The Regular Meeting of the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District of which all members were duly notified and of which due public notice was given as required by Act 84 of 1986, was held on Tuesday evening, January 3, 2006, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Board of Directors’ Room, District Service Center, 201 West Third Street, Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
The President, David B. Stone, Jr., called the meeting to order with the following members:
PRESENT: Karen V. Harris, David A. Huffman, Susan A. Mahaffey, Pamela J. Markle,
Jay B. Shultz, David B. Stone, Jr., Lois T. Williams, Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: James E. Temple
INVOCATION – Silent Reflection
Mrs. Lois Williams read the ninth district belief statement.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Organizational and Regular Meeting of December 6, 2005 - Approved with omnibus motion. (Mr. Huffman requested that the reorganization minutes should not reflect that he is a member of the Finance Committee because he is not able to attend meetings during the time the committee is scheduled to meet).
Student Representatives’ Report – None
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – None
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Ninth Grade Academy Presentation—Mr. Steve Huddy, Williamsport Area High School Principal; Miss Phyllis Sieber, WAHS Guidance and Mrs. Dana Schenck-Welshans, WAHS
Learning Support Teacher.
B. Calendar of Events
January 9
Diversity Committee Meeting --12:00 pm
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
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mr. Huffman stated that there was a very active Diversity Committee meeting. The committee broke into groups and worked on ideas to improve student achievement and ideas to involve more people.
Construction Projects - None
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to approve the balance of the agenda including the addendum and minutes.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
FINANCE REPORT
6.1 Approve 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* Authorize 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.
BOARD POLICY – None
CURRICULUM REPORT
8.1 Approve an additional Act 80 Professional Development Day for Jackson Elementary School on May 18, 2006.
8.2 Approve 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.
8.3 Approve 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 Approve 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 Approve the WAHS/Lock Haven University Dual Enrollment College Course Catalog for the Spring Semester, 2006.
8.6 Approve 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.
PERSONNEL REPORT
9.1 RESIGNATIONS - None at this time
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE - Approve 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.
C. Marian Griffith, regular school bus driver for the District, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one-half day only on November 7, 2005 (½ day).
D. Douglas C. Kinley, regular school bus driver for the District, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one-half day only on December 15, 2005 (½ PM).
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect 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).
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
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).
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
Curtin Middle School
K. Coleen Good 64 Maple Ave., Williamsport
Gregory P. Kinley 75 Cider Press Rd., Apt. 4, Lock Haven
Maria N. Pulizzi 1311 Elmira St., Williamsport
Heather M. Vogt 1027 Mulberry St., Williamsport
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
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 January 4, 2006:
Debra L. Vanemon 681 Fourth Ave., Williamsport
Debra Fedroff 192 Keller Loop, 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)
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
K. 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:
Sarah A. Brion 921 Route Rd., Liberty
Taryn E. Deitrick 337 Union Ave., Williamsport
L. 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:
Debra Fedroff 192 Keller Loop, Williamsport
9.4* POSITION CHANGES - Approve 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. Authorize 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).
C. Resolution of the Williamsport Area Support Personnel (dated 09/16/03) grievance in the amount of $750.00 (including arbitrator’s cancellation fee).
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
10.1 RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Approve 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.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
11.1* Approve 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.
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.
11.1* Approve the following student trips cont’d:
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.
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.
11.1* Approve the following student trips cont’d:
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.
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* Approve 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.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
12.1 Authorize 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.
TAX ITEMS
13.1 Approve the following tax summaries:
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS - None
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC - None
Upon motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Harris and carried the meeting adjourned at 6:59 p.m.
___________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary