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, January 8, 2008, 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, Eric J. Budnovitch, Karen V. Harris, Pamela J. Markle,
Jay B. Shultz, David B. Stone, Jr., Lois T. Williams, Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: James E. Temple.
OPENING EXERCISES – were provided by Mr. Thomas Zimmerman.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Organizational and Regular Meeting December 4, 2007
(Approved with the omnibus motion)
Student Representatives’ Report – Kelly Derr
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. Congratulations to Sean McCann, Williamsport Area School District Athletic Director, for being the recipient of the 2008 Pennsylvania State Athletic Directors Association Distinguished Service Award.
B. Motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Ms. Harris, to approve the following
resolution supporting H.R. 648 revising the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001.
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, on January 8, 2002, President Bush signed into law the No Child Left
Behind (NCLB) Act of 2001, which applies to all school districts and schools
within states that accept federal Title I dollars; and
WHEREAS, the Williamsport Area School Board supports the goals of NCLB of
raising student achievement; closing the achievement gap; and ensuring that
each child has a highly qualified teacher; and
WHEREAS, the Williamsport Area School Board continues to welcome the
accountability for improving student and school performance; and
WHEREAS, the Williamsport Area School Board has had five years of operational
experience in implementing NCLB; and
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT’D: – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
B.
Approve the following resolution supporting H.R. 648 revising the No Child Left
Behind
Act of 2001 cont’d:
WHEREAS, the Williamsport Area School Board has identified improvements that
could be made to NCLB that would eliminate barriers to full implementation of
the federal law; and
WHEREAS, the National School Boards Association (NSBA) developed draft
legislation based on input from local school boards across the nation that
would address the concerns of local school boards, and improve the
implementation of NCLB; and
WHEREAS, in April 2006 the NSBA Delegate Assembly re-affirmed its support of
federal legislation that is consistent with the NSBA draft legislation; and
WHEREAS, in January 2007 Representative Don Young (R-AK-AL) introduced
legislation, the No Child Left Behind Improvements Act of 2007, H.R. 648, that
is consistent with the NSBA draft legislation, and has strong bipartisan
support from the bill’s co-sponsors: United States Representatives Jo
Bonner [AL-1], Donna Christensen [VI], Charles Dent [PA-15], Terry Everett
[AL-1], Bart Gordon [TN-6], Frank LoBiondo [NJ-2], Charlie Melancon [LA-3],
Steven Rothman [NJ-9], Rick Boucher [VA-9], Steve Cohen [TN-9], Mike Ferguson
[NJ-7], Jesse Jackson, Jr. [IL-2], Thaddeus Mccotter [MI-II], Jerry Moran
[KS-1], Mike Ross [AR-4], Albio Sires [NJ-13]; now therefore, be it
RESOLVED, that the Williamsport Area School Board urges U.S. Representative
Christopher Carney to fully support H.R. 648 by becoming a co-sponsor of the
bill, and finally
RESOLVED, that copies of this resolution be sent to U.S. Representative
Christopher Carney, Governor Edward G. Rendell, and Dr. Gerald Zahorchak,
Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Education.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mrs. Williams, Ms. Markle and Mr. Stone reported on the Multi-Cultural meeting
that was held earlier today. The committee members are open and honest which
promotes a good discussion. They are grappling with difficult issues. The
group is flexible and adapts the goals and discussion to what is happening in
the District and Community.
Motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Ms. Markle, to approve the agenda
including the
minutes and addendum.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
FINANCE REPORT
5.1
Approve the following financial reports:
A.
Treasurer’s Report for the months of October and November 2007:
B. Payroll Report:
General Fund – Unrestricted
$2,654,108.50
General Fund – Restricted 252,838.59
Athletics and Extra Curricular
37,547.78 Food Service Fund
74,529.87
Data Processing Fund 21,072.72
Maintenance Fund 38,006.83
Earned Income Tax
34,642.76
Student Activities .00
TOTAL
$3,112,747.05
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
01/08/08 $86,264.46
01/08/08A 168,728.43
01/08/08B 4,610.81
01/08/08C 1,813.29
01/08/08D 1,312,455.17 01/08/08E 16,153.55
01/08/08F 178,747.65
01/08/08G 146,645.51
01/08/08H 4,501.52 01/08/08I 794,904.56
01/08/08J
1,345,374.51 01/08/08K 6,391.23
01/08/08L 318.00
01/08/08M 159.00 01/08/08N 56.50
01/08/08O 120.00 01/08/08P 900,432.44
01/08/08Q 147,380.41
01/08/08R 8,000.00
01/08/08S 4,610.81
01/08/08T 7,057.07 01/08/08U 1,290,636.72
01/08/08V 658,256.72
5.3
Authorize the administration to seek proposals for various contracted support
services. BOARD POLICY
6.1
Approve the first reading of Policy #608, “Bank Accounts.”
6.2
Approve the first reading of Policy #610, “Purchases Subject to Bid.”
6.3
Approve the first reading of Policy #611, “Purchases Budgeted.”
CURRICULUM REPORT
7.1
Authorize a student project for WillSERVE. Data Engineering will supply boxes
of documents for shredding as a fundraiser for WillSERVE. The Life Skills
Support classes of Mr. Breisch and Mrs. Williams will be learning a valuable
work skill using the shredders, and teachers or aides will supervise the
students’ work. The approximate dates for this project will be December
17, 2007 – April 30, 2008. The company will donate $400 to the WillSERVE
club.
7.2
Approve the following new courses for inclusion in the 2008-2009 High School
Course Catalog.
Career and Technology Courses
Introduction to Business (1 semester course)
Family and Consumer Sciences (1 semester course)
Career Exploration in Construction (1 semester course)
Career Exploration in Graphic Communications (1 semester course)
Career Exploration in Information Technology (1 semester course)
Career Exploration in Manufacturing (1 semester course)
Career Exploration in Transportation (1 semester course)
Introduction to Early Childhood Education (full year course)
Early Childhood Education 1 (two credit/double period course)
Early Childhood Education 2 (two credit/double period course)
Introduction to Drafting Design Technology (full year course)
Drafting Design Technology 1 (two credit/double period course)
Introduction to Construction Trades (two credit/double period course)
Math/Science
Integrated Mathematics (junior level course)
Physics AP
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
7.3
Payment of Student Assistance stipends to the following CARE Team
representatives at the respective schools for the 2007-08 school year, at the
stipend rate of $924 each (stipend positions were board approved 5/6/97);
funding available from the Safe and Drug Free Schools and Communities grant.
WAHS:
Elizabeth Barnhart
Spring Moore Marlene Brown (½ year)
Stuart Roe
Peggy Crawley Phyllis Sieber
Carole Heckel
Tracey Yarnell Ann M. Kahler
Lycoming Valley:
Sarah Bohnert
Mary K. Skipper Kate Kreger
Angela Steele (½ year) Sarah Moore
Lisa Yingling Debra Shellman
Curtin:
Kimberly A. Imrisek
Christine R. Wagner Patrick Menges
Jennie Wagner-Guffy
Marjorie F. Stopper Stephanie Wolfanger
Roosevelt:
Blanetta Akpakip
Kevin Mumbauer Judy Bower
Janice Saffel
Donna Callahan Tamra Springman
Christine Hanna
7.4
Approve the following pool from which six individuals will be selected to serve
on the Strategic Plan Steering Committee:
Parents: Brett Confair, Brent Fish, Tony Nardi, David Trice, Becky Renner, Dan
Milliken, Jerene Milliken, Sue Mahaffey, Bonnie Mahoney, Tim Mahoney, Marleni
Feinstein, Phil Sprunger
Community/Business Members: Jim Campbell, Anthony Cipolla, Denise Route, Mike
Wiley, Emily Douthat, Eve Archer, Laurie Barclay, Bill McConnell, Tom O’
Connor, Colleen Albright, Jessica Abernathy, Leroy Baer, Denise Gray, Alfreda
Baer, Gerald Smith, Melodie Russell, Janet Harris
PERSONNEL REPORT
8.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignation(s), effective on the dates and for the
purposes indicated:
A.
Joseph G. Weisser, full-time Instructional Support Aide for the Water Safety
Program at the Williamsport Area High School, for other employment, effective
January 6, 2008.
8.2
LEAVES OF ABSENCE - Approve the following leave(s) of absence:
A.
Pamela R. Doane, part-time Instructional Support Aide at Lycoming Valley Middle
School, for an unpaid leave, effective December 17, 2007 through January 1,
2008.
B.
Susan K. Garczynski, full-time Special Education teacher at Hepburn-Lycoming
Elementary School, for an unpaid leave on an intermittent basis (as needed),
effective December 14, 2007.
C.
Cynthia I. Hughes, full-time School Bus Aide for the District, for an unpaid
leave, effective December 10, 2007, through June 6, 2008.
D.
Karen D. Scampone, full-time Speech Therapist at Jackson Elementary School, for
an unpaid leave, effective February 4, 2008, through February 18, 2008.
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, extension as a long-term substitute teacher, effective
with the start of the second semester (scheduled date is January 22, 2008)
through the end of the 2007-2008 school term (tentative ending date of June 6,
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).
B.
Jodi L. Geary, 51 Keyser Circle, Williamsport, as a long-term substitute
teacher, effective January 4, 2008, through the end of the second semester of
the 2007-2008 school term (tentative ending date of June 6, 2008), unless
terminated sooner, to teach special education at Stevens Elementary School, at
a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor's, $39,000 (+ $200), prorated (replacing
Tracy Haupt, transferred to elementary position replacing Gabe Campana, on
unpaid leave).
C.
Kimberly A. Emerick, 1506 Princeton Ave., Williamsport, as a regular part-time
custodian (2nd
shift) at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, 250 days, up to 4 hours per day,
with a base wage rate of $10.81 per hour, effective December 3, 2007
(replacing Gary Litz, transferred).
D.
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:
Michelle L. Gair
1112 W. Central Ave., S. Williamsport (effective 12/05/07)
Joshua D. Beadle
1160 Almond St., Williamsport
8.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
E.
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:
Marlene J. Brown 10095 Wallis Run Rd., Trout Run (effective 01/22/08)
Kelly N. Cramer
1142 Market St., Williamsport
Kaitlin E. Daneker
828 Second Ave., Williamsport
Michelle L. Gair 1112 W. Central Ave., S. Williamsport
Colleen M. Jansson
332 Mulberry St., Apt. 6, Williamsport (effective 01/08/08)
F.
Jennifer B. Finnegan, 1636 Scott St., Williamsport, as a substitute teacher for
the Educational Assistance Program/Tutoring Program at Curtin Middle School
effective
for the 2007-2008 school year, at the rate of $27.03 per hour plus appropriate
benefits. All funds budgeted under EAP (Educational Assistance Program).
G.
Miranda J. Dincher, 501 Washington Ave., Jersey Shore, extension as a long-term
substitute teacher, effective with the start of the second semester of the
2007-2008 school term (scheduled date is January 22, 2008) through the end of
the 2007-2008 school term (tentative ending date of June 6, 2008), unless
terminated sooner, as a ½ Guided Reading and ½ Kindergarten Teacher
at Jackson Elementary School, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor's, $39,000,
prorated (replacing Debbie Anderson, on sabbatical leave).
8.4*
POSITION CHANGES - Approve the following position change(s):
A.
Tracy A. Haupt, 1332 Dunkard Church Rd., Cogan Station, from a full-time
Special Education teacher to a full-time Elementary (3rd
Grade) teacher at Stevens Elementary School, effective January 7, 2008, at a
salary rate of Step 13, Master’s + 9 credits, $67,900, prorated (replacing
Gabe Campana, on unpaid leave).
B.
Jennifer Jo Weaver, 817 Sixth Ave., Williamsport, from a part-time Health
Occupations teacher at the high school to a full-time School Nurse at the high
school, effective January 16, 2008, at a salary rate of Step 3, bachelor's,
$41,200, prorated (replacing Marlene Brown, retired).
C. Donna Gadson
, 812 High St., Williamsport, from a part-time Hall Desk Monitor at the high
school to a part-time Instructional Support Aide (CTE) at the high school (up
to 185 days, up to 5 hours per day), with a base wage rate of $11.31 per hour,
effective December 13, 2007 (replacing Linda McManus, transferred).
D.
Marcelene H. Brown, 2500 Federal Avenue, #253, 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 January 9,
2008 (replacing Kim Rogers, transferred).
8.4* POSITION CHANGES CONT’D:
E.
Anita L. Cooper, 304 High Fields Drive, Williamsport, from a substitute food
service worker to a general food service worker (3 hours daily) at the high
school, with a base wage rate of $10.56 per hour, effective January 9, 2008
(replacing Judith Packard, resigned).
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 through the second 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.
A.
Fifteen (15) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s performing
group GQ, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to St. John’s United
Methodist Church during March 2008 to perform. District transportation is
requested.
B.
All eighth grade students from Curtin, Lycoming Valley, and Roosevelt Middle
Schools, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Williamsport Area High
School on three separate dates during January 2008. They will have an
opportunity to tour the high school prior to scheduling classes for next year.
District transportation is requested.
10.1*
Approve the following student trips cont’d:
C.
Fifteen (15) Williamsport Area High School band students, accepted by
competitive audition, to participate in the PMEA District Band Festival in
Towanda for four days during January 2008.
Dan Abercrombie – String Bass Matt Andrew – Baritone
Rachel Black – Clarinet Audra Chapman – Clarinet
Rachael Grimes – Flute Matt Hartsock – Cornet
Josh Mills – Cornet
Jacob Person – Trombone
Jason Reed – Cornet
Bryan Stillman – Alto Sax
Davis Swift – Tuba
Ian Wallace – String Bass
Josh Whitney – Tuba
District transportation is requested. One substitute will be required for two
days.
D.
Ten (10) Williamsport Area High School choral students, accepted by competitive
audition, to participate in the PMEA Chorus Festival in Troy for three days
during February 2008.
Rachael Grimes
Holden Moyer
Matthew Hartsock Jessica Smith
Nathanial Hess
Aaron Tokay
Cody Johnson
Zachary Wagner
Brian Mextorf
Ashley Williams
District transportation is requested. One substitute will be required for two
days.
E.
Sixty-five (65) third grade students from Stevens Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers, to travel to City Hall during January 2008 for a
tour. The students will be transported by River Valley Transit. There will
be no cost to the District.
F.
Retroactive Approval: Fifteen (15) members of the Williamsport Area High
School’s GQ performing group, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to
the WKSB radio station during December 2007 to perform on the radio. District
transportation is requested.
G.
Thirty-two (32) Williamsport Area High School orchestra students, accepted by
competitive audition, to participate in the Pennsylvania Music Educators’
Association District 8 Orchestra Festival to be held at the Athens High School
on four dates during January 2008.
Violin
Viola Cello
Allison Agnone
Billy Beamer Adam Bielski
Juliette Dye
Kevin Burg Nathan Frailey
Lindsey Dye
Cullen Byham Emily Gair
10.1*
Approve the following student trips cont’d:
Violin
Viola Cello
Farida Essa
Chris Connolly Julie Judd
Darla Fink
Meredith Manchester Emily Krall
Andrew Glunk
Raneem Rajjoub Liz Robertson
Brigitta Glunk
Lisa Young
Sofia Javed
French Horn Marlee Lovell
Hannah Weber Trumpet
Colleen Mahoney
Matthew Hartsock
Brittany Peterson
Trombone Angie Richards
Jacob Person Tuba
Molly Smith
Joshua Whitney
Bass
Dan Abercrombie
Ian Wallace
District transportation is requested. One substitute will be required for two
days.
H.
Seventeen (17) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s FBLA
chapter, accompanied by their advisor and two parent chaperones, to travel to
the Pennsylvania College of Technology during January 2008 to participate in a
regional conference and competition. Transportation will be provided by the
students. All costs will be paid by student club dues.
I.
Fifty-five (55) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Wind
Ensemble, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to the Community Arts Center
during January 2008 to perform at the Lycoming County Inauguration. District
transportation is requested and will be paid by Lycoming County.
J.
Thirty-two (32) members of the Lycoming Valley Middle School’s Ski Club,
accompanied by four staff members, to travel to Ski Sawmill (Morris) on four
dates during January and February 2008. There will be no cost to the District.
10.2
Approve the following request for facility use:
A.
Hepburn Lycoming Little League to use the cafeteria at Hepburn Lycoming
Elementary School on January 18 and January 25, 2008 from 6:15 pm until
8:45 pm to hold tryouts. Hepburn Lycoming Little League is requesting relief
of the occupancy fee estimated at $80.00. Certificate of Insurance to be
received.
January 6, 2008 from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm for soccer registration. Balls Mills
Soccer Club is requesting relief from the occupancy fee estimated at $40.00.
Certificate of Insurance to be received.
10.2
Approve the following request for facility use:
8:30 pm for aquatics instruction. The Special Olympics is requesting relief of
the occupancy fee estimated at $800.00. Certificate of Insurance to be
received.
D.
Saint John’s School of the Arts to use the auditorium at the Williamsport
Area High School on April 23, 24, 25 and 26, 2008 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.
E.
Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Lycoming County to use conference room 2 at the
District Service Center on Wednesday, January 9 and February 13, 2008 from
7:30 am until 9:00 am 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
Authorize a lease agreement with the Williamsport Scottish Rite to hold the
2009 WAHS prom at a cost of $500.00.
11.2
Authorize an agreement with Analytical Laboratory Services, Inc. to provide
Environmental Technicians to perform the annual Right-to-Know Inventory and
provide manuals with the inventory list, MSDS sheets and Hazardous Substance
Survey Forms, for each school building at a cost of $6,500 (unchanged from
FY07). TAX ITEMS
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Kathleen R. Kelley, Ph.D.
A. Happy New Year to everyone!
B.
This month is board appreciation month. We will have a recognition dinner at
5:00 on January 22nd and a program at the meeting following the dinner. Dr.
Kelly indicated that she appreciates working with a board that is educationally
focused and she thanked them for their support.
C.
David Wright and Ted Piwowar did a School Counts presentation at the December
Chamber meeting. The Chamber endorsed the program and donations were pledged
to cover the cost of the School Counts stickers that will be displayed by the
participating businesses. The program is a win/win for students and
businesses.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Kathleen R. Kelley, Ph.D.
D.
Dr. Campana’s 3rd grade class attended the inauguration ceremony at City
Hall and represented our District well. It was educational for them to see the
transition from teacher to mayor.
E.
Dr. Kelly distributed the PSBA School Governance Standards and Code of Conduct.
She recommended that the Board reaffirm their commitment to these standards
at the January 22nd meeting.
F.
During the 2nd semester we will be focusing on the budget and staffing.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Zimmerman introduced Holly Staffer, a 2002 graduate of WASD. She is
working at Sheridan as an intern from the Pennsylvania College of Technology.
David Wright introduced Warren Whitaker, who is in his third year in
Bucknell’s graduate program. He is working as a school psychologist
intern at WAHS and is doing a fine job for us.
Ted Piwowar took the opportunity to thank the Board for their service since it
is Board Recognition Month.
Mr. Zimmerman reminded the Board that the next Region 12 meeting will be held
on March 13th and the County Legislative meeting will be at Montgomery on April
3rd.
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC – None
President Stone announced an Executive Session to discuss the terms and
conditions of employment for one or more District employees, discuss
negotiations 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 7:00 p.m.
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary