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, April 1, 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, James E. Temple, David B. Stone, Jr., Lois T. Williams,
Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: None.
OPENING EXERCISES – were provided by Mrs. Lori A. Baer.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Regular Meeting – March 4, 2008 (approved with omnibus motion)
Student Representatives’ Report – Kelly Derr
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. Outstanding Student Presentation
Presented by Gary Gonsar, Principal
Kahler, School Counselor
B. Congratulations to Andrew Strickler, a Senior at the Williamsport Area High School for being selected as the recipient of the 2008 American Association of Physics Teachers – Central Pennsylvania Section Outstanding High School Physics Student Award.
C. Congratulations to Larry Flint, a Williamsport Area High School Science Teacher, for being selected as the recipient of the 2008 Excellence in High School Physics Teaching Award from the American Association of Physics Teachers – Central Pennsylvania Section.
D. Budget Presentation – Mr. Charles E. Peterson, Jr.
E. Congratulations to Chris Persing (first place) and Garyn Dapp (fourth place), both seniors at the Williamsport Area High School, for placing in the American Welding Society competition.
F. Congratulations to Joel Shirn and Daryl Nash, both seniors at the Williamsport Area High School, for representing their school in the 7th Annual PAA Automotive Competition.
Committee Reports by Board Members
Mr. Zimmerman reported on the Fair Tax Commission presentation in which he was one of the presenters. There were approximately sixty community members in attendance. One of the prevalent points was the lack of discretionary spending. The community members asked some excellent questions.
Mr. Zimmerman also reported that the county PSBA meeting would be held in Montgomery on Thursday.
Construction Projects - None
Motion made by Ms. Harris, seconded by Mr. Zimmerman, 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 March 2008:
General Fund – Unrestricted $2,741,827.14
General Fund – Restricted 229,690.31
Athletics and Extra Curricular 14,207.67
Food Service Fund 84,052.44
Data Processing Fund 21,072.72
Maintenance Fund 38,357.29
Earned Income Tax 40,547.72
Student Activities 3,300.10
TOTAL $3,173,055.39
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
04/01/08 $151,194.30 04/01/08A 181,916.63
04/01/08B 40,380.24 04/01/08C 9,148.15
04/01/08D 170,993.71 04/01/08E 336.00
04/01/08F 168.00 04/01/08G 1,383,031.02
04/01/08H 673,804.09 04/01/08I 10,390.55
04/01/08J 500.00 04/01/08K 7,057.07
BOARD POLICY – None
CURRICULUM REPORT
7.1 Approve Laura and Robert Sams, authors, to visit Hepburn Lycoming Elementary on Thursday, April 24, 2008 and Round Hills Elementary School on Friday, April 25, 2008. Approximate cost for the visit will be $2, 400 and will be paid by the Hepburn Lycoming Elementary and Round Hills Elementary PTO.
7.2 Approve a new junior level science course, Integrated Science, at WAHS. This course is designed especially for juniors not taking college preparatory courses and aligns directly with the eligible content and science standards. Students may expect to investigate the Nature of Science (processes, procedures and tools), Biological Sciences (structure and function, continuity of life, ecological systems), Physical Sciences (structure, properties of matter and forms, sources of energy, forces and motion) and Earth and Space Sciences (Earth features and processes, weather and climate, and composition and structure of the Universe). This course may be used to satisfy the third science credit necessary for graduation.
7.3 Approve Chris Yoder, Math teacher at WAHS, to develop summer school courses for Algebra IA and Algebra IB to be delivered using the Blended Schools network. Com-pensation for this work, completed outside of normal school hours, at the District rate of $90/day, shall not exceed 5 days ($450). The curricula will be saved as Blended schools courses and will become the property of WASD. Funding will be provided by Project 720.
7.4 Approve Bernard Meyer, Science teacher at WAHS, to develop summer school courses for Applied Biology and Applied Chemistry to be delivered using the Blended Schools network. Compensation for this work, completed outside of normal school hours, at the District rate of $90/day, shall not exceed 5 days ($450). The curricula will be saved as Blended schools courses and will become the property of WASD. Funding will be provided by Project 720.
7.5 Approve payment to Mr. Stanley Griggs, science teacher at the Williamsport Area High School, for presenting two (2) planetarium shows to public groups. One show was offered February 20, 2008 with 50 people in attendance and the second was offered March 4, 2008 with 40 in attendance. In accordance with the existing planetarium usage policy, Mr. Griggs is to be paid at the homebound rate of $27.67 per hour for three (3) hours for each show. The total payment for six (6) hours shall be $166.02.
7.6 Approve Mr. Roderick Russell, who will stage hypnosis and sword swallowing, to the Junior class on Friday, April 4, 2008, from 12:45 – 2:15 p.m. The total cost for the program is $1,300.
President Stone announced an executive session for personnel matters beginning at 7:06 pm. The
meeting reconvened at 7:11 pm.
PERSONNEL REPORT
8.1 RESIGNATIONS
Accept the following resignation(s), effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Peggy A. Welch, general food service worker at Cochran Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2007-2008 school year (tentative date of June 6, 2008).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Peggy A. Welch from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 5½ years of dedicated service to our school system as a food service worker. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
B. Virginia L. Zeigler, general food service worker at Cochran Elementary School, for the purpose of retirement, effective at the completion of the 2007-2008 school year (tentative date of June 6, 2008).
RESOLVED: that the Board of School Directors of the Williamsport Area School District acknowledges with profound regret the retirement of Virginia L. Zeigler from service in the Williamsport Area Schools and expresses its sincere appreciation for her 32 years of dedicated service to our school system as a food service worker. It further expresses the hope that her years of retirement will be many and richly rewarding.
C. Mary A. Krauser, general food service worker at the high school, for personal reasons, effective April 4, 2008.
8.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE
Deny the following leave(s) of absence:
A. Kathy A. Orso, general food service worker at Stevens Elementary School, for an unpaid leave, effective May 19, 2008, through June 3, 2008.
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF - Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Michael A. Cioffi, 1226 Hillsdale Drive, Williamsport, to serve as Title I Elementary Summer School Program Coordinator and Jackson Summer School Coordinator for up to 4.5 hours per day, 5 days per week, plus up to .5 hours per week for staff meeting time, beginning July 7 through August 1, 2008 at the rate of $27.71 per hour plus appropriate benefits. Also approve him for up to 80 hours of planning and prior to July 7 at the rate of $27.03 or $27.71 per hour plus appropriate benefits. Mr. Cioffi will also participate in up to two professional development days prior to the program at the rate of $90 per day plus appropriate benefits. All costs are budgeted under Title I.
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
B. Michelle L. Bennett, 454 George Street, South Williamsport, to serve as Title I Elementary Summer School Program Coordinator and Cochran Summer School Coordinator for up to 4.5 hours per day, 5 days per week, plus up to .5 hours per week for staff meeting time, beginning July 7 through August 1, 2008 at the rate of $27.71 per hour plus appropriate benefits. Also approve her for up to 60 hours of planning and organizing prior to July 7 at the rate of $27.03 or $27.71 per hour plus appropriate benefits. Ms. Bennett will also participate in up to two professional development days prior to the program at the rate of $90 per day plus appropriate benefits. All costs are budgeted under Title I.
C. Diane M. Breon, 1807 Walters Rd., Montoursville, to serve as Title I District-wide Elementary Library Coordinator and Jackson Elementary Summer School Librarian for up to 3.5 hours per day, 5 days per week, plus up to .5 hours per week for staff meeting time, beginning July 7 through August 1, 2008 at the rate of $27.71 per hour plus appropriate benefits. Also approve her for up to 20 hours of planning and organizing prior to July 7 at the rate of $27.03 or $27.71 per hour plus appropriate benefits. She will also participate in up to two professional development days prior to the program at the rate of $90 per day plus appropriate benefits. All costs are budgeted under Title I.
D. Wanda K. Buck, 1462 Hughes Road, Trout Run, to serve as Title I Cochran Elementary Summer School Librarian for up to 3.5 hours per day, 5 days per week, plus up to .5 hours per week for staff meeting time, beginning July 7 through August 1, 2008 at the rate of $27.71 per hour plus appropriate benefits. She will also participate in up to two days of professional development prior to the program at the rate of $90 per day plus appropriate benefits. All costs are budgeted under Title I.
E. The following persons as Title I Elementary Summer School Teachers, assignment to be determined, for 3.5 hours per day, 5 days per week, plus one 30 minute building meeting each week, beginning July 7 through August 1, 2008 at the rate of $27.71 per hour plus appropriate benefits, plus up to two professional development days at $90 per day. All costs are budgeted under Title I:
Rickie T. Walker 1612 Quaker State Rd., Montoursville Erin F. Brouse 2421 Elwood Crescent East, Williamsport
Andrew H. Bennett 430 Percy St., S. Williamsport
Elizabeth M. Moore 76 Alta Vista Dr., Williamsport
Rhonda L. Getgen 2850 Bottle Run Rd., Williamsport
Amber L. Perry 1780 Fredna Ave., Williamsport
Barbara A. Davis 419 E. Main St., Lock Haven
Morgan K. Williams 2499 Lincoln Drive, Apt. 1, Williamsport
Dawn M. Gorsline 1513 Quaker State Rd., Montoursville
Louise A. Campana 795 Belmont Ave., Williamsport
Cathy L. Burger 2341 Quaker State Rd., Montoursville
Lisa C. Swoyer 326 Cedarwood Dr., Montoursville
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
Patrice M. Laurence 149 Center Street, Milton
Therese M. Molesky 412 Walnut St., Montoursville
Dena D. Mesaris 952 Route 87 Highway, Montoursville
Gloria Z. Greevy 1401 Walnut St., Williamsport
Ann M. Bidelspacher 1350 Four Mile Drive, Williamsport
Georgia A. Grove 1001 Race St., Williamsport
Kimberly A. Barry 1216 Sherman St., Williamsport
Sarah Beth MacIntyre 1620 Sycamore Rd., Apt. 7, Montoursville
Catherine L. Hanner 518 Cedarwood Dr., Montoursville
Brianna R. Nau 2323 Riverside Dr., Apt. 3, S. Williamsport
Deborah L. Worthington 87 Decoursey Rd., Liberty
Nadera F. Yancey 1250 W. Third St., Apt. 3, Williamsport
Laurie C. Calnea 1301 Hepburn Street, Williamsport
Carol S. Fischer 431 Woodland Ave., Williamsport
Pamela A. Nolan 1112 First Ave., Williamsport
Kathy J. Piaskowski 1414 Florence St., Williamsport
Ami L. McChesney 1222 Fox Meadow Circle, Bellefonte
Jacqueline K. Whiteman 58 Maple Ave., Williamsport
Michele R. Jackson 200 Grove St., S. Williamsport
Karen D. Scampone 830 Faxon Parkway, Williamsport
Lindsey A. Douty 2110 King St., Williamsport
F. The entire District teaching staff and substitute teachers to serve as substitute teachers for the Title I Summer School Programs as needed, at the rate of $27.71 per hour for the actual number of hours worked.
G. The following persons as Title I Elementary Summer School Special Education Teachers, assignment to be determined, for 3.5 hours per day, 5 days per week, plus one 30 minute building meeting each week, beginning July 7 through August 1, 2008 at the rate of $27.71 per hour plus appropriate benefits, plus up to two professional development days at $90 per day. All costs are budgeted under Title I:
Jennifer L.Conklin 118 Bryans Lane, Lock Haven
Susan K. Garczynski P.O. Box 96, Trout Run
Betsy G. Yost 1347 Rose Valley Rd., Cogan Station
Patricia A. Jones 291 Hillside Dr., S. Williamsport
H. The following person as a Health Room Technician for the Elementary Summer School Program, effective July 7, 2008, through August 1, 2008 (up to 3½ hours per day, 5 days per week) plus one day of training prior to summer school, at the current contract rate. All costs are budgeted under Title I:
Karen R. Miller 925 Franklin St., Williamsport
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
I. The following persons as administrative support staff for the Summer School Program, effective July 7, 2008, through August 1, 2008 (up to 4 hours per day, 5 days per week), plus up to two days training prior to summer school, at the current contract rate. All costs are budgeted under Title I:
Cochran: Jolene R. Waldrab 62 Carone Drive, Cogan Station
Jackson: Kathy M. Shirey 503 Eden St., Jersey Shore
J. 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*):
Williamsport Area High School
Cheerleading
Co-Coach: Breck L. Temple (2) $1,010
Co-Coach: Lindsay E. Ramin (2) $1,010
K. The following spring sport coach(es) 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*):
Williamsport Area High School
Girls Track & Field
Assistant: Nichol E. Rhian (2) $2,019
(additional position approved for current year only)
L. The following substitute teacher(s), 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:
Eric M. Gerber 633 South Market St., S. Williamsport (effective 03/19/08)
M. Lindsey R. Hollobaugh, 5 Linnet Lane, Lock Haven, as a track and/or other athletic event worker, effective for the 2007-2008 school year, to be paid at a flat rate per event (as determined by the Athletic Director) as scheduled and approved by the Athletic Department. Payment for these services will be forwarded to payroll for processing.
8.4* POSITION CHANGES
Approve the following position change(s):
A. Diane D. Burns, 2048 Sheridan St., Williamsport, from a full-time Administrative Support I in the Red House Office at the high school to a full-time Administrative Support II (245 day, 7½ hours per day) in the High School Main Office, with a base wage rate of $29,235, prorated ($15.91 per hour), effective March 31, 2008 (replacing Robin Enderle, resigned).
B. Denise M. Bell, 111 Gohl Rd., Linden, from a general food service worker (3 hours daily) at the high school, to a general food service worker (4½ hours daily) at the high school, with a base wage rate of $10.56 per hour, effective April 2, 2008 (replacing Teresa Stauffer, resigned).
8.5 CONTRACTED SERVICES
A. Authorize Robin S. Enderle, 119 Mountain View Rd., Linden, to provide training services to the High School Main Office Administrative Support at the rate of $15.91 per hour, not to exceed 37½ hours. (Contract for Mrs. Enderle’ ;s services will be prepared and executed.)
8.6 OTHER
A.
Revise the stipend from $1,000 to $700 for Michele S. Zaludek, 115 Crawley St.,
Hughesville, teacher at Round Hills Elementary School, “to provide
tutoring (sign language interpreting) for the after school program at Round
Hills Elementary School at the stipend of $1,000
for the remainder of the 2007-2008 school year, effective January 24,
2008” (item previously approved at February 5, 2008 meeting).
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.
10.1* Approve the following student trips cont’d:
A. Approximately 90 eighth grade students from Roosevelt Middle School, accompanied by their teachers and parent chaperones, to travel to Knoebel’ s Grove on a Saturday during May 2008. Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. All costs will be paid by the Roosevelt PTO.
B. Sixty (60) fourth grade students from Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and parent volunteers, to travel to Harrisburg during June 2008 to visit the State Capitol. Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. All costs will be paid by the Hepburn-Lycoming PTO.
C. Approximately 100 eighth grade students from Curtin Middle School, accompanied by their principals and teacher chaperones, to travel to Hershey Park on a Saturday during May 2008. Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. All costs will be paid by the Curtin PTO and Student Council.
D. Sixty-eight (68) Freshman Academy students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their teacher and other adult chaperones, to travel to the Pennsylvania College of Technology during April 2008 to tour the campus and receive manners training. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by through the Academy budget. One substitute will be required for the day.
E. Sixty-seven (67) kindergarten students from Hepburn-Lycoming Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and adult volunteers, to travel to Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland and Indian Park during June 2008. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Hepburn-Lycoming PTO.
F. Approximately 52 fifth grade students from Sheridan Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and parent chaperones, to travel to Knoebel’ s Grove during May 2008. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by money raised from student fundraisers.
G. Approximately 100 fourth grade students from Jackson Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers and parent chaperons, to travel to Penn’s Cave during June 2008. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Jackson PTO.
H. Approximately 92 first grade students from Cochran Elementary School, accompanied by their teachers, aides, and parent volunteers, to travel to Camp Susque (Trout Run) during May 2008. District transportation is requested. All costs will be paid by the Cochran School Association.
10.1* Approve the following student trips cont’d:
J. Eighty (80) fifth grade students from Jackson Elementary School, accompanied by staff members and parent volunteers, to travel to Knoebel’s Amusement Resort on a Saturday during May 2008. Transportation will be provided by contract carrier. All costs will be paid by the Jackson PTO.
K. Nine (9) Williamsport Area High School Students, accompanied by two teachers, to travel to Penn College on two dates during April 2008 to participate in the Pennsylvania High School Computer Fair. The students will be transported by their teachers. Two substitutes will be required for one day.
L. Approximately 110 students from Curtin, Lycoming Valley, and Roosevelt Middle Schools, accompanied by their teachers and parent chaperones, to travel to Hershey High School during May 2008 to participate in a band adjudication and competition.
District transportation is requested to transport the students from the middle schools to the high school. Transportation to and from Hershey will be by contract carrier. All costs will be paid by the WAHS Orchestra Association.
M. Approximately 30 School-to-Work students from the Williamsport Area High School, accompanied by their teachers and other adults, to travel to the Holiday Inn in downtown Williamsport during May 2008 to attend the annual vocational training awards/recognition breakfast. The students will also be treated to a trip aboard the Hiawatha. Transportation to the Holiday Inn and on the Hiawatha will be provided by the City of Williamsport. One substitute will be required for ½ a day.
N. Twenty-nine (29) Williamsport Area High School students, accompanied by two teachers, to travel to Lock Haven University on two dates during April 2008 to participate in a Model United Nations Convention. District transportation is requested and will be paid through the Social Studies budget. Two substitutes will be required for two days.
O. Eight (8) Williamsport Area High School music students, accepted by competitive audition, to participate in the PMEA All State Festival to be held in Hershey on four dates during April 2008.
Band Choir
Matthew Hartsock – Trumpet Holden Moyer - Bass
Ian Wallace – Bass
Orchestra
Daniel Abercrombie – Bass Macullen Byham - Viola
Christian Connolly – Viola Nathan Frailey - Cello
Angela Richards - Violin
Transportation will be provided by their teachers. Three substitutes will be required for two days.
10.2 Approve the following request for facility use:
A. Antioch Baptist Church to use the gymnasium at Curtin Middle School on
Monday - Tuesdays, beginning April 1 through May 13, 2008, from 5:45 p.m. until
7:45 p.m. to hold basketball practice. Antioch Baptist Church is requesting relief of the occupancy fee estimated at $440.00. Certificate of Insurance on file.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
11.1 Authorize a contract in the amount of $2,920.00 between the Williamsport Area School District; PSEA and Comcast Spotlight authorizing the production of a commercial.
11.2 Approve a contract with the Holiday Inn Downtown Williamsport for an awards recognition breakfast on May 23, 2008, to honor approximately 30 special education students involved in the Community Work Experience Program. Parents, classroom teachers, aides, district administrators, employers, parents, and community dignitaries will also participate in the event. The students will take a trip aboard the Hiawatha after breakfast.
The cost of the breakfast will be $7.50 per person plus 20% gratuity. Transportation will be on the Billtown Trolley which will be provided by the City of Williamsport.
11.3 Authorize the purchase of one (1) 2008 GMC Sierra 3500 pickup truck in accordance with our specifications and the following recommended award. All recommended awards are based on the lowest bid meeting our specifications.
All bids were received by 1:30 p.m. and opened publicly in the District Service Center at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, March 11, 2008.
RECOMMENDED AWARD:
Shirn’s GMC
1804 Lycoming Creek Road
Williamsport, PA 17701 $21,271.00
TAX ITEMS
12.1 Approve the attached tax summaries.
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT
Dr. Kelley reported the following:
A. We had good attendance at the PSSA exams. Hopefully the students did well on the exams.
B. We are releasing billboard and television commercial advertisements to get the word out about the good job our District is doing.
Dr. Kelley reported the following:
C. It was exciting to hear from Mr. Dixon and Mr. Gephart about the success stories in
Career Education.
D. We are spending a lot of time on budget development and have additional meetings scheduled next week.
E. I have had focus group meeting with WAHS seniors. Some feel disenfranchised. We need to continue evaluating our programs. One size does not fit all.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS
Mr. Stone reported that the Math Counts competition was held on Saturday. Dan Moss finished 24th in the state.
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.
Upon motion made by Mr. Shultz, seconded by Mrs. Williams and carried the meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
_________________________________
Charles E. Peterson, Jr. Board Secretary