The Organizational 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 December 4, 2007, beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Board of Directors Room, District Service Center, 201 West Third Street, Williamsport, Pennsylvania.
1. CALL TO ORDER: 2007 Board President, David B. Stone, Jr.
This meeting was called to order, for the purpose of organization under appropriate sections of Article IV of the School Laws of Pennsylvania, as amended.
The following members were present: Lori A. Baer, Eric J. Budnovitch, Karen V. Harris,
Pamela J. Markle, Jay B. Shultz, David B. Stone, Jr., James E. Temple,
Thomas A. Zimmerman.
The following members were absent: Lois T. Williams
2. OPENING EXERCISES – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
SILENT REFLECTION - Mr. Stone requested that a moment of silence in memory of
June Baskin.
3. Mr. Peterson, Board Secretary certified the election of the following persons to a four-year term (2007-2011) on the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District:
4. Mr. Fred Holland, Board Solicitor, introduced the Honorable Dudley N. Anderson who administered the oaths of office to the newly-elected members. The Honorable Dudley N. Anderson and the newly-elected School Directors signed oath-of-office documents provided by the Secretary. The newly-elected School Directors took their seats at the Board table.
5. Election of a Temporary President
6. Election of President.
a. Mr. Temple opened nominations for President.
7. Election of Vice President.
8. Appointment of Delegates to Boards and Commissions for the Ensuing Year:
a. Alternative Education Committee
Mr. Jay Shultz, Mrs. Lois Williams and Mr. Thomas Zimmerman
b. Athletic Advisory Committee
Mr. James Temple, Mr. Jay Shultz and Ms. Karen Harris
c. Board Negotiating Team
Ms. Karen Harris, Ms. Pamela Markle, Mr. David Stone, and Mr. Eric
Budnovitch
d. Calendar Committee
Mr. James Temple
e. Curriculum and Instruction Council--All School Directors are ex officio members
Mr. Jay Shultz and Mrs. Lois Williams
f. Diversity Committee
Ms. Pamela Markle, Mr. David Stone and Mrs. Lois Williams
g. Education Foundation Board Representative
Mrs. Lois Williams
h. Employment Steering Committee
Mr. Thomas Zimmerman and Mrs. Lois Williams
i. Facilities Planning and Development Committee
Mr. David Stone, Mr. Jay Shultz and Mr. James Temple
j. Finance Committee
Mr. David Stone, Mr. Jay Shultz, Mrs. Lori Baer and Mr. Eric Budnovitch
k. Gifted Education Advisory Council
Mr. Thomas Zimmerman
l. Intermediate Unit Board Member
Mrs. Lori Baer
m. Pennsylvania School Board Association (PSBA) Employee Relations Contact
Mr. Jay Shultz
8. Appointment of Delegates to Boards and Commissions for the Ensuing Year:
n. Pennsylvania School Board Association (PSBA) Liaison
Mr. Thomas Zimmerman
o. Safe Schools Committee
Mr. Thomas Zimmerman and Ms. Pamela Markle
p. Technology Advisory Committee
Mr. Jay Shultz and Mrs. Lori Baer
q. West End Babe Ruth Partnership Committee
Mrs. Lori Baer and Ms. Karen Harris
r. Williamsport Area Tax Advisory Committee
Mr. David Stone
s. Elementary School Liaisons
Mrs. Lori Baer, Mr. Eric Budnovitch and Mr. James Temple
t. Middle School Liaisons
Incumbents: Ms. Karen Harris, Mr. Jay Shultz and Mr. Thomas Zimmerman
u. High School Liaisons
Incumbents: Ms. Pamela Markle, Mr. David Stone and Mrs. Lois Williams
9. Motion made by Ms. Markle, seconded by Ms. Harris, to schedule Voting Meetings during 2008 to begin at 6:00 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) in the Baskin Gallery of the District Service Center on the following dates. Adoption of the Proposed Final Budget is tentatively scheduled for May 6, 2008. Adoption of the Final Budget is tentatively scheduled for
June 17, 2008 . The annual Organization Meeting will be held on December 2, 2008 and will be followed by a regular voting meeting.
January 8, 22 February 5, 19
March 4, 18 April 1, 15
May 6, 20 June 3, 17
July15 August 5, 19
September 2, 16 October 7, 21
November 4, 18 December 2
Motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
10. Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Ms. Markle and carried to adjourn the reorganizational meeting and begin the regularly scheduled meeting.
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary
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, December 4, 2007, following the reorganizational meeting.
The President, David B. Stone, Jr., called the meeting to order with the following members:
PRESENT: Lori A. Baer, Eric J. Budnovitch, Karen V. Harris, Pamela J. Markle,
Jay B. Shultz, David B. Stone, Jr., James E. Temple, Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: Lois T. Williams
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Approved with the omnibus motion.
Regular Meeting - November 13, 2007
Special Meeting - November 20, 2007
Student Representatives’ Report – None
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – David B. Stone, Jr.
A. As part of the annual reorganization meeting, President Stone reviewed many of the challenges and accomplishments of the past year and the goals of the future year. Some of the items he reviewed for the past year included: progress in student achievement in NCLB with the exception of our graduation rate, a food service contract with Chartwells, the election of three incumbents and one new board member, improvement in our fund balance, the finalization of the Lycoming Valley and Hepburn Lycoming construction projects, the hiring of a new assistant superintendent, a long-term financial plan and a new contract with WEA. President Stone said that the challenges of the next year would include continued NCLB pressures, negotiations with our support staff, strategic planning, a feasibility study and continued work on our long-term financial plan.
Mr. Zimmerman added that we should also note that WASD is being recognized throughout the State considering that Ms. Markle will be President of PSBA beginning on January 1st ; Dr. Kelley is President of the Pennsylvania Association of School Administrators and Mr. Peterson will be President of the Pennsylvania Association of School Business Officials beginning on July 1st . In addition, our professional staff continues to be recognized, the most recent example being Leslie Whitehill.
Mr. Zimmerman requested that everyone contact our legislators in support of HB 446 (Beyer) which amends the School Code providing for cyber charter schools.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT’D:
B. Publications Awards Announced
Williamsport Area High School’s Cherry and White has earned two Best Of Category awards from the Pennsylvania School Press Association. The Cherry and White received a Best of Award in Computer-Generated Art and in Spread Design. Williamsport also earned five Second Best awards: Cover Design, Serious Poetry, Photography, and Spread Design.
Committee Reports by Board Members - None
Motion made by Ms. Markle, seconded by Ms. Harris, to approve the balance of the agenda including the minutes and addendum. Ms. Savage announced that the effective date listed in item 8.1A should be changed to December 7, 2007. Mr. Shultz stated that he was abstaining from item 8.4D. Prior to the vote, President Stone called an executive session to receive advice from our solicitor. The executive session commenced at 6:59 p.m. and the meeting reconvened at 7:07 p.m.
The motion on the floor passed by a unanimous roll call.
Construction Projects - None
FINANCE REPORT
5.1 Approve the following financial reports:
A. Payroll Report:
General Fund – Unrestricted $2,677,567.12
General Fund – Restricted 250,719.90
Athletics and Extra Curricular 39,752.10
Food Service Fund 85,172.46
Data Processing Fund 21,072.72
Maintenance Fund 34,099.94
Earned Income Tax 37,342.42
Student Activities 4,358.80
TOTAL $3,150,085.46
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
12/04/07 $330,066.10 12/04/07A 987.08
12/04/07B 114,788.05 12/04/07C 1,410,358.30
12/04/07D 182,278.93 12/04/07E 318.00
12/04/07F 274,245.43 12/04/07G 83,378.37
12/04/07H 1,369.44 12/04/07I 13,376.86
FINANCE REPORT CONT’D:
5.3 Approve the following resolution regarding the FY09 budget not to exceed the index of 6.3%.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District
has determined that there will be no increase in the rate of any tax for the
support of its public schools for the 2008-2009 fiscal year by more than the
Index established by the Department of Education (Department) for the district;
WHEREAS, the Index for the District is 6.3%;
WHEREAS, the Board of Directors of the Williamsport Area School District does
hereby certify that the District will comply with the procedures as set forth
in Section 687 of the Public School Code as it relates to the annual budget for
the adoption of its proposed and final budgets;
WHEREAS, the Board of School Directors certifies that increasing any tax at a
rate less than or equal to the established index will be sufficient to balance
its final budget;
WHEREAS, the Board of School Directors certify that the District will submit
information on a proposed increase in the rate of a tax levied for the support
of the public schools to the Department on a uniform form prepared by the
Department no later than five (5) days after the adoption of this resolution;
WHEREAS, the Board of School Directors certify that a copy of this resolution
adopted pursuant to Section 311 of the Taxpayer Relief Act of Special Session
No. 1 of 2005 will be sent to the Department no later than five (5) days after
the adoption of this resolution;
WHEREAS, the Board of School Directors recognize that the District shall not be
eligible to seek referendum exceptions under Section 333 (f) of the Taxpayer
Relief Act; and,
WHEREAS, the Board of School Directors recognize that the Department shall
compare the proposed percentage increase in the rate of the tax with the index;
within ten (10) days of the receipt of the information as required, the
Department shall inform the District whether the proposed tax rate increase is
less than or equal to the index.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, by the Board of School Directors of the
Williamsport Area School District, as follows:
The Board of School Directors adopts this RESOLUTION on the 4th
day of December
, 2007 indicating that it will not raise the rate of any tax for the support of
its public schools for the 2008-2009 fiscal year by more than the index
established by the Department of Education for the district of 6.3%.
DULY ADOPTED, by the Board of School Directors of this School District, this
4th day of December, 2007.
FINANCE REPORT CONT’D:
5.4
Authorize an order for the payment of bills for December 20, 2007 with
retroactive Board approval to occur on January 8, 2008.
BOARD POLICY
6.1
Approve the second reading and adoption of Policy #601, “Fiscal
Objectives.”
6.2
Approve the second reading and adoption of Policy #602, “Budget
Planning.”
6.3
Approve the second reading and adoption of Policy #603, “Budget
Preparation.”
6.4
Approve the second reading and adoption of Policy #604, “Budget
Adoption.”
6.5
Approve the second reading and adoption of Policy #605, “Tax Levy.”
6.6
Approve the second reading and adoption of Policy #606, “Tax
Collection.” CURRICULUM REPORT
7.1
Approve the Title I Parent Mini-Grants awarded to Cochran and Sheridan
Elementary Schools. Each school will receive $500 for parent training
workshops. The schools will implement the following projects: Parent book club
at Cochran and “Flat Stanley” at Sheridan Elementary School.
7.2
Approve J. Henry Cochran Elementary School Just TRI It Kids Triathlon, to be
held Friday, May 30, 2008 in Williamsport’s historic Memorial Park.
Funding through Cochran’s remaining Pennsylvania Advocates for Nutrition
and Activity (PANA) mini-grant funds, the Cochran School Association and
corporate donation.
7.3
Approve an annual contract for the IEP writing software, DARTS for the
2007/2008 school year in the amount of $14,800 too be paid from IDEA monies.
This software allows special education teachers, administrators and secretarial
support staff to complete the necessary paperwork and child accounting
information in compliance with IDEA and Chapter 14 Special Education
Regulations.
7.4
Approve a new course, Physical Education 06 (Personal Fitness and Strength
Program) for the 2008-2009 school year. This course offers an additional
option for students to complete their physical education course requirement and
requires no additional staffing.
PERSONNEL REPORT
8.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignation(s), effective on the dates and for the
purposes indicated: A.
Rhonda J. Lewis, part-time Instructional Support Aide at Roosevelt Middle
School, for personal reasons, effective December 7, 2007.
8.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Approve the following leave(s) of absence:
A.
Ami D. Heller, full-time first grade teacher at Jackson Elementary School,
extension of her unpaid leave, effective January 21, 2008, through the end of
the second semester of the 2007-2008 school term (tentative ending date of June
6, 2008).
B.
Leslie A. Carnevale, part-time instructional support aide at Jackson Elementary
School, for an unpaid leave, effective December 18, 2007, through January 9,
2008, possibly to return sooner.
C.
Amber M. Seasholtz, part-time instructional support aide at Cochran Elementary
School, for an unpaid leave, effective December 20, 2007, through January 31,
2008.
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A.
Lindsey A. Wheeland, 106 Carpenter St., Apt. A5, Muncy, as a part-time
Administrative Support I (245 days, prorated; up to 5 hours per day) in the
Business Office/Tax Office, at the rate of $11.21 per hour, FICA, Worker’s
Compensation, Retirement (if eligible), and sick leave (per the Agreement
between WASD and WAESP) are the only fringe benefits, effective November 27,
2007 (replacing Melanie Miller, resigned).
B.
Billie Jo Hardy, 1223 Cherry St., Williamsport, as a part-time (up to 180 days,
prorated; up to 4½ hours per day) Parent Involvement Coordinator at
Cochran Elementary School, effective December 5, 2007, with a base wage rate of
$12.31 per hour, FICA, Worker’s Compensation, Retirement (if eligible),
and sick leave (per the Agreement between WASD and WAESP) are the only fringe
benefits, pending receipt of all appropriate paperwork (funded through Title I;
replacing April J. Gardner, transferred).
8.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
C.
The following teachers to provide homework support to students for the Title I
Extended Day Homework Club at Roosevelt Middle School. The program will
operate for up to one (1) hour per day, three (3) days per week, from November
21, 2007, through spring 2008. The teachers will be paid at the rate of $27.03
per hour plus appropriate benefits. Funds are budgeted under Roosevelt Title
I School Improvement Fund:
Phillip L. Gingery 392 Brentwood Dr., Cogan Station
Matthew D. Hartman
781 River Mill Rd., Jersey Shore
D.
Tina A. Eisenhower, 520 Jordan Ave., 2nd
Floor, Montoursville, Health Physical Education long-term substitute teacher
at the high school, as Dance Troupe Advisor (1st
year) at the high school, at a stipend amount of $611.00 for the 2007-2008
school year.
E.
The following winter sport coaches at the respective schools for the 2007-2008
school year at the salary rate in accordance with the 2007-2010 agreement by
and between the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School
District and the Williamsport Education Association (pending completion of all
appropriate paperwork*):
Girls Basketball
Ninth Grade Coach: Linda L. Radocaj (5)
$3,131
Wrestling
MS Assistant Coach: Joseph Cohick (2) *
$2,019
MS Assistant Coach: Leroy A. Harman, Sr. (3)
$2,208
Softball Volunteer:
William Bannon IV ---
F.
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:
Jeryl J. Wilborn
809 Cemetery St., Williamsport
8.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
G.
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:
Lauren M. Foote 801 Pennsylvania Ave., Williamsport
Thomas L. Henderson
50 Cece Rd., Williamsport 17702
Jennifer L. Sullivan-Gross
2515 Four Mile Dr., Montoursville
H.
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:
Ruth A. Fisher
1550 Fox Hollow Rd., Williamsport
Alicia M. Hess
2213 Mosser Ave., Williamsport
8.4* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position change(s):
A.
Christopher P. Anderson, 2605 Grand St., Williamsport, from a full-time general
custodian (3rd
shift) at the high school to a full-time general maintenance worker for the
District (250 day, 8 hours per day), with a base wage rate of $32,920,
prorated ($16.46 per hour), effective December 3, 2007 (replacing Charles
Johnson, transferred).
B.
Stacy A. Miller, 732 Tucker St., Williamsport, from a full-time Administrative
Support I/Gold House at the high school, to a full-time general custodian (3
rd
shift) at the high school (250 day, 8 hours per day), with a base wage rate of
$31,720, prorated ($15.86 per hour), effective November 27, 2007 (replacing
Chris Anderson, transferred).
C.
Yul B. Holloway, P.O. Box 1961, Williamsport, from a full-time Administrative
Support I in the Tax Office at the DSC to a full-time Administrative Support I
(245 day, 7½ hours per day) in the Gold House at the high school, with a
base wage rate of $28,316, prorated ($15.41 per hour), effective November 27,
2007 (replacing Stacy Miller, transferred).
D.
Kimberly J. Shultz, 125 Snyder Rd., Cogan Station, from a part-time
instructional support aide at Roosevelt Middle School to a part-time
instructional support aide (up to 185 days, up to 5 hours per day) at Lycoming
Valley Middle School, with a base wage rate of $11.31 per hour, effective
January 3, 2008 (replacing Cindy Ryder, transferred).
8.4* POSITION CHANGES CONT’D:
E.
Cecil C. Paulhamus, 285 Anderson Rd., Linden, from a substitute school bus
driver to a regular part-time school bus driver (bargaining unit employee), at
the salary rate of $12.89 per hour, effective October 29, 2007 (replacing
Donald Lepley, retired).
F.
Michelle E. Johnson, 124 Vista Lane, Cogan Station, from a substitute food
service worker to a general food service worker (3¾ hours daily) at
Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $10.56 per hour,
effective
December 5, 2007 (replacing Shannon Shipman, transferred).
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.
A.
Thirty (30) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their
teachers, to travel to the Lycoming County Courthouse during January 2008. The
students will have the opportunity to view court cases and tour the
courthouse. District transportation is requested.
B.
Forty-five (45) members of Curtin Middle School’s Chamber Choir,
accompanied by their teacher, to travel to TGI Friday’s during December
2007 to perform at a luncheon. District transportation is requested.
C.
Fifty (50) choir/choral members from the Williamsport Area High School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Roosevelt Middle School during
December 2007 to perform. District transportation is requested.
D.
Sixty-five (65) performing music students from the Williamsport Area High
School, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Curtin Middle School during
December 2007 to perform. District transportation is requested. Two
substitutes will be required for one half day.
10.2
Approve the following request for facility use:
A.
Balls Mills Soccer Club to use the gymnasium at Cochran on Mondays beginning
December 3, 2007 through March 31, 2008, from 6:00 pm until 7.30 pm to hold
indoor soccer training. Balls Mills Soccer is requesting relief of the
occupancy fee
estimated at $350.00. Certificate of Insurance to be received.
B.
Williamsport AYSO to use the gymnasium at Cochran Elementary School on
January 29 and 30, 2008 from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm for soccer registration.
Williamsport AYSO is requesting relief from the occupancy fee estimated at
$80.00. Certificate of Insurance on file.
10.3
Approve shuttle transportation from the Williamsport Area High School’s
“C” parking lot to the auditorium for the holiday concert on December
16, 2007.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
11.1
Authorize the administration to execute an agreement involving a confidential
student issue.
11.2
Authorize the District’s participation in the Cooperative Purchasing
Program of the Pennsylvania Education Joint Purchasing Council for the
procurement of copier paper to replenish warehouse stock. RECOMMENDED AWARD:
RIS Paper Company, Inc., Mechanicsburg, PA $29,636.00
TAX ITEMS
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Kathleen R. Kelley, Ph.D.
Dr. Kelley made the following report:
A.
Welcome to Mr. Budnovitch and congratulations to Mr. Stone, Mrs. Baer and Ms.
Markle on their re-election.
B.
Data driven decision making is alive and well at Williamsport Area School
District.
Dr. Kelley is attending meetings at all buildings to review data, progress and
strategies for improvements in student achievement.
C.
We continue to work on the FY09 budget. We are evaluating staffing at all
levels.
D.
Thank you to Heather for the positive public relation stories she has been
publishing in the Sun Gazette.
E. Happy Holidays to all!
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Budnovitch thanked the Board for making him feel welcome. He stated that
when his Board tenure is complete that he hopes he can say that he has made an
impact.
Mr. Zimmerman indicated that PSBA is requesting pictures of board members
attending school events to be published on the PSBA web-site.
President Stone stated that he had a recent appointment with his eye doctor.
The doctor informed him that the professors at Columbia University are
impressed with the educational preparation that his daughter received at
Williamsport Area School District.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC – None
President Stone announced that 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 Mr. Shultz, seconded by Mr. Zimmerman and carried the
meeting adjourned at 7:15 p.m.
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary