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, October 19, 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 – Mr. David Stone, Jr. provided the invocation and read the first district belief statement.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
Student Representatives’ Report – Katie McDermott and Amber Quick
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. Thank you to Mr. John Seehousen for his generous donation of sheet music and music texts and resources to the Williamsport Area School District.
B. Thank you to Mr. Scott Flipse for his generous donation of spinet piano and a double French horn.
C. Congratulations to Karen Harris, member of the Williamsport Area School District Board of Education, for being named to the Pennsylvania School Board Association’s Honor Roll of School Board Service for her years of service to the District.
D. Retiree Recognition
President Stone presented Certificates of Excellence to the following recent retirees and thanked them for their service to the Williamsport Area School District:
William McQuown David Michael
Barbara Beamer Virginia Best
Jerry Berfield Sharon Clemens
Tony Delisi Jean Nolan
Nancy Renninger Karen Womelsdorf
Becky Donnell James Donnell
Shirley Bittenbender
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Student Services Data
B.
Calendar of Events
October 21 ETAC/ATAC Meeting—6:30 p.m.
October 25
Secondary Alternative Education Meeting—4:00 p.m.
November 2
WASD School Board Meeting—7:00 p.m.
C. Every Child Counts Meeting
Dr. Lowery announced that there would be a meeting at the Curtin Middle School on November 18, 2004 to review our Every Child Counts Campaign. Mr. Stone and Mr. Zimmerman indicated that they would attend this meeting.
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mrs. Markle reminded everyone that the PSBA regional county meeting is also scheduled for November 18, 2004.
Mr. Zimmerman reported that the Athletic Advisory Committee would be meeting on Thursday afternoon. He has a conflict with this meeting but recommended that Mr. Peterson and Mr. Dugan
meet with the committee as planned to review the extra-curricular point system.
Mr. Zimmerman also reported on the Drug Testing Oversight Committee. The committee met last week and another meeting is scheduled. They have been working on replacement of the committee chair and have picked two people to co-chair the committee. They are evaluating the current policy and looking at the possibility of a revision.
Construction Projects
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Mahaffey to approve the following items related to construction projects:
A. Authorize the execution of the attached Right-of-Way Agreement with PPL for the installation of a new electrical power supply at the Hepburn Elementary School.
B. Authorize the Board President and Board Secretary to execute time critical construction related agreements with retro-active Board Approval.
C. Approve change order #H-LV-1 to the contract with R&J Ertel, Inc., HVAC Contractor, to perform additional excavation, grading, form work and concrete work to modify above-ground tank installation and install standard spill prevention manhole fill with a 24-inch square housekeeping pad in lieu of formed concrete inlet with accessories. This is a zero dollar change order.
Construction Projects Cont’d:
D. Authorize the execution and submission of PlanCon Part J for the Vocational Education Project and the Roosevelt Middle School Project. The projects have been audited by Rogers Huber & Associates and are ready for submission.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, 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. Treasurer’s Report for the months of July and August, 2004
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 10/19/04 in the amount of $458,010.20, 10/19/04A in the amount of $84,181.22, 10/19/04B in the amount of $174,848.69,10/19/04C in the amount of $1,998.75, 10/19/04D in the amount of $15,950.31 and 10/19/04E in the amount of $18.88 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 10/19/04, 10/19/04A, 10/19/04B, 10/19/04C, 10/19/04D and 10/19/04E.
6.3 Authorize the transfer of all Title 1 funding designated for the Curtin Middle School to the District’s elementary schools effective July 1, 2004. This transfer will facilitate the District’s goal of focusing Title 1 funding on elementary education. Current programs and services currently funded by Title 1 at the Curtin Middle School will be funded by the District’s general fund through at least the end of the current school year.
6.4 Approve the submission of PlanCon Part K for the GOB Series of 2004 to the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
BOARD POLICY – None
CURRICULUM REPORT
8.1 A pprove the James V. Brown Library to present the program "Making the Most of a Story and a Journey Through the Library" to parents and students (grades K,1, & 2) at Stevens Elementary School, on October 21, 2004. Cost of $250 is budgeted in the Parent Allocation section of the Stevens Title I budget.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.2 Approve Kara Bates, Head Women's Lacrosse coach at Lycoming College, to present a Lacrosse workshop to the K-12 Physical Education staff during in-service October 11, 2004. The approximate cost of $200 is budgeted in budget number 10-2271-323-000-00-000-000-017-0000.
8.3 Approve Lynn James, Penn State Extension educator, to present a workshop during the October 11, 2004 inservice to the Middle School Health Education staff about Current Adolescent Dietary Intake and Nutritional Health Status/Body Image Overweight Issues and Eating Disorders: Assessment and Prevention Strategies. The approximate cost of $30.00 is budgeted in budget number 10-2271-323-000-00-000-000-017-0000.
8.4 Approve an Act 80 day (inservice day) for the Williamsport Alternative School on
November 18, 2004, so that the staff can attend the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Alternative Education Region 4 biannual meeting at Benton High School.
8.5 Approve a partnership between the James V. Brown Library and the WASD Title I schools for parent training opportunities. The James V. Brown Library will provide up to two parent workshops, at a maximum of $250 per workshop, not to exceed a total of $500 per Title I school for 2004-05. All funds are budgeted under Title I Parent funds for each Title I school.
8.6 Approve Richard Ammon, a noted children’s author, to present student assemblies at Jackson Elementary School on Tuesday, November 16, 2004 and to present a Family Workshop in the evening of Tuesday, November 16, 2004. The cost is $1,000 and is covered by Jackson’s Parent Teacher Organization ($500) and Jackson’s Title I budget ($500).
8.7 Approve the establishment of an International Club at the Williamsport Area High School, under the direction of German teacher and Foreign Language Coordinator Alix Lang. The purpose of the International Club will be to afford students a chance to experience the varied and distinctive aspects of different cultures outside the classroom; to provide opportunities for language students, international students and foreign exchange students to interact and get to know one another, and learn about different customs, norms and experiences; and to foster an appreciation for different cultures among students and in the community through participation in various festivals, to include Diversity Day and International Week.
The organizational structure of the club will consist of a president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer. An activities homeroom will be established to support the club’s efforts. Fundraising will support the club’s projects, to include international food sales, theme dinners and other efforts reflective of the intent of the club.
PERSONNEL REPORT
9.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Sherry E. Jolin, general food service worker at Jackson Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective November 22, 2004.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Sherry E. Jolin from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 24 years of dedicated service to our school system as a food service worker. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
B. Victor E. Cosentine, Sr., full-time custodian (second shift) at Cochran Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective December 30, 2004.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Victor E. Consentine, Sr., from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for his 31 years of dedicated service to our school system as a custodian. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE - Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Jennifer M. Larson, full-time special education teacher at Jackson Elementary School, extension of her unpaid medical leave, effective November 23, 2004, through
January 21, 2005.
B. Karen M. Chappell, general food service worker (2½ hours daily) at Sheridan Elementary School, for personal reasons, effective on November 11-12, 2004,
January 14, 2005, March 24, 2005, and April 21-22, 2005.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF - Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. The following revision to previously approved position(s) indicated for the 2004-2005 school year at the rates 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:
POSITION TEACHER STIPEND
BAND
Middle Schools
Director (Roosevelt) Laura C. Weir Revised from
$1,072 to $836.00
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
B. Brian K. Stugart, P.O. Box 36, Montoursville, as a full-time (185 days, 7 hours per day) Instructional Support Aide for the Water Safety Program at the Williamsport Area High School, effective on or about November 3, 2004 (possibly sooner), with a base wage rate of $15,203, prorated ($11.74 per hour), plus applicable benefits as provided under the collective bargaining agreement between WASD and WASP. Mr. Stugart will complete requirements associated with American Red Cross Certification in Lifeguard Instructor - CPR, AED, Waters Safety Instructor/Trainer and Disease Transmission by January 31, 2005 (replacing LaVonne Young, retired).
C. 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:
Justin A. Gailit-Lutz 324 Russell Ave., 3rd Floor, Williamsport
Brian D. Moser 926½ Elizabeth St., Williamsport
D. 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:
Nancy A. Fazler 1120 Grove St., Williamsport
Barbara P. Street 2206 Spring Garden St., Williamsport
E. Sheila R. Mix, 286 Cottage Ave., Williamsport, as a substitute food service worker, at the salary rate of $6.25 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective October 20, 2004.
F. Stacey L. Cherrington, 250 Pepper St., Muncy, as a substitute teacher for the Title I Extended Day Program at Jackson Elementary School for the 2004-2005 school year, effective September 27, 2004 through April 28, 2005, to be paid at the rate of $24.67 per hour plus appropriate benefits. All costs funded through Title I.
G. Victoria J. Guthrie, 1315 Cedar St., Montoursville, as a full-time (185 day, 7 hours per day) Health Room Technician/Aide at Curtin Middle School, with a base wage rate of $15,721, prorated ($12.14 per hour), effective November 1, 2004, plus applicable benefits as provided under the collective bargaining agreement between WASD and WASP (replacing Joan Hauser, resigned).
9.4* POSITION CHANGES - Approve the following position changes:
A. Catherine M. Hess, 1123 Route 973 East, Apt. #2, Cogan Station, from a substitute food service worker to a general food service worker (2 hours daily) at Round Hills Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $9.39 per hour, effective October 20, 2004 (replacing Connie Hess, transferred).
9.4* POSITION CHANGES CONT’D:
B. Catherine L. Williams, 1538 Scott St., Williamsport, from a regular part-time custodian to a general full-time custodian at the District Service Center, (250 days, 8 hours per day), effective October 20, 2004, with a base wage rate of $27,380, prorated ($13.69 per hour), plus applicable benefits as provided under the collective bargaining agreement between WASD and WASP. This full-time position replaces the two part-time positions at the DSC. This item is also addressed in a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the District and WASP.
C. Susan E. Bielski, 1322 Elmira St., Williamsport, from a part-time (up to 180 days, prorated; up to 4½ hours per day) Parent Involvement Coordinator at Cochran Elementary School, to a full-time Instructional Support Aide - LS (185-day, 7 hours per day) at Round Hills Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $15,203, prorated ($11.74 per hour), effective November 1, 2004 (replacing Shirley Harman, transferred).
D. Donna L. Chapman, 1129 Almond St., Williamsport, from a general food service worker at the high school, to a full-time Instructional Support Aide - LS/Inclusion (185-day, 7 hours per day) at the high school, with a base wage rate of $14,103, prorated ($10.89 per hour), effective November 1, 2004 (replacing Cindy Hughes, transferred).
9.5 ATTAINMENT OF TENURE STATUS
A. Acknowledge the attainment of tenure status of the following teachers, who have successfully completed a three-year probationary period as temporary professional employees with a satisfactory sixth rating, and extending professional employee contracts to them:
Earned June 2003: David E. Gephart
Earned January 2004: Lydia M. Comerford
Earned June 2004: Jason F. Adams Jennifer A. Robertson
Terrie A. Campana Karen D. Scampone
Julie B. Chilson Dana J. Schenck-Welshans
Peggy J. Crawley Kimberly A. Springman
Amanda M. Eisner Tamra L. Springman
Robin A. Harvey Allen V. Taylor
Barbara A. Herr Amy Lampman Twist
Marisa S. Hickey Lisa A. Wagner
Robert L. Kreger Crissy M. Walker
Billie J. Miller Eric. S. Weaver
Kevin B. Mumbauer Kevin C. Werner
Dana M. Null Brenda D. Winter
Heather L. Plocinski Randy J. Zangara
Richard J. Poole Lisa A. Zerbe
Michelle L. Pulizzi
Danielle L. Sowers (resigned 06/29/04)
9.6 ADJUSTMENTS TO SALARY
A. Approve salary adjustments to the master’s level, effective for the 2004-2005 term, as stipulated in the Agreement between the Board of School Directors and the Williamsport Education Association, for those having earned either a Master’s Degree or an Equivalency Certificate prior to the beginning of the 2004-2005 school term:
Ann M. Bidelspacher Master’s Degree
Michelle L. Bitner Equivalency Certificate
Julie A. Bittner Equivalency Certificate
Donna L. Callahan Master’s Degree
Louis A. Campana Equivalency Certificate
Gemma M. Campana-Bragalone Equivalency Certificate
Stacey L. Cherrington Master’s Degree
Kevin D. Henry Master’s Degree
Barbara A. Herr Master’s Degree
Michelle L. Hinkal Master’s Degree
Rebecca G. Hutchinson Equivalency Certificate
Kate E. Kreger Master’s Degree
Kathy J. Piaskowski Master’s Degree
Heather L. Plocinski Master’s Degree
Rhonda S. Swisher Master’s Degree
Stephanie J. Wolfanger Master’s Degree
Lisa A. Zerbe Master’s Degree
Amy Lampman Twist Equivalency Certificate
beyond the Master’s Degree or Equivalency Certificate, prior to the beginning of
the 2004-2005 school term:
TOTAL
NEW CREDITS CURRENT NEW
CREDITS TO DATE SALARY SALARY
Blanetta Akpakip 18 18 $58,000 $58,600
Michelle K. Dixon 9 9 $53,500 $53,800
Lydia A. Ertel 9 27 $58,600 $58,900
Stanley R. Griggs 9 9 $63,800 $64,100
LeAnn M. Henry 9 27 $64,400 $64,700
Faith A. Leonard 9 18 $41,200 $41,500
Anne M. Lesher 18 18 $53,500 $54,100
Stephen C. Pfirman 9 27 $64,400 $64,700
Dale E. Seeley 9 9 $51,500 $51,800
Julie R. Welliver 9 18 $64,350 $64,650
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. Thirty-five (35) horticulture students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their teacher and two other staff members, to travel to Bloomsburg during November 2004 to visit a floral warehouse/supply center. The students will also have the opportunity to visit the Heinz Color (Danville) greenhouses. 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 (10-1390-519-000-30-850-280-033-0000). A substitute will be required for the day.
B. Nine (9) sixth grade students from Roosevelt Middle School, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to the YMCA during October 2004. The students will be meeting with their pen pals from the kindergarten class at the YMCA. Students must be in compliance with Roosevelt’s field trip disciplinary requirements in order to participate. The students will be transported by City Bus.
C. Nineteen (19) ninth grade students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by three teachers, to travel to Washington, DC, during November 2004, to Visit the Holocaust Museum. 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. Transportation will be provided by Lycoming County “Brotherhood County” USA, Inc. All other costs will be funded through 10-1100-122-000-30-850-190-007-0000. Substitutes for all three teachers will be required for the day.
D. Twenty-five (25) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their two advisors, to travel to Juniata College (Huntington, PA) during November 2004 to participate in the Model United Nations High School Conference/Simulation. 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 (10-1243-519-000-30-850-000-023-0000). Two substitutes will be required for the day.
11.1* Approve the following student trips cont’d:
E. Three (3) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Student Government Association, accompanied by their advisor, to travel to Pittsburgh for three days during November 2004 to participate in the Student Council State Conference. 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.
Transportation will be in the school van or provided by the advisor’s private auto-mobile. All costs will be paid through SGA funds. A substitute will be required for two days.
11.2 Approve the following request for facility use:
A. Lycoming County Bureau of Elections to use space at both Curtin and Roosevelt Middle Schools on Tuesday, November 2, 2004 from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. as General Election polling places. The Lycoming County Bureau of Elections is requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $30.00. They are responsible for the cost of a security person at each site. Certificate of Insurance waived.
B. Troop 7 of the Boy Scouts of America to use the swimming pool at the Williamsport Area High School on Wednesday, November 17, 2004, from 6:30 p.m. until 9:15 p.m. to help the boys meet their swimming requirements. Troop 7 is requesting relief of the occupancy fees estimated at $50.00. Certificate of Insurance on file.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
12.1* WITHDRAWN BY ADMINISTRATION: Consider authorizing an agreement with Larson Design Group to design and provide specifications to install a baseball field at the Cochran Elementary School. This design will address drainage issues as well as provide the ball field. Larson will assist in bid analysis and site inspection during construction. The cost of this service will be $7,500.
12.2 Authorize an agreement with Old Lycoming Township to provide site work at the Round Hills Elementary School for the installation of a soft play area at no cost to the District. The District expresses sincere appreciation to Old Lycoming for their assistance and cooperation on this project.
TAX ITEMS - None
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mrs. Markle reminded everyone to come to the craft fair at the High School on November 27, 2004.
Mr. Huffman asked about the Mr. Millionaire issue. He said that he had received two telephone calls concerning this.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS CONT’D:
Mr. Zimmerman indicated that he attended an assembly at Lycoming Valley. The Marching Millionaires provided the program. After leaving Lycoming Valley he went to Curtin Middle School and the band also played there. The student musicians were very enthusiastic and the student bodies enjoyed the entertainment.
Mr. Zimmerman also reported the 11 boys and 7 girls were recognized at senior recognition day for the soccer program. The girl’s team will definitely be in the playoffs and the boy’s will be if they win two of the next three games.
Dr. Lowery reported that Kent Weaver informed her that GQ has again been selected to perform at the White House. They will also be performing at the Governor’s Mansion in Harrisburg.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC - None
President Stone 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. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Mahaffey and carried, the meeting adjourned at
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary