Board of Directors Meeting
6:00 p.m.
AGENDA

Board of Directors Meeting

W illiamsport A rea

S chool D istrict

Board of Directors Meeting

June 20, 2006

6:00 p.m.

6:00 p.m.

AGENDA

AGENDA

1. CALL TO ORDER

2. OPENING EXERCISES – Mr. James Dugan

SILENT REFLECTION

DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN BELIEF STATEMENT # 2

We believe that students, parents and community, along with school district personnel share the responsibility for education.

PSBA EFFECTIVE SCHOOL GOVERNANCE STANDARD 2 ( d )

The Williamsport Area School Board will model responsible governance and leadership by adopting and acting in accordance with the PSBA Code of Conduct for Members of Pennsylvania School Boards.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE

3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None

4. REPORTS TO THE BOARD

4.1 BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.

4.2 SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.

A. Safe Schools/Safe Communities Update

B. PAGE 1 Presentation - Paul Daniels

C. Calendar of Events

June 21 WASD Education Foundation Meeting 5:30pm
July 4 Holiday
July 11 WASD School Board Meeting 6:00 pm

D. On display in the June B. Baskin Gallery through June is an exhibition of work by students in the WAHS National Art Honor Society, National Junior Art Honor Society and Art Clubs.

4.3 Committee Reports by Board Members

4.4 Construction Projects

A. Consider approving change order H-LV-11 to the contract with R&J Ertel, HVAC Contractor, increasing the contract by $1,293.60 and changing the contract total to $2,002,072.23.

B. Consider approving an agreement with Reynolds Consulting Engineers for Phase 1 HVAC Commissioning Services at the Hepburn Lycoming Elementary School at a cost of $9,555 to be paid with construction funds.

5. FINANCE REPORT

Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson

5.1* Consider approving budget transfers for FY06, dated June 15, 2006 as presented in accordance with Section 609 of the Public School Code of 1949, as amended:

5.2* Consider authorizing payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 06/20/06 in the amount of $366,213.00, 06/20/06A in the amount of $229.49, 06/20/06B in the amount of $161,180.39 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 06/20/06, 06/20/06A, and 06/20/06B.

5.3* Consider approving the following insurance policies for the period of 7/1/06 to 7/1/07:

Property Policy with the Peerless Insurance Company through the Pennsylvania Insurance Consortium for Schools (PICS) at a cost of $67,043. (FY06 PICS $72,732).

B. Automobile Policy with Peerless Insurance Company through the PICS Program at a cost of $37,656. (FY06 PICS $39,851).

C. Worker’s Compensation with Old Republic Insurance Company through Pennsylvania School Boards Association (PSBA) at an estimated cost of $242,985. (FY06 PSBA $238,139).

D. Excess Liability Umbrella Policy with Old Republic Insurance Company through the PSBA at a cost of $22,590. (Unchanged).

E. School Board Legal Liability with the PSBA Trust at a cost of $20,269 and a deductible of $10,000. (FY06 PSBA $19,660).

F. Boiler and Machinery with Cincinnati Insurance Company at a cost of $5,038 (Unchanged).

G. Interscholastic Athletic and Voluntary Student Accident Insurance with AG Administrators, Inc. at a cost of $15,000 (unchanged). The voluntary student accident insurance premium is also unchanged at $28 for school time and $124 for 24-hour coverage.

5. FINANCE REPORT

5.3* Consider approving the following insurance policies for the period of 7/1/06 to 7/1/07 cont’d:

Crime Policy with the Peerless Insurance Company (PICS) at a cost of $2,521

(Unchanged).

I. Inland Marine Policy with the Peerless Insurance Company (PICS) at a cost of $643 (FY06 PICS $843).

J. General Liability Policy with the Peerless Insurance Company (PICS) at a cost of $10,477. (FY06 $8,850 PICS)

5.4 Consider authorizing a June 30, 2006 order for the payment of bills with retroactive Board approval to occur on July 11, 2006.

5.5* Consider adopting the General Fund Budget as summarized below and adopting the following tax levies and resolutions, where appropriate, for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007:

Estimated Beginning Fund Balance $_________

Estimated Reserve for Encumbrance _________

FY06-07 Unrestricted Revenue _________

FY06-07 Restricted Revenue _________

Total Estimated Fund Balance and

Revenue Available for Appropriation $_________

FY06-07 Unrestricted Expenditures $_________

FY06-07 Restricted Expenditures _________

Estimated Encumbrances _________

Total Estimated Expenditures $_________

Estimated June 30, 2007 Fund Balance $_________

Tax levies for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2007:

06/07

Real Property (11.98 mills 05/06) 12.48

Act 511 Taxes

Earned Income* 1½ %

Real Estate Transfer* ½ of 1%

*Real Estate and Earned Income Tax Resolutions

5.6 Consider adopting the attached resolution approving the issuance of up to $4,690,000 principal amount of Tax and Revenue Anticipation Notes, Series of 2006/2007; accepting a purchase proposal for the Notes; authorizing a filing with the Department of Community and Economic Development; and authorizing other related action.

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 IDEA Agreement with the BLaST Intermediate Unit for the 2006-07 school year for the estimated IDEA allocation of $1,273,814.00 to provide programs and services to students with disabilities. This money is used to supplement the provision of special education and related services for eligible school children in order to provide a free, appropriate, public education.

7.2 Consider approving the BLaST IU#17 special education agreement between the Williamsport Area School District and BLaST in the amount of $530,736 for the 2006-07 school year. This contract outlines the services and supports to be provided by the Intermediate Unit to special education students in the Williamsport Area School District. These services will be paid out of the annual IDEA grant at no cost to the District’s general fund.

7.3 Consider approving Stevens Elementary School to apply to become a Primary Literacy Collaborative School through the Literacy Collaborative at Ohio State University. Through this model, a teacher will participate in Literacy Coordinator Training; the training will occur over seven one week periods from August 7, 2006 through June 8, 2007. The approximate total costs for 2006-07 is $45,000. The costs include: Instructional Fees (including 9 quarter hours of Graduate credit), materials, professional development modules, School Support, substitute teacher costs, travel expenses (transportation, lodging, meals, etc.). All costs are budgeted under Title I and Early Literacy Funds.

7.4 Consider approving a contract with L.C.C.C.S. Children’s Development Center to provide physical therapy and occupational therapy services to WASD students for the 2006-07 school year.

7.5 Consider approving the contents for the 2006-07 Sheridan Elementary School Student/Parent Handbook.

7.6 Consider approving a revision to the Instructional II Professional Employee Rating Form that will be used beginning in the 2006-07 school year to replace the PDE-5501 state Professional Employee Rating Form.

7.7 Consider approving the following additional Act 80 Professional Development Days in the 2006-07 WASD School District Calendar for all WASD Elementary Schools: October 6, 2006; November 22, 2006: December 22, 2006; February 9, 2007, May 10, 2007.

7.8 Consider approving a service contract with Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit 13 for $600 honorarium to be paid to WASD for videotaping Cochran Assistant Principal David Michaels about his experiences using PDE PVAAS materials.

7. CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:

7.9 Consider approving the following music teachers for up to four (4) days of music curriculum development to be completed by June 30, 2006: Kent Weaver, Anna Radspinner, Jeff Tedford. Marissa Hickey, Robert Hickey, Doug Gordon.

7.10 Consider approving the PA Assessment Anchors Curricular Supplement to the WAHS English Program, revised February 2006.

7.11 Consider approving the 2006-07 Jackson Elementary School Student/Parent Handbook.

Consider approving IU 17 to provide Reading Apprenticeship training to the faculty of

Curtin Middle School. The training will occur on the following dates: September 22, 2006; October 6, 2006 and November 22, 2006. Additionally, the core Curtin Team that was trained in the Reading Apprenticeship during the spring of 2006 will participate in two days of job-embedded training on September 12th and October 17th. This will prepare the core team to support and help facilitate the whole faculty and other Reading Apprenticeship trainings. The cost of the training is $3,500 ($700 per day) and $360 plus appropriate benefits (approximate cost $41) for substitute teachers. All funds are budgeted under Curtin School Improvement Funds.

7.13 Consider approving IU 17 to provide Reading Apprenticeship training to Curtin, Roosevelt and Lycoming Valley middle level English/Language Arts and Social Studies and appropriate Alternative Education teachers. The training will occur on October 9, 2006 and February 19th, 2007; additionally up to four days of job embedded training (dates to be determined by building principals and Curriculum Supervisor) will be provided. The cost is $4,200 ($700 per day) and $720 plus appropriate benefits (approximately $82) for substitutes. All funds are budgeted under School Improvement Funds.

7.14 Consider approving the 2006-07 Cochran Elementary School Student/Parent Handbook.

7.15 Consider approving a contract with Child Guidance to provide support as outlined in the contract to the WASD Summer School program at Cochran, Jackson and Roosevelt. The cost of the contract is $15,540; all funds are budgeted under the Sheridan Project Grant.

7.16 Consider approving Theodore R. Piwowar, Director of Career and Technical Education, to submit an application to the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the Perkins Local Plan in the amount of $175,226. This represents the 2006-2007 Perkins allocation for the School District. The Williamsport Area School District is authorized to submit an application under the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Applied Technology Education Act of 1998. These funds must be utilized as outlined in the local plan according to Pennsylvania Department of Education regulations.

7.17 Consider approving Aspect Foundation as an approved foreign exchange student program for FY07. Approval is required by WASD School Board Policy #239, " ;Foreign Exchange Students.”

7. CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:

7.18 Consider approving 3 days of curriculum writing for WAHS Family and Consumer Science teachers Deborah Antonetti Hill, Peggy Crawley, and Patricia Schick at the rate of $90 per day per teacher. This activity is funded under the CTE Curriculum Grant with the purpose of aligning the WAHS Child Care curriculum with the Child Development Associate, which is a national skills certification for child care workers. (Budget account number: 10-2271-131-241-30-850-000-033-0006)

7.19 Consider approving Spitz, Inc. to inspect, clean adjust and repair or replace worn parts and recalibrate the HS planetarium on August 22, 23 and 24, 2006. This service, last performed in 2004, is scheduled to occur every two years.

The costs for time, travel and materials are estimated at $4,000 (not including replacement parts or unexpected repairs) and are budgeted in string 10-1100-432-000-30-850-180-027-0000 (FY 07).

7.20 Consider approving Stanley Griggs, science teacher at Williamsport Area High School, to assist a technician from Spitz, Inc. to service the high school planetarium on August 22, 23 and 24, 2006. As in the past, the teacher would work up to three (3) days at a rate equal to the daily substitute rate ($90 per day). Total cost is estimated at $270 and is budgeted in string 10-1100-432-000-30-850-180-027-0000 (FY 07).

7.21 Consider approving Mari Gruber, Bear Mountain Butterflies, to provide a program for students attending the Curtin Middle School Summer Reading Program on Monday, July 17, 2006. Approximate costs for this program will be $355.00 ($250 fee / $105 travel) and have been budgeted under string # 10-1100-610-109-20-550-000-059-0000.

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. David G. Kriner, part-time security officer for the District, for the purpose of retirement, effective July 2, 2006.

RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of David G. Kriner from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for his 7½ years of dedicated service to our school system as a security officer. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.

8. PERSONNEL REPORT CONT’D:

8.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE

Consider approving the following leaves of absence:

A. Thelma J. Eckman, general food service worker at the high school, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective May 30, 2006, and June 5, 2006.

B. Tammy L. Parsons, general food service worker at Roosevelt Middle School, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one-half (½) day only on May 30, 2006.

C. Patrice E. Walters, health room technician at Jackson Elementary and the high school, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on June 2, 2006.

D. Kimberly A. Whittington, general food service worker at the high school, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective June 2, 2006 (1 day) and June 5, 2006 (½ day).

8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF

Consider the election of the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:

A. The Williamsport Area School District extends a conditioned offer of employment to Stephanie A. Armstrong, 22 South Main St., Hughesville, as a temporary professional employee, effective with the 2006-2007 school term (scheduled date is August 24, 2006), to teach Mathematics and Science (6^th grade) at Curtin Middle School, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor’s, $38,750, provided Ms. Armstrong obtains Pennsylvania Department of Education certification and all appropriate documentation by July 21, 2006 (replacing William Reed, transferred to Lycoming Valley replacing Marion Boyd, retired). Ms. Armstrong will also be scheduled to participate in Induction Program activities before the start of the 2006-2007 school term.

B. The following persons to teach high school summer school, effective June 19, 2006, through July 28, 2006 (no classes on July 4, 2006), at the rate established in the Agreement by and between the Board of School Directors and the Williamsport Education Association ($25.43/$26.22 or contract rate):

Leslie L. Whitehill Physical Education 9-12/Health

Jason F. Adams Physical Education 9-12/Health

Jeanne Yaggi English 9 Basic

Amy R. Mahon/Ellen Auchter** English 10 Basic

Kurt P. Schmitt English 11 Basic

Todd M. Nagy English 12 Basic

Robert J. Buck Civics and Multiculturalism (Basic & H*) (9^th)

David R. Ferry/Jennifer L. Bryant Civics and Multiculturalism (Basic & H*) (9^th)

8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF

B. The following persons to teach high school summer school cont’d:

Elizabeth J. Segraves Government & Economics (Basic & H*) (10^th)

James E. Donnell/James H. Burget American History (Basic & H*) (11 ^th)

Thomas M. Copenhaver Modern World History (Basic & H*) (12 ^th)

Terry M. Confair Alegebra I/Plane Geometry

Lawrence J. Flint Alegbra II

* Honors

** Pending receipt of all necessary paperwork for newly hired temporary staff

C. The following employees to provide services indicated as needed for the summer school program at the high school at their current hourly rate unless otherwise indicated, effective June 19, 2006:

Utilize Media Center Staff Audio-Visual Coordinator

Cathy R. Baker Security Officer

Bernadine S. Hess Library Technician

Kimberly I. Matthews Computer Technician

Ann M. Kahler Summer School Program Coordinator

($25.43/$26.22 or contract rate)

D. 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.

Jennifer M. Houseknecht 2424 Fairview Terrace, Williamsport

(replacing Michael Smith, withdrew from summer school program)

Joyce B. Shrimp 163 Willow Rd., Watsontown

(replacing Kay Gibson, withdrew from summer school program)

E. Andrea E. Logan, 1120 Locust St., Montoursville, as a Health Room Technician for the Elementary Summer School Program at Jackson Elementary School, effective July 10, 2006, through August 4, 2006 (up to 3½ hours per day), at the current contract rate. All costs are budgeted under Sheridan Project Grant.

F. Marilyn B. O’Neill, 1860 Kenyon Ave., Cogan Station, special education (speech correction/hearing impaired) teacher at the high school, to provide special education services (compensatory education) to a special education student not to exceed thirty (30) hours total beginning June 19, 2006, to be paid at the rate of $25.43/$26.22 per hour plus appropriate benefits (to be funded through ACCESS, string #10-1200-131-891-30-850-000-004-0006).

8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:

G. Authorize administration to approve sign language tutor for parent of eligible special education student up to 54 hours (completed before August 1, 2006) at the contracted rate (provided under the contract with WASP) or free lance interpreter rate (as necessary) [funded through ACCESS].

H. 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:

George K. Kulp 9 Oldt Drive, Williamsport

Gail L. Maurer 1410 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport

Agnes M. Steppe 73 Walnut Lane, Jersey Shore

I. 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:

Barbara A. Benshaw 309 Union Ave., Williamsport (for summer work)

8.4* POSITION CHANGES - None at this time

8.5 OTHER

A. Consider approving Billie Miller, School Counselor at Round Hills, to provide Olweus Bullying Prevention Program training to the staff of a school in the Central Dauphin School District, the bulk of which will occur during June, 2006. Mrs. Miller is to be compensated at her per diem rate, with salary and all additional costs to be reimbursed by Central Dauphin School District. This process allows Mrs. Miller to complete the certification requirements of the Olweus Program and then to be available to train additional WASD building staff (contact person is David Wright, Director of Student Services).

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. Thirty-six (36) Camp Ophelia students from Roosevelt Middle School, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Pennsylvania College of Technology on two dates during June 2006.

District transportation is requested (10-1490-519-360-00-000-405-519-0006).

B. Thirty-six (36) Camp Ophelia students from Roosevelt Middle School, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Great Escape Theatre on two dates during June 2006.

District transportation is requested (10-1490-519-360-00-000-405-519-0006).

C. Sixty-four (64) Summer Reading Program students from Curtin Middle School, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Montour Preserve for one day in

July 2006.

District transportation is requested (10-1100-519-109-20-550-000-059-0000).

11. BIDS/CONTRACTS - Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson.

11.1 Consider awarding a contract to remove and replace the welding lab ventilation system at the Williamsport Area High School in accordance with our specifications to the following contractor. All recommended awards are based upon the lowest bid meeting our specifications.

All bids were received by 1:30 p.m. and opened publicly in the District Service Center at

2:00 p.m., Thursday, June 15, 2006.

CONTRACTOR BID

C.M.M. Associates, Inc.

PO Box 575

California, PA $101,500.00

Silvertip Inc.

PO Box 50

Lewisburg, PA $72,000.00

RECOMMENDED AWARD:

Silvertip Inc.

PO Box 50

Lewisburg, PA $72,000.00

Six (6) bids were mailed to various contractors however only two (2) bids were received for this project.

11. BIDS/CONTRACTS CONT’D:

11.2 Consider authorizing an agreement with Millersville University to trade a Rockwell engine lathe for a surface grinder. The District has an abundance of engine lathes and is in need of a surface grinder. The value of the surface grinder exceeds that of the lathe. Millersville is splitting the shipping cost, estimated at $400, and WASD will be responsible to have a fork lift available also estimated at a cost of $400. Total estimated cost to WASD is $600.

12. TAX ITEMS - None

Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson.

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.