W illiamsport A rea
S chool D istrict
Board of Directors Meeting
May 6, 2008
6:00 p.m.
AGENDA
1.
CALL TO ORDER
2. OPENING EXERCISES –
Mr. Jay B. Shultz
SILENT REFLECTION
DISTRICT STRATEGIC PLAN BELIEF STATEMENT # 6
We believe that all students need to be challenged to reach their potential.
PSBA EFFECTIVE SCHOOL GOVERNANCE STANDARD 2 ( h )
The Williamsport Area School Board will model responsible governance and
leadership by participating in annual Board retreats.
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:
Board of School Directors share responsibility for ensuring a “
thorough and
efficient system of public education” as required by the Pennsylvania
Constitution.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: None
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
Presented by Dr. Robert Williams, Principal
Presented by Jim Dougherty, Principal
B.
Congratulations to Kelsey Metz, a sophomore at the Williamsport Area High
School, for being named the first place winner in the A-Exam of the American
Chemical Society High School Chemistry Competition.
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 for the month of April 2008:
General Fund – Unrestricted
$2,708,166.17
General Fund – Restricted 228,775.42
Athletics and Extra Curricular
34,860.31 Food Service Fund
80,340.03
Data Processing Fund 21,072.72
Maintenance Fund 35,330.24
Earned Income Tax
38,609.22
Student Activities 200.00
TOTAL
$3,147,354.11
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
05/06/08 $790,959.56
05/06/08A 274,556.48
05/06/08B 4,610.81
05/06/08C 3,251.60
05/06/08D 200.00
05/06/08E 1,328,970.12
05/06/08F 703,825.18 05/06/08G 364,865.71
05/06/08H 12,603.26 05/06/08I 2,672.49
05/06/08J
71,563.66 05/06/08K 68,263.35
05/06/08L 1,300.00
05/06/08M 1,349,827.50
05/06/08N 76,671.45
05/06/08O 20,898.41
05/06/08P 168.00
05/06/08Q 349.47
05/06/08R 2,920.00 05/06/08S 1,681.57
5.3*
Consider adopting the following resolution relative to a proposed budget for
the 2008-2009 fiscal year:
RESOLVED: That in accordance with the School Laws of Pennsylvania, 1949 as
amended, Section 687, the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area
School District announces a proposed general fund budget in the amount of funds
which will be required by the Williamsport Area School District for the fiscal
year beginning July 1, 2008, and
5.3*
Consider adopting the following resolution relative to a proposed budget for
the 2008-2009 fiscal year:
RESOLVED FURTHER: That a meeting of the Board of School Directors of the
Williamsport Area School District is scheduled to be held at 6:00 p.m. on
Tuesday, June 17, 2008, for the purpose of adopting the general fund budget and
such other general business as may be brought before the Board, and
RESOLVED FURTHER: That the Secretary be and is hereby authorized and directed
to provide for special notice in a local newspaper that the proposed budget is
available for inspection at the Office of the Board Secretary of the
Williamsport Area School District,
201 West Third Street, Williamsport, Pennsylvania for all who may be
interested:
The following is a summary of the proposed General Fund Budget for the fiscal
year beginning July 1, 2008:
ESTIMATED BEGINNING FUND BALANCE
AVAILABLE FOR APPROPRIATION 06/30/08 $
ESTIMATED RESERVE FOR ENCUMBRANCES
FY08-09 UNRESTRICTED REVENUE
FY08-09 RESTRICTED REVENUE
TOTAL ESTIMATED FUND BALANCE AND REVENUE
AVAILABLE FOR APPROPRIATION
FY08-09 UNRESTRICTED EXPENDITURES
FY08-09 RESTRICTED EXPENDITURES
ESTIMATED RESERVE FOR ENCUMBRANCES
TOTAL ESTIMATED EXPENDITURES
ESTIMATED JUNE 30, 2009 FUND BALANCE
Although the Tax levy will not be made until the budget is adopted on June 17,
2008, the proposed budget anticipates the following taxes:
08/09
Real Property (13.08 mills 07/08)
Act 511 Taxes
Earned Income
1½ %
Real Estate Transfer
½ of 1%
5.4*
Consider authorizing the following action relative to Fiscal Year 2008-2009:
A.
A public official bond in the amount of $500,000 for the following for the
faithful performance of duties for the period beginning July 1, 2008 and the
premium paid in accordance with Sections 431, 436 and 658 of the Public School
Code of 1949, as amended:
1.
Charles E. Peterson, Jr., Board Secretary/Business Administrator (as Board
Secretary).
B.
The Controller/Treasurer to invest funds temporarily surplus to the needs of
the Williamsport Area School District during fiscal year ending June 30, 2009,
in accordance with the provisions of the School Laws of Pennsylvania, 1949 as
amended, Section 440.1.
C.
The Purchasing Agent to purchase material and supplies, contracted services,
furniture, equipment, textbooks and other goods and services for which
appropriations are made in the budget for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009,
in accordance with the School Laws of Pennsylvania, 1949 as amended, and
School Board Policy.
D.
The payment of salaries for instructional and non-instructional employees as
these salaries become due and payable on the following dates:
07/03/08
07/18/08 08/01/08
08/15/08 08/29/08 09/12/08
09/26/08
10/10/08 10/24/08
11/07/08 11/21/08 12/05/08
12/19/08
01/02/09 01/16/09
01/30/09
02/13/09 02/27/09
03/13/09 03/27/09 04/10/09
04/24/09
05/08/09 05/22/09
06/05/09 06/19/09
E.
The following signatories for all depositories of the funds of the Williamsport
Area School District for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009:
David B. Stone, Jr.
- Board President
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. -
Business Administrator/Board Secretary
Madeline T. Bird
- Controller/Treasurer
5.4*
Consider authorizing the following action relative to Fiscal Year 2008-2009
cont’d:
F.
The following depositories of the funds of the Williamsport Area School
District be authorized for the fiscal year ending June 30, 2009:
Citizens Bank
Fidelity Investments
FNB Bank
JP Morgan Chase Bank
Legacy Bank
M & T Bank
PNC Bank Sovereign Bank
Omega Bank
Susquehanna Bank
Wachovia Bank, N.A.
Woodlands Bank
Pennsylvania Local Government Investment Trust (PLGIT)
Pennsylvania School District Liquid Asset Funds (PSDLAF)
US Bank
Bank of NY Trust Company 6.
BOARD POLICY – James E. Temple
Questions may be directed to Dr. Kelley.
6.1
Consider approving the first reading of Policy #237, “Electronic
Devices.” Questions may
be directed to David Wright, Director of Student Services.
6.2
Consider approving the first reading of Policy #529, “Substitute
Compensation” (Classified Employees). Questions may be directed to Debbra
Savage, Director of Human Resources.
7. CURRICULUM REPORT
Questions may be directed to Dr. Adams.
7.2
Consider approving Roosevelt Middle School Student/Parent Handbook for the
2008-09 school year.
7.3
Consider approving Round Hills Elementary School Student/Parent Handbook for
the 2008-09 school year.
7.4
Consider extending liability insurance coverage under the District’s
policy to six competent graduate student psychologist interns (Sarah Balduino,
Warren Whitaker, Kristin Furth, Renee Sutton and Mark Walzer from Bucknell
University and Sarah Starr from Marywood University) who will continue to
provide voluntary service to the District beyond the end of the University’
;s semester and through the summer – from May 10 through August 30, 2008.
The services will be provided gratis and the University is unable to provide
coverage when not in session.
7.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
7.5
Consistent with School Board Policy #239, “Foreign Exchange Students,”
; consider the approval of the AFS, American Field Service, as a sponsor agency
for foreign exchange students. Appropriate documentation is on file with
Student Services in support of this program’s request.
7.6
Consider entering into a two-year agreement with Pennsylvania Odyssey of the
Mind to host the State Finals Tournament at the Williamsport Area High School
on April 18, 2009 with the date for the 2010 competition to be determined. The
fee charged to Pennsylvania Odyssey of the Mind for the 2009 event will be
$4,175 plus the cost of providing a nurse or emergency medical services for the
day of the event. The fee charged for the 2010 event will be determined after
evaluating the costs incurred in 2009.
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.
Susan L. Metzger, full-time Health Room Technician at Stevens and Sheridan
Elementary School, for other employment, effective May 2, 2008.
B.
Gwynn E. Shelley, regular part-time school bus driver for the District, for
other employment, effective May 14, 2008.
C.
Linda L. McManus, resigning from position as a part-time aide to assist the
Athletic Program, effective April 18, 2008. (Ms. McManus will continue as
instructional aide at the high school).
8.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Consider approving the following leave(s) of absence:
A.
Beatrice J. Magargle*, school bus aide for the District, for an unpaid leave,
effective May 15, 2008, through June 6, 2008.
B.
Lena N. Pryor, part-time instructional support aide at Lycoming Valley Middle
School, for an unpaid leave, effective April 18, 2008, through June 6, 2008.
C.
Amanda M. Whyman*, full-time Art teacher at Roosevelt Middle School, for an
unpaid leave on an intermittent basis (as needed), effective April 16, 2008,
through June 9, 2008.
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Consider the election of the following staff, for the purpose and on the date
indicated:
A.
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:
Daniel L. Carpenter
2227 Mosser Ave., Williamsport (effective 05/05/08)
B.
The following substitute technical support, subject to assignment by the
Superintendent of Schools, at the hourly rates as established by Board policy
($11.00 per hour; up to a maximum of 245 days/year) and only for the actual
number of hours assigned and worked:
Michelle A. Camp
1290 Cemetery Rd., Montoursville (effective 04/22/08)
C.
Madeline T. Bird as Treasurer of the Williamsport Area School District for a
term of one year, effective July 1, 2008.
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, 2008. That position includes the duties of
Treasurer.
8.4* POSITION CHANGES
Consider approving the following position change(s):
A.
Carrie L. Helminiak, 17 Round Hills Rd., Williamsport, from a general food
service worker (3 hours daily) at the high school to a Food Service Production
Cafeteria Manager (6¾ hours daily) at Lycoming Valley Middle School, with
a base wage rate of $13.21 per hour or current contract rate, effective for the
start of the 2008-2009 school year (replacing Bonnie Tebbs, retiring June
2008).
B.
Carol L. Gamble, 959 Freedom Rd., Williamsport, from a substitute food service
worker to a general food service worker (3 hours daily) at Roosevelt Middle
School, with a base wage rate of $10.56 per hour, effective May 7, 2008
(replacing Erica McCann, resigned).
C.
Shawn C. Bock, 621 Livermore Rd., Williamsport, from a substitute custodian to
a regular part-time custodian at Sheridan Elementary School, 250 days up to 4
hours per day, with a base wage rate of $10.81 per hour, effective May 7, 2008
(replacing Jonathan Miller, transferred).
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.
Fifty-two (52) fifth grade students from Round Hills Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent chaperones, to travel to Harrisburg
during May 2008 to visit the Civil War Museum and Whitaker Science Center.
Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. All costs will be paid by
the Round Hills PTO.
B.
Retroactive Approval: Fifty (50) fourth grade students from Stevens Elementary
School, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Brandon Park during April
2008 to attend the Arbor Day Celebration.
Transportation will be provided by River Valley Transit and will be funded by
the City of Williamsport.
C.
Forty (40) third grade from Sheridan Elementary School, accompanied by their
teachers, to travel to the Montour Preserve during June 2008.
District transportation is requested and will be paid by the Sheridan PTO.
staff member, to travel to the Montoursville Area High School during April 2008
to participate in healthy lifestyle activities.
The students will be transported by staff members and their parents.
E.
Eighty (80) fifth grade students from Cochran Elementary School, accompanied by
their teachers, to travel to Penn College during May 2008. The students will
have the opportunity to print and bind their own writing.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Cochran
PTO.
10.1*
Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:
F.
Eight (8) students from Roosevelt Middle School, accompanied by two staff
members, to travel to the Newberry Lioness Club Meeting during May 2008 to be
recognized.
The students will be transported by their parents. There will be no cost to
the District.
by their teacher, to travel to the CSIU in Montandon to participate in the
Stock Market Game.
District transportation is requested. One substitute will be required for the
day.
H.
Ninety-six (96) eighth grade students from Lycoming Valley Middle School,
accompanied by their teachers, aides, and parent volunteers, to travel to
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor on a Saturday during May 2008.
Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. Costs will be paid
through
the student activities fund and by the individual participants.
I.
Approximately 151 eighth grade science students, accompanied by their teachers
and an aide, to travel to the Montour Preserve during May 2008. The students
will be divided into groups and participate on two separate days.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Lycoming
Valley PTO.
J.
Retroactive Approval: Five (5) Williamsport Area High School students,
accompanied by a counselor to travel to State College during March and/or April
2008 as part of their development of leadership skills.
Transportation was provided by the counselor.
K.
Sixty-eight (68) kindergarten students from Stevens Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and adult chaperones, to travel to Clyde
Peeling’s
Reptiland and Indian Park (Montoursville) during May 2008.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Stevens
PTA.
L.
Twenty (20) Curtin Jazz Band members, accompanied by their teacher, to travel
to Cochran during May 2008 to perform.
District transportation is requested.
10.1*
Consider approving the following student trips cont’d:
M.
Forty-eight (48) second grade students from Sheridan Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Bruce E.
Henry Park.
The students will walk to and from the park. Any costs will be paid by the
Sheridan PTO.
N.
Eighty (80) Williamsport Area High School choir students, accompanied by their
teachers and adult chaperones, to travel to Hershey Park on a Saturday during
May 2008 as a reward for their hard work.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid through the WAHS
choral account.
O.
Approximately 50 fourth grade students from Sheridan Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to World’s
End State Park during May 2008.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Sheridan
PTO.
P.
Approximately 115 second grade students from Cochran Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Penn College and the Hiawatha
during May 2008.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Cochran
School Association.
Q.
Seventy-five (75) fourth grade students from Cochran Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and three aides, to travel to Ashland during May
2008 to visit the Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine and Museum.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Cochran
School Association.
R.
Fifty (50) fourth grade students from Round Hills Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent chaperones, to travel to the Pioneer
Tunnel during May 2008.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Round
Hills PTO. S.
Forty-five (45) gifted education students from Curtin Middle School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent chaperones, to travel to the Thomas
Taber Museum and the historic downtown area during May 2008.
District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid through the
Gifted Education budget.
10.2
Consider approving the following request for facility use:
A.
Saint John’s School of the Arts to use the auditorium at the Williamsport
Area High School on May 6, 7, 8 and 9, 2009 to hold three days of rehearsal and
a dance ensemble Spring performance. St. John’s is requesting relief of
the occupancy fee estimated at $200.00. Certificate of Insurance to be
received.
11. BIDS/CONTRACTS
Questions may be directed to Mr. Peterson.
11.1
Consider joining the Virtually Linking Instruction and Curriculum (VLINC)
member consortium for the 2008-09 school year at an annual fee of $4,500.
11.2
Consider approving the attached agreement with the North Central Pennsylvania
Aquarium Reef Society, Inc. (NCPARS) to collaboratively pursue educational
missions involving aquariums and coral propagation at the Williamsport Area
High School.
11.3
Consider approving the attached agreements with Larson Design for engineering
services for the Roosevelt Middle School paving project at an estimated cost of
$6,500 and the Sheridan Elementary School drop ceiling project at an estimated
cost of $1,400.
11.4
Consider authorizing the purchase of Physical Education Supplies and Equipment
in accordance with our specifications and the following recommended awards.
All recommended awards based on the lowest bid price meeting 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, April 8, 2008.
RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
Adolph Keifer, Zion, IL $114.00
Cannon Sports Inc., Burbank, CA 944.54
Flaghouse, Inc., Hasbrouck Heights, NJ
774.40
Gopher Sport Inc., Owatonna, MN 1,446.22
Greg Larson Sports, Brainerd, MN
416.17
Nasco Ft. Atkinson, Fort Atkinson, WI 832.74
S&S Worldwide Inc., Colchester, CT
594.82
US Games/Sport Supply Group Inc., Dallas, TX 2,486.12
TOTAL RECOMMENDED AWARDS
$7,609.01
11. BIDS/CONTRACTS CONT’D:
11.5
Consider approving the contracts with two nationally recognized safety/security
professionals with extensive experience advising Pennsylvania school systems
to evaluate the WASD emergency response exercise on May 16, 2008. James
McGinty of Covenant Security has served the District and Lycoming County Public
Safety previously. Kevin Nelson, of KPN Consulting, LLC., has recently
evaluated the emergency response activities of Lycoming County government.
Both agreements include services for the day of the exercise in their
respective areas, a written evaluation of the District’s plan and
activities, as well as all travel and lodging. Payment is from the Student
Services budget. Mr. McGinty: $900; Mr. Nelson: $1,055.
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
