W illiamsport A rea
S chool D istrict
Board of Directors Meeting
February 5, 2008
6:00 p.m.
AGENDA
1.
CALL TO ORDER
2. OPENING EXERCISES -
Ms. Pamela J. Markle
SILENT REFLECTION
DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN BELIEF STATEMENT # 9
We believe civility and mutual respect are important in a productive community
PSBA EFFECTIVE SCHOOL GOVERNANCE STANDARD 2 ( b )
The Williamsport Area School Board will model responsible governance and
leadership by interacting with school officials in other districts and using
resources provided by organizations and agencies committed to effective
governance and management of public schools.
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:
We should recognize that the primary responsibility of the Board is to adopt
policies by which the schools are to be administered.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Regular Meeting – January 22, 2008
3.1
Student Representatives’ Report – Kelly Derr and Chate James
4. REPORTS TO THE BOARD
4.1
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A.
Congratulations to the following winners of the 2007-08 Williamsport
Junior-Senior High School Juried Art Show:
Curtin Middle School
Erica Curry (Artistic Achievement)
Shadale Harman (Artistic Achievement)
Dante Miele-Elion (Artistic Achievement)
Brandon Route (Artistic Achievement)
4.1
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT’D: – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A.
Congratulations to the following winners of the 2007-08 Williamsport
Junior-Senior High School Juried Art Show:
Roosevelt Middle School
Joseph Cohick (Artistic Achievement)
WAHS
Rachel Kempf (Recognizing a Promising Talent & Artistic Excellence)
Stephanie Melvin (Best in Show)
Kelsey Metz (Creativity & Innovation)
Lauren Murray (Excellence in Drawing)
Hayley Nordstrom (Best in Show)
B.
Congratulations to Tyler Clemons, a sophomore at the Williamsport Area High
School, for attaining the rank of Eagle Scout.
C.
The District would like to thank Judie Welch, bus driver, for volunteering to
transport reserve troops from the Poconos area to Williamsport on the Saturday
before Christmas. Her efforts are greatly appreciated by both their families
and the District.
D.
Consider reaffirming the PSBA Code of Conduct for Members of Pennsylvania
School Boards.
E.
Consider approving the adjudication of student 07/08–02 resulting from a
quasi-judicial hearing held this evening.
F.
Consider approving the adjudication of student 07/08–03 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.
Treasurer’s Report for the month of December 2007
5.2
Consider approving budget transfers for FY08, dated January 28, 2008 as
presented in accordance with Section 609 of the Public School Code of 1949, as
amended.
5. FINANCE REPORT CONT’D:
5.3*
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
02/05/08 1,276,066.77
02/05/08A 127,632.44 02/05/08B 1,833.37
02/05/08C 4,610.81
02/05/08D 679,316.89
02/05/08E 1,245,941.21
02/05/08F 83,508.52
02/05/08G 8,000.00
02/05/08H 3,911.80
02/05/08I 154,597.00
02/05/08J 1,940.00
02/05/08K 140.00 6.
BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple
Questions may be directed to Dr. Kelley.
6.1
Consider a revision at the first reading, to Board Policy # 215 Promotion and
Retention, as requested by high school administration, curriculum supervisors,
and student services.
The requested change in Board policy # 215 is to the following text on pages 2
and 3 of the Policy, in the section entitled “
High School Promotion”:
Freshman
To be a freshman (grade 9), a student shall have been promoted from a middle
school.
Sophomore
To be a sophomore, a student shall have earned four and one-half (4.5) credits
as a freshman, including credits in health and physical education.
Junior
To be a junior, a student shall have earned nine (9.0) credits as a freshman
and sophomore, including credits in health and physical education.
Senior
To be a senior, a student shall have earned fourteen (14.0) credits as a
freshman, sophomore and junior, including credits in health and physical
education.
7. CURRICULUM REPORT
Questions may be directed to Dr. Adams.
7.1
Consider authorization of expenditures to begin service provision in
anticipation of a 21st
7.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
7.2
Consider authorizing the Community/Adult Technical Program for the Spring of
2008. The courses will be advertised on the Williamsport Area School District
website. Registration can occur during regular school hours at the high school,
or by mail. Space for participants in courses is on a first-come first-served
basis. A minimum of 10 participants must be registered for each course.
Deadline for registration is February 22 with classes beginning the week of
February 26. Following is the registration fee schedule:
WASD Residents
Non-Residents
Length of Course (Hours) Registration Fee
Registration Fee
10 $35
$ 45 20
$50 $ 70
30
$70 $100
NOTE: Residents are those individuals residing within the boundaries of the
WASD or employees of the WASD. All others are non-residents. Participants who
attend 80% of the classes will be issued a certificate of completion by the
Williamsport Area School District. Participants will be provided an opportunity
to evaluate the course during the last class session.
Programs that meet the Pennsylvania Department of Education program standards
and requirements are eligible for State reimbursement (instructional hours at
80% of $8.60/hour).
The following teacher who will be offering courses will be paid at the rate of
$27.03 per hour as per the collective bargaining agreement:
Joel Ryder:
Clay Studio (20 hours)
Beginners Jewelry (20 hours)
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.
Bernadette Martino Strong, full-time Secondary School Curriculum Supervisor for
the Humanities, for the purpose of retirement, effective June 27, 2008.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School
District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Bernadette Martino
Strong from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere
appreciation for her 6 years of dedicated service to our school system as an
administrator. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will
be many and richly rewarding.
8.1 RESIGNATIONS CONT’D:
B.
Thomas H. Bauman, full-time Mathematics teacher at the high school, for the
purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2007-2008 school year
(tentative date of June 6, 2008).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School
District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Thomas H. Bauman
from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere
appreciation for his 33 years of dedicated service to our school system as a
teacher. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be
many and richly rewarding.
C.
James A. Bertrand, full-time Instrumental Music teacher at Lycoming Valley
Middle School and Hepburn-Lycoming and Round Hills Elementary Schools, for the
purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2007-2008 school year
(tentative date of June 6, 2008).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School
District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of James A. Bertrand
from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere
appreciation for his 33 years of dedicated service to our school system as a
teacher. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be
many and richly rewarding.
D.
M. Francine Collins, full-time Librarian at the high school, for the purpose of
retirement, effective at the completion of the 2007-2008 school year
(tentative date of June 6, 2008).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School
District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of M. Francine
Collins from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere
appreciation for her 29 years of dedicated service to our school system as a
teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be
many and richly rewarding.
E.
Richard C. Hess, full-time Social Studies teacher at Curtin Middle School, for
the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2007-2008 school
year (tentative date of June 6, 2008).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School
District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Richard C. Hess
from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere
appreciation for his 28 years of dedicated service to our school system as a
teacher. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be
many and richly rewarding.
8.1 RESIGNATIONS CONT’D:
F.
John P. Imrisek, full-time Mathematics teacher at the high school, for the
purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2007-2008 school year
(tentative date of June 6, 2008).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School
District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of John P. Imrisek
from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere
appreciation for his 24 years of dedicated service to our school system as a
teacher. It further expresses the hope that his years of retirement will be
many and richly rewarding.
G.
Nancy C. Kimball, full-time Language Arts (6th
Grade) teacher at Curtin Middle School, for the purpose of retirement,
effective at the completion of the 2007-2008 school year (tentative date of
June 6, 2008).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School
District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Nancy C. Kimball
from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere
appreciation for her 28 years of dedicated service to our school system as a
teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be
many and richly rewarding.
H.
Karen J. Kulp, full-time Elementary (2nd
Grade) teacher at Round Hills Elementary School, for the purpose of
retirement, effective at the completion of the 2007-2008 school year (tentative
date of June 6, 2008).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School
District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Karen J. Kulp from
service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere
appreciation for her 17½ years of dedicated service to our school system
as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will
be many and richly rewarding.
I.
Shirley A. Harman, part-time Instructional Support Aide at Round Hills
Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion
of the 2007-2008 school year (tentative date of June 6, 2008).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School
District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Shirley A. Harman
from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere
appreciation for her over 9 years of dedicated service to our school system as
an instructional support aide. It further expresses the hope that her years of
retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
J.
Anita L. Cooper, general food service worker at the high school, for other
employment, effective January 25, 2008.
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Consider the election of the following staff, for the purpose and on the date
indicated:
A.
Michele M. Peterson, 313 Hughes St., Williamsport, as a part-time Hall Monitor
(up to 180 days, up to 3 hours per day) at the high school, effective January
9, 2008, with a base wage rate of $10.81 per hour, FICA, Worker's Compensation,
Retirement (if eligible), and sick leave (per the Agreement between the Board
and the Williamsport Area Support Personnel) are the only fringe benefits
(replacing Donna Gadson, transferred).
B.
The following substitute food service worker(s), at the salary rate of $7.15
per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective date as indicated:
Anita L. Cooper
304 High Fields Drive, Williamsport (effective 01/28/08)
Lori L. Kelley
1216 Pleasant Valley Rd., Cogan Station (effective 01/25/08)
C.
The following substitute teacher(s), 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:
Heather J. Curchoe 1020 Beechnut Parkway, Williamsport
8.4* POSITION CHANGES
Consider approving the following position change(s):
A.
Anthony L. Carpenter, 20 Rear Washington Blvd, Williamsport, from a substitute
custodian to a regular part-time custodian at Roosevelt Middle School (2
nd
shift; up to 250 days, up to 3½ hours per day), with a base wage rate of
$10.81 per hour, effective January 28, 2008 (replacing Tim Bodewes,
transferred).
B.
Walter G. Long, Jr., 1617 Elwood Rd., Williamsport, from a substitute custodian
to a regular part-time custodian at Lycoming Valley Middle School (2nd
shift; up to 250 days, up to 4 hours per day), with a base wage rate of $10.81
per hour, effective January 28, 2008 (replacing Mike DeSeau, resigned).
8.5 OTHER
A.
Consider authorizing Michele S. Zaludek, 115 Crawley St., Hughesville, teacher
at Round Hills Elementary School, to provide tutoring (sign language
interpreting) for the after school program at Round Hills Elementary School at
the stipend of $1,000 for the remainder of the 2007-2008 school year, effective
January 24, 2008.
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.
Two (2) seniors from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their
teacher, to travel to Harrisburg during February 2008 to compete in the 2008
PAA Auto Competition.
The teacher will provide transportation. One substitute will be needed for the
day.
B.
Six (6) members of the Roosevelt Middle School Math Counts team,
accompanied by their teacher, to travel to the Little League Complex in South
Williamsport during February 2008 to9 participation in the local Math Counts
competition.
The students will be transported by their teacher. One substitute will be
required for the day.
C.
Seventy (70) students from Curtin Middle School, accompanied by their
principals, to travel to the Williamsport Area High School during February 2008
to attend a basketball game.
District transportation is requested and will be paid by the Curtin PTO.
D.
Seven (7) students from Curtin Middle School, accompanied by their teacher, to
travel to the Little League Complex in South Williamsport to participate in the
local Math Counts competition.
The students will be transported by their teacher and principal.
10.1*
Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:
by their teacher, to travel to the Pennsylvania College of Technology to visit
the automation lab and to learn about programs.
District transportation is requested. One substitute will be required for the
day.
F.
Three (3) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s FBLA chapter,
accompanied by their advisor, to Travel to Hershey for three days during March
and April 2008 to attend the FBLA State Leadership Conference.
Transportation will be provided by the advisor. One substitute will be needed
for three days.
G.
Consider authorizing 13 teams from the Williamsport Area School District (2
teams from Cochran Elementary School; 3 teams from Curtin Middle School; 1
team from Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School; 3 teams from Lycoming Valley
Middle School; 2 teams from Round Hills Elementary School; 1 team from Sheridan
Elementary School; and 1 team from Stevens Elementary School) to participate
in the Odyssey of the Mind Regional and State Competitions (if selected). The
regional competition will be held at Mansfield University during March 2008,
and the state competition at the Altoona Area School District during April
2008.
The students will be transported by their parents. Additional team
transportation may be needed using District transportation. If transportation
of “props” and supply materials is necessary, it may be contracted
through a local truck rental company.
H.
Seven (7) Williamsport Area High School band students, accepted by competitive
audition, to participate in the PMEA Region IV State Band Festival to be held
at
Mountain View High School in Kingsley, Pennsylvania on four days during
February 2008.
Rachel Grimes – Flute Davis Swift – Tuba
Matt Hartsock – Cornet Ian Wallace – String Bass
Josh Mills – Cornet Josh Whiteney – Tuba
Jason Reed – Cornet
District transportation is requested. One substitute will be required for two
days.
I.
Fifty (50) horticulture students from the Williamsport Area High School,
accompanied by their teacher and parent volunteers, to travel to the Harrisburg
Farm Show Complex during March 2008 to attend the Pennsylvania Garden
Expo.
District transportation is requested.
10.1*
Consider approving the following student trips:
J.
Sixty-nine (69) second grade students from Stevens Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers, an aide, and parent volunteers, to travel to the
Montour Preserve during May 2008 as a reinforcement of their science unit.
District transportation is requested.
K.
Fifteen (15) welding students from the Williamsport Area High School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Pennsylvania College of
Technology during
February 2008 to participate in a welding competition.
District transportation is requested. One substitute will be required for the
day.
10.2
Consider approving the following request for facility use:
A.
Williamsport AYSO to use the multi-purpose room at Cochran Elementary School on
Thursday, April 10, 2008 and Friday, April 11, 2008 from 5:15 pm to 8:30 pm to
pose for individual and team pictures. Williamsport AYSO is requesting relief
from the occupancy fee estimated at $80.00. Certificate of Insurance on file.
B.
Balls Mills Soccer Club to use the gymnasium at Curtin on Mondays beginning
February 11, 2008 through March 31, 2008, from 7:30 pm until 9:30 pm to hold
indoor soccer training. Balls Mills Soccer is requesting relief of the
occupancy fee
estimated at $320.00. Certificate of Insurance on file.
C.
Pennsylvania Governors School for the Arts (PGSA) to use the auditorium, band
room and three classrooms at Roosevelt Middle School on Saturday, April 12,
2008, from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. to hold auditions. PGSA is requesting relief
from the occupancy fee estimated to be $110.00. Certificate of Insurance
waived.
11. BIDS/CONTRACTS –
None at this time 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
Century Community Learning Centers Cohort 4 grant contract. Contract revisions
are under way to facilitate the three year grant in the amount of $197,566 per
year. Expenditures will not take place in areas of the proposal being revised
until revisions are approved.
