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, March 1, 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, Thomas A. Zimmerman
ABSENT: Karen V. Harris, James E. Temple.
INVOCATION – Mr. Thomas Zimmerman provided the invocation and read the ninth district belief statement.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mr. Shultz, to approve the minutes from the regular meetings of February 1 and 15, 2005, that reading of the minutes be omitted and the minutes be approved as presented.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. Outstanding Student Presentations: - Deferred due to weather.
B. Budget Presentations
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Round Hills Bullying Prevention Program - Deferred due to weather.
B. Calendar of Events
March 7
Elementary Alternative Education Meeting -- 4:00 pm
March 14
Diversity Committee Meeting --12:00 pm
March 14 Public Relations Committee Meeting -- 4:00 pm
March 15 Curriculum & Instruction Steering Committee -- 2:00 pm
March 15 WASD School Board Meeting -- 6:00 pm
March 17 ETAC/ATAC Meeting -- 6:30 pm
March 21 Secondary Alternative Education Meeting -- 4:00 pm
March 24 Inservice Day at Cochran, Hepburn-Lycoming, Jackson, Round Hills,
Sheridan (may be canceled), and Stevens Elementary Schools
March 25 Holiday
March 28 Holiday (possible snow make-up day)
April 1 End of Third Marking Period
April 4 Elementary Alternative Education Meeting -- 4:00 pm
April 3-15 PSSA Testing in Math and Reading (Grades 3,4,5,6,7,8 &11)
April 5 WASD School Board Meeting -- 6:00 pm
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mrs. Mahaffey reported that ETAC met last Thursday. The student management software is progressing. The 2nd marking period went well. Clay Weaver has identified a program that will provide rebates to recycle printer ink cartridges. The next meeting will be held in the I Can Learn lab.
Mrs. Markle reported that the BLaST board meeting was held in the new building in Canton. The building is very nice. The Legislative Leadership Conference will be held on Sunday and Monday and Steve Cappelli will try to attend. Mrs. Markle also reported that PSBA will not be participating in the Act 71 law suit.
Mr. Zimmerman reported that the Gifted Advisory Committee met on February 16 th . There are currently 263 students participating. The Committee intends to try to identify ways to communicate the available gifted offerings to parents. There was discussion on offering foreign languages at elementary school.
Mr. Zimmerman also reported on the February 24th Employment Steering Committee meeting. The committee reviewed the latest draft of the interview process document. They are reviewing the questions to ask and avoid. Improvements are being made to the interview rating guide. Discussion was also held on Differentiated Supervision. It is a work in process. Mr. Wentzel has volunteered to categorize suggestions for improvement.
Mr. Stone reported that Mr. Zimmerman and he met with Jodi Harris and Eric Gee to talk about data warehousing. A presentation to the full board is forthcoming.
Mr. Zimmerman reported that Mr. Temple and he met with Mr. Dugan, Mr. Peterson, and Mr. McCann to continue discussion on a possible point system for coaching stipends. We are attempting to make some changes to the coaching stipends and will then consider other extra-curricular stipends.
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Mahaffey, to approve the balance of the agenda including the addendum.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
Construction Projects
A. Approve change order #1 to the contract with S&S Environmental Services, Inc., asbestos
abatement contractor, reducing the contract by $450.00 for an early payment credit. The new contract total will be $70,650.00.
FINANCE REPORT
6.1 Approve the following financial reports:
A. Treasurer’s Report for the month of January 2005
FINANCE REPORT
6.1 Approve the following financial reports cont’d:
B. Payroll Report:
General Fund – Unrestricted $2,712,865.03
General Fund – Restricted 266,528.78
Athletics and Extra Curricular 42,646.86
Food Service Fund 72,890.58
Data Processing Fund 7,496.50
Maintenance Fund 42,590.26
Mercantile & Privilege 0.00
Earned Income Tax 33,964.95
Student Activities .00
TOTAL $3,178,982.96
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 03/01/05 in the amount of $355,759.00, 03/01/05A in the amount of $874,865.19, 03/01/05B in the amount of $294,169.83, 03/01/05C in the amount of $448,795.29, 3/01/05D in the amount of $260.00, 03/01/05E in the amount of $37,330.29, 03/01/05F in the amount of $2,987,024.40, 03/01/05G in the amount of $219,083.12 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 03/01/05, 03/01/05A, 03/01/05B, 03/01/05C, 03/01/05D, 03/01/05E, 03/01/05F and 03/01/05G.
6.3* Authorize an agreement with Public Financial Management/PLGIT for investment services for the Series of 2005 General Obligation Bonds.
6.4 Authorize execution and delivery of a Settlement and Release with Studio Music, Inc. to settle a claim regarding use of intellectual property.
6.5 Authorize the transfer of our purchasing cards to the Easy Procure Program sponsored by PASBO, PASA, PSBA and PSDLAF. The cards will still be issued by PNC Bank and the transfer should be transparent. This program will provide rebates to our District.
BOARD POLICY – None
CURRICULUM REPORT
8.1 A pprove the addition of an Act 80 day for the Williamsport Alternative School on April 7, 2005, so that staff may attend the regional alternative education conference.
8.2 Approve a five-year affiliation agreement for Williamsport Area School District to accept student teachers from Bloomsburg University.
8.3 Approve the 2005-06 Williamsport Area School District Calendar.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.4 Approve a list of standardized tests, assessment measures and inventories to be used by the District throughout the 2005-2006 school year.
8.5 Approve a request by Sheridan Elementary School to change their school calendar by canceling the Act 80 inservice day scheduled for Thursday, March 24, 2005 so that the day will be a regular student day. Appropriate parent notification will be implemented.
8.6 Approve the attached schedule for the WAHS Indoor Percussion Ensemble. The 2004-2005 WAHS Indoor Percussion Ensemble has a membership of 12-15 students and is directed by WASD music teacher Laura Weir and Substitute Teacher, Ryan Pritchard. The WAHS Indoor Percussion Ensemble is an extension of the fall Marching Millionaire Band program. No district transportation is required. The program is funded primarily by the WAHS Band Association. District funds are budgeted to cover some weekend custodial fees and two substitutes when the ensemble travels to Wildwood, NJ April 28-31, 2005.
8.7 Approve Richard Close, retired science educator, to provide two days of staff development training for the Full Option Science System program to Grade 5 teachers. The cost of the staff development to the District is $450 plus travel expenses and is funded through Title II. Lock Haven University will cover the cost of one day's training through a science education grant.
8.8 Approve Steve Biancaniello, educational consultant, to present two half-day workshops (one about differentiated instruction and a second about at-risk students) on Friday, February 11, 2005, for new teacher inductees. $1,350 approximate costs include $1,000 honorarium, mileage, hotel and meals to be paid out of budget account #10-2271-323-000-00-000-493-017-0000.
8.9 Authorize the expenditure for the Sheridan Project (21st Century Grant) prior to receiving funding. This years’ allocation must be spent by September 30, 2005.
PERSONNEL REPORT
9.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Regena L. Mull, full-time Administrative Support for the Special Education Department, 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 Regena L. Mull from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 29 years of dedicated service to our school system as administrative support. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
9.1 RESIGNATIONS CONT’D:
B. Laura A. Bowman, school bus driver for the District, for personal reasons, effective February 25, 2005.
C. Jennifer W. Laubscher, full-time special education teacher at Lycoming Valley Middle School, for personal reasons, effective at the completion of the 2004-2005 school year (tentative date of June 10, 2005).
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Carol M. Bennett, full-time instructional support aide at Curtin Middle School, for an unpaid medical leave, effective February 25, 2005, through May 19, 2005, possibly to return sooner.
Ms. Bennett is currently utilizing sick and/or personal days and will begin her unpaid leave of absence on February 25, 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. Sharon M. Corter, full-time instructional support aide at Jackson Elementary School, unpaid leave for a planned family vacation, effective for one day only on March 23, 2005.
C. Estella R. DeClerck, general food service worker at Cochran Elementary School, unpaid leave for personal reasons (documentation on file), effective February 16 (¼ day), and full days on February 17-18, 2005.
D. Douglas C. Kinley, regular part-time school bus driver for the District, unpaid leave for a planned family vacation, effective March 4, 2005, through March 10, 2005.
E. Rhonda J. Lewis, general food service worker at the high school, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective February 8, 2005, 2005, through February 10, 2005.
F. Malinda E. Sherman, part-time school bus aide for the District, unpaid leave for a maternity leave, effective February 25, 2005, through the remainder of the 2004-2005 school year (tentative date of June 10, 2005).
G. Tammy L. Summers, general food service worker at Curtin Middle School, unpaid leave for personal reasons (documentation on file), effective February 2, February 7, and February 18, 2005.
