W illiamsport A rea
S chool D istrict
Board of Directors Meeting
May 15, 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 5 (c)
The Williamsport Area School Board will monitor results by evaluating its own
performance.
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:
Communication with all stakeholders and the media should be conducted in
accordance with Board policy.
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.
Outstanding Student Presentation:
4.1
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
B.
Awards and Accomplishments
1.
Congratulations to Farida Esaa, a ninth grade student at the Williamsport Area
High School, for receiving a Gold Award in the National Scholastic Art and
Writing Awards Program. Ms. Esaa will be recognized at the National Awards
Ceremony in New York City during June 2007.
2.
Congratulations to Williamsport Area High School students Kara Metz, Elyssa
Okkelberg, and Michael Stratton for receiving Carl E. Stotz Little League
Baseball Scholarships. 3.
Congratulations to Tom Zimmerman, Board Member, for being reelected as Region
12 Director for the Pennsylvania School Boards Association.
C.
Update on transition of Twilight Alternative Education Program --William
Rathjen and David Wright
D.
Consider approving the adjudication of student 06/07–09 resulting from a
quasi- judicial hearing held this evening.
E.
Consider approving the adjudication of student 06/07–10 resulting from a
quasi- judicial hearing held this evening.
4.3
Committee Reports by Board Members
4.4 Construction Projects
5. FINANCE REPORT
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson
5.1*
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
05/15/07 $338,195.50
05/15/07A $142,612.69
05/15/07B
1,854.20 05/15/07C 10,108.25
6.
BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple
Questions may be directed to Dr. Kelley.
6.1
Consider approving the first reading of the School Lunch/Breakfast Program
Charged Meal policy.
7. CURRICULUM REPORT
Questions may be directed to Dr. Adams.
7.1
Consider authorizing $500 payment to Amanda Whitesel to provide professional
development training for the WASD music staff at Williamsport Area High School
March 20, 22, 23, 24, and 25, 2007.
7.2
Consider approving the Roosevelt Middle School 2007-08 Student-Parent Handbook.
7.3
Consider allowing the Williamsport YMCA to use multi-purpose room and minor
other facilities for the provision of Before and After School Child Care at
Cochran, Hepburn-Lycoming, Jackson, Sheridan, Stevens, and Round Hills
Elementary Schools during the 2007-08 school year as these programs are a
direct advantage to District families, the waiver of fees is requested.
7.4
Consider an Agreement for Services with Bethesda Day Treatment Center, Inc. for
the 2007-08 school year. Bethesda provides limited alternative education
services to the Williamsport Area School District for students who are court
ordered into their program and those specifically referred by the District.
The per diem service rate for 2007-08 will be established shortly and will be
included in this agreement by a Board-reviewed addendum.
7.5
Consider approving Beth Fausnaught to write English as a Second Language
curriculum for up to 5 days this summer at the substitute rate.
7.6
Consider approving the Curtin Middle School 2007-08 Student-Parent Handbook.
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.
Stephen E. Stopper, full-time Maintenance Specialist for the District, for the
purpose of retirement, effective June 29, 2007.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School
District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Stephen E. Stopper
from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere
appreciation for his 36 years of dedicated service to our school system as a
maintenance specialist. It further expresses the hope that his years of
retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
8.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Consider approving the following leave(s) of absence:
A.
Michele L. Lusk, Food Service Satellite Manager at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary
School, leave of absence without pay, effective April 23, 2007, through May 4,
2007.
B.
Crissy M. Walker, full-time special education (6th
grade) teacher at Roosevelt Middle School, leave of absence without pay,
effective May 21, 2007, through June 8, 2007, possibly to return sooner.
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Consider the election of the following staff, for the purpose and on the date
indicated:
A.
The following Technology Education teachers at the high school as production
printers, effective June 13, 2007, at the rate established in the Agreement by
and between the Board of Directors of the Williamsport Area School District and
the Williamsport Education Association ($21.86 per hour before 07/01/07;
$22.54 per hour after 07/01/07):
Randy R. Knipe
5847 Daugherty’s Run Rd., Linden
David E. Gephart
5785 Daugherty’s Run Rd., Linden
B.
The following as part-time printer’s helpers, at the salary rates
indicated, for the actual number of hours worked, effective June 13, 2007:
David Rhoads
1844 Marshall Ave., Williamsport $5.65 per hour
Jordan Freezer 1967 Beech St., Cogan Station
$5.65 per hour
C.
Madeline T. Bird as Treasurer of the Williamsport Area School District for a
term of one year, effective July 1, 2007.
Section 404 of the Public School Code of 1949, as amended, established a one-
year term of office for the Treasurer. Madeline Bird is the Controller/Tax
Officer, effective July 1, 2007. That position includes the duties of
Treasurer.
8.4*
POSITION CHANGES - Consider approving the following position change(s):
A.
Gwynn E. Shelley, 367 Grape St., Lock Haven, from a substitute school bus
driver to
a regular part-time school bus driver (bargaining unit employee), at the salary
rate of
$12.52 per hour, effective April 30, 2007 (replacing Donald Lepley, retired).
B.
Jennette M. Cochran, 1301 Scott St., Williamsport, from a substitute food
service worker to a general food service worker (4¾ hours daily) at
Roosevelt Middle School, with a base wage rate of $10.19 per hour, effective
May 16, 2007 (replacing Harriett Fluke, retired).
8.5 OTHER
A.
Consider authorizing payment to Marguerite W. Anderson-Royal, 685 Mark Ave.,
Williamsport, to provide one-on-one instruction for a special education student
receiving instruction in the home at the rate of $26.84 or contract rate per
hour up to five (5) hours per week, effective May 14, 2007, through October,
2007, for up to 45 school days (funded through 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 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)
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.
Forty-six (46) kindergarten students from Round Hills Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and 6-8 other adult chaperones, to travel to the
Waltz Farm (Linden) and Carl Stotz Park during May 2007 as a culmination of
their unit on plants and animals.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Round
Hills PTO.
B
Seventy-five (75) fourth grade students from Cochran Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers to walk to Freedom Road Cemetery on a date to be
determined during May 2007.
There will be no cost to the District.
C.
Sixty-six (66) kindergarten students from Stevens Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Clyde
Peeling’s Reptiland during May 2007.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Stevens
PTA.
10.1*
Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:
D.
Thirty-five (35) members of Curtin Middle School’s Chamber Orchestra &
Jazz Band, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Sheridan and Cochran
Elementary Schools during May 2007 to perform for the students.
District transportation is requested.
E.
Forty-four (44) kindergarten students from Sheridan Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Los Brook
Farm (Elimsport) and Bruce Henry Park during June 2007.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Sheridan
PTO.
F.
Twenty-five (25) life skills support students from the Williamsport Area High
School, accompanied by their teachers and six aides, to travel to Wegman’
s, the Trade and Transit Center, Sovereign Bank, the Community Arts Center, and
the Court House on a date during June 2007.
District transportation is requested and will be paid through the special
education budget.
G.
Eighty-eight (88) second grade students from Jackson Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Lycoming County Landfill and
the Hiawatha during June 2007.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Jackson
PTO.
H.
Ten (10) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their teacher,
to travel to Penn College during May 2007 to learn about career opportunities
in the plastics industry.
District transportation is requested. One substitute will be required for the
day at a cost not to exceed $110.00.
I.
Retro Approval: Approximately 140 sixth grade students from Roosevelt Middle
School, accompanied by their teachers and aides, to travel to the Montour
Preserve during May 2007.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid from funds raised
from a school dance and by the Roosevelt PTO.
10.1*
Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:
J.
Sixteen (16) life skills students from Round Hills Elementary School,
accompanied by their two teachers and six aides, to travel to the Lycoming Mall
during May 2007 to participate in various activities.
Transportation will be provided by City Bus. All costs will be paid by the
Round Hills PTO.
K.
Approximately 15 health services students from the Williamsport Area High
School, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Geisinger Medical Center
(Danville) on a date in May or June 2007 to tour the facility.
District transportation is requested and will be paid by Northcentral AHEC.
One substitute will be required for half the day at a cost not to exceed
$55.00.
L.
Thirty (30) members of Curtin Middle School’s Student Council, accompanied
by two teachers, to travel to Knoebel’s Grove on a Saturday during June
2007.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Curtin
Student Council.
M.
Seventeen (17) life skills students from Lycoming Valley Middle School,
accompanied by their teachers and three aides, to travel to the Williamsport
Area High School during June 2007 for a tour and to meet their new teachers.
District transportation is requested.
N.
Forty (40) law students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by
their teachers and two other staff members, to travel to the Lycoming County
Courthouse on a date to be determined in May or June 2007. The students will
have the opportunity to tour the courthouse and to witness a court case.
District transportation is requested. Two substitutes will be required for the
day at a cost not to exceed $220.00.
O.
Thirty (30) Williamsport Area High School ELECT/EFI Program participants,
accompanied by staff members, to travel to Knoebel’s Grove after the
school year in June 2007.
Transportation is requested and will be paid by Susquehanna Health System.
P.
Approximately 150 Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School students, accompanied by
their teachers, to travel to the Jersey Shore Pool during June 2007 as an AR
goal award.
District transportation is requested and will pay all costs.
10.1*
Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:
Q.
Five (5) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their teacher,
to travel to Penn College during May 2007 to take place in the International
Fuel Cello Challenge Car competition.
The students will be transported by their teacher. One substitute will be
required for the day at a cost not to exceed $110.00.
11. BIDS/CONTRACTS
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson.
11.1
Consider authorizing the District’s participation in the Cooperative
Purchasing Program of
the Pennsylvania Education Joint Purchasing Council for the procurement of
copier paper
to replenish warehouse stock.
RECOMMENDED AWARD:
Ricoh Corporation, Uniontown, OH $12,451.20
RIS Paper Company, Inc., Mechanicsburg, PA
21,824.00
TOTAL RECOMMENDED AWARD: $34,275.20
11.2
Consider approving a repair and maintenance contract for the period of 6/1/07
through
5/31/08 with TKM for A. B. Dick Printing Equipment at the District Service
Center, at a cost
of $1,500.
12. TAX ITEMS - None
13.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Kathleen R. Kelley, Ph.D.
A. Budget Update
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
