W illiamsport A rea
S chool D istrict
Board of Directors Meeting
May 16, 2006
6:00 p.m.
AGENDA
1.
CALL TO ORDER
2. OPENING EXERCISES -
Mr. James Temple SILENT REFLECTION
DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN BELIEF STATEMENT # 9
We believe civility and mutual respect are important in a productive community.
PSBA EFFECTIVE SCHOOL GOVERNANCE STANDARD 2 (b)
The Williamsport Area School Board will model responsible governance and
leadership by interacting with school officials in other districts and using
resources provided by organizations and agencies committed to effective
governance and management of public schools.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Regular Meetings: January 17, 2006; February 7 and 21, 2006
Special Meeting: January 24, 2006
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:
B.
Congratulations to Spencer Wade, a senior at the Williamsport Area High School,
for receiving an Air Force ROTC Scholarship to Embry Riddle University.
4.1
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT’D: – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
C. Project 720 Update
D.
Congratulations to Cochran and Sheridan Elementary schools for receiving a
grant
from the Pennsylvania Department to participate in the fresh fruit and
vegetable
program for 2006-2007. Twenty-five schools in Pennsylvania are chosen to
participate. We are very fortunate to have two schools selected since PDE
typically selects only one school per district.
E.
Consider approving the following recommendations for the 2006-07 school year:
K – 22
1 – 23
2 – 24
3 – 25
4 – 25
5 – 25
4.1
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT’D: – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
F.
Consider approving the appointment of Fred A. Holland, Esq., as the
District’s
Solicitor for the 2006-2007 fiscal year and establish
his compensation to include a
retainer of $20,000 ($18,550 since FY94), and an hourly rate of $105 (unchanged
from last year) for extraordinary services.
4.2
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A.
Safe Schools/Safe Communities Update
B. Calendar of Events
May 17
WASD Education Foundation meeting 5:30pm
Lycoming, Jackson, Round Hills, Sheridan, Stevens Elementary
Schools (Elementary students will not be in school) C.
On display in the June B. Baskin Gallery through May is The World We Live In:
A K-12 Art 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. 05/16/06 in the amount of $374,332.09, 05/16/06A in the amount of
$157,982.03,
05/16/06B in the amount of $1,348,744.13, 05/16/06C in the amount of $7,440.62
and that
the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos.
05/16/06, 05/16/06A, 05/16/06B and 05/16/06C.
5.2.
Consider approving the attached resolution authorizing the sale of certain real
estate
tax claims and liens associated rights and remedies; and making certain
determinations and approvals in connection therewith.
5.3
Consider approving budget transfers for FY06, dated May 9, 2006 as presented in
accordance
with Section 609 of the Public School Code of 1949, as amended:
5. FINANCE REPORT CONT’D:
5.4*
Consider adopting the following resolution relative to a proposed budget for
the 2006-2007 fiscal year:
RESOLVED: That in accordance with the School Laws of Pennsylvania, 1949 as
amended, Section 687, the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area
School District announces a proposed general fund budget in the amount of funds
which will
be required by the Williamsport Area School District for the fiscal year
beginning July 1, 2006, and
RESOLVED FURTHER: That a meeting of the Board of School Directors of the
Williamsport
Area School District is scheduled to be held at 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 20,
2006, for the purpose of adopting the general fund budget and such other
general business as may be brought before the Board, and
RESOLVED FURTHER: That the Secretary be and is hereby authorized and directed
to provide for special notice in a local newspaper that the proposed budget is
available for inspection at the Office of the Board Secretary of the
Williamsport Area School District,
201 West Third Street, Williamsport, Pennsylvania for all who may be
interested:
The following is a summary of the proposed General Fund Budget for the fiscal
year beginning July 1, 2006:
ESTIMATED BEGINNING FUND BALANCE
AVAILABLE FOR APPROPRIATION 06/30/07 $
_____________
ESTIMATED REVENUE (Restricted & Unrestricted)
_____________
TOTAL ESTIMATED FUND BALANCES AND REVENUES
AVAILABLE FOR APPROPRIATION
_____________
ESTIMATED EXPENDITURES AND OTHER
FINANCING USES (Restricted & Unrestricted)
_____________
ESTIMATED ENDING UNRESERVED FUND BALANCE 06/30/07 _____________
TOTAL APPROPRIATIONS AND ENDING FUND BALANCE _____________
Although the Tax levy will not be made until the budget is adopted on June 20,
2006, the proposed budget anticipates the following taxes:
06/07
Real Property (11.98 mills 05/06)
________
NOTE: (11.52 mills is the revenue neutral millage as
determined by the Lycoming County Assessment
Office) Act 511 Taxes
Earned Income
1½ %
Real Estate Transfer
½ of 1%
6.
BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple
Questions may be directed to Dr. Lowery.
6.1
Consider approving the second reading and adoption of Policy #246, “
Student Wellness.”
Questions may be directed to Mr. David Wright, Director of Student Services.
7. CURRICULUM REPORT
Questions may be directed to Mrs. Thomas.
7.1
Consider approving IU 17 to provide job-embedded training for five teachers
from Curtin Middle School in the Reading Apprentice Model on May 4th, 2006. The
cost is $700 and is funded under the PA School Improvement Grant that Curtin
received. The five teachers have participated in five days of training and now
will begin the process of implementing the training in the classrooms. The
job-embedded focus will provide implementation support for the teachers.
7.2
Consider approving text for the WAHS Student Folder. Approximate cost is
$1,450 and is included in the FY07 high school budget.
7.3
Consider approving a ninth grade student survey to gather data relevant to high
school projects related to Project 720. Parent permission will be sought
before a student completes the survey.
7.4
Consider approving Theodore R. Piwowar, Director of Career and Technical
Education, to submit an application to the Pennsylvania Department of Education
for a College and Career Counseling Program grant in the maximum amount
available, currently $200,000. The purpose of this funding is to create a
vibrant career exploration, career planning and goal setting process for each
and every student in grades 8-12 by creating a student-centered career
development system facilitated by the school counselors and academic leaders.
7.5
Consider approving the 2006-07 Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School Student/
Parent Handbook.
7.6
Consider approving the 2006-07 Curtin Middle School Student/Parent Handbook.
7.7
Consider approving Jackson Elementary School to apply to become an Intermediate
Literacy Collaborative School through the Literacy Collaborative of Lesley
University. Through this model, a teacher will participate in Literacy
Coordinator Training.; the training will occur over eight one week periods from
July 31st, 2006 through June 28th, 2007. The approximate total costs for
2006--07 is $49,000. The costs include: Instructional Fees, (including 9
graduate credits), materials, Professional Development modules, School Support,
substitute teacher costs, travel expenses (transportation, lodging, meals,
etc.). All costs are budgeted under Comprehensive School Reform ($45,000) and
Reading Recovery Training Income ($4,000).
7.8
Consider approving the 2006-07 Roosevelt Middle School Student/Parent Handbook.
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.
Karen B. Mazzullo, full-time Administrative Support at Hepburn-Lycoming
Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective September 12, 2006.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School
District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Karen B. Mazzullo
from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere
appreciation for her 30 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.
Michelle W. Bower, full-time Mathematics teacher at Curtin Middle School, for
personal reasons, effective June 9, 2006.
8.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Consider approving the following leaves of absence:
A.
Andrea L. McEntire, full-time Administrative Support at the high school, for an
unpaid medical leave, effective May 9, 2006, through July 31, 2006, possibly
to return sooner.
Mrs. McEntire has exhausted all sick and/or personal days and began her unpaid
leave of absence on May 9, 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.
B.
Rachael L. Cohick, full-time administrative support at the high school,
extension of an unpaid medical leave, effective May 12, 2006, through June 9,
2006. Ms. Cohick has exhausted all sick and/or personal days and is not
eligible for leave under the Family Medical Leave Act at this time.
C.
Amy R. Boatman, part-time instructional support aide at Round Hills Elementary
School, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective June 8-9, 2006.
D.
Sheila M. Chaapel, school bus driver for the District, unpaid leave for
personal reasons, effective for April 5, 2006, and April 20-21, 2006.
E.
Lisa R. Kelchner, full-time instructional support aide at Curtin Middle School,
unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on May 12, 2006.
8.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE CONT’D:
F.
Deborah L. McCollum, full-time instructional support aide at the Alternative
Education School, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective June 8-9, 2006.
G.
Lisa M. Peacock, general food service worker at Roosevelt Middle School, unpaid
leave for personal reasons, effective May 5, 2006 (full day) and May 8, 2006
(¼ day).
H.
Darlene R. Wesneski, general food service worker at Round Hills Elementary
School, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one-half (½) day
only on May 4, 2006.
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Consider the election of the following staff, for the purpose and on the date
indicated:
A.
The following Technology Education teachers at the high school as production
printers, effective June 10, 2006, at the rate established in the Agreement by
and between the Board of Directors of the Williamsport Area School District and
the Williamsport Education Association ($21.20 per hour before 07/01/06;
$21.86 per hour after 07/01/06):
Randy R. Knipe
5847 Daugherty’s Run Rd., Linden
David E. Gephart
5785 Daugherty’s Run Rd., Linden
B.
The following as part-time printer’s helpers, at the salary rates
indicated, for the actual number of hours worked, effective June 10, 2006:
Todd R. Bosch
2305 Fairview Terrace, Williamsport $5.65 per hour
Graydon J. Root
2012 Roosevelt Ave., Williamsport $5.65 per hour
C.
Consider approving the following staff members at Summer School Teachers for
3½
hours per day, 5 days per week, plus one 30 minute building meeting each week
beginning July 10 through August 4, 2006 at the rate of $26.22 per hour plus
appropriate benefits, plus up to two staff development days at $90/day. All
costs are budgeted under Title I.
Ritter, Sandra S.
21 Overhill Rd., Williamsport
(replacing Ami McChesney, withdrew from summer school program)
D.
Wanda K. Buck, 1462 Hughes Rd., Trout Run, as Summer School Librarian at
Cochran Elementary School, for 3½ hours per day, 5 days per week, plus one
30
minute building meeting each week beginning July 10 through August 4, 2006 at
the
rate of $26.22 per hour plus appropriate benefits, plus one staff development
day at $90/day. All costs are
budgeted under Sheridan Project Grant.
8.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
E.
Karen R. Miller, 925 Franklin St., Williamsport, as a Health Room Technician
for
the Elementary/Middle School Summer School Programs, effective July 10, 2006,
through August 4, 2006 (up to 3½ hours per day), plus one date
professional
development before program start at the current contract rate. All costs are
budgeted under Sheridan Project Grant.
F.
Kathy M. Shirey, 503 Eden St., Jersey Shore, as administrative support staff
for the
Summer School Program at Jackson Elementary School, effective July 10, 2006,
through August 4, 2006 (up to 4 hours per day), plus one day to cover office
during
professional development day, at the current contract rate. All costs are
budgeted under Sheridan Project Grant.
G.
The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $6.25 per
hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective May 17, 2006:
Beth L. Getgen
2187 Mosser Ave., Williamsport
H.
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:
James F. Barner
P.O. Box 635, Jersey Shore
I.
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:
Nicole L. Gordon
1063 West Fourth St., Apt. 1-W, Williamsport
Matthew S. Kern
57 Ravine Drive, Williamsport (effective 05/15/06)
Angela M. Lutz
822 Franklin St., Williamsport
J.
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:
Michelle R. Rentzel
502 Troy Rd., Cogan Station (effective 05/15/06)
K.
Madeline T. Bird as Treasurer of the Williamsport Area School District for a
term of one year, effective July 1, 2006.
Section 404 of the Public School Code of 1949, as amended, established a one-
year term of office for the Treasurer. Madeline Bird is the Controller/Tax
Officer, effective July 1, 2006. That position includes the duties of
Treasurer.
8.4*
POSITION CHANGES - Consider approving the following position changes:
A.
Michele L. Brobst, 1236 Towncrest Rd., Williamsport, from Health & Physical
Education teacher at Curtin Middle School to Dean of Students at Cochran
Elementary School, effective August 15, 2006, at a salary of 64,414 plus
benefits as provided under the terms of the Act 93 Compensation Plan. Ms.
Brobst is currently continuing her education to obtain principal certification
(replacing David Michaels, transferred to Principal).
B.
Amie L. Palmer, 304 South Pine Run Rd., Linden, from a general food service
worker (2 hours daily) at the high school, to a general food service worker (3
hours daily) at the high school, with a base wage rate of $10.19 per hour,
effective August 28, 2006 (replacing Phyllis Capps, resigned).
8.5 SALARY CORRECTION
A.
Please approve the following correction to an item originally approved on the
March 7, 2006 agenda: 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
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 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)
10.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Questions may be directed to Dr. Lowery.
10.1*
Consider approving the following student trips:
A.
Forty (40) law students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by
their teachers, to travel to the Federal Building during May 2006 to observe a
court sentencing and to meet with court employees. 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.
10.1*
Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:
B.
Forty-five (45) second grade students from Sheridan Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Camp Susque
(Trout Run) during June 2006 for to participate in outdoor activities.
Students eligible to participate will not have received more than two pink
slips, detention, Saturday School assignments, or suspensions between May 1 and
the date of the trip.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Sheridan
PTO.
C.
Six (6) health occupations students from the Williamsport Area High School,
accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Sanders Mortuary during May or June
2006 as part of their unit on death and dying. 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.
There will be no cost to the District. The students will be transported by
their teacher.
D.
Twenty-six (26) food service students from the Williamsport Area High School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Ichiban’s during May 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).
The cost of the students’ lunches will be paid from tips earned from the
Millionaire Café.
E.
Approximately 100 physics students from the Williamsport Area High School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Knoebel’
s Grove Amusement Park during May 2006 to conduct physics experiments.
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 due to the fact that
district transportation was unavailable that day due to the number of trips.
One substitute will be required for half the day.
F.
Ten (10) Roosevelt Middle School students, accompanied by their librarian and a
parent volunteer, to travel to the Taber Museum and Bonanza during June 2006
as a reward for being a top AR point earner. Students eligible to participate
must be in compliance with the school’s field trip disciplinary
requirements in order to participate.
The students will be transported by River Valley Transit. All costs will be
paid by the Roosevelt PTO.
10.2
Consider approving the following request for facility use:
A.
Saint John’s School of the Arts to use the auditorium at the Williamsport
Area
High School on June 20 and 29 and July 6, 11, 18 and 27, 2006, from 6:00 p.m.
to
8:30 p.m. to hold youth wind
ensemble rehearsal. St. John’s is requesting relief of the
occupancy fee estimated at $300.00. Certificate of Insurance on file.
B.
Dr. June Baskin Visual Arts Fund Project/Williamsport Foundation to use the Art
Room at Curtin Middle School, June 19 through June 23, 2006, from 8:30 a.m. to
1:00 p.m. to hold an Art Camp for county students. The Foundation is
requesting
relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $75.00. Certificate of Insurance on
file.
C.
Williamsport Symphony to use the auditorium at Curtin Middle School (in case of
inclement weather) on June 23, July 9, July 23, August 6 and 20, 2005 from 4:00
p.m.
until 8:30 p.m. to hold various concerts (scheduled for Brandon Park). The
Williamsport Symphony is requesting relief of the occupancy fees estimated at
$200.00. Custodial fees will be paid by the Williamsport Symphony.
Certificate of Insurance on file.
10.3
Consider approving the filing of an application for participation in the Summer
Food Service Program.
Reimbursement is based on the actual cost or maximum reimbursement per meal
which ever
is less. Additional reimbursement is provided to offset administrative costs.
The Summer Food Service Program meal preparation is proposed for Jackson
Elementary.
Breakfast will be distributed for the WASD Sheridan Grant and Title I Program
at Cochran
Elementary School, Jackson Elementary School, Curtin Middle School, Lycoming
Valley Middle School and Roosevelt Middle School.
Lunch and snack will be distributed to YWCA.
Breakfast and snack will be distributed to The Center.
Breakfast and lunch will be distributed to Roosevelt Camp Ophelia.
11. BIDS/CONTRACTS
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson.
11.1
Consider authorizing a change in plan administrators from the Bencor National
Plan to the
AIG Variable Annuity Life Insurance Company (VALIC) for the District’s
403(b) Special
Pay Plan and authorize the execution of the related documents.
11.2
Consider approving the Lycoming County Insurance Consortium Trust Agreement
amended as of April 6, 2006 and effective as of July 1, 2006.
11. BIDS/CONTRACTS CONT’D:
11.3
Consider appointing the Business Administrator as the Trustee to represent the
Williamsport
Area School District in the Lycoming County Insurance Consortium.
11.4
Consider appointing the Director of Human Resources as the Alternate Trustee to
represent
the Williamsport Area School District, in the absence of the Business
Administrator, in the
Lycoming County Insurance Consortium.
11.5
Consider awarding a three-year contract with Jostens Publishing Company for the
printing
of the 2007, 2008 and 2009 LaMemoire yearbook at a cost of $25,500, $26,265 and
$27,052. Three sealed bids were received and Jostens was the low bid.
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.
AGENDA
SchoolK
1
2
3
4
5
Totals
Cochran
46
4
33
3
23Hepburn
3
33
3
33
18
Jackson
4
54
4
44
25
R. Hills
2
22
2
22
12
Sheridan
2
22
2
22
12Stevens
3
33
2
33
17
Totals
1918
17
1717
17
107
May 18
Professional Development Inservice Day at Cochran, Hepburn-
May 18 Employment Steering Committee meeting 4:00 pm
May 18 ETAC meeting 6:30 pm
May 19
WASD District-Wide Professional Development Inservice Day
May 19 Diversity Day Celebration 5:00 pm
May 26-29 Memorial Day Holiday (students will not be in school)
June 6 WASD School Board meeting at WAHS 6:00 pm
$74,936
$78,791 (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,
pending
receipt of Principal certification (replacing Kevin Harris, transferred).
