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 20, 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., James E. Temple, Dale L. Vollman, Lois T. Williams,
Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: None
INVOCATION – Mrs. Pamela J. Markle provided the invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
Student Representatives’ Report – Erin Cowell and Martin Wade
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Athletic Report by Sean McCann, Athletic Director.
Mr. McCann presented the 2000 Fall Sport Summary Report
B. Eric Gee – Educational Technology Budget Presentation
Mr. Gee provided a presentation on the recommended reorganization of the Educational and Administrative Computer Departments, the 2001-2002 ETAC Budget and the 2001-2002 Audio Visual Budget.
C. William Beck – Building Maintenance Budget Presentation
Mr. Beck and Mr. Hitzeman presented their 2001-2002 budget recommendations.
D. Calendar of Events:
Board Members are invited to attend
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. The following students have received awards in the regional judging for the Scholastic Art 2001 competition.
Gold Keys
Corey Feaster, Computer Graphics, WAHS
Terri Shadle, Photography, WAHS
Silver Keys
Devin Beam, Computer Graphics, Roosevelt
Jynara Kibler, Graphic Design, Roosevelt
Terri Shadle, Photography, WAHS
Caitlin Winner, Computer Graphics, WAHS
Gold Key pieces will travel to New York City for national competition. All of the above works are on display at Strawberry Square in Harrisburg through February 28.
B. Congratulations to Charles Brown, a ninth grade student at the Williamsport Area High School for winning high honors in the WordMasters Challenge, a national competition for high school students requiring close reading and analysis of many different kinds of prose and poetry. Mr. Brown competed along with over 27,000 top students from across the country. Also recognized were students Seth Boehret, Jeremy Hurwitz, Kelli Kuzo, and Jessica Shepard.
C. Congratulations to Bob Eichensehr for receiving recognition from Penn State University for his involvement in student/principal panel discussions.
D. Congratulations to Eric Gee, Jackie Thomas, and Don Adams for a Students Achieving Standards Grant in the amount of $158,4000. The monies will be used to provide Accelerated Math software for grades 3-5, professional training for our staff and The Center staff, and hardware for our District and The Center.
E. Mr. Holland provided an update on the Woodward Township Secession Appeal.
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mrs. Harris reported that the ETAC Committee met last week. Eric Gee reviewed the wireless lab proposal and the committee was very receptive. There was a subcommittee meeting prior to the meeting to begin a long range plan.
Mrs. Markle reported that the Community Relations Committee provided a budget recommendation that was included in the Board packets.
Mr. Zimmerman reported that the Employment Steering Committee met on February 8. The committee will provide a failed absence report to the Board after their March meeting.
Committee Reports by Board Members Cont’d:
President Stone reported that the Multi-Cultural Committee met and discussions centered on a mentoring program at the high school. It is an interesting program that has some details left to resolve.
Construction Projects
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following construction projects:
A. Approve change order P-13 to the contract with Spencer Mechanical, plumbing contractor – Roosevelt Project increasing the contract by $3,208.00 and adjusting the contract total as follows:
Original Contract $240,116.00
Previous Additions 16,930.64
P-13 3,208.00
New Contract Total $260,254.64
B. Approve the execution and submission of PlanCon – I01, I02 and I03, Interim Reporting, in reference to change order E-23 for the Vocational Education Project.
C. Authorize the execution of Right-of-Way Agreements with PPL for electrical service at the Cochran Elementary School.
D. Authorize the execution of an agreement with PG Energy for gas service at the Cochran Elementary School.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
FINANCE REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Pedersen, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following finance reports:
6.1 Approve the following financial reports:
A. Treasurer’s Report for the month of December 2000.
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 02/20/01 in the amount of $1,034,909.44, 02/20/01A in the amount of $26,122.63, 02/20/01B in the amount of $201,835.21and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 02/20/01, 02/20/01A, and 02/20/01B.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple - None
CURRICULUM REPORT
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Pedersen, to approve the following curriculum items:
8.1* Authorize clinician Jaye Beetem, Professor of Lighting, Design, and Technical Theatre at Lycoming College, to provide professional development training of the auditorium lighting control system and lighting instrument for the staff and students at Williamsport Area High School. The training will be held in four sessions, after school, during February and March 2001 (dates to be determined).
Cost to the District would be $600 for clinician fees to Jaye Beetem, funded through string #101-2270-0-00-330-17-323.
8.2* Authorize clinician Tim Breon, J&R Music Studio Sound Engineer, to provide professional development training of the auditorium sound control system, digital recording, and microphones for the staff and students at Williamsport Area High School. The training will be held in four sessions, after school, during February and March 2001 (dates to be determined).
Cost to the District would be $400 for clinician fees to Mr. Breon, funded through string #101-2270-0-00-330-17-323.
8.3* Authorize Lucinda Campbell, storyteller, to conduct three (3) story hours for families at Jackson Elementary School. The cost of the three events, to be scheduled at the convenience of the school, is $200 and will be funded through the Read to Succeed Grant.
8.4 Authorize the Williamsport Area School District to host a teleconference entitled “Scaffolding Emergent Literacy and Reading in Young Children with Disabilities” on February 23, 2001, from 8:45 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. The teleconference is sponsored by Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network, Early Intervention Technical Assistance, Pennsylvania Department of Education, and Public Welfare and Health. The teleconference site will be the Williamsport Area High School D-Large Group room. There will be no cost to the District.
8.5 Authorize Susquehanna Health System to present an inservice program entitled “Assessment of Sports Related Injuries” to the Williamsport Area School District’s Health Services staff on February 20, 2001.
The approximate cost of $50 is budgeted in 101-2410-0-00-410-09-329.
8.6* Approve implementation of the Students Achieving Standards Link-to-Learn Grant and expenditure of the $158,400 funds awarded by the State.
8.7* Approve room and board expenses associated with an Administrative Retreat to be held
June 13-14, 2001, at Grays Run. Approximate cost of $1,600 is budgeted in string #101-2270-0-00-330-17-323.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.8 Approve the attached list of titles for Title I instruction.
8.9 Approve “Celebration of Cultural Diversity Day” on Friday, May 11, 2001. During the school day, activities will occur in each of the elementary schools. In the high school auditorium, a special program will be held for ninth grade students and for one grade of middle school students.
8.10* Authorize Thomas E. Cadman, M.D., a Pediatric Neurologist, to provide a one-half day seminar entitled “How the BrainWorks” to the Sheridan Elementary School staff on April 6, 2001. The cost of the presentation is $300 and is budgeted under Title I, Sheridan School Staff Development.
8.11* Approve Sally Lima to present an open-ended math and math manipulatives workshop for the February 20, 2001, inservice at Woodward. The approximate cost of $300 will be paid out of PSSA grant funds.
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:
9.1 RESIGNATIONS - None
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Diane L. Snyder, general food service worker at the high school, unpaid leave for the purpose of travel, effective April 3, 2001, through April 6, 2001.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. The following persons for work on the Williamsport Area High School's production of the musical "South Pacific” at the rates in accordance with the 1997-2002 Agreement by and between the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District and the Williamsport Education Association (budgeted in 862-3212-3-26-159-84 130):
Kent C. Weaver $1,585
Paul H. McPhail, Jr. $1,490
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
B. The following coaches at the respective schools for the 2000-01 school year at the rates in accordance with the 1997-2002 agreement by and between the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District and the Williamsport Education Association:
Williamsport Area High School
Baseball
Head Coach:
G. Scott Grove $3,171
Varsity Assistants:
David T. Howe $1,586
Chuck Sponhouse $1,363
Softball
Head Coach:
Robert G. Loudenslager $3,171
Steve L. Reed $1,586
Daniel G. Sechrist $1,586
Boys Tennis
Head Coach:
John F. Dorner $1,902
Girls Track
Head Coach:
Marguerite W. Anderson-Royal $3,805
Varsity Assistants:
Aimee M. Shebest $1,903
Monique Keiser $1,483
Boys Track & Field
Head Coach:
Samuel E. Belle $3,805
Robert S. Kraynak $1,903
Vacant ---
Roosevelt Middle School
Girls Basketball
Lead Assistant:
Michael B. Lundy, Jr. $2,219
Assistant
Tim M. Tyson $1,788
Volunteer
Livy Medellin ---
Track & Field
Boys Coach
Randall G. Laird $1,522
Girls Coach
Ronald E. Sahm $1,522
9.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
B.
The following coaches at the respective schools for the 2000-01 school year
cont’d:
Curtin Middle School
Girls Basketball
Lead Assistant
Allen V. Taylor $2,219
Assistant
Dana Kinney $1,483
Track & Field
Boys Coach Vacant
---
Girls Coach Vacant
---
Lycoming Valley Middle School
Girls Basketball
Lead Assistant Linda L. Radocaj
$2,219 Assistant
John M. Dick $1,903
Track & Field
Boys Coach
R. Scott Matthews $1,522
Girls Coach
James E. Donnell $1,522
Assistant Coach
John F. Clark TBA
(necessary because of number of participants)
C.
Thomas W. Ronan, Jr., 1007 Franklin St., Williamsport, William F. Rathjen, Jr.,
83 Bruce Rd., Cogan Station and Robert Gilson, to teach the After School
Alternative Program, effective February 26, 2001, at the rate of $21.89 per
hour (up to 15 hours per week total for both instructors) through the remainder
of the 2000-2001 school term (on or about June 8, 2001). Stipends and
eligible benefits (social security, retirement, worker’s comp.) funded
through Alternative Education School grants.
D.
Bonnie E. Guinter, 571 Old Rte. 15, Cogan Station, as a full-time (185-day)
instructional support aide at Roosevelt Middle School, at an annual wage of
$12,147, prorated, ($9.38 per hour), effective February 21, 2001 (replacing
Lucina Campbell, transferred).
E.
The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $5.75 per
hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective February 21, 2001:
Martha J. Burkholder
2440 Nottingham Rd., Williamsport
Ilene K. Butler
96 Aderhold Lane, Williamsport
Marcus G. Degarmo
929 High St., Williamsport
Donna M. Pallone 913 Franklin St., Williamsport
9.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
F.
The following substitute food service satellite truck driver, at the salary
rate of $7.00 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective
February 21, 2001:
Daniel A. Jameson
2258 Central Ave., Williamsport
G.
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:
Christina M. Butler
166 Highland Dr., Hughesville (eff. 02/08/01)
Bernard Katz
2529 W. Fourth St., Williamsport (eff. 02/08/01)
H.
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
Kristopher T. DeRemer
749 Eckard Rd., Cogan Station (effective 02/12/01)
I.
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:
Ilene K. Butler
96 Aderhold Lane, Williamsport
Donna M. Pallone 913 Franklin St., Williamsport
9.4* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position changes:
A.
Carol M. Bennett, 12 Terrace Lane, Williamsport, from a general food service
worker (3 hours daily) to a general food service worker (3½ hours daily)
at the high school, with a base wage rate of $7.88 per hour, effective February
21, 2001 (replacing Linda F. Beck, transferred).
B.
Shirley A. Boatman, 2020 Yale Ave., Williamsport, from a general food service
worker (4½ hours daily) to a general food service worker (4¾ hours
daily) at Curtin Middle School, with a base wage rate of $7.88 per hour,
effective February 21, 2001 (replacing Candace Hauser, resigned).
C.
Diane L. Snyder, 3000 Grimesville Rd., Williamsport, from a general food
service worker at the high school to an instructional aide/library at the high
school, at the annual rate of $14,543, prorated ($11.23 per hour), effective
February 26, 2001 (new position approved by the Board).
9.4* POSITION CHANGES CONT’D:
D.
Rachel R. Cohick, 2051 Lycoming Creek Rd., Apt. B, Williamsport, from a
part-time hall/cafeteria monitor at the high school to a full-time (185 day, up
to 7 hours per day) instructional support aide at Jackson Elementary School,
at the annual rate of $13,248, prorated ($10.23 per hour), effective February
26, 2001 (replacing Sakinah Jabbar, resigned).
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:
A.
Members of the Williamsport Area High School Strolling Strings, supervised by
the director and members of the WAHS Orchestra Association, to participate in
events as detailed on the attached list. Transportation will be provided by
event sponsors. There will be no cost to the District.
11.1*
Approve the following student trips cont’d:
11.2
Approve the filing of an application for participation in the Summer Food
Service Program.
Reimbursement is based on the actual cost or maximum reimbursement per meal
whichever is less. Additional reimbursement is provided to offset
administrative costs.
The Summer Food Service Program meal preparation is proposed for Jackson
Elementary and would be distributed to playgrounds and other sites in
cooperation with the YMCA, YWCA, Antioch Baptist Church, The Center, IU 17,
Williamsport Housing Authority, WASD Elementary Title I Summer School Program
at Hepburn-Lycoming, Jackson, Lose, Stevens, Sheridan, Cochran and Loyalsock
Township School District.
11.3
Approve the following request for facility use:
A.
Old Lycoming Little League to use the gymnasium at Lycoming Valley Middle
School on March 15 and 16, 2001 from 5:30 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. to hold baseball
tryouts. Old Lycoming Little League is requesting relief of the occupancy fee
estimated at $80.00. Certificate of Insurance to be received.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following
bids/contract items:
12.1*
Authorize an agreement with Denny Dyroff, 460 Woodward Avenue, Lock Haven, to
provide wastewater treatment services at the Hepburn-Lycoming and Woodward
Township Elementary Schools at a cost of $225 per month as per the terms of the
attached February 6, 2001 letter.
12.2*
Authorize an agreement with Adelaide Associates of Binghamton, NY to provide
air quality testing services during the week of March 19, 2001, at an estimated
cost of $3,000.
BIDS/CONTRACTS CONT’D:
12.3*
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 $15,000 and is budgeted in the PA Safe Schools
Initiative Grant.
12.4
Approve an agreement with Indiana University of Pennsylvania to accept student
teacher placements in school districts.
12.5
Approve the 2000-2001 IDEA Component III Agreement between BLaST Intermediate
Unit #17 and the Williamsport Area School District.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
TAX ITEMS
13.1
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Pedersen, to approve the
following tax summaries.
TAX ITEMS CONT’D:
13.1
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Pedersen, to approve the
following tax summaries cont’d:
The motion carried 9-0.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
President Stone indicated that our one MathCounts team finished second in the
competition at Selinsgrove.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS CONT’D:
Mr. Temple reported that he will be attending a conference on higher education
in California. The conference is on Performance Standards and Chris Datres and
Andree Phillips will be doing a presentation.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC - None
President Stone announced that executive session was held prior to tonight’
;s meeting to discuss terms and conditions of employment for one or more
District employees and to receive confidential legal advice from an attorney.
Upon motion made by Mrs. Pedersen, seconded by Mrs. Markle and carried the
meeting adjourned at 10:08 p.m.
______________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary