W illiamsport A rea
S chool D istrict
Board of Directors Meeting
April 5, 2005
6:00 p.m.
***SPECIAL NOTICE: THE TUESDAY, MAY 3, 2005, BOARD MEETING WILL BE HELD
AT 7:15 P.M. IN THE
ROOSEVELT MIDDLE SCHOOL AUDITORIUM***
AGENDA
1.
CALL TO ORDER
2. INVOCATION –
Mrs. Susan Mahaffey DISTRICT BELIEF STATEMENTS
STATEMENT # 2
We believe that students, parents, and community, along with school district
personnel share the responsibility for education.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Regular Meetings - March 1 and 15, 2005
5. REPORTS TO THE BOARD
5.1
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A.
Outstanding Student Presentations:
5.2 SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A.
School Resource Officer Program Update—David Wright, Director of Student
Services; Participating Law Enforcement Officers; and Building Administrators
B.
Recognition of Williamsport Area School District’s Project 720
Accomplishments by Governor Edward G. Rendell
5.2
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT CONT’D: – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
D. Calendar of Events
April 3-15 PSSA Testing in Math and Reading (Grades 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8 and
11) April 11
Diversity Committee Meeting -- 12:00 pm
April 11
Public Relations Committee Meeting -- 4:00 pm
April 12
PTO/PTA/Organizations Meeting with Board President -- 6:00 pm
April 18
Secondary Alternative Education Meeting -- 4:00 pm
April 19
Curriculum & Instruction Steering Committee -- 2:00 pm
April 19
WASD School Board Meeting -- 6:00 pm
April 21
ETAC/ATAC Meeting -- 6:30 pm
April 21-22 Elementary Parent/Teacher Conferences
April 25-26 Snow Make-up Days (all schools in session)
April 27 Gifted Advisory Council Meeting -- 7:00 pm
May 13
WASD School Board Meeting -- 6:00 pm
5.3
Committee Reports by Board Members
5.4 Construction Projects
A.
Consider approving the attached list of change orders for the Hepburn-Lycoming
Elementary School and Lycoming Valley Middle School Projects summarized as
follows:
Contractor Change Orders
Net Change
Robert Feaster
GHL3-6 GHL8 $8,877
R & J Ertel
HL1, HL2, LV2 $2,185
Lecce Electric
HL1-6, LV204 ($3,099)
6. FINANCE REPORT
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson
6.1
Consider approving the following financial reports:
A. Payroll Report:
General Fund – Unrestricted
$2,724,963.22
General Fund – Restricted 269,394.41
Athletics and Extra Curricular
18,149.79 Food Service Fund
73,022.74
Data Processing Fund 7,496.50
Maintenance Fund 39,997.22
Mercantile & Privilege
0.00
Earned Income Tax 35,730.99
Student Activities
2,361.60 TOTAL
$3,171,116.47
6. FINANCE REPORT CONT’D:
6.2*
Consider authorizing payment of invoices and services rendered by the list
submitted marked Order No. 04/05/05 in the amount of $1,033,048.89, 04/05/05A
in the amount of
$179,159.27, 04/05/05B in the amount of $284,125.53, 04/05/05C in the amount of
$398,067.96, 04/05/05D in the amount of $1,125.00, 04/05/05E in the amount of
$125.00, 04/05/05F in the amount of $250.00, 04/05/05G in the amount of
$11,909.58, 04/05/05H in the amount of $638,956.56, 04/05/05I in the amount of
$276,634.15, 04/05/05J in the amount of $16,292.90, 04/05/05K in the amount of
$1,456,893.65, 04/05/05L in the amount of $221,694.14 and 04/05/05M in the
amount of $54,066.67 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be
directed to execute Order Nos. 04/05/05, 04/05/05A, 04/05/05B, 04/05/05C,
04/05/05D, 04/05/05E, 04/05/05F, 04/05/05G, 04/05/05H, 04/05/05I, 04/05/05J,
04/05/05K, 04/05/05L and 04/05/05M.
6.3*
Consider approving the FY06 BLaST Intermediate Unit #17 General Operations
Budget.
6.4*
Consider authorizing the solicitor to take the following actions for the
District as a member
of the Unsecured Creditors Committee in the Bankruptcy Case involving the
Pennsylvania
Public School Health Care Trust (Case No. 1-04-06867 in the U.S. Bankruptcy
Court for the Middle District of Pennsylvania):
a.
To vote to retain the law firm of Tucker Arensberg as counsel to the Unsecured
Creditors Committee.
b.
To vote to retain an accounting firm to analyze financial matters relating to
the trust on behalf of the Unsecured Creditors Committee.
7.
BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple
Questions may be directed to Dr. Lowery.
7.1
Consider approving the first reading and of Policy #105.2, “Exemption from
Instruction.” Questions may be directed to Mrs. Thomas. This is a
revision to the current policy.
8. CURRICULUM REPORT
Questions may be directed to Mrs. Thomas.
8.1
Consider approving payment to Mr. Stanley Griggs for presenting one planetarium
show to
a public group on February 23, 2005. In accordance with the existing
planetarium usage policy,
Mr. Griggs is to be paid at the homebound rate of $25.25 per hour for three
hours
for each show. The total payment for three hours shall be $75.75. Budgeted in
account number 10-3390-131--000-00-000-000-007-0000
8.2
Consider approving an Act 80 day for Cochran, Hepburn, Jackson, Round Hills,
and
Stevens Elementary Schools on Monday April 25, 2005. This day replaces the Act
80 day scheduled for March 24 that was canceled due to snow.
8.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.3
Consider approving clinician Liz Shapiro, Lighting, Design, and Technical
Theatre
Professional, Community Arts Center, to provide professional development
training of the
auditorium lighting control system and lighting instruments for the staff and
students at
Williamsport Area High School. The training will be held in four sessions,
after school,
during March and April 2005, dates to be determined. Cost to the district
would be $500
for clinician fees to Liz Shapiro from fund # 10 2271 329 000 00 000 000 017
0000.
8.4
Consider approving clinician Tim Breon, J & R Music Studio Sound Engineer,
to provide
professional development training of the auditorium sound control system,
digital
recording, and microphones for the staff and students at Williamsport Area High
School.
The training will be held in four sessions, after school, during March and
April 2005, dates
to be determined. Cost to the district would be $300 for clinician fees to Tim
Breon from fund # 10 2271 329 000 00 000 000 017 0000
8.5
Consider approving the Metamorphosis Performing Company to provide the "
Sense of
Touch" program to the second grades of the Williamsport Area Elementary
Schools. The
cost of the presentations is $475 for each of six performances for a total cost
of $2,850.
The cost of the presentations is funded through the elementary curriculum
budget and individual site-based budgets.
8.6
Consider approving an agreement with APL Associates to present an Instructional
Skills
APL Level I Workshop for 45 WASD teachers August 8-12. 2005. This workshop is
offered as part of the new teacher induction program as well as a refresher for
experienced
teachers. The approximate costs are $11,000 (including $10,000 fee, mileage,
lodging and
food) and are budgeted in account number 10-2271-329-000-00-000-000-017-0000.
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.
Robert A. Burke, full-time custodian at the high school, for personal reasons,
effective at the end of the day on March 31, 2005.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Consider approving the following leaves of absence:
A.
Michelle W. Bower, full-time Mathematics teacher at Curtin Middle School, for
an unpaid child rearing leave, effective for the 2005-06 school term (tentative
dates of August 25, 2005 through June 9, 2006).
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE CONT’D:
B.
Estella R. DeClerck, general food service worker at Cochran Elementary School,
unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for March 11 (¼ day), March
15-18, and April 21-22, 2005.
C.
Jacqueline L. Derr, general food service worker at Jackson Elementary School,
unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective March 9 (¼ day) and March 11,
2005 (¼ day).
D.
Thelma J. Eckman, general food service worker at the high school, extension of
an
unpaid leave (documentation on file), effective April 2, 2005, through April 7,
2005.
E.
Meagan B. Falvo, instructional support aide (sign language interpreter) at
Lycoming Valley Middle School, unpaid leave (documentation on file), effective
March 14, 2005, through May 3, 2005, possibly to return sooner. Ms. Falvo is
not
eligible for leave under the Family Medical Leave Act at this time.
F.
Kathryn A. Girio, general food service worker at Jackson Elementary School,
unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective February 15 (¼ day), February
25 (¼ day), and March 11, 2005 (¼ day).
G.
Tammy L. Parsons, general food service worker at Roosevelt Middle School,
unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective June 1, 2005, through June 6,
2005.
H.
Donna E. Robertson, general food service worker at Lycoming Valley Middle
School, unpaid leave for a planned family vacation, effective April 11, 2005,
through April 22, 2005.
I.
Kimberly M. Smith, general food service worker at the high school, unpaid leave
(documentation on file), effective March 16, 2005, through June 2, 2005.
J.
Tammy L. Summers, general food service worker at Curtin Middle School, unpaid
leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on March 9, 2005.
K.
Marguerite Wolfgang, full-time health room technician at Cochran Elementary
School, extension of an unpaid leave (documentation on file), effective April
1, 2005, through April 29, 2005.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Consider the election of the following staff, for the purpose and on the date
indicated:
A.
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:
Isaac H. Willis
700 College Place, Williamsport (effective 03/22/05)
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:
Lisa M. Novotny
85 Alexis Drive, Williamsport
Nicole L. Vuocolo
420 Cherry St., Montoursville
9.4*
POSITION CHANGES - Consider approving the following position changes:
A.
Terry L. Carpenter, 1443 Pine Run Rd., Linden, from a full-time Administrative
Support I (185 day, 7 hours per day) to a full-time Administrative Support II
(245 day, 7½ hours per day) in the Special Education Department at the
DSC, with a base wage rate of $27,085, prorated ($14.74 per hour), effective
April 18, 2005 (replacing Regena Mull, retired).
9.5 WORK CALENDARS FOR 2005-2006
Consider approving work schedules calendars for administrative, professional
staff and support staff employees for fiscal year 2005-2006 as listed below:
Category
Column Days Hours
12-month Custodial/Maintenance/Warehouse/
Printer/Automotive Maintenance A 250 8
12-month Administrators*, Confidential Admin. Support* B
245 7 ½*
12-month Technicians, Admin. Support B 245
7 ½
11-month Selected Admin. Support Staff C 225 7
11-month Selected Administrators* D 220
7 ½*
10-month Department Heads and Selected Administrators* E
205 7*
10-month Elem. Administrators*, Admin. Support E 205
7 Selected Psychologists
F 200 7 ½
Teacher Schedule
G 188 7
Instructional Aides/Administrative Support H
185 7
Students/Bus Drivers/Food Service/Security Officers I 180
---
*Reflects advertised office hours. These employee schedules are not limited to
office hours.
9.6 OTHER
A.
Consider approving an extension of Kathy M. Shirey’s work schedule
(administrative support, part-time - Food Service) up to 10 additional days to
complete work for the end of the 2004-2005 school year.
B.
Authorize payment to Kevin D. Choate, 347 Lincoln Ave., Williamsport, to
provide tutorial services to an MR student with severe behavioral issues for up
to 3
hours per week. Mr. Choate will be paid at the rate of $24.67 per hour,
effective
March 21, 2005 (funded through ACCESS; string #10-1200-131-891-30-850-000-
004-0005).
10. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Questions may be directed to Mrs. Thomas and Mr. Dugan.
10.1
RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Consider approving released time for staff members to participate in
professional development 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.
Sixty-two jazz ensemble members from Curtin, Lycoming Valley, and Roosevelt
Middle Schools, accompanied by their teachers to travel to the Williamsport
Area High School during April 2005 to participate in Jazz Day. Students
eligible to participate must be in compliance with their school’s field
trip disciplinary requirements.
District transportation is requested
(10-1100-519-000-20-550/600/650-121-023-0000).
B.
Fifty (50) fourth grade students from Round Hills Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Lincoln Caverns (Huntington) during
May 2005. Students must be in compliance with the school’s field trip
disciplinary requirements in order to participate.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Round
Hills PTO.
11.1*
Consider approving the following student trips:
C.
Approximately 100 fifth grade students from Jackson Elementary School,
accompanied by their principal and parent chaperones, to travel to Knoebel’
;s Grove during May 2005. Students eligible to participate will not have been
suspended within 30 school days prior to the date of the trip.
Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. All costs will be paid by
the Jackson PTO.
D.
Approximately 150 eighth grade students from Roosevelt Middle School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Thomas Taber Museum,
Williamsport City Hall, the Lycoming County Courthouse, and Indian Park
(Montoursville) during June 2005. Students eligible to participate will not
have received any suspensions or disciplinary referrals to the school office
after March 21, 2005.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Roosevelt
PTO.
E.
Approximately 160 sixth grade students from Roosevelt Middle School,
accompanied by their teachers and an aide, to travel to the Corning Museum of
Glass during May 2005. The students will be split into two groups and will
attend on separate days. Students eligible to participate must be in
compliance with the school’s field trip disciplinary requirements.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Roosevelt
PTO.
F.
Ninety-two (92) first grade students from Jackson Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and one paraprofessional, to travel to T &
D’s Cats of the World (Mifflinburg) during May 2005. Students eligible to
participate will not have been suspended within 30 school days of the trip.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Jackson
PTO.
G.
Sixteen (16) members of Curtin Middle School’s Jazz Band, accompanied by
their teacher, to travel to Brandon Park and Cochran Middle School during April
2005. Students must be in compliance with the school’s field trip
disciplinary requirements in order to participate.
The students will walk to and from Curtin to Brandon Park. Transportation will
be required for the trip to Cochran (10-1100-519-000-20-550-121-023-0000).
11.1*
Consider approving the following student trips:
H.
Five (5) Williamsport Area High School students, accepted by competitive
audition, to participate in the Pennsylvania Music Educators’ Association
All-State Festival to be held in Hershey on four days during April 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.
Choir
Band
Dominic Schiraldi-Irrera, Tenor I Andrew Mextorf, Trumpet
Stephen Tressler, Bass II
Orchestra
Andrew Giodano, Violin
Rachael Smith, Cello
Cost to the District would be $1,405 for student registration fees ($490 from
10-3212-813-000-30-850-121-023-0000; $490 from
10-3214-813-000-30-850-121-023-0000; and $245 from
10-3212-813-000-30-850-121-023-0000); and $880 for teacher expenses ($200 from
10-3212-581-000-30-850-121-023-0000; $200 from
10-3214-581-000-30-850-121-023-0000; and $480 from
10-3211-581-000-30-850-121-023-0000). Ann Radspinner, Ed Richards, and Jeff
Tedford will accompany the students. Three substitutes will be needed for two
days. The students will be transported by their teachers and parents.
I.
Ten (10) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s dance company,
accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Harrisburg during May 2005 to
perform for Arts in Education 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 (10-1100-519-000-30-850-140-025-0000). A
substitute will be required for the day.
J.
Approximately 125 physics students from the Williamsport Area High School,
accompanied by their teachers and 6-8 parent volunteers, to travel to
Knoebel’s Grove Amusement Park during May 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 (10-1100-519-000-30-850-180-027-0000).
Student admission will be charged to 10-1100-813-000-30-850-180-027-0000). One
substitute will be required for the day.
11.1*
Consider approving the following student trips:
K.
Fifteen (15) Williamsport Area High School horticulture students, accompanied
by their teacher, to travel to the Pennsylvania College of Technology’s
Earth Science Center (Allenwood) during April 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.
L.
Fifty (50) second grade students from Round Hills Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers, and aide, and parent chaperones, to travel to
Woodward Cave during May 2005. Students eligible to participate must be in
compliance with the school’s field trip disciplinary requirements in order
to participate.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Round
Hills PTO.
M.
Seventy-five (75) fifth grade students from Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Del
Grosso’s Park (Tipton) during June 2005. Students must be in compliance
with the school’s field trip disciplinary requirements in order to
participate.
Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. All costs will be paid by
the Hepburn PTO.
N.
Retroactive Approval: One (1) student from Lycoming Valley Middle School,
accompanied by his teacher, to travel to Harrisburg during March 2005 to
participate in the State Math Counts Competition.
11.2
Consider approving the following request for facility use:
A.
Retroactive approval to Williamsport AYSO to use the cafetorium at Roosevelt
Middle School on Tuesday, March 22, 2005 from 6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. to hold
a coaches meeting. Williamsport AYSO is requesting relief from the occupancy
fee estimated at $40.00. Certificate of Insurance on file.
12. BIDS/CONTRACTS
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson.
12.1*
Consider approving a contract with Intermediate Unit 13 with the provision of
$1,500 to the District for participation in the Pennsylvania Value Added
Assessment System Phase I and II Pilot.
12. BIDS/CONTRACTS CONT’D:
12.2*
Consider authorizing the purchase of art 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, March 1, 2005:
RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
AFP Industries, Inc., Miami Springs, FL $ 6,560.20
Dick Blick Company, Galesburg, IL
4,259.00
Bye Mo’r Inc., Kingsbury, IN
1,151.84
Commercial Art Supply Inc., Syracuse, NY 589.00
Elgin School Supply Co. Inc., Chico, CA
19.00
Kurtz Bros. Inc., Clearfield, PA
18,584.25
National Art & School Supplies, Rahway, NJ 324.00
Phillips Supply Company, Plymouth, PA 9,422.52
Quill Office Supplies Inc., Palatine, IL 525.58
Sax Arts & Crafts Inc., New Berlin, WI
3,348.95
The Ceramic Shop, Philadelphia, PA 81.20
Triarco Arts & Crafts Inc., Plymouth, MN
60.75
$44,926.29
12.3*
Consider authorizing the purchase of a voice mail system and upgrades to the
main phone
system at the Jackson Elementary School from Sage Technology Solutions. The
equipment cost is $5,665.24 from state contract pricing and installation and
on-site
warranty is $3,221.76 for a total cost of $8,887.00 which will be funded by
capital reserve. 13. TAX ITEMS
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson.
13.1
Consider approving the attached tax summaries.
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.
ROOSEVELT MIDDLE SCHOOL AUDITORIUM***
AGENDA
