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, January 2, 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 – Dr. Patricia A. Lowery provided the invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the Regular Meetings of November 7, 2000, and that the reading of the minutes be omitted and the minutes be approved as presented.
The motion carried 9-0.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Standards Update: Marybeth Bianco and Kris Datres
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. Congratulations to Caitlin Winner, who was honored in December 2000 by the Education Committee of the Williamsport-Lycoming Chamber of Commerce for her outstanding academic achievement, strong leadership qualities, and community involvement.
B. Congratulations to Jean Roan, Career and Technical Education Teacher, who was honored in December 2000 by the Education Committee of the Williamsport-Lycoming Chamber of Commerce for her extraordinary contributions to the education profession.
C. Congratulations to GQ for their performance and interview on KISS FM in December.
D. Congratulations to Wayne Fausnaught for receiving the following grant monies:
Committee Reports by Board Members - None
Construction Projects
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Pedersen to approve items A, C, D and E under construction projects:
A. Approve change order E-21 to the contract with Turnkey Construction, Electrical Contractor Vocational Project increasing the contract by $1,920.00 as follows:
Original Contract $869,600.00
Previous Additions 33,094.00
Previous Deductions (750.00)
E-21 1,920.00
New Contract Total $903,864.00
C. Approve change orders E-12 and E-13 to the contract with Rogers Electric, Electrical Contractor – Roosevelt Project increasing the contract by $2,411.00 as follows:
Original Contract $650,000.00
Previous Additions 15,206.56
Previous Deductions (3,906.31)
E-12 840.00
E-13 1,571.00
New Contract Total $663,711.25
D. Approve change order R-1 to the contract with Altoona Roofing Company, Roof Contract – Roosevelt Project decreasing the contract by $1,396.00 as follows:
Original Contract $46,016.00
R-1 (1,396.00)
New Contract Total $44,620.00
E. Approve change orders G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4 and G-5, to the contract with Lobar, Inc., General Contractor – Cochran Project increasing the contract by $35,744.42 as follows:
Original Contract $4,564,600.00
G-1 10,152.32
G-2 4,758.37
G-3 22,902.00
G-4 677.75
G-5 (2,746.02)
New Contract Total $4,600,344.42
Note: Change orders G-1, G-2 and G-3 will not be executed until they contain language that
indicates they will not require an extension of the time for project completion.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
Construction Projects Cont’d:
B. Motion made by Mr. Temple, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to approve change order E-22 to the contract with Turnkey Construction, Electrical Contractor – Vocational Project increasing the contract by $147,500.00 as follows:
Original Contract $869,600.00
Previous Additions 35,014.00
Previous Deductions (750.00)
E-22 147,500.00
New Contract Total $903,864.00
The motion carried 8-0-1 with Mrs. Harris abstaining.
FINANCE REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following financial items:
6.1* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 01/02/01 in the amount of $126,893.06 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 01/02/01.
6.2 Approve the following financial item:
A. Payroll Report:
General Fund – Unrestricted $3,654,323.87
General Fund – Restricted (Federal) 215,988.27
General Fund – Restricted (State) 9,754.68
Interscholastic Athletics Fund 30,044.72
Food Service Fund 86,158.55
Data Processing Fund 10,264.62
Maintenance Fund 49,751.12
Williamsport City & School District
Mercantile & Business Privilege Tax Office 5,742.81
Municipal & School Income Tax Office 31,868.11
Student Activities 0.00
TOTAL $4,093,896.75
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple - None
Mrs. Pedersen left the meeting at 8:45 p.m.
CURRICULUM REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following curriculum items:
8.1* Approve a fifth grade after-school mathematics exploration program to be held on six consecutive Thursdays starting on January 25, 2001, and ending on March 1, 2001. The program will be held at Curtin Middle School and Jackson Elementary School from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. (4:00-6:00 p.m. on March 1) and is open to all interested fifth graders. Funding is provided through the elementary curriculum budget.
8.2* Approve Virginia Hillyer from Conewago Valley School District to provide training to the primary staff of the Woodward Township Elementary School on the topic of Guided Reading on January 8, 2001. The cost of the training is approximately $700, plus expenses, and is funded through the Read to Succeed Grant.
8.3* Approve Michael Mozingo from Advantage Learning, Inc., to provide training to the intermediate staff of the Woodward Township Elementary School on effective use of the Reading Renaissance framework on January 8, 2001. The cost of the training is approximately $3,400, plus expenses, and is funded through the Read to Succeed Grant.
8.4* Approve six (6) half-day inservice workshops by Dr. Charles Starkey of Bloomsburg University to provide training in Differentiated Modeling (coaching teachers on how to provide instruction to a differentiated classroom) for the following Round Hills Elementary School staff members: Mick Cioffi, Gail Maurer, Stephanie Green, Linda Radocaj, Trevor Enderle, and George Kulp.
Approximate costs include workshop fees of $2,100 (no travel or other expenses), and a half-day substitute on each of the six (6) days (April 2, 23, 30, May 7, 14, 21, 2001). Budgeted in string #101-2270-0-00-330-17-323, and the appropriate substitute account.
8.5* Approve inservice training for the K-12 art staff on February 19, 2001, at the Crayola Factory in Easton, Pennsylvania. Professional development training and materials will be presented to the staff for two level-specific programs dealing with integrated art programs at the elementary and secondary levels. The training will be provided by Binney & Smith personnel. Staff will also explore The Crayola Factory and interactive creative museum, focusing on the visual arts. Participating staff will be: Sharon Cressinger, Lori Crossley, Bessie Galanti, Kathy Gorg, Julie Hammond, Jim Hockenberry, Ed Jonasen, Craig Kaufman, Thomas Kelchner, Michele Mapstone, Nancy Renninger, Valerie Vincenti, Kevin Werner, Vicki Yeagley, and Sandra Young.
Approximate cost is $1,014 ($675 workshop and admission fees; $310 travel; $30 parking fees) and is budgeted in string numbers 101-2270-0-00-330-17-323 and 101-2260-0-00-045-15-581.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.6* Approve Thomas E. Cadman, M.D., a pediatric neurologist, to provide a one half-day seminar on “How the Brain Works” to the Stevens Elementary School staff on February 20, 2001. The cost of the seminar is $300 and is being funded through the Stevens Title I Budget.
8.7 Approve a request from the Alternative Education Committee to establish an after-hours alternative education school to service students who can attend neither the district schools nor the district alternative education school. Students would participate in 15 hours of instruction per week, scheduled into the current Alternative Education facility (beginning at approximately 2:30 p.m.).
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following personnel items:
A. James P. Sember, Computer Manager/Technician in the Data Processing Department, for the purpose of retirement, effective no later than June 1, 2001.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of James P. Sember from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for his 32+ years of dedicated service to our school system as a computer manager and technician. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
B. Helen P. Riggle, full-time fourth grade teacher at Lose Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2000-2001 school year.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Helen P. Riggle 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.
C. Marie A. Miele, full-time mathematics teacher at the high school, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2000-2001 school year.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Marie A. Miele from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 30 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:
D. Joyce C. Mix, full-time mathematics teacher at Lycoming Valley Middle School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2000-2001 school year.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Joyce C. Mix from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 17½ 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. Shirley M. Weaver, general food service worker at Round Hills Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective December 22, 2000.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Shirley M. Weaver from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 6 years of dedicated service to our school system as a food service worker. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
F. Valerie A. Bennett, Administrative Assistant-Business Office, for personal reasons, effective December 12, 2000.
G. Linda L. Radocaj, resignation for personal reasons as girls basketball varsity assistant coach only, effective December 14, 2000. Mrs. Radocaj will continue to be employed as a teacher at Round Hills Elementary School.
Mrs. Garrison will make use of sick and/or personal leave and beginning on January 24, 2001, will make use of leave available under the Family Medical Leave Act, which entitles the employee to health insurance for a maximum of 12 weeks.
B. Michelle L. Bitner, special education (learning support) teacher at Lose Elementary
School, extension of her unpaid medical leave, effective December 18, 2000, through January 1, 2001, to return to work on January 2, 2001.
Mrs. Bitner was on sick leave and on December 12, 2000, began to make use of leave available 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.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE CONT’D:
C. Fayellen M. Fountain, general food service worker at the high school cafeteria, leave of absence without pay, effective December 4, 2000, through December 9, 2000. Ms. Fountain’s leave is for the purpose of caring for the medical needs of a family member.
personal reasons, effective December 15, 2001, through December 22, 2000.
January 26, 2001.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Please consider electing the following coaches at the respective schools for the 2000-2001 school year at the salary rate 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
Girls Basketball
Assistant Coach:
Katie L. Ulrich $1,817
(2/3 stipend amount; replacing Linda L. Radocaj, resigned)
Girls Basketball-Volunteer: John P. (Jack) Driscoll
1008 First Ave., Williamsport
Boys Basketball-Volunteer:
Kristopher J. Kirby
1233 West 8th
Ave., South Williamsport
B.
Helen M. Carpenter, 6200 S. Rt. 220 Hwy., Linden, as a ½ hour Breakfast
Monitor at Roosevelt Middle School at the rate of $8.50 per hour, effective
January 3, 2001. This position is in addition to her current 4¾ hour
position at Roosevelt Middle School (replacing Mary Lou Fredericks,
transferred).
C.
The following persons to serve as substitute teachers for the Title I Extended
Day Literacy Program at Jackson Elementary School, at the rate of $21.89 per
hour plus appropriate benefits. All funds are budgeted under Title I Extended
Day Programs:
Elissa K. Conner
550 W. Main St., Lock Haven
Marcia A. McRae 1506 Overbrook Rd., Williamsport
9.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
D.
The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $5.75 per
hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective January 3, 2001:
Billie Jo Cuozzo
542 Brannaka Drive, Trout Run
E.
The following persons as substitute school bus drivers (non-bargaining unit
personnel), with a base wage rate of $10.50 per hour, effective January 2,
2001:
Daniel Alan Jameson
2258 Central Ave., Williamsport
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:
Elementary
Denay M. Gair
230 Larryville Rd., Jersey Shore (eff. 01/03/01)
Jodi L. Miller
1237 Park Ave., Williamsport (eff. 01/03/01)
Secondary
Renee L. Bobenrieth
524 E. Water St., #2, Lock Haven (eff. 12/15/00)
Janet B. Truby
127 E. Highlands St., Avis (eff. 12/14/00)
K-12
Sarah J. Ewing
21 N. Henderson St., Apt. 1C, Lock Haven (eff. 1/03/01)
Diane K. Harrington
304 Shrine View Ave., Boalsburg (eff. 01/03/01)
John C. Keefer
951 Shadle Rd., Jersey Shore (eff. 12/14/00)
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:
Billie Jo Cuozzo
542 Brannaka Drive, Trout Run
Christopher E. Lair 11 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport
9.4* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position changes:
A.
Donna M. Engel, 11 Ridge St., Williamsport, from a general food service worker
(4¾ hours daily) to a general food service worker (4 hours daily) at
Jackson Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $7.88 per hour, effective
January 2, 2001, (replacing Mary Lou Fredericks, transferred).
9.4* POSITION CHANGES CONT’D:
B.
Tina M. Fraley, 88 Bybrook Rd., Williamsport, from a substitute food service
worker to a general food service worker (4¾ hours daily) at Jackson
Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $7.88 per hour, effective January
2, 2001 (replacing Donna Engel, transferred).
C.
Julia E. Young, 305 Union Ave., Williamsport, from a substitute food service
worker to a general food service worker (4½ hours daily) at the high
school, with a base wage rate of $7.88 per hour, effective January 2, 2001
(replacing Sandra Sholder, resigned).
9.5
AUTHORIZE TO APPROVE SUPPLEMENTARY POSITIONS
Approve the following supplementary positions which are funded through Title I:
A.
Authorize the position of Title I Extended Year Coordinator. The Coordinator
will work up to 70 hours prior to the Extended Year Program and throughout the
Extended Year Program for up to five hours per day, July 16, 2001, through
August 10, 2001, at the rate of $21.89 per hour plus appropriate benefits. All
funds are budgeted under Title I.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
10.1
RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve released time
for staff members to participate in professional development activities in
accordance with the Professional Development Plan of the Williamsport Area
School District and consider approving training programs. All expenditures
proposed are within local, state and federal budget categories approved as
noted.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following
student/ community activities:
11.1*
Approve the following student trips:
11.1*
Approve the following student trips cont’d:
Flute
Alto Saxaphone Trombone
Brittnee Engel
Jason Bellott Silas Conroy
Mary Alice Hartsock
Clarinet
French Horn Tuba
Meghan Cominskie
David Elkin Jason June
Geneka Lynch
String Bass
Percussion
Joseph Garczynski Brad Jones
Amy Schanbacher
Cost to the District would be $660 (101-3212-3-26-160-23-813) for student
registration fees; $110 (101-3212-3-26-160-23-519) for student transportation;
and $150 (101-3212-3-26-160-23-581) for teacher expenses. Paul Kellerman, WAHS
Band Director, will accompany the students--one substitute will be needed for
two days.
The only cost to the District is the $150.00 entry fee. All other costs will
be covered by the softball booster club and the individual student-athletes.
All student-athletes will travel with their coaches and team members to and
from the tournament.
11.3*
The varsity baseball team is requesting permission to participate in the
Hawaiian Tropic Classic Baseball Tournament (in 1998, they won out of 32 teams)
in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina beginning on Monday, April 9, 2001. The
tournament’s dates coincide with the school district’s spring break
schedule. There will be approximately 20 students participating. The team
will play 5-6 games in this tournament. They will be accompanied by three
coaches: G. Scott Grove, Nick Kelley, and David Howe. Coach Grove and Coach
Howe accompanied the team when they participated in 1998. The team will drive
to Myrtle Beach.
The only costs to the school district would be the $150 entry fee and the cost
of a substitute teacher for Scott Grove on Friday, April 6, and any potential
snow make-up days. All other costs will be covered by the baseball booster
club and the individual student athletes. All student-athletes will travel
with their coaches and team members to and from the tournament.
11.4
Approve the following requests for facility use:
A.
Williamsport Symphony Orchestra to use the Board Room at the District Service
Center on March 22, April 26, May 24 and June 28, 2001 from 4:30 p.m. until
6:30 p.m. to hold Board of Trustee meetings. The Williamsport Symphony
Orchestra is requesting relief of the occupancy fee $160.00. Certificate of
Insurance to be received.
B.
Repasz Band to use the auditorium and band room at the Williamsport Area High
School on April 23, and April 24, 2001 from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. to hold
a rehearsal and a free public concert. The Repasz Band is requesting relief of
the occupancy fee estimated at $130.00. Certificate of Insurance to be
received.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
12.1*
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to approve an agreement
with Map Homes of Williamsport to transport a modular building unit from New
Tripoli, PA, store the unit until the warehouse site is ready and then
transport/setup the unit at the warehouse at a cost of $3,495.00.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
TAX ITEMS
13.1
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following
tax summaries:
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Zimmerman stated that he enjoyed the article in the December Curtin Banner
concerning a former student being reunited with a painting.
Mr. Zimmerman also extended congratulations to the Straiton’s on the birth
of their baby boy.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC -
None
Dr. Lowery reported that the administration is reviewing our staff recruitment
procedures. Job Fair attendance and visits to universities are being
evaluated.
President Stone announced that an 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. Markle, seconded by Mr. Vollman and carried the
meeting adjourned at 9:06 p.m.
______________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary