W illiamsport A rea
S chool D istrict
Board of Directors Meeting
February 1, 2005
6:00 p.m.
AGENDA
1.
CALL TO ORDER
2. INVOCATION –
Fred Holland, Esq. DISTRICT BELIEF STATEMENTS
STATEMENT # 7
We believe that all students learn best in a safe, non-threatening environment.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
5. REPORTS TO THE BOARD
5.1
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A.
Middle Level Curriculum Plan Discussion—Bernadette Strong, Middle School
Curriculum Supervisor
B.
Consider approving the project of WAHS Senior Luke Rodgers to evaluate and
replace United States flags in the classrooms and public areas where such
replacement is needed. Many of the school's flags are original issue, and are
faded, weathered or frayed. Luke is a conducting an Eagle Scout project of
community service, and this will also serve as his graduation project. He has
worked on a survey of rooms, and has met with Mr. Hitzeman and Mr. Huddy
regarding his project. The final piece of the Eagle Scout requirement is that
he appear before the board of education to explain his project, and to gain its
approval to move forward.
C.
Consider approving the adjudication of student 04/05–05 resulting from a
quasi-judicial hearing held this date.
5.2
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Calendar of Events:
February 4
School will be in session (make up snow day)
5.2
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT CONT’D: – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A.
Calendar of Events Cont’d:
February 15
WASD School Board Meeting—6:00 p.m.
February 22
Inservice Day at Curtin Middle School
B.
On display in the Baskin Gallery during March is the Technology Education
Exhibition
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 the following financial reports:
A. Payroll Report:
General Fund – Unrestricted
$2,675,690.46
General Fund – Restricted 261,062.02
Athletics and Extra Curricular
40,825.40 Food Service Fund
57,350.66
Data Processing Fund 7,731.70
Maintenance Fund 38,690.34
Mercantile & Privilege
47.90
Earned Income Tax 34,429.53
Student Activities
2,807.20
TOTAL
$3,118,635.21
6.2*
Consider authorizing payment of invoices and services rendered by the list
submitted marked Order No. 02/01/05 in the amount of $397,092.37, 02/01/05A in
the amount of $20,828.91, 02/01/05B in the amount of
$20,889.87, 02/01/05C in the amount of $3,244,357.85, 02/01/05D in the amount
of $303,557.37, 02/01/05E in the amount of 174,869.76, 02/01/05F in the amount
of $223,544.58, 02/01/05G in the amount of $1,830.00 and that the officers of
the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 02/01/05,
02/01/05A, 02/01/05B, 02/01/05C, 02/01/05D, 02/01/05E, 02/01/05F and 02/01/05G.
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 a full day of first aid and CPR training on February 21,
2005 for 38 paraprofessionals who work with students with disabilities. This
training is needed to comply with the requirements of ACCESS so that
paraprofessionals can continue to bill ACCESS for their services and have the
district receive reimbursement. Training will be provided by the American Red
Cross of Williamsport at a cost of $37.30 per participant. String numbers are
general fund for approximate cost of $775.00 -- 10-1200-329-000-00-000-004-0000
and ACCESS for the remaining $650.00 at 10-2271-582-891-00-000-000-004-0005
8.2
Consider approving Dan Kamin, Mime and Illusionist, to perform at assemblies at
Stevens Elementary School, Curtin Middle School, and the Williamsport Area
High School during the week of February 14, 2005. Mr. Kamin's services are
provided by the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra and the Children's Discovery
Workshop at no cost to the district.
8.3
Consider approving Michael Hudson, Music Curriculum Specialist, Scott Foresman,
Silver Burdett to provide professional development to elementary music
education teachers on February 21, 2005 in the Jackson Elementary School Music
Classroom. The training will be provided at no cost to the district.
8.4
Consider approving Differentiated Instruction Professional Development services
for Roosevelt Middle School from Steve Biancaniello Ph.D., on February 7,
2005, April 8, 2005 May 13, 2005 and another date yet to be determined..
Approximate costs for all consulting days will be $4,000.00 ($1,000 per day)
plus expenses and will be paid out of the EETT grant.
8.5
Consider approving poet Dan Simpson to offer an in-service presentation for the
WAHS English Department on Monday, February 21, 2005, at WAHS. Costs for fee,
lodging, transportation, and meals not to exceed $1000 budgeted in string
#10-2271-329-000-00-000-000-017-0000
8.6
Consider approving poet Dan Simpson to work with selected English classes at
WAHS from February 22-25, 2005. Costs for fee, lodging, transportation, and
meals not to exceed $800 budgeted in string
#10-1100-329-000-30-850-150-019-0000
8.7
Consider approving Marguerite Anderson-Royal to teach a special education
student in the after hours program who has been placed there as a result of a
weapons violation. She will teach from 5 to 10 hours per week. Her salary
will be at the contractual hourly rate ($24.60) and she will be paid out of the
ACCESS budget. 10-1200-131-891-30-850-000-004-0005
8.8
Consider approving the 2005-06 Williamsport Area High School Student Handbook.
8.9
Consider approving Lindsay Barrett-George, a noted children’s author, to
present student assemblies at Cochran Elementary School on Thursday, March 10,
2005 and to present a Family Workshop, titled Doodlebuddies, in the evening of
Thursday, March 10, 2005. The cost is $1,200 and will be covered by the Cochran
School Association.
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.
Debra L. Hammond, full-time Instructional Support Aide/LPN at the high school,
for personal reasons, effective at the end of the workday on Thursday, February
3, 2005.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Consider approving the following leaves of absence:
A.
Scott E. Ferguson, Sr., auxiliary custodian for the District, for military
leave effective
January 17, 2005, for a period of active duty not to exceed 545 days (as
reflected in
orders), in accordance with Section 5159(14)(b) of the School District Policy
Manual
and Act 174 of 1990. Mr. Ferguson will use available personal, vacation and
comp days before beginning his unpaid leave.
B.
Judith I. Mace, general food service worker at Lycoming Valley Middle School,
unpaid leave for planned vacation, effective February 10, 2005, through
February 18, 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
B.
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:
Susan C. Andresen
857 Louisa St., Williamsport
9.4* POSITION CHANGES
Consider approving the following position changes:
A.
Jonathan M. Miller, 732 Tucker St., Williamsport, from a substitute custodian
to a regular part-time custodian at the high school (second shift), 250 days up
to 4 hours per day, with a base wage rate of $9.64 per hour, effective
February 2, 2005 (replacing Ron Delker, transferred).
B.
Robert L. Emerick, 1506 Princeton Ave., Williamsport, from a substitute
custodian to a regular part-time custodian at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary
School (second shift), 250 days, up to 3½ hours per day, with a base wage
rate of $9.64 per hour, effective February 2, 2005 (replacing Dana E. Richards,
transferred). 10. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Questions may be directed to Mrs. Thomas and Mr. Dugan.
10.1
RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Consider approving released time for staff members to participate in
professional develop-ment activities in accordance with the Professional
Development Plan of the Williamsport Area School District and consider
approving training programs. All expenditures proposed are within local, state
and federal budget categories approved as noted. (See attachment)
11.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Questions may be directed to Dr. Lowery.
11.1*
Consider approving the following student trips:
A.
Three (3) Williamsport Area High School band students, accepted by competitive
audition, to participate in the Pennsylvania Music Educators’ Association
Region IV Band Festival to be held at Shikellamy High School on four days
during February 2005.
Andrew Mextorf – Baritone Sax
Nathan McMahon – Cornet 2
Angad Sandhoo – String Bass
Cost to the District would be $195 (10-3211-813-000-30-850-121-023-0000) for
student registration fees, and approximately $200
(10-3211-581-000-30-850-121-023-0000) for teacher expenses. Ed Richards, WAHS
band director, will transport the students to the festival in the school van.
One substitute will be needed for two days.
11.1*
Consider approving the following student trips:
B.
Seventy-five (75) third grade students from Cochran Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Lycoming College during February
2005 to view a planetarium show. Students receiving three referrals will not
be permitted to participate.
District transportation is requested and will be paid by the Cochran School
Association.
C.
Fourteen (14) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their
director, to travel to Mansfield University during March 2005 to participate
the Vocal Jazz Day. 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. All costs will be paid through the
choral activity fund. One substitute will be required for the day.
D.
Forty-eight (48) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Concert
Choir, accompanied by their director and another adult chaperone, to travel to
Susquehanna University during April 2005 to participate in the 11th
Annual Invitational Honors High School Choir Day. 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 and will be paid from the WAHS choir
activity fund. One substitute will be required for the day.
E.
Fourteen (14) Williamsport Area High School welding students, accompanied by
their teacher, to travel to the Pennsylvania College of Technology and High
Steel Structures on a date during February 2005. 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).
One substitute will be required for the day.
F.
Revision to Item 11.1.B from the December 7, 2004 Agenda for third grade
students from Round Hills Elementary School to travel to Pennsylvania State
University. It is requested to add two staff members to the list of
participants. This will require the cost of two substitutes for the day, which
will also be paid by the Round Hills PTO.
11.2*
Consider approving the following request for facility use:
A. Saint John’s School of the Arts to use the auditorium at the
Williamsport Area
High School on April 27, 28, 29 and 30, 2005 to hold three days of rehearsal
and a dance ensemble Spring performance. St. John’s is requesting relief
of the occupancy fee estimated at $200.00. Certificate of Insurance on file.
B.
Silver Bullet Softball to use the gymnasium at Lycoming Valley Middle School,
(pending receipt of Certificate of Insurance) on Sundays, beginning February
2005 through March 2005 from 1:45 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. to hold softball
practice. Silver Bullets are requesting relief from the occupancy fee
estimated at $175.00. Silver Bullets are aware they must pay labor fees
associated with this practice.
12. BIDS/CONTRACTS
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson.
12.1*
Consider authorizing the purchase of general supplies to replenish inventoried
stock in accordance with our specifications and the following recommended
awards. 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 extensive 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. and opened publicly in the District Service
Center at
2:00 p.m., Tuesday, November 23, 2004:
RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
AFP Industries Inc., Miami Springs, FL $
556.00
Bye Mo’r Inc., Kingsbury, IN
1,936.08
Cascade School Supplies Inc., North Adams, MA 956.92
Kurtz Bros. Inc., Clearfield, PA
14,347.00
National Art & School Supplies, Rahway, NJ
2,102.40
Phillips Supply Company, Plymouth, PA
487.18
Pyramid School Products Inc., Tampa, FL
32,716.54
Quill Office Supplies Inc., Palatine, IL
5,479.54
Standard Stationery Supply, Wheeling, IL
6,965.31
Sofco, Depew, NY
7,156.00
TOTAL RECOMMENDED AWARD
$72,702.97
12. BIDS/CONTRACTS CONT’D:
12.2*
Consider authorizing the purchase and installation of a security camera &
recorder system at the Williamsport Alternative School in accordance with our
specifications and the following recommendation. All recommended awards are
based on the lowest bid meeting our specifications.
RECOMMENDED AWARD:
X-Pert Communications Inc., State College, PA
$5,344.00
Part of the funding for this project comes primarily from the Lycoming County
Comprehensive School Safety and Critical Incident Management Program Grant.
This fund is for the Improvement of Education programs within the United States
Department of Education. The grant was awarded to the Lycoming County
Division of Public Safety, which will act as the fiscal agent for the school
districts expenditures. We are allotted $5000.00 for this expense through the
grant. Total cost to the district for this project will be $344.00.
13. TAX ITEMS
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson.
13.1
Consider approving the attached tax summaries.
13.2
Consider approving the attached resolution establishing tax collector
compensation, policies and procedures for the period of July 1, 2006 through
June 30, 2010 as required by section 36.1 of the Local Tax Collection Law, 72
P.S. §5511.36a. 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
February 7
Inservice Day at Roosevelt Middle School
February 14
Diversity Committee Meeting—12:00 p.m.
February 14
Public Relations Committee Meeting—4:00 p.m.
February 15
Curriculum & Instruction Steering Committee—2:00 p.m.
February 16
Gifted Advisory Council Meeting—7:00 p.m.
February 17
ETAC/ATAC Meeting—6:30 p.m.
February 21
District-Wide Inservice Day
February 21
Elementary Alternative Education Meeting—4:00 p.m.
February 28
Secondary Alternative Education Meeting— 4:00 p.m.
March 1
WASD School Board Meeting—6:00 p.m.$304.86
$317.05 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). [Item originally approved on 01/18/05 agenda with incorrect
rate.] 
