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, October 18, 2005, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Board of Directors’ Room, District Service Center, 201 West Third Street, Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
The Vice President, James E. Temple, called the meeting to order with the following members:
PRESENT: David A. Huffman, Pamela J. Markle, Jay B. Shultz, James E. Temple,
Lois T. Williams, Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: Karen V. Harris, Susan A. Mahaffey, David B. Stone, Jr.
INVOCATION – Silent Reflection
Mr. James E. Temple read the fifth district belief statement.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
Student Representatives’ Report – None
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT
A. 2005 Governor’s School Graduates—Presented by Lydia Comerford, WAHS Guidance Counselor
Elyse Burzynski Governor’s School for the Sciences
Sara Esaa Governor’s School for Health Care
Haley Lorson Governor’s School for International Studies
Rachel Smith Governor’s School for the Arts
Alexandra Tobiasz Governor’s School for the Sciences
These five students were among only seventeen students selected for the entire four-county
area to attend the Governor’s Schools.
B. 2005 National Merit Semi-Finalists—Presented by Carole Heckel, WAHS Guidance Counselor
Takeha Harrison – Senior
Alexandra Tobiasz – Senior
C. 2005 National Merit Commended Students—Presented by Carole Heckel, WAHS Guidance Counselor
Sara Esaa – Senior
Daniel Opdahl – Senior
Molly Pritz – Senior
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT’D:
D. 2005 National Merit Achievement Scholarship Program—Presented by Carole Heckel, WAHS Guidance Counselor
Alycia Haynes – Senior
E. Congratulations to Dave Thomas, a senior at the Williamsport Area High School, for being honored by the College Board as a scholar in the National Hispanic Recognition Program.
F. The Williamsport Area School District would like to thank the Rotary Club of Williamsport for the gift of dictionaries for all of our third grade students. The dictionaries will enhance and promote the district’s literacy initiatives, as well as facilitate active reading and writing skills among our students.
G. Approve the adjudication of student 05/06–03 resulting from a quasi-judicial hearing held this evening. (Approved with omnibus motion).
H. (Approved with omnibus motion) Authorize the solicitor to take legal action, including but not limited to the filing of a writ of summons, against Lobar, Inc. Legal action is recommended to seek recovery for damages caused by water infiltration at the Cochran Elementary School after completion of renovations done in 2000 and 2001.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Blended Schools Update—David Wright, Director of Student Services
B. Calendar of Events
October 19 Williamsport Education Foundation Meeting--5:30 p.m.
October 20
ETAC Meeting --6:30 p.m. Cancelled
October 24- 12th grade PSSA retest for Math, Reading & Writing
November 4
October 26 Project 720 Leadership Team Meeting --3:00 p.m.
October 27 Employment Steering Committee Meeting-- 4:00 p.m.
October 28 Professional Development Inservice Day at Roosevelt Middle School
October 28 End of First Marking Period
November 1 WASD School Board Meeting-- 6:00 p.m.
C. On display in the June B. Baskin Gallery through October is Art From the Fair. This is an exhibition of ribbon winning pieces that were on display at the Lycoming County Fair in July. There are numerous ribbon winners, and 3 works were identified as Best of Show.
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mr. Temple reported that the Athletic Advisory Committee met and he was happy to report that all coaching positions are filled.
Mr. Zimmerman reported that the Employment Steering Committee is working on interviews for the elementary teacher pool.
Mrs. Markle reported that the Diversity Committee met and Jodi Harris did an excellent job presenting data.
Mr. Zimmerman reported that he attended a data warehousing presentation by Tetra Data Loyalsock and Jersey Shore representatives were also present. There will be at least two more presentations by other companies.
Construction Projects
A. Approve change order G-HL-27 to the contract with the Robert Feaster Corporation, to furnish and install additional library shelving at the Hepburn Lycoming Elementary School. this change order will increase the contract by $7,470 adjusting the contract total to $6,317,791.56.
Vice-President Temple called an Executive Session for legal advice at 6:48. The meeting reconvened at 6:52.
Vice-President Temple called a recess for a quasi-judicial hearing at 6:59. The meeting reconvened at 7:21.
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Shultz, to approve the agenda and addendums including items “G” and “H” on the Board President’s Report.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
FINANCE REPORT
6.1* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No.10/18/05 in the amount of $1,286,539.24, 10/18/05A in the amount of $151,655.71, 10/18/05B in the amount of $2,897,897.76,10/18/05C in the amount of $589,975.97, 10/18/05D in the amount of $296,518.38, 10/18/05E in the amount of $28,387.97, 10/18/05F in the amount of $100.00 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to
execute Order Nos. 10/18/05, 10/18/05A, 10/18/05B, 10/18/05C, 10/18/05D, 10/18/05E, and 10/18/05F.
6.2 Approve the Schedule of Short-Term Investments through September 30, 2005.
BOARD POLICY – None
CURRICULUM REPORT
8.1 Approve the following premise as required by our recent English as a Second Language (ESL) audit:
The ESL Program is part of the core curriculum; it replaces the English planned instruction required under Chapter 4 for ESL students. The budget includes funding to support the program. The student shall receive sufficient instructional time from a Pennsylvania certified teacher (hired as a teacher not an aide) with appropriate resource materials. The teacher shall use an assessment system that monitors student progress in learning English. The classroom teacher shall provide assistance and accommodations so the ESL student has academic success while learning English. The ESL Program shall be evaluated annually to determine if the ESL students are achieving success in learning English. If they are not, the program will be adapted to meet their needs.
8.2 Approve a Letter of Agreement with Lycoming-Clinton MH/MR Program and Lycoming Children & Youth Services (The Joinder) for the provision of Student Assistance mental health liaison services at the middle school and high school levels. The agreement provides for 1.6 full-time-equivalent positions to be staffed by the Joinder to assist our SAP teams, with the District's contribution totaling $20,000, all from Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities grant funding. This is a continuing agreement with unchanged terms.
8.3 Approve an additional Act 80 professional development day for Round Hills Elementary School on Thursday, December 22, 2005. This day is being requested to facilitate rescheduling a previously approved inservice to facilitate training in inclusion strategies (9/6/05 Board Agenda item #8.4)
8.4 Approve the Title I Parent Mini-grant awarded to Jackson, Sheridan and Stevens Elementary Schools. Each school will receive $500 for parent training workshops. The schools will implement the following projects: "Paws for Reading" at Jackson, creating first grade student picture books at Sheridan, and "Nonfiction Fun!" at Stevens Elementary School.
8.5 Approve a proposal to offer the equivalent of English 11 summer school as a Blended Schools course to 12 students who are either one or two credits short of meeting the graduation requirement and who are currently repeating English 11 this year (2005-06). Allowing these seniors who are currently repeating English 11 a chance for credit recovery during the school year may encourage and permit these students to graduate on time next June. Utilizing the Blended Schools course, these seniors will be permitted to take two Language Arts courses in the same year.
The Blended Schools Language Arts teacher will be paid $150 for each student who enrolls in the course (two marking periods = 1/2 year). The cost of the online course for students will be $300. This fee will cover all costs of the program (instructor fees, textbooks and materials). Students who enroll in the course must pay the fee before the course begins on November 1, 2005 and will immediately be rescheduled into an available section of English 12 at the high school. No refunds will be made for students who drop the course or do not earn a passing grade.
PERSONNEL REPORT
9.1 RESIGNATIONS - Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Daniel C. Walz, school bus driver for the District, for the purpose of retirement, effective October 10, 2005.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Daniel C. Walz from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for his 10½ years of dedicated service to our school system as a school bus driver. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE - Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Gina M. MacFalls, Supervisor of Special Education for the District, for a sabbatical leave effective January 1, 2006, through June 30, 2006, for the purpose of study.
Mrs. MacFalls has been an administrator in the District since August 9, 1999, and has not taken a previous sabbatical.
B. Lisa A. Wagner, full-time elementary (1st grade) teacher at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, for an unpaid medical leave, effective November 4, 2005, through January 23, 2006.
Mrs. Wagner is currently utilizing sick and/or personal days and will begin her unpaid leave of absence on November 4, 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.
C. Rhonda J. Lewis, general food service worker at the high school, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on October 25, 2005.
D. Louis H. Gatti, school bus driver for the District, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective November 14, 2005 (½ PM), through November 17, 2005.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF- Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Bobbi J. Gallagher, 1000 Park Ave., Woolrich 17779, fourth grade teacher at Stevens Elementary School, as Coordinator for the Accelerated Reader (AR) Program at Stevens Elementary School for the 2005-2006 school term, at a total annual stipend of $400, funded through Title I (availability of position and funds to be reviewed annually).
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
B. Carol S. Fischer, 431 Woodland Ave., Williamsport, Kindergarten teacher at Stevens Elementary School, as the Volunteer Coordinator at Stevens Elementary School for the 2005-2006 school term, at a total annual stipend of $400, funded through Title I (availability of position and funds to be reviewed annually).
C. Deborah E. Briel, 582 Bruce Rd., Cogan Station, library aide at Sheridan Elementary School, to serve as the Parent Program Coordinator at Sheridan Elementary School for the 2005-2006 school term, at a total annual stipend of $600, funded through Title I (availability of position and funds to be reviewed annually).
D. Michael R. Millward, 922 Runville Rd., Bellefonte, special education teacher at the high school, to provide special education services to a special education student in the after hours program not to exceed five (5) hours per week, to be paid at the rate of $25.43 per hour plus appropriate benefits (to be funded through ACCESS, string #10-1200-131-891-30-850-000-004-0006).
E. The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $6.25 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective October 19, 2005:
Ranay Hennessy 126 Harvest Moon Park, Linden
F. The following substitute custodian/event staff, with a base wage rate of $7.50 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective October 19, 2005:
Gifford Howard Tebbs, Jr. 7500 Daughertys Run Rd., Cogan Station
G. 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:
Heather R. Carlin 11 Price Drive, Hughesville
Krisann E. Harlacher 216 Woodland Court, Montoursville
Laurie M. Lott 902 W. Village Dr., Williamsport
H. 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:
Sarah R. Lepley 52 Fisher Circle, Cogan Station
Kristen N. Pulizzi 1105 Woodmont Ave., Williamsport
Danielle M. Weaver 1126 Tucker St., Williamsport
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
I. 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:
Amber M. Seasholtz 1334 Walnut St., Jersey Shore
J. George K. Kulp, 9 Oldt Drive, Williamsport, as a teacher for the Extended Day Program, effective for the 2005-2006 school year, to be paid at the rate of $25.43 per hour plus appropriate benefits, for one (1) hour per day, up to five (5) days per week. All costs funded through Education Assistance Program/Sheridan Project Funds.
9.4* POSITION CHANGES - Approve the following position changes:
A. Kimberly A. Rowland, 1109 Charles St., Williamsport, from a general food service worker (3½ hours daily) at Lycoming Valley Middle School, to a general food service worker (4 hours daily) at Lycoming Valley Middle School, with a base wage rate of $10.29 per hour, effective October 19, 2005 (replacing Elena Matty, transferred).
B. 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 October 19, 2005 (replacing Kim Starr, transferred).
C. Darlene R. Wesneski, 717 Wilson St., Williamsport, from a substitute food service worker to a general food service worker (2 hours daily) at Round Hills Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $9.79 per hour, effective October 19, 2005 (replacing Catherine Hess, transferred).
9.5 ATTAINMENT OF TENURE STATUS
Acknowledge the attainment of tenure status of the following teachers, who have successfully completed a three-year probationary period as temporary professional employees with a satisfactory sixth rating, and extending professional employee contracts to them:
Earned January 2005: Nicole R. Carman
Ardis J. P. Mason
Earned June 2005: Amy Hopkins Bolt Tracy M. Mitstifer
Michele L. Brobst Amy C. Neylon
Jason P. Drapeau Robert C. Niklaus
Beth L. Fausnaught Anna L. Radspinner
Denay M. Gair Elizabeth A. Rager
Charles F. Greevy IV Bruce C. Sacavage
Robert L. Hickey, Jr. Charisse R. Sick
Lisa D. Jacobs Tammy L. Snyder
9.5 ATTAINMENT OF TENURE STATUS CONT’D:
Acknowledge the attainment of tenure status of the following teachers cont’ ;d:
Earned June 2005: Amy R. Mahon Jacqueline K. Whiteman
Patricia A. Miller
Melissa J. Becker (resigned 06/10/05)
Melissa A. Ellis (resigned 06/10/05)
9.6 ADJUSTMENTS TO SALARY
A. Approve salary adjustments to the master’s level, effective for the 2005-2006 term, as stipulated in the Agreement between the Board of School Directors and the Williamsport Education Association, for those having earned either a Master’s Degree or an Equivalency Certificate prior to the beginning of the 2005-2006 school term:
Thomas P. Bartholomew Master’s Degree
Amy Hopkins Bolt Master’s Degree
Terrie M. Campana Master’s Degree
Julie Best Chilson Master’s Degree
Martha B. Huddy Equivalency Certificate
Carol B. Metzger Equivalency Certificate
Patricia A. Miller Master’s Degree
Todd R. Penman Master’s Degree
Elizabeth A. Rager Master’s Degree
Lisa A. Wagner Master’s Degree
Crissy M. Walker Master’s Degree
Kevin C. Werner Master’s Degree
Morgan K. Williams Master’s Degree
Erin F. Winter Master’s Degree
Randy J. Zangara Master’s Degree
B.
Approve salary adjustments for the following staff members for credits earned
beyond the Master’s Degree or Equivalency Certificate, prior to the
beginning of the 2005-2006 school term:
NEW CREDITS CURRENT NEW
CREDITS TO DATE SALARY SALARY
Sherri K. Buckwalter 9 9 $65,200 $65,500
Kyle D. Hunter 9 18 $65,500 $65,800
Faith A. Leonard 9 27 $42,500 $42,800
Ardis J. P. Mason 9 9 $47,050 $47,350
Ann L. Potter 9 9 $41,900 $42,200
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. Forty-five (45) Curtin Middle School students, accompanied by a teacher and four parents, to travel to the Community Arts Center during December 2005 to attend a performance. Students eligible to participate must be in compliance with the school’s field trip disciplinary requirements. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra.
B. Authorize the participation of the Williamsport Area High School’s varsity softball team in the Azalea Invitation Softball Tournament in Summerville, South Carolina, during April 2006. This would be the seventh consecutive year of participation. The team will play 5-6 games in this tournament. There will be approximately 16 students representing the District in this tournament. The team will be accompanied by all four coaches—Robert Loudenslager, Miranda Regan, Jeff Wagner and Steve Reed.
The only cost to the District would be the $200 entry fee. The softball booster club and the individual student-athletes will cover the other costs.
C. Authorize the participation of the Williamsport Area High School’s varsity baseball team in the Hawaiian Tropic Classic Baseball Tournament in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, during April 2006. The team will play 5-6 games in this tournament. There will be approximately 20 students representing the District in this tournament. The team will be accompanied by the coaches, two of whom are set as of now—G. Scott Grove and David Cipriani.
The only costs to the District would be the $250 entry fee and the cost of a substitute teacher for Scott Grove. The baseball booster club and the individual student-athletes will cover the other costs.
All student-athletes will travel with the coaches and team members to the tournament as well as return with the coaches and team members from South Carolina. This goes
for both teams.
11.2 Approve the following request for facility use:
A. Hemlock Girl Scout Council (HGSC) to use the auditorium, cafeteria and 15 classrooms at the Williamsport Area High School on April 28 and 29, 2006 to hold
an annual meeting of all troop leaders and assistant leaders in the Hemlock Council. HGSC is requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $630.00. Certificate of Insurance on file.
B. Lycoming County Bureau of Elections to use space at Curtin and Roosevelt Middle Schools on Tuesday, November 8, 2005 from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. as General Election polling places. The Lycoming County Bureau of Elections is requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $30.00. They are responsible for the cost of a security person at each site. Certificate of Insurance waived.
C. Balls Mills United Methodist Church to use the gymnasium at Hepburn Lycoming Elementary School on various dates beginning November 1, 2005 through
February 1, 2006, from 6:30 p.m. until 8:30 p.m. to hold basketball practice (part of John Bower Basketball League). Balls Mills United Methodist Church is requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $500.00. Certificate of Insurance on file.
11.3 Authorize Brandon Pardon, Principal Round Hills Elementary, to coordinate family ski trips to Ski Sawmill, for Round Hills Elementary students and families, at no cost to the District.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
12.1 Approve an agreement with Susquehanna Health Systems relating to payment in lieu of taxes.
12.2 Approve an intradistrict agreement for the Williamsport Area School District to provide Title I services at St. Boniface and St. Joseph’s Elementary Schools to children from South Williamsport and Muncy at the rate of $975 per child.
TAX ITEMS - None
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Zimmerman reported that he attended a senior boys recognition program at the soccer field this evening. The following soccer players were recognized: Derek DeKnecht, Evan Fredo, Mark Messner, Matt Reigle, Rasoli Rider, Luke Rodgers, Brent Synoracki and Joshua Van Allen.
Mrs. Markle said that PSBA is trying to get a representative on the National School Board Association’s Board of Directors.
Mr. Zimmerman said that the tax caucus presentation was rescheduled at the BLaST office on November 10th.
Mr. Huffman said he enjoyed the board retreat last Tuesday. He thought it was well planned and he enjoyed the camaraderie
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC - None
Upon motion made by Mr. Shultz, seconded by Mrs. Markle and carried the meeting adjourned
at 7:23 p.m.
___________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary