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 16, 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, Pamela J. Markle, David B. Stone, Jr.,
Lois T. Williams, Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: Susan A. Mahaffey, Jay B. Shultz and James E. Temple.
INVOCATION – Mr. Thomas A. Zimmerman provided the invocation and read the sixth district belief statement.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
Student Representatives’ Report – Mitchell Marcello and Molly Townsend-Ness
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. Gina MacFalls – Special Education Staffing Requests
B. Kathryn Eshelman and Paul Daniels – Request for Secretarial Assistance
C. Paul Daniels, Kathryn Eshelman and teacher Linda Wheeland – Full Day Kindergarten analysis and requests
D. Keith Pierce – PA Department of Education – Mr. Pierce was not available to attend the meeting due to the snow storm.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
Items A – C were postponed due to the snow storm.
A. Outstanding Students:
Principal
Principal
B. Mock Trial Exhibition by Williamsport Area High School Students and Teacher Craig
Niklaus
C. Performance of the Williamsport Area High School’s Millionaire Singers, Directed by Anna Radspinner
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT CONT’D: – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
D. Congratulations to the following Williamsport Area School District school officials for receiving Inservice Education Certificates from the Pennsylvania School Boards Association:
Susan Mahaffey 17 points
Pamela Markle 38 points
Lois Williams 14 points
Thomas Zimmerman 27 points
Patricia Lowery 17 points
These certificates are presented to officials earning at least 12 points by attending inservice opportunities.
E. Keystone Opportunity Zone Proposal – Vince Matteo and David Dougherty--Chamber of
Commerce
F. Calendar of Events
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 - None
Construction Projects
President Stone reported that our construction committee had another comprehensive review session at Lycoming Valley yesterday. The architects, Mr. Eichensehr, Jeff Caputo, Chuck Peterson, Dr. Lowery and he were present.
The motion carried 5-0 (Mr. Huffman was out of the room).
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* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 03/16/04 in the amount of $620,254.05, 03/16/04A in the amount of $1,562.26, 03/16/04B in the amount of $157,991.38 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 03/16/04, 03/16/04A, 03/16/04B and 03/16/04C.
6.2* Approve the FY05 BLaST Intermediate Unit #17 general operations budget.
BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple
7.1 Approve the first reading of Policy #324.1/424.1/524.1, “Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act.”
CURRICULUM REPORT
8.1 Approve payment to Mr. Stanley Griggs, science teacher at the Williamsport Area High School, for presenting one (1) planetarium show to two public groups on February 17, 2004 with 45 people in attendance. In accordance with the existing planetarium usage policy, Mr. Griggs is to be paid at the homebound rate of $24.48 per hour for three (3) hours for each show. The total payment for three (3) hours shall be $73.44 (string #10-3390-131-000-00-000-000-007 0000).
8.2* Approve an agreement with Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Lycoming County, Inc., to provide mentor services to the District’s elementary after school programs. The total amount is not to exceed $3,600 and is budgeted in the PA Safe Schools Initiative Grant (10-2120-329-360-00-000-000-009-0004).
8.3* Approve the payment of Student Assistance stipends to the following CARE Team representatives at the respective schools for the 2003-04 school year, at the stipend rate of $817.50 each (stipend positions were board approved 5/6/97); funding available from the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities grant, account number 10-2120-131-870-00-000-000-009-0004
Marlene Brown, WAHS Carole Heckel, WAHS
Gloria Corson, WAHS Ann M. Kahler, WAHS
John Decker, WAHS Vera Prough, WAHS
William Emery, WAHS Phyllis J. Sieber, WAHS
David Ferry, WAHS Julie K. Wiser, WAHS
Sarah Bohnert, Lycoming Valley Mary K. Skipper, Lycoming Valley
Peggy Fitzwater, Lycoming Valley Angela Steele, Lycoming Valley
Robert Kreger, Lycoming Valley Christopher Zawacki ($408.75), L.V.
Kimberly A. Imrisek, Curtin Christine R. Wagner, Curtin
Kerri Sokolowski, Curtin Jennie Wagner-Guffy, Curtin
Marjorie F. Stopper, Curtin Stephanie Wolfanger, Curtin
Timothy T. Thompson, Curtin
CURRICULUM REPORT
8.3* Approve the payment of Student Assistance stipends to the following CARE Team representatives at the respective schools for the 2003-04 school year cont’ ;d:
Blanetta Akpakip, Roosevelt Jennifer Redmon, Roosevelt
Carol DeSilva, Roosevelt Susan B. Ruhl, Roosevelt
Kevin Mumbauer, Roosevelt Tamra Springman, Roosevelt
Todd R. Penman, Roosevelt
8.4* Approve APL Instructional Skills - Level I Workshop for up to 45 participants August 2 through 6, 2004. Approximate costs are $12,000 and are budgeted in string number 10-2271-329-000-00-000-000-017-0000.
8.5 Approve teachers: Pam Nolan, Sue Crossley and Kim Springman, to provide a parent training workshop "Reading Strategies: A Plan for Parents" at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School on March 25, 2004. The approximate total cost will be $150 ($50 per presenter). Funds are budgeted under Title I - Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School.
8.6* Approve six teams of teachers from Montgomery Elementary School, Grades K-5, to provide Everyday Math training to elementary teachers on April 13 and 14. The training will be for 3 hours each day after school. The training will cost $180 per team per session for an approximate total cost of $2,160. The cost of the training will be funded through Title IIB.
8.7* Approve APL Instructional Skills - Level II Workshop for up to 45 participants August 3 through 5, 2004. Approximate costs are $7,000 and are budgeted in string number 10-2271-329-000-00-000-000-017-0000.
PERSONNEL REPORT
9.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Diane M. Rupert, full-time Instructional Support Aide/Library Aide at Jackson Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective August 10, 2004.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Diane M. Rupert from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 28 years of dedicated service to our school system as a instructional aide and library aide. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
B. Kathy J. Tonkins, full-time instrumental music teacher (band) at Curtin Middle School, for personal reasons, effective August 15, 2004.
Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Scott E. Ferguson, Sr., auxiliary custodian for the District, for three (3) days of military leave on March 19, 2004, through March 23, 2004 (as reflected in orders), in accordance with Section 5159(14)(b) of the School District Policy Manual and Act 174 of 1990. School law allows a maximum of 15 paid military days per year.
B. Catherine M. Daugherty, part-time custodian at Lycoming Valley Middle School, extension of an unpaid medical leave, effective March 1, 2004, through June 1, 2004.
C. Thelma J. Eckman, general food service worker at the high school, unpaid leave for the purpose of travel, effective April 12, 2004, through May 3, 2004.
D. Sherry L. Menne, general food service worker at Cochran Elementary School, unpaid leave for a planned vacation, effective April 14, 2004, through April 20, 2004.
E. Deborah L. McCollum, full-time instructional support aide at the Alternative Education Program at Woodward School, for an unpaid medical leave, effective March 11, 2004, through March 12, 2004.
Ms. McCollum is currently utilizing sick days and will begin her unpaid leave of absence on March 11, 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.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Joseph K. O'Neill, Jr., 565 Kimble Hill Rd., Williamsport, as a paid intern in the Tax Office, effective May 3, 2004, for the duration of 480 hours, at the rate of $8.00 per hour (no benefits).
B. The following persons as 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:
Allison C. Cillo 1710 Motters Lane, Williamsport (effective 03/12/04)
Lisa M. Hamm 1755 Mahaffey Hollow Rd., Linden (eff. 03/12/04)
Christine R. Temple R.R. #2, Box 620, Roaring Branch (eff. 03/12/04)
Mark E. Douthat 325 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport (effective 03/16/04)
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
C. The following substitute teachers, subject to assignment by the Superintendent of Schools, at the salary and/or daily rates as established by Board policy, and only for the actual number of hours assigned and worked:
Marca L. O’Hargan 654 Fourth Ave., Williamsport (effective 03/09/04)
Amanda R. Bealer 2421 Grand St., Williamsport
Brandy A. McFadden 6617 Rt. 87 Highway, Williamsport
D. 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:
Tracy A. Goldy-Kahn 255 Phillips Hill Dr., Williamsport
Jeffrey L. Hammond 1016 Meade St., Williamsport
E. The following 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:
Baseball
Volunteers: Charles Sponhouse ---
Tony C. Birch ---
Track & Field Coach (Boys & Girls)
Volunteer: Philip D. Meanor ---
Middle Schools
Middle School Girls Soccer
Coach: Marc Lovecchio (5)
$1,204
Middle School Boys Soccer
Coach: Brett K. Hofstrom (5)
$1,204
Curtin Track & Field
Boys Coach Matthew L. Johnson (5)
$1,651
Lycoming Valley Track & Field
Assistant Coach
John F. Clark (5)
$1,238 (necessary because of number of participants)
9.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
F.
The following fall sport coaches at the respective schools for the 2004-2005
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:
Williamsport Area High School
Football
Head Coach:
Timothy T. Thompson (5) $6,925 (2003-04 rate)
(or the rate calculated for 2004-2005)
9.4* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position changes:
A.
Katherine E. Ardabell, 1905 West 3rd
St., Williamsport, from a substitute food service worker to a general food
service worker (3 hours daily) at the Jackson Elementary School, with a base
wage rate of $8.59 per hour or contract rate, effective January 17, 2004
(replacing Penny Bower, 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.
Twelve (12) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s performing
musical group Les Chanteuses, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to
Messiah Lutheran Church during April 2004 to perform. Students eligible to
participate will not have been suspended from school more than five days; will
have no bus disciplinary record; will be passing all major courses; and are
not, in the judgment of their house principal, experiencing attendance
difficulties. District transportation is requested
(10-1100-519-000-30-850-121-023-0000). A substitute for Curtin Middle School
will be required for one-half day.
11.1*
Approve the following student trips cont’d:
B.
Twenty-four (24) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s performing
musical group the Millionaire Singers, accompanied by their teacher, to travel
to Messiah Lutheran Church during April 2004 to perform. Students eligible to
participate will not have been suspended from school more than five days; will
have no bus disciplinary record; will be passing all major courses; and are
not, in the judgment of their house principal, experiencing attendance
difficulties. District transportation is requested
(10-1100-519-000-30-850-121-023-0000).
C.
Fourteen (14) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s performing
musical group GQ, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Le Jeune Chef
(Penn College) during May 2004 to perform. Students eligible to participate
will not have been suspended from school more than five days; will have no bus
disciplinary record; will be passing all major courses; and are not, in the
judgment of their house principal, experiencing attendance difficulties.
District transportation is requested (10-1100-519-000-30-850-121-023-0000).
D.
Approximately 110 fourth grade students from Jackson Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Pennsylvania
State University’s Palmer Museum on two dates during April 2004 for a tour
of their art collection. The students will be divided into two groups with 55
students participating each day. Students must be in compliance with the
school’s field trip disciplinary requirements in order to participate.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Jackson
PTO.
E.
Four (4) students from Lycoming Valley Middle School, accompanied by their
teacher, to travel to Harrisburg for two days during March 2004 to participate
in the State MathCounts Competition. Students must be in compliance with the
school’s field trip disciplinary requirements in order to participate.
The students will be transported by their teacher. Costs will be paid through
string numbers 10-1100-581/635-000-20-600-000-061-0000 at an approximate cost
of $145.00.
F.
Approximately 110 fifth grade students from Cochran Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Penn’s Cave on two dates
during April and May 2004. The students will have the opportunity to learn
about the habitats of various native animals and to visit the cave. The
students will be divided into two groups with one group attending each day.
All students who have not received a pink slip from March 29 through the date
of the trip, who have not been suspended, and who have not been assigned to
Saturday School 60 days prior to the event are eligible to participate.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Cochran
CSA.
G.
Thirty-eight (38) second grade students from Sheridan Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Taber Museum during March 2004.
Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended from school or
the bus in the 30 days prior to the trip. Transportation will be provided by
City Bus. All funding will be provided by the Lycoming County Historical
Society or the Sheridan PTO.
11.1*
Approve the following student trips cont’d:
H.
Eighty-eight (88) second grade students from Cochran Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland and
Memorial Park during April 2004. Any student who has received two or more pink
slips is ineligible to participate. District transportation is requested.
All costs will be paid by the Cochran School Association.
I.
Eighty (80) first grade students from Cochran Elementary School, accompanied by
their teachers, to travel to Bald Eagle State Park during May 2004 to learn
about the habitats of butterflies. Students eligible to participate will not
have received a pink slip during the month or May nor have received more than
10 seminars during the fourth marking period. District transportation is
requested. All costs will be paid by the Cochran School Association.
J.
Sixty-three (63) fifth grade students from Round Hills Elementary School,
accompanied by six staff members and approximately 25 parent volunteers, to
travel to Harrisburg during May 2004. The students will have the opportunity
to visit the National Civil War Museum and the Whittaker Science Center.
Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended from school or
assigned to Saturday School for disciplinary reasons within 30 school days
prior to the trip. Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. All
costs will be paid by the Round Hills PTO.
K.
Sixty (60) physics students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied
by two teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Knoebel’s Grove
during May 2004. The students will have the opportunity to perform a number of
various physics experiments. 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. All costs will be paid through the science
budget.
L.
Approximately 100 Williamsport Area High School choir members, accompanied by
their teachers, to travel to Hershey Park on a Saturday in May 2004 as a reward
for their excellent performances. 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. The trip will be funded by the students.
M.
Twelve (12) Williamsport Area High School horticulture students, accompanied by
their teachers, to travel to the Pennsylvania College of Technology’s
Allenwood campus during March 2004 to participate in the Spring 2004 Student
Floral Design Show. 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). A substitute will be
required for the day.
11.1*
Approve the following student trips cont’d:
N.
Four (4) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by a teacher, to
travel to Lewisburg during March 2004 to participate in the Gold Math Exam at
Bucknell University. 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 the teacher. A substitute will be required for ½ day.
O.
Fifty (50) first grade students from Round Hills Elementary School, accompanied
by their teachers and two aides, to travel to the Community Arts Center and
Memorial Park during May 2004. Students eligible to participate will not have
been suspended from school or assigned to Saturday School within 30 school days
prior to the trip.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Round
Hills PTO.
P.
Approximately 150 Accelerated Reader award winners (grades 3, 4, and 5) from
Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and parent
volunteers, to travel to the YMCA during April 2004. The trip is a reward for
meeting their third marking period AR goals. District transportation is
requested. All costs will be paid by the Hepburn-Lycoming PTO.
Q.
Approximately 80 Williamsport Area High School band members, accompanied by
their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Dorney Park during June 2004
as a reward for their excellent performances. 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 by the WAHS Band Parent Association.
R.
Approximately 175 seventh grade students from Roosevelt Middle School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Penn’s Cave during May 2004.
Students eligible to participate must be in compliance with the school’s
field trip disciplinary requirements.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Roosevelt
PTO.
S.
Fifteen (15) Williamsport Area High School health occupations students,
accompanied by their teacher and another adult chaperone, to travel to
Geisinger Medical Center (Danville) for a tour. Students eligible to
participate will not have been suspended from school more than five days; will
have no bus disciplinary record; will be passing all major courses; and are
not, in the judgment of their house principal, experiencing attendance
difficulties. District transportation is requested and will be funded by AHEC.
A substitute will be required for the day.
11.1*
Approve the following student trips cont’d:
T.
Eighty-nine (89) kindergarten students from Jackson Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Lane’s
End Farm (Jersey Shore). The students will have the opportunity to learn about
farm life as a culminating activity to their farm theme. District
transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Jackson PTO.
U.
Eleven (11) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s mock trial
team, accompanied by their advisors, to travel to Harrisburg on two dates
during March 2004 to participate in the state 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. District transportation is requested and will be paid
through the social studies budget. Two substitutes will be required for one
day.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
12.1*
Authorize an agreement with the Northcentral Pennsylvania Chapter of the
American Red Cross detailing the terms and conditions of swimming pool rental
for a Water Safety Instructor Course to be offered by the Red Cross in April
2004.
TAX ITEMS
13.1
Approve the regulations (amended 1/13/04) of the Municipal and School Tax
Office.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
President Stone reported that various board members met with teachers at Curtin
Middle School at the invitation of the teaching staff. They had an
informative discussion on the problems that disruptive students have on the
education of the other students.
Mrs. Markle stated that she appreciated the invitation and enjoyed the
discussion with the Curtin staff. She indicated that we do need to consider
other options for educating students who are having trouble in the traditional
educational setting. She mentioned Charter Education and Saturday School.
Mrs. Williams also indicated appreciation for the invitation by the Curtin
staff.
President Stone indicated that Saturday is the day of the annual state Math
Counts Competition.
Mr. Zimmerman stated that he had the opportunity to read to Miss Datres class
as part of Read Across America. He said that the students displayed critical
thinking skills. He enjoyed the experience.
Mrs. Markle said she also enjoyed participation in the Read Across America
Program.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Huffman stated that he had some discussion with legislators concerning
Block Grant funding and they weren’t much help.
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 Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris and carried, the meeting
adjourned at 9:28 p.m.
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary