The Organizational 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 December 2, 2003, beginning at 8:00 p.m. in the Board of Directors Room, District Service Center, 201 West Third Street, Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
1. CALL TO ORDER: 2003 Board President, David B. Stone, Jr.
This meeting is called to order for the purpose of organization under appropriate sections of Article IV of the School Laws of Pennsylvania, as amended.
PRESENT: Karen V. Harris, David A. Huffman, Susan A. Mahaffey, Pamela J. Markle,
Jay B. Shultz, David B. Stone, Jr., James E. Temple, Lois T. Williams,
Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: None
2. INVOCATION – Mr. Jay Shultz provided the invocation and read the ninth district belief statement.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. Mr. Peterson, Board Secretary certified the election of the following persons to a four-year term (2003-2007) on the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District:
5. Mr. Fred Holland, Board Solicitor, introduced the Honorable Dudley N. Anderson who administered oaths of office to the newly-elected members. The Honorable Dudley N. Anderson and the newly-elected School Directors signed oath-of-office documents provided by the Secretary.
6. Election of a Temporary President
a. President Stone opened nominations for a temporary president.
b. Mrs. Harris nominated Mr. Temple.
c. Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Zimmerman to close nominations.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
7. Election of President
a. Temporary President Mr. Temple, opened nominations for President.
b. Mrs. Markle nominated Mr. Stone.
c. Motion made by Mrs. Harris, seconded by Mr. Zimmerman to close nominations.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
8. Election of Vice President.
The motion carried 8-0-1 with Mr. Temple abstaining.
9. President Stone made the following appointments for Delegates to Boards and Commissions for the Ensuing Year:
Mr. Jay Shultz, Mrs. Lois Williams and Mr. Thomas Zimmerman
Mr. James Temple, Mr. Jay Shultz and Mr. Thomas Zimmerman
c. Board Negotiating Team
Mrs. Karen Harris, Mrs. Pamela Markle, Mr. David Stone and Mr. Jay Shultz
d. Calendar Committee
Mr. James Temple
Mrs. Pamela Markle, Mrs. Susan Mahaffey and Mrs. Lois Williams
f. Curriculum and Instruction Council--All School Directors are ex officio members.
Mr. Jay Shultz and Mrs. Lois Williams
g. Drug Testing Oversite Committee
Mr. Thomas Zimmerman
h. Education Foundation Board Representative
Mrs. Lois Williams
i. Educational Technology and Administrative Technology Advisory Committees
Mr. Jay Shultz, Mrs. Susan Mahaffey and Mr. David Huffman.
Mr. Thomas Zimmerman and Mr. Jay Shultz
k. Facilities Planning and Development Committee
Mr. David Stone, Mr. Jay Shultz and Mr. James Temple
l. Gifted Education Advisory Council
Mr. Thomas Zimmerman
9. President Stone made the following appointments for Delegates to Boards and Commissions for the Ensuing Year cont’d:
m. Intermediate Unit Board Member
Mrs. Pamela Markle
Mrs. Pamela Markle, Mr. David Stone, Mrs. Lois Williams and Mr. David
Huffman.
Mrs. Pamela Markle
Mr. Jay Shultz
Mrs. Pamela Markle
Mr. James Temple
s. Site-Based Management Coordinating Council
Mrs. Karen Harris and Mrs. Susan Mahaffey
Mrs. Karen Harris and Mr. David Stone
Mrs. Susan Mahaffey and Mrs. Karen Harris
Mr. David Stone
Mrs. Susan Mahaffey and Mrs. Lois Williams
x. Elementary School Liaisons
Mr. Jay Shultz, Mrs. Susan Mahaffey and Mr. David Stone
Mrs. Karen Harris, Mr. James Temple and Mr. Thomas Zimmerman
Mrs. Pamela Markle, Mr. David Huffman and Mrs. Lois Williams
10. Motion made by Mr. Shultz, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to schedule Voting Meetings during 2004 to begin at 8:00 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) in the Baskin Gallery of the District Service Center on the following dates. Adoption of the Preliminary Budget is tentatively scheduled for May 4, 2004. Adoption of the Final Budget is tentatively scheduled for June 15, 2004. The annual Organization Meeting will be held on December 7, 2004 and will be followed by a regular voting meeting.
January 6, 20 February 3*, 17*
March 2*, 16* April 6, 20
May 4, 18 June 1, 15
July 13 August 3, 17
September 7, 21 October 5, 19
November 2, 16 December 7
* Start time 7:15 p.m.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
11. Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris and carried the meeting adjourned at 8:12 p.m.
________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary
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, December 2, 2003, following the reorganizational meeting.
The President, David B. Stone, Jr., called the meeting to order at 8:13p.m. with the following members:
PRESENT: Karen V. Harris, David A. Huffman, Susan A. Mahaffey, Pamela J. Markle,
Jay B. Shultz, David B. Stone, Jr., James E. Temple, Lois T. Williams,
Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: NONE
Student Representatives’ Report – Molly Townsend-Ness
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Presentation by Class Advisors – Steve Wiser, Tom Bauman and student representatives regarding student charitable activities.
The following students addressed the Board regarding their charitable activities:
Class of 2004 Kristen Vail
Class of 2005 Emily Pearson; Alec Rackish
Class of 2006 Kalin Driscoll; Natasha Weaver and Melissa Scoppa
B. Differentiated Honor Roll Proposal – Steve Huddy, WAHS Head Principal
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to replace the current honor roll structure at the Williamsport Area High School with a three-tiered structure that reflects differentiated student achievement at the Honor Roll, High Honor Roll and Distinguished Honor Roll levels, without regard to accumulated honor roll points. Instead, the respective levels of honor roll attainment would be based upon earning, for each marking period, no single course grade lower than an 85, 90 and 95, respectively. Health and physical education, and summer school courses, would continue not to count toward honor roll placement, although no grade in these courses may be lower than 85.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
C. The Williamsport Area High School Holiday Concert will air live on SusCom Channel 2 on December 21 at 3:00 p.m. The concert will replay on Channel 2 on December 23 at 8:00 p.m. and on December 24 at 2:00 p.m. Please be sure to tune in to this wonderful celebration of music.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT CONT’D: – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
D. Calendar of Events:
December 4 Educational Technology Advisory Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
December 8 Community Relations Committee Meeting, 4:00 p.m.
December 15 Alternative Education Oversight Committee Meeting, 4:00 p.m.
December 16 Curriculum & Instruction Steering Committee Meeting, 2:00
p.m.
December 22 Inservice Day for Cochran & Jackson Elementary Schools
December 23 Inservice Day for Cochran, Jackson & Hepburn-Lycoming
Elementary
Schools
December 24
Winter Holiday through January 2
January 6
WASD School Board Meeting, 8:00 p.m.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT
A. Congratulations to David Wright for securing a $58,037 Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities grant for the 2003-04 school year.
B. On display in the Baskin Gallery: The Creative Spirit: Works by the WASD Art Faculty.
C. Round Hills PTO
Thank you to the Round Hills Elementary School PTO for assisting with the cost of
paving a section of the Round Hills playground.
D. Woodward Township Supervisors
Thank you to the Woodward Township Supervisors for working with our Student Transportation Department to improve the safety of bus stops in Woodward Township.
Committee Reports by Board Members
President Stone reviewed the Board’s goals and accomplishments for the past year and the goals and issues of the coming year.
Mr. Zimmerman reported that the 1st of the two day evaluation of the Gifted Program is complete. The review is well organized and they had a successful day.
FINANCE REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Mahaffey to approve the following financial reports:
6.1 Approve the following financial reports:
A. Payroll Report:
General Fund – Unrestricted $2,633,740.07
General Fund – Restricted 237,780.59
Athletics and Extra Curricular 35,243.71
Food Service Fund 73,528.90
Data Processing Fund 8,127.02
Maintenance Fund 35,162.29
Mercantile & Privilege 109.12
Earned Income Tax 30,550.79
Student Activities 2,843.20
TOTAL $3,057,085.69
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 12/02/03 in the amount of $482,585.91, 12/02/03A in the amount of $207,118.60, 12/02/03B in the amount of $2,000.00,12/02/03C in the amount of $9,300.37, 12/02/03D in the amount of $232.28 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 12/02/03, 12/02/03A, 12/02/03B, 12/02/03C and 12/02/03D.
6.3* Authorize a payment of $660.00 to The Hartman Agency for general liability insurance for student related organizations for the period of 11/17/03 to 11/17/04.
Mrs. Mahaffey left the meeting at 9:06 p.m.
6.4 Approve the 2004-2005 Budget Development Calendar.
6.5 Authorize a December 19, 2003 order for the payment of bills with retroactive Board approval to occur on January 6, 2004.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following board policies:
BOARD POLICY CONT’D:
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
CURRICULUM REPORT
Motion made by Mr. Shultz, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following curriculum items:
8.1* Approve Sergeant Edward Bachert, Allentown Police Department, to present an inservice session at the Williamsport Area High School to the high school staff on November 26, 2003. Sergeant Bachert is recognized throughout the east coast as an authority on Pennsylvania, regional and national gang culture and its impact on school districts and communities. Bachert is also a criminal justice professor at East Stroudsburg University, and developer of this inservice presentation, "Street Gangs and Youth Violence in Schools: A Practical Overview for Educators." He has presented this and other sessions to more than 250 districts and businesses in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Approximate cost is $300 for the 3-hour presentation and $25 for transportation, found in account # 10-1100-323-000-30-850-000-065-0000.
8.2* Approve Donna Johnson, South Carolina, trained at Lesley College, to present the intermediate segment of the Literacy Collaborative Framework for Cochran's December 23 in-service. The cost will be $900 plus travel expenses. The total cost should not exceed $2,000 and is budgeted under Cochran's CSR Grant.
8.3* Approve CPR and First Aid training for all district personal care aides (approximately 25 aides) in order to comply with ACCESS guidelines. Training dates are December 2, December 9, and January 6 in order not to have all personal care aides out on one day. Expenses will include full day substitutes to be paid out of ACCESS and individual $35 American Red Cross registration fees to be paid out of string number 10-1200-329-000-00-000-000-004-0000.
8.4 Approve Rachel M. Neuhard, a psychology student at Penn State University, to conduct replication of Linda Gambrell's research concerning the Factor Structure of the Motivation to Read Profile among second through fifth grade students at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School. Rachel would obtain parental consent to conduct the Motivation to Read Profile Reading Survey developed by Linda Gambrell. The survey is a 20-item questionnaire that assesses two aspects of reading motivation: self-concept as a reader and the value of reading. The survey will take approximately 15 to 20 minutes to administer. Rachel will be providing results to Hepburn teachers and administrators. Confidentiality would be maintained by using pseudonyms in the paper.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.5 Approve reimbursement for health and physical education staff members for curriculum development completed beyond the school day during the 2002-03 school year. Teachers would be compensated at the rate of $85 per day upon receipt of a copy of the curriculum documents.
Amy (Hopkins) Bolt - 1 day
Michelle Brobst - 3 days
Delores K. Eiswerth - 2 days
Jennifer Griswold - 2 days
Kurt Harris (no longer employed by WASD) - 1 day
Amy Neylon - 1 day
8.6 Approve the Susquehanna Health System to provide an after school Certified Nursing Assistant program to qualified Williamsport Area High School students. The program will begin on January 6, 2004 and meet on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays until February 26, 2004 to include 3 full days of Saturday clinicals. (Saturday clinicals to be scheduled later.) There is no cost to the School District for this program.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following personnel items:
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Barbara M. Beamer, full-time Instructional Support Aide/Library Aide at Stevens Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective January 16, 2004.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Barbara M. Beamer from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 30½ years of dedicated service to our school system as an aide. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
B. Mary T. Confer, regular part-time school bus driver for the District, for other employment, effective November 27, 2003.
C. Karen M. Major, health room technician at Lycoming Valley Middle School, for other employment, effective at the end of the work day on December 16, 2003.
D. Ruth A. Wollett, general food service worker at the high school, for personal reasons, effective December 3, 2003.
Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Kimberly A. Whittington, general food service worker at the high school, extension of her unpaid medical leave, effective November 13, 2003, through February 1, 2004.
B. Alix Lang, full-time German teacher at the high school, for an unpaid medical leave, effective December 11, 2003, through March 3, 2004.
Ms. Lang is currently utilizing sick and/or personal days and will begin her unpaid leave of absence on December 11, 2003, which will be 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. Consider electing the following winter 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*):
Boys Basketball
Volunteers: Keith Davis
---
DePhilip M. Jackson ---
Boys & Girls Swimming & Diving
Assistant Coach:
Russell Bernstein (5)* $1,375
B.
Elizabeth J. Segraves, 721½ Wyoming St., Williamsport, as a substitute
teacher in the Adult Education Program at a salary rate of $23.91 per hour for
the actual numbers of hours worked during the 2003-2004 program year.
C.
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:
Miranda J. Dincher
163 Cross Mountain Lane, S. Williamsport
Erin J. Hollick
116 Sassafras Lane, Waterville
Gary J. Stoudt
355 Hockley Hill Rd., Turbotville
Patricia A. Maeulen
2216 Blair St., Williamsport
9.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
D.
Barbara A. Regland, 509 E. Mountain Ave., S. Williamsport, as a homebound
teacher, subject to assignment by the Superintendent of Schools, at the salary
and/or daily rates as established by the collective bargaining agreement, and
only for the actual number of hours assigned and worked.
E.
LaVonne A. Walter, 11 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport, as a part-time (up to 180
days, up to 3 hours per day) Hall/Cafeteria Monitor at the high school (Red
House), effective December 8, 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 Candace Scheurer,
transferred).
F.
Wala S. Tillman, 1740 Memorial Ave., Williamsport, as a part-time (up to 180
days, up to 3 hours per day) Hall/Cafeteria Monitor at the high school (Blue
House), effective December 8, 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 Cindy Ryder, transferred).
G.
Adam J. Allison, 335 Woodland Ave., Williamsport, as a long-term substitute
teacher, effective January 19, 2004, through the end of the second semester of
the 2003-2004 school term (tentative ending date of June 7, 2004), unless
terminated sooner, to teach Special Education at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary
School, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor's, $37,700, prorated, pending
receipt of all necessary paperwork. Mr. Allison holds a bachelor's degree from
Lock Haven University and is certified in Special Education N-12 (replacing
Dori Rankinen, on sabbatical leave).
9.4* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position changes:
A.
Carol A. Roles, 2600 Riverside Dr., Duboistown, from a part-time instructional
support aide at Stevens Elementary School to a full-time instructional support
aide (185 day, 7 hours per day) at Curtin Middle School, with a base wage rate
of $14,167, prorated ($10.94 per hour) or contract rate, effective December 8,
2003 (new position approved by the Board).
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
10.1
RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Motion made by Mr. Shultz, seconded by Mrs. Markle 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
items related to student/community activities:
11.1*
Approve the following student trips:
A.
Thirty-three (33) members of the Sheridan Elementary School’s fifth grade
chorus, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to the First Church of Christ
Disciples to perform at the AARP luncheon. Students eligible to participate
will have had no detention during the second marking period, no more than two
pink slips, and no bus or school suspensions for 30 days prior to the trip.
There will be no cost to the District. The students will walk.
B.
Approximately 132 gifted education students from Cochran, Hepburn, Jackson,
Round Hills, Sheridan, and Stevens Elementary Schools, accompanied by their
parents/
guardians, to travel to New York City on a Saturday during April 2004. The
students will have the opportunity to visit the American Museum of Natural
History and to view a performance of “Fiddler on the Roof.”
Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. All costs will be paid by
the individual student/family.
C.
Twenty (20) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Strolling
Strings, accompanied by orchestra parent chaperones, to travel to the Genetti
Hotel during December 2003 to perform at the Kiwanis Club luncheon. 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 with the cost being paid
by the Kiwanis Club. A substitute will be required for 5th
period.
11.1*
Approve the following student trips cont’d:
D.
Twenty-five (25) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Strolling
Strings, accompanied by orchestra association chaperones, to travel to the
Clinton Country Club during December 2003 to perform at a Christmas party.
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 and will be paid
by the WAHS Orchestra Association.
E.
Twenty (20) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Strolling
Strings, accompanied by orchestra association chaperones, to travel to the
Wheel Inn (Canton) during December 2003 to perform the Canton Lions Club
luncheon. 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 and will be paid by the WAHS Orchestra Association.
F.
Twenty-eight (28) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s musical
theater group, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to the Community Arts
Center during December 2003 for a tour. 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 (10-1100-519-000-30-850-121-023-0000).
G.
Twenty-five (25) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s
Millionaire Singers, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to the
Williamsport Area School District Service Center to perform at the holiday
luncheon. 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 (10-1100-519-000-30-850-121-012-0000).
H.
Approximately 20 elementary students from the six elementary schools,
accompanied by members of the Republican Club, to travel to Wal-Mart, the
Republican Club, and the Little League Museum during December 2003. The
students will be receiving new clothes, including coats, hats and gloves. All
costs will be paid by the Republic Club.
I.
Thirteen (13) Williamsport Area High School band members, accompanied by their
teacher, to travel to the Loyalsock Township High School on two dates during
December 2003 to participate in Senior County Band rehearsal and performance.
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 (10-3211-519-000-30-850-121-023-0000).
Approximate registration fees of $200 will be charged to
10-3211-813-000-30-850-121-023-0000. A substitute will be required for two
days.
11.1*
Approve the following student trips cont’d:
J.
Twenty-four (24) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by two
staff members, to travel to Lycoming College during December 2003. The
students will be receiving peer education training regarding HIV. 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 transport themselves directly to Lycoming College in the
morning. Funding for the training will be provided through a grant from the
Pennsylvania Department of Education. Two substitutes will be required for the
day.
K.
Fifteen (15) members of the Roosevelt Middle School’s Select String
Ensemble, accompanied by their director, to travel to local nursing homes
(i.e., Valley View Manor Care, etc.) during December 2003 to perform for the
residents. Students eligible to participate will have attended the required
rehearsals and will not have been suspended. District transportation is
requested and will be paid through string #10-1100-519-000-20-650-121-023-0000.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to approve the following
bid/contract items:
12.1*
Authorize a sealed bid sale of the following equipment.
And authorize the administration to award the sale to the high bidder meeting
the minimum bid requirements.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
TAX ITEMS
13.1
Motion made by Mrs. Harris, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following
tax summaries.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mrs. Harris reported that the craft show at the high school was very nice.
Mrs. Markle stated that the baseball team made about $11,000 in profit from the
show.
Mr. Zimmerman stated that the soccer banquet was well attended and enjoyable.
He stated that he believes the soccer boosters have a commonality of purpose
and sense of ownership that makes the soccer program very successful.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC - None
President Stone announced that the Board met in executive session prior to this
evenings 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 Mrs. Williams and carried the
meeting adjourned at 9:29 p.m.
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary