W illiamsport A rea
S chool D istrict
Board of Directors Meeting
January 2, 2007
6:00 p.m.
AGENDA
1.
CALL TO ORDER
2. OPENING EXERCISES -
Mrs. Lori A. Baer
SILENT REFLECTION
DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN BELIEF STATEMENT # 4
We believe each person is unique, important and learns differently.
PSBA EFFECTIVE SCHOOL GOVERNANCE STANDARD 4 (b)
The Williamsport Area School Board will ensure that effective planning occurs
by setting annual goals that are aligned with the Strategic Plan.
PSBA CODE OF CONDUCT FOR SCHOOL BOARD MEMBERS
We, as members of our local Board of Education, representing all the residents
of our school district, believe that:
The community should be provided with information about its schools and
be
engaged by the Board and staff to encourage
input and support for the school
system.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Regular Meeting - November 21, 2006
3.1
Student Representatives’ Report –
Latasha Kast and Joshua Laird
4. REPORTS TO THE BOARD
4.1
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A.
Consider approving the adjudication of student 06/07–04 resulting from a
quasi- judicial hearing held this evening.
B.
Consider approving the adjudication of student 06/07–05 resulting from a
quasi- judicial hearing held this evening.
4.2
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Kathleen R. Kelley, Ph.D.
A.
Awards and Accomplishments
1.
Congratulations to Tobias Tucker, a senior at the Williamsport Area High
School, for being named a candidate for a Special Scholarship to be awarded
through the 2007 National Merit Scholarship Program.
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.
Treasurer’s Report for the months of October and November 2006
B. Payroll Report:
General Fund – Unrestricted
$2,600,616.97
General Fund – Restricted 245,584.55
Athletics and Extra Curricular
36,468.90 Food Service Fund
73,310.22
Data Processing Fund 20,865.82
Maintenance Fund 32,483.23
Earned Income Tax
34,058.51
Student Activities .00
TOTAL
$3,043,388.20
5.2*
Consider authorizing payment of invoices and services rendered by the list
submitted and direct the officers of the Board of School Directors to execute
the same:
Order Number Amount
Order Number Amount
01/02/07 $
89,099.30 01/02/07A $ 850.00
01/02/07B 800.00 01/02/07C
150.00
01/02/07D 30,384.34 01/02/07E
732,889.09
01/02/07F 215,435.54 01/02/07G
5,762.83
01/02/07H 583,539.66 01/02/07I 422,351.25
01/02/07J 50,391.98 01/02/07K
8,388.52
01/02/07L 2,000.00 01/02/07M
745,523.42
01/02/07N 270,593.15 01/02/07O
151,615.46 6.
BOARD POLICY – None
Questions may be directed to Dr. Kelley.
7. CURRICULUM REPORT
Questions may be directed to Dr. Kelley.
7.1
Consider approving Carolyn Shirk, Community Resources Coordinator for Economics
PA, to provide a two-hour training session for the “Stock Market
Game”, a classroom activity intended to promote and encourage
understanding of economic concepts in schools. The session will be offered on
January 9, 2007 from 3:45 to 5:45 p.m. in a computer lab at Lycoming Valley
Middle school. The session will include several Lycoming Valley teachers and
5-10 teachers from other schools and other districts. The economics unit is a
component of the 8th
grade PA Studies course in the middle schools. There is no cost for this
activity.
7.2
Consider approving the continued participation of Cochran Elementary School in
the Ohio State University Intermediate Literacy Collaborative for the 2006--07
school year at an approximate cost of $3,000 and 2007--08 at a cost of
approximately $2,300. The costs are for the School Support Fees, Site Visit
Fees, Data Analysis and Affiliation and Professional Development Fees. All
costs are budgeted under Comprehensive School Reform and Title I grants.
7.3
Consider approving the following Advanced Placement courses to be included
among the Williamsport Area High School’s course offerings:
English 11 AP: English Language and Composition
English 11 AP prepares the exceptional student of English for the English
Language and Composition Advanced Placement Examination offered in the late
spring. Within the context of American Literature students will be required to
write in several forms (e.g., narrative, expository, analytical, and
argumentative essays) about a variety of subjects (e.g., public policies,
popular culture, personal experiences) that may be based on readings
representing a wide variety of prose styles and genres with a heavy emphasis on
non-fiction. This course will require students to write in informal contexts
(e.g., imitation exercises, journal keeping, collaborative writing, and
in-class responses) designed to help them become increasingly aware of
themselves as writers and of the techniques employed by the writers they read.
Students enrolled in this course are expected to take the Advanced Placement
Examination in May.
Prerequisite(s): English 10 Honors with recommendation of teacher of English 10
Honors.
English 12 AP: English Literature and Composition
English 12 AP prepares the exceptional student of English for the English
Literature and Composition Advanced Placement Examination offered in the late
spring. Within the context of British Literature students will be required to
write interpretations of literature based on a
careful observation of textual details, considering the work’s structure,
style, theme; social and historical values; and such elements as the use of
figurative language, imagery,
English 12 AP: English Literature and Composition Cont’d:
symbolism and tone. This course will require students to write and rewrite
formal, extended analyses and timed in-class responses. The course requires
writing to understand, to explain and to evaluate. Students enrolled in this
course are expected to take the Advanced Placement Examination in May.
Prerequisite(s): English 11 Honors or English 11 AP with recommendation of
teacher of English 11 Honors / AP.
Chemistry AP
Advanced Placement (AP) Chemistry, as the name suggests, is an advanced
chemistry course designed to meet the needs of our most capable students. Very
challenging theoretical concepts regarding atomic theory, chemical reactions
and energy transformation will be explored in both classroom and laboratory
settings. Extensive analytic lab work should be expected while students
complete investigations that are recommended in each approved Advanced
Placement Chemistry course. Students who enroll in this course will prepare
for and will be expected to take the Advanced Placement Chemistry Exam in the
spring.
7.4
Consider approving a revised course description for a math course at WAHS:
Introduction to Algebra:
Recommended Grade: 9 7.5
Consider approving two new math courses at WAHS:
Algebra IA and Algebra IB:
Algebra IA and
Algebra IB Cont’d:
analysis, equations and functions, graphing linear equations and solving
equations and inequations. Students who were successful in Math 8 but need
additional support are encouraged to consider this math course. Successful
students in Algebra IA will most likely be scheduled for Algebra IB the
following year.
7.6
Consider hiring John Broomall, a music consultant who specializes in working
with students with disabilities, for 500 dollars a day (not to exceed two
days), plus expenses to provide recommendations to the life skills support
staff as well as the music education department. These recommendations will be
used to determine how as student with severe disabilities can be appropriately
included in a music class.
Budgeted under string number 10-1200-329-000-00-000-000-004-0000.
8. PERSONNEL REPORT
Questions may be directed to Debbra Savage, Esq.
8.1 RESIGNATIONS
Consider accepting the following terminations/ resignations, effective on the
dates and for the purposes indicated:
A.
Christie L. Miller, long-term substitute teacher to teach Mathematics at Curtin
Middle School, terminated effective October 24, 2006.
B.
Dennis E. Conner, part-time custodian at Round Hills Elementary School, verbal
resignation for personal reasons, effective December 22, 2006.
8.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Consider approving the following leaves of absence:
A.
Susan E. McGehean, special education (learning support) teacher at the high
school, leave of absence effective January 22, 2007, through the end of the
second semester of the 2006-2007 school term (tentative date of June 8, 2007).
B.
Nicole L. Kulka, general food service worker at the high school, unpaid leave
for personal reasons, effective October 24, 2006, through December 5, 2006.
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Consider the election of the following staff, for the purpose and on the date
indicated:
A.
Proposal to approve Don C. Adams, 19 Springhouse Drive, Lewisburg, as Assistant
Superintendent of the Williamsport Area School District at a salary of $98,000
for the 2006-2007 school
year (prorated for actual days of service) and according to the
terms and benefits provided in his employment contract (for a term of five (5)
years)
and the Executive Administration Compensation and Evaluation Plan. Dr. Adams'
contract is to become effective January 3, 2007.
B.
Susan E. McGehean, 936 West Third St., Williamsport, as Acting Secondary
Special
Education Coordinator, extended through the end of the second semester of the
2006-2007 school term (205 day schedule prorated). Mrs. McGehean will be paid
at
the pro-rated rate of $182.08 per diem (4-hour day) or $45.52 per hour and will
be
eligible for benefits as provided under the Act 93 Compensation Plan.
C.
Melanie A. Kuhns, 608 Rural Ave., Williamsport, as part-time (up to 185 days,
prorated; up to 5 hours per day) instructional support aide at Jackson
Elementary School, effective December 14, 2006, with a base wage rate of $11.94
per hour, FICA, Worker’s Compensation, Retirement (if eligible), and sick
leave (per the Agreement between the Board and the Williamsport Area Education
Support Professionals) are the only fringe benefits.
D.
Nichole R. Burns, P.O. Box 391, Picture Rocks, special education teacher at
Curtin Middle School, to provide instruction in the home to a high school
student who is not currently in school due to a disciplinary incident. Mrs.
Burns will be paid at the rate of $26.03 per hour for up to 10 hours per week,
up to 45 school days, retroactive to December 18, 2006 (to be paid out of the
general fund).
8.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
E.
The following spring sport coaches at the respective schools for the 2006-2007
school year at the salary rate 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 (pending completion of all
appropriate paperwork*):
Williamsport Area High School
Girls Track & Field
Head Coach:
Lisa M. Godin (5)
Consider revising incorrect amount from 12/05/06 agenda: $4,556
F.
The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $6.25 per
hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective January 3, 2007:
Judith J. Packard
2034 Xuni Lane, Williamsport
G.
The following substitute teachers, subject to assignment by the Superintendent
of Schools, at the salary and/or daily rates as established by Board policy
($90 per day for 1st 45 days; $110 per day for days beyond the 45
th
day; up to a maximum of 180 days/year), and only for the actual number of
hours assigned and worked:
James A. Girardi 10 Mountain View Drive, Williamsport
H.
The following substitute administrative support/aides, subject to assignment by
the Superintendent of Schools, at the hourly rates as established by Board
policy (Administrative Support - $7.50/hr., Instructional Aide - $6.75/hr.; up
to a maximum of 180 days/year) and only for the actual number of hours assigned
and worked:
Barbara M. Hunsberger
839 Diamond St., Williamsport
Angela L. Jordan
1403 Almond St., Williamsport
8.4* POSITION CHANGES
Consider approving the following position changes:
A.
Kimberly A. Rowland, 1109 Charles St., Williamsport, from a general food
service worker (4 hours daily) at Lycoming Valley Middle School, to a general
food service worker (4¾ hours daily) at Lycoming Valley Middle School,
with a base wage rate of $10.69 per hour, effective February 5, 2007 (replacing
Judith Mace, retiring February, 2007).
8.5 CONTRACTS - None
9. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Questions may be directed to 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.
Consider approving an 8-hour Food Safety and Sanitation Certification Program
(Servsafe)
conducted by Carol Gilbert from Carol H. Consulting on February 9, 2007, at the
DSC
Board Room from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The cost of the course per person is
$60.00 for course book/exam and $50.00 for instructional fee:
Hepburn-Lycoming Cafeteria
: Shannon K. Shipman
Jackson Cafeteria:
Mary E. Eaker
Linda M. Fike
Kathryn A. Girio
Katherine E. Hoover
Round Hills Cafeteria:
Beth L. Getgen
Stevens Cafeteria: Rose M. O'Donnell
Curtin Cafeteria:
Wendy J. Bowers
Kimberly A. Rogers
Elizabeth W. Stahlnecker
Lycoming Valley Cafeteria: Cindy M. Hostrander
Roosevelt Cafeteria: Tammy L. Parsons
10.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Questions may be directed to Dr. Kelley.
10.1*
Consider approving the following student trips:
A.
Retroactive Approval: Fourteen (14) members of the Williamsport Area High
School’s performing group GQ, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to
WKSB Radio during December 2006 to perform on the radio. 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 (10-1100-519-000-30-850-121-023-0000).
10.1*
Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:
B.
Retroactive Approval: Sixteen (16) 9th
Grade Academy students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by
their teacher, to travel to Jackson Elementary School during December 2006.
The students will be using the reading strategies they have been taught to read
to kindergarten students. 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 using the high school van.
C.
Ten (10) electronics students from the Williamsport Area High School,
accompanied by their teacher, to travel to the Pennsylvania College of
Technology on eight dates during 2007. The actual dates of the trips will be
determined by the classes preparedness for taking the PCT Unit exams for a
course. 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 (10-1390-519-000-30-850-280-033-0000). No
substitute will be required.
D.
Twenty-nine (29) Williamsport Area High School choral students, accepted by
competitive audition, to participate in the Pennsylvania Music Educators’
Association District 8 Orchestra Festival to be held at Shamokin High School on
four days during on January 2007.
BASS: Daniel Abercrombie, Ian Wallace, CELLO: Nathan Frailey, Tara Gaab, Shion
Harrison, Julie Judd, Elizabeth Robertson, Lisa Young, VIOLA: Macullen Byham,
Meredith Manchester, Kimberly Mertes, Kate Murphy, Raneem Rajjoub, VIOLIN:
Allison Agnone, Jason Albert, Rebecca Bartley, Meagan Boehret, Christian
Connolly, Lindsey Dye, Brigitta Glunk, Juliette Gossner, Morgan Manchester,
Brittany Peterson, Angela Richards, Molly Smith, Nadia Tuffaha, Kelsey Dauber,
TRUMPET: Matthew Hartsock, and FRENCH HORN: Nicholas Umstead.
Cost to the district would be $2,175 (10-3214-813-000-30-850-023-121-0000) for
student registration fees; approx. $300 (10-3214-519-000-30-850-023-121-0000)
for student transportation and $500 (10-3214-581-000-30-850-023-121-0000) for
teacher expenses. Jeffrey Tedford, WAHS Orchestra Director, will accompany the
students; one substitute will be needed for two days at a cost not to exceed
$220.
10.1*
Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:
E.
Twenty-seven (27) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s FBLA
chapter, accompanied by their advisor and two parent chaperones, to travel to
the Pennsylvania College of Technology during January 2007. The students will
be attending a regional leadership 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.
Transportation will be provided by the students and their parents. One
substitute will be needed for the day at a cost not to exceed $110.
11. BIDS/CONTRACTS
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson.
11.1
Consider approving the use of dramatic backdrop from Grosh Scenic Rentals of
Hollywood, CA, in the Williamsport Area High School musical production of West
Side Story, directed by Kent Weaver and Anna Radspinner, on March 30 & 31,
2007. Approximate costs including shipping are $664 and will be paid for out
of student activity funds.
11.2
Consider approving a partnership between the James V. Brown Library and the
Williamsport Area School District Title I schools for parent training
opportunities. The James V. Brown Library will
provide up to two parent workshops, at a maximum of $250
per workshop, not to exceed a total of $500 per Title I school for 2006-07. All
funds are budgeted under Title I Parent funds for each
Title I school. 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
Recommended Grade: 12
Introduction to Algebra is designed to prepare students who experienced
difficulty in the middle school course, Math 8, for the high school course,
Algebra IA. While the course includes reinforcement of the basic arithmetical
skills and reviews concepts and operations involving fractions, decimals and
percents, the primary objective later in the year will be to introduce students
to variables. Consequently, much time will be spent evaluating expressions and
setting up and solving elementary equations.
Algebra IA is the first course in a two-course sequence that together, provide
our full-year Algebra I content to students over a two-year time period.
Stretching the introduction of algebraic concepts over a much longer period of
time provides numerous opportunities for students to proceed more slowly and
apply simulations, hands-on examples and real-world contexts to help visualize
the ideas. Algebra I A will address beginning topics and skills in algebra and
statistics, including data
Recommended Grade: 9
Algebra IB is the second course in a two-course sequence that together, provide
our full-year Algebra I content to students over a two-year time period.
Students may expect to apply simulations, hands-on examples and real-world
contexts to help visualize intermediate topics in algebra and geometry,
including ratios and proportions, scale, working with radicals, systems of
equations and inequalities, quadratic functions, exponential functions and
polynomial functions. Successful students in Algebra IB will most likely be
scheduled for Algebra 2/Geometry the following year.
Recommended Grade: 10$4,456
