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, October 16, 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., Lois T. Williams, Thomas A. Zimmerman
ABSENT: James E. Temple
OPENING EXERCISES – were provided by Mrs. Lori Baer.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting – October 2, 2007 (The minutes were approved with the omnibus motion.)
Student Representatives’ Report – Kelly Derr
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. Congratulations to the following members of the Millionaire String Quartet for being selected to perform at the Pennsylvania Music Educators Association Annual Conference during April 2008.
Meagan Boehret Macullen Byham
Lindsey Dye Nathan Frailey
B. Congratulations to the Curtin Middle School Chamber Orchestra for being invited to perform at the 2007 PMEA Conference.
C. Congratulations to Emily Weaver and Hannah Weber, both juniors at the Williamsport Area High School, for their participation in the PSBA Student Delegate Program.
D. Congratulations to Pamela Markle, Board Member and PSBA President-Elect, for her participation in a presentation on the Pension Study Committee at the PASA-PSBA School Leadership Conference.
E. Congratulations to Brandon Pardoe (Curtin Middle School Principal), Billie Miller (Round Hills Elementary School Guidance Counselor), Justin Ross (Elementary Alternative Education Teacher), and Thomas Zimmerman (Board Member and PSBA Regional Representative) for their presentation on Elementary Alternative Education for At-Risk Students at the PASA-PSBA School Leadership Conference.
F. Congratulations to David Wright, Director of Student Services, for his participation in a presentation on the Lycoming County Fitness Challenge at the PASA-PSBA School Leadership Conference.
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT’D: – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
G. Congratulations to Reggie Fatherly (Roosevelt Middle School Principal), Jodi Harris (Director of Data Analysis), Laura Weir (Roosevelt Middle School Band Director), and Thomas Zimmerman (Board Member and PSBA Regional Representative) for the presentation entitled “Sharing PVAAS Data With Parents” at the PASA-PSBA School Leadership Conference.
H. Red Cross Club – President Stone recognized Amy Neylon and Kassandra Snook to speak to the Board concerning item 7.4A on the agenda.
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mr. Zimmerman reported that the Employment Steering Committee conducted a round of interviews on Friday. They generally have a spring round to prepare for retirements and a fall round for the pool.
Mrs. Williams stated that the Diversity Committee met and agreed to move the 2008 Diversity Festival to May 9th rather than May 16th because the District will be having an emergency drill on the 16th .
Mr. Zimmerman said that he took the opportunity to visit all three middle schools since he is the Board liaison to our middle schools. He will be forwarding facility needs to Mr. Peterson and the facilities committee. Other Board members will be welcomed if they take time to visit schools as a liaison.
Ms. Markle reported that the School Cost Reduction Task Force had their final meeting and she just received the final draft of the report. If only a few of the recommendations are ultimately implemented, a lot of money could be saved. The final report should be released the end of November.
Motion made by Ms. Markle, seconded by Mr. Zimmerman to approve the balance of the agenda including the addendum and minutes.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
Construction Projects
A. Authorize the execution and submission of PlanCon Part J for the Cochran Elementary School Project. The project has been audited by Parente Randolph LLC and is ready for submission.
The following is the Part J submittal:
FINANCE REPORT
5.1* 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
10/16/07 $153,042.46 10/16/07A 121,735.18 10/16/07B 2,261.47 10/16/07C 9,931.50
BOARD POLICY – None
CURRICULUM REPORT
7.1 Approve the Executive Board of the Class of 2010 to participate in the 2007 Festival of Trees, held at the Lycoming Mall. The event is sponsored by the Salvation Army.
7.2 Allow the Williamsport YMCA to use multi-purpose room and minor other facilities for the provision of Before and After School Child Care at Hepburn-Lycoming, Jackson, Sheridan and Round Hills Elementary Schools during the 2007-08 school year. As these programs are a direct advantage to District families, the waiver of fees is requested.
7.3 Approval of a purchase of service agreement with Susquehanna House Inc., a private alternative education provider, to serve a limited number of WASD students during the
2007-08 school year. Services will be reimbursed at $31.00 per day for the period of actual enrollment.
7.4 Approve the following listed clubs at the Williamsport Area High School:
a. Red Cross Club
Advisor: Mrs. Amy Neylon
Purpose: To organize activities to raise awareness of health and safety issues. For example, students will sponsor blood drives, promote AIDS awareness, organize
school health events and help raise funds to benefit our local Red Cross Chapter and the community.
b. PEACE (Political Education Advocating Current Events)
Advisor: Miss Marilouise Mazzante
Purpose: Students will discuss and debate critical current issues in the world today, such as Darfur, genocide, dictators, etc.
c. School Beautification Team
Advisor: Mrs. Rebecca Hutchinson
Purpose: To beautify Williamsport Area High School through painting/decorating bulletin boards and participating in any other activity to bring beauty to the campus.
PERSONNEL REPORT
8.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignation(s), effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Kellie J. Bower-Vogt, full-time Title I Reading Specialist at Jackson Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective January 18, 2008.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Kellie J. Bower-Vogt from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 16½ years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
B. Debra A. Nardi, full-time Language Arts/Reading (6th Grade) teacher at Lycoming Valley Middle School, for the purpose of retirement, effective March 3, 2008.
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Debra A. Nardi from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 34 years of dedicated service to our school system as a teacher. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
C. Lenora G. Georges, full-time Tax Examiner in the Tax Office at the District Service Center, for personal reasons, effective October 31, 2007.
D. Stephanie L. Wahl, Assistant Cheerleading Coach at the high school, for other employment, effective October 11, 2007.
8.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE - None
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF - Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Jennifer R. Gray, 718 Poplar St., Williamsport, as part-time (up to 185 days, prorated; up to 5 hours per day) instructional support aide at Cochran Elementary School, effective October 29, 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 the Board and the Williamsport Area Education Support Professionals) are the only fringe benefits (replacing Alicia Swanger, resigned).
B. 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*):
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
B. The following winter sport coaches at the respective schools for the 2007-2008:
Williamsport Area High School
Boys Basketball
Head Coach: Allen V. Taylor (5) $7,828
Varsity Assistant: Ryan C. Moon (0) $3,053
Varsity Assistant: DeMarr S. Wright (5) $3,914
Ninth Grade Coach: Ronnie E. Diemer (5) $3,131
Ninth Grade Coach: John S. Powell (5) $3,131
Volunteer: Christopher P. Yoder ---
Volunteer: Pat Ruane ---
Girls Basketball
Head Coach: Derek J. Slaughter (4) $7,359
Assistant Coach: Keith W. Davis (4) $3,680
Assistant Coach: VACANT ---
Ninth Grade Coach: VACANT ---
Wrestling
Head Coach: Jason F. Adams (5) $7,828
Assistant Coach: Stephen M. Radocaj (5) $3,914
Assistant Coach: Joseph R. Eaton (5) $3,914
MS Lead Coach: Thomas D. Croce (5) $2,740 MS Assistant Coach: David S. Poretta (4) $2,208
MS Assistant Coach: VACANT ---
MS Assistant Coach: VACANT ---
Volunteer: Josh Bower, Elementary Coordinator ---
Boys & Girls Swimming & Diving
Head Coach: William D. Keiser (5) $2,740
Assistant Coach: Andrew L. Paulhamus (5) $1,370
Assistant Coach: Sue Smith (5) $1,370
Diving-Assistant Varsity: Jessica C. Waldman (5) $1,370
Volunteer: Ryan McLin ---
Curtin Middle School
Boys Basketball
Lead Assistant Coach: James E. Wilkerson (5) $2,740
Assistant Coach: Justin D. Ross (5) $2,348
Roosevelt Middle School
Boys Basketball
Lead Assistant Coach: Richard A. Twine (5) $2,740
Assistant Coach: Anthony S. Heath (5) $2,348
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
B. The following winter sport coaches at the respective schools for the 2007-2008:
Lycoming Valley Middle School
Boys Basketball
Lead Assistant Coach: John M. Dick (5) $2,740
Assistant Coach: Greg R. Bruce (5) $2,348
C. The following spring sport coaches at the respective schools for the 2007-2008:
Williamsport Area High School
Baseball
Head Coach: David A. Cipriani (5) $3,914
Varsity Assistants: David T. Howe (5) $1,957
VACANT ---
VACANT [**Booster Funded Position]
Baseball Volunteers: David R. Heller ---
Softball
Head Coach: Lucas J. Wesneski (5) $3,914
Varsity Assistants: Curt Fink (5) * $1,957
Jacquelyn A. Chestnut (1) $1,683
Boys Tennis
Head Coach: Leroy L. Baer (5) $2,348
Boys Track & Field
Head Coach: Samuel E. Belle (5) $4,697
Robert S. Kraynak (5) $2,349
William O. Olsen (5) $2,349
Girls Track & Field
Head Coach: VACANT ---
D. The following persons as teachers for the Educational Assistance Program/Tutoring Program effective for the 2007-2008 school year (beginning October 2, 2007). Teachers will 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). Also please appoint all full-time and part-time professional staff in the District to service as substitutes for the Education Assistance Program/Tutoring Program as needed, for the actual number of hours worked. All funds budgeted under EAP (Educational Assistance Program):
Substitute(s) for Cochran:
Sondra L. Fisher 1031 Hepburn St., Williamsport
Substitute(s) for Jackson:
Connie L. Boland 307 West Highland St., Avis
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
E. 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 September 25, 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:
Tamra L. Springman P.O. Box 566, Avis
Substitutes for Homework Club:
Judith J. Bower 75 Maple Ave., Williamsport
Phillip L. Gingery 392 Brentwood Dr., Cogan Station
Matthew D. Hartman 781 River Mill Rd., Jersey Shore
F. Cristen M. Lawton, Lycoming College, Campus Box 568, Williamsport, as a paid intern in the Tax Office, effective October 17, 2007, for the duration of 480 hours, at the rate of $7.15 per hour (no benefits).
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:
James H. Burget 208 Florence Drive, Cogan Station
Kay A. DeLaney 783 Prospect Ave., Lock Haven
Rodney L. Fry 1201 Tule St., Montoursville
Matthew D. Palmatier 943 Coldwater Town Rd., Jersey Shore
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:
Mindy L. Camp 1107 Charles St., Unit 1, Williamsport
Richard Andy P.O. Box 3621, Williamsport
Kay A. DeLaney 783 Prospect Ave., Lock Haven
I. Kay A. DeLaney, 783 Prospect Ave., Lock Haven, 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.
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
prorated; up to 5 hours per day) instructional support aide at Lycoming Valley Middle School, effective October 17, 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 the Board and the Williamsport Area Education Support Professionals) are the only fringe benefits (replacing Tina Fraley, terminated).
8.4* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position change(s):
A. Nicole L. Kulka, 3675 Linn St., Williamsport, from a general food service worker at Jackson Elementary School to a part-time instructional support aide (up to 185 days, up to 5 hours per day) at Jackson Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $11.31 per hour, effective October 9, 2007 (replacing Mary Jo Walker, transferred).
B. Teresa D. Snook, 612 Ames Place, Williamsport, from a substitute food service worker to a general food service worker (3 hours daily) at Stevens Elementary School, with a base wage rate of $10.56 per hour, effective October 17, 2007 (replacing Karen Morrison, resigned).
C. April J. Gardner, 1305 Louisa St., Williamsport, from a part-time Parent Involvement Coordinator at Cochran Elementary School to a full-time Instructional Support Aide/LPN (up to 185 day, up to 7 hours per day) at the high school, with a base wage rate of $16,718, prorated ($12.91 per hour), effective October 29, 2007 (replacing Fern Jones, transferred).
8.5 OTHER
A. Approve Dana A. Strunk, 117 Grandview Avenue Ext., Cogan Station, to provide up to 30 hours of administrative support to process PVAAS student projection reports for Parent Teacher Conferences at her current contract rate effective October 17, 2007.
8.6 ATTAINMENT OF TENURE STATUS
Acknowledge the attainment of tenure status of the following teachers, who have successfully completed a three-year probationary period as temporary professional employees with a satisfactory sixth rating, and extending professional employee contracts to them:
Earned June 2007: Adam J. Allison Elizabeth A. Barnhart
Thomas P. Bartholomew Andrew H. Bennett
Michelle L. Bennett Erin F. Brouse
Stacey L. Cherrington Seth H. Decker
Julia A. Edler John M. Gossner
Natalie Best Grimes Christine S. Hanna
8.6 ATTAINMENT OF TENURE STATUS CONT’D:
Earned June 2007:
David R. Heller Patrice M. Laurence
Vicki J. Loehr Traci A. Marriott
Heather A. Mitch George H. Plowman
Ann L. Potter Jill P. Robbins
Stuart L. Roe Kurt P. Schmitt
Jessica C. Waldman Laura C. Weir
Joy L. White
8.7 ADJUSTMENTS TO SALARY
A. Approve salary adjustments to the master’s level, effective for the 2007-2008 term, as stipulated in the Agreement between the Board of School Directors and the Williamsport Education Association, for those having earned either a Master’s Degree or an Equivalency Certificate prior to the beginning of the 2007-2008 school term:
Justin C. Beatty Master’s Degree
Lori A. Beiter Master’s Degree
Paula E. Bower Master’s Degree
Michelle L. Boyles Master’s Degree
Christina M. Butler Master’s Degree
Kathleen E. Clark Master’s Degree
Jacquelyn L. Eberhart Master’s Degree
Matthew J. Foote Master’s Degree
Susan K. Garczynski Equivalency Certificate
Michael B. Lundy, Jr. Master’s Degree
Kristiann K. McQuown Master’s Degree
Suzanna M. Miller Master’s Degree
Heather A. Mitch Master’s Degree
Amy C. Neylon Master’s Degree
Dana M. Null Master’s Degree
Stacey L. Saxon Master’s Degree
Heather M. Vogt Master’s Degree
B. Approve salary adjustments for the following staff members for credits earned beyond the Master’s Degree or Equivalency Certificate, prior to the beginning of the 2007-2008 school term:
TOTAL
NEW CREDITS CURRENT NEW
CREDITS TO DATE SALARY SALARY
Catherine C. Buck 9 9 $67,800 $68,100
Elizabeth A. Dincher 9 9 $49,800 $50,100
Rhonda L. Getgen 9 18 $56,800 $57,100
Susan E. McGehean 9 9 $56,700 $57,000
Lisa R. Meyer 9 9 $67,600 $67,900
Lisa E. Yingling 9 9 $59,000 $59,300
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. Fifty (50) performing music students from Roosevelt Middle School, accompanied by three teachers and parent chaperones, to travel to the Community Arts Center during December 2007 to attend a Williamsport Symphony concert. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Williamsport Symphony.
B. Fifty (50) fourth grade students from Sheridan Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers, an aide, and several parent volunteers, to travel to Wegman’s during November 2007 to take a nutritional tour. District transportation is requested and will be paid by the Sheridan PTO.
C. Retroactive Approval: Approximately 150-200 Roosevelt Middle School students, accompanied by adult chaperones, to travel to the Williamsport Area High School during October 2007 to attend the Roosevelt-Curtin football game. District transportation is requested and will be paid by the Roosevelt PTO.
D. Thirty-nine (39) members of the Williamsport Area High School’s Key Club, accompanied by their advisor and parent chaperones, to travel to New York City during December 2007. The students will attend a Broadway play and take a tour.
Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. A substitute will be required.
E. Retroactive Approval: Approximately 80 Curtin Middle School students, accompanied by their principals and other adult chaperones, to travel to the Williamsport Area High School during October 2007 to attend the Curtin-Roosevelt football game. District transportation is requested and will be paid by the Curtin PTO.
F. Retroactive Approval: Approximately 120 members of the Williamsport Area High School Marching Band, accompanied by their director and other adult chaperones, to travel to South Williamsport during October 2007 to participate in the Mummer’s Parade. District transportation is requested and will be paid by the WAHS Band Association.
10.1* Approve the following student trips:
G. Nine (9) dual enrolled Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by their teacher, to travel to the Pennsylvania College of Technology on dates to be determined to take unit exams. The students will be accompanied by their teacher. District transportation is requested.
H. All second grade students from the six elementary schools, accompanied by their teachers, to travel to the Community Arts Center during November 2007 to view a performance. District transportation is requested.
I. Seven (7) Williamsport Area High School yearbook staff members, accompanied by their advisor, to travel to State College during October 2007 to visit the Jostens Plant.
The students will be transported by their teacher. One substitute will be required for the day.
10.2. Authorize a School Activities Night for students at Lycoming Valley Middle School on dates during October 2007 and April 2008. The activity will be from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the school. Costs for the activity are not to exceed $300 and will be funded from the Student Activity Account. The event will be supervised by staff members and parent volunteers.
10.3* Approve the following request for facility use:
A. Community Alliance for Progressive Positive Action (CAPPA) to use the gymnasium, library, cafeterium, LGI, and computer room at Cochran Elementary School beginning October 20, 2007 from June 14, 2008 (total of 31 weeks) from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. for Showcase Rehearsal and Academic Enrichment. CAPPA is requesting relief of the occupancy fees estimated at $3,410.00. Labor fees to be paid out of Sheridan Grant. Certificate of Insurance on file.
B. Retroactive approval for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Lycoming County to use a conference room at the District Service Center on Wednesday, October 10, 2007 from 7:30 a.m. until 9:00 a.m. to hold a board meeting. Big Brothers/Big Sisters is requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $40.00. Certificate of Insurance on file.
C. American Cancer Society to use the football stadium (carts and sound system) at the Williamsport Area High School, on Friday, June 13, 2008, beginning at 4:00 p.m. through Saturday, June 14, 2008, until 4:00 p.m. to hold the Williamsport Relay for Life event. American Cancer Society is requesting relief of the occupancy fee
estimated at $700.00. Certificate of Insurance to be received.
D. Sheridan Striders to use the multi-purpose room at Sheridan Elementary School on Saturday, November 17, 2007, from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. to hold a fundraiser for the American Cancer Society. Sheridan Striders are requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $40.00. Certificate of Insurance to be received.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
11.1 Authorize Off Campus Project Agreements with the Pennsylvania College of Technology for internal masonry construction services at the District’s warehouse facility and concrete pier repair work at the Williamsport Area High School.
TAX ITEMS - None
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Kathleen R. Kelley, Ph.D.
Dr. Kelley reported that we were “Williamsport Proud” at the PASA-PSBA School Leadership Conference. She congratulated all of our presenters including student Hannah Weber who spoke to 500 + people about being a student delegate and did an excellent job!
Dr. Kelley also spoke about the featured speaker at the conference, Murry Banks, who spoke about the Power of More.
Dr. Kelley reviewed the House draft of the proposed reauthorization of No Child Left Behind and concluded that it has not improved and in some cases is worse than the original.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Zimmerman spoke about the Jim Logue exhibit at the Pennsylvania College of Technology Library and the November 18th PSBA Legislative meeting at Montgomery.
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 7:10 p.m.
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary