W illiamsport A rea
S chool D istrict
Board of Directors Meeting
June 7, 2005
6:00 p.m.
AGENDA
1.
CALL TO ORDER
2. INVOCATION –
Silent Reflection
DISTRICT BELIEF STATEMENTS -
Mr. David Stone STATEMENT # 6
We believe that all students need to be challenged to reach their potential.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
5. REPORTS TO THE BOARD
5.1
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A.
Report from the Senior Class: Tiffany Heikes, Jachelle Yingling and Emilie
Pearson
B.
On Saturday, May 14, the Williamsport Youth Wind Ensemble, a band made up of
seventh and eighth grade band students from Curtin, Lycoming Valley, and
Roosevelt Middle Schools, traveled to Annville-Cleona High School, for the
“Music in the Parks” Festival. The festival consists of a rating and
competition of music groups from across the region and surrounding states.
The group earned a “Superior” rating, the highest in the
adjudication. The wind ensemble also entered in the competitive portion of the
festival. Not only did the group earn a first place in its class, but the
“Best Overall Concert Band” award. This marks the third year in a row
this group from the Williamsport middle schools has earned this honor.
The wind ensemble consists of 68 members and is directed by Todd Kendall, WAHS
Freshman Band Director and Assistant Band Director for the Marching
Millionaires. Middle School Directors Laura Weir (Roosevelt), Kevin Henry
(Curtin), and Don Fisher (Lycoming Valley) assisted.
Following the Festival, the students spent a well-earned day at Hershey Park.
5.1
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
C.
Congratulations to the Williamsport Area High School Odyssey of the Mind team
who placed fifth in Division III at the April 16, 2005, State Championships
held in Altoona. The team’s problem, “In Your Dreams,” was to
create and present an original performance that included a dream that was
cheerful, nonsensical, and nightmarish. Sounds and a monster were required
components within the problem.
Team members included Tim Betts, Amber Lee, Elyssa Okkelberg, Patrick
Welteroth, and Matt Okkelberg. The team is coached by Eileen and Joe Okkelberg.
D.
Congratulations to Williamsport Area High School junior Elyssa Okkelberg who
won the trophy for the "Best Drafted Resolution" of the over 100
resolutions submitted by the 300 students competing at the Model United Nations
held April 14-15, 2005, at Lock Haven University.
E.
Consider approving the appointment of Fred A. Holland, Esq., as the
District’s
Solicitor for the 2005-2006 fiscal year and establish his compensation to
include a
retainer of $18,550 (unchanged for many years), and an hourly rate of $105
(unchanged from last year) for extraordinary services.
F.
WASD Education Foundation - The WASD Education Foundation is sponsoring a
golf tournament to benefit the high school fitness center project. We are
looking
for golfers as well as sponsors. The tournament will be held on Saturday, June
25th
at White Deer Golf Course. Detailed information on the tournament can be found
on a brochure that is available on the District's web site at
www.wasd.org
.
G.
Municipal Revenue Services - Presentation on delinquent real estate tax sale.
H.
Consider approving the adjudication of student 04/05–15 resulting from a
quasi- judicial hearing held this date.
5.2
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A.
Data Driven Decision Making--Jodi Harris, Director of Educational Data Analysis
B.
Blended School Initiative
C.
Calendar of Events
June 9 Teacher Record Day
5.3
Committee Reports by Board Members
5.4 Construction Projects
A.
Consider acknowledging receipt of PlanCon Part H, Project Financing for the
Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School Project from the PA Department of
Education.
B.
Consider acknowledging receipt of PlanCon Part H, Project Financing for the
Lycoming Valley Middle School Project from the PA Department of Education.
C.
Consider approving a change order to the contract with S&S Environmental
Services, Asbestos Contractor at Hepburn Lycoming, decreasing the contract by
$300.00 for accelerated payment of application for payment #3. The new
contract total will be $71,550.00
6. FINANCE REPORT
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson
6.1
Consider approving the following financial reports:
A.
Treasurer’s Report for the month of April 2005
B. Payroll Report:
General Fund – Unrestricted
$2,730,340.86
General Fund – Restricted 268,207.62
Athletics and Extra Curricular
31,863.08 Food Service Fund
76,325.38
Data Processing Fund 7,496.50
Maintenance Fund 35,613.44
Mercantile & Privilege
0.00 Earned Income Tax
36,615.47
Student Activities 6,665.80
TOTAL
$3,193,128.15
6.2*
Consider authorizing payment of invoices and services rendered by the list
submitted marked Order No. 06/07/05 in the amount of $459,817.54, 06/07/05A in
the amount of $309,185.59, 06/07/05B in the amount of
$315,011.30, 06/07/05C in the amount of $1,368,770.17,
06/07/05D in the amount of $86,536.92, 06/07/05E in the amount of $23,191.40,
06/07/05F in the amount of $247,460.34, 06/07/05G in the amount of
$484,849.96, 06/07/05H in the amount of $2,844,772.27, 06/07/05I in the amount
of $242,477.65, 06/07/05J in the amount of $338,255.31, 06/07/05K in the amount
of $6,132.86, 06/07/05L in the amount of $784,841.29 and that the officers of
the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 06/07/05,
06/07/05A, 06/07/05B, 06/07/05C, 06/07/05D, 06/07/05E, 06/07/05F, 06/07/05G,
06/07/05H, 06/07/05I, 06/07/05J, 06/07/05K and 06/07/05L.
6.3
Consider approving budget transfers for FY05, dated May 31, 2005 as presented
in
accordance with Section 609 of the Public School Code of 1949, as amended:
6. FINANCE REPORT CONT’D:
6.4*
Consider approving the following insurance policies for the period of 7/1/05 to
7/1/06:
B.
Automobile Policy with Peerless Insurance Company through the PICS Program at a
cost of $39,851. (FY05 PICS $38,024).
C.
Worker’s Compensation with Old Republic Insurance Company through
Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) at an estimated cost of $238,139.
(FY05 PSBA $216,814).
D.
Excess Liability Umbrella Policy with Old Republic Insurance Company through
the PSBA at a cost of $22,590. (Unchanged).
E.
School Board Legal Liability with the PSBA Trust at a cost of $19,660 and a
deductible of $10,000. (FY05 PSBA $18,911).
F.
Boiler and Machinery with Cincinnati Insurance Company at a cost of $5,038
(Unchanged).
G.
Interscholastic Athletic and Voluntary Student Accident Insurance with AG
Administrators, Inc. at a cost of $15,000 (unchanged). The voluntary student
accident insurance premium is also unchanged at $28 for school time and $124
for 24-hour coverage.
(Unchanged).
I.
Inland Marine Policy with the Peerless Insurance Company (PICS) at a cost of
$843 (FY05 PICS $700).
J.
General Liability Policy with the Peerless Insurance Company (PICS) at a cost
of $8,850. (FY05 $8,994 PICS)
6.5
Consider approving Parente Randolph Accountants & Consultants to provide
professional
audit services for the FY05, FY06 and FY07 audits at a cost not to exceed
$32,500,
$32,900 and 33,500 respectively. These fees include the cost to audit the
Earned Income Tax
Office. The FY04 audit was conducted by Rogers, Huber and Associates at a cost
of $31,300. 7.
BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple
Questions may be directed to Dr. Lowery.
8. CURRICULUM REPORT
Questions may be directed to Mrs. Thomas.
8.1
Consider approving a Biology II Curriculum Document.
8.2
Consider approving a Pre School to Kindergarten Extended year Project. Sheridan
Elementary will have two classes of 6-8 students who will attend the project
from July 11th through
July 22, 2005. The program will be housed at Sheridan Elementary and will
require two classroom teachers for up to two hours per day each and one
Certified Reading Specialist and one Certified Speech and Language Therapist
for up to one hour per day each. The teachers will be paid at the rate of
$24.67, or contract rate per hour plus appropriate benefits. All funds are
budgeted under the Sheridan Elementary PAGE1 Grant.
8.3
Consider approving Cochran Elementary School to apply to become an Intermediate
Literacy Collaborative School through the Literacy Collaborative of Ohio State
University. Through this model, a teacher will participate in Literacy
Coordinator Training; the training will occur over seven one week periods from
August of 2005 through June of 2006. The approximate total costs for 2005-06 is
$49,500. The costs include: Instructional Fees (including 9 graduate credits),
materials, Professional Development modules, School Support, substitute
teacher costs and travel expenses (transportation, meals, meals, etc.). All
costs are budgeted under Comprehensive School Reform Grant ($24,750) and
Reading Recovery Training Income funds ($24,750).
8.4
Consider approval of the following dates as Act 80 days for Cochran Elementary
School during the 2005-06 school year: September 16, 2005; December 22, 2005;
and May 18, 2006
8.5
Consider approval of the following additional Act 80 professional development
inservice days for Jackson Elementary School: September 16, 2005; December 22,
2005; and February 17, 2006.
8.6
Consider accepting a contract from the Children's Development Center for the
2005-06 school year to provide occupational and physical therapy services to
students K-12 with disabilities. These services will be paid out of ACCESS and
will include the following:
78/hr for OT, and COTA services
42/hr for OTR/L scheduled meeting
42/hr for OTR travel
68/hr for certified occupational therapy assistance 36/hr for COTA/L scheduled
meetings 36/hr for COTA travel
78 per hour for physical therapy
42 per hour for PT scheduled meetings
42 per hour for PT travel
8.7
Consider approving the 2005-06 Roosevelt Middle School Student/Parent Handbook.
8.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.8
Consider approving the Williamsport Area School District Reading Recovery
Training Site to provide Reading Recovery Continuing Contact Services during
2005-06 to:
3 Reading Recovery Teachers - Shikellamy School District
1 Reading Recovery Teacher -- Galeton Area School District
4 Reading Recovery Teachers - Montgomery Area School District
Each district will pay WASD $600 per teacher, plus mileage for visits made by
the WASD Teacher Leader. The cost will cover: (a) one site visit by the WASD
Reading Recovery Teacher Leader to each of the teachers; and (b) participation
by each of the Reading Recovery Teachers in six Continuing Contact sessions to
be held at the WASD Reading Recovery Training Site during 2005-06.
8.9
Consider approving the following Roosevelt teachers to participate in up to two
days of training for the I Can Learn program and lab during fiscal year 2005.
The teachers will be paid at the rate of $90 per day plus appropriate benefits;
all funds are budgeted under the 2004-05 EETT grant.
Randy Laird
Allen Taylor Carol DeSilva
Mike Lundy
Ron Sahm
Michelle Walker Tracey Graff
Ron Keiser
8.10
Consider approving the attached K-5 Physical Education curriculum document.
8.11
Consider offering two additional summer courses this year using the Blended
Schools
technology and staff. A Blended Schools Summer Biology course and a Blended
Schools
Summer Civics course would allow students (mostly freshmen) who failed a 9th
grade
course to repeat the course this summer online. Enrollment will be limited to
students who
had 25 or fewer absences last year and receive a final grade between 60-69 in
the course.
Current data suggests that at present, 29 students would be eligible for the
Biology course
and 39 students would be eligible for the Civics course. Students in this
program must have
access to a computer with an Internet connection each day during the regular
summer
school session and must be able to attend classes at WAHS one day each week
from
June 20 – July 29, 2005. Transportation, as with any summer school
program, is the responsibility of the student.
Blended Schools teachers will instruct and deliver lessons and communications
with the
students. Teachers will be available at least two (2) hours per day for the
students.
Students will be required to attend one two-hour session on campus each week
with their
teacher to turn in and discuss projects and to complete computerized
assessments.
The cost of the program shall be $150 per course. Instructors will be paid
$1,200 per course, regardless of enrollment.
Questions should be directed to Dr. Mitchell, Blended Schools Administrator.
8.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.12
Consider approving the IDEA contract for the 2005-06 school year in the amount
of
$1,339,187.95 to provide programs and services to students with disabilities.
This money is
used to supplement the provision of special educational and related services
for eligible
school children in order to provide a free, appropriate, public education.
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.
Maryalice Crist, Hall/Cafeteria Monitor (modified position) at the high school,
for personal reasons, effective May 25, 2005.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Consider approving the following leaves of absence:
A.
Lisa A. Wagner, full-time elementary (1st
grade) teacher at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, for an unpaid medical
leave, effective June 1, 2005, through June 3, 2005.
Mrs. Wagner began her unpaid leave of absence on June 1, 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.
Diane M. Andrus, general food service worker at Lycoming Valley Middle School,
unpaid leave for planned vacation, effective for one day only on June 10, 2005.
C.
Estella R. DeClerck, general food service worker at Cochran Elementary School,
unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for May 26, 2005, and June 6,
2005.
D.
Rhonda J. Lewis, general food service worker at the high school, unpaid leave
for
personal reasons, effective for May 18, 2005 (½ day) and May 19, 2005
(full day).
E.
Judith I. Mace, general food service worker at Lycoming Valley Middle School,
unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on June 10, 2005.
F.
Elena M. Matty, general food service worker at Lycoming Valley Middle School,
unpaid leave for planned vacation, effective for one day only on June 10, 2005.
G.
Tammy L. Parsons, general food service worker at Roosevelt Middle School,
unpaid
leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on May 31, 2005.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE CONT’D:
H.
Donna E. Robertson, general food service worker at Lycoming Valley Middle
School, unpaid leave for planned vacation, effective for one day only on June
10, 2005.
I.
Kimberly A. Rowland, general food service worker at Lycoming Valley Middle
School, unpaid leave for planned vacation, effective for one day only on June
10, 2005.
J.
Tammy L. Summers, general food service worker at Curtin Middle School, unpaid
leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on May 10, 2005.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Consider the election of the following staff, for the purpose and on the date
indicated:
A.
The Williamsport Area School District extends a conditioned offer of employment
to Daniel R. Keyte, Jr., 908 Poplar St., Williamsport, as a temporary
professional employee, effective with the 2005-2006 school term (scheduled date
is August 25, 2005), to teach Auto Mechanics at high school, at a salary rate
of Step 1, bachelor’s, $38,300, provided Mr. Keyte obtains Pennsylvania
Department of Education Intern certification and all appropriate documentation
by August 15, 2005 (new position approved by the Board). Mr. Keyte will also
be scheduled to participate in Induction Program activities before the start of
the 2005-2006 school term.
B.
The Williamsport Area School District extends a conditioned offer of employment
to Brian L. Soars, 129 Turkey Bottom Rd., Muncy, as a temporary professional
employee, effective with the 2005-2006 school term (scheduled date is August
25, 2005), to teach Technology Education at the high school, at a salary rate
of Step 1, bachelor’s, $38,300, provided Mr. Soars obtains Pennsylvania
Department of Education certification and all appropriate documentation by
August 15, 2005 (replacing John K. Voneida, retired). Mr. Soars will also be
scheduled to participate in Induction Program activities before the start of
the 2005-2006 school term.
C.
The Williamsport Area School District extends a conditioned offer of employment
to Jennifer Jo Weaver, 817 Sixth Ave., Williamsport, as a part-time (4/7)
temporary professional employee, effective with the 2005-2006 school term
(scheduled date is August 25, 2005), to teach Health Occupations at the high
school, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor’s, $38,300, provided Mrs.
Weaver obtains Pennsylvania Department of Education Intern certification and
all appropriate documentation by August 15, 2005 (new position approved by the
Board). Mrs. Weaver will also be scheduled to participate in Induction Program
activities before the start of the 2005-2006 school term.
9.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
D.
Dr. J. Thomas Mitchell, 57 Redwing Rd., Lock Haven, Science Department Chair,
as
Coordinator of Project 720 Dual Enrollment Experiences at the high school at a
stipend of $6,500. Dr. Mitchell will assume responsibility for coordinating
the high
school’s dual enrollment program with Lock Haven University during the
summer and
upcoming school year. He will also be the school’s
representative in ongoing
discussions regarding the expansion of dual enrollment to Pennsylvania College
of
Technology and the Pennsylvania State University. He will help to arrange
schedules
for students, monitor the progress of participating students, serve as a
liaison among
the school, enrolling students, their parents and the university, and will be
responsible
for providing communication to students and parents regarding dual enrollment
opportunities. Dr. Mitchell’s position will be funded through the Project
720 grant at no cost to the district.
E.
The teaching staff hired for the Elementary and Middle School Summer School
Programs, effective July 11, 2005, through August 5, 2005 (up to 3½ hours
per day), an increase of one-half hour (½ hour) per week for planning time
(up to a total of 2 additional hours over the four week program), at the rate
of $25.43 per hour or contract rate plus appropriate benefits. All costs
funded through Educational Assistance Program (EAP) and/or Sheridan Project
Grants.
F.
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 N. Heffner
2220 Sheridan St., Williamsport
Georgette R. Copp
573 Northway Rd., Linden (effective 08/29/05)
James L. Poechmann
830 Pleasant Valley Rd., Cogan Station (eff. 08/29/05)
9.4*
POSITION CHANGES - Consider approving the following position changes:
A.
Tammy L. Summers, 2515 Grand St., Williamsport, from a general food service
worker (2 hours daily) at Curtin Middle School, to a general food service
worker (3 hours daily) at Curtin Middle School, with a base wage rate of $9.39
per hour, effective June 8, 2005 (replacing Mary Masden, transferred).
10. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Questions may be directed to Mrs. Thomas and Mr. Dugan.
10.1
RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Consider approving released time for staff members to participate in
professional 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.
11.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Questions may be directed to Dr. Lowery.
11.1*
Consider approving the following student trips:
A.
Thirty-six (36) girls from Roosevelt Middle School, accompanied by three staff
members, to travel to the Pennsylvania College of Technology during June 2005
to
participate in a Smart Girl Workshop.
District transportation is requested and will be paid through the Camp Ophelia
budget.
B.
Thirty-six (36) girls from Roosevelt Middle School, accompanied by three staff
members, to travel to the Great Escape Movie Theater during June 2005 for a
discussion of movie themes and friendship.
District transportation is requested and will be paid through the Camp Ophelia
budget.
C.
Retroactive Approval: Thirty-nine (39) fifth grade students, accompanied by
their
teachers and parent chaperones, to travel to the Loyalsock Creek (near St.
Ann’s
Catholic Church) during May 2005. The students will have the opportunity to
conduct water testing with a professor from Lock Haven University.
The students will walk the creek and back to school. There will be no cost to
the district. The Sheridan PTO will pay the professor’s mileage.
D.
Retroactive Approval: Seventy-one (71) jazz band and vocal and string ensemble
students from Lycoming Valley Middle School, accompanied by their teachers, to
travel to Round Hills Elementary School, and possibly Hepburn-Lycoming
Elementary School if scheduling can be arranged, during June 2005 to perform.
Students eligible to participate must be in compliance with the school’s
field trip disciplinary requirements in order to participate.
District transportation is requested and will be paid from the Lycoming Valley
Faculty Fund.
E.
Retroactive Approval: Twelve (12) members of the Williamsport Area High
School’s
Cherry, White & Blue performing group, accompanied by their teacher, to
travel to Sheridan Elementary School during May 2005 to perform.
District transportation is requested (10-1100-519-000-30-850-121-023-0000.
F.
Retroactive Approval: Five (5) Curtin Middle School Jazz Ensemble members,
accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Sheridan Elementary School during
June
2005 to perform for the students. Students eligible to participate must be in
compliance with the school’s field trip disciplinary requirements.
There will be no cost to the District. The students will walk to and from
Sheridan.
11.2
Consider approving the following request for facility use:
A.
BLaST IU #17 to use a classroom at Sheridan and Stevens Elementary Schools,
Elementary School, July 11 - 22 and again August 8 -12, 2005, from 8:30 a.m.
until 3:00 p.m., to hold an Early Intervention Center Based Summer Program.
BLaST is requesting relief from the occupancy fee estimated at $450.00.
Certificate of Insurance to be received.
12. BIDS/CONTRACTS
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson.
12.1
Consider approving an extension of an agreement with Clear Channel
Communication to
provide broadcast coverage on WRAK and WRKK Radio of Williamsport Area High
School
sports as the “Voice of the Millionaires.” In addition, Ken Sawyer
and WRAK will continue
to provide air time, professional supervision, and equipment support to the
WAHS Student
Voice radio program. Clear Channel Communication will continue to fund a $500
scholarship to a graduating senior planning a career in the communication
field. Clear
Channel Communication will also make public services announcements on BILL
95.5, KISS 102.7, and WRAK for the school district as needed.
12.2
Consider authorizing a lease agreement with the Williamsport Scottish Rite to
hold the 2006
WAHS prom at a cost of $500.00.
12.3
Consider an Agreement of Affiliation with the Pennsylvania College of
Technology
for the purpose of providing school nurse clinical experience for Penn College
students, for
the 2005-06 and 2006-07 school years, at no cost to the District.
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.
AGENDA
June 9 WAHS Graduation
June 10 Last Day of School for Students
June 20 Middle and High School Summer School begins
June 21 WASD School Board Meeting -- 6:00 pm
June 28 WASD Special School Board Meeting -- 6:00 pm
