (replacing Toni M. Fogal, resigned).
D. The following Stevens Elementary teachers as Coordinators for the Accelerated Reader Program at Stevens Elementary School for the 2003-2004 school term, at a total annual stipend amount of $400, funded through Title I:
Paul V. Bower 75 Maple Avenue, Williamsport $200
Jean E. Nolan 555 Kane St., S. Williamsport $200
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
E. Barbara C. McNerney, 918 Second Avenue, Williamsport, Kindergarten teacher at Stevens Elementary School, as the Coordinator of Volunteer - Kindergarten Program at Stevens Elementary School for the 2003-2004 school term, at a total annual stipend of $400, funded through Title I.
F. The following persons as the Accelerated Reader (AR) and STAR Coordinators at Jackson Elementary School, for up to 30 hours per position at the aide rate (total cost of the two positions not to exceed $717.00), funded through Title I:
Betty A. Nicholas P.O. Box 47, Linden
Diane M. Rupert 287 Youngs Rd., Linden
G. The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $6.00 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective August 27, 2003:
Donna L. Chapman 945 S. Main St., S. Williamsport
Sandra L. Edler 123 Maplewood Lane, Jersey Shore
Mary A. Michaud 4808 South Route 220 Highway, Linden
Karen J. Morrison 1825 Spring Run Rd., Williamsport
Kimberly M. Smith 1006 Louisa St., Williamsport
Delores J. Wesley 1286 Factory Rd., Cogan Station
Joyce M. Derr 2018 Lincoln St., Williamsport
H. Sandra L. Edler, 123 Maplewood Lane, Jersey Shore, as a substitute food service truck driver, at the salary rate of $7.25 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective August 27, 2003.
I. Todd William Dauler, 324 Spruce St., Jersey Shore, as a substitute custodian/event staff, with a base wage rate of $7.25 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective August 25, 2003.
J. 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:
Melissa A. Kuhns 400 Turkey Path Rd., Linden
Mark A. Marinucci 2115 Wheatland Ave., Williamsport
Brianna R. Nau 103 Plymouth Ave., Jersey Shore
Patrick A. Stroup 514 Fairmont Ave., S. Williamsport
K. 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:
Sandra L. Edler 123 Maplewood Lane, Jersey Shore
Karen J. Morrison 1825 Spring Run Rd., Williamsport
Dana A. Strunk 117 Grandview Ave. Ext., Cogan Station
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
L. Randy G. Danielson, 2876 Ridge Road, Natrona Heights 15065, as a temporary professional employee, effective September 8, 2003, as a technology education teacher (Basic Wood/Power) at the high school, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor's, $37,500, prorated, pending submission of all appropriate paperwork. Mr. Danielson holds a bachelor's degree from Clarion University of Pennsylvania and is certified in Social Studies and has just completed the application process to add Technology Education (Industrial Arts) to his PDE certificate (replacing David Becker, resigned).
M. Sylvia E. Shumbat, 2200 Mill Lane, Williamsport, as a part-time (prorated; up to 180 days, up to 4½ hours per day) Bus Aide for the District, at the rate of $9.99 per hour (no benefits except social security, retirement, and worker's compensation) and sick leave as provided for part-time employees per the Agreement between the Board and the Williamsport Area Support Personnel (WASP), effective September 3, 2003 (replacing Monica Sherman, transferred to full-time position).
N. Betty A. Nicholas, P.O. Box 47, Linden, Title I instructional support aide at Jackson Elementary School, to serve as the Bingo for Books Coordinator for Jackson Elementary School, for up to five hours at the contract rate plus applicable benefits for preparation for the program. All funds are covered under Title I budget (availability of position and funds reviewed annually).
O. Consider electing the following fall sport coaches at the respective schools for the 2003-2004 school year at the salary rate in accordance with the 2002-2007 agreement by and between the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District and the Williamsport Education Association (pending completion of all appropriate paperwork*):
Curtin Middle School
Football
Co-Assistant: Nick Pfirman $ 804
Co-Assistant: Jason Hackney $ 804
Lycoming Valley Middle School
Football
Lead Assistant: Christopher R. Zawacki $2,407
P. Gene C. Stacer, 1144 Towncrest Rd., Williamsport, as a substitute school bus driver (non-bargaining unit personnel), with a base wage rate of $10.75 per hour, effective September 3, 2003.
Q. 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 2003-2004 school year:
Gretchen P. Carpenter 441 Elm St., Montoursville
Jane E. Rishel 59 Linden Acres Lane, Linden
9.4* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position changes:
A. Reginald T. Fatherly, 28 Roseville Rd., Williamsport, from Dean of Students to Assistant Principal at Roosevelt Middle School, beginning with the 2003-2004 school year, at a salary of $74,034 and benefits as provided in the Act 93 Meet and Discuss Compensation Plan, effective July 1, 2003. Mr. Fatherly has received principal certification from the Department of Education.
B. Carol M. Bennett, 12 Terrace Lane, Williamsport, from a general food service worker at the high school to a full-time instructional support aide (185 day, 7 hours per day) at Curtin Middle School, with a base wage rate of $13,067, prorated ($10.09 per hour or contract rate), effective September 15, 2003 (new position approved by the Board).
9.5 AUTHORIZE TO POST/ADVERTISE NEW POSITIONS
Authorize the administration to post/advertise the following positions:
A. Title I Extended Day Program at Curtin Middle School, from September 22, 2003, through May 27, 2004. The program will be held four days per week for up to 30 minutes per day. The program will require up to eight teaching positions. Teachers will be paid $23.91 per hour plus appropriate benefits. Student bus transportation, if required, will be provided. All funds are budgeted under Title I.
B. Title I Extended Day Program at Roosevelt Middle School, from September 22, 2003, through May 27, 2004. The program will be held four days per week for up to 45 minutes per day. The program will require up to ten teaching positions. Teachers will be paid $23.91 per hour plus appropriate benefits. Student bus transportation, if required, will be provided. All funds are budgeted under Title I.
C. Title I Extended Day Programs at Cochran, Jackson and Stevens Elementary Schools, from September 22, 2003, through May 20, 2004. The programs will be held four days per week for up to one hour per day. The programs will require up to five teaching positions (positions may be shared). Teachers will be paid $23.91 per hour plus appropriate benefits for up to five hours per week (up to four hours of teaching and up to one hour of preparation time). Positions that are shared will have the hour per week of planning time prorated. Student bus transportation, where necessary, will be provided. All funds are budgeted under Title I.
D. Title I Extended Day Program at Sheridan Elementary School, from September 22, 2003, through May 20, 2004. The program will be held three days per week for up to 45 minutes per day. The program will require up to three teaching positions. Teachers will be paid $23.91 per hour plus appropriate benefits for up to one hour per day (45 minutes of teaching time and 15 minutes of preparation time). Student bus transportation, if required, will be provided. All funds are budgeted under Title I.
9.5 AUTHORIZE TO POST/ADVERTISE NEW POSITIONS
E. Title I Extended Day Program (Homework Help) at Sheridan Elementary School from September 22, 2003, through May 29, 2004. The program will be held three days per week for up to 30 minutes per day. The program will require one aide position, to be paid at contract rate plus appropriate benefits. All funds are budgeted under Title I.
9.6 CONTRACTED SERVICES
A. Frederick N. Callahan, 8332 SR 654 Highway, Williamsport, to provide consulting services to the District's Pupil Transportation Department at the rate of $190.00 per day, not to exceed a total of $1,500 for the 2003-2004 school year (unless approved by the Board of Directors), effective September 2, 2003, through June 30, 2004. (Contract for Mr. Callahan's services will be prepared and executed.)
B. Authorize Julia K. Hamilton, 2229 State Route 4982, Muncy, to provide interpreter services for Russian student(s) who will be attending Cochran Elementary School during the first semester of the 2003-2004 school year at the rate of $15.00 per hour (no benefits), not to exceed seven (7) hours per day (unless authorized by the school), effective September 3, 2003, pending submission of all appropriate paperwork. The status of this contract will be reviewed at the end of the first semester.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
10.1 RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, 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 Mr. Shultz, seconded by Mr. Vollman, to approve the following items related to student/community activities:
11.1* Approve the following student trips:
A. Authorize up to four (4) after-school socials for Lycoming Valley Middle School students. The socials would be held on dates yet to be determined from 3:30 until
5:00 p.m. Cost for service is not to exceed $300 per social and is to be funded from Student Activity Account Code #80-3210-599-000-00-000-803-084-0000.
11.1* Approve the following student trips cont’d:
B. Authorize the participation of the Williamsport Area High School’s varsity softball team in the Azalea Invitation Softball Tournament in Summerville, South Carolina, during April 2004. This would be the fifth consecutive year of participation. The team will play 5-6 games in this tournament. There will be approximately 16 students representing the District in this tournament. The team will be accompanied by three coaches—Robert Loudenslager, Miranda Regan, and Steve Reed.
The only cost to the District would be the $200 entry fee. The softball booster club and the individual student-athletes will cover the other costs.
C. Authorize the participation of the Williamsport Area High School’s varsity baseball team in the Hawaiian Tropic Classic Baseball Tournament in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, during April 2004. The team won the tournament out of 32 teams during this tournament in 2003. The team will play 5-6 games in this tournament. There will be approximately 20 students representing the District in this tournament. The team will be accompanied by four coaches—G. Scott Grove, Randy Zangara, Curt Chilson, and David Howe.
The only costs to the District would be the $150 entry fee and substitute teachers for Scott Grove and Randy Zangara. The baseball booster club and the individual student-athletes will cover the other costs.
11.2 Approve the following request for facility use:
A. Lycoming County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees to use the Board Room on Monday, October 6, 2003, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. to hold a pre-retirement seminar. LCCPASR 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 Mrs. Mahaffey, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following items related to bids/contracts:
12.1* Approve a contract funded through Title I for the 2003-04 school year with STEP/Lycoming-Clinton Head Start in the amount of $116,310 to provide an Early Literacy Kindergarten Extension Program according to the terms of the agreement. The time the eligible students spend in this program (average one-half day per week) will not be included in the district's Weighted Average Daily Membership (WADM) as reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The program will be monitored under the regulations established for Head Start.
12.2 Retroactive approval: Approve a contract with Sam Glenn Presentations to secure the speaking services of Shaun Hays for freshman transition day on August 27, 2003, in the amount of $2,000 (10-1100-323-000-30-850-000-065).
BIDS/CONTRACTS CONT’D:
12.3 Approve the agreement with YMCA Child Care Services for child care during Title I Parent Workshops during the 2003-04 school year. All costs will be paid by Title I.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
TAX ITEMS
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mr. Shultz to approve the following tax items:
13.1 Approve the following tax summaries:
The motion carried 9-0.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Zimmerman referred back to item 8.6 in the agenda in which the Metamorphosis Performing Company was hired to present “Under Construction”. He indicated that he attended the performance the last time they were in the District and that it was a very good program. He encouraged everyone to attend if possible.
Dr. Lowery informed the Board that she attended the Freshman Orientation night. It was well attended and our teachers, Tracey Tillett, Lydia Comerford, Kathy Otzel, Jennifer Youmans and Phyllis Sieber did a great job. Their main message was that parents can and should call for help if their student(s) needs assistance. Also, Mrs. Mahaffey attended the meeting with her freshman daughter. She stated that she expected to hear that the students are now young adults and need to accept responsibility. Instead she heard that parents are encouraged to help their student(s) and to call the school if their student(s) is having any difficulty. She was very impressed with the meeting.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC – None
President Stone announced that the Board met in executive session prior to this evenings meeting and another is to follow this meeting, to discuss terms and conditions of employment for one or more District employees and to receive legal advice from an attorney.
Upon motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Zimmerman and carried the meeting adjourned at 8:29 p.m.
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary