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, May 17, 2005, beginning at 8:00 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 – Mr. David Wright provided the invocation and read the fifth district belief statement.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
Student Representatives’ Report – Amber Quick
Amber gave her report and she also introduced Sarah Border who will be one of next year’s student representatives.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. Outstanding Student:
B. Congratulations to Mick Cioffi, a third grade teacher at Round Hills Elementary School, for being selected as one of the great teachers in the WVIA/PSEA “Making a Difference: Great Teachers Essay Contest.” A former Round Hills Elementary student, Jane Koskie, now a s tudent at the Williamsport Area High School, wrote the winning essay. Ms. Koskie will be awarded a $500 scholarship for her essay.
C. Congratulations to Erica Bacon, a teacher at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, for receiving an honorable mention award in the “Great Teachers: Making a Difference” contest sponsored by WPSX. Glenn Gough, a former student now attending Lycoming Valley Middle School, wrote the winning essay.
D. Congratulations to Wendy Kelsey, Kindergarten Teacher/Cochran Literacy Coordinator at Cochran Elementary School for being recognized as the local Wal-Mart Teacher of the Year. As part of her award, Cochran Elementary School will receive a $1000 check to be utilized for the Cochran students.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT’D: – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
E. Congratulations to the following students for being awarded Scholastic Gold Keys:
Erin Cochran – Drawing
Pat Page – Photography
F. 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.
G. 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.
President Stone recognized Traci Walters and WAHS student Charis Ditamore who spoke to the Board in support of appointing LeeAnn Vollman as head cheerleading coach.
President Stone called an executive session for personnel reasons at 9:14 p.m. The meeting reconvened at 10:05 p.m. After the meeting reconvened the Board voted on item 9.3H appointing LeeAnn Vollman as cheerleading coach.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Calendar of Events
May 19
ETAC/ATAC Meeting -- 6:30 pm
May 27-30 Memorial Day Holiday
May 24
WASD School Board Meeting -- 6:00 pm
June 7
WASD School Board Meeting -- 6:00 pm
B. Elementary Class Size Discussion
Committee Reports by Board Members - None
Construction Projects
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the following items related to construction projects:
A. Approve a change order to the contract with The Robert Feaster Corporation, General Contractor in the amount of $27,110, to furnish and install drop ceilings in the pods at the Hepburn Lycoming Elementary School. The adjusted contract total will be $6,268,802.
B. Approve a change order to the contract with Lecce Electric, Electrical Contractor, in the amount of $27,800, to furnish and install recessed lighting in the pods at the Hepburn Lycoming Elementary School. The adjusted contract total will be $1,773,481.
C. Approve change orders G-HL-10; G-HL-11; and G-HL-12 to the contract with The Robert Feaster Corporation, General Contractor, in the amount of $2,775; $300 and $9,941 respectively. The adjusted contract total will be $6,281,818. Change order G-HL-12 in the amount of $9,941 has been reimbursed by our insurance carrier.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
Motion made by Mr. Temple, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the balance of the agenda including the addendum.
FINANCE REPORT
6.1* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 05/17/05 in the amount of $769,759.66, 05/17/05A in the amount of $161,623.84, 05/17/05B in the amount of $2,055.00, 05/17/05C in the amount of $42,993.22, 05/17/05D in the amount of $10,455.49, 05/17/05E in the amount of $20,000.00 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 05/17/05, 05/17/05A, 05/17/05B, 05/17/05C, 05/17/05D and 05/17/05E.
BOARD POLICY – None
CURRICULUM REPORT
8.1 Approve the following three Act 80 building-based professional development days for Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School: September 16, 2005, February 17, 2006 and
May 18, 2006.
8.2 Approve an application for an innovative learning and leadership grant through The NEA Foundation for the Improvement of Education. The grant is being written by a teacher team
at Sheridan Elementary for the purpose of being able to share student writings electronically with parents. The amount of the grant is $5,000.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.3 Approve the calendar, course and fee schedules for the 2005 Williamsport Area High School Summer School.
Residents Non-Residents Reduced Rate
60-Hour Class $140 $220 $120
120-Hour Class $280 $440 $240
One Credit Courses to be offered: (June 20 - July 29)
* 0029S English 9 Basic
* 0003S English 10 Basic
* 0013S English 11 Basic
* 0023S English 12 Basic
1027S Civics & Multiculturalism
** 1007S Civics & Multiculturalism H
1025S Government & Economics
** 1023S Government & Economics H
1016S U.S. History
** 1010S U.S. History H
1034S Modern World History
** 1030S Modern World History H
2011S Algebra I
2012S Algebra II
2022S Plane Geometry
*** 5020S Spanish I
4002S Web Page Design
7111S Introduction to Visual Arts
Half Credit Courses to be offered: (June 20 - July 8)
**** 4003S Reviewing Keyboarding & Computer
* 9009S Phys. Ed. – Freshmen
* 9010S Phys. Ed. – Sophomore
* 9011S Phys. Ed. – Junior/Senior
* 9033S Health Education
* These courses are offered for “make-up” only
** Honors courses must be approved by the student’s guidance counselor
*** Offered for advanced credit only
**** Offered for graduation requirement only
8.4
Approve payment to Allen Taylor, Tracey Graff, Ron Keiser, Mike Lundy,
MichelleWalker,
Sharon Salvatori, Judy Bower, Tom Croce, Matt Hartman and Carol DeSilva for
professional
development study groups before school hours twice a month for five months.
These 10
teachers will be paid at a rate of $24.67 plus appropriate benefits per hour
(School
Improvement Funds - acct. # 10-1490-121-411-20-650-000-018-0005).
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.5 Approve payment to six Roosevelt Middle School math teachers, Ron Kaiser, Mike Lundy, Randy Laird, Allen Taylor, Scott Starr and Carol DeSilva to attend training on the upgrades for the “I Can Learn” Classroom August 23 and 24, 2005. Teachers will be paid at the rate of $90 plus appropriate benefits per day. (School Improvement Funds – acct. #10-1490-121- 411-20-650-000-018-0005).
8.6 Approve a Pre School to Kindergarten Extended Year Project. Cochran, Hepburn Lycoming, Jackson and Stevens will have one class of 6-8 students per school who will attend the project from July 11th through August 5, 2005. The program will be housed at Cochran and Jackson and will require four teachers. The teachers will work July 11--August 5, 2005 for up to 3.5 hours per day plus an additional 1/2 hour of planning time per week. The teachers will be paid at the rate of $24.67, or contract rate per hour plus appropriate benefits. The teachers will attend up to 3 days of professional development prior to the start of the project and will be paid at the rate of $90 per day plus appropriate benefits. All funds are budgeted under Title I.
8.7 Approve the following middle school language arts teachers for up to six days each of curriculum development activities to occur beyond the school day during the spring and summer of 2005: Barbara Cioffi (Lycoming Valley Middle School), Barbara Sullivan (Roosevelt Middle School), Chad Greevy (Curtin Middle School). Teachers would be paid at $90 per day. Funds for these activities have been included in the FY05 budget.
8.8 A pprove the following three Act 80 professional development days for Stevens Elementary School: September 16, 2005; February 17, 2005; and May 18, 2005.
8.9 Approve sophomore student Lauren Leathers as the WAHS representative to attend the Hugh O’Brien Youth organization’s spring meeting at Millersville University, Thursday, May 19- Sunday, May 22, 2005. Ms. Leathers will join other student leaders across the Common- wealth for intensive leadership training and mentoring by this nationally known student advocacy and leadership program. There is no expense to the district for Ms. Leathers’ attendance at this seminar.
PERSONNEL REPORT
9.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Maureen C. Latranyi, full-time elementary (4th grade) at Round Hills Elementary School, for personal reasons, effective June 10, 2005.
B. Sherry L. Menne, general food service worker (4¼ hours daily) at Cochran Elementary School, for personal reasons, effective June 10, 2005.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE - Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Sheila M. Chaapel, school bus driver for the District, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on April 29, 2005.
B. Estella R. DeClerck, general food service worker at Cochran Elementary School, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on April 29, 2005.
C. Ronald W. Solomon, school bus driver for the District, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on April 25, 2005.
D. John A. Westbrook, part-time security at the high school, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective June 4-5, 2005.
E. Estella R. DeClerck, general food service worker at Cochran Elementary School, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on May 10, 2005.
F. Kimberly A. Whittington, general food service worker at the high school, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on May 6, 2005.
G. Marguerite Wolfgang, full-time health room technician at Cochran Elementary School, extension of an unpaid leave (documentation on file), effective May 18, 2005, through June 30, 2005.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. The following persons to teach for the Special Education Summer School Program, effective July 11, 2005, through August 5, 2005 (up to 3½ hours per day), at the rate of $25.43 per hour or contract rate plus appropriate benefits, and for up to three days of staff development at the rate of $90.00 per day. All costs funded through ACCESS):
Cochran Elementary School (string #10-1200-121-891-10-225-000-004-005:
Jennifer L. Conklin 11 Nancy Drive, Mill Hall
Matthew D. Hartman 781 River Mill Rd., Jersey Shore
Michelle L. Pulizzi 1025 Mulberry St., Williamsport
Removed by Admin.
Jackson Elementary School (string #10-1200-121-891-10-275-000-004-005:
Susan K. Garczynski P.O. Box 96, Trout Run
Jennifer M. Larson 339 Baxter Rd., Montoursville
Betsy G. Yost 1347 Rose Valley Rd., Cogan Station
Roosevelt Middle School (string #10-1200-121-891-20-650-000-004-005:
Thomas D. Croce 595 Park Ave., Lock Haven
Kathleen E. Clark 826 Second Ave., Williamsport
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
B. The following persons as administrative support staff for the Elementary Summer School Program, effective July 11, 2005, through August 5, 2005, for up to 4 hours per day, at the current contract rate, and for up to three days of staff development before the program begins. All costs funded through Educational Assistance Program (EAP) and/or Sheridan Project Grants:
Cochran Elementary School
Kimberly J. Cillo 1137 E. Lloyd St., Williamsport
Jackson Elementary School
Kathy M. Shirey 503 Eden St., Jersey Shore
C. The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $6.25 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective date as indicated:
Julia A. Gillespie 1588 Randall Circle, Williamsport (effective 05/09/05)
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:
Rebecca J. Commerford 518 Wilson St. Jersey Shore (effective 05/05/05)
Samantha M. Johnson 308 East Seventh Ave., S. Wmspt. (eff. 05/06/05)
Christopher M. Konieczny 2840 Orchard Ave., Montoursville
Julie A. Rowles 20 Scott Circle, Montoursville
Trevor J. Palmatier 452 Wells Rd., Williamsport
James H. Rogers III 347 Smokey Corners Rd., Cogan Station
E. 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:
Aaron J. Auchter 350 Rural Ave., Williamsport
F. Michelle Y. Lewis, 401 Cemetery St., Jersey Shore, as a paid intern in the Tax Office, effective May 18, 2005, for the duration of up to 240 hours, at the rate of $6.25 per hour (no benefits).
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
G. The following persons to teach for the Middle School Summer School Program, effective July 11, 2005, through August 5, 2005 (up to 3½ hours per day), at the rate of $25.43 per hour or contract rate plus appropriate benefits, and for up to three days of staff development at the rate of $90.00 per day. All costs funded through Educational Assistance Program (EAP) and/or Sheridan Project Grants (*pending receipt of all appropriate paperwork):
Grade 6 Reading -- *Jennifer L. Kinley, 281½ Susquehanna Ave., Lock Haven
Grade 6 Math -- Nicholas A. Tagliaferri, 1091 Youngs Rd., Linden
Grade 7 Reading -- Meredith L. Hawkins, 434 Park Ave., Lock Haven
Grade 7 Math -- Shane M. Laudenslager, 90 Valley Rd., Williamsport
Substitute (as needed) -- Kevin B. Mumbauer, 924 W. Central Ave., S. Wmspt.
Williamsport Child Guidance, Inc. 630 Campbell Street, Williamsport, PA, will
serve as contractor for this program as well as the elementary after school programs
and elementary summer school programs, according to the (adjusted) Letters of Agreement approved by the Board of Directors on May 3, 3005.
H. Motion made by Mrs. Harris, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve Lee Ann Vollman, 289 Grimesville Road, Williamsport, as Head Cheerleading Coach according to the contract rate outlined in the collective bargaining agreement with the Williamsport Education Association (stipend amount $2,210) for the 2005-2006 school year.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call
9.4* POSITION CHANGES - Approve the following position changes:
A. Christine A. MacKenzie, 1558 Overbrook Rd., Williamsport, from a full-time English teacher to a part-time (4/7) professional employee, to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) at the high school, effective beginning with the 2005-2006 school term (tentative starting date of August 25, 2005), at a salary rate of Step 13, master’s maximum, $65,200, prorated to 4/7. Mrs. MacKenzie has requested this transfer.
B. Mary K. Masden, 15 Florence Dr., Cogan Station, from a general food service worker (3 hours daily) at Curtin Middle School to a general food service worker (4¾ hours daily) at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $9.89 per hour or contract rate, effective May 11, 2005 (replacing Rita Eck, resigned).
9.5 OTHER
A. Approve payment to Scott Starr, Janice Saffel, Carol DeSilva, Maria Weaver, Judy Bower and Ron Keiser for extended day programs (Guided Reading, I Can Learn and Soar to Success) from February 2 through April 28, 2004, for up to four hours per week. Teachers will be paid at the rate of $24.67 plus appropriate benefits per hour. (School Improvement Funds – acct. #10-1490-121-411-20-650-000-018- 0005).
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. Twenty-three (23) kindergarten students from Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, accompanied by their teacher and two parent volunteers, to travel to Stahlnecker’s Dairy Farm and Heshbon Park during June 2005. Students eligible to participate will not have received any suspensions or assignments to Saturday School within 30 days prior to the trip. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Hepburn PTO.
B. Forty-three (43) kindergarten students from Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, accompanied by their teacher and four parent volunteers, to travel to Stahlnecker’s Dairy Farm and Heshbon Park during June 2005. Students eligible to participate will not have received any suspensions or assignments to Saturday School within 30 days prior to the trip. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Hepburn PTO.
C. Forty-nine (49) fourth grade students from Sheridan Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and parent chaperones, to travel to World’s End State Park during May 2005. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended from school, have more than two pink slips assigned, have been assigned to Saturday School, or have received any in-school detentions within 30 calendar days prior to the trip.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Sheridan PTO.
D. Eighteen (18) graphics students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Reed Hann Litho during May 2005 to view an offset printing operation. 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 required (10-1390-519-000-30-850-280-033-0000). No substitute is required.
E. Forty-one (41) third grade students from Sheridan Elementary, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to downtown Williamsport and State College during June 2005 to view artist Michael Pilato at work on the mural project. Students eligible to participate will not have been assigned to Saturday School or suspended from May 2, 2005, to the date of the trip. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Sheridan PTO.
11.1* Approve the following student trips cont’d:
F. Thirteen (13) senior health occupations students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Confer and Sanders Funeral Homes on a date yet to be determined. The trip is a part o their unit of death and dying. 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 teachers. There will be no cost to the District.
G. Four (4) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by a staff member, to travel to Mansfield University during May 2005 to attend the SOAR Leadership Academy. 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 the accompanying staff member. One substitute will be required for the day. Student expenses will be paid by Mansfield University.
H. Forty-six (46) second grade students from Sheridan Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Snyder’s Farm (Montoursville) during June 2005. Students eligible to participate will not have more than two pink slips and no detentions, Saturday School assignments, or suspensions between May 10, 2005, and the date of the trip. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Sheridan PTO.
I. Ten (10) students from Roosevelt Middle School, accompanied by their teacher and a parent volunteer, to travel to the Sun-Gazette and Bonanza during June 2005 as a reward for being to AR point earners. The students must be in compliance with the school’s field trip disciplinary requirements in order to participate. Transportation will be aboard City Bus. All costs will be paid by the Roosevelt PTO.
J. Approximately 150 third through fifth grade students from Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Memorial Pool during June 2005 as a reward for meeting their AR goals. 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 Hepburn PTO.
11.2* Approve the following request for facility use:
A. Special Olympics of Lycoming County to use the track at the Williamsport Area High School on various dates (seven dates were approved by the WAHS) to hold track practice and a competition. Special Olympics are requesting relief of occupancy fees estimated at $350.00. Certificate of Insurance to be received.
11.2* Approve the following request for facility use cont’d:
B. Campbell Street Family Youth and Community Group to use the auditorium (microphone) at the Roosevelt Middle School on Wednesday, May 18, 2005 from 6:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. to hold a community forum. The Center is requesting
relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $40.00. Certificate of Insurance on file.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
12.1* Authorize the District’s participation in the Cooperative Purchasing Program of the Pennsylvania Education Joint Purchasing Council for the procurement of Athletic Supplies (FY06) to be used district wide.
RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
Riddell/All American, Elyria, OH $3,713.76
Sportsman’s Inc., Johnstown, PA $5,944.79
TOTAL RECOMMENDED AWARDS $9,658.55
12.2* Authorize the District’s participation in the Cooperative Purchasing Program of the Pennsylvania Education Joint Purchasing Council for the procurement of copier paper to replenish warehouse stock.
TOTAL RECOMMENDED AWARD:
Ricoh Corporation, Uniontown, OH $26,901.60
12.3* Authorize the District’s participation in the Cooperative Purchasing Program of the Pennsylvania Education Joint Purchasing Council for the procurement of Cafeteria & Smallwares Supplies (FY06) to be used district wide.
RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
Beltex Company Inc., Pittsburgh, PA $ 121.85
Calico Industries Inc., Annapolis, MD 7,970.30
Phillips Supply Company, Plymouth, PA 43.00
United Restaurant Equipment, Harrisburg, PA 341.00
W.A. Dehart Inc., New Columbia, PA 7,816.14
XPEDX, Camp Hill, PA 2,342.55
TOTAL RECOMMENDED AWARDS $18,634.84
TAX ITEMS
13.1 Approve the following tax summaries.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Zimmerman stated that he was glad we proceeded with Diversity Day. He thanked Lois and everyone for their hard work. He stated that the event was important and necessary given the tragic events that preceded it.
Dr. Lowery also thanked David Wright for his efforts.
President Stone reported that there was a productive Diversity Committee Meeting. The committee is evaluating ways to bring the community together.
Mr. Zimmerman asked Dr. Lowery if there were any problems at the high school today. He was referring to the rumors that were circulating. Dr. Lowery stated that the rumors were completely unfounded.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC - None
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mr. Shultz, and carried the meeting adjourned at 10:13 p.m.
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary