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, August 19, 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 (arrived 6:15), Jay B. Shultz,
James E. Temple, David B. Stone, Jr., Lois T. Williams, Thomas A. Zimmerman.
ABSENT: Pamela J. Markle.
OPENING EXERCISES – were provided by Mrs. Lori A. Baer.
Motion made by Ms. Shultz, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to appoint Debbra J. Savage 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: None
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT – Mr. David B. Stone, Jr.
A. President Stone asked Fred Holland for an update on Kohl’s. Following Mr. Holland’s update motion made by Mrs. Williams, seconded by Mr. Zimmerman to approve an amendment to the agreement with the City of Williamsport changing the closing date for the sale of the District Service Center to October 17 th and the moving date to October 31st.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
B. Motion made by Mr. Shultz, seconded by Mr. Budnovitch, to approve the following resolution regarding NCLB:
WHEREAS, on Jan. 8, 2002, President Bush signed into law the No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 (NCLB), which pertained to all public schools in states that accept federal funds under Title l of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA); and
WHEREAS, NCLB expanded the mission of public schools from providing universal access to public education for all children to ensuring that all public school students reach a high level of achievement or universal proficiency; and
WHEREAS, NCLB contained several flaws that made successful implementation very difficult for school systems and states; and
WHEREAS, the Williamsport Area School District recognizes a moral obligation to continuously improve educational outcomes for all students and eliminate gaps in outcomes among various groups of students; and
BOARD PRESIDENT’S REPORT CONT’D:
B. Approve the following resolution regarding NCLB:
WHEREAS, good stewardship of public funds requires public schools to provide clear, accurate and easily understood evidence of student achievement to students, parents, teachers, administrators and the general community, and to the state and the federal government for the funds they provide; and
WHEREAS, the level of funding for public schools has a direct impact on the quality of learning opportunities for all children, and the relatively small funding contribution by the federal government is unlikely to grow significantly in the near term; and
WHEREAS, the relatively small federal investment in K-12 education should be targeted to schools serving larger percentages of low-income and minority children, to ensure the maximum impact on student achievement for every federal dollar; and
WHEREAS, ESEA is currently a collection of 93 disjointed programs that would better serve children if organized to provided a seamless array of services and support for children in need; and
WHEREAS, overcoming the devastating effects of poverty on children's lives and educational outcomes requires meeting non-school needs for safety, health, shelter and nurturing environments, while also providing high-quality opportunities to learn; and therefore be it now
RESOLVED that the Williamsport Area School District hereby urges the United States Congress to fundamentally reframe ESEA to more carefully target the relatively
small federal investment in K-12 education to schools serving larger concentrations of
low-income and minority children; and be it further
RESOLVED, that the 93 disconnected programs in ESEA should be linked to create a more systemic, focused continuum of services and supports based on need; and be it further
RESOLVED, that accountability systems under ESEA should be clear, accurate, easily
understood and commensurate with the relative contribution of the federal government to the school district; and be it further
RESOLVED, that schools serving larger concentrations of low-income and minority children should be eligible for every federal program aimed at the development, health and general well-being of said children.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
Motion made by Mr. Shultz, seconded by Mrs. Williams, to approve the balance of the agenda including the addendum.
The motion carried by a unanimous roll call.
Committee Reports by Board Members
Construction Projects
FINANCE REPORT
5.1 Approve the following financial reports:
A. Treasurer’s Report for the month of June 2008.
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
08/19/08 1,094,099.78 08/19/08A 167,344.23
08/19/08B 666,809.99 08/19/08C 657,547.17
08/19/08D 122,713.39 08/19/08E 101,033.97
08/19/08F 2,368.72 08/19/08G 443.25
08/19/08H 30,049.01 08/19/08I 927.67
08/19/08J 4,610.81 08/19/08K 1,363.17
08/19/08L 1,146,831.48 08/19/08M 102,568.18
08/19/08N 4,986.83 08/19/08O 43,009.60
BOARD POLICY – None
CURRICULUM REPORT
7.1 Approve Bernadette Strong for up to two days of professional development time to work with our new Curriculum Supervisor for the Humanities, LeeAnn Ritchie. Compensation will be at the rate of $200 per day plus mileage.
7.2 Approve the first reading of the Strategic Plan that will guide the Williamsport Area School District from 2008 through 2014.
7.3 Approve payment of $450 to Shippensburg University for continuation of the WASD Reading Recovery Training Site for 2008-09. Funds are budgeted under Title I.
7.4 Approve Dr. Richard Villa, BayRidge Consortium, to speak at the Williamsport Area School District In-Service on August 21, 2008. Dr. Villa will share highlights regarding the successful implementation of inclusive practices for all students. Upfront fees will be funded through the WASD with reimbursement from the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network (PATTAN) pending receipt of the Inclusive Practices mini-grant.
CURRICULUM REPORT CONT’D:
7.5 An Agreement for Services with Bethesda Day Treatment Center, Inc. for the 2008-09 school year. Bethesda provides limited alternative education services to the Williamsport Area School District for students who are court ordered into their program and those specifically referred by the District. The per diem service rate for 2008-09 will be $45.43
PERSONNEL REPORT
Accept the following resignation(s), effective on the dates and for the purposes indicated:
A. Melanie A. Kuhns, part-time Instructional Support Aide at Jackson Elementary School, for personal reasons, effective August 12, 2008.
B. Beatrice J. Magargle, full-time School Bus Aide for the District, for personal reasons, effective August 25, 2008.
C. Joel S. Ryder, half-time Art teacher at the high school, for other employment, effective August 19, 2008.
8.2 LEAVES OF ABSENCE - Approve the following leave(s) of absence:
A. Patrice M. Newton, full-time Elementary (2nd Grade) teacher at Jackson Elementary School, for a sabbatical leave effective for the first semester of the 2008-2009 school year (tentative dates of August 21, 2008, through January 23, 2009).
Mrs. Newton has been a teacher in the District since September 4, 1990, and has not taken a previous sabbatical.
B. Julia A. Edler*, full-time Kindergarten teacher at Cochran Elementary School, for an unpaid leave, effective September 12, 2008, through November 6, 2008.
C. Elena M. Matty, general food service worker at Lycoming Valley Middle School, for an unpaid leave, effective August 27, 2008, through December 31, 2008.
D. Kathleen E. Taylor*, full-time Special Education teacher at Sheridan Elementary School, for an unpaid leave, effective August 26, 2008, through November 17, 2008.
E. Marcy L. Garrison*, full-time Elementary (1st Grade) teacher at Sheridan Elementary School, for an unpaid leave, effective October 20, 2008, through October 31, 2008.
F. Susan E. McGehean, full-time Special Education teacher at Sheridan Elementary School, for an unpaid leave effective October 9, 2008, through the end of the first semester of the 2008-2009 school term (tentative ending date of January 23, 2009).
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF
Elect the following staff, for the purpose and on the date indicated:
A. Lydia M. Heiser, T-79 Cold Springs Dr., Manchester 17345, as a professional employee, effective with the 2008-2009 school term (scheduled date is August 21, 2008), to teach English as a Second Language (ESL) at Cochran Elementary School, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor's, $39,250 (replacing Beth Sweeting, resigned). Ms. Heiser will also be scheduled to participate in Induction Program activities before the start of the 2008- 2009 school term.
B. Susan L. Hunsinger, 1510 Elliott St., Williamsport, as Career Development Specialist at the high school, effective with the 2008-2009 school term (scheduled date is August 21, 2008), at the salary rate of Step 1, master’ s, $42,250 (replacing Jessica Becker, transferred; position funded through College & Career Counseling Program Grant, continuation contingent on ongoing grant funding). Ms. Hunsinger will also be scheduled to participate in Induction Program activities before the start of the 2008-2009 school term.
C. Colleen M. Jansson, 332 Mulberry St., Apt. #6, Williamsport, as a long-term substitute teacher, effective with the 2008-2009 school term (scheduled date is August 21, 2008) through the end of the first semester of the 2008-2009 school term (tentative ending date of January 23, 2009), unless terminated sooner, to teach Elementary (2nd Grade) at Jackson Elementary School, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor's, $39,250, prorated (replacing Patrice Newton, on sabbatical leave). Ms. Jansson will also be scheduled to participate in Induction Program activities before the start of the 2008-2009 school term.
D. Doris L. Smith, 317 Jerome Ave., Williamsport, as part-time (up to 185 days, prorated; up to 5 hours per day) instructional support aide at Curtin Middle School, effective August 25, 2008, with a base wage rate of $12.31 per hour or contract rate, 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 Wala Tillman, transferred to replace LaVonne Walter, resigned).
E. The following as Breakfast Monitors at Stevens Elementary School cafeteria, at the rate of $9.00 per hour for one (1) hour per day as needed, effective for the 2008-2009 school year:
Joanne J. Henderson 434 Rural Ave., Williamsport
Arnetta L. Twine 959 Market St., Williamsport
Martha A. Miller 1008 Cherry St., Williamsport
F. Justin L. Waycaster, 181 Vincent Ave., Watsontown, as a paid intern in the Tax Office, effective August 20, 2008, for the duration of up to 480 hours, at the rate of $7.15 per hour (no benefits).
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
G. 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 2008-2009 school year (*pending completion of all appropriate paperwork):
Tonya R. Anderson 926 Washington Blvd., Williamsport
Joshua D. Beadle 1160 Almond St., Williamsport
Jessica L. Beckman* 1436 Briarwood Dr., Montoursville
Susan R. Benjamin 440 Sylvan Dell Park Rd., Williamsport
Gretchen P. Carpenter 441 Elm St., Montoursville
Wendy R. Corey 308 Bowen Dr., Williamsport
Brooke V. Danner 514 McElhattan Dr., McElhattan
Dorie M. Eschenbacher 190 Valley Heights Dr., Williamsport
Richard A. Gahr 48 Grandview Rd., Williamsport
Jason M. Hurwitz 161 West Hills Dr., Williamsport
Robert A. Jacques 1405 Walnut St., Williamsport
Bernard R. Katz 1014 Walnut St., Williamsport
Sharon R. Nevill 835 Memorial Ave., Williamsport
Jason L. Paulhamus 3325 W. Route 973 Hwy., Cogan Station
Kristen N. Pulizzi 1109 Tule St., Montoursville
Leigh M. Rosenow 1327 Walnut St., Williamsport
H. Paul Shuch 121 Florence Dr., Cogan Station
Deneyse J. Serino 2124 Blair St., Williamsport
Mary D. Sumpter 416 Brentwood Dr., Cogan Station
Heather E. Way 2793 Calvert Rd., Trout Run
H. 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:
Janice M. Ashenfelder 2023 Reed St., Williamsport
Valerie M. Bonacci 45 Washington Blvd., Apt. 3 East, Williamsport
Lindsey A. Douty 2344 Fairview Terrace, Williamsport
Tristin R. Forney 2800 Lycoming Creek Rd., Apt. #10, Williamsport
Heather C. Imhof 115 N. Montour St., Montoursville
Justin T. Marnon 2312 Spring Garden St., Williamsport
Jennifer M. Johnson 1496 Almond St., Williamsport
Kathryn D. Rodgers 2901 Cochran Ave., S. Williamsport
Teresa A. Stiadle 2395 Mill Lane, Williamsport
8.3* ELECTION OF STAFF CONT’D:
I. 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 - $9.00/hr., Instructional Aide - $8.00/hr.; up to a maximum of 180 days/year) and only for the actual number of hours assigned and worked:
Aisha N. Sabur 943 Memorial Ave., Williamsport
J. The following substitute school bus driver(s) (non-bargaining unit personnel), with a base wage rate of $11.00 per hour, effective August 21, 2008:
James A. Dawes 37 Myers Rd., Trout Run
Sue Ellen Villella 141 Freedom Rd., Williamsport
K. Debra A. Shellman, 605 W. Central Ave., Williamsport 17702, as a part-time aide to assist the Athletic Program for up to 20 hours effective August 6, 7, and 8, 2008 at the current contract rate.
L. Michenzie L. Robinson, 424 Bruce Rd., Cogan Station, as a long-term substitute teacher, effective with the 2008-2009 school term (scheduled date is August 21, 2008) through the end of the first semester of the 2008-2009 school term (tentative ending date of January 23, 2009), unless terminated sooner, to teach Special Education at Sheridan Elementary School, at a salary rate of Step 1, bachelor's, $39,250 (+$200), prorated (replacing Susan McGehean, on leave).
M. Svetlana P. Turner, 10 Turners Way, Bloomsburg, as a full-time Help Desk Technician (245 days, 7½ hours per day) at the Instructional Media Center, with a base wage rate of $28,224, prorated ($15.36 per hour) or contract rate, effective August 25, 2008, plus applicable benefits as provided under the collective bargaining agreement between WASD and WAESP (new position approved by the Board).
8.4* POSITION CHANGES - Approve the following position change(s):
A. Richard A. McDonald, 1142 Exchange Rd., Muncy, from Custodian (3rd shift) to Head Custodian Class V (1st shift) at the high school, 250 days, 8 hours per day, with a base wage rate of $34,420, prorated ($17.21 per hour) or contract rate, effective August 18, 2008, (new position approved by the Board).
B. April J. Gardner, 1305 Louisa St., Williamsport, from a full-time Instructional Support Aide/LPN at the high school to a full-time Health Room Technician (up to 185 day, up to 7 hours per day) at Jackson and Stevens Elementary Schools, with a base wage rate of $17,236 ($13.31 per hour) or contract rate, effective August 25, 2008 (replacing Susan Metzger, 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 request for facility use:
5:45 p.m. until 7:45 p.m. to hold troop meetings. Girl Scout Troop 887 is requesting relief of the occupancy fees estimated at $725.00. Certificate of Insurance on file. The Girl Scouts in the Heart of Pennsylvania Council would also like to request that whenever a school building is used for regular meetings throughout the year those fees also be waived.
BIDS/CONTRACTS
11.1 Authorize a lease agreement with the Williamsport Scottish Rite to hold the 2010 WAHS prom at a cost of $500.00.
11.2 Approve the 2008-2009 IDEA contract. The provisions of the contract stipulate that the Intermediate Unit will release funding to the school district to support the provision of programs and services to students with disabilities. The amount of the contract is $1,307,807.
11.3 Approve the BLaST Special Education Agreement for the 2008-09 school year. The agreement covers the responsibilities of both the Intermediate Unit and the WASD with regard to the provision of special education services to school age children. The payment schedule should occur in 5 installments of $192,640, totaling $963,202
11.4 Authorize the purchase of Fall Athletic Supplies in accordance with our specifications and the following recommended awards. All recommended awards are based on the lowest bid price meeting specifications.
A schedule of items to be awarded has been provided in lieu of a complete tabulation.
Due to the extensive number of items and participating vendors for this bid, it is impractical to provide a complete tabulation. A complete tabulation is available in the business office for viewing by any interested parties.
BIDS/CONTRACTS CONT’D:
11.4 Authorize the purchase of Fall Athletic Supplies cont’d:
All bids were received by 1:30 p.m. and opened publicly in the District Service
Center at 2:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 15, 2008.
RECOMMENDED AWARDS:
American Soccer Co., Inc., Wilmington, CA $544.00
Cannon Sports Inc., Burbank, CA 447.23
Deman’s Inc., Brookville, PA 573.00
Flaghouse Inc., Hasbrouck, Heights, NJ 219.32
Kelly’s Sports Ltd. Inc., West Chester, PA 2,172.90
Metuchen Center Inc., New Brunswick, NJ 1,867.04
Passon’s Sports/BSN Sports, Jenkinstown, PA 117.12
Riddell/All American, Elyria, OH 69.60
Sportsman’s Inc., Johnstown, PA 1,092.30
Triple Crown Sports Inc., Old Bridge, NJ 447.60
TOTAL RECOMMENDED AWARDS
$7,550.11
11.5
Approve a rental agreement with the Central Pennsylvania Workforce Development
Corporation (CPWDC) for non-exclusive use of a classroom at the PA CareerLink
of Lycoming County for the Adult Education program at an annual cost of $2,500
(July 1, 2008 – June 30, 2009) to be paid from the Adult Basic Education
grant.
TAX ITEMS - None
SUPERINTENDENT’S REPORT – Kathleen R. Kelley, Ph.D.
Dr. Kelley reported the following:
public review for the next thirty days.
ITEMS FROM BOARD MEMBERS - None
ITEMS FROM PUBLIC - None
Upon motion made by Mr. Shultz, seconded by Mr. Budnovitch and carried the
meeting adjourned at 6:35 p.m.
______________________________________
Debbra J. Savage, Secretary Pro Tempore