W illiamsport A rea
S chool D istrict
Board of Directors Meeting
February 20, 2007
6:00 p.m.
AGENDA
1.
CALL TO ORDER
2. OPENING EXERCISES -
Thomas A. Zimmerman
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 4 (e)
The Williamsport Area School Board will ensure that effective planning occurs
by adopting professional development plans for Board and staff.
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:
Personal decisions should be based upon all sufficient facts, we should
vote our
honest conviction without partisan bias and we will abide by and uphold
the
majority decision of the Board.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
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.
Budget - Presentation on referendum exceptions.
B.
Consider approving the adjudication of student 06/07–06 resulting from a
quasi- judicial hearing held this evening.
C.
Consider approving the adjudication of student 06/07–07 resulting from a
quasi- judicial hearing held this evening.
4.1
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
D.
Consider approving the adjudication of student 06/07–08 resulting from a
quasi- judicial hearing held this evening.
4.2
Committee Reports by Board Members
4.3 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 $2,603,562.77
General Fund – Restricted
249,587.79
Athletics and Extra Curricular 18,898.79
Food Service Fund 80,390.69
Data Processing Fund
19,230.82
Maintenance Fund 37,274.81
Earned Income Tax
34,189.01 Student Activities
0.00
TOTAL
$3,043,134.68
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
02/20/07 460,969.29
02/20/07A 188,350.87
02/20/07B
14,742.85 02/20/07C 1,556,885.54
02/20/07D 17,562.31
6.
BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple
Questions may be directed to Dr. Kelley.
6.1
Consider approving the first reading of the “Whistleblowers Law”
policy. This policy will
be numbered by PSBA after the second reading and adoption and will be placed in
all
employee sections of the Williamsport Area School District Board Policy Manual.
7. CURRICULUM REPORT
Questions may be directed to Dr. Adams.
7.1
Consider approving Bob McLeod, author and illustrator, to present the program,
"Reading is Super," to the students and parents of Sheridan
Elementary School on March 2, 2007 at an approximate total cost of $850. The
costs will be shared between Title I ($425) and the Sheridan PTO (approximately
$425).
7.2
Consider approving Metamorphosis Performing Company to present two student
programs to the WASD Elementary Summer School students on July 24, 2007
(Jackson) and July 25 , 2007 (Cochran). The total cost for the programs will be
$700 and the funds are budgeted under the Sheridan Project.
7.3
Consider approving Suzanne Ritchey, 1250 S. Main Street, Roaring Springs, PA to
provide five days of consultation services on Inclusive Practices at Curtin
Middle School. The work will include professional training as well as
job-embedded follow-up and will occur prior to the end of the 06-07 school
year. The cost is $800 per day ($4,000 total cost) plus the costs of
substitutes (approximate cost $1,000); all costs are covered by the Curtin PA
School Improvement Grant. 8.
PERSONNEL REPORT
Questions may be directed to Debbra Savage, Esq.
8.1
RESIGNATIONS - None at this time
8.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Consider approving the following leave(s) of absence:
A.
Virginia M. Bartron, general food service worker at the high school, extension
of an unpaid
leave of absence, effective February 9, 2007, through March 22, 2007.
B.
Scott E. Ferguson, Sr., auxiliary custodian for the District, for five (5) days
of military leave on February 19, 2007, through February 23, 2007 (as
reflected in orders), in accordance with Section 5159(14)(b) of the School
District Policy Manual and Act 174 of 1990. School law allows a maximum of 15
paid military days per year.
8.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF
Consider the election of the following staff, for the purpose and on the date
indicated:
A.
Christopher P. Yoder, 921½ Arch St., Williamsport, as a long-term
substitute teacher, effective January 22, 2007, through the end of the second
semester of the 2006-2007 school term (tentative ending date of June 8, 2007),
unless terminated sooner, to teach Mathematics at Curtin Middle School, at a
salary rate of Step 1, bachelor's, $38,750, prorated. Mr. Yoder holds a
bachelor's degree from Mansfield University and is certified in Mathematics
(replacing Tiffani Ault, on unpaid leave).
8.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
B.
Heather A. Mitch, 4336 Mount Vernon Ave., Brookhaven, Health Physical
Education teacher at the high school, as Dance Troupe Advisor (3
rd year) at the high
school, at a stipend amount of $714.00 for the 2006-2007 school year (per MOU
with WEA).
C.
Betsy G. Yost, 1347 Rose Valley Rd., Cogan Station, substitute special
education teacher for the
District, to provide instruction to special education students in the
After Hours Program, at the rate of $26.22 per hour for up to three (3) hours
per
day, up to five (5) days a week, effective February 12, 2007 (to be paid out of
the general fund).
D.
The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $6.25 per
hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective date as indicated:
Jeannette M. Cochran
1301 Scott St., Williamsport (effective 02/12/07)
Denise M. Deitrich
1622 Warren Ave., Williamsport (effective 02/07/07)
Laura E. Kiess
471 Kiess Hill Rd., Jersey Shore (effective 02/21/07)
E.
Margaret A. Dill, 1106 Towncrest Rd., Williamsport, as a substitute school
nurse and substitute health room technician, subject to assignment by the
Superintendent of Schools, at the salary and/or daily rates as established by
Board policy ($90 per day for first 45 days; $110 per day for days beyond the
45th
day; up to a maximum of 180 days/year), and only for the actual number of
hours assigned and worked.
8.4*
POSITION CHANGES
Consider approving the following position change(s):
A.
Mark N. Metzger, 146 Kiess Hill Rd., Linden, from Head Custodian at Sheridan
Elementary School to General Maintenance worker for the District, 250 days, 8
hours per day, with a base wage rate of $32,180, prorated ($16.09 per hour),
effective February 12, 2007 (replacing Vaughn L. Reish, transferred).
B.
John P. Sepe, 2221 Boyd St., Williamsport, from Custodian (3rd
shift) at the high school to Head Custodian at Sheridan Elementary School, 250
days, 8 hours per day, with a base wage rate of $32,880, prorated ($16.44 per
hour), effective February 12, 2007 (replacing Mark Metzger, transferred).
C.
Richard A. McDonald, 1142 Exchange Rd., Muncy, from Custodian (2nd
shift) to Custodian (3rd
shift) at the high school, 250 days, 8 hours per day, with a base wage rate of
$30,980, prorated ($15.49 per hour), effective February 12, 2007 (replacing
John Sepe, transferred).
8.4* POSITION CHANGES CONT’D:
D.
Wendy L. Dgien, 1813 Sholder Ave., Williamsport, from a general food service
worker at Jackson Elementary School to a part-time Instructional Support Aide
(up to 185 days, up to 5 hours per day) at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School,
with a base wage rate of $10.94 per hour, effective March 1, 2007 (replacing
Jennifer Douglass, transferred to aide position vacated by Penelope Winner,
resigned).
E.
Linda A. Zegarski, 1119 Charles St., Williamsport, from a Food Service
Satellite
Manager at Sheridan Elementary School to a part-time Administrative Support I
(245 day; up to 5 hours per day) in the Business Office/Tax Office, at the rate
of
$10.84 per hour, effective February 14, 2007 (replacing Rachael Cohick,
resigned).
9. PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Questions may be directed to Dr. Adams.
9.1
RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Consider approving 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)
10.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
Questions may be directed to Dr. Kelley.
10.1*
Consider approving the following student trips:
A.
Twelve (12) FCCLA members from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied
by their advisor, to travel to Seven Springs Resort (Champion) on three dates
during March 2007 to participate in the FCCLA state 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 (10-1390-519-000-30-850-280-033-0000).
Students will pay $50.00 toward the cost of the trip with the remainder being
paid through the Career and Technical Education budget
(10-1390-519-000-30-850-280-033-0000). One substitute will be required for
three days at a cost not to exceed $330.00.
B.
Fifty (50) fifth grade students from Stevens Elementary School, accompanied by
their teachers, to travel to the Williamsport Area High School during February
2007 to visit the planetarium.
District transportation is requested (10-1100-519-000-10-375-000-014-0000).
10.1*
Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:
C.
Seventy-five (75) fifth grade students from Cochran Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Williamsport Area High School
during February 2007 to visit the planetarium.
District transportation is requested (10-1100-519-000-10-275-000-014-0000).
D.
One hundred (100) fifth grade students from Jackson Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Williamsport Area High School
during February 2007 to visit the planetarium.
District transportation is requested (10-1100-519-000-10-275-000-045-0000).
E.
Ten (10) Williamsport Area High band students, accepted by competitive
audition, to participate in the Pennsylvania Music Educators’ Association
Regional Band Festival to be held at Bloomsburg High School on four dates
during March 2007.
Nicole Pish – Flute Matt Hartsock - Trumpet
Audra Chapman – Clarinet Josh Mills – Trumpet
Matt Ray – Clarinet
Jason Reed - Trumpet
Francis Lovecchio – Alto Sax Nick Umstead – French Horn
Nate McMahon – Alto Sax Josh Whitney - Tuba
Cost to the District is $700 (10-3211-813-000-30-850-121-023-0000) for student
registration fees; approximately $200 (10-3211-519-000-30-850-121-023-0000) for
transportation; and $225 (10-3211-581-000-30-850-121-023-0000) for teacher
expenses. Todd Kendall, WAHS band director, will accompany the students. One
substitute will be needed for two days at a cost not to exceed $220.00.
F.
Forty-two (42) Lycoming Valley Middle School performing music students,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Community Arts Center during
May 2007 to attend a lecture and concert. Students eligible to participate
must be in compliance with the school’s field trip disciplinary
requirements.
District transportation is requested. Transportation and admission to the
concert will be paid by the Williamsport Symphony Orchestra.
G.
Seventy-five (75) fifth grade students from Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Del
Grosso’s in Tipton, PA, during June 2007. The students will have an
opportunity to learn about the food making process, nutrition, and water
safety. Students eligible to participate will not have been suspended or
assigned to Saturday School within 30 days prior to the trip.
Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. All costs will be paid by
the Hepburn-Lycoming PTO. 11.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson.
11.1
Consider authorizing the sale of one (1) Williamsport Area School District
owned 1991
GMC Truck in accordance with the terms and conditions of sale to the following
bidder at their acceptable bid offer:
Triple A Motors
760 Moore Avenue
Williamsport, PA $2,253.00
*Minimum bid for this vehicle was $1,500.00. Sealed bids were received on
February 9,
2007 in the District Service Center.
12. TAX ITEMS - None
13.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Kathleen R. Kelley, Ph.D.
A.
Awards and Accomplishments
1.
Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Student – Michael Stratton, Senior at the
Williamsport Area High School
2.
Chamber of Commerce Outstanding Teacher – Janice Todd, Physical Education
Teacher at Jackson Elementary School
3.
Congratulations to the following student/athletes for signing Division 1
letters of intent:
4.
Congratulations to the Williamsport Area High School Boys’ Swimming &
Diving Team for finishing their season at 13-1. The team was undefeated during
the league season and won their fourth consecutive league championship.
14. ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
15. 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
