W illiamsport A rea
S chool D istrict
Board of Directors Meeting
March 7, 2006
6:00 p.m.
AGENDA
1.
CALL TO ORDER
2. OPENING EXERCISES -
Mrs. Karen Harris
SILENT REFLECTION
DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN BELIEF STATEMENT # 4
We believe each person is unique, important, and learns differently.
PSBA STANDARDS FOR EFFECTIVE SCHOOL GOVERNANCE
Standard 1 (c)
The Williamsport Area School Board will advocate for a thorough and efficient
system of public education by allocating resources in a manner designed to
facilitate student achievement consistent with school district goals and plans.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
2.1
SECRETARY PRO TEMPORE
Consider electing James A. Dugan as secretary pro tempore for this meeting only
due to the absence of Board Secretary Charles E. Peterson, Jr.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
3.1
Student Representatives’ Report –
Kellen Yegel and Sarah Border
4. REPORTS TO THE BOARD
4.1
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
4.2
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A.
Outstanding Student Presentations:
4.2
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT CONT’D: – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A.
Outstanding Student Presentations cont’d:
B.
Congratulations to Williamsport Area High School senior Erin Laughlin for being
selected as the high school’s Outstanding Student by the
Williamsport/Lycoming
Chamber of Commerce.
C.
Congratulations to Cathy Buck, Williamsport Area High School learning support
teacher, for being selected as the high school’s Outstanding Educator by
the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce.
D. Calendar of events:
March 10 District-wide Professional Development Inservice Day
March 18-19
WASD Education Foundation Scrabble Tournament - Cochran
Elementary
March 20
Secondary Alternative Education Committee Meeting - 4:00 pm
E.
On display in the June B. Baskin Gallery through March is WASD Youth Art
Month Exhibition
4.3
Committee Reports by Board Members
4.4 Construction Projects
5. FINANCE REPORT
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson
5.1*
Consider authorizing payment of invoices and services rendered by the list
submitted marked Order No. 03/07/06 in the amount of $250,979.64, 03/07/06A in
the amount of $205,281.24, 03/07/06B in the amount of $650,284.97,03/07/06C in
the amount of $273,375.95, 03/07/06D in the amount of $2,451,190.96, 03/07/06E
in the amount of $100,770.54, 03/07/06F in the amount of $8,226.71, 03/07/06G
in the amount of $5,000.00, 03/07/06H in the amount of $900.00 and that the
officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos.
03/07/06, 03/07/06A, 03/07/06B, 03/07/06C, 03/07/06D, 03/07/06E, 03/07/06F,
03/07/06G and 03/07/06H. 5.
FINANCE REPORT CONT’D:
5.2
Consider approving budget transfers for FY06, dated March 1, 2006 as presented
in
accordance with Section 609 of the Public School Code of 1949, as amended:
5.3
Consider authorizing a contribution of $1,000 to West End Babe Ruth toward the
improvements to Winder Field as recommended by the Athletic Advisory Committee.
The
field is used by our junior varsity baseball team for practices and games.
6. BOARD POLICY – None
7. CURRICULUM REPORT
Questions may be directed to Mrs. Thomas.
7.1
Consider approving the continuation of Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School as a
Site-Based Management School. In accordance with Williamsport Area School
District Policy 101.1, the site-based school designation will be renewed every
five years. The District Site-Based Management Coordinating Council conducted
the evaluation of Hepburn’s site-based status, and the recommendation for
renewal, based on results of that evaluation, is submitted by that committee to
the Board for approval. The Hepburn-Lycoming Site-Based Council also
recommended their continuation as a site-based school.
8. PERSONNEL REPORT
Questions may be directed to Mr. Dugan.
8.1 RESIGNATIONS
Consider accepting the following resignations, effective on the dates and for
the purposes indicated:
A.
Connie L. Hepler, full-time Administrative Support in the Student Services
Department, for the purpose of retirement, effective June 29, 2006.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School
District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Connie L. Hepler
from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere
appreciation for her 28 years of dedicated service to our school system as
administrative support. It further expresses the hope that her years of
retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
B.
Janet B. Lovell, full-time Administrative Support in the Student Services
Department, for the purpose of retirement, effective June 29, 2006.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School
District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Janet B. Lovell
from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere
appreciation for her 26 years of dedicated service to our school system as
administrative support. It further expresses the hope that her years of
retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
8.1 RESIGNATIONS CONT’D:
C.
Jaymi R. Kimble, casual substitute teacher for the District, due to relocation
out of the area, effective February 22, 2006.
D.
Sharan L. White, general food service worker at the high school, for personal
reasons, effective March 31, 2006.
8.2
LEAVES OF ABSENCE - Consider approving the following leaves of absence:
A.
Brenda J. Corter, full-time Administrative Support at Jackson Elementary
School, for an unpaid medical leave on an intermittent basis (as needed),
effective February 27, 2006, to care for a family member.
Mrs. Corter will attempt to schedule absences in advance (when possible). Mrs.
Corter 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.
B.
Vicki J. Loehr, full-time Guidance Counselor at Cochran Elementary School, for
an unpaid medical leave, effective February 27, 2006, through May 21, 2006.
Mrs. Loehr utilized sick and/or personal days and began her unpaid leave of
absence on February 27, 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.
C.
Maria N. Pulizzi, full-time Special Education teacher at Curtin Middle School,
for an unpaid medical leave, effective March 14, 2006, through June 5, 2006.
Ms. Pulizzi is currently utilizing sick and/or personal days and will begin her
unpaid leave of absence on March 14, 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.
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Consider the election of the following staff, for the purpose and on the date
indicated:
A.
Elizabeth R. Fronk, 2525 Grand St., Williamsport, as a long-term substitute
teacher, effective January 23, 2006, through the end of the second semester of
the 2006-2007 school term (tentative ending date of June 9, 2006), unless
terminated sooner, to teach Kindergarten at Jackson Elementary School, at a
salary rate of Step 1, master’s, $41,300, prorated. Ms. Fronk holds
bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Bloomsburg University and is
certified in Elementary K-6 (replacing Tracey Tillett, on sabbatical leave).
8.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
B.
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:
Mary E. Pearce
860 Rural Ave., Williamsport
C.
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:
Anthony J. Delisi
1554 Oakmont Dr., Williamsport (effective 02/27/06)
D.
The entire District teaching staff, substitute teachers, teacher aids and BLaST
teachers assigned to our buildings for service in the intramural program, at
the rate of $13.33 per hour for the actual number of hours worked.
8.4* POSITION CHANGES
Consider approving the following position changes:
A.
James R. Dougherty, 1729 Chestnut St., Williamsport, from Principal at Curtin
Middle School (currently in position as Director of
Instructional/Administrative Technology) to Principal at Lycoming Valley Middle
School, effective July 1, 2006, at a salary of $92,762 (or as per Act 93 Plan
in effect at that time) and benefits as provided in the Act 93 Meet and Discuss
Compensation Plan, effective July 1, 2006 (replacing Robert Eichensehr,
retired).
B.
Bruce P. Elliott, 63 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport, from Principal at Cochran
Elementary School to Head Principal at the high school, effective July 1, 2006,
at a salary of $95,217 (or as per Act 93 Plan in effect at that time) and
benefits as provided in the Act 93 Meet and Discuss Compensation Plan,
effective July 1, 2006 (replacing Stephen Huddy, retired).
C.
William G. Emery, 1215 Market St., Williamsport, from Department Chair for
Social Studies to House Principal at the high school, effective July 1, 2006,
at a salary of $81,834 (or as per Act 93 Plan in effect at that time) and
benefits as provided in the Act 93 Meet and Discuss Compensation Plan,
effective July 1, 2006 (replacing Pete Cokefair, retired).
D.
Reginald T. Fatherly, 28 Roseville Rd., Williamsport, from Assistant Principal
to Principal at Roosevelt Middle School, effective July 1, 2006, at a salary of
$90,442 (or as per Act 93 Plan in effect at that time) and benefits as
provided in the Act 93 Meet and Discuss Compensation Plan, effective July 1,
2006 (replacing Geralyn Fausnaught, retired).
8.4* POSITION CHANGES CONT’D:
E.
Kevin J. Harris, 397 S. Lycoming Mall Rd., Pennsdale, from Assistant Principal
(currently Acting Principal) to Principal at Curtin Middle School, effective
July 1, 2006, at a salary of $81,167 (or as per Act 93 Plan in effect at that
time) and benefits as provided in the Act 93 Meet and Discuss Compensation
Plan, effective July 1, 2006 (replacing James Dougherty, transferred).
F.
David J. Michaels, 110 Peachwood Drive, Lewisburg, from Assistant Principal to
Principal at Cochran Elementary School, effective July 1, 2006, at a salary of
$82,336 (or as per Act 93 Plan in effect at that time) and benefits as provided
in the Act 93 Meet and Discuss Compensation Plan, effective July 1, 2006
(replacing Bruce Elliott, transferred).
G.
J. Thomas Mitchell, 57 Redwing Rd., Lock Haven, from Department Chair for
Science to Secondary School Curriculum Supervisor for Mathematics/Science/Dual
Enrollment Coordinator for the District, effective July 1, 2006, at a salary of
$86,032 (or as per Act 93 Plan in effect at that time) and benefits as
provided in the Act 93 Meet and Discuss Compensation Plan, effective July 1,
2006 (position revised from previous Department Chair positions for Science and
Mathematics; replacing Ken Welsh, retired).
H.
Randy J. Zangara, 1211 Cherry St., Williamsport, from Business Education
teacher at the high school (currently Dean of Students at Curtin) to Assistant
Principal at Curtin Middle School, effective July 1, 2006, at a salary of
$74,936 (or as per Act 93 Plan in effect at that time) and benefits as provided
in the Act 93 Meet and Discuss Compensation Plan, effective July 1, 2006
(replacing Kevin Harris, transferred).
I.
Lisa M. Peacock, 3480 Route 973 East, Cogan Station, 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 March 8, 2006
(replacing Bobbi Jo Kuhns, transferred).
9. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Questions may be directed to Mrs. Thomas and Mr. Dugan.
9.1
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)
10.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Questions may be directed to Dr. Lowery.
10.1*
Consider approving the following student trips:
A.
Twenty (20) Williamsport Area High School Spanish and Latin IV students,
accom-panied by their teachers, to travel to New York City during April 2006.
The students will have an opportunity to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art
and eat in an authentic Spanish restaurant. 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. A grant will pay $1,000
toward the cost of the trip with the additional $600 being paid from the
foreign language budget.
B.
Twenty (20) members of Lycoming Valley Middle School’s Jazz Band,
accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Round Hills Elementary School during
March 2006 to perform for the students. Students eligible to participate will
not have been suspended from school or assigned to Saturday School for
disciplinary reasons within 30 school days prior to the trip.
District transportation is requested and will be paid by the Round Hills PTO.
C.
Twelve (12) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by a school
counselor, to travel to Lock Haven University as part of a required on-campus
visit for the college-level course they are taking entitled “Teaching and
Learning.” 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 (10-1100-582-395-30-850-000-065-0006).
D.
All eighth grade students from Lycoming Valley Middle School, accompanied by
their teachers and a nurse practitioner, to travel to the Montour Preserve on
dates during May 2006. The students will be divided into two groups and will
attend on two separate days. Students eligible to participate must be in
compliance with the school’s field trip disciplinary requirements in order
to participate.
District transportation is requested and will be paid through the student
activities fund.
E.
Twelve (12) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s dance company,
accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Harrisburg during April 2006 to
perform at the Arts in Education Day at the Capitol. 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 (10-1100-519-000-30-850-140-025-0000).
One substitute will be required for the day.
10.1*
Consider approving the following student trips:
F.
Seven (7) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Student
Government Association, accompanied by their advisor, to travel to Elkland High
School on two dates during March 2006 to attend a regional 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. All costs will be paid from SGA funds.
One substitute will be required for both days.
G.
Three (3) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their teacher,
to travel to Bucknell University during March 2006 to participate in the
annual 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 by their teacher. One substitute will be
required for half of the day.
10.2
Consider approving the following request for facility use:
A.
Newberry Little League to use the gymnasium at Roosevelt Middle School on March
9 and 10, 2006, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. to hold tryouts. Newberry
Little League is requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $80.00.
Certificate of Insurance on file.
11. BIDS/CONTRACTS - None
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson.
12. TAX ITEMS
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson.
12.1
Consider approving the attached tax summaries.
13. ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
14. 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
March 13 Diversity Committee Meeting - 12:00 pm
March 14 Curriculum & Instruction Steering Committee Meeting - 2:00
pm
March 15 WASD Education Foundation Meeting - 5:30pm
March 16 Employment Steering Committee Meeting - 4:00 pm
March 16 ETAC Meeting - 6:30 pm
March 21 WASD School Board Meeting - 6:00 pm
March 24 End of Third Marking Period
April 4 WASD School Board Meeting - 6:00 pm
