The Regular Meeting of the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District of which all members were duly notified and of which due public notice was given as required by Act 84 of 1986, was held on Tuesday evening, November 13, 2007, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Board of Directors’ Room, District Service Center, 201 West Third Street, Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
The President, David B. Stone, Jr., called the meeting to order with the following members:
PRESENT: Lori A. Baer, Karen V. Harris, David A. Huffman, Pamela J. Markle,
Jay B. Shultz, David B. Stone, Jr., James E. Temple, Lois T. Williams,
Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: None
OPENING EXERCISES – were provided by Mrs. Lois Williams.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting – October 16, 2007 (The minutes were approved with the omnibus motion.)
Student Representatives’ Report – Kelly Derr
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. Presentations
1. Strategic Plan Update – Don Adams and Mary Beth Bianco.
2. 21st Century Grant – David Wright and Stephanie Pardoe
3. NCLB Report Card – Jodi Harris
B. Congratulations Items
1. Congratulations to the following students for their participation and completion of the 2007 Governor’s School:
Macullen Byham – School of the Arts
Amber Lee – School for International Studies
2. Congratulations to the Williamsport Area High School Girls Tennis team for finishing their regular season undefeated at 15-0, with a final tally of 17-1.
3. Congratulations to Leslie Whitehill, Health Teacher at the Williamsport Area High School, for being named the Pennsylvania State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance 2007 Secondary Health Teacher of the Year Award for her exemplary service, leadership, and expertise.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
B. Congratulations Items
4. Congratulations to Jodi Harris (Director of Educational Data Analysis), Trevor Enderle (Assistant Principal – Roosevelt Middle School), and Maria Weaver (Teacher – Roosevelt Middle School) for their presentation, entitled “ ;Creating a Data Driven Decision-Making Culture,” to the 2007 National Value-Added Conference.
5. Congratulations to Kathy Eshelman (Principal – Jackson Elementary School and Dr. Debbie Grove (Title I Supervisor) for their presentation “State Assessment Meets the Reading Workshop” at the Literacy for All Conference in Rhode Island.
6. Congratulations to Reggie Fatherly (Principal – Roosevelt Middle School), Randy Laird (Mathematics Teacher – Roosevelt), and Mike Lundy (Mathematics Teacher – Roosevelt) for their presentation on I CAN Learn at the International Conference for Leadership in Education Symposium.
7. Best wishes to David Huffman and our thanks for his four years of service to the Williamsport Area School District.
Mr. Huffman made some remarks about his services as a board member and thanked
the other board members. He presented a check for $300.00 to the WASD Education
Foundation commemorating his service.
C. NOTE: The hearing was postponed and this item was not acted on: Consider approving the adjudication of student 07/08–01 resulting from a quasi-judicial hearing held this evening.
Committee Reports by Board Members
President Stone reported that a Diversity Committee was held this afternoon. The agenda was light which provided an opportunity for open discussion. The discussion centered on involving more people in the District and improving student achievement.
Mr. Zimmerman stated that the Gifted Advisory Committee met last Wednesday and had a large turnout. There were 22 parents present. We now have parents attending the meetings who were previously gifted students in WASD. Our gifted percentage is running around 7% to 9% which is very good.
Mr. Zimmerman also reported on the PSBA Fall Legislative meeting held in Montgomery last Thursday. Six of eight districts were represented. One of the main topics was Cyber Charter Schools. A report was compiled and presented documenting the cost in this region. One of the many concerns is attendance. Many of the students are truant but the public schools must continue to send the tuition checks.
Mr. Huffman left the meeting at 7:45 prior to any votes being taken.
Motion made by Mr. Shultz, seconded by Mrs. Williams to approve the balance of the agenda including the addendum.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call (8-0).
Construction Projects
A. Authorize change orders G-LV-14, G-LV-15, G-LV-16, and G-HL-41 to the contract with the Robert Feaster Corporation, General Contractor, decreasing the contract by 34,198.50 and adjusting the final contract total to $6,354,502.
FINANCE REPORT
5.1 Approve the following financial reports:
A. Treasurer’s Report for the months of August and September 2007:
B. Payroll Report:
General Fund – Unrestricted $2,670,268.88
General Fund – Restricted 253,430.47
Athletics and Extra Curricular 44,655.50
Food Service Fund 78,859.10
Data Processing Fund 21,072.72
Maintenance Fund 33,306.58
Earned Income Tax 36,747.68
Student Activities 2,242.00
TOTAL $3,140,582.93
5.2* Authorize 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
11/13/07 $1,348,018.47 11/13/07A 130,740.57
11/13/07B 2,244.95 11/13/07C 530.00
11/13/07D 318.00 11/13/07E 3,403.11
11/13/07F 64,847.41 11/13/07G 2,701,655.78
11/13/07H 722,398.40 11/13/07I 437,868.10 11/13/07J 4,610.81 11/13/07K 4,343.06 11/13/07L 102,027.98 11/13/07M 714,398.40
11/13/07N 4,368.12 11/13/07O 7,057.07
5.3* Approve budget transfers for FY08, dated November 5, 2007 as presented in accordance with Section 609 of the Public School Code of 1949, as amended.
5.4 Approve the Fiscal Year 2009 Budget Development Calendar.
BOARD POLICY
6.1 Approve the first reading of Policy #601, “Fiscal Objectives.”
6.2 Approve the first reading of Policy #602, “Budget Planning.”
6.3 Approve the first reading of Policy #603, “Budget Preparation.”
6.4 Approve the first reading of Policy #604, “Budget Adoption.”
6.5 Approve the first reading of Policy #605, “Tax Levy.”
6.6 Approve the first reading of Policy #606, “Tax Collection.”
CURRICULUM REPORT
7.1 Approve Liberty Balloon Company to provide assemblies and a balloon demonstration to the Jackson students on May 23, 2008. The cost for the day will be paid for by the Jackson PTO.
7.2 Approval of a letter of agreement with the Lycoming-Clinton MH/MR program and the Lycoming Children & Youth Services for the agencies’ provision of school-based outreach services and Student Assistance Program support services to the District. One full-time position and part-time contract services are provided to the District via this agreement. The District’s contribution to this service arrangement is $10,000 from the Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities grant.
7.3 Approve the Williamsport Area School District 2007-08 Winter Sports Schedules.
7.4 Approve the “Getting Results” 2007 to 2009 Continuous School Improvement Plan document for the Williamsport Area High School.
7.5 Approve the Williamsport Area High School Restructuring Plan. This is a document that is required for all schools in Corrective Action II and is submitted to Pennsylvania Department of Education for their approval.
7.6 Approve a letter of agreement with the Coalition for Progressive Positive Action, CAPPA, to support the Academic Enrichment Program and Showcase rehearsals on Saturdays at Cochran Elementary School. Sheridan Project funding will support travel stipends for college mentors, busing to and from the Saturday program, and custodial costs associated with the use of Cochran on Saturdays.
PERSONNEL REPORT
8.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignation(s), effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Michael D. DeSeau, Jr., part-time custodian at Lycoming Valley Middle School, verbal resignation for personal reasons, effective October 31, 2007.
B. Tia J. Magargle, full-time Business/Tax Office Accountant, for other employment, effective November 15, 2007.
C. Richard E. Hofer, substitute school bus driver for the District, for personal reasons, effective October 29, 2007.
D. Gwynn E. Shelley, regular part-time school bus driver for the District, for other employment, effective July 25, 2007.
8.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE - Approve the following leave(s) of absence:
A. Christi L. Babb, full-time English teacher at Roosevelt Middle School, for an unpaid leave, effective November 6, 2007, through December 14, 2007.
B. Pamela R. Doane, part-time Instructional Support Aide at Lycoming Valley Middle School, for an unpaid leave effective October 29, 2007, through December 14, 2007, possibly to return sooner.
C. Judith A. Smith, school bus driver for the District, for an unpaid leave, effective October 31, 2007, through February 4, 2008.
D. Beth Fausnaught Sweeting, full-time ESL teacher at Cochran Elementary School, for an unpaid leave, effective October 25, 2007, through January 25, 2008.
E. Dr. Gabriel J. Campana, full-time Elementary (3rd Grade) teacher at Stevens Elementary School, for an unpaid leave due to assuming duties as Mayor of Williamsport, effective January 4, 2008, through January 2012.
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Tina A. Eisenhower, 520 Jordan Ave. 2nd Floor, Montoursville, as a long-term substitute teacher, effective November 1, 2007, through the end of the first semester of the 2007-2008 school term (tentative ending date of January 18, 2008), unless terminated sooner, to teach Health and Physical Education at the high school, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor's, $39,000, prorated (replacing Heather Mitch, resigned).
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
B. Ruth R. Brewer, 1605 Harvey Rd., Williamsport, as a full-time Tax Examiner (245 days, 7½ hours per day) in the Tax Office at the District Service Center, with a base wage rate of $30,705, prorated ($16.71 per hour), effective November 1, 2007, plus applicable benefits as provided under the collective bargaining agreement between WASD and WAESP (replacing Lenora G. Georges, resigned).
C. Richard Andy, P.O. Box 3621, Williamsport, as a part-time (up to 185 days, prorated; up to 5 hours per day) instructional support aide at Lycoming Valley Middle School, effective 11/14/07 with a base wage rate of $11.31 per hour, FICA, Worker's Compensation, Retirement (if eligible), and sick leave (per the Agreement between WASD and WAESP) are the only fringe benefits (replacing Julie Entz, retired).
D. Robert E. Lewis, 931 Park Ave., Williamsport, as a part-time (up to 185 days, prorated; up to 5 hours per day) instructional support aide at Roosevelt Middle School, effective November 12, 2007, with a base wage rate of $11.31 per hour, FICA, Worker's Compensation, Retirement (if eligible), and sick leave (per the Agreement between WASD and WAESP) are the only fringe benefits (replacing Jacqueline Morgan, transferred).
E. Jody J. Schefsky, 1311 Walnut St., Williamsport, as a part-time (up to 185 days, prorated; up to 5 hours per day) instructional support aide at Sheridan Elementary School, effective November 5, 2007, with a base wage rate of $11.31 per hour, FICA, Worker's Compensation, Retirement (if eligible), and sick leave (per the Agreement between WASD and WAESP) are the only fringe benefits (replacing Connie Williams, transferred).
F. Carey A. Taddeo, 1518 Whitman St., Williamsport, as a teacher for the Educational Assistance Program/Tutoring Program effective for the 2007-2008 school year, to be paid at the rate of $27.03 per hour plus appropriate benefits, up to three (3) days per week, one (1) hour per day plus 15 minutes preparation time per hour of instruction (maximum of 3.75 hours per week; total length of program is 60 days). All funds budgeted under EAP (Educational Assistance Program).
G. Dr. Shelley L. Litz, 2347 Wheatland Ave., Williamsport, to provide an additional one hour and 15 minutes per week of special tutoring for one student from Cochran Elementary School for the Educational Assistance Program/Tutoring Program effective for the remainder of the 2007-2008 school year, at the rate of $27.03 per hour. All funds are budgeted under EAP.
H. Any student enrolled at the Williamsport Area High School Designed Education Program for employment in the Food Service Department and subject to assignment by Patricia Cioffi, Job Training Coordinator, to be paid at the rate of $7.15 per hour (hourly minimum wage rate) for the actual number of hours worked for the 2007-2008 school year.
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
I. Any student enrolled in the Work-Based Learning (Cooperative Education) Program for employment at the high school and subject to assignment by Dennis Waddell, to be paid at the rate of $7.15 per hour (hourly minimum wage rate) for the actual number of hours worked for the 2007-2008 school year.
J. The following substitute food service workers, at the salary rate of $7.15 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective date as indicated:
Esther L. Stidfole 133 Back St. Montoursville (effective 11/07/07)
K. The following substitute custodian/event staff, with a base wage rate of $7.50 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective date as indicated:
Walter G. Long 200 Pine St., Hillsgrove (effective 10/29/07)
L. The following persons as non-certificated substitute teacher 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:
Sara M. Kremser 2410 W. Fourth St., Williamsport (effective 10/24/07)
Sharon R. Nevill 835 Memorial Ave., Williamsport
M. 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:
Carol M. Bresticker 908 Hollywood Circle, Williamsport
John F. Try 377 E. Fourth St., Williamsport (effective 11/01/07)
Julie K. Wagner 223 Wilson St., Jersey Shore (effective 10/23/07)
N. 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 - $7.15/hr.; up to a maximum of 180 days/year) and only for the actual number of hours assigned and worked:
Staci L. Cox 709 Sylvan Dr., S. Williamsport (effective 10/29/07)
Janna B. Lopez 404 Glenwood Ave., Williamsport (effective 11/14/07)
Jody J. Schefsky 1311 Walnut St., Williamsport (effective 10/29/07)
Cathleen M. Shumac 220 Harvest Moon Park, Linden (effective 11/05/07)
Kelly A. Cornell 22 Rosemary Dr., Cogan Station
Sharon R. Nevill 835 Memorial Ave., Williamsport
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
O. The following substitute health room technician(s), subject to assignment by the Superintendent of Schools, at the hourly rate established by Board policy ($9.00/hr.; up to a maximum of 180 days/year) and only for the actual number of hours assigned and worked.
Linda M. Bair 1729 Andrews Place, Williamsport (eff. 11/01/07)
Janna B. Lopez 404 Glenwood Ave., Williamsport (effective 11/14/07)
P. The following substitute school bus drivers (non-bargaining unit personnel), with a base wage rate of $11.00 per hour, effective date as indicated:
Richard Kaminski 242 Bennett Dr., Williamsport (effective 11/05/07)
John W. Stokes 1710 W. Southern Ave., S. Wmspt. (eff. 11/14/07)
Q. Gwynn E. Shelley, 110 Yeagle Rd., Muncy, as a regular part-time school bus driver for the District, with a base wage rate of $12.89 per hour, effective November 5, 2007 (replacing Bryan Baird, resigned).
8.4* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position change(s):
A. Jessica A. Becker, 372 Lyons Ave., Williamsport, from Career Development Specialist at the high school (College & Career Counseling Program Grant) to full-time Guidance Counselor in the Red House at the high school, effective November 9, 2007, at the salary rate of Step 2, master’s, $43,100 (replacing Lydia Comerford, resigned).
B. Steven C. Springman, Sr., 1408 Park Ave., Williamsport, has requested to remain in his position as Custodian (3rd shift) at the high school, with a base salary rate of $31,720, prorated ($15.86 per hour). Mr. Springman was recently approved for a position change to full-time Custodian Class II (Pool Maintenance) at the high school, effective September 17, 2007 (originally approved on 09/04/07 Agenda).
C. Steven H. Roles, 2600 Riverside Dr., Williamsport, has requested to return to custodian (2nd shift) at Roosevelt Middle School, with a base wage rate of $31,720, prorated ($15.86 per hour), effective November 2, 2007. Mr. Roles was recently approved for a position change to full-time Custodian (1st shift) at the high school, effective October 8, 2007 (originally approved on 10/02/07 Addendum).
D. Wayne L. Furman, 351 Daughertys Run Rd., Williamsport, has requested to return to custodian (1st shift) at the high school, with a base wage rate of $31,720, prorated ($16.81 per hour), effective November 2, 2007. Mr. Furman was recently approved for a position change to full-time Head Custodian (1st shift) at Jackson Elementary School, effective October 9, 2007 (originally approved on 10/02/07 Addendum).
8.4* POSITION CHANGES CONT’D:
E. Richard L. Willits, 666 Cemetery St., Williamsport, from a full-time Head Custodian (1st shift) at Stevens Elementary School to a full-time Head Custodian (1st shift) (250 day, 8 hours per day) at Round Hills Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $33,620, prorated ($16.81 per hour), effective October 15, 2007 (replacing Vaughn Reisch, retired).
F. Steve J. Bennett, P.O. Box 774, Avis, from a part-time Custodian at Jackson Elementary School to a full-time Head Custodian (1st shift) (250 day, 8 hours per day) at Jackson Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $33,620, prorated ($16.81 per hour), effective November 6, 2007 (replacing Richard Weaver, retired).
G. Darryl E. Wilson, 922 Penn St., Williamsport, from a part-time custodian at the high school to a full-time custodian (2nd shift) (250 day, 8 hours per day) at the high school, at the base salary rate of $29,720, prorated ($14.86 per hour), effective November 5, 2007 (replacing Richard Stahl, transferred).
H. Gary R. Litz, 2347 Wheatland Ave, Williamsport, from a part-time custodian at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School to a full-time Custodian Class II (Pool Maintenance) at the high school (250 day, 8 hours per day), with a base wage rate of $30,220, prorated ($15.11 per hour), effective November 5, 2007 (replacing Albert Hills, transferred).
I. Dana E. Richards, 1047 Memorial Ave., Williamsport, from a full-time Custodian (2nd shift) at the District Service Center to a full-time Head Custodian (1st shift) (250 day, 8 hours per day) at Stevens Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $33,620, prorated ($16.81 per hour), effective November 12, 2007 (replacing Richard Willits, transferred).
J. Michelle M. Fair, 2023 New Lawn Ave., Williamsport, from a full-time instructional support aide at the high school to a full-time Custodian (2 nd shift) (250 days, 8 hours per day) at the District Service Center, with a base wage rate of $31,720, prorated ($15.86 per hour), effective November 7, 2007 (replacing Dana Richards, transferred; transfer approved per MOU with WAESP).
K. Karen L. Benson, 2461 Lycoming Creek Rd., Williamsport, from a full-time instructional support aide at the high school to a full-time instructional support aide (individual/autistic support) (185 day, 7 hours per day) at the high school, with a base wage rate of $18,013, prorated ($13.91 per hour), effective November 7, 2007 (replacing Michelle Fair, transferred).
L. Linda L. McManus, 2420 Riverside Dr., Duboistown, from a part-time instructional support aide (CTE) at the high school to a full-time instructional support aide (individual/autistic support) (185 day, 7 hours per day) at the high school, with a base wage rate of $18,013, prorated ($13.91 per hour), effective November 7, 2007 (replacing Karen Benson, transferred).
8.4* POSITION CHANGES CONT’D:
M.
(Deb Savage verbally changed the salary information)
Fern Jones, 335 Mulberry St., Montoursville, from a full-time Instructional to
a full-time Instructional Support Aide/LPN at the high school to a full-time
Instructional Support Aide/LPN (up to 185 day, up to 7 hours per day) at Lyter
Elementary School with a base wage rate of $16,718
$18,013, prorated ($12.91
$13.91 per hour), effective November 5, 2007 (new position required by IEP,
transfer approved per MOU with WAESP).
N. Betty A. Nicholas, P.O. Box 47, Linden, from a full-time instructional support aide at Round Hills Elementary School to a full-time Computer Lab Aide – Elementary (185 day, 7 hours per day) for the District, with a base wage rate of $19,179, prorated ($14.81 per hour), effective November 12, 2007 (replacing Robin Finn, resigned).
O. Cindy L. Ryder, 369 Woodside Ave., Williamsport 17702, from a part-time instructional support aide at Lycoming Valley Middle School to a full-time instructional support aide (individual aide/Life Skills) (185 day, 7 hours per day) at Round Hills Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $16,913, prorated ($13.06 per hour), effective November 12, 2007 (replacing Betty Nicholas, transferred).
P. Jacqueline J. Morgan, 120 Harvest Moon Park, Linden, from a part-time instructional support aide at Roosevelt Middle School to a full-time instructional support aide (individual aide) (185 day, 7 hours per day) at Loyalsock High School (MDS Classroom operated by I.U. #17), with a base wage rate of $16,913, prorated ($13.06 per hour), effective October 29, 2007 (new position required by IEP).
Q. Wendy J. Bowers, 1927 Memorial Ave., Williamsport, from a general food service worker at Curtin Middle School, to a part-time instructional support aide (185 day, up to 5 hours per day) at Round Hills Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $11.31 per hour, effective October 22, 2007 (replacing Suzie Marshall, transferred).
R. Shannon K. Shipman, 2945 Pleasant Valley Rd., Cogan Station, from a general food service worker at Hepburn-Lycoming Cafeteria to a part-time instructional support aide (185 day, up to 5 hours per day) at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $11.31 per hour, effective November 12, 2007 (new position approved by the Board).
S. Barbara A. Helminiak, 41 Grimesville Rd., Williamsport, from a substitute food service worker to a general food service worker (3 hours daily) at Jackson Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $10.56 per hour, effective November 14, 2007 (replacing Nicole Kulka, transferred).
T. Barbarann Miller, 422 Mill Rd., Williamsport, from a substitute food service worker to a general food service worker (3 hours daily) at Curtin Middle School, with a base wage rate of $10.56 per hour, effective November 14, 2007 (replacing Wendy Bowers, transferred).
8.5 OTHER
A. Authorize Sarah Schuman Moore, 71 Washington St., Turbotville, guidance counselor at Lycoming Valley Middle School, to provide sign language classes for a parent of a deaf child at the rate of $27.03 per hour for up to three (3) hours per week for the first semester of the 2007-2008 school year.
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
9.1 RELEASED TIME/TRAINING PROGRAMS
Approve 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.
STUDENT/COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
10.1* Approve the following student trips:
All students must be in compliance with the school’s field trip disciplinary requirements
in order to participate.
D. An undetermined number of students from the six elementary schools, accompany by members of the Young Men’s Republican Club, to travel to Walmart, the Little League Museum, and the Young Men’s Republic Club during December 2007. The students will be outfitted with new clothes and have lunch. The students will be transported by club members. There will be no cost to the District.
E. An undetermined number (will vary from month to month) of Williamsport Area High School’s Key Club members, accompanied by two staff members, to travel to the Genetti Hotel on dates during October, November, and December 2007, and January through June 2008 to attend Kiwanis Club meetings. The students will be transported by private vehicle. The only cost to the District will be a substitute for ½ day for each meeting.
10.1* Approve the following student trips cont’d:
F. Twenty-eight (28) ninth grade students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by four staff members, to travel to the Holocaust Museum in Washington, DC. Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. All costs will be paid by Brotherhood Co, USA Lycoming County. Four substitutes will be needed for the day.
G. Thirty-five (35) orchestra students from Curtin, Lycoming Valley, and Roosevelt Middle Schools, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Canton during November 2007 to participate in the PMEA District 8 Middle School String Festival. District transportation is requested.
H. Twenty-five (25) Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School students, accompanied by their principal and parent volunteers, to travel to McDonalds on Lycoming Creek Road during November 2007. The students will be transported by limousine. All costs will be paid by the Hepburn-Lycoming PTO.
I. Twenty-five (25) Williamsport Area High School students enrolled in the Child Care Program, accompanied by two staff members, to travel to Penn College during December 2007 to visit the Children’s Learning Center. District transportation is requested. One substitute will be required for the day.
J. Twelve (12) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Red Cross Club, accompanied by their advisor, to travel to Jackson Elementary School during November 2007 to give a lesson to kindergarten students on proper handwashing.
The advisor and student drivers will provide transportation. There will be no cost to the District.
K. Eight (8) Williamsport Area High School automotive students, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to Harrisburg during December 2007 to participate in the 2008 PAA Automotive Technology Competition. District transportation is requested. One substitute will be required for the day.
L. The varsity softball team is requesting permission to participate, for the ninth consecutive year, in the Azalea Invitational Softball Tournament in Summerville, South Carolina beginning on Monday, March 24, 2008. There will be approximately 16 students representing Williamsport Area High School. The team will play 5-6 games in this tournament. The team will be accompanied by the three coaches, Luke Wesneski, Curt Fink and Jackie Chestnut. The team will drive to Summerville, SC, leaving tentatively on Friday, March 21st. The only cost to the school district is the $250.00 entry fee and possibly the cost of a substitute teacher for Luke Wesneski. The softball booster club and the individual student-athletes will cover all other costs.
10.1* Approve the following student trips cont’d:
M. The varsity baseball team is requesting permission to participate in the Hawaiian Tropic Classic Baseball Tournament in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina beginning on Monday, March 24, 2008. There will be approximately 16 students representing Williamsport Area High School. The team will play 5-6 games in this tournament. The team will be accompanied by the coaches, David Cipriani, David Howe and at least one additional coach. The team will drive to Myrtle Beach, SC, leaving tentatively on Friday, March 21st and returning on Saturday, March 29th. The only costs to the school district would be the $350 entry fee. The baseball booster club and the individual student-athletes will cover all other costs.
All student-athletes will travel with the coaches and team members to the tournament as well as return with the coaches and team members from South Carolina. This goes for both teams.
N. Eighty (80) fourth grade students from Cochran Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Thomas Taber Museum during November 2007. There will be no cost to the District. The students will walk to and from the museum.
O. Eight (8) Jackson Elementary School students, accompanied by their principal and PTO parents, to travel to Hoss’s during December 2007 as a reward for their sales in the fall fundraiser. The students will be transported by limousine. All costs will be paid by the Jackson PTO.
10.2* Approve the following request for facility use:
A. Retroactive approval for Community Alliance for Progressive Positive Action (CAPPA) to use the cafetorium at Roosevelt Middle School on Saturday, October 27, 2007 from 12:00 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. to hold a basketball award ceremony and banquet. CAPPA is requesting relief of the occupancy fees estimated at $40.00. Labor fees to be paid out of Sheridan Grant. Certificate of Insurance on file.
B. Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Lycoming County to use conference room 2 at the District Service Center on Wednesday, November 14 and December 12, 2007 from 7:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. to hold board meetings. Big Brothers/Big Sisters is requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $80.00. Certificate of Insurance on file.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
11.1 Approve the agreement with the Williamsport Sun-Gazette for the purchase of advertising space for the 2008 school year.
TAX ITEMS
12.1 Approve the following tax summaries:
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Kathleen R. Kelley, Ph.D.
A. MRSA – Dr. Kelley and David Stone updated the Board on the numerous actions that have been taken to prevent the spread of MRSA and other communicable diseases. Lori Baer also spoke on this issue from a nursing perspective and the challenges facing the health care system. Lori reminded everyone that one of the most important preventative measurers is proper and frequent hand washing.
B. Rumors – Dr. Kelley spoke to the Board about the recent rumors of potential violence at WAHS. She talked about the process we use to evaluate the rumors and the precautions that are taken when necessary. She also talked about the suggestions that have been made to communicate with parents when rumors develop. We are concerned that this communication could help to spread the rumors and further erode student attendance and encourage students to start additional rumors.
C. CAPPA Award – WASD received an award from CAPPA which was presented last Saturday evening.
D. Grammy Signature School – WASD is a finalist for the seventh year in a row. We are one of seven in Pennsylvania.
E. David Huffman – Thank you to David Huffman for his four years of service to WASD and welcome to Eric Budnovitch.
F. Common Cents Initiative – Dr. Kelley and Chuck Peterson spoke to the Board about the Common Cents Initiative and the fact that several districts in BLaST have agreed to participate. This initiative is to evaluate areas where districts can collaborate for shared services. Chuck reviewed the numerous areas that this is already taking place. The main concern at this point is the lack of information on the level of involvement that will be required of District personnel in assisting the consultants. There was a consensus that we will consider participating if this initiative is offered in subsequent years. Pam Markle indicated that we should communicate to the surrounding districts that we are definitely interested in continued and additional collaboration.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Pam Markle thanked the administration for the reception they held prior to this evenings’ meeting. She stated that it is a pleasure to be involved with a district that the board, administrators and faculty work together.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC – None
President Stone announced an Executive Session to discuss the terms and conditions of employment for one or more District employees and to receive legal advice from an attorney would follow this meeting.
Upon motion made by Ms. Markle, seconded by Mr. Shultz and carried the meeting adjourned
at 8:24 p.m.
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Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary