W illiamsport A rea
S chool D istrict
Board of Directors Meeting
January 17, 2006
6:00 p.m.
AGENDA
1.
CALL TO ORDER
2. INVOCATION –
Mr. Jay B. Shultz DISTRICT BELIEF STATEMENTS
STATEMENT # 1
We believe that education is essential to the vitality of the community.
3. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Special Meetings - December 19, 2005 and January 10, 2006
Regular Meeting - January 3,
2006
5. REPORTS TO THE BOARD
5.1
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A.
Congratulations to the Williamsport Area High School Classes of 2006, 2007, and
2008, and the Student Government Association for sharing the holiday season
with
their fellow district students and the greater Williamsport community by
providing
turkeys, gifts and trees. This was a wonderful experience for the students as
well as the adults.
The groups are represented as follows tonight:
Class of 2006
Class of 2007
Alycia Haynes
Teresa Bresticker
Lindsay Weitzel
Chelsea Weaver
Tom Bauman, Advisor Jeanne Yaggi, Advisor
Class of 2008
Student Government Association
Jessica Fry
Destiny Preitz
Brian Mextorf Kellen Yagel
Steve Wiser, Advisor
Rod Morgans, Advisor
5.1
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
B.
The Pennsylvania Art Education Association has named Sharon Cressinger as the
Pennsylvania Elementary Art Educator of the Year. The distinguished award was
given at the annual PAEA Conference in State College on October 21, 2005.
Awardees are selected through a competitive process which seeks individuals who
demonstrate excellence in teaching and service to the profession.
C.
Congratulations to Lycoming Valley Middle School, specifically Amy Bolt and
Mitzi Burget, for coordinating efforts to “adopt” a school in
Mississippi as a part of
the school’s Keystone Healthy Zone Walk-a-Thon. The Mississippi school,
which
was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina, was given financial support, as well as
emotional support (i.e., e-mails, letters, etc.), by the Lycoming Valley Middle
School students and staff.
5.2
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A.
School Director Recognition Month Presentation
B. Technology Contracts
C. Data Driven Decision Making
D.
Fiber Network Presentation - James Dougherty, Scott Moll and Clay Weaver
D. Calendar of Events
January 18 Site-Based Management Coordinating Council Meeting CANCELED
E.
On display in the Dr. June Baskin Gallery: WASD Scholastic Art 2005
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 budget transfers for FY06, dated January 9, 2006 as
presented in accordance with Section 609 of the Public School Code of 1949, as
amended:
6.2*
Consider authorizing payment of invoices and services rendered by the list
submitted marked Order No. 01/17/06 in the amount of $1,465,114.84, 01/17/06A
in the amount of
$3,344,637.73, 01/17/06B in the amount of $21,955.25, 01/17/06C in the amount
of
$9,000.00, 01/17/06D in the amount of $1,144.37, 01/17/06E in the amount of
$213,854.99, 01/17/06F in the amount of $19,252.17, 01/17/06G in the amount of
$83,257.86 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed
to execute Order Nos. 01/17/06, 01/17/06A, 01/17/06B, 01/17/06C, 01/17/06D,
01/17/06E, 01/17/06F and 01/17/06G.
6.3
Consider approving the Schedule of Short-Term Investments through December 31,
2005.
6.4
Consider electing G. Kent Bittner and _________________ to a five-year term as
members
of the Williamsport Area Joint School Authority.
7. BOARD POLICY – None
8. CURRICULUM REPORT
Questions may be directed to Mrs. Thomas.
8.1
Consider approving BLaST IU 17, to provide 3 days of professional development
on Differentiated Instruction to the Stevens 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 (September, 2006) and four half days (October, November, December,
2006). The structure of the half days will provide time for team teaching,
model lessons, observations, and feedback. If needed, up to 6 substitute days
are being requested. The substitutes would permit a team of teachers to meet
with the trainer on the follow up days. The approximate cost is $2,500 to
cover the IU fee and substitutes and will be funded through the FY07 ACCESS
budget.
8.2
Consider approving a new AP European History Curriculum document. The document
contains all required components and has been reviewed and approved for
submission to the Board by the Curriculum and Instruction Council and the
Assistant Superintendent.
8.3
Consider approving a modification to the September 6, 2005 Board Agenda item
8.4. to include paying a second consultant for an inservice about curricular
adaptations to assist all students to succeed presented at Round Hills
Elementary School. This request does not increase the cost or payments, but
simply divides the payment between the two consultants - Carla Auten and Geneva
Peck, both retired special education teachers at $200 each. $300 of the
approximate cost will be paid out of the Assistant Superintendent's general
fund professional development budget number 10-2271-329-000-00-000-000-017-0000
and $100 by the Round Hills PTO.
8.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.4
Consider approving the District Calendar for the 2006-07 school year.
8.5
Consider approving, as part of the district's annual testing cycle, the PSSA
High School
Practice Test-10, created by the Standard Test Scoring Company, Cherry Hill,
New Jersey.
The test mimics the Pennsylvania System of School Assessments (PSSA's) given
annually to
juniors across the Commonwealth, and is benchmarked on Pennsylvania standards
and
anchors in both Language Arts and Mathematics. Given during our annual test
week to
sophomores, the machine-scored and reader-scored test will provide excellent
practice for our
tenth graders in a format that replicates the important junior year test, and
will provide
superior diagnostic data that can be used to focus instruction for the
remainder of the
sophomore year and the junior year with each student. Students will also be
provided with
abundant information about their performance on the mimic test. Additionally,
the
mathematics results will be used, in part, to place students performing below
the proficient
level on these sophomore tests into a specifically-designed, year-long, one
credit junior PSSA
Mathematics course beginning in SY 2006-07 intended to boost the Mathematics
scores of
these students on the PSSA's in the spring of 2007. Funding for the purchase
of these tests
and the scoring thereof is provided at no cost to the district through Project
720 funding.
9. PERSONNEL REPORT
Questions may be directed to Mr. Dugan.
9.1 RESIGNATIONS
Consider accepting the following resignations, effective on the dates and for
the purposes indicated:
A.
Elizabeth A. Rager, as Middle School Lead Assistant Girls Basketball Coach at
Curtin Middle School, for personal reasons, effective January 4, 2006. (Ms.
Rager will continue as a special education teacher at the high school.)
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Consider approving the following leaves of absence:
A.
Nicole L. Lee, full-time instructional aide at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary
School, for prorated leave, effective January 13, 2006, through April 6, 2006.
Ms. Lee has exhausted all sick and/or personal days and will begin her Family
Medical Leave on January 13, 2006, which entitles the employee to health
insurance for a maximum of 12 weeks, but is without pay (for the ½ day
applied to the leave) or any other benefits for the time applied to the leave.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE CONT’D:
B.
Linda L. McManus, full-time instructional aide at the high school, for an
unpaid medical leave on an intermittent basis (as needed), effective January
17, 2006, to care for a family member.
Mrs. McManus will attempt to schedule absences in advance (when possible).
Mrs. McManus will be entitled to health insurance for a maximum period of time
equivalent to 12 weeks under the Family Medical Leave Act, but is without pay
or any other benefits.
C.
Judith A. Smith, school bus driver for the District, for an unpaid medical
leave, effective January 19, 2006, through January 27, 2006, possibly to return
sooner.
Ms. Smith is currently utilizing sick and/or personal days and will begin her
unpaid leave of absence on January 19, 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.
D.
Russell K. Stout IV, full-time security at the high school, for an unpaid
medical leave on an intermittent basis (as needed), effective January 13, 2006,
through February 5, 2006 to care for a family member.
Mr. Stout will attempt to schedule absences in advance (when possible). Mr.
Stout will be entitled to health insurance for a maximum period of time
equivalent to 12 weeks under the Family Medical Leave Act, but is without pay
or any other benefits.
E.
Wayne L. Hepler, school bus driver for the District, unpaid leave for personal
reasons, effective for one day only on January 6, 2006.
F.
Rhonda J. Lewis, general food service worker at the high school, unpaid leave
for personal reasons, effective for one day only on January 31, 2006.
G.
Tammy L. Parsons, general food service worker at Roosevelt Middle School,
unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective January 18, 2006, through February
1, 2006.
9.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF - Consider the election of the following staff, for the
purpose and on the date indicated:
A.
Sarah Schuman Moore, P.O. Box 83, McEwensville 17749, extension as a long-term
substitute teacher, effective through the end of the second semester of the
2005-2006 school term (tentative ending date of June 9, 2006), unless
terminated sooner, as a Guidance Counselor at Jackson Elementary School, at a
salary rate of Step 1, master’s, $41,300, prorated. Ms. Moore holds a
bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University and a master’s degree
from Gallaudet University and is certified in Elementary School Counselor
(replacing Terry Kline, on medical leave). Ms. Moore has filled this position
during the first semester of the 2005-2006 school year.
9.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
B.
Betsy G. Yost, 1347 Rose Valley Rd., Cogan Station, extension as a long-term
substitute teacher, effective 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 Special Education at Lycoming Valley Middle School,
at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor’s, $38,300 (+ $200), prorated. Ms.
Yost holds a bachelor’s degree from Lock Haven University and is certified
in Mentally and/or Physically Handicapped (replacing Susan McCusker, on
sabbatical leave). Ms. Yost has filled this position during the first semester
of the 2005-2006 school year.
C.
Todd M. Nagy, 618 Third 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 2005-2006 school term
(tentative ending date of June 9, 2006), unless terminated sooner, to teach
Special Education at the high school, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor’
;s, $38,300 (+ $200), prorated. Mr. Nagy holds a bachelor’s degree from
Lock Haven University and is certified in Special Education N-12 (replacing
Susan McGehean, on unpaid maternity leave) [authorize Superintendent to sign
MOU].
D.
The following persons for work on middle school musical productions at the
rates listed 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:
Lycoming Valley Middle School - “Alladin”
Douglas S. Gordon
$1,105
Wenda K. Lockcuff
$ 862
Curtin Middle School - “How to Succeed in Business Without Really
Trying”
Marisa S. Hickey
$ 951
Stefanie M. Kauffman
$ 862
Roosevelt Middle School - “Honk”
Robert L. Hickey
$ 951
Maureen M. Richards
$ 862
E.
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:
Shanna M. Breen
917 Almond St., Williamsport (effective 01/04/06)
9.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
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:
Victoria L. Bigelow
198 Duffey Rd., Linden
Tammie L. Christian 409 Hazel Alley, Jersey Shore
Amber L. Perry
1780 Fredna Ave., Williamsport
G.
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:
Melissa C. Johnson
794 Kinley Rd., Williamsport
Davetta F. Mosier
1230 Eckard Rd., Cogan Station
9.4* POSITION CHANGES
Consider approving the following position changes:
A.
Ranay Hennessy, 126 Harvest Moon Park, Linden, from a substitute food service
worker to a general food service worker (3 hours daily) at Roosevelt Middle
School, with a base wage rate of $9.79 per hour, effective January 18, 2006
(replacing Bobbi Jo Kuhns, transferred).
9.5 CONTRACTED SERVICES
A.
Approve Group Long-Term Disability Insurance rate of proposal of $6.07 per
month
(composite rate) per eligible employee by Lafayette Life Insurance Company
administrated through R. L. Strawn Associates, Inc., 3133 Chestnut St., Camp
Hill
17011-4529, effective January 1, 2006, and the first month’s deposit of
$4,921.00
payable to Lafayette Life Insurance and authorize the Board President to sign
the
agreement. This change is necessary due to the inability to come to an
agreement on
a rate structure with the previous carrier. This benefit is covered under the
collective
bargaining agreements. The administration will continue to review other
alternatives on an individual basis or through the consortium.
9.6 OTHER
A.
Authorize payment to Spring M. Moore, 1133 Market St., Williamsport, English
teacher at the high school, for 20 hours of PSSA Remediation instruction, June
7-11, 2004, at the rate of $23.91 per hour (the effective rate at that time).
Administrators have confirmed that Ms. Moore provided the services, but
authorization for payment was not submitted.
9.6 OTHER CONT’D:
B.
Authorize payment to Wenda K. Lockcuff, 83 Hillcrest Drive, Cogan Station,
English teacher at Lycoming Valley Middle School, as a Blended Schools teacher
for 2005-2006 (10/18/05 agenda authorizing Blended School teacher rate of $150
for each student enrolled) and authorize payment of up to two hours preparation
work for approved Blended schools teachers who had students enroll, but who
then subsequently withdrew from the Blended Schools Program.
C.
Authorize payment to Marguerite Anderson-Royal, 685 Mark Avenue, Williamsport,
to provide one-on-one instruction for an eligible special education student at
the rate of $25.43 per hour up to three (3) hours per week, effective January
12, 2006, for as long as needed but not to exceed the remainder of the
2005-2006 school term. The need for these services will be reviewed at the end
of February, 2006 (funded through ACCESS).
D.
Authorize payment to Sue H. Duncan, 1182 Matthews Rd., Trout Run, to provide
one-on-one instruction for an eligible special education student at the rate of
$25.43 per hour up to 15 hours per week, effective January 17, 2006, not to
exceed for the remainder of the 2005-2006 school term. These services will be
reviewed by the appropriate IEP team (funded through ACCESS).
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 develop-ment 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.
Approximately 140 students from Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, accompanied
by their teachers, to travel to the YMCA during January 2006 as a reward for
meeting their second marking period Accelerated Reader goal. Students eligible
to participate will not have been suspended or assigned to Saturday School
within 30 days prior to the trip.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the
Hepburn-Lycoming PTO.
11.1*
Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:
B.
Sixty-six (66) fifth grade students from Cochran Elementary School, accompanied
by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Washington, D.C. on a
Saturday during May 2006. The students will have an opportunity to visit the
National Zoo and various memorials. Students eligible to participate will not
have received a pink slip and will not have been suspended or assigned to
Saturday School or detention during the month prior to the trip. Students not
meeting the criteria may be permitted to attend at the discretion of the
principal.
Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. Costs will be paid by the
Cochran School Association and student fundraisers.
C.
Eight (8) students from Lycoming Valley Middle School accompanied by their
teacher and a parent volunteers, to travel to the Little League Complex in
South Williamsport during February 2006 to take place in a MathCounts
Competition. Students eligible to participate must be in compliance with the
school’s field trip disciplinary requirements.
The students will be transported by their teacher and the parent volunteer.
One substitute will be required for the day.
D.
Approximately (4) students from Lycoming Valley Middle School, accompanied by
their teacher, to travel to Harrisburg for two days during March 2006 to
participate in the State MathCounts Competition. Students eligible to
participate must be in compliance with the school’s field trip
disciplinary requirements.
The students will be transported by their teacher. Approximately costs of $170
will be from the Mathematics Department Budget.
11.2
Consider approving the following request for facility use:
A.
Special Olympics of Lycoming County to use the swimming pool at the
Williamsport
High School on Thursdays, beginning February 16 through
June 8, 2006 from 6:15 p.m.
until 9:00 p.m. for aquatics instruction. The Special Olympics is requesting
relief of the
occupancy fee estimated at $800.00. Certificate of Insurance to be received.
B.
District #4 softball umpires to use the gymnasium, and room A-124 at the
Williamsport
High School on Sunday, March 12, 2006 from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. to hold a
clinic.
District #4 Umpires are requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at
$65.00.
Labor fees to be paid by District #4. Certificate of Insurance to be received.
12. BIDS/CONTRACTS
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson.
12.1*
Consider awarding a contract to the following for reconditioning football
equipment in
accordance with our specifications and their bid. All recommended awards are
based upon the lowest bid meeting our specifications.
All bids were received on Tuesday, November 1, 2005 and were opened publicly in
the District Service Center.
CONTRACTOR
BID
Ace Cleaners & Reconditioners Inc., $14.45/per helmet* $9.89/per
shoulder pad*
Washington, PA
Circle Systems Group, Easton, PA $20.75/per helmet $9.75/per
shoulder pad
Riddell/All American, Elyria, OH $15.99/per helmet* $8.95/per
shoulder pad*
*New parts are not included in this price.
RECOMMENDED AWARD:
Circle Systems Group, Easton, PA $20.75/per helmet $9.75/per
shoulder pad
12.2
Consider authorizing the execution of a Letter of Agency for Funding Years
2006-2010
(July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2011) for the BLaST Intermediate Unit 17
Regional Wide Area Network AND
12.3
Consider authorizing a Service Agreement with the BLaST Intermediate Unit 17
governing
the terms and conditions of the Regional Wide Area Network for the period of
July 1, 2006
through June 30, 2011. 13. TAX ITEMS - None
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 18 WASD Education Foundation meeting 5:30pm
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
