W illiamsport A rea
S chool D istrict
Board of Directors Meeting
January 4, 2005
6:00 p.m.
AGENDA
1.
CALL TO ORDER
2. INVOCATION –
Mr. James Dugan DISTRICT BELIEF STATEMENTS
STATEMENT # 5
We believe that learning is a lifelong process that is essential in an
ever-changing world. 3.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Organizational/Regular Meeting – December 7, 2004
5. REPORTS TO THE BOARD
5.1
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A.
Examining the Factor Structure of the Motivation to Read Profile—
Presentation by Rachel Neuhard
B.
Consider approving the adjudication of student 04/05–03 resulting from a
quasi-judicial hearing held this date.
C.
Consider approving the adjudication of student 04/05–04 resulting from a
quasi-judicial hearing held this date.
5.2
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A.
Blended Schools Update
B.
Calendar of Events
January 10 Diversity Committee Meeting – 12:00 pm
January 10
Public Relations Committee Meeting – 4:00 pm
January 13
Site-Based Management Committee Meeting – 4:00 pm
January 14
Inservice Day at Jackson, Sheridan and Stevens Elementary Schools
January 17
Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
January 18
WASD School Board Meeting – 7:00 pm
January 20
ETAC/ATAC Meeting – 6:30 pm
January 21
End of First Semester
January 31
Secondary Alternative Education Meeting – 4:00 pm
February 1
WASD School Board Meeting – 7:00 pm
5.3
Committee Reports by Board Members
5.4 Construction Projects
A.
Consider approving change order H-HL-1 to the contract with R&J Ertel, Inc.
to provide labor and materials to supply larger size louvers for the air
handlers for the Hepburn Project. This change order will increase the cost of
the contract by $3,486 as follows:
Original Contract $1,975,000
Change Order H-HL-1
3,486 New Contract Total
1,978,486
B.
Consider approving change order P-HL-1 to the contract with Silvertip, Inc. to
delete the LP gas tank enclosures at the Hepburn Project. This change order
will decrease the contract by $2,530 as follows:
Original Contract
$340,000
Change Order P-HL-1 (2,530)
New Contract Total
337,470 6. FINANCE REPORT
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson
6.1
Consider approving the following financial reports:
A.
Treasurer’s Report for the months of September, October and November 2004
B. Payroll Report:
General Fund – Unrestricted
$2,675,117.74
General Fund – Restricted 266,077.89
Athletics and Extra Curricular
33,130.88 Food Service Fund
67,840.45
Data Processing Fund 7,496.50
Maintenance Fund 36,222.50
Mercantile & Privilege
0.00
Earned Income Tax 33,756.08
Student Activities
0.00 TOTAL
$3,119,642.04
6.2*
Consider authorizing payment of invoices and services rendered by the list
submitted marked Order No. 01/04/05 in the amount of $1,206,320.05, 01/04/05A
in the amount of $96,588.47, 01/04/05B in the amount of
$208,070.42, 01/04/05C in the amount of $5,398.61, 01/04/05D in the amount of
$5,115.61, 01/04/05E in the amount of $427.13, 01/04/05F in the amount of
$56,592.35, 01/04/05G in the amount of 161,579.36, 01/01/05H in the amount of
$15,247.63 and that the officers of the Board of
School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 01/04/05, 01/04/05A,
01/04/05B, 01/04/05C, 01/04/05D, 01/04/05E, 01/04/05F, 01/04/05G and 01/04/05H.
6. FINANCE REPORT CONT’D:
6.3
Consider electing Richard F. Eberhart and Karlyle Facey to another five-year
term as members of the Williamsport Area Joint School Authority. (Their term
expired on
January 1, 2005).
6.4*
Consider approving the attached Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance
(LERTA) ordinance to offer a three year abatement of 100%, 75% and 50%
respectively, effective January 1, 2005. All other terms and conditions will
remain unchanged. 7.
BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple
Questions may be directed to Dr. Lowery.
8. CURRICULUM REPORT
Questions may be directed to Mrs. Thomas.
8.1
Consider approving the Williamsport Area High School as a site for official
administration of the ACT (American College Test), an assessment similar in
design to the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) that is also used for college
placement.
8.2
Consider paying Cindy Hamm at the curriculum rate to provide instruction in the
home for up to two hours a week to a medically fragile special education
student. Salary will be paid out of ACCESS. Cindy
Hamm--10-1200-121-891-20-600-000-004-0005
8.3
Consider extending Sue Duncan's day by 30 minutes at Alternative Education due
to her need to provide instruction to behaviorally challenged students at the
Alternative Education program. This salary increase would continue to be paid
out of ACCESS. Sue Duncan--10-1200-12-891-10-910-000-004-0005
8.4
Consider hiring Cathy Buck, high school special education teacher, to provide
itinerant services to a student in the after hours program to begin 01/03/2005.
Student is in need of specially designed instruction for 5-10 hours per week
due to being placed at the after hours program due to a weapons violation for
45 school days. Ms. Buck will be paid at the curriculum rate and the rate will
be paid out of ACCESS. String number is 10-1200-131-891-30-850-000-004-0005
(WAHS teacher stipend salary).
8.5
Consider approving an "Agreement of Field Work" for Pennsylvania
College of Technology students in the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program.
9. PERSONNEL REPORT
Questions may be directed to Mr. Dugan.
9.1
RESIGNATIONS - Consider accepting the following resignations, effective on the
dates and for the purposes indicated:
A.
Roland K. Krueger, part-time Custodian at Stevens Elementary School, for
personal reasons, effective December 14, 2004.
9.1 RESIGNATIONS CONT’D:
B.
Karen Duclos Moser, Coordinator of Secondary Special Education for the
District, for personal reasons, effective January 23, 2005.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Consider approving the following leaves of absence:
A.
Approve a leave of absence with pay and benefits for Roger H. May (social
studies teacher at Williamsport Area High School), effective February 1, 2005,
through January 30, 2006, to continue in the position of Chairman or Vice
Chairman, Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS). The
Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) will reimburse the District for
the cost of the teacher replacing Mr. May at Step 2, effective February 1,
2005, plus benefits (pro-rated for the second semester, 2004-2005 and the first
semester, 2005-2006). The District will review on an annual basis any requests
to extend this leave of absence beyond January 30, 2006.
B.
Brenda D. Winter, full-time special education teacher at the high school, for
an unpaid medical leave, effective December 21, 2004, through March 11, 2005.
Mrs. Winter’s leave of absence is 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.
C.
Bonnie L. Dibble, school bus driver for the District, for an unpaid medical
leave, effective January 4, 2005, through March 28, 2005.
Ms. Dibble is currently utilizing sick and/or personal days and will begin her
unpaid
leave of absence on January 4, 2005, 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.
D.
Stephanie L. Cendoma, full-time instructional support aide at Lycoming Valley
Middle School, extension of an unpaid medical leave, effective January 5, 2005,
through December 16, 2005.
E.
Thelma J. Eckman, general food service worker at the high school, for an unpaid
medical leave, effective December 2, 2004, through April 1, 2005. Ms. Eckman
is
not eligible for leave under the Family Medical Leave Act at this time.
F.
Estella R. DeClerck, general food service worker at Cochran Elementary School,
unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on December 20,
2004.
G.
Sherry L. Menne, general food service worker at Cochran Elementary School,
unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on December 20,
2004.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Consider the election of the following staff, for the purpose and on the date
indicated:
A.
Bobbi J. Gallagher, 1000 Park Ave, Woolrich 17779, as a temporary professional
employee, effective with the start of the second semester of the 2004-2005
school term (scheduled date is January 24, 2005), to teach Elementary (4
th
Grade) at Stevens Elementary School, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor’
;s, $37,900, prorated. Ms. Gallagher holds a bachelor’s degree from Lock
Haven University and is certified in Elementary (replacing Paul Bower,
retired). Ms. Gallagher will also be scheduled to participate in Induction
Program activities before the start of the 2005-2006 school term.
B.
Stefanie M. Kauffman, 1019 Second Ave., Altoona 16602, as a temporary
professional employee, effective January 17, 2005, as an Itinerant Language
Arts teacher for the middle schools (initial assignment at Roosevelt Middle
School), at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor’s, $37,900, prorated. Ms.
Kauffman holds a bachelor’s degree from Juniata College and is certified
in English (replacing FLEX position formerly held by Susan Nelson, resigned).
Ms. Kauffman will also be scheduled to participate in Induction Program
activities before the start of the 2005-2006 school term.
C.
Sherri L. Doebler, 555 Dudek Rd., Williamsport, as a temporary professional
employee, effective with the start of the second semester of the 2004-2005
school term (scheduled date is January 24, 2005), to teach Elementary (4
th
Grade) at Jackson Elementary School, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor's,
$37,900, prorated. Ms. Doebler holds a bachelor's degree from Millersville
University and is certified in Elementary and Reading Specialist (replacing Jan
Motter, retired).
D.
Jennifer Jo Weaver, 817 Sixth Ave., Williamsport, as a long-term substitute
teacher, effective January 3, 2005, through the end of the second semester of
the 2004-2005 school term (tentative ending date of June 10, 2005), unless
terminated sooner, to teach Vocational Education (Health Occupations) at the
high school, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor’s, $37,900, prorated,
pending receipt of appropriate certification from the Pennsylvania Department
of Education. Mrs. Weaver holds a bachelor’s degree from Lycoming College
and is certified in School Nurse and has applied for emergency certification
in Vocational Instruction (replacing Kathy Temple, on sabbatical leave).
E.
J. Thomas Mitchell, 57 Redwing Rd., Lock Haven, as Blended School Administrator
for the remainder of the 2004-2005 school year, at a stipend of $2,500 ($5,000
prorated for half year), plus appropriate benefits, effective January 3, 2005.
Dr. Mitchell also serves as Department Head for Science.
9.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
F.
Authorize the administration to appoint Blended Schools teachers, effective
January 3, 2005, for the remainder of the 2004-2005 school term at a stipend of
$150 per student ($300 per student prorated for half year) plus appropriate
benefits, enrolled in Blended Schools Program offered through the Williamsport
Area School District. Names of individuals appointed will be presented to the
Board at a future meeting. Also, authorize the administration to proceed with
the implementation of a Blended Schools Program.
G.
Michelle L. Pulizzi, 1026 Mulberry St., Williamsport, as a substitute teacher
for the Title I Extended Day Program at Roosevelt Middle School for the
2004-2005 school year, effective September 28, 2004 through 91 days, at the
rate of $24.67 per hour plus appropriate benefits. All costs funded through
Title I.
H.
The following persons as temporary part-time (up to 180 days prorated, up to 2
hours per day) Hall/Cafeteria Monitors at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School,
effective January 10, 2005, for the remainder of the 2004-2005 school term,
with a base wage rate of $9.64 per hour, FICA, Worker’s Compensation, and
Retirement (if eligible) (new temporary positions dependent upon Title I
funding; pending completion of all appropriate paperwork*):
Colleen L. Klinger*
394 Route 973 W, Lot 41, Cogan Station
Delores J. Wesley*
1286 Factory Rd., Cogan Station
I.
The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $6.25 per
hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective January 3, 2005:
Jennifer L. Dodson
716 Main St., S. Williamsport
Mary Jo Walker
1800 David Ave., Williamsport
Darlene R. Wesneski
717 Wilson St., Williamsport
Renay J. Wright
5932 Warrensville Rd., Williamsport
J.
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:
Belinda L. Bedard
29 Woodbryn Dr., Williamsport
Michael E. Clark
826 Second Ave., Williamsport
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:
Danielle E. Gall
409 Germania St., Williamsport
9.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
L.
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:
Jill D. Reamsnyder
10 Pine Grove Circle, Williamsport (eff. 12/16/04)
Karen L. Stine
1645 Bloomingrove Rd., Williamsport
Darlene R. Wesneski
717 Wilson St., Williamsport
9.4* POSITION CHANGES
Consider approving the following position changes:
A.
Jacqueline L. Derr, 134 Harvest Moon Park, Linden, from a substitute food
service worker to a general food service worker (3 hours daily) at Jackson
Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $9.39 per hour, effective January
19, 2005 (replacing Melissa Moore, resigned).
B.
Wendy L. Dgien, 1813 Sholder Ave., Williamsport, from a substitute food service
worker to a general food service worker (3 hours daily) at Jackson Elementary
School, with a base wage rate of $9.39 per hour, effective January 19, 2005
(replacing Shryl Toner-Whitesell, transferred).
C.
Gwenda L. Forker, 1123 Race St., Williamsport, from a substitute food service
worker to a general food service worker (2 hours daily) at the high school,
with a base wage rate of $9.39 per hour, effective January 19, 2005 (replacing
Donna Chapman, transferred).
D.
Kathryn A. Girio, 2001 Hayes Lane, Williamsport, from a substitute food service
worker to a general food service worker (3 hours daily) at Jackson Elementary
School, with a base wage rate of $9.39 per hour, effective January 19, 2005
(replacing Karen Reed, resigned).
9.5 ADJUSTMENTS
A.
Approve an adjustment in the number of hours per week (from 8 hours to 15 hours
per week) for students participating in the Work-Based Learning (Cooperative
Education) Program. This adjustment is necessary to comply with PDE program
requirements. This adjustment will not exceed the funding limit ($30,000)
approved
by the Board on September 21, 2004. Currently three WAHS students are
participating in this program:
Betsy S. Nagle
- Stevens Elementary
Rochelle M. Woodring
- Cochran Elementary
Patricia L. Sullivan
- Hepburn-Lycoming Elem.
9.6 OTHER
A.
Authorize the Superintendent to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with
the Williamsport Education Association (WEA) waiving the requirement to have 15
years service with the Williamsport Area School District to be eligible for
health care
coverage during retirement under the terms of the collective bargaining
agreement
(25 years service in the retirement system is still required). Eligible WEA
member
must submit a written notice before the end of the first semester (January 21,
2005).
10. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Questions may be directed to Mrs. Thomas and Mr. Dugan.
10.1
RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Consider approving released time for staff members to participate in
professional develop-
ment 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. (See attachment)
11.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Questions may be directed to Dr. Lowery.
11.1*
Consider approving the following student trips:
A.
Seven (7) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their
parents/guardians, to participate in the Odyssey of the Mind regional and state
(if eligible) competition. The regional competition will be held in the
Berwick Area School District during March 2005, and the state competition will
be held in the Altoona Area School District during April 2005.
The students will be transported by their parents. Transportation for props
may be contracted through a local truck rental company. Cost to the District
for student registration fees would be less than $500
(10-1243-813-000-30-850-000-023-0000). The cost for transportation and gas is
estimated at $900 (10-1243-513-000-30-850-000-023-0000) including truck rental
fees.
B.
All eighth grade students from Curtin, Lycoming Valley, and Roosevelt Middle
Schools, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Williamsport Area High
School on dates during January 2005.
District transportation is requested (10-1390-519-000-30-850-280-033-0000).
C.
Sixty (60) gifted education students in grades 1-5 from Cochran,
Hepburn-Lycoming, Jackson, Round Hills, and Sheridan Elementary Schools,
accompanied by their teachers and two parent volunteers, to travel to Stevens
Elementary School on a date yet to be determined in January 2005. The students
will be attending the 2005 Go North! polar husky workshop.
District transportation is requested (10-1243-519-000-10-000-000-023-0000).
11.2
Consider approving the following request for facility use:
A.
Hepburn Lycoming Little League to use the gymnasium at Lycoming Valley
Middle School on February 15 and 16, 2005 from 6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. to
hold
tryouts. Hepburn Lycoming Little League is requesting relief of the occupancy
fee
estimated at $80.00. Certificate of Insurance to be received.
B.
Silver Bullet Softball to use the gymnasium at Lycoming Valley Middle School on
Sundays, beginning January 2005 through March 2005 from 1:45 p.m. until 5:00
p.m. to hold softball practice. Silver Bullets are requesting relief from the
occupancy fee estimated at $400.00. Silver Bullets are aware they must pay
labor fees associated with this practice. Certificate of Insurance to be
received.
12. BIDS/CONTRACTS
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson.
12.1*
Consider authorizing the installation of acoustical ceiling and wall panels at
Jackson Elementary School in accordance with our specifications and the
following recommendation. All recommended awards are based on the lowest bid
price meeting our specifications.
Five bids were mailed to various companies however, only one bid was received.
RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
AVT Inc., Bridgeville, PA
$20,421.00
12.2*
Consider authorizing an agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania,
Department of Transportation to grant a temporary construction easement for the
emergency bridge replacement project at Highland Terrace over Grafius Run.
13. TAX ITEMS
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson.
13.1
Consider approving the attached tax summaries.
14. ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
15. ITEMS FROM PUBLIC
Board Policy #902, “Public Participation in Board Meetings”:
A.
There will be two public comment sections: one during the first two hours of
the meeting at a time to be determined by the presiding officer; and the other
at the end of the meeting. This gives the presiding officer some flexibility
to fit the first public comment section into the agenda at a convenient time.
B.
Persons submitting a formal request to speak during the first public comments
section should be present promptly at the beginning of the meeting in the event
that they are invited to speak prior to commencement of the scheduled business
that is outlined in the agenda. Persons who have submitted a written request
will be given an opportunity to make a presentation about an issue that is on
the agenda when the issue is scheduled for discussion or about an issue that is
not on the agenda during the first two hours of the Board meeting, at a time
to be determined by the presiding officer.
C.
Each public comment section will be limited to a maximum of 20 minutes. Each
speaker will be limited to a maximum of five minutes.
D.
Those wishing to speak during the first public comments section must submit a
formal request in writing to the business administrator no later that 9:00 a.m.
on the day of the Board meeting. This gives people an opportunity to come to
the District Service Center on Monday before the Board meeting to read the
posted agenda.
PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES FOR OBTAINING AUXILIARY AIDES & SERVICES
The Williamsport Area School District does not discriminate against individuals
on the basis of disability. If you are disabled and wish to attend and/or
participate in any public meeting of the Williamsport Area School Board of
Directors or event of the School District, the District will make reasonable
accommodations to allow your full involvement. If you require specific
auxiliary aids or services you must notify the Board Secretary (327-5500), 201
West Third Street, Williamsport, PA of your needs at least five (5) working
days prior to the event.
6:00 p.m.
AGENDA
