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 15, 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., James E. Temple, Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: Lois T. Williams.
INVOCATION – Silent Reflection
Mrs. Susan A. Mahaffey read the seventh district belief statement.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting - October 4, 2005 (Approved with omnibus motion)
Student Representatives’ Report – None
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. SusCom will air the 2005 Williamsport Area School District Holiday Concert on the
following dates and times on Channel 2:
B. Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Temple, to approve the adjudication of student 05/06–07 resulting from a quasi-judicial hearing held this evening. (Acted on following the quasi-judicial hearing). Board members present were Karen Harris, David
Huffman, Pamela Markle, David Stone and James Temple.
The motion carried 5-0.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Calendar of Events:
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 - CANCELLED
November 21 Secondary Alternative Education Committee meeting 4:00 pm
November 23 District Wide Professional Development Inservice Day
November 24-28 Thanksgiving Holiday
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT CONT’D: – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Calendar of Events Cont’d:
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
B. 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 that the second data warehousing presentation will take place tomorrow in the board room. Mr. Zimmerman also reported that Jodi Harris, Kirk Felix, Dr. Lowery and he would be doing a presentation entitled Building Data-Driven Decision Making into School Culture, to the Pennsylvania Association of Supervisors and Curriculum Developers. This presentation will take place in Hershey on November 21, 2005.
Mr. Stone reported on the Diversity Committee meeting that was held on November 14th . Jodi Harris presented data and the committee talked about ways to use the data proactively.
Mr. Huffman stated that he was impressed with Jodi’s presentation at the Diversity Committee meeting.
President Stone called an executive session, to receive advice from legal council, at 6:15.
The meeting reconvened at 6:27.
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Markle to approve the agenda and addendum, with the exception of the student adjudication item 5.1B, which would be considered later in the evening. Mr. Dugan informed the board to withdraw item 9.3A at the request of the individual.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
Construction Projects
A. Approve a contract with American Abatement Group Inc. for asbestos abatement at the District Service Center at a cost of $12,500 as specified by Analytical Laboratories.
B. Authorize a credit change order, in the amount of $375.00, to the contract with American Abatement Group Inc., since the contractor did not purchase a performance bond. The adjusted contract total will be $12,125.00.
C. Authorize a credit change order, in the amount of $327.38, to the contract with American Abatement Group, Inc., for expedited payment of payment application #1.
Construction Projects Cont’d:
D. Authorize a contract with the Robert Feaster Corporation for the purchase and installation of an Operable Partition at the Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School at a cost of $74,100 pending review of bid documents by the architect and legal council and pending execution of release language regarding the bulk head dispute.
FINANCE REPORT
6.1 Approve the following financial reports:
A. Treasurer’s Report for the months of July and August, 2005
B. Schedule of Short-Term Investments through October 31, 2005
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No 11/15/05 in the amount of $516,395.23, 11/15/05A in the amount of $1,353,563.59, 11/15/05B in the amount of $115,440.98, 11/15/05C in the amount of $65,485.42, 11/15/05D in the amount of $153,275.99,11/15/05E in the amount of $1,734.96 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 11/15/05, 11/15/05A, 11/15/05B, 11/15/05C, 11/15/05D and 11/15/05E.
BOARD POLICY – None
CURRICULUM REPORT
8.1 Approve books listed in the following catalogs for use in secondary Language Arts classes: PermaBound Main Catalog Year 2005-2006 Books and Materials; Scholastic Materials Year 2005-2006, Pre K-12 Catalog.
8.2 Approve participation by the district's four secondary schools in the Central Pennsylvania Scholastic Writing Awards program. Students in grades 7-12 participate annually in this program. Approximate cost of $200 is budgeted as follows:
$40.00 - 10-1100-813-000-20-550-150-016-0000
$40.00 - 10-1100-813-000-20-600-150-016-0000
$40.00 - 10-1100-813-000-20-650-150-016-0000
$80.00 - 10-1100-813-000-30-850-150-019-0000
8.3 Approve the purchase of 30 Apple iBook 512 RAM Combo airport laptops, a 32-station Bretford Station Cart, Epson Power Projector and additional digital authoring equipment, Apple professional onsite Leadership Training and other accessories for use by the Freshman Academy. This hardware will supplement the existing Apple iBooks in the program, and will enhance the delivery of educational and reading materials to the students in the academy. The approximate cost of $41,800 for this purchase is derived from Project 720, the statewide initiative for high school reform, and resides in the Project 720 budget for this year, account number 10-1100-758-395-30-850-000-065-0006. This proposal also includes the requisite Apple repair agreement for all units.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.4 Approve data conversion for the health software. Weidenhammer Systems will convert all health data from Pentamation to Weidenhammer's custom health software. The approximate cost, $2,400, is budgeted in the technology budget account number 61-2840-438-000-00-000-000-076-0000.
PERSONNEL REPORT
9.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Matthew D. Hartman, as Middle School Girls Track Coach at Roosevelt Middle School, for personal reasons, effective November 3, 2005. (Mr. Hartman will continue as a special education teacher at Roosevelt Middle School.)
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Rachael L. Cohick, administrative support at the high School, for an unpaid medical leave, effective October 25, 2005, through November 2, 2005.
Ms. Cohick began her unpaid leave of absence on October 25, 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.
B. Elena M. Matty, general food service worker at Lycoming Valley Middle School, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on October 26, 2005.
C. Christina M. Weitlich, instructional support aide at Round Hills Elementary School, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective November 3 (½ day) through November 4, 2005 and January 20, 23, 24, and 25, 2006.
D. Tracey A. Tillett, full-time Kindergarten teacher at Jackson Elementary School, for a sabbatical leave effective for November 14, 2005, through the end of the 2005-2006 school term (tentative date of June 9, 2006), for the purpose of restoration of health.
Mrs. Tillett has been a teacher in the District since September 2, 1987, and has not taken a previous sabbatical.
E. David L. Steppe, school bus driver for the District, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective November 4, 2005.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. WITHDRAWN BY INDIVIDUAL Judith A. Yoho, 25 Pond Drive, Lock Haven, PA 17745, as Director of Administrative/Instructional Technology, effective January 3, 2006, at a salary of $62,365 (pro-rated) plus appropriate benefits as provided under the Act 93 Compensation Plan, pending completion of all necessary paperwork. Ms. Yoho will be paid a per diem rate of $254.55 for all days worked at Williamsport Area School District between November 15 and December 23, 2005. This schedule will afford Ms. Yoho the opportunity to become familiar with the Williamsport Area School District and complete responsibilities to her current employer. Ms. Yoho holds a bachelors degree in chemistry from Lock Haven University, Pennsylvania Teaching Certificate, Masters in Science Education from Penn State and is currently working on her PhD at Penn State (replacing Eric Gee, resigned).
B. The following person(s) for the position of substitute teacher(s) for the Extended Day tutoring program effective for the 2005-2006 school year. Service will be on an as-needed basis and will be compensated at the rate of $25.43 per hour plus appropriate benefits. All costs funded through Education Assistance Program/ Sheridan Project Funds:
Kimberly A. Cassidy 23 Scenic View Lane, Williamsport
C. Laura Butler, 383 West Third St., Williamsport, as an unpaid intern in the Tax Office, effective November 29, 2005, through March 3, 2006, for the duration of up to 32 hours per week (no benefits).
D. Laura Messner, 2718 Grand St., Williamsport, as a paid intern in the Tax Office, effective January 9, 2006, for the duration of up to 480 hours, at the rate of $6.25 per hour (no benefits).
E. The following person(s) as students for work in the locations indicated through the Work-Based Learning (Cooperative Education) Program at the high school (program originally approved by Board on 09/21/04), effective November 16, 2005, for up to fifteen (15) hours per week for the remainder of the 2005-2006 school year (tentative scheduled through June 9, 2006), at the hourly minimum wage rate with legally mandated benefits only:
Alicia Baker 1169 High St., Williamsport Stevens Elementary
Breanna Geary 2203 Newberry St., Williamsport Cochran Elementary
F. The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $6.25 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective November 16, 2005:
Wanda M. Oliver 829 Elmira St., Williamsport
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
G. 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:
Andrew L. Paulhamus 1771 Memorial Ave., Williamsport (eff. 11/10/05)
H. 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:
James N. Koren 1626 Warren Ave., Williamsport
Allison L. Morehart 1104 Walnut St., Williamsport
Kimberly A. Spring 136 New St., Muncy
Teresa A. Stiadle 2395 Mill Lane, Williamsport
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:
Surphonia Ousley 661 Walnut St., Williamsport
J. The Williamsport Area School District extends a conditioned offer of employment to Kevin J. Yokitis, 7432 Route 634 Highway, Williamsport, as a temporary professional employee, effective December 12, 2005, to teach Technology Education (Electronics) at high school, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor’s, $38,300, prorated, provided Mr. Yokitis obtains Pennsylvania Department of Education Emergency certification and all appropriate documentation (replacing Randy Danielson, resigned).
K. Anastasia M. Noviello, 333 Church St., South Williamsport, as a full-time (185 days, 7 hours per day) Instructional Support Aide/LPN at the high school, with a base wage rate of $15,721 ($12.14 per hour), prorated, effective December 15, 2005, plus applicable benefits as provided under the collective bargaining agreement between WASD and WASP (replacing Karen Miller, transferred) [funded through ACCESS].
9.4* POSITION CHANGES - Approve the following position changes:
A. Andrea E. Logan, 1120 Locust St., Montoursville, from a part-time (185 days, up to 5 hours per day) Administrative Support I (Guidance Office) to a part-time (185 days, prorated; up to 5 hours per day) Health Room Technician at Roosevelt Middle School, at the rate of $12.54 per hour (no benefits except social security, retirement, and worker’s compensation) and sick leave as provided for part-time employees per the Agreement between the Board and the Williamsport Area Support Personnel (WASP), effective November 16, 2005 (the varying responsibilities related to this position have been redistributed following the resignation of Nancy Vanderlin).
9.4* POSITION CHANGES CONT’D:
B. Debra L. Umpstead, 1026 Baldwin St., Williamsport, from a general food service worker (4¾ hours daily) at Roosevelt Middle School, to a Production Cafeteria Manager (6¾ hours daily) at Roosevelt Middle School, with a base wage rate of $13.44 per hour, effective January 9, 2006 (replacing Lois Welch, retiring on January 6, 2006).
C. Karen R. Miller, 925 Franklin St., Williamsport, from an Instructional Support Aide/LPN at the high school to a Health Room Technician at Cochran and Sheridan Elementary Schools, with a base wage rate of $18,829 ($14.54 per hour), prorated, effective December 16, 2005 (replacing Marguerite Wolfgang, 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. Seven (7) autistic support students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their teacher and eight aides, to travel to a Williamsport fire station (Walnut Street) during December 2005 as a culminating activity on their fire safety health unit. 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. Student transportation will be provided on the school van. The remaining aides will travel together in a personal vehicle.
B. Seven (7) autistic support students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their teacher and eight aides, to travel to the Penn College Dental Clinic during February 2006 as a culminating activity on their dental hygiene health unit. 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. Student transportation will be provided on the school van. The remaining aides will travel together in a personal vehicle.
11.1* Approve the following student trips cont’d:
C. Fifteen (15) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Penn College during December 2005. The students will have the opportunity to take a tour of the culinary facilities and dine at Le Jeune Chef. 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). The cost of the lunch will be paid from tips received in the Millionaire Café. One substitute will be required for the day.
D. Thirty (30) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Strolling Strings, accompanied by their director, to travel to the Genetti Hotel during December 2005 to perform at a Kiwanis Club luncheon. 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 and will be paid by the Kiwanis Club. There will be no cost to the District.
E. Approximately 45 Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by teacher and chaperones, to travel to Ski Sawmill on four dates during January and February 2006. 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. All costs will be paid by the participating students.
F. Forty-three (43) gifted education students from Curtin Middle School, accompanied by their teacher, assistant principal, and two parent volunteers, to travel to the Whitaker Center for Sciences and Arts (Harrisburg) during May 2005. Students eligible to participate must be in compliance with the school’s field trip disciplinary requirements. Transportation in the approximately amount of $700 will be provided by contract carrier (10-1243-513-000-20-000-000-023-0000). Registration in the approximate amount of $375 will be funded through 10-1243-513-000-20-000-000-023-0000. One substitute will be required for the day.
G. Eight (8) automotive technology students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Harrisburg Area Community College during December 2005 to participate in the PAA Automotive Technology Competition. 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). One substitute will be required for the day.
11.1* Approve the following student trips cont’d:
H. Twenty (20) Williamsport Area High School band students, accompanied by their director, to travel to the LCBDA Senior County Band Festival to be held at the Montoursville Area High School during December 2005. 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 in the amount of approximately $100 (10-3211-519-000-30-850-121-023-0000) is requested. Registration in the amount of approximately $200 will be paid from 10-3211-813-000-30-850-121-023-0000.
I. Thirty-five (35) members of Roosevelt Middle School’s Chamber Choir, accompanied by two teachers, to travel to the Genetti Hotel during December 2005 to perform at a PSERS luncheon. Students eligible to participate must be in compliance with the school’s field trip disciplinary requirements. District transportation is requested and will be paid by PSERS. A substitute will be required for 9th and 10th periods for the participating teachers.
J. Four (4) Williamsport Area High School students to travel to various companies in the area. The trips will take place once a month. The students will attend a meeting and take a company tour. 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 students or their families. There will be no cost to the District.
K. Forty (40) Williamsport Area High School horticulture students, accompanied by their teacher and other adult chaperones, to travel to Harrisburg during March 2006 to attend the Pennsylvania Garden Expo at the Farm Show Complex. 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).
L. Forty (40) business and law students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by two teachers and a counselor, to travel to the Lycoming County Courthouse during December 2005. The students will have an opportunity to observe a court case and speak with court personnel. 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. Two substitutes will be required for the day.
11.1 Approve the following student trips cont’d:
M. Twenty (20) jazz band students from Lycoming Valley Middle School, accompanied by their teacher and parent volunteers, to travel to Brandon Park during December 2005 to participation in the “Light Up Brandon Park” ceremony. Students must be in compliance with the school’s field trip disciplinary requirements in order to participate. Transportation will be provided by parents. There will be no cost to the District.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
A. Authorize a lease purchase agreement for three King Tubas from Robert M. Sides at a total cost of $10,711.50. The District will enter a four year lease agreement at a cost of $3,299.14. The Band Association will reimburse the District for the first year of the lease. The buyout of the lease will be budgeted for the FY07 school year at a cost of $7,412.36 which will be the total cost for the District. Three bids were received and Robert M. Sides is the low bid using a lease/buyout agreement.
TAX ITEMS - None
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS - None
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC - None
President Stone called an executive session for personnel reasons beginning at 6:40.
The executive session ended and quasi-judicial hearing began, at 7:30.
The meeting reconvened at 9:08 with the following members present: David Stone, Pam Markle, David Huffman, Karen Harris and Jim Temple.
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Temple, to approve item 5.2 B, the adjudication of student 05/06–07 resulting from a quasi-judicial hearing held this evening.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
Upon motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris and carried the meeting adjourned at 9:10 p.m.
___________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary