W illiamsport A rea
S chool D istrict
Board of Directors Meeting
July 11, 2006
6:00 p.m.
AGENDA
1.
CALL TO ORDER
2. OPENING EXERCISES –
Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
SILENT REFLECTION
DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN BELIEF STATEMENT # 3
We believe that direct parental involvement is an asset to each student’s
success.
PSBA EFFECTIVE SCHOOL GOVERNANCE STANDARD 2 (e)
The Williamsport Area School Board will model responsible governance and
leadership by engaging all community stakeholders.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
2.1 SECRETARY PRO TEMPORE
Consider electing Madeline T. Bird as secretary pro tempore for this meeting
due to the absence of Board Secretary Charles E. Peterson, Jr.
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Regular Meetings: March 21, 2006; April 4 and 18, 2006
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.
June 19-July 21
Middle School Remedial Summer School
4.3
Committee Reports by Board Members
4.4 Construction Projects
5. FINANCE REPORT
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson
5.1
Consider approving the following financial reports:
A. Payroll Report:
General Fund – Unrestricted
$3,099,715.72
General Fund – Restricted 284,551.63
Athletics and Extra Curricular
8,516.88 Food Service Fund
68,117.70
Data Processing Fund 8,338.12
Maintenance Fund 35,225.68
Mercantile & Privilege
0.00 Earned Income Tax
36,524.53
Student Activities 0.00
TOTAL
$3,540,990.26
5.2*
Consider authorizing payment of invoices and services rendered by the list
submitted marked Order No. 07/11/06 in the amount of $171,026.28, 07/11/06A in
the amount of $94,093.58, 07/11/06B in the amount of
$137,336.88, 07/11/06C in the amount of $3,434.65, 07/11/06D in the amount of
$686,946.28, 07/11/06E in the amount of $8,000.00, 07/11/06F in the amount of
$279,452.89, 07/11/06G in the amount of $113,126.64, 07/11/06H in the amount of
$90,161.27, 07/11/06I in the amount of $1,348,436.13, 07/11/06J in the amount
of $48,314.30, 07/11/06K in the amount of $1,875.34 and that the officers of
the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 07/11/06,
07/11/06A, 07/11/06B, 07/11/06C, 07/11/06D, 07/11/06E, 07/11/06F, 07/11/06G,
07/11/06H, 07/11/06I, 07/11/06J and 07/11/06K.
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 Stevens Elementary School 2006-07 Student-Parent
Handbook.
7.2
Consider approving an additional Professional Development/Inservice Act 80 Day
in the 2006-07 WASD School District Calendar for Williamsport Area High School
on October 13, 2006.
7.3
Consider approving a change from October 6 to October 13, 2006 of an additional
Professional Development Inservice Act 80 Day in the 2006-07 WASD School
District Calendar for Jackson Elementary School (previously approved for
October 6 on the June 20, 2006 Board Agenda item 7.7).
7.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
7.4
Consider approving Sarah Jane DeHaas, Ph.D., Professor of Education at Juniata
College with extensive background in Special Education during undergraduate and
graduate studies, to present a three-hour Adaptations Workshop for New Teacher
Induction on August 22, 2006. Training in adaptations is required for new
teacher induction by the Professional Development Plan of the Strategic Plan.
Approximate cost of $1,000 is budgeted in ACCESS account number
10-1200-329-891-00-050-000-004-0006.
7.5
Consider authorizing an extension for the Progress Tracker and Service
agreement with Fast ForWord for Jackson Elementary School for the 2006-07
school year. The cost is $3000 and is budgeted under Title I.
7.6
Consider approving Michelle Dixon and Wendy Kelsey for up to 6 days as staff
developers to provide training for incoming Grade K-2 teachers. Compensation
is at the rate of $90 per day and is paid through account number
10-2271-131-000-00-000-000-017-0000.
7.7
Consider approving Michael Cioffi and Katherine Gibson for up to 4 days as
staff developers to provide training for incoming Grade 3-5 teachers.
Compensation is at the rate of $90 per day and is paid through account number
10-2271-131-000-00-000-000-017-0000.
8. PERSONNEL REPORT
Questions may be directed to Debbra Savage, Esq.
8.1 RESIGNATIONS
Consider accepting the following resignations, effective on the dates and for
the purposes indicated:
A.
James A. Kranz, Sr., school bus driver for the District, for the purpose of
retirement, effective July 15, 2006.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School
District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of James A. Kranz,
Sr., from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere
appreciation for his 13 years of dedicated service to our school system as a
school bus driver. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement
will be many and richly rewarding.
B.
Tony C. Birch, instructional support aide for the District, for personal
reasons, effective June 30, 2006.
C.
Malinda E. Sherman, part-time school bus aide, due to medical reasons,
effective
June 29, 2006.
D.
James C. Karnes, substitute custodian/event staff for the District, for
personal reasons, effective June 26, 2006.
8.1 RESIGNATIONS CONT’D:
E.
Louise A. Campana, as teacher for the Elementary Summer School Program, for
personal reasons, effective June 21, 2006. (Ms. Campana will continue as a 4
th grade teacher at Jackson Elementary School.)
8.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Consider approving the following leaves of absence:
A.
Gary R. Litz, part-time custodian at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, unpaid
leave for a planned family vacations, effective July 24-25, 2006, and August
14-18, 2006.
School, for an
unpaid child rearing leave, effective August 24, 2006 through the end of the
first semester of the 2006-2007 school term (tentative ending date of
January 19, 2007).
C.
Jennifer C. Redmon, full-time Social Studies teacher at Roosevelt Middle
School, for an unpaid medical leave, effective August 31, 2006, through
November 22, 2006.
Mrs. Redmon will utilize all available personal days and will begin her unpaid
leave of absence on August 31, 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.
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Consider the election of the following staff, for the purpose and on the date
indicated:
A.
Jacquelyn B. Eberhart, 871 Shadle Rd., Jersey Shore, as a temporary
professional employee, effective with the 2006-2007 school term (scheduled date
is August 24, 2006), to teach Mathematics at the high school, at a salary rate
of Step 2, bachelor’s, $39,300. Mrs. Eberhart holds a bachelor’s
degree from Lock Haven University and is certified in Mathematics (replacing
Kyle Hunter, retired). Mrs. Eberhart will also be scheduled to participate in
Induction Program activities before the start of the 2006-2007 school term.
B.
Veronica R. Hine, 58 Shawnee Drive, Muncy, as a half-time (½) temporary
professional employee, effective with the 2006-2007 school term (scheduled date
is August 24, 2006), to teach Guided Reading at Jackson Elementary School, at
a salary rate of Step 2, bachelor’s, $39,300, prorated to ½ time.
Ms. Hine holds a bachelor’s degree from Lock Haven University and is
certified in Elementary (replacing Tanya Gower, transferred; position revised
to part-time due to reduction in available federal funding). Ms. Hine has
previously participated in Induction Program activities.
8.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
C.
Betsy G. Yost, 1347 Rose Valley Rd., Cogan Station, as a long-term substitute
teacher, effective with the 2006-2007 school term (scheduled date is August 24,
2006) through the end of the first semester of the 2006-2007 school term
(tentative ending date of January 19, 2007), unless terminated sooner, to teach
Special Education at Jackson Elementary School, at a salary rate of Step 1,
bachelor’s, $38,750 (+ $200), prorated. Ms. Yost holds a bachelor’s
degree from Lock Haven University and is certified in Mentally and/or
Physically Handicapped (replacing Jennifer Larson, on unpaid child rearing
leave). Ms. Yost has previously participated in Induction Program activities.
D.
The following people to work in the various adult education programs for the
2006-2007 school year at the salary rate of $26.22 per hour or contract rate,
for the actual number of hours worked. Appoint all full-time and part-time
professional staff in the District to service as substitutes for the Adult
Education programs listed below, for the actual number of hours worked.
Restricted General Fund
Pennsylvania Adult Literacy Program
Kathryn S. Poust
Teacher
Carol L. McMurray Teacher
Frances L. Berry
Substitute Teacher
Linda C. Herr Literacy Council Coordinator
Bruce A. Jones
Assistant Coordinator of Adult Education Program
Adult Basic Education Program
Dianne M. Masten
Teacher
Patricia M. Nicholson Teacher
Bruce A. Jones
Assistant Coordinator of Adult Education Program
General Education Development - Lycoming County Prison Program
Dianne M. Masten
Teacher
Elizabeth J. Seagraves Teacher
Bruce A. Jones
Assistant Coordinator of Adult Education Program
General Education Development Program
James H. Burget
Teacher
Louise A. Campana Teacher
John M. Dick
Teacher
Stephen C. Pfirman Teacher
Jeanne Yaggi
Teacher
Susan E. Murphy Teacher
Janet M. Linderman
Teacher
Joanne M. Thomas Substitute Teacher
Bruce A. Jones
Assistant Coordinator of Adult Education Program
8.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
Restricted General Fund
Family Literacy Program
Martha J. Hunter Teacher
Unrestricted General Fund
Patricia M. Nicholson
Independent Study Co-Supervisor
Janet M. Linderman
Independent Study Co-Supervisor
Susan E. Murphy
Independent Study Co-Supervisor
Extra-Curricular Employment Agreement
Under the provisions of Pennsylvania Act 2002-234, please approve the
extra-curricular employment agreement for the following individuals to work in
the Adult Education Program for the 2006-2007 program year at a salary rate of
$26.22 per hour:
George E. Cook
Teacher - GED Program
Alfred L. Poff
Substitute Teacher - GED Program
Anthony J. Delisi
Supervisor/Coordinator for all of the programs listed above under Restricted
General Fund and as the Coordinator of Adult Education under Unrestricted
General Fund
E.
The following persons to the positions indicated for the 2006-2007 school year
at the rates 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 (all stipends at contracted rates) (pending
completion of all appropriate paperwork*):
WAHS Position
Teacher Stipend
Marching Band Director
Todd L. Kendall $7,593
Marching Band Assistant
Laura C. Weir $3,569
Director I
Marching Band Assistant
Kevin D. Henry $2,658
Director II
Color Guard Coordinator
Mary Jo Mitchell $3,797
Color Guard Assistant
Theresa T. Kendall $1,215
Top Hat Marching Band Director Ryan R. Pritchard
$2,278
Percussion Assistant Vince Knecht *
$1,367
Color Guard Silks Larry S. Johnston, Jr.
$1,215
Strolling Strings Jeffrey M. Tedford
$3,037
8.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
F.
Michelle M. Derrick, 1115 Almond St., Williamsport, instructional support aide
(Library Aide) at Stevens Elementary School, as Coordinator for the Accelerated
Reader (AR) Program at Stevens Elementary School for the 2005-2006 school
term,
at a total annual stipend of $400, funded through Title I (availability of
position and funds to be reviewed annually).
G.
The following staff members as 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 Sheridan Grant:
Georgia A. Grove 1001 Race St., Williamsport
Marie A. Snyder
1111 Creekside Lane, Jersey Shore
(replacing Louise Campana, withdrew from summer school program)
H.
Kenneth T. Harter, 717 Bakers Rd., Trout Run, Maintenance
Specialist/Electrician for the District, as a Backup Sewage Treatment Plant
Operator, at the annual stipend of $600 ($50 per month) for the 2006-2007
school year.
I.
The following person(s) for temporary part-time warehouse positions, effective
during July and August 2006, for up to 8 hours per day or as needed, at the
rates below:
Harry S. Baird
1842 Sweeley Ave., Williamsport $11.54 per hour
Sheila M. Chaapel
716 Third Ave., Williamsport $11.54 per hour
J.
The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $6.25 per
hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective August 29, 2006:
Wendy JoAnn Bowers
1927 Memorial Ave., Williamsport
8.4* POSITION CHANGES
Consider approving the following position changes:
A.
Barbara A. Benshaw, 309 Union Ave., Williamsport, from a full-time
instructional support aide to a full-time Administrative Support II (225 day, 7
hours per day) at the Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, with a base wage
rate of $24,476, prorated ($13.34 per hour), effective August 28, 2006
(replacing Karen Mazzullo, retiring in September 2006).
8.5 COMPENSATION PLANS
A.
Approve the Administrative Compensation Plan (Act 93) and Confidential
Secretaries Compensation Plan for July 1, 2006, through June 30, 2009.
B.
Approve the Executive Administrative Compensation Plan (Option 1 or Option 2)
for July 1, 2006, through June 30, 2007.
8.6 OTHER
A.
Authorize payment to Mrs. Patricia A. Miller, 3755 Rose Valley Rd., Trout Run,
WAHS mathematics teacher, and Mrs. Amy R. Mahon, 91 Union Ave., Williamsport,
WAHS English teacher, as instructors of the week-long WAHS PSSA Remediation
Week, June 12-16, 2006. This program is a traditional part of the
district’s approach to the demands of NCLB, and involves each instructor
named above teaching 2 hours per day in mathematics and reading/writing
respectively, over the five-day timeframe. Payment is set at 10 hours of
instruction each at the prevailing wage for summer school instruction as
established in the WEA bargaining agreement.
B.
Authorize payment to Judith M. Gooderham, 41 Main St., Watsontown, Director of
Food Services, for up to ten (10) additional days at her per diem rate to
prepare for opening of school for 2006-2007.
C.
Adopt the following Non-Discrimination Policy Statement as recommended by the
Pennsylvania Department of Education Review Term, under Title VI, Title IX,
Section 504, and ADA (said policy to be adopted annually).
The Williamsport Area School District is an equal opportunity education
institution and will not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national
origin, sex, and handicap, in its activities, programs, or employment practices
as required by Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX Ed.
Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the
Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. For information regarding civil
rights or grievance procedures, services, activities, and facilities that are
accessible to and usable by handicapped individuals contact:
Debbra J. Savage, Esq., Director of Human Resources
Williamsport Area School District
201 W. Third Street
Williamsport, PA 17701
Phone (570) 327-5500, ext. 3541
9. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Questions may be directed to Mrs. Thomas and Ms. Savage.
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)
9.2
Authorize the following Williamsport Area Support Personnel (WASP) member(s) to
attend the PSEA Core School in Gettysburg, July 24 through July 28, 2006:
Lynell R. Whitnack. Wages and benefits are to be reimbursed to the District by
the Pennsylvania State Educators Association (PSEA) and Williamsport Area
Support Personnel (WASP). 10.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Questions may be directed to Dr. Lowery.
10.1*
Consider approving the following student trips:
A.
Approximately eight (8) students from Curtin’s Summer Reading Program,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Brandon Park on dates during July
and August 2006. The students will be participating in small group activities
and insect collection.
The students will walk to and from the park. There will be no cost to the
District.
10.2
Consider approving a price increase for meals served in the WASD cafeterias for
the 2006-2007
school year. Propose to increase the elementary lunch
price by $.10 leaving the other meal prices the same.
ELEMENTARY FY06
FY07 SECONDARY FY06 FY07
Student Breakfast
$ .90 $ .90 Student Breakfast $ 1.00
$ 1.00 Student Lunch
$ 1.50 $ 1.60 Student Lunch $ 1.75 $ 1.75
Adult Breakfast $ 1.60
$ 1.60 Adult Breakfast $ 1.60 $ 1.60
Adult Lunch $ 2.85
$ 2.85 Adult Lunch $ 2.85 $ 2.85
10.3
Consider approving the following request for facility use:
A.
Williamsport Bureau of Police to use the cafeteria at Curtin Middle School on
September 8, 2006 from 6:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. to conduct police civil
service testing. WBP is requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at
$40.00. Certificate of Insurance received.
11. BIDS/CONTRACTS
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson.
11.1
Consider approving a service contract with Lancaster-Lebanon Intermediate Unit
13 for $5,000 honorarium to be paid to WASD for Jodi Harris to provide a
detailed case study on PVAAS implementation and use of PVAAS data in the
district. This case study information will be disseminated statewide and on
PDE's website. 12. TAX ITEMS
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson.
12.1
Consider approving the attached tax summaries.
13. ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
14. ITEMS FROM PUBLIC
Board Policy #902, “Public Participation in Board Meetings”:
A.
There will be two public comment sections: one during the first two hours of
the meeting at a time to be determined by the presiding officer; and the other
at the end of the meeting. This gives the presiding officer some flexibility
to fit the first public comment section into the agenda at a convenient time.
B.
Persons submitting a formal request to speak during the first public comments
section should be present promptly at the beginning of the meeting in the event
that they are invited to speak prior to commencement of the scheduled business
that is outlined in the agenda. Persons who have submitted a written request
will be given an opportunity to make a presentation about an issue that is on
the agenda when the issue is scheduled for discussion or about an issue that is
not on the agenda during the first two hours of the Board meeting, at a time
to be determined by the presiding officer.
C.
Each public comment section will be limited to a maximum of 20 minutes. Each
speaker will be limited to a maximum of five minutes.
D.
Those wishing to speak during the first public comments section must submit a
formal request in writing to the business administrator no later that 9:00 a.m.
on the day of the Board meeting. This gives people an opportunity to come to
the District Service Center on Monday before the Board meeting to read the
posted agenda.
PROCEDURAL GUIDELINES FOR OBTAINING AUXILIARY AIDES & SERVICES
The Williamsport Area School District does not discriminate against individuals
on the basis of disability. If you are disabled and wish to attend and/or
participate in any public meeting of the Williamsport Area School Board of
Directors or event of the School District, the District will make reasonable
accommodations to allow your full involvement. If you require specific
auxiliary aids or services you must notify the Board Secretary (327-5500), 201
West Third Street, Williamsport, PA of your needs at least five (5) working
days prior to the event.
6:00 p.m.
AGENDA
June 19 -July 28
High School Remedial Summer School
August 1
WASD School Board meeting 6:00 pm
August 15
WASD School Board meeting 6:00 pm
