W illiamsport A rea
S chool D istrict
Board of Directors Meeting
April 15, 2008
6:00 p.m.
AGENDA
1.
CALL TO ORDER
2. OPENING EXERCISES –
Mrs. Lois T. Williams
SILENT REFLECTION
DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN BELIEF STATEMENT # 5
We believe that learning is a lifelong process that is essential in an
ever-changing world.
PSBA EFFECTIVE SCHOOL GOVERNANCE STANDARD 2 ( g )
The Williamsport Area School Board will model responsible governance and
leadership by operating as a collective Board in making decisions.
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:
In order to maintain a free and strong country, our civic obligation to the
community, commonwealth and nation is to maintain free and strong public
schools in the United States of America, without surrendering our
responsibilities to any other person, group or organization.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Regular Meeting – March 18, 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.
Outstanding Student Presentation
4.1
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT’D: – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
B.
Foreign Exchange Student Presentation
Nansi Afifi from Egypt – Hosted by Shazia Javid
Farkhat Apushev from Kazakhstan – Hosted by David & Ann Swift
Sahil Bhattad from India – Hosted by Richard & Carolyn Erickson
Katharina Bigalke from Germany – Hosted by Robert & Tammy Logue
Remy Deweer from Belgium – Hosted by Gregory & Marilyn Frailey
Nadiya Glystyuk from Ukraine – Hosted by Richard & Carolyn Erickson
Thien Anh Nguyen from Vietnam – Hosted by William and Renee Sluzalis
C.
Congratulations to Dr. Deborah Grove, Title I Supervisor, for being named a
Distinguished Federal Program Coordinator by the Division of Federal Programs.
D.
Consider approving the adjudication of student 07/08–06 resulting from a
quasi-judicial hearing held this evening.
E.
Consider approving the adjudication of student 07/08–07 resulting from a
quasi-judicial hearing held this evening.
F.
Budget Presentation – Mr. Charles E. Peterson, Jr.
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 February 2008
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
04/15/08 $181,357.86
04/15/08A 145,244.78
04/15/08B 4,871.14
04/15/08C 276,423.12
04/15/08D 10,614.93
04/15/08E 97,717.93
04/15/08F 1,324,473.61
04/15/08G 1,259.19
5.3
Consider approving budget transfers for FY08, dated April 3, 2008 as presented
in accordance with Section 609 of the Public School Code of 1949, as amended.
6.
BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple
Questions may be directed to Dr. Kelley.
7. CURRICULUM REPORT
Questions may be directed to Dr. Adams.
7.2
Consider approving Sol Lurie, a Holocaust survivor, to speak to all
Williamsport Area School District grade 8 Lit Media students at Curtin Middle
School and selected groups of Williamsport Area High School students at WAHS on
Wednesday, April 23. Middle school students involved in this activity have
read Anne Frank
and studied WWII; high school students will be studying WWII.
There is no speaker fee for this event. Student transportation will be
provided through the social studies budget.
7.3
Consider approving the following 2008 Summer School Course Offerings for the
Williamsport Area High School:
FULL CREDIT:
English 9 Basic
English 10 Basic
English 11 Basic English 12 Basic
Civics & Multiculturalism Academic and Honors
Government & Economics Academic and Honors
United States History Academic and Honors
Modern World History Academic and Honors
Algebra I
Algebra II
Plane Geometry
CREDIT RECOVERY:
English 9
English 10 English 11
Civics & Multiculturalism A
Government & Economics A
United States History A
ONLINE RECOVERY:
Applied Biology
Applied Chemistry
Algebra IA
Algebra IB
HALF CREDIT:
Reviewing Keyboarding & Computer
Physical Education 9, 10, 11/12
Health Education
Health 01 7.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
7.4 Consider approving the calendar for the Williamsport Area High School
Summer School Program Projected Costs/Rates for 2008: Classes for the 6-week
program begin on Monday, June 16, 2008 and end on Friday, July 25, 2008.
Classes will begin at 8:00 a.m. and end at 12:15 p.m. There will be one
vacation day on Friday, July 3, 2008. (Online Courses will begin Thursday,
June 12, 2008 and end Friday, July 25, 2008.)
7.5 Consider approving student rates for the Williamsport Area High
School Summer School Program.
Residents Non-Residents Reduced Rate
Half Credit & All
Recovery Classes $160 $240
$140
Full Credit Class $320 $480
$280
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.
Judith A. Smith, School Bus Driver for the District, 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 Judith A. Smith
from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere
appreciation for her 21 years of dedicated service to our school system as a
school bus driver. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement
will be many and richly rewarding.
B.
Jason F. Adams, full-time Health & Physical Education teacher at the high
school, for personal reasons, effective April 7, 2008.
C.
Bridget A. Cortes, School, full-time Instructional Support Aide for the Water
Safety Program at the high school, for personal reasons, effective April 16,
2008.
D.
Traci A. Marriott, full-time Language Arts teacher at Curtin Middle School, for
personal reasons, effective at the end of the 2007-2008 school year (tentative
ending date of June 9, 2008).
8.1 RESIGNATIONS CONT’D:
E.
Erica Y. McCann, general food service worker at Roosevelt Middle School, for
personal reasons, effective April 4, 2008.
8.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Consider approving the following leave(s) of absence:
A.
Paula E. Bower, full-time Special Education teacher at the high school, for an
unpaid leave, effective April 21, 2008, through May 16, 2008.
B.
Harvey E. Yancey, School Bus Driver for the District, for an unpaid leave,
effective January 23, 2008, through the end of the 2007-2008 school year
(tentative ending date of June 6, 2008).
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Consider the election of the following staff, for the purpose and on the date
indicated:
A.
The following teachers for after school tutoring at Lycoming Valley Middle
School, effective from April 7, 2008, through the close of the program in May,
2008. Four teachers will staff the program each day, from the close of school
until 4:30 p.m., at the rate of $27.03 per hour plus appropriate benefits. All
costs are borne by the Cohort IV 21st
Century Community Learning Centers Grant:
Timothy T. Thompson
7 E. Water St., Lock Haven
Barbara L. Cioffi
1226 Hillsdale Drive, Williamsport
Stephen C. Pfirman
479 Giles Lane, Williamsport
Patricia Nicholson
1347 Faxon Parkway, Williamsport
John M. Dick
87 Dick Ruch Lane, Jersey Shore
William A. Reed II
1132 Mountain Rd., Montoursville
Susan R. McCusker
1934 Mountview Ave., Montoursville
Kate E. Kreger
5438 Rt. 414, Morris 16938
Sarah D. Bohnert
5648 Grangers Lane, Morris 16938
B.
The following persons as paid interns in the Tax Office, effective date as
indicated, for the duration of up to 240 hours, at the rate of $7.15 per hour
(no benefits):
Stephen J. Butters
137 West Main St., Bloomsburg (effective 05/12/08)
Justin L. Waycaster
181 Vincent Ave., Watsontown (effective 04/21/08)
C.
Diane E. DeMott-Thompson, 312 Westland Ave., South Williamsport, as school
nurse for the Elementary Summer School Program, for up to 3½ hours per
day, 5
days per week, effective July 7, 2008, through August 1, 2008 at the rate of
$27.71
per hour plus appropriate benefits. All costs are budgeted under Title I.
8.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
D.
Judith A. Smith, 32 Harvest Moon Park, Linden, as a substitute school bus
driver (non-bargaining unit personnel), with a base wage rate of $11.00 per
hour, effective for the start of the 2008-2009 school year.
E.
The following person(s) as non-certificated substitute teacher(s) with receipt
of an emergency permit, subject to assignment by the Superintendent of Schools,
at the salary and/or 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 during the 2007-2008 school year:
Kaitlin L. Eck
124 Quaker State Rd., Montoursville (effective 02/27/08)
F.
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:
Michelle L. Cappa
2144 Quaker Hill Rd., Cogan Station (effective 04/10/08)
G.
The following substitute administrative support/aide(s), subject to assignment
by the Superintendent of Schools, at the hourly rates as established by Board
policy (Administrative Support - $7.50/hr., Instructional Aide - $7.15/hr.; up
to a maximum of 180 days/year) and only for the actual number of hours assigned
and worked:
Judith A. Ruhl
102 Goldy Lane, Williamsport
8.4*
POSITION CHANGES - Consider approving the following position change(s):
A.
Nancy M. Beamer, 922 Cherry St., Williamsport, from a general food service
worker (4 hours daily) to a general food service worker (4 ¾ hours daily)
at Cochran Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $11.06 per hour or
current contract rate, effective for the start of the 2008-2009 school year
(replacing Virginia Zeigler, retiring June 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 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.
Forty-seven (47) anatomy and art students from the Williamsport Area High
School, accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to
Philadelphia during April 2008 to visit the Thomas Mutter Museum and the
Museum of Art.
Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. The cost of the trip will
be
funded by the participating students since the trip will be taken on a
non-school day.
B.
Approximately 35 members of the Williamsport Area High School’s School
Beautification Team, accompanied by 6-8 faculty and support staff members, to
travel to New York City on a Saturday during May 2008 to visit the Statue of
Liberty and South Street Seaport.
Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. All costs will be paid
for by club
funds and a participation fee.
C.
Forty-seven (47) second grade students from Round Hills Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers, an interpreter, and parent chaperones, to travel
to the Community Arts Center to see a musical production and to the Giant Food
Store.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Round
Hills PTO.
D. Sixty (60) 9th
Grade Academy students from the Williamsport Area High School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Penn State University during May
2008 to tour the campus.
District transportation is requested and will be paid through the Project 720
budget. Four substitutes will be required for the day.
E.
Ten (10) Jackson Elementary Students, accompanied by their principal and PTO
officers, to travel to Hoss’s Steak and Sea House during April 2008 as
their reward for their participation in a recent fundraiser.
Transportation will be provided by limousine. All costs will be paid by the
Jackson PTO.
10.1*
Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:
F.
Retroactive Approval: Four (4) members of the Les Miserables cast from the
Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to the
WRAK radio station during April 2008 to advertise the musical.
Transportation was provided by their teacher.
G.
Approximately 30 Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by two
teachers, to travel to Penn College during May 2008 to attend a state
government seminar.
Transportation to and from the event will be provided by the students’
parents.
Substitutes will not be required because the trip will take place on an
inservice day.
H.
Eight (8) Williamsport Area High School music students, accompanied by their
three teachers, to travel to Hershey on four dates during April 2008 to
participate in the PMEA State Music Competition.
The students will be transported by the teachers. Three substitutes will be
required for three days.
I. Approximately 20 9
th Grade Academy students from the Williamsport Area High
School, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Jackson Elementary School
on two dates during April and May 2008. The students will be visiting
kindergarten classes to promote literacy.
The students will be transported in the high school van. There will be no cost
to the District.
J.
Twenty-five (25) horticulture students from the Williamsport Area High School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Roosevelt Middle School during
April
2008. They will be working with landscapers from Penn College to determine
plants appropriate for planting at the school.
District transportation is requested.
K.
Thirty (30) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their two
teachers, to travel to the Lycoming County Courthouse during May 2008 to tour
the courthouse and observe a trial.
District transportation is requested. Two substitutes will be required for the
day.
L.
Three (3) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their teacher,
to travel to Penn College during April 2008 to participate in hands-on
activities in information technology.
District transportation is requested. One substitute will be required for the
day.
10.1*
Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:
M.
Approximately 160 eighth grade students from Curtin Middle School,
accompanied by their teachers and staff members, to travel to Little Pine State
Park on two dates during May 2008 as part of their outdoor science studies.
The
students will be divided into two groups and attend on separate dates.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Curtin
PTO.
N.
Eight (8) students from Round Hills Elementary School, accompanied by their
teacher, an aide, and three counselors, to travel to the SPCA during April
2008. The trip is an opportunity to reinforce their character education and
citizenship skills.
District transportation is requested which will be paid by the Round Hills PTO.
O.
Eighty (88) kindergarten students from Jackson Elementary School, accompanied
by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Indian Park and Scarlet
Summer Farm (Muncy) during June 2008.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Jackson
PTO.
P.
Approximately 100 second grade students from Jackson Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to the Lycoming
County Landfill and the Hiawatha during June 2008.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Jackson
PTO.
Q.
Seventy (70) second grade students from Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to the Montour
Preserve during May 2008.
District transportation is requested and will be paid by the Hepburn-Lycoming
PTO.
R.
All first grade students from Jackson Elementary School, accompanied by their
teachers, paraprofessionals, and parent chaperones, to travel to T&D’s
Cats of the World (Penn’s Creek).
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Jackson
PTO.
by their two teachers, to travel to Kentucky Knob and Fallingwater
(Dunbar) to visit two homes specifically known for their architecture.
District transportation is requested. The cost of the trip will be funded by
the students. Two substitutes will be required for the day.
10.1*
Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:
T.
Ten (10) food service students from the Williamsport Area High School,
accompanied by their teacher, to travel to South Williamsport on two dates
during April 2008 to assist the Office of the Aging in serving lunches.
District transportation is requested.
U.
Ten (10) emotional support students from the Williamsport Area High School,
accompanied by their two teachers, to travel to Little Pine Creek and Little
Bear Creek on two dates in May 2008 to assist the Pennsylvania Game Commission
with stocking fish.
Transportation will be provided in the school van with personal vehicles
supplementing if needed.
V.
Approximately 27 food service students from the Williamsport Area High School,
accompanied by three staff members, to travel to Doc’s Irish Inn (Canton)
during May 2008 to tour the facility and learn about its operations.
District transportation is requested.
W.
Forty-five (45) kindergarten students from Round Hills Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Waltz’s
Farm (Linden) and Indian Park (Montoursville) during May 2008.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Round
Hills PTO.
X.
Forty-one (41) learning support students from Round Hills Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and other staff members, to travel to Clyde
Peeling’s Reptiland during May 2008.
Transportation will be provided by City Bus. All costs will be paid by the
Round Hills PTO.
Y.
Forty-four (44) kindergarten students from Sheridan Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to the Holtzman
Farm and Bruce Henry Park during May 2008.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Sheridan
PTO.
Z.
Approximately 130 sixth grade students from Roosevelt Middle School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Ravensburg State Park during May
2008.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Roosevelt
PTO.
10.1*
Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:
AA.
Approximately 135 eighth grade students from Roosevelt Middle School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Curtin Middle School during April
2008 to hear a presentation by a Holocaust survivor.
District transportation is requested.
BB.
Approximately 116 eighth grade students from Lycoming Valley Middle School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Curtin Middle School during April
2008 to hear a presentation by a Holocaust survivor.
District transportation is requested.
CC
Approximately 100 eighth grade students from Lycoming Valley Middle School,
accompanied by building staff members and parent volunteers, to travel to the
Inner Harbor area of Baltimore, MD on a Saturday in May. Students will visit
the National Aquarium and historic sites in the Baltimore harbor area.
Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. All costs for this trip
will be paid by Student Activities funds and the participating students.
10.2
Consider approving a contract with Us Girls Entertainment, Williamsport, in the
amount of $150 to provide music for a school activity at Lycoming Valley
Middle School on
April 16, 2008. Student Activities Funds will be used for this event.
10.3
Consider approving the following request for facility use:
A.
Dr. June Baskin Visual Arts Camp/First Foundation Project to use the Art Suite
at the Williamsport High School, on June 16 through June 20, 2008, from 8:00
a.m. to
3:30 p.m. to hold a wearable art and sculpture camp for county students.
Jackie Thomas/The First Foundation is requesting relief of the occupancy fee
estimated at $125.00. Certificate of Insurance on file.
11. BIDS/CONTRACTS
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson.
11.1
Consider authorizing the purchase of general supplies to replenish inventoried
stock in accordance with our specifications and the following recommended
awards. All recommended awards are based on the lowest bid price meeting our
specifications.
A schedule of items to be awarded has been provided in lieu of a complete
tabulation. Due to the extensive number of items and participating vendors on
this bid, it is impractical to provide a complete tabulation. A complete
tabulation is available in the Business Office for viewing by any interested
parties.
All bids were received by 1:30 p.m., and opened publicly in the District
Service Center at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 11, 2008.
11. BIDS/CONTRACTS CONT’D:
11.1
Consider authorizing the purchase of general supplies cont’d:
RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
AFP Industries Inc., Miami Springs, FL $4,529.62
Bye Mo’r Inc., Kingsbury, IN
1,537.10
Corporate Express, New Cumberland, PA 4,199.72
Kurtz Bros., Clearfield, PA
20,921.42
National Art & School Supplies, Rahway, NJ 883.50
Phillips Supply Company, Plymouth, PA 147.28
Pyramid School Products, Tampa, FL 17,119.58
Quill Office Supplies, Palatine, IL 3,738.70
TOTAL RECOMMENDED AWARD
$53,076.92
11.2
Consider authorizing the purchase of custodial supplies to replenish
inventoried stock in accordance with our specifications and the following
recommended awards. All recommended awards are based on the lowest bid price
meeting our specifications.
A schedule of items to be awarded has been provided in lieu of a complete
tabulation. Due to the extensive number of items and participating vendors on
this bid, it is impractical to provide a complete tabulation. A complete
tabulation is available in the Business Office for viewing by any interested
parties.
All bids were received by 1:30 p.m. and opened publicly in the District Service
Center at
2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 4, 2008.
RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
All-Phase Electric Supply Co. Inc., Williamsport, PA $2,168.00
Avis Building Supply, Avis, PA
705.00
Central Poly Corporation, Linden, NJ 13,301.60
Dauphin Electric Associates Inc., Lewisburg, PA 288.72
Genesis II Inc., Rock Hill, SC
1,710.40
INDCO Inc., Glouchester, NJ 9,825.60
Kressly’s Paint & Wallpaper, South Williamsport, PA 12,345.00
LJC Distributors, Scranton, PA 330.00
LL Clean Company Inc., Gibbsboro, NJ 850.00
Lowe’s Home Centers Inc., Montoursville, PA 416.04
Master Chemical Products Inc., Wilkes Barre, PA 13,382.16
Pyramid School Products, Tampa, FL 196.32
Susquehanna Paper and Sanitary, Williamsport, PA 1,665.60
T & B Specialties Inc., Jackson, NJ 2,100.00
United Restaurant Equipment Inc., Harrisburg, PA 8,640.68
Vasco Brands Inc., Elmira, NY
380.64
Wesco Distribution Inc., Williamsport, PA 48.96 TOTAL RECOMMENDED AWARD
$68,354.72
12. TAX ITEMS - None 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
