W illiamsport A rea
S chool D istrict
Board of Directors Meeting
April 3, 2007
6:00 p.m.
AGENDA
1.
CALL TO ORDER 2.
OPENING EXERCISES - Mr. David A. Huffman
SILENT REFLECTION
DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN BELIEF STATEMENT # 1
We believe that education is essential to the vitality of the community.
PSBA EFFECTIVE SCHOOL GOVERNANCE STANDARD 4 ( h )
The Williamsport Area School Board will ensure that effective planning occurs
by adopting a plan for curriculum review and development.
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:
School Boards must balance their responsibility to provide educational
programs with the need to be effective stewards of public resources.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
SECRETARY PRO TEMPORE
Consider electing Debbra Savage, Esq. as secretary pro tempore for this meeting
only due to the absence of Board Secretary Charles E. Peterson, Jr.
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.
Outstanding Student Presentation:
4.1
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT’D - Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A.
Outstanding Student Presentation:
4.2
Committee Reports by Board Members
4.3 Construction Projects
A.
Consider authorizing a contract with Weatherproofing Technologies, Inc. for
roof
repairs at the Curtin Middle School at an estimated cost of $14,892.20. This
contract
will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the multi-state bid
conducted
by the Pennsylvania Joint Purchasing Council. This project will be funded by
Capital Reserve.
B.
Consider authorizing a contract with Weatherproofing Technologies, Inc. for
roof
repairs at the Roosevelt Middle School at an estimated cost of $7,387.25. This
contract will be in accordance with the terms and conditions of the multi-state
bid
conducted by the Pennsylvania Joint Purchasing Council. This project will be
funded by Capital Reserve.
5. FINANCE REPORT
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson
5.1
Consider approving the following financial reports:
A.
Treasurer’s Reports for the month of December 2006; January and February
2007
B. Payroll Report:
General Fund – Unrestricted
$3,932,769.86
General Fund – Restricted 374,571.73
Athletics and Extra Curricular
61,861.15 Food Service Fund
118,540.09
Data Processing Fund 27,700.80
Maintenance Fund 65,723.24
Earned Income Tax
52,377.87
Student Activities 5,119.40
TOTAL
$4,638,664.14
5. FINANCE REPORT CONT’D:
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
04/03/07 320,023.43
04/03/07A 169,490.24
04/03/07B
1,898.32 04/03/07C 173,451.88
04/03/07D 1,876,010.16 04/03/07E
725,611.23 04/03/07F 186,980.00
5.3
Consider authorizing a scholarship in memory of Sandy R. Lawson, in the amount
of
$100,000 and authorize the Board President to sign an agreement authorizing the
WASD
Education Foundation to deposit and administer the funds.
5.4
Consider approving budget transfers for FY07, dated March 28, 2007 as presented
in accordance with Section 609 of the Public School Code of 1949, as amended.
6. BOARD POLICY – None
Questions may be directed to Dr. Kelley.
7. CURRICULUM REPORT
Questions may be directed to Dr. Adams.
7.1
Consider approving Diane Eck to work two additional half days on March 29 and
30, 2007 at the sub rate to attend parent/teacher conferences. The cost is
$90.00 and budgeted under string number 10-1200-122-000-10-350-000-007-0000.
7.2
Consider authorizing a "Career Exploration Day" opportunity for WASD
students in
grades 5 through 12 on April 26, 2006. This is a career education activity and
coincides with
the national "Take Our Daughters to Work Day."
This experience is only recommended for students in grades 5 through 12;
however, students in Kindergarten through 4th
grade may participate in the experience by completing the “Application
for Excused Absence for an Educational Trip.”
This is a voluntary activity that will require pre-registration to include
parent's signature and identification of parent/guardian's place of employment
to be visited. Additionally, students participating in this activity with
their parent will be required, and given the opportunity, to complete regular
academic work covered on April 26. Participating students will also be
required to complete a variety of appropriate assignments relevant to their
visitation of the parent's place of employment.
Participating parents are responsible for the transportation and safety of
their child to and from their place of employment.
7.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
7.3
Consider authorizing the submission of the following adult education grants for
the 2007-08 program year:
Pennsylvania State Act 143 grant in the amount of
$30,544
Federal Section 231 grant in the amount of
$67,498
To enter into a subcontract with The Lycoming County Literacy Program to
provide adult education instruction to their Family Literacy participants in
the amount of $12,742
This total figure of $110,784 is five percent less than last year’s grant
total. The average state budget cut was 8.2%, but our district is listed as a
“high performer” and received the lowest category cut for next year.
Federal and state grant allocations will be barely adequate to maintain all
aspects of our current program offerings at six locations in Lycoming County.
These include a morning program at the Lycoming County Career Link and evening
programs at the District Service Center, Ashkar Elementary School in
Hughesville, Jersey Shore Senior High School, The Lycoming County Prison and
the Lycoming County Prison Pre-Release Center. We provide an additional local
school district match of $24,499. This amount is necessary to comply with the
25 percent local match obligation to receive the federal portion of these
grants.
7.4
Consider approving a research project by Julia Edler, Kindergarten teacher at
Cochran Elementary, as part of her graduate work at Lock Haven University. The
purpose of the study is to describe the effect of intentional modeling for the
use of a Word Wall on student writing. Following the teaching of 2
mini-lessons on use of the word wall in writing, the teacher will observe
children during the writing process and note the frequency of use of the word
wall in writing. Participation will be voluntary with parent permission.
Students’ identities will be confidential. The research process will be
subsumed within the literacy block class work, will not intrude on curricular
requirements, and will support the program already in place. Information from
the research will be shared with the primary elementary staff. A copy of the
research paper will be provided to the District.
8. PERSONNEL REPORT
Questions may be directed to Debbra Savage, Esq.
8.1 RESIGNATIONS
Consider accepting the following resignation(s), effective on the dates and for
the purposes indicated:
A.
Harriet S. Fluke, general food service worker at Roosevelt Middle School, for
personal reasons, effective April 27, 2007.
8.1 RESIGNATIONS CONT’D:
B.
Deborah J. Foust, general food service worker at the high school, for personal
reasons, effective April 5, 2007.
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, leave of
absence without pay, effective March 22, 2007, through May 3, 2007.
B.
Thomas D. Croce, full-time special education (6th
grade) teacher at Roosevelt Middle School, leave of absence without pay,
effective May 7, 2007, through May 11, 2007.
C.
Sue E. Johnson, full-time elementary (2nd
grade) teacher at Jackson Elementary School, leave of absence without pay,
effective April 24, 2007, through May 28, 2007.
D.
Cindy L. Ryder, part-time instructional support aide at Lycoming Valley Middle
School, leave of absence without pay, effective April 17, 2007, through May 18,
2007.
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Consider the election of the following staff, for the purpose and on the date
indicated:
A.
The following persons as Middle Level Summer School Teachers for 3½ hours
per
day, 5 days per week, plus one 30 minute building meeting each week beginning
July 9 through August 3, 2007, at the rate of $27.03
per hour plus appropriate
benefits. Teachers will also participate in up to two staff development days
at
$90/day prior to the start of summer school. Employment is contingent upon
participation in appropriate professional development activities as well as
student
enrollment. All costs are budgeted under Sheridan Project Grant:
Michael A. Haines
343 Eldred St., Williamsport
Melissa A. Kuhns
400 Turkey Path Rd., Linden
Christopher P. Yoder
921½ Arch St., Williamsport
Substitute Teacher(s) for Middle Level Summer School:
Gregory P. Kinley
75 Cider Press Rd., Apt. 4, Lock Haven
B.
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 a total of twenty
(20)
hours per week, effective March 28, 2007 [originally approved at the 02/20/07
Board
Meeting 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).
8.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
C.
The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $6.75 per
hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective date as indicated:
Arnetta L. Twine
959 Market St., Williamsport (effective 03/27/07)
D.
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 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:
Eric L. Anderson
1738 E. Third St., #333, Williamsport (eff. 03/30/07)
Michael E. Greenway
428 Rose St., Williamsport (effective 03/29/07)
Lisa M. Krape
5038 Jacks Hollow Rd., Williamsport (eff. 03/30/07)
E.
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:
Arnetta L. Twine
959 Market St., Williamsport (effective 03/30/07)
8.4* POSITION CHANGES
Consider approving the following position change(s):
A.
Mindy L. Camp, 1107 Charles St., Unit 1, Williamsport, from a substitute
custodian to a regular part-time custodian at Round Hills Elementary School,
250 days up to 2 hours per day, with a base wage rate of $10.44 per hour,
effective April 4, 2007 (replacing Dennis Conner, resigned).
B.
Laura E. Kiess, 471 Kiess Hill Rd., Jersey Shore, from a substitute food
service worker to a general food service worker (3¼ hours daily) at
Lycoming Valley Middle School, with a base wage rate of $10.19 per hour,
effective April 4, 2007 (replacing Cindy Hostrander, transferred).
8.5 OTHER
A.
Consider authorizing the Superintendent to sign a Memorandum of Understanding
(MOU) with the Williamsport Area Education Support Professionals (WAESP)
regarding Karen Benson’s transfer from one classification to another at
the high school.
B.
Consider authorizing hiring a one-on-one part-time Instructional Support Aide
for a
student with behavior problems at Curtin Middle School for the remainder of
this school year (to be funded from the General Fund).
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:
All students must be in compliance with the school’s field trip
disciplinary requirements
in order to participate.
A.
Approximately 75 fifth grade students from Cochran Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Penn’s Cave and Wildlife Park
during May 2007. The students will have the opportunity to study rock and cave
formations and to view wildlife habitats.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Cochran
School Association.
B.
Eighty-eight (88) kindergarten students from Cochran Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Jarrett’s Dairy Farm
(Montgomery) and Indian Park (Montoursville) during May 2007. The trip is a
culmination of their farm unit. The students will be split into groups and
will attend on two separate dates.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Cochran
School Association.
C.
Sixty (60) third grade students from Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Camp Susque
during May 2007. The students will have the opportunity to learn to use a
compass and make nature crafts.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the
Hepburn-Lycoming PTO.
D.
Approximately 135 students from Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, accompanied
by their teachers, to travel to the Williamsport YMCA during April 2007.
Students participating will be those who have met their 3rd
marking period AR individual goals.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the
Hepburn-Lycoming PTO.
10.1*
Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:
E.
Twenty (20) learning support students from Roosevelt Middle School, accompanied
by four adult chaperones, to travel to Antes Creek Fishing Club during May
2007. The students will have an opportunity to investigate live stock, plants
and insects.
District transportation is requested and will be paid by the Roosevelt PTO.
F.
Approximately 40 Williamsport Area High School CASA student members,
accompanied by their teacher, an aide, and another staff member to travel to
King of Prussia to visit historical sites and shopping areas on a Saturday
during June 2007.
Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. The students have raised
funds to pay for the cost of this trip. If needed, a participation fee may be
charged.
G.
Forty-five (45) second grade students from Sheridan Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Camp Susque
during May 2007.
District transportation is requested and will be paid by the Sheridan PTO.
H.
Forty (40) second and third grade gifted education students from the six
district elementary schools, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Camp
Susque during May 2007 to explore pond life.
District transportation in the amount of approximately $325 is requested
(10-1243-519-000-10-225-000-023-0000). One substitute will be required for the
day at a cost not to exceed $110.00.
I.
Eighty (80) fifth grade students from Cochran Elementary School, accompanied by
their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Washington, D.C., on a
Saturday during May 2007. The students will visit the National Zoo and various
other sites.
Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. Costs will be paid by the
Cochran School Association and through fundraising.
J.
Retroactive Approval: Five (5) cast members of the Williamsport Area High
School’s production of West Side Story, accompanied by their teacher, to
travel to Curtin Middle School during March 2007 to introduce the musical.
The students will be transported by their teacher. There will be no cost to
the district.
K.
Seventy-two (72) fourth grade students from Jackson Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent chaperones, to travel to Penn’s
Cave during June 2007.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Jackson
PTO.
10.1*
Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:
L.
Seventy-two (72) first grade students from Stevens Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Bald Eagle
State Park in Howard during May 2007.
District transportation is requested and will be paid by the Stevens PTA.
M.
Fifty-one (51) fourth and fifth grade gifted education students from five of
the District’s elementary schools, accompanied by their teachers, to
travel to Stevens Elementary School during May 2007 to rehearse for a play.
District transportation is estimated to be $125 and will be charged to string
#10-10-325-000-023-0000. Two substitutes will be required for the day at a
cost not to exceed $220.00.
10.2
Consider approving the following request for facility use:
A.
Lycoming County Bureau of Elections to use space at Curtin and Roosevelt Middle
Schools on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 from 7:00 a.m. until 8:00 p.m. as Primary
Election polling places. The Lycoming County Bureau of Elections is requesting
relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $30.00. They are responsible for the
cost of a security person at each site. Certificate of Insurance waived.
11. BIDS/CONTRACTS
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson.
11.1
Consider authorizing a contract between the Williamsport Area School District
and the
Pennsylvania Department of Transportation authorizing the school district to
operate a
Safety Inspection Mechanic Training Program (State Inspection) for students
enrolled in the
Automotive Technology program. The Automotive Technology program is a PDE
approved Career and Technical Education program offered at the Williamsport
Area High
School. Students completing the Safety Inspection Mechanic Training Program
are
eligible to participate in the certification testing program. Students who are
successful on
the test will receive certification as a Safety Inspection Mechanic.
11.2
Consider authorizing the District’s participation in the Commonwealth
Purchasing
Program of the Pennsylvania Education Joint Purchasing Council for the
procurement of Athletic Supplies (FY08) to used district wide.
RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
Sportsman’s, Johnstown, PA $2,956.48
Riddell/All American, Chicago, IL 3,700.30
Valley Athletic Supply
558.60
TOTAL RECOMMENDED AWARDS
$7,215.38
11. BIDS/CONTRACTS CONT’D:
11.3
Consider approving the annual preventative maintenance contract with Johnson
Controls Inc.,
York Service Branch on the HT-390 and HT-320 air conditioning units at the
Williamsport
High School at an annual fee of $26,352.00. This is to be invoiced and paid
monthly. String # 10-2620-431-000-30-850-000-074-000.
11.4
Consider approving an agreement with Larson Design Group to provide preliminary
evaluation and design services for the Cochran Elementary Fitness Trail
Project. The cost of
this service is $600 and will be paid from the Cochran Elementary School
budget.
11.5
Consider authorizing an Addendum to the Agreement with York Cable Television,
t/d/b/a
Susquehanna Communications (Suscom), and the Williamsport Area School District.
The
Addendum is between WASD and Comcast Business Communications as successor to
Suscom. This addendum will provide clarification as to the applicability of
the contract as it
pertains to Comcast and will provide enhanced services to WASD at no additional
cost.
12. TAX ITEMS
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson.
12.1
Consider approving the attached tax summaries.
13.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Kathleen R. Kelley, Ph.D.
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
