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, September 20, 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, David A. Huffman, Susan A. Mahaffey, Pamela J. Markle,
Jay B. Shultz, David B. Stone, Jr., Lois T. Williams, Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: James E. Temple.
INVOCATION – Silent Reflection
Fred Holland, Esq. read the third district belief statement.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
Student Representatives’ Report – Kellen Yegel and Sarah Border
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. Congratulations to Williamsport Area High School seniors and FCCLA members Kelli-Anne Pidcoe and Melissa Knott for receiving a Gold medal in the Occupational Chapter Showcase Category at the FCCLA National Leadership Conference held in San Diego July 2-6, 2005. They were accompanied to the National Leadership Conference by Patricia Schick, WAHS FCCLA advisor and Family and Consumer Science teacher.
FCCLA is a nonprofit national career and technical student organization for young men and women in family and consumer sciences education in public and private school through grade 12. Everyone is part of a family, and Family Career and Community Leaders of America is the only national career and technical student organization with the family as its central focus. Since 1945, FCCLA members have been making a difference in their families, careers and communities by addressing important personal, work and societal issues through family and consumer sciences education. Today over 220,000 members in nearly 7,000 chapters are active in a network of associations in 50 states as well as in the District of Columbia, the Virgin Islands and Puerto Rico.
Chapter projects focus on a variety of youth concerns, including teen pregnancy, parenting, family relationships, substance abuse, peer pressure, environment, nutrition and fitness, teen violence and career exploration.
Involvement in FCCLA offers members the opportunity to expand their leadership potential and develop skills for life -- planning, goal setting, problem solving, decision making and interpersonal communication -- necessary in the home and workplace.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT’D: – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
Note: Items 5.1B and C were acted on following recess for quasi-judicial hearings at 8:41 p.m.
B. Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to approve the adjudication of student 05/06–01 resulting from a quasi-judicial hearing held this evening.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
C. Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the adjudication of student 05/06–02 resulting from a quasi-judicial hearing held this evening.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Calendar of Events
September 23
Professional Development Inservice Day at Roosevelt Middle School
October 3
Elementary Alternative Education Committee Meeting 4:00 pm
October 4
WASD School Board Meeting 6:00 pm
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mr. Huffman reported on the ETAC Committee meeting. He said that Schoolwires was extended for another year and would have to be evaluated before fees are paid for the following year.
Mr. Huffman referenced his recommendation from the previous meeting, that the Finance Committee send a letter, district-wide, indicating that our goal was not to raise taxes. He stated that he wasn’t clear on the content of the letter so he drafted one. He read his draft to the Board.
Mr. Huffman reported on the Multi-Cultural Committee. He said Jodi Harris did an excellent job presenting data.
President Stone reported that the Finance Committee met on September 19th . They discussed several areas for possible cost reduction. The Committee requested that Mr. Peterson provide a fiscal year-end projection. The administration is working hard on maintaining educational goals within the available resources. Mr. Stone indicated that the message that we are in difficult financial times is already being communicated to the staff. Dr. Lowery reminded the Board that we have a committee working on staffing recommendations.
Mr. Shultz also reported on the Finance Committee. He stated that the committee is working on prioritization and we need another meeting or two to establish ourselves. He stated that his discussion with district staff members has made it clear to him that the employees throughout the system understand our budget situation.
Committee Reports by Board Members Cont’d:
Mr. Zimmerman reported that Mrs. Markle and he attended the PSBA Executive Board meeting and Platform Committee meeting this past weekend. On upcoming events he reported that Representatives Cappelli and Feese are sponsoring Representative Rohrer to present his real estate relief proposal at a caucus to be held on October 5th at South Williamsport High School. He encouraged everyone to attend. He also reported that PSBA will be doing a presentation at BLaST on November 9th concerning revisions to IDEA.
Mrs. Markle also encouraged attendance at the October 5th Caucus. She said that we need to make sure our representatives understand that we need more money to pay for unfunded mandates and we need ways to reduce spending.
President Stone reported that Mr. Zimmerman and he attended a Project 720 meeting at the high school. They reviewed the dual enrollment program, small learning communities, and the freshmen academy. There is a committee that will be visiting other schools to evaluate their projects.
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Shultz, to approve the balance of the agenda including the addendum.
Mr. Peterson requested that the Board amend item 5.4A to an estimated cost of $193,940.41.
Mr. Dugan withdrew item 9.4C at the request of the candidate.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
Construction Projects
A. Authorize a contract with Weatherproofing Technologies, Inc. for roof replacement at the
District Service Center at an estimated cost of $193,940.41. This contract will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the multi-state bid conducted by the Pennsylvania Joint Purchasing Council. This project will be funded by Capital Reserve.
FINANCE REPORT
6.1* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 09/20/05 in the amount of $1,510,642.37, 09/20/05A in the amount of $419,929.78,
09/20/05B in the amount of $135,610.02, 09/20/05C in the amount of $1,264,670.83, 09/20/05D in the amount of $9,000.00, 09/20/05E in the amount of $145,849.17, 09/20/05F in the amount of $2,421.54, 09/20/05G in the amount of $3,582.25, 09/20/05H in the amount of $10,650.60 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 09/20/05, 09/20/05A, 09/20/05B, 09/20/05C, 09/20/05D, 09/20/05E, 09/20/05F, 09/20/05G and 09/20/05H.
6.2 Authorize a resolution with Sovereign Bank governing the terms and conditions of District investments.
BOARD POLICY
CURRICULUM REPORT
8.1 Approve Jessica Long, Roosevelt Middle School Lit/Media teacher, for 3 additional days of curriculum development outside of school time to be paid at the rate $90 per day. Funds for these activities have been included in the 2004-2005 Title IID Grant. Ms. Long had been approved previously (6/7/05) for up to 5 days of summer curriculum development.
8.2 Appointment of Wenda Lockuff, Language Arts instructor at Lycoming Valley Middle School, to the position of middle and secondary level Language Arts BlendedSchools instructor. Compensation will be based on the actual assignment of students to the instructor, and will be at the district-established rate of $300 per student, per course.
8.3 Hire Susan Enghahl, certified interpreter, to provide sign language class to the parent of deaf students for 2.5 hours a week at the rate of 25.43 per hour for the 2005-06 school year. She will be paid out of ACCESS funds and the string number is 10-1200-192-891-10-325-000-004-006.
8.4 Approve an after school program at Roosevelt Middle School for Roosevelt students with freshman, sophomore and junior Lock Haven University students serving as mentor-tutors. The program will be scheduled from 3:10 to 4:10 pm one day each week beginning September 26, 2005. The program will target helping students in language arts, science and math. An hour of orientation will be provided for the college students before they begin to serve as mentor-tutors. Roosevelt staff will supervise the program and be present with the middle and college students at all times. College students will have the appropriate clearances.
8.5 Approve revisions to the Middle School Language Arts/Reading Curriculum for grades 6, 7, and 8, which was recently Board approved on September 6, 2005. Section V: Rubrics has been revised to reflect newly released PSSA Scoring Guidelines for Informational Writing, Persuasive Writing and Conventions. A revised Contents page also reflects these revisions.
8.6 Approve the revised Professional Education Plan which is a section of the 2002-2008 Williamsport Area District's Strategic Plan. Under current guidelines, the Professional Education Plan must be updated every three years. It was originally adopted in 2002, along with the rest of the Strategic Plan. The plan was revised by the Professional Development Executive Committee and reviewed by the Curriculum and Instruction Council. Revisions reflect professional development required to support continued curricular initiatives, as well as adjusted curricular foci.
8.7. Diane M. Breon, 1807 Walters Rd., Montoursville, elementary librarian for the District, to be
paid $90 per day for three days prior to the start of the 2005-2006 school year to set up the
school library at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.8 Approve Chris Mackenzie to provide tutoring services to an English as a Second Language student at Williamsport Area High School for one hour per day, at the rate of $25.43 per hour through the end of the first semester of the 2005-2006 school term (tentative date January 20, 2006), effective September 26, 2005. (Account number 10-1100-121-000-30-850-150-007- 0000). The administration will review the status of tutoring services for the second semester.
8.9 Pay for one day of in-service for six school nurses to attend the Department of Health Fall School Update at Penn College on October 10, 2005. Approximate cost for the training @ $20 for each school nurse is $120 and will be paid out of the Assistant Superintendent's Non-PDC funds account #10-2271-329-000-00-000-000-017-0000.
PERSONNEL REPORT
9.1 RESIGNATIONS - None at this time
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Sarah D. Bohnert, full-time Special Education teacher at Lycoming Valley Middle School, for a sabbatical leave effective for the second semester of the 2005-2006 school year (tentative dates of January 24, 2006, through June 9, 2006), for the purpose of study.
Mrs. Bohnert has been a teacher in the District since September 3, 1991, and has not taken a previous sabbatical.
B. Tony C. Birch, instructional support aide at Lycoming Valley Middle School, one (1) day of military leave on September 13, 2005 (as reflected in orders), in accordance with Section 5159(14)(b) of the School District Policy Manual and Act 174 of 1990. School law allows a maximum of 15 paid military days per year.
C. Judith I. Mace, general food service worker at Lycoming Valley Middle School, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on September 16, 2005.
D. Elena M. Matty, general food service worker at Lycoming Valley Middle School, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on September 16, 2005.
E. Kimberly A. Rowland, general food service worker at Lycoming Valley Middle School, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on
September 16, 2005.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF - Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. The following persons to the positions indicated for the 2005-2006 school year at the rates 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:
POSITION TEACHER STIPEND
BAND
Williamsport Area High School
Stage Band Directors Todd L. Kendall $ 663
Donald J. Fisher $ 663
Concert Band Director Todd L. Kendall $1,841
Middle Schools
Director (Lycoming Valley) Donald J. Fisher $1,105
Director (Curtin) Kevin D. Henry $1,105
Director (Roosevelt) Laura C. Weir $1,105
Elementary Schools
Director (2 sch./H-L & Rd. Hills) Donald J. Fisher $ 736
Director (2 sch./Jackson &Stevens) Edward A. Richards $ 736
Director (2 sch./Sheridan & Coch.) Kevin D. Henry $ 736
CHORAL
Williamsport Area High School
Director Anna L. Radspinnder $1,731
Director Kent C. Weaver $1,841
Cherry, White and Blue Kent C. Weaver (2 groups) $1,474
Anna L. Radspinner (1 group) $ 519
Middle Schools
Director (Curtin) Marisa S. Hickey $1,105
Director (Lycoming Valley) Jean L. Hormell $1,105
Director (Roosevelt) Robert L. Hickey, Jr. $1,038
Director (Curtin) Michelle L. Hinkal $1,105
Director (Lycoming Valley) Douglas S. Gordon $1,105
Director (Roosevelt) Natalie B. Grimes $1,105
Elementary Schools
Director (1 school/Stevens) Deborah A. Lax $ 368
Director (1 school/Rd. Hills) Jean L. Hormell $ 368
Director (1 school/Hep.-Lyc.) Sharon E. Freed $ 368
Director (1 school/Jackson) Kay E. Fisher $ 368
Director (1 school/Cochran) Beverly W. Schmidt $ 368
Director (1 school/Sheridan) Michelle L. Hinkal $ 368
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
A. The following persons to the positions indicated for the 2005-2006 school year cont’d:
ORCHESTRA
Williamsport Area High School
Director Jeffrey M. Tedford $1,841
Middle Schools
Director (Lycoming Valley) James A. Bertrand $1,105
Director (Roosevelt) Kathleen O. Mondell $1,105
Director (Curtin) Matthew A. Radspinner $ 861
Elementary Schools
Director (2 sch./H-L & Rd. Hills) James A. Bertrand $ 737
Director (2 sch./Coch. & Sheridan) Matthew A. Radspinner $ 574
Director (2 sch./Jackson & Stevens) Kathleen O. Mondell $ 737
B. The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $6.25 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective September 21, 2005:
Suzanne M. Gephart 5785 Daugherty’s Run Rd., Linden
Nicole L. Kulka 2526 Grand St., Williamsport
Lisa M. Peacock 3480 Route 973East, Cogan Station
Katharine M. Sponhouse 2023 Carlton Terrace, Lot #7, Williamsport
C. 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:
Emily F. Brumbach 445 Main St., S. Williamsport
Cheryl M. McBride 25 S. Market St., Apt. 33, Muncy
Deborah L. Worthington 87 DeCoursey Rd., Liberty
Teri H. Heinbach 170 Skyview Lane, Montoursville
Angela C. Lovecchio 795 Belmont Ave., Williamsport
Tabitha M. Whitman 425 Wilson St., Jersey Shore
D. 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:
Suzanne M. Gephart 5785 Daugherty’s Run Rd., Linden
Katharine M. Sponhouse 2023 Carlton Terrace, Lot #7, Williamsport
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
E. The following substitute custodian/event staff, with a base wage rate of $7.50 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective September 21, 2005:
Andrew Joseph Signor 2629 West Fourth St., Williamsport
F. 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 2005-2006 school year:
Michael E. Clark 826 Second Ave., Williamsport
Jolene R. Compton 7632 Route 973 E, Williamsport
Tracy A. Kahn 255 Phillips Hill Dr., Williamsport
G. The following persons as teachers for the Extended Day Program effective for the 2005-2006 school year. Teachers will be paid at the rate of $25.43 per hour plus appropriate benefits, up to five (5) hours per week. Actual teacher use will be dependent upon student enrollment in the program. All costs funded through Education Assistance Program/Sheridan Project Funds.
Cochran Elementary:
Dianne M. Masten 1216 Locust St., Williamsport
Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary:
Barbara S. Neuhard 366 Eckard Rd, Cogan Station
Kimberly Springman-Barry 25 W. Second Ave, S. Williamsport
Lisa Swoyer 326 Cedarwood Dr, Montoursville
Michelle Jackson 200 Grove St., S. Williamsport
Michael Smith 505 Main St, Watsontown
Joan A. Schramm 845 Saint Davids Road, Williamsport
Jackson Elementary:
Suzanne Pryor 170 Rock Run Rd., Cogan Station
Jacqueline K. Whiteman 58 Maple Ave, Williamsport
Sandra L. Young 1411 Fox Hollow Rd., Williamsport
Round Hills Elementary:
Lori B. Crossley 550 Woodland Ave, Williamsport
Lisa Yingling 114 Tiffany Drive, Williamsport,
Justin Ross 2001 Sunny Lane, Danville
Sheridan Elementary:
Eileen P. Harley P.O. Box 2344, Williamsport
Dawn Gorsline 1513 Quaker State Rd, Montoursville
Linda Desmond 81 Pheasant Lane, Cogan Station
Elaine M. Eck 152 W. Hills Dr., Williamsport
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
G. The following persons as teachers for the Extended Day Program cont’d:
Stevens Elementary:
Judy Nordstrom 54 Lehman Dr, Cogan Station
Francis J. Myers 2424 Vista Rd, Williamsport
Georgia Grove 1001 Race St., Williamsport
Teresa Moore 142 Lehman Dr, Cogan Station
Lycoming Valley Middle:
Patricia Nicholson 1347 Faxon Pkwy, Williamsport
Janet Linderman 244 Bertin Heights, S. Williamsport
John Dick 87 Dick Ruch Lane, Jersey Shore
Steve Pfirman 479 Giles Lane, Williamsport
Roosevelt Middle:
Kevin B. Mumbauer 924 W. Central Ave, S. Williamsport
9.4* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position changes:
A. Gwenda L. Forker, 1123 Race St., Williamsport, from a general food service worker (2 hours daily) at the high school, to a general food service worker (4½ hours daily) at the high school, with a base wage rate of $9.79 per hour, effective September 21, 2005 (replacing Sue Naculich, transferred).
B. Donna E. Robertson, 102 Grimesville Rd., Williamsport, from a general food service worker (4¼ hours daily) at Lycoming Valley Middle School, to a general food service worker (4¾ hours daily) at Lycoming Valley Middle School, with a base wage rate of $10.79 per hour, effective September 21, 2005 (replacing Diane Andrus, resigned).
C. PULLED AT CANDIDATES REQUEST Sandra L. Edler, 3107 Rauchtown Rd., Linden, from a substitute food service worker to a general food service worker (3 hours daily) at Curtin Middle School, with a base wage rate of $9.79 per hour, effective September 21, 2005 (replacing Kim Starr, transferred).
D. Martin J. Jennings, 1520 Sherman St., Williamsport, from a substitute school bus driver to a regular part-time school bus driver (bargaining unit employee), at the salary rate of $12.12 per hour, effective September 12, 2005 (replacing Laura Bowman, resigned).
E.
Catherine M. Hess, 1225 Memorial Ave., Williamsport, from a general food
service worker (2 hours daily) at Round Hills 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 September 21, 2005 (replacing Estella
DeClerck, resigned).
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. Thirty (30) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their teacher and the CTE counselor, to travel to Lycoming College during October 2005 to participate in a workshop for accounting students. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended from school more than five days; will have no bus disciplinary record; will be passing all major courses; and are not, in the judgment of their house principal, experiencing attendance difficulties. District transportation is requested (10-1390-519-000-30-850-280-033-0000).
B. An as yet to be determined number of K-12 deaf and hard of hearing students, accompanied by their teachers and parents/guardians, to travel to Bruce E. Henry Park during September 2005 for a picnic and peer interaction. Transportation will be provided by parents/guardians. Funding for the picnic will be paid through strings 10-1200-610/441/442-000-10-325-000-004-0000.
C. Approximately six (6) Williamsport Alternative School students, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to the Williamsport Area School District’s District Service Center during October 2005 to assist with the Blood Drive being conducted. The students must have successfully reached a specified level at the school in order to participate. The students will be transported to the District Service Center by their parents. The only cost will be a substitute for one day.
D. Approximately six (6) Williamsport Alternative School students, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to the Williamsport Area School District’s District Service Center during February 2006 to assist with the Blood Drive being conducted. The students must have successfully reached a specified level at the school in order to participate. The students will be transported to the District Service Center by their parents. The only cost will be a substitute for one day.
E. Fifty (50) performing music students from Roosevelt Middle School, accompanied by three teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to the Genetti Hotel and the Community Arts Center during October 2005. The students will have the opportunity to attend a Williamsport Symphony Orchestra concert. The students must be in compliance with the school’s field trip disciplinary requirements in order to participate. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra.
11.1* Approve the following student trips cont’d:
F. Seventy-five (75) fourth grade students from Cochran Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to the Thomas Taber Museum during November 2005. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended or assigned to Saturday School within 30 days prior to the trip. There will be no cost to the District for this trip. The students will walk to and from the museum.
G.
Eleven (11) life skills and autistic support students from the Williamsport
Area High School, accompanied by two teachers and five aides, to travel to the
Williamsport Hospital two days a week beginning in September 2005 and ending
May 2006 to participate in a job training program. 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 aboard City Bus and will be paid from the
special education budget.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
12.1 Authorize the purchase of #2 fuel oil, #74 diesel fuel and 89 octane gasoline supplied by Farm & Home Oil Company for the FY06 school year, as per the terms and conditions of the Pennsylvania Joint Purchasing Council/Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit as follows:
Product Truck Cost Per Gallon
#2 Fuel Oil Tank Wagon Transport $1.5495
(7,200 gallons)
#2 Fuel Oil Tank Wagon $1.7145
#74 Diesel Fuel Tank Wagon $1.7775
#89 Octane Unleaded-Firm Tank Wagon $1.7075
TAX ITEMS
13.1 Approve the following tax summaries:
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Huffman recommended that we do not use Mr. Quay Hanna for future consulting services. Mr. Hanna was the speaker for the Freshman Academy. Mr. Huffman based his recommendation on his understanding of Mr. Huddy’s remarks at the previous meeting. He understood Mr. Huddy to say that Mr. Hanna's remarks could have been made in fifteen minutes. Some of the other board members indicated that they thought Mr. Huddy said that Mr. Hanna could have cut fifteen minutes from his presentation because of the attention span of the students. The administration requested that the board refrain from any official action until Mr. Huddy had an opportunity to clarify his position.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC - None
President Stone announced that an executive session, for personnel and a legal advice, would follow the meeting.
The Board recessed to a quasi-judicial hearing at 7:27 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 8:41 p.m. and the Board took action on items 5.1 B and C.
Upon motion made by Mrs. Harris, seconded by Mrs. Markle, and carried the meeting adjourned at 8:42 p.m.
______________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary