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 Ms. Karen Harris.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting - January 8, 2008
(Approved with the omnibus motion)
Student Representatives’ Report – Kelly Derr
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
President Stone recognized Mr. Brandon Pardoe. Mr. Pardoe was the master of ceremonies for the
Presentation to honor our Board during School Board Recognition Month. Mr. Pardoe thanked the board on behalf of the community, students, staff and administration. Books were presented to each board member that will be entered into circulation in our school libraries. The following students presented the books to the board members:
Elementary School Board Recognition
Cochran Elementary School
1. Al-Ahad Vaughn, son of Karen and Richard Vaughn, presented the book, How Many Seeds in a Pumpkin? by Margaret McNamara to Mr. David Stone.
2. Natalie Griffin, daughter of Claudine and Kenneth Griffin, Jr., presented the book, Ginger and Petunia by Patricia Polacco to Ms. Pamela Markle.
Hepburn Elementary School
1. Zachary Shade, son of Brenda and Robert Shade, presented the book, Tale of Despereaux: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread, to Mrs. Lori Baer.
Jackson Elementary School
1. Grady Walker, son of Lisa Street, presented the book, Yellow Elephant: Bright Bestiary by Julie Hofstrand Larios to Ms. Karen Harris.
2. Kailyn Frierson, daughter of Kenneth and Teresa Frierson, presented the book, Something About Hensley’s by Patricia Polacco to Mr. Jay Schultz.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT’D:– Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
Elementary School Board Recognition Cont’d:
Round Hills Elementary School
1. Caroline Coppersmith, daughter of Clifford and Kathy Coopersmith presented the book, Favorite Greek Myths, by Mary Pope Osburn to Mrs. Lois Williams.
Sheridan Elementary School
1. Victoria Watts, daughter of Rebecca Aldrich presented the book, Princess Pigsty, by Cornelia Caroline Funke to Mr. Eric Budnovitch.
Stevens Elementary School
1. Sophia Sprunger, daughter of Phil Sprunger and Liz Yoder presented the book, Who Put the B in the Ballyhoo? by Carlyn Beccia to Mr. Thomas Zimmerman.
2. Tre Ramos, son of Tony and Melissa Ramos, presented the book, The Gingerbread Boy, by Paul Galdone to Mr. James Temple.
Middle School Board Recognition
Lycoming Valley Middle School
1. Ellen Yost, daughter of John and Betsy Yost, presented the book The Castle Corona, by Sharon Creech, illustrated by David Diaz to Mrs. Lori Baer.
2. Daulton Phillips, son of Jonathan and Stephanie Phillips, presented the book Hurricane and Tornado by Jack Challoner to Mr. Jay Shultz.
Roosevelt Middle School School
1. Nuria Hunter, daughter of Vanessa and Braxton Hunter, presented the book November Blues by Sharon Draper to Ms. Karen Harris
2. Stuart Harsch, Son of Nikki and Shawn Harsch, presented the book Fire From the Rock by Sharon Draper to Mr. James Temple.
Curtin Middle School
1. William Haines, Son of William and Tracey Haines, presented the book We Beat the Streets, by Sampson Davis, George Jenkins, and Rameck Hunt, to Mr. Thomas Zimmerman.
2. Jeanae Gamble-Williams, daughter of Jean and Kimyatta Gamble, presented The Century for Young People, by Peter Jennings and Todd Brewster, to Mr. David Stone.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT’D:– Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
Williamsport Area High School
1. Seguan Gibbs, son of Kimberly Palmatier, presented the book History the Definitive Visual Guide by Adam Hart-Davis, to Mrs. Lois Williams.
2. Rebecca Kennedy, daughter of William Kennedy, Jr., presented the book Bird The Definitive Visual Guide, by Sandy Pinto to Ms. Pamela Markle.
3. Blair Randolph, son of Victor Wright, presented Reader’s Digest Home Artist, by Kimberly Casey to Mr. Rick Budnovitch.
Following the presentation Mr. Todd Kendall introduced high school students Jake Person, Josh Mills and Josh Whitney who performed a brass ensemble piece in honor of the board.
A. Motion made by Ms. Markle, seconded by Mr. Zimmerman to amend our January 8 th Resolution supporting H.R. 648, revising the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001, to include Representative John Peterson in our request for support of this legislation.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mrs. Williams and Mrs. Baer reported on the Alternative Education Open House. The event was well attended and there was a lot of support from the families and community. They were very impressed with the student displays.
Mr. Zimmerman reported on the Alternative Education Oversight Committee. They are analyzing the most recent data and it looks promising. The substantial program changes seem to have struck a good balance of the time of day and course offerings and we are seeing good results.
Mr. Budnovitch reported that we had a good Finance Committee Meeting with the District’s auditor and will be presenting the FY07 audit in February.
Mr. Zimmerman asked Dr. Adams to report on the Gifted Advisory Meeting. Dr. Adams indicated that there was good attendance and the discussion centered on middle school language arts.
Construction Projects - None
Motion made by Ms. Markle, seconded by Mr. Shultz to approve the balance of 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. Payroll Report for the month of January 2008:
General Fund – Unrestricted $2,618,045.13
General Fund – Restricted 243,690.17
Athletics and Extra Curricular 38,904.87
Food Service Fund 52,811.76
Data Processing Fund 21,715.03
Maintenance Fund 42,081.75
Earned Income Tax 35,386.86
Student Activities 3,300.40
TOTAL $3,055,935.97
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
01/22/08 $555,261.66 01/22/08A 291.50 01/22/08B 159.00 01/22/08C 1,357,965.91
01/22/08D 194,577.14 01/22/08E 127,758.23
01/22/08F 31,043.52 01/22/08G 272,234.94
01/22/08H 131,526.16 01/22/08I 37,570.75
01/22/08J 8,403.03 01/22/08K 7,057.07
5.3 Approve the following resolution regarding a bequest from the estate of Violet P. Compton:
RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, the Williamsport Area School District has received notice that Violet
P. Compton has willed a portion of her estate to the Williamsport Area School
District to benefit the Williamsport Area High School (WAHS) Music Program; and
WHEREAS, the Williamsport Area School Board sincerely appreciates this generous
donation; and
WHEREAS, the Williamsport Area School Board has entrusted the management and
investment of its scholarship funds and other donations to the Williamsport
Area School District Education Foundation (WASDEF); and
WHEREAS, the Williamsport Area School Board desires to have the bequest of
Violet P. Compton managed and invested by the WASDEF; and now therefore, be it
5.3
Approve the following resolution regarding a bequest from the estate of Violet
P. Compton cont’d:
RESOLVED, that the Williamsport Area School Board authorizes the Board
Secretary to send a letter, and this resolution, to the estate’s executor
requesting that the funds be made payable to the WASDEF; and finally be it
RESOLVED, that the WASDEF will be charged with ensuring that this generous
bequest and all accrued investment earnings are used to benefit the WAHS Music
Program as expressed in the wishes of Violet P. Compton.
BOARD POLICY
6.1
Approve the second reading and adoption of Policy #608, “Bank
Accounts.”
6.2
Approving the second reading and adoption of Policy #610, “Purchases
Subject to Bid.”
6.3
Approve the second reading and adoption of Policy #611, “Purchases
Budgeted.” CURRICULUM REPORT
7.1
Approve the district calendar for the 2008-09 school year.
7.2
Approval of a contract with Parlant Technology, through the BLaST Intermediate
Unit, # 17, to establish a one year contract for ParentLink ASP services.
ParentLink is an upgraded emergency notification and auto-call system. Cost is
$2.60 per student, per year, plus $2,500 set-up and initial training fee,
resulting in an expense of approximately $17,000. An initial $8,000 will come
from the Student Services budget, with additional support from that source to
be determined later.
7.3
Approve Mr. Ryan Moon, Math teacher, and Ms. Melissa Hrico, English teacher, as
instructors who will monitor the progress of senior students on the web-based
District Local Assessment (DLA). From January to May, Project 720 funding,
instructors will be $27.03/hr not to exceed 20 hours each.
PERSONNEL REPORT
8.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignation(s), effective on the dates and for the
purposes indicated:
A.
LaVonne A. Walter, part-time Instructional Support Aide at Curtin Middle
School, for other employment, effective January 23, 2008.
8.2
LEAVES OF ABSENCE - Approve the following leave(s) of absence:
A.
Joan A. Schramm, Title I Reading Specialist at Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary
Middle School, for an unpaid leave, effective January 15, 2008, through
January 31, 2008, possibly to return sooner.
B.
Angela Deitrick, part-time Aide/Study Hall Monitor-Regular Education at the
high school, for an unpaid leave, effective January 4, 2008, through June 6,
2008.
8.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF - Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date
indicated:
A.
Michelle Camp, 1290 Cemetery Rd., Montoursville, as a paid intern in the Tax
Office, effective February 4, 2008, for the duration of up to 480 hours, at the
rate of $7.15 per hour (no benefits).
B.
Any student enrolled in the Work-Based Learning (Cooperative Education) Program
for employment at the high school and subject to assignment by Dennis Waddell
and/or Pat Dixon, 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,
with the hours revised from 13.5 per week up to a maximum of 25 hours per week
for student workers in the Vehicle Maintenance Facility.
C.
The following substitute custodian/event staff, with a base wage rate of $7.50
per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective January 23, 2008:
Chad Brian Harter
1202 Park Ave., Williamsport
D.
The following persons as non-certificated substitute teachers 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:
Richard A. Gahr
48 Grandview Rd., Williamsport (effective 01/14/08)
Brooke V. Danner
514 McElhattan Dr., McElhattan
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:
Kimberly M. Barone 116 South Market St., S. Williamsport
Brady R. Grove
318 Eldred St., Williamsport
Melissa A. Janson
1208 Baldwin St., Williamsport (effective 01/15/08)
Stephanie G. Liddic
1551 Morgan Valley Rd., Williamsport
Ross D. Whiting
512 Grier St., Apt. 3, Williamsport (eff. 01/15/08)
Carrie J. Bosch
7908 Armstrong Rd., Muncy
8.3*
ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
Vanessa M. Guthrie 54 Jocelyn Path, Montgomery
Megan N. Knarr
313 Allegheny St., Jersey Shore
Arlene R. Stewart
23 Westbury Place, Williamsport
F.
Deborah A. Broskey, 313 West 7th
Ave., S. Williamsport, as a substitute health room technician, 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, effective January 15, 2008.
G.
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:
Traci R. Fleck
8233 State Rt. 654, Williamsport
H.
Mary E. Rider-Dincher, 2845 Four Mile Drive, Montoursville, 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, to teach Language Arts (6th
Grade) at Roosevelt Middle School, at a salary rate of Step 1, master’s,
$42,000, prorated (replacing Jennifer Redmon, on unpaid leave).
I.
Lindsey A. Douty, 2110 King St., Williamsport, as a long-term substitute
teacher, effective January 22, 2008, through the end of the 2007-2008 school
term (tentative ending date of June 6, 2008), unless terminated sooner, to
teach Kindergarten at Jackson Elementary School, at a salary rate of Step 1,
bachelor's, $39,000, prorated (replacing Linda Wheeland, transferred).
J.
Susan L. Hunsinger, 1510 Elliott St., Williamsport, as a paid intern in
Guidance Counseling at the high school, effective January 23, 2008, through the
end of the 2007-2008 school term (tentative ending date of June 6, 2008),
unless terminated sooner, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor's, $39,000,
prorated.
8.4*
POSITION CHANGES - Approve the following position change(s):
A.
Stacy A. Miller, 732 Tucker St., Williamsport, has requested to return to the
position of full-time Administrative Support I (245 day, 7½ hours per day)
in the Gold House at the high school (base wage rate of $28,316, prorated),
effective January 28, 2008. Mrs. Miller was recently approved for a position
change to a full-time Custodian (3rd
shift) at the high school, which was effective November 27, 2007 (originally
approved on 12/04/07 Agenda).
8.4* POSITION CHANGES CONT’D:
B.
Yul B. Holloway, P.O. Box 1961, Williamsport, will be returning to position as
Administrative Support I (245 day, 7½ hours per day) in the Tax Office at
the DSC (base wage rate of $28,316, prorated), effective January 28, 2008. Mr.
Holloway was recently approved for a position change to a full-time
Administrative Support I in the Gold House at the high school, effective
November 27, 2007 (originally approved on 12/04/07 Agenda).
C.
James A. Watson, 246 Arlington St., Williamsport, from a part-time Custodian at
the high school to a full-time general custodian (3rd
shift) at the high school (250 day, 8 hours per day), with a base wage rate of
$29,720, prorated ($14.86 per hour), effective January 28, 2008 (replacing
Stacy A. Miller, requested to be transferred back to prior position; this
position was previously held by Chris Anderson, transferred).
D.
Linda S. Wheeland, 424 Lowe St., S. Williamsport, from a full-time Kindergarten
teacher at Jackson Elementary School to a full-time Title I Reading Specialist
at Jackson and Round Hills Elementary Schools, effective January 22, 2008, at
a salary rate of Step 13, master’s + 9 credits, $67,900 (replacing Kellie
Bower-Vogt, retired). Mrs. Wheeland will have until May 1, 2008, to inform the
District if she wants to transfer back to her Kindergarten position or remain
as Reading Specialist for the 2008-2009 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.
Eighty-eight (88) kindergarten students from Cochran Elementary School,
accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to the James V.
Brown Library during March 2008. The students will be divided into two groups
and attend on two separate days. District transportation is requested and will
be paid by the Cochran School Association.
10.1*
Approve the following student trips cont’d:
B.
Eight (8) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Red Cross Club,
accompanied by their advisor, to travel to Stevens Elementary School during
January 2008 and February 2008 to provide lessons on hygiene and germs.
Transportation will be provided by the advisor and student drivers. There will
be no cost to the District.
C.
Forty-five (45) music students from Lycoming Valley Middle School, accompanied
by their teachers and other staff members, to travel to the Community Arts
Center during February 2008 to attend a Williamsport Symphony Orchestra
concert. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the
Williamsport Symphony.
D.
Six (6) members of Lycoming Valley Middle School’s MathCounts team,
accompanied by their advisor, to travel to the Little League Complex in South
Williamsport during February 2008 to participate in a local competition.
The students will be transported by their advisor and building principal. One
substitute will be needed for the day.
E.
Eighty (80) fifth grade students from Cochran Elementary School, accompanied by
their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Washington, DC, during May
2008 to visit the National Zoo, U.S. Mint, and various monuments.
Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. All costs will be paid by
the Cochran School Association.
F.
Approximately 70 performing music students from Lycoming Valley Middle
School, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to Hepburn-Lycoming and
Round Hills Elementary Schools during June 2008 to perform for the students.
District transportation is requested.
panied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Lycoming College
during May 2008 to attend presentations on dinosaurs and planets/comets. All
costs will be paid by the Stevens PTA.
H.
Approximately 100 Symphony Orchestra and Wind Ensemble students from the
Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their teachers and band and
orchestra association members, to travel for three dates during May 2008. The
students will attend a music workshop in Pittsburgh, as well as the Rock ‘
N Roll Hall of Fame and Cedar Point Amusement Park in Ohio. Transportation
will be provided by contract carrier. Costs will be paid by student
fundraisers.
I.
Twelve (12) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s SADD Chapter,
accompanied by their advisor, to travel to Penn College during March 2008 to
attend a meeting. The students will provide their own transportation to and
from the college. All costs will be paid from SADD funds.
10.1*
Approve the following student trips:
J.
Approximately 275 orchestra students from the District’s six elementary
schools and three middle schools, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to
the Williamsport Area High School for All District Orchestra rehearsal during
February 2008.
District transportation is requested.
K.
Approximately 75 orchestra students from the District’s six elementary
schools, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Williamsport Area High
School for All District Orchestra rehearsal during January 2008. District
transportation is requested. BIDS/CONTRACTS
11.1
Authorize the purchase of window shades for Roosevelt Middle School in
accordance with our specifications and the following recommendation. All
recommended awards are based on the lowest bid meeting our specifications.
RECOMMENDED AWARD:
Roberts & Meck Inc., Camp Hill, PA
$8,100.84
12. TAX ITEMS - None
13.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Kathleen R. Kelley, Ph.D.
A.
Thank you to the Board of School Directors for your service to the Williamsport
Area School District.
B.
Food Service – We are making progress in improvements in our cafeterias.
It was nice to hear Kelly Derr acknowledge that the students are noticing the
improvements.
C.
Jodi Harris and Maria Weaver did a presentation on PVASS. Ms. Harris informed
us that we are light years ahead of many school districts.
D.
Dr. Kelley spent a couple days in Washington DC meeting with influential
staffers of our legislators. It was refreshing to meet with a freshman
legislator that was willing to listen to practitioners.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Zimmerman asked if the board members were all receiving the legislative
updates that he
has been forwarding from PSBA. They indicated that they had.
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 Ms. Harris and carried the meeting
adjourned at 7:03 p.m.
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary