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, March 2, 2004, beginning at 7:15 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, 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.
INVOCATION – Mr. James Temple provided the invocation and read the fifth district belief statement.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the minutes from the regular meeting of January 20, 2004, that reading of the minutes be omitted and the minutes be approved with the change of wording of “problem would not re-occur.” under Items from Board Members.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
Student Representatives’ Report – Mitchell Marcello and Molly Townsend-Ness
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. On display in the Dr. June Baskin Gallery this month is the district-wide Youth Art Month Exhibition.
B. Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the adjudication of student 03/04–09 resulting from a quasi-judicial hearing held earlier this evening.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Outstanding Students
Principal
B. Jeremy S. Hurwitz – Pennsylvania Award Winner of The Annalee Henderson Outstanding Achievement Student Achievement Award
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT CONT’D: - Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
C. Performance of “Annie” by Roosevelt Middle School Students, Directed by Robert Hickey
D. Strolling Strings Performance, Directed by Jeff Tedford
E. Math Competition Presentation—Ken Welsh, Department Chair for Mathematics, and Students
F. First Semester Elementary and Secondary Class Size Reports
G. Theodore Piwowar – Career and Technical Education Budget Presentation
H. Eric Gee - Educational Technology Budget Presentation
I. Stephen Huddy – WAHS Budget Presentation
J. Calendar of Events
March 8 Multicultural Concerns Meeting --12:00 p.m.
March 8 Community Relations Committee Meeting -- 4:00 p.m.
March 12 1/2 Day for Students at Cochran Elementary School (morning)
March 12 Inservice at Cochran Elementary School (afternoon)
March 16 WASD School Board Meeting -- 7:15 p.m.
March 18 Educational Technology Advisory Committee Meeting 6:30 p.m.
March 19 End of Third Marking Period
March 22-31 PSSA Testing in Reading & Math (grades 3, 5, 8, 11)
March 22 Alternative Education Oversight Committee Meeting -- 4:00 p.m.
April 1-21 PSSA Testing in Reading & Math (grades 3, 5, 8, 11)
April 2 Inservice Day at Roosevelt Middle School
April 5-6 Kindergarten Parent Conferences
April 6 WASD School Board Meeting -- 8:00 p.m.
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mrs. Mahaffey reported that the Educational Administrative Computer Technology Committee met and had a long and interesting conversation on the pros and cons of purchasing laptop computers for teachers.
Mrs. Markle reminded everyone that the PSBA Spring Legal Workshop was coming up on March 17.
Committee Reports by Board Members
President Stone reported that Mr. Shultz, Dr. Lowery and he met with the Lycoming Township Supervisors. Mr. Zimmerman, Dr. Lowery and he met with City Council. The meetings are intended to stimulate communication and collaboration between the District and our neighboring governmental entities. The meetings were appreciated by all.
Construction Projects
A. Hepburn Lycoming Project – Final Specification Review - February 25, 2004
B. Lycoming Valley Project - Final Specification Review - March 15, 2004
C. Curtin Gymnasium Partition Project – Bidding - March 2004
BOARD POLICY
Motion made by Mr. Temple, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to TABLE items 7.1 Policy #143 and
7.2 Policy #144.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the remainder of the agenda and the addendums.
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 December 2003
B. Payroll Report:
General Fund – Unrestricted $2,604,560.35
General Fund – Restricted 229,715.52
Athletics and Extra Curricular 33,518.40
Food Service Fund 64,735.68
Data Processing Fund 9,095.34
Maintenance Fund 45,866.83
Mercantile & Privilege 133.78
Earned Income Tax 30,636.25
Student Activities 0.00
TOTAL $3,018,262.15
FINANCE REPORT CONT’D:
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 03/02/04 in the amount of $352,835.21, 03/02/04A in the amount of $3,230.00, 03/02/04B in the amount of $600.40, 03/02/04C in the amount of $223,811.65 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 03/02/04, 03/02/04A, 03/02/04B and 03/02/04C.
BOARD POLICY - See motion on previous page.
CURRICULUM REPORT
8.1* (WITHRDRAWN BY ADMINISTRATION) Consider hiring a consultant from James Madison University, M.T. Wessel, to advise the physical education committee in composing a grant proposal for the Carol B. White PEP Grant. The approximate cost to the district is $300.00 a day and is not to exceed three days. Costs is budgeted in string #10-2271-329-000-00-000-000-017-0000.
8.2* Approve Kelly Allmaras and Miranda Dincher for up to 2 days each of curriculum work for the Title I Extended Day Program at The Center. The cost is $90 per day and is funded through Title I.
8.3 Approve the Instructional Framework for the Grade 8 PSSA to be used as the curriculum for the FLEX Language Arts cycle during the last twelve weeks of the school year at Lycoming Valley. This curriculum will be implemented at Lycoming Valley because students there will have already taken the PSSA reading test before this class cycle begins. This course will prepare the students to take the writing test in 9th grade in October, 2004. The curriculum document has been reviewed by the Curriculum and Instruction Council and the Assistant Superintendent before going to the Board for consideration.
PERSONNEL REPORT
9.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. William G. McQuown, Department Chair for Social Studies for the District, for the purpose of retirement, effective June 29, 2004 (revised from June 22, 2004, previously approved on January 6, 2004).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of William G. McQuown from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for his 37 years of dedicated service to our school system as an administrator and teacher. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
9.1 RESIGNATIONS CONT’D:
B. Larry G. Oman, maintenance worker for the District, for the purpose of retirement, effective April 30, 2004.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Larry G. Oman from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for his 32½ years of dedicated service to our school system as a maintenance worker. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE - Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Michael B. Lundy, Jr., mathematics teacher at Roosevelt Middle School, extension of leave of absence effective March 1, 2004, through March 31, 2004, possibly to be extended at a later date.
leave of absence effective April 13, 2004, through the remainder of the 2003-2004
school term.
C. Suzanna M. Loudenslager, full-time fourth grade teacher at Cochran Elementary School, for an unpaid medical leave, effective March 19, 2004, through June 10, 2004, possibly to return sooner.
Mrs. Loudenslager is currently utilizing sick days and will begin her unpaid leave of absence on March 19, 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.
D. Barbara L. Rearick, general food service worker at Jackson Elementary School, extension of an unpaid medical leave, effective February 16, 2004, through March 5, 2004.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF - Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Michael B. Lundy, Jr., 23 Roseville Rd., Williamsport, as Acting Dean of Students at Roosevelt Middle School, effective date March 1, 2004, through March 31, 2004, possibly to be extended. Mr. Lundy’s per diem rate to $288.28 per day (from $270.94 per day) to reflect his extended services in this position effective March 1, 2004. The adjustment to $288.28 per day will reflect the regular per diem rate for a Middle School 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).
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
B. Susan E. McGehean, 936 W. Third St., Williamsport, as Secondary Special Education Coordinator, effective April 13, 2004, through the remainder of the 2003-2004 school term (205 day schedule prorated). Mrs. McGehean will be paid at the rate of $304.86 per day and will be eligible for benefits as provided under the Act 93 Compensation Plan. (Mrs. McGehean will serve in this position during Mrs. Moser’s absence.) Mrs. McGehean will continue her duties as Senior Class Advisor for the remainder of the 2003-2004 school term.
C. Elizabeth N. Kreider, 645 Lawshe Run Rd., Trout Run, as a full-time (185 days, 7 hours per day) Instructional Support Aide/LPN at the high school, with a base wage rate of $14,167, prorated ($10.94 per hour) or contract rate, effective on or about March 17, 2004, (pending completion of appropriate paperwork) plus applicable benefits as provided under the collective bargaining agreement between WASD and WASP (replacing Debra Hammond, transferred).
D. The following person(s) to the positions indicated for the Williamsport Area High School Drama Productions for the productions noted and dates provided:
Director/Producer John C. Weaver $892.00
(March 19 and 20, 2004)
E. Brett A. Leinbach, 75 Fisher Circle, Cogan Station, as a paid intern in the Tax Office, effective May 10, 2004, for the duration of 480 hours, at the rate of $8.00 per hour (no benefits).
F. The following substitute teachers, subject to assignment by the Superintendent of Schools, at the salary and/or daily rates as established by Board policy, and only for the actual number of hours assigned and worked:
Nathan J. Druckenmiller 2923 Euclid Ave., Duboistown
Heather R. Harris P.O. Box 153, Montoursville
Rachael A. Lepley Joy 1811 Kenyon Ave., Cogan Station
Carol M. Matheney 106 S. Parsons Drive, Mill Hall
G. The following substitute administrative support/aides, subject to assignment by the Superintendent of Schools, at the hourly rates as established by Board policy, and only for the actual number of hours assigned and worked:
Allison C. Cillo 1710 Motters Lane, Williamsport
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
H. The following persons for work on middle school musical productions at the rates listed 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:
Douglas S. Gordon, Lycoming Valley Middle School $1,039
Musical Director for “The Music Man”
Marisa S. Hickey, Curtin Middle School $ 893
Musical Director for “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”
Robert J. Hickey, Roosevelt Middle School $ 810
Musical Director for “Annie”
I. 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:
Myrene L. Bradley 3123 Bottle Run Rd., Williamsport (eff. 03/02/04)
Jennifer A. Douglass 814 Cherry St., Williamsport (effective 03/03/04)
J. Daniel L. Carpenter, 916 Diamond St., Williamsport, as a 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.
9.4* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position changes:
A. Linda A. Clark, 5677 Quenshuckney Rd., Jersey Shore, from a full-time instructional support aide at the high school to a full-time instructional support aide (185 day, 7 hours per day) at Lycoming Valley Middle School, with a base wage rate of $15,462, prorated ($11.74 per hour), effective March 8, 2004 (replacing Carolyn Bower, resigned).
B. Christine M. Knipe, 5847 Daugherty’s Run Rd., Linden, from a part-time instructional support aide to a full-time instructional support aide (185 day, 7 hours per day) at Cochran Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $13,067, prorated ($10.09 per hour) or contract rate, effective February 19, 2004 (replacing Michelle English, transferred).
C. Staci L. Godfrey, 1442 Oakes Ave., Williamsport, from a general food service worker at Round Hills to a full-time instructional support aide (185 day, 7 hours per day) at Round Hills Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $13,067, prorated ($10.09 per hour), effective March 8, 2004 (replacing Suzie Marshall, transferred).
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. Ten (10) welding students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to the Pennsylvania College of Technology during March 2004 to participate in a welding 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. District transportation is requested (10-1390-519-000-30-850-280-033-0000).
B. Forty-five (45) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Strolling Strings, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Harrisburg to perform at the Pennsylvania Arts in Education Day celebration. 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. Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. The only cost to the District will be for a substitute for one day.
C. Approximately 30 learning support and life skills students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by staff members, to travel to the Radisson Hotel during May 2004 for the Vocational Training Awards recognition breakfast. The students will also be treated to a trip aboard the Hiawatha. 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. Transportation to the Radisson and the Hiawatha trip will be funded by the City of Williamsport. One substitute will be required for the day.
D. Four (4) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s student government association, accompanied by their advisor, to travel to the Wellsboro High School on two dates during March 2004 to participate in a conference. 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 school van will be used to transportation the students. Costs will be paid through SGA funds. A substitute will be required for two days.
11.1* Approve the following student trips cont’d:
E. Eighty-three (83) students from Curtin, Lycoming Valley, and Roosevelt Middle Schools, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Williamsport Area High School during April 2004 to participate in Jazz Day. Students eligible to participate must be in compliance with their school’s field trip disciplinary requirements.
District transportation is requested (10-1100-519-000-20-550/600/650-121-023-0000.
F. Four (4) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by a Roosevelt Middle School staff member, to travel to Roosevelt Middle School during March 2004. The students will be guest readers during Roosevelt’s celebration of “Read Across America” week. The students will be transported by a Roosevelt staff member. There will be no cost to the District.
G. Ninety-five (95) students from Curtin, Lycoming Valley, and Roosevelt Middle Schools and the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by staff members, to travel to Hershey on a Saturday during May 2004 to participate in an adjudication and competitive performance. Students eligible to participate must be in compliance with their school’s field trip disciplinary requirements. Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. All costs will be paid by the WAHS band association.
H. Approximately nine (9) health occupations students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Hepburn-Lycoming, Jackson, and Stevens Elementary Schools on three dates during April and/or May to present an antismoking program to fifth grade students. 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 in the teacher’s van. There will be no cost to the District.
I. Eighteen (18) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s percussion ensemble, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Dubois during March 2004 to participate in a percussion ensemble 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 their parents and teacher. There will be no cost to the District.
J. Eighteen (18) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s percussion ensemble, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Southern Lehigh High School (Center Valley) during March 2004 to participate in a percussion ensemble 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 their parents and teacher. There will be no cost to the District.
11.1* Approve the following student trips cont’d
K. Eighteen (18) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s percussion ensemble, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Northwestern High School (New Tripoli) during April 2004 to participate in a percussion ensemble 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 their parents and teacher. There will be no cost to the District.
L. Eighteen (18) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s percussion ensemble, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Salisbury High School (Allentown) during April 2004 to participate in a percussion ensemble 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 their parents and teacher. There will be no cost to the District.
M. Eighteen (18) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s percussion ensemble, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Souderton High School during March 2003 to participate in a percussion ensemble 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 their parents and teacher. There will be no cost to the District.
N. Fifteen (15) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by a counselor, to travel to Lock Haven university during March 2003 for a student recruitment visitation. 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. Transportation will be provided by Lock Haven University. There will be no cost to the District.
O. Twenty (20) members of Curtin Middle School’s chamber orchestra, accompanied by their teacher and two parents, to travel to Lycoming College during March 2004 to view a performance by the “Trout” Quintet. Students must be in compliance with the school’s field trip requirements in order to participate. The students will walk to and from the college. There will be no cost to the District.
11.1* Approve the following student trips cont’d:
accompanied by their advisors, a counselor, and an aide, to travel to Six Flags Great Adventure (Jackson, NJ) during May 2004 to participate in Business Education Day. 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. Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. All costs will be paid with FBLA funds. Two substitutes will be required for the day.
Q. Two (2) Williamsport Area High School band students, accepted by competitive audition, to participate in the Pennsylvania Music Educators’ Association Region IV Band Festival to be held at Montrose High School on four days during March 2004.
Mitchell Marcello – French Horn
Carl Ma – Baritone
Cost to the District would be $140 (10-3211-813-000-30-850-121-023-0000) for student registration fees and approximately $450 (10-3211-581-000-30-850-121-023-0000) for teacher expenses. There will be no cost for student transportation. Todd Kendall, WAHS band director, will accompany the students. A substitute will be needed for two and one-half days.
R. Ten (10) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s mock trial team, accompanied by their teacher and parent volunteers, to travel to the Lycoming County and Federal Courthouses on two dates during March 2004 to participate in district and regional mock trial competitions. 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 their teacher and parents. There will be no cost to the District.
S. Seven (7) Curtin Middle School students, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Lycoming College during March 2004 to attend a mathematics demonstrated hosted by Lycoming College students and professors. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended or have any unexcused absences. The students will walk to and from the college. A substitute will be required for the day.
T. Five (5) Williamsport Area High School students from the yearbook staff, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Gettysburg during March 2004 to tour a yearbook plant factory and to work with artists to design the yearbook cover. 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 driven by the teacher. Costs will be paid from the yearbook budget. A substitute will be required for the day.
11.1* Approve the following student trips cont’d:
U. Forty-four students from across the District’s schools, accompanied by a member of the counseling staff, a member of the music department staff, and other adult chaperones, to travel to Harrisburg during March 2004 to attend the Sixth Annual Black History Month Youth Performing Artist Showcase. The group will also have the opportunity to visit the National Civil War Museum, and if time permits, the Pennsylvania State Capitol Building. Students eligible to participate must be in compliance with their school’s field trip disciplinary requirements. Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. The only cost to the District will be a substitute for the day.
A. Hepburn Lycoming Little League to use the gymnasium at Cochran Elementary School on five Tuesdays during March 2004 from 5:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m. to start
training for the Spring baseball season. Hepburn Lycoming Little League is requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $125.00. Certificate of Insurance on file.
on Tuesday beginning March 16, 2004 through May 25, 2004 from 3:30 p.m. until 4:55 p.m. to hold a children’s religious education program. Child Evangelism Fellowship is requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $165.00. Certificate of Insurance to be received.
11.3* Authorize payment to Oliver P. Feakins, of Spotlight DJ’s and Entertainment Company of Lancaster, PA to provide disc jockey services for the Junior/Senior Prom, to be held on
May 15, 2004 at the Scottish Rite. The $625 cost is budgeted in string # 80-3210-599-000-00-000-824-084-0000.
BIDS/CONTRACTS - None
TAX ITEMS
13.1 Approve the attached tax summaries.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mrs. Markle reported that we took two bus loads of fans to the basketball state playoffs. The fans were well behaved and the bussing was appreciated. Mrs. Markle also indicated that the concert at WAHS, held the previous evening was great.
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.
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Markle and carried, the meeting adjourned at
10:03 p.m.
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary