A Special Meeting of the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District (including the agenda of the February 3, 2004 meeting that was cancelled due to a snow storm) 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 Thursday evening, February 5, 2004, beginning at 7:55 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: David A. Huffman, Susan A. Mahaffey, Pamela J. Markle,
Jay B. Shultz, David B. Stone, Jr., James E. Temple, Lois T. Williams.
ABSENT: Karen V. Harris, Thomas A. Zimmerman
INVOCATION – Fred Holland, Esq. provided the invocation and read the third district belief statement.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
President Stone requested a motion on item 9.3L which was to approve a new contract with Dr. Lowery. The motion was made by Mr. Shultz and seconded by Mrs. Mahaffey. President Stone opened discussion by saying that Williamsport Area School District has one of the best superintendents in the State. He stated that Mrs. Harris and Mr. Zimmerman indicated that they would vote in the affirmative if they were able to attend the meeting. This was followed by numerous accolades to Dr. Lowery by other board members. President Stone requested a roll call vote:
Roll Call – Ayes: Mahaffey, Markle, Shultz, Stone, Temple, and Williams.
Nays: None
Abstain: Huffman
The motion carried 6-0-1.
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Mahaffey, to ratify an adjudication made in a
student disciplinary matter resulting from quasi-judicial hearing held earlier today.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
B. Calendar of Events:
February 4 Gifted Education Advisory Council Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
February 9 Multicultural Concerns Committee Meeting, 12:00 p.m.
February 9 Community Relations Committee Meeting, 4:00 p.m.
February 16 District-Wide Inservice Day
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
B. Calendar of Events cont’d:
February 17 Curriculum & Instruction Steering Committee Meeting, 2:00 p.m.
February 17 WASD School Board Meeting, 8:00 p.m.
February 19 Educational Technology Advisory Committee Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
C. On display in the Dr. June Baskin Gallery: Career and Technical Education Week Display
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mrs. Williams reported that the annual Diversity Festival will be held on May 7, 2004. She welcomed everyone to work with the committee. She indicated that the committee is looking for vendors.
Mr. Shultz reported that the ETAC Committee reviewed a grant application and the student management software. He stated that the staff is developing a help desk.
Mr. Huffman stated that the ETAC Committee also discussed the need for separate Internet Policies for students and faculty.
Mr. Temple stated that the Athletic Committee meeting was rescheduled.
President Stone reported that PPL has informed us that we can use an all electric rate for Hepburn Lycoming until at least 2009.
Motion made by Mrs. Mahaffey, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the balance of the agenda and addendums.
Mr. Temple noted that he was abstaining from item 9.2J.
Item 11.2C was tabled.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
FINANCE REPORT
6.1 Approve the following financial reports:
A. Treasurer’s Report for the month of October and November 2003:
FINANCE REPORT
6.1 Approve the following financial reports cont’d:
B. Payroll Report:
General Fund – Unrestricted $2,591,408.91
General Fund – Restricted 225,318.25
Athletics and Extra Curricular 38,645.60
Food Service Fund 48,448.99
Data Processing Fund 7,226.85
Maintenance Fund 37,365.23
Mercantile & Privilege 45.41
Earned Income Tax 32,154.60
Student Activities 2,456.80
TOTAL $2,983,070.64
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 02/03/04 in the amount of $638,813.07, 02/03/04A in the amount of $107.50, 02/03/04B in the amount of $274,930.10, 02/03/04C in the amount of $59,232.31 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 02/03/04, 02/03/04A, 02/03/04B and 02/03/04C.
BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple
7.1 Approve the second reading and adoption of Policy #004, “Membership.” This is a revision to an already existing policy.
7.2 Approve the first reading of Policy #239, “Foreign Exchange Students.” ; This is a revision to an already existing policy.
CURRICULUM REPORT
8.1* Hire a consultant from Key Curriculum Press to present an inservice to the WAHS mathematics teachers on Feb. 16, 2004. The workshop will be "Using the CBR and the CBL in Math Instruction." Cost is $1500 plus expenses. Budgeted in Title 2D.
8.2* Retroactive approval an in-service program on gang awareness training provided on 11/16/03 to the faculty of Williamsport Area High School by Edward Bachert. The $325 cost is budgeted in string #10-2271-329-000-00-000-000-017-0000.
8.3 Approve $70 computer lab fee payable to BLaST IU 17 for the February 13, 2004 Christian School at Cogan Station professional development seminar on Power Point. Expenses are budgeted in the district's EETT grant.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.4* Approve expenses to be incurred by Andrea Martine, Writing Specialist, in providing professional development to middle school language arts and social studies teachers on Feb. 16, 2004. Ms. Martine was approved on July 15, 2003 to provide professional development to middle school teachers on both August 25, 2003 and February 16, 2004. Expenses for February were not identified in the original request. Expenses to be incurred for the February workshop will include lodging, mileage, and meals estimated at $225 and budgeted through string #10-2271-329-000-00-000-000-017-0000.
8.5* Approve the rental of a dramatic backdrop from Grosh Scenic Rentals of Hollywood, CA, for use in the WAHS student production of Much Ado About Nothing, directed by Dr. John Weaver, on March 19-20, 2004. Approximate cost of no more than $650 is budgeted in string #10-1100-442-000-30-850-150-019-0000.
8.6* Hire Dr. Dennis Ringling from Penn College to provide technical assistance on lesson planning to special education staff at a rate of $75.00 per hour. His salary will be paid out of ACCESS.
8.7 Approval of a letter of agreement with Brown Technical Institute to provide a state-of-the-art technical training program in copper cabling and fiber optic cabling to the Incarcerated Youth Training Program operated as a part of the Prison Alternative Education Program. These services are funded by the School-To-Work cooperative venture undertaken by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Department of Education, for which Williamsport Area School District serves as the local fiscal agent.
PERSONNEL REPORT
9.1 RESIGNATIONS - Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Kathi E. Kelley, full-time Title I Reading Specialist at Jackson Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective January 13, 2004 (PSERS date of May 7, 2003).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Kathi E. Kelley from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 29 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
B. Janis E. Arp, full-time Health and Physical Education teacher at the high school, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2003-2004 school year (tentative date of June 7, 2004).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Janis E. Arp from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 33 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
9.1 RESIGNATIONS CONT’D:
C. Jerry L. Berfield, full-time Special Education teacher at the high school, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2003-2004 school year (tentative date of June 7, 2004).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Jerry L. Berfield from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for his 31 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
D. Shirley K. Bittenbender, full-time Title I Reading Specialist at Sheridan Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2003-2004 school year (tentative date of June 7, 2004).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Shirley K. Bittenbender from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 34 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
E. John F. Clark, Jr., full-time Social Studies teacher at Lycoming Valley Middle School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2003-2004 school year (tentative date of June 7, 2004).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of John F. Clark, Jr. from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for his 35 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
F. Sharon M. Clemens, full-time Elementary (1st Grade) teacher at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2003-2004 school year (tentative date of June 7, 2004).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Sharon M. Clemens from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 38 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
9.1 RESIGNATIONS CONT’D:
G. Anthony J. Delisi, full-time Guidance Counselor at the high school, for the purpose of retirement, effective June 29, 2004.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Anthony J. Delisi from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for his 29 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
H. Stephen M. Dewar, full-time Special Education teacher at Curtin Middle School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2003-2004 school year (tentative date of June 7, 2004).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Stephen M. Dewar from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for his 25 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
I. Becky D. Donnell, full-time Elementary (Kindergarten) teacher at Sheridan Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2003-2004 school year (tentative date of June 7, 2004).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Becky D. Donnell from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 32 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
J. James E. Donnell, full-time Social Studies teacher at Lycoming Valley Middle School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2003-2004 school year (tentative date of June 7, 2004).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of James E. Donnell from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for his 34 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
9.1 RESIGNATIONS CONT’D:
K. Dianne A. Hartman, full-time Mathematics teacher at the high school, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2003-2004 school year (tentative date of June 7, 2004).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Dianne A. Hartman from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 29 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
L. Sarah (Sally) R. Lott, full-time Elementary (3rd Grade) teacher at Cochran Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2003-2004 school year (tentative date of June 7, 2004).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Sarah R. Lott from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 35 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
M. Alan J. Morgan, full-time Health & Physical Education teacher at the high school, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2003-2004 school year (tentative date of June 7, 2004).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Alan J. Morgan from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for his 34 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
N. Jean E. Nolan, full-time Elementary (3rd Grade) teacher at Stevens Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective October 15, 2004.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Jean E. Nolan from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 31 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
9.1 RESIGNATIONS CONT’D:
O. Mary J. Ohnmeiss, full-time Title I Reading Specialist at Stevens Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2003-2004 school year (tentative date of June 7, 2004).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Mary J. Ohnmeiss from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 24½ years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
P. Judith C. Parsons, full-time English teacher at the high school, for the purpose of retirement, effective on or about September 17, 2004.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Judith C. Parsons from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 31 ½ years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
Q. William P. Schemery, full-time Librarian at Curtin Middle School, for the purpose of retirement, effective June 29, 2004.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of William P. Schemery from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for his 31 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
R. Kathleen H. Weilminster, full-time Elementary (Language Arts) teacher at Curtin Middle School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2003-2004 school year (tentative date of June 7, 2004).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Kathleen H. Weilminster from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 34 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
S. Karen R. Womelsdorf, full-time Elementary (1st Grade) teacher at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2003-2004 school year (tentative date of June 7, 2004).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Karen R. Womelsdorf from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 34 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
9.1 RESIGNATIONS CONT’D:
T. LaVonne J. Young, full-time instructional support aide (swimming aide) at the high school, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2003-2004 school year (tentative date of June 7, 2004).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of LaVonne J. Young from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 32 years of dedicated service to our school system as an instructional aide. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
U. Carolyn J. Bower, full-time instructional support aide at Lycoming Valley Middle School, for personal reasons, effective January 21, 2004.
Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Debora K. Lee, instructional support aide at Lycoming Valley Middle School, for an extension of an unpaid medical leave, effective December 8, 2003, through
April 20, 2004.
Ms. Lee began her unpaid leave of absence on November 4, 2003, which is taken under the Family Medical Leave Act, which entitles the employee to health insurance for a maximum of 12 weeks (ending date of January 26, 2004), but is without pay or any other benefits. After the exhaustion of her FML benefit, she will be been on an unpaid leave until April 20, 2004.
B. Nicole L. Lee, full-time instructional support aide at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, for an extension of an unpaid medical leave, effective January 5, 2004, through March 15, 2004.
Ms. Lee began her unpaid leave of absence on December 15, 2003, which is taken under the Family Medical Leave Act, which entitles the employee to health insurance for a maximum of 12 weeks (ending date of March 7, 2004), but is without pay or any other benefits. After the exhaustion of her FML benefit, she will be been on an unpaid leave until March 15, 2004.
C. Barbara L. Rearick, general food service worker at Jackson Elementary School, for an unpaid medical leave, effective January 19, 2004, through February 13, 2004.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE CONT’D:
D. Stephanie L. Cendoma, full-time instructional support aide at Lycoming Valley Middle School, for an unpaid medical leave, effective January 22, 2004, through
April 20, 2004.
Mrs. Cendoma will begin her unpaid leave of absence on January 22, 2004, which will be taken under the Family Medical Leave Act, which entitles the employee to health insurance for a maximum of 12 weeks (ending April 14, 2004), but is without pay or any other benefits. After the exhaustion of her FML benefit, she will be on an unpaid leave until April 20, 2004.
E. Kimberly A. Whittington, general food service worker at the high school, for an unpaid medical leave, effective February 2, 2004, through March 22, 2004.
F. Cynthia A. Hamm, full time special education teacher at Lycoming Valley Middle School, for an unpaid medical leave, effective February 16, 2004, through May 9, 2004, possibly to return by May 3, 2004.
Mrs. Hamm is currently utilizing sick and/or personal days and will begin her unpaid leave of absence on February 16, 2004, 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.
G. Elena M. Matty, general food service worker at Lycoming Valley Middle School, unpaid leave for a planned vacation, effective February 3, 2004, through February 9, 2004.
H. Michael B. Lundy, Jr., mathematics teacher at Roosevelt Middle School, extension of leave of absence effective January 30, 2004, through February 13, 2004, possibly to be extended at a later date.
sabbatical leave, effective February 5, 2004, through June 7, 2004 (or the last day of the second semester for the 2003-2004 school term). Documentation for the leave is on file in the Human Resources Office.
J. Kathy L. Temple, full-time Health Occupations/Tech. Ed. teacher at the high school, for a sabbatical leave effective for the first semester of the 2004-2005 school year (dates to be determined), for the purpose of study (pending completion of course work registration). (Mr. Temple abstained from this item)
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Bruce P. Elliot, 1750 Mountain View Rd., Apt. #18, Harrisburg 17110, as Elementary School Principal at Cochran Elementary School, starting date July 1, 2004, at a salary of $84,673 and benefits as determined by the Act 93 Compensation Plan, effective July 1, 2003. Mr. Elliott will also be granted a total of 22 transition days (to prepare for assuming his new responsibilities) at the rate of $332.31 per day. Two of these days will be scheduled for participation in the District's administrative retreat on June 10 and 11, 2004. Mr. Elliot will be eligible for the transfer of up to 90 sick days from his current employer. Mr. Elliot holds a bachelor's degree from Penn State University, a master's degree from Temple University and is currently working on his doctorate through Duquesne University (replacing Robert Izer, retiring in June, 2004).
B. David J. Michaels, 2245 Gleim Court, Enola 17025, as Elementary School Dean of Students at Cochran Elementary School, starting on or about August 16, 2004 (dependent upon school calendar for 2004-2005), at a salary of $66,016 and benefits as determined by the Act 93 Compensation Plan, effective July 1, 2003, pending completion of all appropriate paperwork. Mr. Michaels will be eligible for applicable benefits under the plan, effective July 1, 2004. Mr. Michaels will also be granted a total of 22 transition days (to prepare for assuming his new responsibilities) at the rate of $309.64 per day. Two of these days will be scheduled for participation in the District's administrative retreat on June 10 and 11, 2004. Mr. Michaels will be eligible for the transfer of up to 90 sick days from his current employer. Mr. Michaels holds a bachelor's degree from Wilkes University, and is currently taking courses for principal certification from Penn State University (new position approved by Board for 2004-2005).
C. Michael B. Lundy, Jr., 23 Roseville Rd., Williamsport, as Acting Dean of Students at Roosevelt Middle School, effective date January 30, 2004, through February 13, 2004, possibly to be extended. Mr. Lundy will be paid at the rate of $270.94 for each day of service as Dean of Students. Mr. Lundy will maintain the benefits as provided under the agreement with the Williamsport Education Association (to provide services during Mrs. Fausnaught's absence).
D. Mark Douthat, 325 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport, as Assistant Athletic Director at an annual stipend of $7,000 (prorated on a 12-month basis), effective February 4, 2004, pending completion of appropriate paperwork. No benefits are associated with this position except for social security, worker's compensation and retirement (if eligible) (replacing Curt Chilson, resigned).
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
E. The following winter and spring 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*):
Williamsport Area High School
Wrestling
Lead Assistant Coaches:
James J. Johnston II* $1,126
(prorated amount; replacing Thomas D. Croce, who resigned after 2/5 of season)
Curtin Middle School
Girls Basketball
MS Lead Assistant Elizabeth A. Rager
$2,070 MS Assistant
Dana E. (Kinney) Derr $1,939
F.
The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $6.25 per
hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective date on indicated:
Debra A. Fry
4213 Pleasant Valley, Cogan Station (eff. 01/26/04)
G.
The following persons as regular part-time school bus drivers (bargaining unit
employees), at the salary rate of $12.92 per hour or contract rate, effective
date as indicated (both are current substitute school bus drivers):
Laura A. Bowman
2498 Heshbon Rd., Williamsport (eff. 02/04/04)
Aaron T. Johnson
903 Sheridan St., Williamsport (eff. 01/08/04)
H.
The following substitute custodian/event staff, with a base wage rate of $7.50
per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective February 4, 2004:
Ronald R. Delker
1510 Four Mile Dr., Williamsport
Terry Lee Bryan
1751 Doris Ave., Williamsport
I.
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:
James C. Conti, Jr.
45 Pearl St., Lock Haven (effective 02/04/04)
Bridget G. Wilczewski
1107 Elmira St., Williamsport (effective 01/29/04)
Andrea M. McDonough
503 Wilson St., Williamsport
Stephanie A. Williams 837 Wilson St., Williamsport
9.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
J.
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:
Donna M. Hensler
2716 Beautys Run Rd., Cogan Station
Andrew P. Pulizzi
101 Parkwood St., Williamsport
K.
Brad Mitchell, a senior Information Systems student at the Pennsylvania College
of Technology, as an unpaid intern in the WASD Instructional/Administrative
Technology Department. Mr. Mitchell will be creating instructions and
databases for the newly created help desk position (utilizing current staff) in
Instructional Technology; he is volunteering his services to complete this
project.
L.
Approve contract with Patricia A. Lowery, Superintendent, 123 Upland Road,
Williamsport, to continue as Superintendent of the Williamsport Area School
District, effective July 1, 2004, through June 30, 2009.
(Motion made by Mr. Shultz, seconded by Mrs. Mahaffey – Roll Call 6-0-1.
See Board President’s Report).
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
10.1
RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
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.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
11.1*
Approve the following student trips:
A.
Eighty (80) third grade teachers from Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Camp Susque during May 2004. The
students will have the opportunity to do various weather and ecology studies.
Students who have been suspended from school or who were assigned to Saturday
School within 60 calendar days prior to the trip will be ineligible to
participate.
Transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Hepburn-Lycoming
PTO.
B.
Thirty-six (36) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Concert
Chorale, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Mansfield University during
April 2004 to participate in a music adjudication festival. Students eligible
to participate are limited to those who are in compliance with their
school’s field trip disciplinary requirements.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid from the WAHS
Choir Student Activity Fund.
11.1*
Approve the following student trips cont’d:
C.
Seventy-five (75) fourth grade students from Cochran Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Williamsport Home during
February 2004. The students will be meeting their journal buddies. Students
eligible to participate will not have received a pink slip within a month of
the trip. District transportation is requested and will be paid by through the
teachers’ room expenses.
D.
Approximately 120 orchestra students from the Williamsport Area High School,
accompanied by their teacher and orchestra parents, to travel to the Scottish
Rite during February 2004 to attend a banquet. 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.
Fourteen (14) students from the Williamsport Area High School to participate in
the Odyssey of the Mind Regional and State Competitions. Regional competition
will be held at Berwick Area School District on a Saturday, in March 2004 and
the State Competition will be held at Altoona Area School District on a
Saturday, in April 2004. Students will be transported by their parents,
transportation for props is contracted through Ryders Truck Rental. Cost to
the district would be $315 from 10-1243-813-000-30-850-000-023-0000 for student
registration fees; the cost of transportation & gas is estimated at $900
if a truck is rented for both Berwick and Altoona competitions from
10-1243-513-000-30-850-000-023-0000.
F.
Forty (40) Williamsport Area High School law students, accompanied by their
teachers, to travel to the Lycoming County Courthouse on two dates during
February 2004 (20 students per trip). The students will have the opportunity
to see a court case in process. 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 (10-1390-519-000-30-850-280-033-0000). Two
substitutes will be required for each date.
G.
Ten (10) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their teacher,
to travel to the Lycoming County Courthouse on two dates in February 2004 to
participate in a mock trial competition. Students eligible to participate will
not have been suspended from school more than five days; will have no bus
disciplinary record; will be passing all major courses; and are not, in the
judgment of their house principal, experiencing attendance difficulties. The
students will be transported by Mr. Nicklaus and their parents.
11.1*
Approve the following student trips cont’d:
H.
Eight (8) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their teacher,
to travel to the Pennsylvania College of Technology during February 2004, to
participate in an automotive skills competition. Students eligible to
participate will not have been suspended from school for 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. There will be no cost to the District.
11.2
Approve the following facility use:
A.
Pennsylvania Governors School for the Arts (PGSA) to use the auditorium, band
room and two classrooms at Roosevelt Middle School on Saturday, April 3, 2004,
from
8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. to hold Spring auditions. PGSA is requesting relief
from the occupancy fee estimated to be $105.00. Certificate of Insurance
waived.
B.
Old Lycoming Township Fire Company to use the swimming pool at the Williamsport
High School on Sunday, February 8 and 22, 2004 from 9:45 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.
to conduct scuba training for water rescue. The Fire Department is requesting
relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $100.00. Certificate of Insurance on
file.
C.
(Motion to table made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Shultz. Motion carried
7-0).
Saint John’s School of the Arts to use the auditorium at the Williamsport
Area High School on April 28, 29, 30 and May 1, 2004 to hold three days of
rehearsal and a dance ensemble Spring performance. St. John’s is
requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $200.00. Certificate of
Insurance on file.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
12.1*
Authorize the purchase of general supplies to replenish inventoried stock in
accordance with our specifications and the following recommended awards. All
recommended awards are based on the lowest bid price meeting specifications.
A schedule of items to be awarded has been provided in lieu of a complete
tabulation.
Due to the extensive number of items and participating vendors on this bid it
is impractical
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 9, 2003:
RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
American Toner Products Inc., Harriman, NY $ 640.00
Bye Mo'R Inc., Kingsbury, IN
2,435.92
Cascade School Supplies Inc., N. Adams, MA 922.46
Kurtz Bros., Clearfield, PA
5,498.84
Phillips Supply Company, Plymouth, PA 1,763.86
BIDS/CONTRACTS CONT’D:
12.1*
Authorize the purchase of general supplies to replenish inventoried stock
cont’d:
RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
Pyramid School Products Inc., Tampa, FL
8,405.44
Quill Office Supplies Inc., Palatine, IL 2,307.28
Standard Stationery Supply, Wheeling, IL 7,992.56
Sofco Inc., Depew, NY 199.08
TOTAL RECOMMENDED AWARD
$30,165.44
12.2*
Authorize a lease purchase agreement with Dolphin Capital for two replacement
copiers and one duplicator for the Williamsport Area High School. This
purchase is through Phillips Supply House using state contract pricing. This
is a five-year lease at $560.85 per month.
12.3*
Authorize an agreement with the Hilton of Pikesville for hotel accommodations
for April 18, 2004 through April 19, 2004, for a guided reading workshop
previously approved through professional development.
12.4*
Approve a Community and Economic Development Grant of $10,000 and a $10,000
service agreement with Schoolwires, Inc. This agreement will provide web
hosting services and training and will provide our teachers and administrators
with user friendly web page services to improve web based communication with
our students and parents.
TAX ITEMS
13.1
Approve the following tax summaries:
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mrs. Markle stated that our bus drivers should be commended for the cooperative
and professional way they handled themselves during the snow storm.
President Stone told everyone to check out the improvements to the Black Box
Theatre.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC – None
President Stone announced that the Board met in executive session prior to and
will be meeting after this evenings meeting to discuss terms and conditions of
employment for one or more District employees and to receive legal advice from
an attorney.
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Williams and carried, the meeting
adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary