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 21, 2000, beginning at 8:00 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, Pamela J. Markle, Kelly R. Pedersen, David B. Stone, Jr.,
James E. Temple (arrived at 8:50 p.m.), Dale L. Vollman, Lois T. Williams,
Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: Shirley L. Canada.
INVOCATION – Charles E. Peterson, Jr. provided the invocation.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the Regular Meetings of October 3 and 17, and that the reading of the minutes be omitted and the minutes be approved as presented.
The motion carried 7-0.
Student Representatives’ Report – Annie Kindon
President Stone recognized Mr. Todd Penman and Mrs. Monica Chenault representing Williamsport Residents For Williamsport (WRFW). They thanked the Board, Dr. Lowery and Fred Holland for their efforts in keeping Woodward Township in the Williamsport Area School District.
President Stone also recognized students Justin Chenault and Brian Aunkst representing Students Against Secession (SAS). They indicated their desire to remain in the Williamsport Area School District and thanked the Board for their stand on this issue.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
Dr. Lowery recognized Jackie Thomas to review the Comprehensive Report on the District’s School Improvement Plans. The report included the following recommendation from the Planning and Development Committee. “The Planning and Development Committee urges the Board to direct the Williamsport Schools to continue in the school improvement process. This is the final year of the initial three-year School Improvement Plan that the Board directed to begin in 1998-99. The Planning and Development Committee has met its obligation to develop and supervise the school improvement plan concept. We recommend that responsibilities for the School Improvement Plan reports, formats and processes be updated/
redesigned and supervised in the future by the Curriculum and Instruction Council.”
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the above recommendation.
The motion carried 8-0.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT CONT’D: – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
will continue through December 15 in the Board Room.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. Congratulations to the students of the Alternative School for the extremely successful blood drive held on October 26, 2000. They exceeded their goal of 40 pints by collecting an additional 7 pints. Their efforts are very much appreciated by the American Red Cross. The next blood drive will be taking place on February 22, 2001, so mark your calendars!
B. The Williamsport Area High School has been selected as the Laurel Youth Services’
Specialized Foster Care Program’s “School Staff of the Year” award recipient. This award will be presented at the Annual Foster Parent and Foster Youth Holiday Banquet on
December 8, 2000. Congratulations to principals: Steve Huddy, Mel Wentzel, Jeff Robbins, John Cokefair and their respective secretaries Robin Enderle, Stacy Miller, Lori Martin and Diane Burns.
C. Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve a public hearing for consideration of the closing of the Woodward Township Elementary School at the conclusion of the 2000-01 school year. The hearing will be held on Tuesday, December 19, 2000, at
7:00 p.m. at the Woodward Township Elementary School.
The motion carried 7-0.
D. Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Pedersen, to authorize the Solicitor to file an appeal from the decree of court establishing Woodward Township as an “Independent School District.”
The motion carried 7-0.
E. Reminder that the Boards reorganization will take place at the next meeting on December 5, 2000.
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mrs. Markle reported that the Public Relations Committee met on November 20 th . There was a discussion on ways to recognize volunteers. The committee will be sending a letter to principals inviting them to do fillers for the television time following board meetings. Ted Piwowar will be doing a filler on the Vocational Programs and Chuck Peterson will do one for the District Service Center.
Committee Reports by Board Members Cont’d:
Mrs. Markle also reported that PSBA’s County Legislative meeting was held last Thursday at Muncy. Five priorities were established for the Legislative platform.
Construction Projects
Motion made by Mrs. Pedersen, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following construction projects:
A. Authorize change orders G-16, G-17 and G-18 to the contract with The Robert Feaster Corp., General Contractor Vocational Project, increasing the contract by $5,680.00 as follows:
Original Contract $2,857,775.00
Previous Contract Increases 27,970.00
Previous Contract Decreases (6,767.26)
Change Order G-16 1,210.00
Change Order G-17 2,250.00
Change Order G-18 2,220.00
New Contract Total $2,884,657.74
B. Approve change orders E-20 to the contract with Turnkey Construction, Electrical Contractor
Vocational Project, increasing the contract by $2,532.00 as follows:
Original Contract $869,600.00
Previous Contract Increases 30,562.00
Previous Contract Decreases (750.00)
Change Order E-20 2,532.00
New Contract Total $901,944.00
C. Approve change orders G-17 to the contract with Lobar, Inc., General Contractor Roosevelt
Project, increasing the contract by $8,778.00 as follows:
Original Contract $1,762,700.00
Previous Contract Increases 15,333.52
Previous Contract Decreases (60,646.14)
Change Order G-17 8,778.00
New Contract Total $1,726,165.38
D. Authorize the execution of the Certificate of Substantial Completion with regard to the
contract with the Altoona Roofing Company for general roof construction work at the
Roosevelt Middle School.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
FINANCE REPORT
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to approve the following financial items:
6.1 Approve the following financial reports:
A.
Treasurer’s Report for the month of September 2000
A. Treasurer’s Report for the month of October 2000.
B. Payroll Report:
General Fund – Unrestricted $2,471,627.62
General Fund – Restricted (Federal) 143,500.34
General Fund – Restricted (State) 5,932.07
Interscholastic Athletics Fund 34,827.77
Food Service Fund 68,020.76
Data Processing Fund 7,471.88
Maintenance Fund 33,858.00
Williamsport City & School District
Mercantile & Business Privilege Tax Office 3,865.88
Municipal & School Income Tax Office 21,226.35
Student Activities 1,945.00 TOTAL $2,792,275.67
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 11/21/00 in the amount of $967,040.65, 11/21/00A in the amount of $207,854.32, 11/21/00B in the amount of $5,139.79 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 11/21/00, 11/21/00A, and 11/21/00B.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Pedersen, to approve the following Board policies:
7.1 Approve at first reading the “Harassment of/by Employees” policy, which will replace Policy #308, 408, 508 entitled “Sexual Harassment of/by Staff.
The motion carried 7-0.
CURRICULUM REPORT
Motion made by Mr. Vollman, seconded by Mrs. Pedersen, to approve the following curriculum items:
8.1* Authorize Michelle Dixon to provide three (3) hours of training on Interactive Writing to four first grade teachers on November 30, 2000, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. The teachers are Linda Desmond, Cathi Hanner, Laura Schmack, and Gale Weaver. The approximate cost will be $80 for the trainer, $64.08 per teacher, plus the appropriate fringe benefits. All costs are covered under string #101-2270-0-00-173-18-130.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Motion made by Mrs. Pedersen, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following personnel items:
9.1 MEMORIAL RESOLUTION – Gordon R. Cooper
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 Gordon R. Cooper who for 1½ years was a dedicated instructional aide 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 Gordon 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. Cooper’s family.
9.2 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Sandra L. Sholder, general food service worker at the high school, for other employment, effective at the end of the work day on November 17, 2000.
Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Jeanne A. Goodell, special education teacher at Cochran Elementary School, extension of her unpaid maternity leave, effective November 28, 2000, through the end of the 2000-2001 school year (tentative date June 8, 2001).
B. Lori A. Nelson, classroom music teacher at Curtin Middle School, extension of her unpaid maternity leave, effective at the start of the second semester (tentative date January 16, 2001), through the end of the 2000-2001 school year (tentative date June 8, 2001).
9.3 LEAVES OF ABSENCE CONT’D:
C. Cheryl A. Keener, special education teacher at the high school, for a sabbatical leave effective for the second semester the 2000-2001 school year (tentative start date of January 16, 2001), for the purpose of study.
Ms. Keener has been a teacher in the District since September 4, 1984, and has not taken a previous sabbatical.
D. Dianne M. Masten, fourth grade teacher at Lose Elementary School, for a sabbatical leave effective for the second semester the 2000-2001 school year (tentative start date of January 16, 2001), for the purpose of study.
Ms. Masten has been a teacher in the District since October 1, 1991, and has not taken a previous sabbatical.
E. Deborah L. Monds, regular part-time bus driver, for an unpaid medical leave, effective October 23, 2000, through December 15, 2000, possibly to return sooner. Ms. Monds is not eligible for Family Medical Leave.
9.4* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
Ms. Duclos is a graduate of Mansfield University (BS in education) and is working toward a master’s in Curriculum and Instruction and certification as Supervisor of Special Education at Lock Haven University. She is currently a special education teacher at Bellefonte Area School District and has previous experience at Central Intermediate Unit #10 and Clearfield Area School District.
B. Jason F. Adams, 807 Hannah St., Clearfield, as a temporary professional employee, effective November 22, 2000, to teach health & physical education at the high school, at a salary rate of Level 1, Step 1, bachelor's, $35,798, prorated. Mr. Adams holds a bachelor's degree from Penn State University and is certified in Heath and Physical Education (replacing Lance Bobby, resigned).
9.4* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
C. Kevin C. Werner, 944 Petersburg Rd., Allenwood, as a temporary professional employee, effective on or about December 7, 2000, to teach art education at Lose Elementary School and the high school, at a salary rate of Level 1, Step 1, bachelor's, $35,798, prorated. Mr. Werner holds a bachelor's degree from Mansfield University and is certified in Art (replacing James Hockenberry, transferred to the high school to replace Beth Smith, resigned).
D. Debra L. Weston, 842 Memorial Ave., Williamsport, as a temporary instructional support aide/LPN for students participating in PWAT Program through Hope Enterprises at the rate of $10.63 per hour (7 hours per day), effective October 30, 2000, for up to 20 weeks.
E. Please consider electing the following coaches at the respective schools for the 2000-2001 school year at the salary rate in accordance with the 1997-2002 agreement by and between the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District and the Williamsport Education Association.
Williamsport Area High School
Boys & Girls Swimming & Diving
Assistant Coaches:
Brett Davidson $1,043
Assistant Coach – Diving:
John C. Keefer $1,043
Lycoming Valley Middle School
Boys Basketball
Assistant Coach:
Rick Gonzalez $1,902
F.
The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $5.75 per
hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective November 22, 2000:
Heather M. Diehl
623 Fifth Ave., Williamsport
Anne B. Hoover
680 Grier St., Williamsport
Sandra L. Sholder
3466 Pine Mt. Rd., Jersey Shore
G.
Carol Ann Shannon, 1121 Market St., Williamsport, as a substitute custodian,
with a base wage rate of $7.00 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked,
effective November 14, 2000
H.
The following substitute custodian/event staff, with a base wage rate of $7.00
per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective November 21, 2000:
Thomas E. Fink
251 Anna Rd., Williamsport
David L. Hamilton 100 Fisher Rd., Cogan Station
Richard C. Sheasley
639 Northway Rd., Linden
9.4*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
I.
John G. Parker, 288 State Rt. 973W, Cogan Station, as a homebound teacher,
subject to assignment by the Superintendent of Schools, at the salary and/or
daily rates as established by the collective bargaining agreement, and only for
the actual number of hours assigned and worked.
J.
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:
Elementary
Adrienne J. Smith
38 Lenape Trail, Lock Haven (eff. 11/17/00)
Secondary
John G. Parker
288 State Rt. 973W, Cogan Station
K-12
Kimberly A. Creveling-Kohler
P.O. Box 5144, Williamsport (eff. 01/16/01)
K.
The following persons as non-certificated substitute teachers with receipt of
an emergency permit, 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 during the 2000-2001 school year:
William H. Andrus
617 Cemetery St., Williamsport
Carey A. Taddeo
1518 Whitman St., Williamsport
Kurtis J. Terry
109 Dewitt St., Jersey Shore
L.
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:
Toni M. Fogal
2638 Grand St., Williamsport
Jeffrey L. Hammond
842 Memorial Ave., Williamsport
9.5* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position changes:
A.
Michele L. Lusk, 97 E. Fairview St., Cogan Station, from satellite manager at
Woodward Elementary School ($9.73 per hour) to satellite manager at Woodward/
Cochran Elementary School ($10.33 per hour), effective November 6, 2000
(replacing Mary Dulaney, transferred to an aide position).
9.5* POSITION CHANGES
B.
Mary Lou Fredericks, P.O. Box 3732, Williamsport, from a general food service
worker (4 hours daily) at Jackson Elementary School to a food service assistant
production manager (6½ hours daily) at Jackson Elementary School, with a
base wage rate of $11.53 per hour, effective November 13, 2000 (replacing
Kimberly Kaiser, transferred to custodial position).
C.
Fayellen M. Fountain, 25 Stewart St., Linden, from a general food service
worker (3 hours daily) to a general food service worker (4 hours daily) at the
high school, with a base wage rate of $7.88 per hour, effective November 6,
2000 (replacing Dawn Staggert, transferred to an aide position).
9.6* CONTRACTED SERVICES
A.
Approve contract with Vicki L. Beatty of the law firm of Campbell, Durrant &
; Beatty, P.C., Suite 120, 555 Grant St., Pittsburgh 15219, to provide an
inservice presentation regarding anti-harassment policies and procedures, etc.,
to District employees on January 16, 2001, at the Williamsport Area High
School. The fee for this presentation is $1,000 plus travel expenses.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
10.1
RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to 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.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following
student/community activities:
11.1*
Approve the following student trips:
11.1*
Approve the following student trips cont’d:
Transportation will be provided by a commercial carrier. All costs will be
paid by the students.
11.1*
Approve the following student trips cont’d:
Soprano I
Tenor I Bass I
Briana Meacham Karl Fisher
Spencer Sweeting
Ryan Patterson
Seth Day
Alto I
Tenor II Bass II
Kacie Weaver
Lucas Carpenter David Elkin
Cost to the District would be $504 (101-3212-3-26-160-23-813) for student
registration fees; $100 (101-3212-3-26-160-23-519) for student transportation;
and $250 (101-3212-3-26-160-23-581) for teacher expenses. Either Kent Weaver
or Paul McPhail, WAHS choral directors, will accompany the students. One
substitute will be needed for two (2) days.
11.1*
Approve the following student trips cont’d:
11.2
Approve the following request for facility use:
A.
Janet Jean/Silver Bullet Softball to use the gymnasium at Lycoming Valley
Middle School on Sundays, beginning January 7, 2001 through March 25, 2001 from
2:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. to hold softball practice. Silver Bullets are
requesting relief from the occupancy fee estimated at $480.00. Silver Bullets
are aware they must pay labor fees associated with this practice. Certificate
of Insurance on file.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the following
bids/contracts items:
12.1*
Approve a contract with the Radisson Hotel for an awards recognition breakfast
on May 24, 2001, to honor 30 Williamsport Area High School special education
students involved in the Community Volunteer Work Experience Program.
The approximate cost of $800 is budgeted in string #101-2390-0-00-200-04-635.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
TAX ITEMS
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Pedersen, to approve the following
tax items:
13.1
Approve the following tax summaries.
The motion carried 8-0.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mrs. Markle announced that the Millionaire Basketball team will be having a
spaghetti dinner in the Williamsport Area High School E-Cafeteria on December
10, 2000 from 4:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
Mrs. Williams reported that the 9th
grade choral concert and high school orchestra concert were great! She also
indicated that the auditorium acoustics are wonderful.
Mrs. Harris reminded everyone that the annual craft show would be held on
Saturday at the high school.
President Stone commended Ted Piwowar, Steve Huddy and Rick Coulter for the
open house.
Dr. Lowery indicated that she will be recommending that we approach strategic
planning in a different way called Appreciative Inquire. This method evaluates
the assets we have in place and focuses resources to support them.
Mr. Zimmerman stated that it is distressing that our students sometimes do not
have representation and support in the audience during athletic and performing
events.
Mr. Temple reported that the cross country banquet was held last Saturday night
and that the Run for the Diamonds held in Berwick is a national event.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC
President Stone recognized Harry Bigelow, Jr. who indicated that he is a
life-long resident of Woodward Township. He indicated his support for
remaining in the Williamsport Area School District.
President Stone announced that executive session was held prior to tonight’
;s meeting and another one is to immediately follow this meeting to discuss
terms and conditions of employment for one or more District employees and to
receive confidential legal advice from an attorney.
Upon motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, and carried the
meeting adjourned at 9:30 p.m.
____________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary