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, June 1, 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, Jay B. Shultz, David B. Stone, Jr.,
James E. Temple, Lois T. Williams, Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: Susan A. Mahaffey (arrived at 7:33 p.m.), Pamela J. Markle.
INVOCATION – Mr. James A. Dugan provided the invocation and read the second district belief statement.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. Congratulations to Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School students MiKayla Bower and Amanda Young, both first grade students, for having their artwork chosen for the Crayola Dream Makers National Exhibition. This prestigious exhibition will be held at the Crayola Factory in Easton, Pennsylvania, in August 2004. One hundred student works are chosen from nationwide submissions. Congratulations also to art teacher Sharon Cressinger who has had student works selected for the third year in a row.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Outstanding Student:
Kody Dibble, Fifth Grade at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School—Presented by Gary
Gonsar, Principal
B. Calendar of Events:
June 3
Teacher Record Day & Graduation
June 14
First day of High School Summer School
June 14
First day of Middle School Summer School @ Curtin
June 15
WASD School Board Meeting—7:00 p.m.
June 22
WASD School Board Meeting—6:00 p.m.
July 13
WASD School Board Meeting—7:00 p.m.
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mr. Zimmerman reported that the Athletic Advisory Committee met last week. The Middle School Soccer Program went very well. Mr. McCusker reported that there were not any transportation problems associated with this new program. The Cross Country Program is also looking to expand to the middle school level. They are proposing to follow the high school schedule so additional transportation costs would not be incurred and other costs could be shared.
Committee Reports by Board Members Cont’d:
Mr. Zimmerman also reported that the Employment Steering Committee is working on some minor adjustments to the Discrimination Policy.
Mr. Shultz reported that the Educational Technology Committee is working on an Internet Use Policy. They also reviewed budget requests.
Mr. Huffman said that the Educational Technology Committee budget process went smoothly and that he was impressed with the concerted effort to keep spending down.
President Stone requested that Mr. Dugan provide an update on collective bargaining with the support staff. Mr. Dugan indicated that the Board approved the Fact Finder’s Report last week and sub-sequentially the Williamsport Support Personnel Association also approved the Fact Finder’s Report and their collective bargaining agreement. He is working on finalizing the formal contract for
signatures.
Construction Projects
President Stone announced that the construction bids were received and opened and that they were higher than budgeted. The Building Committee is planning to make a recommendation at the June 15th meeting.
FINANCE REPORT
6.1 Motion made by Mr. Shultz, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following financial reports:
A. Payroll Report:
General Fund – Unrestricted $2,659,032.43
General Fund – Restricted 245,669.01
Athletics and Extra Curricular 22,568.21
Food Service Fund 70,923.57
Data Processing Fund 8,718.50
Maintenance Fund 33,291.51
Mercantile & Privilege 0.00
Earned Income Tax 33,773.57
Student Activities 6,524.80
TOTAL $3,080,501.60
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 06/01/04 in the amount of $304,116.04, 06/01/04A in the amount of $213,196.79, 06/01/04B in the amount of $10,207.38 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 06/01/04, 06/01/04A, and 06/01/04B.
Board of Directors has reviewed the bylaws and recommends approval.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY – None
CURRICULUM REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Harris, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to approve the following curriculum items:
Mrs. Mahaffey arrived 7:33 p.m.
8.1* Approve the James V. Brown Library to provide the following services during the WASD and Title I Elementary Extended Year Program at Cochran and at Jackson:
2 Storytelling programs for all children at each site
2 Arts and Crafts programs for all children at each site
1 Family Night/Book Bingo for all families at each site
The cost is $250 per site. All funds are budgeted under General Funds and Title I.
8.2* Approve Dr. J. David Cooper to provide one day of SOAR to Success follow up professional development for Title I teachers, September 23, 2004 and one day of professional development on Reciprocal Teaching to middle school teachers on September 24, 2004. The cost is $3,000 per day plus expenses (approximately $550). All costs are budgeted under Title I and Title II.
8.3 Approve the 2003-08 Round Hills Comprehensive School Review plan.
Hepburn-Lycoming – 9/27/04, 3/24/05, 5/12/05
Jackson – 12/22/04, 1/14/05, 3/24/05
Round Hills – 9/27/04, 3/24/05, 5/12/05
Sheridan – 9/27/04, 1/14/05, 3/24/05
Stevens – 9/27/04, 1/14/05, 3/24/05
Lycoming Valley – 11/12/04
Roosevelt – 9/27/04, 2/7/05
Curtin – 9/23/04, 12/22/04, 2/22/05
The motion carried 7-1 with Mr. Huffman voting no.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Motion made by Mr. Shultz, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following personnel items:
9.1 RESIGNATIONS - Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Gloria J. Clegg, full-time itinerant elementary gifted education teacher for the District, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2003-2004 school year (tentative date of June 7, 2004).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Gloria J. Clegg from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her seven years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
B. Danielle L. Sowers, full-time guidance counselor at Stevens Elementary School, for personal reasons, effective June 29, 2004.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE - Approve the following leaves of absence:
A.
Sharan L. White, general food service worker (3½ hours per day) at the
high school, for an unpaid medical leave, effective April 27, 2004
May 18, 2004 through June 4, 2004. Ms. White is not eligible for leave under
the Family Medical Leave Act at this time. Ms. White has used all of her
available sick, personal and emergency days as of May 17, 2004. (This is a
revision to the original item on May 18, 2004 Addendum).
B. Tina M. Fraley, 26 West 2nd Ave., South Williamsport, general food service worker at Jackson Elementary School, for an unpaid medical leave, effective May 18, 2004, through June 18, 2004.
Ms. Fraley has utilized all available sick and/or personal and emergency days and will begin her unpaid leave of absence on May 18, 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. Eric M. Speight, 806 Ashworth Lane, Boalsburg, as a long-term substitute teacher (pending emergency certification), effective for the 2004-2005 school term (scheduled dates are August 26, 2004 through June 10, 2005), unless terminated sooner, to teach mathematics at the Alternative School, at a salary rate of Step 1, Master's + 27, $41,800, and to extend a conditioned offer of employment pending completion of all appropriate PDE certification requirements by June 30, 2005. Mr. Speight holds a bachelor's and master's degree from North Carolina State and a master's degree (Masters in Education) from Penn State University (replacing Dianne Hartman, retired). Mr. Speight 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:
B. The Williamsport Area School District extends a conditioned offer of employment to Christine S. Hanna, 2 Woodland Rd., Lock Haven, as a temporary professional employee, effective with the 2004-2005 school term (scheduled date is August 26, 2004), pending receipt of PDE certification in Social Studies by July 20, 2004, and completion of all PDE requirements for guidance counselor certification by June 30, 2005 (pending receipt of emergency certification for guidance counselor during 2004-2005), to teach social studies and assume guidance counselor responsibilities at Lycoming Valley Middle School, at a salary rate of Step 1, master's, $40,900. Ms. Hanna holds a bachelor's degree (in Sociology) and a Master's of Education degree from Penn State University (replacing Chris Zawacki, resigned). Ms. Hanna will also be scheduled to participate in Induction Program activities before the start of the 2004-2005 school term.
C. The following persons to teach middle school summer classes at Curtin Middle School, effective June 14, 2004, through July 16, 2004, at the rate established in the Agreement by and between the Board of School Directors and the Williamsport Education Association ($24.67 per hour or contract rate). There will be no summer school classes scheduled on July 5, 2004:
Kelly A. Vent 1137 Towncrest Rd., Williamsport
Gregory P. Kinley 647 West Third St., Lock Haven
Louis A. Cupiccia 1075 St. Davids Rd., Williamsport
D. The following Technology Education teachers at the high school as production printers, effective June 14, 2004, at the rate established in the Agreement by and between the Board of Directors of the Williamsport Area School District and the Williamsport Education Association (19.93 per hour before 07/01/04; $20.56 per hour after 07/01/04) (string #101-2540-0-00-440-07 160):
Randy R. Knipe 5847 Dautherty’s Run Rd., Linden
John K. Voneida Box 212, White Deer
E. The following as part-time printer’s helpers, at the salary rates indicated, for the actual number of hours worked, effective June 14, 2004 (string #101-2540-0-00-440-07 160):
Rich Packer 2633 Newberry St., Williamsport $5.25 per hour
Scott Marks 1045 Park Ave., Williamsport $5.25 per hour
F. Julie A. Kelly, 425 Vernon Ave., Williamsport, special education teacher (emotional support) at the high school, for a maximum of 20 hours a week to teacher functional academics and job shadowing skills to a current emotional support student, at the rate of $23.91 and/or $24.67 per hour. Programming funds will be paid out of ACCESS (string #10-1200-121-891-30-850-000-004-0004).
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
G. Transfer the cost of two Extended Year Program teaching positions (July 12, 2004 through August 6, 2004) from Title I to General Funds to accommodate the students from Round Hills Elementary School, a non-Title I school. The costs include $24.67 per or contract rate plus appropriate benefits for up to 3½ hours per day and up to 3 days of professional development at the rate of $90.00 per day. The teachers are:
Tatum R. Heiser 71 Rick Lane, Cogan Station
Nicholas L. Koletar 112 Church St., South Williamsport
H. Diane L. Konieczny, 2840 Orchard Ave., Montoursville, as a Title I Extended Year Program teacher, effective July 12, 2004 through August 6, 2004, at the rate of $24.67 per hour or contract rate for up to 3½ hours per day plus appropriate benefits and up to three days of professional development at the rate of $90.00 per day. All funds are budgeted under Title I.
I. The WASD and Title I Elementary Extended Year Program teachers an increase of one-half (½) hour per week of planning time (up to a total of two (2) hours over the four weeks) at the rate of $24.67 per hour. All funds are budgeted under General Funds and Title I.
J. The WASD and Title I Elementary Extended Year Program staff to participate in running record training on July 12 and 13, 2004, to be paid at the current substitute rate for the hours of training. All funds are budgeted under General Fund and Title I.
K. The following WASD staff to provide professional development for the Title I Extended Year Program at the rate of $90 per day plus appropriate benefits. All funds are budgeted under General Funds and Title I:
WASD and Elementary Title I Program July 6-7, 2004:
Lynne E. Piotrowski 1362 Northway Rd., Williamsport
Lynn M. Shade 165 Miller Rd., Cogan Station
Lisa C. Swoyer 326 Cedarwood Dr., Montoursville
Catherine E. Gibson 1221 Lose Ave., Williamsport
Nancy D. Hiscock 66 Pheasant Lane, Cogan Station
WASD and Elementary Title I Program July 12-13, 2004:
Diane L. Konieczny 2840 Orchard Ave., Montoursville
Title I Roosevelt Program prior to the start of the program, July 12, 2004 :
Randall G. Laird (2 days) 997 Railroad St., Jersey Shore
Ronald E. Sahm (1 day) 431 Percy St., South Williamsport
Maria B. Weaver (1 day) 1029 Rural Ave., Williamsport
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
L. The following individuals as substitute teachers for the WASD and Title I Elementary Summer School Program:
Gary J. Stoudt 355 Hockley Hill Rd., Turbotville
Kaelie L. Good 5702 Route 287 St. Highway, Jersey Shore
Jennifer M. Houseknecht 2424 Fairview Terrace, Williamsport
Lynn Holzman 2333 Newberry St., Williamsport
M. Janet M. Loffredo, 64 Zion View Drive, Linden, as Production Manager/Delivery Person for the WASD Elementary Title I Summer School Program, up to 4 hours per day during the period of June 9, 2004 to August 6, 2004, at the rate of $12.24 per hour or contract rate.
N. 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:
Lene M. Persun 1380 Yerger Rd., Linden, (effective 05/27/04)
John A. Mazzante 1205 Arthur Rd., Montoursville
Amanda L. Stavoy 1775 Liberty Drive, Williamsport
9.4* POSITION CHANGES - Approve the following position changes:
A. Wendy A. Armes, 113 Pine Summit Rd., Williamsport, from a general food service worker (4 hours daily) to a general food service worker (4¾ hours daily) at Curtin Middle School, with a base wage rate of $8.59 per hour or contract rate, effective August 27, 2004 (replacing Shirley Boatman, retired).
B. Shannon M. Bartron, 2611 Highland Ave., Duboistown, from a general food service worker (3 hours daily) at Stevens Elementary School, to a general food service worker (4½ hours daily) at the high school, with a base wage rate of $8.59 per hour or contract rate, effective August 27, 2004 (replacing Claudette Signor, transferred; this position was originally board approved as being replaced by Stephanie McKee, but she later declined the transfer).
C. Michelle E. Johnson, 124 Vista Lane, Cogan Station, from a substitute food service worker to a general food service worker (3 hours daily) at the high school, with a base wage rate of $8.59 per hour or contract rate, effective June 2, 2004 (replacing Nanette Agnone, transferred).
D. Ronald R. Delker, 1510 Four Mile Drive, Williamsport, from a substitute custodian to a regular part-time custodian at the high school (2nd shift), 250 days up to 4 hours per day, with a base wage rate of $8.84 per hour, effective June 2, 2004 (replacing Richard Fox, resigned).
9.4* POSITION CHANGES CONT’D:
E. Mark D. Quigley, 4016 Beautys Run Rd., Linden, from a substitute custodian to a regular part-time custodian at the high school (2nd shift), 250 days up to 4 hours per day, with a base wage rate of $8.84 per hour, effective June 2, 2004 (replacing Kevin Brown, resigned).
F. Richard J. Poole, P.O. Box 514 McElhattan, PA from physical education teacher at the Williamsport Area High School to Dean of Students with initial assignment at Jackson Elementary School, effective August 16, 2004, at a salary of $61,937 and benefits as determined by the Act 93 Compensation Plan, effective July 1, 2003, pending completion of all appropriate paperwork. Mr. Poole is currently enrolled in the Principal Certification program through Duquesne University. (Replacing David Michael, Asst. Principal, retired).
G. John J. Killian, 357 E. Mountain Ave. S. Williamsport, PA from fourth grade teacher at Stevens Elementary School to Dean of Students with initial assignment at Stevens Elementary School, effective August 16, 2004, at a salary of $61,937 and benefits as determined by the Act 93 Compensation Plan, effective July 1, 2003, pending completion of all appropriate paperwork. Mr. Killian is currently working on his principal certification through Bloomsburg University. (Replacing Kirk C. Felix, appointed as Principal at Stevens, effective with the 2004-2005 school year, replace Rusty Franzen, retirement).
9.5 CONTRACTED SERVICES
A. Approve contract with Vicki L. Beatty of the law firm of Campbell, Durrant & ; Beatty, P.C., Suite 310, 555 Grant St., Pittsburgh, 15219, to provide an inservice presentation regarding anti-harassment policies and procedures, etc. to District Administrators on June 11, 2004, at the Williamsport Administrative Retreat at Penn College. This presentation is part of the periodic update related to this topic. The fee for this presentation is $1,000 plus travel expenses.
9.6 OTHER
A. Authorize the Superintendent to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the Williamsport Area School District (WASD) and the Williamsport Education Association (WEA) regarding the request for sabbatical by a bargaining member.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
10.1 RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, 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. Mahaffey, seconded by Mr. Shultz, to approve the following student/community activities:
11.1* Approve a price increase of .10¢ for breakfast & lunch meals served in the WASD cafeterias beginning 2004-2005 school year. Proposed meal costs per the following:
Elementary FY04 FY05 Secondary FY04 FY05
Student Breakfast $ .75 $ .85 Student Breakfast $ .90 $ 1.00
Student Lunch $ 1.30 $ 1.40 Student Lunch $ 1.55 $ 1.65
Adult Breakfast $ 1.40 $ 1.50 Adult Breakfast $ 1.40 $ 1.50
Adult Lunch $ 2.65 $ 2.75 Adult Lunch $ 2.65 $ 2.75
11.2 Approve the following request for facility use:
A. Williamsport Symphony Orchestra (WSO) to use the auditorium at the Williamsport Area High School on June 6, 2004 to hold a rehearsal. WSO is requesting relief of the occupancy fee of $50.00. Certificate of Insurance to be received.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
Motion made by Mrs. Mahaffey, seconded by Mr. Shultz, to approve the following items related to bids/contracts:
12.1* Authorize the District's participation in the Cooperative Purchasing Program of the Pennsylvania Education Joint Purchasing Council for the procurement of Copier Paper to replenish warehouse stock:
TOTAL RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
Frank Parsons Paper Company, Mechanicsburg, PA $20,388.00
Savin Corporation, Uniontown, OH
2,716.80
BIDS/CONTRACTS CONT’D:
12.2* Authorize a Lease Purchase Agreement with Apple Financial Services for the purchase of Apple Computers, peripherals and software at an estimated cost of $296,580. The interest rate for this lease is 0 %.
12.3* Award a contract for Resurfacing three (3) sites at the Williamsport Area High School in accordance with our specifications to the following contractor. All recommended awards are based upon the lowest bid meeting the specifications.
All bids were received by 1:30 p.m. and opened publicly in the District Service Center at 2:00 p.m., Thursday, May 27, 2004. Eight bids were mailed to various contractors. Only four bids were received however, one bid was rejected due to non-compliance of the bidding instructions.
CONTRACTOR BID
Charles Construction
838 East Central Avenue
Jersey Shore, PA $20,534.00
HRI Inc.
3485 West Fourth Street
Williamsport, PA $20,900.00
Wolfe Coal & Excavating
PO Box 907
Lock Haven, PA $26,376.00
RECOMMENDED AWARD:
Charles Construction
838 East Central Avenue
Jersey Shore, PA $20,534.00
12.4* Consider authorizing the District’s participation in the Multi-State Carpeting Bid Program of the Pennsylvania Education Joint Purchasing Council for procurement of carpeting at Curtin Middle School, Round Hills, Sheridan and Stevens Elementary Schools.
Recommended Award:
Doc’s Carpet
1750 East Third Street
Williamsport, PA
Sheridan Elementary $ 4,285.39
Stevens Elementary $ 4,671.55
Round Hills Elementary $ 5,478.85
Curtin Middle $20,678.74
Total $35,114.53
BIDS/CONTRACTS CONT’D:
12.5* Authorize participation in the Pennsylvania Education Joint Purchasing Council 2004-2005 Fuel Oil/Gasoline and authorize a contract with the low bidder Farm & Home Oil Company, Milton, PA.
#2 Fuel Oil-Firm Tank Transport (7,200 gallons) $1.0815/gallon
#2 Fuel Oil-Firm Tank Wagon $1.2215/gallon
Low Sulphur Diesel – Firm Tank Wagon $1.2415/gallon
89 Octane Unleaded-Firm Gasoline Tank Wagon $1.415/gallon
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
TAX ITEMS
13.1 Motion made by Mrs. Harris, seconded by Mr. Shultz, to approve the following tax summaries:
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Zimmerman requested clarification of two items on the check register.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC
Mr. William Harris, Sr., William Harris, Jr. and Ms. Monica Kyle addressed the Board concerning the treatment of William Jr. by one of the high school teachers. President Stone requested that they continue following the complaint policy by taking their concern to the Superintendent’s level.
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 Mr. Shultz and carried, the meeting adjourned at
8:16 p.m.
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary