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, June 21, 2005, beginning at 6:00 p.m.
in the Board of Directors’ Room, District Service Center, 201 West Third Street, Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
The President, David B. Stone, Jr., called the meeting to order with the following members:
PRESENT: Karen V. Harris, Jay B. Shultz, David B. Stone, Jr., Lois T. Williams,
Thomas A. Zimmerman
ABSENT: David A. Huffman, Susan A. Mahaffey, Pamela J. Markle, James E. Temple.
INVOCATION – Silent Reflection
Mr. David Stone read the seventh district belief statement.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting of April 5, 19 and May 3, 2005 and Special Meeting
of April 14, 2005
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. The Horticulture program had another successful year for the 2004-05 school year.
Students received valuable learning experiences in floriculture, greenhouse manage- ment, and landscaping. In addition to traditional floral and plant sales, the students
also prepared flowers for a few weddings to learn the procedures and protocol for
events. All monetary proceeds were returned to the school district general fund. The
exact amount will be tabulated after school is recessed for the summer. Keeping with
past practice, plants remaining in the greenhouse after the spring sale were donated to
local non-profit organizations or nursing homes. Plants are donated on a first come, first
served basis. Entities receiving donated plants this year include: Brandon Park, City of
Williamsport, Duboistown Garden Club, Hepburn Baptist, Lycoming County Master
Gardeners, The Center, Lycoming Valley Middle School, Manor Care North, Mt. Pisgah
State Park, Newberry Lioness Club, Rote/Salona United Methodist Church, Trade and
Transit Department, Way’s Garden, WAHS Willserve, WASD Volunteer Appreciation.
B. Budget Updates
Mr. Peterson provided an updated budget summary indicating that the budget is still out of balance by $93,050. President Stone reviewed the budget cuts that have been agreed on thus far. He pointed out that some of the reductions such as the ones in the professional development, capital reserve and technology can not be sustained indefinitely. He emphasized that the budget process next year will be more difficult than this year.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Sheridan P.A.G.E. 1 Project/Kindergarten Assessment
B. 2004-05 Second Semester Elementary & Secondary Class Size Reports
C. Calendar of Events
June 28 WASD Special School Board Meeting -- 6:00 pm
D. On display in the Dr. June Baskin Gallery: WAHS National Art Honor Society Exhibition
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mr. Zimmerman and Mr. Shultz reported that they attended the PSBA Legislative Lobby Day in Harrisburg today. They had the opportunity to speak to Representatives Feese and Cappelli and Senator Madigan. Some of the discussion items included Act 72, the Medicare family-of-one issue and a possible reduction in the ratio of school nurses to students. It is expected that a law will pass to authorize home-school student access to extra-curricular activities. Mr. Zimmerman stated that this was an intriguing excursion into the way politics are played.
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Harris to approve the balance of the agenda including the minutes and addendum.
The motion passed by a unanimous roll call.
Construction Projects
A. Approve change orders G-HL-13 and G-HL-15 to the contract with the Robert Feaster Company, increasing the contract by $2,352 with a new contract total of $6,284,170.
B. Approve change orders E-HL-7, E-HL-8, E-HL-9, E-LV-6, E-LV-7, E-LV-8 and E-LV-9 to the contract with Lecce Electric, increasing the contract by $8,259 with a new contract
total of $1,781,740.
C. Authorize submission of PlanCon Part H, Project Financing for the Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School Project from the PA Department of Education.
D. Authorize submission of PlanCon Part H, Project Financing for the Lycoming Valley Middle School Project from the PA Department of Education.
FINANCE REPORT
6.1 Approve a budget transfer for FY05, dated June 16, 2005 as presented in accordance with Section 609 of the Public School Code of 1949, as amended:
FINANCE REPORT
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 06/21/05 in the amount of $1,096,801.63, 06/21/05A in the amount of $1,581,132.30, 06/21/05B in the amount of $32,917.65, 06/21/05C in the amount of $161,071.46 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 06/21/05, 06/21/05A, 06/21/05B and 06/21/05C.
6.3 Authorize a June 30, 2005 order for the payment of bills with retroactive Board approval to occur on July 12, 2005.
BOARD POLICY – None
CURRICULUM REPORT
8.1 Approve the following teachers to teach the Title I Extended Year Incoming Kindergarten program, from July 11-August 5th, 2005, for up to 3.5 hours per day plus an additional 1/2 per week for planning: Jill Robbins (Jackson), Michelle Dixon (Jackson - substitute), and Sandy Ritter (Stevens). The teachers will be paid at the rate of $25.43 plus appropriate benefits. The Robbins and Ritter will participate in up to 3 days of professional development, July 5-7,
2005, at the rate of $90 per day plus appropriate benefits. All funds are budgeted under Title I.
8.2 Approve Michelle Dixon, Literacy Coordinator at Jackson, to provide up to two days of professional development for the Title I Extended Year program. She will be paid at the rate of $90 per day plus appropriate benefits; all funds are budgeted under Title I.
8.3 Approve Kathryn Gibson to provide up to two days (July 5-6, 2005) of professional development for the WASD Elementary Summer School program at the rate of $90 per day plus appropriate benefits. All funds are budgeted under the EAP/Sheridan Grant.
8.4 Approve the adoption of Holt, Rinehart and Winston's Elements of Literature, Second Course, 2005, as the textbook for our new grade 8 Lit/Media course. This middle school literature text and its corresponding resource materials directly correlate to the Pennsylvania state standards and provide opportunities for differentiated instruction and assessment, as well as technology integration. A committee of our middle school language arts teachers has recommended this textbook for Board consideration. We would be purchasing 65 texts per middle school @ approximately $65 each, including text resources. Funds for the implementation of this program have been budgeted in the FY 06 budget.
8.5 Approve the following Roosevelt teachers to attend PVAAS training on August 22, 2005: Kevin Mumbauer, Carol DeSilva, Randy Laird, Jessica Long, Mike Lundy and Tracy Graff. The teachers will be paid at the rate of up to $90 plus appropriate benefits for the day. All funds are budgeted under Roosevelt Title I School Improvement Funds.
8.6 Approve a five-year affiliation agreement with Lock Haven University to place their teacher education candidates in Williamsport Area School District schools for field experiences and student teaching.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.7 Approve the change of the current Fast ForWord license for Jackson Elementary School from an annual subscription ($16,800) to a perpetual license ($28,800). The funds are budgeted under Title I (FY05).
8.8 Paying for 5 days of Differentiated Instruction training for the general and special education teachers at Lycoming Valley Middle School to foster inclusion of special education students for the 2005-06 school year. The training will be provided by the BLaST Intermediate Unit personnel on the following dates: September 16, 2005, October 7, 2005, February 20, 2006, March 10, 2006, and May 19, 2006. Cost for the training is $3,500.00 and will paid out of ACCESS. String number is 10-2271-329-891-20-600-000-004-0006.
8.9 Approve CPR recertification for the health services staff, August 25, 2005. The cost is $18.50 per person for 18 people and will be done through the American Red Cross. Cost is budgeted in 10-2410-329-000-00-000-000-009-0000.
8.10 Approve the following texts for use at the Williamsport Area High School:
Honors Geometry Course: Glencoe Geometry, copyright, 2005, published by Glencoe/
McGraw-Hill, 72 texts at $58.00 each.
Advanced Math Course: Contemporary College Algebra and Trig by Hungerford, copyright 2005, published by Thomson Learning, 35 texts at $92.00 each.
Applied Trigonometry Course: Algebra and Trigonometry by Blitzer, 2nd Edition, copyright 2004, published by Pearson Prentice Hall, 42 texts at $73.00 each.
All texts were chosen by (different) textbook selection committees at the Williamsport Area High School and are budgeted in the FY06 Mathematics Department budget.
8.11 Recommend that the Summer School Child Guidance teaching staff participate in up to, two half days of running records training. Teachers will be paid up to $90 for the training.
8.12 Recommend that Diane Konieczny provide running record training to the Child Guidance Summer School Staff, for up to, two half days. Ms. Konieczny will be paid $90 per day, for up to, two half days.
8.13 Approve two days of curriculum writing for middle school Family and Consumer Science teachers Lydia Ertel, Rita Strickler, and Dixie Weaver during the week of August 1, 2005 at the rate of $90 per day per teacher.
8.14 Approve Act 80 days for Lycoming Valley Middle School on September 16, 2005 and October 7, 2005.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.15 Approve CPR recertification for the K-12 Health and Physical Education staff in August, 2005. The cost is $15.00 per person for 27 people and will be provided through the American Red Cross. The cost is budgeted in account #10-2271-329-000-00-000-000-017-0000.
8.16 Approve Act 80 days for Round Hills Elementary School on September 16, 2005 and
May 18, 2006.
PERSONNEL REPORT
9.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Donna M. McCarty, full-time Elementary (2nd Grade) teacher at Cochran Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective date of October 14, 2005 (previously approved on March 15, 2005, as exact date to be determined).
B. Vera M. Prough, full-time Social Studies teacher at the high school, due to relocation out of the area, effective August 23, 2005.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Helen M. Brown, general food service worker at the high school, unpaid leave for a planned vacation, effective for one day only on June 10, 2005.
B. Estella R. DeClerck, general food service worker at Cochran Elementary School, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for June 2, 2005 (½ day), June 3, 2005 (full day) and June 10, 2005 (¼ day).
C. Jacqueline L. Derr, general food service worker at Jackson Elementary School, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on June 2, 2005.
D. Gwenda L. Forker, general food service worker at the high school, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for June 7, 2005, June 8, 2005, and June 10, 2005.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Rox-Ann Reifer, 46 Whites Church Rd., Bloomsburg, as Secondary Special Education Coordinator, effective August 16, 2005, (205 day schedule), at a salary of $73,129, and benefits as provided under the Act 93 Compensation Plan, effective July 1, 2003, pending receipt of all appropriate paperwork. Ms. Reifer holds a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and a master’s degree from Bloomsburg University and is certified as a Supervisor in Special Education and in Mentally and/or Physically Handicapped (replacing Susan McGehean, temporary replacement for Karen Moser, resigned).
B. Justin D. Ross, 2001 Sunny Lane, Danville 17821, as a temporary professional employee, effective with the 2005-2006 school term (scheduled date is August 25, 2005), to teach Elementary Alternative Education at Round Hills Elementary School, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor's, $38,300, pending receipt of all necessary paperwork. Mr. Ross holds a bachelor's degree from Mansfield University and is certified in Elementary and Special Education (replacing Bruce Sacavage, transferred to 3rd grade at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School replacing Donna Ney, retired). Mr. Ross will also be scheduled to participate in Induction Program activities before the start of the 2005-2006 school term.
C. Dennis E. Waddell, 303 Lincoln Street, Muncy, Career and Technical Education teacher at WAHS, as Coordinator of Professional Employment Outreach for Project 720 at an annual stipend of $3,500. Mr. Waddell will assume responsibility for coordinating the high school’s latest Project 720 engagement, the gathering of mentorships and unpaid work experiences for students who intend to enter the professions in law, medicine, education and management or executive branches of the business community. He will assist counselors in identifying high-end students whose professional career interests may be served by job shadowing, internships or after-school experiences within the local and regional workforce. 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 mentoring site, and will be responsible for providing communication to students and parents regarding opportunities. Mr. Waddell’s work will occur outside of the school contract day, and the position will be funded through the Project 720 grant at no cost to the district.
D. The following nurse practitioners to assist with summer athletic examinations for the number of hours indicated (total of 54 hours) at the rate of $24.67 per hour (or the contract rate) as provided in the collective bargaining agreement between the Williamsport Area School District and the Williamsport Education Association:
Marlene J. Brown WAHS 27 hours
Donna L. Callahan WAHS 27 hours
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
E. The following nurse practitioners to assist with winter and spring athletic examinations for the 2005-2006 school year for a total of 43 hours, at the rate of $25.43 per hour (or the contract rate) as provided in the collective bargaining agreement between the Williamsport Area School District and the Williamsport Education Association (the exams are being done after school, 2:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m., in order to expedite the exam process and minimize classroom disruptions):
Marlene J. Brown WAHS 23 hours
Donna L. Callahan WAHS 20 hours
F. The following school dentists for the 2005-06 school year at a salary rate of $39.75 per hour for an estimated total of 35 hours in the mandated dental program:
John Czap, DDS 701 Hastings Street, S. Williamsport
Richard K. Smith, DDS 416 Pine Street, Williamsport
G. The following fall sport coaches at the respective schools for the 2005-2006 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:
Williamsport Area High School
Cheerleading
Co-Assistant Coach: Lisa M. Vollman (5) $ 553 Co-Assistant Coach: Patrice E. (Tracy) Walters (5) $ 553
H. The following Technology Education teachers at the high school as production printers, effective June 15, 2005, at the rate established in the Agreement by and between the Board of Directors of the Williamsport Area School District and the Williamsport Education Association ($20.56 per hour before 07/01/05; $21.20 per hour after 07/01/05):
Randy R. Knipe 5847 Daugherty’s Run Rd., Linden
David E. Gephart 5785 Daugherty's Run Rd., Linden
I. The following as part-time printer’s helpers, at the salary rates indicated, for the actual number of hours worked, effective June 15, 2005:
Richard A. Packer III 2633 Newberry St., Williamsport $5.65 per hour
Trevor A. Sheleman 3320 West Fourth St., Williamsport $5.65 per hour
J. The following substitute custodian/event staff, with a base wage rate of $7.50 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective July 1, 2005:
Georgianna Welsh 2297 Fink Ave., Williamsport
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
K. 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:
Ann A. Dinges 701 Belmont Ave., Williamsport
Barbara C. McNerney 918 Second Ave., Williamsport
Joel S. Ryder 659 Miller Rd., Muncy
L. 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:
Barbara A. Benshaw 309 Union Ave., Williamsport
M. Lois A. Welch, 2252 West Third St., Williamsport, as a Food Service Worker up to 2 hours per day at $10.39 per hour for the Camp Ophelia Summer Program at Roosevelt Middle School during the period of June 20, 2005 through June 24, 2005
N. The following person(s) 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:
Suzanne Pryor 170 Rock Run Rd., Cogan Station
(replacing Michelle Pulizzi, withdrew)
O. The following persons to teach for the Elementary Summer School Program (building placement to be determined later), 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:
Teachers
Barbara S. Neuhard 366 Eckard Rd., Cogan Station
Joyce B. Shrimp R.R. 3 Box 153S, Watsontown
Meghan Suhocki 600 Highland Terrace, Williamsport
Linda S. Wheeland 424 Lowe St., South Williamsport
Librarian
Wanda K. Buck 1462 Hughes Rd., Trout Run
Substitute Teachers
Lori A. Beiter 1139 Avalon Parkway, Williamsport
George K. Kulp 9 Oldt Drive, Williamsport
Lisa E. Yingling 114 Tiffany Dr., Williamsport
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
O. The following persons to teach for the Elementary Summer School Program cont’d:
Nurse
Lois J. Grieco 105 Becker Hill Rd., Williamsport
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 Letters of Agreement approved by the Board of Directors on May 3, 3005.
P. Michael A. Haines, 343 Eldred St., Williamsport, to serve as the Building Coordinator at Curtin Middle School for Summer School Program for up to seven (7) days prior to the start of the Summer School Program at the rate of $90.00 per day and for up to 4 hours per day during the Summer School Year Program, effective July 11, 2005, through August 5, 2005, at the rate of $25.43 per hour or contract rate plus eligible benefits, and for one day Program Activities Day.
Q. The following persons to teach for the Summer School Program at Curtin Middle School, 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 one Program Activities Day:
Teachers
Charles F. Greevy IV 612 Rural Ave.,Williamsport
Timothy T. Thompson 7 E. Water St., Lock Haven
David C. Fink 2218 Mahaffey Lane, Williamsport
Arnold J. Betts 1300 Mahaffey Hollow Rd., Linden
Seth H. Decker 1321 Mansel Ave., Williamsport
Jaclyn P. Haines 343 Eldred St., Williamsport
Lee Kaar 1645 Chestnut St., Williamsport
Librarian
Kimberly A. Brosan 300 Rural Ave., Lewisburg
R. Ann G. McCarroll, 1212 Mosquito Valley Rd., Williamsport 17702, as administrative support staff for the Summer School Program at Curtin Middle School, effective
July 11, 2005, through August 5, 2005, for up to 4 hours per day, at the current contract rate.
9.4* POSITION CHANGES
A. Sandra L. Johnson, 728 Second St., Williamsport, from a general food service worker (3¼ hours daily) at Cochran Elementary School, to a general food service worker (4 hours daily) at Cochran Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $9.79 per hour, effective August 26, 2005 (replacing Sherry Menne, resigned).
9.4* POSITION CHANGES CONT’D:
B. Mary Jo Walker, 1800 David Ave., Williamsport, from a substitute food service worker to a general food service worker (2 hours daily) at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $9.79 per hour, effective August 26, 2005 (additional cafeteria position due to additional service line added during the Hepburn-Lycoming renovations).
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 a price increase for breakfast and lunch meals served in the Williamsport Area
School District cafeterias beginning 2005-2006 school year.
Proposed meal costs per the following:
Elementary FY05 FY06 Secondary FY05 FY06
Student Breakfast $ .85 $ .90 Student Breakfast $ 1.00 $ 1.00
Student Lunch $ 1.40 $ 1.50 Student Lunch $ 1.65 $ 1.75
Adult Breakfast $ 1.50 $ 1.60 Adult Breakfast $ 1.50 $ 1.60
Adult Lunch $ 2.75 $ 2.85 Adult Lunch $ 2.75 $ 2.85
11.2* Approve the following request for facility use:
A. Retroactive approval for CAPPA to use the gymnasium at Roosevelt Middle School on Saturday, June 18, 2005 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. to hold a CAPPA
Basketball orientation. CAPPA is requesting relief of the occupancy fees estimated at $40.00, custodial fees to be paid from the Sheridan Project Grant . Certificate of Insurance on file.
B. Family Life Services/Girls on the Run to use the gymnasium (during inclement
weather and snack time) and outdoor running area at Round Hills Elementary School, June 27 through July 1, 2005, from 7:45 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. to promote physical fitness and healthy choices for girls in grades 3, 4 and 5. Family Life Services is requesting relief of the occupancy fees estimated at $125.00. Certificate of Insurance to be received.
11.2* Approve the following request for facility use cont’d:
C. Family Life Services/Girls on the Run to use the gymnasium (during inclement
weather and snack time) and outdoor running area at Jackson Elementary School, August 15 - 19, 2005, from 7:45 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. to promote physical fitness and healthy choices for girls in grades 3, 4 and 5. Family Life Services is requesting relief of the occupancy fees estimated at $125.00. Certificate of Insurance to be received.
D. Williamsport Symphony to use the auditorium at Curtin Middle School (in case of
inclement weather) on June 26, July 24, August 7 and 21, 2005 from 5:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. to hold various concerts (scheduled for Brandon Park). The
Williamsport Symphony is requesting relief of the occupancy fees estimated at
$160.00. Custodial fees will be paid by the Williamsport Symphony. Certificate of Insurance on file.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
12.1 Renew the contract with Dr. John Pellegrino to provide all student health services for 2005-06 school year at a fee of $19,500. This represents an increase of $500.00.
12.2 Approve the following contracts for the period of 7/1/05 through 6/30/06:
12.2 Approve the following contracts for the period of 7/1/05 through 6/30/06:
TAX ITEMS - None
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Zimmerman stated that he attended the Community Alliance for Progressive Positive Action (CAPPA) artist showcase on June 11th . It was held in the high school auditorium. He stated that many youth from the community attended and participated. They were well behaved and did a great job. Mr. Zimmerman also stated that Charlie Masters did a wonderful job with the stage band and that Lonnie Gamble provided excellent leadership for this project. Dr. Lowery thanked David Wright for his efforts for this program in relation to the Sheridan grant that is assisting with funding of some of the CAPPA activities.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC - None
President Stone announced that an executive session, for personnel and confidential student information, would follow this meeting.
Upon motion made by Mr. Shultz, seconded by Mrs. Williams and carried the meeting adjourned at 6:48 p.m.
__________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary