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, February 15, 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: Karen V. Harris, David A. Huffman, Susan A. Mahaffey, Pamela J. Markle,
Jay B. Shultz, David B. Stone, Jr., James E. Temple, Lois T. Williams,
Thomas A. Zimmerman
ABSENT: None
INVOCATION – Mrs. Pamela Markle provided the invocation and read the eighth district belief statement.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting – January 18, 2005 (Approved with the omnibus
agenda motion)
Student Representatives’ Report – None
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. P.A.G.E. 1 Presentation—Paul Daniels, Principal – Sheridan Elementary School
Other P.A.G.E. 1 Team Members are:
BLaST IU #17
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Congratulations to the following students
Scholarship Semifinalist
being named a National Merit Commended Student
National Merit Commended Student
Over one million students nationwide took the PSAT’s, thereby qualifying for possible National Merit recognition. Of the million, the top 50,000 scores nationwide were determined. Of those, 16,000 were named Semifinalists, and 34,000 were named Commended Students, making all three of our students in the top five percent in the nation.
B. Congratulations to senior Callah Antonetti, daughter of Mrs. Deborah Antonetti-Hill, the late Dr. Thomas Antonetti, and Mr. Kenneth Hill, has been selected as a 2004 National Council of Teachers of English Achievement Awards in Writing winner. A total of 2,587 of last year’s juniors nationwide were nominated for this prestigious award, with only 689 students nationally being chosen as outstanding writers.
C. Calendar of Events
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 22
Inservice Day at Curtin Middle School
February 28
Secondary Alternative Education Meeting— 4:00 p.m.
March 1
WASD School Board Meeting—6:00 p.m.
Committee Reports by Board Members
President Stone reported that there was a Multi-Cultural Committee meeting on Monday. The Committee is using specific data now and things are coming together. The Committee is now focusing on positive improvements.
Mrs. Williams also reported on the Multi-Cultural Committee. She said that there was a new member at Monday’s meeting and that the Committee is truly diverse. She also indicated that the Diversity Festival is scheduled for May 13th and the Committee would appreciate any help they can get.
Mr. Zimmerman reported that the Athletic Advisory Committee had a long meeting. They are continuing discussions on a point system for athletic stipends and a meeting is scheduled on February 22nd to work on finalizing a recommendation.
Committee Reports by Board Members Cont’d:
Mr. Zimmerman also reported that Mr. Shultz and he attended a meeting of the Lycoming County Planning Long-Range Planning Committee. The long range plan is nearing final form and a resolution of support will be presented to the School Board for consideration. The plan will be on public display for 45 days.
Mrs. Markle reported on the Community Relations Committee. The Committee is working on their FY06 budget requests. The requested amount will be probably be higher this year because they are working on brochures for the various schools. She said that the PTO/PTA recognition program, where various Board Members have been attending PTO/PTA meetings and presenting a thank-you cake, has been going very well. They have been receiving a lot of positive feed back from this initiative. Karen Harris, Jay Shultz and Sue Mahaffey all indicated that they had a very positive experience attending these meetings and they learned a lot. Mr. Shultz indicated that he was very impressed with the ownership and responsibility that the Roosevelt teachers are taking for some of the PTO initiatives. Mr. Huffman indicated that the Committee talked about saving some money on printing cost and that the savings could be used to purchase the brochure project.
Mrs. Markle reported on her leadership training in Washington. They had the opportunity to meet with several senators and congressman. The meeting with Senator Santorum was very good. She also enjoyed the meeting with Senator Specter’s aide. Mrs. Markle was honored to be selected to participate in a mock television interview.
Mrs. Markle also reported on the Safe Schools Committee meeting. She stated the discussion centered around projected funding cuts.
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Mahaffey to approve the balance of the agenda including the addendum and minutes.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
Construction Projects
A. Authorize change order G-HL-1 to the contract with The Robert Feaster Corporation at a cost of $1,435.00 as follows:
Original Contract $6,231,055.00
Change Order G-HL-1 1,435.00
Adjusted Contract Total $6,232,490.00
The change order will furnish and install and 1 ½ hour fire rated door and frame for
Door 125A at the Hepburn Lycoming Elementary School Project.
Construction Projects Cont’d:
B. Authorize change order G-HL-2 to the contract with The Robert Feaster Corporation at a cost of $325.00 as follows:
Original Contract $6,231,055.00
Change Order G-HL-1 1,435.00
Change Order G-HL-2 325.00
Adjusted Contract Total $6,232,815.00
This change order will relocate two beams that conflict with rooftop duct work.
FINANCE REPORT
6.1 Approve the following financial reports:
A. Treasurer’s Report for the month of December 2004
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 02/15/05 in the amount of $1,631,244.13, 02/15/05A in the amount of $3,764.92, 02/15/05B in the amount of $165,460.32,02/15/05C in the amount of $90,597.78, 02/15/05D in the amount of $2,175,039.77, 02/15/05E in the amount of
$379,840.31, 02/15/05F in the amount of $14,703.28 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 02/15/05, 02/15/05A, 02/15/05B, 02/15/05C, 02/15/05D, 02/15/05E and 02/15/05F.
BOARD POLICY – None
CURRICULUM REPORT
8.1 Approve Jessica Salva, teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing to provide support services for up to 4 hours per week after school beginning February 7, 2005 for a student at Lycoming Valley Middle School. The hourly rate will be $24.67 and is to be paid out of ACCESS funds. The budget number is 10-1200-121-891-20-600-000-004-0005.
8.2 Approve 5 special education teachers to provide adaptations and modifications to the summer school programs at Cochran Elementary (2 positions), Jackson Elementary (2 positions) and Hepburn Lycoming Elementary (1 position). Hourly rates will be $25.43 per hour and will be covered under ACCESS funding.
8.3 The adoption of a revised Grade Point Average (GPA) calculation that reflects a greater similarity to the current GPA structures of colleges and universities. The revised GPA calculation will present our students’performance to higher education institutions in a more equitable fashion in relation to students from other schools and will provide a clearer representation for both academic consideration and athletic eligibility. A copy of the proposed Grade Level Table is attached to the agenda.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.4 Approve sports schedules for Spring 2005.
8.5 Approve the continued participation of Cochran Elementary School and Jackson Elementary in the Ohio State University Literacy Collaborative for 2004-05 and 2005-06. The approximate cost will be $3,000 per school per year for School Support Fees, Site Visit Fees, Data Analysis, and travel expenses for the Site Visits. All funds are budgeted under Title I and Comprehensive School Reform Grants.
8.6 Approval of a letter of agreement with Brown Technical Institute to provide a state-of-the-art technical training program in copper cabling and fiber optic cabling to the Incarcerated Youth Training Program operated as a part of the Prison Alternative Education Program. These services are funded by the second year of the School-To-Work cooperative venture undertaken by the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation and the Department of Education, for which Williamsport Area School District serves as the local fiscal agent.
PERSONNEL REPORT
9.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Priscilla F. Barto, full-time science teacher at the Alternative Education School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2004-2005 school year (tentative date of June 10, 2005).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Priscilla F. Barto from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 12 years of dedicated service to our school system as an administrator and teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
B. Georgette R. Copp, full-time special education teacher at Lycoming Valley Middle School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2004-2005 school year (tentative date of June 10, 2005).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Georgette R. Copp from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 35 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
9.1 RESIGNATIONS CONT’D:
C. John W. Decker, full-time social studies teacher at the high school, for the purpose of retirement, effective August 5, 2005.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of John W. Decker from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for his 30 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
D. Clarence M. Green, full-time social studies teacher at Curtin Middle School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2004-2005 school year (tentative date of June 10, 2005).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Clarence M. Green from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for his 32 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
E. Karen A. Harris, full-time speech/language teacher at Jackson Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2004-2005 school year (tentative date of June 10, 2005).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Karen A. Harris from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 14 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
F. Elaine M. Harvey, full-time elementary (5th grade) teacher at Sheridan Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2004-2005 school year (tentative date of June 10, 2005).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Elaine M. Harvey from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 35 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
9.1 RESIGNATIONS CONT’D:
G. Stephen R. Haug, full-time special education teacher at Lycoming Valley Middle School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2004-2005 school year (tentative date of June 10, 2005).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Stephen R. Haug from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for his 33½ years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
H. Nancy E. McCarty, full-time instructional support teacher Round Hills Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2004-2005 school year (tentative date of June 10, 2005).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Nancy E. McCarty from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 34 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
I. Barbara C. McNerney, full-time kindergarten teacher at Stevens Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2004-2005 school year (tentative date of June 10, 2005).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Barbara C. McNerney from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 27 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
J. Donna L. Ney, full-time elementary (3rd grade) teacher at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2004-2005 school year (tentative date of June 10, 2005).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Donna L. Ney from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 35 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
9.1 RESIGNATIONS CONT’D:
K. James L. Poechmann, full-time science teacher at the high school, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2004-2005 school year (tentative date of June 10, 2005).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of James L. Poechmann from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for his 35 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
L. Judith B. Shellenberger, full-time itinerant music teacher for the District, for the purpose of retirement, effective June 29, 2005.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Judith B. Shellenberger from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 36 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
M. Glenn A. Springer, full-time industrial arts teacher at Curtin Middle School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2004-2005 school year (tentative date of June 10, 2005).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Glenn A. Springer from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for his 30 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
N. Susan L. Suehr, full-time instructional support teacher at Jackson Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2004-2005 school year (tentative date of June 10, 2005).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Susan L. Suehr from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 35 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
9.1 RESIGNATIONS CONT’D:
O. John K. Voneida II, full-time industrial arts teacher at the high school, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2004-2005 school year (tentative date of June 10, 2005).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of John K. Voneida II from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for his 32 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher . It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
P. Linda P. Woodling, full-time elementary (4th grade) teacher at Sheridan Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2004-2005 school year (tentative date of June 10, 2005).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Linda P. Woodling from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 34 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
Q. Vicki L. Yeagley, full-time art teacher at Stevens Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2004-2005 school year (tentative date of June 10, 2005).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Vicki L. Yeagley from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 35 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
R. Joseph K. Harmon, full-time custodian at the high school, for the purpose of retirement, effective April 29, 2005.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Joseph K. Harmon from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for his over 34 years of dedicated service to our school system as a custodian. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
9.1 RESIGNATIONS CONT’D:
S. Henry D. Quigel, Jr., full-time maintenance specialist for the District, for the purpose of retirement, effective April 21, 2005.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Henry D. Quigel, Jr., from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for 35½ years of dedicated service to our school system as a maintenance specialist. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
T. Georgianna Welsh, full-time custodian at the high school, for the purpose of retirement, effective June 29, 2005.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Georgianna Welsh from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 13½ years of dedicated service to our school system as a custodian. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Amy R. Mahon, full-time English teacher at the high school, for an unpaid leave of absence, effective March 11, 2005, through June 2, 2005.
Mrs. Mahon is currently utilizing sick and/or personal days and will begin her unpaid leave of absence on March 11, 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. Estella R. DeClerck, general food service worker at Cochran Elementary School, for an unpaid leave (documentation on file), effective January 12, 2005, through February 11, 2005.
C. Angela W. Medo, school bus driver for the District, unpaid leave for personal reasons (documentation on file), effective January 20, 21, 24, 25, and 31, 2005, and February 1, 2, 3, and 4, 2005.
D. Marguerite Wolfgang, full-time health room technician at Cochran Elementary School, extension of an unpaid leave (documentation on file), effective February 1, 2005, until March 31, 2005.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE CONT’D:
E. W. Gerald (Jerry) McManus II, part-time custodian at the service complex for the District, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective February 28, 2005, through March 4, 2005.
F. Lisa R. Kelchner, full-time instructional support aide at Curtin Middle School, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective March 4, 2005, through March 8, 2005.
G. Tammy L. Parsons, general food service worker at Roosevelt Middle School, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective February 9-10, 2005.
H. Judith I. Mace, general food service worker at Lycoming Valley Middle School, un-
paid leave for the purpose of travel, effective March 8, 2005, through March 18, 2005.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect of the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Donna M. Fox, 109 Grimesville Rd., Williamsport, as Books for Bingo Coordinator at Cochran Elementary School at a stipend of $200.00 for the 2004-2005 school year (funded through Title I; replacing Susan E. Bielski, transferred).
B. 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:
Lisa N. Heffner 2220 Sheridan St., Williamsport
C. 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:
Melanie J. King 636 N. Loyalsock Ave., Montoursville
D. 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:
Matthew J. Berta 36 Ruthies Lane, Williamsport
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
E. The following individuals as Blended Schools Program teachers, effective February 16, 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 (pending completion of all appropriate paperwork*; motion approved 01/04/05):
Thomas P. Bartholomew (Elementary) 529 Fairmont Ave., S. Williamsport
*Bruce F. Ellison (Social Studies) 2413 Ritchey St., Williamsport
*James N. Koren (Social Studies) 1626 Warren Ave., Williamsport
Jill M. Loudenslager (Math) 492 Crescent Hill Rd., Cogan Station
Daniel A. Mayers (Science) 435 W. Highland Ave., S. Wmspt
Abbie L. Newcomer (Science) 350 Northway Rd. Ext., Williamsport
Rita M. Sikora (English) 108 Quiet Valley Rd., Cogan Station
Eric M. Speight (Math) 806 Ashworth Lane, Boalsburg
9.4* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position changes:
A. Michael W. Reeder, 1148 Isabella St., Williamsport, from Administrative Accountant-Business Office to Assistant Controller/Treasurer, at a salary of $42,500, prorated, effective January 3, 2005. This is a new position replacing the former position of Director of Accounting/Budget which has been vacant. The position of Assistant Controller/Treasure will be covered by the Act 93 Compensation Plan, and Mr. Reeder will continue to be eligible for all benefits as provided under the Act 93 Compensation Plan.
B. Donna M. Fox, 109 Grimesville Rd., Williamsport, from a part-time Parent Involvement Coordinator at Cochran Elementary to a full-time Instructional Support Aide/LSS (185 day, 7 hours per day) at Round Hills Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $14,103, prorated ($10.89 per hour), effective February 28, 2005 (new position due to student IEP; funded through ACCESS).
9.5 OTHER
A. Authorize payment to, Kathleen E. Clark, 826 Second Ave., Williamsport, to provide one-to-one instruction for an eligible special education student at the rate of $24.67 per hour up to 17½ hours per week, effective February 16, 2005. These services will be reviewed by the appropriate IEP team (fund account #10-1200-121-000-00-910-007-0000) [replacing Sue Duncan; Ms. Clark has previously provided services in this position as a substitute].
9.5 OTHER CONT’D:
B. Authorize payment to Kathleen E. Clark, 826 Second Ave., Williamsport, to provide special education services to a middle school student on an alternate interim placement as a result of a weapons violation at the rate of $24.67 per hour up to 5 hours per week for 45 school days, effective February 14, 2005. These services required due to special education regulations that there will be no disruption in service to student (funded through ACCESS).
C. Authorize payment to Kathleen E. Clark, 826 Second Ave., Williamsport, to provide special education (learning support) instruction during the After Hours Program at the rate of $24.67 per hour up to 5 hours per week, effective February 14, 2005 (replacing Marguerite Anderson-Royal; funded through ACCESS).
D. Authorize the Administration to appoint an Administrator for the Project 720 (P720) Program to initiate, implement, and coordinate P720 activities and procedures, at a stipend of $6,500, effective February 14, 2005, through the end of the 2004-2005 school year (June 30, 2005). The Administration will present the candidate for Board approval at the next available meeting. All costs paid through P720 grant funds.
9.6 CONTRACTS
A. A. Kay Tyberg, 2260 Division Rd., Williamsport, qualified interpreter of American Sign Language (ASL) and Pidgin Sign English (PSE) to provide day-to-day substitute interpreter services (as needed) to eligible students at the rate of $35.00 per hour for hours worked, effective February 16, 2005, through June 10, 2005.
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. Seventy (70) members of the youth wind ensemble from Curtin, Lycoming Valley, and Roosevelt Middle Schools, accompanied by their directors, to travel to Hershey on a Saturday during May 2005 to participate in a middle school adjudication and competitive performance. Students must be in compliance with their school’s field trip disciplinary requirements in order to be eligible to participate. Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. All costs will be paid by the Williamsport Area High School Band Association.
11.1* Approve the following student trips cont’d:
B. Fourteen (14) life skills students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their teacher, a student teacher, one classroom aide, and three personal care aides, to travel to Perkins Restaurant and the Hampton Inn on dates in February and March 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. Transportation will be aboard City Bus (10-1200-819-000-30-850-000-004-0000).
C. Seventy-six (76) fourth grade students from Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers, an aide, and parent volunteers, to travel to Penn’s Cave during June 2005. Students eligible to participate will not have any suspensions or Saturday School assignments within 60 calendar days prior to the trip. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Hepburn-Lycoming PTO.
D. Approximately 35 members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Key club, accompanied by staff and parent chaperones for a ration of 8:1, to travel to Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, or New York City during May or June 2005. The students will have the opportunity to do some sightseeing, shopping, and to take in a major league baseball game. The actual location of the trip will be determined by major leagues schedules and costs. Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. Costs will be provided by Key Club funds.
E. Six (6) orchestra students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their director, to travel to Scranton Area High School for four days during March 2005 to participate in the Pennsylvania Music Educators’ Association Regional Orchestra 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.
Andrew Giordano – Violin I Nadia Tuffaha – Violin I
Lauren Kinley – Violin II Kassy Shenberger – Viola
Callah Antonetti – Cello Rachel Smith – Cello
Cost to the District would be $450 (10-3214-813-000-30-850-121-023-0000) for student registration fees, and $425 (10-3214-813-000-30-850-121-023-0000) for teacher expenses. We will share transportation with the Lewisburg Area School District and will use their buses. Our half of the transportation costs will be approximately $300 (10-3214-813-000-30-850-121-023-0000). Jeffrey Tedford, WAHS orchestra director, will supervise the students. One substitute will be needed for two days.
11.1* Approve the following student trips cont’d:
F. Thirty (30) ninth grade students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Lycoming County Courthouse on a date during the week of March 15, 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 (10-1100-519-000-30-850-150-019-0000). One substitute will be required for the day.
G. Eighteen (18) music theatre students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to the Community Arts Center for a tour, and Round Hills Elementary School for a performance 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 (10-1100-519-000-30-850-121-023-0000).
11.2 Approve the following request for facility use:
A. Newberry Little League to use the gymnasium at Roosevelt Middle School on February 21 and 22, 2005, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. to hold tryouts. Newberry Little League is requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $80.00. Certificate of Insurance on file.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
12.1* Award a contract to the following for reconditioning football equipment in accordance with our specifications and their bid. All recommended awards are based on upon the lowest bid meeting our specifications.
All bids were received on Wednesday, January 5, 2005 and were opened publicly in the District Service Center.
CONTRACTOR BID
Ace Cleaners & Reconditioners Inc., $21.00/per helmet $9.24/per shoulder pad
Washington, PA
Circle Systems Group, Easton, PA $19.95/per helmet $9.25/per shoulder pad
Riddell All/American, Elyria, OH $28.00/per helmet $11.75/per shoulder pad
RECOMMENDED AWARD:
Circle Systems Group, Easton, PA $19.95/per helmet $9.25/per shoulder pad
BIDS/CONTRACTS CONT’D:
12.2* Approve a contract with BLaST IU #17 governing the terms and conditions of the Data and Report Tracking System (DARTS) software. This software is being used by the Special Education Department for creating and tracking IEP’s. At a cost of $150.00 per user with estimated costs of $21,100.00 budgeted in 101-1200-618-520-00-000-000-004-0005.
TAX ITEMS - None
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Huffman initiated a discussion on the starting time for board meetings. He indicated that there was an agreement that meetings, including executive sessions, would not start prior to 6:00.
After discussion motion made by Mr. Zimmerman that future meetings will not start prior to 6:00 and that the board will recess for executive session if needed. Mr. Huffman seconded the motion.
The motion failed 4-5 with Mrs. Harris, Mrs. Mahaffey, Mrs. Markle, Mr. Temple and Mrs. Williams voting against the motion.
Mr. Zimmerman initiated a discussion on the request of the American Cancer Society to use the high school track for the Relay for Life. Mr. Zimmerman indicated that he supports the event but that he wanted to make sure that there wouldn’t be problems with driving on the track, parking and weather contingency plans. The administration promised to address these concerns with the American Cancer Society.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC - None
President Stone announced that an Executive Session was held 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. Mahaffey, seconded by Mr. Shultz and carried, the meeting adjourned at
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary