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, November 2, 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., Lois T. Williams, Thomas A. Zimmerman
ABSENT: James E. Temple.
INVOCATION – Mrs. Lois Williams provided the invocation and read the second district belief statement.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion made by Mrs. Harris, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the minutes from the regular meeting of September 7, 2004 and September 21, 2004, that reading of the minutes be omitted and the minutes be approved as presented.
The motion carried.
Student Representatives’ Report – Amber Quick
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. Full-Day Kindergarten Presentation—Dr. Don Adams, Elementary Curriculum Supervisor & Mr. Paul Daniels, Principal – Sheridan Elementary School
B. Thank you to the Lycoming Audubon Society for their generous donation of bird feeding stations and birdseed. We will erect these in the former patio area outside of the library and collect data on types of birds, frequency, and duration of visits, which will then be sent to Cornell University and the Audubon Society to become part of their databases. Additionally, thank you to Mr. David Ferry, social studies teacher; Mrs. Francine Collins, librarian; Mrs. Patty Dersham, librarian aide; and student Jake Person who have agreed to help monitor the station. Other students will participate in the program as it progresses.
C. Budget Development Calendar
D. President Stone initiated a discussion on the starting time for board meetings. After discussion motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Markle to change the starting time of our next two meetings to 6:00 PM.
E. Parent/Booster Meeting – President Stone stated that he was not available to attend the meeting next Tuesday and asked for a volunteer to attend. Mrs. Markle and Mr. Shultz volunteered.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT’D:
F. PSBA National Conference – President Stone stated that Mrs. Markle would be attending as a Williamsport Area School District and PSBA representative. He is planning to attend and asked if other board members were interested in attending. Mr. Zimmerman stated that he was interested.
G. Art Award – President Stone congratulated Jackie Thomas for her award from the Pennsylvania Art Education Association for service to their organization.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Calendar of Events:
November 5
End of First Marking Period
November 8
Public Relations Committee Meeting--4:00 p.m.
November 8
Elementary Alternative Education Meeting--4:00 p.m.
November 9
Parent/Booster Meeting--6:00 p.m.
November 11-12
Elementary Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 11-12
Roosevelt Parent/Teacher Conferences
November 12
Inservice Day at Lycoming Valley Middle School
November 15
Inservice Day at Cochran Elementary School
November 16
Curriculum & Instruction Steering Comm. Meeting--2:00 p.m.
November 16
WASD School Board Meeting--7:00 p.m.
November 18
ETAC/ATAC Meeting--6:30 p.m.
November 18 Every Child Counts Community Meeting Curtin Middle School--7:00pm
November 22
Secondary Alternative Education Meeting--4:00 p.m.
November 24
District-wide Inservice Day
November 25-29 Thanksgiving Holiday
December 1 Gifted Advisory Council Meeting--7:00 p.m.
December 6
Elementary Alternative Education Meeting--4:00 p.m.
December 7
WASD School Board Meeting--7:00 p.m.
Construction Projects
Motion made by Mr. Shultz, seconded by Mrs. Mahaffey, to approve the following items related to construction projects:
A. Terminating the contract with Power Component Systems, Inc. of Hanover, MD for asbestos removal for the Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School and Lycoming Valley Middle School construction projects.
B. Approve a contract with S&S Environmental Services, Inc. of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, for asbestos removal for the Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School and Lycoming Valley Middle School construction projects at a cost of $71,100. Two bids were received and S&S Environmental was the low bid.
Construction Projects cont’d:
C. Approve change order E-LV-1 to the contract with Lecce Electric, Inc. reducing the contract by $7,320 and adjusting the contract total to $1,748,780. This credit change order is for authorization to use Cutler Hammer Equipment in lieu of General Electric and using standard switchboard construction.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, 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 $4,044,074.60
General Fund – Restricted 398,013.22
Athletics and Extra Curricular 46,419.43
Food Service Fund 112,937.05
Data Processing Fund 11,244.75
Maintenance Fund 57,140.75
Mercantile & Privilege 0.00
Earned Income Tax 48,871.51
Student Activities 2,521.40
TOTAL $4,721,222.71
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order
No. 11/02/04 in the amount of $1,174,663.20, 11/02/04A in the amount of $102,922.48, 11/02/04B in the amount of $50.00, 11/02/04C in the amount of $25.00, 11/02/04D in the amount of $500.00, 11/02/04E in the amount of $9,200.00, 11/02/04F in the amount of $1,628,745.04, 11/02/04G in the amount of $256.15, 11/02/04H in the amount of $13,479.04, 11/02/04I in the amount of 1,916,995.08 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 11/02/04, 11/02/04A, 11/02/04B, 11/02/04C, 11/02/04D, 11/02/04E, 11/02/04F, 11/02/04G, 11/02/04H and 11/02/04I.
6.3 Approve the engagement letter with Rogers, Huber & Associates to conduct the FY04 District audit at a cost of $31,300 which includes the cost of the Municipal and School Income Tax Office. This price is unchanged from FY03.
BOARD POLICY
7.1 Approve the first reading of Policy #104, “Nondiscrimination in Employment/Contract Practices.” This is a revision of the current policy as approved January 7, 2003. Revisions are underlined and have been reviewed by the Employment Steering Committee.
BOARD POLICY CONT’D:
7.2 Approve the first reading of Policy #512, “Evaluation of Classified Employees.” The revision is an attachment to the current policy as approved December 2, 2003. The revised evaluation form reflects a format consistent with evaluations of teaching and administrative staff. This evaluation form has been reviewed by the Employment Steering Committee.
CURRICULUM REPORT
8.1 Ap prove Tim Deluccia (DuBois Area School District Assistant Superintendent) and Daniel Hawkins (DuBois Area Middle School Principal) to make a presentation to the WASD Administrative Staff about their experience implementing PVAAS and using PVAAS data. The presentation is scheduled for Wednesday January 26, 2005. The cost of the presentation is approximately $370, including $350 honoraria, meals and mileage.
8.2 Approve the participation of Williamsport Area High School, Roosevelt Middle School, Lycoming Valley Middle School, and Curtin Middle School in the 2005 Scholastic Art Awards Region at Large Program. Entry fees approximating $50 per school, are budgeted in 10-3219-813-000-00-050-122-015-0000.
8.3 Approve the Middle School Classroom Music Curriculum document. The document has successfully progressed through the review and revision process, including review by the Assistant Superintendent and the Curriculum and Instruction Council.
8.4 Authorize the administration to develop a Blended Schools curriculum for eligible students within the Williamsport Area School District and to prepare responsibilities and postings for the following stipend positions: Blended Schools Teachers (up to nine positions) and Blended Schools Coordinator (one administrative position).
8.5 Sheridan Elementary School staff requests approval to submit a grant to the Pennsylvania Humanities Council so that author/illustrator Bruce Van Patter may present “Let’s Get Creative”, an excellent, hands-on motivational assembly and provide classroom workshops for the entire school day on March 4, 2005. The approximate cost is $600 to be paid out of the grant.
8.6 A
pprove participation by the district's four secondary schools in the Central
Pennsylvania Scholastic Writing Awards program. Students in grades 7-12
participate annually in this program. Approximate cost of $225 is budgeted as
follows:
$46.25 in string #10-1100-813-000-20-550-150-016-0000.
$46.25 in string #10-1100-813-000-20-600-150-016-0000.
$46.25 in string #10-1100-813-000-20-650-150-016-0000.
$86.25 in string #10-1100-813-000-30-850-150-019-0000.
PERSONNEL REPORT
9.1 MEMORIAL RESOLUTION – Glen A. Willits
Adopt the following memorial resolution:
WHEREAS, the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District observes with profound sorrow the untimely passing from this life of Glen A. Willits who for eleven years was a dedicated custodian for the School District,
WHEREAS, the Board recognizes with respect and appreciation the devotion and time he gave to his colleagues, students, parents, and family, and the consideration he always showed them,
WHEREAS, the tragic loss of Glen will be deeply felt by many for a long time; now, there be it
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District tenders its deepest sympathy to his family in their bereavement, with the comforting knowledge that his life was well spent for the good of the students and teachers he guided and for his fellow man
FURTHER RESOLVED: that the members of this School Board direct that this resolution be spread upon the official minutes of this body and that a copy be presented to Mr. Willits’ family.
9.2 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Elizabeth A. Rager, as Assistant Varsity Girls Basketball Coach at the high school, for personal reasons, effective October 19, 2004. (Ms. Rager will continue as a special education teacher at the high school.)
9.3 LEAVES OF ABSENCE - Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Clarence M. Green, full-time Social Studies teacher at Curtin Middle School, for a sabbatical leave effective November 17, 2004, for the remainder of the 2004-2005 school term. Documentation for the leave is on file in the Human Resources Office.
B. Cindy L. Ryder, full-time Computer Lab Aide for the District, for an unpaid medical leave, effective October 29, 2004, through November 5, 2004, possibly to be extended after future doctor appointment.
Ms. Ryder will begin her unpaid leave of absence on October 29, 2004, which will be taken under the Family Medical Leave Act, which entitles the employee to health insurance for a maximum of 12 weeks, but is without pay or any other benefits.
9.3 LEAVES OF ABSENCE CONT’D:
C. Tammy L. Parsons, food service worker at Roosevelt Middle School, unpaid leave for a planned vacation, effective November 12, 2004.
9.4* ELECTION OF STAFF - Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Brian K. Stugart, P.O. Box 36, Montoursville, as Assistant Athletic Director at an annual stipend of $7,000 (prorated on a 12-month basis), effective November 3, 2004, through the end of the 2004-2005 school year. Status of position to be reviewed. No benefits are associated with this position except for social security, worker’s compensation and retirement (replacing Mark Douthat, resigned).
B. Elect and/or revise the following winter and 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
Girls Basketball
Assistant Coaches:
Katie Hettler (1)* $2,047
(Replacing Elizabeth A. Rager)
Wrestling (revisions made by Athletic Director)
Assistant Coach:
Tim Baker (0)* $2,785
Ninth Grade Coach:
Frank A. Noviello (2) $2,457
(Replacing Marco D. Newman)
Lead Assistant Coaches: Matthew J. Foote (1) $2,150
Marco D. Newman (5) $2,500
(Replacing Frank A. Noviello)
Boys & Girls Swimming & Diving
Assistant Coaches:
Jessica C. Waldman (2) $1,075
Girls Track & Field
Varsity Assistant:
Michael Paulhamus (5)* $2,143
Roosevelt Middle School
Boys Basketball
Assistant Coach:
Keith Davis (0)* $1,671
(Replacing Kevin Pletz, resigned)
Volunteers
Boys Basketball:
Jeremiah Washington ---
Elementary Wrestling Coordinator:
Josh Bower ---
Elementary Wrestling Coordinator:
Leroy Harmon ---
Elementary Wrestling Coordinator:
Bob Hill ---
Junior High Wrestling Coordinator: Ben Laurenson ---
9.4*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
C.
Gene A. Ulmer, 119 Summer St., Williamsport, as a substitute food service truck
driver at the rate of $7.50 per hour, effective November 3, 2004 (Mr. Ulmer is
a full-time custodian for the District).
D.
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:
Tonya R. Anderson
934 Elizabeth St., Williamsport
Crystal L. Bernstein
500 E. Second Ave., South Williamsport
Kaya K. Loehr
924 Hollywood Circle, Williamsport
Christopher W. Smith
1236 Vallamont Dr., NW, Williamsport
Steven J. Sutherlan
2406 Beautys Run Rd., Cogan Station
Richard J. Tamagno
106 E. Penn St., Muncy
Tax Office through the School-To-Work Program at the high school, effective
November 3, 2004 (3 hours per day, not to exceed 15 hours per week; student may
not work more than 3 hours any day that school is in session for the balance
of the 2004-2005 school year), at the hourly minimum wage rate with legally
mandated benefits only.
9.5* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position changes:
A.
Valorie L. Singleton, 664 Fifth Ave., Williamsport, from a general food service
worker at the high school to a full-time Instructional Support Aide/ES (185
day, 7 hours per day) at Curtin Middle School, with a base wage rate of
$14,103, prorated ($10.89 per hour), effective November 15, 2004 (new
position).
B.
Mary E. Eaker, 2223 Royal Ave., Williamsport, from a general food service
worker (4¾ hours daily) at Jackson Elementary School, to a general food
service worker (6 hours daily) at Jackson Elementary School, with a base wage
rate of $10.39 per hour, effective November 23, 2004 (replacing Sherry Jolin,
retired).
C.
Susan S. Naculich, 49 Keyser Circle, Williamsport, from a substitute food
service worker to a general food service worker (4½ hours daily) at the
high school, with a base wage rate of $9.39 per hour, effective November 3,
2004 (replacing Claudette Signor, transferred).
D.
Melissa J. Moore, 723 Clark St., 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 November 3, 2004
(replacing Tina Fraley, transferred to an aide position).
9.5* POSITION CHANGES CONT’D:
E.
Rhonda J. Lewis, 2085 West Bald Eagle Ave., South Williamsport, from a
substitute food service worker to a general food service worker (3 hours daily)
at the high school, with a base wage rate of $9.39 per hour, effective
November 3, 2004 (replacing Stephanie McKee, transferred).
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.
Four (4) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s yearbook staff
accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Gettysburg during November 2004 to
visit the Herff-Jones plant (a publisher of yearbooks). 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. Students will be transported by their teacher. A substitute
will be required for the day.
B.
Fifty (50) fourth grade students from Sheridan Elementary School, accompanied
by their teachers, to travel to Wegman’s during November 2004. The
students will learn firsthand about the food pyramid and their nutritional
values. Students must be in compliance with the school’s field trip
disciplinary requirements in order to participate. Transportation will be
aboard City Bus. All costs will be paid by the PTO.
C.
Seventeen (17) Williamsport Area High School band students, supervised by their
director, to participate in the Lycoming County Band Directors’ Senior
High County Band Festival to be held at the Williamsport Area High School. The
rehearsals and concert will take place during November and December 2004.
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 only cost to the District will be registration
costs in the approximate amount of $153 (10-3211-813-000-30-850-121-023-0000).
11.1*
Approve the following student trips cont’d:
D.
Six to eight (6-8) Williamsport Area High School senior health occupations
students, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Mansfield University
during November 2004 to attend a Youth Smoke-Free conference. Students
eligible to participate will not have been suspended from school more than five
days; will have no bus dis-ciplinary 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 teacher. A
substitute will be required for the day.
E.
Four (4) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their teacher,
to travel to Bloomsburg during November 2004 to participate in the Bloomsburg
Math Contest. 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 teacher. There will participation fee of approximately
$45 and travel costs of approximately $30. A substitute will be required for
one-half day.
F.
Transportation only for 200 members of the ACDA PA Men’s/Women’s
Choir to be transported during November 2004 from the Williamsport Area High
School to the Genetti Hotel and back to the high school the next day. No
district students are being transported. The cost for transportation will be
billed to ACDA PA.
G.
Sixteen (16) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Les Chanteuses
performing group, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to the Radisson
during December 2004 to perform for the Williamsport Rotary Club. 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
(10-1100-519-000-30-850-121-023-0000).
H.
Fourteen (14) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s “GQ”
; performing group, accompanied by their director, to travel to Harrisburg and
Washington, DC during December 2004. The students will be performing at the
Governor’s Mansion in Harrisburg and at the White House. 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 contracted through Susquehanna
Trailways. Expenses will paid through the WAHS Choral Student Activity Fund,
with $500 of the transportation expenses being funded through
10-3212-513-000-30-850-121-023-0000.
I.
Twenty-six orchestra students from Curtin, Lycoming Valley, and Roosevelt
Middle Schools, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Williamsport
Area High School during November 2004 to participate in the PMEA District 8
Middle School String Festival. Students eligible to participate must be in
compliance with their school’s field trip disciplinary requirements. The
students will be transported by their parents. Registration in the approximate
amount of $260 will be charged to 10-3214-813-000-20-550/600/650-121-023-0000.
11.1*
Approve the following student trips cont’d:
J.
Approximately 30 Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their
teachers, to travel to the federal building in Williamsport during November
2004. The students will have the opportunity to experience a trial, tour the
building, and meet with a federal judge for a question and answer session.
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). Substitutes will be required for
periods 1-5.
11.2
Authorize the American Cancer Society to imprint the Williamsport Area School
District logo on t-shirts to be used for the 2005 Williamsport Relay for Life
event that will be held at the Williamsport Area High School Stadium on June 17
th and 18th 2005
11.3
Authorize up to four (4) after school socials to be held at Lycoming Valley
Middle School from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. The dates are to be determined. The cost
for services is not to exceed $300 per social and is to be funded from the
Student Activity Account 80-3210-599-000-00-000-803-084-0000.
11.4
Approve the following requests for facility use:
A.
Repasz Band to use the auditorium at the Williamsport Area High School on
December 7, 2004 and April 18, 2005 from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. to hold
dress
rehearsals also on December 12, 2004 and April 24, 2005 from 1:30 p.m. until
4:00 p.m. to conduct free public concerts. The Repasz Band is requesting
relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $200.00. Certificate of Insurance to
be received. BIDS/CONTRACTS
12.1*
Authorize the purchase of printed tax forms in accordance with our
specifications and the following recommendation. All recommended awards are
based on the lowest bid price meeting specifications.
A schedule of items to be awarded has been provided in lieu of a complete
tabulation. Due to the number of items and participating vendors on this bid,
it is impractical to provide a complete tabulation. A complete tabulation is
available in the Business Office for viewing by any interested parties.
All bids were received by 1:30 p.m. opened publicly in the District Service
Center at
2:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 19, 2004. RECOMMENDED AWARD:
KBF Print Technology, Williamsport, PA
$11,230.72
12.2
Authorize the release of a Request for Proposals for lockbox tax collection.
This will be a joint proposal with Lycoming County. The Request for Proposals
will not obligate the District or the County to participate in a lockbox
program.
12.3*
Authorize an agreement with School Dude.com to lease Utility Direct software at
a cost of $2,423.24 per year. This is an online tool to help efficiently
measure and manage utility consumption and identify savings opportunities.
TAX ITEMS
13.1
Approve the following tax summaries.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mrs. Williams encouraged everyone to attend the chicken and biscuit dinner at
Curtin Middle School tomorrow evening. She stated that the Strolling Strings
would be providing dinner music.
Mrs. Markle commented that she learned about methods to engage the community at
a recent PSBA workshop. She is taking the ideas to our Public Relations
Committee. She talked about a program at the Elizabethtown School District in
which senior citizens provide service to the school district in exchange for a
tax rebate.
Mr. Stone stated that he is interested in surveying the pulse of the community
and was wondering if the Public Relations Committee would look into a survey
method.
Mrs. Markle reported that Jay Shultz and she visited the Hepburn Construction
Project and then visited the I Can Learn Workshop at Roosevelt. They also
visited Cochran and the atmosphere now matches the quality of the facility.
Attitudes are positive, the basement is dry and volunteers are returning for
service.
Mr. Stone invited everyone to view construction progress photographs on
Hepburn’s web site.
Mr. Shultz stated that he enjoyed his visit to the I Can Learn Workshop. The
students were engaged and making progress.
Mr. Huffman stated the he is also interested in engaging the public. He
suggested that we evaluate rearranging the board room to improve public
participation.
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. Harris and carried, the meeting
adjourned at 8:43 p.m.
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary
Sam Fatherly (0)*