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, March 4, 2008, beginning at 6:02 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,
David B. Stone, Jr., James E. Temple, Lois T. Williams, Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: Jay B. Shultz (arrived at 6:09 p.m. prior to any voting)
OPENING EXERCISES – were provided by Mr. Eric J. Budnovitch
Motion made by Ms. Markle, seconded by Ms. Harris, to appoint Madeline Bird as secretary pro
tempore for this meeting only due to the absence of Board Secretary Charles E. Peterson, Jr.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting – February 5, 2008 (approved with omnibus motion)
Student Representatives’ Report – None
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. Outstanding Student Presentation
Felix, Principal
Bruce Elliott, Principal
B. Congratulations to the Curtin Middle School Math Counts Team for their first place win in the local Math Counts Competition.
Team members were Genna Beatty, Alanna Harding, Peter Johnson, Stacy Loveland, Hannah Maddy, Kenan Rajjoub, Brandon Route, and Joseph Taylor. The team was coached by Aprie Bower.
Congratulations also to the Lycoming Valley Middle School for placing second in the competition.
Individual winners in the competition were:
Daniel Ma (Lycoming Valley) – First Place
Peter Johnson (Curtin) – Second Place
Brandon Route (Curtin) – Third Place
Committee Reports by Board Members
President Stone announced that the finance committee met and viewed a software presentation by
Tyler Munis.
Motion made by Ms. Markle, seconded by Mr. Budnovitch to approve the balance of the agenda including minutes and the addendum. Ms. Markle abstained on item 8.3A.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
Construction Projects
A. Approve the proposal of McKissick Associates PC, to do a District-Wide Feasibility Study at a cost of $45,000, according to the terms and conditions of the proposal dated January 18, 2008. This study is a requirement of the Pennsylvania Department of Education for the District to be eligible for State reimbursement for future construction projects.
FINANCE REPORT
5.1 Approve the following financial reports:
A. Treasurer’s Report for the month of January 2008:
5.1 Approve the following financial reports cont’d:
B. Payroll Report for the month of February 2008:
General Fund – Unrestricted $4,017,605.75
General Fund – Restricted 378,657.96
Athletics and Extra Curricular 60,550.92
Food Service Fund 110,496.07
Data Processing Fund 31,609.08
Maintenance Fund 57,696.90
Earned Income Tax 57,210.06
Student Activities .00
TOTAL $4,713,826.74
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
03/04/08 561,773.96 03/04/08A 104,707.16
03/04/08B 1,780.29 03/04/08C 1,310,866.80
03/04/08D 843,534.79 03/04/08E 58,466.40
03/04/08F 6,378.16 03/04/08G 168.00
03/04/08H 32,438.37 03/04/08I 3,044.50
03/04/08J 67.82 03/04/08K 290,211.25
03/04/08L 7,057.07
5.3 Approve the FY09 BLaST Intermediate Unit #17 General Operations Budget.
BOARD POLICY
6.1 Approve the first reading of Policy #239, “Foreign Exchange Students.” ; This is a revision to a previously existing policy.
6.2 Approve the first reading of the “Public Accessibility “Programs, Activities, Services” policy. A policy number will be assigned by PSBA at a later date.
CURRICULUM REPORT
7.1 Recommend a change in the attendance area boundary between Jackson and Stevens Elementary Schools to accommodate population shifts. The change moves the boundary westward from Oliver Street to Lycoming Creek and changes the description of the boundaries to:
a. Stevens Elementary School’s boundaries run from the west side of Campbell Street north to the south side of Vallamont Drive NW and south to the beltway. The western boundary is Lycoming Creek.
b. Jackson Elementary School’s boundaries will be Lycoming Creek on the east, Hillside Avenue on the north, the beltway on the south, and the District boundary on the west.
7.2 Approve Metamorphosis Performing Company to present two student programs to the WASD Title I Elementary Summer School students on July 15, 2008 (Jackson) and July 16, 2008 (Cochran). The total cost for the programs will be $700 and the funds are budgeted under Title I.
7.3 Approve the James V. Brown Library to provide Story Times and Summer Reading incentives for the elementary children attending the WASD Title I Summer School Program. The cost is $615; all funds are budgeted under Title I.
PERSONNEL REPORT
8.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignation(s), effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Robin S. Enderle, full-time Administrative Support II at the high school, for other employment, effective March 21, 2008.
B. Donna M. Fox, part-time Instructional Support Aide at Lycoming Valley Middle School, for personal reasons, effective February 22, 2008.
C. Revise effective date for retirement of Debra A. Nardi, full-time Language Arts/Reading (6th Grade) teacher at Lycoming Valley Middle School from March 3, 2008, to March 5, 2008.
8.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Approve the following leave(s) of absence:
A. Constance L. Boland, Elementary School Counselor at Jackson Elementary School, for an unpaid leave on an intermittent basis (as needed), effective February 22, 2008.
B. Angela M. Steele, full-time Social Studies/Language Arts teacher at Lycoming Valley Middle School, for an unpaid leave, effective April 17, 2008, through May 26, 2008.
C. Vicki J. Loehr, full-time Guidance Counselor at Cochran Elementary School, for an unpaid leave, effective February 29, 2008, through March 28, 2008. Ms. Loehr will then return on a half-time basis from March 31, 2008, through May 23, 2008.
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Bridget A. Cortes, 1799 Spring Run Rd., Williamsport, as a full-time (185 days, 7 hours per day) Instructional Support Aide for the Water Safety Program at the Williamsport Area High School, effective February 27, 2008, with a base wage rate of $15,618, prorated ($12.06 per hour), plus applicable benefits as provided under the collective bargaining agreement between WASD and WAESP (replacing Joseph Weisser, resigned). (Ms. Markle abstained from this item)
B. Dorsey Littles, Jr., 932 High St., Williamsport, as a part-time (up to 185 days, prorated; up to 5 hours per day) instructional support aide at Roosevelt Middle School, effective March 3, 2008, 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 Kim Shultz, transferred).
C. David L. Gingery, 221 Hemlock Hill Rd., Montgomery, as a paid intern in the Tax Office, effective February 22, 2008, for the duration of up to 480 hours, at the rate of $7.15 per hour (no benefits).
D. The following substitute food service worker(s), at the salary rate of $7.15 per hour, for the actual number of hours worked, effective dates as indicated:
Amanda M. Eichenlaub 2720 W. Fourth St., Williamsport (effective 02/18/08) Barbara A. Liberti 77 Jamison St., Linden (effective 02/18/08)
Catherine P. Tommor 1217 Towncrest Rd., Williamsport (effective 02/21/08)
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
E. 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:
Todd A. Mertz 407 Brandon Ave., Williamsport
F. The following substitute administrative support/aide(s), 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:
Todd A. Mertz 407 Brandon Ave., Williamsport (effective 02/22/08)
Pamela S. Smith 1825 Marshall Ave., Williamsport
Spring M. Pfirman 2115 Boyd St., Williamsport
G. Matthew D. Palmatier, 943 Coldwatertown Rd., Jersey Shore, as a long-term substitute teacher, effective March 3, 2008, through the end of the second semester of the 2007-2008 school term (tentative ending date of June 9, 2008), unless terminated sooner, to teach Mathematics at Lycoming Valley Middle School, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor's, $39,000, prorated (replacing Sarah Bohnert, transferred; vacancy created due to retirement of Debra Nardi; position status pending review of District's staffing needs for the 2008-09 school year).
H. Anthony E. Phillips, 1542 Mt. Carmel St., Williamsport, as a part-time (up to 185 days, prorated; up to 5 hours per day) instructional support aide at Roosevelt Middle School, effective March 6, 2008, 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 Rhonda Lewis, resigned).
8.4* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position change(s):
A. Barbara A. Liberti, 77 Jamison St., Linden, 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 March 5, 2008 (replacing Anita Cooper, resigned).
B. Susan R. McCusker, 1934 Mountview Ave., Montoursville, from a full-time Special Education teacher to a full-time Language Arts (6th Grade) teacher at Lycoming Valley Middle School, effective March 3, 2008, at a salary rate of Master’s Maximum plus 27 credits, $68,500, prorated (replacing Kate Kreger, transferred to replace vacancy created by retirement of Debra Nardi).
8.4* POSITION CHANGES CONT’D:
C. Sarah D. Bohnert, 5648 Grangers Lane, Morris, from a full-time Mathematics teacher to a full-time Special Education teacher at Lycoming Valley Middle School, effective March 3, 2008, at a salary rate of Master’s Maximum plus 18 credits, $68,200 (+ $200), prorated (replacing Susan McCusker, transferred).
D. Amie L. Palmer, 304 S. Pine Run Rd., Linden, from a part-time Administrative Support I at the high 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 $12.31 per hour, effective March 5, 2008 (replacing Donna Fox, resigned).
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. Twenty-two (22) Spanish language students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to New York City during April 2008 to visit the Metropolitan Museum of Art and to eat in a Spanish restaurant.
Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. One substitute will be required for the day.
B. Approximately 26 students from Sheridan Elementary School, accompanied by their teacher and parent volunteers, to travel to Faxon Bowling Lanes during April 2008 as a reward for being the class with the highest participation rate in the Relay for Life event. Students will walk to and from the bowling alley. There will be no cost to the
District.
C. Two (2) Williamsport Area High School choir students, accepted by competitive audition, to participate in the PMEA District Jazz Chorus/Band Festival to be held at the Mansfield Junior/Senior High School on three dates during March 2008.
Marissa Herb – Soprano Seth Sponhouse – Tenor
The students will be transported by their director. One substitute will be needed for two days.
10.1* Approve the following student trips:
D. Six (6) Williamsport Area High School choir students, accepted by competitive audition, to participate in the PMEA Region IV State Chorus Festival to be held at Lackawanna Trail High School (Factoryville) on four dates during March 2008.
Matthew Hartsock – Bass 1
Nathan Hess – Bass 2
Holden Moyer – Bass 1
Jessica Smith – Alto 2
Zachary Wagner – Bass 1
Ashley Williams – Soprano 2
District transportation is requested. One substitute will be needed for two days.
E. Thirty (30) graphics students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their teacher and other staff members, to travel to the Penn College graphic communications/printing facility. District transportation is requested.
F. Sixteen (16) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Cherry, White & Blues performing group, accompanied by three staff members, to travel to Harrisburg during March 2008 to perform at the State Capitol for Music in Our Schools Month.
One substitute will be required for the day.
G. Thirty (30) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Strolling Strings, accompanied by their director and members of the WAHS Orchestra Association, to travel to the Genetti Hotel during April 2008 to perform at a luncheon. District transportation is requested. One substitute will be required for a half day.
H. Seventy-seven (77) fifth grade students from Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Tipton, PA to learn about food processing and nutrition. Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. All costs will be paid by the Hepburn-Lycoming PTO.
I. Fifty-five (55) members of the Round Hills Theatre Club, accompanied by their advisors, to travel to Curtin Middle School during March 2008 to see a musical performance. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Round Hills Theatre Club.
J. Approximately 150 members of the PMEA Regional Orchestra Festival being held at the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by members of the WAHS Orchestra Association and the PMEA Directors, to travel to the Genetti Hotel during March 2008 for a banquet and dance. District transportation is requested to the Genetti and will be paid by the WAHS Orchestra Association. Return transportation will be provided by the host families.
10.1* Approve the following student trips cont’d:
K. All fifth grade students from Cochran, Hepburn-Lycoming, Jackson, Round Hills, Sheridan, and Stevens Elementary Schools, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Williamsport Area High School on dates during March 2008.
District transportation is requested.
L. Fifty-five (55) music students from Curtin Middle School, accompanied by two teachers, to travel to the Community Arts Center during March 2008 to view a performance of Seussical the Musical. District transportation is requested and will be paid by the Curtin PTO
BIDS/CONTRACTS
11.1 Authorize the District’s participation in the Cooperative Purchasing Program of the Pennsylvania Education Joint Purchasing Council for the procurement of Athletic Supplies (FY09) to be used district wide.
RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
Sportsman’s, Johnstown, PA
$4,626.16
Henry Schein, Melville, NY 34.68
Riddell/American, Chicago, IL 2,516.45
Valley Athletic, Lansford, PA
1,029.40
TOTAL RECOMMENDED AWARDS
$8,206.69
TAX ITEMS
12.1
Approve the following tax summaries.
12.1
Approve the following tax summaries cont’d:
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Kathleen R. Kelley, Ph.D.
Dr. Kelley met with some seniors and her faith is renewed for the future.
Dr. Kelley stated that she met with small groups of teachers to discuss areas
of improvement, and the
district is gearing up for the PSSA’s.
Dr. Kelley announced that the Education Foundation is sponsoring Les Miserables
at the high school
on April 12th.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Lois Williams has received many complimentary calls on all-school orchestra
performances.
Dr. Kelley was remiss in not mentioning this in her report. The all district
orchestra concert finale with 450 string players on stage and throughout the
auditorium was impressive.
President Stone was impressed with the boys basketball team achievement.
Mr. Zimmerman has been asked to participate with the County Commissioners
Association of Pennsylvania – Fair Tax Commission Panels. He will be
participating at the local meeting two weeks from tonight at Penn College at
7:30 p.m. Other representatives are from local school boards, the county
commissioners and township supervisors.
Ms. Markle stated that she will need to be excused from the board meeting in
two weeks due to PSBA.
Mr. Zimmerman spoke regarding the graduation competency issue. He stated there
is a broad range of opinions as to how to respond to this issue. The State
Board and PDE are saying we need high standards for earning a high school
diploma. Some school boards are passing a resolution objecting to putting more
regulations on boards. Costs for implementing is estimated at $100,000,000
with
no indication as to where these monies are coming from. Legislators are
talking about adding additional assessments in the junior year. Mr. Zimmerman
questioned what’s happening to current freshman? What should we do to
assist the freshman besides the Freshman Academy -- something other than paper
and pencil tests.
Ms. Markle stated that Graduation Competency Assessments have lower
requirements than PSSA’s.
Mr. Zimmerman stated that for a while it seemed that PSBA and PDE were
cooperating but now they seem to be on opposite sides of the table.
Mr. Shultz stated that there were two steering committee meetings for the
strategic plan. He thanked
Dr. Adams for organizing and also thanked the staff who participated. ITEMS FROM PUBLIC
Richard Vaughn of Elmira Street read a letter regarding his niece being
harassed and stalked, very
uncomfortable attending school. President Stone interrupted to ask if they had
spoken with Mr. Elliott? Mr. Vaughn had stated yes but not a very satisfying
meeting. Mr. Vaughn was joined by his niece’s mother who stated she had
followed procedures.
President Stone announced an executive session to discuss a confidential
student matter, real estate and personnel matters, and to receive legal advice
from an attorney would follow this meeting.
Upon motion made by Mr. Zimmerman, seconded by Ms. Williams and carried the
meeting adjourned at 7:09 p.m.
_________________________________
Madeline T. Bird, Secretary Pro Tempore