H. Kimberly A. Whittington, general food service worker at the high school, unpaid leave for personal reasons (documentation on file), effective February 8 (¼ day) and full-day on February 9, 2005.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. The following spring 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 (pending completion of all appropriate paperwork*):
Williamsport Area High School
Baseball
Varsity Assistants: David Cipriani (5) * $1,786
Girls Track
Varsity Assistant
Dana J. Schenck-Welshans (4) $2,143 $970
Revise to split position with Jamie Prentiss (5) *
$1,072
Roosevelt Middle School
Track & Field
Girls Coach Matthew D. Hartman $1,500
Curtin Middle School
Girls Basketball
MS Assistant Kathryn A. Hettler (1) $1,843
(replacing Dana E. Derr, resigned)
Middle Schools
Middle School Girls Soccer
Coach: Marc Lovecchio (5) $1,250
Middle School Boys Soccer
Coach: Christian A. Lovecchio (5) $1,250
Volunteers
Football Darly Ellzy ---
Track & Field Jake Hartman ---
B. The following substitute custodian/event staff, with a base wage rate of $7.50 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective March 2, 2005:
Craig James Baker 1350 Fox Hollow Rd., Williamsport
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
C. 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:
James F. Barner P.O. Box 635, Jersey Shore (effective 02/24/05)
Kevin K. Steele 328 Grimesville Rd., Wmspt (effective 02/24/05)
Shane D. Day 409 Hastings St., S. Williamsport (effective 03/02/05)
D. 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:
Paul V. Bower 75 Maple Ave., Williamsport
Melanie N. Huggins 2710 Newberry St., Williamsport
E. 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:
Paul V. Bower 75 Maple Ave., Williamsport
Mary Jo Walker 1800 David Ave., Williamsport
9.4 CONTRACTS
A. Pam Easton, 36 W. Eighth St., Bloomsburg 17815, 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 $30.00 per hour for hours worked, effective March 2, 2005.
9.5 OTHER
A. Authorize payment in the amount of $90.00 per day for the following Blended School Teachers (non-district employees) for training programs (Blended Schools) scheduled March 10 and 11, 2005:
Bruce F. Ellison 2413 Ritchey St., Williamsport
James N. Koren 1626 Warren Ave., Williamsport
Jill M. Loudenslager 492 Crescent Hill Rd., Cogan Station
Daniel A. Mayers 435 W. Higland Ave., S. Williamsport
Abbie L. Newcomer 350 Northway Rd. Ext., Williamsport
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. Ten (10) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s SADD chapter, accompanied by their advisor, to travel to Lycoming College during March 2005 to participate in a SADD conference. 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. The students will meet at Lycoming College at the start of the school day; therefore, no transportation is required. Cost for participation will be funded through the SADD account. A substitute will be required for the day.
B. Seven (7) members of the Without a Cue group from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their teacher and another staff member, to travel to Berwick High School during March 2005 to perform at the regional Odyssey of the Mind tournament . 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. The students will be transported by personal vehicle. The only cost may possibly be for mileage/gas reimbursement (10-2380-581-000-30-850-000-065-0000).
C. Three (3) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Lewisburg during March 2005 to participate in the John Gold Exam. 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.
The students will be transported by their teacher. Expenses will be charged to 10-2260-581-000-00-050-170-021-0000. One substitute will be required for half a day.
11.1* Approve the following student trips cont’d:
D. Four (4) Williamsport Area High School choir students, accepted by competitive audition, to participate in the Pennsylvania Music Educators’ Association Regional Choir Festival to be held at Danville Area Middle School on four days during 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.
Stefan June Andrew Mextorf
Dominic Schiraldi-Irrera Stephen Tressler
Cost to the District would be $260 (10-3212-813-000-30-850-121-023-0000) for student registration fees; $210 (10-3212-813-000-30-850-121-023-0000) for teacher expenses; and $83.75 (10-3212-642-000-30-850-121-023-0000) for music. There will be no transportation fees as the students will travel to the festival with their teacher, and parents will provide transportation home. Kent Weaver or Anna Radspinner, WAHS choir directors, will accompany the students. One substitute will be needed for two days.
E. Thirty-nine (39) fifth grade students from Sheridan Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to the Montour Preserve during March 2005. The students will have an opportunity to visit the maple sugaring program at the preserve. All students will be eligible to participate. District transportation is requested and will be paid by the Sheridan PTO.
F. Approximately 40 Williamsport Area High School CASA members, accompanied by various District staff members, to travel to Baltimore on a Saturday during June 2005. The students will have the opportunity to visit Fort McHenry, have lunch at the ESPN Zone restaurant, and shop in the Inner Harbor area. 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 provided by contract carrier. The trip will be funded by the students and through fundraiser monies.
G. Ninety (90) second grade students from Cochran Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and other adult chaperones, to travel to Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland and Memorial Park during April 2005. Students eligible to participate will not have received two or more pink slips after March 1, 2005. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Cochran School Association.
11.1* Approve the following student trips cont’d:
H. Approximately 100 eighth grade students from Curtin Middle School, accompanied by members of the staff, to travel to New York City on a Saturday during May 2005. The students will visit the Liberty Science Center, the Statue of Liberty/Ellis Island, and the South Street Seaport. Students eligible to participate will have no unexcused absences, no suspensions in the second semester, and fewer than eight demerits in the Curtin discipline plan. Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. The trip will be funded by the students and student council.
I. Approximately eight fifth grade students from Jackson Elementary School, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Roosevelt Middle School during March 2005 to watch a demonstration of the new sport “Speed Stacking.” There will be no cost to the District. The students will walk to and from Jackson.
J. Seventy-five (75) second grade students from Stevens Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to the Montour Preserve during June 2005. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended or assigned to Saturday School within 30 days prior to the trip. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Stevens PTA.
K. Seventy-five (75) fifth through twelfth grade students from Curtin, Lycoming Valley, and Roosevelt Middle Schools and the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by a high school administrator, a member of the music staff, and 14 CAPPA volunteers, to travel to Harrisburg during March 2005. The students will have an opportunity to expand their appreciation of the role of the arts in the cultural diversity of the United States. Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. All costs will be paid for the Community Alliance for Positive Progressive Action (CAPPA). One substitute will be required for the day.
L. Seven (7) seventh grade students from Curtin Middle School, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Lycoming College during March 2005 to learn how math is used in many places outside the classroom. Students eligible to participate will have no suspensions or unexcused absences. The students will walk to and from the college. One substitute will be needed for the day.
11.2 Approve the following request for facility use:
A. Miss Juneteenth Educational Program to use the auditorium at the Williamsport Area High School, lighting and sound system on May 19 and 20, 2005, from
1:00 p.m. until 11:00 p.m. The Miss Juneteenth Program is requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $600.00. Labor fees to be paid by the Miss Juneteenth Program. Certificate of Insurance waived due to co-sponsored event.
11.2 Approve the following request for facility use:
B. American Cancer Society to use the football stadium and lights and sound system at the Williamsport Area High School on June 17 and 18, 2005, from 10:00 a.m. on
Friday through 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, to hold their annual Williamsport Relay for
Life event. The American Cancer Society is requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $750.00. Labor fees to be paid by the American Cancer Society. Certificate of Insurance on file.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
12.1* Authorize execution of an affiliation agreement with Lock Haven University governing the terms and conditions of the athletic training intern program.
12.2* Authorize the purchase of twenty (20) cafeteria tables for the Hepburn Lycoming Elementary Renovation Project from Bio-Fit Engineered Products at the state contract price of $21,094.20. This purchase will be paid for with construction funds from account 35-3150-752-000-10-250-000-070-0000.
12.3* Award the bid for the sewage treatment plant installation at the Hepburn Lycoming Elementary School to Wolyniec Construction, Inc. at a cost of $125,000. Three bids were received and Wolyniec was the low bid. This contract will be paid with construction bond funds. The contract execution will be contingent on review by Fred Holland, receipt of Labor and Material Bonds, signed contract, Mechanic’s Lien and insurance certificates.
TAX ITEMS
13.1 Approve the attached tax summaries.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mrs. Williams, Mrs. Markle and Mrs. Mahaffey spoke about the Embrace Roosevelt Program held on February 24th. There were 635 people in attendance even with the bad weather. The program was wonderful. It included good art, music and food. The board members congratulated the Roosevelt administration and staff for a fine program.
Mr. Stone indicated that we had another great showing at the Math Counts event. Our students and schools did well.
Questions were raised concerning security at District events. There is a question on the number of guards needed considering the decrease in attendance at some events. The administration will look into this.
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Shultz and carried, the meeting adjourned at
8:12 p.m.
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary