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 17, 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., James E. Temple, Lois T. Williams,
Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: None
INVOCATION – Silent Reflection
Mr. Jay Shultz read the first district belief statement.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Special Meetings - December 19, 2005 and January 10, 2006
Regular Meeting - January 3, 2006
Student Representatives’ Report – Kellen Yegel
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. Congratulations to the Williamsport Area High School Classes of 2006, 2007, and 2008,
and the Student Government Association for sharing the holiday season with their fellow district students and the greater Williamsport community by providing turkeys, gifts and trees. This was a wonderful experience for the students as well as the adults.
The groups are represented as follows tonight:
Class of 2006 Class of 2007
Alycia Haynes Teresa Bresticker
Lindsay Weitzel Chelsea Weaver
Tom Bauman, Advisor Jeanne Yaggi, Advisor
Class of 2008 Student Government Association
Jessica Fry Destiny Preitz
Brian Mextorf Kellen Yegel
Steve Wiser, Advisor Rod Morgans, Advisor
B. The Pennsylvania Art Education Association has named Sharon Cressinger as the Pennsylvania Elementary Art Educator of the Year. The distinguished award was given at the annual PAEA Conference in State College on October 21, 2005. Awardees are selected through a competitive process which seeks individuals who demonstrate excellence in teaching and service to the profession.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
C. Congratulations to Lycoming Valley Middle School, specifically Amy Bolt and Mitzi Burget, for coordinating efforts to “adopt” a school in Mississippi as a part of the school’s Keystone Healthy Zone Walk-a-Thon. The Mississippi school, which was ravaged by Hurricane Katrina, was given financial support, as well as emotional support (i.e., e-mails, letters, etc.), by the Lycoming Valley Middle School students and staff.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. School Director Recognition Month Presentation
B. Technology Contracts
C. Data Driven Decision Making
D. Fiber Network Presentation - James Dougherty, Scott Moll and Clay Weaver
E. Calendar of Events
January 18 Site-Based Management Coordinating Council Meeting CANCELED
January 18 WASD Education Foundation meeting 5:30pm
January 19 Employment Steering Committee meeting 4:00 pm
January 19 ETAC meeting 6:30 pm
January 20 End of First Semester
January 23 Secondary Alternative Education Committee meeting 4:00 pm
February 3 Roosevelt Middle School Professional Development Inservice Day
February 6 Elementary Alternative Education Committee meeting 4:00 pm
February 7 WASD School Board meeting 6:00 pm
F. On display in the Dr. June Baskin Gallery: WASD Scholastic Art 2005
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mrs. Markle reported on the PSBA Leadership Conference held in Hershey. She indicated that she has information to distribute to the Board. She also stated that she will be going to Washington, DC for leadership training in two weeks.
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Shultz, to approve the balance of the agenda including the minutes and addendum excluding item 7.1 on the addendum concerning Board Policy #233 and items 12.2 and 12.3 concerning bids and contracts.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
Construction Projects
FINANCE REPORT
6.1 Approve budget transfers for FY06, dated January 9, 2006 as presented in accordance with Section 609 of the Public School Code of 1949, as amended:
6.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 01/17/06 in the amount of $1,465,114.84, 01/17/06A in the amount of $3,344,637.73, 01/17/06B in the amount of $21,955.25, 01/17/06C in the amount of $9,000.00, 01/17/06D in the amount of $1,144.37, 01/17/06E in the amount of $213,854.99, 01/17/06F in the amount of $19,252.17, 01/17/06G in the amount of $83,257.86 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 01/17/06, 01/17/06A, 01/17/06B, 01/17/06C, 01/17/06D, 01/17/06E, 01/17/06F and 01/17/06G.
6.3 Approve the Schedule of Short-Term Investments through December 31, 2005.
6.4 Elect G. Kent Bittner and W. Ragnar (Rusty) Franzen to a five-year term as members
of the Williamsport Area Joint School Authority.
BOARD POLICY
7.1 Motion made by Mrs. Mahaffey, seconded by Mr. Shultz, to approve the first reading Policy #233, "Suspension and Expulsion."
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
CURRICULUM REPORT
8.1 Approve BLaST IU 17, to provide 3 days of professional development on Differentiated Instruction to the Stevens Elementary School teachers. Some of the topics will include: Introduction to Tiered Lessons, Classroom Management in a Differentiated Classroom, Student Self-Reflection, Anchor Activities. The training will occur during one full day of professional development (September, 2006) and four half days (October, November, December, 2006). The structure of the half days will provide time for team teaching, model lessons, observations, and feedback. If needed, up to 6 substitute days are being requested. The substitutes would permit a team of teachers to meet with the trainer on the follow up days. The approximate cost is $2,500 to cover the IU fee and substitutes and will be funded through the FY07 ACCESS budget.
8.2 Approve a new AP European History Curriculum document. The document contains all required components and has been reviewed and approved for submission to the Board by the Curriculum and Instruction Council and the Assistant Superintendent.
8.3 Approve a modification to the September 6, 2005 Board Agenda item 8.4. to include paying a second consultant for an inservice about curricular adaptations to assist all students to succeed presented at Round Hills Elementary School. This request does not increase the cost or payments, but simply divides the payment between the two consultants - Carla Auten and Geneva Peck, both retired special education teachers at $200 each. $300 of the approxi-mate cost will be paid out of the Assistant Superintendent's general fund professional development budget number 10-2271-329-000-00-000-000-017-0000 and $100 by the Round Hills PTO.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
8.4 Approve the District Calendar for the 2006-07 school year.
8.5 Approve as part of the district's annual testing cycle, the PSSA High School Practice
Test-10, created by the Standard Test Scoring Company, Cherry Hill, New Jersey. The test mimics the Pennsylvania System of School Assessments (PSSA's) given annually to juniors across the Commonwealth, and is benchmarked on Pennsylvania standards and anchors in both Language Arts and Mathematics. Given during our annual test week to sophomores, the machine-scored and reader-scored test will provide excellent practice for our tenth graders in a format that replicates the important junior year test, and will provide superior diagnostic data that can be used to focus instruction for the remainder of the sophomore year and the junior year with each student. Students will also be provided with abundant information about their performance on the mimic test. Additionally, the mathematics results will be used, in part, to place students performing below the proficient level on these sophomore tests into a specifically-designed, year-long, one credit junior PSSA Mathematics course beginning in SY 2006-07 intended to boost the Mathematics scores of these students on the PSSA's in the spring of 2007. Funding for the purchase of these tests and the scoring thereof is provided at no cost to the district through Project 720 funding.
8.6 Approve the following Lock Haven University Courses as additions to the Dual Enrollment Course Catalog previously approved by the board of education as part of the agreement between the University and the Williamsport Area High School. The requested courses are World History II (LHU HIST 102), which would serve as the equivalent to the WAHS course Modern World History H (DE) (10309); and Law and Society (LHU POLSCI 381), which would serve as the equivalent to either the WAHS course Sociology (DE) (10519) or Psychology (DE) (10619). In accordance with the Dual Enrollment Agreement, each course would be recorded for WAHS purposes as carrying 1.0 credits at a 1.4 level of difficulty. Costs for these courses are paid for through the Dual Enrollment Grant. The only cost to the student would be for textbook costs in excess of $80.00.
PERSONNEL REPORT
9.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Elizabeth A. Rager, as Middle School Lead Assistant Girls Basketball Coach at Curtin Middle School, for personal reasons, effective January 4, 2006. (Ms. Rager will continue as a special education teacher at the high school.)
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Nicole L. Lee, full-time instructional aide at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, for prorated leave, effective January 13, 2006, through April 6, 2006.
Ms. Lee has exhausted all sick and/or personal days and will begin her Family Medical Leave on January 13, 2006, which entitles the employee to health insurance for a maximum of 12 weeks, but is without pay (for the ½ day applied to the leave) or any other benefits for the time applied to the leave.
B. Linda L. McManus, full-time instructional aide at the high school, for an unpaid medical leave on an intermittent basis (as needed), effective January 17, 2006, to care for a family member.
Mrs. McManus will attempt to schedule absences in advance (when possible). Mrs. McManus will be entitled to health insurance for a maximum period of time equivalent to 12 weeks under the Family Medical Leave Act, but is without pay or any other benefits.
C. Judith A. Smith, school bus driver for the District, for an unpaid medical leave, effective January 19, 2006, through January 27, 2006, possibly to return sooner.
Ms. Smith is currently utilizing sick and/or personal days and will begin her unpaid leave of absence on January 19, 2006, which will be taken under the Family Medical Leave Act, which entitles the employee to health insurance for a maximum of 12 weeks, but is without pay or any other benefits.
D. Russell K. Stout IV, full-time security at the high school, for an unpaid medical leave on an intermittent basis (as needed), effective January 13, 2006, through February 5, 2006 to care for a family member.
Mr. Stout will attempt to schedule absences in advance (when possible). Mr. Stout will be entitled to health insurance for a maximum period of time equivalent to 12 weeks under the Family Medical Leave Act, but is without pay or any other benefits.
E. Wayne L. Hepler, school bus driver for the District, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on January 6, 2006.
F. Rhonda J. Lewis, general food service worker at the high school, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on January 31, 2006.
G. Tammy L. Parsons, general food service worker at Roosevelt Middle School, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective January 18, 2006, through February 1, 2006.
9.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
H. Judith I. Mace, general food service worker at Lycoming Valley Middle School, unpaid leave for planned vacation, effective February 9, 2006, through
March 1, 2006.
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Sarah Schuman Moore, P.O. Box 83, McEwensville 17749, extension as a long-term substitute teacher, effective through the end of the second semester of the 2005-2006 school term (tentative ending date of June 9, 2006), unless terminated sooner, as a Guidance Counselor at Jackson Elementary School, at a salary rate of Step 1, master’s, $41,300, prorated. Ms. Moore holds a bachelor’s degree from Bloomsburg University and a master’s degree from Gallaudet University and is certified in Elementary School Counselor (replacing Terry Kline, on medical leave). Ms. Moore has filled this position during the first semester of the 2005-2006 school year.
B. Betsy G. Yost, 1347 Rose Valley Rd., Cogan Station, extension as a long-term substitute teacher, effective through the end of the second semester of the 2005-2006 school term (tentative ending date of June 9, 2006), unless terminated sooner, to teach Special Education at Lycoming Valley Middle School, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor’s, $38,300 (+ $200), prorated. Ms. Yost holds a bachelor’s degree from Lock Haven University and is certified in Mentally and/or Physically Handicapped (replacing Susan McCusker, on sabbatical leave). Ms. Yost has filled this position during the first semester of the 2005-2006 school year.
C. Todd M. Nagy, 618 Third Ave., Williamsport, as a long-term substitute teacher, effective for the second semester of the 2005-2006 school term (scheduled start date is January 23, 2006) through the end of the 2005-2006 school term (tentative ending date of June 9, 2006), unless terminated sooner, to teach Special Education at the high school, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor’ ;s, $38,300 (+ $200), prorated. Mr. Nagy holds a bachelor’s degree from Lock Haven University and is certified in Special Education N-12 (replacing Susan McGehean, on unpaid maternity leave) [authorize Superintendent to sign MOU].
D. The following persons for work on middle school musical productions at the rates listed in accordance with the 2002-2007 Agreement by and between the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District and the Williamsport Education Association:
Lycoming Valley Middle School - “Alladin”
Douglas S. Gordon $1,105
Wenda K. Lockcuff $ 862
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
D. The following persons for work on middle school musical productions at the rates listed cont’d:
Curtin Middle School - “How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying”
Marisa S. Hickey $ 951
Stefanie M. Kauffman $ 862
Roosevelt Middle School - “Honk”
Robert L. Hickey $ 951
Maureen M. Richards $ 862
E. The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $6.25 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective date as indicated:
Shanna M. Breen 917 Almond St., Williamsport (effective 01/04/06)
F. The following substitute teachers, subject to assignment by the Superintendent of Schools, at the salary and/or daily rates as established by Board policy, and only for the actual number of hours assigned and worked:
Victoria L. Bigelow 198 Duffey Rd., Linden
Tammie L. Christian 409 Hazel Alley, Jersey Shore
Amber L. Perry 1780 Fredna Ave., Williamsport
Julie M. Pentico 1356 Mansel Ave., Williamsport
Monica J. Rupert 711 Bellefonte Ave., Lock Haven
G. The following substitute administrative support/aides, subject to assignment by the Superintendent of Schools, at the hourly rates as established by Board policy, and only for the actual number of hours assigned and worked:
Melissa C. Johnson 794 Kinley Rd., Williamsport
Davetta F. Mosier 1230 Eckard Rd., Cogan Station
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:
Daniel L. Carpenter 1251 Aubrey Ct., Williamsport
Andrea P. Pulizzi 101 Parkwood St., Williamsport
9.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
I. Kelley A. Coledo, 4809 Lycoming Creek Rd., Cogan Station, as a long-term substitute teacher, effective for the second semester of the 2005-2006 school term (scheduled start date is January 23, 2006) through the end of the 2005-2006 school term (tentative ending date of June 9, 2006), unless terminated sooner, to teach Special Education at Lycoming Valley Middle School, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor’s, $38,300 (+ $200), prorated. Ms. Coledo holds a bachelor’s degree from Penn State University and is certified in Special Education N-12 (replacing Sarah Bohnert, on sabbatical leave).
J. The following person(s) as students for work in the locations indicated through the Work-Based Learning (Cooperative Education) Program at the high school (program originally approved by Board on 09/21/04), effective January 23, 2006, for up to fifteen (15) hours per week for the remainder of the 2005-2006 school year (tentative scheduled through June 9, 2006), at the hourly minimum wage rate with legally mandated benefits only:
JoAna Riedy 160 Laurel Run Circle, Williamsport Curtin M.S.
9.4* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position changes:
A. CANDIDATE WITHDREW - Ranay Hennessy, 126 Harvest Moon Park, Linden, from a substitute food service worker to a general food service worker (3 hours daily) at Roosevelt Middle School, with a base wage rate of $9.79 per hour, effective January 18, 2006 (replacing Bobbi Jo Kuhns, transferred).
9.5 CONTRACTED SERVICES
A. Approve Group Long-Term Disability Insurance rate of proposal of $6.07 per month (composite rate) per eligible employee by Lafayette Life Insurance Company administrated through R. L. Strawn Associates, Inc., 3133 Chestnut St., Camp Hill 17011-4529, effective January 1, 2006, and the first month’s deposit of $4,921.00 payable to Lafayette Life Insurance and authorize the Board President to sign the agreement. This change is necessary due to the inability to come to an agreement on a rate structure with the previous carrier. This benefit is covered under the collective bargaining agreements. The administration will continue to review other alternatives on an individual basis or through the consortium.
9.6 OTHER
A. Authorize payment to Spring M. Moore, 1133 Market St., Williamsport, English teacher at the high school, for 20 hours of PSSA Remediation instruction,
June 7-11, 2004, at the rate of $23.91 per hour (the effective rate at that time). Administrators have confirmed that Ms. Moore provided the services, but authorization for payment was not submitted.
B. Authorize payment to Wenda K. Lockcuff, 83 Hillcrest Drive, Cogan Station, English teacher at Lycoming Valley Middle School, as a Blended Schools teacher for 2005-2006 (10/18/05 agenda authorizing Blended School teacher rate of $150 for each student enrolled) and authorize payment of up to two hours preparation work for approved Blended schools teachers who had students enroll, but who then subsequently withdrew from the Blended Schools Program.
C. Authorize payment to Marguerite Anderson-Royal, 685 Mark Avenue, Williamsport, to provide one-on-one instruction for an eligible special education student at the rate of $25.43 per hour up to three (3) hours per week, effective January 12, 2006, for as long as needed but not to exceed the remainder of the 2005-2006 school term. The need for these services will be reviewed at the end of February, 2006 (funded through ACCESS).
D. Authorize payment to Sue H. Duncan, 1182 Matthews Rd., Trout Run, to provide one-on-one instruction for an eligible special education student at the rate of $25.43 per hour up to 15 hours per week, effective January 17, 2006, not to exceed for the remainder of the 2005-2006 school term. These services will be reviewed by the appropriate IEP team (funded through ACCESS).
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. Approximately 140 students from Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the YMCA during January 2006 as a reward for meeting their second marking period Accelerated Reader goal. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended or assigned to Saturday School within 30 days prior to the trip. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Hepburn-Lycoming PTO.
11.1* Approve the following student trips cont’d:
B. Sixty-six (66) fifth grade students from Cochran Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Washington, D.C. on a Saturday during May 2006. The students will have an opportunity to visit the National Zoo and various memorials. Students eligible to participate will not have received a pink slip and will not have been suspended or assigned to Saturday School or detention during the month prior to the trip. Students not meeting the criteria may be permitted to attend at the discretion of the principal. Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. Costs will be paid by the Cochran School Association and student fundraisers.
C. Eight (8) students from Lycoming Valley Middle School accompanied by their teacher and a parent volunteers, to travel to the Little League Complex in South Williamsport during February 2006 to take place in a MathCounts Competition. Students eligible to participate must be in compliance with the school’s field trip disciplinary requirements. The students will be transported by their teacher and the parent volunteer. One substitute will be required for the day.
D. Approximately (4) students from Lycoming Valley Middle School, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Harrisburg for two days during March 2006 to participate in the State MathCounts Competition. Students eligible to participate must be in compliance with the school’s field trip disciplinary requirements. The students will be transported by their teacher. Approximately costs of $170 will be from the Mathematics Department Budget.
E. Fifty (50) second grade students from Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Williamsport Area High School during February 2006 to visit the planetarium. District transportation is requested (1-1100-519-000-10-250-000-043-0000).
11.2 Approve the following request for facility use:
A. Special Olympics of Lycoming County to use the swimming pool at the Williamsport High School on Thursdays, beginning February 16 through June 8, 2006 from 6:15 pm until 9:00 pm for aquatics instruction. The Special Olympics is requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $800.00. Certificate of Insurance to be received.
B. District #4 softball umpires to use the gymnasium, and room A-124 at the Williamsport High School on Sunday, March 12, 2006 from 7:30 am until 4:00 pm to hold a clinic. District #4 Umpires are requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $65.00. Labor fees to be paid by District #4. Certificate of Insurance to be received.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
12.1* Award a contract to the following for reconditioning football equipment in accordance with our specifications and their bid. All recommended awards are based upon the lowest bid meeting our specifications.
All bids were received on Tuesday, November 1, 2005 and were opened publicly in the District Service Center.
CONTRACTOR BID
Ace Cleaners & Reconditioners Inc., $14.45/per helmet* $9.89/per shoulder pad*
Washington, PA
Circle Systems Group, Easton, PA $20.75/per helmet $9.75/per shoulder pad
Riddell/All American, Elyria, OH $15.99/per helmet* $8.95/per shoulder pad*
*New parts are not included in this price.
RECOMMENDED AWARD:
Circle Systems Group, Easton, PA $20.75/per helmet $9.75/per shoulder pad
12.2 Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to authorize the execution of a Letter of Agency for Funding Years 2006-2010 (July 1, 2006 through June 30, 2011) for the BLaST Intermediate Unit 17 Regional Wide Area Network AND
12.3 Authorize a Service Agreement with the BLaST Intermediate Unit 17 governing the terms and conditions of the Regional Wide Area Network for the period of July 1, 2006 through
June 30, 2011.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
12.4 Authorize an agreement with Edward Lyon, Jr. of 54 Roderick Road, governing the terms and conditions of the loan of Cochran family memorabilia to the District to be Displayed at the Cochran Elementary School.
12.5 Authorize a resolution concerning the District Section 125 plan incorporating a two month and fifteen day grace period to the plan year as recently authorized by the Internal Revenue Service.
TAX ITEMS - None
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mrs. Harris requested a report on out of school suspensions for middle and high school students.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS CONT’D:
Mr. Zimmerman and Mrs. Markle reported on the new PSBA policy on Board Governance Standards and Code of Conduct. They support this initiative and requested that it be placed on the next agenda for consideration of adoption.
Mrs. Williams and Mr. Stone reported on the recent City Council meeting that some of our students attended to advocate for our School Resource Officer (SRO). They indicated that they were proud of our students. They encouraged other board members to communicate with City Council members to advocate for our SRO.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC - None
President Stone announced that an executive session to discuss terms and conditions of employment for one or more District employees and to receive legal advice from an attorney would be held following the meeting.
Upon motion made by Mrs. Mahaffey, seconded by Mrs. Markle and carried the meeting adjourned at 8:23 p.m.
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary