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, November 1, 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: Karen V. Harris, David A. Huffman, Susan A. Mahaffey, James E. Temple,
Lois T. Williams, Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: Pamela J. Markle, Jay B. Shultz, David B. Stone, Jr.
INVOCATION – Silent Reflection
Mr. Thomas A. Zimmerman read the sixth district belief statement.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
Student Representatives’ Report – None
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – None
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Enrollment Information
B. Calendar of Events
October 24-
November 4
12th grade PSSA retest for Math, Reading & Writing
November 7
Elementary Alternative Education Committee Meeting 4:00 pm
November 8 Parent Booster Meeting 6:00 pm
November 10-11
Elementary Schools will have Parent-Teacher Conferences (students
will not be in school)
November 10-11
Roosevelt Middle School will have Parent-Teacher Conferences
(students will not be in school)
November 14 Diversity Committee Meeting 12:00 pm
November 15 WASD School Board Meeting 6:00 pm
November 16
Site-Based Management Coordinating Council Meeting 4:00 pm
November 16 WASD Education Foundation Meeting 5:30pm
November 16
Stevens Elementary School 25th Anniversary Rededication 6:30 pm
November 17 Employment Steering Committee Meeting 4:00 pm
November 17 ETAC Meeting 6:30 pm
November 21
Secondary Alternative Education Committee Meeting 4:00 pm
November 23 District Wide Professional Development Inservice Day
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT CONT’D: – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
B. Calendar of Events Cont’d:
November 24-28
Thanksgiving Holiday
November 30
Gifted Advisory Committee Meeting 7:00 pm
December 5
Elementary Alternative Education Committee Meeting 4:00 pm
December 6 WASD School Board Meeting 6:00 pm
C.
On display in the June B. Baskin Gallery through December is WASD K-12 Art
Staff Exhibition
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mr. Zimmerman reported on the PSBA School Leadership Conference held in Hershey. He statted that it was a powerful conference. Dr. Pedro Noguera, Steinhardt School of Education, NYU, was the keynote speaker and presented a compelling message that we need to cultivate a climate of high expectations for all students. Mr. Zimmerman indicated that one of the main ideas he took from the conference is that we need to begin honing down criticism of our legislative leaders and begin sharing concerns to promote dialog for solutions.
Construction Projects - None
Motion made by Mrs. Harris, seconded by Mrs. Mahaffey, to approve the balance of the agenda and addendum.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
FINANCE REPORT
6.1 Approve the following financial reports:
A. Payroll Report:
General Fund – Unrestricted $2,683,606.67
General Fund – Restricted 278,574.71
Athletics 40,857.65
Food Service Fund 79,694.18
Data Processing Fund 6,911.12
Maintenance Fund 37,758.10
Mercantile & Privilege 0.00
Earned Income Tax 34,821.87
Student Activities 3,065.20
TOTAL $3,165,289.50
FINANCE REPORT CONT’D:
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 11/01/05 in the amount of $313,640.09, 11/01/05A in the amount of $225,278.39, 11/01/05B in the amount of $1,723,322.65,11/01/05C in the amount of $50.00, 11/01/05D in the amount of $100.00, 11/01/05E in the amount of $425.00, 11/01/05F in the amount of $775.00, 11/01/05G in the amount of $94,809.29, 11/01/05H in the amount of $161.66, 11/01/05I in the amount of $19,735.14, 11/01/05J in the amount of $1,111.50, 11/01/05K in the amount of $2,521.02 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 11/01/05, 11/01/05A, 11/01/05B, 11/02/05C, 11/02/05D, 11/02/05E, 11/02/05F, 11/02/05G, 11/02/05H, 11/02/05I, 11/02/05J and 11/01/05K.
BOARD POLICY – None
CURRICULUM REPORT
8.1 Approve the Susquehanna Health System to provide an after school Certified Nursing Assistant program to qualified Williamsport Area High School, Loyalsock Township School District and South Williamsport Area School District students. The program will begin on January 17, 2006 and end in March, 2006. The program includes instructional time after school hours plus several clinical experiences on Saturdays. There is no cost to the School District for this program.
8.2 Approve a Non-Partner Use Agreement with the Lycoming Clinton Counties Commission for Community Action (STEP) Inc. for non-exclusive use of a classroom at the CareerLink for the Adult Education Program at a cost of $225.00 per month (July 1, 2005 - June 30, 2006) to be paid from Adult Basic Education grant.
8.3 Approve the participation of Williamsport Area High School and Roosevelt, Curtin, and Lycoming Valley Middle Schools in the 2006 Scholastic Art Awards Region-At-Large competition. $450 in fees is budgeted in the art department account number 10-3219-813-000-00-050-122-015-0000.
8.4 Approve BLaST IU 17, to provide 3 days of professional development on Differentiated Instruction to the Sheridan Elementary School teachers. Some of the topics will include: Introduction to Tiered Lessons, Classroom Management in a Differentiated Classroom, Student Self-Reflection, Anchor Activities. The training will occur during one full day of professional development (February 17, 2006) and four half days (March 7, April 11, May 4 and June 1, 2006). The structure of the half days will provide time for team teaching, model lessons, observations and feedback. The approximate cost is $1998 and is funded through the Academic Achievement Award that Sheridan received for the 2005-06 school year.
8.5 Approve the following persons for the scoring of the open-ended portion of the 4Sight testing to be paid at the rate of $25.43 per hour plus appropriate benefits for hours completed during September, 2005: Patricia Nicholson, Debra Nardi, John Dick, Marion Boyd, Janet Linderman, Diane Welch, Douglas Gordon, Bonnie Williams and Robert Williams. All costs funded through FY06 Education Assistance Program Grant. Payment for these services will not be continued beyond September, 2005.
PERSONNEL REPORT
9.1 RESIGNATIONS - None at this time
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE - None at this time
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. The following persons as Supplemental Tutor Assistants for the Extended Day Program at Sheridan Elementary School for one hour per day, four days per week (for hours actually worked), at their current hourly rate unless indicated otherwise, effective October 31, 2005 to May, 2006 (tentative ending date):
Deborah E. Briel, 582 Bruce Rd., Cogan Station
Constance H. Williams, 725 Sheridan St., Williamsport
Karen M. Chappell, 1031 Elizabeth St., Williamsport (substitute)/$6.75 per hour
All costs (wages and appropriate benefits) will be paid out of Page 1 Grant funding.
B. The following revision to previously approved position(s) 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/Middle Schools
Director (Roosevelt)
Laura C. Weir Revised from $1,105
to $950.00
C. The following winter 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 (pending completion of all appropriate paperwork*):
Williamsport Area High School
Boys Basketball
Ninth Grade Coaches: Keith W. Davis (2)
$2,533
John S. Powell (5) $2,946
Volunteer:
Dion M. Young ---
Girls Basketball
Assistant Coaches:
Michael B. Lundy, Jr. (5) $2,455
G. Scott Grove (5) $2,455
Tim M. Tyson (5) $2,455
Volunteer
Elizabeth Rager ---
9.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
C.
The following winter sport coaches at the respective schools for the 2005-2006
school year cont’d:
Williamsport Area High School
Wrestling
Assistant Coach:
Timothy R. Baker (3) $3,462
MS Assistant Coach:
Thomas D. Croce (3) $2,077
Boys & Girls Swimming & Diving
Assistant Coaches:
Kevin P. Sullivan (5) $1,289
Volunteer:
Tim Stauffer ---
Curtin Middle School
Boys Basketball
Lead Assistant Coach:
James E. Wilkerson (5) $2,578
Assistant Coach:
Anthony S. Heath (5) $2,210
Roosevelt Middle School
Boys Basketball
Lead Assistant Coach:
Richard A. Twine (5) $2,578
Assistant Coach:
Sam Fatherly (0)* $1,723
Lycoming Valley Middle School
Boys Basketball
Lead Assistant Coach:
Eugene F. Ramin (5) $2,578
Assistant Coach:
John M. Dick (5) $2,210
D.
The following persons as teachers for the Extended Day Program at the schools
as indicated 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. All
costs
funded through Education Assistance Program/Sheridan Project Funds:
Cochran Elementary
Melissa A. Love-Ritchey 151 Laurel Run Circle, Williamsport
Kimberly M. Wasp
1877 Beauty Ave., Williamsport
Jackson Elementary
Tracey A. Tillett 114 Bloomingrove Rd., Williamsport
Sheridan Elementary
Laurie C. Calnea
1301 Hepburn St., Williamsport
9.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
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 2005-2006 school year:
Talesha D. Taylor
750 W. Edwin St. 4-E, Williamsport (eff. 10/25/05)
F.
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:
Debra A. Baier
5448 Nt. Rt. 44 Hwy., Jersey Shore
Susan M. Grieco
926 Hollywood Circle, Williamsport (eff. 10/28/05)
Stephanie M. Pardoe
242 W. Church St., Lock Haven
Errol G. Carter
179 State Route 304, Winfield
G.
Authorize payment of Project 720 stipends to the following individuals, elected
by the
Williamsport Area School District Board of Directors, for Project 720 work
completed
during the 2004-05 school year, in the stated positions:
Dr. J. Thomas Mitchell, Coordinator of Project 720 Dual Enrollment Programs,
stipend of $6,500 for 2004-05.
Ms. Phyllis Sieber, Coordinator of Project 720 Future Educators of America
Coordinator and counseling liaison to dual enrollment students, stipend of
$3,500 for 2004-05.
Mr. Dennis Waddell, Coordinator of Project 720 Professional Employment
Outreach, stipend of $3,500 for 2004-05.
Funding for these stipends is found in budget string
10-1100-131-395-30-850-000- 065-0005.
H.
Amber Bilbay, 827 St. Michael’s Rd., Cogan Station, as a paid intern in
the Tax Office, effective November 2, 2005, for the duration of up to 240
hours, at the rate of $6.25 per hour (no benefits).
9.4* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position changes:
A.
Cindy M. Hostrander, 2339 Pleasant Hill Rd., Cogan Station, from a substitute
food service worker to a general food service worker (3¼ hours daily) at
Lycoming Valley Middle School, with a base wage rate of $9.79 per hour,
effective November 2, 2005 (replacing Kimberly Rowland, transferred).
9.4* POSITION CHANGES CONT’D:
B.
Nicole L. Kulka, 2526 Grand St., Williamsport, from a substitute food service
worker to a general food service worker (4 hours daily) at the high school,
with a base wage rate of $9.79 per hour, effective November 2, 2005 (replacing
Amy Boatman, transferred).
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.
Nine (9) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s FCCLA chapter,
accompanied by their advisor to travel to Country Cupboard (Lewisburg) during
November 2005 to attend a regional meeting. 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 in the high school van. Costs will be paid by
fundraiser monies or by the individual student.
B.
Approximately 28 ninth grade students from the Williamsport Area High School,
accompanied by four staff members, to travel to Washington, DC, during November
2005 to visit the Holocaust Museum. 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 Lycoming County “Brotherhood
County” USA, Inc. Four substitutes will be required for the day.
C.
Thirty (30) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their two
student advisors, to travel to Juniata College (Huntington) to participate in
the Model United Nations Conference. Students eligible to participate will not
have been suspended from school more than five days; will have no bus
disciplinary record; will be passing all major courses; and are not, in the
judgment of their house principal, experiencing attendance difficulties.
District transportation is requested (10-1100-519-000-30-850-190-029-0000).
Two substitutes will be required for the day.
11.1*
Approve the following student trips cont’d:
D.
Twenty-eight (28) orchestra students from Curtin, Lycoming Valley, and
Roosevelt Middle Schools, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Athens
Area High School during November 2005. Students must be in compliance with
their school’s field trip disciplinary requirements in order to
participate. District transportation (one way) is requested at a cost of
approximately $350 (10-3214-519-000-20-550/600/650-121-023-0000. Registration
fees will total approximately $336
(10-3214-813-000-20-550/600-650-121-023-0000.Teacher expenses are not to exceed
$100 (10-3214-581-000-20-550/600/650-121-023-0000. Two half days substitutes
will be required for that day.
E.
Forty-five (45) fourth grade students from Sheridan Elementary School,
accompanied by their teacher and parent volunteers, to travel to World’s
End State Park during May 2006. Students eligible to participate will not have
received two or more pink slips, detentions, suspensions, or Saturday School
assignments within 30 days prior to the trip.
District transportation is requested and will be paid by the Sheridan PTO.
F.
Four (4) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their teacher,
to travel to Bloomsburg University during November 2005 to participate in the
Bloomsburg Math Contest. 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 in their teacher’s vehicle. The registration fee of $50 will
be charged to 10-1100-813-000-30-850-170-021-0000. A substitute will be
required for one-half day.
G.
Forty-six (46) first grade students from Sheridan Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Bruce E.
Henry Park (Loyalsock) during November 2005 for a rock collecting trip.
Students eligible to participate will not have received detention, suspension,
or two pink slips between October 21 and the date of the trip. The students
will walk. There will be no cost to the District.
H.
Twenty-seven (27) Lycoming Valley Middle School, accompanied by several
teachers, to travel to McDonald’s on Lycoming Creek Road during November
2005. The trip is a reward for winners in the magazine fundraiser. Students
must be in compliance with the school’s field trip disciplinary
requirements in order to participate. Transportation will be provided by
limousine. All costs will be paid from Student Council funds.
I.
Thirty (30) students from Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, accompanied the
principal and parent volunteers, to travel to McDonald’s (Lycoming Creek
Road) during November 2005. The trip is a reward for sales during the school
fundraiser. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended or
assigned to Saturday School within 30 days prior to the trip. Transportation
will be provided by limousine. All costs will be paid by the Hepburn PTO.
11.2
Approve the following request for facility use:
A.
American Cancer Society to use the football stadium, lights and sound system at
the Williamsport Area High School on June 16 and 17, 2006, from 3:00 p.m. on
Friday through 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, to hold their annual Williamsport Relay
for
Life event. The American Cancer Society is requesting relief of the occupancy
fee estimated at $750.00. Labor fees to be paid by the American Cancer
Society. Certificate of Insurance to be received.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
12.1*
Reject all bids on received on October 27, 2005 for the operable partition for
the Hepburn Lycoming Elementary School multi-purpose room and authorize the
rebidding of the same, to be received on November 15, 2005.
TAX ITEMS
13.1
Approve the following tax summaries.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Zimmerman reminded everyone that the Stevens Anniversary celebration is
scheduled for November 16th.
Mrs. Williams encouraged everyone to attend the Chicken & Biscuit dinner at
Curtin Middle School tomorrow evening.
Mr. Zimmerman announced that there is a meeting on IDEIA at BLaST on November 9
th
and that the PSBA County Legislative meeting will be held at Jersey Shore on
November 17th.
Mr. Zimmerman provided a soccer update. He indicated that the girl’s had
two playoff victories prior to losing to Shikellamy. The girls played well and
they had a very successful season.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC - None
Vice-President Temple announced an executive session is to be held, following
the meeting, to receive advice from legal council.
Upon motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Williams and carried the
meeting adjourned at 6:37 p.m.
___________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary