W illiamsport A rea
S chool D istrict
Board of Directors Meeting
April 18, 2006
6:00 p.m.
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. OPENING EXERCISES -
Mrs. Susan Mahaffey
SILENT REFLECTION
DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN BELIEF STATEMENT # 7
We believe that all students learn best in a safe, non-threatening environment.
PSBA EFFECTIVE SCHOOL GOVERNANCE STANDARD 1 (f)
The Williamsport Area School Board will advocate for a thorough and
efficient system of public education by employing qualified staff to meet
student and program needs.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
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.
A.
Outstanding Student Presentation:
Presented by Robert Eichensehr, Principal
B.
Consider approving the adjudication of student 05/06–12 resulting from a
quasi- judicial hearing held this evening.
4.2
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A.
Budget Updates - Charles E. Peterson, Jr.
4.2
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
B. Calendar of Events
April 18-19 Snow Make-up Days (students will be in school)
May 1 Elementary Alternative Education Committee meeting 3:30 pm
5:00 pm
C.
On display in the June B. Baskin Gallery through April is the WASD Dream-
Makers 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 approving the following financial reports:
A.
Treasurer’s Report for the months of January and February 2006:
5.2*
Consider authorizing payment of invoices and services rendered by the list
submitted marked Order No. 04/18/06 in the amount of $405,151.21, 04/18/06A in
the amount of
$158,454.92, 04/18/06B in the amount of $39,775.97, 04/18/06C in the amount of
$1,550,038.10, 04/18/06D in the amount of $5,002.99 and 04/18/06E in the amount
of
$325.00 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to
execute Order Nos. 04/18/06, 04/18/06A, 04/18/06B, 04/18/06C, 04/18/06D and
04/18/06E.
6.
BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple
Questions may be directed to Dr. Lowery.
7. CURRICULUM REPORT
Questions may be directed to Mrs. Thomas.
7.1
Consider approving the following middle school science teachers for the
equivalent of up to six days each of curriculum development activities to occur
beyond the school day/year and to be completed before July 1, 2006.
Don Enigk Lycoming Valley Middle School
Stephen Pfirman Lycoming Valley Middle School
Eugene F. Ramin Lycoming Valley Middle School
Teachers will be paid at the daily substitute rate. Funds for these activities
have been included in the FY06 budget.
7.2
Consider approving the following middle school science teachers for the
equivalent of up to two days each of curriculum development activities to occur
beyond the school day/year and to be completed before July 1, 2006.
Blanetta Akpakip
Roosevelt Middle School
Tim Tyson Roosevelt Middle School
Teachers will be paid at the daily substitute rate. Funds for these activities
have been included in the FY06 budget.
7.3
Consider approving the following middle school math teachers for the equivalent
of up to six days each of curriculum development activities to occur beyond
the school day/year and to be completed before July 1, 2006.
Tiffani Ault Curtin Middle School
Diane Welch Lycoming Valley Middle School
Teachers will be paid at the daily substitute rate. Funds for these activities
have been included in the FY06 budget.
7.4
Consider approving the following middle school math teacher for the equivalent
of up to two days curriculum development activities to occur beyond the school
day/year and to be completed before July 1, 2006.
Randall Laird Roosevelt Middle School
Teachers will be paid at the daily substitute rate. Funds for these activities
have been included in the FY06 budget.
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.
Carol A. DeRemer, full-time Monitor of Special Study Hall at the high school,
for the purpose of retirement, effective June 20, 2006.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School
District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Carol A. DeRemer
from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere
appreciation for her 25 years of dedicated service to our school system as a
school bus driver, paraprofessional aide and monitor. It further expresses the
hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
B.
Beverly M. Fishel, school bus driver for the District, for the purpose of
retirement, effective at the completion of the 2005-2006 school year (tentative
date of June 9, 2006).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School
District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Beverly M. Fishel
from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere
appreciation for over 25 years of her dedicated service to our school system as
a school bus driver. It further expresses the hope that her years of
retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
C.
Michelle E. Johnson, general food service worker at the high school, for
personal reasons, effective April 21, 2006.
8.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Consider approving the following leaves of absence:
A.
Louis H. Gatti, school bus driver for the District, unpaid leave for personal
reasons, effective May 9, 2006, through May 11, 2006.
B.
Tammy L. Parsons, general food service worker at Roosevelt Middle School,
unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective April 3, 2006, through April 12,
2006.
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Consider the election of the following staff, for the purpose and on the date
indicated:
A.
The following persons as track event workers, effective April 19, 2006. These
workers will be paid at a flat rate per event (as determined by the Athletic
Director) as scheduled and approved by the Athletic Department. Payment for
these services will be forwarded to payroll for processing (pending completion
of all appropriate paperwork*):
Nikki Rhian*
244 Sylvan Dell Rd., Williamsport
B.
The following staff members as Middle School Summer School Program
Coordinators for up to 4.5 hours per day, 5 days per week, beginning July 10
through
August 4, 2006 at the rate of $26.22 per hour plus appropriate benefits. Also
approve
them for up to 80 hours of planning and organizing before July 10, 2006 at the
rate
of $25.43 per hour prior to July 1 and $26.22 per hour effective July 1 plus
appropriate benefits. They will also participate in up to three days of
professional
development prior to the program at the rate of $90 per day plus appropriate
benefits. All costs are budgeted under Sheridan Project Grant:
Roosevelt M.S.:
Carol K. DeSilva 207 Feigles Rd., Muncy
Lycoming Valley M.S.:
Lisa E. Yingling 114 Tiffany Dr., Williamsport
C.
The following as an event staff person, with a base wage rate of $7.50 per
hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective April 19, 2006 (pending
completion of all appropriate paperwork*):
Daniel A. Loudenslager*
153 West Hills Drive, Williamsport
8.4*
POSITION CHANGES - Consider approving the following position changes:
A.
Katherine E. Ardabell, 668 Wildwood Blvd, Williamsport, from a general food
service worker (3 hours daily) at Jackson Elementary School, to a general food
service worker (4½ hours daily) at Jackson Elementary School, with a base
wage rate of $9.79 per hour, effective April 19, 2006 (replacing Shryl
Toner-Whitesell, resigned).
B.
Karen J. Morrison, 1825 Spring Run Rd., Williamsport, from a substitute food
service worker to a general food service worker (3 hours daily) at Stevens
Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $9.79 per hour, effective April 19,
2006 (replacing Paula Myers, resigned).
C.
Teresa M. Willets, 668 Wildwood Blvd., Williamsport, from a substitute food
service worker to a general food service worker (3 hours daily) at the high
school, with a base wage rate of $9.79 per hour, effective April 19, 2006
(replacing Sharan White, resigned).
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.
Five (5) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their teacher,
to travel to downtown Williamsport, the Williamsport Hospital, and Watertower
Square during April 2006 as part of career development activities. 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 the athletic department van. One
substitute will be required.
B.
Ten (10) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s SADD chapter,
accompanied by their advisor, to travel to Lycoming College during May 1, 2006,
to attend a 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.
The students will meet at Lycoming College. One substitute will be required
for the day.
C.
Sixty-seven (67) first grade students from Stevens Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Lycoming
College during April 2006 to visit the planetarium. Students eligible to
participate will not have been suspended or assigned to Saturday School within
30 days prior to the trip.
The students will walk to and from Lycoming College. There will be no cost to
the District.
10.1*
Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:
D.
Twenty (20) learning support students from Roosevelt Middle School, accompanied
by at least six adults, to travel to Antes Creek Fishing Club (Jersey Shore)
during May 2006. The students will participate in water testing and bug
collection among other activities. 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 the Roosevelt PTO.
E.
Twenty-seven (27) members of Curtin Middle School’s jazz band, accompanied
by their teacher and parent volunteers, to travel to Brandon Park during April
2006 to participate in the Arbor Day ceremony. Students eligible to
participate must be in compliance with the school’s field trip
disciplinary requirements.
The students will walk to and from the park. There will be no cost to the
District.
F.
Approximately 75 fourth grade students from Cochran Elementary School,
accom-panied by their teachers, to travel to Freedom Road Cemetery during May
2006 as part of their study on Pennsylvania. Students eligible to participate
will not have been suspended or assigned to Saturday School within 30 days
prior to the date of the trip.
There will be no cost to the District. The students will walk to and from the
cemetery.
G.
Eighty (80) second grade students from Cochran Elementary School, accompanied
by their teachers, to travel to Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland and Memorial
Park during April 2006 as part of their study of habitats. Students eligible
to participate will not have been suspended or assigned to Saturday School
within 30 days prior to the date of the trip.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Cochran
School Association.
H.
Seventy-five (75) fourth grade students from Cochran Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to the Pioneer
Tunnel (Ashland) during June 2006. Students eligible to participate will not
have been suspended or assigned to Saturday School within 30 days prior to the
date of the trip.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Cochran
School Association.
I.
Forty-seven (47) first grade students from Sheridan Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to T&D’
s Cats of the World (Penns Creek) and the Mifflinburg Area Park during June
2006. Students eligible to participate will not have received detention, been
suspended, or have received two or more pink slips between May 1 and the date
of the trip.
Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. All costs will be paid by
the Sheridan PTO.
10.1*
Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:
J.
Fifteen (15) health occupations students from the Williamsport Area High
School, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Geisinger Medical Center
during April 2006 for a 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.
District transportation is requested and will be paid for by the Northcentral
Area Health Education Center. One substitute will be required for a whole day,
and another substitute will be required for one half day.
K.
Seventy-five (75) music students from Lycoming Valley Middle School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Round Hills and Hepburn-Lycoming
Elementary Schools during June 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 billed to the Round Hills and
Hepburn-Lycoming PTOs.
L.
Approximately 68 fifth grade students from Cochran Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers to travel to Penn’s Cave during May 2006.
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 Cochran
School Association.
M.
Two learning support students from Sheridan Elementary School, accompanied by
their teacher, to take a walking tour of the Sheridan neighborhood during April
2006 to expand their community-related vocabulary.
There will be no cost to the District.
N.
Five (5) ESL students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by
their teacher, to travel to New York City during April 2006 as part of the
cultural component of the ESL curriculum. 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 contract carrier along with the Spanish and
Latin class field trip. One substitute will be required for the day.
10.1*
Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:
O.
Retroactive Approval: One (1) sixth grade student from Curtin Middle School,
accompanied by his/her teacher, to travel to Harrisburg on two dates during
March 2006 to participate in the State MathCounts Competition.
All costs were paid by MathCounts.
P.
Approximately 100 eighth grade students from Curtin Middle School, accompanied
by staff members, to travel to Baltimore on a Saturday during May 2006 to visit
the science center and aquarium. Students eligible to participate will have
no unexcused absences, will not have been suspended during the second semester,
and will have fewer than eight demerits.
Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. All costs will be paid by
the participating students.
Q.
Approximately 170 eighth grade students from Curtin Middle School, accompanied
by their teachers, to travel to the Montour Preserve during April 2006. The
students will be divided into groups and will attend on two separate 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 Curtin
PTO.
R.
Fifty-five (55) fifth grade students from Round Hills Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Harrisburg
during May 2006 to visit the National Civil War Museum and the Whittaker
Science Center. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended
or assigned to Saturday School for disciplinary reasons within 30 school days
prior to the trip.
Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. All costs will be paid by
the Round Hills PTO.
S.
Ninety-two (92) first grade students from Jackson Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and a paraprofessional, to travel to T&D’
;s Cats of the World (Penns Creek) during May 2006. Students eligible to
participate will not have been suspended within 30 days prior to the trip.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Jackson
PTO.
T.
Eighty-eight (88) kindergarten students from Jackson Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers, staff, and parent volunteers, to travel to
Lane’s End Farm (Jersey Shore) during May 2006. Students eligible to
participate will not have been suspended within 30 days prior to the trip.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Jackson
PTO.
10.1*
Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:
U.
Fifty-seven (57) second grade students from Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to the
Community Arts Center and Hepburn Park during May 2006. 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.
V.
Seventy-two (72) first grade students from Stevens Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Bald Eagle
State Park during May 2006. 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 and will be paid by the Stevens PTA.
W.
Forty-eight (48) second grade students from Round Hills Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Woodward Cave
during May 2006. Students eligible to participate will not have been
suspended or assigned to Saturday School for disciplinary reasons within 30
days prior to the trip.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Round
Hills PTO.
10.2
Consider approving bus transportation for St. Boniface students on May 1, 2006.
Transportation will be from St. Boniface to Annunciation Church and return.
All costs
will be paid by St. Boniface.
10.3
Consider approving the following request for facility use:
A.
Pennsylvania Art Education Association (PAEA) to use the Art Room at Jackson
Elementary School on May 13, 2006 to hold a demonstration and workshop for felt
making. PAEA is requesting relief of the occupancy fee of $40.00.
Certificate of Insurance to be received.
B.
Camp Ophelia (program to prevent relational aggression in girls) to use the
cafetorium
at Roosevelt Middle School, Monday - Friday, June 19 through June 30, 2006 to
hold
their summer program. Camp Ophelia is requesting relief of the occupancy fee
estimated at $400.00. Certificate of Insurance waived since co-sponsored by
the District.
11. BIDS/CONTRACTS
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson.
11.1
Consider authorizing the purchase of general supplies to replenish inventoried
stock in
accordance with our specifications and the following recommended awards. All
recommended awards are based on the lowest bid price meeting specifications.
A schedule of items to be awarded has been provided in lieu of a complete
tabulation. Due
to the extensive number of items and participating vendors on this bid it is
impractical to
provide a complete tabulation. A complete tabulation is available in the
business office for viewing by any interested parties.
All bids were received by 1:30 p.m. and opened publicly in the District Service
Center at
2:00 pm, Tuesday, March 7, 2006.
RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
AFP Industries Inc., Miami Springs, FL $ 934.00
BCS The School Supplier Inc., Reno, NV
401.60
Bye Mo’re Inc., Kingsbury, IN
57.60
Cascade School Supplies Inc., North Adams, MA
16,156.69
Kurtz Brothers Inc., Clearfield, PA
12,411.20
National Art & School Supplies, Rahway, NJ
2,254.00
Pyramid School Products Inc., Tampa, FL
10,542.98
Quill Corporation, Palatine, IL
2,426.40
Standard Stationery Supply, Wheeling, IL
6,679.06
TOTAL RECOMMENDED AWARD
$51,863.53 12. TAX ITEMS - None
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
April 18 WASD School Board meeting 6:00 pm
April 19 WASD Education Foundation meeting 5:30pm
April 20 Employment Steering Committee meeting 4:00 pm
April 26 Gifted Education Advisory Committee meeting 7:00 pm
April 27
Professional Development Inservice Day at Lycoming Valley
Middle School
April 27
ETAC meeting canceled
May 2
Career & Technical Education Collaboration Reception at WAHS
May 2 WASD School Board meeting at WAHS 6:00 pm
