A 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, March 7, 2006, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Board of Directors’ Room, District Service Center, 201 West Third Street, Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
The Vice President, James E. Temple 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, James E. Temple, Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: David B. Stone, Jr., Lois T. Williams.
OPENING EXERCISES were provided by Mrs. Karen Harris
SILENT REFLECTION
DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN BELIEF STATEMENT # 4
We believe each person is unique, important, and learns differently.
PSBA STANDARDS FOR EFFECTIVE SCHOOL GOVERNANCE
Standard 1 (c)
The Williamsport Area School Board will advocate for a thorough and efficient system of public education by allocating resources in a manner designed to facilitate student achievement consistent with school district goals and plans.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
SECRETARY PRO TEMPORE
Motion made by Mrs. Mahaffey, seconded by Mrs. Harris, to elect James A. Dugan as secretary pro
tempore for this meeting only due to the absence of Board Secretary Charles E. Peterson, Jr.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
Student Representatives’ Report – None
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – None
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Outstanding Student Presentations:
by David Michaels, Assistant Principal due to Mr. Elliott, Principal being ill.
Kirk Felix, Principal
B. Congratulations to Williamsport Area High School senior Erin Laughlin for being selected as
the high school’s Outstanding Student by the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce.
C. Congratulations to Cathy Buck, Williamsport Area High School learning support teacher, for being selected as the high school’s Outstanding Educator by the Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce.
D. Calendar of events:
March 10 District-wide Professional Development Inservice Day
March 13 Diversity Committee Meeting - 12:00 pm
March 14 Curriculum & Instruction Steering Committee Meeting - 2:00
pm
March 15 WASD Education Foundation Meeting - 5:30pm
March 16 Employment Steering Committee Meeting - 4:00 pm
March 16 ETAC Meeting - 6:30 pm
March 18-19 WASD Education Foundation Scrabble Tournament - Cochran Elementary
March 20
Secondary Alternative Education Committee Meeting - 4:00 pm
March 21 WASD School Board Meeting - 6:00 pm
March 24 End of Third Marking Period
April 4 WASD School Board Meeting - 6:00 pm
E. On display in the June B. Baskin Gallery through March is WASD Youth Art Month Exhibition
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mr. Zimmerman stated that he and Mrs. Markle attended the PSBA Leadership Conference. He noted where and when upcoming meeting will be held. Mr. Zimmerman also touched on House Bill 39 and a possible change to the School Code.
Construction Projects - None
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mr. Shultz to approve the balance of the agenda including the addendum.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
FINANCE REPORT
5.1* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 03/07/06 in the amount of $250,979.64, 03/07/06A in the amount of $205,281.24, 03/07/06B in the amount of $650,284.97,03/07/06C in the amount of $273,375.95, 03/07/06D in the amount of $2,451,190.96, 03/07/06E in the amount of $100,770.54, 03/07/06F in the amount of $8,226.71, 03/07/06G in the amount of $5,000.00, 03/07/06H in the amount of $900.00 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 03/07/06, 03/07/06A, 03/07/06B, 03/07/06C, 03/07/06D, 03/07/06E, 03/07/06F, 03/07/06G and 03/07/06H.
5.2 Approve budget transfers for FY06, dated March 1, 2006 as presented in accordance with Section 609 of the Public School Code of 1949, as amended:
5.3 Authorize a contribution of $1,000 to West End Babe Ruth toward the improvements to Winder Field as recommended by the Athletic Advisory Committee. The field is used by our junior varsity baseball team for practices and games.
BOARD POLICY – None
CURRICULUM REPORT
7.1 Approve the continuation of Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School as a Site-Based Management School. In accordance with Williamsport Area School District Policy 101.1, the site-based school designation will be renewed every five years. The District Site-Based Management Coordinating Council conducted the evaluation of Hepburn’s site-based status, and the recommendation for renewal, based on results of that evaluation, is submitted by that committee to the Board for approval. The Hepburn-Lycoming Site-Based Council also recommended their continuation as a site-based school.
PERSONNEL REPORT
8.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Connie L. Hepler, full-time Administrative Support in the Student Services Department, for the purpose of retirement, effective June 29, 2006.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Connie L. Hepler from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 28 years of dedicated service to our school system as administrative support. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
8.1 RESIGNATIONS CONT’D:
B. Janet B. Lovell, full-time Administrative Support in the Student Services Department, for the purpose of retirement, effective June 29, 2006.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Janet B. Lovell from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 26 years of dedicated service to our school system as administrative support. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
C. Jaymi R. Kimble, casual substitute teacher for the District, due to relocation out of the area, effective February 22, 2006.
D. Sharan L. White, general food service worker at the high school, for personal reasons, effective March 31, 2006.
8.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Brenda J. Corter, full-time Administrative Support at Jackson Elementary School, for an unpaid medical leave on an intermittent basis (as needed), effective February 27, 2006, to care for a family member.
Mrs. Corter will attempt to schedule absences in advance (when possible). Mrs. Corter 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.
B. Vicki J. Loehr, full-time Guidance Counselor at Cochran Elementary School, for an unpaid medical leave, effective February 27, 2006, through May 21, 2006.
Mrs. Loehr utilized sick and/or personal days and began her unpaid leave of absence on February 27, 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. Maria N. Pulizzi, full-time Special Education teacher at Curtin Middle School, for an unpaid medical leave, effective March 14, 2006, through June 5, 2006.
Ms. Pulizzi is currently utilizing sick and/or personal days and will begin her unpaid leave of absence on March 14, 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.
8.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE CONT’D:
D. Jodi O. Harris, full-time Director of Educational Data Analysis, for an unpaid medical leave, effective February 23, 2006, through May 17, 2006, possibly to return sooner.
Mrs. Harris utilized sick and/or personal days and began her unpaid leave of absence on February 23, 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.
E. Kate E. Kreger, full-time Elementary (5th grade) teacher at Jackson Elementary School, for an unpaid medical leave, effective April 6, 2006, through June 28, 2006, possibly to return sooner.
Mrs. Kreger is currently utilizing sick and/or personal days and will begin her unpaid leave of absence on April 6, 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.
F. Terry L. Walker, full-time instructional support aide at Roosevelt Middle School, for an unpaid medical leave, effective March 7, 2006, through March 9, 2006.
Mrs. Walker’s leave of absence is 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.
G. Sandra L. Edler, general food service worker at Curtin Middle School, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on March 1, 2006.
H. Louis H. Gatti, school bus driver for the District, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on February 23, 2006.
I. Stephanie A. McKee, part-time school bus aide for the District, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective one day only on March 7, 2006.
J. Darlene R. Wesneski, general food service worker at Round Hills Elementary School, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on March 1, 2006.
K. Kimberly A. Whittington, general food service worker at the high school, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on March 1, 2006.
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Elizabeth R. Fronk, 2525 Grand St., Williamsport, as a long-term substitute teacher, effective 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 Kindergarten at Jackson Elementary School, at a salary rate of Step 1, master’s, $41,300, prorated. Ms. Fronk holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Bloomsburg University and is certified in Elementary K-6 (replacing Tracey Tillett, on sabbatical leave).
B. 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:
Mary E. Pearce 860 Rural Ave., Williamsport
Matthew J. Bolduc 1070 Park Rd., Winfield
C. 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:
Anthony J. Delisi 1554 Oakmont Dr., Williamsport (effective 02/27/06)
Denise M. Southard 1715 Malvin Place, Williamsport
D. The entire District teaching staff, substitute teachers, teacher aids and BLaST teachers assigned to our buildings for service in the intramural program, at the rate of $13.33 per hour for the actual number of hours worked.
E. 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:
La’Don I. Oliver 509 High St., Williamsport
F. The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $6.25 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective March 8, 2006:
Tammy J. Gibbs 117 Laurel Run Circle, Williamsport
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
G. 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:
Jackson Elementary School
Jill P. Robbins 330 Tinsman Ave., Williamsport
Sheridan Elementary School (as substitute)
Katie J. Brass 1111 Locust St., Williamsport
8.4* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position changes:
A. James R. Dougherty, 1729 Chestnut St., Williamsport, from Principal at Curtin Middle School (currently in position as Director of Instructional/Administrative Technology) to Principal at Lycoming Valley Middle School, effective July 1, 2006, at a salary of $92,762 (or as per Act 93 Plan in effect at that time) and benefits as provided in the Act 93 Meet and Discuss Compensation Plan, effective July 1, 2006 (replacing Robert Eichensehr, retired).
B. Bruce P. Elliott, 63 Grampian Blvd., Williamsport, from Principal at Cochran Elementary School to Head Principal at the high school, effective July 1, 2006, at a salary of $95,217 (or as per Act 93 Plan in effect at that time) and benefits as provided in the Act 93 Meet and Discuss Compensation Plan, effective July 1, 2006 (replacing Stephen Huddy, retired).
C. William G. Emery, 1215 Market St., Williamsport, from Department Chair for Social Studies to House Principal at the high school, effective July 1, 2006, at a salary of $81,834 (or as per Act 93 Plan in effect at that time) and benefits as provided in the Act 93 Meet and Discuss Compensation Plan, effective July 1, 2006 (replacing Pete Cokefair, retired).
D. Reginald T. Fatherly, 28 Roseville Rd., Williamsport, from Assistant Principal to Principal at Roosevelt Middle School, effective July 1, 2006, at a salary of $90,442 (or as per Act 93 Plan in effect at that time) and benefits as provided in the Act 93 Meet and Discuss Compensation Plan, effective July 1, 2006 (replacing Geralyn Fausnaught, retired).
E. Kevin J. Harris, 397 S. Lycoming Mall Rd., Pennsdale, from Assistant Principal (currently Acting Principal) to Principal at Curtin Middle School, effective July 1, 2006, at a salary of $86,732 (or as per Act 93 Plan in effect at that time) and benefits as provided in the Act 93 Meet and Discuss Compensation Plan, effective July 1, 2006 (replacing James Dougherty, transferred).
8.4* POSITION CHANGES CONT’D:
F. David J. Michaels, 110 Peachwood Drive, Lewisburg, from Assistant Principal to Principal at Cochran Elementary School, effective July 1, 2006, at a salary of $82,336 (or as per Act 93 Plan in effect at that time) and benefits as provided in the Act 93 Meet and Discuss Compensation Plan, effective July 1, 2006 (replacing Bruce Elliott, transferred).
G. J. Thomas Mitchell, 57 Redwing Rd., Lock Haven, from Department Chair for Science to Secondary School Curriculum Supervisor for Mathematics/Science/Dual Enrollment Coordinator for the District, effective July 1, 2006, at a salary of $86,032 (or as per Act 93 Plan in effect at that time) and benefits as provided in the Act 93 Meet and Discuss Compensation Plan, effective July 1, 2006 (position revised from previous Department Chair positions for Science and Mathematics; replacing Ken Welsh, retired).
H. Randy J. Zangara, 1211 Cherry St., Williamsport, from Business Education teacher at the high school (currently Dean of Students at Curtin) to Assistant Principal at Curtin Middle School, effective July 1, 2006, at a salary of $74,936 (or as per Act 93 Plan in effect at that time) and benefits as provided in the Act 93 Meet and Discuss Compensation Plan, effective July 1, 2006 (replacing Kevin Harris, transferred).
I. Lisa M. Peacock, 3480 Route 973 East, Cogan Station, 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 March 8, 2006 (replacing Bobbi Jo Kuhns, transferred).
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
9.1 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. (See attachment)
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
10.1* Approve the following student trips:
A. Twenty (20) Williamsport Area High School Spanish and Latin IV students, accom-panied by their teachers, to travel to New York City during April 2006. The students will have an opportunity to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art and eat in an authentic Spanish restaurant. 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. A grant will pay $1,000 toward the cost of the trip with the additional $600 being paid from the foreign language budget.
B. Twenty (20) members of Lycoming Valley Middle School’s Jazz Band, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Round Hills Elementary School during March 2006 to perform for the students. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended from school or assigned to Saturday School for disciplinary reasons within 30 school days prior to the trip. District transportation is requested and will be paid by the Round Hills PTO.
C. Twelve (12) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by a school counselor, to travel to Lock Haven University as part of a required on-campus visit for the college-level course they are taking entitled “Teaching and Learning.” 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 (10-1100-582-395-30-850-000-065-0006).
D. All eighth grade students from Lycoming Valley Middle School, accompanied by their teachers and a nurse practitioner, to travel to the Montour Preserve on dates during May 2006. The students will be divided into two groups and will attend on two separate days. Students eligible to participate must be in compliance with the school’s field trip disciplinary requirements in order to participate. District transportation is requested and will be paid through the student activities fund.
E. Twelve (12) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s dance company, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Harrisburg during April 2006 to perform at the Arts in Education Day at the Capitol. 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 (10-1100-519-000-30-850-140-025-0000). One substitute will be required for the day.
F. Seven (7) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Student Government Association, accompanied by their advisor, to travel to Elkland High School on two dates during March 2006 to attend a regional conference. 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. All costs will be paid from SGA funds. One substitute will be required for both days.
G. Three (3) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Bucknell University during March 2006 to participate in the annual math contest. 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. The students will be transported by their teacher. One substitute will be required for half of the day.
10.2 Approve the following request for facility use:
A. Newberry Little League to use the gymnasium at Roosevelt Middle School on March 9 and 10, 2006, from 6:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. to hold tryouts. Newberry Little League is requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $80.00. Certificate of Insurance on file.
BIDS/CONTRACTS - None
TAX ITEMS
12.1 Approve the following tax summaries.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Huffman suggested reading the book Education Myths.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC - None
Vice President Temple announced that the Board will have an executive session immediately following this evening’s meeting to discuss terms and conditions of employment for one or more District employees and to receive legal advice from an attorney.
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Shultz and carried, the meeting adjourned at
_________________________________
James A. Dugan, Secretary Pro-Tempore