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, January 4, 2005, beginning at 6:00 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: David A. Huffman, Susan A. Mahaffey, Pamela J. Markle,
Jay B. Shultz, David B. Stone, Jr., Lois T. Williams.
ABSENT: Karen V. Harris, James E. Temple, Thomas A. Zimmerman.
INVOCATION – Mr. James Dugan provided the invocation and read the fifth district belief statement.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Organizational/Regular Meeting – December 7, 2004
Student Representatives’ Report – None
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. Examining the Factor Structure of the Motivation to Read Profile— Presentation by Rachel Neuhard
B. Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to table the adjudication of student 04/05–04 resulting from a quasi-judicial hearing held this date.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
C. Motion made by Mr. Shultz, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the adjudication of student 04/05–03 resulting from a quasi-judicial hearing held this date.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Blended Schools Update
B. Calendar of Events
January 10 Diversity Committee Meeting – 12:00 pm
January 10 Public Relations Committee Meeting – 4:00 pm
January 13 Site-Based Management Committee Meeting – 4:00 pm
January 14 Inservice Day at Jackson, Sheridan and Stevens Elementary Schools
January 17 Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday
January 18 WASD School Board Meeting – 6:00 pm
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
Committee Reports by Board Members - None
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Shultz, to approve the balance of the agenda including the minutes ( Items 5.1B, 5.1C, 6.4 and 6.5 considered separately).
Motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
Construction Projects
A. Approve change order H-HL-1 to the contract with R&J Ertel, Inc. to provide labor and materials to supply larger size louvers for the air handlers for the Hepburn Project. This change order will increase the cost of the contract by $3,486 as follows:
Original Contract $1,975,000
Change Order H-HL-1 3,486
New Contract Total 1,978,486
B. Approve change order P-HL-1 to the contract with Silvertip, Inc. to delete the LP gas tank enclosures at the Hepburn Project. This change order will decrease the contract by $2,530 as follows:
Original Contract $340,000
Change Order P-HL-1 (2,530)
New Contract Total 337,470
FINANCE REPORT
6.1 Approve the following financial reports:
A. Treasurer’s Report for the months of September, October and November 2004
B. Payroll Report:
General Fund – Unrestricted $2,675,117.74
General Fund – Restricted 266,077.89
Athletics and Extra Curricular 33,130.88
Food Service Fund 67,840.45
Data Processing Fund 7,496.50
Maintenance Fund 36,222.50
Mercantile & Privilege 0.00
Earned Income Tax 33,756.08
Student Activities 0.00
TOTAL $3,119,642.04
FINANCE REPORT CONT’D:
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 01/04/05 in the amount of $1,206,320.05, 01/04/05A in the amount of $96,588.47, 01/04/05B in the amount of $208,070.42, 01/04/05C in the amount of $5,398.61, 01/04/05D in the amount of $5,115.61, 01/04/05E in the amount of $427.13, 01/04/05F in the amount of
$56,592.35, 01/04/05G in the amount of 161,579.36, 01/01/05H in the amount of $15,247.63 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 01/04/05, 01/04/05A, 01/04/05B, 01/04/05C, 01/04/05D, 01/04/05E, 01/04/05F, 01/04/05G and 01/04/05H.
6.3 Elect Richard F. Eberhart and Karlyle Facey to another five-year term as members of the Williamsport Area Joint School Authority. (Their term expired on January 1, 2005).
6.4* Motion made by Mr. Shultz, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the attached Local Economic Revitalization Tax Assistance (LERTA) ordinance to offer a three year abatement of 100%, 75% and 50% respectively, effective January 1, 2005. All other terms and conditions will remain unchanged.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
6.5 Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to approve the attached response to the state audit for the fiscal years of 2002 and 2001.
Finding No. 1 – Pupil Transportation Errors Resulted in Reimbursement
Underpayments of $103,059.
Description:
A review of pupil transportation reports as submitted to the Department of Education (DE) and other related financial data for the 2001-02 and 2000-01 school years, disclosed errors that resulted in reimbursement underpayments of $47,393 and $55,666, respectively.
Concurrence or Disagreement:
The Board and Administration concurs with the finding and recommendations.
Correction Action:
The District has reviewed the errors with the Director of Pupil Transportation and the business office staff. Future AFR’s will include capital reserve expenditures for school buses. Fare based transportation will be correctly reported on future transportation reports.
Corrective Action Timetable:
The corrective action plan is currently implemented.
Monitoring:
The Director of Pupil Transportation will be responsible for monitoring the accuracy of transportation reports and the Business Administrator will monitor the reporting of capital reserve expenditures for school buses.
FINANCE CONT’D:
6.5 Approve the attached response to the state audit for the fiscal years of 2002 and 2001.
Finding No. 2 – Health Services Reimbursement Errors Resulted in a Net
Overpayment of $8,516.
Description:
A review of records supporting the district’s health services reimbursement applications submitted to the Department of Health (DH) for the 2001-02 and the 2000-01 school years, revealed district personnel incorrectly reported the average daily membership (ADM) for students for which comprehensive health records were maintained. The errors resulted in a reimbursement net overpayment of $8,516.
Concurrence or Disagreement:
The Board and Administration concurs with the finding and recommendations.
Correction Action:
The District has reviewed the errors with the Director of Student Services, whom will review the accuracy of data reported on health services reimbursement applications prior to submission to DH.
Corrective Action Timetable:
The corrective action plan is currently implemented.
Monitoring:
The Director of Student Services will be responsible for monitoring the accuracy of health services reporting.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD POLICY – None
CURRICULUM REPORT
8.1 Approve the Williamsport Area High School as a site for official administration of the ACT
(American College Test), an assessment similar in design to the Scholastic Aptitude Test
(SAT) that is also used for college placement.
8.2 Pay Cindy Hamm at the curriculum rate to provide instruction in the home for up to two hours a week to a medically fragile special education student. Salary will be paid out of ACCESS. Cindy Hamm--10-1200-121-891-20-600-000-004-0005
8.3 Extend Sue Duncan's day by 30 minutes at Alternative Education due to her need to provide instruction to behaviorally challenged students at the Alternative Education program. This salary increase would continue to be paid out of ACCESS. Sue Duncan--10-1200-12-891-10-910-000-004-0005
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.4 Hire Cathy Buck, high school special education teacher, to provide itinerant services to a student in the after hours program to begin 01/03/2005. Student is in need of specially designed instruction for 5-10 hours per week due to being placed at the after hours program due to a weapons violation for 45 school days. Ms. Buck will be paid at the curriculum rate and the rate will be paid out of ACCESS. String number is 10-1200-131-891-30-850-000-004-0005 (WAHS teacher stipend salary).
8.5 Approve an "Agreement of Field Work" for Pennsylvania College of Technology students in the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program.
PERSONNEL REPORT
9.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Roland K. Krueger, part-time Custodian at Stevens Elementary School, for personal reasons, effective December 14, 2004.
B. Karen Duclos Moser, Coordinator of Secondary Special Education for the District, for personal reasons, effective January 23, 2005.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Approve a leave of absence with pay and benefits for Roger H. May (social studies teacher at Williamsport Area High School), effective February 1, 2005, through January 30, 2006, to continue in the position of Chairman or Vice Chairman, Public School Employees’ Retirement System (PSERS). The Pennsylvania State Education Association (PSEA) will reimburse the District for the cost of the teacher replacing Mr. May at Step 2, effective February 1, 2005, plus benefits (pro-rated for the second semester, 2004-2005 and the first semester, 2005-2006). The District will review on an annual basis any requests to extend this leave of absence beyond January 30, 2006.
B. Brenda D. Winter, full-time special education teacher at the high school, for an unpaid medical leave, effective December 21, 2004, through March 11, 2005.
Mrs. Winter’s leave of absence is 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.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE CONT’D:
C. Bonnie L. Dibble, school bus driver for the District, for an unpaid medical leave, effective January 4, 2005, through March 28, 2005.
Ms. Dibble is currently utilizing sick and/or personal days and will begin her unpaid leave of absence on January 4, 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.
D. Stephanie L. Cendoma, full-time instructional support aide at Lycoming Valley Middle School, extension of an unpaid medical leave, effective January 5, 2005, through December 16, 2005.
E. Thelma J. Eckman, general food service worker at the high school, for an unpaid medical leave, effective December 2, 2004, through April 1, 2005. Ms. Eckman is not eligible for leave under the Family Medical Leave Act at this time.
F. Estella R. DeClerck, general food service worker at Cochran Elementary School, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective December 20-22, 2004 (update of original agenda item for one day only on December 20, 2004).
G. Sherry L. Menne, general food service worker at Cochran Elementary School, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on December 20, 2004.
H. Terry L. Walker, full-time instructional support aide at Roosevelt Middle School,
for an unpaid medical leave, effective January 7, 2005, through January 17, 2005.
Ms. Walker is not eligible for leave under the Family Medical Leave Act at this time.
I. Charisse R. Sick, full-time elementary (3rd grade) teacher at Cochran Elementary School, for an unpaid medical leave, effective January 28, 2005, through March 18, 2005.
Mrs. Sick is currently utilizing sick and/or personal days and will begin her unpaid leave of absence on January 28, 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.
J. Julie A. Hammond, full-time art education teacher at Cochran Elementary School, for an unpaid medical leave, effective February 23, 2005, through April 1, 2005.
Mrs. Hammond is currently utilizing sick and/or personal days and will begin her unpaid leave of absence on February 23, 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.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Bobbi J. Gallagher, 1000 Park Ave, Woolrich 17779, as a temporary professional employee, effective with the start of the second semester of the 2004-2005 school term (scheduled date is January 24, 2005), to teach Elementary (4 th Grade) at Stevens Elementary School, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor’ ;s, $37,900, prorated. Ms. Gallagher holds a bachelor’s degree from Lock Haven University and is certified in Elementary (replacing Paul Bower, retired). Ms. Gallagher will also be scheduled to participate in Induction Program activities before the start of the 2005-2006 school term.
B. Stefanie M. Kauffman, 1019 Second Ave., Altoona 16602, as a temporary professional employee, effective January 18, 2005, as an Itinerant Language Arts teacher for the middle schools (initial assignment at Roosevelt Middle School), at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor’s, $37,900, prorated. Ms. Kauffman holds a bachelor’s degree from Juniata College and is certified in English (replacing FLEX position formerly held by Susan Nelson, resigned). Ms. Kauffman will also be scheduled to participate in Induction Program activities before the start of the 2005-2006 school term.
C. Sherri L. Doebler, 555 Dudek Rd., Williamsport, as a temporary professional employee, effective with the start of the second semester of the 2004-2005 school term (scheduled date is January 24, 2005), to teach Elementary (4 th Grade) at Jackson Elementary School, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor's, $37,900, prorated. Ms. Doebler holds a bachelor's degree from Millersville University and is certified in Elementary and Reading Specialist (replacing Jan Motter, retired).
D. Jennifer Jo Weaver, 817 Sixth Ave., Williamsport, as a long-term substitute teacher, effective January 3, 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 Vocational Education (Health Occupations) at the high school, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor’s, $37,900, prorated, pending receipt of appropriate certification from the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Mrs. Weaver holds a bachelor’s degree from Lycoming College and is certified in School Nurse and has applied for emergency certification in Vocational Instruction (replacing Kathy Temple, on sabbatical leave).
E. J. Thomas Mitchell, 57 Redwing Rd., Lock Haven, as Blended School Administrator for the remainder of the 2004-2005 school year, at a stipend of $2,500 ($5,000 prorated for half year), plus appropriate benefits, effective January 3, 2005. Dr. Mitchell also serves as Department Head for Science.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
F. Authorize the administration to appoint Blended Schools teachers, effective January 3, 2005, for the remainder of the 2004-2005 school term at a stipend of $150 per student ($300 per student prorated for half year) plus appropriate benefits, enrolled in Blended Schools Program offered through the Williamsport Area School District. Names of individuals appointed will be presented to the Board at a future meeting. Also, authorize the administration to proceed with the implementation of a Blended Schools Program.
G. Michelle L. Pulizzi, 1026 Mulberry St., Williamsport, as a substitute teacher for the Title I Extended Day Program at Roosevelt Middle School for the 2004-2005 school year, effective September 28, 2004 through 91 days, at the rate of $24.67 per hour plus appropriate benefits. All costs funded through Title I.
H. The following persons as temporary part-time (up to 180 days prorated, up to 2 hours per day) Hall/Cafeteria Monitors at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, effective January 10, 2005, for the remainder of the 2004-2005 school term, with a base wage rate of $9.64 per hour, FICA, Worker’s Compensation, and Retirement (if eligible) (new temporary positions dependent upon Title I funding; pending completion of all appropriate paperwork*):
Colleen L. Klinger* 394 Route 973 W, Lot 41, Cogan Station
Delores J. Wesley* 1286 Factory Rd., Cogan Station
I. The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $6.25 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective January 3, 2005:
Jennifer L. Dodson 716 Main St., S. Williamsport
Mary Jo Walker 1800 David Ave., Williamsport
Darlene R. Wesneski 717 Wilson St., Williamsport
Renay J. Wright 5932 Warrensville Rd., Williamsport
J. 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:
Belinda L. Bedard 29 Woodbryn Dr., Williamsport
Michael E. Clark 826 Second Ave., Williamsport
K. 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:
Danielle E. Gall 409 Germania St., Williamsport
Terry L. Baker 61 Gunshop Lane, Lock Haven
Matthew E. DeWire 4275 US Route 220, Hughesville
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
K. The following substitute teachers, subject to assignment by the Superintendent cont’d:
Elizabeth R. Fronk 2525 Grand St., Williamsport
Linda E. Gramling 742 Muncy Exchange Rd., Muncy
Meldon L. Mitstifer 843 Picnic Woods Rd., Jersey Shore
Brian J. Miller 712 Clark St., Williamsport
Leah R. Paulhamus P.O. Box 421, Salladasburg
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:
Jill D. Reamsnyder 10 Pine Grove Circle, Williamsport (eff. 12/16/04)
Karen L. Stine 1645 Bloomingrove Rd., Williamsport
Darlene R. Wesneski 717 Wilson St., Williamsport
M. The following winter 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:
Wrestling
Lead Assistant Coaches: Ben H. Laurenson (5) $2,500
(replacing James J. Johnston II, unable to coach this year)
N. Appoint Amy R. Mahon (WAHS teacher), 91 Union Ave., Williamsport, and Kelly A. Taormina (substitute teacher), 41 Maple Ave., Williamsport, as Co-Advisors (LaMemoire Editorial Advisor) for the second semester of the 2004-2005 school term. Ms. Taormina will assume advisor responsibilities while Ms. Mahon is utilizing leave days. Ms. Mahon’s stipend as LaMemoire Editorial Advisor & Co-Advisor for 2004-2005 will be $1,671 and Ms. Taormina’s stipend as Co-Advisor will be $557.
9.4* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position changes:
A. Jacqueline L. Derr, 134 Harvest Moon Park, Linden, 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 January 19, 2005 (replacing Melissa Moore, resigned).
B. Wendy L. Dgien, 1813 Sholder Ave., 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 January 19, 2005 (replacing Shryl Toner-Whitesell, transferred).
9.4* POSITION CHANGES CONT’D:
C. Gwenda L. Forker, 1123 Race St., Williamsport, from a substitute food service worker to a general food service worker (2 hours daily) at the high school, with a base wage rate of $9.39 per hour, effective January 19, 2005 (replacing Donna Chapman, transferred).
D. Kathryn A. Girio, 2001 Hayes Lane, 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 January 19, 2005 (replacing Karen Reed, resigned).
9.5 ADJUSTMENTS
A. Approve an adjustment in the number of hours per week (from 8 hours to 15 hours per week) for students participating in the Work-Based Learning (Cooperative Education) Program. This adjustment is necessary to comply with PDE program requirements. This adjustment will not exceed the funding limit ($30,000) approved by the Board on September 21, 2004. Currently three WAHS students are participating in this program:
Betsy S. Nagle - Stevens Elementary
Rochelle M. Woodring - Cochran Elementary
Patricia L. Sullivan - Hepburn-Lycoming Elem.
9.6 OTHER
A. Authorize the Superintendent to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Williamsport Education Association (WEA) waiving the requirement to have 15 years service with the Williamsport Area School District to be eligible for health care coverage during retirement under the terms of the collective bargaining agreement (25 years service in the retirement system is still required). Eligible WEA member must submit a written notice before the end of the first semester (January 21, 2005).
9.7 AUTHORIZE TO POST/ADVERTISE NEW POSITIONS
Authorize the administration to post/advertise the following positions:
A. Authorize the Administration to post for and appoint up to eleven (11) supplemental teacher positions for After School Tutoring Programs through the Educational Assistance Program Grant. These after school tutoring programs (by appointed teachers) will provide tutoring services up to four (4) hours per week , at the rate of $24.67 per hour plus eligible benefits, for up to fifteen (15) weeks. All funding is provided through the Educational Assistance Program Grant. Names of appointed teachers will be presented to the Board.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
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.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
11.1* Approve the following student trips:
A. Seven (7) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their parents/
guardians, to participate in the Odyssey of the Mind regional and state (if eligible) competition. The regional competition will be held in the Berwick Area School District during March 2005, and the state competition will be held in the Altoona Area School District during April 2005. The students will be transported by their parents. Transportation for props may be contracted through a local truck rental company. Cost to the District for student registration fees would be less than $500 (10-1243-813-000-30-850-000-023-0000). The cost for transportation and gas is estimated at $900 (10-1243-513-000-30-850-000-023-0000) including truck rental fees.
B. All eighth grade students from Curtin, Lycoming Valley, and Roosevelt Middle Schools, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Williamsport Area High School on dates during January 2005. District transportation is requested (10-1390-519-000-30-850-280-033-0000).
C. Sixty (60) gifted education students in grades 1-5 from Cochran, Hepburn-Lycoming, Jackson, Round Hills, and Sheridan Elementary Schools, accompanied by their teachers and two parent volunteers, to travel to Stevens Elementary School on a date yet to be determined in January 2005. The students will be attending the 2005 Go North! polar husky workshop. District transportation is requested (10-1243-519-000-10-000-000-023-0000).
11.2 Approve the following request for facility use:
A. Hepburn Lycoming Little League to use the gymnasium at Lycoming Valley
Middle School on February 15 and 16, 2005 from 6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. to hold
tryouts. Hepburn Lycoming Little League is requesting relief of the occupancy fee
estimated at $80.00. Certificate of Insurance to be received.
B. Administration approved the month of January only – will reconsider the balance of the request. Silver Bullet Softball to use the gymnasium at Lycoming Valley Middle School on Sundays, beginning January 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 $400.00. Silver Bullets are aware they must pay labor fees associated with this practice. Certificate of Insurance to be received.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
12.1* Authorize the installation of acoustical ceiling and wall panels at Jackson Elementary School in accordance with our specifications and the following recommendation. All recommended awards are based on the lowest bid price meeting our specifications. Five bids were mailed to various companies however, only one bid was received.
RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
AVT Inc., Bridgeville, PA $20,421.00
12.2* Authorize an agreement with the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Department of Transportation to grant a temporary construction easement for the emergency bridge replacement project at Highland Terrace over Grafius Run.
TAX ITEMS
13.1 Approve the following tax summaries.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS - None
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC - None
The Board recessed to a quasi-judicial hearing at 7:13 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 9:39 p.m. and the Board voted to table item 5.1 B and approved 5.1 C.
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Mahaffey and carried the meeting adjourned at
9:41 p.m.
________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary