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, August 17, 2004, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Board of Directors’ Room, District Service Center, 201 West Third Street, Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
The Vice President, James E. Temple, called the meeting to order with the following members:
PRESENT: Karen V. Harris, David A. Huffman, Jay B. Shultz, James E. Temple,
Lois T. Williams, Thomas A. Zimmerman
ABSENT: Susan A. Mahaffey, Pamela J. Markle, David B. Stone, Jr.
INVOCATION – Mr. Charles E. Peterson, Jr. provided the invocation and read the sixth district belief statement.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the minutes from the regular meeting of July 13, 2004, that reading of the minutes be omitted and the minutes be approved as presented.
The motion carried.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – None
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – None
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mr. Zimmerman reported that the Alternative Education Committee met last Friday. The committee has been meeting all summer. There was an article in the Sun-Gazette yesterday that reflects the progress we have made in the expansion of the program.
Construction Projects – None
Vice President Temple recognized John Frey from Public Financial Management and Bob Jones from Saul, Ewing. Mr. Frey reviewed the variable rate debt schedule. Mr. Jones reviewed the bond resolution. Following their presentation, motion made by Mr. Shultz, seconded by Mrs. Williams to approve item 6.3:
Roll Call – Yea: Harris, Huffman, Shultz, Temple, Williams, Zimmerman
Nay: None
Absent: Mahaffey, Markle, Stone.
The motion carried.
Motion made by Mrs. Harris, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to approve the balance of the agenda including the addendum but excluding item 6.3 that was approved above. Mr. Temple announced that he was abstaining from item 9.2A. Mr. Shultz announced that he was abstaining from item 9.3G.
Following questions and answers the motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
FINANCE REPORT
6.1 Approve the following financial reports:
A. Treasurer’s Report: None
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 08/17/04 in the amount of $1,058,497.73, 08/17/04A in the amount of $78,304.33, 08/17/04B (July Wire Transfers) in the amount of $1,791,750.47, 08/17/04C in the amount of $131,186.97 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 08/17/04, 08/17/04A, 08/17/04B and 08/17/04C.
6.3* Approve the following resolution:
AUTHORIZING THE INCURRENCE OF NONELECTORAL DEBT OF WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL
DISTRICT BY THE ISSUANCE OF ITS $12,000,000 PRINCIPAL AMOUNT GENERAL OBLIGATION
NOTE, SERIES A OF 2005, AND ITS $12,310,790 GENERAL OBLIGATION NOTE, SERIES B
OF 2005, FOR THE PURPOSE OF PROVIDING FUNDS FOR AND TOWARDS A CAPITAL PROJECT;
AUTHORIZING THE PREPARATION AND FILING OF A DEBT STATEMENT AND OTHER
DOCUMENTATION; COVENANTING TO CREATE A SINKING FUND AND TO BUDGET, APPROPRIATE
AND PAY DEBT SERVICE ON THE NOTES AND PLEDGING THE FULL FAITH, CREDIT AND
TAXING POWER OF WILLIAMSPORT AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT FOR THE NOTES; SETTING FORTH
THE SUBSTANTIAL FORM OF THE NOTES; SETTING FORTH THE STATED PRINCIPAL AND
INTEREST PAYMENT DATES, REDEMPTION PROVISIONS, PLACE OF PAYMENT AND OTHER
DETAILS OF THE NOTES; PROVIDING FOR THE SALE OF THE NOTES AT PRIVATE SALE BY
NEGOTIATION AND ACCEPTING PROPOSALS FOR THE PURCHASE OF THE NOTES; APPOINTING A
LOAN PAYING AGENT AND SINKING FUND DEPOSITORY; AND AUTHORIZING OTHER NECESSARY
ACTION.
Recitals
Williamsport Area School District (the "Governmental Unit") has
determined to finance a portion of the costs of its capital improvement
program, as more particularly described in Exhibit A attached hereto and made a
part hereof (collectively, the "Project"). The Governmental Unit is
granted the power by the Local Government Unit Debt Act of the Commonwealth of
Pennsylvania, as codified by the Act of December 19, 1996, P.L. 1158, No. 177,
as amended (the "Act"), to incur indebtedness and to issue bonds or
notes for the purpose of providing funds for and towards the costs of the
Project.
The Governmental Unit has received a proposal for the purchase of its General
Obligation Note, Series A of 2005 (the "First Note") from Emmaus
General Authority, of Emmaus, Pennsylvania (the "Authority") and has
received a proposal for the purchase of its General Obligation Note, Series B
of 2005 (the "Credit Note") (the First Note and the Credit Note are
collectively referred to herein as the "Notes") from DePfa Bank plc,
acting through its New York Agency (the "Bank") and now desires to
authorize the issuance of the Notes for the purpose of financing a portion of
the costs of the Project, including the costs of issuing the Notes, and to
accept the proposals for the purchase of the Notes.
The First Note is to be issued pursuant to this Resolution and pursuant to a
Project Agreement (the "Project Agreement") between the Governmental
Unit and the Authority. The Project Agreement and First Note will be
transferred and delivered by the Authority to J.P. Morgan Trust Company,
National Association, as trustee (together with any successor in such capacity,
the "Trustee") under a Trust Indenture dated as of March 1, 1989, as
amended (the "Indenture"), in order to secure in part a separate
subseries (Subseries E-22) of the Authority's Local Government Revenue Bonds
(Bond Pool Program), Series 1989 E (such Subseries E-22 is referred to herein
as the "Bonds").
The purpose of the Credit Note is to evidence the Governmental Unit's
obligation to reimburse the Bank under a Credit Agreement (the "Credit
Agreement") among the Governmental Unit, the Bank and J.P. Morgan Trust
Company, National Association, as loan paying agent for the Governmental Unit
(together with any successor loan paying agent under the Credit Agreement, the
"Loan Paying Agent") and as Trustee. Pursuant to the Credit
Agreement, the Bank will issue a letter of credit (the "Letter of
Credit") to provide a Loan Credit Facility (as defined in the Indenture)
for the loan and a Loan Bond Liquidity Facility (as defined in the Indenture)
for the Bonds. Pursuant to the Credit Note, the Governmental Unit is required
to reimburse the Bank for amounts advanced by the Bank under the Credit
Agreement. Prior to any such advances, the Credit Note is in the nature of a
standby obligation of the Governmental Unit.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of School Directors of WILLIAMSPORT
AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT and IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, as follows:
1.
Authorization of Project and Incurrence of Indebtedness; Useful Life and
Estimated Cost
. The Governmental Unit shall undertake the Project and shall incur
indebtedness pursuant to the Act in the amount of $12,000,000 with respect to
the First Note and $12,310,790 with respect to the Credit Note for the purpose
of providing funds for and toward the costs of the Project, including the
expenses of the financing.
The Governmental Unit hereby reserves the right, subject to the terms of the
Project Agreement and the Credit Agreement, to undertake the renovations and
improvements included in the Project in such order and at such time or times as
it shall determine and to allocate the proceeds of the First Note and other
available moneys to the final costs of the Project in such amounts and order of
priority as it shall determine; but the proceeds of the Notes shall be used
solely to pay the "costs," as defined in the Act, of the Project or,
upon appropriate amendments to this Resolution, to pay the costs of other
capital projects for which the Governmental Unit is authorized to incur
indebtedness under the Act.
It is hereby determined and stated that the estimated cost of the portion of
the Project to be financed with the proceeds of the First Note is $12,000,000
and that such cost is based upon actual bids for the Project or professional
estimates received by the Governmental Unit from persons qualified by
experience to provide such estimates.
It is hereby determined and stated that the estimated completion date of the
Project is August, 2006, that none of the subprojects comprising the Project
will be completed prior to August, 2006, that the realistic estimated useful
life of the Project is in excess of thirty (30) years, and that principal on
the Notes is scheduled to mature in accordance with the limitations set forth
in Section 8142(a)(2) of the Act.
2.
Authorization of Issuance of Notes
. The Governmental Unit shall issue, pursuant to the Act and this Resolution,
its $12,000,000 principal amount General Obligation Note, Series A of 2005, and
its $12,310,790 principal amount General Obligation Note, Series B of 2005, to
provide funds for and toward the costs of the Project authorized in Section 1
hereof.
3.
Type of Indebtedness
. The indebtedness authorized by this Resolution is nonelectoral debt.
4.
Execution of Debt Statement, Notes and Other Documents
. The President or Vice President of the Board of School Directors and the
Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Governmental Unit and their successors
are hereby authorized and directed to file the debt statement required by
Section 8110 of the Act, to execute and deliver the Notes in the name and on
behalf of the Governmental Unit and to take all other action required by the
Act or this Resolution in connection with the issuance of the Notes. Said
officers and their successors are further hereby authorized if, in their
opinion, it is advisable to do so, to prepare and file such statements and
documents as may be required by Article II of the Act in order to qualify all
or any portion of the existing indebtedness of the Governmental Unit or of the
above authorized indebtedness as subsidized or self-liquidating debt.
5.
Type of Notes. The Notes when issued will be general obligation notes.
6.
Covenant to Pay Debt Service - Pledge of Taxing Power
. The Governmental Unit hereby covenants with the holders of the Notes
outstanding pursuant to this Resolution as follows: That the Governmental Unit
will include in its budget for each fiscal year during which the Notes or
either Note are outstanding the amount of the debt service on the Notes issued
hereunder which will be payable in each such fiscal year so long as the Notes
or either Note shall remain outstanding; that the Governmental Unit shall
appropriate from its general revenues such amounts and punctually pay or cause
to be paid the principal of and interest on the Notes at the dates and places
and in the manner stated in the Notes according to the true intent and meaning
thereof; and for such budgeting, appropriation and payment the Governmental
Unit hereby pledges its full faith, credit and taxing power. The covenant
contained in this Section 6 shall be specifically enforceable.
7. Forms of Notes
. The First Note and the Credit Note shall be substantially in the forms set
forth in the forms of Project Agreement and Credit Agreement set forth in
Exhibits C and D hereto, respectively, with appropriate omissions, insertions
and variations.
8. Terms of Notes
. The First Note shall be issued in bearer form, as one note in the
denomination of $12,000,000, shall be dated as of the date of issuance and
shall mature as provided herein. The First Note shall bear interest from its
date of issuance on the unpaid principal amount thereof at a variable rate
equal to the Weekly Rate (as defined in the Indenture) on the Bonds plus .55%,
but in no event shall such variable rate exceed the maximum rate of 15.55% per
annum. Interest on the First Note shall be calculated on the basis of a 365-
or 366-day year for the number of days actually elapsed. Interest on the First
Note shall be payable to the holder of the First Note on the first Business
Day (as defined in the Project Agreement) of each month commencing with the
first month following issuance of the First Note (each an "Interest
Payment Date") and continuing until final maturity. The principal of the
First Note shall be payable to the holder of the First Note at the times and in
the amounts as set forth in Exhibit E attached hereto, or as otherwise
provided in the Project Agreement and the First Note. In the event that and
for so long as any of the Bonds are Bank Bonds (as defined in the Indenture)
and bear interest at the Credit Rate (as defined in the Credit Agreement), an
equal principal amount of the First Note shall bear interest at a rate equal to
the Credit Rate plus .55% per annum, payable on the interest payment dates
(the "Interest Payment Dates") for such Bank Bonds; provided, that
the principal of the First Note shall continue to be due and payable as
provided above; and provided further that any amounts paid under the Credit
Note in satisfaction of amounts due with respect to principal of or interest at
the Credit Rate on the Bank Bonds shall be deemed to be a payment of like
amounts under the First Note with respect to such Bank Bonds. Notwithstanding
the foregoing, the Governmental Unit is required to pay to the Paying Agent in
immediately available funds for deposit in the Sinking Fund for the First Note
the amount of any payment of principal and/or interest under the First Note on
or prior to 11:00 a.m. on the Business Day (as defined in the Project
Agreement) prior to the applicable Interest Payment Date.
The Credit Note shall be issued in bearer form, as one note in the denomination
of $12,310,790. The Credit Note shall bear interest on the unpaid outstanding
principal amount thereof from time to time at an annual rate as set forth in
the Credit Note. Interest shall be payable on the first business day of each
month, commencing with the first such day that occurs after the date that any
advance is made under the Credit Note. With respect to a Credit Advance (as
defined in the Credit Agreement) other than a Bank Loan Advance, the
Governmental Unit shall immediately repay the Bank an amount equal to such
advance on the date of such advance. The principal of the Credit Note related
to a Bank Loan Advance (as defined in the Credit Agreement) shall be payable in
installments on the dates and in the amounts set forth in Exhibit B hereto.
The principal of the Credit Note related to a Liquidity Advance (as defined in
the Credit Agreement) shall be payable as provided in the Credit Agreement.
The principal of and interest on the Notes shall be payable in lawful money of
the United States of America at the corporate trust office of J.P. Morgan Trust
Company, National Association, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. J.P. Morgan
Trust Company, National Association or any successor to its corporate trust
business is hereby appointed loan paying agent and the sinking fund depository
for each Note.
9. Prepayment of Notes
. The Notes shall be subject to prepayment prior to maturity as described in
the respective forms of Notes set forth in Exhibits C and D of this Resolution.
10. Sale of Notes
. The Notes shall be sold at private sale by negotiation as hereinafter set
forth in Section 13. After due consideration, the Board of School Directors of
the Governmental Unit hereby finds and determines, on the basis of all the
information available, that a private sale of the Notes by negotiation is in
the best financial interest of the Governmental Unit.
11.
Creation of and Deposits in Sinking Fund
. The Governmental Unit covenants that there shall be and there is hereby
established and that it shall hereafter maintain a sinking fund (the "
Sinking Funds") for each Note to be held by the Loan Paying Agent (or such
substitute or successor Loan Paying Agent which shall hereafter be appointed
in accordance with the provisions of the Act or otherwise) in the name of the
Governmental Unit, but subject to withdrawal only by the Loan Paying Agent.
For each Note, the Governmental Unit covenants and agrees to deposit in the
applicable Sinking Fund on each payment date (or prior thereto if required
under such Note) the debt service payable on such Note or such greater or
lesser amount as at the time shall be sufficient to pay principal of and
interest on such Note becoming due on each such date.
Pending application to the purposes for which each Sinking Fund is established,
the President, the Vice President or Treasurer of the Board of School
Directors is hereby authorized and directed to cause the moneys therein to be
invested or deposited and insured or secured as permitted and required by
Section 8224 of the Act; in the absence of instructions from the Governmental
Unit, the Loan Paying Agent is authorized to invest such moneys as provided in
the Loan Paying Agent Agreement (as hereinafter defined) between the
Governmental Unit and the Loan Paying Agent. All income received on such
deposits or investments of moneys in each Sinking Fund during each applicable
period shall be added to such Sinking Fund and shall be credited against the
deposit next required to be made in such Sinking Fund.
The Loan Paying Agent is hereby authorized and directed, without further action
by the Governmental Unit, to pay from each Sinking Fund the principal of and
interest on the applicable Note as the same become due and payable in
accordance with the terms thereof, and the Governmental Unit hereby covenants
that such moneys, to the extent required, will be applied to such purposes.
All moneys deposited in each Sinking Fund for the payment of the applicable
Note which have not been claimed by the owners thereof after two years from the
date payment is due, except where such moneys are held for the payment of
outstanding checks, drafts or other instruments of the Loan Paying Agent, shall
be returned to the Governmental Unit. Nothing contained herein shall relieve
the Governmental Unit of its liability to the holders of unpresented Notes.
The proper officers of the Governmental Unit are authorized to enter into a
contract with J.P. Morgan Trust Company, National Association or any successor
to its corporate trust business, in connection with its duties as the Loan
Paying Agent (the "Loan Paying Agent Agreement").
12.
No Taxes Assumed
. The Governmental Unit shall not assume the payment of any tax or taxes in
consideration of the purchase of the Notes.
13.
Award and Sale of Notes
. The First Note is hereby awarded and sold to the Authority at a price of
$12,000,000 and in accordance with the terms and conditions contained in the
proposal of the Authority presented at this meeting, which proposal is hereby
accepted. The Credit Note is hereby awarded and sold to the Bank at a maximum
price of $12,310,790 and in accordance with the terms and conditions contained
in the proposal of the Bank presented at this meeting, which proposal is hereby
accepted. A copy of said proposals shall be attached to this Resolution and
lodged with the official minutes of this meeting and is hereby incorporated
herein by reference. The proper officers of the Governmental Unit are hereby
authorized and directed to endorse the acceptance of the Governmental Unit on
said proposals and to deliver executed copies thereof to the Authority and the
Bank, respectively.
Pursuant to such proposals, the Notes will be issued on January 3, 2005 unless
the Governmental Unit, the Authority and the Bank agree to a later closing.
14. Federal Tax Covenants
. The Governmental Unit will not take any action, or permit or suffer any
action or event, which will cause the Bonds to be a "private activity
bond" within the meaning of Section 141 of the Internal Revenue Code of
1986, as amended (the "Code"). The Governmental Unit will neither
make nor cause to be made any investment or other use of the proceeds of the
First Note which would cause the Bonds to be arbitrage bonds under Section 148
of the Code and the regulations thereunder, and agrees that it will comply with
the requirements of such Section and any regulations applicable thereto
throughout the term of the Bonds. The Governmental Unit agrees to comply with
all other tax covenants set forth in the Project Agreement.
15.
Execution and Authentication of Notes
. As provided in Section 4, the Notes shall be executed by the President or
the Vice President of the Board of School Directors of the Governmental Unit
and the Secretary or Assistant Secretary of the Governmental Unit and each such
execution may be by manual or facsimile signature. If any officer whose
signature appears on any Note shall cease to hold such office before the actual
delivery date of such Note, such signature shall nevertheless be valid and
sufficient for all purposes as if such person had remained in such office until
the actual delivery date of such Note.
16.
Authorization of Project Agreement, Credit Agreement and Loan Paying Agent
Agreement
. The President or Secretary of the Governmental Unit are authorized to
execute and deliver the Project Agreement, the Credit Agreement and the Loan
Paying Agent Agreement substantially in the forms presented to this meeting,
which are hereby approved, subject only to such changes as counsel may
recommend and the President or other authorized officer of the Governmental
Unit may approve, such approval to be conclusively evidenced by his or her
execution thereof.
17.
Application of Proceeds of the Notes
. Upon receipt of the purchase price for the First Note, the proper officers
of the Governmental Unit shall deposit the same in one or more bank accounts of
the Governmental Unit or in PLGIT/ARM or any other permissible investment and
apply such proceeds to the payment of the costs of the Project, including
certain costs and expenses of issuing the First Note. As provided in the
Project Agreement and the Credit Agreement, if and when the proceeds of the
Credit Note are drawn, such proceeds shall be applied to pay the principal of
and interest on the First Note.
18.
Officers Authorized to Act
. For the purpose of expediting the closing and the issuance and delivery of
the Notes in the event that the President or the Secretary of the Governmental
Unit shall be absent or otherwise unavailable for the purpose of executing
documents, or for the purpose of taking any other action which they or either
of them may be authorized to take pursuant to this Resolution, the Vice
President or the Assistant Secretary of the Governmental Unit, respectively,
are hereby authorized and directed to execute documents, or otherwise to act on
behalf of the Governmental Unit in their stead.
19.
Further Action
. The proper officers of the Governmental Unit are hereby authorized and
directed to take all such action, execute, deliver, file and/or record all such
documents, publish all notices and otherwise act in such manner as they deem
necessary or desirable to accomplish the purposes of this Resolution and comply
with the provisions of the Act in the name and on behalf of the Governmental
Unit.
20. Act Applicable to Notes
. This Resolution is adopted pursuant to, and the Notes issued hereunder shall
be subject to, the provisions of the Act and all of the mandatory provisions
thereof shall apply hereunder whether or not explicitly stated herein.
21. Contract with Noteholders
. This Resolution constitutes a contract with the holders of the Notes and
shall be enforceable in accordance with the provisions of the laws of the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
22. Severability
. In case any one or more of the provisions contained in this Resolution or in
the Notes issued pursuant hereto shall for any reason be held to be invalid,
illegal or unenforceable in any respect, such invalidity, illegality or
unenforceability shall not affect any other provision of this Resolution or of
said Notes and this Resolution or said Notes shall be construed and enforced as
if such invalid, illegal or unenforceable provisions had never been contained
therein.
23. Repealer
. All resolutions and parts of resolutions heretofore adopted to the extent
that the same are inconsistent herewith are hereby repealed.
24. Effective Date
. This Resolution shall take effect on the earliest date permitted by the Act.
CERTIFICATE OF SECRETARY
The undersigned, Secretary of the Board of School Directors of Williamsport
Area School District, HEREBY CERTIFIES that:
WITNESS my hand and seal of Williamsport Area School District as of August 17,
2004.
Secretary
(Seal)
EXHIBIT A
DESCRIPTION OF PROJECTS
Proceeds of the First Note will be used to provide funds for and toward: (1)
planning, designing, acquiring, constructing, equipping and furnishing
alterations and additions to the Lycoming Valley Middle School, 1825 Hays Lane,
Williamsport, Pennsylvania and to the Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, 355
Route 973 East, Cogan Station, Pennsylvania; (2) planning, designing,
acquiring, constructing, equipping and furnishing alterations, additions and
renovations or improvements to existing school buildings and facilities, or
acquiring related land, fixtures, furnishings or equipment for school purposes;
(3) capitalizing the interest on the Note; and (4) paying the remarketing
costs.
EXHIBIT B
EXHIBIT C
(FORM OF PROJECT AGREEMENT AND FIRST NOTE)
EXHIBIT D
(FORM OF CREDIT AGREEMENT AND CREDIT NOTE)
EXHIBIT E
MATURITY SCHEDULE FOR FIRST NOTE
BOARD POLICY
7.1
Approve the first reading of Policy #529, “Substitute Compensation.”
This is a revision of the policy as approved October 7, 2003.
7.2
Approve the first reading of Policy #405, “Employment of Substitute
Professional Employees.” This is a revision of the policy as approved
October 7, 2003.
CURRICULUM REPORT
8.1
Approve the 2004-05 Parent/Student handbook for Sheridan Elementary School.
8.2
Approve the 2004-05 Parent/Student handbook for Stevens Elementary School.
8.3
Approve the 2004-05 Parent/Student handbook for Williamsport Area High School.
8.4
Approve a contract with JBolton Group, Ltd. to serve as evaluators for the EETT
Grant. According to the terms of the grant, the evaluators are to be paid 10%
of the grant. Therefore their fees for their evaluation services will be
$15,118 each year of the grant (2004-05 and 2005-06) and will be paid out of
the EETT grant.
8.5
Approve participation by eighth grade students at Roosevelt Middle School in a
project with Mansfield University, Digital Dialogues. Students will, with
parent permission, engage in various activities that target improving skills in
reading, writing and information/technology. Students will partner with
pre-service teachers to explore reading and writing across the content areas.
Middle school and university students will read the same young adult novels,
receive instruction in information literacy from their teachers and school
librarians, and will be expected to seek out additional information regarding
the texts and related topics to share online using the web-based Think.com
service. Teachers will monitor the online discussion. At the end of the unit,
the online discussions and projects will be burned onto CDs which will be
packaged with the books and placed in the school libraries and local public
libraries. The Digital Dialogues project is being funded by a grant through
Mansfield University, and there will be no anticipated costs to the district.
8.6
Approve trips by the Williamsport Area High School's Strolling Strings as per
the enclosed schedule. Transportation will be provided by event sponsors and
parents. Supervision will be provided by Jeffrey Tedford, HS Orchestra
Director and members of the WAHS Orchestra Association. There will be no cost
to the district.
8.7
Approve a Letter of Agreement to provide services and a Qualified Service
Organization Agreement pertaining to the confidentiality of records with The
West Branch Drug and Alcohol Abuse Commission. These agreements facilitate the
Commission’s provision of liaison services and drug and alcohol
assessments to the District’s Student Assistance Program (CARE) teams.
Costs of the service provision are borne by West Branch through their funding
stream.
8.8
Approve Renaissance Learning to provide professional development for middle
school teachers of mathematics on August 26, 2004. A Renaissance Learning
Consultant will train regular education and special education teachers of
mathematics in the use of Accelerated Math. Costs for this workshop have been
budgeted under the 2003-2004 EETT and Title II Grants.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.9
Approve educational consultant Joan Higgs to provide professional development
to selected high school and middle school teachers on August 26, 2004. Mrs.
Higgs will train high school teachers of mathematic, social studies, science
and language arts, as well as high school and middle school teachers of
physical education, art, music, gifted education, and special education in the
use of the PA Writing Domain Scoring Guide. Costs (consulting fee $450 /
lodging, meals, mileage $280) for this training, “Implementing the Domains
Across the Disciplines,” have been budgeted in account number
10-2271-0329-000-00-000-000-000-017-0000.
8.10
Approve McDougal Littell representatives to provide professional development to
middle school regular education teachers and special education teachers of
science on August 26, 2004. McDougal Littell representatives Mary Quadrini,
Dennis Csordas, and Dave Lynch will train science teachers for the
implementation of our new middle school integrated science program. This
training will be provided at no cost to the district.
8.11 A
pprove permission to adjust the 2004-05 district calendar concerning one
scheduled inservice (professional development) day related to a snow make up
day. Both Jackson Elementary School and Curtin Middle School have scheduled
December 22 as an inservice day. December 23 is scheduled as the start of the
Winter Break, but it is also a possible snow make up day. Should December 23
actually become a snow make up day, these schools request the ability to adjust
their building calendars so that students would attend school on December 22
and December 23 would become the inservice day. Parents would be informed
about these days through building newsletters.
8.12
Approve a Letter of Agreement with the Lycoming-Clinton MH/MR Program and
Lycoming County Children & Youth Services (Joinder) to facilitate school
based outreach services, student assistance services, and Day Treatment
transition services to students of the District’s secondary schools and
their families. The Letter of Agreement details our commitment of $20,000 in
Safe and Drug-Free Schools to this effort, with the bulk of costs borne by the
Joinder. The Letter of Agreement that pertains to the direct service portion
of this project provided by Family Life Services was approved on 8/3/04.
8.13
Approve the purchase of American Government textbook, ninth edition, published
in 2004 by McDougal Littell, and the accompanying supplemental materials as
selected by the Social Studies Textbook Committee for the use in the 10th grade
Advanced Placement Government course. The purchase involves 35 textbooks at
$67.47 each, 35 study guides at $24.57 each, and accompanying resource
materials for a cost of $3789.00. The purchase is budgeted under string
10-1100-642-000-30-850-190-029-0000.
8.14
Approve Theodore R. Piwowar, Director of Career and Technical Education, to
submit an application to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for an
Innovative Learning and Workforce Development Grant for the maximum amount
available, currently $50,000, to the Williamsport Area School District. The
purposes of this funding are to: a) Enhance and facilitate the development and
implementation of partnerships; b) Enhance and facilitate skill attainment by
students based on industry standards; c) Enhance integrated learning that gives
students occupational and academic skills required to perform successfully in
the workplace.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.15
Approve a permit for the YMCA to use facilities at Cochran, Jackson, Round
Hills, and Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary Schools for latchkey services to
District students. This request represents a long-standing partnership between
the District and this non-profit agency to provide affordable childcare
services to our families. The YMCA requests waiver of use fees for this
programming.
8.16
Approve the purchase of the school health (nursing) module for SASIxp, the
District’s new student information management system, along with training
for nurses and one year’s maintenance at an approximate cost of $5,754,
which appears in the Student Services budget.
PERSONNEL REPORT
9.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes
indicated:
A.
Danielle L. Mogush, full-time special education teacher at Curtin Middle
School, for personal reasons, effective August 12, 2004. The administration
will determine whether she will be released from employment at this time or
held for up to 60 days.
B.
Joan L. Hauser, full-time Counselor Aide/Health Room Technician at Curtin
Middle School, for personal reasons, effective August 13, 2004.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Approve the following leaves of absence:
A.
Revision to previously approved sabbatical leave for Kathy L. Temple, full-time
health occupations/technology education teacher at the high school: Mrs.
Temple was originally approved for a sabbatical leave for the first semester of
the 2004-2005 school year for the purpose of study (pending completion of
course work registration). This sabbatical request has been revised to be
effective for the second semester of the 2004-2005 school year (tentative dates
of January 24, 2005, through June 10, 2005) for the purpose of study.
Mrs. Temple has been a teacher in the District since August 25, 1994, and has
not taken a previous sabbatical.
B.
Sandra M. Myers, full-time administrative support at the high school, extension
of her unpaid leave, effective August 26, 2004, through the end of the first
semester of the 2004-2005 school term (tentative date January 21, 2005).
[Documentation is on file in the Human Resources Office]
C.
Kathy L. LaLota, full-time special education teacher at Stevens Elementary
School, for an unpaid leave, effective August 26, 2004, through June 10, 2005
(pending physician’s statement).
Mrs. LaLota will utilize all available sick and/or personal days then will
begin her unpaid leave of absence, 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, after which time she will
remain on unpaid leave for the remainder of the 2004-2005 school year.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A.
Jennifer L. Conklin, 1217 West Central Ave., South Williamsport, as a long-term
substitute teacher, effective with the 2004-2005 school term (scheduled date
is August 26, 2004) through the end of the first semester of the 2004-2005
school term (tentative ending date of January 21, 2005), unless terminated
sooner, to teach special education at Stevens Elementary School, at a salary
rate of Step 1, bachelor’s, $37,900 + $200,
prorated. Ms. Conklin holds a bachelor’s degree from Lock Haven
University and is certified in Special Education N-12 (replacing Kathy LaLota,
on unpaid leave). Ms. Conklin will also be scheduled to participate in
Induction Program activities before the start of the 2004-2005 school term.
B.
The Williamsport Area School District extends a conditioned offer of employment
to Sherri L. Doebler, 555 Dudek Rd., Williamsport, as a long-term substitute
teacher, effective with the 2004-2005 school term (scheduled date is August 26,
2004), through the end of the first semester of the 2004-2005 school term
(tentative ending date of January 21, 2005), unless terminated sooner, as
half-time Title I Reading Specialist at Curtin Middle School, at a salary rate
of Step 1, bachelor’s, $37,900, prorated, provided Ms. Doebler obtains
Pennsylvania Department of Education certification and all appropriate
documentation by August 30, 2004 (replacing Marcia McCann, on an unpaid child
rearing leave). Ms. Doebler will also be scheduled to participate in Induction
Program activities before the start of the 2004-2005 school term.
C.
The Williamsport Area School District extends a conditioned offer of employment
to Kelli A. Vent, 2055 Sheridan St., Williamsport, as a long-term substitute
teacher, effective with the 2004-2005 school term (scheduled date is August 26,
2004), through the end of the first semester of the 2004-2005 school term
(tentative ending date of January 21, 2005), unless terminated sooner, as
Itinerant Language Arts teacher for the middle schools, at a salary rate of
Step 1, bachelor’s, $37,900, prorated, provided Ms. Vent obtains
Pennsylvania Department of Education emergency certification and all
appropriate documentation by August 30, 2004 (replacing FLEX position formerly
held by Susan Nelson, resigned). Ms. Vent 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:
D.
Susan M. Engdahl, 1111 Claire Rd., Montoursville, as a full-time (185 days, 7
hours per day) instructional support aide/sign language interpreter at the high
school, with a base wage rate of $28,089 ($21.69 per hour), effective August
26, 2004, plus applicable benefits as provided under the collective bargaining
agreement between WASD and WASP (replacing Stephanie Ellison, resigned).
E.
Meagan B. Falvo, 1180 Vallamont Dr., NW, Williamsport, as a full-time (185
days, 7 hours per day) instructional support aide/sign language interpreter at
Lycoming Valley Middle School, with a base wage rate of $28,089 ($21.69 per
hour), effective August 26, 2004, plus applicable benefits as provided under
the collective bargaining agreement between WASD and WASP (new position
approved by the Board).
F.
The following correction to an item originally approved on the July 13, 2004
agenda: The following person(s) for temporary
Ralph J. Roy
2765 Daugherty’s Run Rd., Linden
effective 07/01/04 (rate based upon seniority)
G.
The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $6.25 per
hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective August 30, 2004:
Jean P. Hollingsworth
321 Center St., Apt. 1 Rear, Williamsport
Melissa J. Moore
907 Ridge Ave., Williamsport
Kimberly J. Shultz
125 Snyder Rd., Cogan Station
H.
The following homebound teacher(s), subject to assignment by the Superintendent
of Schools, at the salary and/or daily rates as established by the collective
bargaining agreement, and only for the actual number of hours assigned and
worked:
Sandra F. Rhodes
170 Pinecrest Drive, Lot #78, Williamsport
I.
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:
Ebony S. Marshall
1775 Randall Circle, Williamsport
Kimberly J. Shultz
125 Snyder Rd., Cogan Station
Diane M. Rupert
287 Youngs Rd., Linden
J.
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:
Jennifer M. Houseknecht
2424 Fairview Terrace, Williamsport
Linda G. Joella
1001 Beechnut Parkway, Williamsport
9.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
K.
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 2004-2005 school year:
Kellie R. Allison
996 Vallamont Dr., Apt. 2, Williamsport
L.
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 (pending completion of all
appropriate paperwork*):
Williamsport Area High School
Football
Junior Varsity Assistants: Tony C. Birch (5) $3,215
Ninth Grade Assistant: Dale Loder (5) * $2,858
Volunteers:
Ken Nash --
Lane Vogler ---
Cheerleading
Coach:
Lee A. Vollman (5) $2,143
Roosevelt Middle School
Softball
Lead Assistant:
Steve L. Reed (5) $1,250
M.
The following spring 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 (pending completion of all
appropriate paperwork*):
Williamsport Area High School
Baseball
Varsity Assistants:
Steve L. Reed (5) $1,786
N.
Traci Ann Marriott, 201 E. Lincoln Ave., Altoona 16601, as a temporary
professional employee, effective with the 2004-2005 school term (scheduled date
is August 26, 2004), to teach English at the Alternative Education School, at
a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor’s, $37,900. Ms. Marriott holds a
bachelor’s degree from Thiel College and is certified in English 7-12
(position change approved by the Board; position was previously a Health &
Physical Education position at the high school filled by Alan Morgan, retired).
Ms. Marriott 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:
O.
Constance L. Packer, 1942 Weaver St., State College 16803, as a professional
employee, effective with the 2004-2005 school term (scheduled date is August
26, 2004), as a Guidance Counselor at the Alternative Education School, at a
salary rate of Step 1, master’s, $40,900, pending receipt of all necessary
paperwork. Ms. Packer holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree from
Penn State University and is certified in Secondary and Elementary School
Counselor (new position approved by the Board). Ms. Packer will also be
scheduled to participate in Induction Program activities before the start of
the 2004-2005 school term.
P.
Vicki J. Loehr, 139 East Third St., Apt. 6, Williamsport, as a temporary
professional employee, effective with the 2004-2005 school term (scheduled date
is August 26, 2004), as an elementary guidance counselor at Cochran Elementary
School, at a salary rate of Step 1, master's, $40,900. Ms. Loehr holds a
bachelor's degree from Juniata College and a master's degree from Syracuse
University and is certified in Elementary and Secondary School Counselor
(replacing Christina Williams, transferred to Stevens Elementary replacing
Danielle Sowers, resigned). Ms. Loehr will also be scheduled to participate in
Induction Program activities before the start of the 2004-2005 school term.
Q.
Thomas P. Bartholomew, 529 Fairmont Ave., South Williamsport, as a temporary
professional employee, effective with the 2004-2005 school term (scheduled date
is August 26, 2004), to teach social studies at the Alternative Education
School, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor's, $37,900. Mr. Bartholomew holds
a bachelor's degree from Bloomsburg University and is certified in Elementary
(position change approved by the Board; position was previously a Technology
Education position at Curtin Middle School filled by Glenn Springer, on
sabbatical leave). Mr. Bartholomew will also be scheduled to participate in
Induction Program activities before the start of the 2004-2005 school term.
9.4* POSITION CHANGES
The following position changes:
A.
Lori A. Beiter, 1139 Avalon Parkway, Williamsport, from a ½ time Guided
Reading teacher to a full-time teaching (½ time Kindergarten and ½
time Guided Reading) position at Cochran Elementary School, effective August
26, 2004, , at a salary rate of Step 2, bachelor’s, $38,500. Mrs. Beiter
holds a bachelor’s degree from Lock Haven University and is certified in
Early Childhood (position change approved by the Board).
B.
Sue E. (Paulhamus) Johnson, 1400 Franklin St., Williamsport, from a ½ time
Guided Reading teacher to an elementary (2nd
grade) teaching position at Jackson Elementary School, at a salary rate of
Step 2, bachelor’s, $38,500. Paulhamus holds a bachelor’s degree
from Penn State University and is certified in Elementary (replacing Angela
Meyer, transferred to a kindergarten position at Jackson Elementary).
9.5 CONTRACTED SERVICES
A.
Contract with Sentry Security, 241 Millers Lane, Williamsport, to provide
security services at selected school bus stops, the WAHS parking lot, and
special events as needed throughout the District during the 2004-2005 school
term, at the rate of $13.00 per hour. This will be the third year at the same
rate.
9.6 OTHER
A.
Authorize the extension of the work day (up to 45 minutes per day) for each of
the following employees for days assigned at Curtin Middle School, during the
2004-2005 school term, as determined to be necessary by the building
administration:
Daniel Whitaker (Instructional Support Aide), 935 Louisa St., Williamsport
Ronald (Jamal) Nesmith (Paraprofessional), 638 Market St., Williamsport
These individuals will provide Student Intervention Support Services at Curtin
Middle School. The status of these assignment will be reviewed during the
school year and terminated if no longer deemed necessary by the administration.
B.
Authorize the extension of the workday (up to one (1) hour) for Gregory Ousley,
Instructional Aide at Roosevelt Middle School, to monitor special needs
students on the bus that travels between the Lose bus stop and Roosevelt Middle
School during the 2004-2005 school term. The status of this assignment will
be reviewed during the school year and terminated if no longer deemed necessary
by the administration.
C.
Authorize the administration to extend conditional offers of employment to
qualified candidates as needed to fill openings for the 2004-2005 school year,
pending approval by the Board of Directors at the next school board meeting.
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 Williamsport Area High School’s student
government association, accompanied by their advisor, to travel to Lock Haven
University during September 2004 to attend an outreach program sponsored by
Congressman John Peterson. 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 billed to the student government
association.
11.2*
Approve the following request for facility use:
A.
PA Game Commission to use the cafeteria at Lycoming Valley Middle School on
September 11 and 12, 2004 from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. to conduct
Hunter-Trapper Education Program. The Game Commission is requesting relief of
the occupancy fee estimated at $80.00. Certificate of Insurance waived.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
12.1*
Authorize the sale/donation of unused, unneeded, and obsolete computer
equipment and peripherals to Unicor Computer Recycling of Lewisburg,
Pennsylvania.
TAX ITEMS - None
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Zimmerman reported that Mr. Paige wanted to extend his appreciation to the
Board for the cooperation that he has received from Bob Hitzeman and his staff.
Mr. Zimmerman also indicated
that Mr. Paige went door-to-door in the neighborhood of the Sheridan Soccer
Field and talked to the neighbors about the soccer program and field use. He
stated that it was a very positive experience.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC – None
Vice President Temple announced that the Board met in executive session prior
to this evening’s 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. Harris, seconded by Mr. Zimmerman and carried, the meeting
adjourned at
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary
1.
January 3, 2008
1,231,079
2. July 6, 2008
1,231,079
3.
January 3, 2009
1,231,079
4. July 6, 2009
1,231,079
5.
January 3, 2010
1,231,079
6. July 6, 2010
1,231,079
7.
January 3, 2011
1,231,079
8. July 6, 2011
1,231,079
9.
January 3, 2012
1,231,079
10.
July 6, 2012
1,231,079
1.
$100,000
2.
100,000
3.
100,000 4.
100,000 5.
100,000 6.
100,000 7.
100,000 8.
100,000 9.
400,000 10.
3,000,000 11.
3,100,000 12.
3,200,000 13.
1,000,000 14.
100,000 15.
100,000 16.
100,000 17.
100,000 18.
100,000
part-time warehouse
general maintenance position(s), effective during July and August 2004, for up
to 8 hours per day or as needed, at the rates below:$10.74 $13.29 or contract rate per hour