W illiamsport A rea
S chool D istrict
Board of Directors Meeting
January 3, 2006
6:00 p.m.
AGENDA
1.
CALL TO ORDER
2. INVOCATION –
Silent Reflection
DISTRICT BELIEF STATEMENTS - Mrs. Lois Williams
STATEMENT # 9
We believe civility and mutual respect are important in a productive community.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Organizational and Regular Meeting of December 6, 2005
5. REPORTS TO THE BOARD
5.1
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
5.2
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A.
Ninth Grade Academy Presentation—Mr. Steve Huddy, Williamsport Area High
School Principal
B.
Calendar of Events
January 9
Diversity Committee Meeting --12:00 pm
5.3
Committee Reports by Board Members
5.4 Construction Projects
6. FINANCE REPORT
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson
6.1
Consider approving the following financial reports:
A. Payroll Report:
General Fund – Unrestricted
$2,656,437.92
General Fund – Restricted 279,350.84
Athletics and Extra Curricular
33,093.10 Food Service Fund
65,303.12
Data Processing Fund 6,911.12
Maintenance Fund 37,390.46
Mercantile & Privilege
.00
Earned Income Tax 33,723.54
Student Activities
.00 TOTAL
$3,112,210.10
6.2*
Consider authorizing payment of invoices and services rendered by the list
submitted marked Order No. 01/03/06 in the amount of $219,860.48, 01/03/06A in
the amount of $3,780.00, 01/03/06B in the amount of $375.00, 01/03/06C in
the amount of $225.00, 01/03/06D in the amount of $50.00, 01/03/06E in the
amount of $25.00, 01/03/06F in the amount of $666,919.39, 01/03/06G in the
amount of $144,443.08, 01/03/06H in the amount of $29,106.72, 01/03/06I in the
amount of $2,714,281.12, 01/03/06J in the amount of $563,069.94, 01/03/06K in
the amount of $421,848.81, 1/03/06L in the amount of $45,954.04, 01/03/06M in
the amount of $570.66, 01/03/06N in the amount of $155,350.12, and 01/03/06O in
the amount of $300.00 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors
be directed to execute Order Nos. 01/03/06, 01/03/06A, 01/03/06B, 01/03/06C,
01/03/06D, 01/03/06E, 01/03/06F, 01/03/06G, 01/03/06H, 01/03/06I, 01/03/06J,
01/03/06K, 01/03/06L, 01/03/06M,
01/03/06N and 01/03/06O.
7.
BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple
Questions may be directed to Dr. Lowery.
8. CURRICULUM REPORT
Questions may be directed to Mrs. Thomas.
8.1
Consider approving an additional Act 80 Professional Development Day for
Jackson Elementary School on May 18, 2006.
8.2
Consider approving Lynne Williams, of the James V. Brown Library, to present a
workshop entitled "Creating Picture Books" to Sheridan parents on
Tuesday, January 24, 2006. The cost will be approximately $80 and is budgeted
under the Sheridan Title I Parent Mini-Contract.
8.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.3
Consider approving application for a $2,500 mini-grant from the Pennsylvania
Department of Education's Bureau of Teaching and Learning Support for
HIV/STD/Pregnancy prevention education programs. These federal funds are
provided through a cooperative agreement with the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention and are to be used to improve the quality of HIV/STD/Pregnancy
prevention education programs. Pennsylvania Chapter 4 curriculum regulation
4.29 requires that instruction regarding the prevention of HIV/AIDS and other
life-threatening and communicable diseases be given to all students in the
primary, intermediate, middle school and high school levels. Funds will be
used to enhance the district HIV prevention education program.
8.4
Consider approving the WAHS Credit-Bearing Opportunities and their Impact on
Class Rank
and GPA chart developed by a WAHS multidisciplinary committee. The document
has been
reviewed and approved by the counseling staff, and by the WAHS Curriculum
Support group.
The chart simply seeks to put on paper the protocol by which we have
traditionally handled credit issues.
8.5
Consider approving the WAHS/Lock Haven University Dual Enrollment College
Course Catalog for the Spring Semester, 2006.
8.6
Consider approving the Lock Haven University dual enrollment course titled
"Teaching and Learning," to be provided to WAHS junior and senior
students who are interested in developing a chapter of the Future Educators of
America organization. The fifteen-hour, one-credit college-level course can be
used as the equivalent of either the current psychology or sociology semester
courses at the high school and will earn students passing the course one Lock
Haven University general education credit. The college level course will be
weighted for our purposes as a 1 credit course at a 1.4 level of difficulty, as
are all other dual enrollment college courses. The course will be taught
after school on the WAHS campus from 3-4PM for 10 weeks on Wednesdays beginning
in mid-January, with additional laboratory trips to Lock Haven University.
There will be no cost to the school district or to the students who take the
course. All funding for the course and transportation to the university, when
required, will be paid through a state grant procured by Dr. Jane Penman on
behalf of Lock Haven University.
The course texts for students enrolled will be purchased through Project 720
funding.
9. PERSONNEL REPORT
Questions may be directed to Mr. Dugan.
9.1
RESIGNATIONS - None at this time
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Consider approving the following leaves of absence:
A.
Tony C. Birch, instructional support aide at Lycoming Valley Middle School, for
an unpaid medical leave, effective December 9, 2005, through March 2, 2006.
Mr. Birch utilized all available sick and/or personal days and began his unpaid
leave of absence on December 9, 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.
Ami D. Heller, full-time first grade teacher at Jackson Elementary School, for
an unpaid medical leave, effective February 13, 2006, through May 5, 2006.
Mrs. Heller is currently utilizing sick and/or personal days and will begin her
unpaid leave of absence on February 13, 2006, 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.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Consider the election of the following staff, for the purpose and on the date
indicated:
A.
Debra A. Baier, 5448 N. Rt. 44 Highway, Jersey Shore, as a long-term substitute
teacher, effective for the second semester of the 2005-2006 school term
(scheduled start date is January 23, 2006) through the end of the second
semester of the 2005-2006 school term (tentative ending date of June 9, 2006),
unless terminated sooner, to teach Business Education (Vocational Ed.) at the
high school, at a salary rate of
Step 1, bachelor’s, $38,300, prorated. Ms. Baier holds a bachelor’s
degree from Bloomsburg University and is certified in
Business/Computer/Information Technology K-12 (replacing Randy Zangara,
transferred to Dean of Students at Curtin for the remainder of the 2005-06
school year).
B.
Erin Bennett, 266 Lincoln Ave., Williamsport, as a long-term substitute
teacher, effective for the second semester of the 2005-2006 school term
(scheduled start date is January 23, 2006) through the end of the second
semester of the 2005-2006 school term (tentative ending date of June 9, 2006),
unless terminated sooner, to teach sixth grade mathematics at Roosevelt Middle
School, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor’s, $38,300, prorated, pending
receipt of all necessary paperwork. Ms. Bennett holds a bachelor’s
degree from Lycoming College and is certified in Elementary (replacing Sharon
Salvatori, retiring January 2006; pending review of District’s staffing
needs for the 2006-07 school year).
9.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
C.
The Williamsport Area School District extends a conditioned offer of employment
to Aprie Lu Bower, 1407 Walnut St., 2nd
Floor, Jersey Shore, as a long-term substitute teacher, effective for the
second semester of the 2005-2006 school term (scheduled start date is January
23, 2006) through the end of the second semester of the 2005-2006 school term
(tentative ending date of June 9, 2006), unless terminated sooner, to teach
mathematics at Curtin Middle School, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor’
s, $38,300, provided Ms. Bower obtains Pennsylvania Department of Education
certification and all appropriate documentation by January 23, 2006 (replacing
Cheryl Varner, retiring Jan. 2006; pending review of District’s staffing
needs for the 2006-07 school year).
D.
Gemma M. Campana-Bragalone, 2846 Cochran Ave., Duboistown, WAHS special
education teacher, as advisor to the Williamsport Area High School’s Key
Club. The
Key Club has been without an official advisor since the resignation of Mr.
Arnie
Betts at the conclusion of the last school year. Mrs. Campana-Bragalone has
volunteered to work with the Key Club as an advisor, and receives no
compensation
for that assignment. The Key Club has proven over the years to be a wonderful
group of ambassadors from this high school to various community and civic
groups, and is indispensable to the high school.
E.
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. All costs funded through
Education Assistance Program/Sheridan Project Funds:
Lycoming Valley Middle School
Barbara L. Cioffi
1226 Hillsdale Dr., Williamsport
F.
Tammy L. Parsons, 730 Funston Ave., Williamsport, as a ½ hour Breakfast
Monitor at Roosevelt Middle School, at the rate of $9.00 per hour or contract
rate, effective for the 2005-2006 school year. This position is in addition to
her current position at Roosevelt Middle School (replacing Debra Umpstead,
transferred).
G.
The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $6.25 per
hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective date as indicated:
Debra L. Vanemon
681 Fourth Ave., Williamsport
H.
The following substitute custodian/event staff, with a base wage rate of $7.50
per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective date as indicated:
William A. Olson
2336 Fairview Terrace, Williamsport (eff. 12/08/05)
9.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
I.
Monica D. Sherman, 1758 Fox Hollow Rd., Williamsport, as a substitute school
bus driver as needed, effective for the 2005-2006 school year (will be used as
needed and will retain primary function as bus aide).
J.
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:
Denise M. Connor
102 N. 2nd St., Hughesville
9.4* POSITION CHANGES
Consider approving the following position changes:
A.
David J. Michaels, 110 Peachwood Drive, Lewisburg, from Dean of Students to
Assistant Principal at Cochran Elementary School, beginning January 3, 2006, at
a salary of $70,856 (prorated for the remainder of 2005-2006 school year) and
benefits as provided in the Act 93 Meet and Discuss Compensation Plan,
effective July 1, 2005. Mr. Michaels has received principal certification from
the Department of Education.
B.
Bobbi Jo Kuhns, 2019 Heshbon St., Williamsport, from a general food service
worker (3 hours daily) at Roosevelt Middle School, to a general food service
worker (4¾ hours daily) at Roosevelt Middle School, with a base wage rate
of $9.79 per hour, effective January 4, 2006 (replacing Debra Umpstead,
transferred).
C.
Kimberly A. Rogers, 137 Dauber Rd., Cogan Station, 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 January 4,
2006 (replacing Tammy Summers, resigned).
9.5 CONTRACTED SERVICES
A.
Contract with Jeanne L. Remick, 779 Long Run Road, Mill Hall, PA as substitute
Coordinator of Special Education – Secondary Level at the rate of $370.00
per day
for services provided (as necessary) during the remainder of the 2005-2006
school
year, effective December 12, 2005. No benefits are attached to Ms. Remick’
s
services. Ms. Remick is filling in for Rox-Ann Reifer, who is on leave.
9.6 OTHER
A.
Consider authorizing payment of $16,457.42 (November 11, 2005, through June 30,
2006) for Williamsport Area School District’s share for Healthcare
Services Purchasers Professional Liability Insurance provided by Lexington
Insurance Company. This coverage is a recommended necessity for self-insured
health care programs. The Williamsport Area School District has purchased the
coverage through a joint effort with the Lycoming County Insurance Consortium
(LCIC) and the Northern Tier Insurance Consortium (NTIC). Payment will be made
to the BLaST Intermediate Unit for Williamsport’s share of the premium
(WASD, LCIC, and NTIC will review status of this policy for 2006-2007).
B.
Authorize payment to Spring M. Moore, 1133 Market St., Williamsport, English
teacher at the high school, as the instructor of a high school English 11
Remediation (summer school) course held after school hours during the winter
months. Ms. Moore is to be paid $150 per student, for five (5) students who
are enrolled in the class (reference October 18, 2005 agenda item 8.5).
10. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Questions may be directed to Mrs. Thomas and Mr. Dugan.
10.1
RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Consider approving 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. (See attachment)
11.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Questions may be directed to Dr. Lowery.
11.1*
Consider approving the following student trips:
A.
Thirty-eight (38) life skills support students from the Williamsport Area High
School, accompanied by 3 teachers, 13 aides, and 2 WillServe students, to take
a historical tour of the Williamsport area as part of their study of the
lumbering era of Williamsport. The students will also have lunch aboard a ride
on the Hiawatha. 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 will be required for the return trip to school
(10-1200-819-000-30-850-000-004-0000). City Bus will be utilized for the tour.
11.1*
Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:
B.
Thirty-five (35) members of the Williamsport Area High School Drama Club,
accompanied by two district employees and tour chaperones, to travel to New
York City on three dates during February 2006. The students will attend a
drama workshop with professional actors, see a show, and sightsee in the area.
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 contract carrier. All costs will be paid by
the individual students. One substitute will be required for one day.
C.
All eighth grade students from Curtin, Lycoming Valley, and Roosevelt Middle
Schools, accompanied by their teachers to travel to the Williamsport Area High
School on dates during January 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 (10-1390-519-000-30-850-280-033-0000).
D.
Ninety-four gifted education families from Cochran, Hepburn, Jackson, Round
Hills, Sheridan, and Stevens Elementary Schools to travel to Baltimore Inner
Harbor on a Saturday during May 2006. Students eligible to participate must be
in compliance with their school’s field trip disciplinary requirements.
Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. The cost of the trip will
be funded by the participating families.
E.
Twenty-four (24) life skills support students from the Williamsport Area High
School, accompanied by their teachers, six aides, and two WillServe students,
to travel to the downtown Williamsport Area during March 2006. The students
will have the opportunity to tour the Sun-Gazette and City Hall and will have
lunch at Burger King. 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 (10-1200-819-000-30-850-000-004-0000).
All costs will be paid through the life skills support section of the special
education budget.
11.1*
Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:
F.
Twenty-four (24) life skills support students from the Williamsport Area High
School, accompanied by their teachers, six aides, and two WillServe students,
to travel to the Taber Museum during April 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.
District transportation is requested (10-1200-819-000-30-850-000-004-0000).
All costs will be paid through the life skills support section of the special
education budget.
G.
Nineteen (19) Williamsport Area High School graphic arts students, accompanied
by two teachers and an aide, to travel to the Pennsylvania College of
Technology during January 2006 to tour the graphic communication area.
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).
H.
Forty-eight (48) band students from Curtin, Lycoming Valley, and Roosevelt
Middle Schools, to participate in the LCBDA Junior County Band Festival. The
festival will be held at the Montgomery Area High School during February 2006,
with rehearsals in January and February 2006. Don Fisher, Kevin Henry, and
Laura Weir; WASD Middle School Band Directors, will supervise the students.
District transportation will be required from Roosevelt and Curtin on all dates
to and from the MAHS with the exception of the Saturday rehearsal when
students will need district transportation to the event only: they will be
transported home by their parents. Cost to the district would be $384 (split
between funds 10 1100 813 000 20 550/600/650 121 023 0000) for student
registration fees and approximately $450 (10 1100 519 000 20 550/600/650 121
023 0000) for student transportation. Three substitutes will be needed (one at
Curtin, one at Lycoming Valley, and one at Roosevelt) for one day only.
I.
Retroactive Approval: One hundred seventy (170) sixth grade students from
Roosevelt Middle School, accompanied by six teachers and an aide, to travel to
Corning, New York, during December 2005 to tour the Corning Glass Factory. The
students will be divided in half and attend on one of two days. 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 Roosevelt
PTO.
11.1*
Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:
J.
Twenty-five (25) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by a
teacher and a counselor, to travel to Lock Haven University during January
2006. The students will have an opportunity to witness the university’s
Martin Luther King Day celebration and hear their motivational speaker.
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 through Project 720.
K.
Revision to Item 11.1.J from the December 6, 2005, agenda: Due to inclement
weather, the life skills trip to Hope Enterprises is being postponed until
January 2006.
11.2*
Consider approving the following request for facility use:
A.
Old Lycoming Little League to use the gymnasium at Lycoming Valley Middle
School on February 23 and 24, 2006 from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. to hold
tryouts.
Old Lycoming Little League is requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated
at $80.00. Certificate of Insurance to be received.
12. BIDS/CONTRACTS
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson.
12.1
Consider authorizing a Memorandum of Understanding between the Pennsylvania
Hunger
Action and the Williamsport Area School District to provide $12,000 in funding
for a school breakfast promotion initiative.
13. TAX ITEMS
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson.
13.1
Consider approving the attached tax summaries.
14. ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
15. ITEMS FROM PUBLIC
Board Policy #902, “Public Participation in Board Meetings”:
A.
There will be two public comment sections: one during the first two hours of
the meeting at a time to be determined by the presiding officer; and the other
at the end of the meeting. This gives the presiding officer some flexibility
to fit the first public comment section into the agenda at a convenient time.
B.
Persons submitting a formal request to speak during the first public comments
section should be present promptly at the beginning of the meeting in the event
that they are invited to speak prior to commencement of the scheduled business
that is outlined in the agenda. Persons who have submitted a written request
will be given an opportunity to make a presentation about an issue that is on
the agenda when the issue is scheduled for discussion or about an issue that is
not on the agenda during the first two hours of the Board meeting, at a time
to be determined by the presiding officer.
C.
Each public comment section will be limited to a maximum of 20 minutes. Each
speaker will be limited to a maximum of five minutes.
D.
Those wishing to speak during the first public comments section must submit a
formal request in writing to the business administrator no later that 9:00 a.m.
on the day of the Board meeting. This gives people an opportunity to come to
the District Service Center on Monday before the Board meeting to read the
posted agenda.
PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES FOR OBTAINING AUXILIARY AIDES & SERVICES
The Williamsport Area School District does not discriminate against individuals
on the basis of disability. If you are disabled and wish to attend and/or
participate in any public meeting of the Williamsport Area School Board of
Directors or event of the School District, the District will make reasonable
accommodations to allow your full involvement. If you require specific
auxiliary aids or services you must notify the Board Secretary (327-5500), 201
West Third Street, Williamsport, PA of your needs at least five (5) working
days prior to the event.
6:00 p.m.
AGENDA
January 10
Curriculum & Instruction Council Meeting -- 4:00 pm
January 16 Martin Luther King Day Holiday
January 17 WASD School Board Meeting -- 6:00 pm
January 18
Site-Based Management Coordinating Council Meeting - CANCELED
January 18 WASD Education Foundation Meeting -- 5:30 pm
January 19 Employment Steering Committee Meeting-- 4:00 pm
January 19 ETAC Meeting -- 6:30 pm
January 20 End of First Semester
January 23
Secondary Alternative Education Committee Meeting -- 4:00 pm
February 3
Roosevelt Middle School Professional Development Inservice Day
February 6
Elementary Alternative Education Committee Meeting -- 4:00 pm
February 7 WASD School Board Meeting -- 6:00 pm
