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, April 18, 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, Pamela J. Markle, Jay B. Shultz, David B. Stone, Jr.,
Lois T. Williams, Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: David A. Huffman, Susan A. Mahaffey, James E. Temple.
OPENING EXERCISES were provided by Mr. Charles E. Peterson.
SILENT REFLECTION
DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN BELIEF STATEMENT # 7
We believe that all students learn best in a safe, non-threatening environment.
PSBA EFFECTIVE SCHOOL GOVERNANCE STANDARD 1 (f)
The Williamsport Area School Board will advocate for a thorough and efficient system
of public education by employing qualified staff to meet student and program needs.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
Student Representatives’ Report – Sarah Border
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. Outstanding Student Presentation:
Presented by Robert Eichensehr, Principal
B. Consider approving the adjudication of student 05/06–12 resulting from a quasi-judicial hearing held this evening.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
A. Budget Updates - Charles E. Peterson, Jr.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Patricia A. Lowery, Ph.D.
B. Calendar of Events
April 18-19 Snow Make-up Days (students will be in school)
April 18 WASD School Board meeting 6:00 pm
April 19 WASD Education Foundation meeting 5:30pm
April 20 Employment Steering Committee meeting 4:00 pm
April 26 Gifted Education Advisory Committee meeting 7:00 pm
April 27
Professional Development Inservice Day at Lycoming Valley Middle School
April 27 ETAC meeting canceled
May 1
Elementary Alternative Education Committee meeting 3:30 pm
May 2
Career & Technical Education Collaboration Reception at WAHS 5:00 pm
May 2 WASD School Board meeting at WAHS 6:00 pm
C. On display in the June B. Baskin Gallery through April is the WASD Dream-Makers Exhibition
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mrs. Williams reminded everyone that the Diversity Fair would be held on May 19 th and the Volunteer Recognition Dinner would be held at the high school on June 1st.
Mr. Zimmerman reminded everyone that the next PSBA Region 12 Dinner would be held on May 15th.
Mr. Stone reported that the Facilities Committee has a meeting scheduled on April 25th to meet with McKissick Associates and Public Financial Management to discuss the feasibility of a reimbursable construction project at the Williamsport Area High School. Mr. Stone also reported that we are working on the bidding documents for improvements to the high school welding laboratory. This project will be partially funded with a matching grant.
Mr. Stone reported that they had a successful Spring meeting with the booster clubs and parent groups. The meeting was positive and energized. There was a lot of discussion and positive comments on improving nutrition in our schools.
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Mrs. Markle, to approve the balance of the agenda including two addendums.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
Construction Projects - None
FINANCE REPORT
5.1 Approve the following financial reports:
A. Treasurer’s Report for the months of January and February 2006:
5.2* Authorize payment of invoices and services rendered by the list submitted marked Order No. 04/18/06 in the amount of $405,151.21, 04/18/06A in the amount of $158,454.92, 04/18/06B in the amount of $39,775.97, 04/18/06C in the amount of $1,550,038.10, 04/18/06D in the amount of $5,002.99 and 04/18/06E in the amount of $325.00 and that the officers of the Board of School Directors be directed to execute Order Nos. 04/18/06, 04/18/06A, 04/18/06B, 04/18/06C, 04/18/06D and 04/18/06E.
BOARD POLICY
CURRICULUM REPORT
7.1 Approve the following middle school science teachers for the equivalent of up to six days each of curriculum development activities to occur beyond the school day/year and to be completed before July 1, 2006.
Don Enigk Lycoming Valley Middle School
Stephen Pfirman Lycoming Valley Middle School
Eugene F. Ramin Lycoming Valley Middle School
Teachers will be paid at the daily substitute rate. Funds for these activities have been included in the FY06 budget.
7.2 Approve the following middle school science teachers for the equivalent of up to two days each of curriculum development activities to occur beyond the school day/year and to be completed before July 1, 2006.
Blanetta Akpakip Roosevelt Middle School
Tim Tyson Roosevelt Middle School
Teachers will be paid at the daily substitute rate. Funds for these activities have been included in the FY06 budget.
7.3 Approve the following middle school math teachers for the equivalent of up to six days each of curriculum development activities to occur beyond the school day/year and to be completed before July 1, 2006.
Tiffani Ault Curtin Middle School
Diane Welch Lycoming Valley Middle School
Teachers will be paid at the daily substitute rate. Funds for these activities have been included in the FY06 budget.
CURRICULUM REPORT
7.4 Approve the following middle school math teacher for the equivalent of up to two days curriculum development activities to occur beyond the school day/year and to be completed before July 1, 2006.
Randall Laird Roosevelt Middle School
Teachers will be paid at the daily substitute rate. Funds for these activities have been included in the FY06 budget.
7.5 Approve the James V. Brown Library to provide Story Times and Summer Reading incentives for the elementary children attending the summer school program. The cost is $490; all funds are budgeted under the Sheridan Project.
7.6 Approve a Contract to Provide Educational Services with the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 for services provided in the Adolescent Institute for Behavioral Health program for the
2005-06 school year for a special education student who is in the Pottsville Hospital program. Funds are budgeted in the special education general fund accounts.
PERSONNEL REPORT
8.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignations, effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Carol A. DeRemer, full-time Monitor of Special Study Hall at the high school, for the purpose of retirement, effective June 20, 2006.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Carol A. DeRemer from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 25 years of dedicated service to our school system as a school bus driver, paraprofessional aide and monitor. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
B. Beverly M. Fishel, school bus driver for the District, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2005-2006 school year (tentative date of June 9, 2006).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Beverly M. Fishel from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for over 25 years of her dedicated service to our school system as a school bus driver. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
8.1 RESIGNATIONS CONT’D:
C. Michelle E. Johnson, general food service worker at the high school, for personal reasons, effective April 21, 2006.
8.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Approve the following leaves of absence:
A. Louis H. Gatti, school bus driver for the District, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective May 9, 2006, through May 11, 2006.
B. Tammy L. Parsons, general food service worker at Roosevelt Middle School, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective April 3, 2006, through April 12, 2006.
C. Brenda D. Winter, full-time special education teacher at the high school, unpaid medical leave on an intermittent basis (as needed), effective April 3, 2006, through June 9, 2006.
Mrs. Winter will attempt to schedule absences in advance (when possible). Mrs. Winter 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.
D. Stephanie A. McKee, part-time school bus aide for the District, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective one-half day (AM) only on April 4, 2006.
E. Malinda E. Sherman, part-time school bus aide for the District, unpaid leave for personal reasons, effective for one day only on April 19, 2006.
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. The following persons as track event workers, effective April 19, 2006. These workers will be paid at a flat rate per event (as determined by the Athletic Director) as scheduled and approved by the Athletic Department. Payment for these services will be forwarded to payroll for processing (pending completion of all appropriate paperwork*):
Nikki Rhian* 244 Sylvan Dell Rd., Williamsport
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
B. The following staff members as Middle School Summer School Program Coordinators for up to 4.5 hours per day, 5 days per week, beginning July 10 through August 4, 2006 at the rate of $26.22 per hour plus appropriate benefits. Also approve them for up to 80 hours of planning and organizing before July 10, 2006 at the rate of $25.43 per hour prior to July 1 and $26.22 per hour effective July 1 plus appropriate benefits. They will also participate in up to three days of professional development prior to the program at the rate of $90 per day plus appropriate benefits. All costs are budgeted under Sheridan Project Grant:
Roosevelt M.S.: Carol K. DeSilva 207 Feigles Rd., Muncy
Lycoming Valley M.S.: Lisa E. Yingling 114 Tiffany Dr., Williamsport
C. The following as an event staff person, with a base wage rate of $7.50 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective April 19, 2006 (pending completion of all appropriate paperwork*):
Daniel A. Loudenslager* 153 West Hills Drive, Williamsport
D. Debbra J. Savage, 211 Delaware Drive, Watsontown, PA, as Director of Human Resources, effective June 1, 2006, at a salary of $85,000, effective June 1, 2006 and benefits as provided in the current Executive Administrative Compensation Plan and as provided under the new plan, effective July 1, 2006. (replacing James Dugan, retired). Ms. Savage has a bachelor’s degree in Business Management and MBA from Bloomsburg University and a J.D. from Widener University School of Law.
8.4* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position changes:
A. Katherine E. Ardabell, 668 Wildwood Blvd, Williamsport, from a general food service worker (3 hours daily) at Jackson Elementary School, to a general food service worker (4½ hours daily) at Jackson Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $9.79 per hour, effective April 19, 2006 (replacing Shryl Toner-Whitesell, resigned).
B. Karen J. Morrison, 1825 Spring Run Rd., Williamsport, from a substitute food service worker to a general food service worker (3 hours daily) at Stevens Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $9.79 per hour, effective April 19, 2006 (replacing Paula Myers, resigned).
C. Teresa M. Willets, 668 Wildwood Blvd., Williamsport, from a substitute food service worker to a general food service worker (3 hours daily) at the high school, with a base wage rate of $9.79 per hour, effective April 19, 2006 (replacing Sharan White, resigned).
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.
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: Allan K. Bartlett. Wages and benefits are to be reimbursed to the District by the Pennsylvania State Educators Association (PSEA) and Williamsport Area Support Personnel (WASP).
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
10.1* Approve the following student trips:
A. Five (5) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to downtown Williamsport, the Williamsport Hospital, and Watertower Square during April 2006 as part of career development activities. 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 in the athletic department van. One substitute will be required.
B. Ten (10) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s SADD chapter, accompanied by their advisor, to travel to Lycoming College during May 1, 2006, to attend a 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. The students will meet at Lycoming College. One substitute will be required for the day.
C. Sixty-seven (67) first grade students from Stevens Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Lycoming College during April 2006 to visit the planetarium. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended or assigned to Saturday School within 30 days prior to the trip. The students will walk to and from Lycoming College. There will be no cost to the District.
D. Twenty (20) learning support students from Roosevelt Middle School, accompanied by at least six adults, to travel to Antes Creek Fishing Club (Jersey Shore) during May 2006. The students will participate in water testing and bug collection among other activities. Students eligible to participate must be in compliance with the school’s field trip disciplinary requirements. District transportation is requested and will be paid by the Roosevelt PTO.
10.1* Approve the following student trips cont’d:
E. Twenty-seven (27) members of Curtin Middle School’s jazz band, accompanied by their teacher and parent volunteers, to travel to Brandon Park during April 2006 to participate in the Arbor Day ceremony. Students eligible to participate must be in compliance with the school’s field trip disciplinary requirements. The students will walk to and from the park. There will be no cost to the District.
F. Approximately 75 fourth grade students from Cochran Elementary School, accom-panied by their teachers, to travel to Freedom Road Cemetery during May 2006 as part of their study on Pennsylvania. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended or assigned to Saturday School within 30 days prior to the date of the trip.
There will be no cost to the District. The students will walk to and from the cemetery.
G. Eighty (80) second grade students from Cochran Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland and Memorial Park during April 2006 as part of their study of habitats. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended or assigned to Saturday School within 30 days prior to the date of the trip. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Cochran School Association.
H. Seventy-five (75) fourth grade students from Cochran Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to the Pioneer Tunnel (Ashland) during June 2006. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended or assigned to Saturday School within 30 days prior to the date of the trip.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Cochran School Association.
I. Forty-seven (47) first grade students from Sheridan Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to T&D’ s Cats of the World (Penns Creek) and the Mifflinburg Area Park during June 2006. Students eligible to participate will not have received detention, been suspended, or have received two or more pink slips between May 1 and the date of the trip. Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. All costs will be paid by the Sheridan PTO.
J. Fifteen (15) health occupations students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Geisinger Medical Center during April 2006 for a tour. 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 for by the Northcentral Area Health Education Center. One substitute will be required for a whole day, and another substitute will be required for one half day.
10.1* Approve the following student trips cont’d:
K. Seventy-five (75) music students from Lycoming Valley Middle School, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Round Hills and Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary Schools during June 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 billed to the Round Hills and Hepburn-Lycoming PTOs.
L. Approximately 68 fifth grade students from Cochran Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers to travel to Penn’s Cave during May 2006. 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 Cochran School Association.
M. Two learning support students from Sheridan Elementary School, accompanied by their teacher, to take a walking tour of the Sheridan neighborhood during April 2006 to expand their community-related vocabulary. There will be no cost to the District.
N. Five (5) ESL students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to New York City during April 2006 as part of the cultural component of the ESL curriculum. 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 contract carrier along with the Spanish and Latin class field trip. One substitute will be required for the day.
O. Retroactive Approval: One (1) sixth grade student from Curtin Middle School, accompanied by his/her teacher, to travel to Harrisburg on two dates during
March 2006 to participate in the State MathCounts Competition. All costs were paid by MathCounts.
P. Approximately 100 eighth grade students from Curtin Middle School, accompanied by staff members, to travel to Baltimore on a Saturday during May 2006 to visit the science center and aquarium. Students eligible to participate will have no unexcused absences, will not have been suspended during the second semester, and will have fewer than eight demerits. Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. All costs will be paid by the participating students.
Q. Approximately 170 eighth grade students from Curtin Middle School, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Montour Preserve during April 2006. The students will be divided into groups and will attend on two separate 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 Curtin PTO.
10.1* Approve the following student trips cont’d:
R. Fifty-five (55) fifth grade students from Round Hills Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Harrisburg during May 2006 to visit the National Civil War Museum and the Whittaker Science Center. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended or assigned to Saturday School for disciplinary reasons within 30 school days prior to the trip. Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. All costs will be paid by the Round Hills PTO.
S. Ninety-two (92) first grade students from Jackson Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and a paraprofessional, to travel to T&D’ ;s Cats of the World (Penns Creek) during May 2006. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended within 30 days prior to the trip. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Jackson PTO.
T. Eighty-eight (88) kindergarten students from Jackson Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers, staff, and parent volunteers, to travel to Lane’s End Farm (Jersey Shore) during May 2006. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended within 30 days prior to the trip. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Jackson PTO.
U. Fifty-seven (57) second grade students from Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to the Community Arts Center and Hepburn Park during May 2006. 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.
V. Seventy-two (72) first grade students from Stevens Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Bald Eagle State Park during May 2006. 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 and will be paid by the Stevens PTA.
W. Forty-eight (48) second grade students from Round Hills Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Woodward Cave during May 2006. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended or assigned to Saturday School for disciplinary reasons within 30 days prior to the trip.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Round Hills PTO.
10.2 Approve bus transportation for St. Boniface students on May 1, 2006. Transportation will be from St. Boniface to Annunciation Church and return. All costs will be paid by St. Boniface.
10.3 Approve the following request for facility use:
A. Pennsylvania Art Education Association (PAEA) to use the Art Room at Jackson Elementary School on May 13, 2006 to hold a demonstration and workshop for felt making. PAEA is requesting relief of the occupancy fee of $40.00. Certificate of Insurance to be received.
B. Camp Ophelia (program to prevent relational aggression in girls) to use the cafetorium
at Roosevelt Middle School, Monday - Friday, June 19 through June 30, 2006 to hold
their summer program. Camp Ophelia is requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $400.00. Certificate of Insurance waived since co-sponsored by the District.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
11.1 Authorize the purchase of general supplies to replenish inventoried stock in accordance with our specifications and the following recommended awards. All recommended awards are based on the lowest bid price meeting specifications.
A schedule of items to be awarded has been provided in lieu of a complete tabulation. Due to the extensive number of items and participating vendors on this bid it is impractical to provide a complete tabulation. A complete tabulation is available in the business office for viewing by any interested parties.
All bids were received by 1:30 p.m. and opened publicly in the District Service Center at
2:00 pm, Tuesday, March 7, 2006.
RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
AFP Industries Inc., Miami Springs, FL $ 934.00
BCS The School Supplier Inc., Reno, NV 401.60
Bye Mo’re Inc., Kingsbury, IN 57.60
Cascade School Supplies Inc., North Adams, MA 16,156.69
Kurtz Brothers Inc., Clearfield, PA 12,411.20
National Art & School Supplies, Rahway, NJ 2,254.00
Pyramid School Products Inc., Tampa, FL 10,542.98
Quill Corporation, Palatine, IL 2,426.40
Standard Stationery Supply, Wheeling, IL 6,679.06
TOTAL RECOMMENDED AWARD $51,863.53
11.2 Authorize a contract with Verizon to construct, reconstruct, operate, maintain and remove its entrance facilities to the Rate Demarcation Point with associated terminals and other facilities at the Williamsport Area High School. There is no cost associated with this agreement.
TAX ITEMS - None
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Zimmerman stated that he enjoyed the National School Board Conference and that it was very productive. He particularly enjoyed the sessions he attended on curriculum, health care benefits and alternative education.
Mr. Zimmerman commended the Montgomery Area School District for their national award for raising elementary math scores. He stated that good things are happening in our county.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC – None
President Stone announced that there will be an executive session to discuss terms and conditions of employment for one or more District employees and to receive legal advice from an attorney was held before the board meeting and that the board would be recessing for a hearing. The meeting recessed at 6:56 p.m.
The meeting reconvened at 8:09 p.m.
Motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mrs. Harris to approve the adjudication of student
05/06–12 resulting from a quasi-judicial hearing held this evening.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
Upon motion made by Mrs. Markle, seconded by Mr. Zimmerman and carried the meeting adjourned at 8:10 p.m.
________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary