W illiamsport A rea
S chool D istrict
Board of Directors Meeting
January 18, 2005
6:00 p.m.
AGENDA
1.
CALL TO ORDER
2. INVOCATION –
Mrs. Karen Harris DISTRICT BELIEF STATEMENTS
STATEMENT # 6
We believe that all students need to be challenged to reach their potential.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Regular Meeting – January 4, 2005
5. REPORTS TO THE BOARD
5.1
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A.
Congratulations to Williamsport Area High School student Haley Tucker for being
named the featured student artist in the StArt Gallery during January 2005 as
part of the First Friday Celebration.
B.
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.
Board Recognition Presentations
B.
Differentiated Supervision Presentation—Jackie Thomas, Assistant
Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction;
Paul Daniels – Principal, Sheridan Elementary School; Gerry Fausnaught
– Principal, Roosevelt Middle School; Carol Porter – Teacher,
Sheridan Elementary School; and Robert Williams – Assistant Principal
– Lycoming Valley Middle School
C.
High School Graduation Project—Stephen Huddy, Principal –
Williamsport
Area High School; William Emery, Department Chair for Social Studies; and Dr.
Carol Watson, Cooperative Education
5.2
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT CONT’D: – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
D.
Consider approving the cross-district collaboration option as presented by the
administration for inclusion of South Williamsport and Loyalsock Township
School District students into the Williamsport Area School District Career and
Technical Education Program
E.
Consider approving modification of the Williamsport Area High School Graduation
Project for implementation during the 2004-05 school year.
F. Calendar of Events
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 – 6:00 pm
G.
On display in the Baskin Gallery - WASD Scholastic Art 2005
5.3
Committee Reports by Board Members
5.4 Construction Projects
6. FINANCE REPORT
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson
6.1
Consider approving budget transfers for FY05, dated January 13, 2005 as
presented in accordance with Section 609 of the Public School Code of 1949, as
amended:
6.2*
Consider authorizing payment of invoices and services rendered by the list
submitted marked Order No. 01/18/05 in the amount of $1,016,066.52, 01/18/05A
in the amount of $4,270.00, 01/18/05B in the amount of
$201,185.54, 01/18/05C in the amount of $2,218,659.93, 01/18/05D in the amount
of $87,554.41, 01/18/05E in the amount of $47,866.06 and that the officers of
the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 01/18/05,
01/18/05A, 01/18/05B, 01/18/05C, 01/18/05D and 01/18/05E.
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 Susquehanna Health System to provide an after school
Certified Nursing Assistant program to qualified Williamsport Area High School
students. The program will begin on February 15, 2005 and meet on Tuesdays,
Wednesdays, and Thursdays until March 31, 2005 to include 3 full days of
Saturday clinicals. (Saturday clinicals to be scheduled later.) There is no
cost to the School District for this program.
8.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.2
Consider approving Jackson Elementary School to enter into a partnership with
the Valley View Nursing Center to sponsor the JUST (Jackson Understanding
Seniors Together) Through Art program. Beginning the end of January, seniors
from the nursing center would travel to Jackson Elementary School once or twice
each month to participate in art classes with one third grade class. The
seniors would complete the same activities that the students complete. (This
program was done in previous years at Jackson.) There would be no cost to the
district.
8.3
Consider approving Accelerated Math consultation services for Roosevelt Middle
School from Renaissance Learning Company on January 12th
and April 28th
, 2005. Approximate costs for both consultant days will be $6,100 plus one
substitute each day and will be paid out of the EETT grant.
8.4
Consider approving a contract with the Radisson Hotel for an awards recognition
breakfast on May 20, 2005 to honor approximately 30 high school Special
Education students involved in the Community Work Experience Program.
Parents, classroom teachers, aides, district administrators, school board
directors, employers, and community dignitaries will also participate in the
event. The cost of the breakfast is $7.25 per person plus an additional 18%
gratuity. The costs are budgeted in account number
10-1200-635-000-30-850-000-004-0000.
8.5
Consider approving McDougal Littell representatives to provide professional
development to middle school regular education teachers and special education
teachers of science on February 21, 2005. McDougal Littell representatives
Mary Quadrini and Joe Moscato will train science teachers for the continued
implementation of our new middle school integrated science program. This
training will be provided at no cost to the district.
8.6
Considering approving Connie Sugden, contracted through Education 21, Inc., to
provide professional development for middle school teachers on February 21,
2005. Ms. Sugden, a national trainer and educational consultant, will train
teachers in the use of Study Skills Across the Curriculum, a researched based
interdisciplinary study skills program.
Approximate costs for this workshop are $2630 and have been budgeted under
2004-2005 Title II ($1180 lodging, meals, transportation; $750 consulting fee;
$700 workshop/resource materials for teachers).
8.7
Consider approving the Lycoming County Historical Society and the Taber Museum
to sponsor a President’s Day Symposium on Sources for Pennsylvania History
to be provided for middle school and high school teachers of social studies to
be held on our February 21, 2005 curriculum based in-service day at the Taber
Museum. Presenters will include local historian, Alison Hirsch, PhD as well as
three authors of essays in the Penn State Press Book, Pennsylvania: A History
of the Commonwealth. These authors include Linda Ries, PA State Archivist,
Linda Shopes, PHMC Historian, and William Pencak, PSU Professor of History.
Costs for the symposium are unwritten through a Pennsylvania Humanities Council
grant awarded to the Taber Museum. Teacher resource materials ($600) will be
provided through middle school and high school social studies administrative
accounts.
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.
Sandra M. Myers, full-time Administrative Support at the high school, for the
purpose of retirement, effective February 1, 2005.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School
District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Sandra M. Myers
from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere
appreciation for her 26½ years of dedicated service to our school system
as administrative support. It further expresses the hope that her years of
retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
B.
Michael J. Allegrucci III, resigning from position of Head Coach for the WAHS
Golf Team, for personal reasons, effective immediately.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Consider approving the following leaves of absence:
A.
Tamra L. Springman, full-time Guidance Counselor at Roosevelt Middle School,
for an unpaid medical leave, effective February 17, 2005, through March 4,
2005, possibly to return sooner.
Mrs. Springman is currently utilizing sick and/or personal days and will begin
her unpaid leave of absence on February 17, 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.
B.
Sylvia E. Shumbat, full-time instructional support aide at the high school,
unpaid leave for the purpose of travel, effective February 2, 2005, through
February 8, 2005.
C.
Elena M. Matty, general food service worker at Lycoming Valley Middle School,
unpaid leave for a planned family vacation, effective February 7, 2005, through
February 10, 2005.
D.
Michele L. Lusk, general food service worker at Alternative Education School,
unpaid leave for purpose of vacation, effective February 24 & 25, 2005.
E.
Susan E. McGehean, special education (learning support) teacher at the high
school, leave of absence effective January 24, 2005, through the end of the
second semester of the 2004-2005 school term (tentative date of June 10, 2005).
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Consider the election of the following staff, for the purpose and on the date
indicated:
A.
Susan E. McGehean, 936 W. Third St., Williamsport, as Secondary Special
Education Coordinator, effective January 24, 2005, through the remainder of the
second semester of the 2004-2005 school term (205 day schedule prorated).
Mrs. McGehean will be paid at the rate of $304.86 per day and will be eligible
for benefits as provided under the Act 93 Compensation Plan. (Mrs. McGehean
will serve in this position replacing Karen Moser, resigned).
B.
Heather M. Vogt, 1027 Mulberry St., Williamsport, extension as a long-term
substitute teacher, effective with the start of the second semester of the
2004-2005 school term (scheduled date is January 24, 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 special education at the high
school, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor’s, $37,900 (+ $200),
prorated. Ms. Buffington holds a bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg
University and is certified in Special Education N-12 and Elementary K-6
(replacing Susan McGehean, transferred to an administrative position for the
second semester).
C.
Michael W. Burd, 266 Lincoln Ave., Williamsport, extension as a long-term
substitute teacher, effective with the start of the second semester of the
2004-2005 school term (scheduled date is January 24, 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 Elementary (4th
Grade) at Round Hills Elementary School, at a salary rate of Step 1,
bachelor’s, $37,900, prorated. Mr. Burd holds a bachelor’s degree
from Shippensburg University and is certified in Elementary (replacing Maureen
Latranyi, on unpaid leave) [authorize Superintendent to sign MOU].
D.
Veronica R. Hine, 58 Shawnee Drive, Muncy, as a long-term substitute teacher,
effective with the start of the second semester of the 2004-2005 school term
(scheduled date is January 24, 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 Elementary (2nd
Grade) at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, at a salary rate of Step 1,
bachelor’s, $37,900, prorated. Ms. Hine holds a bachelor’s degree
from Lock Haven University and is certified in Elementary (replacing Sherri
Buckwalter, on sabbatical leave) [authorize Superintendent to sign MOU].
E.
Betsy G. Yost, 1347 Rose Valley Rd., Cogan Station, as a long-term substitute
teacher, effective with the start of the second semester of the 2004-2005
school term (scheduled date is January 24, 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 Special Education at Jackson
Elementary School, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor’s, $37,900 (+
$200), prorated. Ms. Yost holds a bachelor’s degree from Lock Haven
University and is certified in Mentally and/or Physically Handicapped
(replacing Jennifer Larson, on unpaid leave).
9.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
F.
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:
Kathleen E. Clark
826 Second Ave., Williamsport
Heather L. Heiny
2270 Linwood Ave., Williamsport
Jaymi R. Kimble
8210 W. Rt. 973 Hwy., Jersey Shore
Frederick W. Wood
332 Forrest St., S. Williamsport
9.4* POSITION CHANGES
Consider approving the following position changes:
A.
Jennifer A. Douglass, 2631 Route 973E, Cogan Station, from a general food
service worker at Jackson Elementary School, to a full-time Instructional
Support Aide/ES (185 day, 7 hours per day) at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary
School, with a base wage rate of $14,103, prorated ($10.89 per hour), effective
January 24, 2005 (new position required by IEP; funded through ACCESS).
B.
Mark D. Quigley, 4016 Beautys Run Rd., Linden, from a regular part-time
custodian at the high school, to a regular part-time custodian at Stevens
Elementary School, 250 days up to 4 hours per day, with a base wage rate of
$9.64 per hour, effective January 18, 2005 (replacing Roland Krueger,
resigned).
9.5 OTHER
A.
Authorize payment in the amount of $300.00 ($15.00 per day for 15 days) to J.
Scott McNeill, teacher in the Alternative Education School, for additional
administrative responsibilities assumed at the Alternative Educational School
during the administrator’s absence (acct.
#10-1442-121-000-00-910-000-007-0000).
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 development
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.
11.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Questions may be directed to Dr. Lowery.
11.1*
Consider approving the following student trips:
A.
Approximately 120 third through fifth grade students from Hepburn-Lycoming
Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and classroom parents, to
travel to the YMCA during January 2005 as an AR incentive.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the
Hepburn-Lycoming PTO.
B.
All fifth grade students from Round Hills Elementary School, accompanied by
their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Harrisburg during May 2005.
The students will have the opportunity to visit the Civil War Museum and the
Whitaker Science Center. Students eligible to participate must be in
compliance with the school’s field trip disciplinary requirements.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Round
Hills PTO.
C.
Approximately 105 fifth grade students from Cochran Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Washington,
DC, during May 2005. The students will have the opportunity to visit the
National Zoo and various historical sites. Students eligible to participate
will not have received a pink slip after April 1, 2005, will not have been
suspended, assigned to Saturday School, or have been assigned to Saturday
detention.
Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. The Cochran School
Association will pay $3,000 toward the trip with the remainder being funded by
a student fundraiser.
D.
Eight (8) Curtin Middle School students, accompanied by their principal and a
teacher, to travel to the Little League Complex in South Williamsport during
February 2005 to participate in a MathCounts competition.
The students will be transported by the principal and teacher. Funding is
provided through the Middle School Curriculum coordinator’s budget.
E.
Forty-eight (48) Williamsport Area School District middle school band students,
accompanied by three band staff members, to participate in the LCBDA Junior
County Band Festival to be held at the Williamsport Area High School.
Rehearsals will take place at Roosevelt Middle School and the Williamsport Area
High School on dates during January and February 2005.
Cost to the District would be $384
(10-1100-813-000-20-550/600/650-121-023-0000) for student registration fees,
and approximately $150 (10-1100-519-000-20-550/600/650-121-023-0000) for
student transportation.
11.1*
Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:
F.
Eight (8) Williamsport Area High School FCCLA members, accompanied by their
advisor, to travel to Lancaster for three days during March 2005 to participate
in the FCCLA State Leadership Conference and Competition. 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. Costs will be paid with FCCLA funds. A
substitute will be required for three days.
G.
Approximately 30 learning support students from the Williamsport Area High
School, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Radisson Hotel during
May 2005 to attend the annual Vocational Training Awards recognition breakfast.
The students will also have the opportunity to take a trip aboard the
Hiawatha. 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 and the cost of the Hiawatha will be funded by the City of
Williamsport. The only cost to the District will be funding the cost of
breakfast (10-1200-635-000-30-850-000-04-0000).
H.
Eighty (80) members of the Williamsport Area High Schools Wind Ensemble,
accompanied by three staff members and several band sponsors, to travel to
Virginia Beach for four days during May 2005. The students will be
participating in the “Fiestival” Virginia Beach Invitational Music
Festival. 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 through contract carrier. All costs will be
paid through student fundraising. Two substitutes will be required for one
day—one for the high school and one for Roosevelt.
I.
Five (5) Lycoming Valley Middle School MathCounts team members, accompanied by
their advisor, to travel to the Little League Complex in South Williamsport
during February 2005 to participate in the annual MathCounts competition.
The students will be transported by their advisor. There will be no cost to
the District.
11.1*
Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:
J.
Forty-four (44) Williamsport Area High School Jazz Band members, accompanied by
two staff members and band sponsors, to travel to Philadelphia during April
2005 to participate in the University of the Arts “Jazz Festival.”
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 through contract carrier. All costs will be
paid through student fundraising. One substitute will be required for the day.
K.
One hundred (100) fifth grade students from Cochran Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Williamsport Area High School
on dates during February 2005 to visit the planetarium. Students eligible to
participate will not have been suspended or been assigned to Saturday School
within 60 calendar days prior to the trip.
District transportation is requested (10-1100-519-000-10-225-000-014-0000).
L.
Seventy-five (75) fifth grade students from Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Williamsport Area High School
on dates during February 2005 to visit the planetarium. Students eligible to
participate will not have been suspended or been assigned to Saturday School
within 60 calendar days prior to the trip.
District transportation is requested (10-1100-519-000-10-250-000-014-0000).
M.
One hundred (100) fifth grade students from Jackson Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Williamsport Area High School
on dates during February 2005 to visit the planetarium. Students eligible to
participate will not have been suspended or been assigned to Saturday School
for disciplinary reasons within 60 calendar days prior to the trip.
District transportation is requested (10-1100-519-000-10-275-000-014-0000).
N.
Seventy-five (75) fifth grade students from Round Hills Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Williamsport Area High School
on dates during February 2005 to visit the planetarium. Students eligible to
participate will not have been suspended or been assigned to Saturday School
within 30 calendar days prior to the trip.
District transportation is requested (10-1100-519-000-10-225-000-014-0000).
11.1*
Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:
O.
Fifty (50) fifth grade students from Sheridan Elementary School, accompanied by
their teachers, to travel to the Williamsport Area High School on during
February 2005 to visit the planetarium. Students eligible to participate will
not have been suspended, assigned to Saturday School, or have received more
than one in-school suspension within 60 calendar days prior to the trip.
District transportation is requested (10-1100-519-000-10-350-000-014-0000).
P.
Seventy-three (73) fifth grade students from Stevens Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Williamsport Area High School
on dates during February 2005 to visit the planetarium. Students eligible to
participate will not have been suspended or been assigned to Saturday School
within 30 calendar days prior to the trip.
District transportation is requested (10-1100-519-000-10-375-000-014-0000).
Q.
Two (2) Williamsport Area High School career and technical education students,
accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Harrisburg on two dates during
February 2005 to participation in the Career and Technical Education Week
Celebration. 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. The Pennsylvania Department
of Education will reimburse the District for expenses. One substitute will be
required for both days.
R.
Twelve (12) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their
advisor, to travel to the Lycoming County Courthouse on two dates during
February 2005 to compete in a mock trial competition. 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 advisor and parent volunteers. There
will be no cost to the District.
12. BIDS/CONTRACTS
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson.
12.1*
Consider authorizing the purchase of a Sharp AR-M237 copier from Philips Supply
House for the Sheridan Elementary School at the state contract price of $2,750
to replace the existing obsolete office copier.
12. BIDS/CONTRACTS CONT’D:
12.2*
Consider authorizing the purchase of band uniforms from DeMoulin Brothers at
their bid price of $48,369. A bid of $43,290 was received from Fruhauf Company
but the uniform did not meet our specifications. Band uniforms were last
purchased in 1996.
13. TAX ITEMS -
None
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
