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, May 18, 2004, beginning at 7:00 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: Karen V. Harris, David A. Huffman, Susan A. Mahaffey,
Pamela J. Markle, Jay B. Shultz, David B. Stone, Jr., Lois T. Williams,
Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: James E. Temple.
INVOCATION – Mr. Jay Shultz provided the invocation and read the first 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. Congratulations to sophomore Alex Alekseyenko who is the recipient of the American Chemical Society’s regional award. Alex’s score on the “A” exam qualified him as the recipient.
B. Congratulations to Mr. Todd Kendall, Ms. Kathy Tonkins, Mr. Don Fisher, Mr. Dale Orris and 85 youth wind ensemble students from Curtin, Lycoming Valley, and Roosevelt Middle Schools who earned first place in the music in the Pennsylvania Music in the Parks competition. Also, congratulations to Mr. Dale Orris and the WAHS jazz ensemble who received the highest rating of Superior in their division.
C. Presentation by Brianne Dopirak and Ricki Maietta
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to authorize Brianne Dopirak to create an art piece entitled The Perfect Circle to be displayed at the District Service Center as part of the Small City Art Project (SCAPE). The $300.00 contribution to Ms. Dopirak will be raised through Williamsport Area School District employee donations.
The motion carried 7-1 with Mr. Huffman voting no.
D. Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the appointment of Fred A. Holland, Esq., as the District’s Solicitor for the 2004-2005 fiscal year and establish his compensation to include a retainer of $18,550 (unchanged for many years), and an hourly rate of $105 for extraordinary services (an increase from $95 per hour from 2003-04). Mr. Holland’s hourly rate had remained unchanged since 2001-02.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
E. Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Mahaffey, to approve the adjudication of student 03/04–13 resulting from a quasi-judicial hearing held earlier this evening.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
F. Alternative Education
Motion made by Mr. Shultz, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to authorize the administration to begin the planning and implementation of the proposed expansion of the alternative education program for the 2004-05 school year.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
G. Elementary Class Size
Motion made by Mrs. Harris, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to approve the elementary principals recommendation for elementary class size (K-22; 1-23; 2-24; 3-25; 4-25; 5-25) grade alignment, school choice and teaching positions for the 2004-05 school year.
Motion to table made by Mr. Shultz, seconded by Mrs. Markle and carried 8-0.
(At the end of meeting)
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Harris to remove item 5.1G from the table.
Motion carried 8-0.
Motion made by Mr. Shultz, seconded by Mr. Zimmerman, to approve the elementary principals recommendations.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Outstanding Student:
Delisi, Guidance Counselor
B. Foreign Exchange Student Recognition
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT CONT’D: – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
C. Special Education Classes
D. Data Analysis of Curricular Programs (Not Covered)
E. Elementary Data
F. Calendar of Events:
May 20 ETAC meeting 6:30 pm
May 25
Special Meeting 6:30 p.m.
May 28
Roosevelt Middle School Inservice Day
May 31
Memorial Day Holiday
June 1 WASD School Board meeting 8:00 pm
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mr. Zimmerman reported that the Employment Steering Committee is meeting on Thursday.
Construction Projects - None
FINANCE REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve finance items 6.1 and 6.2:
6.1 Approve the following financial reports:
A. Treasurer’s Report for the month of March 2004
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 05/18/04 in the amount of $1,040,517.54, 05/18/04A in the amount of $159,701.39, 05/18/04B in the amount of $7,224.34, 05/18/04C in the amount of $288.32 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 05/18/04, 05/18/04A, 05/18/04B and 05/18/04C.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
6.3* Motion made by Mr. Stone, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to adopt the following resolution relative to a proposed budget for the 2004-2005 fiscal year:
RESOLVED: That in accordance with the School Laws of Pennsylvania, 1949 as amended, Section 687, the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District announces a proposed general fund budget in the amount of funds which will be required by the Williamsport Area School District for the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2004, and
FINANCE REPORT CONT’D:
6.3* Adopt the following resolution relative to a proposed budget for the 2004-2005 fiscal year cont’d:
RESOLVED FURTHER: That a meeting of the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District is scheduled to be held at 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 22, 2004, for the
purpose of adopting the general fund budget and such other general business as may be brought before the Board, and
RESOLVED FURTHER: That the Secretary be and is hereby authorized and directed to provide for special notice in a local newspaper that the proposed budget is available for inspection at the Office of the Board Secretary of the Williamsport Area School District, 201 West Third Street, Williamsport, Pennsylvania for all who may be interested:
The following is a summary of the proposed General Fund Budget for the fiscal year beginning
July 1, 2004:
ESTIMATED BEGINNING FUND BALANCE
AVAILABLE FOR APPROPRIATION 06/30/04 $5,301,367
ESTIMATED REVENUE (Restricted & Unrestricted) 61,356,874
TOTAL ESTIMATED FUND BALANCES AND REVENUES
AVAILABLE FOR APPROPRIATION 66,658,241
ESTIMATED EXPENDITURES AND OTHER
FINANCING USES (Restricted & Unrestricted) 62,891,050
ESTIMATED ENDING UNRESERVED FUND BALANCE 06/30/04 3,767,191
TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS AND ENDING FUND BALANCE 66,658,241
Although the Tax levy will not be made until the budget is adopted on June 22, 2004, the proposed budget anticipates the following taxes:
04/05
Real Property (17.70 mills 03/04) 18.2
Act 511 Taxes
Earned Income 1½ %
Real Estate Transfer ½ of 1%
Roll Call – Yeas: Harris, Mahaffey, Markle, Shultz, Stone, Williams and Zimmerman.
Nays: Huffman
The motion carried 7-1.
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Mahaffey, to approve the balance of the agenda including the addendum.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY – None
CURRICULUM REPORT
8.1* Approve an on-site training workshop for up to 10 school nurses and health room technicians to support implementation of a new software program: SNAP Health Center. Cost of the training is $1,950 to be paid out of string #10-2271-323-000-00-000-000-017-0000 (FY04 budget $950 and FY05 budget $1,000).
8.2 Approve the 2003-08 Williamsport Area High School Comprehensive School Review plan.
8.4* Approve a contract with Child Guidance Services for services that focus on increasing student attendance and participation in the Williamsport Area School District Title I Summer School Program. This will be accomplished through Child Guidance staff building relationships with the children and families prior to and during the program. The program will be provided at Cochran, Jackson and Roosevelt Schools. The cost of the program is $15,541.60. All funds are budgeted under Title I.
8.5 Amend the 2004-05 District Calendar to adjust Kindergarten Parent/Teacher Conferences from November 10-12 to November 11-12 and from April 20-22 to April 21-22.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Susan C. Andresen, full-time English teacher at the high school, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the first semester of the 2004-2005 school year (tentative date of January 21, 2005).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Susan C. Andresen 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.
9.1 RESIGNATIONS CONT’D:
B. Paul V. Bower, full-time Elementary (4th grade) teacher at Stevens Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the first semester of the 2004-2005 school year (tentative date of January 21, 2005).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Paul V. Bower 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.
A. Joseph C. Cato, full-time instructional support aide at Lycoming Valley Middle School, for an unpaid medical leave, effective April 29, 2004, through July 21, 2004.
Mr. Cato has utilized all eligible sick, emergency and personal days and began his unpaid leave of absence on April 29, 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.
B. Catherine M. Daugherty, part-time custodian at Lycoming Valley Middle School, extension of an unpaid medical leave, effective June 2, 2004, through July 14, 2004.
C. Sharan L. White, general food service worker (3½ hours per day) at the high school, for an unpaid medical leave, effective April 27, 2004, through June 4, 2004. Ms. White is not eligible for leave under the Family Medical Leave Act at this time.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. John M. Gossner, 35 Woodbryn Dr., Williamsport, as a temporary professional employee, effective with the 2004-2005 school term (scheduled date is August 26, 2004) to teach Social Studies at Lycoming Valley Middle School, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor's, $37,900. Mr. Gossner holds a bachelor's degree from Radford University and is certified in Social Studies (replacing James Donnell, retired). Mr. Gossner will also be scheduled to participate in Induction Program activities before the start of the 2004-2005 school term.
B. David R. Heller, 725 Glenwood Ave., Williamsport, as a temporary professional employee, effective with the 2004-2005 school term (scheduled date is August 26, 2004) to teach Social Studies at Lycoming Valley Middle School, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor's, $37,900. Mr. Heller holds a bachelor's degree from Lock Haven University and is certified in Social Studies (replacing John Clark, retired). Mr. Heller will also be scheduled to participate in Induction Program activities before the start of the 2004-2005 school term.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
C. Stuart L. Roe, 855 Louisa St., Williamsport, as a temporary professional employee, effective with the 2004-2005 school term (scheduled date is August 26, 2004) as a Secondary Guidance Counselor at the high school, at a salary rate of Step 1, master's, $40,900, pending receipt of all necessary paperwork. Mr. Roe holds a bachelor's degree from Lycoming College and a master's degree from Penn State University and is certified in Secondary School Counselor and Biology (replacing Tony Delisi, retired). Mr. Roe will also be scheduled to participate in Induction Program activities before the start of the 2004-2005 school term.
D. Kurt P. Schmitt, 139 Normal Ave., Apt. F-12, Kutztown, as a temporary professional employee, effective with the 2004-2005 school term (scheduled date is August 26, 2004) to teach English at the high school, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor's, $37,900. Mr. Schmitt holds a bachelor's degree from Kutztown University and is certified in English (replacing Judith Parsons, retiring in September 2004). Mr. Schmitt will also be scheduled to participate in Induction Program activities before the start of the 2004-2005 school term.
E. Sondra L. Fisher, 607 Church St., Huntingdon, as a professional employee, effective with the 2004-2005 school term (scheduled date is August 26, 2004) as a Title I Reading Specialist for the District (school location to be determined), at a salary rate of Step 4, Master's + 27, $45,150. Ms. Fisher holds a bachelor's degree from Grove City College and a master's degree from the University of Pittsburgh and is certified in Reading Specialist, Elementary, Mentally and/or Physically Handicapped, and Cooperative Education (replacing Kathi Kelley, retired). Ms. Fisher will also be scheduled to participate in Induction Program activities before the start of the 2004-2005 school term.
F. Faith A. Leonard, 91 North Main St., Hughesville, as a professional employee, effective with the 2004-2005 school term (scheduled date is August 26, 2004) as a Title I Reading Specialist for the District (school location to be determined), at a salary rate of Step 1, Master's + 9, $41,200, pending receipt of all necessary paperwork. Ms. Leonard holds a bachelor's and master's degree from Clarion University and is certified in Reading Specialist and Biology (replacing Shirley Bittenbender, retired). Ms. Leonard will also be scheduled to participate in Induction Program activities before the start of the 2004-2005 school term.
G. The Williamsport Area School District extends a provisional offer of employment to Stacey Lynn Cherrington, 250 Pepper St., Muncy, as a temporary professional employee, effective with the 2004-2005 school term (scheduled date is August 26, 2004) as a Title I Reading Specialist for the District (school location to be determined), at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor's, $37,900, plus eligible benefits, provided Ms. Cherrington obtains Pennsylvania Department of Education certification and all appropriate documentation by July 23, 2004 (replacing Mary Ohnmeiss, retired). Ms. Cherrington will also be scheduled to participate in Induction Program activities before the start of the 2004-2005 school term.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
H. Debra L. Umpstead, 1026 Baldwin St., Williamsport, as a ½ hour Breakfast Monitor at Roosevelt Middle School, at the rate of $9.00 per hour or contract rate, effective for the 2004-2005 school year. This position is in addition to her current position at Roosevelt Middle School (replacing Gloria Jennings, transferred to Curtin).
I. The following person(s) as health room technicians for the Title I Elementary Extended School Year (ESY) Program, effective July 12, 2004, through August 6, 2004, for up to 3½ hours per day, at the current contract rate, plus participation in up to three days of staff development prior to the start of the summer program. All funds are budgeted under Title I:
Jackson Elementary School
Jennifer Jo Weaver 817 Sixth Ave., Williamsport
J. The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $6.25 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective date as indicated:
Jean M. Garman 1041 Dewey Ave., Williamsport (effective 05/06/04)
Gwenda L. Forker 1123 Race St., Williamsport (effective 05/19/04)
K. 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:
Samantha S. Smith 814 Nichols Run Rd., Jersey Shore (eff. 05/17/04)
Elizabeth A. Lyons 1122 George St., Williamsport (effective 05/17/04)
L. The following persons as administrative support staff for the Title I Extended School Year (ESY) Programs, effective July 12, 2004, through August 6, 2004, for up to 4 hours per day, at the current contract rate. All funds are budgeted under Title I:
Cochran Elementary School
Robin A. Bower 84 Dome Lane, Linden
(replacing Diane M. Andrus, withdrew)
9.4* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position changes:
A. Harriet S. Fluke, 1969 Quaker Hill Rd., Cogan Station, Williamsport, from a general food service worker (3 hours daily) at Roosevelt Middle School, to a general food service worker (4¾ hours daily) at Roosevelt Middle School, with a base wage rate of $8.59 per hour or contract rate, effective August 27, 2004 (replacing Gloria Jennings, transferred to food service position at Curtin).
9.4* POSITION CHANGES CONT’D:
B. Sandra L. Johnson, 728 Second Street, Williamsport, from a substitute food service worker to a general food service worker (3 hours daily) at the Cochran Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $8.59 per hour or contract rate, effective May 19, 2004 (replacing Kathy Saar, transferred to an aide position).
C. Eric C. Anderson, 925 Beach Drive, Cogan Station, from a Maintenance Specialist -Automotive Mechanic to a Maintenance Specialist - Tinner/Roofer for the District (250 day, 8 hours per day), with a base wage rate of $32,980 ($16.49 per hour) or contract rate, effective June 1, 2004 (replacing Larry Oman, retired).
D. Jerry L. DeRemer, 2024 Almost Country Rd., Linden, from General Maintenance to a Maintenance Specialist - Automotive Mechanic for the District (250 day, 8 hours per day), with a base wage rate of $32,980, prorated ($16.49 per hour) or contract rate, effective June 1, 2004 (replacing Eric Anderson, transferred).
9.5 OTHER
A. Approve an extension of Kathy M. Shirey's work schedule (administrative support, part-time - Food Service) up to 10 additional days to complete work for the end of the 2003-2004 school year.
9.6 CONTRACTED SERVICES
A. David E. Michael, 940 Hollywood Circle, Williamsport, to provide consulting services to the Williamsport Area School District administration at the rate of $341.00 per day, not to exceed a total of $5,000 for the 2003-2004 school year (unless approved by the Board of Directors), effective May 18, 2004, through June 4, 2004. Mr. Michael retired, effective May 18, 2004. (Contract for Mr. Michael’s services will be prepared and executed.)
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. Twenty (20) members of the Roosevelt Middle School’s Select String Ensemble, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to local area nursing homes during May 2004 to perform for the residents. Students eligible to participate will have attended the required rehearsals and will not have been suspended from school. District transportation is requested (10-1100-519-000-20-650-121-023-0000).
11.1* Approve the following student trips cont’d:
B. Revision to Item 11.1C, March 2, 2004: Consider paying $150 for the special education work program students to ride on the Hiawatha on Friday, May 28, 2004. The cost will be paid through ACCESS.
C. Thirty-eight (38) second grade students from Sheridan Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Snyder’s Farm (Montoursville) during June 2004. Students eligible to participate will not have more than 2 pink slips nor any detentions, Saturday School assignments, or suspensions between May 3 and the date of the trip. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Sheridan PTO.
D. Seventy-two (72) fourth grade students from Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and grade parents, to travel to Little Pine State Park during May 2004. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Hepburn-Lycoming PTO.
E. Twenty-two (22) fourth grade students, accompanied by their teacher and aides, to travel to the Federal Courthouse during May 2004 to witness the naturalization ceremony for their classroom interpreter. There will be no cost to the District.
F. Eighty (80) fifth grade students from Stevens Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to the YMCA during June 2004 for a graduation party. Students eligible to participate must be in compliance with the school’s field trip requirements. Transportation will be provided by City Bus. All costs will be paid by the Stevens PTA.
G. Ten (10) students from Roosevelt Middle School, accompanied by the school librarian, to travel to Brodart and Bonanza Steakhouse as a reward for being the top 10 accelerated reader point earners. The students will travel by City Bus. All costs will be paid by the Roosevelt PTO.
H. Eighteen (18) life skills support students from Round Hills Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Old Lycoming Township fire and police station and McDonalds during May 2004. District transportation is requested. Costs will be paid by the Round Hills PTO.
I. Seven (7) emotional support students from Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, accompanied by their teacher and aide, to travel to Papa John’s Pizza, Brandon Park, and Cochran Elementary School during May 2004. District transportation is requested (10-1200-519-891-10-250-000-004-0004).
11.2 Authorize the WASD Music Department and the WAHS Band Association to conduct a summer Youth Band Camp, for students entering grades 5 through 8, at Jackson Elementary School from June 21, through June 25, 2004 from 9a.m. – 12p.m. The camp will include a concert on Thursday, June 24th at 7:00 p.m. Classes will be taught by Judith Shellenberger, WASD Band Director, at a cost of $45/student. The cost for the entire program will be covered by tuition fees paid by parents. The program will run at no cost to the district, and all financial aspects will be handled by the WAHS Band Association.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
12.1* Approve a contract in the amount of $500.00 with Storm Entertainment to provide music and video entertainment for the Class of 2005 for the Winter Formal on December 10, 2004 at the Williamsport Area High School, and the Senior Prom on May 7, 2005, at the Williamsport Scottish Rite. Funding for payment is found in account number: 80-3210-610-000-00-000-815-084-0000 (Class of 2005 account).
12.2 Authorize the execution of an easement agreement on the Woodward Township School Property, with Woodward Township for the Woodward Township Sewer Project.
12.3 Extend the agreement with WRAK and WRKK Radio (Clear Channel Communication) to provide broadcast coverage of Williamsport Area High School sports as the “ ;Voice of the Millionaires” through the 2004-05 school year.
TAX ITEMS - None
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mrs. Markle reported that she heard some wonderful compliments on the behavior and abilities of our strolling strings.
Mrs. Williams stated that the Sheridan faculty and former teachers had a fun day participating in the Relay for Life.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC – None
President Stone announced that the Board met in executive session prior to this evenings meeting and to discuss terms and conditions of employment for one or more District employees and to receive legal advice from an attorney.
President Stone announced that there would be a special meeting on May 25, 2004 to consider the fact finder’s report and any other business to come before the board.
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris and carried, the meeting adjourned at 9:54 p.m.
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary