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, September 7, 2004, beginning at 7:00 p.m. in the Board of Directors Room, District Service Center, 201 West Third Street, Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
The President, David B. Stone, Jr., called the meeting to order with the following members:
PRESENT: Karen V. Harris, David A. Huffman, Susan A. Mahaffey, Pamela J. Markle,
Jay B. Shultz, David B. Stone, Jr., James E. Temple, Lois T. Williams,
Thomas A. Zimmerman
ABSENT: None
INVOCATION Mrs. Pamela Markle provided the invocation and read the seventh district belief statement.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mr. Shultz, to approve the minutes from the regular meeting of August 3 and 17, 2004, that reading of the minutes be omitted and the minutes be approved as presented.
The motion carried.
SUPERINTENDENTS REPORT Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. On behalf of the Williamsport Area School District Board of Education and the administration, we would like to welcome the following administrators:
Bruce Elliott Principal, Cochran Elementary School
William Emery Department Chair for Social Studies
Kirk Felix Principal, Stevens Elementary School
Jodi Harris Director of Educational Data Analysis
John Killian Dean of Students, Stevens Elementary School
David Michaels Dean of Students, Cochran Elementary School
Richard Poole Dean of Students, Jackson Elementary School
William Rathjen Dean of Students, Williamsport Alternative School
B. Congratulations to Ted Piwowar, Director of Career and Technical Education, for being selected for the Pennsylvania Association of Career and Technical Education Outstanding Educator Award.
C. Calendar of Events:
September 13 Diversity Committee Meeting, 12:00 p.m.
September 13 Community Relations Committee Meeting, 4:00 p.m.
September 13
Elementary Alternative Education Meeting, 4:00 p.m.
September 16
ETAC/ATAC Meeting, 6:30 p.m.
September 21
WASD School Board Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
September 23
Professional Development Day at Curtin Middle School
SUPERINTENDENTS REPORT CONTD: Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
C Calendar of Events Contd:
September 24 District-Wide Professional Development Day
September 24-25 Board Professional Development Meetings
September 27 Professional Development Day at Hepburn-Lycoming, Round Hills, Sheridan & Stevens Elementary Schools and at Roosevelt Middle School
September 27
Secondary Alternative Education Meeting, 4:00 p.m.
September 29
Gifted Advisory Council Meeting 7:00 p.m.
October 4
Elementary Alternative Education Meeting, 4:00 p.m.
October 5
WASD School Board Meeting, 7:00 p.m.
D. On display in the Baskin Gallery during September is Art From the Fair: Award
Winning Art from the Lycoming County Fair.
Committee Reports by Board Members - None
Construction Projects
President Stone provided a progress report on the Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School Project. He informed the Board that a student assembly is scheduled on September 21, 2004. The purpose of the assembly is to introduce the students and faculty to the prime contractors and architect and to give them an overview of the project that will help make the project a learning experience.
President Stone also informed the Board that the Cochran Elementary School moisture abatement project is complete and appears to be successful.
Mr. Peterson informed the Board that President Stone deserves a great deal of thanks for the countless hours he has devoted to the Hepburn Lycoming Elementary and Lycoming Valley Middle School Construction Projects. The Board gave President Stone a round of applause.
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris to approve the balance of the agenda including the addendum.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
FINANCE REPORT
6.1 Approve the following financial reports:
A. Payroll Report:
General Fund Unrestricted $2,438,799.15
General Fund Restricted 338,056.76
Athletics 8,275.62
Food Service Fund 13,415.58
Data Processing Fund 8,696.50
FINANCE REPORT
6.1 Approve the following financial reports:
A. Payroll Report contd:
Maintenance Fund 36,115.62
Mercantile & Privilege 0.00
Earned Income Tax 32,996.46
Student Activities 0.00
TOTAL $2,876,355.69
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 09/07/04 in the amount of $837,616.47, 09/07/04A in the amount of $128,851.73, 09/07/04B in the amount of $134,790.11, 09/07/04C in the amount of $1,826.96, 09/07/04D in the amount of $5,400.00, 09/07/04E in the amount of $5,724.13, 09/07/04F in the amount of $943.60, 09/07/04G in the amount of $188,324.07, 09/07/04H in the amount of $3,761.54 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 09/07/04, 09/07/04A, 09/07/04B, 09/07/04C, 09/07/04D, 09/07/04E, 09/07/04F, 09/07/04G and 09/07/04H.
6.3 Authorize David Stone, Lois Williams and Thomas Zimmerman as voting delegates to the PSBA 2004 Legislative Policy Council.
6.4 Approve the submission of PlanCon Part K for the GOB Series A of 2004 to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
BOARD POLICY
7.1 Approve the second reading and adoption of Policy #529, Substitute Compensation. This is a revision of the previous policy approved October 7, 2003.
7.2 Approve the second reading and adoption of Policy #405, Employment of Substitute Professional Employees. This is a revision of the previous policy approved October 7, 2003.
CURRICULUM REPORT
8.1 Approve Margaret Harpster to write IEPs for elementary students new to the District and to hold IEP meetings prior to the opening of school. She would be paid for up to two days at the current substitute rate. This will be paid out of ACCESS account number 10-1200-121-891-00-000-000-004-0005.
8.2 Approve CPR recertification for the K-12 Physical Education staff. The cost is $15.00 per person for 27 people and will be provided through the American Red Cross. The cost is budgeted in account #10-2271-329-000-00-000-000-017-0000.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONTD:
8.3 Approve Kathy Marcello, substitute teacher, to be paid for Sept. 21 and 22 while she attends SOAR To Success training. The cost to the district will be $90.00 per day plus appropriate benefits. All funds are budgeted under Title I.
8.4 Approve the Williamsport Area School District Reading Recovery Training Site to provide Reading Recovery Continuing Contact Services during 2004-05 to:
2 Reading Recovery Teachers - Bald Eagle Area School District
Bald Eagle Area SD will pay WASD $500 per teacher, plus mileage for visits made by the WASD Teacher Leader. The cost will cover: (a) one site visit by the WASD Reading Recovery Teacher Leader to each of the teachers; and (b) participation by each of the Reading Recovery Teachers in six Continuing Contact sessions to be held at the WASD Reading Recovery Training Site during 2004-05.
8.5 Approve Dr. Barbara Farmer, Principal, State College Area School District, to provide a motivational speech to the incoming freshman members of the Class of 2008 during the Freshman Transition Day, August 30, 2004. Dr. Farmer has provided training and inservice sessions on student motivation, organization and leadership to numerous area and regional schools. Her presentation on the afternoon of Monday, August 30, 2004 focuses on establishing academic goals, creating a positive and productive identity, and succeeding in a culturally diverse environment. Expenses include a consultant fee, lunch, and roundtrip mileage from the State College area to the high school. The estimated total is not more than $1,150 and is budgeted in the principals budget of the Williamsport Area High School string #10-1100-323-000-30-850-000-065-0000.
8.6 Approve the use of dramatic backdrop from Grosh Scenic Rentals of Hollywood, CA, in the Williamsport Area High School musical production of Oklahoma, directed by Kent Weaver and Anna Radspinner, on April 1 & 2, 2005. Approximate costs including shipping are $854 and will be paid for out of student activity funds.
PERSONNEL REPORT
9.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Janice C. Motter, full-time elementary (4th grade) teacher at Jackson Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the first semester of the 2004-2005 school year (tentative date of January 21, 2005).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Janice C. Motter from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 33½ years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
9.1 RESIGNATIONS CONTD:
B. Mary L. Jackson, full-time elementary (4th grade) teacher at Cochran Elementary School, for other employment, effective release date to be determined.
C. Elizabeth J. Smith, part-time school bus driver for the District, for personal reasons, effective August 19, 2004.
D. Kelli A. Vent, declined position as Itinerant Language Arts long-term substitute teacher for the middle schools, due to other employment, effective August 20, 2004.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Meagan B. Falvo, full-time (185 days, 7 hours per day) instructional support aide/sign language interpreter at Lycoming Valley Middle School, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on September 3, 2004.
B. James S. Walbridge, regular part-time bus driver, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective August 30, 2004 through October 1, 2004, possibly to return sooner.
C. Lisa K. Taylor, full-time sign language interpreter at Round Hills Elementary School, unpaid leave for educational purposes, effective August 31, 2004, through December 16, 2004 was originally approved at the 04/20/04 Board Meeting. Ms. Taylor has requested that her leave be revised to begin on August 26, 2004, through December 16, 2004.
D. Kate E. Kreger, elementary (5th grade) teacher at Jackson Elementary School, for an unpaid medical leave, effective October 11, 2004, through December 20, 2004.
Mrs. Kreger is currently utilizing sick and/or personal days and will begin her unpaid leave of absence on October 11, 2004, which will be taken under the Family Medical Leave Act, which entitles the employee to health insurance for a maximum of 12 weeks, but is without pay or any other benefits.
E. Patricia A. Miller, full-time mathematics teacher at the high School, for an unpaid medical leave, effective October 1, 2004, through December 17, 2004.
Mrs. Miller is currently utilizing sick and/or personal days and will begin her unpaid leave of absence on October 1, 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.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE CONTD:
F. Tina M. Rhinehart, elementary (5th grade) teacher at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, for an unpaid medical leave, effective September 23, 2004, through December 15, 2004, possibly to return sooner.
Mrs. Rhinehart is currently utilizing sick and/or personal days and will begin her unpaid leave of absence on September 23, 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.
G. Marguerite Wolfgang, full-time health room technician at Cochran Elementary School, for an unpaid medical leave, effective September 15, 2004, through November 23, 2004, possibly to return sooner.
Mrs. Wolfgang is currently utilizing sick and/or personal days and will begin her unpaid leave of absence on September 15, 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.
H. Karen L. Reed, regular part-time food service worker at Jackson Elementary School, for an unpaid medical leave, effective September 17, 2004, through October 31, 2004. Ms. Reed is not eligible for leave under the Family Medical Leave Act at this time.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Spring M. Moore, 1100 Mulberry St., Williamsport, as a long-term substitute teacher, effective 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 an Itinerant Language Arts teacher for the middle schools (initial assignment at Lycoming Valley Middle School), at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelors, $37,900, prorated. Ms. Moore holds a bachelor's degree from Lycoming College and is certified in English (replacing FLEX position formerly held by Susan Nelson, resigned).
B. The following persons as regular part-time school bus drivers (bargaining unit employees), at the salary rate of $11.72 per hour, effective August 30, 2004 (both are current substitute school bus drivers):
Marian Griffith 3021 U.S. Highway 220, Hughesville
David J. Wright 3256 Lycoming Creek Rd., Williamsport
C. Julie A. Kelly, 425 Vernon Ave., Williamsport, special education teacher (emotional support) at the high school, for up to 10 hours a week to teacher functional academics and job shadowing skills to a current emotional support student, at the rate of $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 CONTD:
D. Jared D. Lehman, 9702 S. Route 220 Highway, Jersey Shore, as a paid intern in the Business Office/Tax Office, for a duration of up to 480 hours, at the rate of $8.25 per hour (no benefits) effective with the 2004-2005 school year.
E. Philip Erb, 2237 Spring Grove Drive, Williamsport as a paid intern (in cooperation with Penn College) in the Media/Computer Department for up to 20 hours per week through March 31, 2005, at the rate of $6.00 per hour (no benefits), effective August 30, 2004.
F. The following fall sport coaches at the respective schools for the 2004-2005 school year at the salary rate in accordance with the 2002-2007 agreement by and between the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District and the Williamsport Education Association (pending completion of all appropriate paperwork*):
Williamsport Area High School
Girls Tennis
Assistant: Kurtis Caster (1) * $ 921
(replacing Eric C. Frey, resigned)
Lycoming Valley Middle School
Football
Assistant: John M. Gossner (5) $2,143
(position added due to high enrollment)
Softball
Assistant: Tammy Kiess (5) * $1,072
(replacing Roger A. Harris, resigned)
G. Adjust the following incorrect rates originally elected at the July 13, 2004 meeting for 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:
Curtin Middle School
Track & Field
Girls Coach
Amy Hopkins Bolt (4) ($1,208) $1,410
Lycoming Valley Middle School
Track & Field
Girls Coach Marilyn J. Burget (1) ($1,106)
$1,290
H. Timothy J. Bodewes, 412 Grant St., Williamsport, as a regular part-time custodian (up to 4½ hours per day) at the Roosevelt Middle School (second shift), effective April 1, 2004, at the rate of $9.24 per hour (effective April 1 through June 30, 2004) and $9.64 per hour, effective July 1, 2004 (replacing Fred Hartman, resigned).
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONTD:
I. Bruce A. Jones, 1101 Locust St., Montoursville, as Assistant Coordinator of Adult Education Program for up to four (4) hours per week at the rate of $24.67 (plus social security, workers comp. and retirement, if eligible), effective September 8, 2004. (All costs paid through Adult Literacy Grants.)
J. Any student enrolled at the Williamsport Area High School Designed Education Program for employment in the Food Service Department and subject to assignment by Patricia Cioffi, Job Training Coordinator, at the hourly rate of $4.25 per hour for the actual number of hours worked effective August 30, 2004.
K. The entire District teaching staff, substitute teachers, and BLaST teachers assigned to our buildings as homebound instructors for the 2004-2005 school year, subject to assignment by the Superintendent of Schools, as the needs of the service require, at the rate of $25.25 per hour (or contract rate) for the actual number of hours employed.
L. The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $6.25 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective date as indicated:
Amy R. Boatman 2266 Division Rd., Williamsport (effective 09/08/04)
Jacqueline L. Derr 134 Harvest Moon Park, Linden (effective 09/08/04)
Rhonda J. Lewis 2085 W. Bald Eagle Ave., S. Wmspt. (eff. 08/30/04)
Susan S. Naculich 49 Keyser Circle, Williamsport (effective 09/08/04)
M. Aaron T. Johnson, 903 Sheridan St., Williamsport, as a substitute food service truck driver at the rate of $7.50 per hour, effective September 8, 2004.
N. 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:
Susan R. Benjamin 440 Sylvan Dell Park Rd., Wmspt (eff. 8/30/04)
Gretchen P. Carpenter 441 Elm St., Montoursville (effective 08/30/04)
Charlene E. Fitzgerald 826 W. Southern Ave., S. Wmspt (eff. 08/30/04)
Susan M. Grieco 926 Hollywood Circle, Williamsport (eff. 08/30/04)
Lisa M. Hamm 1755 Mahaffey Hollow Rd., Linden (eff. 08/30/04)
Teri H. Heinbach 106 Cottage St. Apt. #8, Hughesville (eff. 08/30/04)
DePhilip M. Jackson 721 Elmira St., Williamsport (effective 08/30/04)
Lynne H. Koskie 988 Lockcuff Rd., Williamsport (effective 08/30/04)
Meldon L. Mitstifer 843 Picnic Woods Rd., Jersey Shore (eff. 08/30/04)
Jason L. Paulhamus 3459 W. Rt. 973 Hwy., Cogan Station (eff. 08/30/04)
Michael A. Pennella R.R. 1, Box 1060, Forksville (effective 08/30/04)
Eleonora Shugol 900 Walnut St., Montoursville (effective 08/30/04)
Mary D. Sumpter 416 Brentwood Dr., Cogan Station (eff 08/30/04)
Amanda R. Taylor 110 Calvert St., Jersey Shore (effective 08/30/04)
Cleveland J. Way 881 Park Ave., Williamsport (effective 08/30/04)
Matthew P. Burne 307 N. Vesper St., 3rd Floor, Apt. 7, Lock Haven
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONTD:
N. The following persons as non-certificated substitute teacher with receipt of an emergency permit contd:
Theresa A. Hrzic 1034 Yeagle Rd., Montoursville
Tracy A. Kahn 255 Phillips Hill Dr., Williamsport
Robert W. Matz 47 Cliffside Dr., Williamsport
Jane E. Rishel 59 Linden Acres Lane, Linden
Richard W. Rockey, Jr. 1638 Catherine St., Williamsport
Christine L. Saar 160 Nunn Lane, Hughesville
O. 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:
Jill K. Ahrens 454 S. Broad St., Jersey Shore (effective 08/30/04)
Elizabeth A. Brannaka 5898 Roaring Branch Rd., Roaring Branch
Kara S. Druckenmiller 1700 Riverside Dr., Apt. 1, S. Wmspt. (eff. 08/30/04)
Meredith L. Hawkins 434 Park Ave., Lock Haven (effective 08/30/04)
Elizabeth M. Hughes 965 St. David's Rd., Wmspt (effective 08/30/04)
Rachel B. Matthews 1040 W. Central Ave., S. Williamsport
Michael L. Rodgers 2901 Cochran Ave., S. Williamsport (eff. 08/31/04)
Elizabeth J. Segraves 721½ Wyoming St., Williamsport
Marcia A. Siekkinen 1203 Lafayette Parkway, Wmspt (eff. 09/07/04)
Amanda L. Stavoy 1755 Liberty Dr., Williamsport (effective 08/30/04)
Meghan L. Suhocki 600 Highland Terrace, Williamsport (eff. 08/30/04)
Kelly A. Taormina 41 Maple Ave., Williamsport
Courtney R. Appleman 626 County Line Rd., Turbotville
Angela L. Eaton 36 W. Campbell Lane, Linden
Jill M. Loudenslager 492 Crescent Hill Rd., Cogan Station
Jessica C. Waldman 2007 Misner Rd., Williamsport
P. 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:
Ronda L. Edwards 1670 Fox Hollow Rd., Williamsport (eff. 08/30/04)
Patricia Hofstrom 187 English Hill Rd., Cogan Station
Barbara C. Jandrisavitz 52 Queen St., Williamsport (effective 08/30/04)
Q. Christopher D. Heim, P.O. Box 5012, South Williamsport, as a substitute school bus driver (non-bargaining unit personnel), with a base wage rate of $11.00 per hour, effective September 8, 2004.
R. Susan E. Bielski, 1322 Elmira St., Williamsport, as Books for Bingo Coordinator at Cochran Elementary School at a stipend of $250.00 for the 2003-2004 school year (funded through Title I).
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONTD:
S. Deborah E. Briel, 582 Bruce Rd., Cogan Station, library aide at Sheridan Elementary School, to serve as the Parent Workshop Coordinator at Sheridan Elementary School for the 2004-2005 school year. This is a stipend position paid at the rate of $150 per event (total rate of $600) annually, funded through Title I Parent/Community Services budget (availability of positions and funds to be reviewed annually). Events include the following:
Successful Sheridan Students September 29, 2004
Read In November 17, 2004
Art and Literature January 13, 2005
Book Bingo March 16, 2005
T. Kathryn M. Marcello, 1765 Ravine Rd., Williamsport, current substitute teacher with the District, to be paid at the rate of $90 per day plus appropriate benefits for attendance at SOAR to Success training on September 21 and 22, 2004. All funds are budgeted under Title I.
9.4* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position changes:
A. Deborah E. Phillips, 26 Hillview Ave., Williamsport, from a full-time administrative support to a full-time instructional support aide (185 day, 7 hours per day) with the Career & Technical Dept. at the high school, with a base wage rate of $16,498, prorated ($12.74 per hour), effective September 8, 2004 (replacing Thomas Bishop, retired).
B. Mary A. Kimble, 2011 Roosevelt Ave., Williamsport, from an instructional support aide at Curtin Middle School to a full-time instructional support aide (185 days, 7 hours per day) at Round Hills Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $14,103 ($10.89 per hour), effective August 26, 2004 (new position approved by the Board).
C. Tina M. Fraley, 26 W. Second Ave., Williamsport, from a general food service worker at Jackson to a full-time Instructional Support Aide/LS (185 day, 7 hours per day) at the high school, with a base wage rate of $15,398 ($11.89 per hour), effective August 26, 2004 (replacing Debora Lee, resigned).
9.5 CONTRACTS
A. Cindi L. Brown, 1209 Main St., Bloomsburg, qualified interpreter of American Sign Language (ASL) and Pidgin Sign English (PSE) to provide day-to-day substitute interpreter services (as needed) to eligible students at the rate of $35.00 per hour ($8.75 for each quarter hour) for hours worked and travel time (not to exceed one hour each way), effective August 30, 2004, through June 10, 2005.
9.5 CONTRACTS CONTD:
B. Stephanie A. Ellison, 2413 Ritchey St., Williamsport, qualified interpreter of American Sign Language (ASL) and Pidgin Sign English (PSE) to provide day-to-day substitute interpreter services (as needed) to eligible students at the rate of $30.00 per hour for hours worked and travel time (not to exceed one hour per day), effective August 30, 2004, through June 10, 2005.
C. Nancy H. Nesbitt, 1217 Wheatfield Drive, Williamsport, qualified interpreter of American Sign Language (ASL) and Pidgin Sign English (PSE) to provide day-to-day substitute interpreter services (as needed) to eligible students at the rate of $30.00 per hour for hours worked, effective August 30, 2004, through June 10, 2005.
D. Janna N. Walsh, 2311 Hillside Ave., Williamsport, qualified interpreter of American Sign Language (ASL) and Pidgin Sign English (PSE) to provide day-to-day substitute interpreter services (as needed) to eligible students at the rate of $45.00 per hour for hours worked, effective August 30, 2004, through June 10, 2005. Ms. Walsh's services reflect portal-to-portal charges (provided that travel time shall not exceed one hour per day). Services provided after 5:00 p.m., or weekends shall be paid at the rate of $50.00 per hour. Extra-curricular services beyond two (2) hours will be double the rate unless a second interpreter is provided.
E. Jennifer C. Yeager, 1627 Blair St., Williamsport, qualified interpreter of the Spanish Language, to provide day-to-day substitute interpreter services (as needed) to eligible students at the rate of $26.00 per hour for hours worked and travel time (not to exceed one-half hour per day), effective September 3, 2004, through June 10, 2005.
F. Continue contract with the Pennsylvania Teacher Clearinghouse ( www.PA-Educator.net ), 425 Sixth Ave., Suite 1660, Pittsburgh, to utilize its online employee candidate application services (for professional applications) for an annual fee of $2,700 through August 30, 2005. The services provided by PA-Educator.net will be coordinated through the BLaST Intermediate Unit.
9.6 OTHER
A. Terminate employment with the Williamsport Area School District for the following individuals, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
Eva Girio-Vogel, Administrator at the District Service Center, due to her abandonment of her position, effective August 27, 2004
Shawn L. McDonald, part-time custodian at Stevens Elementary School,
due to neglect of duty, effective August 26, 2004.
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. Six (6) students in Grades 1-5 from Jackson Elementary School, accompanied by the principal and another staff member, to travel to Hosss Restaurant on dates during December 2004 and January, February, March, and May 2005. The trip is a reward for good citizenship on the most recent report card. A drawing from among qualified students each month will determine the participants. The students will be transported by the principal and staff member. There will be no cost to the District. Hosss will pay for the student lunches.
B. Seven (7) Williamsport Area High School yearbook students, accompanied by their two advisors, to travel to Lycoming College during September 2004 to attend a yearbook workshop. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended from school more than five days; will have no bus disciplinary record ; will be passing all major courses; and are not, in the judgment of their house principal, experiencing attendance difficulties. The students will be transported by their advisors. Funding for the workshop will be through string #80-3210-813-000-00-000-836-084-0000. Two substitutes will be required for the day.
C. Ten (10) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their advisor, to travel to Philadelphia on a day during September 2004 to attend the Pennsylvania Governors Conference for Women. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended from school more than five days; will have no bus disciplinary record; will be passing all major courses; and are not, in the judgment of their house principal, experiencing attendance difficulties. The students will be transported by the school van. Funding will be through 10-1100-582-000-30-850-190-029-0000 (registration); 519 (transportation). A substitute will be needed for the day.
11.2 Approve an agreement with the YMCA Child Care Services, Inc. for student supervision assistance of the Morning Magic Breakfast Program for the 2004-05 school year at an estimated cost of $6,243.75 (3.75 hours/day, 180 days, $9.25/hr). The YMCA will not be paid for days when the breakfast program is not operated.
11.3* Approve the following request for facility use:
A. Lycoming County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Association of School Retirees to use the Board Room on Monday, October 11, 2004, from 6:00 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. to hold a pre-retirement seminar. LCCPASR is requesting relief of the occupancy fee of $40.00. Certificate of Insurance waived.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
12.1* Authorize the execution of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Williamsport Area School District and Loyalsock Township School District whereby vocational services will be provided to students of the Loyalsock Township School District. The proposed form of the Memorandum of Understanding has been provided, and it is anticipated that approximately 20 to 25 Loyalsock Township School District students would participate per year.
12.2* Approve the Children's Development Center contract to provide occupational and physical therapy services.
The following rates are in effect:
$75 per hour of an Occupational therapist, registered and licensed
$39/hr for OTR/L scheduled meetings
$39/hr for OTR/L travel
$65/hr for Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant
$32/hr for COTA/L scheduled meetings
$32.50/hr for COTA/travel
$75/hr for physical therapist
$39/hr for PT scheduled meetings
$39/hr for PT travel occupational therapy will be paid out of ACCESS and physical
therapy will be paid out of IDEA
12.3* Approve a Non-Partner Use Agreement with the Lycoming Clinton Counties Commission for Community Action (STEP) Inc. for non-exclusive use of a classroom at the CareerLink for the Adult Education Program at a cost of $225.00 per month (July 1, 2004 June 30, 2004) to be paid from Adult Basic Education grant.
TAX ITEMS
13.1 Approve the following tax summaries.
13.2 Authorize the Municipal and School Income Tax Office to obtain income information from the Pennsylvania Department of Revenue for the purpose of verifying income taxes reported to this local office.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Zimmerman stated that Mr. Temple and he lost a colleague last week. Mr. Jim Logue passed away. He was Director of Integrated Studies at the Pennsylvania College of Technology. He began his 51 year career at the Roosevelt Middle School. He had a gift of getting students to take and enjoy his courses. He will be sadly missed.
Mr. Zimmerman reported that he attended the Act 72 session at PSBA last Thursday. The session was packed with participants. He believes that this Act is much more complicated than Act 50. He suggested that the administration provide some information on Act 72 at the retreat.
Mr. Zimmerman encouraged the Board to attend Under Construction by Metamorphous at the Cochran Elementary School on Friday, September 17. He said that the presentation encourages students to practice civility and tolerance and is a great approach to teach students proper conduct.
Mrs. Markle reported on the August 21 st PSBA meeting. She said that they spent substantial time on narrowing the issues for the policy platform. They also discussed a statewide teacher contract.
Mr. Huffman indicated that he received a complaint concerning foul language that is used in school. He questioned why the various student handbooks are not standard on this issue and how schools might be enforcing discipline for using foul language.
Mrs. Mahaffey reported that she attended orientation at Jackson and Roosevelt. She was very impressed with the I Can Learn classroom at Roosevelt.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC None
President Stone announced that the Board met in executive session prior to this evenings meeting to discuss terms and conditions of employment for one or more District employees and to receive legal advice from an attorney.
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Markle and carried, the meeting adjourned at
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary